"One must live this life with all the strength one's flesh can give."
- Anna de Noailles
/
"Zelos! Wake up!"
The chosen rolls over, grumbling as the southwestern continent's brittle grass crunches beneath him.
Sheena groans, her voice cracking in tune with the ground below. "Wake up , you stupid chosen!"
After Zelos refuses to budge once more, the summoner resorts to desperate measures by flinging one of her cards in his direction so fast, it slaps him directly across the face with an audible ' smack!'.
Zelos' cheek stings like pins and needles over the area of impact. " Owwww, " he whines as he sits up at a snail's pace, gently rubbing his eyes and tossing Sheena's card back in her general direction. "What was that for?"
A sigh escapes Sheena's mouth, followed by a twitching frown in exasperation. "It's almost noon, I've been trying to wake you up for the last twenty minutes ." Her voice breaks at the end of her sentence, and it becomes clear that there was more to her annoyance than Zelos oversleeping.
As the mid-day sun beams down on the chosen's group, Zelos crosses his legs and brushes off the dirt speckled across his bare arms. Regal subsequently readjusts his own posture before glancing at the redhead directly across from him.
"Our next seal is the Temple of Lightning. How do you propose we approach this task, chosen one?" he asks.
The chosen then stretches, reaching upwards and letting out a yawn. "Well, I guess we just head to the next seal. All in favour?"
While Regal nods, Sheena becomes silent and stares down at the wilted grass below. "I- I'd like to stop by Mizuho first," it didn't take much observation to notice that she was trying to put on a strong face, but the sudden look of fear in her eyes showed a kind of vulnerability that even she couldn't hide.
"I thought I was ready to face this, but I'm not. I need some time."
Zelos perks up. "Whatever the cutie says. We're going to Mizuho!" He holds back another yawn, thinking he's being sneaky; of course, his two companions still notice.
Chuckles ensue all around, but not without an eye-roll from Sheena, who still wafted in and out of remorse. "Disregarding the degrading statement, how are you still tired? You slept longer than both of us combined." Sometimes, Zelos knew exactly how to lighten the mood.
"What can I say? I need my beauty sleep!" his mouth creeps into a smile, and that smile certainly proved to be contagious. "Now let's get going to Mizuho, shall we?"
Our three heroes finally step out of the bushes while Tethe'alla's dry, textured grass crackles under their feet like straw. Sheena takes the lead, snatching the map from Zelos and pointing them toward the hidden village.
" Argh! " Zelos cries in distress as his worst nightmare becomes a reality. " There's a bug in my hair! "
/
Sheena's energy calms as they take a moment from their journey to rest in her hometown; the climate around Mizuho is warmer and even drier than the southern continent, the stifling humidity in the Meltokio area noticeably easing the further northeast the party travels. The grass is greener, the plants more lush, and Zelos can't help but be happy to sleep in a real bed again- as one does after spending a night sleeping on turf that felt like hay.
Mizuho is a charming little village- it was Zelos' first time visiting, and naturally, he had to hopelessly flirt with any woman in sight. This certainly did not work out in his favour.
"Hello, my darling little rosebud… I'm sure you must have heard of me by now… "
"You know, I may be the chosen of regeneration, but your beauty could truly save this world… "
" You just have the cutest smile, hunny… "
Unfortunately for the chosen, none of the women in the village of ninjas were wooed by his words- a phenomenon he surely was not used to.
"Alright, while we're here, we should stock up on gels and equipment," Sheena states, hands placed firmly in her pockets. "I'm going for a walk, then I'm gonna make us some traditional Mizuho stew now that we've got the ingredients. I'm sure it'll be better than the makeshift rice from last night." She breaks from the group, her smile dissipating the further she walks away from Zelos and Regal.
"She's probably still bummed about Volt," the redhead is flippant in this statement, shrugging and letting one of his infamous one-sided smiles crawl across his face. "But she must have known she was gonna have to do it when she was sent along with us."
Regal turns his head toward the ground, his aura the opposite of Zelos': solemn and mournful.
"The incident was relatively famous. Even I heard a word of it while I was living on the southeastern continent." He raises his eyebrows once more and glances towards the chosen. "You should speak with her. You seem to know her well; perhaps you could offer her some guidance."
"Yeah, know her well as in 'know which buttons to push' . I guess you're right though. Let's just hope I don't make it worse." Zelos steps away and jaunts through the village, eyes pressed for Sheena's lilac coat. 'She can't be that hard to find,' he thinks to himself.
Sure enough, as soon as the thought crosses his mind, he stumbles upon none other than his summoner companion sitting with her back pressed softly against a moss-speckled well.
"Yo, Sheena!" Zelos waves his arms in the air in an attempt to grab her attention. Sure enough, it works, as most of his tactics generally do; after all, charisma is objectively the chosen's best quality.
Conversely, her eyes drip with resentment as she glares back at him. "What do you want?"
"Oh, y'know. Just wanna chat. You up for that?" He smiles wide, not giving a single thought to the daggers shooting from her eyes.
A quick, breathy sigh. "Wow. I thought you were just coming to piss me off. Never thought I'd hear you say something like that ." She pauses, easing her stiff, rigid posture. "So, sure, I guess."
Zelos takes a seat on the grass across from her with a thump as he hits the ground. "Y'know. Volt. You've gotta make that pact. There's no way around it."
Gently, Sheena traces her fingers down her cheek, gazing directly at the ground. Her energy is sorrow-filled, as one naturally becomes when faced with their greatest trauma.
"I know. I know, I really do. I just don't know if I can."
"Well, what was the problem last time? You aced the pact with Gnome, so at least this time, it's not gonna be like you've never done this before."
"I couldn't understand him!" a soft, breathy whimper leaves her mouth. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what he was saying, and then he went berserk and killed everyone. And it's all my fault."
Zelos frowns. "I really doubt that it's all your fault. I'm sure there must be somebody out there who can understand what he says." A light clicks on in Zelos' head. "What if we ask the chief if he knows any scholars who could help us out? I mean, doesn't Mizuho have connections pretty much everywhere? "
"Wow. You've actually got a good idea in your head for once, Zelos." Sheena's face begins to brighten once more, the edges of her mouth curling into a soft smile.
The chosen grins ear-to-ear. "What's that? Did I just hear you- gasp -compliment me!?" Hoisting himself onto his feet once more, Zelos smirks and drags slender fingers through his hair.
"Could you say that again? I don't think I heard you the first time."
As quickly as it appeared, the smile on Sheena's face fades again. "Don't push it," she scowls. "Let's go talk to Tiga. I'm sure he'll help us. After all, we're the chosen's group and I'm an ambassador of Mizuho, which means he's pretty much obligated to."
"Well then, let's go already, yeah!?" the two companions turn toward the chief's house, expecting nothing, but hoping for something- anything .
/
Tiga is straight-faced and iron-eyed as the chosen's group sit before him, each hero seated with their legs crossed and backs arched in respect.
"I see. You are seeking assistance with the pact."
"Yes, chief, can you help us? I just-" Sheena's gaze drifts to the wooden grain of the floor, and Tiga speaks before she can finish.
"Sheena, I understand. This will be a challenge for you. I would be happy to aid you through the use of our information network."
The summoner perks up instantaneously. "Really!? You'll help us!?"
Mizuho's chief nods, staring directly into Sheena's hazel eyes. "In Meltokio, you will find an elven scholar skilled in ancient languages, architecture, and history. She has been a tremendous help to Mizuho in preserving our lore. Thus, she may be able to assist in your journey, even if only to examine the seal and translate Volt's speech in the lost dialect."
Zelos' arm immediately shoots upward at light speed, nearly cutting the air in half in its wake. "All in favour of going to Meltokio, raise your hand!" Sheena raises her arm, while Regal quickly realizes his shackles leave him unable to do the same. Instead, the prisoner simply speaks the words "Yes, chosen."
"I wish you luck on the journey of regeneration, and you may return to use our facilities whenever you feel weary." Tiga dismisses the party with a nod while all three stand and exit the chief's residence.
Upon stepping back to the outside world, Sheena stretches her arms above her head and yawns.
"Now, who's hungry?" she inquires toward her two companions. "Let's grab a room at the inn and stay here for the night. I did say I was going to make some Mizuho stew for you guys."
"I wouldn't mind that, especially since we have taken this detour. I'd like to experience the culture of this city while we are here," Regal's logic is simple, and more than that, impossible to dispute. The chosen's stomach churns thinking about food, but he certainly couldn't argue without drawing attention to himself. Instead, he thinks on his feet and deflects the question entirely.
"Wow, Mr. Prisoner, I had no idea you were a man of culture!" Every time he has to put on a fake smile, he begins to despise himself more and more.
'It's too bad I can't just be up front about this, eh?' his mind races as thoughts pour in and out, threatening to overflow entirely. 'That just wouldn't be my style, would it?'
A husky voice snaps him out of his reverie as Regal chuckles. "Well, chosen one, I suppose there is a lot you don't know about me."
This statement caught Zelos' attention, but before the redhead could pry, he was promptly interrupted by Sheena exclaiming "Alright guys, stew's ready!"
"Sheesh, how did you make that so fast?" Zelos laughs while the sight of food simultaneously makes him feel sicker by the minute. As a result, as much as he wanted to be excited for the stew, his stomach churned in all the worst ways.
Sheena squints in Zelos' direction and gives a clever smile. "It's a trade secret that we pass down through generations." She proceeds to pour the thickened stew into three sizable bowls, and with every spoonful, Zelos' stomach sinks even further. The hearty smell of beef and spices radiates throughout the inn and intoxicates everyone in the area- all except for one, naturally. For him, the churning was getting stronger.
"Here, stew," the summoner passes a wooden bowl in his direction as Regal begins to down spoonful after spoonful. Sheena followed suit shortly after.
Leaning back, Zelos swiftly pushes the bowl away; unfortunately, he pushes it a little too hard. 'So much for not drawing attention to myself.' As it flies backwards toward Sheena, the stew drip, drip, drips onto the floor. Oops .
"Sorry. Not hungry."
"You haven't been eating, Zelos. What's up?" Sheena was starting to catch on, and he was clearly going to have to start coming up with better excuses at this point.
A wide grin spreads across his face, one just as artificial as his half-hearted evasions. "Oh, hunny. I'm watching my weight, don't you know?"
Sheena raises a single brow as Regal finishes the last of his stew. "So, are you not hungry, or are you watching your weight, then?"
' Crap. She's not buying it'.
"Hey, I can be both! Does it really matter, though? After all, just because we know that we are not to be, that doesn't mean I don't want to be beautiful when I find Mrs. Right!" Deep down, Zelos knows he's not going to be able to keep the act up forever; after all, when traveling in close quarters with two companions, there are few things that one can truly hide.
Regal notices the red-hot tension in the room and dares to make a suggestion. "If we are all finished, then I believe it is best we rest and then continue our journey to Meltokio."
"Great idea, Regal! After all, we shouldn't stray from the journey too much, now should we?" Zelos shoots up out of his seat at the speed of light, making his way up the wobbly stairs of the inn as his allies clean up behind him. It was clear that this building did not get much use, but the party were lucky to stay the night somewhere with a roof and blankets, much less for free.
'I've never been so thankful for a mattress before…' Zelos reflects in silence as he drifts into peaceful slumber. He does not think to appreciate this while he can. After all, why would he? Every human being sleeps.
/
While the chosen's group draws closer to Meltokio, the dry climate of the north begins to subside as the humidity of the southern continent creeps back into their senses. When gone for so long, even if only a few days, coming back begins to feel like drowning.
"It feels like we've been walking for weeks!" Zelos whines in gross displeasure.
"Chosen, it has only been less than a day," Regal's tone is sharp and lacks sympathy; however, to Zelos, who was used to only the finest transportation, walking across continents felt like nothing short of torture.
Sheena sighs. "We get it. You don't like walking. We don't really have much other choice right now."
"Why must you be so mean to me, Sheena!?"
"You're the chosen. This is your trial. You're just going to have to deal with it." Sheena crosses her arms as she continues across the sandy pathway.
The chosen pouts, playfully pretending to wipe a tear from his eye. "Hunny, you're gonna make me cry! "
If Sheena could be paid in Gald for every time she let out an exasperated sigh, she could afford to live a life of luxury. "Oh Goddess, this is gonna be a long journey…"
/
Meltokio never looked so good to Zelos before, or his two companions, for that matter. Its many stone streets were familiar to our protagonist who knew them inside and out, which was nothing short of a welcome change. Zelos did not normally enjoy change, but this new development was one he invited with open arms.
"Say, where exactly are we going to meet this elf? I don't think the chief ever actually told us this very important detail." He's a little fatigued, but trying hard to push that feeling right back down; after all, vulnerability means weakness , doesn't it?
Sheena places her hands firmly against her hips. "I guess all we can do is ask around."
Zelos, of course, knowing Meltokio like the back of his hand, took Sheena and Regal on what could have essentially been a tour of the city under different circumstances.
"Hmm. Nobody seems to know anything about an elven scholar, at least not in my parts of the city."
"Well, there's one part of the city we haven't checked out," Sheena replies. "Have you even been to the slums before?"
Zelos grimaces. "Of course not! Why would I go to the slums? I'm high society, after all!"
"Well, I guess you don't know Meltokio as well as you think you do, then."
A slender hand gestures toward the poorest district of the city. The beautiful, white cobblestone path that spreads across the upper class stops abruptly as soon as it hits the outskirts of Tethe'alla's metropolis, and the contrast is stark in more ways than one. Among other things, much unlike high society , walking through the slums is a bizarre experience for the chosen, as everyone who passes stares at him with a gaze that lacks the adoration he was so accustomed to.
"Hey!" Sheena exclaims as she approaches a couple who don tattered clothes and friendly smiles. "Excuse me, we were wondering if you knew where we could find an elven scholar. We've been told they're somewhere in this city."
The friendly smiles of both parties fade at an alarming rate, instead turning to expressions of mistrust. "That depends on who's asking."
"We're the chosen's group on the journey of world regeneration. We need her help to make a pact with one of the summon spirits. She may be the only one who can help us," The summoner begins to plead now and her thoughts ruminate. ' I can't handle Volt on my own. I can't do this. I can't do this.'
The doubts that the couple had began to dissipate, but not without a dose of skepticism; one had to err on the side of caution when disclosing the location of someone who operates underground, after all. The crystal placed gently on Zelos' neck, however, was all the proof they needed.
"Keep walking this same direction, then turn to the left, then the left again. There will be a back door to the house you find there. In that basement, you'll find her. Good luck."
"Thank you," Sheena breathes a substantial sigh of relief, and Regal echoes the gratitude. The summoner glares at Zelos and snaps, "and thank you from the rest of us , too."
/
Knock-knock. "Hello?"
No answer. Another knock-knock-knock , this time harder, and Sheena's knuckles are now growing red and swollen from all the striking of the wood-grain door.
Right as the summoner prepares to strike once more, she hears the sound of latching and unlatching, followed by clicking and turning. The door cracks enough to see a single blue eye staring back at the party, and a young boy's voice asks "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"We're the chosen's group, and we're seeking the assistance of the elven scholar we were told lives here," there was so much secrecy surrounding this elf that Sheena was beginning to get suspicious.
The blue eye squints, the rest of the boy's face invisible in darkness. "What do you need them for, exactly?"
"A pact with a summon spirit. I'm a summoner and Volt... I can't understand him. We need someone to help translate, or we won't be able to regenerate the world." Anxiety is shooting through her system, just like lightning; how fitting.
"Hmm. I'll take you inside then, but leave your weapons at the entrance."
He shuts the door and the three heroes look at each other in confusion. Seconds later, a metallic unlatching noise is heard before the door opens in full, revealing a youthful boy with shaggy silver hair who was clad entirely in blue. Now that his face was illuminated, both his piercing eyes were visible, and Zelos was convinced this kid could stare directly into his soul: a possibility that he certainly didn't like.
The door shuts, and now the party observes the process of multiple rusted locks, latches, and chains being brought back to their original place.
"I'm serious. Weapons at the door."
The chosen rolls his eyes and begrudgingly places his trusty shining, silver longsword at the top of the stairs. "You gotta do what you gotta do, I guess," he says. Regal unequips his iron greaves, while Sheena takes out guardian among guardian, placing them wherever she can find space.
"Why such high security, exactly?" Zelos asks, analyzing everything around the room and trying to determine how he was about to die-he isn't, of course, and that was clear, but one can't be too careful when unarmed in a locked basement. If that isn't vulnerable, he doesn't know what is.
A glance is thrown toward Zelos in response, and it was nearly impossible to read. "Precautions."
They reach the bottom of the stairs and find that the basement actually has a quaint, cozy vibe to it, one that spoke of comfort rather than malice. All three companions feel some apprehension wash away upon seeing the hand-knit blankets and fully stocked bookshelves filled with hardcover novels.
The young boy turns back to the chosen's group. "My name is Genis, by the way. My sister is the infamous one, but I was studying before too."
Zelos crosses his arms and raises his eyebrow in unison. "What, are you not studying anymore?"
"No," Genis snaps; the tone in his voice could easily freeze hell over. "I'll go get my sister."
When the child walks out of the room, Zelos turns to his teammates. "Anything about this feel a little weird to you?"
Sheena is quiet, but clearly on edge as tension reams throughout her system. Unfortunately for her, her emotions are contagious: the summoner's anxieties are obvious to everyone around her, often infecting others like a virus. "This is our best shot at forming the pact with Volt."
Time feels like it didn't move between past and present at all when Genis steps out with a woman who appeared to be both his spitting image and ten years his senior. "My sister, Raine. She's the one you heard about, and I told her about you guys too. She knows all about summon spirits."
"Alright, so we've got two elves who are brother and sister. That seems pretty normal. Why are you guys on lockdown?" asks the chosen.
The scholar frowns. "There are many who are interested in our knowledge and possess ulterior motives. We have plenty of reasons to operate underground."
"So what, you're like arms dealers, but underground knowledge dealers for the slums?" Zelos chuckles and turns to his companions. "Hey kids, you wanna buy some knowledge ?" his laughter intensifies while Regal and Sheena stay dead silent.
Genis crosses his arms and presses them directly across his chest. "We don't have to help you, you know."
" Zelos! " Sheena stares razor-sharp lightning into Zelos' eyes. "Don't screw this up for us! It could be our only chance!"
"We just want to avoid being stuck in a research lab when we could be using our smarts to help people who really need it, that's all." the young boy leans up against the wall behind him, resting his head on the concrete. "What do you think, sis?"
"You want to make a pact with Volt, is that right?" Raine speaks with prickles of poison ivy in her voice. She certainly didn't come across as friendly. "He speaks the ancient elven language. You will likely need a translator to accompany you, but the language is all but lost in this day and age."
"But you speak it, right!? Or does anyone speak it!?" Sheena's voice booms with indignation throughout the cellar.
Raine tilts her head backwards, ever-so-slightly squinting at the summoner. "I can translate, yes. But it would likely be too risky for me to accompany you, much less both Genis and myself."
"Please! We need help!" Sheena grits her teeth, fists balled at her sides. "You could come with us to study the temple or something! We'll take you right back here when we're done!"
Zelos smirks. "Don't get too ahead of yourself, Sheena. Do you guys even know how to fight? The journey is dangerous, after all."
"Not physically, no, but Genis and I are skilled mages." Raine sighs, dropping her guard for the first time since the chosen's group entered her home. "Though, I suppose if we're choosing to help people in need, the least we can do is aid in the world regeneration. If you can promise to bring me back to Meltokio once you have released the seal, perhaps I could accompany you as a translator."
"Raine! What are you saying!?" Genis says, smacking his small hand into the side of his face. "What am I supposed to do here by myself!? If you're going, then I'm going, too."
"Then I suppose it's settled. Chosen's group, we will meet you outside momentarily. Please be on your way." Raine shoos them up the stairs, where all three companions don their equipment once more before struggling with the locks and latches.
"Raine," Genis is solemn now, his voice soft with the strain of sadness. "What are we going to do if they find out about us?"
His sister becomes weary and quiet, clearly trying to keep her composure for the sake of her younger brother. "Honestly, Genis, I don't know. All we can do is figure it out if-and when -we get there."
/
The Grand Tethe'alla Bridge spreads vastly across the sea, its silhouette fading into the horizon before the end can be seen. Thankfully for the chosen and his companions, they were not here to cross the arch this visit: instead, they were merely here to board the boats anchored and tied to the docks beside it.
"Can't believe we have to take some second-rate boat to the temple. Last time I went out to sea, it was on one of those fancy cruise ships out by Altamira, and it was filled with nothing but beautiful women!" Zelos uses a gloved finger to draw a fake tear down his cheek. "I feel like such a peasant!"
At the bridge littered with exspheres, a simple, wooden ship waited for the party. It looked hardly big enough to hold the entire group, much less carry the five of them across the sea.
"This world is in decline, and in turn, magitechnology is starting to lose functionality. The idea of a cruise ship running at a time like this is laughable," Raine states as they approach the port.
"Anybody even know how to pilot one of these? Cause I sure don't," Genis' voice drips with sarcasm.
Regal places a single foot forward, his shoe making a gentle tap as he lowers it to the dock. "I can."
Zelos laughs. "Damn, first you're a man of culture, now you know how to drive a boat? You're not just any convict, are ya?"
'Hmph' . A single corner of Regal's mouth turns into that of a half-smile. "I suppose over the course of my life, I have simply acquired knowledge of many different trades."
"Alright guys, let's go," fear creeps back into Sheena's nervous system like continuous waves of frigid icicles. "I just want to get it over with."
Zelos gestures toward Regal, smiling ear-to-ear. "Aye aye, captain!"
'Here it goes,' Raine's thoughts wander in silence. 'I hate the sea…'
/
The old-fashioned wooden ship carries our heroes across the ocean before concluding its journey at the Temple of Lightning's port. The boards beneath their feet each squeak as the chosen's companions step from the docks to the stone path that Sheena was all-too familiar with, concluding in a brief, reflective pause.
"It's been so many years, but I still remember it like it was yesterday," she mourns before exhaling sharply. "I know I need to face it, but I don't know if I can."
Genis smirks, shaggy silver bangs grazing his forehead. "Well, ya kind of have to if we're going to regenerate the world."
"Genis!" the boy's sister grabs him by the arm, dragging him promptly to her side with a look beaming of disappointment. "I do apologize on behalf of my brother."
The halls of the temple twist and turn in bizarre directions while abrupt flashes of lightning illuminate each room. "You know where you're going, right, Sheena? Because I'm just following you, you know."
Sheena nods. "I can navigate us from here."
While Sheena openly displays her nervousness to the group, Zelos instead masks his with laughter, flirtatious words, and fake smiles. After all, he had no idea what was going to happen to him this time the seal was released; he dreaded knowing that a repeat of what happened at the Temple of Earth was still a possibility.
Zelos's ears perk as he hears what he swears to be a tap-tap-tap of footsteps behind him. He takes a quick look from side to side to check his surroundings before finally glancing over his shoulder: no-one is there and none of his companions appear alarmed, assuming they had even noticed the noise at all.
'Huh. That was weird,' he ruminates, but still refuses to believe that it's all in his head.
They continue through the ruin, and Raine's ecstasy about seeing the temple up close is evidenced by a dramatic change in her personality. They had only been in the temple for less than thirty minutes before her cold demeanor washed away and replaced itself with that of a passionate maniac.
"It's beautiful!" she exclaims. The entire party can feel her enthusiasm- maybe a little too much, as her eyes begin to sparkle in ways they hadn't seen before. "Oh, marvelous ! It's just the way the books describe!"
Face-palm . " I do apologize on behalf of my sister ." Genis sighs. "Come on, Raine, we can study the temple after we release the seal."
A sharp flash of lightning illuminates the room once more and Zelos absolutely swears he can see a figure dip back into the shadows.
"Come on guys, let's keep moving, eh?" Glancing over his shoulder yet again, he glares at the darkness behind him and thinks to himself, 'There's someone following us. I just know it.'
As the five companions approach the altar at last, Sheena freezes as if engulfed by an endless ice spell. Her hands vibrate against her sides in tune with the thundering jolts of electricity that pulsate around them.
"I have to do this, don't I?" The summoner's bangs cover her eyes as she steps her right foot forward, dreading what comes next. "Raine, get ready to translate for me."
"Yes. I'm ready!" Raine bows her head, and the remainder of the party adopt their combat stances in preparation for a rigorous battle. They are certainly not left waiting long as Volt appears before them, the orb of sentient electricity abuzz in the air ahead.
A gurgling noise can be heard far and wide in the room of the seal; the sound rang like a series of electric shocks through the ears of our heroes, seeping even into the cracks and crevices of the temple.
Sheena keels over, barely managing to hold back a single tear from falling down her cheek. "Raine! I don't know what he's saying!"
"It's okay, Sheena. Calm down. I'll translate." The murmur of energy continues. "Right now, he's asking if we are the chosen's group."
"Yo, that's me. Let's make that pact already, eh?" The chosen stands his ground as the summon spirit fires bursts of lightning around the room, one narrowly missing his head. "Not the face!"
Raine's ears tune into the soft grumble once again before translating with care. "He says we have to fight if we are to form the pact and use his power!" As she grips her staff so tightly her knuckles turn pale, she shouts "Get ready!"
The battle wages between the chosen's group and the summon spirit as Genis' spells collide with Volt's static energy. Between offensive attacks, Raine uses her healing artes to keep everyone stabilized, leaving Regal and Sheena to take the frontlines- Zelos took on the task of handling his silver blade with care to deflect the streaming rays of light soaring throughout the room.
Swallow Kick- Aqua Edge- Life Seal-
Zelos grits his teeth as he diverts one ray of lightning after another- and this time, he is thankful to have backup from allies who can use magic, particularly healing spells. All the while, he tries to keep close watch over the summoner who trembled even at her best. After all, somebody had to.
Volt turns directly to Sheena, his wide eyes turning to slits as he sends a thunderbolt flying immediately toward her. "Sheena! Watch out! " The summoner stops in her tracks, paralyzed in fear. All she can do is watch as the stray violet bolt creeps closer to her.
'Force Field!'
When Sheena comes to, she finds herself curled on the stone floor, hands firmly pressed against her ears. Above her stands Raine with her slender staff extended directly outward, shielding the terrified girl with her magic.
Rubbing her eyes and slowly lifting herself back onto her feet, Sheena watches as Zelos deals the final blow directly between Volt's eyes. "The pact, Sheena!" he bellows as the summon spirit collapses to the ground.
"Volt!" she barks. "As a companion of the chosen of regeneration, who has been sent to save this declining world!" her voice grows louder with each word spoken, "I demand your power! "
Volt nods as the mumbling of static fills the room once more. "He says 'very well' ," Raine translates. "He also says that you prove a worthy opponent."
The energy in the room shifts upon completion of the pact, comparable to a vast exhale after eleven years spent holding one's breath. Now tears are welling up in Sheena's eyes, and for once, she allows them to drip down her face and pool on the ground. The scholar takes note of this subtle catharsis and looks over to the summoner; as she places her hand gently on Sheena's shoulder, her blue eyes fill with both warmth and sadness. On the count of three, violet light fills the room and the summon spirit fades away.
"Chosen, you must release the seal," Regal speaks, his voice dry as he tends gently to his wounds.
Zelos' face is deadpan without so much a hint of the uneasiness he feels within. The seal itself was stressful enough, but the fact that he could have sworn he was hearing the patter of footsteps against stone again made it even worse. "Alright, let's go."
The chosen approaches the altar, extending his hand and allowing the room to fill with radiant light. Translucent wings extend from Zelos' back, illuminating the room even more; In turn, the brunette boy of Cruxis appears such as the last seal, this time without guidance from the angel who accompanied previously.
"Good job, Chosen." Lloyd examines the seal room and takes note of new companions, but more than anything, he can't keep his eyes off the chosen's striking wings that were none other than the colour of sunset. "We of Cruxis will-"
"Stop right there, and prepare to die!"
The party turns around to see none other than a man with lengthy blue hair and a billowing cape commanding a group of five soldiers, each taking orders obediently. Their weapons are drawn, but the commander's eyes widen upon examining the room. It was unclear whether they were prepared to kill, but at the very least, it seemed they were prepared to fight. It seems the plan is already long foiled, though, as upon seeing Lloyd standing at the altar, the leader with aquamarine hair scowls.
"Dammit. We're too late."
Lloyd furrows his brows, puzzled by the scene taking place before his eyes. "Lord Yuan?"
Snickering, Zelos interjects, "Little bit of internal strife you guys've got going on here? That's juicy."
"The emissary is here. We need to pull back." the caped figure- Yuan, as he was called- turns on his heels and races out of the seal room, gesturing hastily for his soldiers to do the same.
"What the hell was that?" Genis chuckles. "Has the rest of the journey been like this? Because that was kinda hilarious."
"Ehh-" Lloyd scratches his head, running his fingers through his thick, bushy hair. 'What the heck do I do now? If only Remiel were here…' he ponders. "Carrying on, we must bestow the seal upon the chosen to continue the world regeneration. Are you prepared, chosen one?"
The humorous tone from minutes before dissipates, and it doesn't take long before butterflies made of lead begin to flutter mercilessly in Zelos' stomach. "Sure thing."
Rays descend upon Zelos' body once more, his wings glittering in the momentary white brilliance. As soon as the glow subsides, the envoy of Cruxis has disappeared.
Zelos' stomach begins to churn, but this time, it's his head that feels feverish and woozy.
"Let's set up camp. I gotta chill for a bit, you feel me?" His eyes begin to throb and twinge while the feeling of ten repeated jolts of caffeine proliferates throughout his nervous system.
"Where? Those losers were just here trying to kill us, remember?" Genis is rolling his eyes now, Raine throwing a quick "Genis! Manners!" his way in response.
"Our best option at the moment appears to be to take the boat back to the mainland and set up camp in a secluded forest, should we find one. Tomorrow, we must return to Meltokio to return Raine and Genis to their home, just as we promised," Regal is solemn, making his way slowly to the temple's exit with the rest of his companions following in line.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Zelos dashes after them as he tries to ignore his head pounding and eyes burning like an unceasing flame.
He takes note of the pain, sits with it, and tries to accept it, but he can't. With every seal, his eyes lose a little bit of their shine and morale dwindles until it's hardly short of nonexistent.
'Is this really what becoming an angel feels like?'
/
The five companions have reached land and now wander the area to find a forest or set of bushes to rest for the night. After all, the sun was going down, and if they don't find somewhere to set up camp, they risk being attacked by monsters while already vulnerable- or, of course, fall prey to the mysterious assassins who ambushed the temple.
"Thanks for driving that boat there and back for us, Regal. I don't know what we'd do without you," Sheena's smile is warm and inviting. "And thanks, guys, for being by my side while I made the pact. I wouldn't have been able to do that without you, either."
"Aww, hunny! Don't mention it! It's just so nice to see your beautiful smile again! Sulking just does not suit you!" Zelos always finds himself to be even more over-the-top when his mind is elsewhere. At least that way, nobody notices, nobody questions anything, and everyone leaves him be.
The summoner scowls. "Thanks to everyone except for you."
Another campfire is constructed once they find a quiet spot on the edge of a forest clearing, far enough away from the docks that they were unconcerned about the assassins from the temple, but secluded enough that monsters were not a worry either.
"Alright guys, it's pitch black out and I'm tired. I'm going to bed." Sheena retreats into her makeshift bed crafted only out of a few small sheets she'd brought from Mizuho. It was offbeat, but good enough to last her the night.
Before long, Regal leaves to sleep as well, leaving only Zelos, Raine, and Genis awake- though, perhaps not Zelos for very much longer, seeing as normally he's asleep within minutes and at least two people need to wake him up.
"Say, Raine, do you really want to go back to Meltokio?" Genis asks his older sister. "I gotta say, it's been a while since we slept outside, but this is the most fun I've had in a long time. I'm sick of being on the run."
Raine takes a deep sigh. "Perhaps. Just remember that if we get caught, it's all over for us. If that happens, we'll likely be separated and put into labs for the rest of our lives."
"Yeah, but if we succeed, maybe we can make the world a better place for people like us, too. To me, that's worth it."
Zelos rolls over, opening his eyes and glaring at the elven siblings. "Keep it down, would ya? I need my beauty sleep ."
"Sheesh. Fine, we'll go to bed. Night, dummy." Genis scowls while the elves make their resting spots, and within moments, everything becomes dead silent.
The chosen's head throbs once more and the burning pain that seethes through his temples becomes increasingly difficult for him to ignore. Beyond that, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to rest at all.
'Damn. I really can't sleep tonight. That's weird.' He rolls over onto his back and simply lays there, trying not to wake his companions. 'I'll give it another hour, then I'll just give up, I guess.'
Five minutes drags on as if tied down to bricks of steel. Five minutes then turns into ten, and he shifts back onto his side to see if a change of position will help. It doesn't, and ten minutes becomes half an hour.
' Man. This sucks' . Forty-five minutes.
He's not even the slightest bit tired; if anything, it's safe to say between the pounding in his head and the feeling of hypomanic alertness surging through in his brain, he's overstimulated.
Fifty minutes.
Eventually, Zelos makes the executive decision to just give up. 'What can I do until morning? The sun hasn't even started to rise.' He immediately shoots up in his spot, turning to the only bag he brought on the journey- he had nearly missed the most important part of each night.
'Actually, there's one more thing I have to do,' he grabs his trusty notepad before turning pen to paper.
Seles,
Hope you're not too worried about me. I promised I'd write again soon, didn't I?
Look, something really funny is happening to me, and I don't really know what it is.
I can't explain it, but something about me is changing,
and these Cruxis guys aren't really what they seem.
My enthusiasm is dwindling… not that I even wanted to go on this journey in the first place.
But if it's okay, I'd like to come visit you sometime soon.
Talk to you later.
- Big Bro
Exhaling sharply, Zelos reclaims his previous spot on the ground. The chosen's eyesight was somehow even clearer having released the seal, allowing him to see so much as the tiniest speckles in the sky. Gazing up at the vividness above, shining stars dotted the night in colours of whites and creams; the vast celestial sphere swirled in different shades of blue, and Zelos can't help but think that it was beautiful .
Exhaling, he mulls 'Sleeping outside sucks, but I guess living in Meltokio never really gave me a chance to appreciate this, either…'
Zelos' brain was now in a state of hyperarousal, with sleep no longer even but a passing idea in his mind. 'I guess I'll try counting stars then… One, two, three, four…'
/
Morning arrives in what jointly feels like ages and only mere moments at the very same time. 'Four-hundred fifty six, four-hundred fifty seven…'
The rest of his team begins to stir as the sky fades from shades of pink and orange to pale blues. Sheena slowly lifts herself up and immediately notices that Zelos is awake- uncharacteristically so.
"What are you doing? It's not like you to wake up before noon."
'Crap, what do I tell her?' Zelos stops, pensive. "I suppose I'm just excited to be back in Meltokio and sleeping in a real bed tonight!" he exclaims.
"Huh. Right." The summoner claps her hands together and the quick 'smack' rouses her sleeping teammates. "Alright everyone, time to get moving. We have to get back to Meltokio, don't we?"
Raine, Genis, and Regal all sit up and begin to pack up the campsite. "Right. To Meltokio it is."
/
The group is hardly back in the capital city for much time at all before Zelos is swarmed by his hunnies once more- almost as though he had never left in the first place.
"Master Zelos! You're back!"
"Oh, we missed you so much!"
"Those new scars on your arms are-gasp- so sexy !"
"Why are you hanging out with these peasants , Master Zelos!?"
'Great. The one time I don't want to be swarmed with beautiful women.' With a wave of his hand, Zelos dons one of his signature plastic smiles with a pearly white grin and prepares to keep his defences high. 'Just gotta smile for the cameras…'
"Now, now, my darling hunnies. As much as I would just love to spend time with all of you, I'm afraid that I need to regenerate the world!"
'If only they knew what I'm becoming.' The chosen's mind circles with self-doubt, and the only reasonable course of action is for him to dip out of the situation.
Before Zelos can get much further away, all he hears is another frantic 'gasp' in the direction of his companions before realizing they are no longer following him.
"Hey! It's Duke Bryant, the Noble!" one of the well-dressed women points toward Regal. "You used to be the president of Altamira!"
Another scowls, "He's a murderer! How did he get out of prison!?"
Regal grimaces. "I committed a crime, and for that, I must be punished."
"Come on guys, let's just go. Regal, you can repent later ." Genis grabs Regal by the arm and follows Zelos' lead through the streets of Meltokio.
"Let's chill at my place for a bit before we decide what to do next," Zelos booms. "What do you think, guys?" The vote is unanimous, and the five heroes continue on their way to Zelos' mansion.
In stark contrast to Regal and Sheena's most recent visit to his home, as he invites everyone through the billowing doors, Zelos makes a quick gesture to the spare rooms so his guests have space to drop their bags.
"So, you used to be the main man of Altamira, eh?" the redhead smirks. "I knew that I must have met you somewhere. You should know that I used to frequent that place."
"I was a successful businessman until I became involved in the trading of exspheres. The one I love was equipped with one that turned her into a monster, and in turn, I was forced to take her life." Regal's words were somber, but honest. After all, he had no reason to lie. "I turned myself in afterwards, and now I must do what I can to make up for that sin."
"Huh," Sheena says. "You are so much less of a mystery to us now."
"Do you still want me to travel with you now that you know the truth about who I am?" he asks, looking directly at the chosen himself.
"Well, I mean, I already knew you were a murderer, if that's what you were asking, and it sounds like you had reasons for it beyond being a cold-blooded killer. You've helped us out so far, so I'm cool with you tagging along." Zelos' attention turns to Raine and Genis.
"Now, what about you guys? Don't we have to drop you off at your dingy basement?"
The silver-haired boy immediately glares at him with eyes as cold as snow. Oh, how Zelos hated that look- not just on Genis, but on anyone at all.
"Actually, chosen , we had something we'd like to ask you."
The chosen raises a brow and seconds of frigid silence pass before the elven boy finally drops his guard. His voice is sheepish as he says "Well… If it's okay, we'd like to continue to travel with you."
Zelos glares back. "Sure thing. At least between the two of you, one of you is helpful."
"Hey! Be nice to me, would you!?" Genis growls. Zelos cackles, running his fingers through bright red hair.
Raine places a single hand over her eye, inhaling sharply. "Well, hopefully in time, we can both be helpful, then. How about I make some food for us?"
'Argh, not food again… I'm still not hungry,' Zelos broods in silence. "The kitchen's over there. It's all yours, babe."
"Oh, you're gonna regret this," Genis laughs.
/
"Come on everyone, dinner's ready!" Raine is clearly excited by her creation and presents it to the group with pride. "I want everyone to try some!"
'Well, I guess I shouldn't hurt her feelings.' Upon careful consideration, Zelos tries a bite of whatever the scholar had placed in front of him. By looks alone he could tell it was some sort of pasta with a cream sauce for sure, but hell if he could actually taste anything, and he knew damn well he wouldn't be able to keep it down anyways.
"Raine, what the hell is this!?" Sheena exclaims, spitting into her napkin. "Is this spaghetti with spicy lemon sauce!?"
Raine smiles ear-to-ear. "I'm glad you asked! It's spaghetti with lemon, cream, hot sauce, honey, and fish!"
Regal's face was beginning to turn pale. "Well it is certainly… unique, Raine."
"Well, at least Zelos likes my creation, right?" Raine says to the chosen, excitement dripping from her voice at the prospect of someone enjoying her cooking at last. "Finally, someone understands my craft!"
"Yeah, it's great." Zelos continues shoveling down one bite after another while the other three of his companions stare at him with expressions ranging from shock to disgust.
"Well, I'm gonna head upstairs for a bit to unwind. Y'all know where everything is. Later." he gives a quick wave before excusing himself and rushing up the staircase as he prepares for another sleepless night.
At the very least, he could use some solitude, as the contents of his stomach were threatening to reject once more.
/
Welgaia is cold and distant as ever, filled with nothing but emotionless angels, lifeless beings, and seraphim who were just as closed-off as everyone and everything else in the city. Clearly, Lloyd was anything but respected by the higher-ups here, even despite his heritage. In their eyes, it was necessary that his value be proven rather than something inherently deserved by virtue of his ancestry. Based on his journey so far, he certainly wasn't doing a very good job of earning that worthiness.
The brunette was seated in his room staring into the mirror across from his bed, and all he can think about is how badly he screwed up the last seal, but beyond that, how screwed up this whole regeneration thing is in general. What does it mean to become an angel, exactly? Beyond that, why was lord Yuan trying to kill the chosen? Isn't he supposed to be working with Cruxis?
The door swings open and Kratos steps in, looking sternly into Lloyd's eyes. "Is something troubling you, Lloyd?"
"Well, I mean, it would be nice if you started knocking first," Lloyd says hesitantly. "I guess as the journey goes on, I just… can't shake the feeling that something's not right. So much seems to be going on, and I'm just in the dark about all of it."
Kratos lets out a 'Hmph' before turning to leave. "I understand that you have concerns, and I assure you that everything will be explained in due time. However, I am not the one who will be doing so."
"Wait!" Lloyd cries to his father, but it is too late; by the time Lloyd stands up and extends his arms toward the door, Kratos is already gone. "Argh! I need answers! "
/
Night fell fast and morning crawled faster, culminating with the chosen being surprised in the early daybreak with a quick, rhythmic knock on his door. Naturally, much like the night before, he had spent the night awake and in varying degrees of searing pain.
"Yo, come in."
The door creaks open and Sheena steps into his room, her ninja training evidenced by the complete silence of her footsteps. "You didn't sleep the night before, and judging by the fact that you're still up, clearly you didn't sleep last night either. Before, you were sleeping at least ten hours a night. Something's up."
'Damn, she's as observant as ever. ' Zelos laughs off his feelings of panic. "Nah. I'm a big boy, don't worry about me. Even if something were up, I'm the chosen, this kinda stuff is just par for the course."
"Whatever, if you don't want to talk to me, then don't. I know I've already said it but you know I'm here if you need anything. You don't have to suffer alone." She's serious now, really serious; if he wasn't certain of this enough, then the sincerity brimming from her eyes could easily fill in the blanks.
"By the way," she starts speaking again before he has a chance to respond. "When you talked to me about Volt in Mizuho. Thank you for that. It's been hard to process all that, and now it's over. So, thanks."
Zelos' face is smug as he beams a lopsided grin. "Oh, no problem, my sweet, voluptuous hunny! Anytime you want to hear my beautiful voice, all you have to do is ask!"
Eye twitching, the summoner snaps back "This is why I can't talk to you about anything, you idiot chosen!"
Sheena slams the door behind her, and it would not surprise the chosen if everyone else in his house heard the crashing sound too. Closing his eyes and falling backwards onto his plush sheets, Zelos didn't have the heart to tell her that he couldn't talk to her about this even if he wanted to.