Author Notes: Wow, thanks for the reviews everyone! At first, I thought I was the only one who loved this pairing, but there are so many supporters! Speaking of this pairing, instead of saying Sheena/Zelos all the time…let's just call it SHEELOS…same thing with Genis and Presea…GESEA…haven't thought one for Collete and Lloyd though. Maybe COLLOYD? Sounds weird to me…and for those few Sheena/Lloyd fans out there…my brother is a fan of this pairing as well…so I made one up for this one too. It's SHELOYD… anyways, time for review responses.

SweetMisery430:

I love ToS too, but I guess writing this fanfic proves it anyways. Genis? I guess so, I hope I could include all the characters somehow. Other parings are included later on, but the main one is SHEELOS. I'm assuming you're a fan of GESEA? Thanks for the review and the first one too!

Obsidian Ideals:

Thanks for the compliment and review. I appreciate it! About the skit, of course I didn't forget! What a coincidence, it will be part of this chapter! Thanks again!

Skyraptor666:

I like GESEA and COLLOYD too! Not as much as SHEELOS, but my favorites. You're not finish with the game? I'll do you a favor and not to add too many spoilers for you. That wouldn't be nice huh? Thanks for the review.

Michelle of the Night:

I did? I was wishing I turn you and everyone else into a SHEELOS fan after a few chapters, but oh well…the sooner the better right? I'll keep going for your sake ok? And everyone else of course.

FireEdge:

Another fan of SHEELOS? I'm so happy! Maybe you can turn me into a KRAINE (Raine/Kratos) fan with your wonderful story. About hearing that my fire emblem stories were good and everything, I'm glad. A friend of mines, also, loves your Florina/Wil fanfic a lot. Thanks for the review and encouragement.

Cardmaster372:

You track me down didn't you? Of course, ToS is a great game. If it's not, then why am I writing a fanfic about it? Thanks for the review.

Sheena/Zelos:

No comments, you're a SHEELOS fan right??? I'm happy they put up a ToS section too! Thanks for the review.

LateNightSlacker:

Really? I'm glad I have that kind of power. I gave you that Sheena spoiler? Which one? I mean…I'm sorry! Thanks for the review! And the invitation!

A fan:

Wow, don't kill my reviewers please? I don't mind critiquing, it's flames I hate. Since you said please, I'll write more. Even if you didn't, I would anyways. Thanks for the review!

Shadowwolf75:

Not being mean or anything, but are you even done with the game??? SPOILERS!!! Because I know exactly what happens at the end of the game since I finished it and everything, and the two worlds did not emerge into one. They didn't separate either though, but more like two lands before except both with plenty of mana. Sorry to disappoint you. But thanks for pointing that out anyways and the review.

Nekoshi:

Thanks for the review and backing me up. I'm assuming you're one of those fans who haven't finished the game yet? I'm not going to put in too many spoilers.

Gaby:

Thanks! Did you get my e-mail? I hope so! Yay! Another SHEELOS fan!

Bluespirit13:

Ten days and you're almost finish??? You're faster than me! But I guess I got the game sooner though. Since you're almost finish, can you do me a favor when you're finish, and tell me that the two worlds did not form as one. SPOILERS!!! Because in my game, they did not. I'm not saying the reason though…

Red:

Thanks for reviewing and choosing my fanfic first to read. The use of your adjectives for my story is fantastic! Another SHEELOS fan!

Shadow Fox 05:

Really? I don't know that anime that well but if it's similar to this one then I surely love it! Thanks for the review!

Apocalypse-sudden7:

Exactly, there are so many hints and skits about them; it's unbelievable! As a true fan of SHEELOS, I read every single one of those skits and absolutely love them! The one when Sheena ask if Zelos is ok is the skit before they went to Flanoir and before the betrayal too, to be exact. Thanks for the review!

AshiCorrine:

What a nice username! It has a pleasant ring to it! Thanks for the compliment and the review. I'll continue of course!

Lisa:

Another SHEELOS fan! I'm so happy! I'm thinking of putting GESEA and COLLOYD in, but I'm not sure yet. But if I think of a way somehow…the possibility of this couple in this story will go up!

Dark Hero of Time:

Hmmm…I never thought of it that way before…interesting…I always thought of Sheena liking Zelos, and Zelos just liking any girls he sees with Sheena in it, but thanks for telling me that anyways. Also, thanks for the review and the comment.

Digi-Dolphin:

Me too, I thought they did have a thing for each other. Sheena always blushes on whatever Zelos says so it was kind of obvious, and at the part of the gate when she wanted to sacrifice herself, he was the one that saved her. I love that part! About the Corrine thing, I know where. But I don't know, yet, if I'm going to mention it in this story though. Thanks for the review and compliment!

Chiaki Nozomi:

Not too much spoilers in the first chapter right? I'm glad that there are so many supporters of SHEELOS fan. Hopefully, you finished the game by the time I put in way too many spoilers…Thanks!

Me:

Interesting name! Hopefully lots of fluff in future chapters! Not this chapter though but I promised there will be some later.

Lor:

Thanks for the compliment! Since you love this pairing so much, I am very glad I wrote this. Thanks for the review too!

Ookami Aya:

Me too! Not obsessed as I am though…joking of course, but I'm so happy (now, I'm sounding like Collete…) that you enjoy this fic so far. Kelos instead of Zelos? It's my little nickname for him but I'll change it in my bio. It's kind of funny when out of nowhere I just go- "I love Kelos- I mean Zelos". Also, I heard somewhere that Kelos is actually the Japanese name of Zelos. Thanks for the review!

Frozen-Harpie-Mimi: Thanks for putting my story into your favorites, as well as the author favorites. Even though you didn't review, I like to thank you. If there are any mistakes or anything, don't be afraid to tell me!

Sorry if I wrote too much, but I love this part of writing the story! Never thought this many reviews though…If there is anyone I didn't answer to, the reason might be you reviewed when I barely updated or a half an hour before that. Sorry for the inconvenient. One last thing, if anyone put this story on his or her favorite story list, thank you! The thing I like the most is when my writing is appreciated since my brother thinks I can't write…

Disclaimer: Read my profile, last time I'm going to put a disclaimer in a chapter.

Romance has been elegantly defined as the offspring of fiction and love.

-Benjamin Disraeli

A Separate Link

By Potter29vo

Chapter II: Decisions

Tonight was the night made for hard thoughts. Despite the rainy morning, the night sky was bright and clear even during this lovely evening. Sharp stars pierced gradually through the darkness (even though it was only evening), not sweeps of them or even clusters like Sylvarant, but single spotlights throughout the ocean of black. Mizuho was busy under its guidance, working to get to Sylvarant in two days at least. They did not summon in me thoughts of Sylvarant, or the journey we barely been through together, or even Corrine like many other night skies had done; I thought instead, in the soft light shown by those dots, of the decision in my heart.

Why do I have to go through these emotions of becoming Chief soon and watch my village work their way through peace to keep the culture together? Why go through motions of peace so swiftly when I know so well what barely happened just a few weeks ago, which could have chip away everything valuable to me, my village, the small, and secret village of my childhood? But this wasn't the main reason why I didn't want to leave this land so soon, but something else. Something more personal…

A knock awoken me from my daydream as I got up and met face to face with Orochi, Kuchinawa's brother. He was always there for me and never really question too many things I do, so I appreciated him deeply when he came at this nervous time. I asked him to sit as he sat down on the mat provided near the low tables we had.

"Sheena, something is bothering you correct?" He asked in a concern voice as I sighed to myself. Kuchinawa, Orochi, and I had been close since we were young and he could read me like a book. I would have denied the fact that I was bothered, but Orochi and Zelos were two different people, so it was better to speak of the truth.

"Orochi, if you are stuck in two different paths, what would you do? What's the easiest way?" I asked, hoping that Orochi would know me enough to tell my situation without me even mentioning the whole thing. At least not the Zelos part of it…

"This might not be the best way, but it's the easiest way." Orochi went outside my room and came back with a bundle of daisies from the small garden. He placed them carefully on the table between us and handed me one. I stared in interest as he explained, "You forgotten already? Just put the option of both choices on a different petals and started picking them out."

I smiled sweetly at Orochi. "Of course I didn't forget. I just didn't remember as well." With the look on his face, I guessed he was satisfied with that answer as he left the room quietly without another comment. My answer was half true. I did remember but I thought there might have been another way to solve this problem without mere luck.

But I decided to give a try anyways. I picked off the first petal, "I do not love him. I do love him. I do not love him…" I kept on repeating the same pattern until the last petal was left and I ended up with "I love him". I shook my head, denying this fact any longer. I picked out another daisy and started doing the technique again, only finding myself having the same results. Not only after ten whole tries did I admit that I really do have feelings for that stupid Chosen.

Perhaps my mind still retained the picture of the stars in the sky or maybe just the fact that I could not fight with faith, but I started remembering this one conversation we had together. Zelos and I, of course. It was a while ago when I was sad and upset about the fact that the journey was coming to an end and deciding what I am going to do afterwards. Zelos, as the "nice" Chosen he was, came over to cheer me up.

"…" I was thinking by myself that day while the others were searching for some enemies to cool off. Never expected that someone would notice my sad face on, especially not him.

"Hey! Sheena! What are you doing moping around over there?" He asked in his usual cheerful voice that annoys me, but also the same one ringing in my ear when I go to sleep at night to taking a nice shower in the morning.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as I pretend not to notice. "Go away. I can't think when you're around." My answer was cold and harsh, but he should know by now how much I hate interruptions. Sometimes I think he already knew that, but does it anyway to get me annoyed. Getting me annoyed was one of his daily habits I would presume.

Either he didn't get the hint or he just ignored it. "Are you thinking of what is going to happen when this journey is over?"

"What?!" The question hit me hard, harder than I could ever admit. Could he really read my mind and hear my thoughts? Impossible, not the Zelos I know. And besides, if he could, he would have known how much I thought about him and understand my feelings. But he doesn't…

"I knew it." He said confidently and victoriously as if winning some kind of prize. Knowing him…it would end up to be another girl.

My face reddened at the thought of him and another girl. Not only that, but with all that confidence in his voice was just making me more madder. Thinking that he could read my mind was enough, but having the pleasure in doing so? "J-just shut up!" I pulled my shoulders away from his arm.

Persistent as he is, he now placed his hand over mines. "So what are you going to do?"

Ignoring this little embrace as well, I decided to answer honestly since he seemed to care for me for once. "I…we, the people of Mizuho, probably won't be able to stay in Tethe'alla."

"Cause you disobeyed the King's orders."

The answer he gave me was true. I did disobey the King's orders of assassinating Collete, but I could not give him the triumph of reading my thoughts correctly. "The people of Mizuho aren't attached to this land. We'll just have to find some place easy to live and live there quietly." This answer was true as well.

He paused for a moment, as if thinking of a way to make fun of me. But quite surprisingly, the answer was unexpected or at least, to me. "…You don't have to go." His hand tightened over mines and he moved closer.

"What?" Were my ears playing tricks on me? He actually wanted to me to stay?

"I'll find a place for all of you to live. I can do at least that much." He leaned closer to me as his voice became gentle than before. He was actually being nice…my cheeks reddened at how close we were at this moment as I peeked around to see if any of the others were spying on us.

"Zelos…" My words were smoother and calmer than before. I couldn't express in words how much I felt grateful to him right now. He cared for my village of Mizuho. But especially, he cared for me.

Suddenly he pulled away from me and started complaining, "I think that hot-headed idiot is growing on me. Eww, yuck!"

Wondering if this was a sign of relief or disappointment, I pulled my thoughts together and ignored at how close we were a second ago and also the fact he barely made. "Zelos, can I…really believe you?" My question was filled with doubt since this must be a dream. What happened to the Zelos I knew so well?

"Huh? Yeah." He reassured me with a playful smile of his own. He wrapped his arm around me again and had this evil look on his face. "Just imagine yourself as have boarded on a mud boat and leave it all to me. In exchange, continue to pledge your loyalty to Zelos, the great Chosen! Hahaha!"

I knew it was too good to be true as I got up. Nope, nothing happened to Zelos. He was still there except it took him awhile to get back to his usual self. Not that I wanted the new Zelos anyways. Must have been the food I made this morning. With that last thought, I gave him my usual remarks. "…You idiot."

The frown on my face deepened. "Zelos Wilder, you liar. I knew it was better not to listen to you!"

"Sheena, my future sweet hunny, why the frown on your face?" I nearly jumped when I heard that voice. I turned around quickly with mixed feelings. The great "know-it-all" Tethe'alla Chosen was at my doorway, uninvited.

"I should have known. Only Mr. Zelos Wilder, the great Chosen, would come into a lady's room without knocking." I commented in my own sarcastic way. I usually only use his full name if I am really pissed.

He was wearing his usual outfit, from top to bottom just the way I remembered it. I also saw a letter in his hand with my name written neatly on it. Was it from him to me? Hoping would get me nowhere as my eyes darkened to face him once more. "I thought I told you not to look for me anymore…" I told him directly and coldly as always.

On purpose, I could see his attention away from my last statements and instead on the letter instead. I guess it was better not to talk about what happened this morning since it was definitely unfortunate and awkward. He straightened his posture for a second and spoke normally. "The King wishes you to be the emissary of peace between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. What do you think?"

My heart suddenly sank. It wasn't the fact that he was being nice, but the thought of the letter. "That is why you came here to see me today?" I asked, trying hard not to show the hurt in my voice.

"Yes, what else?" He answered me as it confirmed the longing in my deep heart. I quickly grabbed the letter from the gasp of his hand and read it quickly without speaking anymore to him. The letter clearly asked of me to become an emissary for Tethe'alla and nothing more. I could feel the ever disappointment inside. I was so sure that his goal this evening was an apology, to mull over lost memories. I had prepared myself for that, and even thought of several positive ways to make an excuse for it too. But of course, this wouldn't be Zelos. Breaking through the silent, Zelos asked quietly. "Are you really leaving for Sylvarant?"

Wondering if he was acting foolish, or just wanted to know for sure, I answered. "Yes…" His eyes still haven't left mines, the sparkle in his usual expression gone.

"But the King forgiven Mizuho…"

When he said those words, I just have to cut in. "It's not that. Remember that conversation we had a long time ago? We're not attached to the land…" He thought of something else to say and for a second, I assumed that he had given up on an argument. But I was wrong, as his eyes filled with excitement again.

"But you still kept your Reaird, right? You could always come back to visit right?" The questions kept on coming, but it was awfully impolite to refuse now. Especially this might be the last time I ever see him again.

"No…we're living quietly and become a future ninja clan to be proud of. Since I'm the chief, I have to stay with my village always and could not take time to visit." My voice was growing weaker with every word.

"So…you're saying…this is good-bye?" Small tears were developing in the corner of my eyes as I hastily wiped down away. I wouldn't allow myself to grow soft now, that's just not me. I would never let my feminine side be free now.

"I supposed so." The words were short and the finishing touch. The silent was too much to bear as I continued. "This also means I cannot be the emissary the King requires. I'm sorry." I placed the letter back into his hand as I looked away from him.

"Well, that's all I came here for. Good-bye, Sheena…" He walked out the door as I stared after him. My heart wanted to call him back and asked him not to leave me here and take me with him. But my mind knew that doing this was selfish. Too selfish of me… My whole village was counting on me and I could not leave them for a Chosen, which doesn't even returned my feelings.

Not long after Zelos left, Orochi came back in to inform me of the departure soon. "Sheena, I hope the Chosen did not disturb you. He was very persistent in meeting you." I nodded to show him that I was ok. "I was wondering for awhile now…if you're interested…since we're such close companions…" He was stammering as my face grew with curiosity.

"What?"

"If you haven't found a spark for someone already, I was thinking… I know the Igaguri style wouldn't allow this until I know for sure you return the same feelings…but…" Our faces brightened red at the same time. I hid the fact that I was sad at the quick departure of Zelos, but maybe he wasn't the one I was looking for. Maybe the person I was looking for was here the whole time…

"Orochi… I'll think about it." I gave him a small smile before he left me alone by myself again. I picked up some of my clothing and started packing them up. There were so many items valuable to me, and I could not take them all. Perhaps leaving some of them behind might not be a bad idea.

Suddenly, at the corner of my eye, I saw a book lying near Corrine's bell as I picked it up. This was a book that provide the teachings of my culture and of the new style as well. I flipped through the pages, each held a piece of my past. Then, as I ended at the last page, there was merely a flattened rose in there to last forever. Touching the very skin of it brought shivers down my spine.

"Thanks for the help on the Summon Spirit, Sheena!" All of the people at the Research Institution said at the same time, bringing redness to my cheeks. I waved good-bye to them as I left for the nobility part of town. I always wanted to visit that part of town since I heard that there were lots of nice gardens there.

The gardens didn't disappoint me one bit. It was beautiful! There were no other words in the world to describe it; it was absolutely beautiful! Everyone always said that I didn't act much as a female my age should especially Tiga sometimes. I sighed at this thought as I held the soft petals of nearby tulips in my hand. I might not be so feminine sometimes, but that didn't mean I don't enjoy some things other ladies do.

There were a parade of girls walking by, one even gave me a weird look as I still continue to kneel and watched the flowers. I didn't care much for royalty girls or those who think they're all that. Always on my guard, I grabbed the nearest card I had with me and aimed it at whoever was spying on.

"Don't need to be so rough!" He commented as I put it away and turned my attention to the flowers, ignoring the crimson hair male behind me. "A daisy, a tulip, even a rose perhaps?"

Trying to ignore the distraction, I still kept my eyes on the tulips before me as he knelt down by my side. The crowd of girls seemed to have left as I finally faced him. "Is there a particular reason why you are here?" I asked in a very rude voice as he gave me a carefree smile.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Maybe I don't want to know."

He laughed at this comment as if I was telling a joke. My patience was growing thin as he continued with his one-way conversation. "You are more lovely when you're cruel. My name is Zelos, I'm assuming your name is Sheena?"

This got my attention as I tilted my head to the side in curiosity. "How do you know my name?" I asked, wondering if there was really a big "SHEENA" sign on my head or something.

"If there was something or someone I want to know, nothing could stop the Great Zelos." He answered. That still didn't give me any ideas how he knew my name, but I decided to let it slip. The name Zelos was awfully familiar though…

"Since you know my name already, I guess I don't need to introduce myself. I'll be off now, Mr. Zelos." I got up and was about to leave when he grabbed hard to my arm, not letting me take another step.

"Sweetheart, a present from me to you." He pulled out a rose as I gasped at the sight of it. Without delay, I grabbed the red rose from him. It took me awhile to realize that this rose was from him, as I quickly handed it back. "What's wrong? Are you too good for roses?"

"No…we barely met…I don't accept presents from strangers…" I explained quickly to him.

"I'll show you around in my home tonight and soon enough, we're not strangers anymore." I did not like the slyness in his voice when he said "strangers anymore" as I raised an eyebrow. This guy was trying to hit on me…and unfortunately, I wasn't the type to fall for it.

"We barely met." I repeated myself, trying to give him a hint.

"You don't believe love at first sight?" He asked me as I stared at this guy in disbelief. Does he not take a hint? Maybe using words was not enough for this guy.

"Why roses?" I questioned, trying to change the subject. He placed the rose in the palm of my hand again as if it was a prize of some sort as he grinned at me again. That smile was starting to bug me…

"Because you're as beautiful and as young as this rose, but you're also hot-headed and tough that symbolized for the thorns as well. So do you believe love at first sight?" I felt the anger rushing to my face, but knew I must hold it back for the sake of the people in my village. What will they say if they knew I beat up some random male who is trying to flirt with me?

"I'll tell you if there is a next time we meet. Good day to you." I turned my back to him and leave. Soon enough, I was out of that section with relief as Corrine appeared again and jumped on my shoulder.

"You're not going to see him again, are you? That guy is a player!" Corrine commented as I merely shrugged. Maybe I do…maybe I don't.

"Don't worry about me, Corrine. I'll try to avoid him next." I gave him a small before he disappeared again. Even though I said those words, my hand was still gripping tight on the rose and kept it for keepsake. It was the first time someone ever gave me a flower, especially a rose, even though his comparison with the rose and it did anger me.

The next day, I was happily walking with Corrine to the Research Institution but as I opened the door, Corrine already disappeared. This did not surprise me since Corrine disliked this place and this was to be expected. But what I didn't expect when I went down the basement was the same crimson-haired tall guy in there as well. Did he follow me here? Impossible since it seemed he came here before I did.

Hoping he didn't see me, I turned around and left the place since I did tell Corrine that I would avoid him the next time I see him. So…he's the Chosen. I figured that out when I saw the Cruxis Crystal he showed the people in the basement. This was really surprising since I always heard that the Chosen was unique, but never expected to be the same male that gave me that rose.

Taking a nice walk to clear my mind, he managed to catch up to me as I tried to ignore his existence. I was quite good at this, but he was better. We continued walking in silence until I couldn't take it anymore and insisted an answer. "Why are you following me?"

"No need to be all reckless already, my future hunny."

"I'm not being reckless! And I'm not your future hunny!"

"Heh, whatever. Just thought I asked you a favor. You're from Mizuho right?" He asked me, and with that shocked look on my face, he continued. "People from Mizuho are trained for their fighting style right? And with that exsphere on you, I'm guessing you're really skilled at that right?"

My eyebrows rose at this theory coming from the Chosen, but at the same time, my redness reached my cheeks at this compliment. But trying to not be too soft, I stiffened up a bit. Never showing my weak side, and instead, with my tough side, I stared at him straight in the eye. "Your point is?"

He chuckled, the natural one without the slyness into it. "If Tethe'alla was in trouble, you would do anything to save it right?" Of course, my answer was obvious as I found myself listening to the King and the Renegades about how I should deal with my journey to an unknown land. Before leaving, I already said good-bye to everyone in Mizuho even though I was never too close to anyone there and the people at the Elemental Research Laboratory. But there was still one person left I wanted to say good-bye to.

Knowing him, he was somewhere in this palace since he was the Chosen after all. My mind was made up, it was just a small good-bye and nothing more of the sort. I did not have feelings for him, I could not allow myself to think that. I barely met him, how could I have feelings for him?

At a glimpse of red, I was about to come out and say farewell. But he was too busy talking to some girls in the castle, the maids I would presume, to notice I was standing right behind him. With all my strength, I went straight to the Renegades waiting outside for me. Maybe assassinating the Chosen and going to this unknown world of Sylvarant wasn't such a bad idea. For one thing, I won't have to see him for a long time.

Putting the book away as well as all my other belongings, I attempted a smile to myself. Ever since that day, I always wanted to avoid him to a fault and whenever I heard the word "Meltokio", I always froze in thought. I hated him so much at that point and when Lloyd and his group decided to go back to Meltokio, I immediately wrote a letter and made an excuse to go back to Mizuho. But as things turned out, I met him once more.

"Sheena, it's time to leave." I could hear my grandfather called out for me as I grabbed all my items. Zelos was my first crush and only, and still the person my heart wanted a hold of. But I decided to leave anything that reminded me of him, except for one thing…the rose.

Ending Notes: End of chapter 2. I promised that I wrote this chapter longer than the first and I did. Mostly this chapter dealt with past memories before she leaves this land and Zelos. Not too much action in this chapter yet. The fluffiness will probably come in chapter 4, I think. Why did I think of the idea of Zelos as Sheena's first crush? Well, some things I noticed during my third time through the game is how Sheena is always "in a bad mood" when she hears anything that has to do with Chosen of Tethe'alla or Meltokio. Another evidence is her "blushing" before the group entered Meltokio for the first time. About the rose thing, just some evidence I found in the game about how she loves flowers. With all the evidence, I just added more of my imagination. Enough of this explanation already. Next chapter, Sheena will receive a very odd dream and meet two old friends before she leaves. Little did she knows, both of these events would change her future plans forever. Thanks! Love you all. And don't forget to review!