Oh wow, double digits YAY! =D

Well...this chapter mentions the fire temple...but they have yet to enter it, sorry about that I just thought it was getting too long. So the fire temple will happen for sure next chapter -isnotshot- ^^

Anyways, just a little request I have of you lovely readers today. As you're reading though this, can you tell me if Ally is getting too...dare I say it...Mary Sue? Some times when I'm writing her I just feel she has it a bit... too good or something xD

So if you can tell me in a review that would be great! Enjoy!

Disclaimer:...NO.

I felt the sweat on my body cool for the briefest of moments as I swung hammy at the imaginary enemy in front of me. I winced at the pang of pain that went up my right arm. I don't even think I've put my hammer down in the last hour or so and my arms were sore with the strain.

"Again."

I couldn't help but groan as I, once again, brought my hammer back over my head. After the meeting with Lloyd and Genis everyone went their separate ways. Genis followed after Raine(who probably took the news the hardest) who went back to the inn and Lloyd and Colette sulked off towards the oasis somewhere. Leaving me and Kratos alone. So after standing there for a while and starting to felt awkward due to the sex appeal that radiates off the purple clad gentleman in waves, I decided to go take a walk around town or something. At least, that was the plan. However, Kratos then decided that that would be a perfect opportunity to have our first 'official' hammer teaching lesson.

IN THE HEAT.

So, fearing slightly for my life I agreed and he led me outside the city. For some reason he figured that training on top of a sand tomb for all the enemies to see was the ideal spot. I wanted to question him, I really did. But… Kratos is kinda an intimating guy, y'know?

"Again."

Kratos voice brought me from my thoughts and I, almost automatically by now, raised my hammer above my head. Though before I could swing it back down, my foot slipped on the sand and I have to lower Hammy to keep my balance.

"Can we take a break?" I huffed, mouth dry. It was really hot in the DESERT and actually doing physical labour in it was like torture. I'm just a small girl from Canada. I'd be happier if I was in below freezing weather shovelling snow.

Kratos gave me a monotone stare to match his monotone answer, "No."

I groaned again before finding my footing on the sand swinging Hammy.

"Again."

Repeat.

"Again."

Repeat.

"Again."

Reepppeeaaa-AH!

I slid down the sand tomb in a less then graceful way, trying to stop my descent by shoving the handle of my hammer into the sand. It didn't work.

I skidded to a stop at the base of the tomb. Sand now in places I usually don't talk about in pleasant conversations. I groaned loudly so that Kratos could hear my displeasure. Really. This was definitely the last thing I wanted to do on my day off. Lloyd and Colette were probably off having some kind of bonding moment right now while I was out here in the heat. Why can't I just have a nice bonding moment dammit?!

I looked up to see Kratos still staring at me with that same Kratos-like stare. Though he had his arms crossed, so I was guessing he wasn't impressed. "Finding your balance is essential." He stated bluntly. "Without balance you will never grow stronger with your weapon."

Wow Kratos, way to shatter my hopes and dreams. I made to stand and climb back on top of the tomb but my leg was stuck on something. I looked down at said limb to see it stuck on a white something that was sticking out from under the sand. After a few more fruitless tugs I figured I needed some help. Because laying face down on the sand is not a very pleasant experience.

"Sensei!" I yelled without thinking, and surprising Kratos looked at me. "My leg's stuck on something!" Kratos simply continued to stare as if he was wondering whether he should leave me like this. If he did I would be so sad. Then he descended the sand tomb after me. Quickly and gracefully, like a ninja. Which is what I imagined him to be in his past life.

…

Or maybe…like… for 100 years of his life or something…

…

Yeah, anyways.

Kratos came down and immediately started working on freeing me from whatever dastardly foe had me imprisoned. It took only a few moments for the Prince Charming to free me like the Damsel in Distress I was for a while. I quickly flipped over and sat upright glad that now when I breathed there wasn't a chance that I might get sand in my lungs. I looked at the thing that my leg had gotten caught on. Though Kratos had unearthed some of it was still difficult to tell what it was. I twisted my head to try and examine it from different angles but it didn't help in the slightest.

"What is it?" I asked when I noticed Kratos shared my curiosity. He crossed his arms in thought. "I'm not sure." He replied honestly. I let out an exaggerated surprised gasp. "But I thought you knew everything! You disappoint me Kratos."

…yeah, I shouldn't have said that. It's the heat talking, it hates me.

Kratos didn't answer; instead he crouched near the 'object' and started to brush the sand off it. I tried to help, but the sand was really hot and I wasn't wearing gloves like he was and any kind of degree of burns do not sound nice. It didn't take long until the object was revealed.

It was a skeleton. A human skeleton. I was actually pleased when I didn't freak out or jump when I saw it! Awesome!

Kratos stood, looking a little disappointed with our discovery. "…Come, there is still much to do."

"Ah c'mon! This is cool!" I scampered over and picked up its skull practically abandoning my weapon.

"You should not speak ill of the dead."

"It was a compliment!"

Rattle Rattle.

…huh?

I titled the skull until something fell out of its eye socket. I quickly picked it up before I could lose it to the sand and stared at it intently. Now I know I've seen something like this before…but…what is it?

"…It's an exsphere and keycrest." I jumped when I heard Kratos who, at some point in time, had gotten behind me. What…really when had that happen? If I was writing an essay arguing that Kratos was a ninja this would be one of my body paragraphs. The fact that I thought that saddens me. I looked back at the normal looking exsphere in my hand before eagerly pocketing it. Sweet, I can give that to Raine later. I do recall having a conversation with her where she heavily hinted at wanting an exsphere. It was almost like she was discussing Christmas presents.

I peered inside the skull to see if there was anything else. There weren't any more objects left but there was some writing on the inside of it. Which I couldn't help but think strange. I mean its weird enough that someone would write on a skull, but write on the inside of one? What was the point?

Bruce Black, known in this world as a brave and loyal soldier of Tala.

Ok… so this is the skeleton of a soldier. But was a Tala? A platoon name or something? Oh wait, there's more!

…Known in America as the orphan in law school.

…

…

Wait, what!?

I had to read though the sentence a number of times before it actually sunk in. This…man this…whoever they were…

They were from Earth! So I'm not the only one!

"Ally?"

I looked up to see Kratos staring at me with an eyebrow raised. I guess I must have looked weird to him. Just sitting here staring into a skull. I quickly grabbed Hammy before standing up so Kratos didn't seem…taller and… more intimating then he normally is. "Sorry." I said quickly, hoping I didn't piss my 'sensei' off too bad with this distraction from my training. I quickly turned back so I could start scaling the rather steep sand tomb.

"Wait." I stopped my ascent and turned back to my teacher. He indicated to the skull under my arm and I shrugged. Damn, can't get anything past this guy. "Can I keep it?" I asked hopefully, though from the look on his face I already knew the answer. I slumped before tossing the skull to Kratos, who put it in its original place before re burying the only other companion I've meet on this journey so far.

---

It was dawn when Kratos decided to stop our lesson and I was sore. I had to stop by the inn and drop off Hammy cause, though I love him, he was really freakin' heavy. I took a bath to try and cure myself of my smelliness but it didn't really work. It kinda, halved the effect of the smell but that was it. I was tempted to take another, but thought it to be a little selfish. Baths were, unfortunately, not something I can have whenever I want anymore. Oh gods I can't wait for Tethe'alla. I'm pretty sure they have showers there judging by the whole sewer system thing. Unless they're like medieval England where they only bathe twice a year. Oh jeez I hope not.

Anyways, way off topic.

I stood in front of the Sages room (Raine and Genis now shared a room) pondering on whether or not I should knock. Though I know the characters in the game recover from tragedy pretty fast, I wasn't sure if it also true for real life. I signed, turning around and leaning on the wall just next to the door. It was surprising cool on my back which was really pleasant, since heat sucks and I'm still sore every where.

I wanted to ask Raine about the sentences written on the inside of that skull. I still wasn't 100% sure that the guy was from Earth. For all I knew there could be a small village called America somewhere in Symphonia land that I'm unaware of. It also mentioned Tala. Which I'm pretty sure is some kind of town or something. And of course, there was this.

I looked down at the exsphere in my hand. With this everyone in our little group would have one of these babies. Plus Raines healing magic would become that much stronger. Though nobody wanted to admit it, we were all pretty much relying on Kratos for healing.

The exsphere really didn't look like it had been sand buried for what I would guess to be years. I examined it for a while, letting my thoughts organize themselves. Exspheres were really pretty. Even though I wasn't near any light source it still shined brightly. I let my finger trail over the smooth surface. It was still hard to believe it was made out of human life. I mean… it's horrible that they're killing hundreds of people to create these things but… they were just so damn useful. I swear without mine I would have already died ten times over.

A sudden bump brought me from my thoughts and I turned the thing over to see a crack that run though the whole bottom of the keycrest. I cussed mentally. It won't work like this!

…or at least I don't think it would. ARGH, I dunno! I'm not an exsphere expert! Hell, I didn't even know they existed until a couple weeks ago!

Ok…wait wait; isn't the keycrest that Raine finds in the game damaged too? Then… then Kratos fixes it for he-

No it was Lloyd. Jeez I really need to stop thinking that Kratos can and does do everything. Ok then, I just need to talk to Lloyd! I went to the room where I vaguely remembered Kratos walking into when we came back to the inn together. I knew that they shared a room, so Lloyd should be in there. I knocked on the door.

"Hey Lloyd I need to talk to you if you're in there." I said so he would know who it was. There was a pause and I wondered if I knocked on the wrong door. Oops.

"Come in." I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard Lloyd's voice. Oh I would hate the awkwardness of knocking on a random stranger's door. I walked into the room and gently closed the door behind me. There wasn't much to study in the room; it was almost exactly the same as the one I shared with Colette. The only difference was the personal touches that its occupants' added. Lloyd's things were scattered about the room where Kratos' things were kept in a neat pile in the corner.

"So Lloyd I need a favour." I said cutting to the chase. I walked up to him and showed him the broken object. He took it in his hand and looked at it with mild surprise. "It's an exsphere and keycrest." He stated. Thank you Captain Obvious. "Can you fix it? I was thinking maybe Raine could use it."

Lloyd smiled at the thought. I guess he just imagined Raines happy face or whatever when she sees it. Oh he has yet to know the awesome fury of Ruin mode. He nodded. "Sure, I'll have this fixed by tomorrow."

"Thanks Lloyd!" I exclaimed patting him on the shoulder in thanks. Oh that Lloyd! I can always count on him! I turned to leave the room. "I'm gonna head to bed early, I'll see you tomorrow, 'k?"

Lloyd nodded but didn't look up at me. He was already working on that keycrest. Wow, what determination. I exited the room and closed it with a soft click. I was just about to head back to my room when I noticed the swish of an orange cloak vanish from the hotel lobby. I blinked.

…Was that Raine? I followed after her. If she was well enough to walk around she should be well answer some questions, right?

I opened the door and shivered at the sudden temperature drop. This is why I really hate the desert, it was such a two faced bitch! I cuss you thin undershirt and newly bought shorts. I cuss you hard.

"…I just…I feel a little different, somehow. But I'm fine, really!"

…was that Colette? I used the first step of the small stairway as leverage to peer over the small ledge to front of me. Colette and Raine were standing near the stable that Noishe was currently residing it (I completely forgot about him). Raines' back was to me but Colette's usual smile was in plain view. Raines stance changed to one more 'teacher' like and though it wasn't seen I was sure she was staring Colette down.

"Colette, know you can tell me anything."

Pause. Colette turned her gaze away from her teacher and her positive mask slipped for just a second. Then she looked back at Raine her smile back in full force. "I know. Thank you Professor."

Raines posture relaxed and her shoulders sagged as she let out a light sigh. They starting speaking again, this time in softer tone and I could only make out the odd word or sentence here and there. They were talking about the journey and how Colette was feeling about it and personally, it was pretty boring stuff. Seems kind of harsh to say, especially since Colette was going though so much pain and suffering and I was just hanging along for the ride but…

You know, why am I eavesdropping on this conversation anyway? I hopped off the small step trying to be as quiet as I could while I reached for the front door. But just before I went inside I heard Colette say something with unusual clarity. Almost like I didn't hear it, rather I was remembering a conversation that had long passed but stuck out so vividly in my head that it seemed real.

"…they would be happy."

---

The next morning was mostly uneventful. We bought gels and random other necessaries and went on our merry way to our first temple.

Oh right, and Lloyd gave the exsphere to Raine who almost fan girl squalled when he showed it to her. Honestly he probably could have asked her to marry him right then and there and she would have said yes. She was so happy she hugged both Lloyd and me. Which would have been nicer if we weren't so sweaty.

Anyways, that would bring us to where we are now. Wondering though a freakin' desert and go fight a monster in order to met Colette's retarded –not- father and let her lose a little more of her humanity. I dunno about you but that sounds like a swell day to me.

We've got into a couple of fights(much to Noishe's displeasure) which were easily won now that everyone had an exsphere. Plus, I didn't really want to admit it, but fighting on the sand was easier after that training with Kratos. But I wasn't gonna let him be all smug so early in the game, y'know what I mean? Getting way off topic…

The silence that accompanied our group on our fist trudge through the desert was gone now that Lloyd and Genis were back on board. Oh, I have to admit I missed their little shenanigans.

"Why did I have to be in charge of this?" Lloyd whined, referring to the monster journal that Raine had pushed on him before we left Tibet. He pouted at it like if he stared at it with dislike long enough it would eventually complete itself.

"Maybe the Professor just wants you to catch up on the homework you never do!" Colette answered clapping her hand together cheerfully like she just solved a mystery. Lloyd was lucky that Raine was too excited over her new exsphere to hear that last comment. Genis laughed as Lloyd hung in head in shame, his fingers digging into the monster journal. He looked like he was seriously considering ripping it in half.

"Hey!" I yelled a little too loudly pointing to something that just appeared over the horizon. "I see it! I see it!" FINALLY. I've been reaching for my canteen every five minutes.

Everyone turned to where I was pointing and Lloyd's face lit up, the monster journal completely forgotten. "Finally! I'm sick of the desert."

YAY FOR HAVING TO WALK BACK AFTER WE BURN TO DEATH IN THE FIRE TEMPLE!!!

…heat does weird things to me I'm sorry.

We quickened our pace a bit to get to the temple and after about an hour or so we reached our destination. I leaned against one of the stone pillars and took a hefty swing from my canteen. "It's hot."

Colette smiled sheepishly at me and Lloyd signed before wiping the sweat off his forehead and nodding in agreement. Genis shrugged and shook his head in a –brat- like motion. "It wasn't that bad."

"I'll kick you." I retorted. Maybe it wasn't so bad for him but I'm the only one here with black hair. Dark colours absorb sun. Light colours reflect the sun. Damn kid with his almost white hair and light blue clothing…

Before anyone would respond Noishe let out a small pitiful whine. "What's wrong Noishe?" Lloyd asked, taking no effort of actually looking in the same direction Noishe was and finding out the answer for himself. However, Kratos did take the extra initiative. He deserves a gold star. "Be on your guard, there are enemies about."

Two floating fire sphere…things suddenly appeared in front of us. Though they were enemies we haven't fought yet we still readied our weapons, did our two second pose that was sadly becoming the norm in our fights, before leaping into battle.

As usual Raine and Genis stayed back while the rest of us mostly fought them up close. The fight wasn't too difficult. True a couple of us (including me of course) were hit by magical fire (which really just made you even more thirsty) but it wasn't anything that a First Aid wouldn't fix.

"…This is going to be a nuisance."

Lolwut?

"What is?" Lloyd asked warily.

Kratos paused to look at each of us in turn. "…nothing. Anyway it would be a good idea for you to learn techniques to protect yourself."

Ohohoho. Is that a Father concern for Lloyd's safety I detect? …Or is he just tired of using First Aid on us all the time?

…

With Kratos I can never tell.

Anyway, it was then that Kratos thought us all 'guardian'. Or at least whatever version it's called to each of us (Mine ended up being called safeguard. Safeguard. LAME. Whoever thinks up my attacks is getting a strain talking too). It was a weird technique. You had to push a certain amount of your mana out of your body so that it could collide with the mama in the air and create a kind of temporary magic shield. Sound hard? Because it was hard.

Of course, Raine and Genis got it on their first try (damn them and their mana user-ness) then Colette got it after a couple of attempts and second last came Lloyd after more then a handful of attempts. Which left me, dammit.

"It is not as difficult as it seems." Kratos stated in as close to a prep talk I'll probably ever get. "Relax."

"I'm relaxed!" I snapped stomping my foot on the ground in anger after another failed attempt. Ah God dammit, the one tech in the game I considered myself a master at and here I was flailing while failing miserably. Argh…so much for trying not cause them too much trouble for the team.

"It's ok Ally!" Colette chirped from behind me. Since the others had pretty much perfected it by now they were all lazing about and watching me fail. "It took me a couple tries before I got it too!"

Yeah I know. I was right here. Watching you perfect it while I struggled in the corner. I felt so frustrated I could actually feel tears form in my eyes. I quickly wiped them away, pretending I was just wiping sweat from my eyes, before I readied myself to try again.

"Ah c'mon Ally you can do it." Lloyd cheered half heartily, growing bored of watching my attempts. "Just think about a green sphere."

Genis stared at him blankly. "…I don't think that's how it works Lloyd."

Lloyd shrugged. "Really? …Well it does for me."

Ok… just ignore him. C'mon, thrust arms out and with them push the mana…Ally you can do this just focus. Mana, out of body, invasion it, use your miiiiinnndd.

"YAGH!" I yelled pushing my arms out in front of me with a little more 'umph' then before.

…

…

…

Snicker.

"FUCK YOU GUYS I GIVE UP." I finally yelled throwing my arms up in defeat. Raine stood and brushed off some sand from her pants. She looked like she didn't practically care for the choice of words to show my anger but she didn't address it. "Are you sure?" Before I could even answer Sensei Kratos spoke from behind me once again scaring the crap outta me. Ninja.

"She can practice as we proceed." He said simply. Though nothing in his tone or stare really suggested it for some reason I felt like he was disappointed in me or something. Ouch, when it's from your sensei it's almost like a slap in the face. Lloyd jumped off from his seat on one of the over turned pillars and stretched.

"Finally! I'm tired of all this waiting…ow!" Lloyd rubbed the spot where his professor had slapped him in the back of the head. "What was that for?!" I tried not to notice Raine glance over at me as I rubbed the sweat from my eyes again. Really, it was sweat. …Really.

'It isn't you, Ally.'

The British accented voice of Crystal entered my mind and I busied myself with picking up my bag to hide my surprise.

'It's the fact that you are not from Sylvarant originally that is the problem. Everyone here has had the advantage of being surrounded by mana all their lives. You haven't.'

'Yeah I know but it still kinda sucks.' I sighed a sigh of self pity as I slinked behind the rest of the group. 'In all the fanfictions I read they learn the techs easy and I…I still only know one!'

'…Well, it is about time you've learned a new one isn't it?'

'I'll sa-'

"Fantastic!"

I was broken out of my (thoughts? Conversation?) by a high pitched squeal that I usually associate with fangirls at a convention.

"Look at this slab covering the entrance! It's clearly of a different composition than the surrounding stone!"

I joined the others in watching Raine rub herself against the ruin entrance. Oh yeah…I almost forgot about this part. Heheheh… Ruin mode for the win.

"Hahahaha! It's just as I thought! This is polycarbonate, developed during the Ancient War to defend against magic! Oh, feel the smooth surface! It's wondrous!"

Oh my god… this is just too precious! The way she's rubbing herself against the slab, with her ass wiggling in the air…PFFFFFTTT.

"…Is she always like this?" Kratos inquired, looking a little creped out at the women's sudden behaviour. Raine then jumped up, no more like shot up, and pretty much shoved Lloyd out of the way to get to the pedestal. Lloyd eagerly jumped out her way to avoid her wrath and looked over at Genis with a wary expression. "…Is she?"

Genis slapped his forehead and looked away from everyone, embarrassed. "…I've been trying so hard to hide it, too."

"Hmm? This depression…it reads, 'oracle stone.'" Raines brow furrowed in thought as she studied the pedestal. "Colette." The chosen peaked up at her name. "Place your hand here. That should reveal the entrance."

Huh, for a place that still uses candles for light sources they have pretty hardcore tech. Though they do also have warp pads and all those machines back at the Renegade base. Or was I not suppose to think about the base now because we didn't explore it?

…

Being an alien is hard.

The almighty pedestal recognized Colette and after some more talk we continued our adventure down to our first temple. Yeah for more hardships to come!