Note To Readers: I could only work on this chapter at times in the weekend so it might take longer than usual. The more schoolwork I get, the longer it takes. How much I wish my life was revolved around fanfiction but it isn't so I have other things to do as well. But at the very least, I got the newest chapter done as well as my Colloyd one-shot. First, review responses like always.
Willow-189:
Good short review that gets right to the point. Thank you so much!
Falyse:
I know the feeling as well. If it is confusing, just tell me! I always need improvements! Really? I'm looking forward to your next chapter. AP classes…you're not the only one. I'm not saying myself, but I will have to do it next year or so. Hey! I'm younger than you are! Thank you!
Royjoy:
I know, she would but she doesn't. Love is so confusing! Imagination is good, even if half the time it's not what you expected it to be. But unexpected chapters are my favorites! Thank you for the review!
FireEdge:
We're on the same boat, very emotional people. I know…poor guy…evil writer… Let's see what happens, I don't think it's very predictable though. Thanks for the support!
Michelle of the Night:
I know, I thought last last chapter was really sweet too. I'm not sure about Colette and Regal yet, actually I am but I can't reveal that yet. Thanks for all the reviews!
Cardmaster372:
Like always…I appreciated that. Well, it is one of my favorite skits and I had to find one with Sheena, Lloyd, and Zelos to make sense. Did you catch how I didn't put any names in the dialogue? (Hint hint) Thanks for the encouragements!
Jellybeanz225:
You know we have the same opinion. I really do like the new innocent Zelos more but this is Sheena, not me. Really? Well, I really do love this couple so yeah… I'm still shocked to see this fic in so many favorite lists (I still find those who never review put my fic in their favorites…ok…). Thanks for everything!
Houyoku [5]:
You're right; I'm a serious writer. Well, I do love writing in first POV and it helps with the thoughts too. Christmas Carol! Hehe, I didn't think of that until you mentioned it. I know awkward…really awkward but it fits right in. You put my fic in your favorites! I am so honor! As well as author favorites. (faints) (wakes up) Thanks!
Frozen-Harpie-Mimi:
Fluffy! I love fluff! Cliffhangers are always good in my opinion. But it does get annoying when it takes forever to write the next chapter (bad me with Insights). Right to the point, thank you!
Sheelos fan:
Powerful writing, I hear it so many times when I look through reviews for other fics and I'm glad this is used for mines! No suggestions? It's ok, thanks for continue reading.
Sekana Katama:
I'm going to get more cookies for you, don't worry. You're going to update your fic soon right? Thanks!
A fan:
I never get writer's block, sorry to disappoint you. But if I take a long time to update, that just means I don't have enough time or working on some other fic or one-shot. Thank you!
Lor:
Funny isn't it? It wouldn't be if it was one of us, but nevertheless I just have to put that in. Probably I will finish this one first then upload the other one later. Thanks for the review.
WARNING: If you don't like fluff, or romance, or even anything do with it, then why are you even reading this? (wave sign) Fluff!
A Separate Link
Chapter VII: Jealousy Spewing
By Potter29vo
(Zelos's POV)
The two young girls were hugging tight to each other, glad to see each other once more. I was happy too at the moment to see this sight in front of me and also knowing I did the right thing. It felt good to do the right thing; the feeling that could bring you million of daisies and you wouldn't care to pick even one of them. One of the innocent girls thanked me heavily before giving me a small wrapped gift. She said she picked it up somewhere and I hope it might be useful one day to me.
I watched as the two girls head on home before looking at the building I was so close to entering. The Renegades…or at least that what the girls said. So this is where you could get Rheairds and go to this place called Tethe'alla. I really wanted to go there but I know Sheena will never forgive me if I did. I decided to just walk around and to explore the area for quite a bit, not too long to worry Sheena though. I barely knew her, but with the vision I barely saw moments ago, I knew she was a hotheaded person and someone not to be mess with.
Grinning to myself, I was somewhat pleasant at this thought. A more hotheaded chick was much more interesting to conquer over. I gasped at the thought I barely received. Was that me just now? Did I actually think of that? I couldn't understand all these changes I was receiving just after the first vision.
The old Zelos would want to stay here. Sheena's voice was echoing through my mind once more. What did she mean by that?
You can do all sorts of things to them and as much as you like. These words were coming back to me from that vision once more… what was I like before? Did I really change that much?
Zelos barely said that he's the one who had his hand on your butt! The voice of that male came back to me as well. Would I actually do that? Or was he really flaming me?
I could only pace around in front of the Renegade's base thinking about this when my head started to impair again. Not again! I held on firm to it, not willingly to let go or it might blow up any second. I stared around the area; everything was blurry once again. Not again…
(Third POV)
Zelos was making sure that no one was looking around, as he quickly slipped through the room and then to a guard. Zelos gave one nod as the guard as he walked inside. "Hello Yuan." Zelos greeted as a blue-haired man turned and face him. Like always, his hands were wrapped around his arms.
"Ah, Chosen. You came to give me the information is that right?" He asked as Zelos nodded. He walked and sat down, relaxing in his seat as Botta walked in and whispered something into Yuan's ear before exiting again.
"Right on schedule, isn't it? What have you gotten for us? Ever since you've been keeping tabs on Lloyd for us, nothing out of the ordinary right? I mean you brought them to exactly where we wanted." Zelos looked around nervously.
"Yup, Sheena made the pact with the Summon Spirit of Ice barely yesterday. We only have a few more seals to go. I'll make sure they don't change their minds in the middle of the journey. Right, bud?" He asked as Yuan turned him a mad glare.
"Don't call me that or I'll make sure that Mizuho guardian pay." He threatened. It was now Zelos's turn to give Yuan a livid glare.
"You wouldn't dare! Then who would help you release all the seals?" Zelos thought he had Yuan, but he found himself mistaken.
"We're not going to kill her, there's lots of other ways of torture…" Yuan stopped there as Zelos felt like he could beat up this guy for all his worth for talking that way about Sheena. She was the one he cared about the most.
Lloyd was always nice to him and his respect toward Lloyd was deep. Colette was friendly and sometimes clumsy, but always happy to help. Raine could get a bit scary sometimes, but whenever they needed her for healing, she's always there. Sure Genis was a snotty know-it-all brat, but he was a terrific cook and magic-user. Regal was like a father figure to everyone, and nevertheless peaceful. Presea might look like a 13-year-old but her mind always thought ahead of everyone and very wise. He could just leave the Renegades on their own for saying that!
Yuan noticed the look on Zelos's face as he swiftly turned his side to Zelos. "Of course we wouldn't hurt your little girlfriend." Zelos loosened up a bit but still furious all the same.
"You better not." Zelos turned on his heels and left the room. He took his Rheaird and headed back to Flanoir.
He was heading up the steps when no one other than the attractive Sheena blocked the path. He tried to beam and look innocent when she glared at him with such madness. He could only think of how much better she looked when she's mad like this. "Zelos! Where were you? Everyone was worried about you!" She cried out loud as Zelos smirked.
"Even you?" He brought up as her cheeks flushed, but she replaced it with deadly eyes.
"Whatever! Get up here and explain!" She yanked on Zelos's hair and pulled him up the steps. He couldn't help but noticed her shaking body while she walked. If only he could be with her for one day…if only she could spend one whole day with him as someone more than a friend…he would not regret anything. He wouldn't mind spending that day in the bedroom either.
She must have noticed the dreamy look on his face as she pulled even harder. "Stop daydreaming!" She exclaimed, still pulling the poor Chosen through the halls.
"Yes I was. I was dreaming of you and I could only imagine how you would look like with your clothing off." Zelos smirked as the redness reached her cheeks once more. She didn't answer as she pushed him into a room.
Inside, everyone was looking up at him as he could feel all eyes on him. Instead of happiness that he returned, everyone started to question him madly especially Raine and Sheena. After awhile, everything started to settle down as one by one, they left the room. Apparently, this is his room now.
He couldn't help but glare as Sheena and Lloyd talked while leaving the room. He was heavenly relieved when Colette talked to Lloyd, and who happened to not notice Sheena talking to Lloyd first. Sheena didn't look too happy now as Colette started to apologize. How much Zelos wished he could be in Lloyd's place! But then, he would lose all his good looks…and that wouldn't be worth it. Would it?
Zelos looked outside his window…Sheena would pick Lloyd over him any day… why would he even think of her ever trying to be with him? It was all dreams…created by the hopes in his mind. All a dream and nothing more. If only he could be another person, someone more worthy of Sheena…
(Zelos's POV)
My eyes fluttered open as I saw a familiar face looking back at me. It was Sheena. She must have went all the way out here to look for me, and from the look on her face, she was worried, tired, and frustrated at the same time. I felt so sorry for not obeying her orders now. I was about to apologize when I laid my eyes on the person next to her.
It was the person I bumped into earlier! The male with the two swords! Anger was brewing through my mind as I got up to my feet, my eyes dangerously on him. He was the boy in my vision…he was the one who tried to take Sheena away from me. Hatred soon blinded my eyes and before I knew it, I gave him a punch to the eye, one he would never forget.
He stumbled backwards, shocked at the action I barely made. He fell down to the ground, holding onto his face. I gave him no pity. I was just too angry right now. Sheena gasped and went over to help him up. I hated this. Why is she always on his side?
"Noishe, that's what you get for-" But before I could continue my sentence, I got a slap to the face. It really didn't hurt, not until I knew it was from Sheena. My heart ached…my mind raced and soon enough, my feet went with it.
(Sheena's POV)
WHY? Why did I do that? I collapsed to my legs, regretting for what I had done to him. I shouldn't have let my anger reached to me and slapped him that hard. I just don't get why he was so worked up? Why did he had to punch Lloyd like that? I could only watch him ran away as I buried my head in my knees already, tears filling the gaps.
Lloyd watched me for a moment before realizing what barely happened through all this time. He knew what he must do. Despite the punch to the eye he received, he ran after Zelos as I watched him run away as well. What had I done??? Why can't I control my temper?
(Zelos's POV)
I don't know where I'm running to…or where I will end up but I knew I just have to get away from Sheena and that boyfriend of her. I shouldn't have punched him like that though. She was rightfully his. I stopped, panting for breath as I could feel footsteps rushing behind me.
If it was Sheena, I was going to keep on running again. But it wasn't. It was him… If I weren't in a bad mood, I would have laugh at the black eye I gave him. He didn't seemed to care that I was irritated, irritated enough to give him another punch to the face or even murder him with a sword I had no idea what to do with. He seemed calm for a fellow who was facing the person who barely gave him the black eye earlier, but who wouldn't be confident with two swords by his waist? He must be skilled to want my Sheena.
He scratched the back of his head, wondering what to say. Finally, he stepped forward, noticing that I did not even flinch at this reaction. "Zelos…I think…It's all a misunderstanding! We're supposed to be best friends! Or in your language, buds!" He tried to persuade me but I didn't buy it. Or not until he could prove it.
"Buds huh? Why would my best friend, or that's what you call yourself, would want to steal the person I love the most?" The question left my mouth before I could hold it back. "Steal" was a harsh word, but I was in no mood to use a different language right now. There was an outburst on his face. He opened his mouth and tried to speak but failed.
I was sick of waiting for an answer as I turned around and about to leave when he finally got the nerve to converse. "Zelos, what are you talking about? You mean Sheena?" He was asking dumb questions now as I spun around and faced him.
"You know what I mean!" I exclaimed, annoyed at all this.
His face brightened up immediately. "Oh! You mean you think Sheena and I…we're…" A small blushed was found on his cheeks now. "Sheena is my pal, and you're my best friend. I would never do anything like that! Zelos, are you ok?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm not ok. I…it's…" I was lost in words now; my mind was unfocused. "How could I trust you?" I finally asked the question, hoping for the correct answer. Now that my mind had opened up a bit, he didn't look all that bad. He looked honest actually.
He suddenly pulled out a crystal from his pocket. It was of fine quality and familiar. "It's your Cruxis Crystal. You gave it to me as a proof of our friendship." He answered as he gave me the crystal.
I stared at it. "Our friendship…"
Barely finishing the words, my mind had gone crazy once more. Not again! He ran over and held onto my arm and keeping me from falling to the ground. Holding tight to my head, I knew the vision was coming. Something was coming…
"Zelos…I trust you." Words were echoing…
"Of course you can trust me! Just put your faith in me!" My own voice was ringing.
"Faith huh?" The same voice…
I tried to open my eyes but it just made it worst. The memories were trying to come out, it would not be kept in no longer. The male next to me was still holding onto me tight to keep me from collapsing.
"Why do you keep on pressuring me to eat?" The same voice was annoyed this time.
"It's because we're best buds!" The answer came happily.
Down I went, he could hold me no longer. It was as if my mind wanted me to go into another unconscious state and be dormant for a while.
"What am I to believe??? How could Kratos be my father??? How could it even be possible???" The voice seemed scared and nervous at the same time.
Then my voice shot in. "Hey calm down! Remember that I am by your side no matter what happens. We are best buds aren't we? And like Colette always said, you're still you! No matter what happens, you're still my bud."
"I'm still…me?"
"And besides, look at what he has done for you! He saved you from that attack, didn't he? Look!"
"He did…Thank you Zelos…" There was another pause and some footsteps. "Thanks, but I still can't call you father yet…"
My head was still hurting but I was getting used to it now. It's not going to be too long now. It's almost vanishing.
"Zelos, are you sure you want to go on this journey with me?"
"Pretty sure, but I have to first do some business in Meltokio first. Probably going to take another two weeks or so. Wait for me ok?"
"Sure…if you say so…I'll wait for you."
There was no vision this time. All were the voices in the deepest part of my mind. I looked up as the male pulled me up to my feet as I rubbed my head. He checked at me for another minute or so before having the courage to say anything. "Are you really ok? I mean you just blacked out there." I recognized that voice now. It was the same voice that had all those conversations with me.
"Yes…you indeed are my friend. Then you and Sheena…"
He sighed once more, irritated by this conversation already. "I don't like Sheena! We're pals. That's all!" I seemed satisfied with the answer as the atmosphere around us began to turn normal once more. It took a while to realize that one of us was missing. "We should probably go get Sheena now." He suggested as I nodded in agreement.
We were about to go when we heard a "No need to" as Sheena appeared on top of a strange animal, and went towards our location. I smiled in joy as she stopped the animal in front of me. I walked over to the side of the animal as she reached down for my arms before getting off the creature. We stared at each other's eyes, as she held on tight to my neck, both of us lost in the other as if we haven't seen each other in a million years or so.
The male coughed a few times before I finally dropped her while both our cheeks flushed at the same time. The greenish animal went to the male's side and nuzzled against his arm before watching the two of us with its eyes. I wondered who this creature is since I could tell immediately that I had seen it once before.
Sheena was the first to hug me this time, holding on close before apologizing. "I'm sorry, Zelos. I didn't mean to hit you like that. Forgive me…"
I shook my head in reply. "It is I who should apologize. I was careless and hotheaded. I shouldn't have done what I did."
Sheena gave a small laugh before pulling away. "You shouldn't apologize to me, Zelos. It's Lloyd who you should apologize to." She glanced at the male standing next to the creature as I dropped my jaw in shocked.
"But…if he's Lloyd…then who is Noishe?" Lloyd couldn't help but laugh at this as I stared confused. Even Sheena was giggling at this question. What's so funny?
"Noishe is…" Sheena went over to the animal's side and patted him on the head. She looked back at me with the childish giggles in her eyes. "This guy. I really do love him." Lloyd had started laughing again.
"Don't hit Noishe now, Zelos!" Lloyd joked around as I walked over to Noishe and rubbed his fur. It was so familiar…
"Sorry Lloyd." I managed to say at last as he gave me a friendly gesture.
After things had settled down a bit, the three or four of us headed back to the mountains by foot since it seemed better for the moment. On the way there, Sheena had a serious face on and looked over at Lloyd. "Lloyd, you wanted to know what happened to Zelos don't you? And Zelos, you do want to know what happened to you right?" This caught both our attention.
"Sheena, what really did happen to me?" I asked in curiosity as she started to stare off at the sky. It had been the afternoon now. Noishe was following Lloyd patiently, listening as well. I wonder if he could understand us.
"That evening…that day you were cursed, Zelos…you came and visited beforehand and told me to be an emissary for the King." The two of us nodded before she continued. "I didn't know better and the two of us were in complete denial. So you just left…and I thought I would never see you again. That's what supposed to happen. But fate decided not and soon Presea told met the news of you in a coma."
Sheena paused as Lloyd and I exchanged anxious glances at each other. Who is or was Presea? That explained one thing though. When I barely woke up, I suddenly had this enormous urge to eat something. I guess being in a coma too long would make you extremely hungry. Noishe whined a little as I rubbed his neck, calming him down. Lloyd looked impressed now for some reason.
"I looked for you in Meltokio and Sebastian told me that you were with your half-sister, Seles, as Presea and I went to look for you. The next thing I know, we traveled to Sylvarant from Tethe'alla." I get it now… Tethe'alla was a different world that you need Rheairds to travel to. Now that explained the some more things on my mind. " My Grandpa or the Chief of Mizuho send you and I to Triet where we could get some free time. It was then I realized that you were not dead; you were breathing and alive. I told you that I…"
She suddenly stopped in the middle of the sentence. "You told him what?" Lloyd urged as Sheena's cheeks blushed immediately.
"I told Zelos that…I…" She was still red and couldn't say the words necessary to complete the sentence. She finally picked up the courage and spoke softly. "Love him."
Lloyd smirked at me as I still stood confused at the words she barely spoken. Was it true? She actually liked me more than a friend? Maybe I was just hearing things again, but it seemed too real to be fake or true. The blithe person I used to be was no more, hidden deep from the back of my head struggling to be free. The façade I held onto so tight when I was my old self was coming to haunt me once more. But the real question is: Does she love me or my older image?
Lloyd looked back and forth at the two of us, questioning the languor growing between the two of us. He was out of all this and at the same time, I felt sorry to drag him into all of this. The mess Sheena and I had caused, but he kept a strong face or was it another façade? I could not tell.
He smiled nervously as he was the first to break this stillness. "Then what happened?" Sheena jumped, barely realizing that Lloyd was in the room. Or from what I saw from all of this. Lloyd tried to lighten things up for us, and I highly appreciated but sometimes I wished that I could be alone with her…like right now.
Sheena gave Lloyd a tiny grin, knowing that she didn't want to disappoint one of her best friends as she continued. "He woke up…and Zelos knows the rest. He just didn't remember anything anymore." I noticed how she kept the part that I could still remember her out of this whole conversation. But why? The swordsman moved uneasily in his spot, either curious or frightened at the thought. If Zelos could be like that, that same person could have done it to anyone.
"Zelos…are you sure you can't remember who did it to you?" Lloyd insisted on as I closed his eyes and thought hard to remember. It was just so hard…it was so locked up in the back of his mind, fighting to get out.
A flash came across my eyes…the color purple…flashing violet eyes.
But nothing more came as I shook his head honestly as Lloyd sighed. The three decided it was time to go back to Mizuho before Sheena's grandpa get worried about her. Lloyd was about to leave with Noishe when Sheena held him back by grabbing his arm. I could already feel my jealousy building up again.
"Lloyd, it would be great if you could stay in Mizuho for a day or two. I mean you had been working too hard." Sheena insisted as Lloyd gave me a look instead.
"If it's ok with Zelos… I mean I did wait for him all this time." Lloyd answered, giving me a more sincere look. I couldn't take it any longer. He was my friend, he must be! Those voices I heard earlier were proof enough and it seemed Sheena trusted him enough. I trust Sheena, even if I couldn't to anyone else, I trusted her.
"It's alright, Lloyd. Nice to have your company." I said out loud cheerfully, but at the back of my mind these words were going through: Three is a crowd.
The Rheairds were going slowly with Sheena in the lead so Lloyd and I could "catch" up. I thought it would be nice to have a friend other than Sheena, but I couldn't help but not wanting Lloyd around. He might not like Sheena, but it's just a bit uncomfortable. He was the first to speak. "Zelos, I came to Triet, hoping to go to Tethe'alla to see what's the hold up. You promise to continue on our journey after you do some things in Meltokio but you never did." I didn't answer, not knowing what he was talking about. "But now I know why."
This I nodded to. "Lloyd…was I really that bad before?" The question had hurt me so much. How much she always said "the old Zelos". This must mean she wanted the old Zelos back. She even told the old Zelos she loved him! Knowing how much I loved her, I would leave all this behind and return to my old self if possible. This I would do.
(Sheena's POV)
Finally, everything was resolved. I was so glad that Lloyd and Zelos could get along once more even if I felt guilty for the black eye Lloyd has on now. Now, I must tell the Chief, I mean Grandpa, that Zelos had lost his memory and that he should be welcome in Mizuho. I wanted to be with him, I'm not going to make the same mistakes again.
Lloyd, Zelos, and I went into the new village. Most of the work was complete, or in Presea's word, 80% complete. It was enough to start our training already. Orochi was the first to find me. He didn't look too happy to see me though. "What was taking you so long? Sheena, everyone thought you had run off with the Chosen. Of course, I didn't believe it." I tried to carefully smile at him, hiding the embarrassment.
"Yes, there were some unexpected events that took longer. For one thing, Lloyd will be staying for the night." I went straight to Grandpa before Orochi could question me any longer. Lloyd and Zelos followed closely behind. I knew Orochi cared for me, maybe to a fault. I really do appreciate that.
I explained to my Grandpa in the shortest form possible of what happened as he listened without saying a word. He was getting weaker, I could see quite clearly, but I knew he was strong by heart. I would become the next leader of Mizuho soon and when that day comes, could I ever spend all this time with Zelos anymore?
Sometimes I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be in Lloyd's shoes and get to go all over the world to collect exsphere. Well, he couldn't now since Zelos was not in the condition to do so. Grandpa nodded at my suggestion for the new Zelos to stay with us as well as one-day rest for Lloyd. Now it was his turn to speak as he raised his eyebrows.
"But the Chosen does not remember to fight no longer, how are we supposed to train him?" Grandpa was right. Every men needed to train to be a ninja and if Zelos was to stay, he was no exception. I was to train most of the men to become a ninja already, and that's why I didn't want to have that break in Triet. Not that I regretted it though.
I thought for a long time before carefully speaking a plan. "He could work with the ladies… I mean how hard could it be to train him how to cook?" I asked out loud as Grandpa rubbed his chin. The Vice Chief was in the same room and turned over to talk to Grandpa.
"I think that's the best way for now." He added as I beamed. He was on my side this time.
"Yes, Tiga, you're right. Chosen…" But Zelos stood up and shook his head to Grandpa, disagreeing with his statement.
"Please, Chief, I am going to be a member of Mizuho. I do not wish to be called Chosen but Zelos instead." He insisted as Grandpa nodded in agreement. Lloyd grinned at Zelos, who returned it back. It seemed they worked everything out for the better.
"Sheena, I must speak to you before you go trained the young men the ways of a ninja with Orochi." I agreed as I obediently sat down now, relaxing at my home I missed already. It would wonderful to live here with Zelos in peace. Grandpa glanced over at the two males now. "Zelos, please go meet Kiki for more training in the kitchen to be done. Lloyd, please go on ahead with the Vice-Chief."
Zelos left first as Lloyd and Tiga followed. Grandpa was never too formal with me around. We were close and formality was nothing between us. I sat next to him now, as his face brightened with happiness. I was curious why. "Sheena, I'm growing old. As the successor to Mizuho, I want you to tell me everything on your thoughts. Do not keep it inside." I nodded, not daring to disobey.
"Grandpa, you're not old. You will keep on living." I told him. He gazed away from me and at the wall, thinking.
"I will, but my time is drifting away. The only person I would be concern about is you. When I am to pass away, I want you to live a happy life and bring Mizuho to its greatest." I agreed and he knew it without looking back at my face. "I know you might not be so ladylike, and I don't blame you. But one of these days, you would have to find someone you love and form a family."
The subject of marriage was a forbidden law not to be spoken of to the opposite sex except for the Chief. That was why Orochi was so nervous about it. It was a style they had kept for years for all inside of Mizuho. That was another reason why women always talk about the person they love among themselves when the men are not around. I never heard any of it though since my days were spend with the men. I am a summoner after all.
"Grandpa, I don't want to talk about this." I drifted away, but the determination on Grandpa's face told me everything I needed to know. He wanted this; he really wanted her to live happily so that he could close his eyes in rest.
"Sheena, is it because you already love someone already?" Grandpa knew it. He must have seen it ever since she wanted the unconscious Zelos to come to Sylvarant with them. He even told her about love is not blind! "You love Zelos, don't you?"
"I…I…" I was speechless.
"There's no denying it now. I could see it in your eyes, the way you look at him. You cannot fool me, Sheena. Then, why hesitate?" That was a tougher question than it sounded. I did hesitate and he was right that I should tell him my deepest feelings. If I let it go, everything will be for the best.
"The thing is what if the people of Mizuho don't respect him. I mean most of them don't even think I'm worthy of being your successor, Grandpa. What will happen if they saw Zelos?" I asked out the thoughts.
"Sheena…patience. Time will tell you the correct path. Is it that you doubt him, Sheena?" He asked another complicated question but I knew I must tell him the answers. The ones came from the heart.
"I don't doubt him, Grandpa. I doubt my decisions and myself. I had stop running away from my problems, but what if I caused more pain by not running?" The thoughts were overflowing and I knew I could not possibly tell him everything. This will have to do for now, I guess.
"Sheena, I believe you. He believes you and all your friends believe you. Isn't that enough? Or is it another problem?" He knew me too well. Maybe that's why I love him so much, the love between grandfather and granddaughters. He was not my real grandfather, but he felt like one all these years.
"Yes, that's not all I'm afraid of. What if I found out that I don't love him, but actually the one lost and trapped in his mind? What if I made another mistake?" Grandpa stopped me from continuing this any further with the wave of his hand.
"Sheena, we're all life beings. We all make mistakes. I trust that you will come with a way." I bowed my head to thank him before he dismissed me from the room. I left, and ready to train the young ones already. I was confident after that discussion. Maybe all of this will resolve within itself.
(Presea's POV)
The day was long already; the sun was drifting off the horizon and trading places with the moon. I was chopping wood, helping the elves build some of their broken buildings. The place was coming back to life and it was all thanks to Genis. I contributed very little, compared to what he did.
The inn was slowly growing in size as I continued to chop trees down with my axe while he used his magic to do other things. I did not see him much this morning, but we did spend little time together during lunch. We were exhausted and hardly talk to one another, but always exchanging happy thoughts. This place was going to be a better place for the elves.
I really did admire Genis and his determination to help these elves, which long ago wouldn't even let him go into the village at all. Now, they were relying on his help more than anyone else. I watched Genis as he talked to another elf about where which log should go where.
This was all so weird. The world is at peace, everyone is doing what they do best, and half-elves were slowly improving their status. Even the King with the help from Zelos was trying to make a world where everyone could live equally. In my opinion, it might take years and years to do so. Maybe one day there will even be discrimination towards another type.
I believed that the world could never be perfect, nothing is. One way or another, something bad is going to happen. I'm not saying that the world is hopeless; it is slowly regaining the position of the word "fair". Everyone is at peace and that's what I hope for.
"Presea, we need a couple of more logs!" The sound of his voice ringed through my ears as I hastily carried them to the two ahead. I helped them with their work, only once did I had accidentally touched his hand. His cheeks were almost as red as Zelos's hair and I knew my own were burning.
"Genis, you should take a break." I decided to bring up as he nodded in agreement, wiping his sweat with the back of his hand. I gave him a cloth instead as he took it thankfully. We walked together through the road.
"Presea, it is almost dinner. What do you want me to cook for you?" He asked, ready to cook. It didn't really matter to me.
"Anything is fine. All your dishes are elegant to eat." I honestly believed so as his cheeks flushed again. He looked up at the sky.
"Presea, it's only the two of us. It feels weird, isn't it?" He was already close to the inn, opening the door for me to enter. I went in gratefully, thinking about the same question. I couldn't remember the last time we were alone.
"Not exactly. Just different." I came up with this statement as he already set up, ready to cook. It seemed he is making spaghetti today as I sat, watching the fire burn. Life was too peaceful to be taken for granted. We extended the life of the world, for the best or for the worst, I do not know. All I know is we have to use our time wisely for the future.
"Yes, that's true. We don't see Raine trying to cook or Regal trying to pick up the spoons with his handcuffed hands." He said thoughtfully as he added ingredients in the noodles.
I smiled as well. "The lack of noise between Sheena and Zelos is also highly disturbing as well." Genis gave out a small chuckle at the thought of those two trying to fight each other.
"We don't have to hear Lloyd complaining about random stuff or Colette trying to get Lloyd to settle down either." The two of us were both happily thinking now of those moments. Genis sighed at last. "I missed those days."
"I do as well." I admitted as he placed the spaghetti in my container while putting into his last. We could still remember the days spend by a fireplace, just thinking among ourselves trying to avoid all the noise between Sheena and Zelos as well Lloyd.
"Genis, do you ever regretted that all of the things we did were meaningless? I mean the world might be dying right now or just go into another situation." These thoughts were bothering me a lot, and thinking them over was not helping. It was better to tell a close friend like Genis.
"No, I don't. I'm happy that the world could last a little longer. And even if something was to happen to the world years from now, there would be someone like Lloyd and us to stop it from happening." I was convinced at this as I ate my dinner quietly.
"Yes…"
After the two of us were finished, I noticed some spaghetti sauce still left on his cheek as I pulled out the cloth earlier and wiped it. He didn't noticed before I did and was highly embarrassed. "We will always look out for each other, right?" He asked me, as I put the cloth away. He should have knew the answer by now mainly after all we've been through on the journey.
"Yes, we have each other."
(Sheena's POV)
Night was diminishing and the whole day was filled with training. The younger ninjas were improving before my violet shaded eyes, as I felt lucky to have trained them. Everyone had respected me now especially after the tranquility lasting throughout the world. It was a great feeling indeed particularly knowing that my summoning abilities helped a lot. Lloyd was helping some men, rebuilding some more buildings and away from our ninja training. The Vice Chief was keeping an eye on Lloyd, carefully not letting him see any of our secret ninja style.
At the end of the day, all I want to do is go to my room and rest. I ate dinner quickly and hopefully, Zelos did too. Exhaustion came to me as I entered my room. They decorated exactly how I remember it, thanks to Grandpa. But there was one difference. There were two beds instead of one, knowing that Zelos was sharing the room with me now.
I rested for a while on the bed before taking off my lavender clothing off, leaving the white undergarments on. I could do this in my room, but could not do this outside though. It was a rule that females are not aloud to wear undergarments without any other clothing. I really didn't mind, as I left the window open for the wind to pick up my hair. The graceful wind dancing through every strand of my dark indigo hair as it went through to refresh the room.
The sliding door opened as I watched Zelos walked in and was caught be surprise at my appearance. "Sheena, I didn't expect to see you in here before I did." He brought up, as it was my turn to take the element of surprise. Of course…he was the new Zelos now. The old one would have went- "Damn Sheena! You look even more voluptuous without that clothing off. Maybe you should wear like that everyday." Something I still haven't got used to.
"I came in here to rest for a bit. I'm so tired." I complained, knowing that he would not take advantage of me. He was not the same anymore and I could loosen up a little bit. He went over by my side, placing his hand carefully on my bare shoulder.
"Sheena, I learned a little bit about sewing today." He announced out loud as I had the most uncomfortable feeling in the world. I never learned how to sew. I did learn how to cook with the other ladies of Mizuho but that slowly drifted away when Grandpa knew I was a summoner. That was so long ago…too long.
I was to be a proper lady and learned all the housework, but I knew little of it. I had trained like a ninja and with spelled cards for so long that I had sometime forgot my feminine ways. This would brought shame to my parents if they were still alive somewhere. Ever since I trained with the males of the village, I had distant myself from the females. Then the incident with Volt brought my distance to the entire village.
Zelos caught me off guard, and held my shoulder tighter. It wasn't enough to hurt, but enough to bring me back to reality. "Sheena, are you alright?" I nodded, thinking how foolish I must have looked when I dozed off like that.
"Zelos, what do you think of Kiki and the other girls that helped you?" I decided to ask, wondering what he will say.
"Well, they're all so stunning and calm in their own ways. I'm getting to know them pretty well. In about a week, I should fit right in. I even remember some of their names!" I could feel sadness reaching every part of my body, and then jealousy came afterwards.
"You sound delightful." My voice was low and not all enthusiastic.
"Of course! Everything is so new to me and the ladies are absolutely gorgeous and helpful!" I couldn't take anymore of this. I pulled his hand off of my shoulder roughly, got up, turned my heels, and went out the door.
He followed promptly, and grabbed my arm to stop me from stomping off somewhere away from my place in Mizuho. We were just outside the building that was my room, the spot where he stopped me. I turned around. "Zelos, it's ok! I'm fine!" I cried out as he stared at me straight in the eye.
"You certainly not ok! Look at how angry you are! You are fuming at the spot!" He argued as I turned my face away from as if disgusted. But I wasn't, I was just…jealous!
I turned around and faced him fiercely. "I don't need you to tell me that! I don't need your pity!"
He wasn't even shaken by my reaction. He stood firmly in his spot, keeping his face tranquil. His blue eyes were sparking in the moonlight as silence followed the next few minutes. "I don't care if you don't me." He spoke softly and calmly. "The thing is I need you."
The words were so sweet to my eyes as I couldn't help but keep my emotions inside any longer. "I would lie if I said I don't need you either…" I said slowly as his face brightened.
"Then, why did you say that a few minutes ago?" He questioned me this. I didn't want to reveal my emotions but when I looked into his face, I knew I could not keep my secrets away any longer.
"Because…I was mad that you were talking about other woman besides me…" I admitted.
He placed both hands on my shoulders, weighing me down a little. "You were jealous?"
I shot a livid look at him the moment he asked me that. "Of course I was jealous! Wasn't that why you hit Lloyd today?" My questions were a little to the extreme, but that's how I felt. He knew it as well.
"Yes, I was jealous too." He admitted as well. Silence once more.
I breathed calmly now until I took enough courage. "Really?" I asked weakly as he nodded as if his voice was hushed. His gaze was to the floor now. I smiled mentally until I realize what this all means. "I'm glad you're jealous because of me. No one has ever did that for me before."
He raised his head when he heard this, our eyes linked again. "I'm not sure about then, but now, I'm also glad you would be jealous over me as well." Our smiles were united by this word call "jealousy".
"Of course you would be glad I'm jealous over you! It's not something I would do everyday you know!" I exclaimed as he chuckled at my comments. I was more confused than ever.
"You will now." He said it in a seductive voice as he wrapped his arms around my hips, pulling me closer to his body. He was about a few inches taller than me as I placed my head gently on his chest, feeling the tension of his body going up and down. His breathing over me as his heart pounded to my ears.
I looked up and wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling his smooth red locks of hair through my slender fingers. I leaned my head upwards as he did the same downwards. I wanted this moment for ourselves, a moment beneath the moonlight and with only good memories from it. I want to feel the new Zelos's lips, and how it is to press mines against it.
The match was almost complete and my anxiety was growing when I heard a "Oops, I came at the wrong time." We untangle ourselves from each other, only finding Lloyd a few feet away with two bowls of hot soup in his hands. He looked like he had seen a ghost.
"Lloyd, soup for us?" Zelos gradually asked as Lloyd handed over the bowls to Zelos.
"I came at the wrong time, I hope I didn't ruin anything." Lloyd apologized as he left. With all my heart, I wanted to shout at him and tell him how he had ruined that moment but I couldn't get myself to do it. At least, not in front of the new Zelos.
We finished our soup hastily since it was getting late and as we went inside, Zelos gave me a small peck on the cheek. He hugged me tight before whispering. "I love you, Sheena."
I could have said it back. I wanted to say it back to him. I really do, but instead my mouth chose the words for me. "T-Thanks." He didn't comment and went to his bed. But I knew I saw the hurt in his eyes before he closed them for the rest. My heart was beating calmly again as I watched the Linkite Tree outside my window. Why is it so hard to say, "I love you" all of a sudden? I have to investigate that question so other time. For tonight, it was time to rest.
Ending Notes: My longest chapter in this fic yet! If this chapter was weird in any sort of way, it's because I was listening to Sheena's (or actually Shihna's) theme song while writing this. Inspirations from quotes and music! It helps too! Why Sheena? Why are you doing this to poor Zelos? Will they ever get that kiss? Lloyd might or might not be around for the entire fic, but he will guaranteed be in the end though. Next chapter, Sheena finally get some interesting interactions from the females of her village. R & R, love you all. And the usual NO COOKIES OF YOU if you don't review.