I do not own Final Fantasy nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.
Please note that I have taken some liberties with story line and characters.
THE FIGHT FOR SPIRA
DAY ONE
"Goal!"
Wakka turned to see Tidus running down the beach.
"Ah, so you saw dat," he said as Tidus caught up with him.
"Of course," laughed Tidus, "it was a good goal."
"If you say so," said Wakka before adding, "coach."
"Hey!" yelled Tidus, "none of that."
The Eternal Calm had settled and people were getting their lives in order, making plans that didn't have to be complete in ten years. Since the near civil war two months ago this had been going well, it was far from perfect but people were making an effort and with the Youth League and New Yevon co-operating, the future looked… stable.
Of course there was still Blitzball. And things had heated up since the Besaid Aurochs had started winning games and putting their name among the favorites. They had a star player and he played to win. But doing your best was okay too. Wakka had remained team captain and while Tidus was on the team, he had picked up the nickname 'coach' because everyone asked him for Blitz advice, tactics or game play. Tidus occasionally bemoaned his fate but he didn't mind at all; he spent his days playing Blitzball and spending time with Yuna on Besaid. It was a good life.
Yuna spend her time between going to Tidus' games and sometimes participating in political debates about policies for governing Spira. Just because New Yevon and the Youth League weren't fighting each other didn't been that Nooj and Baralai had the same political views. As always Gippal would be there in body if not always in mind. The Al Bhed had discovered a rather large cash of machina on Bikanel Island that promised some interesting finds. And there was always the odd Gullwing mission.
"The next game is in two weeks, ya," said Wakka. "And it's the semi-finals."
"And we're playing against the Goers," added Tidus.
"So we gotta train like mad," continued Wakka, "and beat them again."
"Yeah," agreed the Aurochs.
"Let's head out into the water," yelled Wakka leading the way.
The morning was spent training for the up coming game, well, most of the time. A lot of time was spent messing around and not actually doing anything, laying on the beach or floating in the water.
"Hey, Tidus," called Wakka as they were making their slow way back to the village.
Tidus stopped and waited to Wakka to catch up.
"I've been thinking," he started.
"Ooh," teased Tidus.
"No serious," said Wakka. "Do you miss it?"
"Miss what?" asked Tidus, "Zanarkand?"
"Ya," nodded Wakka. "I mean, you were famous and rich and -"
"I would be lying if I said I didn't sometimes miss the city but it more stuff than anything like, if I wanted to eat a hamburger or something like that," said Tidus.
"Hamburger, is that food?" asked Wakka.
"Yeah but when it really counts I don't miss it. I was nobody there," said Tidus. "This place; I'm here for Yuna."
"Man, that sounds corny,' said Tidus rubbing the back of his head.
Wakka laughed,
"Doesn't matta, the truth's the truth, ya," he said. "Hey, shouldn't Yuna be back today?"
"Yes," said Tidus, "she's probably at home already."
Tidus was right. As they crested the hill and looked down on Besaid, they could see people filling the centre of the village. Rikku had started a delivery service of sorts. For a minimal fee she would delivery goods, mostly letters, to other cities. However, people would have to wait until Rikku passed though the city. Sometimes weeks went by but it got delivered.
"Rikku must have brought some stuff form Mi'ihen Highroad," mused Tidus as he and Wakka made their way into the village. "I wonder what was on the sphere they found."
By the time they got down most of the people had already gone home. Rikku, Paine and Yuna remained with a couple of elderly folk who wanted to know what was happening in the main land. Yuna broke off her conversation when she saw Tidus and ran up to him, leaping into his embrace.
"I'm back," she said.
"Did you find anything interesting?" asked Tidus.
Yuna shook her head,
"No, it was a sphere about some research on the grass that grows along the Highroad."
"Grass?" asked Tidus.
Yuna laughed,
"Yes, we gave it to the Sphere Museum."
"That's a good place for it," said Tidus and Yuna laughed.
A Sphere Museum had been set up in Guadosalam now that the Guado had decided to return. It is better to try teach others of past mistakes than to just fade away and let them happen again. Although selected spheres, while stored in Guadosalam, were not for public viewing.
"Are you going anywhere in the next few days?" asked Tidus.
Yuna shook her head,
"No, the next trip is with you to the game."
Tidus grinned.
"Right," he said, "let's get some lunch."
Yuna nodded before turning to the others,
"Would you join us, please?"
Paine started to say something but Rikku was faster,
"Yes," she yelled punching the air.
"Wakka, could you tell Lulu and ask her to bring Vidina?" asked Yuna.
"Sure thing, be right back," said Wakka and headed towards his house while the rest followed Yuna and Tidus.
***
Baralai strained his eyes to the left so he could see what Magasu was doing but he was out of Baralai field of vision, in addition to the fact that Baralai was bound head, chest, wrists and ankles to his chair. The meeting had not ended or rather began as Baralai had envisioned.
Magasu had requested an appointment with the Praetor of New Yevon. He had said he was part of a small group of Yevon worshippers and he wanted to gain additional information to pass on to fellow worshippers and he felt the Praetor would be the best man for the job. He had brought with him several documents that he would like the Praetor to see. Magasu had spread the folder across the Praetor's desk and as Baralai had leaned forward to read them, Magasu had slammed his head onto his desk. Baralai had woken to find himself bound to his chair with a pounding headache and the taste of blood in his mouth. Magasu was busy behind Baralai, rifling though the drawers and shelves.
"What is your purpose?" demanded Baralai.
Magasu stopped what he was doing and came forward. He seated himself on the desk and planted his feet on Baralai's lap.
"I need an influential position so I'm taking yours," said Magasu.
Baralai studied the man in front of him. He was of medium build, no particularly good looking but not ugly either – the worst kind of person to describe or pick out in a crowd. He had short mousy brown hair and light brown eyes with flecks of gold; he had no visible scars and wore matching black tunic and pants with a green tabard belted at his waist.
"How do you plan to do that?" asked Baralai, slightly amused despite his position.
"You'll see. But first I need some information," said Magasu reaching for some papers within his folder. He spend a few minutes organising them before he started,
"This is Gippal," he said holding up a picture of the man in question. "Leader of the Machine Faction. How do you know him?"
"I'm not answering any of your questions," said Baralai calmly. "Let me go."
Just as calmly Magasu kicked Baralai in the chest, causing his chair to fall backwards. A grunt of pain escaped Baralai as he hit the floor; spots dancing before his eyes. Magasu jumped off the table and righted Baralai before returning to his seat, feet in place. He held up Gippal's picture,
"Right," he said, "How do you know him?"
***
"So how's the training going?" asked Rikku as she sat down opposite Tidus.
Tidus nodded his head,
"We were training this morning," he said, "down on the beach."
"Ah," said Rikku, she turned to Wakka, "how much training was done?"
"There was training," protested Wakka.
"But there was also playing on the beach I'll bet," muttered Rikku.
"Join a team and play on the beach all day if it bothers you that much," said Paine.
Along with Yuna and Lulu, they were all at Yuna's house having a late lunch.
"I can't play that well," whined Rikku.
"That's why you have to practice at the beach," said Yuna. Tidus and Wakka nodded.
Lulu watched the whole thing while Vidina slept in her arms.
Yuna had made fried vegetable with noodles as well as fresh bread and sliced fruit with lemonade to drink.
"What's happening on the main island?" asked Lulu.
"Nothing much," said Rikku, "it is mostly talk about the up coming game."
"I see," said Lulu, she looked toward Yuna to get the real news.
"There have been some minor problems with trade but Nooj, Gippal and Baralai seemed to have sorted out some routes and set tariffs that are reasonable," said Yuna. "I know one group in particular was giving everyone trouble. They claimed they protected travelers on the road so demanded money from who ever they come across."
"I heard about that," said Paine as she reached for the jug of lemonade. "Apparently they are all kitted up in red clothes and armour."
"They were quite violent when people didn't want to give them money," said Yuna.
"What did they do about them?" asked Tidus as his eyes scanned the table looking for more noodles.
"Well," said Yuna passing him the bowl of noodles, "it seems they set up three major trade routes, mainly between the Calm Lands and Mi'ihen Highroad. That was where most of the friction was."
"What about Luca?" asked Wakka.
"Luca is a big city, it has its own policing force," said Yuna but added, "the game will still be held there."
"Yeah," said Wakka, "but I was worried about the players."
"It seems like its okay now," said Yuna.
"Where are the trade routes?" asked Tidus.
"All three start at Mi'ihen Highroad but branch from there; the main route passes through Mushroom Rock Road-" started Yuna but Rikku interrupted her.
"It then goes to Djose, Moonflow, Guadosalam, Thunder Plains, Macalania, Bevelle and finally the Calm Lands," finished Rikku.
"Any reason why you had to list all the places?" asked Paine.
"Because I can," said Rikku cheekily.
"There are two other routes," said Yuna quickly, "so thing should settle down now. I didn't speak to any of the leaders but the people seem happy with the out come."
"So long as the people are happy," said Lulu.
***
"And this is Tidus," said Magasu holding up another picture.
Baralai stared at the picture, so that was Tidus. The man Yuna had been looking for and found.
"I don't know him," whispered Baralai.
"He was Lady Yuna's guardian," said Magasu putting the page away, no point in asking if Baralai didn't know him. Magasu seemed to have a great deal of information about the inner working of the Youth League, New Yevon and the Machine Faction. As well as personal information on various people, Yuna being one of them. He also had information about the Crimson Squad and he hinted at knowing the past of four members in particular. Where had he got? Who had given it to him?
"You are probably wondering why I am asking you about these people," said Magasu.
Baralai had but eventually he just answered Magasu's questions in the hope that he would leave. He could hardly breathe and his vision was blurred, blood ran from his split lip down his throat to stain his clothes.
"These people are a bother to me, sticking there noses where they don't belong. They could ruin my plans," said Magasu.
There was a knock on the door, Magasu looked over his shoulder the door then went to answer it. A young acolyte started as the door was opened,
"Sorry for the interruption. I was told the Praetor was free, I have a message for him," said the acolyte.
"Come in," said Magasu stepping out of the way.
Baralai was surprised by this, he though Magasu would have found a reason so no one would disturb them. Magasu closed and locked the door, the acolyte did not notice – his gaze was fixed on Baralai.
"Praetor, what's going on?" he asked.
"You've come just in time to help me," said Magasu grabbing the back of the acolyte's robes and dragging him forward. He placed the boy on a spare chair.
"Don't move or I'll kill the Praetor," threatened Magasu.
The acolyte nodded with a fearful glance at Baralai who tried to give an encouraging smile but it turned into a grimace. Magasu pulled a knife from under his tabard and placed it on the table, he then untied the ropes that held Baralai's right wrist,
"You are right handed?" he asked.
Baralai shook his head, as much as he could. Magasu swore and retied the rope and moved to untie the left all the while his eyes flicked between the knife and the acolyte almost daring him to go for it. He didn't, he didn't know if Magasu had other knives with him; if Magasu did he could easy kill Baralai before he even had a proper grip on the knife.
Magasu seemed slightly disappoint that the acolyte didn't even try, with a sigh he put the knife away and began pulling official looking papers from his folder.
"I want you to sign these," he said spreading them out in front of Baralai. "They grant me power of your armed forces."
"What!" exclaimed Baralai, "I'm not signing those."
"I thought you would say and I am guessing you would rather let me kill you so - " Magasu stepped round the desk and placed a hand heavily on the acolyte's shoulders.
"How long have you been a member of New Yevon?" he asked the acolyte.
"Four days," said the boy.
"How old are you?" he asked looking at Baralai.
"15."
Without taking his eyes off Baralai, Magasu pulled his knife free and stabbed the boy in the leg. Before he could scream Magasu clumped his hand over the boy's mouth.
"Stop," yelled Baralai.
"Sign the papers," said Magasu.
Baralai shakily pick up his pen.
"Careful, we want a steady hand," cautioned Magasu.
He let go of the acolyte and made his way over to Baralai, who took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He signed the papers, he would reverse the order later and have Magasu arrested. Baralai stole a glance at the boy in the chair, while obviously in a lot of pain, he seemed to understand the situation and didn't make a sound.
Magasu retied Baralai's hand before examining the paper work, nodding he placed them back in his folder. Magasu moved himself behind Baralai's chair, he bent over and whispered in Baralai's ear,
"Do you think you have saved his life?"
Baralai's eyes widened at the words but before he could say anything Magasu flicked his knife across the desk and into the boy's throat.
"NOOO-" Baralai's scream was cut off as Magasu gagged him. Baralai struggled against his bonds, desperate to free himself and help his acolyte. All that happened was the ropes dug into his skins and his breathing became difficult due to the gag. Magasu draped an arm across Baralai's chest,
"You have your own life to worry about," he said licking Baralai's ear.
***
Nooj looked up as his office door was thrown open. Gippal stood in the doorway, a piece of paper in his hand and a fierce look on his face. Kicking the door closed behind him, he stalked across the room till he stood in front of Nooj's desk.
"What the hell is this," he demanded waving the page in Nooj's face.
Nooj's eyes followed the page for a second before he snatched it from Gippal. He frowned as he read what was written,
Be warned - the Youth League plan to kidnap Baralai.
His life is in danger
The note was unsigned.
Nooj looked at Gippal,
"I don't know what this is? Furthermore, why would I want to kidnap Baralai?" he asked.
"I don't know," said Gippal, "I just come round to see what's going on."
"I'm busy working and don't have time for this rubbish," said Nooj handing the page back to Gippal.
Gippal studied Nooj for a moment,
"Have you been feeling okay lately?" he asked.
"I am not possessed," said Nooj flatly.
"Just asking," said Gippal raising his hands.
"Is that all you came here for?" asked Nooj.
"No," confessed Gippal, "this was handed to me on my way out. I actually came because it's Paine's birthday next week and I'm thinking of throwing a surprise party."
"She will kill you," said Nooj without even looking up from his work.
"True, but Rikku has been on my case about it for a while. She has managed to get Yuna involved as well," said Gippal as he flopped into a nearby chair.
"Didn't I tell you I was working," said Nooj.
"Yes but when last did we sit down and just talk about shit?" asked Gippal.
"Last week when you and Baralai came to discuss trade routes," said Nooj, pointedly focusing on his work.
After a while Gippal said,
"Do you think he's okay?"
Nooj looked up, Gippal was staring at the note.
"I mean, I get threats all the time-"
"You do?" asked Nooj.
"I'm Al Bhed," pointed out Gippal, "just because Sin is gone doesn't mean everything is perfect. There are those that still distrust machina and the Al Bhed."
Nooj couldn't help thinking that Gippal got threats just because he was Gippal.
"Besides there are lots of people who feel we are moving forward to quickly," Gippal added.
"Okay," said Nooj putting aside his work. "Why would someone send you a letter like that? And, if Baralai has been kidnapped; that is hardly a random note."
"True," agreed Gippal after some thought. "It's just weird, that's all."
"If you are so concerned, go to Bevelle," suggested Nooj.
"Yeah, well," hesitated Gippal, "Baralai's old enough to look after himself."
Nooj mentally rolled his eyes,
"Don't forget Paine's birthday party."
"Yes," said Gippal sitting up straight. "I'll go ask him about that."
Nooj watched Gippal leave, a small frown across his features. It was a weird letter, was someone planning something?
"Gippal," called Nooj.
Gippal stopped with his hand on the door.
"Let me know," said Nooj.
Gippal nodded before leaving. Gippal was right, there were many people who felt that Spira was moving forward to fast. The recent chaos was proof for most of them, Spira had almost gone to war. Arguments ran along the lines of 'haven't we learnt from Sin', 'things are moving to fast' and the old favorite, 'machina is dangerous'.
Baralai had the toughest position being the Praetor of New Yevon, some believed that he, at least, should stand for Yevon. Nooj had complaints but the Youth League used machina and they weren't all that common. The Machine Faction, well, only a fool would complain to them. Nooj sat staring at the page in front of him but he hadn't read a single word. If Gippal hadn't already been on his way to Mushroom Rock Road, would he have bothered to tell Nooj about the letter or would have been lost in the chaos of his office. He wasn't thinking that Gippal didn't care but if his mind had been occupied with the recent Bikanel Island discovery and not musing over the letter on the journey to Mushroom Rock would he have remembered only after something had happened? It was unsettling and Nooj didn't like it, he reached for his com-sphere.
***
Rikku and Paine stood in the cockpit waiting for Celsius to take off. The doors had just closed and Buddy was getting the ship ready for take off when the com-sphere by the control panel bleeped.
Nooj's face appeared, he looked slightly agitated.
"Where are you?" asked Nooj after greetings.
"We are just about to leave Besaid," said Paine. "Why, what's up?"
"Besaid? Is Yuna with you?" he asked ignoring Paine's question.
"She's not on board, if that's what you mean. Is something wrong?" asked Paine again.
"I'm not really sure. Yes or no, I don't know. Would you mind fetching her? I want to speak to the two of you,' said Nooj.
"And me?" asked Rikku indignantly.
Nooj looked pained,
"You're welcome to listen," he said.
"Rikku, would you call Yuna please," said Paine.
"Okay, but don't say anything till I get back," yelled Rikku as she ran off.
"Has this got something to do with the trade routes?" asked Paine.
"No," said Nooj, "I'll explain it when Yuna arrives."
Paine nodded. They waited in silence, obeying Rikku's request without realising it.
"We're here," announced Rikku as she returned with Yuna and Tidus in tow.
"Hello, Nooj," greeted Yuna.
"Yuna," nodded Nooj before going straight to the point. "Gippal was here a short while ago."
Rikku suddenly shot to attention.
"What for?" asked Paine with glance in Rikku's direction.
"Is that important?" asked Rikku quickly.
"Be quiet," said Nooj. "For the want of a better word, Gippal had a ransom note with him."
"Random?" asked Yuna.
"A warning actually," corrected Nooj, "apparently the Youth League is going to kidnap Baralai."
There was silence for a moment.
"The Youth League? You?" asked Paine confused.
"That's what the letter said and as I told Gippal, I have no such plans," said Nooj.
"Wouldn't Gippal know that? Why ask you?" asked Yuna.
"He was here on an unrelated matter," said Nooj with a glance at Rikku, "but that is what got me thinking. Gippal has been busy with the find on Bikanel Island and if he hadn't already been coming this way-"
"It might have been lost in that office of his,' finished Paine and Nooj nodded.
"Something happens, he finds afterwards; it throws suspicion into the mix," said Nooj.
"Where is Gippal now?" asked Yuna.
"He's heading to Bevelle," said Nooj. "I'm calling all my squads in and redeploying them just in case; if there is trouble in the north it's not going to be heading south fast."
"I think we should go to Bevelle," said Yuna with a glance at Tidus, who nodded.
"So we're off to Bevelle?" asked Buddy and his hand moved across the console in front of him.
"Wait, I have let Lulu know what up," objected Yuna. She hadn't really forgiven herself for running of two years ago.
"Yunie, you can get hold of her with the com-sphere," said Rikku as the Celsius started to lift off the ground.
"I guess so," said Yuna looking at the departing ground.
"Hey," whispered Tidus coming to stand next to her, "I'm here."
She smiled,
"Thank you."