Disclaimer: Tales of Symphonia and all related Characters are property of NAMCO.

Preparations

It was still early in the morning when Sheena began her daily chores as the successor of Mizuho, in the mornings she trained with Orochi, as she was determined to hone her skills even more in order to resurrect the Igaguri ninja style but that was not the only thing she needed to do to reach that goal.

As she was appointed as the next chief of the village, the former chief and the vice chief Tiga gave her lectures everyday in law, politics, economy and most importantly lessons involving social relationships and resourcefulness in all the possible aspects to serve the village, and this was proving very difficult (and stressing) to Sheena, whom hands were always full and hardly found time for herself, she could swear that her grandfather and the vice chief were pushing her too hard on purpose.

It was around midday and Sheena was having a politics lesson with the chief of the village.

The chief was explaining Sheena the current political differences between Tethealla and Silvarant, this lesson in particular was extremely boring and tedious to Sheena, who was trying hard not to fall asleep (or showing no signs of sleeping) until the chief said: - And with this Sheena we conclude the lesson¿Any questions? -

- No, not really gra… I mean chief – Sheena corrected quickly as she had to address her grandfather as chief anywhere and anytime but home.

- Well then Sheena, I know it might be a bit boring, but bear with it a little longer please, and… I know it's rude to take some of your time but can you take supper with me? I need to talk to you. -

- Sure thing Chief, but what do you want to talk about? – Sheena asked with a confused tone.

- Well it's something I wish to talk in privacy and I don't want to discuss here so let's talk about it at home, and by the way… -

- What is it chief? –

- Can you cook some of that Pineapple curry of yours? It's been a long time since I ate some of your cooking Sheena my granddaughter -

- S.. Sure thing grandpa! -

With that said, they both went home and Sheena started cooking, in the mean time Sheena's grandfather was setting the table but having supper with his granddaughter was not the only reason he had in mind. He needed to talk to her about a certain someone and their relationship; he only hoped that Sheena would be honest and true with her answers.

As the time for lunch drew near, Sheena's grandfather had already finished setting up the table and waited patiently for her granddaughter to come with the food, it wasn't too long since he got a sit when his granddaughter came from the kitchen carrying a pot with nice smelling pineapple curry in one hand and in the other a tray full with traditional Mizuho cooking to the table.

With the sight of this delicious looking meal, the chief's eyes widened in surprise and he managed to say: - All that food looks delicious Sheena, not only you have improved your skills as a warrior, you have improved in house caring as well -

Sheena couldn't help it as she felt a light crimson blush appear in her cheeks - I.. um… thanks grandfather I am doing my best, but don't compliment me yet, lets eat before it gets cold ! –

And without saying any more, Sheena's grandfather started to dig in, Sheena didn't touch her food at the beginning, but instead she waited for her grandfather reaction, and she was more than pleased when she saw her grandfather eat her cooking with an expression of satisfaction on his face and after that she started eating too.

Five minutes passed without any of them saying a word, just eating, Sheena thought it was weird though, why would her grandfather wanted to talk with her during supper if he was not going to start the conversation, so she decided to start a conversation.

- So… grandpa why are you and the vice chief giving me so many lessons if you know I'll be leaving next week? –

The chief reacted as if he was waiting (or expecting) for Sheena to start the conversation, and the daily lessons was a very good theme to start off with to finally move to the main topic, she was indeed becoming a better talker because of the vice chief lectures, he could sense that Sheena was suspicious about something hidden from her, and he was going to see Sheena's progress in interrogation, after all " If you do everything with effort then everyday effort can become training" was an old Mizuho belief.

Finally the chief nodded in respect and replied. – Well Sheena, as you have been appointed as the next chief of the village, you will need more than fighting abilities to rule the village successfully, I thought you already knew that –

That answer and slight coldness from that answer took Sheena mentally aback a little but she didn't flinch or showed any weakness, she had learned well - Yes I know that grandpa, but its still weird that you and the vice chief decided that the very time I told you that I would be leaving on another journey with Lloyd. –

-Close one- the chief thought, he could see Sheena had improved due to the vice chief training, but still, he was more able than Sheena when it came to hiding his emotions so he smiled and replied:

- That's correct Sheena, the vice chief and me decided that because we want you to understand better the newly regenerated world in which you and Lloyd are about to go into, the strong monsters are growing scarce, Silvarant and Tethealla are united once again, and there is no doubt that from now on the world and the minds of the people will start changing because the people will truly start looking after themselves, there are no more members of Cruxis watching over the world or better said, controlling the world –

After hearing the explanation, Sheena could see that her grandfather had a point, the lack of strong monsters would decrease the number of fighters all over the world and the two newly reunited worlds still had some differences and most of the people would start changing with a new found sense of independence now that cruxis was gone, then again she felt that the fighting days were far from over, with or without expheres conflicts between races would arise sooner or latter and if she had to rule the village during those times then she truly needed to be prepared, but there was only one thing that was still bothering her, and it was Lloyd.

She couldn't help to think that after this journey Lloyd would have to adapt to the new changing world too, but… what would he do… maybe he would become a blacksmith but he would need to stay with his father Dirk, in Iselia… not Mizuho, away from her, or maybe he could learn Mizuho's blacksmith secrets but then he needed to… (Sheena began blushing) marry.

Sheena lost at the idea became unaware of her surroundings, not even of her grandfather who was staring at her with a questioning look in his face, and after a while he began calling out to her.

- Sheena, Sheena! And then he snapped his fingers across her face making Sheena react with a jump –

- Ah, I'm sorry grandpa I… just –

- Were you thinking about Lloyd? – Sheena's grandfather interrupted her with a mischievous grin on his face

- Err.. no.. I was... - Sheena began babbling, lowering her head trying to hide her blush while coming with an excuse, but it was too late now, her grandfather had cornered her. – Danm I bet this is what he was planning for "supper" all along – was Sheena's immediate thought.

- Seems that I was right after all; Sheena what is your relationship with Lloyd? – The chief's grin was getting bigger enjoying the conversation even more.

Sheena paused a little while before answering, she thought her answer thoroughly before answering, Sheena seemed a bit down when she answered - We are… great friends… but we want to be with each other at least for a while longer -

The chieftain grin decreased a little, he couldn't help to feel a bit down because of Sheena's answer, he wasn't expecting it, but he was sure Sheena had been sincere; he expected the relationship to be more "developed" than just "great friends".

- I see, so your intention of going on this journey is not completely to help Lloyd, you also want to sort out your feelings for him, am I correct? –

-Y... Yes grandpa that's correct - Sheena voice was low and without energy, her answer had seemed to rob her from her good mood, her grandfather had helped her into realizing something, This journey was her last chance to sort her feelings for Lloyd and of course for Lloyd to sort his feelings for her, which was what scared Sheena the most, Lloyd was too dense to realize that Sheena liked him far more than "friends" and even worse… Lloyd might not feel the same towards her… that was the most frightening thought of all.

- Are you worried that Lloyd doesn't like you the way you do? or maybe your intention for going on this journey is only Lloyd not the expheres? If that is so… don't you think its best for you and him for you to stay in Mizuho so you don't get in the way? – The chief asked in a more serious tone, almost like if he and Sheena were no family, just the way the Mizuho people interrogated prisoners, the chief voice was clear, full of force but with an indifferent and cold tone, his voice was enough for anyone, even the bravest people to feel a chill down their spine.

Sheena was taken aback by her grandfathers questioning, those questions were harsh and too sudden, this conversation had taken a turn for the worse and Sheena could no longer keep her emotions away, her grandfather stroke mercilessly at her pride and her ideal of being with Lloyd, she knew that this journey was very important to Lloyd, she also knew that Lloyd wanted to go with her on the journey, but Sheena's intention was more romantic than to collect the expheres, the very thought pained her, but if she truly liked Lloyd she needed to help him along the journey casting her feelings aside and learning how the new world moved and then return to Mizuho, or simply just staying in Mizuho and prepare along with her grandfather and the vice chief to lead Mizuho and let Lloyd live his life and ideals to the fullest.

The chief was only observing Sheena now, studying her every reaction, he could see that he had crushed most of Sheena's pride by now, he only needed to wait for her answer, and then everything would be over… it was only a few words away now.

Sheena's head was still down, her hair was covering her face, she felt ashamed that some simple questions shattered her pride so much, she felt even worse for not considering Lloyd's feelings on this journey and on top of that her grandfather, her only living relative was attacking her as if he didn't care, for a second she felt fear for another she felt lonely and then she felt something she had felt only when she was more terrified, she felt uncertainty and a tremendous urge to run away… just like a coward… just like the Volt's incident, she could see why her grandfather didn't trust her, she had been running away for so much time and the only person that had changed that in her was Lloyd .

Sheena knew that every time she was with Lloyd, she felt stronger, she felt secure and the loneliness always went away… just being with him, the one person that had always supported her trough her fears and hardest times during the journey of regeneration, she realized that even if her feelings went unanswered or not, even if she was a burden to him, she still wanted to be with him… she gathered all the strength she had left from her grandfathers interrogation, gripping her hands, she felt a tear come down her face as she lifted it showing a pride and determination she didn't know she had.

- Grandfather, I know I am a coward, I know that I don't fully know how the world works and also I know that If I don't cast away my feelings during this journey, I will be a burden to Lloyd, and I know (Tears were forming slowly in her eyes and Sheena gripped her hands even harder trying hard not to cry) that even if my feelings for him goes unanswered in the journey… I… I know… I feel… that if I don't go with him I will be lying to myself and running away from reality, and since I met him, he gave me the strength to move on, he was always by my side in the most difficult times… and… and… I… I… WANT TO BE WITH HIM! Even for a while longer and support him, just like he did! Even if in the end we might end up apart, I can't betray the trust he placed on me, if I do that I would regret it my entire life. -

With that said Sheena lowered her head again, she had given her answer with all the strength she could muster and she felt silent again, just awaiting for her grandfather's last words in the matter, whatever the intention of this conversation was, Sheena knew this was pretty much over by now.

The chief was still without saying anything, he studied Sheena and he could tell that was the most honest and clear answer he could get, he saw Sheena with her head lowered, her fist clenched on her legs, he couldn't see her face but he could tell she was on the verge of tears by now… she had given it all answering that last question, and she had answered brightly to his eyes… even among all those obstacles in front of her, even when the situation was hard and adverse, she answered with pride, dignity and determination, he was indeed very proud of his granddaughter.

- I understand Sheena, I know that with or without my permission, you will still go in the journey with Lloyd, so I won't try to stop you because right now I know that your feelings for him are sincere and honest, and no matter what happens, you are strong enough to move on and I am very proud of you –

Sheena felt a bit wave of relief and happiness as she was hearing her grandfather's words, did he really approve this journey? Her journey with Lloyd? She began to lift her head with more anticipation, waiting for her grandfather to finish what he had to say… she felt an incredible urge to know her grandfather's decision.

- Also, I have been thinking for a while and I consider this is the time to give you something you might find helpful during your journey, this will be a reminder of our talk today and I want you to take it with you –

With that said the chief got up from his sitting position and motioned to his room, Sheena did not move and waited for his return, it wasn't too long before her grandfather returned with a large black box, a box she had never seen before and she could tell from the looks of it that it was neatly cared, whatever that box contained was very important for her grandfather.

- Sheena, as my granddaughter and as a villager of Mizuho, I present you with this two presents - He carefully opened the box and he putted out a sword with a black sheath. –

- This sword Sheena, is my family sword, as my granddaughter its time for me to pass it on you, I want this to help you in your journey and also as a reminder that you will always have a home here in Mizuho no matter the circumstances you will always be my granddaughter even if we are not blood related, don't forget that –

The chief bowed and offered the sword to Sheena who was a bit shocked and grateful, because of her grandfather's words of encouragement and now she felt that she was truly in home, but only one matter remained… Lloyd.

- And this Sheena - The chief got out of the box a pair of cards, Sheena eyes widened in surprise… could they be…

- Yes Sheena, your eyes are not deceiving you, these are Mizuho's engagement cards… you know how these work do you? –

- Y…Yes grandpa… -

- This last gift Sheena… if used correctly they will bring you great happiness but they can bring the opposite as well, I am giving this to you to use at your own discretion, and Sheena I really hope that things go smoothly between you and Lloyd that's why I give you this cards, so… no matter what happens, promise me that you will always find the courage to move on Sheena –

- I promise! I will go out in the regenerated world and finish my training as the successor of Mizuho, and I promise to you grandfather that Lloyd and I will have solved our feelings by that time –

- Very well Sheena, I expect great things from you in the future and by the way… -

- Yes grandfather? –

- Your cooking was delicious especially your pineapple curry –

- Thank you grandfather – Sheena said with now a happy face, she still could not believe that one minute she was on the verge of tears and now she was the happiest granddaughter in Mizuho, if not the world, she felt relieved and a great energy flowing inside her, she felt that now she could take everything head on –

-Well grandpa, this was a nice talk but I must leave for my next lesson with the vice chief-

Her grandfather looked at her for a minute and saw that Sheena was really happy with his resolve; he knew that his plan had been a success-

- Very well Sheena, you should hurry then, I will pick up the table so you can get there on time –

-Thank you grandpa! - And Sheena ran out of the house towards her new lesson with the vice chief, leaving her grandfather behind, still sitting-

- "Well it seems that the preparations are complete now, I only hope Sheena finds her way in this new world that now unfolds before her…" – Was the last thing the chief thought as he started cleaning the table.

Phew, that's it for this chapter, first of all I'd like to apologize for the laaaaaaate update, this chapter was kind of difficult to write but I hope you enjoy it so please R&R!.

Especial thanks to: True Gamer for his review, he is right now writing one of my favorite stories, "Concerto is back" I recommend it!