Me: And here's TU56! And I've got some good news! I'm officially on SUMMER BREAK! -dances-
Feral: Yes TU56...and are you really that excited over summer break? By the time you realize it it'll be August and then you'll have to go back to school on, what, the 15th?
Me: -mumble- but I'm not gonna do that this time!
Feral: Right...
Me: Are you okay?
Feral: I won't be until you get around to saving me.
Me: Ah, don't worry you'll be saved...really, you will be I promise.
To Understand: Part Fifty-six
Back to Iselia
By Harmony283
Reviews:
Moonshine's Guide: Yes Raine is scary. I didn't mean to make her so scary…but I guess you could say that being hit with all of this at once really did her in. And yeah, smart people may be able to take over the world with their smarts…and yet they never realize (or most never realize) when someone likes them. I learned that from experience too. And yeah the tomato thing, I'm thinking it is just because he doesn't cook things with tomato's in them, or he does really bad at it and never adds tomato's in. Well, anyway, here's the next chapter—enjoy!
Dawnstarshine: Hmm so it still has to do with what they cook. Okay, it's good to see that I was along the right track to begin with so now it won't bug me that much…and I'm glad to get your review, since I am telling the truth at the end of the chapters—I DO tend to work on chapter's faster if I get more reviews for them. It's just my computer that hinders the actual uploading of the chapter. Well, here's the next chapter—enjoy!
Viaroura Fox: Don't worry, you'll figure out what Mithos is worried about (hopefully) in this chapter. As for Raine making you angry, I'm pretty sure anyone would overreact to certain things…especially when everything is thrown on them at once. Once she cools down she'll get better. I think she just swallowed a little more food than she could actually chew (if you get what I mean). And here's the next chapter—enjoy!
LittleLinor: I'm glad the chapter had you laughing a second time around and yeah the collar idea really is being used a lot more than at least I thought it would. And yes I could clearly imagine Sheena saying 'not them too', so, why not put it in? I'm also glad you liked the part I added in. Mithos does seem to be the kind of person where interpreting comes into play when he speaks. I guess it just depends on the way people want to take what he says. So then does that mean it's Raine's fault for taking it the way she did? Or was it Mithos' fault for making what he said sound so suggestive? Ah, I'm confusing myself, oh well, here's the next chapter—enjoy!
DraNKa: Well I have to admit, if I was going by originally what I had planned, no one would've found out about Genis' and Mithos' relationship until Martel brought it up in the end. But now I'm glad I put it in here, since everyone liked it so much. And yeah Mithos probably would get slapped in the face by Raine…when they get the chance, maybe.
Alaia Skyhawk: Yeah Raine probably would want to beat Mithos to a pulp…unfortunately I don't think she'll really get a chance to do that…maybe. And yes the half-mana-circle that's black. If you think on it, what does the color black usually stand for? And why would Genis be missing half of his mana-circle, whereas everyone has a whole one? Well, you'll find out a bit later on (when he has to make the pact with the Summon Spirit of Death) but you will find out. As for the skit scene, I've never seen it. Which one is it? And, of course, here's the next chapter—enjoy!
Lyurii: Yes Raine had to find out sooner or later, thankfully it was sooner rather than later. And you're the only one who mentioned the porridge thing…hah…I wonder where my mind was when I was writing that? In fact I have no idea where my mind is when I write some of these scenes…
Cheea5: Yeah Kratos is a really good cook, except for with anything with Tomato's in it. So I guess I was right on the mark with suggesting it had something to do with their cooking abilities. But…replacing a tomato with a lemon? That's a bit odd…-cough- and you asked me to continue, so here's the next chapter of TU! Enjoy!
Feral: -groans- I'm getting tired of waiting to be saved…it's hard trying to keep the older Feral from taking over y'know.
Me: Ah-ha-ha…it must be. -bows head- I'm sorry. But it won't be that much longer, okay?
Feral: -sigh- okay…well…of course you already know that Harmony283 doesn't own ToS. If she did this fanfic would've happened…or at least the Genis/Mithos relationship implied in this would've happened. So no, she doesn't own it. And you already know what she does own…so I'm not going to repeat it.
Authors Note: You really aren't feeling well. Ah, well, I'm right about it not being much longer until your saved so please just hang on. But now…it's onto the little summary of the chapter. Last chapter Genis is wondering what's so special about his Mana signature and Mithos looks worried. Well in this chapter it shows them flying over Sylvarant and landing in Iselia. But what would they be doing in Iselia? And what happens when they go off to train? And finally, you get a chance to see things through the eyes of Jiniasu!
Feral: Unexpected, yes, but you were planning on putting him in there…at least somewhere before the big fight.
Me: -nod- yup
-------------------------------------
Lloyd's POV
I couldn't help but feel lighthearted as we flew through the hair on our Rhieards over familiar territory. I knew Iselia would be in our sights before the sunset--ironically enough the sun still did set and rise even though the sky was purple. But I was glad that it did.
I glanced back at Zelos who grinned at me, and then I turned my gaze to the other's. Colette kept glancing at me, I knew she was because I kept feeling Zelos tighten his grip on me, but when she noticed me she looked away.
Sheena, in turn, was staring at Zelos, but she looked away when she saw I noticed as well. Presea, well, she looked out of it and the one thing I knew was that she needed rest. It was a good thing April brought down her fever. Though Regal still looked worried, his eyes kept drifting over to where she was, and of course they were filled with worry. He really did worry too much for his own good.
Yuan and Kratos were, like last time, flying ahead of us. They seemed to be talking about something, but I couldn't hear what. Raine and April seemed to be talking about something too. But Raine kept looking back at Genis and Mithos, who were trailing slightly behind in our group.
I suppose Mithos wanted to stay as far away from Raine as possible. And I wouldn't blame him. Even if he was once the creator of the two worlds—or the leader of Cruxis—or basically our biggest enemy, he's dating Genis now and….and…that changes things.
A smile tugged at my lips as I see my hometown come into view. I'm glad that I'll be home for a while, but it'll only be for a while. Then we'll have to deal with this…Summon Spirit of Death. Feral. Even the name made her sound dangerous.
But what did she have to do with Genis? Maxwell didn't look too happy when he did that weird mana-signature reading thing. But then again, neither did Raine, Kratos, Yuan, or Mithos.
After a few more minutes--twenty at the most--we landed on the outskirts of Iselia. I turn to look at everyone and they smile back at me, looking tired.
"Well? What should we do first? Go to Dirk's or visit the town?" I ask simply.
"I say go to Dirk's first…and then after that," April turned to look at Genis with a worried look on her face, "After that you--we--might have to train. Um, I-I can't say that I'm not worried about this…Summon Spirit of Death."
Raine nodded her head in agreement, "We know nothing about her. Except for that Genis has something to do with it. And we may run into those three again."
"Mitosu." Mithos muttered.
"Jiniasu…and Seiji." Genis said just as softly.
"And that other weird, uh, guy I think. Zerasu was it? You know, the guy that got rid of these," Zelos held up his hands, which were still un-gloved. They had bandages around them, but there wasn't a trace of the tattoo's that had been there since he had tried to save me from one of Mitosu's attacks.
I nodded my head and we quickly made our way through Iselia Forest towards my childhood home. Once there Noishe, as always, ran into his pin. Dirk--who had apparently seen us from one of the windows--came hurrying out with a smile on his face.
"My, what brings you here?" he asked, his voice curious.
I smiled, "Hey dad. Look we need you to, um, we need you to make something for us."
Dirk raised an eyebrow, "And what might that be?"
"it's, uh," I turned to face Genis and Mithos. Those two knew more about it than I did.
"it's called a Mana Crest." Genis stated, "It's made from Aqua Ore--which we have, in the form of a necklace. And…what Colette's Rune Crest was made from."
"I see. So you have everything?" Dirk shook his head from side to side, "But I don't know if I can help."
"And yet again," Kratos stepped forward, "I may be able to help. At least with the basics."
Dirk nodded his head, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to at least try. So," he nodded his head, "I can give you that much. I'll try. But it may take a while."
I grinned, "Don't worry, we were planning on training anyway. We need to get a whole lot stronger for what's about to happen."
For a second Dirk looked worried, but then he mutely nodded his head and smiled, "I see. Well then get to training."
And with that he, Kratos, and to my surprise Yuan, went inside.
I turned back to face everyone yet again, "Why don't we train in groups of two?" I asked, "I mean, it'll be easier that way."
"But who will be in a group?" Colette asked from next to Sheena, "Or can we choose?"
"I'll be with Lloyd." Zelos said, raising his hand with a serious look on his face. I nodded my head in approval.
"I'll be with Genis." Mithos said, stepping a bit closer to Genis with a concerned look on his face.
"I'll be with Raine." April said.
"I'll be with Colette." Sheena smiled down at her.
"And I'll be with Presea. I'll make sure you don't work too hard, since you still seem to be under the weather." Regal murmured, and Presea nodded her head.
"Okay then, that just leaves Kratos and Yuan in a group, and I don't think they'll mind." A moment of silence passed between us as we all just, well, stared at each other. Or rather, we stared at the groups we had chosen.
They all made sense really, when you actually thought about it.
I mean, with my group, Zelos could use magic as well as swords, and that would be good for me because I needed to learn more about blocking magic.
With Genis and Mithos, well, Mithos could, I'm assuming, use both a sword and magic. He could help Genis out with how to use a weapon other than a Kendama.
With April and Raine, I didn't know what other attacks April knew, but they would definitely work well together.
With Colette and Sheena, it was the same. Though Colette could use a few angel attacks, and Sheena probably did need to learn how to dodge them. And she could help Colette dodge any attacks from the Summon Spirit's she controlled.
With Regal and Presea, well, their attacks were similar so that made sense as well. The same goes for Kratos and Yuan.
"Well I guess we should get to training." I finally say, and everyone nods. We make our way into the Iselia forest and then we split up. I watch as everyone leaves before turning to Zelos, "So, what should we start with first?"
Zelos smirked, "How about dodging magic?"
--------------------------------
Raine's POV (about an hour later)
I groan softly as I collapse onto the hard ground beneath me. I let out a soft sigh, watching as April drew water from the nearby stream. She noticed me staring and smiled.
"Here, the water should help you." She filled a small cup with water and handed it to me. I drank it gratefully and smiled back at her, nodding my head in thanks.
I waited a few minutes before I spoke again, "You know…this training was probably one of Lloyd's brighter ideas."
April nodded her head at this, "Yeah, I guess it was. I mean, I'm sure this Summon Spirit is…a lot stronger…than the rest."
My eyes narrowed, "But you don't sound confident."
"I--"
I get up and walk over to where she was sitting, "You don't sound confident at all. And," I touch her cheek, making her turn to face me, "I want to ask you a few things."
"About Genis and Mithos? Because I knew?"
I nod my head and she smiles sweetly, "I knew because I guessed. It was back, ah, back when Genis was staying in Heimdall to heal while you and the others went to meet with the Summon Spirit Origin."
"And you didn't tell me this sooner because?"
"I promised Mithos I wouldn't."
I let out a sigh, "Well there's really nothing I can do about it now. But I am starting to worry about them. Genis…still seemed a bit shaken up from when Maxwell read his mana signature."
April nodded her head, "Yes, he did seem a little out of it. I think…I think we should go see how they're doing. I mean, I think you've had enough training that your body can take…at one time."
I nodded my head, "I guess you're right." I looked past the river towards where the entrance of the woods was, "I think they went that way--to the Iselia Human Ranch."
With that said we start walking in that direction. Though for me it was much harder, I think I must have pushed myself a little too hard. But April…didn't look worn out at all. In fact she looked rejuvinated.
'Of course, not only is she a better healer than me--which must have taken practice since she doesn't have an exsphere--but she's also an elf. I should have expected that she wouldn't get tired as easily. And I'm wounded.' I let out a quiet sigh and walk the rest of the way in silence.
Sure enough I was right when I had predicted where Genis and Mithos had been practicing. I smiled to myself as Mithos dashed towards Genis with a fake sword in his hand, and Genis dodged.
But to my surprise Genis fell forward soon after that, breathing hard. And Mithos stopped.
"Okay, we're stopping for a rest now, Genis."
"But--"
"No buts." Mithos' voice was stern, "You're still hurt." He walked over to Genis backpack and shuffled through it, pulling out two Apple Gels and an Orange Gel.
He handed both Apple Gels to Genis and he gratefully took them. After he had fully digested both Mithos handed him the Orange gel, but he refused, "I don't need it. My mana supply is fine."
Mithos smirked, "I suppose it is."
I watched as they sat down by the gate--dangerously close to where April and I were standing. Soon they began to talk. Well, Genis began to talk.
"Do you think she'll be okay?" Genis asked, looking down at his lap.
"I don't know. You know her better than I do. I mean," Mithos' eyes widened, "You knew the entire time didn't you? About who she was?"
I watched my brother shake his head, "No I didn't know. I didn't know until Maxwell pointed it out. But…I did know…that Kloitz had something to do with it. I just didn't know he was my father."
Mithos placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry too much about that. Since it's not that important now. What's important is that we have to get her back. Mitosu said they wanted her for something. And now they have the mirror piece she's sealed away in."
That's when it hit me, they were talking about Feral! So did Genis…know something about why he was chosen already? And what about our father? I looked over at April, she met my gaze briefly, long enough for me to know she knew something about Feral as well, before looking away.
"What will you do then?"
I turned my attention back to Mithos, he had just asked a question that I hadn't heard the beginning of.
"I-I don't know." Genis still looked sad, "If Pronyma tries to awaken the 'other' Feral again then everyone else won't know what's going on. They'll try to help me."
Mithos shook his head, "Then I'll make sure they don't. And I'm sure I can ask for April's and Kratos' help as well. Though that'd…just be for safety measures on their part really." He chuckled, "I'm confident that you can suppress her like you did last time."
Genis nodded his head, but he didn't look too confident about it, "I-If you say so. I just hope I don't hurt anyone by accident."
"The one you should worry about hurting is yourself, and our enemies."
Genis flinched but nodded his head once more, "Yeah you're right."
"And we're here to help you. I'm sure everyone will understand once we get to Venheim." Mithos pulled Genis into a tight hug then, "I…" he dropped his voice to a whisper and I didn't hear the rest of what he said, but when he let Genis go I could see the blush on my brother's cheeks. Mithos…really did love him, didn't he? I suddenly felt bad for getting mad at Mithos back at the hotsprings.
Not that he didn't deserve it but--
"Raine."
I jumped as April tapped my shoulder, I turned to her and she smiled, pointing towards them, "let's go say hi!"
I nodded my head and called out, "Genis?"
Genis snapped to attention, and I walked through the gate followed by April. I smiled in relief when I saw him, which really I was relieved so it wasn't like I was acting, "there you are!"
"Sis! Err, were you looking for me?" He looked embarrassed and I laughed. He jumped up and staggered over to me, and I caught him. He smiled up at me, "are you done training?"
April walked forward and nodded her head, "We are for a while. Raine needed a break and she was worried about you." She smiled over at Mithos and beckoned for him to come over, "We saw you go this way so we assumed this was where you were training."
Mithos nodded his head, "Well yeah, it is. We're taking a break now too. I think I need to put more of that ointment on your back, Genis. Or at least someone needs to check the bandages to make sure your wound isn't bleeding."
Genis made a pouting face and shook his head, "My back is fine. And that…ointment stuff is cold."
Mithos shrugged, "Well that may be true but it definitely is helping. I actually thought that your wound would open again from all the training we've been doing. And since you were so persistent about it…we didn't stop when I thought we probably should have."
Genis scowled, "Yeah well I wasn't tired when you offered to stop, and I haven't trained in a while so I'm probably behind everyone else."
"For a good reason, though, you needed to heal." I pointed out, and Genis sighed.
"Raine's right, it was for a good reason." April stated, nodding her head in agreement.
"And your Magic is much stronger than the others, so you don't have to worry about that." Mithos pointed out, "It's just your physical capabilities, like dodging and attacking with your weapon effectively when you don't have that much mana for magic left." He looked at me and smiled slightly, "that's what I've been working with him on."
I nod my head, "I see. That's…always useful. I have a staff and I know how to use it well--and April has been helping me, ah, get my aim better." I smiled as April blushed, "She's very good at dodging, you see."
"I-I'm not that good. But your aim was off, but then again you're still healing too. I'm glad Pronyma didn't use all her energy on that attack like I thought she would."
I nodded my head, "I guess I was lucky." Then my stomach growled, "And now I'm hungry."
Both Genis and April laughed, "Do you want me to make you guys a snack?" Genis asked sweetly.
"And do you need help?" April asked him, and he nodded his head.
They went over to Genis bag and, to my surprise, Genis pulled out some cooking equipment.
"Genis how much stuff do you have in there?" I asked absentmindedly, not expecting him to answer.
But he did.
"A…well, I have a lot. Because you never know when we'll get separated. I hope you guys don't mind sandwiches since that's the only thing I really have to make. And they're easy to make so…"
Mithos smiled, "That's fine."
Genis smiled back and nodded his head, "Okay then, tell me what you want on your sandwich!
--------------------
Jiniasu's POV
I let out a soft groan and sat up. I was on a very comfortable bed again. And…I wasn't wearing a shirt. Of course I found my shirt hanging on a chair nearby, and when I moved I understood why I didn't have a shirt on.
I had gotten wounded somehow, and someone had healed me. Though the wrapped the bandages a little too tight in my opinion, but I was glad to have them there. And I could already guess who had done this.
"So you're awake."
I nearly jumped as the cool metallic voice floated across the room from the curtains. It was cloudy, and it was getting late so not a lot of light shown through into the room. Even the small lamps placed on each corner of the two desks in the room had been turned off.
I realized I hadn't spoken, and winced when I heard the rustling of fabric against the stone floor. Extra weight was added to the bed and when I opened my eyes I was staring into a pair of green eyes.
Her green eyes.
"Mistress Neo?" I ask, my voice quiet. She smiles.
"You are awake. Your wounds?" she touches the bandages wrapped around my chest and sighs in relief. Then she reaches up and touches the bandages covering my wounded eye. She scowls, "Your eye…"
"It's fine, miss." I whisper again, and I watch as she nods her head. She stands shortly after and walks over to the window and stares out at the city below. She turns to me and beckons me just by staring at me.
I slowly rise out of the bed, not even wincing as the bandages press tighter against me, opposing the movement, and I grab my shirt. I slip it on and walk quietly over to her. She moves to the side so I can see out the window as well.
The city below looks so peaceful. Even though it's late there are still people walking on the streets below, and birds are still flying in the sky.
"Do you know what's wrong?" Neo suddenly asks, making me turn to her. Her eyes are serious, "Do you have any idea what's wrong with that picture?"
I smirk, "It's too quiet."
She nods her head, "Quiet means peaceful, and nothing comes from being peaceful. I," she turns to look back out the window, "I heard that Zerasu is awake."
I flinch, "Yes…he is."
"I see. He must be proud to have his only weapon against us awake now."
I mutely nod my head, not trusting myself to speak. If she didn't know it was Mitosu's fault then I wouldn't tell her. Mitosu didn't deserve to be hurt by her. Especially since it wasn't technically his fault. It was the fault of that redheaded idiot.
"We need Feral now more than ever, do you understand?"
I nod my head again.
Neo let out a sigh, "But something tells me it's not going to go over well." She reaches out and touches the glass with her fingertips, "How do you think his children will take having Zerasu awake?"
I shake my head, "He doesn't even have a proper heir to the throne yet. He…can't tell them about him until then."
Neo nods her head, "Yes. Of course he can't force the heir to come forth. After all Alexander (1) will choose himself who to bestow his powers upon. No one can choose for him. But hopefully," I see the smirk crawl across her lips, "it will be in our favor."
I flinch again, "Yes but who do you…think it will be?" I didn't expect her to answer, but she did.
"Who do I believe it will be?" She turns to look at me again, "Why it most likely will be his oldest son, Aeir, but then it could also be either of his two daughters, Amora or…" she was cut off at the sound knock at the door. She turned towards it and scowled, "Who is it?"
"It's me, your majesty." A guard whispered.
"Yes?"
"They are ready to leave. And…there's another matter to be attended to."
Neo smirked, "Ah, I see. Okay then," she turned to face me, "Jiniasu, find Mitosu and let him fill you in on what you're about to do."
I nod my head and disappear. I find Mitosu soon enough and nearly sigh in relief. At least he didn't leave before we did again. I'm slightly surprised when I don't see Pronyma. At my questioning look he scowls, "She's still resting. She'll come a little later."
I nod my head and smirk, "Oh really? What's our job now?"
I watch as the raven shakes his head, "This is apparently our last chance to get Feral. If we fail then she wants us to come back and," he shrugs, "wait for something to happen."
I nod my head, "Do you think someone will die?"
I see him flinch and my smirk widens as he answers, "Hopefully not, but you never know."
We wait in silence for the third member--for Seiji--to show up. And sure enough she does. She runs up the stairs to where we were, waiting in front of the castle, and smiles, "Sorry I'm late." She looks over at me and I see relief in her eyes. It makes my heart sting but, as always, I ignore it. She speaks again, "So what do we do?"
Mitosu rolls his eyes, "Why am I always the one who has to explain things?" he shakes his head at me when I open my mouth to respond, "Don't answer that. We're going back to Venheim. This is our last time to try and capture Feral."
"If we fail?" Seiji asks, looking nervous.
I shrug, "We come back."
Seiji nodded her head, attempting a fierce smile, which she actually does accomplish. But both Mitosu and I know it's a fake. As she speaks, though, she sounds confident, "Then let's hurry up and leave."
With that we teleport away to Purity Lake.
-------------------------------------------------
(1)--remember the gods and goddesses of Reti'thera are referred to by the names they had as humans/when they were mortal. Alexander is the God of Fire, and in one Royal family whoever displays the ability to control the fire element is deemed the next heir.
Me: And that's the end of TU56. I bet ya didn't think I would ever add on Jiniasu's POV. And honestly I completely changed what I was going to show for his part. Oh well, it turned out good so I'm not complainin'.
Feral: Yes, and since you're on summer break that means faster updates right?
Me: Right! And I'm almost certain that I'll update faster now. I mean, I'm already working on the next chapter now...so yeah, R&R and I'll hopefully finish the next chapter soon!