Me: And here's Chapter/Part Sixteen! With 1525 hits!

Feral: Yes, finally. It seems that you like drawing things out don't you?

Me: Well, no one ever said it was a bad thing!

To Understand: Part Sixteen

Reasons

By Harmony283

Good Reviews: 3

Hiranieas-Yes I know, that last line...made me think of back in Flanoir when Genis fainted and Mithos caught him...yeah. And yes Half-elves do rule! Though it makes me wonder...there are half-elves in Sylvarant. But where do the elves there live? Or did ever half-elf in Sylvarant originally come from Tethe'alla? And if they did, then who raised them? Ah, well, so many questions that will probably never be answered. Oh well, here's the next chapter! I hope ya like it!

Viaroura Fox-Yes he did faint rather...uh, yeah. Well, here's the next chapter! I hope you like it!

Mizuki hikari-I'm glad you liked the last chapter, so here's the next one! I hope you like it!

Me: Finally! Yeesh, I didn't think it'd take this long to get to this chapter!

Feral: You're the one to blame since you're the Authoress.

Me: Oh blah, yeah, I know. Now would you be so kind as to do the disclaimer?

Feral: Yeah, sure. Harmony283 does not, and will never claim ownership to the characters in Tales of Symphonia. Namco does. The only thing she claims ownership of are the following: the plot, me, April, Aura, Carle, Robert and Fay.

Authors Note: Thank you Feral. Now then, in this chapter it shows how Raine sees what happened in the last Chapter (with the whole Fay, Carle, Robert and Aura thing) and also Genis has a really weird dream again, which is like the continuation of the dream he had when he first arrived in Heimdall. But honestly, will he ever get a chance to do some research before he meets up with Mithos again?

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Raines POV

I couldn't believe it when I saw that Genis had somehow gotten out of bed. Though he was kneeling on the ground, obviously in pain, I had thought he was at least a little better.

Though…it surprised me even more when I saw the limp for of a girl in his arms, and two elven boys, one with blond hair—who I believe was named Carle—and a blue haired elf—named Robert, accusing him of throwing the girl into the river.

But I knew Genis would never do something like that!

I…wanted to voice my opinions but…

…That woman…Fay…

Was she really the same girl that…?

April placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, which made me realize that, even if this woman was really the same person, she wouldn't harm me.

Not that she could anymore.

We were both adults now.

Meaning we had to give up past rivalries and hateful feelings.

Besides, she had a child now.

Or two, since that small girl in Genis' arms looked so much like her.

"What did you do to my daughter?" Fay asked, a hint of malice in her voice.

And still I couldn't speak. I couldn't stand up for my little brother.

"I…didn't do anything." His breathing sounded labored.

Which meant he was tired.

And of course he'd be. He still wasn't fully recovered yet!

"Oh yes you did! Mom he threw her in the river cuz she got in his way!" Carle shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Genis, his eyes also ablaze with anger.

"I did not!" Now Genis was angry.

I had to stop this before it got out of hand. Genis was in no condition to fight, and these elves didn't seem to notice.

"Why do you think I'd believe you? A Half-elf?" Fay said, her voice oddly calm, but just as venomous.

"Because I'm telling the truth."

I don't think I've ever heard Genis use that tone before. He sounded almost like…my father, all those years ago, when he was serious.

He really was turning out to be just like him.

But I still had to stop this.

"Genis! Please, let's not start something!" my voice didn't sound as strong as I would have liked it to. But it was enough to get Genis to notice me.

Genis glanced back at me, his eyes showing slight confusion…then surprise.

Why would he be surprised?

Then he spoke, "No. Why should I? I know you mean well, sis, but I'm sick and tired of people looking down on us just cuz we're different." His voice held restrained anger. And I couldn't blame him. I too was getting tired of people treating us differently. But some people…just wouldn't.

"But Genis--!"

"Give my daughter back…you…you…" Fay cut me off. Just like she used to when we were kids.

But what was she going to say?

Or more importantly, what was Genis going to say?

"Yeah, sure, you can have her back."

My eyes widen. He'd give her back just like that? Wasn't he angry?

But he seems…almost forgiving. Like he noticed something that I didn't.

Even Fay is shocked by this.

"But you're going to have to come over here and pick her up." Genis suddenly says, though it seems now that he's tired.

Yes, he definitely isn't fully recovered yet. And if he stays out any longer…

"And why can't you?" Carle suddenly speaks out, making me jump. For such a young boy he certainly is…loud.

"Gee I'd love to but right now I don't think it'd be best for me to move." I can hear a hint of sarcasm in Genis' voice as he says this.

"And why is that?"

Fay noticed it too.

"Well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm hurt. That's the reason we were let into this town to begin with."

Still with the same bitter sarcasm. But it was the truth.

Fay seems to notice that and moves forward, though hesitantly, like she was walking up to a wild animal. It made me sick.

And yet, I couldn't seem to form words in my mouth. I just watched, as did April and many other villagers that had heard the commotion.

Genis moved so that it would be easier to reach the girl, Aura, who seemed to be waking up.

"Huh…? Momma? Is big brother gone?" Her voice was like a bell. She seemed so innocent…that innocence one has at birth…was still with her.

But why did she ask if her big brother was gone? I knew she was talking about Carle, but…

What did he do?

"Why no, honey, he's right here." Fays voice had changed from the cold venomous voice to a kind and caring voice. That's good. I'd feel sorry for her children if she treated them the way she had just acted a few moments ago.

"Wha—? No! Get him away from me!" the girl cried out, struggling in her mothers grip.

She seemed so scared…

"Ah! Honey! What's wrong?" Fay seemed shocked, and worried, at her daughters sudden reaction.

Aura managed to get away from Fay and, to my surprise, over to Genis. She clung to his sleeve looking absolutely terrified.

But Genis…couldn't do much of anything since he was so wounded.

"He threw me in the river." Aura whimpered, clutching Genis' sleeve even tighter.

"What…? Carle…?"

"I—I didn't do anything to her mom!" Carle stammered, backing away slowly, along with Robert.

"But it's true…that's why I came over here…because I heard her scream." Genis said, his voice cracking from apparent exhaustion.

"Is this true, Carle, Robert?"

Everyone gasped and turned.

It was the village elder.

"Oh! Elder, I'm…sorry for disturbing you!" Fay said, bowing her head immediately in the presence of the older elf.

He just merely shook his head, "I heard the conversation, and I also know for a fact that this boy here is indeed wounded. He actually shouldn't even be out of bed."

Well, yes, that was true. But Genis seemed shocked at this.

Then I remembered, we hadn't told him that he had allowed us permission into the village.

"Now I will ask again, is what this boy—Genis, I believe—said true?"

"Y-Yes…sir…"

"Oh really now? Then don't you think you should, say apologize?"

"But elder!" The two boys, along with Fay and most of the other villagers surrounding us, seemed shocked.

"But what?"

"He's a half-elf!"

Elder nodded his head, "Yes, I know that. But for now he is a visitor. And you have blamed him for something he did not do. That, as you know, is not tolerated."

"But…you expect us to put aside our differences?" Fay seemed horrified at this.

"Even if just for this short while, yes, I wish that you put aside whatever ill memories you have. Besides, this boy did not cause those ill memories, and it is injust that you treat him as if he were the cause."

"But he's of the same race…"Genis sighed, "Look, I don't care that much if you disapprove of me being here. You're just going to have to deal with it until we leave. Besides I'm not entirely disagreeing with you on the fact that Half-elves are bad. I…know of some who…are. The one who…caused me this wound…was a half-elf."

The woman blinked, like a stunned deer, but didn't say a word.

"So Pronyma really did hurt you…" I whispered, not that I hadn't expected that. After all Pronyma was the one who attacked/captured him in the first place.

What I found odd, though, was the fact that April…gasped. I turned to look at her, she seemed so…startled. It unnerved me.

"Y-yeah she…did…" Genis said, his voice sounding faint.

"I…think I'm…getting dizzy…"

"Genis!" I cried out as he collapsed onto the ground. For the first time I noticed that there was…new blood on the back of Lloyds tunic—which he had borrowed as a makeshift nightshirt to go over his shorts.

"But…I thought I…healed that wound…" April murmured, walking forward with her staff.

"Well then, it is obviously not a regular wound. Come, you should take him back to the inn." I mutely walked forward and lifted the fainted form of my brother. That's when it happened, when Fay finally noticed me.

"Wait! You're…Raine!"

I flinched. Great, I didn't want to start something here.

"So what? Does it really matter, Fay? Raines younger brother is hurt badly, so just leave her be." April said, her voice cold as ice.

But something in it reminded me of…

No, I must be paranoid. Just because she seemed surprised—almost horrified—at the mention of Pronyma didn't mean…

No…

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Genis' POV

"Ugh…" I groaned softly sitting up in bed.

Wait. Bed? When'd I get to a bed?

'You collapsed, remember?'

I blinked, oh yeah, that's right…I did.

So I must be back at the inn.

'Yes, you are.'

I turned to face the doorway, sighing. It was already dark out, and I could see the sleeping forms of my friends on the other beds in the room.

No, wait, Lloyds' bed was empty.

And so was Zelos'.

But why?

Or did I even want to know why?

'No, you probably don't. Now get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a big day for you.'

I sighed once more, turning so that I faced the ceiling, only to flinch as pain shot through my back.

My wound must have opened up again.

'Yes, it did. Now go to bed…oh, look, here they come.'

I heard footsteps and saw Zelos and Lloyd walk hand in hand into the room.

I watched as they kissed each other quickly before parting to go to their separate beds.

'You really should stop spying on them.'

"Whatever Feral." I muttered, turning over again, this time so that I was facing the nearby window, and falling asleep.

I was back in the same forest again, though this time it wasn't raining. Though it smelled like it just had.

I could see the faint form of a girl, the same girl from my dream the night before, standing underneath one of the many trees.

The rustling of nearby trees made me turn. There, walking towards the girl was the same black haired, purple-eyed swordsman from my dream the night before.

He had a bloodied sword in his hand, and dipped it casually into the water, cleaning it quickly before sheathing it.

He notice the girl and smiled, "don't worry, they won't come after you again."

The girl nodded her head, "Okay."

"Now then, I called you here because…"

"You…wanted to meet me here. I still have what you gave me."

The man looked tired, and extremely pale.

Was he sick?

"Ah…good…I was actually wondering, could you keep it?"

"What! But it's…"

"Yes, I know what it is. But I'd like for you to keep it."

The girl nodded her head, "Yes sir…but I'm surprised you were able to defeat those men without it. Aren't Exspheres supposed to enhance your abilities?"

The man nodded his head, "Yes, they are supposed to. But I gave it to you because you need it."

"But I don't need it!"

"Yes you do." The mans' voice was cold and harsh, "You need it to control your other half."

"But you've always controlled her before—why now…?"

"Because I don't know what will happen to me. My son is about to be born and I…"

"You're going to have a son?"

The man nodded his head and smiled, "Yes, I am."

"But then…don't, I mean, wouldn't you want to give this to him since…"

"I know it's in our blood line and that it will eventually pass down to him—if he lives. But I just…don't want to risk it."

"I…see. So you don't want me to…tell my other self?"

"That's correct. I know it's near impossible, but I've done research…if you, since you aren't a normal human being, were to keep that Exsphere, then your other half would eventually…seep out of you."

"But isn't that dangerous?"

"No it isn't. I have…you remember what happens when, and if, I die?"

"Yes. She could, go out of control and take over."

"Yes. You wouldn't be able to handle her. That's why…I'm so sorry, but I have to do this for your own protection."

The girls eyes widened, "What?"

The man pulled out a strange mirror, or rather, a fragment of a mirror.

"This is what's left in Niflheims collection. It is Niflheims mirror, or rather, a small piece of it. I could not find the original. I'm assuming it's put under heavy guard. But this should be enough to help."

The man chanted a few words under his breath, and soon the fragment of mirror was glowing.

"What…Eek!" The girl…I couldn't tell exactly what happened, I couldn't see, but when the flash of light ebbed away…then, she wasn't…there.

"I'm sorry, Feral. I'm so sorry."

I blinked.

Wait, did he just say Feral?

So that girl was Feral?

I watched as the man threw the fragment of mirror into the water surrounding the wooden walkway. A soft 'sploosh' could be heard before the man walked away.

"Genis! Genis wake up!"

My eyes snapped open, "Wha…?"

"Oh good! I was so worried…"

It was April.

"Huh? What's up…um…"

"Oh, you can call me April. Your sister's outside with the rest of your friends. They're about to leave to go…fight Kratos."

"I…wait, what?"

"Oh good, you're up." Raine said from the doorway, making both April and me jump.

"Sis! So you're really going to go fight Kratos?"

She nodded her head, "Yes, we are. Lloyd finally made up his mind about what he wanted to do. And apparently he wants to fight Kratos." Then, in a quieter voice, "Though he still seems a little scared about it."

I nodded my head, "Ah, yeah. I hope…all goes well. I mean, I know the last thing Lloyd wants to do is kill Kratos—his real father."

"Yes. This should be our final fight." Raine looked from me to April, who gave an encouraging nod, then back to me, "That's why…I want you to stay here."

"What?"

"You're still hurt. And because of yesterday you need to rest more."

'You know she's right.' Feral whispered, she almost seemed…scared.

But why?

"Ah…I guess…you're right. Okay…but…"

"Yes?" "Please be careful! You're my family too and I'd…I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

Raine, as well as April, seemed shocked at this.

"I…yes…I'll be…careful." Raine murmured, tears seeming to form at the edges of her eyes.

But why?

"Shouldn't you be going now, Raine? I'm sure they're waiting for you." April said, smiling at my older sister sadly.

"Ah, yes, you're right. I'll see you when we get back, so just try to rest until then. We shouldn't be too long."

I nodded my head and watched as she walked out the door.

"You…care about your sister very much don't you?" April asked, and I nodded my head once more.

"Yeah. She is, after all, my only family member left…that I know of anyway."

April nodded her head, "Yes. I…know for a fact that your father is…no longer alive, he was very ill when you were born, and your mother…I don't know…I do think she's still alive though."

I nodded my head, a small smile spreading on my lips, "Yeah. Maybe we can go visit her…"

"Yes. When the worlds are at peace, that would be a wonderful thing, wouldn't it?"

Then I remembered, "How do you know my sister anyway?"

"Oh! I thought she already told you! We were, and still are, childhood friends. Your sister is so brave, taking care of you on her own!"

I smiled, "I guess so."

April and I stayed silent, looking out the window, watching as Lloyd and the others walked by.

They were heading off towards Torrent Forest to fight Kratos.

To release Origins seal.

And finally, to fight, and hopefully defeat, Origin.

I hope they'd do it.

And I hoped they'd be okay.

But more than that, I hoped that I'd at least get some research done.

"Hey April?"

"Hmm? Yes?" "Are there any extremely old documents left in this town?"

"Oh—well, I suppose the Elder has some. But why…?" "Well, I'd be kinda bored if all I had to do was sit around here all day and do nothing. Besides, I'm interested in reading about the history of this town. It may be beneficial to…our journey."

April seemed to think about it for a few seconds before answering.

"Well, okay, I'll see if he will…lend some to me. Though I highly doubt you'd be able to read it. It's in very old Elven text. Most elves now a days can't even read it."

I smiled, "That's fine! Raine has taught me…some of the basics. So yeah, I'm sure I'd be able to read most of it."

April seemed slightly surprised but smiled, none the less.

"That doesn't surprise me. Raine could read it easily when she…stayed here those few times when she was a young girl. So I'm sure you'll have no problem with it either."

I nodded my head and watched as she walked out of the room.

'Well now, that certainly was clever, Genis. I didn't think you had it in you.'

"Well how on earth was I going to get any researching done anyway? Because of what happened yesterday…well, they're definitely going to make sure I don't leave the building."

'Well, yes, that's true. But first let's hope the Village Elder is willing to part with such materials.'

"Yeah…oh, and Feral?"

'Yes?'

"I think I found out a little bit more about my dream."

'Oh really now?'

"Yeah. That little girl in it…she…"

'She…?'

"She was you."

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Me: And that's the end of Chapter/Part Sixteen! Honestly though, I added that whole scene with Carle and Aura in at the last minute.

Feral: Yes, but it does prove of some importance.

Me: Yeah it does. Oh yes, I'm starting to think, what if I made April join Lloyd and Co.? It'd give Raine a much bigger part in the story line (which is part of the reason I added April in to begin with)? Does that sound like a good idea?

Feral: You're the writer, but yes, I guess you could as for opinions of the readers.

Me: Yeah, there's nothing wrong with that, right? Right. Now then, R&R please! I love hearing from people!

Feral: Yes, and now you're finally learning a little bit more about me. Oh yes, and Mithos should be/most likely is going to be showing up in the next chapter.