WOOOOWHOOOOOOOO!!!! CHAPTER FIFTY IS REACHED!!!! Time to celebrate!
Also to mark this mile stone, NO MORE DISCLAIMERS!!!!!
"So, is Stacy going to come down for diner?" Lloyd asked Regal as he walked down the stairs for the third time that evening, after unsuccessfully trying to get Stacy to come out of her room.
"No. She said that she wasn't hungry and she wanted to be alone."
"I wish I knew why Stacy was so upset." Colette moped.
Sheena, Genis and Presea adverted their gaze, but were discreet about it enough to go unnoticed. The two girls had a sinking suspicion about Stacy's reaction, while Genis knew the truth. Stacy was mad at Candy for flirting with Regal.
"She hasn't been eating much lately." Lloyd pointed out. "I hope she's okay."
"She hasn't been eating?" Mewtwo reaped, making sure that his ears weren't playing tricks on him.
"No. She won't eat anything as of late." Regal explained mournfully.
"I see." Mewtwo lowered his head in meditation. "If she has come to the point of denying herself food then things must be serious."
"By what extent do you mean 'serious'?"
"I mean for someone with a healthy appetite like Stacy to start skipping meals is a very serious matter." Mewtwo headed to the stairs.
"What makes you so sure that you can help her?"
"...You may think you understand her, but in reality she knows that she is so twisted that you would even reel from her, thus she hides part of herself from you."
"I get it."
"No, you don't get it. You think you get it but that is not the same as actually getting it, get it?"
Regal's teeth pushed against each other, trying to hold back what the Duke wanted to tell Mewtwo. To prove to him that he did understand Stacy and that he cared about her. But he fought the words back down into the pit of his stomach, where they burned and the smoke rose up made his eyes sore.
Master, I may have just saved you from being adopted by this man, but I may have hurt him in the process. If you knew that, you would never forgive me or yourself.
I sat alone on my bed after Mewtwo had left. He had asked me why I wasn't eating and stuff and I told him that I just didn't feel like eating. My stomach was just too twisted for it. So he left me alone.
I hated this. I hated all of this. I was so sad and angry and confused and I didn't have any where to channel it. Please God, cut out my eyes. For the pain in them is too great for me to endure. When I had prayed to God, my eyes didn't hurt as much. But it still felt like someone used my stomach to make a square knot or something. I laid my head on the pillow of the bed and closed my eyelids to try and get some sleep. I hadn't sleep in a while now and that was probably why I was so worn out lately. For a second, I wished I had Regal there to snuggle with, but the thought was quickly banished. I had to stop letting myself think like that. All it would do is hurt me more and more, no matter how good it felt.
Everyone, saved for Mewtwo, sat around the diner table and was digging into the meal that Genis had made. It was roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy.
"It's a shame Stacy choose to skip out on this." Zelos commented. "The squirt's gotten pretty good at cooking."
"Yeah! This is really good Genis!" Lloyd said as he raised his fork, still holding some spuds as a toast to the young chef.
"Thanks guys!"
"So what were you and Raine doing in the area anyways?" Sheena asked.
"Genis and I were traveling to make it easier for Half-elves to be accepted when we heard that some Desians where spotted in the area. Of course we suspected them to be Renegades so we came to see what Yuan was up to."
"And what about Kratos?"
"As that monster pointed out before, I am under orders to deal with the demon responsible for the deaths of those Tethe'allans."
"I really can't believe we were tracking Stacy the whole time, and I never knew!" Loy complained as she stabbed a piece of beef. "Hey Mewtwo, what were you investigating in this area anyways?" Loy called over her shoulder to the Cat who was propped up against the wall.
"A certain cave in question."
"Do you want to tell us about this cave? Like, why you were checking it out."
"Because it was necessary."
"Necessary for what?"
"For that of which is my own business and not yours."
"You're no fun."
"Mewtwo." Genis called from his chair. "Do you think that I could take a plate up to Stacy?"
"She said she wasn't hungry."
"I know. But I think that she should at lest have to opportunity to eat. Before Lloyd eats all of the food."
"'Ey!" Lloyd protested with enough food in his mouth to cause some spatter, which hit Zelos whom had sat next to Lloyd.
"Nice..." The Chosen muttered, wiping pre-chewed food from his face.
"Stacy? Can I come in?"
It was Genis. I didn't know why he was up here. He'd already seen me spill my guts once today. I didn't think he'd be up for more. "Door's unlocked." The half-elf came in with a plate with roast beef and mashed potatoes in one hand, and butter and gravy in the other.
"I brought you some diner. If you want it that is."
I looked at the food, unable to pull my eyes away. I could feel my stomach had pressed against my spine from being so deflated. The food looked so good.
"Do you want some?" He tempted, fully knowing that I wanted it. But I couldn't answer, only nod. Fooooooood.
"Here you go." I was handed the plate and cutlery. I quickly cut the meat into bite sized pieces, which were about the size of your average iPod. Once the beef was gone I plopped a blob of butter onto the potatoes and considered my options.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Do I build a volcano first, or do I just eat it and build one next time?"
"Just eat it."
"OKAY!"
A large drop of sweat rolled down the neck of Genis as he pointed out, "You ate that whole meal in less then a minute."
"Your point is?"
"How do you eat so fast?"
"I'm not sure. I just can."
"You're weird." The boy chided.
"Yeah, I know I am!"
It was getting late now. I had already had a bath and cleaned off the dirt and grime I had been carrying around for weeks. Now I had retreated to the roof to be away from the girls. It had been a clean getaway. I was out the window and around to the other side of building before the door even opened. My wet hair soaked the back of my shirt as the warm moister evaporated into a refreshing steam in the cool night air. My lungs filled with the crisp breaths; satisfaction washing through my body like cool water. Crickets sang lullabies to each other as I stars over head dance slowly and gracefully. The night was quick to embrace me in a hug; chills running down my body and to the top of my head. Goosebumps rose to ward off the cold while my chest grew only warmer. The wind pulled the trees along, unable to keep from standing still, needing to dace to every song that was played, changing partners every few seconds. I pressed my back to the wall and held on tight as the breeze encircled me, begging for a turn. But sadly I had to deny it such a privilege. An idea formulated in my mind that prompted me to pull the earpiece from my pocket. "Ninja arte." I said so softly the chirping of the insects was louder. "Transform." The small device that had once resembled a fat blue-tooth was now a pair of headphones, adjusted to my preference. I slid the gadget over my ears and used 'ninja arte sing' so it would play the tune of my choice.
'Now I've heard there was a secret chord. That David played, and it pleased the Lord. But you don't really care for music, do you?' Rufus Wainwright's voice drifted into my ears. How I loved to listen to him sing this song. The music kept playing until a voice rang out.
"Why do I have to stay with all of you?" Mewtwo's voice rang out. Instinctively I shut off the contraption and listened in to the conversation.
"Because it's not fair that you get to stay in the girl's room when you're a guy!" Zelos argued.
"Are you suggesting that I would sink to your level?"
"Well, you could."
"Must you two fight over everything?" Regal refereed from the other side of the room. I didn't dare look inside.
"Yes." The two guilty parties replied.
"Can't you guys just drop it?" Lloyd suggested in a begging voice.
"I would like to be with my master now that I am with her again, and because Kratos has joined us."
"I suppose that is a fair statement." The mercenary concurred. "But why do you feel this need to protect her?"
"Because I owe her my life."
"Really?" Lloyd had gotten curious.
"She saved me when I was very close to dying."
Oh Mewtwo....I wanted to go in a give him a great big hug. But I guess jumping through the window into the guy's room would look odd. I shimmied down the wall back to the girl's room to get some sleep.
My rest had been far from peaceful last night, as I had tossed and turned all night unable to find a comfortable stop in the bed. I looked out the window and the sky painted a red hue. It wasn't even six yet and I had no desire to remain in bed. Pushing my body up, I gently pulled the covers aside and replaced them to their previous position before tip-toeing my way to the window and exited. Back out on the roof I hung from the side and dropped lightly to the ground with a side roll. How the heck does my little brother manage to do that every other day? I thought when the memory of my bother jumping off out play fort came to mind. I didn't want to be around the House incase someone saw me, so I headed off to the stop where I had so viciously attacked the poor tree. I stood in front of it, the X staring back at me, shaming me for my rage. But today was different. I wasn't mad. I can't be mad if other women approached Regal. I had no right to him. Stop. That isn't what today is about. Today I am going to get stronger. Now focus. Sakura told Naruto that he needed to focus on the tree to tell how much energy he would need to climb it. All I have to do is relax and be the tree. "Haaa......" I exhaled, letting my body drop its tension and breathe, my fingers woven into the Ram Hand sign. Breathe into every part of your body Stacy. Good. Now focus on the soles of your feet, right where you are ticklish Stacy. That's the spot to send your energy. I can feel it...I'm in tune with the tree. It's like I can here its own energy pulsing through it, like a heart beat. I brandished a kunai knife from my holster (didn't bother to change into PJs last night) and held it tightly, until my knuckles turned white. I ran at the tree and made it up a few steps before my burst of energy got the better of me and my chakra bombarded my soles, with repelled me from the tree. Dang...too much. I go over excited and lost my focus. This is going to be impossible. I mean...when Naruto and the others did it they at least had developed their chakra networks. Mine is just now being used. I'll never get this right....
"Stacy? What are you doing out here?" I looked over and saw Regal. He must have been doing his morning training nearby and heard me.
I bit the thumb of the hand holding onto the kunai and explained. "I'm trying to master control of an energy called chakra so I can use that instead of mana. But it's hard."
"Is chakra that different from mana?"
"Yes and no. Chakra is with us naturally and had always existed in every world, unlike mana, but both can be used in numerous ways."
"Then seeing how you have already master your control of mana then chakra should not any more difficult."
"You might have a point there." I removed my thumb and let out deep sigh. "I'll try again. Thanks Regal." He then head back to where ever he had come from to resume this own training while focused on mine. Alright Mr. Tree, you ready for round two? 'Cuz here I come. And this time...I'll be sure to leave a mark. Again I charged the tree and ran up it as far as I could. This time my foot slipped when I was about ¼ the way up. Slashing the tree before I returned to earth I let myself fall back and I landed on feet and tumbled backwards. It was hard, but I was getting it. I was going to be black and blue from the number of time I fall out of the tree, but dang it I wasn't going to stop for anything! I could see where my chakra had gotten over charged on my first attempt. I had barely made it up past my own head. But on my last try...I had gone ¼ of the tree's height! That was a big improvement. I could do this. I could do this!
Regal watched Stacy on her third attempt form behind a different tree. She had grown up so much since he first met her. At first all she wanted to do was get powerful and do it quickly with no work. Or even avoid any work period. Now she was pushing herself just to get a little stronger. He didn't know who she did it, managing to fight against anything that stood in her way, without fear, without inhabitations. But she somehow learned aggression and never forgot it.
"Good luck."
"Hey Lloyd, have you seen Stacy anywhere?" Sheena asked as they headed off for breakfast after everyone had gotten up.
"Uh, no why?"
"I didn't see her go to bed last night, and when I woke up her bed was made. I didn't look anyone had slept in it at all."
"Huh. I wonder what happened to her."
"Zelos probably kidnapped her for something sexual." Loy commented as she over took them.
"I did not!" Zelos cried in protest, which failed to keep Professor Sage from smacking him upside the head.
"Hey Regal, did you she her this morning?" Lloyd asked as the come to sit down at the same table where the noble was drinking tea.
"As a matte of fact--"
The front doors of the house burst open, cutting Regal off.
"Found her!" Zelos called, pointing towards Mewtwo as he helped Stacy limp into the building.
"There you are!" Sheena cried. "Where were you?"
"Out training! Man, I swear I fell out of the tree at least fifty times! But I did it! I made it to the top!" I exclaimed with a big, bold grin on my face.
"Did you land on your head at all?" Loy mocked.
"Wouldn't surprise me at this point!" I joked between gasps for air. "Man, am I beat. I could sleep for the rest of my life after that."
"I take it your training went well?" Regal inquired.
"You bet! I climbed the tree all the way to the top with no hands!"
"You climbed a tree with no hands?" Lloyd recurred. "What kind of training is that?"
"Special training."
"Come on." Mewtwo urged. "Let's get something in you before you pass out again. I'm not going to carry you around like this all day." He led me over to the table and sat me down.
"Okay..." I felt great. I had did it! I got to the top of the tree all on my own. Sure it had taken me hours to do it, and I was sore and fully exhausted but it was so worth it. In fact, I was still holding the knife in my hand. But I was going to become so much stronger now.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" Raine saw me cover in scrapes and scratches, some of them still bleeding a little. "What did you do to yourself to get so roughed up?" She spoke in the same way a worried mother would. Her tone caring, surprised, and worried all at once.
"I was training."
"Hopefully not with Regal. Otherwise..." She shot him a sinister glance.
"Nah...I was by myself. I just got a little carried away, that's all."
"You're young. You do need to give this type of effort just yet."
"You're wrong." I resisted. "I need to keep pushing myself. Otherwise I won't get any stronger. I'm tired of being weak. That's why I'll keep going no matter what."
"....Very well. Just don't over do it. Or else you will be in big trouble."
I folded my arms on the table and hid my face in them, the smile still glued to my face. "Okay."
"It's good that she's training so much." Kratos commented as he came in. "She'll need it."
"That's right. Kratos and I are enemies." My voice was soft and wishy-washy as I grew more tired. "We'll have to fight sooner or later." My eyes had shut now and everyone was certain that I was asleep now. "But..." Everyone jumped when I spoke; my voice was hardened like steel. "When that time comes, I'll be ready. And I promise I won't hold back."
Loy gently bonked me on the head. "Don't make such threats to Kratos." Loy teased. "You still have to beat me, remember?"
"In good time Loy. But first...I someone going to get me something to eat ere or am I expected to do it myself while on the brink of collapsing?"
"I'm on it!" Genis shouted and gather some food for me.
It had only been a few hours since I had wolfed down that huge load for breakfast but I was already back on my feet and feeling great. I was ready for the day and for what my soon to be fight with Kratos. But right now I was enjoying me music while walking down the trail with the others in peace. Nothing was better than a nature walk while jamming out to 'Fallen Leaves' by Billy Talent.
"What's that on your head?" Genis ventured a question as he walked in front of me.
"It's something I can use to listen to music."
"Really? Can I listen?"
"I don't think you'd like my taste in music."
'Stacy, duck!' I dropped to my knees, just as I had learned in my Tea Kwon Do class. I quickly somersaulted forward to avoid the next attack. Only one person would be after me here: Kratos. I turned around as faces him, his sword out and ready for blood.
"I thought only assassins attack wile their target had their back turned and was distracted. But I suppose since you've been hired as a hit man, such a tactic wouldn't be below you."
"Just hold still." I barely had time to move out of the way when a sonic thrust came at me and cut through my left side. I could feel the blade rubbing against my only protection and rolled off to the side.
"Stop it!" Lloyd called, getting between us. "You don't have to fight each other!"
"Well...we don't have to fight now. But sooner or later Kratos will be forced to follow orders. And I will be forced to resist."
"Lloyd I am afraid she is right."
"Stacy, are you hurt?" Colette came over to check out my injury.
"I'm fine." I put my hand through the hole in my shirt and pulled the chainmail I had on forward for everyone to see. "See? I had protection."
"That's a relief!"
"Yeah, but....Kratos here owes me a new shirt once we hit town. I can't go parading around in something this torn up."
"Hmph."
"You are so friendly. Hey, can you guys give a minute to change? The whole point of concealed armor is that it's concealed."
"Sure." Lloyd nodded.
"Thanks." I head behind several trees until I couldn't see the others and slipped into my grey hospital clothing and bandaged up my neck, legs and arms. I didn't know why, but I felt that I should have that on instead of my Earth clothes that day...
I am sooo happy that I amde it to fifty chapters, and I finished my other fanfic so I can give this one my 100% attention now!! Also I'm leaving to visit the states next weekend so don't expect an undate for a while. I'm sorry not much happened in this chapter, but trust me, the next one will knock your socks off!!
Here's a hint: We get to look into Alto's life a bit more!
And please check out the poll I have posted if you haven't already done so. I would very much like your input!
