Lyn: We'd like to thank Silver and White AngelsVampwriterShadow ZeranionTwilight AngelsRiky Uchiha, and Elonie Kyle for reviewing. We love reviews!
Lea: Sorry bout this one. I wrote a whole lot, but realized I was rushing the plot, so I had to move it. Anyway, here it is! Spotlight to Genis!
Genis: Lea Andrews doesn't own Tales of Symphonia, but she owns Mira and Lyn. Wow, do you know how many grammatical errors you put into that line?
Lea: Yes, and I don't care! Now on with the show!
It was dark. Lyn could see nothing in the emptiness. She was just there. Suddenly, the walls started to glow green ruins, and red fire started to spark. One tome said, "Find your memories, find your power, and return to Balacruf Mausoleum. Another read, "Beware of the tree sprout of Sylverant. Beware of Thor's Hammer!" At that wind came rushing at her, fire burned her, water rose from the earth and lashed at her. She couldn't move. She just had to take it. Suddenly, a brilliant light flashed out and blinded her. She could hear the screaming of a woman and her pain and tears.
"Wahhhhh!!!!" She yelled, waking up from her nightmare. Lloyd and Raine ran in as Kratos looked at her confused, rubbing an eye from just waking up.
"What happened?" Lloyd asked, looking at Lyn.
"Wh… where am I? Where is that woman? Where's the fire and ruins and…"
"A nightmare." Raine sighed. "It's quite alright." She assured her.
"But it's not, is it? Oh God." She sighs, rubbing her temples. "That was so weird! Just forget it."
"Are you sure?" Raine asked, "It may make you feel better if you tell us."
"Well, I don't know." She sighed.
"Go ahead, Mira. It's quite alright." Kratos assured her. Lyn told her dream to them and sighed.
"That's a weird dream." Lloyd said.
"Fire, Water, Wind, and Light are the four seals in Sylverant. I also believe Balacruf Mausoleum is where the next seal is." Raine pondered.
"The tree sprout of Sylverant and Thor's Hammer…" Kratos muttered. I'm not sure about the tree, unless it refers to the Great Kharlon tree but Thor's hammer is what Rodyle has been building behind Yggsdrasil's back. Something tells me this won't be like that last Chosen's regeneration… Everyone returned to their rooms, and morning came soon afterwards. Lyn couldn't sleep. Her nightmare still bothered her, but she pretended to be sleeping. Kratos noticed, but had nothing to say. It was dawn when Kratos finally said something.
"Lyn, what's wrong?" He asked softly. "I know you haven't been sleeping." She sighed from being discovered.
"I'm sorry. I just can't sleep. For some reason, I've not been getting hungry lately, or tired. It's starting to worry me a little."
"That's strange." He muttered, "Is there something bothering you?"
"We're friends right?" She asked him.
"Yes." He replied.
"And friends tell each other things, right?" She asked.
"Yes." Kratos replied, knowing she was getting at something he didn't want to answer.
"…Kratos… Who am I? Why do you not want me going to the seals? I know that you know." She said. The words hit him like a sword hilt, painful, but not dirty.
"I… I can't say." Kratos stuttered, turning his head away.
"Well, maybe you wouldn't have to say anything if you gave me the book already!" Lyn snapped back to normal, and then covered her mouth.
"What?" Kratos snapped with alarm.
"Oh nothing, I just can't believe you chose the brat over me." Mira snapped.
"Your Mira's mana, aren't you, emphasized and produced by the exsphere. So you're angry, mana?"
"You've been using me like crazy and deny Mira her own book! And you ask if I'm mad?" she asked. A smile grew on Kratos's face as he pulled out a small red book.
"Oh? You mean this? If you want it, get it. Just know I'm not going to be your friend anymore if you do."
"I don't care!" Yelled mana, as Lyn tried to reach for the book, but couldn't.
"What? Just take it! No. I won't. It's not mine. I don't care for it anyway. Leave me alone. What are you talking about? Get out of my head!" Lyn yelled, pulling her hair. Amused, Kratos put the book away, got up with his small bag, the walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"Kratos! COME BACK HERE!! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS!!!"
"The door is open; you can follow me if you like." Kratos smiled maliciously. "I'm leaving."
"Don't you dare! Come back here!" She yelled. Lloyd walked by confused by the yelling.
"What's going on?" Lloyd asked.
"Nothing much. Mira just got possessed by the evil spirit of a bar wench."
"I AM NOT!!" she yelled as Raine appeared, hearing what Kratos said.
"Thank God. Mira's possessed. Can you help her?" Kratos asked Raine.
"Kratos, just be a man and give it to me!" She said, trying to suppress her anger. Lloyd burst out laughing.
"Oh dear." Raine said, walking in, closing the door behind her. A moment later, Raine walked out. "It seems she was possessed, but she's fine now. I exercised whatever that was, but shouldn't we really be heading for Asgard?"
"Yes. We should get their by the time night comes." Kratos assured her.
"But how will we…"
"I've carried her from The House of Salvation to Isalia after she passed out. If I get tired, I will just let Noishe carry her."
"If you say so." Raine sighed. "There is something that bothers me though. Kratos, may I speak with you alone?" She asked him. Kratos nodded, and Lloyd left to rejoin Collette and Genis who were already waiting downstairs.
"Kratos, everyone's been worried about you recently. I know we pay you, but still. Lloyd and Genis were discussing how you wouldn't eat. You keep watch every night as well. On top of that, there is what's been happened to Lyn. Are you ok?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
"I don't want to seem into your business and I don't exactly know your relationship is, but I think it's best to take her with us to Balacruf Mausoleum."
"I was considering that as well. Truthfully, I don't have a strong relationship with her. She is merely an orphan I met in Palmacosta who was looking for a job on my way to Isalia. She… doesn't remember anything, and what she dose she won't even tell me. I just taught her some fighting techniques on the way here, hoping I could bring her along to accompany the chosen. That's when I noticed her sensitivity to holy places. I hoped to leave her there with a job, and you know what happened. Their's nothing between the two of us." He explained clearly, even though it was mostly a lie.
"I see. She is a rather strange girl… Either way that's all I wanted to say. Thank you for your time." She sighed, and then walked away. Kratos walked in the room again. Raine had changed her clothes for her, and her stuff was already packed beside her bed. He sighed, grabbed her stuff, and picked her up. On the way out, Collette noticed his load.
"Kratos, do you need help?" She asked.
"I'm fine Chosen. You needn't worry about me." He assured her.
"Well, at least let me carry her stuff." Collette said, "Raine usually carries mine for me. I can handle it." She smiled.
"Very well." He replied not trying to make a big deal about it and handing her Lyn's stuff.
"Kratos, can I carry your stuff?" Lloyd asked.
"Why?" Kratos coldly asked the twin swordsman.
"Well, It's not like you couldn't handle it, It's just that I got used to the weight I carry. I'll get stronger if I carry your sack to Asgard." He smiled. Kratos sighed and handed his bag to Lloyd. "Thank's" Lloyd said, slinging it over his shoulder and running up to Collette and Genis smiling.
"What an odd bunch." He sighed.
"You misunderstand them." Raine told him. She sighed and thought, What kind of life do you live? No love? No companionship? What kind of life did you have as a child?
"Is there something bothering you, Ms. Sage?" Kratos asked.
"No, it's nothing." She sighed. Kratos just looked back straightforward and continued. Except for Collette, Genis, and Lloyd racing and playing tag the whole way, the trip was quick and uneventful. They reached Asgard soon after passing through Hakonesia Peak. As they entered the city, Raine started to get excited.
"This is where the sacred stage is! This is also one of the most ancient cities that survived after the war 4,000 years ago! I MUST SEE IT!!!" She gasped, running around. The group stared in silence.
"I'm going to get an inn and drop Mira off." Kratos sighed. Everyone else nodded except for the ruin obsessed Professer. Kratos walked into the most expensive looking inn, ordered the room, and dropped Mira off. Kratos then walked out to see the group, led by Raine, heading for the stage. He followed. Raine started obsessing over the ruin when Kratos saw Lloyd sneak off. Lloyd walked around the ruin to see two guys standing next a big device.
"Look, I don't care about research. That's what got us into this mess anyway! Now do you want to destroy this thing or…"
"Why do you want to destroy the ruin?" Lloyd asked. Raine heard and ran over in anger.
"How dare you!?" Raine yelled with fire burning in her eyes. "This is an ancient artifact. A beautiful piece of history!" She yelled, jumping down and accidentally pressing the switch. "Now this ruin is…"
"PROFESSER RAINE!!!" Lloyd yelled.
"After the lesson, Lloyd!" Raine snapped.
"Lady," Said the scholar with blue hair, "You just turned on the detonator!"
"OHMYGODHOWDOISTOPIT!!!!" Raine yelled.
"We're not telling you." Snapped the Red headed half elf.
"Um, we don't know how to stop it." The blue haired scholar pointed out. Lloyd sighed and stopped the detonator. The two half-elves ran off and the Mayor showed up and scolded everyone.
"This place is off limits!" The mayor yelled.
"Since when? I no one stops me from studying the ruins!" Raine yelled.
"Since those idiots unsealed the wind spirit. Now that monster is demanding sacrifices, like in the old days!"
"Well, I'll dance then!" Raine snapped. "Not even a summon spirit will get in my way!" She yelled.
"Then talk to Aisha." The mayor snapped. The chosen group left. The group went to find 'Aisha' but had no luck. They headed back for the inn when the two half elves and a blue haired half elf girl showed up at the inn.
"Hi, I heard you wanted to replace me from the mayor. I am Aisha, and this is my brother Linar."
"Pleased to meet you! We were actually just looking for you." Lloyd said. "Raine here wants to replace you."
"Yeah. Hay, lets go to our house to discuss it." Linar said.
"We have a room. Wouldn't it be easier just to go in?" Collette asked.
"Sure." Aisha smiled as the group walked in, not noticing Lyn.
"Ok, I can teach you!" Aisha said. "All I have to do is prepare the clothes."
"Wait, how old are you? Are you older then 21?" The red head asked.
"I'm 23. Dose it matter?" Raine asked. The three looked at each other, then to Raine.
"You have to be younger then 21. Age 16 is preferred. I guess I will have to do it." Aisha said, looking grim.
"I can do it." Collette smiled.
"Bad idea Collette." Lloyd said.
"We can't afford to let you die." Kratos replied.
"Then let me do it." Lyn said, startling everyone. "The threesome of half elves stared.
"Oh yeah, I forgot Kratos dropped you off here. You feeling any better?"
"Yep!" Lyn smiled.
"What's your name?" Linar asked.
"It's Lyn." She smiled.
"Wait, I though it was Mira." Lloyd said.
"It's both. Doesn't matter to me! Anyway, I'm 16. I can do it." She smiled. Linar whispered something into Aisha's ear, and she had a look of shock, then looked back at Lyn.
"Um… Ok. Well, the dance is in an hour. Come with me. I will get you suited up and teach you the dance." They led Lyn out, and the rest of the group headed for the stage and waited, except for Kratos. He sat on the roof and watched Lyn practice. Her smile was haunting him. She practiced a routine that wasn't really a dance. She just had to walk over to four panels, touch them with a staff she borrowed from Raine, and walk to the middle and bow. Her attire was also a simple tan tunic with breaches and a brown hat, all having ruins on them. They took her hair out of the pony tale and let it hang down. Kratos sighed and went to the stage before Lyn and Aisha arrived. Lyn walked up the stage when it started to happen again.
The still wind started to pick up and circle around her. Waves of Man emerged from the ruin, pressing around her as she entered the Center of the stage. Her clothes changed instantly to a large white and black coat rimed with gold and a symbol of all the summon spirits on the back. Her plain shoes were gone, leaving her feet bare, and she wore shorts to her knees and a thin sleeved blouse with an odd symbol on the front. Her necklace with the diamond like exphere hung from her neck, radiating. Raine's staff was also gone. The ground started to glow as she threw off her jacket. The wind braided her hair, and she pulled out a long white ribbon that glowed with the rainbow.
Everyone looked with shock, except Kratos who just folded his arms and watched. She twirled and jumped with ease. Leaping and spinning with the white ribbon within her grasp. The wind then tied the ribbon to her wrist and she pulled more stunts. The ruin's colors changed constantly when suddenly the dance ended and flower petals of every color emerged out of nowhere. The dance was ended. They whistled and cheered. Mira smiled and bowed, that is, until the wind master appeared behind her.
"Buhahahahahaha! I will now take the holy maiden. Her body is filled with strong mana. I will then become the master of…" He said, being cut short my Mira who landed a blow of mana into the windmaster that blew him to smithereens.
"That wasn't a summon spirit. It was just a monster… Hay, what's this?" She asked, picking up a stone tablet. "Directions for dummies: how to reach Balacruf Mausoleum, the kingdom of wind. I wonder what idiotic smart ass wrote this? Oh well." She sighed, starting to walk off the stage with her coat flying towards her. She grabbed it and walked down, handing Raine her staff and the tablet.
"Knock yourself out." She smiled as Raine started dancing with joy at the artifact with ruins on it. Lloyd, Collette, and Genis ran up to her.
"Wow! That was awesome!" Genis praised.
"It was so graceful!" Collette smiled.
"Yeah. How'd you change your clothes, then pop up with the scarf and dance, then blow the monster away with that white blast? That was so cool!" Lloyd asked.
"Um… thanks. Actually, I don't know how. It was like the mana just went swoosh into me, and I wanted to dance. It all just kind of happened, I guess.
"Can you do that blast again if I threw magic at you?" Genis asked.
"I don't know, but I don't want to try either." She replied sweating. Linar and Aisha were silent. Everyone started to walk off except Raine, Kratos, Linar, and Aisha.
"I could have swore that I heard Lyn read this, but I can't make out any of the ruins." Linar said.
"How did she know?" Raine asked.
"Brother. Do you think it's true? It can't be, right?" Aisha whispered to Linar.
"And what is that?" Kratos asked.
"Mira… Mira is the name of the last wind princess of Balacruf Mausoleum. She supposedly was surpassing in all beauty with golden hair and sharp blue eyes. The stories say that she was told by a soothsayer that she would gain great power. Her father grew fearful that it would cause a war and threw her out of the kingdom. The kingdom started to fall into decay without her." Aisha started to explain.
"Later records say that she went around the world before the Kharlon War, she started performing miracles. After that, she was told she could return home, but it was a trick. She was forced into execution at the hand of her own father who was jealous of her power. When she died, so did the tree and her home, thus the Great Kharlon war started. Some versions of the story say that she was the mana goddess herself. Of coarse, such ideas conflicted with the Church of Martel, so the legend was lost. I managed to find a copy of the folklore in the caves."
"I've never heard of such a history." Raine said. "Festinating! May I see it?" She asked.
"Sure!" Said Linar, leading the way. Aisha and Kratos started to follow when Aisha finally said.
"You didn't seem too surprised at what happened."
"I tend to keep my calm about things." He sighed. "Besides, that isn't the whole story." He said, heading back to the inn. Aisha stopped confused and went back home.
Kratos told the group that Raine was with Linar and would not return any time soon. Lyn changed out of her new clothes and slipped on what she was wearing before. Genis cooked that night, and then the group went to bed, except for Lyn and Kratos. Lyn was in her bed, staring at her hands. She started opening and closing them, then shifted her right palm forward like she did against the windmaster. Nothing happened. Kratos watched her. The whole night, Kratos was thinking. Why am I starting to feel this way? No, please don't let the answer be… love…I must love no more…
Lea: Now there you are folks. Yes, Kratos is denying his relationship, but that's ok. It's a lot better then what I was going to make him do.
Kratos: If you add that, I will kill you!
Lea: ha! ha! I may just add it to make Kratty get mad. You're so cute when you're angry! Maybe I should take out Lyn for an episode and replace her with me!
Lyn: Nooooooooooooo!
Les: Yes.
Lyn: No
Lea: You know we're the same person anyway.
Lyn: What?
Lea: We're two made up off takes of the author because she was board and was procrastinating to get this story up. She just changed two letters in my name. Yep, this is the author saying that. Who else would write it? The gingerbread man?
Yuan: Ack! You're confusing me! Just end the tyranny already!
Lea + Lyn: Fine. Please Read and Review! We love reviews!