Me: I'm so sorry that I didn't update sooner! The internet was out and I couldn't get on at all. I feel horrible for making you all wait so long.
Genis: Just calm down. You have a good excuse.
Me: I have a stupid excuse. Sorry.
Genis: She owns nothing.
Me: Except anything that is not originally in the game. Sorry.
Genis: You're hanging around Colette too much.
The next morning I woke up and saw that Colette wasn't in the room. I shrugged it off and got ready. I knew that I had probably slept a bit late so it didn't faze me to see my roommate gone. It didn't take me long to get ready, I was usually quick about things like that since I didn't really care about my looks, excluding my hair. My hair was important because my mom had always liked it, which was the reason I kept it long.
I greeted everyone as I sat down.
'I must be late or something, considering Lloyd's already up. Why must I have to sleep so much?'
"So what do we do now?" Genis asked.
"We go to the next seal, of course!" Lloyd replied.
"But we don't know where it is," Genis reminded.
"Oh, yeah…" Lloyd responded.
"We're going to the House of Salvation. Remember, the old man at Hakonesia Peak said that he'd let us have a look at the Book of Regeneration if we got the Spiritua Statue that's at the House of Salvation," I stated.
"Wow! That's amazing, Sarah! You remember all that!" Colette chirped.
"It's not that hard to remember," I modestly said.
'Especially since this use to be one of my favorite games before I got stuck here. If I hadn't played the game I probably wouldn't have said that. My memory's actually really horrible.'
"Well, it seems we're heading to the House of Salvation then," Raine confirmed.
"We should stock up on supplies before heading out," I suggested.
"That's a good idea. Would you mind going?" Raine asked.
"Not at all," I faked.
I hate shopping! But, I was late getting up and I didn't want to be rude, so I decided to stuck it up and go.
"Good, let me write down a list to take with you," Raine began writing on a note pad.
Afterwards she handed it to me and I got up.
"Come back here after you're done and don't take to long," Raine said.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," I replied, taking the list and leaving.
"She seems pretty cheerful today," I heard Genis state as I left.
I went out to the market place and looked at the list. Apple gels, orange gels, stuff like that. So I started working on getting the quickly. I hated shopping and that was never going to change. That's the reason why I was so quick with stuff like that.
I think the reason why I hate shopping is because of my mom. She would always take me shopping when I was younger and I always got tired. When I went with my mom to shop she would keep me there with her forever, looking through clothes she thought would look cute on me and other stuff. I would always end up becoming sore with standing and walking around. That's probably also the reason why I became a tomboy.
Anyways, enough of my rambling. While I was walking I bumped into someone.
"Oh, sorry," I said, quickly.
"Nah, it's okay. I wasn't paying attention," By the voice I was able to tell it was a girl.
I looked over at her and my eyes widened slightly.
'Holy crap! It's Marta from Dawn of The New World!'
"Is something wrong?" She asked.
"N-no, it's nothing. You just reminded me of one of my old friends," I lied.
"Oh, okay. My name's Marta, it's nice to meet you," She greeted.
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Sarah," I introduced.
"Well, I've gotta go, bye!" She waved and ran off.
"Bye," I replied.
'Wow… I never expected that to happen. Although, it was kinda cool.'
After that I continued the shopping and got everything. I returned to the inn with everything in hand.
"I'm back," I called, walking up to everyone.
"You don't take long," Raine noted.
"I said I'd be back soon," I reminded.
So, we got ready and headed off to the House of Salvation. On the way, I was writing in my journals again. It had become a habit while walking. I knew I wouldn't have enough time get all the events that had happened down but I tried to get as much down as I could.
Something caught my eye while writing. I turned my head and stopped to look at it. My eyes widened slightly. What caught my eye was an Indian Paintbrush flower. I hadn't seen one in years and I was surprised to see it on Sylverant.
"Something wrong?" Lloyd asked.
I snapped out of my daze and turned to him.
"No, it's nothing," I replied and continued walking.
I glanced at the flower once more before continuing my writing.
We made it to the House of Salvation without stopping. We ran into a few monsters along the way, but nothing big. I mostly just ignored the conversation because I was still too preoccupied with writing.
"That's it! We'll have Genis seal it with magic," Lloyd declared.
The sudden loudness startled me and I almost dropped my book. I was just about to reach up to adjust my glasses when I remember that I didn't wear them any more. Adjusting and pushing up my glasses had become a habit on Earth. I stopped and put my journal away to listen to the rest of conversation.
After that, we headed for the Thoda Island docks. Again, nothing really interesting happen. I just continued writing in my journal. It didn't takes us long to get to Thoda Island. We walked out to the wash tubs after paying for the trip.
"It's a… wash tub?" Lloyd questioned.
"Yep, it's a washtub," Genis nodded.
"Hmm, washtubs," Kratos observed.
"Wow! This looks like it'll be fun!" Colette chirped.
I examined the washtubs and said, "I really don't want to get in that."
"I…I'm going to wait here. Go on ahead without me," Raine suggested.
Everyone looked back at her.
"What's wrong, Professor sage?" Lloyd asked.
"N…nothing. I'm not getting in that thing," Raine stated.
Colette smiled, "It looks fun! Come on, let's get in."
"Yeah, Raine!" Genis grabbed Raine's hand.
That's when one of the most well known events happened, Raine shrieked. Everyone's face was of pure shock, even Kratos'. We all stared at her and there was a moment of silence.
'I might've known that was gonna happen but still… wow…'
"…Ahh?" Lloyd inquired, "Professor Sage… are you… afraid of water or something?"
"I…I was just starting to say, Ahh, this should be fun!" Raine lied.
She walked over to the wash tub and got in.
"Um…Sure," Lloyd murmured.
"…Heh," Kratos muttered.
"I still don't like the idea, but whatever," I shrugged.
We all hopped in and set sail…sorta. I tried to stay away from the edges or at least hold onto them.
"What's wrong? Are you afraid of water?" Lloyd asked.
"N… no, if I was, I would have put up more of a fight in getting in… It's just… I barely know how to swim," I blushed, embarrassed.
"You barely know how to swim? But, on the way to Palmacosta you fell in and were fine," He reminded.
"N… no one's ever taught me… And, there weren't any waves then so it was a bit easier," I replied.
"Oh, I see. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine," Lloyd reassured.
"R-right," I said, still embarrassed.
It was ridiculous for me to barely know how to swim because my family had an in-ground swimming pool in the back yard. I mean, seriously, if you own an in-ground swimming pool then shouldn't you know how to swim properly? It's just really embarrassing.
We soon reached Thoda Geyser.
"We've… finally… arrived…" Raine panted.
"That was fun, wasn't it, Lloyd?" Colette inquired.
"Sea water came in and I thought it was going to sink!" Genis exclaimed.
"Here, Professor," Lloyd offered a hand out of the washtub.
"Ah, right. Thank you," Raine took hold of Lloyd's hand and climbed out.
"…That was a rare experience," Kratos muttered.
"I really, don't want to do that again," I shook my head.
We walked over to the geyser. I looked around the area and remember something.
'Oh crap! I forgot that Noishe was suppose to be here to block Sheena's path. I wonder what'll happen now… This is not good.'
"Wow!" Lloyd exclaimed.
"Lloyd, a geyser is a type of hot spring that periodically erupts with boiling water and water vapor," Genis explained.
"Y… yeah, I knew that!" Lloyd stuttered.
While the rest of us looked at the Geyser, Colette and Kratos talked about the sign.
"There's the statue," I pointed out.
The others looked over to where I was pointing. We then walked over the platform and looked over it.
"All I have to do is stop it with my magic, right?" Genis asked.
"Yeah. While it's stopped, I'll go down there along the rocky parts and get the statue," Lloyd confirmed.
"The ice I can make will…well, it's just an estimate, but I don't think it'll last more than thirty seconds," Genis informed.
"Gotcha," Lloyd replied.
"Are you sure you wanna do this? I could go instead," I offered.
'And with my luck, I'll be boiled alive.'
"Yeah, I'm sure. I don't want anyone to get hurt," Lloyd smiled.
I wanted to say, "You don't have to be the hero all the time," but I decided not to.
I nodded, "Right, just be careful."
"Lloyd, don't do anything dangerous," Colette said, worried.
"Even my healing arts have their limits," Raine warned.
"You have a bad habit of getting cocky. Be careful," Kratos put in.
Genis then started casting, "Icicle!"
"Don't make any mistakes, okay? Good luck, Lloyd!" Genis said.
"So all I have to do is not mess, right? Leave it to me!" Lloyd assured.
He then jumped down to the first icy platform. Lloyd cautiously continued to jump from one platform to the next. It didn't take him long to retrieve the statue and get back. The entire time I was worrying like crazy and ready to jump down and help if necessary.
"Glad you're okay," I sighed in relief.
"You're amazing, Lloyd! I knew we could count on you!" Colette cheered.
There was a brief pause.
"Okay then, let's go back to that old man," Lloyd suggested.
The others started walking away.
'Dammit! We need to take care of the seal of water!'
When I was sure the other's wouldn't notice I walked over to the oracle stone. I was not about to ride in those washtubs more than I needed to.
"Hey guys!" I called.
Everyone stopped and turned to face me.
"What's wrong?" Lloyd asked.
"I found an oracle stone. This must be the seal of water," I explained.
The others walked back over and looked at the stone. I didn't pay attention to the rest of the conversation. When I heard the rocks fall into the water I turned my attention to the entrance. I saw the bridge appear.
'Looks like the bridge is pure mana or something.'
I got a bit confused when I didn't see Sheena anywhere.
'Shouldn't she be here or something? Or-'
My thoughts were cut off when I saw her. The others were already using the bridge to get to the cave entrance. I followed after them, not wanting to be left behind. When we entered the water temple I looked back to see if Sheena followed us, considering there wasn't anything or anyone to block her path. I didn't see her though. Kratos was also checking.
"What's wrong?" Lloyd asked, noticing that we stopped.
"…It looks like that girl didn't make it inside," Kratos stated.
"What girl?"
"That assassin. The one after the Chosen."
"She followed us?!" Lloyd questioned
"You didn't notice?" Kratos wondered, exasperated.
"I…I was busy thinking and stuff," Lloyd tried to use as an excuse.
"Never let your guard down, ever. Assuming you want to survive."
"Oh, yes, of course, you're so perfect. You'd never screw up," Lloyd dragged out the "so."
"Even I make mistakes, I made a terrible one…" Kratos trailed.
"What?"
"…Nothing, I shouldn't have said that. Forgive me," Kratos apologized and walked away.
"Forgive you? What? You don't make any sense sometimes," Lloyd gaped after Kratos' retreating figure.
I stated walking away and turned to Lloyd, "C'mon, we're getting left behind."
The water temple was dark, musty, and humid. I hate the humidity, it usually gives me a headache. While we were walking my head began to hurt. Like I had predicted it hurt badly.
'Dammit! It freakin' hurts! This is why I try to stay away from places like this.'
I was lagging behind the others, using a pressure point technique my friend had taught me. The pressure points were suppose to release natural pain killers.
'Thank you, Mira. At least I don't have to deal with really bad headaches while trying to fight.'
So, we made it through the temple fairly easy. We did run into a few battles with monsters but they weren't anything big. When we were about to get on the warp panel, I hesitated because I knew that it would be much more humid in there than out here. I was hoping that my headache wouldn't get the best of me while in there. I stepped onto the warp panel after everyone else had gone through.
"This place is all dark and humid. Let's hurry up and get out of here," Lloyd said.
'Ugh, my head is hurting even worse now.'
"…We must release the seal first," Kratos reminded.
"I know that," Lloyd replied, irritated.
We all stepped closer to the alter.
"I feel… mana welling up… It's the same as the Seal of Fire," Genis informed.
Everyone immediately pulled out their weapons. Then, the seal guardians appeared. As soon as they appeared, Lloyd charged right in using Tempest. I rushed in next, after slipping on my Cruxis Crystal of course, going after one of the smaller guardians. I slashed diagonally at the guardian, creating a large gash. I continued to hack away at the monster while trying to avoid any attacks. Something that I noticed over the time of our battles, is that I'm an offensive fighter. I'm pretty good with offense, but when it comes to defense it's best not to depend on me. I can slightly make up for my lack of defense with my speed because I can dodge some attacks.
The seal guardian swiped it's hand at me, knocking me back. I landed on my back, skidding slightly. I staggered back up and charged right to the monster again. I dodged the on coming attack by spinning. I used the momentum and sliced the guardian twice, once with each dagger. I then rammed the monster with my shoulder and stabbed it through the chest. The guardian cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground. I was panting and looked over to see the status of the other's fights. The other small guardian tore it's attention away from Lloyd and turned to me, seeing as I killed it's friend. It charged…er… floated towards me quickly. I was surprised by it's speed, it was hard to keep up. It swiped at me, hitting my in the stomach and knocking me away. My breath was knocked out of me. I continuously coughed, trying to regain it.
My stomach is my biggest weak spot. That's why I try to protect to most. If I get hit there, it's hard for me to regain normal breathing patterns… not like I had them before. Asthma had always had a hold over me, so my breathing patterns are a bit… unstable. The Cruxis Crystal usually gave me normal breathing pattern, so it didn't get in my way often.
I sat up slowly, trying to keep my coughing down. It was a bad idea though, because I started coughing up blood. I heard footsteps rush over. I looked up and saw Raine kneel beside me. She started to heal me and I turned my attention away from her to see that the battle was just about to come to a close. My coughing started to calm down until it was gone. I held my throat out of habit from past coughing fits.
"Thanks," I whispered.
Right after I said that the last seal guardian fell. I stood up with some help from Raine.
"You really should be a bit more careful," Raine suggested.
"My defense sucks," I stated flatly.
"Don't put yourself down, you'll only get worse if you do," She scolded.
"On the contrary, it's the opposite for me," I replied.
She looked at my skeptical.
"…I'll explain later," I assured.
Colette gave her prayer at the alter. I removed my Cruxis Crystal and slipped it back into one of the pouches. My hand twitched because I would've adjusted my glasses at the point but I didn't have them.
'I've gotta remember I don't wear glasses anymore. Argh! I'm so use to wearing them. I kinda miss them, too.'
I looked up to the conversation between Colette and the fake. Right before he left, he glared at me.
'Seriously, what's with the people in Cruxis glaring at me?! Maybe Kratos really did tell them…Nah, they would've killed me by now if he did, or they might've tried something. Maybe I'll figure it out later…'
I saw the others start to leave so I followed after them. Leaving the temple was easy but I kept worrying about Sheena. There was nothing to block her from following us, yet we hadn't run into her. I kept my hand on my weapon, a bit paranoid that she's try a surprise attack. We didn't run into her until we were out of the temple.
"Stop!" She commanded.
Everyone stopped and looked at her. She was already in a fighting stance. Colette would collapsed from the Angel Toxicosis and just about all of us were too tired from the battle to fight.
"I won't go easy on you! I will kill the Chosen!" Sheena informed.
I stepped up, deciding to try and stop an on coming fight.
"W-wait! Hold on! W-we can't fight here," I said, trying to come up with an excuse.
"Why not?" She questioned.
"B-Because… um… T-the area is too narrow to fight in. Fighting here wouldn't do any of us any good," I reasoned, biting my lip.
She lowered her stance and looked around the area. After taking in the area she turned her attention back to me.
"Fine… but I'll be back!" She shouted and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
'I've got to learn how to do that.'
"That was close," I sighed.
"Yeah, good thinking, Sarah," Genis replied.
Just then, Colette collapsed. Lloyd rushed to her side.
"Professor Sage, Colette's sick again!" Lloyd informed.
Genis ran over to her as well. I followed right after.
"Oh no! We must let her rest immediately," Raine said.
Kratos walked over, "Time to set up camp, then."
"Yes, but if this is going to happen every time she releases a seal Colette is going to have a difficult journey ahead of her. For the time being, I'm going to call the phenomenon, Angel Toxicosis," Raine explained.
Colette picked up her head.
"Colette, are you okay? Does it hurt?" Genis asked.
"I'm fine, it'll go away soon… I'm sorry for worrying everyone," Colette started to breath heavily.
"Okay, that's enough. You're not allowed to apologize any more, okay?" Lloyd joked.
That line always made me smile. It was one line that I never forgot.
"Hehehe… I'm sorry," Colette replied.
I sighed, no one would be able to stop her apologizing.
Well, we found some unused land near the geyser and set up camp there. Raine came up to me after camp was set up.
"Back at the seal, you said that instead of becoming worse by putting yourself down, you'd become better. Can I have that explanation?" Raine asked.
"Oh, well, the explanation is simple, I like to prove people wrong," I answered.
"Prove people wrong?" She inquired.
"Yeah, even if it means myself. If I tell myself that I'm weak, I'll just get stronger to prove myself wrong," I explained.
"You have an interesting way of thinking," She replied.
"My parents tell me that a lot," I responded, laughing slightly.
Later, just about everyone was asleep. I was gazing up at the moon and listening to the crackle of the fire. It was very soothing. That's when I heard the conversation between Colette and Lloyd begin.
"I know, I'll go to sleep in a little bit. Don't worry."
"But still…" Lloyd tried to argue.
"Kratos and Sarah are still awake, too, see?" Colette pointed out.
"That's because he volunteered to be the night watch and Sarah… wait why are you still up, Sarah?" Lloyd asked.
"Hmm? Oh… well… I'm just star gazing," I answered, not tearing my gaze away from the sky.
"Colette, you need to rest and so do you, Sarah. You took a bit of damage during the fight today," Lloyd suggested.
"I'll go to sleep soon, don't worry," I smiled, turning to them.
"Okay," Colette gave in.
"Okay, good night, you two," Lloyd smiled.
"Good night," I replied and turned my gaze back to the sky.
Lloyd started to walk off after Colette said good night. After a while Colette returned to camp. It wasn't long before I returned as well. I noticed that Raine and Genis slept close to each other. I smiled at the sight.
'That's so cute. They're lucky, to be able to stay with each other. I wish I could spend more time with Kuro.'
I found a spot near the fire and fell asleep.
The next day, we headed for Hakonesia Peak. We gave the statue to the old man and Colette read the book. I knew they wouldn't need my help with figuring thing out.
As we walked towards Asgard, I started writing in my journals again. I usually saved my personal journal to be written at night and wrote the record journal while walking.
'I wonder if this journal will be big enough to log this entire journey. Oh well, I guess I'll find out. I'll probably have to rewrite this so my handwriting is easier to read. I have horrible handwriting while walking.'
I sighed, I knew my hand would seriously hurt when I decided to rewrite. I would have to spell check it when I rewrote, too.
Me: I'm so sorry it took forever.
Genis: Quite apologizing, they get it!
Me: Sorry.
Genis: I give up. Please review, it'll make her feel better.
Me: Oh, by the way, voting's over. The votes went to Lloyd. You can do some last minute voting if you want since I didn't get this chapter out right before the twenty-fifth for a warning. I'll accept the votes. Again, really sorry.
