If You Want To Bring Him Back

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia, or a symphony orchestra. I don't own Chrono Trigger either. But I do own my OCs, so how bout that.

A/N: I might have to send my Wii in for repair…it's making a weird humming noise, an is it loud…Well, there are 90 days till Super Smash Bros. Brawl, so I can get it back before then! But anyways, it's time for some 'splainin' from Sheena and everyone…then will we be able to move along…?

Chapter 11: Trail of Fate

"So what do you want to know first?" Sheena asked, sitting on one of the blankets. Everyone had set up their sleeping quarters, and now Chrono and Marle were set to fire off questions.

"Well, that whole Lapisa growing wings threw me for a loop." Marle said, looking over at the silver-haired dual swordswoman. Lapisa was very tired, exhausted even. Working on the tent and rescuing two people with her wings out, mind you, took a toil on her.

"I am…I am sorry…but I must rest…So tired…" With that, she collapsed on her blanket and immediately feel into the world of dreams.

"So?" Marle's emerald eyes rested on Sheena.

"Well…you see…" the ninja took a big breath in. This would require a lot of speech…, "Lapisa is one of…well, I don't know exactly what to call her. You see, our world has a Chosen…a person who had wings, and they can have those wings appear and disappear when they wish. They also have a lot of holy power. Lapisa is sort of like that…but our world only has two Chosen. One is Zelos, the one we're trying to revive, and the other is Colette, who's off on other things right now. Lapisa isn't a Chosen, so…I don't know what to call her."

"Perhaps it would be better if I tried." Universa cleared his throat, "The sister of Lapisa, Rubyi, is also like this. You saw how her wings were silver? Well, the wings Rubyi adorns are scarlet in color. Rubyi also has much holy power, but uses it for healing those who cannot be healed."

"Has she always been like this?" Chrono asked, looking at the sleeping girl.

"No…just recently she was blessed by some sacred power, and now we have her in this state. She does not seem to mind. But, unlike the Chosen, when she releases her wings, her mana is depleted to dangerous levels."

"Meaning?"

"I understand that there are only select few of you who can use magic in your world?"

"Yes."

"Meaning that they do not have any magic in their bodies. Mana, in our world, is entwined with the soul, and if it lowers to dangerous levels, it can exhaust the person, or even kill them."

Marle gasped silently, "So Lapisa could…?"

"No, she is fine. She just overexerted herself."

"There's something else I want to know…" the princess of Guardia stared Universa straight in the face.

"That being?"

"How on earth did you get your hands on a Chrono Trigger?"

"That…That is not for you to know."

"And why not?"

"Gaspar."

"Excuse me?"

"The Guru of Time. And that is the end of that." Universa settled against a wall, and went to sleep.

"Boy, he's really uppity." Marle rolled her eyes, and sat next to Sheena, "I can't even imagine how you got here or how the rest of your friends are…but I really like traveling with you guys! It's like old times…"

"Old times?" Sheena was confused.

"When we had to battle Lavos, the monster that threatened to destroy the future of our world. I had good moments on those trips throughout time…some good…" Marle looked up at the ceiling, as though and invisible projector played back her memories.

"…And some bad." she looked over at Chrono, who had snuck away to dream land.

"Marle." Sheena's eyes looked at the ground.

"Yes?"

"How was it…when he died?"

"It was…I was…it had to be the hardest moment in my life. That I've ever experienced."

"Was it painful?"

"Emotionally or physicall--it doesn't matter, actually. Yes, it hurt both ways. Every day I woke up without him was a heartache…even when I found a way to revive him."

"Why did it still hurt then?"

"Does having this Zelos person not with you right now hurt?"

"…Yes."

"You see what I mean? Just because you find a way towards happiness, doesn't mean you will be instantly happy. Just because you find your way through the dark, doesn't mean you still can see. But there was always hope. And that's how I kept living."

"I--"

"I once overheard a discussion of my knights. They were talking about who had suffered the worst battle injuries, and although some were quite gruesome, I think the worst pain of all is the human heart. It can grant you peace, but not be peaceful. It can grant you love, but can also fill you with hate. It can let you fly or drop straight to hell. You can't control it. You can't even see it half the time. You have to follow it, and let it, in turn, follow you."

"Marle…"

"I probably sound awkward right now! I'm gonna go to bed, Sheena."

With that, Marle wrapped an azure colored blanket over herself and fell asleep. Sheena looked around for a good hour and watched everybody rest. But her own body was restless. She looked over at Universa, who was shivering. He was actually half-awake.

"Universa, you're freezing…why?"

"I have not yet…recovered from my fall." Sheena noticed his feet, which were placed firmly on the floor. Universa would normally float a few inches above ground; his mana level must have been very low, causing all these adverse effects. Sheena considered how long Universa had been out with her, how much time he had spent out of his resting state, instead choosing to be with Sheena on a mana-crippling place like Death Peak. Of course, he could go into it very easily, but she doubted he would recover. Just being here whittled away at the Summon Spirits power…The ninja moved over in her sleeping blanket.

"…We can fit two people in here."

"I am not sleeping with you."

This line sounded much more vulgar than it meant, so Universa shifted a little in his spot.

"Universa…"

"I am fine. Truly."

"Look." she directed her eyes into his, seeing much more of him than ever. His grey irises were a stone wall blocking his inner emotions, deepest thoughts. She knew she had him, "Just because I don't love you doesn't mean I want you to die. Just because I lack those feelings doesn't mean you should waste away. Now come in. Please?"

"…I…"

"You'll do better here than in your resting mode. We'll be close together, admittedly, but closer together, our bond just might help you a bit. I read that if a Summon Spirit is near the one who they made the contract with, they'll be slightly more powerful That's why Summoning is so effective. That's right I studied. Now, listen to your master and recover."

Reluctantly, Universa crawled in the sleeping blanket with Sheena. He was surprised to feel her warmth, and soon enough he stopped shivering. Being this close to her was ecstasy, a feeling that ran all over his body, send little pangs of nervous heat across his body. It felt great being this close to her, his lover, his Summoner. A feeling so great it ran through his torso and concentrated between his legs.

Sheena was either too shocked to say anything or didn't notice. Universa was frantic, eventually she would notice something against her back. Even if he tried to escape, she'd order him back into bed. What would he do? If he didn't act quickly enough…

It took him a while to notice Sheena was asleep. Groaning a very audible sigh of relief, Universa relaxed, and began to ease himself away from the woman, who suddenly started to shift around. Her face was a mixed look of despair and need. The Summon Spirit knew he shouldn't, but Sheena was facing towards him, and she was so very sad.

He embraced her, letting his feelings release. The cement wall lodged in his eyes began to soften, transfixed on Sheena. Slowly, the Summoner, worked her way into his chest, beginning to look content. Briefly, she grabbed Universa's sheathe and snuggled closer.

"Zelos…"

It was one name that tore through the Summon Spirit's heart. That one title that sent ravagers towards his chest, the one that sent waves of jealousy to crash upon the spiny rocks that were his soul. He hated that name, yet did not hate the person to whom it was bestowed.

'This feeling…it as though I almost want him to stay dead.'

A sharp pang of guilt hit Universa mercilessly. How dare he say something like that. It reminded him of a time with his sister, the Summon Spirit of the Stars, Astra.

-Flashback-

"…It is a though I want him dead. To not be alive anymore."

"Astra…"

"But I never feel like that for long, Universa. I just fell out of love with him. My heart is a tornado of emotions, and I am helpless to stop it."

"So what is love like?"

"Love is…love is everything blended within itself. It is simple. It is confusing. It is calm, it is tense. You can never hope to fight it, yet you always fight with it. It is a passion, it is a lust. It is a hate, and it is a crime. Love is so many things. Love is patient, yet has no time to waste. It is celibacy in every way, yet it is sex in every other. You will find these feelings strangle you, but at the same time they will let you drift into the gates of pure joy. I will never know what it brings. Nobody does."

She brushed some of her lavender hair away, the tips of it damp from tears.

"I can cry, I cannot. I could wish, or I could ponder. I can have hope, and also keep my faith. Time will always try to get in my way, but eventually my wounds will heal. And curing this pain will not be easy, I assume it never is, for anyone. It may take a long time. I was young. I was in love. I was…a woman. For the first time, I began to learn what adulthood was. Love ages you, it reincarnates you. I may have not found the one where my heart of hearts lies, but I have opened a door that once had no key. I am sad but at that same moment, I am happy."

"Will you be alright?"

"I know that answer. It will just take time. And now that I have waited for it, it can wait for me. I will be patient. My heart will wait. Love is not just a feeling. It is synchronization. In every way."

-Flashback-

Universa stared at Sheena. Perhaps…perhaps there was hope in moving on. Just maybe…

He soon fell asleep, Summoner still in his chest.

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Sheena woke up , getting the first good night's sleep in a while. She found herself wrapped in Universa's chest. The Summon Spirit was still asleep, but he looked much better than last night. Now they would have to pack up and move on. The Summoner's stomach groaned. She hadn't eaten in a while…

Marle had already gotten to action on breakfast. She had numerous things out of her bag, some silverware, a knife for cutting meat, and various spices in tiny jars among other things. The princess of Guardia keep exiting and entering the tent, preparing what she had brought: cured meat. Chrono would conjure up some lighting magic to create sparks, but this was a frustrating task, trying to cook meat with lighting magic. It was meant to electrify, not broil!

Sheena walked over to him, "There's an easier way to do that." She focused for a minute, then released a spell, "Sylva Seal: Fire!" Chrono sword glowed a dim crimson. Sheena smiled, "Now try putting your sword on that food, and it'll heat up."

"You sure?"

"I tried it once, and it seemed fine."

Chrono took out his blade and set it against the pork. And soon, it was cooked. The aura of the sword began to vanish, but its purpose was fulfilled. Marle beckoned the two inside after seeing the "cooking", telling them that breakfast was ready.

In the tent, Universa sat on the ground, engaged in conversation with Lapisa. Marle began to set food on some plates she had brought, small things, simple porcelain with a cute azure flower design here and there. One on plate she put a loaf of bread, snatched the meat out of Chrono's hands and set that on another. She then poured small fruits out of a container, and garnished them with bits of sugar. With this, Chrono got some things out of his bag and set them on the remaining plate. Another loaf of bread, some peppermint sticks, two chocolate bars, and a surprisingly tidy éclair--it was a wonder as to how it didn't get squashed with the numerous things in his satchel. Lapisa quickly took one of the knives and snipped of a piece of the pastry immediately and swiftly shoved it into her throat.

Sheena sliced of a piece of the bread, which was actually quite warm. Universa requested a piece and so she gave it to him, and in turn he pulled a little more rations out of his bag.

"No food in the all-convenient pockets of space?" Marle asked, laughing.

"I never would know if it rotted or not…"

"True, true."

Universa's contribution was some strips of jerky, a small vial of salt, two jars of jam, Something that looked like a square of Styrofoam only with colors, a tomato, a multitude of carrots, and a small bag of salted peanuts. He then set it where all the other food was, neatly placing it wherever an empty space was found. By now, it was a full course meal.

"What is this?" Marle asked, pointing at the third thing Universa put out.

"Ice cream."

"I don't think so…" Chrono said, giving it an odd look.

"It is freeze-dried. Undine was able to take the moisture out of it for me." Universa answered. Marle glanced at him slyly, which flustered him, so he began an explanation, "It is when you take the moistu--"

"So Mr. Serious has a sweet tooth."

The Summon Spirit huffed, looking sideways, "I am no as bad as Chrono."

Lapisa and Sheena watched as Marle's eyes became narrow, "Yes, I almost forgot…"

Chrono looked up at her, waiting for the yell.

"All you packed was candy! You left it to me for the main course!"

"D-Dessert is a course!"

Marle punched him playfully, "Next time…you be prepared!"

Sheena watched as they flirted, and for the first time in many, she felt warm, knowing she would be able to see Zelos again. Her thoughts were interrupted as Lapisa took another hunk of the éclair after taking a huge chomp out of the pork, which she salted quite visibly.

"Are you all right?"

"I am just…so hungry."

The ninja looked at her companion's plate, half of which held Chrono's candy. Lapisa took part of the chocolate bar and split it in two, offering some to Sheena.

"Chocolate is a pleasure that only women will truly understand…" Then of course, she munched away.

"Y-You really like sugar, hm?"

"You remember the fight I told you about, the one about the last piece of pie?"

"Yeah?"

"I was a high contender for that prize! I still remember now…Chocolate cream dressed with the sweetest powdered sugar…"

"If you eat all these desserts, how come you're not…?"

"Fat? I exercise."

"N-No, I meant how come you're not like--"

"Rubyi? Because I can tolerate it."

"I see…"

Marle decided to try some of this "ice cream" and broke a part off. It was pink, so it was probably strawberry before it was freeze-dried, or whatever. She bit into it and was amazed. It literally melted in her mouth and gave such a nice feeling.

"It may not taste like ice cream, Universa, but it's still really good!" Marle smiled as she ate the other foods on the table.

Universa spit one of the peanut shells outside, "I told you so." A little smile appeared on his face.

"Oh…did the ultra-somber, mega-serious just…smirk?" Marle looked at Universa, who actually stifled laughter, where as Marle freely let her guffaws out.

"I'm really glad we got to know you all. It reminds me of the old days." Chrono smiled. Even though he was the one that brought most of the sweets, he was actually eating a pretty balanced meal.

"Yes." Marle nodded, closing her eyes as she did so, "That's how I remember this place. The first word in 'Death Peak' is really prominent."

"So has anyone else been revived?" Lapisa asked, "You must have an amazing world if you can bring back the dead."

Marle looked at the ground and an ashamed look fell upon Chrono's face, "No…"

"We can't just up and revive someone." Marle shook her head, "We thought that was the last Chrono Trigger in existence, actually…although I do imagine the people of this time are trying to create a technology that replicates it."

"We shouldn't even be traveling through time, really." the swordsman stated, "People will start to get suspicious…"

"So there aren't other machines like the Epoch?" Sheena inquired. She found it odd.

"Nope, just the one. And he's long gone now…he went senile, and had another disease--mental, I'm sure of it. That's the flaw about healing arts, you can't use them to heal what's on the inside."

"No, no you can't." the ninja looked sideways, chomping into a piece of bead nervously.

"…We should be on the move soon." Universa interjected, "The wind will start to pick up soon, I believe."

"How about this?" Lapisa went over to him, "You put this tent and all the unnecessary things in it in the all convenient space pockets of yours. When we come back form here, we can all get our things. Unless that is too much on your mana?"

"Not at all. I feel rejuvenated today."

"Bedtime caller we don't know about?" Marle asked. At this, Sheena turned red and held a piece of meat in front of her to cloak her embarrassment. It was purely platonic, yet…very awkward.

"N-No."

"But you…certainly didn't call to yourself…?"

"I am going to leave now!" Lapisa got up and walked away, half-disgusted half-humored by Marle's joke. Chrono apparently, wasn't listening, and Sheena just became more red.

"We really should move on out…"

And so, after a while, breakfast was finished, and as to Lapisa's proposal and for the sake of time, Universa plugged the tent in a rather large void area of space. And they finally moved on.

They were at the beginning of a large, curving path that had many a clam monster surfing down it.

"If we sneak past, it'll be quicker. Just avoid coming into contact with them. They seem focused."

Lapisa nodded and went first, jumping over the enemies here and there. Marle was next, and she walked gracefully between every enemy, very nonchalant. It was like there was nothing in her way. Chrono followed her, making large, yet traced steps that eventually got him over. Sheena decided to use an old ninja skill, and vanished, appearing at random spots until she reached the end. And Universa…

"What the--!?" Marle shouted, "He just teleported across!"

"You remember what I said about some areas being less hindering on mana? This is one of those spots. It is very easy to traverse here."

"Cheap." Lapisa mumbled.

They all proceeded down a small curve and went left, spotting a cave as they passed. A little more left they found some stable rocks to climb down, and then found a wide area.

"Just as I thought…" Marle traced her finger against the rocks, "It's as though we were never here."

"What?" Sheena asked.

"When we came up to revive Chrono, there were…well I guess you could call them Mini-Lavoses."

"I do not think that is the correct plural form…" Lapisa muttered.

"Anyway! Well, when we defeated one of them, its shell stayed behind, and we climbed up it to reach our target. What you're searching for…" Marle turned to Sheena, "…Should be right up there."

A/N: Finally! Meaningful conversations and SO much business caused a long chapter. I can no longer update as much as I like! Stupid Work! Well read and review, and wait for the final conclusion to If You Want To Bring Him Back!

Well, I followed the map again. Except that tent part, but it was possible to fit something like that in the area I referenced, if you tried. And it's true, the monsters sliding down that path, you don't run into them they don't fight you. Like every other battle…but still! As we wait for Sheena to reach her love, it's finally time to summon Raise, Summon Spirit of the Sky and ascend to our final destination point.

Although this story is mainly conversation, that's what it was really meant to be. We can't be fighting all the time, especially when one of our mates has fallen. So when fight relaxes for a day, wit and words come out to play. I think I've made Marle a tiny bit OOC, but I know it hasn't strayed too much from her character. She is a bit more bubbly, and slightly dirty, as we just saw. I think I have Chrono set, and Lapisa coming along has given me nice surprises. Universa becomes more human, and I think that we're finally seeing a change in him. Even though you don't have to, I ask new readers to read the first two stories before this one, Sheena: Tales of Summoning, and The Court Case to fully understand everything that has happened, what will be resolved, and what will still be left hanging out there.

We're about to reach a very special scene, so I will try my best to write it. Prepare for chapter…