Heh, well, sorry bout the 2 month hiatus. WARNING: This chapter is heavy with..action :P hahaha so you may not enjoy this as much as the previous ones, but I know there are action fans out there, so here you go! And don't worry if you're not keen on that; it helps set the scene, or so I'm hoping. Regards, Solitary Specialist.
Oh, thank so much for everyone who has given me their generous feedback. I never expected that kind of response, but I greatly appreciate it.
PRESEA COMBATIR
Title: "Flower of Desire" -Unbeknownst to her, she is the epitome of perfection in the minds of two knights. The title for the girl who is irresistible, body and soul. (Increases EVERYTHING!)
...I feel..different...somehow...as the battle approaches with uneasy haste. I feel as if something vital is going to occur..something..out of the ordinary, to say the least. This has never happened during prior conflicts; my mind was focused solely on the task at hand; we faced enemies..the enemies must perish. Second thoughts were baseless and meaningless.
Referring to the situation at present; I cannot stop...analyzing Genis and Lloyd. They both ceased to say anything...a deafening, hostile silence, broken quite inappropriately by the careless whistling of Zelos, whose upper appendages were reached back around his head, his hands creating a crude pillow for the back of his head to rest on. Zelos, I still feel..is pitiful..shallow and petty..taking advantage of...even manipulating..the fickle, yet innocent mind-sets of females. But Lloyd and Genis...they have done the opposite...nurturing my developing emotions by conversing with me so often as of late...and...between Genis' stellar meal two evenings ago coupled with his defending maneuvers in battle, and Lloyd's displays of physical prowess and dexterous abilities...I feel...flattered..is that the proper term? I would like to know what I have engaged in..or what there is about me..that would give rise to my recent popularity with two physically attractive males. My head is attempting to churn out..simpler thoughts..more concrete reasons to explain why I have their favor..but alas..this process of simplification will undoubtedly take time..
I am amazed...I can't help but shiver in..anticipation..of this battle...to see whether the two will attempt to provide appropriate stimuli that will initiate a response from me. Adding to these anticipatory feelings is an urgency to exert myself beyond my usual output...this feeling would appear to be normal given the magnitude of the outcome and the strength of the opponent..however..I do not feel that is the reason for my yearning to perform well. I feel that..it would be in my best interest..to accentuate my strength..and to stand by and protect both Genis and Lloyd throughout. Why is this? I know that I care about them but..it feels as though I would be doing myself a favor by proving to Lloyd and Genis how strong and skilled I can be in battle...ah! I apologize for these constant random inquiries...I would just like...to know what I'm feeling..that's all...
I glanced at Genis, walking directly horizontal from me, and saw that same determination in his eyes that I had come to expect from him; and my body flooded with..comfort... Then, uncharacteristically, I sprinted up ahead a few steps to walk near Lloyd, and gazed into his brown eyes, smiling from the feeling Genis had instilled me with. He responded by smiling back, and the comfort was joined by a sense of...yearning..of want...for both of them. My heart jolted, breaking free of its consistent rhythmic cycle, my pulse skyrocketed, and I feel I have come one step closer to deciphering the emotion of...love...
However, this feeling is made possible by both Genis and Lloyd...love..at least not love of this kind... is not meant to be between more than one other person..is it? That would not be acceptable. In my naivete I have forgotten that what I am feeling may not be absolute...it may not be love...but the statistical competence I have established is doing nothing to help me determine what the odds are exactly..emotions are such..a foreign matter to me. But I want...to be able to feel them..and experience them. Perhaps I need to let my inner impulses speak for themselves more often, instead of bogging them down with these complex, psychological ramblings.
I drifted back a bit, in front of Genis and behind Lloyd, then readied my axe, inhaling deeply...
LLOYD IRVING
Title: "Conflicted" -He's questioning his own objectivity; why is hostility overflowing? The title for one who cannot decide between friend and potential lover. (Increases Defense and HP)
I think I'm going over the edge a bit. Why would I hate Genis for liking the same girl as me? Just shows we've both got good tastes..you'd think. . I've been acting too much like Zelos lately...he's a bad influence on me. I mean, I think I started liking Presea on my own..not because Zelos once asked me when I was ever gonna start caring for girls. But anyway, I can't back down now. Sorry Genis, but we've both come too far to simply shake hands and back off.
I kept my hand on the hilt of my right sword as we crossed that last light-bridge thing, and for a brief moment I forgot about Genis and Presea, as I saw Kratos, the man who betrayed us, blocking our path to the teleporter. Whoa..I'd almost forgot about him with all this stuff going on at once...
"Stop!" Kratos stood tall, not wanting to let us get through, obviously.
"Kratos! Don't get in our way!" I shouted, trying to make my tone challenging. He then started explaining how, if we break the seal, the protection around the great seed with disappear..blah blah blah... the consequences could really make things bad... Argh! I hated thinking about it...we'd all come this far..we were gonna fight no matter what! Suddenly, Yuan appeared from behind us, shooting one of his trademark energy ball things at Kratos, who swiftly dodged out of the way.
"Lloyd! Go now! Make your pact with the summon spirit of light!" I nodded at the Blue haired double-agent and motioned for the others to follow me quickly.
Ahh...this battle's big..but still, it's easier to concentrate on than the dire reasons and consequences that are wrapped around this battle. Leaving Zelos, Regal, Colette and the Professor to bring up the rear, Presea, Genis, Sheena and I rushed up to the altar, at the peak of the tower. Wow! I didn't notice at first, but the view here is amazing! I'll have to maybe think of bringing Pres—
"Where is Aska?" Whoa. That changed the subject rather quickly. An elaborately dressed woman..summon spirit..thing..with a crescent moon halo hovered above us.
"He'll come! He promised!" Sheena piped up.
"I see...then all is well..." Those were the last words before the battle, I guessed...the pact vow and everything had been taken care of long ago...now all that was left was for us to prove to them that we were worthy. The wind seemed to echo, then there was a dramatic pause...as Genis and I prepared to give everything we had..for the sake of the world, and the heart of Presea!
GENIS SAGE
Title: "Little Knight (Version 2.0)": He will protect the one he loves; physical size is irrelevant. The title for one whose determination overshadows petty physical details. (Increases Strengh, Defense, HP, TP, and Evasion)
Whoa...my trembles of anticipation were cut short as I finally realized what was about to start. Clenching my Kendama, I took a quick glance at Presea's gorgeous exterior for a second, before focusing my mana, preparing to unleash the most powerful spells I could.
"Remember...keep your standard tactics...Presea told you herself she likes you protecting her with your spells, so keep watch for her!" My mind and body were finally on the same page as Luna and Aska began to take motion, both of them swiftly floating, moving in to attack us. Lloyd charged for Aska (Probably because he thought the magical bird looked 'cooler'..sigh..), while Sheena and Presea took each side of Luna.
We knew this fight was going to be tough, and wow..did it ever turn bleak in a hurry. Lloyd, in his usual conceitness, was blown away at Aska's agility, the brightly colored bird pecked and tackled him with rapid, graceful attacks, finally headbutting him and sending him flying. I saw Presea, who had just landed a successful dual infliction attack on the hovering Luna, flinch as she looked at Lloyd's injured form soaring up before crashing down onto the unforgiving stone tablets that made up the temple of light's roofing. Presea shot a desperate glance toward me as Aska prepared to continue its assault on Lloyd. "Sigh...well, if it'll make Presea happy, I guess..."
I hastily charged up mana within me, and despite my studies, I honestly had no idea what this bird would be weak against. I summoned a spell that would take time and area away from the bird.
"Ice tornado!" Unlike my previous eruption spell, I made sure to keep Lloyd out of the spells range, as Aska became engulfed by countless shards of ice, making a vain attempt to fly away as Lloyd instinctively rolled backwards and got to his feet.
"Thanks, Genis!" Lloyd smiled at me for a split second before he dug out an apple gel while Aska slowly recovered. I almost felt really happy for Lloyd. But, Presea smiled at me after my effort, and I told myself "It was for Presea...it's all for Presea..." Presea's grateful expression turned into one of shock though, and before I could figure out why, my lack of reflexes hindered me again, as Luna had teleported behind me, striking me with a surprisingly powerful staff. I collapsed and rolled in an attempt to get away. I must've yelped in pain or surprise, because Lloyd, flipping over a dash attack by Aska, reversed his direction and sprinted for Luna. Presea followed suit, and they bombarded her with a rain of swords followed by a punishing whirlwind courtesy of Presea's Ogre ax. Thanks to Sheena, who had taken custody of Aska, I was able to regroup and get a safe distance from either of them, ready to charge up another spell.
PRESEA COMBATIR
Title: "Blown away" -The heated battle has strengthened her passion for both of them; restraint of any kind is shattered. The title for the girl who cannot hold back her impulses.
"DIE!" I executed a 180 degree turn as my axe burrowed deep into the airborne spirit, causing an expected flinching reaction. This.. emotion...I still think it is love... has built up into a raging storm within me; I cannot bear it when Genis or Lloyd's...attractive..forms, endure physical assault by what is, in reality, just another demon that must be slain. The friction of my hands upon the handle of my ax was increased by 38 percent, and the velocity of my slashes also accumulated as I established body position on Luna, striking her continuously. Sheena's agility was working effectively, helping distract the summon spirit with her cards on the opposite side. However, Sheena's zeal in her attacking left her prone to assault, and before she could take a more appropriate defensive stance, Luna struck her, flailing her to the ground. I struck her from behind and lost very minimal momentum as I continued, but I too, was paying optimal attention to my attacks while disregarding my defenses. Luna cast her elemental energy upon me, and my body shook with powerful waves of force as I collapsed upon the ground. Genis and Lloyd I could hear working in unison upon the bird, and it made me feel...well..that they had seemingly set aside what differences they had..as I let certain darkness engulf my small body...
LLOYD IRVING
Title: "Stubborn" -The will to protect his friends will prevail; his belief in his friends and himself has never wavered. The title for one who refuses to give into alternate realities.
(Increases Defense, Accuracy and Evasion)
"PRESEA!" Damn it! I ran and checked Luna away from Presea as I saw her fall down ungracefully to the floor. I hated the tactic this..thing..was currently using; she parried slash after slash of my swords with her staff trying to humble me by beating me at my own human standards. Damn her!
"Genis! Get over here and help Presea!" I shouted, as Luna's staff jabbed my face. Before it could strike again I veered it away with my left sword then swung with my right as our weapons clashed, with neither of us really getting any momentum. Luna seemed determined to beat me with mere physical strength. I wouldn't waver. Not until Presea was safe. Genis helped my hopes of overpowering her physically by unleashing a few quick fireballs, searing into her form as I managed to edge her away, as I heard Genis' quick running footsteps approach Presea. I kinda realized that jealousy wasn't allowed to prevail here, and I knew Genis stored some of our precious life bottles, since when he fought with the professor it was necessary; them being the two weakest ones in terms of strength. I managed a quick slash on Luna, but..
"ARGH!" That damn bird had taken off and rammed itself into me as I was off balance from my sword swipe. My bad luck with airborne mishaps continued as I flew across the top of the tower of mana, luckily landing before I fell half a mile or so to my death! Luckily for us, Sheena, who was agitated beyond her limit thanks to that damn Aska bird, summoned one of her wicked-cool spirits! I wished she'd use Volt for once, but instead we got a taste of gnome, that bloated mole thing with a RIBBON..which Colette apparently likes..go figure. Why I had time to think of that is beyond me, but as I got up, slowly recovering, Gnome did his part, pummeling the enemies for a few seconds while Genis was able to carry (holy crap, he actually carried her over his shoulders!) Presea to a safe distance, holding her head up gently as he poured that miracle liquid into her system. I finally realized that for once, I was thinking too much instead of acting, so I picked myself up off the ground, and sprinted, leaping into the air and performing one of my 'in progress' moves; one that I call the 'omega tempest' swirling vertically to deflect a crazy wing attack by Aska ( I don't care how cool it looks, I gotta kill that thing!), who was trying to get Genis and Presea off guard. They managed to get away into some clear space, as I landed, heaving almost breathlessly, swords held in front of me, as I knew I had to make a stand...
GENIS SAGE
Title: "Flabbergasted" -He was always the 'mature' one, but his rivaling comrade has sacrificed his desire for their protection. The title for one who has realized there are many surprises left in this life.
(Raises Intelligence, Accuracy and TP)
...Lloyd just did all that? Oh right, damn it!
"Presea? Are you ok?" I held her head within my palms, gently resting it on my knees as she began to stir.
"...Genis...I am...close to 90 capacity...thank you.." Presea rested a mere second more, then jolted from my grasp, clutching her axe and assuming battle stance once again. Whoever invented those life bottles must be living among the cloud in some mansion of gold somewhere! Presea leaned towards me, touching my face..
"Oh wow oh wowohwowohwow...she's gonna kiss me!" She didn't exactly have passion in her eyes though, and merely wiped some blood that Luna had spilt from my cheeks when she followed through with her back hit on me earlier.
"You are not in any critical condition Genis, let us help Lloyd!" Presea's eyes had a glint of determination in them I hadn't seen before; although Lloyd probably did when they fought together in the arena...argh! She's right though! Wow..Lloyd protected us during all this! I guess I owe it to him to pull my own weight now. I felt it was time to try one of my latest techniques.
"Presea! Work with Lloyd to lure them into the same area for me!" I screamed out as I began concentrating. She nodded with the beautiful azure eyes, then turned and fled with her axe held up, ready for revenge.
PRESEA COMBATIR
Title: "Focused" -Realizing that the battle comes before personal feelings, she is ready to annihilate the enemy. The title for one who puts business before pleasure. (Increases Strength, HP, Evasion, and Accuracy)
It tears me apart, but...love...can be delayed for the duration of this fight. 84 percent output necessary. I delved into my sterile persona to gather what needed to be done to produce a positive combat situation.
"Lloyd!" I shouted to the battered swordsman, who, I could tell, was laboring in the aftermath of his valiant efforts to protect Genis and I. He nodded, wincing as Aska struck him solidly in the mid-section with his talons. "Draw back from Aska's attacks, and meet up with me!" I wasn't sure if he understood at the outset; he hadn't time to extract a response as he flipped posteriorly over a slashing lower appendage of the magical bird. However, as he continued inching his way toward the center point of the battlefield, I concluded he must have comprehended, and thus I began enforcing this strategy on Luna, who, to my admitted surprise, obliged in a similar fashion. Lloyd and I lured the summoning spirits closer together, probably already within the vicinity of Genis' planned spell; but to be sure, we kept going, me parrying staff strikes with my axe, and keeping my footing even when Luna favored her elemental spells; the liquid Genis administered to me gave me more than enough stamina to resist the weakened elemental attacks. With the help of Sheena, who quickly dashed to various points of the bird, striking it with her elemental cards, Aska had no choice but to attack the more stationary Lloyd, who easily jumped over and parried the mystical creatures assault. We brushed again...like we did in the tournament, my form almost gluing onto the built frame of Lloyd. Amidst the situation, my cheeks flushed a brilliant pink before I turned to Genis, whose eyes glowed with anticipation and anger, but, I noticed, not at Lloyd. I clutched Lloyd's right arm with my left and dashed towards Genis, as Sheena did the same, and gazed in amazement as Genis emanated with an aura of light, the mana searing from his body, instantly teleporting to the area of the enemies. A fluorescent blue and violet dome captured Luna and Aska, their weakened forms virtually unable to attempt to absorb a percentage of damage. The earth beneath them shook as they became unstable, electrocuted by the glowing rays of elemental potency from Genis. The semi-sphere of power faded, leaving Aska unconscious, and Luna kneeling in a desperate position, her energy levels depleted to the point of leaving her barely conscious to her surroundings.
"We will form..a new pact!" She managed with barely half the emphasis in her voice as when she confronted us initially.
Genis, despite his excess energy output, ran to our exhausted group with that same gentle, albeit bigger, smile on his face. I watched his and Lloyd's reactions to each other; and managed to laugh myself as Lloyd messed up Genis' abnormal hair playfully, both of them laughing with no hidden undertones. As Sheena went to perform the rite of the pact, Lloyd spoke.
"Presea, you were amazing!" Lloyd complimented me, which was a shock, given that Genis was the individual who administered the most cumulative damage as well as providing aid for me. My sweaty, petite body shivered despite my excessive heat...and I thought back to when our posterior sides made contact... even then and there...I wanted to scan my own body like I have done...with increasing frequency... as of late, but the growing emotional side of me withheld this urge, and I displayed a smile and nodded, simply saying,
"Thank you Lloyd. Your performance was admirable as well. "And Genis..." Genis'..cute..face seemed to illuminate upon hearing me address him...and the urge to touch myself resurfaced once again as I tensed up. "Your spells are increasing beyond your previous limit...I'm feeling safer each passing battle with you." I smiled to him as well, as he replied,
"Ever since you've joined us..I-I..I've been able to try and beat my previous bests.." Genis blushed wildly, an expression I've come to..adore..as much as his ever-present stuttering. Regardless of the worldly plot at hand, I must admit I'm becoming far more intertwined with this evolving..love triangle..was the term I must have came across. Genis..Lloyd..I think I'm starting to feel love for both of you...
LLOYD IRVING
Title: "Huh? What?" As is the norm, he cannot come to a clear understanding of the given set of circumstances. The title for one who is not sure what has transpired is ultimately beneficial or destructive. (Decreases Intelligence)
Alright so...Presea's happy..and she still likes me..that's good. But...she likes Genis too...that's bad! But then, me and Genis are getting along alright now...so that's O.K...but...I still want Presea for myself..so...I dunno.. Argh! I don't know what to make of this. Genis really came through though, I have to admit, that last battle. I'd never seen anything like that electric/earth/force field thing that he just did.
But, I know we won't be on good terms forever. I think we both realize that we've gotta stick together in this huge quest, but, in terms of Presea, it's all fair game as far as we're both concerned. Wow! I can't wait to kiss that beautiful girl! The sense of bonding when we touched in that battle was intense. I could feel her breathing; it was fast, intense, like she really wanted to be..closer, or something. I'm still kind of confused when understanding the finer points of this stuff, but regardless, I think I've made some progress today.
My thinking was cut short as Kratos made another entrance following Sheena's forming of the pact, and the event that happened next you would have to have seen to have believed...
GENIS SAGE
Title: "Analyst" -He is taking into consideration the many different variables involved in his quest for love; nothing can be disregarded. The title for the young romantic who skillfully conducts his inevitable clumsiness. (Increases Intelligence, and TP)
Presea seems torn between Lloyd and I, I can tell. The way she looks at us is almost identical; she tries to address us both equally, and...oh wow I love her so much...um, I forget what the other thing was..damn, now I'm sounding like Lloyd. I gotta admit, he actually proved pretty useful this battle; I'd never have been able to save Presea if his strength didn't hold Aska at bay...I'm grateful for his strength sometimes; it's helped a lot since we've known each other. But... I'm sure Lloyd knows this brief truce won't last much past this battle; once we start going for Presea again, we'll be resorting to our schemes and secret plans, but hey, this wouldn't be nearly as exciting without the competition. Bring it on, Lloyd! My wit and smarts can beat your stupidity and sword skills any day! (Even I have to be a little immature sometimes to get my confidence up!)
-Next chapter:...I can't tell you..haha. I'll just say...it likely won't be something you'll want to be caught reading while your parents or boyfriend/girlfriend are in close proximity. ;)! Remember I said 'likely' so nothing for sure yet. 'Til next time!
Solitary Specialist