Hi guys. Bit of bad news, I'm afraid. This is the last chapter I have written to post, and this semester is kind of killing me. I'm really really really sorry. I'm doing the best I can, but things are so hectic right now it's hard to get back into these guys' heads. I'm going to use this story for NaNoWriMo again this year, so I'll hopefully have quite a few chapters done by the end of November, but until then I can't guarantee anymore updates. Again, I'm really sorry.

We're back to Sheena with this chapter, and there's a bit of an overlap of scenes once again in order to better establish the time (the feedback I got from the last overlap was positive so hopefully you'll like this one, too).

Thanks so much for all the support and reviews / favorites / alerts / etc. You guys are truly awesome. Thanks for sticking with this and with me.

Without further ado, I don't own TOS - enjoy!

((SHEENA POV))

Sheena, it's noon. Wake up! Corrine said in my head. Groaning, I sat up and blinked, looking around for a few moments before realizing I was in that House of Guidance.

Salvation. They call them Houses of Salvation here. Corrine said

"Right." I muttered, standing and stretching before changing clothes.

Shouldering my pack, I headed out of the room and downstairs, stomach growling.

"Oh, you're awake! We were just preparing our daily meal – are you hungry?" The same priest from last night asked, approaching me as soon as I entered the main room and found several tables of food set up.

"Yes, thank you." I smiled.

"Excellent. Please, help yourself." The priest smiled before heading over to another group of travelers entering the building.

I eagerly made myself a plate of the food and sat down, eating quickly as I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

So, we're waiting for them to get here tonight? Corrine asked in my head.

Yeah, since I don't know where they'll go from here. I answered.

Are you going to fight them again? Corrine asked

I frowned. I don't know. I mean, I don't want to – not if they are good people honestly trying to do good and save this world, but I can't just abandon Tethe'alla…

Watch and wait? Corrine suggested.

Yeah. I mean, if I get a chance to attack, I'll take it. But otherwise… I have until they head for the Tower to think of some other way to save everyone. I answered.

"Are you all right?" The priest suddenly asked from in front of me. I blinked, having been so absorbed in talking to Corrine that I had lost track of my surroundings.

"Ah, yes, thank you. The food is delicious." I said.

The priest smiled. "Will you be heading out today?"

"Actually, I was hoping to rest here and leave tomorrow, if that's okay?" I asked, knowing the Chosen's group would get here sometime tonight.

"Of course! As Martel's servants, we aid all travelers!" The priest said.

"Is there somewhere I could wash my clothes?" I asked.

"We have a small fountain out back fueled by an underground spring that you are welcome to use." The priest answered.

"Thank you!" I smiled.

He smiled back and nodded before moving away to talk to someone else.

I finished eating and headed outside. The grounds were well kept and I realized there was even a small courtyard that I hadn't noticed in the dark last night.

Leisurely walking around, I looked at the flourishing plants and flowers, thinking of the gardens at the castle and finding these somehow more beautiful in their simplicity.

I wandered around to the back of the building, easily finding the fountain the priest had mentioned. Taking out my dirty clothes, I got to work. The water was cold but not freezing, and it felt good since the weather was warm.

I sat in the field a little ways from the fountain once I had cleaned my clothes and laid them out to dry, watching the clouds drift by to pass time.

Even the sky looks the same. Are our two worlds really so different? I wondered.

When the sun started setting, I checked my clothes and found them dry enough to pack away.

Sheena. You should call Zelos before they get here. Corrine suddenly said.

Right, good idea. Thanks. I said.

Shouldering my pack and walking far enough away from the House of Salvation that no one would disrupt me or overhear my conversation, I pulled out my communicator.

"Sheena? Are you all right? Where are you?" Zelos's panicked face appeared.

"Calm down, I'm fine." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Calm down? It's been two days!" Zelos exclaimed.

"I'm sorry – I was a little busy." I said.

"You kill him yet?" Zelos asked.

I winced. "Not yet. I'm a little ahead of them – they should catch up tonight. I'll plan from there once I know where they're going."

Zelos nodded. "Okay. Seriously though, don't go so long without calling me, okay? Even if it's a two second 'I'm fine' message, send me something."

"Okay, I will. I promise." I said.

"Good." Zelos nodded.

"How's everything on your end?" I asked.

Zelos frowned. "The Pope is getting annoyed with your lack of appearance and is bugging the King about it. This charade won't last beyond another few days."

I sighed. "I don't think I'll be back in a few days. You're going to have to handle it."

"They're that tough?" Zelos questioned.

"Yes, and… Zelos, the people here are suffering, too. Before I condemn an entire world to death, I have to try to find another way." I said.

"Sheena…" Zelos said warningly.

"Don't worry, I won't let this Chosen reach the Tower. If I can't find another way, I'll kill him. But dammit, Zelos, I have to try." I explained.

Zelos sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Why is everything more complicated when you're involved?"

I grinned. "Thanks, Zelos."

"Yeah, yeah. Just be careful." He said.

I nodded. "Of course! Hey, when you eventually have to tell the King, take my letter with you as some proof it wasn't your fault."

Zelos raised an eyebrow. "I'm not stupid. I'll also be leaving my communicator with Sebastian in case they throw my in jail."

"You don't really think they'll do that…?" I bit my lower lip.

"Who knows with nobility." Zelos said.

I snorted. "Zelos, we're both nobility."

"Details." Zelos smirked.

I sobered. "If I get that call from Sebastian, I'll call the King's communicator and spring you."

"I forgot Yuan left one for him. He hasn't tried calling you – well, me?" Zelos asked.

"I blocked him so he can't. They don't know anything about this technology, so that can't know if I'm doing it on purpose or if it's broken." I said.

"Sneaky." Zelos smirked.

"I'm a Mizuhoian ninja, Zelos. I thought you'd have realized that by now." I rolled my eyes.

The redhead laughed. "All right, looks like it's getting dark there, too. Go find shelter for the night and call me sometime tomorrow."

"Will do. Thanks Zelos." I said.

"Night, Sheena." Zelos ended the connection, and I put the communicator away.

I walked back toward the building, positioning myself so I could clearly see anyone coming from Palmacosta but they couldn't see me.

I wasn't waiting long before the Chosen's group appeared and went inside.

Counting to ten, I followed and heard footsteps going up the stairs towards the rooms. Creeping slowly up the stairs, I saw them pile into one of the end rooms.

Straightening quickly, I smiled at the priest and ducked into my own room.

Corrine? I'm going to sleep. There's no point in staying up all night when they're sleeping. I need to get up at dawn, though, so I catch where they head. I said, taking off my pack and laying down.

Okay. Good night, Sheena. Corrine whispered.

[INSERTLINEHERE]

Grumbling at dawn when Corrine woke me up, I grabbed my pack and headed out. There was no one in the main room and I approached the small altar, staring at the statue there.

Deciding I could use all the help I could get, I knelt down to pray.

"Hey, Goddess. I know I don't pray much and I really should, but I could sure use your help. This Chosen seems really nice and the people here are suffering! But if I don't do what I was sent here to do, Tethe'alla will suffer, too! Please, help me find a way to save everyone!"

I heard the floor creak as someone stepped into the room and I sprang to my feet, whirling around.

"What are you praying for?" The Chosen of Sylvarant asked me, completely calm.

"I was… I was praying to save everyone…" I muttered, cursing myself for letting my guard down.

"Huh. That's a nice thought! I know I'm not exactly experienced as the Chosen, but I swear I'm gonna do my best to regenerate the world." He said earnestly. He seemed so sincere and it just made me mad.

"That won't save everyone! I'm trying to kill you, why are you just standing there talking to me?" I snapped.

He shrugged. "You seem like a good person – I bet we could talk it out instead of fighting, Ms. Assassin."

"…Sheena. My name is Sheena." I mumbled, blushing a little. How did this guy worm his way under my guard so completely?

He just grinned at me. "Nice to meet you, Sheena! You were praying to save everyone – I want to save everyone, too! I'm sure we can work this out."

I glared at him – he can't want to save everyone if he doesn't know about Tethe'alla and is so ready to condemn my world! "I was also praying that I'd be able to kill you. Forget this, I swear – you'd better be ready next time!"

Pulling out a transportation card, I disappeared and reappeared in my room, immediately placing my ear to the door as I heard footsteps and voices.

Looks like his group is heading down after him. Damn, that was a close one. He might be an idiot, but I doubt the mercenary or that female elf would want to have nice chat with me that didn't involve me bleeding profusely from several wounds.

Once I was sure they were all downstairs, I slowly crept out into the hallway and crouched down on the first few steps, straining to hear they're conversation.

Blah blah blah, something about a statue. Koton? Spiritua? Wait, they have the legend of Spiritua here, too? Crap, focus. Okay, the statue's at the geyser. Blah blah blah, of course that idiot would volunteer to go get it. Knowing where they were heading now, I silently made my way back into my room.

Corrine? I called.

Moments later, he appeared on my bed in a puff of smoke. "Sheena?"

I petted him. "I need you to let me know when they leave."

"So we're going to follow them? Don't you know where they're going now?" Corrine asked, bell jingling.

"Yeah, but they're leaving too soon for me to get ahead of them. They could ambush me if I leave now. It's better if I follow them." I said.

Corrine nodded. "Okay, I'll be back as soon as they're on the path!" He poofed away.

I sighed, double checking my pack and sitting on the edge of my bed to wait.

It was only ten minutes or so later when Corrine poofed onto my lap. "They're gone!"

"Great job, Corrine. Thank you!" I hugged him.

"No problem, Sheena! Good luck!" He poofed away to that place Summon Spirits go.

I smiled and shook my head before standing and leaving.

As I headed down the stairs and towards the door, a different priest than the one I'd talked to before wished me a safe journey. I smiled and thanked him before exiting the building and taking the path heading east to the Thoda docks.

Just at the edge of what I could see ahead of me was a moving group of people. I adjusted my pace to keep this distance between us and settled in for a long walk, knowing that since they were moving as a group, they'd been going slower than I would be on my own if I didn't pace myself.

Around noon, they stopped walking to eat and I did the same, noticing my dwindling food supply. I didn't need to panic yet, but in about a week I'd be completely out of food. Next city I hit, I'd have to stock up.

They finished and resumed their walking, me right behind them. I pulled out my map and noted the distance – we'd probably reach the Thoda docks by nightfall. I frowned. That meant I'd have to camp out – I couldn't risk sleeping at the docks, too. It had been too close a call at the House of Salvation, and at least there I had a mild guarantee of no violence due to it being a place of worship. Out here, though, anything goes and I'd rather wait to fight them again until I had an advantage.

The sun started to set and stars appeared. I looked up but couldn't find any of the constellations I was familiar with – they must be different in this world. I could see the docks emerging up ahead, and like I thought, the group went inside.

Grumbling, I moved off the path and pulled out my blanket. Corrine poofed next to me.

"I'll be your night watch so you don't have to worry!" He chirped.

I smiled. "Thanks Corrine. I seriously don't know what I'd do without you here."

Corrine smiled, his bell jingling softly as I petted him. "Of course – we'll always stick together! Right?"

"Right. Good night." I closed my eyes.

"Night, Sheena." He whispered.

I pulled the blanket closer about me and fell asleep.

[INSERTLINEHERE]

The sun rose and Corrine nudged me awake. "Sheena, wake up."

I sat up and stretched, yawning. "Thanks, Corrine."

"Of course!" Corrine chirped, bell jingling.
I packed up my blanket and pulled out a slightly bruised piece of fruit to eat for breakfast.

I was just finishing up when the Chosen's group left the building and headed down the docks. I couldn't hear what they were saying or really see what they were doing, but I assumed they were getting into a boat to go over to the Thoda Geyser a few yards across the water. They were arguing or something, and I think I heard one of them scream, but then they were lowering down into a boat and moving across the water. Well, all of them except the dog. He just jumped in and swam after them.

I took that as my cue, getting up and shouldering my pack, heading for the docks myself as Corrine poofed away.

I walked into the building. "Um, hi. I'd like to visit the geyser."

"Sure! That'll be two hundred gald!" The girl behind the desk at the entrance said.

I dug around and gave her the money and she smiled at me.

"Great! I hope you enjoy! You can go to the end of the docks and choose your washtub." She said.

"Washtub?" I asked.

"Yes, that's how you can get across." She said.

"O-okay." I said, turning and leaving.

Washtubs? I made my way to the end of the dock, and sure enough there were several washtubs with paddles in them tethered in the water. Washtubs. Oh jeez. I knew they weren't advanced, but come on!

I took a deep breath and looked across the water to see the Chosen's group making their way up from the docks and towards the geyser.

Warily eyeing the wooden barrels, I chose one and climbed in, untying it from the dock. Grabbing the paddle, I pushed off and headed for the geyser's dock.

This was the weirdest experience of my life. I paddled and managed to aim myself in a straightforward path to the dock, water occasionally sloshing over the lip of the washtub and splashing on my feet.

This cannot be safe. I thought to myself. Thankfully, I was almost there.

I hastily climbed up onto the dock, not at all looking forward to the return trip. Maybe I'd just use a transportation card – after all, I'd paid for the use already.

Wait until I tell Zelos. He probably won't believe me. I cautiously walked up the dock and crouched behind one of the signs detailing the geyser's history as on the other side, the male elf cast an ice spell and the Chosen – Lloyd – raced across and came back with a small statue clutched in his hands. The real Spiritua statue. The female elf was looking around and suddenly yelped excitedly and raced over to a sign further away. I noticed the area on the right was converted into a campground of some kind as I watched the rest of the group walk towards their excited member. She said something and Lloyd placed his hand on the side of the sign.

Light flashed and I was blinded for a second. When I could see again, a bridge of light had appeared over the geyser leading to a small cave entrance that had just opened up.

"Another seal?" I muttered. I watched them, with the exception of the dog, walk across the bridge and as soon as they disappeared inside the cave, I walked over to the bridge, intent on following them.

As soon as I got close, though, the dog started growling low in his throat.

I held my hands out. "Hey, buddy. I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna get past."

The dog growled louder and bared his teeth. I took a hesitant step back and then cursed as I watched the light bridge disappear. They must have switched it off somehow so no one could interfere in the regeneration process.

"Okay, okay. You win. I'm leaving now. Please, please don't bite me." I muttered to the dog, backing away slowly. He stopped growling and just watched me retreat before laying down right there and waiting for his group to come back.

Now what? I knew they'd come out of there, but with the dog guarding it like that, I wouldn't have an easy time ambushing them. My best bet would be to start the return journey to the House of Salvation, since they'd have to pass through there again before going to the Peak. Nodding to myself, I headed to a secluded area of the geyser, thankfully there weren't many tourists here, before pulling out a transportation card and using it, landing on the other side of the water, near the dock house.

Glancing up at the sky, I realized it was already noon and if I left now, I'd be traveling at night again on my way to the House of Salvation, something I wasn't looking forward to. Making up my mind, I headed inside the building to see if they offered any kind of lodging.