Well I finally got my ass into motion and managed to write chapter three. I could say any half assed excuse as to why it's been so long but the simple answer is that I was to damn lazy and I lacked the motivation. However I've finally decided to finish what I started, thank you to all those who have been waiting patiently for so long. I would like to answer some of the comments you sent me, first: this will still be a Shelloyd fic, their relationship shall change during the course of the fic but will come about completely near the end. And lastly: I realized that the pace of the story was slow, so to compensate I am going to try writing more and posting more at once. Hopefully... Okay, now on to chapter three! (I do not own Tales of Symphonia nor any of it's character and/or scenarios).
Swordsman of Mizuho
Ch 3: Of Chosens and teleportation
By: Taitachi
The dirt of the trail crunched beneath Sheena's shoes as she traversed the road towards Meltokio, tomorrow she would reach the Tetha' alla Bridge and then ultimately Meltokio the day after. Stopping to wipe the sweat from her brow Sheena glanced up at the sun that was glaring down at her.
"Uh, the sun's trying to kill me." At least her purple attire was more airy then her regular clothes.
Sitting to rest beneath the shade of the forest along the road, she thought back to the night three days ago that began her daring venture.
Flash back
Sheena and Lloyd returned to the village at sunset just as the sun dipped behind the mountains, coloring the sky with oranges and purples and leaving the valleys in shadow. As the sun descended further fireflies came out in numbers and the only sound was that of the grasshoppers, overhead the moon became visible as a thin crescent. As the duo reached their house they were surprised to see Tiga waiting for them at the door expectantly. As they reached him Tiga spoke.
"Sheena, I need to speak with you," then glancing at Lloyd, "In private."
"Um, sure." Sheena answered lamely.
Confused, Lloyd looked at Tiga. "What about me?"
"Stay out here." Tiga said with finality as he crossed his arms.
"But-!"
"Stay!"
"Hmph!" Fuming, Lloyd sat in the dirt glaring at Tiga.
Tiga entered first followed by Sheena, who slapped Lloyd on the back of the head in passing.
"Oh! What was that for!" Whined Lloyd as he held his tender skull.
"For acting like a little kid." Sheena answered over her shoulder with a smirk, then turned around and entered after Tiga.
"Grr!" Lloyd ground his teeth in frustration.
Moments later Sheena and Tiga were seated in the main room, the table rolled to the side to make the room more business like. Sitting on their knees (it's called the seiza position), they sat across from one another. For a while neither spoke, Tiga sat quietly with his eyes closed as if in deep thought while Sheena sat fidgeting nervously. Tiga opened his eyes slowly and then with a flick of his wrist sent a shuriken flying through the air where it lodged itself in the door frame.
"Lloyd, stay outside."
Tiga's calm, but deceitfully threatening command was followed by the frantic scrambling of feet in the hall way and milliseconds later the slamming of the front door.
"Alright, now that Lloyd is no longer eavesdropping lets get down to business."
Sheena swallowed nervously but did not let it show.
"While you and Lloyd were out we received a message from out contact in Meltokio. By royal request we have been asked to take on a assassination."
Sheena didn't like where this was going.
Grudgingly Sheena asked, "What kind of assassination?"
Tiga frowned. "I was about to get to that. Sheena, you have been selected by myself and other senior shinobi, to undertake this mission. Your orders are to assassinate the Chosen in the World of Sylvarant."
For a moment not a word was spoken. Sheena kept moving her jaw as if to speak but no
words came out. After a full minute she found her voice.
"What the hell?! You want to send me to that Goddess forsaken place?! What kind of mission is that?! How am I even suppose to get there, or back for that matter?!"
Tiga waited patiently until Sheena was done with her tirade before he calmly began his explanation.
"I think you don't fully understand the scope of this mission Sheena. You have been ordered to assassinate the Chosen of Sylvarant so that our world Tethe' alla may survive. You should be honored to have been selected for such a heroic venture."
Sheena was slightly humbled at these words, but retained her flustered mood.
"As for getting there, the Royal Academy of Science has prepared a means of transportation using some of the Renegades technology."
Sheena blanched at the groups name.
"Uh, that shady bunch? Are you sure it's safe?"
"Considering they are the group who proposed this mission to the King then yes, I do. So will you do it?"
For a while Sheena sat silent as she gazed out the window in thought. She watched the movement of the shadows beneath the trees as the wind played with their boughs, she studied the fellow villagers going about their daily business and chatter and she thought about her family. Her unconscious grandfather, her obnoxious brother, and even this man sitting before her. If she accepted this mission, would she ever see them again? But if she didn't accept this mission how could she face her loved ones and not feel like a coward? How could she make up for the hurt she caused the village all those years ago? And what about her professional honor as a shinobi?
The silence had settled so heavily in the room that, when Sheena finally spoke, Tiga was momentarily startled.
"Damn. Looks like I have no choice."
Turning from the window, she faced Tiga with conviction her eyes.
"I, Sheena Fujibayashi, accept the mission to assassinate the Chosen of Sylvarant."
And so here she was, in the middle of nowhere, traveling to Meltkio, so that she could jump through a rift in time and space and arrive in a world that was rumored to be a barren wasteland.
She smirked slightly to herself.
"Jeez, this has to be one of the craziest mission ever conceived. Thanks a lot Martel!"
As if in response to her outburst thunder clouds could be seen in the distance. A rumble of thunder that sounded like the splitting of the earth reached her ears.
"All right, I'm sorry!"
Slowly the thunder clouds sank beyond the horizon.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, Sheena continued on her journey while going over the mission inventory in her head. First she was to travel to Meltokio. Then upon arrival she would meet with a guide who would take her to the Academy. (When she had asked TIga who the guide would be he had only given her a knowing smirk. A flash of red was brought to her mind and she began to stomp along the path). After she arrived to the Academy she was to be debriefed on the world jumping procedure, then, after a good nights rest and stocking up on supplies, she would then travel to the other world. How she was going to get back was another matter, but fear would not keep her from her self respect.
As Sheena continued to walk she began to feel something in her pocket dig into her leg. Stopping she reached into her pocket and withdrew the offending item. Her annoyance softened somewhat as she looked at the trinket Lloyd had given her. It was a small wooden tablet with the kanji for "safe travel" carved into it. Lloyd had given it to her as she left. Her only regret was that she had not told Lloyd where she was going, she and Tiga had thought it was best he didn't know lest he follow her.
Sheena was broken out of her reverie when she herd a sudden snap of a branch in the forest to her left. Tensing herself to fight or run she waited patiently for the unknown presence to reveal itself. After waiting for what seemed like an hour she began to walk again.
"Stupid squirrels."
As she continued on the travel worn path she failed to notice the two sets of eyes that followed her from the safety and obscurity of the forest.
The brown set of eyes looked at the black pair as it scolded it in hushed tones.
"Idiot! What did I say about being quiet!"
"Ummmpphhh."
"Don't give me any of that. Do know what she would have done if she had found us."
Both pairs of eyes pooled their cognitive energies and imagined the numerous and horrible things the purple clad ninja could have inflicted upon them, had they been discovered.
"From now on be careful. Alright?"
"Hmmmppphh."
Just as Sheena predicted, her guide in Meltokio was none other then the flamboyant playboy of Tethe' alla. The one, the only, Zelos Wilder, the Chosen of Tethe' alla. Luckily Sheena had changed back into her more conservative ninja attire before entering the city, but not even that stopped the enthusiastic red head.
"Oh Sheena my honey! It's been far to long!" Zelos declared dramatically as he tried vainly to hug Sheena in front of one of the city's many fountains.
"Back off philanderer." Sheena retorted as she fended of the pink clad man with her "cards of death".
"Ow, that's mean." Zelos pouted slightly with his green eyes, his white head band slipping low.
Sheena's hazel eyes flashed angrily at him.
"Just take me to the Academy already you ass."
Zelos held up his gloved hands as if to ward of her anger.
"Alright, alright. Sheesh, if it was that time of the month you could have just told me."
With that he turned around and began to head towards, what she hoped, was the Academy. Noticing she wasn't following right away Zelos turned around and called back to her.
"Hey hurry up. We don't have time to be fooling around all day."
Suddenly, Sheena felt very tired.
Unfortunately fooling around is exactly what they did, at least Zelos did any way. Instead of taking her straight to the Academy they spent nearly four hours traversing the kingdom's capital. During this time Zelos seemed content to flirt with her and any other woman of any age. He took her through nearly every single area of the city looking at shops, stands, and little holes in the wall. At one stand some old man had asked if Sheena and Zelos were married. Zelos, being Zelos, looped his arm around her waist and replied yes. Of course, Sheena had slammed her heel on his foot and then stomped away angrily.
Despite being 'escorted' by the flirtatious Chosen, Sheena truly enjoyed her time. She had been to Meltokio before but she had never had the time to explore the city. She was amazed at the beauty of the city, the wonderful fountains, crafts and general fanfare of the streets. Little children would run back and forth playing tag as their parents stood at a stand buying groceries. Swordsman conversed over full mugs in the open air bars, about their travels and exploits in distant lands. However Sheena was sobered of the intoxicating atmosphere somewhat when she would catch glimpses of the back streets and alleys. The people occupying them desolate and lonely, the streets themselves reflecting their inhabitants sullen mood. Sheena had asked Zelos about it but he always said to not worry about it. As Sheena continued to travel through the streets of the city she felt her resolve solidify. This is what she was fighting for, for this happiness and the possibility of obtaining happiness.
It was about early afternoon when Zelos abruptly stopped in front of her.
"Okay, here we are."
Looking up Sheena saw the heavy oak doors tower over their heads. Taking a step back she viewed the large stone structure and it's small slim windows. Looking over her shoulder she saw they had passed through a small iron gate into a extremely small courtyard.
Almost like a prison.
Sheena refocused on the doors as she heard them creak open. Bowing dramatically, Zelos stood to the side of the now open doors.
"Ladies first."
Glaring slightly, Sheena strode through the door quickly before Zelos's hands could touch something they weren't supposed to. Inside the reception area was of medium size and dimly lighted by the slim windows.
"Ah, you must be Sheena?"
Sheena looked to the source of the voice behind the reception desk.
She's a half-elf.
The half-elf rose from her chair and came around the desk to Sheena.
"This way please."
Silently, Sheena and Zelos followed the half-elf down a set of stone stairs on the left side of the room. At the bottom they entered what appeared to be a laboratory. Books, vials, notes, and mechanical contraptions covered every available surface. Runes and signs were carved on the walls and floors, small golden colored balls rolled through the one on the floor as if by their own will. The whole laboratory was dimly lit like the reception area by the same slim windows.
"This is Professor Zaibac, he will instruct you on the trans-dimensional procedure."
Zeloz gave a whistle at these large and complex words, for which Sheena sharply jabbed him in the side.
Prof. Zaibac, a small half-elf, spent the next hour explaining the whole procedure. (I wont explain it). By the time he was done the sun was starting to set.
"I imagine you'll want to rest up for tomorrow. Best be on your way."
Zelos, of course, attempted to convince Sheena to spend the night at his mansion where she would get the "best sleep ever". Sheena just ignored him as she headed towards her accommodations at the inn.
They parted ways at the door of the inn and for once Zelso didn't say something stupid. Instead he looked at her seriously.
"Hey Sheena, good luck."
Sheena gave him a small smile. "Thanks."
"And make sure nothing happens to that killer rack of yours. Bye!"
In a blink of an eye Zelos turned around and sprinted off with his long hair flying behind him. Sheena stood at the door seething as she contemplated running after him and beating him to pulp. Though she didn't think that would go over well with the Church. Breathing deeply to calm herself, she turned to open the door to the inn. But out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of color on the roof tops across the street that caught her attention. But by the time she turned to look it was gone.
"Huh, does this city have red and green birds?"
Shaking her head, she opened the door and entered the inn's reception area.
Sheena rose early to prepare for the coming day. By the time the sun had just peaked over the horizon and the morning mist was fleeing from the streets, Sheena was packed and ready to go. Walking through the stone streets she breathed in the morning air to calm her nerves. She wasn't exactly happy about jumping between worlds but she knew it was her responsibility. Both as a shinobi and her self respect.
She arrived at the Academy just as shop keepers began to open their doors and the open air markets began to set out their wares. She was greeted again by the same half-elf as yesterday, who led her down into the basement where Prof. Zaibac and his colleagues were fussing over a new rune on one of the floor. It was some time before the scientists noticed her presence.
Prof. Zaibac was the first to turn around. "Sheena, your right on time. We just finished. Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
"Good, good. Come over here, oh and you'll need this."
From his pocket her withdrew a small blue sphere with a golden colored plate.
"Here, put this on the back of your hand."
Sheena did as she was told. Amazingly the gold plate managed to cling to the back of her hand without any support.
"Um, what is this."
"Oh that, that's a-"
"That is an exsphere."
Prof. Zaibac was interrupted by a new voice which stood behind Sheena. Turning around, Sheena sized up the cloaked and hooded figure. The cloaked figure walked past Sheena with a business like step and handed the professor a small package.
"It's good to see you again sir. This is the last item then?"
"Yes. With that trans-dimensional travel should be possible."
"Excellent, excellent."
Excitedly the professor and his colleagues began to put the finishing touches on the rune. Sheena decided that while they were doing that she would find out what exactly an exsphere was.
"Hey, cloaked guy."
"It's rude to refer to people like that."
Sheena ground her teeth. "What do you want me to call you then?"
"Sir would do."
"Alright 'Sir'. What is an exsphere."
The cloaked figure breathed in deeply as if people had asked him that question thousands of times.
"An exsphere is a magical stone that enhances the wearer's natural combat instincts and power. Exspheres can not be placed directly on the skin, otherwise the mana with in the wearers body would run out of control. To prevent this they are mounted on special plates, called Key Crests, that prevent this."
By the time the cloaked man was done with his explanation, the rune the scientists were working on was complete.
"If you'll please step in the circle we'll begin right away."
Sheena did what she was told and stood right in the middle of the rune. Around the edges the scientists were pouring strange liquids and materials into the carved edges.
"Everyone ready?"
The scientists answered Zaibac in unision. "Yes sir."
"Alright, begin the procedure."
Standing in designated spots the half elves began to push magical energy into the outer ring. The magic began to react with the materials as they mixed together and spread through every etch in the rune. The floor beneath Sheena's feet began to glow and suddenly she was in a column of light. Sheena closed her eyes as she thought of her loved ones. Grandpa, Tiga, Lloy-
"Hey you can't be here! Get out!" That sounded like the cloaked guy. Sheana snapped open here eyes just before she was teleported to her destination and caught a pair of brown and black eyes staring back at her.
Uh, that took forever. If any of you lose patience with me for not writing more I'll understand. By the way, Zaibac is the name of the evil empire in the anime Escaflowne, I used it because it sounds cool. And before I forget, I bet you cant guess you the cloaked man was. Hint: He's explained what an exsphere is a thousand times. Well please R&R. Thanks!