Okay, and here's chapter four! Ossa Trail, Izlood, and part uno of Palmacosta! A pretty long chapter here, folks. Most of it typed in the span of one day. Enjoy!

Colette: But we missed the deadline…

Eh, she knows my gift's going to be belated, anyway. This is part one of a gift for Nintendo4ever; the other part is a angsty drabble thing that's Mortal Kombat related and will appear on deviantART. Nothing for you other guys to worry about. Unless you watch my dA account, of course.

Sheena: It's because this chapter introduces me, isn't it? XD

;)

Colette: RoyalFanatic doesn't own us or Tales of Symphonia, nor does she own Anna, Spice, Gamecube, and the three other yet to be mentioned OCs, but she does own the fiction, her personal ideas, herself, Calvin, and the OC she swapped lives with.

Oh wait! An important extra I forgot to add! Fellow ToS writer Baby Kat Snophlake got the neat idea of all of us coming together and writing a collab fic. A very neat way to trade ideas, inspriation, and improve our writing skills out all in one! =D

Colette: Neat! I'd like to join!

Sheena: We can't Colette...

Anyway, if you're interested, check out Baby Kat Snophlake's profile for more information. Click on her "My Forums" link, and you'll find the collab forum; at this point, we're still having people jump in and trade ideas (I think we have four others including myself). So if you're interested, go check it out! The more the merrier!

Now less author notes and more long chapter. Without the A/N's, it's seventeen pages! Chapter four away!

We traveled the desert, and ended up getting lost. Of course, not that it was either of the two adults' faults. It was the sandstorm that started up after we started moving, and us "kids" leading the way. They couldn't be blamed, not at all.

Then again, Kratos was in front of the train with Lloyd, and he's the one with the map. And while Raine might've been the one in the back of the train, she hardly offered any advice about what to do. I must also mention that neither of the two adults ever actually looked at the map, even though the rest of us constantly screamed at someone to look at the damn thing.

Five hours went by, and we ended up making it to the coast. The coast. Completely wrong direction. Go figure. Then we were assaulted by monsters…go figure again. Poisonous snakes that can really hurt you if you're not careful, the occasional fire elemental, and bandits that must be drunk or high…

I mean come on! Why would a group of four want to assault a group of seven? Especially since one of those seven…okay, so they don't know Kratos like the rest of us do, but I'm sure he gives off an aura or something.

So, after a half an hour of yelling and accusations, we finally set off again, hoping to actually reach Triet sometime this day, week, month, or year.

It was late evening when we finally reached the oasis city. The group traveled to the inn; exhausted, pissed off, and hungry. I couldn't blame them; it had been a long day, and I was sure even Kratos was willing to eat something. Ignoring the others' weird glares, I made my way to the fortune teller's tent.

"Good evening." The seer had a musical voice. It made me think she wasn't that much of a fake, at any rate. "I see much trial and error hidden along your path."

No doubt, if things go haywire at the fricking Tower. "I'm sure, but that's why not I'm here."

"Ah, you're here for a friendship fortune!" The seer insisted. "I see! Please, think of the name of someone you know."

I blinked. "…I have too many names to choose from."

"Ahhh, I see. Well, have no fear, for someone wants to be your friend!" Okay, this is it… "You two have yet to cross paths, but you will know when you do. He and your blood are very similar; he seeks to find a light of salvation. Be that light, and you will have a family tie that transcends even the closest of blood."

Yeah, definitely Regal. "I see. And I have a name." I thought about Lloyd; does he really hate me so much?

"I see…a faint hinting of the past." The seer actually had to pause and think before she spoke. "And a tiny shadow of familiarity. There is mostly jealously, however; you will have to work hard to fully earn his trust."

Damn, sucks to be me. "Could I think of one more name?"

"You may think as many as you would like," the seer insisted, smiling. "Think of the name of someone else."

The "game" only let you choose people depending on who Lloyd met, but I thought I could get away with it. In a way, I've already met Zelos, Sheena, and Presea, right? My first thoughts were of Zelos.

The seer frowned. "A dark, bitter rivalry…spanning generations…compromise will be granted, yet you will always be bitter friendly foes."

So, we'll be able to cooperate when we have to, but we'll hate each other's guts. Wonderful. And that wasn't said in a sarcastic way, mind you. "I understand." I wonder what Sheena would think about me.

"All I suggest is that you watch your steps," the seer said. "She can be your friend or your rival."

Frick. Better be careful; I don't want to be on the other end of those Summon Spirits. And Presea?

"I sense indifference. Neither friend or foe. Break past the barrier, speak well, and be knowing, and you will be fine."

"Right. You have my thanks." I bowed and exited the tent.

It was dark and deserted; was everyone at the inn? Eh, I guess I might as well hang out on the rooftop or something.

I took two steps, was smacked in the head by something, and fell to the ground.

Yellow-goldish fur…?

Oh damn…

A hot afternoon greeted me as I came to; it appeared that I was in the desert. Although we were still in the region, the sands appeared to be thinning.

Yes. We. I just so happened to be the prisoner of the one and only Sheena Fujibayashi. My hands were tied behind my back, and I was being dragged on my side. Ouch…it stings!

So, was this going to change things? "I'd like to thank you for kidnapping me and dragging me halfway across Triet, yeah…" Sarcastic, much? Something tells me I'll be playing the kidnapped role for quite a bit. It does not sound fun.

The assassin/ninja/summoner jumped. "Y-you're awake!?"

"I'm used to stuff like this," I insisted. We stopped, or rather, she stopped and I managed to drag myself to my feet. "So, just to let you know, I have a mercenary uncle who's going to kill you for this." An angel mercenary uncle, actually. Which makes it worse.

"If he cares so much about you, then he'll have no trouble bringing the Chosen of Mana to me," Sheena countered.

Oh shit…what have I gotten myself into? "Now," the summoner was continuing. "Walk when I do, run when I do. If you stop or resist, your uncle and friends will be getting you back piece by piece!"

Oh shit! I'd rather stay in one piece please! Keep cool…keep calm… "I understand."

We continued traveling; the sands growing thinner and thinner as time went by. Since we were a group of two, one of the two being tied, more bandits jumped us; they were destroyed by Sheena's Guardian. And Corrine. Holy shit that little guy is a menace! I really wish there was some way to keep him from dying!

"You do know I'm with Yuan too, right?" I asked, just remembering the Renegade leader and my new boss. I know my captor's working for the King and Pope, but Yuan helped her over here and crap; surely he told her about me and Gamecube!

"Yeah, but you're with the Chosen," Sheena replied. "'Use whatever tools or methods you need to get the Chosen.' Those were his orders."

Damn him! What about me, you bastard!? Oh, you'll get your just desserts when we finally end up fighting you, Yuan!

At long last, the sands ended, and we found fields of green, the Ossa Trail, and deadly rabbits that wanted to eat us but were easily mauled by Corrine. We started for the trail when I could hear Noishe howling in the distance. "Miss Assassin? My friends are on the way."

"Damn! Corrine!" I don't know how she managed it so quickly, but she magically produced a rope, tied one end around my neck like a leash, and tossed the other end to the little Summon Spirit. "Get her out of here! Hide her!"

"Okay, now you're-whoaaa!" The little spirit can run! Sheena held out a red ribbon…hey! When did she get Aunt Anna's memento!? She dropped it on the ground and vanished in her usual smokescreen.

Corrine dragged me onto the beginning of the trail, opened the maintenance shaft, and actually tossed me in! "Sorry, but you gotta hide!"

…Yuan's not the only one getting his just desserts, Sheena. Unless you can play your cards right; I still don't want to be on the receiving end of those Summon Spirits. Or those slaps. I'm sure they hurt.

At least Genis was right about the fall; it hurt like hell, but fire spells were worse. If I wasn't tied up, I would've been able to get onto my feet.

And I could hear deep breathing…oh yeah, the Skeleton Dancer. Or something like that. Hmmm, his quest wasn't that bad; would we be strong enough to fight it? "S…STRONG ONES…!!"

"If I meet up with my friends, then we'll fight," I replied, deciding to try and free myself from my bonds. Wait…I promised a fight? I guess we'll be fighting him after all. Note to self; don't forget about him in the forest.

If memory served me correctly, I had a knife hidden in my right boot. Struggling with my bonds, I managed to grab the hilt and pull it free. I cut my hands and wrists, but I was able to undo the bonds on my hands and neck. Guess I better see Raine about these cuts, and owww my neck hurts. Did the scar reopen? Oh shit it did…I feel blood.

"Aghhhh!" Someone was screaming above me. A female someone. Oh wait!

Sheena fell into the hole, with thanks to Colette's clumsiness? Guess the meeting went "normally" after all. And landed on top of me. Well, at least she wasn't dead. "You're welcome…"

"Y-you!" She jumped to her feet, red in the face. "Ah, thanks."

"So, Yuan's got you as Plan B, eh?" I asked, getting back to my feet. Again. "I'm seriously going to complain to him."

"So, you really are with Yuan. Heh, you might as well," Sheena admitted. "I didn't think he actually would've put insiders in the group."

"There are two of us," I said. "I got someone working with me. So, Miss Assassin, the name is Cecilia Aurion. My companion's a tigress humanoid with the Chosen; you can't miss her."

"Sheena Fujibayashi," Sheena said. "So, I'll call a truce with you and your friend."

"Truce accepted. Just no word of it to anyone else, and if we have to fight you, we'll go for you Guardians."

"It's a deal."

Sheena went to chase Colette and the team; I didn't feel like it. I wanted to check my magics and techs for when we fight Mr. Skeleton Dancer. As of now, Colette and her friends and teacher were thinking I could only use Demon Fang, Sonic Thrust, Light Spear, Lightning Blade, and the basic magics Aqua Edge, Wind Blade, Stone Blast, and Icicle. Although with all the spamming I did at the Fire Seal, I might be able to "unlock" Freeze Lancer. Okay, so once I do that, I'll take the front lines and "unlock" more techs.

We've sorta kept the Guard System we used in the Fire Seal as a way of battling; that way the two people in reserve can jump in and help out should it look like the rest of the group won't last. Genis and I have been reserves before I was kidnapped, but even while the other five are taking care of the monsters and bandits that assault the front, we had to fight a few bandits that tried to attack us from the rear. Then there was that one time where a second bandit group decided to help the first group.

What had happened to that second group? Well, let's just say Genis was very quick at picking up how to handle ice magic. Yeah, between the two of ice, I think those guys are going to be thankful that Hell is supposed to be a land of fire.

So, items, skills…everything's in order. I could actually see the skeleton's floating head, and a few of the bones that make up its body around it. And it was breathing, despite being, you know, dead. It's…interesting. And there's nothing else to do, so I decided that I should be stupid and sit right next to the head.

"S-STRONG ONES!!! F-FIGHT!" Man, he's a real converser, isn't he?

"They're coming, they're coming," I insisted. "They have to fight an assassin first. Then they'll run in here, find me, and then we can have our battle."

The thing made some sort of noise; I couldn't tell if it was a groan, gurgle, or just some sort of noise that doesn't even exist in our plane of existence, and kept…floating. Oh, did I mention that it was staring at me? Okay, I'm just a tad freaked out here…

So, I had no clue how long we stayed like that, but eventually the bones around the head started to rattle. "STRONG ONES…COME!!" Okay, now is my cue to jump up and get Featherglow ready. The thing started to form, and damn do those four swords look sharp! Looks like it's keeping my pact intact.

"Cece! Are you alright!?" Gamecube was the first to enter my vision, and she just stopped and stared at the now…ten foot giant skeleton that just finished its transformation. It's…big.

One by one, Kratos, Colette, Raine, and Lloyd catch up to the tigress, and Lloyd and Colette mimiced Gamecube as Kratos unsheathed his blade. The gaping twin swordsman spoke first. "W-what the hell is that!?"

"STRONG ONES FIGHT!!" Well, I think he made his point clear. The skeleton aimed all four swords at me-oh shit!!!!

"Sound Barrier!" The bubble blocked the blades and sent music notes in the four cardinal directions. Okay, mana healed…let's start this fight properly… "It's certainly not a friend!"

There was the sound of wind; apparently Genis was battling a monster. Raine readied her staff. "Colette, go help Genis! Keep an eye on our backs!"

"Yes professor!" The Chosen unveiled her chakrams and ran to where Genis was fighting. Lloyd unsheathed his blades and ran forward; I charged forward as well.

"I think Genis and Colette should join us for this fight, Miss Sage," Kratos insisted, taking a firm place in the middle grounds and readying a spell. Gamecube held up a Magic Lens.

"It's strong! And weak to light!" The tigress deducted. Unveiling Lunavalora, which I believe is light based, she took a stance next to Kratos and began unleashing her aerial slashes. "A weakness!"

The thing isn't too pleased, and decided to take its anger out on me and Lloyd. Cue green defensive bubbles. And a ton of carving knives and music notes flying everywhere. Fortunately one of those knives hit me. "Sonic Thrust! Light Spear!"

"Demon Fang!" Lloyd sent out a ground based slash and ran up next to me. "Tiger Blade!"

"Lightning!"

"Photon!"

Cue magic spells now, which were followed by more aerial slashes. And the skeleton still wasn't pleased that we're doing damage. Or…maybe it was; I'm sure it's happy that it was able to find the strong ones it was looking for.

But that didn't meant it would go easy on us. And guess what? Those four swords were sharp. I got the backlash of two of them, wincing as they cut through my side, while Lloyd got hit by all four almost at once. Down for the count. Frick.

"I got him!" I shouted, ducking down as the four swords now made their way towards me. Oh shit oh shit oh shit! More lightning and aerial slashes crashed into the skeleton as Raine healed me. I was struck by one of the four swords as I grabbed a life bottle and forced it down Lloyd's throat.

"W-wha…whoa!" Was he surprised at the four swords that almost killed him again, or was he surprised that I was able to pick him up and jump out of the way of three of them? I did get hit…again, but at least Lloyd wasn't in danger of collapsing again.

"We're fighting a skeleton," I reminded him, grabbing an apple gel and forcing it down my own throat. Good thing I used one; both Raine and Kratos focused their attention on Lloyd. Well, he did need it, so I'll let it slide. A third First Aid spell is sent, hitting me…Gamecube! That's right; the tigress is learning magic from Raine. "And it appears the fight's going to get a little tougher…" The thing improved its attack power, then its defense power.

Raine followed up. "Barrier!" Lloyd was protected as he rushed forward to resume his hacking and slashing. I jumped back and readied my own spells as the professor improved Lloyd's attack, then healed him. Mr. Skeleton Dancer almost knocked him out again. C'mon Lloyd; up that defense!

"Icicle!"

"Icicle!"

"Angel Feathers!"

Genis and Colette joined the fight now; okay, so we got numbers. All that's left was to keep Lloyd alive and while the rest of us pound him with magic. Gamecube joined Kratos in healing Lloyd as Raine swapped between attacking and keeping the twin swordsman's attack and defense high.

"Try this!" Hmm, looks like I wasn't the only one who spammed a technique/spell. Sure enough, Lloyd swung each of his glowing blades, using… "Double Demon Fang!"

Genis ran up to me as I unleashed a second Icicle spell. "You know about Unison Attacks?"

Unison! That's right! What familiar and unfamiliar combos would we be crazy enough to use and come up with? "I do. What are you thinking?"

"Icicle and Icicle," Genis replied. "I have a book. According to it, two Icicle spells should produce a larger, stronger Icicle spell called Frostburst."

"Let's do it," I insisted. "Lloyd! Raine! Unison go!"

"Here we go!" Lloyd's swords glowed as he unleashed a swipe, which hit the skeleton.

And time seemed to freeze, well, for everyone but Lloyd, Genis, Raine, and myself. The skeleton dancer was frozen in place; its body still in its slightly thrown back position caused by the simple swipe, and even Kratos, Colette, and Gamecube were frozen in place; I'm sure they lost their spells. Sorry guys.

"Double Demon Fang!"

"Photon!"

"Icicle!"

"Icicle!"

Genis' exsphere started glowing, and so did my Cruxis Crystal; it looked like Genis' book was true after all. "Let's do it!"

We raised our weapons and shouted at the same time: "Frostburst!"

It was an Icicle spell, but magnified; the icicles came up to my height. I'm sure it hurt.

And the spell was enough to "finish" it off. Well, we won round one…let's see what happens next.

"AUGH…I…I SEE! STRONG ONES…I RETURN!" And it vanished.

"What a battle!" Gamecube said; she looked drained. I think we were all drained mana-wise, at the very least. "Is everyone okay?"

"What was that thing?" Lloyd asked, staring at where the giant skeleton once stood.

"It was huge!" Colette added. "I bet it lived in a large house before it died!"

I tuned them, Genis, and Raine out; you know what they talk about. Elite from the Underworld. Instead I noticed the Yata Mirror that it left on the ground, and picked it up. "A parting gift." Perhaps a proof of our pact. Yeah; we'll be ready for round two as well. I turned toward Kratos, who's just…looking at me. "I don't willingly put myself in these positions."

"The assassin?" He asked, looking bemused.

"An unpleasant surprise." I walked over to my uncle and offered him the mirror. "To atone?"

He took it, thankfully, and secured it on his belt. "Just remember to keep your guard up."

I saluted. "Yes sir."

We reached Izlood sometime after midnight, and managed to oversleep til noon. Okay, so I didn't sleep; I actually asked Genis if I could borrow that Unison book while we were traveling to the port village, and was actually reading that.

It's interesting; there are all the combos the "game" give you, and then plenty of extras too. Apparently, Judgment and Purge offer a combo spell that's known as Judgment Bolt. I'm sure this one's only one of several combos that I have with my uncle.

And Freeze Pyre and Swallow Dance make a combo tech known as Chill Dance. Sweet! I can make a comb with Regal! Purge and Triple Rage Kick also made up a combo spell: Everlight Jazz. Geez, I'm on a roll here!

Aerial Fang and Demon Fang, Double Aerial Fang and Double Demon Fang, and/or Triple Aerial Fang and Demonic Chaos all produce the same combo tech: Shockwave. Looks like they are Gamcube personal links to Lloyd and Kratos. Neat.

So, once everyone woke up, we debated what to do next. We learned about Aifread, Lyla, and Max, got the letter to the pirate, and got Max to get us to Palmacosta, but then Max had to be sly and mention that there was a land route we could use that would get us to Luin faster. Or so he said.

We opened the map and spotted the bridge. "So," Lloyd pointed it out. "We could go the long way around and hit Asgard, Hima, and Luin, or we take the boat to Palmacosta. What do we do?"

"I think we should take the land route," Raine immediately insisted. Her fear of water was most likely speaking for her. "It would most likely get us to Luin faster, and we will deliver Lyla's letter faster."

"If the professor says so," Lloyd muttered. "Although I did want to go on the boat…"

"Traveling to Palmacosta may be the faster route," Kratos countered, looking to the map. "And the safer; the monsters near the Asgard region are harsher than those in the Palmacosta."

"We'll be able to prepare ourselves for the harsher monsters living in the Asgard region," Genis muttered. "I'm sorry Raine, but I think I'm with Kratos."

"If we're lucky, we might be able to avoid any monsters on the sea," Gamecube said. "The other way, we'll have to worry about monsters all the time, right?"

"If we're lucky, Gamecube," Raine countered.

"And think of our supplies," Kratos cut in. "We don't have enough money to supply ourselves for such a harsh walk."

"But we won't have to worry about the peak," Raine said, pointing to the Hakonesia Peak. "None of us have road passes, or at least, up-to-date ones. We'll have to waste time and money getting seven passes."

"If it'll help us deliver Lyla's letter faster," Colette said. "I think we should take the land route."

"Such blind faith…" I think I was the only one who could hear Kratos muttering to himself. Well, maybe Gamecube did too. He then turned towards me. "So, we have three for the land, and three for the sea. Cecilia? The decision falls on you."

Why the hell do you guys put me in such Mary-Sue positions!? If I wasn't your niece, I'd totally hate you, Kratos. Okay, so we could skip Max and go to Asgard first. We'd be taking care of the Wind and Light Seals first, but then again, we'd be dealing with Kvar sooner than I would like… We be getting Sheena sooner, but there's still Kvar.

Then if we go Palmacosta, we'll run into Magnius, who could train us up for Kvar. Besides, in the "game", you don't worry about the letter until way later. We won't be meeting Sheena, but ten to one we will be meeting Anna and Spice. We'll also run into the Water Seal earlier, which means trekking when we reach the Unicorn, but…I don't know; I also feel that there's someone else waiting for us in that region. Who could it be?

Well, since we'll probably meet more people, I don't want to walk so much right now, and I certainly don't want to get my ass handed back to me by Kvar anytime soon, we're going to Palmacosta. Not that Magnius is any better, but let's get the fire people and things out of the way first. "I'd rather we not be caught in the middle of nowhere with no items, and I'd rather deal with the easier to handle monsters first. I think we should go to Palmacosta."

Lloyd and Raine probably thought I was saying that because of Kratos. Colette frowned, but nodded, she was the one with the most power in the group, but she wanted a fair vote. Plus I think she agreed with my reasons. Genis and Gamecube sighed in relief, and I think, for just a brief second, Kratos smiled at me. But then the smile was gone, and the stoic expression returned.

Lloyd looked towards Max. "Sorry, but majority votes Palmacosta. We're ready to go."

Raine hid away in the cabins; I think Gamecube and Colette went to go cheer her up. The boat was small, but I clamped Lloyd's mouth shut before he could comment about it; he wasn't very happy with me after that. Genis looked ecstatic to be out on the sea, and personally, I could agree; this was my first time on a boat as well. Kratos seemed content with watching the waves; eh, whatever floats his boat.

Hah, I made a funny.

It didn't take as long as I thought it would; we didn't run into sea monsters, which massively helped, and got to Palmacosta at around three, two hours after we set out. Lloyd thanked Max as we ran for the shops, looking at the food, weapons, and armor. Hah, now we had money so everyone can equip themselves! And we'd have some extra left over! See how smart I am?

Colette led the way as we headed further into the heart of the city, and t-minus three…two…one…

Bam.

Colette and the female she ran into fell to the ground, and the Palma Potion in the latter's hands broke on both of them. "Ah! The Palma Potion we just received!" Two guesses on who said that. Here's a hint: it wasn't Colette.

"Oh no…" The Chosen got up, frowning. "I'm so sorry!"

"Sorry?" There were still three companions with her, a female and two male. The red-head male fumed. "You think saying sorry will fix this!?"

"I'll…I'll buy a replacement right away!" Colette insisted.

"Replacement!?" The red-head, Fake Lloyd, asked. Of course, I'm the only one who knows that this group is the imposters. "You think a replacement will appeal our anger!?"

No wait…cue gasp from Gamecube. She knows what's going on too. Lloyd rolled his eyes. "You sound really ridiculous right now."

"What did you say!?" Fake Lloyd screamed. "Do you even know who we are!?"

"Enough," the other female, the Fake Raine, said. "We shouldn't start any unnecessary trouble. Let's just have them replace the potion."

"Humph, fine," the Fake Lloyd muttered. "But we'll be waiting right here, got it!?"

"We got it," Genis muttered. "C'mon; let's go explore the city."

We made our way towards the main square; deciding it might be best to meet Chocolat and get the Palma Potion first, I stopped us at the item shop. Were sure enough…

"Oh please! There's no way any would sell gels to you at a price that low!" That girl really is defiant. To a fault. I think Kratos should learn from her. There were two Desians, wearing purple uniforms. Just as expected.

One of them snarled. "You should be lucky we're even willing to pay for anything in a rundown shack like this."

"Please! I'm not selling a single gel to the likes of you!" That girl really really is defiant. Okay; she's my new hero. Heroine. Same difference.

"If you keep this up, who's to say what will happen to you or this city," the first Desian threatened, looking very pissed.

But Chocolat would not back down. "Just try it. As long as we have Governor-General Dorr, we'll never submit to the likes of you!" …I want her autograph.

"Why you-!"

"Stop," the second Desian finally spoke up. "We need Lord Magnius' permission to continue further." As his companion grumbled, he turned towards Chocolat. "Depending on Lord Magnius' mood, you may or may not be able to keep that pretty little head of yours."

With that, they turned and left; I don't trust myself; I turned my head along with the others. Well, the others minus Kratos and Lloyd.

"Okay, I'm off to work mom!" Chocolat cried happily. Cacao nodded.

"Take care." She turned towards the rest of us as her daughter left the shop. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm sure you were startled."

"That was amazing," Gamecube muttered, looking slightly star-struck.

"Well, we want to look around," Lloyd said.

"Of course. Welcome to the item shop Marble's."

And neither Lloyd nor Genis got the reference. Oh dear…maybe I should pull them off to the side and tell them. But then that would raise the question of how did I know…damn. Anyway, Lloyd bought the potion, along with a few extra gels and bottles, but with that little incident, I'm sure the group forgot why we were supposed to buy it in the first place.

Sure enough, when we left, we continued on our merry way to the main square, where we see the Government Building, the Academy, and the Church, among other things. Hey, there's also a smallish hospital here too!

Our first destination, the Government building…hey, we haven't seen Dorr and Kilia with that little kid. What's going on?

"Hey, ummm…we'd like to see the leader?" Lloyd asked.

"My apologies, but the Governor-General is currently in a meeting with delegates from Asgard," One of the two guards replied. "I'm afraid you must wait until they leave."

Delegates from Asgard? Waaay interesting. "So, what now?"

Genis looked to the Academy. "We could check out the school."

We made our way towards the school; it was inside when Lloyd made his comment. "So Genis, you were supposed to come here, weren't you?"

"Yeah, I got recommended," the half elf replied, nodding.

"Recommended? You?" Cue snobbish kid…what was the name? Mighty Washington? What the hell man? Did "Namco" have some sort of grudge against us? Or was it the translators' faults? So, the kid with the freakishly big glasses walked up to us…hmmm…I'll admit I do miss my glasses every now and then…oh and there's another kid with him as well. "It took me six tries to pass that exam; like they'd accept someone like you!"

"Hey! Don't mock Genis like that!" Lloyd shouted. "He can say his multiplication table!"

Gamecube joined me in blinking as Genis turned red. "H-hey! What kind of example is that!?"

"They say birds of a feather stick together," Mighty's companion commented. "I bet this shrimp's on the same level as the other guys."

"Hey! I bet Genis is way smarter than you!" Lloyd countered, seriously looking pissed.

"He's probably smarter than the both of you combined," I insisted; Gamecube echoes me.

"…interesting," Mighty muttered. "Well then; will you challenge me?" He does not look convinced. Stupid kid…you have no idea what you're getting into.

"Go for it, Genis!" Lloyd insisted. "You'll do fine!"

"T-that's easy for you to say, Lloyd!" Genis cried, looking from him to the rest of us. From what I saw, everyone gave a nod of approval; we all know he'll kick that kid's ass! "…fine. I'll take the exam."

Mighty grinned. "You should know I'm the highest ranked student in this academy."

"Prepare to lose that title!" Gamecube shouted. The two ignore her and made their way up a nearby staircase; most likely to prepare for the test. "So ummm…what do we do?"

"I haven't studied recently…" Genis muttered.

"Well then, now will be an excellent time for everyone to study!" Raine insisted, almost looking like she was in Ruin Mode. "There are empty classrooms upstairs; we'll use that."

I…really don't like the way she stressed "everyone"…

So we did end in that empty classroom. "Now," Raine began, looking at the rest of us. "I think we should all use this time to study."

"We all have to take the test too!?" Lloyd cried.

"Yeah, ummm…I think I want to pass…" Holy shit I hadn't been studying at all! Well, I do have the "game" knowledge, and I have a little of her memories from when she was in school, but I don't thin that's going to help me too much…I don't want to embarrass myself!

"Yes," Raine said firmly. "If you're not feeling confident, just try your best." She then turned to work with Genis.

Gamecube nodded and took out a few history books I'm sure belong to Raine; last minute cramming, perhaps? I'm not good with that; I forget shit whether or not I study. I think Kratos was staring at me for a bit, but when I look up, he's focusing on a book about Angelic. Colette grabbed one of the science text books and began looking through that. Lloyd was glancing in every other direction; I think he was too busy panicking to try and study.

And myself? Well, I had a book about mana opened, but I was secretly reading the Unison book Genis let me keep. Awww, how kind of him! I guess I really should study so I can do my best on this test as a payment of sorts, but again, if it's not in my long term memory, it's gone.

My memories are...very sporadic. I can remember dreams or things that happened years ago, while I could forget a comment I made five seconds ago. I was wondering if that changed being here, but…it seems it hasn't. I'm losing more of my old home memories though…and gaining more of my new life memories. It's amazing how I'm still able to remember things that happened four thousand years ago, yet still, I can forget what I said four seconds ago.

It remained like this for about ten minutes, when Raine ushered us to the testing room.

And so, here I am, ready to take a test I'm really not prepared for. Then again, that's nothing new; I was like that in my old life too…okay, shut up. I'm still not sure if I want to even go back there if I have the chance. I mean…not that I hate it over there…well, no…I do. Somewhat. No matter where I am, I have a good chance of dying. There will be stuff over there that I'm going to miss should I decide to remain here forever and ever…

That's another thing. If I do go back, I'll just be little old human me. With a life span. And all that other crap. Here I'm a freaking angel…but would I really want eternal life?

Eh…I have my music; all I have to do is find a way to bring Guitar Hero over here once the two worlds are reunited. I'll do it somehow!

But back to the test…which began a few minutes ago! Oh shit, work Cecilia work!

…it's funny; this is the first time I actually referred to myself with that name. I mean, it is my name, but I still have that nagging feeling that it's her name too…aghhh this is really complicated…

Back to the test dufus! I guess as long as I try to pass, I'll be fine, right!?

Right!?

"The tests have been graded," the Dean of the academy was the one to report the end results to us. Sweet. Somewhat. "The exam was out of a total of four hundred points. A fail is sixty-seven percent, or a total of two hundred seventy points, and under.

"And now for the results: in last place, Lloyd Irving with a twenty five."

Cue Lloyd head desk…now. Twenty five out of four hundred...damn, sucks to be him. And it's his best score too.

Feel very ashamed, Kratos; I knew you should've looked harder! I would've, but I was sorta dead. Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah.

"The rest go in order from lowest to highest: Colette Brunel with a two hundred ten."

Now, I was stupid enough to find out percentages and memorize them. This means Colette got a fifty two. Not too bad. Better than the six percent Lloyd got.

"Cecilia Aurion with a two hundred seventy five."

I don't fricking care. A sixty eight percent is still a "D". I didn't fail. Frick yeah! I didn't fail!

"Gamecube Silvermoon with a three hundred fifty."

That's an eighty seven percent. I remember Gamecube telling me about her straight A's, and how she's quick to picking up information. Considering that she only had a few days to straight study, she did a really good job!

It seems she was thinking otherwise though; I could hear her muttering. "Sad fate!"

"Kratos Aurion with a three hundred eighty."

That's ninety five percent for my uncle! Woo! Although wait…with his age and experience, wouldn't he have perfected it? Or did he purposely miss some questions so people wouldn't assume he's more than he seems?

But he's still a traveling mercenary…and pretty intellectual…I don't see why he couldn't get away with a perfect.

"Raine Sage with a four hundred."

"Nothing but perfection from our professor!" Lloyd insisted.

"And now for the scores of Genis and Mighty," the Dean continued. "Mighty Washington with a three hundred ninety-eight and Genis Sage with a four hundred."

Gamecube, Lloyd, Colette, and I raised our voices in cheer as Raine beamed at her younger brother. Kratos looked impressed as well, I'm happy to say.

Mighty insisted that Genis stayed and studied, but the half-elf refused; he wanted to stick with Lloyd. Very admirable of him…what does it remind me of, however? Someone else who wants to stick to someone close to her…

See what I mean? I forget things way too easily sometimes.

Oh, and I'm joking, by the way.

We made our way out of the academy: Raine was both congratulating Genis and reprimanding Lloyd while Colette was watching. Gamecube and I gave ourselves some distance from the group; I had the feeling our discussion of the test should be more private.

"I got a "B"! "B"! How could I have fallen so!?" Gamecube was muttering about her "sad fate".

"Hey, considering you didn't know anything other than what I told you and only had a few days of last minute studying, I think you did a really good job!" I insisted, with a pat on the back. "You did a hell lot better than me!"

"Speaking of that…" Oh shit Kratos is walking right behind me, isn't he? Frick… "It seems someone has been neglecting their studies."

"I was working for Femboy, in case you forget, uncle," I counted. "Plus helping people in need on the side. I kept myself busy enough." And I died and came back with sharper memories of a planet in a different galaxy, even though they're fading now, but I'm not going to mention that. Ever. "At least I didn't fail, right!?"

"Just try to get back into studying," Kratos insisted. "Now, shall we see if the Governor-General is out of his meeting?"

"Might as well," I said, shrugging. Gamecube nodded.

Let's just hope that things don't go as disastrous as I feel…know…they will…

Regal: And that ends the chapter.

Zelos: Oooh, she's going for long chapters! Neat! Go my ice hunny! And the skeleton fiend? Yeah, he's here. My ice hunny is planning on involving most of the side quests, whether or not it's in this, or any sequels. (Nods)

Regal: So, all should explain itself. She starts to conflict between her two selves, but RoyalFanatic will ultimately decide which of the two homes she will claim as her own.

Zelos: I'm sure you can guess where she decides to stay. ;) Anyways, this chapter and update are also dedicated to my tiger hunny; we hope you enjoy!

Regal: RoyalFanatic still has one last week of school left to worry about, which is why things have been quiet. We ask for jut a little more patience, and hope that this update will help things out.

Zelos: Yup. And that's all from us! If you're intrested in that collab, remember: Baby Kat Snowphlake's profile is where you want to go. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!