The Court Case
Disclaimer: Not mine. I own everything in my story that is created by me. So I own the Secluded Lands, some spells, some people, some Summon Spirits, some other places, some titles, some moves, and some adventures. Wow.
A/N: Voyage to the Secluded Lands at long last. But why was Crimsonia acting so weird? It will be found out in this chapter. I am updating on this whenever I can and want, so I can make the story the best of quality. It finally started snowing again, stupid global warming. Also, this A/N got stuff added in as I was writing this, but ignore this part. What I mean to say is that I'm sorry this took so long to put up. But I'll start now. Or not, as you'll see in the next sentences. You know what many of the "ah's" I use have seven h's in them. I also have a lot of girls in this story. Oh well, I'm straight, but I wonder if I have too many characters. Most of them just come to mind and add themselves in the story. I really should start now… Another thing. This is going to be long, so grab some food and drinks while you're at it. I may even break my record of 6,000 words…
Chapter 12: Sky Shifting Future
Sheena awoke to a fully dressed Crimsonia making breakfast for the two Summon Spirits that were usually near Sheena, Astra and Universa. The red haired fencer gave a worried look to her Mizuhoan companion, who didn't notice. Astra thanked the cook as her plate was served. The Mistress of Stars was dressed in a lavender yukata, which was made by Astra herself. The clothing was silk, and it shimmered as its wearer moved, looking like a slow moving comet. This outfit also had some stars on the bottom part of it, and there were also some of the five point shapes on the shoulders. Universa was dressed in his normal clothing, not trying to adapt a bit. Crimsonia served him is plate as Sheena shut the door to her room and changed. She decided to wear a blue robe, that gave off an icy aura. The bottom of the clothing looked much like icicles, slightly different colored spikes that matched up with the robe perfectly. This outfit was designed for fighting, so the material wouldn't break so easily and the clothes still looked good. The others were wearing combat clothes as well, and the whole thing seemed to be growing more and more popular. Sheena stepped out, pushing the door with a little more strength than she should have.
"Ow!" a scream was heard. A pink haired woman yelled.
It was Seles, who decided to spy on the companions of Sheena herself for a change. How lucky for her as she was just about to do this when a huge plank of wood hit her in the face. Sheena shut the door, "Oh, sorry Seles. Hey wait a minute, Seles!"
"Hello!" Rubyi screamed as she burst into the room, wearing some red pajamas.
"We decided to come, too!" Sardnyox said as she came into the room.
"We rented out the house next to yours." Seles explained, the Redjewels silently built a corridor that connected here just so we're all together. Too annoy each other and to discuss this case more if need be. But, I am not going to back down on the case anyway."
"That it is!" Emereld yelled, coming in as well, "We even expanded the kitchen and things! I hope the administer didn't mind."
"He should not." replied Crimsonia, "He never makes much off of it anyway, and residents are allowed to stay for free. However, you cannot just barge in here and connect my house to another! What am I to do?"
"Our roomies didn't seem mad about that!" Rubyi yelled.
"Roommates?" Crimsonia questioned, "You cannot mean…"
"Yup, Crimsonia." Flaren barged in, "We let them have their part of the house, too. We don't even use it all anyway. Are you mad at us?"
"Not at all." Crimsonia laughed, "I was merely making a joke before. At least you can teach them how to act, this time around!"
"Ahhhhhhh!" Rubyi cried jokingly, "Crimsonia, you're so mean."
Sheena, making and eating her own breakfast while this happened asked Crimsonia, "Should we go see Raise now? I want to make a pact, if it's okay."
Crimsonia had the hugest urge to say no, but she knew this time would come. Flaren, Embre, and their brother Scorch suddenly seemed attentive and at the ready.
Crimsonia suddenly became very serious, "Then let us get going. Now. Seles, Redjewels…do not accompany us."
Crimsonia left, followed by Sheena, the LaHearts, and the two Summon Spirits mentioned before. They soon went across the bridge to Raise's temple. Crimsonia said nothing along the way. When finally arriving at the area, The Summon Spirit of the Sky appeared. Wearing a lovely sky-blue dress and wielding a staff, she asked, "Hm? A Summoner? May I ask why you are here?"
Crimsonia nodded, "O Sacred Protector of our skies, I have come. I also wished to summon you, and you told me to prove my worth Not by battling you, but someone of equal power. I think…I think I understand it better now. Sheena…" she turned around and faced her friend, "You will have to get through me first in order to face Raise."
"What?" Sheena asked in awe.
"We're fighting, too." Flaren told her, "Ready three other allies in this fight."
A voice then suddenly said, "You'll have to make it four." Singe rode in on her horse, wielding the weapon that changed on her command. It was in its stationary form, a short mahogany stick.
"Singe!" Flaren yelled, resisting the urge to hug her sister.
Singe brushed her hair aside as Sheena summoned Cresenta and Sola. She spoke to them and the other two, Universa and Astra, "This is going to take a lot of mana for me to hold up. Can you--"
She was cut off by Astra, "me and Universa are out here on our own terms, and so shall Cresenta and Sola if they desire." The two nodded as Astra continued, "They are now, so this means you do not require any mana. But since we are fighting this way, you must use items to revive us if we faint, or some of your own mana. It will be long and hard, and Raise will some right after. Sheena, this is the fight the will sort many things out. Now…let us fight!"
Astra threw out her scythe, twirling it around her body for a minute. Sheena whipped out her Katana of the Frozen Earth, which became a symbol of her friendship with the Summon Spirits. Cresenta tore out his katana, his skill never fading for a moment. Sola unleashed his huge claymore, waiting for the fight to begin. Universa took out his blade, patient. Crimsonia unleashed Gilmia, the phoenix feather hilt gleaming from the sunlight. Flaren also whipped out a rapier, called Revedufeu, or "Dream of Fire". Embre chanted a little spell, and flames were soon following her hands and feet. It was control of fire magic, but being used as a weapon, another of the Secluded Lands' technologies. Singe spun around her stick, waiting for Scorch, who took out an axe. The ten began to fight.
Sheena thrust her katana, missing Crimsonia on purpose. The blade soared to Singe, who avoided just in time. Crimsonia took advantage of this moment to almost slice the female ninja's arm off. Sheena saw this coming and rolled out of the way after kicking Crimsonia in the face. Astra threw some darts of light at Embre, who broke them by slashing the enchanted fireballs around so they made an impact. This was too late a guard, though, for Astra had already come up to the girl and struck her rib. Scorch jumped at Sheena with his axe, and skimmed her shoulder, making a hit. Sheena then bounced of the axe and slapped him in the face, followed by some nice sword work.
"Weapon Change!" Singe suddenly yelled, "Bow! Astral Shooter!"
Singe shot many fast arrows of the star element at Universa, who simply teleported them to hit Singe in the back of the head. What the hell, if no one was not going to go all out, Universa shouldn't let up either. Embre pounced on Astra yelling, "Rage Firework!" Small blasts followed her fists as Astra took damage. Cresenta came up to Singe and Took her bow, shooting an arrow at her arm. Singe yelped for a minute and snatched back the bow, kicking Cresenta in the chin many times.
"Weapon Change! Laser!"
The rod became a silver metal, shooting beams at her enemies. They were relatively weak, but effective.
"That is very annoying. " Astra said, coming to Singe and beating her in the head with her own weapon.
Flaren yelled, "Hey! Don't do that to my sister! Rising Phoenix!" She dived down at Astra, fire burning all around her. She hit Astra dead on. The Mistress of Stars retaliated by going up to Embre and kicking the crap out of her. Embre, who went to fighting Universa, turned back to Astra and beat her over the head with her fist, yelling, "Destruction Blast!" A huge explosion occurred, and Astra was thrown back. Embre was blown away, too, hurt.
"Maybe if I help!" Sheena dove in at Flaren, whose back was turned to the ninja. She just realized what was going on and stabbed at Sheena's heart, but this was easily parried. Sheena used an Astonish Whirlwind, pulling Flaren in the vortex, slicing her, then throwing her out after the wind had multiplied. Speaking of which, Singe's multiple lasers were getting very annoying, so Sheena shot a Demon Fang at the shooter. Singe lost balance and shot Scorch, who was about to land a perfect hit on Cresenta. The Summon Spirit of the Moon noticed the falling person behind him, and then stabbed him quickly. Flaren got mad and yelled, "Let's do it! Embre! Scorch!"
The three ran from their adversaries and yelled, "Triple Technique! Volcanic Arc!"
Embre began to shoot fireballs up in an arch formation, Flaren slicing at them. The spheres of flame tore open, revealing lava. Scorch shot many fire pillars the fireballs, heating them up even more. Soon, the combination of heat became a river of lava crashing into Sheena and her companions.
The female Summoner got up, "That's the way you want to do it! Fine then! Thirtonze Summon!" Sheena brought up a magic circle, its colors changing rapidly. The LaHearts began to attack the vulnerable Sheena, but were stopped by the other Summon Spirits for a while until spikes of ice ravaged the ground. The Summon Spirits disappeared for a while, except Universa, who stayed put. The other went away, waiting for their position in attack. The LaHearts could not reach Sheena after the glacial assault, which was followed by stalagmites, and a split of earth that sliced at Flaren and Scorch. Four giant bolts hit Crimsonia, followed by a very large bolt that hit Singe. Sparks danced around it and then the other four bolts came and hit the general. Flames came like a rushing tide, bits of them turning into daggers stabbing all the enemies. Flaren creamed for a while, but Sheena did not let up. Singe escaped the fire for a minute and used Lemon Gels on her companions. Unfortunately, a flame dagger hit her stock of them and destroyed half. Meteors then came down and struck Embre a lot, and sometimes Crimsonia, who was so tense she sliced through one. Three thunderballs surrounded Singe, who jumped out of the way, but was hit anyway by beams of light. Aska came down and used this advantage to impale his enemies with feathers. The bird then disappeared. Shadow created a mist that suffocated the enemies, but Flaren used fire to burn it away, but she also burned much of the oxygen around her and fainted because of it. The Sylphs came and attacked, followed by the Spirits of Derris-Kharlan's weapons. This very long move finished off by shooting fireworks at the foes, one for each element. Singe immediately used more Lemon Gels and a Life Bottle to revive Flaren. However, Flaren didn't notice Universa come at her when she woke up. He hit her while she was off-guard and so she fainted again. Scorch took this advantage to slice at Universa's head. He made some successful hits, but was surprised when the earth below him began to sizzle up. It then tore and teleported him far above the temple. He began to fall at an extremely fast rate, but he made a wall of fire to slow the impact down. The wall slanted downwards, pointing at Universa. The Summon Spirit of Universes easily leapt out of the way, until the fire trail followed him. Scorch was now riding his axe on the ramp he created, gaining much velocity. Universa teleported up to Scorch and smacked him off the ramp, stealing his axe and throwing it somewhere. Scorch used a fire chain and got back the axe, almost hitting Universa with it as he reeled it in. He was now falling at a fats rate though, and moments before he hit the ground, Crimsonia rode Gilmia over to him and smacked Scorch upwards a bit. Sheena went over to slash at Scorch, but Crimsonia saw this coming and hit her with the back of Gilmia, kicking Scorch backwards, too, so he bounced off Sheena and hit the ground safely. Astra ran up to Sheena and used a Miracle Gel from her pack. Singe was about to use lemon gels, but Cresenta sliced at her before she had the chance. Embre revived Flaren, who immediately screamed, "Take this! Inferno Strike!" She thrust over at Sheena, and when hit, an explosion occurred. Pushing Sheena out, the blast suddenly stopped. Fire whips emerged from the rapier, pulling Sheena in. Once taken, Flaren struck Sheena multiple times anywhere she could. Sheena kneeled down for a minute. Flaren went over to her and prepared a stab.
"Not going to be that easy!" Sheena grabbed Flaren's foot and threw her at Scorch. Astra bound the two up with a rope she cast. Universa took this time to heal his allies and restore their mana. He was only able to cure a little bit when Singe came up and yelled, "Wild Stallion!" She threw a kick at the Summon Spirit, an image of a horse's hooves coming at him. Universa flew a few feet, and Crimsonia went up to go stab him. Sheena parried her off, revealing a new move, "Triple Star Insignia!" Sheena weaved her katana at Crimsonia, drawing three stars. She then kicked the red haired fencer and bounced off, shooting a comet from her blade. Then two. Then three. Crimsonia did not give up.
"Gilmia!" Crimsonia yelled, "Aid me! Phoenix Feathers!"
A huge, flaming bird crossed the battlefield. It shed feathers, which fell upon Sheena and exploded. More feathers came and surrounded her in a ring of fire. Crimsonia jumped in the ring and began to slash, feathers following her every move.
"Not today!" Astra yelled, "Star Levitation!"
Sheena was blasted upwards by stars that did no damage to her. The ring of fire still burned. Cresenta parried Crimsonia as she erupted from the flames. The red haired warrior took advantage of Cresenta's weakened state and stabbed at open spots. She suddenly found herself facing Universa, who had teleported up to Crimsonia and let Cresenta heal. His blade wrung around Crimsonia, stabbed her back, and flung her to the ground. The fencer ran off to attack Cresenta again, but was stopped by Astra.
"Weapon Change!" Singe randomly yelled, "Trident! Heaven Blast!" Singe shot at Sola, who had not been mentioned because he had short interludes with everyone so far (A/N: And because the author forgot about him. Sorry!). The Solar Summon Sprit avoided the jabs of the trident as wings erupted from it. The winged spear threw white explosions everywhere it desired, using the enemy's off-guard to propel them in the sky. However, Sola planned ahead, and when hit by an explosion, threw one of his own back. Singe flipped backwards and then tried stabbing Sola in the cranium. He dodged and threw a beam of solar energy at her. Her stabbed his blade into the ground, focusing sun power into it. Singe ran to him from her position, but since it was an ironically nice day out, Singe was hit with a huge blast from the blade. Sola swung it out of the ground and kicked Singe, then stabbed her. Sheena then came near him, avoiding Flaren's attacks. Crimsonia double-teamed against the female ninja, so Astra came up and aided Sheena, along with Sola. The two girls were then hit with fiery stars, katana strikes, and other slashes and stabs. Astra gained momentum of her scythe to attack the hyper Embre. The girl was throwing around fireballs in the sky, which then rained down everywhere, causing Sheena and her allies all to flinch. Astra then began to take advantage of this and smack fireballs at her enemies. Embre then dived at her, but Astra kicked her way, laughing. Embre then got mad about this and flung explosions at Astra, which missed because Embre was too mad to aim. One of the blasts hit Crimsonia, who got Thrown into Sheena, who bounced off of her into Flaren, who knocked over Cresenta, who accidentally hit Sola, who smashed into Singe, who tripped Astra by mistake, and because of that Astra's scythe slipped and made Embre fall over. After this very long sentence, Sheena blasted into Crimsonia, who took direct hits. The ten were now very weak, and because of all the hitting, had lost most of their healing items. Sheena's team had only ten Life Bottles, six Apple Gels, eight Orange Gels, two Lemon Gels, one Mélange Gel, and five Miracle Gels. Crimsonia's team had the same amounts of Life Bottles and Apple Gels, but only had nine Orange Gels, Two Lemon Gels since they al kept getting melted, two Mélange Gels, and six Miracle Gels. Everybody healed their own teams, wasting up all the items except the Life Bottles. Still, everyone was very weak. Sheena KO'ed Crimsonia but was then made unconscious by Flaren. Sola knocked both Embre and Singe out, but then was knocked out by Scorch. Each team used their Life Bottles, Sheena's team now had eight and Crimsonia's owned seven. The ten then charged at each other, Astra breaking her opponent's Life Bottles and Flaren exploding theirs. Sheena not only had one left and Crimsonia's had two. Flaren then fainted out of exhaustion. One to one. The ten charged again, the heat of battle taking a toll on everyone. Astra fell over, along with Cresenta and Sola. Flaren, Embre, and Scorch also fainted. Singe and Universa attacked each other, both making successive blows. They were knocked out. Sheena went over to stab Crimsonia one final time before her strength failed her. The red haired warrior did the same. The two both made accurate hits, and fell to the ground. Raise went to declare the winner. However, the two Life Bottles' water had splashed on the two girls. They woke up. Raise made a decision.
"This will prove the pact. I am going to fully heal both of you." Raise cast a spell.
"Sheena…" Crimsonia muttered, "I am very sorry. I fought so I could also summon Raise. Let this end it."
"Okay." Sheena nodded, fully healed, "It will do."
The two girls, now all recovered started their battle. Sheena shot a Demon Fang at Crimsonia as she was about to attack. The fencer faltered and smacked Sheena as she came to attack. Sheena used Glimmering Seal, and a cocoon of light trapped Crimsonia. Many opal knives then stabbed Sheena's friend. Sheena followed up with a new move, Divine Glimmering Seal, an attack where a cocoon of light engulfed Crimsonia, then beams of light hit the thing, which bounced into many things, hurting Crimsonia even more. Opal swords then stabbed into the place Crimsonia was held in. The whole thing then shattered, and Crimsonia leapt at Sheena once out.
"Space Twister!" Crimsonia yelled. She prayed to her blade, and a small whirlwind came and pulled Sheena in lightning bolts striking her body. Crimsonia followed up with a Wind Arc then another new move, Red Diamond. A crimson four-pointed shape appeared. Crimsonia thrust it at Sheena, who avoided it. The diamond then exploded, red shards flying everywhere. Sheena returned with a Torrential Stab, where a waterfall appeared and hit the enemy. Crimsonia cried as Sheena came down with the waterfall, her katana hitting the fencer dead on. Crimsonia cast Indignation instantly somehow, and Sheena was thrown off by the huge bolt. She then thrust her foot at Crimsonia, who grabbed it and was about to toss it aside when Sheena grabbed Gilmia out of Crimsonia's free hand and threw it. Crimsonia let go of Sheena and got her rapier back. Sheena sent another Demon Fang her way, but Crimsonia countered it with a Spade Clash. Crimsonia came up very quickly to Sheena like a streak of lightning through the night sky. The red haired woman then used Undying Bolt, hitting all the open areas of Sheena. There were only three, but bolts came down to strike them soon after. Crimsonia wished there was some spell that could see a weak spot for every movement, because it would be easier to win. But fro every movement was a different weak spot, and Sheena had just impaled on f Crimsonia's. The fencer fell back a bit, but maintained decency. She had to win. So Crimsonia leapt up and pretended she was going to hit Sheena on the shoulder. Sheena went to dodge, but threw herself in the true aim of Crimsonia, her waist. A direct hit sent Sheena sprawling to the ground. She tripped Crimsonia, then threw her katana at the fencer. She grabbed it from where it stabbed, the arm, and leapt back, ready to not fall for one of those again. Crimsonia flew up at Sheena, who stood there patiently awaiting the move. Crimsonia was confused, but maneuvered herself involuntarily to the spot she was goin to stab. Sheena dived out of the way, knowing Crimsonia's angle, and jumped off the ground, her feet landing on Crimsonia's head. Sheena bounced off and stabbed again. She was winning! However, Crimsonia was not down for the count. After rubbing her head for a bit, she dived at Sheena's feet. Grabbing one of them, Crimsonia elegantly flipped upwards and thrust the rapier she held so dear into Sheena's back. Sheena kneeled over from the impact, obviously hurt. Both the girls had taken serious damage, but neither were giving up. Sheena was not going to summon a Summon Spirit, for that would be dishonorable. And that was not Sheena's forte. The female ninja held a ready stance. As Crimsonia went to stab her, Sheena took hold of the blade and threw Crimsonia away with it. The fencer spun across the air, looking very funny. She then regained some posture and sliced the air. The again. And again. She kept getting short bursts of speed…Short burst of speed! Oh no! Crimsonia was planning to ram Sheena! Crimsonia kept up the pace and swooped Gilmia below her. She rode her blade over to Sheena and then began to smack her with it. The female ninja dodged and rolled over Crimsonia. She kicked the fencer and leapt off to a part of more stable land. Crimsonia was now much more tense. She yelled at Sheena, "Take this! Gilmia! Aid me! Phoenix Flarezone!" Crimsonia stabbed the ground. A huge bird encased in flames careened into the ground. It then disappeared, flames rising from the impact zone. All of a sudden, a huge pillar of flame rose up, tossing Sheena skywards. There was definitely going to be a hard landing if she couldn't pull this off. Sheena began slashing at the air. Her attacks to the atmosphere grew more fierce Sheena thrust her katana under herself, standing on it. Her hands left the handle of the blade, Sheena literally surfing on air. As the female ninja unsteadily flew through the air, Crimsonia sent a bolt of lightning down to her. It was newly learned but not much of a surprise; Lightning was easy to learn. Sheena lost balance, grabbed her katana and swung. The azure blade ripped through the air like a comet through the starlight. Like a solar beam shooting through the sunlight. Like a lunar light through the moonlight. Sheena felt the blade hit something soft. She had slit Crimsonia's neck. The red haired warrior didn't care. Blood flowed out of the body. So what? Get over it. Crimsonia thought this as she kept attacking. Sheena was stunned that she even did that, and Crimsonia struck her down. The blades had been tossed aside. Crimsonia was now on top of Sheena, her passion completely out of control. She was now on top of Sheena, the urge to kill fully flowing through the body. Sheena gasped for air as Crimsonia screamed.
"Raise must stay here! I will protect her!" Crimsonia's hands gripped the neck of a female ninja.
Lapisa, who disobeyed her red haired friend of East Tahjra, looked over. She couldn't let it happen. No. The dual swordswoman mowed the air as she ran up to the stage thinking of her song. The song she sang before…it came back.
"…And I know, they will be apart. But still, I hope they can be friends. Let us stay. My song is all I can do to ease all of this pain. Let me sing, let this voice, this life--so brittle--let it ring. Ring through the trees, the lakes, the seas, to the depths of the world--the world--I know I can see. My song is all I can do to ease your pain, but I will continue anyway. I must, for love. I will show those lost in the paths of despair what I can truly, truly do. I will let my voice stretch to the ends--of the ends of the-- I will strike with a weapon more powerful than any sword. It is my voice; I sing not for me, but you, my friends, but you will go on. Yes, I know. Waves of oceans are not calm, that I know. Live, Live with all your heart--keep on living-- do not depart. Let your love protect you….Let it protect you… Let it…Let It Protect you….Please, Do Not Despair…"
The kind of love friends have is something that can be easily broken. These two fought so passionately against each other for the thing the wanted. Not out of greed, out of friendship. They both knew what the result could be. Crimsonia began to calm down. Seeing what she was doing, she removed her hands, kicking Sheena away.
Lose Control.
It was so painful. Passion to means beyond all ends.
Crimsonia could have killed her.
But the song…
The song was right. She would fight, not kill.
Not kill!
Sheena finally understood Crimsonia. Her emotion of anger and passion could only be released via friendship. If that was so, then the flames should burn. Sheena wouldn't hold back. She grabbed her katana and blasted herself at Crimsonia. The two were now very weak. Lapisa watched as she kept singing, but a new verse.
"Light will come to those chosen. Power is something done. People may find something dear, under the sun. Stars align, with the paths that we take. Moons come to orbit in places that we make. What is this that you feel. Is it good, is it bad, you do not know. What is this….Whaaat? What do you know, is there and earth that does not show? Is that person you see somebody else to me… What do you…is this reality? You may not know hat is on the other side…what may be to you is a tide…A tide of dreams of thoughts of hopes what you can is come and cope…What do you think this is? I have no idea where these lands are, but to me there is…one single hope to outreach them all. One single dream to outstand those who fall…A nice though…A hopeful dream…"
Sheena had won. By one blow, flipping over Crimsonia, turning around swiftly on her katana, then suing it to slash a split second later was purely instinct. Sheena looked at all that had happened around her. Ad now she looked at Raise, who fully cured everyone. The Summon Spirit of the Sky smiled, "It has been a long while since I have seen such superb fighting. Sheena, you have the right to form a pact with me. Make your vow."
Sheena nodded, "I vow to save the world from monsters, and help everyone that I can."
"Then…"Raise yelled, "Let us fight!"
Immediately Lapisa, Astra, and Crimsonia joined the fray.
"What are you all doing?" Sheena asked.
"Sheena, I am fighting like we were battling Crimsonia. You may still need to use items. Raise replenished your stock, as monsters of old dropped many Gels and such here. But as for why I am here, I am here to fight as well."
"I also came to." Lapisa agreed, "Even though Crimsonia told me not to, I knew I must come and I have two solid reasons why now."
"I promised to protect Raise." Crimsonia said, "I will still, but I am fighting for you and your ideals. We shall not lose!"
Raise started off by busting Crimsonia's rib and throwing her off somewhere. Astra caught the fencer and shot stars at the enemy. Sheena snuck up behind the Summon Spirit of Skies and thrust her katana into her. Lapisa shot off a Finishing Demon Fang at her enemy, Seven waves of energy hitting the Summon Spirit of Skies followed by two lines of energy. Raise retaliated by forming clouds around the party. Lapisa swung wildly, grazing Sheena's arm.
"Ow!" the female ninja, "Lapisa, it's me!"
"I am sorry, but it is hard to see in this mist! We must remove it somehow!"
"Let us try this!" Crimsonia yelled, "Gilmia! Aid me! Cyclone Phoenix!"
Crimsonia held her blade up high. The colossal bird that she command veered in a circle ten times, creating a huge gust of wind that got rid of the clouds and battered up Raise. Astra took this time to shoot some rounds of light at her opponent. Raise lifted up her staff and caught Astra who was about to unleash another attack. While she was doing this however, Sheena shifted Raise's attention. The female ninja jumped around stupidly, Raise being perplexed. Suddenly, her grip was cut off by Crimsonia and Lapisa. The Summon Spirit of the Skies didn't give up easily. She sent out some shards of ice, making a cocoon to protect her.
"Watch it." Astra suddenly said, "This shell is hard to break, and it also retaliates with attacks. Long range attacks are the best choice."
Crimsonia went away from the shell and started casting spells. Lapisa used her Demon Fang variations. Sheena cast some spells and threw in some Demon Fangs. Astra used her bullets of light and other spells. The icy cocoon shot glaciers out at the girls, who narrowly avoided being hit. Sheena went up and sliced the cocoon, which cracked it, but also threw the female back for a loop. Astra went over to Sheena, being stabbed by numerous icicles. Crimsonia, thinking she could go over and attack the cocoon while it was dealing with Astra, went over to the icy thing and attacked it. She got three slashes and two good thrusts in, but was shoved back by a tremendous force. Lapisa decided it was her turn. Kicking the icicles that attacked her, she flipped over to the cocoon's biggest crack and kicked. Then she slashed. Then a combination of the two. The wall was down. Raise was in surprise, so the weakened Sheena went up and slashed at her.
"Sheena!" Crimsonia yelled, "Use your Divine Glimmering Seal! I have an idea!"
"Okay!" Sheena unleashed her Divine Glimmering Seal, and a cocoon of light surrounded Raise. Crimsonia then used Indignation. The magic circle kept shocking the cocoon, which was hit by beams of light then a huge bolt. Electrified opal swords then stabbed into the encasing. This attack was known as the Glimmering Indignation. Lapisa stabbed into Raise, her swords dancing through the air. Something was definitely up if Raise was being beat so easily. The Otherworldly Gate may have disturbed the mana, making a Raise who didn't have a contract weak. Sheena though about this as she stabbed into the Summon Spirit. Crimsonia fought on, but suddenly stopped. Her rapier suddenly stopped Lapisa's blades and Astra's scythe in one fell swoop.
"We must stop. Now!"
Sheena halted her movements. Raise was kneeled over coughing, "The mana is becoming strange…"
"Forge the contract." Crimsonia ordered Sheena. She then turned to Raise, "Let her, please, O Might Keeper of Skies."
"Yes…" Raise held her power into a sparkling ball of energy, like the other Summon Spirits did.
All of a sudden the contract was made. Lapisa felt in awe as she saw Raise become herself again. Her mana, giving off a putrid essence before, was now radiating a nice cool aura.
"What is going on here!" Crimsonia demanded, "The mana…what is wrong with the mana!"
The red haired fencer knelled on the ground. Raise looked shocked, "The Otherworldly Gate has transported too many people here. There is also something else. Monsters are coming. Go to Dilvin, now!"
Sheena nodded and Universa teleported everyone to the Prime City of East Tahjra. The citizens were all kneeling at the ground, looking sick. Monsters were appearing randomly, spreading off evil mana. Lapisa struck one and it immediately died. But another one appeared in its place.
"Use this." Raise gave Sheena a small hard rectangular contraption.
"What's this?" the female ninja asked curiously.
"A bomb. Use it above the city. The monsters shall die and be sealed off. I will take you there. It is risky, but our only option.
"O-Okay…" Sheena agreed. She and Raise began to float above the city, which looked great if a reddish mist hadn't been spread all over it.
"That is the monster effect. Use the bomb. Throw it down, but not too hard."
Sheen tossed the bomb down. A blue explosion was made. The red mist blanketing the town was gone. The citizens came to. Crimsonia looked much better. Sheena and Raise were then brought back to the ground.
"This is very bad." Lapisa said, "I shall contact Rubyi. Medical work must be done. The mana must be exalted from their systems. Do not worry, Rubyi has dealt with this enough times to know what she is doing."
Rubyi ran out already treating two patients at once. They were soon healed. The ex-but-now-again doctor ran to all the people, making an incision than doing something else quickly.
"She's awfully fast." Sheena commented.
"Night will come soon." Lapisa informed, "I must be getting back. Adieu."
The dual swordswoman left the area and went over the big house. Rubyi smiled as she healed Flaren and her siblings, along with Crimsonia, too. They all blinked for a moment and told each other how much better they felt. Rubyi flashed the peace symbol, or a V, and ran off. Astra sighed.
"You know, we cannot have monsters coming here. I was up last night. Nine people went out from that gate."
"Nine?" Sheena questioned, "Did you count wrong? Because there are only seven Redjewels and one Seles…"
"No. Your Professor must be in Kahlijdima. I saw her figure be draw to that area. I am sure she is alright. We will need to discuss this, now."
Astra went off, followed by everybody else. It was a very big group to look at. They all went into the house, where Saphfyre had just finished making a very large meal.
"Now, see here." she said, "I made everybody some, so sharing is what you people should use. Manners also help."
Rubyi, back from treating all the patients already, ran to her plate. Everybody was seated and began to chow.
"Raise looked at Lapisa while they were eating. The silver haired woman did not notice, but Raise then asked, "Miss, where does your voice originate from? Of song, I mean?"
"I was born with this gift." Lapisa explained, "I have had since I fist sung a song. I do not know if it is hereditary or not; my mother's voice sounded nothing like mine, but still beautiful, better than mine. She never used it in fights, however…curse me…I wish she was still with us."
"I apologize." Raise held a hand to her heart.
"It's alright." Rubyi nodded, We've gotten over it. But, anyways, what happened back there? With the mana? I haven't dealt with something like that in a long time.."
"IT may have been from the mana of the Otherworldly Gate or from the rebirth of monsters or a mixture of both." Raise explained, "I cannot leave here if this is to happen."
"It's stopped for now though." Emereld said, biting into a bun, "Wouldn't it be easier if somebody stayed here and contacted us if something bad happened?"
"We shouldn't be collaborating with each other." Seles argued, "We're on trial!"
"There are bigger matters at hand than stupid things that are wrong." Astra pointed out, savoring the taste of some meat.
"I guess." Seles shrugged, "So who will stay?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Scorch replied. Wow, he talked. Everybody stared at him. He blushed, "What? I say things usually! We were fighting that other time! I didn't get to say anything! But, anyways…"
"He may be somewhat stupid but he's right." Flaren added in, "We live here, so we can easily ride out to you if anything goes on."
"What if the thing that happened today happens again?" Sheena questioned, worried for the people of Tahjra.
"We don't rival each other here." Embre said, grabbing some fish of a plate, "At least in countries. Kahlijdima has easy sources of us, as we do them. They aid us, we aid them. Circle of life in countries. We have very strong bonds."
"That is acceptable then." Crimsonia smiled, "After all, there are only nine days until the trial so we must be getting back soon."
"Well, don't leave for a decade this time…" Flaren muttered, Crimsonia overhearing this.
"It was not a decade! I went to train anyway. Do not act like you've not had your share of problems!" Crimsonia yelled.
"Sorry I liked you as friend!" Flaren spat back, "We missed you!"
"Both of you…" Topazen grabbed the two girls by the heads and hit them together, "Shutup. You're both arguing over nothing. Petty things are to be put aside for right now, okay?"
Flaren apologized to Crimsonia and the red haired fencer did the same.
Sheena yawned. Everybody was having a great time, and Seles even found some wine in the basement. There seemed to be a whole cellar of it, so there was enough for everyone. Singe sighed and left the room.
"Is something the matter with her?" Crimsonia asked.
"Her child…" Scorch whispered over to his red haired friend, "He may be living in Palmacoasta… or New Palmacoasta, sorry, Academy, but that doesn't mean she thinks he's safe there.
"I am glad she is getting through with this. I am glad to take care of her child when needed."
"Thank you."
The red haired doctor-once-again came up to the two. She had a nice smile on her face.
"So what're you two up two?" Rubyi asked the whispering duo.
To drive her away, Scorch stupidly said, "The human anatomy."
Crimsonia's foot collided with a sensitive area as Rubyi whipped out some very large textbooks, "Let's get started then. There's some much for you to learn…"
Raise was with Universa, a very awkward silence between the two. Astra came up, "You two have to say something of value. Hurry it up. Raise, you go first."
"He-Hello…Universa…" Raise mumbled.
Astra laughed and walked away, silently snickering to herself.
"Raise…it is good to see you again." Universa stuttered, "How has it been after four hundred years?"
"Five hundred…" Raise laughed, getting a little closer to the Summon Spirit of Universes.
Cresenta and Sola were discussing fighting techniques with Dialmond and Lapisa. Sheena almost went over there, but decided against it. Rubyi was being hyper out about parts of the body, and Crimsonia and Scorch were turning into assortments of red. Sheena definitely didn't want to go over there. Instead, she traveled over to Emereld and Sardnyox, who were chatting with Topazen.
"Hello." Sheena said as Topazen swung her sword around.
"Oh, hi." Sardnyox waved.
"Hello!" Emereld said with a happy face.
"Would you like to hear my discussion?" Topazen simply asked.
"Oh, well, sure." Sheena replied.
"I was just discussing the elements of Sky, Moon, Star, Sun, and Universe. They have been seldom used in this world. They even seem to be uncommon here, and that's definitely saying something. I am wondering… why don't they work here! What happened to make these elements completely void!"
Raine suddenly burst through the door, thoroughly beat. She, though quite dirty, had a huge grin Sheena had not seen on the professor's face since the world had been saved. Singe gave the Professor a strange look, then continued her own conversation. Raine went over to Sheena.
"Those elements…I've went to Redsia and Kahlijdima, and found two things out. One is that the people of the Secluded Lands are very forgiving of half-elfs, since some of their people residing in the new world were slaughtered by Desians. Two is that the elements Topazen spoke of are in too much splendor to be pulled off easily. These elements bind the world and its mana together- forming part of life it self. They are very hard to learn since they require and use great power. Many people have tried in the past…but for naught."
After Raine's short little explanation, Sheena asked, "What are you doing here? And why are you so dirty?"
Raine replied, "I came here to end the discrimination. Kahlijdima…" she gave a look at Singe, "were very forgiving. Redsia was also forgiving, I'd love to go there again someday… But I am rambling. Kratos, Genis, and Presea do not know I am here. I had to cross continents by foot, not asking for help."
"You crossed by foot. Raine, you swam? Across the Lake of Rivets!" Crimsonia suddenly yelled.
"It was no hassle!' Raine yelled, "I crossed in a washtub…"
Sheena smirked a bit as Raine continued, "I got seasick. Three times. It was worth the effort. I am truly in love with the Secluded Lands."
Dialmond ran up to Raine, "I do respect you, but right now, you are being completely and utterly stupid! Having family and friends…Miss Raine, you are acting like a coquette! Or a bimbo! Something stupid and dimwitted! Never leave your family! Or friends! Miss Raine…they are worried! Do you even know how to get back from here!"
"I'm sorry." Raine apologized, "I was caught up in these lands. I do have a way to get back. This…" she pulled out a rock with some dirt on it, "This is from the Otherworldly Gate. It ma just be the thing to get me back if I charge it up with some mana. The question is…do you have a way to get back?"
Topazen pulled out a rock out the same fashion, "We use the same way, not even from the pillars. They're buried in the ground, aren't they? Where did you find yours?"
"It jutted out of the ground. I kept it as a god luck charm, but I also deducted I could use it, but only once. I must be going now, as my job is done…the people of East Tahjra have already forgiven, as Crimsonia told me."
"Yes." Crimsonia nodded.
Raine held the rock to her heart, mana flowing into it. A flash occurred, and once gone, Raine was no longer seen. Crimsonia sighed and went back to her drink. Sheena continued her conversation with the three Redjewels. Universa gave a look at Raise, then slightly downward by accident. The Summon Spirit of the Skies blushed but didn't say anything. For a minute, that is. Raise coughed.
"I-I-I am sorry…" Universa muttered.
"It is alright." Raise smiled, "Just do not do that again. Here. It is embarrassing."
Universa looked confused and Raise just looked away. She grabbed a wine, "Do you want any? What do you prefer, Palmacoasta White, Dilvin Dreams, or this other blend Mana Millions?"
"I think I shall have a Dilvin Dream, thank you." Universa blushed. Was Raise…was Raise flirting with him?
Raise got two glasses. Pouring herself a Palmacoasta White, she hoped she wasn't too open about her flirting…she did like Universa. But, she wouldn't get drunk.
Sheena watched as the two Summon Spirits became more used to each other. She smiled and turned back to Topazen. She was going on a bout how her sword was losing its edge and how when she was fighting the blade flew out…it was rather boring until a loud clattering noise was heard. Topazen's sword fell out of its hilt. She was rather red as she picked it up. It was in very poor condition. The blond haired maid had tears in her eyes; she had worked so hard to keep it formed. As everyone still watched, the blade would not go back in its hilt. The crowd turned away as Topazen struggled with the hilt. Sheena frowned and left the house for a moment. She went to Dilvin's weapon shop, LaHeart Weapons. Sheena was surprised to see the LaHearts had store, they were very young… Sheena ignored this and went into the store. Inside, a man with red hair welcomed her. Sheena pointed at a sword with bolts dancing around it. The clerk said it cost 57,000 Gald. Sheena was in awe; blades never cost that much anywhere! The man pointed at her katana, indicating she would be able to trade it. Sheena shook her head. Flaren came in.
"I own this store, Charge." Flaren said, "Let her have this for free. I'll pay you later."
"But--" the clerk began to start.
"You don't want to face the wrath of Revedufeu, do you?"
Charge said nothing and took the sword down. He muttered, "Do you want any jewel entrustments on that? Elektra likes a master who knows the sword well. The gems may help the user reach a higher level…"
"If it's not too much…I would like seven jewel entrustments." Sheena asked.
"Are you crazy!" Flaren yelled, "It will cost me millions!"
"What if Revedufeu was in that condition?"
"Fine…"
Sheena asked for a topaz in the middle of the hilt, a ruby next to that, a sapphire next to that, and a diamond next to that, the right part of the hilt complete. To the left, Sheena requested a sardonyx jewel to the left of the topaz, and an emerald next to that, and at the end a lapis. The clerk took two minutes to forge the jewels in, and gave Sheena the sheath, which was a radiant gold, with all the colors of the said gems at the bottom. They looked newly added in; the clerk understood Sheena's plight and did it himself, which took a minute after forging the stones in. The female ninja wrapped up the sheathed word clumsily and left the store, thanking Flaren and the clerk. Flaren closed up shop and Charge left the area. He had a small smile on his face; even though that sword, Elektra, was a loss to the shop, he was glad it had an owner.
Sheena burst into the house of Crimsonia. She went over to Topazen, who was alone. She was still trying to fit the blade into its hilt. She was also crying, hiding away from the rest of the people. Sheena ran over and offered her the package. She indicated for Topazen to open it. She did, and saw the bottom of the sheath, the colorful part. She opened it more, revealing the sword. It seemed to shine throughout the room, and Topazen was overjoyed. She accidentally managed to get the sword back into its hilt, and began to laugh. She thanked Sheena and showed off the blade. As she took it out of its cover, she saw the jewels, standing for her family. Dialmond gave Sheena a small smile. Sheena grinned back. Topazen swung the sword around, jumping to and fro, slashing in random places.
"Topazen, if you want to train, you shoulda asked!" Rubyi said, running outside.
"There is a training room, you know!" Crimsonia yelled to them.
Rubyi and Topazen blushed as Crimsonia pointed to the room. Topazen happily smiled at Sheena. Crimsonia gave one of her cute little grins.
'I'm glad Elektra finally has the proper owner." Flaren walked up to Sheena, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Sheena turned around in a little shock. Surprised by Flaren she flinched. But after hearing the statement, she said, "Whaddya mean?"
"Well…" Flaren looked dup, blushing a bit, "Whenever I tried to sell Elektra, it would always shock the owner…or if it was some greedy person, well…we'd have to use some advanced curing magic…Elektra was made by me, Singe, Embre, and Scorch. I think that blade has a mind of its own. I never trusted the people that came not our store to buy that sword…so it might have been my fault. Elektra needed an owner. Topazen…is very skilled. With that sword, she might even become as skilled as you!"
"I'm not that good…" Sheena blushed modestly.
"Oh, but you are!" Flaren nodded, "I'm amazed at your progress! You didn't even summon any Summon Spirits or even use your mana for the strength for the ones out! That was amazing! I'm just very glad you've fought so well!"
Crimsonia explained to Sheena, "When we were training in school, Flaren looked up to a particular teacher in class. I think, that…that Cresenta might have been that teacher. Because Flaren seemed very pleased and more joyous when he was around. She even beat him once. That is why she is so good. I am not as skilled…"
"Actually…" Flaren looked at the floor, smiling, "Crimsonia, you're much more skilled than me! Raise told me on the way back it was you who was in the final fight with Sheena! I don't care how much you think you failed, Crimsonia, I always admired that! You stuck it out to the end! It's just great! I find happiness in my friends and what they do, my family, and what they do, and some many others, like that Professor Raine person, and what they do! I love our world when people work at full potential! A poor person who is happy and fulfilled versus a rich person who is filled with nothingness and underachievement…the poor person is obviously the winner! Fulfilling their hopes and dreams or even someone else's hopes and dreams…it is so much more worth than money!"
By this time everybody was looking at Flaren. Raise, putting a hand near Universa smiled. The crowd kept watching the excited Flaren, who didn't notice.
"And…" Flaren smiled again, "The Secluded Lands…I haven't even realized how lucky we are! Only people with elven blood have magic anywhere else, but we human, have that gift! I am so glad, that even after all this discrimination, the half-elfs pull through! They've gone through so much, but dammit, they can pull through! I truly am in love with this world! Martel truly blessed it! Monsters may be coming back, and people may die, but still, I love this world! I A life born, a life lived, so much is accomplished! I can truly say…I never want this moment to end."
The crowd began to clap. Flaren turned around, seeing everybody clapped. Looking at Sheena and Crimsonia, she also their colliding of hands. Flaren realized they were all clapping at her, and she began to turn a furious red. Rubyi and Emereld also began to clap. Flaren smiled, still crimson. Seles, after the noise went down, approached Sheena.
"I've been thinking…" the pink haired woman stretched.
"Yeah?" Sheena asked.
"This whole case…I have to change my outlook on who wins it."
"Why?"
"If I don't…that person who wins I may pity…or come to like, or forgive them. I have to sort everything out once this is over. That doesn't mean I'm backing down, so the case'll continue!"
"Okay then…" Sheena smiled as Seles walked away. She looked over at Raise.
The Summon Spirit of the Skies was a little more freer in her movements, clutching Universa and laughing at random moments. She was amazingly not building up a scene. Universa was hugely crimson as Raise's hands held on to him. She wasn't drunk, just somewhat tipsy, so she decided to stop.
"I am sorry." Raise apologized, "I am usually much better with my alcohol…"
Universa chuckled, "It is no problem. That was somewhat amusing…" he blushed a bit more.
"Oh, ha ha!" Raise put her hands on her hips. She then almost fell over, and just when she was about to hit the floor, dragged Universa down with her. The two made a loud crashing noise and were now in a very awkward position. Many people looked over. Raise blushed and pushed Universa off of her. Universa became red in the face again and helped her up. Sheena laughed a bit. Flaren, in a very deep conversation with Cresenta, looked over at the two. When Raise glanced at her, she waved. Raise laughed then looked away. Flaren continued her conversation.
"When this teacher taught us-he never gave us his name…- he was the same age as me. It was after Raise moved here, and three others, besides my teacher, moved here for a bit two. One seemed horribly awkward around Raise, and the only woman talked to her a lot. The other man was in the neutral zone, but I think they were family, besides Raise. I could kind of feel it…Our teacher…he left some time ago. Raise barely talked to them soon, busy with other things. I don't know what happened, but our teacher left with the other three. I cried so much that night…I…I loved him…"
Cresenta held her for a minute, "I am sorry…"
Flaren wiped something from her eyes, "Oh, don't worry yourself. It's not your problem…I do wish I could meet him again though…"
"Would training cheer you up?"
"Oh, yes, I could really enjoy that as of right now!"
Flaren smiled as she ran into the training room. Cresenta followed her and withdrew his katana. Flaren took out Revedufeu. Cresenta blocked as Flaren thrust her rapier outward. Cresenta took one step back, held the rapier back with his katana and flipped her over with his foot. Flaren steadied herself in air, and with one slash, she was on Revedufeu, gliding towards Cresenta. As she rode towards him, Cresenta knocked the blade out from under her. Flaren caught the handle and neatly kicked her opponent in the face. She flipped upright, in a ready position. Cresenta came at her, and Flaren threw her rapier up. Cresenta leaped over her and thrust, but Flaren jumped over just in time. Bursting off the wall, she slammed her weapon at the Summon Spirit of the Moon. He easily dodged and grabbed the rapier, throwing it- and Flaren- to the wall. The fiery fencer aimed her foot at Cresenta, her rapier stabbing through the ceiling. Crimsonia, above the training room, watched as a red point came up through the floor. Flaren put her eye up to the hole and Crimsonia looked at it curiously.
"Oh, sorry!' Flaren blinked, laughing a bit. She then became normal again, "But isn't the area above this storage?"
"It was." Crimsonia explained, "But when the two houses were formed together, it became an empty room with some tables in in. The storage was put in a closet I was not using."
"Oh, okay." Flaren said, "So are any other people there?"
"Raise and Universa were in here some time ago…I went to go look for them. I thought they were in here, but…"
"They're not?"
"No. I wonder where they went…"
Meanwhile, Universa and Raise were in one of the guest rooms Crimsonia had. Raise took in much more alcohol than she should of, along with Universa. The two were still surprisingly serious except for a few moments.
"You know…" Raise said, slapping the wall, "I truly missed you when left."
"I did, as well." Universa agreed.
"Was it hard up there?"
"A bit, yes. However, Sheena is a truly…amazing person."
"Astra…yes…she told me about you and her. Are you okay now? Are you open?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you obviously are, so I will not regret doing…this!"
Raise suddenly dived at Universa, her lips sealing on his. Universa was a bit shocked, but he returned the action with one of his own. His hand clenched on Raise's waist as her lips fell from his. She breathed fro more and got what she wanted. Moving her hand near Universa's rear, she held her hand tight. The two Slid up against each other in a most passionate way; their bodies seeming to connect. And then in walked Embre, who got bored and decided to explore all the rooms of the house. She had done this before when the houses were apart, but it was more fun this way. Her surprise was immense when she saw the two, Universa's hand now looking more suggestive than it should have. The girl, wide-eyed, fainted in shock. Raise removed her lips to see what the noise was. She then saw Embre. Raise was shocked, and began to remove herself from Universa. This made it look even worse when Singe came in to see what the noise was about. Conveniently, she passed out, too. Raise then fell over, after singe fainted, Universa going to help her up. Now, Crimsonia walked in. But she didn't faint, she just screamed. Better thing than the first, only not really. This brought everyone's attention up, and the crowd went to see what was going on. The only two not there were Flaren and Cresenta, who had just finished their fight…
At that moment…
Flaren couldn't control herself. Her teacher gone so long ago…she had found him. She leapt upon Cresenta and began to feverishly make out with him. It was off guard, but Cresenta, the one who had also been loved and separated from love, returned the kiss. Flaren, he did like, but he never knew she liked him back. When he returned to Derris-Kharlan, she was always on his mind. He accidentally slid her shirt somewhat down. Flaren stopped and pulled it back up.
"I may not be an adult, but I am responsible. I can't have a child now."
"I was not thinking of going there. But, Miss Flaren…you are incredible."
"Oh, Cresenta!" Flaren pulled her shirt back up, blushing. No way would she think of getting dirty, no, it didn't suit her! She did love Cresenta, though, so she continued her feelings revealed. She didn't even think about when he would have to leave. She just wanted him to be with her. Right after he did his signature strike Flaren had been struck by so many years ago…when she was fourteen…she remembered it exactly. Flaren was now nineteen, and Cresenta though beauty had hit her excellently. He had never kissed a woman before, just pondered of it. But now…now was different. Flaren, uncomfortable of Revedufeu being near her hip (as it was in her sheath), threw it at the wall and locked lips once more.
Once everything had been sorted out, Crimsonia went to go check on Cresenta and Flaren. She was worried about her friends; why hadn't they come to the whole Raise-Universa thing? She had her answer in moments. As she went down and saw the two, she almost screamed again. She covered her mouth this time, careful of herself. Cresenta was on top of Flaren who was smiling blissfully. From a different view and not hearing what Flaren had said only moments ago, it looked very wrong. Crimsonia went to go out of the room when she tripped. Making a noise, she hid behind a plant.
"What was that?" Cresenta asked.
"Oh, I think it was my foot…" Flaren blushed.
"Then all is well."
"You're very right!"
The two delved in for another kiss, and Crimsonia left the room. Seeing so many awkward things in so little time, she immediately grabbed a Palmacoasta White, to just ease herself. She saw Sola and smiled pleasantly. He smirked back. The rest of the people had come down, finishing all the food and drink. The Redjewels got to work, Sheena retired to her room, and the two couples mentioned afore continued their affairs. The LaHearts went to one room to discuss all the things that had happened, besides Flaren. Singe 9who regained consciousness along with her sister, Embre) even wrote in her diary who had not revealed moments in twelve years; Singe was only ten years of age when she left. Some mail had gotten through, but through tasks where the sender (usually somebody from the Secluded Lands) would end up dead -for the seal had gotten much stronger- or charging too much for their service. Singe had been isolated from the LaHearts ever since her dream to help the other continents, or the "Problematic Lands". This was the disrespectful title, as the lands that were not secluded tended to fight a majority of the time. The respectful, much less used names were "Open Lands" or "Other Place". They were often not used since those continents had screwed themselves up. Badly. Singe, wanting to end this discrimination, went to Meltokio. There, she had become general of the Meltokio Guard, requiring rigorous training and years of self-loathing, spite, despair, and happiness at the end. Singe had to kill some that stood in her way, she hated herself for hat. She was always known to bury the bodies she had killed, even when the king ordered her to do something else. She was often depressed and homesick there; when not general, she cried about how she wasn't good enough or how she didn't deserve to be called a LaHeart. Many soldiers tried to take advantage of the fact that Singe was a woman and often spited her for that. She had almost been exposed to the public by somebody, a secret she chose not to reveal. She ended up killing the man who could have easily drove her off the edge. Singe hated herself for that, too. The only man she revealed it to was her husband, Pietro, who she almost never saw. Singe had a child at the age of seventeen, her life completely turned around. She, being a general, could not retire her position easily and Pietro often had no time, and his jobs often got in the way. Three years later, when Pietro was taken to a human ranch, Singe was in horrible mentality and did all she could for her child. Her job offered much Glad but little time off, so her child was somewhat self-sufficient. Crimsonia, hearing of the news via one of Singe's letters, knew she could take care of the child after she was done training in the Open Lands. The general left the child in Crimsonia's care, the red haired fencer hiding the secret for years to come. The Palmacoasta Academy helped greatly in this whole predicament. It, even though costly, offered great security and living for children ages five and above. Singe immediately took up on the offer, paying for the Academy herself. Crimsonia was the one to put the child in, a great actor of being a mother. Singe paid for every season, Crimsonia attending all the meetings. Singe thanked Martel how lucky she was. She was now at home with her family, who had had a year's less of time from Singe than her association with the Open Lands. Singe really desired more time with her family, but her career had other plans. She took advantage of the moment; the pen in her hand seemed to burn holes through the pages of the diary. Embre smiled as the general wrote; even at the age she saw Singe last, ten, the Meltokio Guard Leader was always skilled at writing. When Embre was a child, Singe read her own stories to the girl. Embre, now fourteen, was glad her sister was back. She hugged the general, then the dreaded question came to hand. She couldn't help but ask it.
"When do you have to leave? You left when I was two!"
"I am sorry for that." Singe apologized, "I have to leave when the rest do. We haven't left the world in a ready manner; many may not hold up. I have to help in any way possible."
"We can't come?" Embre asked.
"You could, but you'd probably never be able to see me. The Meltokio Guard rarely lets visitors in."
"Then couldn't we just join?" Scorch asked.
"Please, don't!" Singe suddenly yelled at him, "I'm happy there because I'm the general. A soldier's job…a soldier's job is horrible. For women Especially! Do you -or especially Embre!- want to be in that sort of situation!"
"Well there certainly can't be only one general there!" Embre said, casting up some flames then ripping them to shreds.
"They'd treat you like shit there!" Singe screamed. Embre was a bit shocked, along with her brother, they had never heard their sister swear. Singe continued, "I'm sorry, but do you see what it does to you! I can't…I can't- at all costs- let you join that army! I was humiliated, treated unjustly, but I did it for the hope! What hope, you may ask? The hope of humanity! The hope for all that is living in the Open Lands! The hope for the people there, and here, too! But the trials I went through, you both can't! Please…" huge welting teardrops began to form as Singe set her diary aside, "It would break your sanity! Rigorous, stupid, humiliating, feminine-hating people, all of them there! You…horrible things could happen, especially to Embre! I almost was found of a secret I am even too humiliated to tell you! Never say…never say you want to join there again!"
Embre suddenly got mad, "So you're saying…I can't take care of myself anywhere!"
Scorch was also upset, "We deserve more credit then that, Singe."
"Fine then! See what I care!" Singe slammed the door, running out of the house. Crimsonia watched as her friend left. She sighed. If Singe didn't come back…
The general went over to her horse. She petted it softly, "Oh Heat, how will…how I can I make them understand!" She nuzzled her head into her horse's neck, "I don't get it at all. We're both females here, I'm surprised the horses there didn't treat you badly. I was so glad when I was general. You know why? I had respect. I had you by my side, but now…I regret it! My family doesn't respect me, and you…I didn't get to fight with you until I was general! They only let me see you on my breaks, which were two minutes, besides lunch! I never even got to see my own child enough! Heat…I want to end it…"
Singe ran off to a cliff. Crimsonia, suddenly having a huge headache, ran outside. Seeing her friend run to the ledge, she followed, the headache clearing, getting weaker. Singe went towards the edge, her horse in fast pursuit. The general had run extremely fast; she was very far away. Crimsonia, riding Gilmia, leapt on the horse of Singe and took off. She reached the general just in time. Singe looked over the edge, the water crashing below her. The ocean. The azure waves bather in the eternal moonlight, Singe wanting what they had. Crimsonia lurched off Heat, Gilmia at her side. The woman near the cliff was crying. This little outlet to the ocean, the little stretch that the Manauille River didn't cover. Singe like this spot when she was a child, when carelessness and joy seemed to be served a plenty. The general turned and looked at Crimsonia.
"What do you want!"
"You are not going to end it like this!"
"Why shouldn't I? My family hates me, my humiliation is always near me…my regret for a child's well being--!"
"Come now, Singe. You know that those are not true!"
"Oh, some off it! You were burdened by me, too! I need this!"
Singe was about to jump. Crimsonia yelled, "A child will be motherless! Your child! HE is yours, you did nothing to upset his life! Please, do not!"
"Get any closer and I'll jump! Crimsonia, I'm going to end this!"
"No!" Crimsonia began to cry, "Your life means something to all of us! Your husband, your family, your friends, they want to stand by you! Dearest Singe, do not despair!"
"Dammit, would you Shutup with your rants already. I will jump, and I will love every minute of it!"
Singe got close to the edge. She then jumped off.
"No!" Crimsonia screamed, her red hair whipping in the very irritating wind. The red haired fencer leapt off the ledge, as well, pushing Singe back up to safe ground. However…Crimsonia was not going to make it. She was too close to the ground to ride Gilmia, and she couldn't pull off anything else.
"Crimsonia!" Singe yelled, "Why?"
In an instant, the night that had come so long ago seemed to be swept away. A man of glowing energy flew at Crimsonia. The huge, spiky rocks at the bottom of the ledge clashed against him, massive blood flowing everywhere. The Summon Spirit of the Sun caught Crimsonia, in one arm, the other supporting himself. He motioned for Singe to go back to the house. Sola teleported there, then passed out. Crimsonia then screamed, tears erupting for her eyes. Sheena leapt from the staircase she was about to descend.
"Sola! Crimsonia! Singe!" the female ninja was in a deep sweat.
"I am alive. Thank Martel, I am alive!" Crimsonia cried.
Singe was still sobbing, her sibling coming to the two. Rubyi ran over to the Summon Spirit of the Sun.
"Dammit." the red haired doctor swore, "He's much too hurt to use regular mana on." She turned to the two, "What the hell were you tow doing! Are you okay in the head! Oh, Martel, what the hell! What the hell!"
Crimsonia looked at Sola. Her heart seized itself. Crimsonia leapt upon him, looking strange, "Do not do it! I will take care of this!" She pushed Rubyi away. The fencer's tears wet Sola's cut skin. Blood flowed all over the floor.
"I deserve so much pain…I am so selfish! Sola!" the fencer buried her head into his chest. She started to lose control again. Not of anger, but of sadness. Lapisa felt strange.
"What is going on? Mana…I can feel it flowing out of control! "
Crimsonia felt Sola's heartbeat against her own. She loosened the belt around her clothes. Singe couldn't stand it, left, and was pursued by her siblings. The Redjewels were going to devise a plan. Seles stood there, watching. Sheena stayed put, as well. Cresenta, Universa, Raise, and Astra also stayed. Lapisa stood her ground as well, knowing something was up. Crimsonia let all her anxiety slip away. Tears smeared her eyes and his skin, her hands traveling until they were on his back. She was now on top of him, trying to do everything to revive him. She breathed harder, her movements more slow, but she didn't give up. She knew it. Out of all the possible endings, this one came up. She thought she loved Universa, no. Cresenta? Thought so, but not. Sola? OF course. Crimsonia knew the answer. She lavished her lips onto his, her tongue pounding his. Blood was in the area, but seeming to disappear. Crimsonia took off her clothes, revealing an undershirt and some loose pants. She now looked more desperate, the tears escaping quicker. Lapisa couldn't even sing. Crimsonia didn't want it to happen. She had endured so much. Her chest collided with his, no blush appearing in her face. A white aura began to surround her as the kiss became more passionate. The blood starting to get everywhere on the seemingly oblivious Crimsonia. It suddenly curled over the two bodies, the top one all of a sudden revealing Gilmia. The noble blade spread a curing white throughout the blood, it turning opal as well. The two bodies were revealed, looking unscathed. Sola suddenly put up a veil, hugely embarrassed. Because of the mana, the two were both naked, since the impacts had torn the cloth off. Crimsonia blushed as well, trying to find something to cover up with.
Sola cleared his throat. Making up a very crappy lie, he said, "I cannot put the veil down. I must leave it up until we get to another room. The blood should be absorbed by this covering. And there it goes. Goodbye now."
In Crimsonia's room (it was the nearest one after all) Sola immediately summoned the same set of clothing he always wore, still embarrassed. Crimsonia, blushed more, running to her closet. She changed and was in a blue dress with a white streak running down it.
"I am truly sorry. My mana…went insane. I had no idea what I was doing…yet I could see it all…"
"It is okay. Crimsonia…I…"
"Yes?"
"I love you, and have since I first saw you. I could not say anything, as I though you were married to Pietro, but because of Singe's drastic explanation…I needed to tell you. You may not return my feelings…but I do. It will always be that way."
"Then I am truly glad! I love you as well, though I could not say anything either…because of the whole covering up associate. However, I am glad you return my feelings!"
Sola held Crimsonia to him. Embracing her in another kiss, e said, "I am sorry you had to see me that way…"
"Oh, it is not like you were in bad shape or anything…you are not ugly!"
"Neither…" Sola cleared his throat, "Neither were you…"
"Thank you for saying so. Sola…I am so happy!" Crimsonia returned the quick lip-lock. It became much more powerful, the two embracing each other very passionately. The couple even began to wonder wy they had put their clothes back on, but then both corrected themselves even though they were in huge love already, they could not express themselves in a way as that yet.
"I do not believe it." Astra cried, "Another blessing from Martel?"
"What do you mean?" asked Sheena, curious.
"I mean that that is another thing Martel blessed upon a person. Emotion Overflow."
"It is uncontrollable." Lapisa suddenly said, "I read of it once. The book was very old, though, and it fell apart from age. Here is what I remember though:
The blessings of the goddess Martel are passed upon those with hardest lives. These things are passed throughout the Chosen of Either World, or people of that Martel blesses herself. They are as follows:
Sense Risen: This lets the person have enhanced sense, useful for battle.
Element Strangle: The wielder of this can cast the ultimate magic with ease. Even that of the Summon Spirits is simple to one blessed with Element Strangle.
Divine Light: The one who has this will be able to cure easily, but even be more skilled as a doctor. They will not know it until fully developed, but this power, can cure any medical condition easily.
Emotion Overflow: This is the process of in which emotions overflow when a person is at the limit of that emotion. They involuntarily do what their heart wants and needs. This will not stop until the goal is achieved or the heart I content.
Hymn of Heaven: The song one sings when they are blessed with this will help all. However, when used in battle, it will cost them some damage. This is because this blessing is very strong, and will always be stronger than the user when used in battle. It reflects the singer's passion, voice, and life.
…And that is all I can remember. I wanted to memorize more, but I could not. I think though I know who has each blessing."
"May I try to guess?" Astra asked, "You obviously have the 'Hymn of Heaven', Crimsonia has 'Emotion Overflow', Oshitm, that bastard, has 'Element Strangle' One of the Chosen probably has 'Sense Risen', since angels usually have that, but the Chosen have it better, and last of all Rubyi must have 'Divine Light', but not fully developed yet. Now, I must get some rest; let us talk more when we are fully awake." Astra yawned and retired to her room. Seles had already left. Sheena smiled at Lapisa and left. Crimsonia and Sola walked off to the fencer's room together. Lapisa stood there for a moment, sighed and went to Dialmond's room to go chat.
He did what he did.
Pull the string of the bow of life and shoot.
The arrow becomes a comet, and the star rains down.
The wish made on that may be a tiny hope or great faith.
Believing can lead one to the passage of good or the trench to evil.
Love is a fickle thing, but for the strong hearts it will last forever, in eternity.
It was the way she herself felt.
Love must last.
To try and deceit the one you love…
Even in weakness after a harsh death…
Can only be called inexcusable.
Sheena though of that whole thing with Universa. She was happy it was over. Seles, in her room, remembered the painful letter that started it all…
Dear Miss Seles
I come not of you today as your half brother--and my master- Zelos Wilder, but as his friendly butler, Sebastian. I have received word from Mizuho that Master Zelos has been killed, and a woman named Sheena Fujibayashi was involved.
The two girls knew that even though young, they would have to prevail. Their acquaintances, friends, enemies, lovers, and so much more knew how they needed to act and feel. The case was going to come, but much more was yet to be…
A/N: that was a lot longer than I expected it to be! I am glad it's over with! I just didn't really want to stop until I felt it was over. Review, and make it long! Thank you for reading through this all. I appreciate it! Well, now you should read it over again…because I said so and you need to! Thanks! Wow, that took me a long time, but shorter than that one update…wow.