Welcome to Chapter 5! *trumpet sounds and red carpet rolls out* Alright, alright, not such a big deal, but I'm hoping this one will be a little longer than the last one. ^_^ I have absolutely no idea how many people are actually following with the plot or even reading my story, so if you're out there PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, let it be known to me! REVIEW! ^_^ And thanks to all who loyally do so and have dropped me a line via email. You guys are smashing!! For lack of a better word!!! ^_^

Now I'll stop running my mouth and get on with it!!! ***Cerise

"Now, if you take logarithm to the base of six, and place it behind this bracket…"

A pair of piercing amber eyes flickered open again reluctantly to face ahead. With a heaving sigh, the boy shifted his weight to his other elbow, before promptly collapsing on the weight of his other hand with a drawn-out sigh.

"..AND! if you want to find the value for 'y' in part one of the equation…"

Groaning at his own discomfort, the boy attempted to stifle a yawn as he desperately tried to retain some of the information.

"Yes! You simply multiply by the conjugate of cosine theta to its own reciprocal…!"

He began feeling his eyes develop a haze and recalled thinking about the leftover tomato soup his mom had left on the stove downstairs…

"So once you factor out the coefficient, we find the answer had always been the inverse of the original value for 'x'!!!"

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

"Isn't this INCREDIBLE?!!!" the eager teacher leapt almost as high as his trademark jetpack would have taken him. He felt some of his enthusiasm fade as he realized his student was not responding. Whirling around he felt a surge of exasperation as he noticed that his 'apt pupil' had completely passed out on the desk in front of him.

"TOAN!!!!!!"

"Nrgghh…." Toan pulled his turban tighter over his ears, "Tell them we don't want any…" he murmured incoherently before falling asleep once more.

Osmond shook his head in disbelief. "Honestly," he thought aloud, "You'd think he'd found something more interesting than logarithms and trigonometry." He pondered for a minute, and then laughed once more- Ha ! Like that's even possible.

Just then he heard the slight creaking of the floor boards, even over Toan's completely shameless snores. The boy was obviously exhausted, but not for nothing did Osmond possess the longest and sharpest ears known to Blue Terra. Removing his goggles he quickly averted his gaze to the doorway, which was now wedged slightly open, where a pair of almond-shaped chocolate eyes were watching him in anticipation.

He smiled. "Come in, Xiao."

Xiao, thinking she had been awfully stealthy, blushed a little before tip-toeing almost silently into the room. "Sorry," she began pushing her claws together apprehensively, "I'm not used to this bumbling human body of mine yet." Osmond smiled in understanding and tilted his head in Toan's direction. "Some people never do get used to it." And at that precise moment Toan gave a particularly loud and uncouth snore and Xiao felt gratified.

"So what can I help you with, child?" Osmond said kindly, shutting his astrophysics textbook. "Or were you here seeking Mister Toan's company?" As he was asking he remembered fondly his return to Blue Terra and decision to stay with the Hero of Atlamillia for a while. After his tremendous display of courage and power in the battle with the Dark Genie, he felt he could learn a lot from this young boy, which as a teacher, was an unusual feeling for him. But, he remembered ruefully, boys will be boys. His initial teaching instincts had kicked back in and he had spent the last couple months attempting to expand Toan's horizon as he was shocked to find out how little the boy knew of the more sensible things in life.

"Well…yes, and errr, no." Xiao said shuffling her feet to one side. Osmond was dumbfounded, she was acting so bashful. Definitely not like Xiao. He ventured once more, "Is something the matter?"

Xiao looked up at him beseechingly, not really knowing what to say. "Well, umm, you see its about Seda-

At the name Osmond immediately perked up. "Ah! Delightful fellow. Have you heard from him recently?" Osmond's good favor usually extended to any of those who were brave and willing to fight for cause, which naturally earned the cruel King a high ranking in his opinions. This opinion had increased more than ten-fold when he had received his gift from Seda- a high-powered calculator capable of just about anything but cleaning the kitchen sink. So caught up was he in his reverie he did not notice that Xiao was holding out a small flask to him.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure," Xiao said dejectedly, "It came with a small scrap of parchment,"

"Well, go on now, what did it say?"

"It said 'Now its your turn to have the little one return you the favor.'

Osmond screwed his face up thoughtfully, "Do you have any idea what that could mean?"

"Not exactly," Xiao said carefully, "But I'm hoping Toan might have an idea."

Osmond grinned, "Well by all means child, he's obviously all ears." Then tapping his own set of ears, he chuckled at his own joke and sat down at his desk ready to enjoy the fireworks.

Xiao also grinned, revealing her two fangs in a look of pure mischief and delight- it is unlikely to say that it could be captured by portrait. With all the remnants of agility left in her body she tiptoed up to the desk where Toan lay completely exhausted in a heap. Ever so deftly and subtly she removed his turban hat from where it lay over his ears. Earning an understanding grin of anticipation from Osmond, she tilted the turban behind Toan's unsuspecting ear with the opening placed directly beneath him.

Osmond grinned. For those out there who aren't scientists, this creates a megaphone effect.

With a smirk, Xiao took a deep breath getting all the air into her lungs that her little body could hold.

And release.

"TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNN-SAAAANN!!!!" she exclaimed gleefully at top decibel.

I bet you they heard that one in Yellow Drops. Osmond laughed to himself as Xiao and himself attempted the grueling trial of peeling Toan off the ceiling.

I didn't mean to fall asleep, Toan thought remorsefully, rubbing the bruise now prominent on the top of his head. Kindly, Xiao and Osmond had left him in his bed to recover saying something about returning later among shrill giggles and hearty laughter.

Ha-dee-freakin'-ha. Toan thought as the sharp pain crashed down on his head once more. But the feeling never lasted. Three months gone since the defeat of the Dark Genie, and he had never been more happy to be alive… and back home. Smiling once more at the thought he furthered, and not alone, either.

Hopping out of the bed and throwing on a tee shirt, he reflected over how much the experience had changed his life. He had grown stronger, made new friends and allies, and realized that there was more within his reach fashionably, than tapered black pants and a poncho. Blushing to himself, Toan ran a hand through his scraggly brown hair and walked out the door. His head hurt too much to put on his turban anyway, he told himself. But secretly, he thought he might be growing out of it. Glancing at the serenity around him he paused to reflect, things just change I guess. Looking at how long and disorderly his hair was he grinned, or maybe I should keep that thing around just a little longer.

But his friends? Xiao, of course, lived with him as was always the arrangement after her transformation. It was weird to think of that, as he realized with a start that he had not remembered Xiao's true origins, or thought of them, in a long time. She had fit in with him so naturally despite being a human incarnation of a house cat. Probably because neither of us are really normal. Toan smiled. He wondered if the subject would ever come up. Xiao never mentioned it as if she always assumed that this is the way she was and always had been. Toan had never seen any reason to correct her.

He continued on until he passed the Norune Village pond. He smiled, remembering the wedding that was held in front of its humble, yet graceful waters. The great warrior from Muska Lacka…

(Has anyone else noticed the double-error in the game? Racka? Lacka? EEEEEP!)

Ungaga, had married his beloved at this very location. It had caused much surprise amongst the people of his village, but naturally everyone was very much obliged to him, and not even Brooke (who had always been very envious of him) would dare to miss out on the occasion. It had surprised Toan however, that he was not the only one out of the fateful six who felt the need to remain close by. They after all had spent grueling days together and were more like a family than any of them had ever known. Ungaga had said he desired his wedding to be in Norune, on Blue Terra, because the greenery and the lush beauty was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Having visited Ungaga's home and the Sun Moon Temple, Toan could easily believe it. Now his warrior friend and his newlywed bride were off on their honeymoon, enjoying the sights of this majestic world. Toan shook his head, smiled, and continued on his walk.

"Where do you want this?!!"

Toan turned and smiled as he recognized another old friend, this time a little differently. Not wanting to be seen immediately he approached the house of the Macho Brothers with pique curiousity.

"Just put it in the pile kid, and that will be fine," came the gruff and obviously macho voices from inside the house.

"No problem, you can count on me!" replied the boy as he slightly colored. Drawing up his short but hefty frame he took on the appearance of one proud and preening- something, Toan reflected, only the most arrogant of people could pull off. Proud to be bossed around.

And it did seem to be the case. The boy named Goro shifted his girth and placed his beloved Battle Axe on the grass beside him and began to pile up logs to throw into the large bin behind the house. He continued for some time, and it amazed Toan at how much this boy had changed. Spending time with other people? First time I met the kid he was living by himself in a tree. Real charming type.

"Hey KID! You almost finished out there?!!"

"Just about!" came Goro's surprisingly obedient voice, when he suddenly spotted Toan watching him with a grin. Instantly the heavier boys expression soured, and he yelled back to the house in an attempt to save some face "You guys sure are lucky that I'm here to lift these for you, seeing as they were uhhh too much for you to handle!" He looked back at Toan self-satisfied as if it had made any difference.

"What the hell are you on about kid!?" came the harsh voice of one of the Macho brothers- Toan could never distinguish them-

Goro flushed hotly, but did not reply. Still, he ventured an acknowledging tight smile after Toan as he went off beaming at just how well everyone was fitting in at Norune. Goro leaving the confinement of Matataki village might be good for him, and he really wasn't surprised he had taken up lodging with the Macho brothers. Ever since his father Fudoh had left him, and as Goro had assuredly stated 'been a disappointment as a man and a father'- Goro had been in strong need of a fatherish-type figure.

Goro had always the strongest admiration for the King Seda, because he in his mind fancied the King to be much like himself. Both independent, strong, cold, dedicated and powerful warriors. Despite his apparent unimpressed attitude towards the man, he had always watched Seda with the great admiration people reserve for trying to learn from others more skilled than themselves. However, Seda definitely wasn't the type to stick around and play 'daddy'. Neither were the Macho brothers though. But at least Goro had found some male guidance. And he seemed happy enough. For Goro that is.

"Toan!! Toan!! You're awake!!"

Toan smiled, "Hey Xiao, I was looking around for ya!"

Xiao grinned, "Sure, sure…" but then her demeanor faded back into the troubled one from earlier, "So are you gonna come help me out or what?"

"Of course Xiao, whatever I can do, although you haven't been very forthcoming with details." Toan added.

Xiao nodded appreciatively, and Toan saw she was not about to continue and was about to inquire further when she silenced him by walking towards a clearing. Toan understood, she does not want to be overheard, and followed. They reached a small hedge created by the folding of a grass-laden hill and Xiao stopped and pulled out a small stoppered flask. Toan's eyes widened in recognition and then they gleamed with excitement.

Xiao noticed this. "Well? Do you know what it is?"

"I don't believe it," Toan muttered excitedly, "Where did you get this?"

"It was a gift," Xiao replied anxiously, "My gift from Seda but he didn't say-

"WOW! That's unbelievable!" Toan was still reaching for words when Xiao started frantically shaking the flask in front of his face.

"TOAN! What IS it?!"

Toan suddenly realized his tactlessness and looked at Xiao sharply. Those crescent eyes were viewing him expectantly, waiting for an answer. Maybe this was the time to bring it up with her, so she could see how ironic Seda's gift actually was.

"Well Xiao," he began choosing words carefully, "Its called Changing Potion."

"Changing potion… changing what?" Xiao did not seem to understand.

"It is used to transform a being from one state into another."

"Of your choice?"

Toan paused. He never really thought of that. When he transformed Xiao with the changing potion, it had been because of those eyes. Those same eyes that were looking at him so earnestly in search of an explanation. Those eyes had tried to tell him something and that is why he even bothered trying the potion on her. She had something to say, so the potion must have sensed that desire, and transformed her accordingly. Of course, I'm only theorizing, Toan thought with gritted teeth. He did not know how to explain it.

"Xiao, haven't you ever wondered how you ended up a cat in a human-catlike body?" Toan blurted out before he could stop himself.

Xiao flushed somewhat offended, "Well of COURSE you idiot, I- and then she paused, her eyes growing as big as opals. "Oh…Oh-O-Oh…" she continued on stumbling over words and pacing, "Oh-Oh-O-

"Oh hungry?" Toan suggested playfully.

Xiao ignored him and stated more than asked, "You changed me with changing potion."

"Yes."

"I was a cat."

"Yes."

"And you used the potion to change me into a human."

"Such as it is, yes."

And then she was silent. Suddenly floods of memories came back to her… the Divine Beast Cave, being all alone, and then the boy- Toan- after Seda's possession he launched a fierce blast of energy and Toan, he had stood in the way… she had been so grateful… Seda's words floated into her mind.

/**/

"Here you go boy, give the little one the chance to return you the favor." and the mysterious King handed Toan the potion and-

/**/

"Xiao? Ummm Xiao?"

Xiao didn't realize she had flung herself on Toan in a frenzy of sobs and gratitude. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," he said scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "I didn't think it was important really, I mean, you're you and I love you no matter what form you're in." He pulled the cat-girl into a bear-hug. Xiao was so overwhelmed with emotions she momentarily forgot why they were even in the clearing, but she was suddenly reminded by a voice out of nowhere.

"HEY! YOU TWO! Cut it out with the PDA's while I'm around, would ya?"

Toan yelped and leapt a foot in the air at the bodiless voice. Xiao giggled, remembering Toan's jumping performance from earlier but soon put on a harsh expression as well. "You," she hissed through clenched teeth, "are supposed to be napping!!!"

Toan watched in incredulity as she pulled her slingshot from her dress – just how many pockets does she have in that thing? He wondered numbly – and she began berating it with the most volatile of language that could be imagined in a child her age. And the crazy thing is, the slingshot was talking back to her. Oh no, Toan groaned, don't tell me she still has that thing. Steve the Slinghshot, Xiao's famous talking slingshot. She had told everyone she had gotten rid of it before they ascended into the Gallery of Time. It had now become apparent that not only had she kept it, but by not bringing it with her in their final battle, she must have deliberately kept it safe just in case she- Toan pushed the image from his mind. He began to grow a little curious and watched the scene unfold in front of him.

"SUPPOSED to be, how can I be with all the racket you two are causing?"

"Errrgh!!! Why can't you just stop whining??" she had a dangerous tone of voice now.

"Well," Steve replied matter-of-factly, "If you were stuck in a stinky pocket all day-

"I AM NOT STINKY!"

"ARE TOOOOO!!" and the string of the slingshot vibrated as if Steve was sticking his tongue out at her. Xiao lost it.

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW! YOU'RE JUST A STUPID SLING- and she stopped suddenly in shock and clapped her hand over her mouth. If she was surprised at her actions it was nothing to Steve who seemed to tremor at the distress in his owner.

"…Xiao?" he ventured bravely, not knowing if this was some sort of diversionary tactic of hers.

Xiao just continued to stare down at Steve the Slingshot in deepest anguish. Just a slingshot. I was going to say he was just a slingshot. Here she looked up at Toan, who also returned her look though puzzled. Where would I be now… if Toan had thought me 'just a cat'? just a stupid house cat… and this continued for a couple minutes in her mind before it reached a decision.

"Xiao what are you…"

Without a word, Xiao opened the flask of Changing Potion. She hesitated, only to give Steve a quick look-over (He was still silent with shock and curiosity- Xiao never backs out of verbal wars) and then without another doubt she poured the serum all over the slingshot.

Toan jumped up suddenly. There was a brilliant flash of lights surrounding Xiao and she was forced to move out of the way. The entourage of flashing colour continued for another minute before settling into a hazy smoke, wherein was visible only the outline of a young teenage boy.

Steve was born.

End of Chapter 5!!! MWA HA HA HA…

I was thinking of doing this one in two parts, (this chapter), but I figured this would be a good place to end it, and next chapter will go back to Seda & Ruby's mission- but don't think I would leave the rest of the gang at such a crucial standpoint! Nuh uh! So keep reviewing and let me know if you like! FOR THE RECORD: THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE TOAN/XIAO – some people (who shalt remain nameless wink wink) were a little worried, but hey! No worries!! ^_^ ***Cerise