Me: And here's Part Fifty three of To Understand!

April: Yup! And this is the one where we go the Hotsprings right?

Me: …yes…it is. But the fact that you're the one to suggest it makes me wonder…

April: Huh?

Me: No, nevermind

To Understand: Part Fifty-three

To The Hotsprings

By Harmony283

Reviews:

DraNKa-Yes it was a fast update. I had the idea in my head, and I wanted to get back into the main storyline as fast as I could. As for what they're going to do now. After the Hotsprings is over with, they're going to go to Dirks house, get the keycrest thing made (I for the life of me can't remember the name of it ) and then it's back to Derris Kharlan/Venheim to save Feral. Then afterwards it's the whole Lloyd saveth the earth and then it's the epilogue. It seems like only a few more chapters. But who knows (I'm hoping I'll get to chapter 60 though). As for Raine, she feels more overprotective than really down about Mithos taking care of Genis. Of course then she gets suspicious…and…yeah. I'm glad you liked the last chapter and here's the next one, enjoy!

Alaia Skyhawk-Yes Feral is the Summon Spirit of Death. And yes you're right about which kind of death the two sides represent (good job! I didn't expect anyone to notice!) As for why they want her, yes you're right if Tethe'alla/Sylvarant (Aselia) is at war then Reti'thera is at peace. But they want war so they're trying to make Tethe'alla/Sylvarant peaceful. Why they want her is for something you'll figure out in the sequel (it may help if you go back and read the dream Genis had in the chapter called 'In the Past', because that kinda hints at what I'm talking about). And yes, you spelled Reti'thera right. I really am glad I came up with that name, it sounds so cool. And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Viaroura Fox-Yes Yuan lost at the card game. Well, all I can say is that he had to sometime, and Kratos was obviously happy. I'm happy you liked the last chapter and here's the next one--enjoy!

Moonshine's Guide-Hmm, making them play BS would've been fun. But I've never heard of that other game before. But yeah, Feral being the Summon Spirit of Death really surprised some people…really…I thought I dropped in a few hints but I guess you have to go back and read really carefully if you're going to get them (since they're basically a one word hint). But oh well, I'm glad you liked the last chapter and here's the next one--enjoy!

LittleLinor: Yes I did update during the days that you were gone...but...but yeah, I'll try to wait next time. And yeah I did upload faster in September than now, but I'm trying. Though I'm still curious...who did you think Feral was? And what important detail did you get right? As for how Colette will react when she finds out about Lloyd and Zelos...don't worry you'll some of it. And as for who knows...practically everyone but Yuan. Now then, I'm glad you liked the last chapter and here's the newest one--enjoy!

April: We're going to the Hotsprings, we're going to the Hotsprings…

Me: April stop, you're starting to creep me out.

April: I am?

Me: Yes, you are.

April: But it was your idea to begin with! Which brings me to the disclaimer: Harmony283 doesn't in any way, shape, or form own Tales of Symphonia or its characters. She does own Feral, the plot—including this idea which should probably make the rating go up a bit—and me.

Genis: Make the rating go up…?

Mithos: Yes make the rating go up. –grin-

Genis: -blush-

Authors Note: since when did the characters other than April and Feral show up here? Ah, no, nevermind I don't wanna know. –cough- anyway, like April says (and the title) yes everyone's going to the Hotsprings. Though it's only the boys this time around. I might put in the girls hotsprings scene in the next chapter if I feel like writing it (which most likely I will). Oh yes...I may have to warn you about some suggestive-ness coming with this, and the next, chapter. Who knows what I'll write, after all?

April: Yes who knows…

Me: No really, you're starting to act like Feral. STOP!

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Mithos' POV

"So the Hotsprings are…where again?" Lloyd asked for about the third time since we left the inn. We were now on the platform farthest away from the city, and we still had no idea exactly what location we were closest to.

I let out a sigh, 'Making Exire move was necessary but…it's not very useful when we have to fly to the land below.'

"That's a good question," Zelos agreed, "I'm lookin' forward to the Hotsprings now!"

"But it's not for you Zelos, it's mostly for Genis to recover." Sheena scolded and I turned to face them. Sheena was standing next to Colette, who still seemed upset. It was only natural though; Lloyd—her crush—had chosen Zelos over her.

No girl would want that to happen. Because since Lloyd was obviously gay now, she had no chance whatsoever to be with him.

I turned back to look at Genis. He was smiling but he looked like he was in some pain. He noticed I was staring at looked up at me, "Hmm?"

I smiled, "Nothing…but…does your back still hurt?"

He nodded his head, "A bit, but then I should be asking how you feel."

"I feel fine."

"are you wearing your Cruxis Crystal?"

I nodded my head; "Yes…I haven't taken it off since you put it on me."

Genis nodded his head, "That's why you feel fine."

My eyes narrowed, "And?"

"When you take your Cruxis crystal off you won't be fine. Your back probably hurts from flying such a long distance." He paused and glanced over at Raine, who seemed to be looking over here as well. I watched as she quickly looked away before turning my attention back to an annoyed, and slightly nervous, looking Genis, "Why don't you fly with me on my Rhieard?"

I nodded my head, "I might as well. But your sister doesn't look too happy."

Genis let out a sigh, "No I don't…think she is. I mean, how can she be happy? I'm hurt and to top it all off she's probably wondering why you came and visited me back when we were in Flanoir. And what about Colette?"

I tilted my head to the side, "I know she found out about them then. But what are the chances of her finding out now?"

Genis' face soured, "High. Sheena's trying not to say anything, and Colette's still pretty beaten up about the whole thing. If she finds out what they did just last night it could tear her already shredded heart to pieces."

I moved my hand to my own heart, feeling the pulsing Cruxis Crystal that rested over it, "That's a bit disturbing."

Genis let out another sigh, "Well it feels kinda the same as your heart shattering." He looked over at me with a look of sadness in his eyes, "If you hadn't meant what you said, or if you hadn't turned good and we had to kill you I think I would feel kinda similar. And you know how hard broken glass is to put back together." His voice was barely a whisper now.

I nodded my head, "I know…"

"Hey wait!"

We turned around at the sound of a womans voice calling out to us. There, running up the stairs was none other than Belle. And she was holding…a tin…of something. I couldn't tell what.

She stopped when she reached us and then she smiled, "I forgot." She walked up to me and Genis, "Here, this should help with the wound on your back. I…the woman I go to see everyday, Virginia, agreed to help me make it."

Genis took the ointment and nodded his head, "Thank you. I'll make sure to use it."

Belle nodded her head, "I heard from Mandy and Amy that you were heading to the hotsprings. Put this on after you get out and it should help it heal even faster."

Genis nodded his head once more, a small smile now on his lips, "Thank you…again. Really, to think an elf helped make this."

Belle blinked, "Ah, yes, an elf. But how did you know she was an elf? I never said anything about her when you were awake," she turned to me, "Unless you said something."

I just smiled and she seemed to understand. Her eyes narrowed and she looked from me to Genis with a slightly confused look on her face. Then she seemed to get it. And she shook her head, "Well you did promise you wouldn't say anything. But I guess I shouldn't have asked you to keep that a secret anyway." She backed away, "I suppose I'll see you if you ever come back to Exire." She nodded her head over at Raine before turning and walking back down the stairs.

Shortly after she left Raine spoke, "So she means mother…helped make that?" she looked curious as well as hopeful.

I nodded my head, "Yes, apparently Belle goes and visits Virginia--your mother--every day. She must have told her about you, Genis."

Genis nodded his head, "Yeah." Then he smiled, "I'm glad. I wish I could thank her."

"I'm sure Belle will do that for you."

Genis turned to face April and his smile grew, "Yeah you're right."

"And now we should leave." Yuan stated, his wings now present on his back, "There's going to be a storm soon." He pointed at the darkening clouds.

"A storm?" Zelos groaned, "I don't wanna travel through rain the entire time."

Presea nodded her head, "Yes he's right. How far until we get to the hotsprings?"

Yuan sighed, shaking his head from side to side, "You mean you don't know? You could have asked the mayor like I did."

'Well he does have a point…'

No one answered and Yuan sighed again, "Fine, it's a few hours from here in," he pointed his finger to the left, "That direction."

That, if I remembered correctly, was over towards where Kloitz's grave was.

'I wonder if Genis' mother will be there?' I shook my head, 'No, don't think about that, it's better if he doesn't meet her.'

We boarded our rhieards shortly after. I got Genis', and April got on Raine's. Everyone else got their own Rhieard and Yuan and Kratos used their wings.

They, of course, headed off first as we lifted into the air. As we flew on the outskirts of the village I noticed that many of the half-elves had turned their attention to us. Apparently they've never seen a Rhieard before.

Then again most of the probably haven't.

We made it past the busiest part of the town and then over towards where Virginia's house was.

And I was right.

There was a woman with silver hair, similar to Raines, wearing a light blue dress standing in front of Kloitz grave with, what looked like to me, a white rose in her hand. She had her eyes closed, and she seemed to be singing. But I couldn't hear the words.

I felt Genis gasp and turned to face him, he had seen her. My grip around his waist tightened and I urged him to look ahead of him so that we wouldn't crash into anyone else.

It seemed that April was making Raine do the same.

"But Mithos--"

I turned my attention back to Genis, "Hmm?"

"That was--"

I shook my head, "I know. But we need to concentrate on getting you better."

He looked upset for a minute, but he turned back around and didn't say another word…or at least he didn't for a while.

It wasn't until we were a few miles away from Exire, over the open ocean, before he said, almost too quietly for even me to hear, "Uh-oh…"

"What?"

He jumped when he heard me speak, but turned and looked at me none-the-less, "Look over at Zelos."

I did and noticed one thing. He and Lloyd were flying right next to each other…talking about something that was obviously embarrassing…or at least it was embarrassing for Lloyd--whose face was almost as red as his shirt.

"Now look at Colette"

I looked over at the blond Chosen only to see that she was about to cry…

"…I feel sorry for her." Genis whispered, "But…she should have known. Or at least now she should know."

"She can't be with him." I finished and Genis nodded his head.

"It's kinda mean though, that they're doing it in public." We looked over at Raine, who was usually the one who broke them apart, but she was too wrapped up in a conversation with April to notice.

'how iron--oh?' I looked down as we passed over land. I looked ahead and smiled, "We're almost there."

Genis turned to follow my gaze as well, "Really?" he smiled, "That's good…my back's getting sore from standing for so long."

-----------------------------

Genis' POV

I felt Mithos' eyes on my back as I said this, and I was half expecting him to ask if he would like to take over when suddenly Sheena shouted, "What's that?!"

We turned to look at her, and she was pointing somewhere ahead of us.

Then I realized that she must've noticed where the hotsprings were too. Then again, that wouldn't surprise me. She's lived here, in Tethe'alla , her whole life, why wouldn't she know where the hotsprings were?

We got to the small island and landed our Rhieards. The clouds here weren't dark at all, and everything seemed really peaceful…or at least as peaceful as things could get granting that the Tower of Salvation had just collapsed only a few days ago.

To everyone in both worlds, that was the main concern. But for us…

I looked back over at Mithos, who was staring ahead, he seemed to be watching everything. He watched as Zelos and Lloyd continued talking about whatever they were talking about, he watched as Colette spoke with Sheena and Presea, her eyes looking sad, but no tears were falling from them. And he watched how Yuan, Kratos, Raine, April, and Regal talked about what to do. Even though the visit to the hotsprings was supposed to be for relaxation I doubt anyone could forget why we were here.

I was hurt, Presea looked like she was about to be sick, and Zelos was still recovering after his hands were mysteriously healed. And those who had appeared before us just yesterday caused all this.

I shuddered at the thought. Who knew where Mitosu and his friends were? They could be anywhere. And Feral was most likely still in pain…even though I couldn't feel her.

"Come on Genis," I felt Mithos take my hand in his, pulling me towards the rest of the group. We were heading towards the hotsprings and, in a matter of minutes, we were walking through the entrance.

"You know I thought they had it split last time I was here." Sheena asked out loud, looking over at where the steaming hotsprings was, "It looks like they don't anymore."

"Hah, well what can ya do?" Zelos stated with a smirk on his face. Of course shortly after he was slapped.

"You're still a pervert even--" she dropped her sentence when she looked over at a still-gloomy looking Colette.

"Even what?" Zelos shot back, rubbing his head, "And that still really hurts."

Sheena just turned away, stomping off into the inn with both Colette and Presea following behind her.

Raine let out a sigh, "She needs to be careful with what she says," she turned to face Zelos, "I suppose we have no choice, you boys can go first."

"I think I'll pass." Regal stated before going into the inn.

"Well what's up with him all of a sudden?" Zelos asked, crossing his arms over his chest, "Talk about rude."

"Um," April stepped closer to us, "I think…we'll wait for you to get done before we choose rooms. That would only be fair." She turned to face Raine, "Um, let's go in now." Raine just nodded her head and allowed April to drag her inside.

Zelos then turned to face us, "Okay then--I'll go get the towels, then we can change." And just like that he ran off…to wherever you get the towels from.

A few minutes later and we're testing out the water, making sure to get in slowly so that it doesn't burn us.

Once we were in the water…I felt like I might melt. It was so warm, and it was definitely soothing after standing for so long on the Rhieard. I sank down until the water was up to my chin and smiled.

"You look like you're enjoying yourself." Mithos stated from next to me. His feet were dangling in the water and he was putting his hair up into a ponytail.

I nodded my head; "Yeah…it's so warm."

I felt the water rise as he slipped in as well. I heard him sigh and turned to face him. He smiled over at me, "Yeah it's really soothing."

"You can feel it?"

Mithos nodded his head, "yeah, as you can see, I took my Cruxis Crystal off. It…seems it wearing off faster than…than it did before." But he looked worried when he said that.

Still…it was good that it was wearing off, "Really? So you'll be able to feel again completely if you keep it off?"

He nodded his head, "I guess so."

"Hey, hey, what're you two talkin' about?" Zelos practically yelled from over on the other side of the hotsprings (A/N: yes the hotsprings is huge…I didn't think it was big enough in the game). He waded over to us and sat down next to me, and grinned.

"What do you want Zelos?"

"Didn't you hear me? What're you two talkin' about?" he cocked his head to the side, his grin widening, "Or is it something you can't tell anyone?" then his eyes widened, "Wow, I didn't know you had it in ya, Mithos."

Mithos blinked, his eyes narrowing, "What?"

"You're taking advantage of poor little Genis! And in, well, I can't say broad daylight but I can say out in the open."

I felt my face heat up as he said that.

"Wh-what? What…makes you say that?" Mithos asked, and I could tell he was straining to keep his voice even.

Zelos laughed, "Ah-ha-ha-ha, Raine's gonna be so mad at you!"

Mithos let out a sigh that made Zelos stop laughing in an instant, "Well Zelos, that's a pretty outrageous remark, coming from you. For one I am not taking advantage of Genis. I wouldn't do that. And two, Raine would have nothing to get mad at me about."

"But still--"

"There is no 'still'."

"Y'know you're just about as annoying as Genis." Zelos growled and that's when I knew someone had to step in.

"Zelos calm down." Kratos stated, sounding serious.

But Zelos didn't seem to hear him.

"Am I missing something? Or are you deciding to just keep me in the dark?" Yuan asked, but no one answered him.

Finally Lloyd came up behind Zelos, tugging his shoulder and making him turn to face him--breaking the not-so-friendly glare he had been giving Mithos.

"Calm down Zelos."

"But--"

"He's telling the truth you do need to calm down."

"But I don't like brats. Especially brats who look like a girl…even if he was the all powerful ruler of Cruxis."

Mithos glared at him and I could swear that, if a glare could burn, he would've burned a hole straight through Zelos's skull.

"You do realize that I could very well beat you even if I don't have my Cruxis Crystal on? And I do not look like a girl."

He was about to get up, but I placed a hand on his shoulder, making him stop.

Zelos tried to turn back around to face Mithos, but he didn't get that far. Yeah Lloyd was probably desperate to get him to not fight while we were here, and yeah…he was Lloyd, meaning he wasn't too bright, but I gotta say that what he did to shut Zelos up was really…tactful and it just plain made sense. And I'm sure he'd get in a lot of trouble from Raine because of it.

Of course right now she's probably not even paying attention. Because if she was paying attention then she would have seen them kiss…and then start French kissing…and then…

"I am definitely missing something. Kratos why didn't you--" Kratos shut Yuan up by covering his mouth with his hand, shaking his head from side to side.

"Genis don't look," Mithos said after their towels had somehow come loose. He grabbed me and literally dragged me back towards where our clothes were being kept.

And that's when we heard Raine.

"YOU TWO STOP THAT RIGHT THIS INSTANT!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, causing the two to jump apart as if the other was poisonous.

I watched from behind the wooden panel of the entrance to the changing room as the two grabbed their towels and wrapped them back around their waists.

"You two…" Raine panted, glaring them straight in the eye, her cheeks flushed in anger, "should be sooo ashamed of yourselves! Genis--a twelve-year-old--was with you! How dare you display that kind of behavior around--" then she looked around, "Genis…?"

I waved my hand, "We're over here sis!"

she made a move to walk over to us, but just then Mithos handed me my clothes, "Wait a sec, I'm getting changed." She nodded her head and turned back to Lloyd, Zelos, Yuan, and Kratos.

I wanted to stay a bit longer just to hear what she was going to say to them, but Mithos tugged me to one of the back changing stalls. He had his clothes in his hands as well. He pulled the curtain until it was covering the doorway of the small stall before turning back to face me, "You okay?"

I blinked, "Um…yeah I am, why?"

He shook his head, "That was getting a bit 'M' rated--"

"--I've read worse." I cut him off, a grin on my lips.

He smirked at this, "Why doesn't that surprise me."

I turned to face away from him, slipping on my underwear underneath the towel before letting it drop. I quickly picked up the top of my outfit and slipped it on before turning back to face Mithos, "Why doesn't it surprise you?"

"It just…doesn't." He shrugged. I noticed that he too was now only half-dressed. That made me blush and I turned away.

'I…really should be offended by that comment. But…' I glanced back over my shoulder at him, 'but I'm not…'

I let out a sigh and slipped on the black trousers before turning back around. Mithos was trying, and failing, to do the clasp to the back of the necklace/charm that we had made.

"Want me to help?" I asked and he nodded his head. I quickly did the clasp and moved it to the back, untangling my angel feather, which somehow still looked brand new, to the front. He smiled at me and then slipped on his red shirt. After that was on he picked up my choker/charm.

"Want me to help put this on?"

I nodded my head and turned around. I felt the familiar coolness of the metal against my neck as well as the familiar snap of it locking in place, before I turned back to face him.

"There." He smirked, "I'm surprised no one's noticed this yet."

I shook my head, "What do I say if they do notice it?"

"That it was a charm I gave you."

Well that was the truth--

"Genis!" I heard Raine call from the entrance to the changing room.

"Coming!" I called out, smiling at Mithos before walking past him. I walked to the entrance and saw a worried looking Raine standing there. I smiled, "Yeah?"

"Did you--"

"No he didn't see anything." Mithos said, coming up behind me, "I pulled him into the changing room before he could."

I blushed, "you're making it sound like I wanted to see what happened."

He just shook his head.

"Well," Raine started, "It's good you didn't see anything, but is your back feeling better?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah, it is. I didn't get a chance to put that…ointment on it. But I think I'll do that in the morning."

She nodded her head, and then pulled me into a hug, "Okay. Now let's go inside. We have the rooms already chosen…not that we have much choice on them, since we're the last ones here."

I nodded my head and followed her past the hotsprings--where Zelos and Lloyd were being scolded by Yuan and Kratos--and into the small inn with Mithos following me.

We walked into the main lobby and Raine went over to the main desk to get the room numbers. I looked over to my left, over by the fireplace, and sitting around the fire, were Colette, Sheena, and a sleeping Presea, whose head was resting in Colette's lap. To my right Regal and April were talking about something in hushed voices, glancing out the window near the hotsprings before drawing their attention back into their conversation.

About fifteen minutes later and everyone was gathered around the fire, the keys to the rooms spread on the floor.

"Okay then," Raine held up the first key, "This goes to the only bedroom with two beds in the inn that's not already taken." She threw the keys at Zelos, who barely managed to catch them; "You're staying in that room with Lloyd, since no one else wants to share a room with either of you."

"Gee thanks." Zelos muttered standing up. Lloyd got up as well, but before they could reach the hall that their room was on Raine called out:

"And if I come in there to get you in the morning and you're in the same bed you'll both be in trouble."

They both winced before nodding their heads and rushing down the hall.

Raine turned back to face everyone, "And now, there's a bit of a problem. You see there are only three rooms left, and they each only have three beds."

"So that means nine people…when we have ten." Colette said as she counted the heads in the room.

"Yes. I already know you three will want to have a room to yourself," She handed Sheena a key as Colette gently woke Presea up. She groaned and sat up, following the other two girls out of the room on shaky legs.

"And you three will have to share a room again." She handed the key to Kratos and nodded at them. They got up and followed Sheena, Colette, and Presea out of the lobby and towards the hall where their room was.

"And that," Raine looked at all four of us, "Leaves us."

"That's fine with me." April stated, smiling sweetly at us, "But who will share?"

"I don't mind sharing with Genis." Mithos immediately spoke up, a small smile on his lips, "after all, I think you two should get the beds."

Raine opened her mouth to respond, but April did for her, "Thank you so much Mithos! You're so sweet!" she walked over to where he was sitting, against the couch, and kissed him on the forehead. She backed up immediately and smiled knowingly at both of us.

This made both of us blush.

She was making it sound like she knew something…

'I'll have to ask Mithos about it later.'

Raine let out a sigh and stood up, "Fine then…let's go."

We got up and followed her down the hallway to the only room left on the hall. It was near the end, and I have to say it was probably the darkest room, it might also have been the coldest…but I couldn't tell. When I slipped underneath the covers, and then feeling Mithos slip in next to me…I felt really warm.

I smiled and closed my eyes, murmuring, "Good night." Before I felt myself drifting off into possibly one of the most peaceful dreams I've had in a while…

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Mitosu's POV (yes…again)

The clock struck twelve and began to chime as I waited outside the steel plated doorway to Neo's secret chambers. Why she had a secret chamber in the 'secret' part of the castle--the part of the castle that had just recently been built thus no one really knew about it--I didn't know.

But then again, this is Neo we're talking about…and I already knew she wasn't--

I shook my head violently then, running my fingers through my black, slightly damp, hair, "No I can't think like that. She might hear me."

"Yes she might hear you. And then what?" Seiji snapped, appearing next to me. She was obviously still upset about what had happened earlier and I couldn't blame her. Seeing Jiniasu kiss someone…well…it didn't happen often and it definitely wasn't a pleasant thing to watch.

"At least he didn't fight." I pointed out only to have Seiji growl at me.

"I don't wanna hear it. He's your…well…whatever he is to you, but he's my older brother! That's just," she shivered, "Gross! You know I hate guys!"

I shook my head, "Yes I know that. I've known that since you told me you hated me back all those years ago."

Seiji looked over at me, a startled look on her face, "You're remember those days again? Gosh how long ago was that? A few decades at least."

I nodded my head, "Yes just a few."

This earned me a glare, "You don't have to be so sarcastic."

I didn't have anything to say to that, so I said nothing.

Finally, after about fifteen or twenty minutes, the doors to the secret chamber opened and an all too familiar woman dressed in a pale green top, that cut a bit too revealingly across her chest, and a matching dress and slippers, walked out. She tucked a strand of pale green hair behind her ear, her emerald eyes flashing, "So you're here."

We nodded our heads.

"Where's Jiniasu?"

I wasn't supposed to answer, so I let Seiji.

"I don't know, Miss Neo. He came back with us when we went through the OtherWorldly Gate…but I haven't seen him since we came to the city."

Neo's eyes narrowed as she turned to me, "Do you know?"

I shook my head, "I'm afraid not…ma'am."

She sighed, "I see. Well, I'll have you know that Pronyma's healed. If you wish to see her you can. She's resting though so I wouldn't try to move her."

I nodded my head and quickly walked by her into the room. I peered across the dimly lit room to find Pronyma, just like Neo had said, completely healed and laying on a day bed. She lifted her head when she saw me and smiled.

"I'm…here again aren't I?"

I nodded my head, "Yes you're here again. But you have to learn not to be so weak. She's getting annoyed you know."

She sighed, "I know."

"And it doesn't do you any good if you keep remembering him…Mithos."

Pronyma sighed once more, twisting a strand of her dark green hair around her finger; "Yes I know that too. I didn't expect that trying to awaken Feral for a second time would be so strenuous."

"Well then you shoulda thought of that before you tried." A voice echoed off the walls.

We both jumped and turned our gaze to the left. There in the shadows, was none other than Jiniasu.

I scowled, "You do realize that your sister is being interrogated right now because you didn't show up?"

Jiniasu shrugged, fiddling with the bandages hiding his eye before staring back at me with his single good eye, "And I should care because?"

I shook my head, "Maybe because she's your sister?"

Jiniasu tilted his head to the side, a sickening grin on his face, "How about not? Or at least not right now? " He moved forward eerily slowly, "Besides I have something to tell you that might seem interesting."

I folded my arms across my chest, but didn't fully turn to look at the blond, "And?"

"That boy, Genis…my other self…he's--"

Then the doors to the room opened.

And Neo walked in with a smirk on her face, "Jiniasu…"

Jiniasu flinched, "Yes Miss Neo?"

She smiled and moved closer until she was standing between him, and me "Why didn't you show up before me? Seiji doesn't like covering for you."

Jiniasu shook his head, "I didn't ask her to." His voice sounded soft, like it always did when he spoke to our mistress.

It slightly unnerved me, though, that he could go from controlling his own actions and then to nearly submissive in just a split second.

Neo let out a bored sigh, "Oh really? Well then," She turned to face me and Pronyma, "I suppose I'll just have to take you else where. If I'm not back within two hours tell him to wait."

I merely nodded my head, watching as they left.

Once I was sure they had gone I sighed, "He really needs to watch what he does." I moved my head up to touch my face, "she already did that to his eye…why can't he just listen to her for once?"

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Mitosu: And I thought you said I'd find out a bit more about Jiniasu in this chapter…since you're conveniently leaving me in the dark on anything that has to do with him and Neo.

Me: Sorry…that didn't go as planned…but at least the readers know who hurt Jiniasu's eye.

April: But that's not exactly a good thing.

Me: No it's not…but it's a little better…I guess. -cough- but really this didn't go as planned. The whole hotsprings scene changed completely from the one I originally had and it'd definitely push the 'T' rating if Raine hadn't stopped/shouted at Zelos and Lloyd…

Mitosu: so you're not used to writing anything like that, eh? Well you'll have to get used to it before the sequel.

Me: Yeah I know. Now then, R&R! More reviews equal faster updates! And I've been on a roll for the past two weeks…I mean, I usually update every two weeks, but I've been updating every week now -smiles-