Once again, I was sidetracked from this story... What with all the work at school, having to finish my Halloween costume, and going to a wrestling match a couple of weeks ago, I just haven't had the time. But now... I am updating! And I know that you're all sooooo happy about it! (grins)
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Colette: (?) Why don't you get home until night?
Zelos: ...Hmm... if you'd like me to show you, I'll be happy to educate you tonight.
Sheena: (blush)
Zelos: (sweatdrop) It was just a joke! Don't get jealous now, Sheena. (hearts!)
Sheena: ...You've got to be kidding me!
Colette: (?) Why is Sheena upset?
Raine: You'll understand when you're older.
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Disclaimer: I own a lot of things in life... but do you know what I don't own? Tales of Symphonia stuff, and songs by the Ramones.
The Quest for True Love
(Chapter V: Misunderstandings – Mizuho)
"This is not going to end well, this is not going to end well, this is not going to end well..."
And such were the words being repeated in Sheena's mind as she and Zelos approached the 'hidden' village of Mizuho. The Chosen was looking around in wonder, taking in the exact location of the village that so few people knew about. "I should have blindfolded him or something..." Sheena muttered under her breath, watching Zelos as he noted landmarks down in his mind.
Zelos was suddenly torn away from his thoughts, "What did you just say?" he asked.
Sheena shook her head, "Nothing... just talking to myself," she replied, looking ahead at her home village that was now in view. Her eyes shifted towards Zelos, who was staring out into space... most likely fantasizing about the new hunnies awaiting him in Mizuho. "Heh... I hate to admit it, but I'm impressed that he's managed to suppress the urge to prance towards town while shouting 'I'm coming my Mizuho beauties'..."
"Whoa!" Sheena froze at Zelos' spontaneous exclamation, "I didn't even notice how close we were!" a grin spread across his face, and he flounced cheerfully towards Mizuho as he chanted, "I'm coming my Mizuho beauties!!"
A sweatdrop appeared on the back of Sheena's head as she watched Zelos go ahead of her. "I should have known that he just wasn't paying attention..." She then began to run after Zelos, "Hey, wait up!"
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Upon entering the forbidden village, Zelos and Sheena were greeted by Orochi. "Sheena!" he scolded, though he was staring at Zelos the entire time, "This is not the first time that I have had to remind you that outsiders are forbidden!" The strict Igaguri follower watched as Zelos approached a Mizuho maiden and began speaking flirtatious words. "Though... he does seem to be harmless to the culture..." Orochi trailed off.
"Don't worry, Orochi," Sheena assured, "He's the Chosen. He won't do anything to expose our village..." she then added under her breath, "That's the last thing on his mind." The summoner felt a sudden pressure against her ribs, "Ouch! Zelos!" she held her hand over the spot where Zelos had elbowed her, "What was that about?!"
Zelos leaned over and whispered in Sheena's ear, "Go for it!"
Sheena raised an eyebrow in confusion, whispering back, "...Go for what?"
"Him," the Chosen discreetly pointed towards Orochi, "That Mizuho guy clearly has a thing for you. Why else would he have just let you off the hook so easily about bringing in an outsider?"
Sheena looked towards Orochi, whom was still watching the woman that Zelos had been hitting on. The woman appeared rather flustered, torn between her beliefs and the chance of 'having fun' with one of Tethe'alla's most distinguished men – the Chosen. Sheena immediately recognized that Orochi must have been pondering as to whether or not Zelos' ways would intrude into the Igaguri beliefs, and so she objected, "Zelos, Orochi is deep in thought about a serious matter; something that you've never experienced."
Zelos exaggerated flinching, "Ooh... that's harsh, my violent banshee!"
Ignoring Zelos' words, Sheena stepped past the Chosen towards the chief's house, "I have to go and talk to Grandpa about bringing you here... so I'm trusting you to stay out of troub..."
"No worries!" Zelos interrupted while wrapping his arm around Sheena's shoulders, "I shall just stand here and watch the hunnies go by! Ooh... there's a fair-bodied lass right now!" Without further delay, Zelos strolled over to the beautiful young woman he had spotted and struck up a conversation, "My... Mizuho is such an authentic place; the ancient culture lives on, the nature is present, and the women are all so charming!"
The woman blushed slightly, "Oh... Thank you..."
Sheena sighed, watching as Zelos courted all of attractive Mizuho women, "He can try all he wants, but these women hold their traditions too close to run away with a man from Meltokio." She shook her head to herself before walking into the village's chief's house.
Zelos had now moved along the line of women to a young girl, "Hello there, cutie!" he greeted, wearing a sly smile, "How are you doing this fine day?"
The girl looked up at Zelos without any expression on her face, "Such unofficial flirting is forbidden in the Igaguri style, as well as romancing with outsiders... and pedophilia."
"Um..." Zelos chuckled nervously, "I-I wouldn't seriously hit on a little kid like you..."
"You flirting with me would be reverse-pedophilia. I am actually hundreds of years older than you. Image alteration is a very advanced ninja technique, which I have mastered."
Tethe'alla's Chosen cautiously stepped backwards while keeping a fake smile on his face, "That is... very... fascinating... I'm going to, um, go... over... there now..." he then quickly turned around and dashed towards the chief's house. "This place is creepy!" Zelos exclaimed as he burst through the door.
Sheena jumped in surprise, while her grandfather remained completely calm. "Zelos, do you mind?!" Sheena snapped, getting up onto her feet.
The chief laughed light-heartedly as he placed a comforting hand on the summoner's shoulder, "Don't get angry at the boy, Sheena," he turned his gaze towards Zelos, "So... you are the Chosen? It is an honour to have you visit us here at Mizuho." Zelos nodded sceptically, scrutinizing Sheena's caretaker while wondering whether or not he was using this supposed 'image alteration', too... Mizuho's customs were bewildering to the Chosen. The chief of the village looked to his granddaughter, "Sheena, please leave me to speak with the Chosen."
"S-speak with Zelos?" Sheena repeated, not quite understanding for what reason the chief desired to talk to Zelos. She quickly shook off the questions, "Um... okay, then." Sheena swiftly left the hut without any further inquiries. The moment that the summoner stepped outside, she was met by Orochi, "Ah... hello, Orochi," she said unsurely.
"Is the Chosen not with you?" he asked without any hint of emotion in his tone. Sheena merely nodded in response. "Why would you bring him here?" Orochi fired a more intense question at Sheena, to which she herself was unsure of the answer. Before giving her a chance to reply, Orochi warned, "He will bring nothing but trouble to you, Sheena. You of all people should know this."
Sheena took a step back in uncertainty, "Listen, Orochi... I'm just travelling with Zelos... I'm not planning on running away from the village and marrying him or something, if that's what you're worried about. The only reason I'm even with Zelos is to help him get over his obsession with women and find true love."
"But what if he finds that love in a forbidden place??"
"Forbidden place?" Sheena repeated enquiringly before comprehending that Orochi must have been referring to Zelos falling in love with her. The very thought made Sheena break into laughter, "You've gotta be kidding me, Orochi! Zelos wouldn't fall in love with me! I mean... even if by some crazy chance he did, I'd never be able to return his affection! I'm the successor of this village, and that comes first."
Orochi heaved a seemingly relieved sigh, "Oh, good. I mean... you're so different from the other women in the village, I just... Sheena, come. I want to speak with the chief about something!" Without awaiting Sheena's reaction, Orochi took a firm grip on her arm and pulled her into her grandfather's house. "Chief, may I have a word with..." Orochi's voice faded when he caught sight of both the chief and the Chosen in a fit of laughter.
"Oh, you devious player, you!" Sheena's grandfather exclaimed as he playfully nudged Zelos' shoulder, "All of that effort and you couldn't get anything out of it!" His own comment sent the elder man into more laughter.
Zelos snickered, "She's a challenge to woo, indeed!"
Sheena held her free hand up to her face and covered shade of red that was spreading across it, "W-what are you two talking about?"
"Ah, Sheena! Orochi!" the chief beamed as he greeted his visitors, "I was just conversing with the Chosen about his travels with you, Sheena! It seems that there have been many an incident of interest!" This statement made the summoner's blush deepen in redness. "Come, join us! Both of you!" the chief patted the floor next to himself, offering his granddaughter and Orochi a seat.
Orochi shook his head in decline, "I apologize, but I must return to my training..." the ninja's disappointment was clear as he turned back towards the entrance with his head lowered, and stepped outside once again.
"He's quite a downer, isn't he?" Zelos murmured.
"Bah!" the chief casually waved his hand, "All of the people around here are too solemn! It's rather nice to have a visitor as optimistic as you, Chosen!"
Zelos grinned mischievously, "Letting your true colours show, eh Chief? You should run away from Mizuho and become a full-time resident of Meltokio! Things are more exciting around there!"
Sheena gaped at the idea, "Zelos!" she cried, "What kind of ideas are you putting into Grandpa's head?!" Both Zelos and Mizhuo's chief broke into a carefree laughter. The summoner looked from one man to the other, "Why are you both laughing? Grandpa can't leave town, he's the leader here! It isn't funny!"
"Yes, it is, Sheena," the chief said between chuckles, "I obviously would never leave the village! But I am wondering..." Sheena continued staring intently at her grandfather, awaiting what it was that he was about to say, "...Do you want to leave Mizuho?"
Shocked by the very concept, Sheena retorted, "No, Grandpa! Whatever gave you such a crazy idea??"
"Zelos."
"Zelos!?" Sheena sharply turned her head to face Tethe'alla's Chosen, who wore a sheepish grin, while waving to his companion innocently. "Honestly, what kind of things have you been telling our town's chief!?"
The Chosen sighed, "Sheena, Sheena, Sheena. I've only been telling the chief how I'm helping you solve your men problems!" Sheena's lips parted to object, but Zelos swiftly covered her mouth with his hand, "Y'know, travelling Tethe'alla to find you the perfect man! There's only one type of guy present in Mizuho, and that genre apparently isn't right for Sheena, so I'm helping her true love, straying away from her typical man; men like Orochi!" Sheena could hardly believe what she was hearing... Zelos was claiming that he was doing for her, what she was actually doing for him! And no doubt that her unquestioning grandfather would trust him... Not that it was a terrible thing to believe, but nonetheless, it was dishonest for Zelos to claim that he was trying to find someone for Sheena. On top of it all, what if this senseless rumour spread around Mizuho, and everyone thought that Sheena was going to leave the village to be with some random man. "Well, we have to be on our way to Heimdall!" Zelos announced, moving towards the doorway without letting go of Sheena.
"Take care!" the chief carelessly shouted after them, waving goodbye without asking any questions... how ignorant.
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"Zelos, what are you trying to pull?! Let me go! I want to stay here, not go off with you! And more importantly: Get your hand off of my mouth!!" Sheena was still incapable of talking as Zelos dragged her towards Mizuho's entrance, so she merely thought of all of the things that she desired to scream at the Chosen. Zelos abruptly halted, catching Sheena off guard. She glanced towards the entry to the village, and saw why Zelos stopped; Orochi was there, staring blankly at the summoner and the Chosen, sneaking out of the village together. Sheena tried to say something to Orochi, but once again found herself unable as Zelos' hand clamped even tighter over her mouth. She would have bit his hand or licked it to make Zelos move it away... however, knowing Zelos, he would have enjoyed it.
"Chosen, where are you taking Sheena?" inquired Orochi.
Zelos simply shrugged, "Wherever life takes us. But don't worry, Orochi, my man! No customs are being broken!" Obviously, Zelos did not know any of Mizuho's customs. "Sheena will be back! Byeeee!" He pulled the summoner out of the village without allowing Orochi a word of protest.
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Once they were finally a safe distance from Mizuho, Zelos removed his hand from Sheena's mouth, setting off a tangent, "Zelos! What do you think you're doing?! Taking me to Heimdall?! Why would you do that? Why can't you just leave me here in Mizuho? I don't want to find some random guy from another city to marry! And... and... and what are you staring at?!"
Zelos, who had tuned out Sheena's shouting, was looking back in the direction of Mizuho, clearly contemplating something, "So, Orochi really has a thing for you, doesn't he?"
Sheena was catching her breath from all of that yelling, so it took her a moment before she replied, "Wh-what? Well... maybe a little... I mean, there was that time that he..."
"He what?" questioned Zelos, urging her to go on.
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((Same story as Zelos' fantasy in chapter two: italics is what happened in the past, and normal text is Sheena talking to Zelos.))
It was about a year ago, I guess... Orochi approached me one day while I was just outside of the village.
"Sheena, may I speak with you for a moment?" Orochi asked politely, cautiously approaching the Mizuho maiden.
Sheena turned around to face Orochi, and nodded warily, "Sure, Orochi... What about?" She sincerely had no idea what he would want to speak with her about that would have to take place now, of all times.
"I... I've wanted to bring this topic up for a while now. Sheena, truth be told, I've always felt rather attracted to you. You're just so different from all of the other women of the village, and I adore that about you."
That's what I came to the realization that Orochi was hitting on me... in his own, special way. The idea made me feel pretty uneasy. I mean... I had grown up with Orochi. He was always my friend, and I had no idea that he wanted to be something more than that... After all, it was me. I was completely different from everyone other woman in the village. And... maybe that's what inspired how Orochi expressed his feelings.
"Orochi, what are you—"
"Please, Sheena, just give me a chance to win you over; to make you realize that we should be together. I prepared something for you." Sheena tilted her head slightly to one side, continuing to watch Orochi sceptically. "Well... actually, I didn't prepare it for you. It's a song, but... I've been raised in the way of fighting, and so I couldn't write one myself," the ninja rambled on, "I actually ended up searching the land for an already existing song that had your name in it. It... didn't end up going so well, but... Well, read the lyrics." Orochi hesitantly handed over a piece of paper, "It's the only song I could find. I don't quite get it..."
Sheena raised a curious eyebrow while scanning the words on the paper. She read aloud, "Sheena is a... punk rocker?"
It was quite obvious that neither Orochi nor I had any clue as to what the lyrics meant, but... it was the thought that counted, right? Of course... I wasn't sure what a "punk rocker" was... or a discotheque, which was also mentioned in the song... or... New York...? It was really confusing. I guess that was just Orochi's way.
"Orochi... thank you very much for the thought, but, I'm afraid that I can't return your feelings. I'm just not ready to be commited."
The traditional Mizuho native nodded his head forlornly, "Yes. I understand." And with that, he walked back in the direction of the village.
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"Ha!" Zelos broke down into a fit of laughter, "Man, that guy has noclue how to charm a lady!"
A light chuckle escaped Sheena, "Yeah, I guess it was kind of pitiable. I still feel bad for rejecting him like that..."
"Face it, Sheena. You need someone who doesn't live by strict customs... you're a free spirit! So come on, let one kindred spirit meet another; to Heimdall!" Zelos exclaimed, pointing towards the south triumphantly.
"Heimdall... sure, okay. It won't work out, but I have to admit that it's nice to get away from the village sometimes."
Phew. Finally done. Sorry for the slowness... but it's update! Whoo!! Super-crazy-party-time!! Anyhoo... As always, I'll try and update soon. But that may take longer than I hope for. Now... responses to reviews!
To Chosen One 2 Rise – I'm not planning on putting in a made-up character... I dunno. I think that would disappoint a lot of readers. (sweatdrop)
To Cerse Liminara – Aww... don't be cruel to Zelos, now! The last thing we want is for that loveable Chosen to fall off of a floating city. XD
To Rin – Yeah. 'Tis way too hard to choose between Zelos and Kratos. Anyway... I hope that this chapter was to your liking!
To Luv2Game – Well, Regal's interesting to a degree. I mean, he has a cool past and stuff... but he's not amusing! Except his big vocabulary sometimes... like when he says, "What is this ominous light that threatens to engulf us?!" That cracks me up for some reason… Er... yeah. Glad you like the story!
To jellybeanz225 – (giggles) Cross Thrust... I sooo want to hear that attack! XD Fun in Sylvarant, eh? I'm still wondering about that... argh! Choices!
To Midnight Moon10 – It is funny when Zelos is inflicted with pain... as long as he doesn't die! That's saddening... Good to know that the story's still keeping its amusement.
To potter29vo – I'm trying to the character IC! (smile) I messed around with Orochi... but that was more for my own enjoyment. Heh, heh...
To Justin T. Melanson – Torturing Zelos is my speciality! (insert Mithos-style evil laughter here) Yay for people enjoying the fic!
And to anyone who read my story "Someone to Trust", I am working on the sequel... I already have most of it written... in my creative writing journal! Heehee... I'll try to get that finished soon, too.
