Chapter 3! This chapter switches from Lloyd to Sheena, yay!
So, here's a glimpse into Tethe'alla and Sheena as the Chosen One!

I don't own Tales of Symphonia.

((Sheena POV))

Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap! I thought as I skidded around the corner into another long hallway. I pulled the material of the dress up about my knees in order to run faster. If I was late to another formal ball, the King was going to kill me!

"Hurry, Sheena! This way!" Corrine said, as he flitted ahead of me, scouting out the quickest route since I always seemed to get lost in the castle. His blue tails flashed before my vision as I ran as fast as I could in three inch heels. Damn Court fashion! I turned another corner, and saw Zelos pacing in front of a set of large double oak doors. Music could be heard faintly inside.

Once Zelos saw me, he sighed in relief. "There you are!" he said as I stopped next to him, bent over slightly and panting. My feet already hurt. This was going to be a long night.

"If… I didn't have to… wear this crap… I wouldn't be late!" I huffed, still catching my breath.

Zelos laughed and pulled me upright. "Lemme take a look at you, then."

I tilted my head up slightly to look at Zelos as he slowly circled me, taking in my appearance. Normally, at 5'5", Zelos has a good 5 inches on me, but thanks to the heels, he was only about two inches taller. I tried to imagine what he saw: my shoulder length black hair messily piled atop my head, undoubtedly sticking out and coming out of its pins from my sprinting; my lavender gown wrinkled, the thin straps barely staying up, my bust straining against the low-cut material; the skirt of the dress resting fitfully against my calves; the white three inch heels strapped onto my small feet; the laces of the back of the dress were probably tangled or undone due to my running, and I quickly pulled the white hand gloves out from my breast where I had stashed them and pulled them on, just as Zelos finished his rotation around me.

"Did you run straight from Mizuho? You look like a mess!" Zelos chuckled, teasing as he knelt to straighten the bottom of my dress before walking around me and fixing the laces at its back.

"Heh. I guess I just lost track of time." I said, smiling.

Zelos rolled his eyes as he finished lacing me up and went to work on re-pinning my hair.

"Really, Chosen One, you should know better." He said, shaking his head as he came to stand in front of me once more. My brown eyes sparked as I glared at him.

"I don't need you teasing me right before I have to go in there and make nice with people who hate me!" I said angrily.

"Relax, Sheena. You know I'm just kidding. Besides, I'll be by your side the whole time, don't worry." Zelos said.

I kept up my glare for a few more moments before I gave in and smiled. It was impossible for me to stay mad at Zelos for long. After all, he was the one true friend I had here, and the only one who saw me as Sheena first and the Chosen One second.

Corrine poofed onto my shoulder. "Sheena, we should go in!" He said.

Zelos laughed at the small Summon Spirit, and reached out to pet him, Corrine purring contentedly as Zelos ran his fingers through his golden fur and blue tails, scratching at his fox-like body and ears before jingling the small yellow bell around his neck once and nodding.

"He's right; we should enter." He said.

"Wait, lemme take a look at you." I murmured, narrowing my eyes as I scrutinized his appearance.

His long red hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, although some escaped and feathered about his face. His blue eyes sparkled at me in amusement, and his lips pulled into a smirk. He was wearing a white dress shirt with a red tie and white over coat, with black dress pants and shiny black shoes. His sword was in the scabbard strapped to his waist, though it was there merely for ceremonial value. He was a decent fighter but by no means could qualify as a knight. After giving him a once over I nodded and took a deep breath. He smiled reassuringly at me, and offered me his arm. Threading my arm through his, we faced the double doors, Corrine poofing away in a small cloud of smoke as Zelos rapped his knuckles on the door curtly.

The butler and announcer for the evening opened the door.

"Ah, Chosen One. And Master Zelos. Please come in." He said, not unkindly.

We entered the small foyer and the servant led us to the small door leading into the ballroom. The music was louder in here, though still not able to be heard clearly.

Opening the door, the announcer stepped in ahead of us, clearly calling out, "I present the Chosen One, Sheena Fujibayashi, and her escort, Master Zelos Wilder" as we entered the room after him. We stood at the top of the stairs for a moment before Zelos led us down them elegantly and into the ballroom.

Immediately, nobles of various status began to approach us. I plastered on a fake smile and muttered "here we go" under my breath to Zelos, who barely hid his smile and squeezed my arm gently in support.

"Chosen One! How lovely to see you again!" a stoutly man in black said as he reached us first, along with the woman draped on his arm.

"And you, Count Ligimony." I responded politely, nodding my head.

"Chosen One! Where did you get such a fine dress?" his wife inquired. Her dress was more elaborate than my own, and its many ruffles were very unflattering on her wide frame.

"The same dressmaker that I've always used made it for me, Countess Ligimony." I answered.

"You simply must give me her name! The dress is stunning!" the Countess said. While she may have been complimenting me, her eyes shown with malice. It wasn't unusual for the women of the Court to despise me, though, since I was but a commoner if not for my status as Chosen, which was second only to the King's status. I tried my best to ignore it, and promised to send her a letter with the dressmakers' information, never intending any such thing.

"And how are you, Master Zelos? How is your father? Surely he will be arriving shortly?" the Count said to Zelos.

I felt Zelos stiffen slightly, and though the Count didn't notice, his eyes narrowed slightly and his smile became more restrained.

"I am well, thank you. As for my father, he unfortunately has fallen ill. Nothing major, just a small cold. However, it is best for him to rest, and he won't be joining us this evening." Zelos said. I could hear the strain in his voice and squeezed his arm comfortingly. He might be fooling the Count, but I knew him too well.

"If you'll excuse us, Count, Countess; I am rather parched and would like to get some punch. Zelos?" I asked, turning to look up into his face. His eyes flashed in understanding and he nodded a small thank you before excusing us and guiding me to the drink table. Pouring himself some champagne, he handed me a glass of punch.

"I don't understand why you get to drink and I don't." I said, sipping my drink. He downed his in one gulp and refilled his glass.

"I'm 22; it's legal for me to drink, and by the events thus far, I am going to need it. You, on the other hand, are only 19." Zelos said, smiling at me before sipping from his glass.

"Zelos, you know that's not fair. I need it just as much as you do. At least they don't ground out your title with barely hidden contempt. They don't even say my own name!" I said angrily, looking around the ballroom at the mingling nobles and the instrumental quartet in the corner.

Zelos took my glass from me, and before I could protest, swiftly poured some of his champagne into it, mixing it with the punch.

"There. That should hold you until we can make our excuses and leave." Zelos said, handing the glass back to me.

I sighed. "Thanks, Zelos." I took a sip, enjoying the fizzing of the champagne. He smiled at me and answered, "You're welcome, Sheena", stressing my name. I laughed softly, then took his offered arm once more as we made our way about the ballroom, performing our required socialization.

An hour later, Zelos leaned down slightly and whispered, "I'm bored." I nodded my agreement, my eyes scanning the room.

We had just extricated ourselves from a group of rather dull nobles and were wandering listlessly around the ballroom.

"I know. But we can't leave until the King makes his appearance. I don't understand why he can be late and I can't." I murmured to him.

Zelos grinned. "I'm sure I've explained this before – the King always arrives fashionably late."

I snorted in response, earning a curious look from the noble we had just passed. I ignored him, used to such looks, as Zelos chuckled quietly.

"I know. Let's dance." He suggested, dropping my arm and holding out his hand.

I rolled my eyes, but took his offered hand. "One song." I said.

Zelos led me out onto the dance floor amidst the other twirling nobles and pulled me into his embrace. Clasping his right hand with my own, I put my left hand on his shoulder as he put his on my waist, and then we were spinning around like the rest of those dancing. Zelos was an excellent dancer and a great teacher, seeing as before I came to Court, I hadn't the slightest idea how to classically dance. He twirled us around with practiced ease, then dipped me suddenly, causing me the sputter out a laugh. Just as he righted me, there was a tap on my shoulder. We both turned to see one of the King's personal assistants.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Chosen One. The King requests your immediate presence in his chambers." The servant said bowing.

I looked curiously at Zelos, who shrugged slightly.

"All right. Please lead us to him." I said.

The servant glanced nervously at Zelos before looking at me and saying: "I'm sorry, Chosen One. But I was instructed only to bring you…"

"Master Zelos accompanies me." I said firmly.

The servant hesitated before bowing again. "Of course, Chosen One. I beg your pardon. Please, follow me."

Zelos took my arm once more and we quickly followed the servant out of the ballroom and down the majestic halls of the castle to the King's personal chambers.

"Any idea what this is about?" I whispered softly.

"No clue." Zelos whispered back.

The servant stopped before the door to the King's study, and bowed again before opening the door for us, motioning us inside.

We stepped into the large study to see a group of people seated at the large table in its center.

The King of Tethe'alla was, of course, seated at the head, wearing a deep purple tunic and tan dress pants. His brown hair had lines in it from running his fingers through it so much, and his mouth was pressed into a firm line, emphasized by his full beard and mustache. Seated at his right was his daughter, Princess Hilda, wearing a deep emerald green gown similar to my own, as they were made by the same dressmaker. Her flowing blonde hair hung loosely down her back, pulled away from her face with strategically placed clips. Her blues eyes warmed slightly upon seeing me and I gave her a small smile. Next to her were two empty places at the table. On the King's left was the Pope of the Church of Martel, his brown eyes gazing haughtily at me. His white robe did little to hide his girth, and his pointed white hate accented the fact that he was going bald. Small tufts of brown hair could be seen tucked under the hat at the back, and his mustache quivered as he sneered. Seated next to him was the head priest of the branch of the Church located in Meltokio, a kindly old man who had taught me much when I was first brought to the city to be trained as the Chosen, though he was getting on in age and had become partly blind and deaf. He rested his chin in his hands, his white hair and bread, along with the many wrinkles on his face, making him look much older than he really was. Next to him was another empty place at the table. At the other end of the table sat a man I had never seen before. He had long blue hair that was pulled up into a ponytail, pointed ears signifying he was at least half elf, and startlingly clear blue eyes. He was wearing strange clothing, a red and black top with white pants and blue boots. Additionally, he had on a long, flowing cape, which was the same blue as his clothing on the outside, but lined with red material. His eyes tracked my progress as Zelos and I walked toward the King, with Zelos bowing and me curtsying, both of us murmuring, "Your Majesty".

"Why did you bring this man here, Chosen One?" The Pope spat, glaring at Zelos.

I looked at him coolly. "Just as you have brought your council, so have I."

The Pope sputtered and was about to angrily reply when the King raised his hand slightly, silencing him.

"Enough." The King said. "Master Zelos, as the Chosen One has stated, is her council and will therefore be allowed to remain as such as long as he does not forget his place."

Zelos bowed his head. "Of course, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I said, bowing my head as well.

The King nodded at me, then said: "Please take the seats next to Hilda, Chosen One."

Zelos offered me his arm once more, and, intertwining mine through his, he escorted me to my seat, pulling back the chair for me before seating himself in the available seat on my right.

I turned to the Princess.

"Princess Hilda." I murmured, nodding my head and smiling slightly at her.

"Chosen One, Sheena." Hilda returned, also returning my smile before turning her gaze to rest on the stranger.

I turned as well and noticed his eyes watching my every movement. It made me a little uncomfortable, but I was used to the stares of the other nobles and was able to relatively shrug his off.

The King cleared his throat. "Now that we are all here, perhaps you can explain again exactly what you have told me in confidence, Master Yuan."

Yuan, the blue-haired stranger, smiled before nodding his head.

"As you wish, Your Majesty." He spoke coolly, and with great authority. I turned my head to watch him as he spoke, curious as to what news he could have so important for the King to summon this meeting of council.

"Imagine a world parallel to this one. Identical in size, existing in close proximity to Tethe'alla. This world, called Sylvarant, lies directly adjacent to Tethe'alla. The two worlds exist on shifted dimensions, allowing them to exist in close proximity without the ability to see or touch one another, although they do greatly affect one another."

"Are you saying there is another world existing alongside Tethe'alla?" The Pope asked incredulously.

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Yuan answered.

"That's absurd!" The Pope exclaimed.

The King cleared his throat. "Pope, please listen to the rest of his explanation. Continue, Master Yuan."

I exchanged a look with Zelos, clearly questioning whether His Majesty had lost his mind. Nonetheless, we both turned our attention back to the blue-haired man as he resumed his speech.

"The worlds, as I said, greatly affect one another, for they vie for the limited supply of mana released from their cores. As one world weakens, the other flourishes. The mana from the declining world flows into the flourishing world via the Seals that guard the Summon Spirits of each world. As the Chosen goes on the journey of world regeneration, the seals in that world are opened, reversing the current flow of mana. Presently, Tethe'alla is in the role of the flourishing world, though that is about to end, as the Chosen of Sylvarant will begin his journey soon to save his world and thus insure the decline of Tethe'alla." Yuan said.

"Two worlds, two Chosen…" I murmured.

Yuan nodded.

"If I may?" Zelos asked, looking at me. It irritated me that he had to ask my permission to speak, when he was my best friend and more than my equal, but that was the constrain society placed on him.

"Please." I said, nodding.

Zelos turned to Yuan. "Assuming we take your word that this other world exists parallel to ours; are you implying that the Summon Spirit Seals act as the links between the worlds? And I'd also like to know what proof you have that this, indeed, is the case."

Yuan nodded in approval, reappraising Zelos. "Yes, that's it exactly. The Summon Spirits seals exist in both worlds, linking them and trapping them in this constant cycle of waxing and waning. As for proof… well. Tethe'alla right now is flourishing, so magi-technologies are being developed each day, aiding to the prosperity of the world. However, these technologies consume vast amounts of mana, which you are currently receiving from Sylvarant. Once Sylvarant's Chosen starts his journey and begins releasing Sylvarant's Seals, this will no longer be the case. Technologies will cease to work. Droughts and famine will occur. This is the current state of Sylvarant now. However, they seem to have developed one thing that you have not." At this, Yuan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. He dumped its contents onto the table in front of him, and many small round gems spilled out, clattering on the wooden surface. They were small spheres, all the same glimmering shade of blue, and flickered in the light.

I gasped. "What… are these? They look almost exactly like my Cruxis Crystal…" I said.

Yuan nodded. "They are a more primitive form of a Cruxis Crystal: a Cruxis Crystal in its early stages of development, if you will. The people of Sylvarant call them Exspheres, and they afford their wearers strengthened powers and abilities, much like a Cruxis Crystal."

"Impossible…" the Pope murmured, and Hilda nodded her head in agreement, gazing dazedly at the stones. The King's face was stoic.
"From your speech and evidence, it seems you have been to Sylvarant?" Zelos questioned.

Yuan nodded again. "I live in Sylvarant. I passed through the dimensional barrier using forbidden magi-technology in order to warn you of your imminent decline."

"What would you have us do?" The King asked.

"Assassinate Sylvarant's Chosen." Yuan responded immediately.

"Wh-what?" I asked, shocked.

"Eliminate Sylvarant's Chosen. If Sylvarant has no Chosen, it cannot reverse the flow of mana and send Tethe'alla into decline. Tethe'alla will maintain its age of prosperity." Yuan said.

"But we'd… be condemning Sylvarant!" Hilda exclaimed.

"Princess Hilda…" The King growled warningly.

Hilda lowered her frustrated gaze to the table, clenching her jaw in order to hold back any further outbursts.

"So we must choose between our world and theirs?" The Pope asked.

"Correct." Yuan said.

"Then obviously we choose Tethe'alla. How will we send someone to Sylvarant to assassinate this other Chosen, though?" the Pope asked.

"I arrived here using the power of a device called a Rheaird, which allows for inter-dimensional travel. I brought another with me, one I am willing to lend to your assassin in order to allow them to reach the declining world." Yuan said.

"I have a question." I said, before anyone else could speak.

"Yes, Chosen One?" Yuan asked, smirking at my title. For some reason, I got the distinct impression he was mocking me.

"These stones… these Exspheres. In order for them to work, they must be equipped onto the user? In the same manor as my Cruxis Crystal?" I asked, hyperaware of the small red gem attached to my inner left thigh.

"Not exactly. Because they are a bit more unstable than a Cruxis Crystal, they require something called a Key Crest as a mount. Without this mount, the Exsphere will cause the mana in the user's body to go out of control, eventually transforming them into a monster." Yuan explained.

Hilda gasped and excused herself, rushing from the room. All this talk of assassinations and monsters must've been too much for her. The King murmured her excuses, and I asked Yuan: "And did you bring these Key Crests as well?"

Yuan smirked. "I did, Chosen One. I brought with me five thousand Exspheres, as well as five thousand Key Crests, to be distributed however you see fit, although I'd suggest giving some to your Academies to study in the hopes of reproducing more."

"And what will we owe you for this act of generosity?" The King asked.

"Nothing. So long as you succeed in assassinating Sylvarant's Chosen." Yuan replied.

"Pardon me, but didn't you just say a moment ago that you live in Sylvarant? Why would you want to ensure the destruction of your own world?" Zelos asked.

"Because Sylvarant is weak, and its people waning. This cycle takes too great a toll on the people of both worlds, and will destroy them both if something isn't changed soon. Since learning of the existing of Tethe'alla and seeing its prosperity firsthand, I've come to the conclusion that it is best to sacrifice Sylvarant in order to save this utopia. Of course, I plan on moving here permanently before Sylvarant goes much further into decline." Yuan said.

For some reason, it felt like he wasn't telling the truth. Oh, sure, most of what he said resonated with the confidence of knowledge of truth, but some things rang false. I wondered what cause he would have for lying, but realized the possibilities were infinite and as long as the majority of what he said was true, his real reasons should have little effect on me.

The King nodded. "We will need to discuss this of course." He snapped his fingers, and one of his personal servants appeared by his side. "Please escort Master Yuan to the Red Room where he can rest comfortably. Also, have someone escort the Head Priest home."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The servant said, bowing deeply before he led Yuan out and another servant roused the head priest from where he slept at the table, gently leading him out of the room.

The King sighed. "Well, Chosen One, I'd like to hear your opinion now, since we have already heard the Pope's."

I shook my head. "To be honest, Your Majesty, this all seems a little surreal. It's hard to imagine another world existing, never mind one tied so close to our own fate."

"Yeah, but if you think about it, it kind of makes sense. If you look at Tethe'alla's past, there have always been periods of progress and decline, with seemingly no reason for the fluxuations in mana. This explains it. Also, these Exspheres that Yuan produced are like nothing I've ever seen or heard of before. It makes sense that the Seals of the Summon Spirits have a true purpose besides that of the ceremony of the world regeneration." Zelos said.

"I agree, Master Zelos. I see now why the Chosen One wished you here as her council. Since Master Yuan first told of this, I spent many hours combing our history for any clues, and found all as you say. I know the half-elves of the Elemental Research Laboratory have, for some time, been toying with the idea of multiple dimensions and worlds, but to think one exist so close to our own without discovery is fantastical." The King said.

I nodded slowly. "I guess I can understand that. But do we really have the right to decide to destroy this other world – to push Sylvarant into destruction?" I asked.

"You would rather Tethe'alla be destroyed?" The Pope asked, outraged.

I shook my head. "No, but this is not something we can just decide right away. There are people living in that world, suffering."

"I understand your point, Chosen One. But we must face the reality of our situation. There is no way to save both worlds – from what Yuan has said, the reason they vie for mana is because neither has enough to support itself on it's own. Therefore, we must choose. Since Tethe'alla is much more advanced, it is only logical that it be the world we preserve." The King said.

I looked at Zelos and he nodded slightly. He didn't like it, but he agreed with the King.

"All right." I said. "Who shall we send as the assassin?"

"It must be someone skilled at fighting and knowledgeable about the situation…" Zelos mused.

"I will do it." I said.

Three sets of eyes stared at me.

"This is a great duty that needs to be performed for Tethe'alla's sake. As the Chosen One, it is my responsibility to ensure Tethe'alla's safety." I said.

"No, Chosen One. You are too valuable. What if something happened to you while there? I cannot allow you to go." The King said.

"But…" I said.

"The King is right, Chosen One. You are far too… important to waste on such a trifle mission as this." The Pope said.

I fumed at him, while Zelos said, "I will go, then."

I gaped at him. "What? No way!" I said.

Zelos just shook his head at me. "It makes sense. I'm already a decent fighter, and with one of those Exspheres I'll be even better. Plus, I already know what the situation is."

"No! I won't lose you!" I said.

Zelos grinned cockily. "You won't; I'll zip there and back so fast you won't have a chance to miss me."

"Zelos…" I murmured.

"It's settled then. We shall send Master Zelos." The King said.

I sighed, knowing I had been outvoted.

"I will inform Master Yuan of our decision, and have some Exspheres sent to both the Elemental Research Laboratory and the Imperial Research Academy in Sybak. Master Zelos, please report to the Laboratory sometime tomorrow to be fitted with an Exsphere and begin training. You will leave in one week." The King said.

Zelos nodded, and the King rose. We all stood up, as well.

"If you will excuse me, I have an appointment to see to. Your Majesty. Chosen One." The Pope said, bowing to the King and nodding to me, before leaving.

"By your leave, we will depart as well." I said, once more taking Zelos arm.

"Thank you, Chosen One. You're input has been greatly appreciated." The King said.

I nodded and Zelos bowed, and we left the King's study.

We walked silently through the halls of the castle. I let Zelos take the lead, as I tended to get lost anyway, as I thought over everything I had just heard.

We passed by the door to the Pope's chamber, and I glanced inside the doorway, catching a glimpse of a spiked haired man with glasses and a green frock before we moved past.

I mindlessly walked along with Zelos, still lost in thought until we can to the grand foyer and were leaving the castle.

"My place?" Zelos murmured in my ear. I nodded and we quickly walked into the noble's sector of the city, heading toward Zelos' mansion.

His mansion was at the lower end of the sector, since his status wasn't very high. The marble columns in front of his large white mansion glowed in the moonlight and we quickly approached the double oak doors, with Zelos ringing the doorbell. It was answered moments later by a man of my height, with slick black hair and kind brown eyes. He was wearing a black suit, fitting of a butler, and motioned us inside with a sweeping gesture.

"Welcome home, Master Zelos. Chosen One Sheena." Sebastian said, shutting the door behind us.

I smiled weakly at him. "Hey, Sebastian." I said.

"Oh, my. Did the ball wear you out?" Sebastian asked concern in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm beat. I'm going to let Zelos here explain it to you. I'll be in my room, come up when you're done." I said, the last bit to Zelos, before I ascended the stairs and walked down the hallway to the guest room I always claimed as my own when I stayed with Zelos. I shut the door behind me and slumped into it. Corrine appeared instantly on my shoulder.

"Sheena, what's wrong?" He asked.

"You heard everything, right? I don't want Zelos to leave." I said, forcing myself to cross to the dresser stocked with various clothes in my size. I quickly pulled out a pair of pajamas and hastily changed, glad to be rid of the confining dress and torturous high heels.

"But Sheena, Zelos is a good fighter! He'll be okay." Corrine said, flitting around my room and settling onto the pillow on my bed.

I sighed. "I know. But what if something goes wrong? What if he gets stuck there? Or badly injured? Or even killed? Corrine, he's my only friend, besides you. I can't stand the thought of losing him."

"Oh, Sheena. It'll be okay." Corrine said and I crossed to the bed and lay down, so that he was curled atop my head.

I just sighed, worry clouding my mind. I was a much better fighter than Zelos, and had the advantage of being trained as a stealthy Mizuhoian ninja as well. Surely I could get in and get out much easier than he could? It was my duty to protect Tethe'alla, after all. Even though I still didn't completely embrace the idea of dooming Sylvarant, I realized that the alternative was even worse: dooming both worlds. As much as I hated the title and society frivolities that came with being the Chosen, it was still my job to protect Tethe'alla, and I refused to let the people of this world down.

Just then, there was a soft knock on my door, and I called out a hasty "Come in", sitting up just as Zelos entered and closed the door behind him.

He had yet to change into more comfortable clothes, and was still in his formal attire. Nonetheless, he crossed quickly to the bed and sat down next to me, absently petting Corrine.

"You okay?" He asked.

I sighed. "I guess…" I said, looking out the window at the night sky.

"Sheena, don't worry. I'll be fine, I promise." Zelos said.

"Zelos, be serious for a moment. There are a million things that could go wrong. I'm the better fighter. I'm stealthier than you are. I'm the Chosen One. I should be the one going, not you." I said.

"Sheena, I am being serious. Tethe'alla can't risk losing you. That's why I have to go, in your place. I can take care of myself. I promise, I will come back." Zelos said.

I looked into his eyes and saw his sincerity.

"Please don't leave me alone…" I whispered, looking at my lap and wringing my hands.

Zelos gently tipped my head back up to meet his gaze. "I won't, Sheena. I promise."

I sighed, then shook off my melancholy mood. It would do no good to dwell on it. Plus, if I had my way, Zelos would never be leaving on this assignment…

"All right. Tomorrow, we start training. I have to go to Mizuho and inform everyone of the situation, but then I will be back." I said.

Zelos nodded. "Okay! I'll meet you here, and cover for you if anyone comes looking for you."

I smiled. "Thanks, Zelos. By the way, how did Sebastian take the news?"

Zelos shrugged. "Relatively well. You know Sebastian; nothing can shake him. He took it all in stride and has begun making a list of things I'll need to pack for my quick zip across space."

We shared a smile, broken by my yawn.

"Sorry…" I mumbled.

Zelos shook his head and laughed. "Go to sleep. You look like a zombie! I'll see you tomorrow."

"Hey!" I said, half-heartedly smacking his arm. He chuckled and went to my door, opening it and turning around to face me.

"Good night, Sheena." He said softly.

"Good night, Zelos." I said, curling up under the covers. I was asleep almost before Zelos had finished closing the door softly behind him.

So, what did you think? Next chapter we switch back to Lloyd, but there'll be more Sheena soon, promise!
Review?