Chapter 14
(Here's the chappie you've all been waiting for. Well, one of them. There are going to be 20 chapters in this fic, but this is the how-Zelos-is-involved chappie, not the Kage-gets-his-ass-kicked chappie.. By the way, the outfit Sheena describes is her formal outfit from the game, for future reference.)
It had been a few days since the Sylvarant portion of the Chosen's Group had stopped by. Each day that passed, Sheena felt more and more at home. Sure, Zelos's many floozies plotted to murder her in her sleep. Sure, every eye turned to her was cynical. Sure, the shopkeepers doubled their prices for her to discourage her patronage. But she was free. Though part of the day was still spent indoors with Zelos, she was exploring more and more of the Imperial City. She'd given food to the poor folk in the Slums, explored nearly every shop in the city, even snuck into the castle to view a wedding of one of the nobles. For a while, she almost wished she could stay there, not worry about Kage and his thugs… But that would be suicide. Complete and total suicide. And, it would get Zelos and the people of Meltokio killed as well. So she knew she had to go. 'Just one more day,' she kept telling herself. 'Just one more day.'
On that particular day, she was stepping softly down the main street, gazing into the shop windows at the many items on display. She came to halt in front of a particular store, one she'd often come to gaze in on. The formal attire store. The gowns, they were so beautiful… Yet not on her. No, never on her. She refused to even think of it. She couldn't afford it, even if she wanted it.
"Sheena! SHEENA!" Suddenly a familiar voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to face the oncoming redhead, who was waving something in the air as he jogged. He halted before her, catching his breath a moment before explaining himself. "Whew, I thought I wouldn't find you in time. The princess has found a suitor!" The Chosen declared, more gleefully than his words explained. The ninja blinked.
"And this is important because-?"
"Oh, Sheena, don't you know anything? Whenever something like this happens, the King gets all excited and throws a royal ball. We're invited! Well, I'm invited, but of course you'll come too. See, look, it says 'Zelos,-"
"Wait a second. What do you mean, 'of course I'll come too'? What if I won't?" She cut him off, making her statement defiantly. Zelos's face fell slightly.
"Well… You will, won't you?" He asked, slightly nervous. "Please, Sheena? Don't make me beg." Sheena contemplated how amusing it would be to make him beg, before deciding he didn't deserve that humiliation just yet.
"You have to ask me first." She teased, a smile fighting to overcome her serious mask.
"Really? Okay, here goes…" The redhead cleared his throat. "Will you, Sheena Fujibayashi, accompany me to the royal ball?" Sheena allowed the smile through, nodding.
"Yes." She stated simply, and Zelos whooped slightly in triumph. Laughing nervously, the Chosen waited 'till everybody had stopped staring before continuing his victory dance, silently this time. "But it's NOT a date." She demanded, and he nodded.
"If you say it's not, it isn't." He agreed, unwilling to push his luck.
"Good. So when is it?"
"Tonight!"
"TONIGHT?" She yelped, and now it was her turn to attract stares.
"Is that a problem, my voluptuous hunny?"
"Hell yes it is! I have nothing to wear!" Through fights and plights, the ninja stayed calm. Yet when she was going to an important social event and had nothing to wear, she went into a near hysteric state.
"No, calm down. It's all taken care of." He winked, making the ninja wonder what he had planned. She'd learned not to question the redhead, however, for he did it regardless of her opinion, and it was usually better to panic LATER when she found out, rather than find out now and panic about it until then. It saved her a few hours worth of panicking, that way. Which was good.
"So what exactly is this ball going to involve?" She questioned, changing the subject.
"Let me read the invitation." He requested, before opening it once more. "It reads: Chosen One, I am pleased to inform you that our Princess Hilda has found a suitor. A royal ball will be held in their honor. Being the Chosen, you are expected to dance the first dance. Bring a partner, formal clothes required. Sincerely, His Royal Highness, the King."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Did I hear you properly? 'dance the first dance'? Sorry, but I don't dance." Sheena declared, crossing her arms.
"Why not? It's fun!"
"Fun as it may be, I don't dance."
"Again, why not?"
"Because… I don't exactly… know how…" She murmured, somewhat embarrassed. "For a ninja, learning to dance is almost a joke. There are a lifetime of other things to teach other than dancing, so they rarely waste their time."
"You don't know how to dance?" The Chosen repeated incredulously, only making her turn slightly red in embarrassment and mumble something incoherent. "Sheena, Sheena, Sheena. Whatever will I do with you?"
"Nothing that involves touching, or I'll cut off the limb you touched me with." The ninja threatened.
"But dancing is all about touching, my voluptuous hunny! Though not in an uncomfortable way."
"Fine, I'll rephrase. Nothing that involves touching me inappropriately, or I'll cut off the limb you used to touch me with."
"So you're saying you'll dance?" Questioned Zelos, wide-eyed in surprise.
"I'm saying I'll try."
----
The time passed quickly from that moment 'till the hour before the ball. Surprisingly, the two practiced no dancing. 'You're a ninja, aren't you? Dancing will come as naturally to you as fighting. Just watch, you'll see.' Those were the words Zelos had used. The ninja had merely nodded; why argue? He was the one to be embarrassed if she messed up. She idled the time away, doing close to nothing the whole time. For the entirety of an hour, Sheena had sat on an ivory bench in the garden, twirling a flower by the stem and watching the petals as they whirled in circles. In fact, that was where she was when a pair of strong hands covered her eyes. She opened her mouth to scream in surprise, but before she could a voice was softly speaking in her ear.
"Shh, it's just me. Come with me, it's a surprise." So she followed his lead, though it was slightly unnerving to be unable to see where she was going, to be at such mercy to another. Still, she trusted Zelos, so she followed his directions left and right. At last, they came to a stop. "We're here!" He declared, and uncovered Sheena's eyes. They were in the formal attire store… She gasped in surprise. Before her was a shirt made entirely of burgundy silk, which wound elegantly around one's frame in just the right spots, tied in the back, and two tails hung down, just as they did now with her pink ribbon. It came down to her lower thigh, and it met a pair of long, flowing, navy blue pants. Burgundy heels were the footwear, and three bracelets were there to accent her bare arms. She was completely and totally speechless. For a while, at least.
"Zelos, it's…." She was at loss for words. How much did this cost? A small fortune, it must have. The shirt was pure silk! The pants seemed to glow in radiance with whatever material they were made of, and the bracelets appeared solid gold. Zelos, however, was unsure of whether she loved it or hated it.
"You don't have to wear it, if you don't want to." He quietly offered, slightly dispirited. The ninja was confused a moment before she realized what he was thinking. She laughed softly at the misunderstanding.
"No, Zelos, it's perfect!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around the Chosen's neck in her excitement. As soon as she realized what she was doing, however, she withdrew them, and they both shuffled awkwardly for a moment before the shopkeeper came out from the back rooms. She was a stout woman with a kind face, the only shopkeeper in Meltokio who didn't seem to dislike Sheena to some degree.
"Now shoo, you! Me and Miss Sheena have some work to do, before she can join you at the ball!" The woman made shooing motions toward Zelos, though her eyes were smiling. He yelped in mock-fear and, shooting one last grin at the summoner, made haste out the door. The woman turned to Sheena. "My name is Rose. You're a lucky woman, miss Sheena. Most women would give their left arm to go to the ball. Of course, most of the women in the nobles' court seem to be sharing a community brain, so that's not saying much. But you didn't hear me say that, else the King could have my head."
"Don't worry, I agree with you a hundred and ten percent. Zelos only had to talk to me once before they had me on their death list." Sheena grumbled, glad to have someone at last who shared her views on the Chosen's 'followers'.
"Yes, well watch out for that group. It doesn't take a brain to hire an assassin, and those women are pretty enough to hire one for free, if they promise certain things in return. All I'm saying is, don't provoke them more than necessary." Rose advised, and Sheena nodded. "Now as much as I'd like to sit around and chat, we have work to do. We have to make sure that outfit fits you properly, we have to do your hair and makeup, and we have less than an hour to do it. Are you ready?"
"Bring it on."
----
For the good part of an hour, the ninja had sat perfectly still and allowed the kind shopkeeper to fix her hair and apply some makeup. Though, the ninja admitted, it was worth it. She practically glowed, in the lights of the formal attire shop. She could scarcely imagine what she'd look like in the ballroom. For the good part of an hour, she'd been still. Now, she couldn't be still if her life depended on it. Fully outfitted in her formal attire, she paced and paced outside one of the ballroom's side door. Rose was there, though only because she was Sheena's aid for the moment, and she wouldn't be attending the ball.
"Quit pacing like that, Sheena! You look fine. There's nothing to worry about!" She attempted to reassure the ninja, yet her heel-clad feet would not be stilled. The plump woman sighed, and continued on. "Custom is, you aren't to see the Chosen One until the dance. He will be announced, and then you will. The doors will open, and you walk in and dance. Simple enough?" The young woman nodded, unable to trust her voice at the moment. On the outside, she was nervous. On the inside, she was absolutely, completely, and totally petrified. 'What if I forget to go? What if I trip? What if I step on his feet? What if I seem scared to the people? What if dance doesn't come natural, like Zelos said? What if I make a fool of us both? What if my shirt unties in front of everyone?' Suddenly, a voice blared from the other side of the tall wooden door.
"Gracing us with his presence tonight is the Chosen of Mana, Zelos Wilder!" There was a pause. "Introducing his partner, Sheena Fujibayashi of Mizuho!" In the moments that followed, nothing short of sheer and utter panic swept through the summoner's mind. Then the doors swung open, and the lights of the ballroom set her attire aglow. All signs of panic washed away, replaced with an amazing calm. The sort of calm you feel when you've accepted that you're to die, so why waste your last moments panicking? Step by step, she walked toward the center of the ballroom. The crowd parted before her, murmuring in awe. Was that the same scruffy ninja they'd seen on the streets? The one they'd held distaste for ever since her arrival? It couldn't be, for this was no ninja. This was a goddess. Or so she appeared.
An eternity passed, step by step, as the young woman stepped toward the center of the ballroom. Her eyes were fixed on her dance partner, for she feared that if she looked at the crowds, her nerve would fade. And his cerulean eyes were fixed on hers. They held a mix of awe, amazement, and reassurance, all at once. At that moment, she knew things would be fine.
At last she made it to the place she was to dance. From seeing others dance, she knew basically how to start. Slowly reaching up, she wrapped her arms around the Chosen's neck, and soon felt his hands resting at her waist. This was it. Anyone who mattered to the royal family was here, in this ballroom… with their eyes fixed on her. Then the music started.
It was slow at first, thankfully, though little did she know that he had requested it that way. He guided, and she followed… Once again, Zelos was right. It did come naturally. She found herself dancing with an ease even he'd never imagined she'd have. But it was simple, really. It was just like a battle. You react to your opponent, moving when they move, stopping when they stop. They go left, so do you. Or you go right, to sweep into a turn. Simple. Soon the music sped up, but Sheena was ready. And so they danced, though not alone for long. Soon other noble couples joined them, and it wasn't long before the entire dance floor was filled with twirling, weaving couples.
Sheena scarcely noticed the others, however. She was in her own little world of Sheena and Zelos. And for the first time, so was he. No other hunnies caught his eye; he didn't even notice them. It was just him and Sheena, dancing… As he'd always wanted it to be. For as much as he flirted with the women he encountered, it was always Sheena he'd wanted. She was the only one who'd resisted, though. The only one who didn't want him back. And that's part of what he liked about her. That she didn't care who he was or what rank he held, she'd hate him or like him however she chose. But deep inside him, he felt a stab of guilt, always there. 'No, not now. Please, just let me enjoy these last few hours.' And so he did. Near the end of the dance found them dancing still, though the music had slowed. Sheena's head was rested on his lower shoulder area, and she was completely content. But then he stopped, stepping away from the ninja. She looked at him questioningly, unsure of what had brought a halt to their dancing… The redhead looked around, making sure none were watching, yet all the other couples were still immersed in their dance. They wouldn't notice if one couple left, even if it were one as important as the Chosen's. He smiled, grabbed her hand, and led her toward the door. Once more, she followed. They slowly let themselves out through one of the less gargantuan doors, and soon found themselves out in the cool night air.
"I never did like crowds…" The Zelos offered in explanation, and the young woman nodded in agreement. He led her to the benches in front of the church and sat down upon one, soon followed by his dance partner. She noticed that their hands were still intertwined, yet for the first time, she made no move to separate them. He looked up to the stars. "The night sky is beautiful, isn't it?" Sheena then did what she never in a million years expected she'd do. She slowly leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder, gazing up at the stars as well.
"Yes, it is." She agreed softly.
Suddenly, that pang of guilt returned to the Chosen, worse than before. And as he gazed up at the stars, a scene he wished to forget replayed before him.
The room was dark... Too dark. He couldn't see a thing, even with his heightened senses. And he couldn't very well turn on a light either, seeing as his wrists were bound behind his back and his legs were bound to the chair he sat on. Two men had ambushed him, caught him, and with the element of surprise they'd knocked him unconscious. He'd woken up here, tied to a chair. And for hours he'd sat there, waiting for something to happen. At long last, a door creaked open, and a light flashed on. He was in a shack of some sort, though it wasn't suitable for living in, not by a long shot. Three men stood before him; the two he'd been ambushed by, and another. This one was far bigger, with brown hair and an extremely muscular build.
"Welcome, Chosen One." The buff man greeted, his voice smooth and sly, though slightly mocking when he repeated his captive's title.
"Who the hell are you?" Demanded Zelos, glaring fiercely at the man who'd obviously ordered his capture.
"Kage, if you must know. Though one in your situation has no room to be demanding." He informed, his voice continuing to mock the Chosen. Zelos growled slightly under his breath, but there was nothing he could do.
"What do you want with me?" He once more demanded, though not as harshly as before. "Have you come to kill me?"
"No no no, you have it all wrong. We're not here to kill you, or even to harm you. We just want a simple bit of information." He stated. The redhead eyed Kage suspiciously.
"That's all? Information?" He questioned disbelievingly.
"That's all." Confirmed Kage, well aware that his trap was working.
"Ask away."
"What is the location of the ninja culture called Mizuho?" Demanded the brunette, and Zelos's eyes widened. Of all things this Kage guy could have asked, it had to be the one thing the redhead couldn't tell!
"That information is classified, and no amount of torture will get it out of me." Stated the redhead defiantly, and the man to Kage's right hissed in frustration.
"I understand. Though I have a little something that may… help you reconsider." With this he reached into his belt and pulled from it a mirror. In this mirror was Sheena, sitting on a rock by a river. Zelos gasped in surprise.
"Sheena!" He cried out softly, and Kage smirked, knowing he'd found his leverage.
"I have her surrounded by three men. I can give the signal, and within seconds she'll be as dead as the dragons she was out hunting. So make your choice. Mizuho, or your little ninja girl."
Zelos knew he was trapped. He couldn't let Sheena be killed. After what seemed like forever's silence, he spoke once more.
"Mizuho is in a valley of sorts, through the Gaoracchia Forest. Just leave Sheena out of it." He rasped in defeat.
"Thank you, Chosen One. You've been a great help to us today. My men will hold your name highly." Kage replied, knowing fully well that those words would make it worse. With that, he cut the redhead's binds, and Zelos raced free of the shack, full speed for Mizuho. Kage had Rhieards, so Zelos wouldn't make it in time to save Mizuho. But he had to be there to make sure they didn't touch Sheena.
"Sheena, I have something to tell you." The words were out of his mouth before he was even fully back to reality. She lifted her head from his shoulder, gazing at him somewhat questioningly.
"Yes?" The ninja prompted. Zelos took a deep breath, praying for the best.
"The source that those men were talking about, the one that told Kage the village's location was… me." He spoke his last word softly, but it had the same effect as if he'd screamed it. Her hand was ripped from his, and she leaped to her feet, staring down at him in horror.
"I trusted you!" She cried, backing up, the horrified look ever-present. "No!" She murmured, nearly too shocked to believe it.
"Sheena, I-"
"NO!"
"Sheena, please!"
"NOOO!" With each word spoken, she backed up more and more, horror-struck and wishing to be far away from the man who was responsible for the death of her comrades.
"Wait! Sheena!" His voice held a desperation like no other, and he rose to his feet, stepping to close the gap between them once more. Sheena only stumbled backwards faster.
"Get away from me!" She cried. He stepped closer once more.
"Sheena…" His voice was weak, for he'd given up hope that she would return to him. He'd already lost, lost it all.
"I hate you!" She spat with tears in her eyes. And with that she whirled and raced off down the street, blinded by her own tears, yet wanting as far away from that spot, and that man, as possible.
Zelos watched her leave, staring forlornly at her retreating back as a single tear crept down his cheek.
(Oh my god. I nearly cried. –falls over- I've been planning this for so long, but it still makes me so sad to write it.)