INTRODUCTION
All worlds have a beginning and an end somewhere in the middle is always a link to bring the worlds together.
Spira was once a calm peaceful world full of deep blue seas, rolling green planes and breathtaking snow capped mountains. However a war between two great cities broke out. In protest the gods of Spira created Sin a devastating force that fed off the negative emotions of people emotions greedily like a glutton at a banquet table. This terrible being was a product of an ancient war; their conflict was beginning to take its toll on the planet. Sin ended all that.
Sin destroyed everything in its path including one of the ancient cities known as Zanarkand. Sin was responsible for making children orphans and once proud parents grieving one's over the loss of their children. Sin decimated the port town of Kilika as part of its endless rampage throughout Spira.
Sin had no name it was simply called Sin, because that's what the people felt they were being punished for.
Their sins
The only means to defeat this creation was by the Summoners of Spira. The Summoners undertook a long trek called a pilgrimage this journey tested the Summoners. It tested their magic ability, their strength and most importantly their faith. IF they made it to the ruined city of Zanarkand, they summoned the Final Aeon who emerged and destroyed Sin. As a result the land would enjoy another ten years of Calm.
In the end only one summoner could.
Her name was Yuna, daughter of Braska, famed High Summoner of Spira. There were high hopes for Yuna, as she began her pilgrimage. She didn't let the people of her world down. She managed to defeat Sin and was celebrated as a High Summoner.
Yet this was only one of many worlds out there
Another world was called Gaia home of Midgar the famous floating city, a world in danger. The threats ranged from a corrupt corporation. That was unknowingly but slowly killing the planet. There was also Sephiroth who was once a renowned hero. Until he found out about his true past. In his delirium he tried to destroy the planet by summoning a force called Meteor.
Tifa Lockhart was an unlikely hero along with her misfit band of friends. They sought to save the world in memory of their friend Aeris. They managed to defeat the madman known as Sephiroth and with some help from the planet itself destroy Meteor.
There is also Norrath a truly unique place where Elves, Gnomes, Troll, Ogres along with many other races all roamed. A place not ruled by one race but by many. A place where anyone could be drawn into the light of good, or go into the depths of evil. In Norrath there were several continents, from Kunark ruled by the lizard like Iksars. To the snow filled lands of Vellious, and even the moon where the Feline Vah-Shir lived.
In the world of Ivalice a gate was opened that connected the world of Spira, Norrath and Gaia. The inhabitants of the worlds began to find portals and pass freely between the connected worlds.
This is where our tale of United Worlds begins.
CHAPTER ONE
The sun was bright this afternoon as a young brunette took a stroll. Her long dark hair complimented her light complexion. Two years have passed since Tifa came here, leaving her old life behind. She was happy here, or that's what she wanted to be. Tifa cast her gaze to the pale flowers that lined the path she traveled.
'I am happy.' Tifa thought. 'Aren't I? If not then why am I unhappy?' Tifa sighed as she walked along the colorful walkways. She thought of some friends she made during her time here. Tifa was snapped out of her recollection as she spotted a figure in the distance that caught her attention. Tifa smiled as the deep cerulean skin gave away Shaden, the Dark Elf from Norrath, and a friend of hers.
Shaden looked up and smiled as she saw Tifa she was in the process of studying the soil in this area. She brushed her hands together, not wanting to sully her robe. Tifa approached her with a smile on her face, she knew Shaden for two years and knew she would always be doing something. Shaden liked to keep herself busy with some sort of experiment or another. She would often ask for Tifa and Yuna to help collect items in dangerous areas.
Tifa counted Shaden as a true friend, often the elf would join Tifa and Yuna, during the nights at the fire in the towns centre. Though Tifa and Yuna couldn't see it, as she was likely buried in a tome of some sort. To her friends the Dark Elf was simply sitting there reading her delicate figure clad in a robe. However Shaden heard everything and often a smile was on her lips. Though she said nothing, she enjoyed the company of the two younger women. Tifa allowed her thoughts to drift to the present.
"What are you doing this time?" Tifa inquired.
"Testing the soils." Shaden replied. "These might have a rich mineral characteristic that would benefit my experiments. Sadly these will keep me occupied most of the day."
"It's ok Shaden." Tifa replied. "We'll catch up tonight."
"At the fire in towns' center right?" Shaden questioned. Tifa nodded, Shaden could tell something was wrong. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." Tifa replied quickly. "Just thinking is all."
The Dark Elf nodded as she collected the soil in a small cup and walked back to her home. Tifa shook her head with a smile as she continued to walk. She thought of her old friends, she missed them. When she came here she left without a word. She often wondered if they even noticed she was gone. Or if everyone was so busy with their normal lives.
Their families.
That they forgot about the one person who had nothing of that sort. Tifa lost her family long ago, her mother died when she was only eight years old. An event that prompted her to take a dangerous journey. One where she was almost killed when she took a hazardous fall. Her father died the night her home of Nibelheim was razed to the ground. Thus her only family now where her friends, yet she was oddly enough happy with this. Or so she wanted to make herself believe.
Tifa then continued her walk as she cast her gaze ahead of her. There she saw a young woman walking towards her. Tifa smiled as she noticed her, she had formed an instant bond with her as soon as Tifa came here. Her name was Yuna but Tifa often called her.
"YUNIE!" Tifa yelled.
The former high summoner smiled as she approached her friend. She however noted the look on Tifa's face.
"I know that look." Yuna stated. "What's wrong Tifa?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Tifa questioned. "I'm fine! I just have a lot on my mind is all."
"I ask because you're my friend." Yuna replied. "I know how restless you've been getting Tifa. You want more, more of what you used to do."
Tifa sighed as she ran her hand through her long hair. She looked at her friend in pink.
"Maybe I'm getting restless, can you really blame me though?" Tifa started. "When was the last time anything happened here?
Yuna gave Tifa a sympathetic smile, she knew the former barmaid for two years so she knew how Tifa got when she would cool her heels for too long.
"Well there is a cave just outside of town." Yuna suggested and smiled when she saw Tifa's deep red eyes shimmered in vibrant life with the thought of an adventure. In all truth Yuna herself had another motive for going there. However as long as Tifa was happy she felt no need to tell her.
"So you know the way there?" Tifa questioned.
Yuna's look changed as she chewed on her bottom lip, telling Tifa loud and clear that she had no clue where it was.
"I can lead the way," a voice called down said as a slender humanoid jumped down. She was nearly five and a half feet in height, with bunny ears protruding from her silvery hair.
Her name was Katejina and she was a Viera.
Tifa tensed at the sight of the Viera, unlike Shaden who at least joined them. Katejina never did, she never joined them at the fire. Most times she rarely talked to them, Tifa knew that Yuna for some reason trusted her, though Tifa didn't. Tifa looked away from the Viera's penetrating gaze.
"Wouldn't want you two getting hopelessly lost out there." Katejina remarked with a mocking smirk. Yuna grateful for her help nodded with a smile. Tifa on the other hand was reluctant, she had no love for Katejina. The viera wasn't the social type, she kept to herself saying little to the others. However after a slight nudge from Yuna, Tifa nodded her agreement as well. Katejina lead the way and the other two followed. It was roughly a half hour walk to the cave, when they got there they were greeted with an oppressive silence
"Am I the only one here who is getting a bad feeling from this?" Tifa questioned.
"Would you rather return home and be bored?" Katejina questioned as she gave Tifa a mocking look. Tifa gaze the Viera a harsh look as her hands clenched into fists.
"Kate, I think what Tifa meant was how are we going to see in there?" Yuna said, hoping to break up any tensions. She looked at Tifa, she could tell the slender woman was already on edge. Due to Katejina's snippy and catty comments.
"I love how prepared you two are." Katejina muttered as she picked up an old torch left at the entrance by a prior explorer. She waved her hand over it, her hand glowing with power. The torch burst into flame, and she handed it to Yuna. "I should come along two make sure you two night blind fools don't get yourselves killed."
The three went deeper into the cave, it stunk of mold and decay. Many squeaks where heard as rats scurried about the floor. Tifa looked in a dark corner saw something it looked human. She stopped, she heard Katejina sigh as she went to where Tifa was.
"What's the hold up?" Katejina demanded.
"I thought I saw someone," Tifa said. "By that wall!" Katejina looked, she snorted and shook her head.
"You're seeing things." Katejina said. "No one is there, now come on!" Tifa shook her head and followed Katejina. Yuna had to bite her lip to keep herself from asking Tifa who it was she saw. Just then, Yuna stopped in mid stride she shivered as if she was cold.
"I sense something in here" Yuna stated her voice an abnormal flat tone. "We should go." Tifa looked at her friend.
"You sure?" Tifa asked. Yuna nodded her blue and green eyes trembling with fear. Tifa turned to Katejina "We should go!" Katejina nodded slightly, but saw something.
"Look there." Katejina stated pointing to a wall. There were pictures on the wall. Of odd rituals she saw one word one scrawled in the wall.
BEWARE
"Looks like we stumbled upon something that's beyond us, we should leave before something happens." She continued. The three turned to leave when a low growl was heard from behind them. They paused, the logical thing would be to get the hell out of there. However they turned around, they regretted doing so.
Behind them loomed a gigantic dragon. It was mostly bone with chunks of rotting flesh on its body and its eyes glowed a bright red. The decor of the caverns hid how truly huge it was. Its fossilized wings scraped against the ceiling of the cave. A blue gem was in its forehead, the three women shook in fear at the sight of the undead monstrosity.
"K-kate?" Tifa asked.
"W-what?" Katejina responded not hiding her fear.
"Wh-what the hell is that thing?" Tifa asked. "I-it's not like any dragon I've even seen."
"It's big, mean and looking right at us! Let's get out of her NOW!"
The three woman ran as fast as they could slipping on the muck covered floor of the cave until they were outside, even then they didn't stop they ran farther just to be sure. They stopped once they were certain they were safe, Tifa and Katejina fell to the ground panting.
Yuna simply stood there a vacant look in her eyes. Then with a soft sigh Yuna fainted, her slender form falling backwards. Into the arms of Tifa who noticed and sprang to catch her dear friend.
"Yunie?" she whispered as she shook her friend gently. Yuna's body wobbled limply in Tifa's arms. However her steady breathing told Tifa, she was fine.
"I'm sure shaking her like that will help her." Katejina quipped as she folded her arms across her chest. Tifa looked up about to spout an angry retort but was thankfully cut off when Yuna woke up.
Yuna looked around and her face filled with confusion and disappointment, which became more evident in the droop of her shoulders. However more evident was her exhaustion. Yuna's whole body seemed to sag from an unknown exhaustion.
"Weren't we going into the caves?" She asked her voice weak.
"We did" Tifa told her "But then you said you sense something, then we saw some huge undead dragon and we made a run for it, and you passed out."
"It was most likely a guardian of some sort." Katejina chimed in. Gaining an angry look from Tifa as she did so.
Yuna stared at Tifa shivering in spite of herself
"I don't remember any of it." Yuna said. "I'm still cold just thinking about it. It's best we not return here, let's go home. Let's get out of here!"
"You ok Yuna? You don't look to good." Tifa asked, offering an arm in support. Tifa knew she was being polite. Yuna's features where ghostly white, there where dark circles under her eyes and she was still shaking.
"I'll be ok just tired I guess." Yuna said leaning on her friend gratefully.
"Let's get you home and to bed." Tifa said. They all went back to Forestria the town they called home. Tifa helped Yuna went into her house and into her bed
"I'll be ok." Yuna said weakly. Tifa smiled at her friend,
"Just rest." Tifa told her.
"Thanks Tifa." Yuna said as she closed her eyes. She was fast asleep within moments. Tifa smiled at her friend as she pulled the sheets over Yuna's slender form. Tifa then left Yuna's house to her surprise Katejina was out there waiting for Tifa.
Tifa cast a glance at Katejina who returned the glance.
"Don't tell me." Katejina said. "Let me guess, you want to go back don't you?"
"Don't you?" Tifa countered. "There was something there, something odd, something we need to find."
"You want to get eaten by the dragon that's your choice." Katejina quipped, "Don't expect me to go along to play seeing eye dog again."
"Well I'll be leaving at high moonlight if you want to come." Tifa offered. Katejina was silent she didn't expect this from Tifa. She knew Tifa was the brave type, but this was more foolish than brave.
"You'll get killed without someone there to keep you out of trouble" Katejina said. "Just I hope you don't us killed." Tifa smiled nervously.
"So you're coming?" she asked. Katejina turned her back on Tifa and left. Tifa sighed and shook her head something she did all too often while dealing with the distant Viera. Burdened by the troubles of what transpired in the caves, Tifa went to the small house she called her home. There she fell onto her bed and soon found herself in a dream filled slumber.
Several hours later Tifa woke up, it was full dark outside. As opposed to the mid afternoon it was, when they returned from the ill fated trip to the caves. As the young woman exited her house she saw Yuna leaving the town. As she wondered what Yuna was doing, she saw Katejina approach her. The same question on her mind
"You told Yuna?" they asked each other in unison.
"No!" They returned again in unison.
"Something tells me she's going the same place we're going." Tifa said, hopeful Katejina would join her. It wasn't that she liked Katejina, because she didn't. She knew though that Katejina could see in the dark better than her. While Tifa would have preferred Shaden, she knew the Dark Elf was likely busy with her own projects.
"We?" Katejina asked then smirked. "Oh why the hell not, You need someone to keep you alive anyway."
Tifa forced a smile and they followed Yuna to the cave. They both noticed something was odd about Yuna. However neither could put their finger on why was wrong.
Yuna went into the cave, Tifa and Kate followed to where they where earlier in the day. As they got to where they first saw the bone dragon Tifa heard a faint hum and turned around. Yuna stood there, over her loomed the Giant Dragon.
"Yunie!" Tifa yelled.
"Don't waste your breath." Katejina said. She could tell now by Yuna's awkward posture that she was somehow under the dragon's mental control. Yuna looked like a puppet on a very loose string. "We fell right into its trap."
"Indeed Viera, Too long has passed since fresh meet has come here" It growled. "This pretty young thing will take care of you." On cue Yuna lunged forth. Tifa dodged the clumsy attack and countered with an uppercut knocking Yuna to the ground and unconscious the dark armor faded from her and was replaced by her gunner attire.
"What in the world?" Tifa wondered. "She went down easy, I wonder why."
"Answer is obvious." Katejina smiled as her emerald eyes turned to the brightly glowing gem in the dragon's forehead. "This almighty scary bone dragon has a glaring weakness." She drew her bow readied with an arrow. With a fluid action she fired an arrow towards the jewel in the creatures' forehead. To the Viera it seemed like an eternity, she hoped she was right in her educated guess. If she was it would be a short and sweet battle. If she was wrong, it would be more trying, plus she would have to hear Tifa complain about her being wrong. The arrow hit its mark and the jewel started to crack and shatter the monster followed suit. Katejina flashed a triumphant smile! A smile that was stolen as the dragon's haunting laughter filled the cave. Katejina's brow furrowed, it almost seemed too easy. Yuna came too just after the dragon was dealt with.
"Ow!" she complained, she noticed her friends. "Ok what happened, why are we back here?"
"We were hoping you could tell us that Yunie." Tifa said offering her hand to Yuna. Yuna took it and Tifa pulled her to her feet.
"Last thing I remember I was asleep but had this odd dream. Of a dragon talking to me saying I am the key to some sort of coming. Next thing I remember is this. And why are you two here anyhow?" Yuna asked.
"We followed you here, when you were forced to attack us Tifa knocked you out. Oh and I slew the big bad dragon." Katejina said with a smirk the smirk faded quickly showing her uncertainty.
"How did you know that gem was the weak point?" Tifa asked Katejina.
"I just used my judgment and prayed that I would be right." Katejina answered.
"We should head home." Tifa said. "After what this place has done to you, Yunie. I think we should best avoid it."
Yuna shook her head, an act that got her looks from Tifa and Katejina.
"What about you're fainting?" Tifa asked. "The bad feelings. Are those gone now?"
"I'm fine now," Yuna said with a nod. "All those feelings of dread, have pass. It's odd, I feel…something familiar unlike before, I want to go on to see what's there." She looked ahead and grew pale, Tifa and Katejina looked and there was a ghostly woman standing there. She looked a little like Yuna and was even in an outfit that Yuna herself sometimes donned.
"Lenne." Yuna whispered.
"Who?" Tifa asked. Yuna ignored her and went forward. Then suddenly the ground beneath her opened up and she went plunging down with a cry!
"YUNA!" Katejina and Tifa both cried. Tifa looked up at the ghost had vanished
"What are you two doing here?" a sharp voice barked. Tifa and Katejina turned around to see Shaden. Her expression showed she was none too pleased.
"We came here looking for Yuna." Tifa started. Tifa explained what happened. Shaden nodded understanding the plight, though she was friends with them, she couldn't help but think of herself of the stern mother of two good natured but trouble making little girls in Yuna and Tifa.
"Ok I'll lead as I can see best in this cave." Shaden stated. "The rest of you stick close to me I don't want anyone else lost here. You should consider yourselves lucky I took it upon myself to follow the two of you here."
"Sorry Shaden." Tifa apologized feeling like a child who was just caught sneaking a cookie before dinner.
"You should have come to me." Shaden replied softly as she gently took hold of Tifa's hand.
"I thought you would be busy." came Tifa's reply.
"I'm never too busy with my work to look after my friends." Shaden replied as she led the way with Katejina and Tifa following not knowing what to expect.
Yuna lay motionless on the floor of the cave, as she laid there a shadow loomed over her as a ghostly woman stood over her. She closed her eyes for a second and she became more human. She donned a sleevesless blue and white dress with white ruffles at the collar. The outfit also had blue arm warmers a white skirt and black boots. Her hair was the same chestnut color as Yuna's only longer. She looked at the unconscious girl she couldn't help but smile. She put a hand on her shoulder and gently shook her.
"Wake up." She whispered. Yuna stirred and opened her eyes; she gasped when she saw her.
"LENNE!" she shouted. She backed up but something happened her fear was replaced by calm.
"Hello Yuna, the high Summoner" she greeted,
"Lenne?" Yuna asked. Lenne nodded.
"Yes, we met once years ago. I assisted you in saving Spira from Shuyin's misguided vengeance." Lenne looked down her voice was sad.
"I'm sorry." Yuna started. Remembering the tense confrontation with the vengeful Shuyin. Whose rage towards Spira made him but a shade unable to pass to the Far Plane to rest with the other souls of the departed "I know how you felt about him, I did try to talk to him but it did no good."
"No need to apologize." Lenne said. "I know you did all you could, I have admit I am glad you chose the course of action you did. If you did not we might have had a Second Coming of Sinn, and he would have been so powerful not even you would have been able to stop him."
"Action?" Yuna asked, she then thought. "I knew I had to do something, I was hoping it would work out the way it did."
"You and I are very much alike." Lenne stated. "We both put our loved ones in front of ourselves if need be. Even if you are unable to get the words out."
"You loved Shuyin." Yuna started. "Loved him so much that you could never get the words out. Like I was, with Tidus."
"Tidus is happy now." Lenne stated. "Though it does not feel like it. Keeping him a dream was the only way to go. To bring him back would have fulfilled your heart but awful things would happen." Yuna looked at Lenne and shook her head.
"This is too much for me." Yuna said. "You're supposed to be dead! Yet you're here talking to me. Does that mean I'm dead?" Lenne smiled and placed a hand on Yuna's shoulder.
"This cave is a link." Lenne said. "To the Far Plane and to a place called the Lifestream. The dead pass through here."
"Does that mean I might see others I know?" Yuna asked. Lenne looked at Yuna.
"The possibility is there." She said. "But I cannot say for certain. All I can say is the dead cannot leave here. If I left my mortal from would wither and decay in a matter of seconds."
"So you're trapped here." Yuna said. "How do you know so much about me?" deciding a change of topic would be for the best.
"Since you went on your pilgrimage to Zanarkand, I have been with you." Lenne stated. "I have been mingled with your soul, sensing and sharing with your emotions."
"I don't know what even to say anymore." Yuna started. "You're telling me you have always been a part of me?"
"In a way yes." Lenne said. "Everyone has a purpose in this life they fulfill. Shuyin's was to guard me; Tidus' was to keep you safe. Yours was to stop Sinn."
"And yours?" Yuna asked.
"I am not sure, maybe I was born just to die to serve a purpose. Maybe I was meant to die to save my homeland." Lenne said looking down sadly at the ground. Yuna went to put a comforting hand on her shoulder and to her surprise did so.
"Well thank you." Yuna said softly. "For everything." Lenne nodded then she looked about as voices rang out.
"YUNIE! YUNA IF YOU CAN HEAR ME SAY SOMETHING!" Tifa shouted.
"Your friends are here." Lenne said. "We will meet again Yuna, remember I am a part of you." With that Lenne vanished. Yuna stood there until Tifa's voice rang out again
"YUNA! PLEASE SAY SOMETHING IF YOU CAN HEAR ME!"
"TIFA!" Yuna shouted. "I'M OVER HERE! FOLLOW MY VOICE!" Yuna waited what seemed like forever until she saw Tifa and Katejina.
"You ok?" Katejina asked.
Yuna nodded as she was lead out.
"Come on." Tifa urged as she lead the way out. "Shaden's waiting for us not too far back." Yuna nodded and she soon met up with Shaden. Another Viera was with Shaden and both Tifa and Yuna noticed Katejina grew tense.
"Jade." Katejina snarled her calm shattered. "Why are you here?"
"I came to get something." Jade smiled. "She has it," she pointed at Yuna. "Give it to me, this item of power my employers want."
"Item of power?" Tifa questioned looking at Yuna.
"I believe the term is a sphere." Jade replied not taking her gaze from Yuna, she held out her hand. "Give it to me."
"No." Yuna answered crossing her arms across her chest. She didn't know or care why or how Jade knew of the sphere. All she knew was she's wouldn't give it to her.
"What did you say?" Jade asked.
"I said no." Yuna said. "It's important to me" Jade looked up and a whistle was heard as Yuna cried out. Yuna retreated into the caves clutching her side.
Tifa went to run after friend, but looks from Katejina made Tifa stop. Katejina shifted her gaze to the trees.
"One wrong move and we're dead." Katejina told Tifa, she looked around but the dark elf woman known as Shaden had vanished! "Least Shaden got out of here."
Three snarling humanoid lizard type creatures with floppy ears and long snouts met with Jade "Find and kill the girl." Jade whispered to them. "Bring me her possessions afterwards." The lizard creatures also known Bangaa's nodded and raced into the caves.
Yuna ran into the cave, clutching her bleeding side in a futile effort to try to prevent blood loss. She looked back as she heard the snarl of Bangaa's lizard type creatures that are excellent trackers. Hiding was not an option; she had to face them. Her breath came out in gasps and her heart raced with the adrenaline flow that fear provided.
Yuna climbed to a ledge where she would hold the advantage of higher ground. She heard sniffing as she saw a Bangaa trying to find its prey. Yuna stood stock still, hoping the rumors weren't true that they could smell fear. It sniffed and looked up, it's features twisted into would could pass as a smile as it climbed up the frightened girl in his sight. As it went for what would be its fatal lung, Yuna hit it with a kick to the neck sending it spiraling down it landed amongst rocks and didn't move. Two other Bangaa came up and saw their dead partner.
"You'll pay for thisss." one hissed.
Yuna got out her twin pistols and unleashed a hail of bullets wounding one but missing the other. The third Bangaa leapt and took her by surprise he slashed at her Yuna ducked but still got caught in the forehead!
The blood poured into her eyes stinging them. Temporarily blinding her in the process! Yuna cried out as she was forced to close her eyes! The Bangaa leapt ready for an easy kill, Yuna heard the leap and moved she then caught him with a sweep kick and sent him plunging down. When the creature landed in a crouch Yuna fell to her knee's she wanted to cry, the fear was overwhelming her! She hoped someone would find her and help her soon. She collapsed to the ground, hoping the danger was over.
The two Bangaa were beneath her he tensed to spring but heard something her turned around and ignited in flame! His partner saw the dark elf woman and leapt at her! Shaden dodged the pounce and responded by sending a host of magical blades at the creature cutting it to ribbons!
"Yuna?" Shaden asked. She saw movement on the ledge and went up to find Yuna laying there her face covered in blood.
"Who's there?" she asked being unable to see.
"It's Shaden." The Shaden whispered as she cradled Yuna in her lap. "Stay calm Yuna, I'm going to try to clean you up as best as I can." Shaden's brow furrowed, the gash in Yuna's forehead was deep. She reached into her pocket and pull out a small vial, its contents would help heal and clean the wound. "This won't be pleasant." She warned Yuna as she applied the salve to Yuna's gash.
Yuna screamed! Her pained wail echoed off the walls and put a heavy burden on Shaden's heart. Yuna clutched Shaden's arm so hard that blood began to ooze from where her fingers where dug in. Then Yuna went limp, unable to bear anymore pain, thus fainting into the blissful dark. Her head falling back in Shaden's supporting arms.
"I'm so sorry Yuna." Shaden whispered to her unconscious friend as tears splashed on Yuna's cheek. She continued to clean Yuna's wound hoping that Tifa and Katejina would soon be there.
Outside the cave, the time seemed to crawl by. Katejina with her keen eyesight informed Tifa that there where archers in the trees. Jade also stood there a smug smile on her face. Several times Tifa and Katejina considered making a break for it. Yet they held back, knowing the consequences could be fatal.
Then about thirty minutes after the stalemate started a pained wail echoed in the caverns and reached outside! Tifa felt her heart sink, it was Yuna. Tears welled in her deep red eyes, as she felt her body go numb.
"Her own fault." Jade said coolly as she walked away motioning for her solders to follow her.
Katejina watched Jade leave and as soon as she was out of sight. She grabbed Tifa's hand and lead her into the caves, not ignoring the feeling telling her Yuna wasn't dead. Tifa her heart heavy with grief followed Katejina and allowed a small amount of hope to flow through her.
The two then saw Shaden with Yuna! Tifa raced to Yuna's side, seeing she was unconscious cast a glance to Shaden.
"Is she ok?" Tifa asked.
"I hope so." Shaden replied, she cleaned Yuna's wound as best of she could. Katejina went to Yuna and lifted the woman in her arms.
"Let's get her home." Katejina said.
She left followed by Shaden, Tifa went to follow suit but saw something out of the corner of her eye. Tifa went to where Yuna just was and saw a thorny necklace. She picked it up, not knowing why she did so.
"Tifa?" a voice called, Tifa saw Shaden. "Come on hun, let's go home, it's been a long night."
The former barmaid nodded as she went with her friend, to their home.
Jade uttered a curse as she observed the bodies. An hour ago she sent a total of three Bangaa to kill the woman. Thirty minutes ago she could have sworn they did just that. However now she, saw that they failed.
One was cut to ribbons, one incinerated, two fell to their deaths and another riddled with holes.
"Damn her." She cursed. "How can one girl, injured at that kill three hunters?"
She exhaled sharply as she felt something, she spun on her heels but saw nothing. Jade then found herself struck and fell to the ground. She looked up and thought she saw the silhouette of someone but was unsure.
"Hurt her again and you'll be with them." A voice snarled. She couldn't figure out if the voice was male or female, it was so low, like a whispered growl. The figure vanished. Jade cursed her misfortune as she left the cave, figuring out a plan B.
As the night drew to a close Lenne stood at the mouth of the cave. Trying to catch a glimpse of the night canopy of stars from under the overhang of the cave. She allowed her thoughts to drift to Yuna, the young woman she spoke to, earlier that night. She knew what had to happen, what was fated to happen. That in mind set went about her unknown task.
The sun rose, soaking the land in it's warm golden rays. In one large house located near the edge of town. It's residents all slumbered, saved for one, Yuna. She woke up about fifteen minutes ago. She looked around, Tifa and Shaden were asleep in chairs. Katejina leaned in a corner Yuna assumed she was asleep as well. In Yuna's hands she cradled a thorny necklace, she found it on the table next to her. It belonged to an old friend of hers, one who went missing.
Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard a sound. She looked and saw her friend Tifa wake up. Tifa beamed upon seeing Yuna and went to the side of her friend.
"You alright?" she asked, Yuna nodded absently, her forehead and midsection where bandaged. However right now she felt fine.
"Who gave you this?" she asked holding up the necklace.
"I don't know, the cave was dark I couldn't make out anything. I'm sorry Yunie." Tifa said.
Yuna looked at the necklace then took Tifa's hand.
"Thank you Tifa." Yuna said with a small smile. Tifa returned the smile.
"So you think it belongs to your friend Paine." She asked remembering Yuna speaking of her. Yuna looked at the necklace.
"She always had it on when I saw her when I was in the Gullwings. After I came here after we save Spira I was told she went missing. She vanished without a trace. She didn't say a thing to anyone." Yuna said. "It bothered me at first, but I guess I knew if she wanted us to know she would tell us."
"She was secretive?" Tifa asked.
"A little." Yuna responded. "She opened up to me one time, she told me about her past, and she also said I should forget my past."
"I'm sorry I didn't see the person." Tifa said.
"Now this has me really curious." Yuna stated. "I've got to go back there, I need answers."
"What you need now is to rest Yunie." Tifa informed her friend. "You're lucky to be here right now."
"I am." Yuna admitted. "It's because of Shaden, she helped me. My memory is still hazy, but I know she helped me."
"So, who was that woman?" Tifa asked speaking of the ghostly woman she and Katejina saw.
"Lenne." Yuna replied. "Someone who has been gone for a thousand years." Tifa gave her a quizzical look.
"You sure you didn't hit your head?" Tifa asked. "If they were a thousand years old they would have to be a ghost." Yuna nodded.
"That's what she was a ghost." Yuna continued. "Odd thing is I was only scared when I first saw her. It quickly gave way to calm."
"Ok and you think this ghost is Lenne?" Tifa asked trying not to call Yuna's word into question.
Yuna nodded.
Tifa thought for a moment she knew Yuna told her of Lenne, but why would she go to Yuna like this? "So why does Jade want your spheres?" Tifa asked after a long silence.
"She wants it because she thinks it has power." Katejina said from where she stood. "Anything that could give her power and control she wants. Nothing will stop her from getting it."
"You talk like you know." Tifa said.
"I do know." Katejina said. "Jade and I used to be teammates even friends. We would go on missions together. It all changed when we entered those caves. We saw something Jade went to grab it but I stopped her. I had a bad feeling about it, she ignored me and took it. That's when she changed, it's like the Jade I knew was no longer there. The Jade I knew would never try to kill me but this Jade did, she shot me in the throat." Yuna and Tifa looked at Katejina a mix of pity and sympathy in their eyes. "Thank you," she said as she noted it "To this day I don't know how I survived, but I made a pledge. To not get close to anyone, I don't think I can bear the pain again."
"But you have gotten close." Yuna said. "To me, to Tifa we are your friends, you know we only want to help you." Katejina nodded. She was about to reply when she was cut off by a loud rant.
"Of all the hair brained things for them to do!" A voice ranted so loud that Shaden was jolted awake by the sheer volume. "How much little sense can they have?"
"Oh please." Came another voice much calmer but still flustered. "I'm very very sure they have a good reason!"
The owners of the voices came into the room where the friends where. In came two dwarves. The blonde dwarf with an unkempt blonde beard looked at Yuna and scowled. Following him was a flustered looking dwarf with tidy black hair and a neatly trimmed beard.
"Stupid girl!" he ranted. "Have ye no sense of common sense in ye! What be getting into yer head to do something as crazy as this?"
"Ivan please." The tidy dwarf interjected. "I'm very sure lady Yuna can give a good reason."
"Bah!" Ivan roared. "She's always getting banged up and scratched up! She never thinks things through!"
"Is there something wrong?" Yuna asked. She was confused, true to Ivan's rants she was always getting in some sort of trouble. She never thought it was causing any problems though.
"Noises from the stinkin cave! Bangaa running around! Ye knowed how long we tried to keep them away from here?!" Ivan roared. "When ye gonna start using that blasted head of yours?!"
"I really am sorry." Yuna apologized doing her best to keep calm. "We meant no harm."
"Oh we know." The tidy dwarf said. "Perhaps if you do venture to those caves again that you could use.."
"We're going with ye if ye ever go to those caves again!" A flustered Ivan put in.
"We'll tell you if we go there again." Shaden said, the first words she said since she was shaken from her slumber by Ivan's outburst. "I'm sorry for any trouble my friends might have stirred up." Tifa and Yuna both glanced at Shaden, who in return smiled at her two troublesome friends. "They have good hearts and mean well, but sometimes can get into more trouble than they think."
"Well." The tidy dwarf started. "The lady needs her rest now, we will speak more later." Yuna nodded with a small smile as she watched the dwarves leave. She then cast her gaze at Shaden, who gaze the young woman an assuring smile.
"I know you don't mean any harm." Shaden said reading Yuna's look. "However, I do find it… unsettling that someone who can show such flashes of brilliance can also find herself in a situation that she could have easily evaded."
Yuna felt her cheeks turn red at the statement. She never did stop to consider the aftermath. She looked at herself and her bandages, maybe she should start thinking with her head rather than her heart. She felt a hand on hers and saw Tifa a sympathetic look in her deep red eyes.
"You should just rest today Yunie." Tifa told her. Yuna nodded as she felt her eyes close. Shaden lead Tifa and Kate from the house. From there Katejina as always was quick to excuse herself.
"Get some rest." Shaden advised Tifa. "We all could use it today. Don't worry about Yuna, she'll pull through fine."
"Shaden." Tifa said as the dark elf turned to leave. Shaden turned around and went back to the young brunette. "You really think that Yunie and I are troublemakers?"
"The two of you are smart girls." Shaden replied. "Perhaps you need to use your heads more often. You'll be amazed at the results." She placed a hand on Tifa's shoulder only briefly. "Now get some rest." Shaden turned and walked away leaving Tifa alone with her thoughts. Tifa shook her head as she went to her home to follow Shaden's advise and got some rest.
When Katejina opened the door to her house she found she have had a very unwanted and unwelcome guest.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" she snarled. Jade smirked
"I can't visit an old friend?" she asked. "We did used to be friends didn't we?"
"Until you shot me in the throat and left me to die!" Katejina snarled. She remembered the incident all too well.
"Yes but you survived. This is why I'm here." Jade stated. "Join us, it's simple all you have to do is kill the human and take the sphere." Katejina blinked
"You're out of your mind!" she said "You want me to kill her?"
"Please." Jade scoffed. "I'm giving you a chance to end it quickly for her, if it where anyone else she would suffer for weeks before they killed her. You Katejina can kill her while she sleeps it would be painless."
"I'll never hurt her." Katejina snarled. "Now get out! And if I catch you near Yuna I'll kill you myself." Jade looked at Katejina for a moment then laughed.
"We both know you won't kill me." She chuckled. "Though I do give you credit for such a threat."
"Try me." Katejina snarled clutching her dagger.
"Don't cross me! I will kill you!" Jade taunted nervously. With a bestial roar Katejina leapt at Jade. Before Jade could act her head was slammed down to the floor the dagger plunged down cutting her cheek! Jade simply starred in shock.
"Next time I won't miss." Katejina warned. "Now go." Jade picked herself up and ran out a hand on her cheek. Katejina watched her run off before falling to her knees. Her hands trembled, she closed her door. She lost control, she never did that before. She was so angry, Yuna was her friend she wouldn't lose her to someone like Jade. Katejina lay down to sleep her last thought was her friend Yuna.
Jade ran to the outskirts before she stopped. Why was she so scared? The answer was obvious, she never saw Katejina fly into a rage before.
It was satisfying to her to see her get to Katejina like that.
"Oh me oh my." A male voice remarked. "That is quite the gash you have. Did that washed up Katejina do that to you?"
Jade glared at the slender, loudly dressed dark elf male. She hated him, from his boots that could make loud clicking sounds on even the softest surfaces. To his tunic cut to show off his stomach muscles. To his prismatic colored cloak and eye patch that he shifted from eye to eye. To that damned outrageous hat of his! Jade wished for nothing more than to kill the mercenary.
"Is there a reason you're here?" she asked the mercenary.
"Oh just checking to see how you're doing." The mercenary replied checking his fingernails all the while. "It seems your skills are fading. A pity, they so wanted you to finish the job tonight. That seems impossible now."
"She'll die tonight!" Jade growled. "Now get out of my sight, before you see for yourself I'm still as sharp as ever!" The mercenary smiled and dipped into a wide bow removing hit hat and showing his clean shaven head before sauntering off.
Seething Jade starred into the town. As the day progressed she watched the steady stream of activity from one house and marked that as her target. She waited as the town grew dark with the night and the moon hung high Jade smiled and went off. She went to where she saw Katejina and the others leave from. She looked in the window, she smiled again. She was still there. Jade grabbed her dagger. She crept in and struck, she lifted the sheets and saw..feathers!? It was a pillow! She ripped back the sheets, she wasn't here!
"Surprised?" Katejina asked. Jade looked at her filled with rage as she leapt at Katejina with a frenzied howl! A howl cut short, by a dagger sinking into her chest, breaking through the thick bone barrier sinking into her heart.
She slumped forward in Katejina's arms. Gently Katejina supported her former friend in her arms. Her eyes filled with remorse.
"I knew you only too well, old friend." Katejina whispered. Jade managed a pitiful cough as a small trickle of blood ran down her cheek. She looked up at Katejina and managed to whisper
"I'm sorry."
Her eyes then rolled back in her head and she was gone. Katejina cradled Jade in her arms silently mourning her loss. Her keen hearing detected footsteps of someone else entering the room.
"She did try thinking you where here, and you would be easy prey." Katejina said her voice devoid of any emotion. "Now she's dead."
Yuna gasped, shocked that Katejina would take such extreme measures over her.
"Kate." Yuna asked. "Are you ok?"
"I'll be fine." Katejina said. "I just need time."
"I understand." Yuna said and stated out she then turned back. "I guess your hunch paid off. How did you know she would try to come after me?"
"I would do the same thing if I was her." Katejina replied, she noticed the shocked look Yuna gave her. "No worries, Yuna it was a lifetime ago, plus I would never harm my friends."
Yuna nodded with a smile, but her smile quickly faded as she saw the result. Jade was dead in the arms of an old friend
"I'm sorry it came to this." Yuna said.
"Don't be." Katejina said. "Get some rest. I'll be ok" Yuna hesitated wanted to reach to the Viera to comfort her. Yet in the end she knew it would prove futile. So her heart heavy Yuna left Katejina, alone with someone who used to be her friend.
Katejina looked at Jade and closed the lifeless eyes. She lifted the body in her strong arms not noticing how heavy the body of her former friend seemed. She walked almost in a trance like state to the outskirts of the small town. She stopped when she reached a large old looking oak tree.
She placed Jade at the trunk of the tree and uttered words in her Vieran tongue. In response the ancient tree opened its eyes and wrapped it's bark around Jade's lifeless shell. When the bark went back to its place, Jade was gone. Katejina managed a weak smile and the tree spirit returned to a simple oak tree.
"I always did hear rumors about an old spirit." A male voice rang out. "It seems like your still on your game, my dear."
Katejina cast a glance at the intruder, who was a dark elf much like Shaden. His most notable feature was an eye patch over his right eye and a large floppy looking hat. He held an apple in his right hand and took a bite.
"Jade's dead." Katejina growled.
"Small loss." The man replied as he took another bite of his apple. "Of course my employers will be far from happy."
"Yuna's still in danger isn't she?" Katejina asked.
"My dear." He replied. "She'll always be in danger as long as my employers are around. Don't think they'll care about Jade's departure from this world, I assure you. It matters little to them."
Katejina tensed ready to lunge at the irritatingly calm man. Yet he tipped his hat slightly to the left and Katejina found herself unable to move. He smiled widely at her and dipped into a wide bow exposing his bald head. He then replaced his hat on his bare scalp and sauntered away discarding the apple core as he left. Only after he left did Katejina find herself able to move once again.
Yet it was too late, for the strange man was already long gone, leaving a confused Katejina to ponder the meaning of this visit.
Shaden slept soundly, a sleep that she woke from abruptly. She sat up in bed and scanned the room. There leaning against a wall she saw the intruder. Her crimson eyes narrowed to slits.
"Ralix." She spat as if the name left a bad taste in her mouth.
"Good to see you too, flower." Ralix remarked. Shaden got out of her bed her hands glowing with power.
"I told you never to call me that!" she hissed. "Why are you here?"
"Must I have a reason to visit someone as beautiful as you?" Ralix questioned
Ralix drew closer to Shaden and removed his eye patch so both eyes witnessed her beauty. Shaden felt her heart beat faster as he reached behind her neck and tossed her long white hair, which matched her white robe she used for a nightgown. With the last of her willpower she pushed him away. For a moment his normal confident expression was replaced by one of hurt and anger.
"Still the same." Ralix remarked backing away from the woman.
"Why are you here?" Shaden asked. "It's been awhile since I left you. Please stay away."
He approached her again and this time wrapped his strong arms around her. She fought at first but then gave in, yet when she did so she was the one pushed away.
"I came not for you." Ralix said. "I came for business, I decided to see how you were doing." His voiced lacked the sarcastic coating, speaking plainly. "I know what happened to him."
"Shut up!" Shaden screamed.
"Was it too much for you little flower?" Ralix asked. "You had the world, when you where with me, you had any and everything you could have wished for. Yet you left it all behind, for what? A scrawny wood elf? You threw everything away and got nothing in return!"
"I was little more than your property!" Shaden exclaimed. "I meant nothing to you! I meant the world to him he loved me and I loved him! Now you're here in my life again, why? Was the harlot you replaced me with not enough? It's over between us it's been over you never loved me!" Shaden's slender form was trembling as she finished.
"How little you know." Was all Ralix said, but he still looked at Shaden just as Shaden still looked at him. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful Shaden was. Shaden searched frantically for the words, the right words to get this man out of her life.
"If you ever loved me, or ever had any feelings for me at all, then honor this final request." Shaden said. "Leave me alone and leave my friends alone. I loved you once Ralix, a love you never returned, here is your chance, just walk away."
"As you wish." Ralix replied and left without dipping into his customary bow or removing hit outrageous hat. Shaden stood staring after him in stunned silence before crawling back into bed. Numbly, she huddled into a ball and silently wept herself to sleep.
By the time Ralix left Shaden's place of residence, he had completely regained himself. He swaggered to an old abandoned silo that stood at the south edge of the town. He saw two figures, one was a seven foot tall feline, female by her figure a Vah Shir. Ralix frowned at the other one, for it was a large sleepy looking bipedal cow with long floppy ears. Ralix knew these slovenly looking creatures where called Nou-Moo's. Ralix concealed himself, wishing to hear before making his entrance.
"Our source have reported that Jade is not longer among the living." The cow person said his sleepy sounding voice just one of the many reason Ralix detested them. "How long are we to keep our Dark Elf partner?"
"Only long enough for us to take advantage of his information." The vah shir purred. "Then he'll meet with a rather fatal accident. He knows far too much."
"Good." The Nou-Moo replied. "The sooner he's gone the more content I'll be."
The listening Ralix smiled as he heard the treacherous words. He knew the pair would soon find themselves in conflict with Yuna and her friends. What side to aide? His employers planned to kill him when they felt he outlived his usefulness, never good. Especially to Ralix who so enjoyed living to the fullest.
On the other hand Shaden did tell him to left her and her friends alone. It would hardly be prudent to return to them and break his word. So he did what he would often do. Put on a smile and lead his stupid employers by the nose. He backtracked a few yards. Then booted feet clicking and jewels jingling made his way to the pair.
Pretending he heard nothing.
The hour was late the moon slowly began her decent from its proud position in the sky. The stars twinkled all trying to get one last person to stare at them in total awe before fading into the coming daylight.
In the sleepy town of Forestria the town was quiet most of its people where blissfully unaware of what happened. Of the life taken and the life saved, of the grief some felt over a long lost love.
In her house Yuna slept she tossed and turned before sitting up. She blinked a few times, before she became encased in light, when it faded she was in the songstress garment. It was the same one Lenne had on when she saw her in the caves.
She looked at herself confused, she didn't do anything, it simply happened. Like the sphere for a brief moment imposed its own will.
Why?
That was the question in her mind ever since Yuna met Lenne's ghost she's been thinking her mind has been going nonstop. But for what reason, did Lenne herself have something to do with this? And if so then what? Yuna then shivered as she heard something, it sounded like her name on the wind. Was it truly the wind calling her or was she imagining things?
Yuna shook her head, all she knew was the answers she was seeking some lay within that cave. Yuna nodded, she made her choice, and that's what she would do in the morning. For now however she needed sleep, she was still sore from her ordeal. A warm breeze greeted her and she was in her gunner outfit. The outfit she always liked to wear, yet again. As the songstress one faded she could have sworn she saw a faint outline of Lenne! When she looked again though, it was gone. Yuna lay back down and was asleep in an instant.
Yuna awoke the next morning, she looked for but could not find Katejina. Yuna went on the outskirts and saw someone laying by a large ancient oak tree. When she got closer she could tell by the features it was Katejina. In a brief moment of panic she raced to Katejina. Who woke up and looked at her concerned friend
"What happened?" Yuna asked. "Is everything ok?
"Aside from putting an old friend to rest last night?" Katejina replied. "I'm fine."
"You did that to save a life." Yuna countered taking the viera's hand in hers while looking into her ice blue eyes. "Mine, which I am eternally grateful for."
"I just remember what her last words to me where." Katejina said looking at Yuna's mismatched eyes. "They where, I'm Sorry."
"She wanted to apologize for everything, maybe a change of heart." Yuna suggested. "Take as much time here as you want Katejina, but remember we are your friends, we can help you but only if you allow us too."
Yuna walked off leaving her friend with her thoughts. Katejina smiled to herself, she knew Yuna would be the first to come to her. Katejina thought of the past two years and what they have meant to her. Before she was a wandering soul never staying one place for too long for fear someone would make her out. Now she was different, for the first time she felt like she belonged. Yuna, Tifa, Shaden they all changed her life, she was happy now, and though she was not considered a top sniper anymore it didn't bother her. She looked at the ancient oak again and smiled.
"Thank you Jade." She said "For showing me the error of my ways, I don't know if it was intentional or not but thank you." She took off her necklace, it was gold trimmed given to her by Jade long ago and placed it on a small branch of the tree. She smiled sadly and left. For better or worse her life was starting anew once again.
Tifa Lockhart went to where Shaden lived, fully expecting to see the ever busy elf outside. Testing the soils near her house or something much like that. However she didn't see her outside, concerned she went to the door and lightly rapped on it. When she got no answer she gave the door a light push, to her surprise the door opened!
Her apprehension was replaced by a sudden fear as Tifa rushed in. She quickly rushed throughout the home frantically scanning each room as she rushed by. As the seconds stretched into a full minute Tifa slowly regained herself. The house seemed to be alright. Tifa decided to check on Shaden, thinking her rash actions might have disturbed the young Dark Elf.
"Tifa?" a voice asked Tifa whirled on her heels and saw Shaden, who was a disheveled mess. Her white mane was mussed, her crimson eyes where bloodshot, she leaned against the wall. Tifa quickly scanned her looking for a wound, but found none.
"Are you hurt Shaden?" Tifa asked going to her friend.
"Not physically." Shaden replied shrugging away Tifa's worried hands. Tifa's brow furrowed as she looked over her friend.
"So what happened?" Tifa finally asked. Shaden shook her head and turned to leave. "Shaden please!" came Tifa's rushed plea. In response Shaden waved her hand and Tifa found herself outside Shaden's house! She rushed to go back inside to her friend but the door slammed shut! She slammed her palms into the door as she cursed in frustration! Tifa sighed as she lowered her head, whatever happened to Shaden, Tifa was sure it was serious.
"Oh my," a voice commented. "Did the two of you have a fight?" Tifa turned to see a man swaggering towards her.
"What did you do to her?" Tifa demanded. The man looked at Tifa he was closer to her now and Tifa could tell he was a dark elf. "Who are you? What did you do to my friend?"
"Why nothing my dear." He replied calmly as he turned his back to Tifa and walked away, leaving Tifa with several questions. Tifa looked back to the door, which was now open with Shaden standing at the entrance. Quickly Tifa rushed to her friends' side. Shaden looked at Tifa before entering into her house bidding Tifa to follow her.
"So what happened?" Tifa asked as she closed the door.
"Stay away from him!" Shaden snarled. "He'll bring you nothing but pain and heartache! He won't love you! Stay away!"
"Shaden calm down your not making any sense!" Tifa begged, she then noticed a far off look in her friends' eyes as she fainted to the ground. Tifa quickly caught Shaden and lay her on a nearby couch. Tifa worried about Shaden, what happened? How was that strange man involved? Shaden moaned softly as she woke up and noticed Tifa standing over her.
"So what happened?" Tifa asked getting right to the point.
"Nothing pleasant." Shaden replied looking at Tifa. "Just stay away from that man who talked to you outside."
"You knew him?" Tifa asked.
"I did." Shaden replied as she got up and headed to her room with Tifa following her.
"And?" Tifa prompted.
"That is a tale for another time." Shaden told her, she then went to her closet and opened it revealing the most robes Tifa has ever seen! She shot Shaden a knowing smile, one which Shaden returned. "Give me ten minutes." Tifa nodded and waited outside of the house.
As she did so she pondered the recent events surrounding Shaden. Tifa wondered when if ever Shaden would tell her about the man, Tifa talked to only briefly. However Tifa gave up trying to make any sense of what happened, knowing only Shaden could answer the questions. Tifa sighed as she noticed someone next to her. She looked up with a smile as she saw Shaden, dressed in the Blue, white and gold robe of the oracles.
"So what is going on today?" Shaden asked, trying her best to forget the events of the previous night.
"Knowing Yunie's one track mind," Tifa replied. "She'll be looking to go to those caves."
"So we should inform Ivan and Dunnead." Shaden suggested as she started walking Tifa by her side.
"Shaden?" Tifa said.
"Yes Tifa?" Shaden replied.
"You do know that you can come to me with any problems. Right?" Tifa asked looking at her friend. Shaden nodded as she patted Tifa's shoulder.
"All in good time Tifa," Shaden replied. "When I'm ready, I'm touched by your concern Tifa." Tifa nodded but she didn't like the fact that Shaden was hiding things from her. The pair roamed the street of Forestria before finally finding Yuna, talking to the brothers Ivan and Dunnead.
"What d'ya mean yer going back to those caves?" Ivan bellowed. "Last time ye went they hadda carry ye out!"
"That's a risk I'm willing to take," Yuna replied refusing to back down. "You can come if you want, make sure I stay out of harm's way."
"We would my lady," The tidy dwarf Dunnead interjected. "I'm sorry to say that my brother and I have pressing dealings in Cammort."
"The coastal town?" Shaden asked as she walked in being flanked by Tifa. She knew that area well and wondered why two dwarves would have anything to do in a town populated mostly by elves. A race well known to dislike the dwarves. "Now why would you two have anything to do there?"
"We..we jus' got dealin's going down there elfie!" Ivan sputtered. "It's nothin' fer ye ta worry about!"
"Aren't you worried that we might get into trouble?" the innocent Yuna questioned a sweet look on her young face.
"Bah!" Ivan huffed. "Use those pretty heads o yers and ye'll have no troubles."
"Showing some faith in us?" Tifa asked setting her deep red eyes on the dwarven pair.
"Well," Dunnead started. "I'm sure the group of you together, can accomplish whatever you wish to do there. Now if you would kindly excuse us, we must hurry or we'll simply miss our escort." With that the two dwarves where quick to leave.
"I guess that's that then." Yuna assumed with a shrug of her slender shoulders. "We should get going to the caves then."
"And do what?" Tifa asked. "Do you even know or are you going on guesswork?"
"Guesswork." The young woman replied with an embarrassed smile. "We should get going." Tifa and Shaden exchanged glances along with slight smiles before following their determined friend.
The trio got to the caves and to their shock Katejina stood by the entrance waiting for them. Yuna nodded and smiled at the Viera before turning her attention to the mouth of the cave.
"Well," Yuna said. "I guess I just go in and talk to Lenne."
"Yunie." Tifa said. "What you are doing sounds risky. You might even put yourself at danger here. You don't even know what Lenne wants."
"I know." Yuna said. "That's why I am here to talk to her again."
"Providing she is still here." Katejina said.
"She is, I feel her." Yuna said placing her hand on her heart. "Like she is reaching for me." Tifa put her hand on Yuna's shoulder.
"We're going in there with you this time Yunie." Tifa told her.
Yuna nodded her head, knowing after the disaster that befell her last time, that she would have a hard time convincing her protective friends to go in alone. So Yuna went in along with Katejina, Shaden and Tifa.
"So is she here?" Tifa asked.
Yuna nodded and pointed up ahead where the cave forked and then pointed to the where it forked to the right. The others followed Yuna, none of them knew what to expect, but they hoped that their friend knew what she was doing.
The group made their way to a large area with a large lake in the middle. Yuna paused and her eyes closed, worried Tifa went to her friend.
"There." Yuna said as she went to the lake Tifa faithfully by her side. "She's here, her body is here."
"Ok." Tifa replied. "Now what?" Yuna was about to reply when she heard a shriek! Startled the two women turned and found the small group was being attacked by a large Nou-Moo. Shaden was already down.
"Go do what you need to do." Tifa ordered as she jumped into the fray with a flurry of punches on the large cow person.
"But.." Yuna started.
Trust her. A voice in Yuna's head told her. Yuna knew it was Lenne. Go to the lake from there I will guide you to bring me back among the living.
"But my friends." Yuna started as she numbly went to the lake.
Have already told you what to do.
Yuna knelt by the lake, but then heard a scream! Yuna turned her head and saw Tifa was down! Tears streamed down Yuna's youthful face. "I'm sorry Lenne, they need me!"
Without waiting for Lenne's scorn or approval Yuna leapt into the fray unleashing a hail of bullets at the Nou-Moo. Yuna's firepower along with Katejina's deadly accurate arrows and the recovered Shaden's magic the large beast turned and fled.
With the battle over Yuna ran to Tifa's side. She inspected her friend and found she was bleeding from the back of her head.
"She's hurt, bad." Yuna said grimly.
"What about the reason you came in here?" Shaden asked as Katejina gathered Tifa in her arms.
"I hope Lenne will understand." Yuna said, even though she couldn't hear Lenne's voice in her head anymore. She prayed Lenne would understand. Katejina left Tifa in her arms. Shaden went to Yuna's side and took her hand.
"You did the right thing." Shaden comforted as she lead her friend out. Yuna nodded as they where lead to where Yuna was when she was hurt. Tifa was already in a bed with a priest working to heal her. Yuna sat in a chair by Tifa's side and waited.
The Nou-Moo made a hasty retreat from the caves. He cursed his rotten luck he had hoped to kill them. He wouldn't fail again. He heard a clicking of boots and saw Ralix, the mercenary smiled seeing the wounded cow person.
"Oh my looks like you didn't get the job done." Ralix said as he tossed him a potion. "This will take care of you."
"Why are you here?" the Nou-Moo asked as he downed the potion.
"To watch you die." Ralix said his smile vanished. The nou-Moo lunged for Ralix but double over in pain. "You planned to kill me after I outlived my usefulness, the only problem is. I never outlive my usefulness, your mistress saw that after only some convincing. See I like her unlike you." The cow person was now laying on his enlarged stomach he tried to talk but only blood came out. He saw Ralix and saw his former Vah-Shir ally take his arm as she purred and rubbed against him. "Goodbye disgusting Cow person, you won't be missed." Ralix them smiled and left with his new mistress.
"What about the cave?" the cat woman asked.
"What about it my dear Mandrake?" Ralix questioned. "Let them get their friend back. It will only provide to be that much more interesting." Mandrake rested her head on Ralix's shoulder and smiled as she rubbed her palm against the strong back of Ralix. She smiled and knew that when the time would come, that she found the perfect place to stick the knife. For that unpreventable time when the mercenary would become too dangerous.
END CHAPTER ONE