PROLOUGE
Dragontalon Mountains, located deep in Ivalice once it was rumored to have housed several hundred dragon caves. Though now the caves stand empty, the creatures said to inhabit them rumored to have died out ages ago. Nothing was in these fabled caves now but stone, rock and granite.
However these caves did hold an allure for one woman. She tread lightly in her sandaled feet. Her flowing blue robes fell against her skin. Her raven black hair that had neat lines of gray fell behind her upright white collar. She moved as silently as she could her emerald eyes scanned the interior of the cave she was in.
The Magic user sighed, as she found nothing of interest. She had hoped for a sign that these Gargantuant dragons where still around. Something then caught her attention as she moved towards it. Her weary face broke into a broad smile. Before her lay a recently hatched dragon egg. She caressed the shell as if it where her own child. Her smooth hands ran over the shell's sculpted surface.
"I knew it!" she exclaimed to herself. She was so involved in the egg that she failed to notice a swishing sound. She felt a hard breeze before the tail connected with her! The Magic user sailed across the cave before landing on her back.
The tails owner looked upon the unconscious female. The beast reached out a clawed hand to reach his helpless female prey. To it's shock a sudden burst of energy somehow deflect his claw. As it reeled white energy surround the still unconscious woman and she vanished before it's very eyes. The monster paid little attention to the vanishing woman and returned to its nest. A new flock was about to be born.
END PROLOUGE
CHAPTER ONE: BETRAYED
Dreams, homes of the products of one's deepest fear, imagination and desires. Many dismiss dreams and thus forget them within their waking hours. It's a rarity that a dream linger in the conscious mind long enough to play any significant impact. In a house in the northern town aptly named Snowfall Tifa experienced such a dream. She awoke with a start, and glanced around her room. She was its sole occupant, why wouldn't she be?
Two weeks ago Tifa and her companions Lenne and Yuna tried to end the reign of terror caused by a ruthless king who called himself the Warlord. They failed, since then Tifa seldom talked to them. She didn't know why she chose not to, only that she didn't. Tifa took a moment to reflect on her dream.
The dream was about a woman who she thought dead, in a dangerous cave. A name jumped to her mind, Seneka. Three years ago she met her, she assisted her in a dangerous quest, where Seneka was killed trying to save her. Tifa shook her head, could she have survived? Could she have been manipulated? Tifa glanced out her window, the blackness of night faded to the oncoming day.
She lay back in her bed, as the pattern with her these recent weeks she felt no ambition. She felt no desire to repair her strained friendships, though part of her wanted desperately to. Lenne had all but avoided her, Yuna was only slightly more cordial. Tifa shook her head, she wanted to care about her situation but in the end she made no effort.
What was the point? She would only screw things up again. Tifa glanced out the window to see the snow falling. She grabbed a coat that was given to her upon arrival and went outdoors.
Yuna lay awake in her bed, in recent weeks sleep had been a luxury she could barely afford. Often haunted by bizarre dreams and macabre visions of a possible future. She glanced to her right where her friend Lenne slept peacefully. Her mind raced to the thoughts of another, she desperately wanted to call her a friend. However the way Tifa acted made Yuna unsure, Tifa acted aloof, cold and crass. Every time she tried to mend fences she would think differently and walk away. Yuna's thoughts where inturped by a soft sigh as Lenne awoke. She looked at Yuna.
"Another sleepless night?" she questioned.
"I'm too worried about her to sleep." Yuna replied.
"It is her choice." Lenne reminded her.
"I know." Yuna replied. "doesn't make it any easier with the waiting though. Maybe I should talk to her."
"And accomplish what?" Lenne questioned.
"A first step." Yuna stated. "We both owe her that."
"She has had many chances Yuna." Lenne pointed out.
"Was she really to blame for the last time?" Yuna questioned. Yuna was curious since Lenne was evasive about the time she and Tifa came to find her. Lenne looked away from her friend. "What happened between the two of you?"
"I was in the wrong." Lenne said softly. "I was angered by the events that took place. Tifa bore the brunt of my anger. How can I ever face her, knowing what I did to her was inexcusable."
'I'm sure she will understand if you go to her." Yuna said. "We need everyone for what we need to do next." Lenne looked at Yuna with a mix of awe and annoyance. To her it was always so simple, for that she envied her. Still Lenne knew Yuna had a point.
"Look the sun's coming out." Yuna observed as she looked out their window. "Hey, Tifa's out there on the ice!" Lenne nodded getting the subtle hint Yuna was anything but subtle about. She quickly grabbed her jacket and headed for the door, hoping to make amends with her estranged friend.
The morning was unusually warm, the snow began to melt under the rising of the sun. Ice could be heard thawing everyplace it lingered. Still this did not prevent Tifa from absent-mindedly taking a stroll on the thicket part of an ice-covered lake. Tifa paused as she heard her name, she turned and saw Lenne. Internally Tifa sighed, however she had no chance for reaction as the ice heaved violently!
Both women where thrown to the cold surface , as a giant Ice Worm surfaced, searching for food to feed it's hunger. The creature moved on Tifa who had trouble regaining her footing. Tifa tried her best to find some solid ground, but as she edged back the creatures' mouth grew closer, until it was right in her face! The jaws snapped menacingly being held back by a light shield.
"Quickly!" Lenne called out. Tifa quickly if not ungracefully got to her feet and dashed towards Lenne. The worm, followed, determined not to lose its first warm meal in months. Tifa quickly ran to Lenne when the ice under her broke! Lenne tired to grab her, but was knocked back by the tail of the massive worm. Lenne was helpless unable to do anything but watch in horror is the beast scoop Tifa up in it's tail. Then, Lenne saw an arrow sink into its warm flesh.
"Get out of here Lenne!" Katejina ordered.
"It has Tifa!" Lenne called out. Katejina nodded and fired several shots into its tail, as it did Tifa fell onto a giant light disk made by Lenne.
"Quickly." Katejina said. "These creatures don't fare to well on land." Lenne did as she was told, she quickly brought Tifa to where she and Yuna stayed. Yuna met them, her eyes fell on Tifa's wet form.
"We need to get her warm." Yuna stated. She and Lenne both noticed Katejina leave, but gave it no second mind. Their main concern was Tifa. Little time was wasted as they stripped Tifa of her wet clothes and wrapped the warmest looking blanket they could find around her.
Tifa woke up minutes later, she saw the concerned look on the faces of Lenne and Yuna.
"What happened?" Tifa questioned weakly
"You fell into an icy lake and where almost breakfast for a hungry worm." Lenne said. "Katejina and I where quick to bring you back here. I always carry a an extra set of your clothes in case this happens." Yuna handed her the bundle that Tifa took. Tifa made haste in changing in private, she felt much better afterwards.
"Are you ok Tifa?" Lenne questioned.
"I'll be fine." Tifa responded. "I just have a lot I need to deal with, we've done this whole thing before. Much as you want to and as much as I would love it if you two COULD, there is nothing, that anyone other than me can do."
"We worry about you Tifa." Yuna spoke out. "None of us want anything to happen to you!" Tifa smiled for the first time in weeks.
"Thanks Yunie." She said. "I just.." she was cut of as Katejina, Marjorie and Rimoru came in.
"We have a problem!" Katejina exclaimed. "Seems like The Warlords men have found us! About fifty of them are about a half hour away."
"How could they find us?" Tifa questioned.
"Someone's most likely been tipping them off." Rimoru said.
"Yes." A voice said from the doorway. "You." They looked and saw Shara with her bow trained on Rimoru
"Ok this is outrageous Shara!" Yuna cried. "How can you…aaahhhhh!" Yuna clutched her side and fell to the ground.
"Yunie!" Tifa cried as she went to her friends side. The area were she was poisoned weeks prior was throbbing.
"Bout time." Rimoru muttered, then more loudly. "Take them!" On cue a dozen well armed solders emerged from hiding spots carefully selected. Each of them grabbed someone.
"Rim?" tifa questioned. "you…"
"Get the words out Tifa." Rimoru taunted. "I betrayed you! Well I didn't really, I played the group of you for suckers. I can hardly believe I pulled it off."
"You played us." Katejina started.
"Like cheap toys." Rimoru said. "Only problem was tifa she didn't die like a good girl when Ardonix and Charx jumped her."
"This entire time." Lenne said. "You used us."
"YES!" Rimoru cried. "What part of that don't you understand?! I used you, played you, made the entire pack of you look like idiots! If you all weren't so damn annoying I might have held off. Well I'm really not all about long goodbyes so. Guards, on my signal kill all but Lenne, I need her to give to Father."
"Yes Ma'am!" came the obedient reply. Before the traitoress Rimoru could give the signal a brilliant flash engulfed the room. Amist the confusion, Tifa and Lenne escaped taking a wounded Yuna with them. The guards grabbed Marjorie, Shara and Katejina before they could take full advantage.
"Dammit!" Rimoru swore. "search the area, it's two girls with a wounded person they couldn't have gotten far! Take these three back to the Palace."
"Yes Ma'am!"
Tifa watched what happened, though they never left the room they where fooled by a simple illusion. Lenne had to cover yuna's mouth to keep her pitiful moans from attracting attention. Neither of them dared to breath until the coast was clear. In front of them stood a woman in a light blue robe, whom Tifa recognized.
"Seneka!" Tifa exclaimed. "What did you do?"
"Burst of light followed by and invisibility shield." Seneka explained, she then removed a portion of the floor to reveal a hidden passage. "Quickly, this leads to a healer located up in the mountains. We'll go this way so we can hopefully dodge any pursuit."
"T..Tifa." Yuna whispered weakly while feebely clutching Tifa's sleeve. "L…leave me, I'll o..only slow you d..own"
"Not a chance Yunie!" Tifa declared as she lifted her friend in her arms. "We have to get moving! I don't think Yunie will be able to hold on much longer."
In silence the trio moved down the hidden tunnels, the way was long but had advantages such as affording them the luxury of safety from the elements and from any pursuit. Time, was a luxury they couldn't afford, with every passing minute Yuna's health ever so slightly failed. For her part Tifa concentrated on moving forward, hoping whoever she was being taken to could help her. Lenne tried to focus on the same but found herself glancing back with concern for Yuna.
After about three hours of walking they found a narrow ladder leading up.
"Up here." Seneka instructed. Tifa gently placed Yuna on the ground, Yuna was deathly pale, her breath came out in painful gasps. Seneka lead the way up followed by Tifa. Lenne was the last to follow and she used her light manipulation powers to form a disk that could support Yuna. Once up in what appeared to the the lower level of a tower, Tifa gathered Yuna in her arms yet again.
"So where is this person?" Tifa asked impatiently. "Yuna's only hanging on by a thread." Seneka was about to respond when they heard a raspy voice.
"Thread eh." It rasped. "Not good, here dearie let me see er." The voices owner then came out of the darkness. By the looks of her she was a skinny elderly lady, her eyes covered by ruby red goggles of some sort, her nose looked like a wrinkly carrot. Her wrinkled hands inspected Yuna, as she took her from Tifa. "Oh dear, not good, this one might not make it, we should get a doctor! Oh wait I'm a docot! Good thing I'm here!" Amist the ramblings she turned to Tifa and the others. "Mariah will help you find rooms, I've got work to do." She then vanished down the hall. Tifa and Lenne both starred down the hall completely dumbfounded by what they just witnessed.
"Our friends life rests in the hands of a complete nut." Tifa said. Tifa heard a soft giggle as a young woman came up to them.
"Aggie is a little… strange." The woman said. "But there really is no better doctor than her. I'm Mariah, I'll get you rooms." She started walking Tifa, Lenne and Seneka all followed.
"What of Yuna?" Lenne questioned.
"Aggie will let you know when she's done." Mariah said. "She tends to get very.. violent if she's disturbed. Try not to worry, your friend can't be in better hands."
"I'm more worried about if we where followed." Tifa muttered.
"Don't be." Seneka comforted. "I knew the way, others could easily get lost in those tunnels." Mariah stopped and showed the trio three doors.
"First ones is your" she said pointing at Tifa, "then yours" and she pointed at Lenne, "and yours" she pointed at Seneka. "I'll let you all know when Aggie is finished." They watched Mariah walk off, all where surpised in the unyielding confidence she showed in this eccentric older woman.
"We should all get some rest." Lenne suggested. "I am sure, we will be informed the moment something happens with Yuna. Goodnight" With that Lenne went into her room, Senaka was about to do the same when she found Tifa had a hold of her arm. Tifa lead her into her room and closed the door behind her.
"Talk." Tifa said.
"Excuse me?" Seneka replied not keeping how irritated she was out of her voice.
"You died." Tifa stated. "Three years ago in my arms! How the hell are you still alive?!"
"I was near death Tifa." Seneka stated. "I was found and slowly nursed back to health I…"
"you think I'm an idiot!" Tifa cried. "I want the truth!"
"I'm telling you the truth!" Seneka snapped back, then more calmer. "Tifa your worried about your friend, we can discuss this later."
"How do I know you won't betray me like Rimoru did?" Tifa questioned.
"That's not how I am." Seneka replied. "In time you'll learn that, Tifa. Get some rest, as I said we can discuss this another time." With that Seneka left for her room.
Tifa heaved a great sigh and ran her fingers through her hair. This by far was not her best day, almost breakfast for a giant worm. Now someone they thought a friend betrayed them. She could only hope Yuna would pull through. Despite all these thoughts swimming around in her head Tifa drifted to sleep.
In times of near death it is rumored that ones life flashes before the persons very eyes. The same could be said for a poison stricken Yuna. Even as the eccentric Aggie purged the poison Yuna thrashed in the agony. The faces of those she knew such as her father, Paine and Tidus passed then the faces of people like Lulu, Wakka, Brother, Rikku, Buddy and finally those of Tifa, Lenne, Katejina and Marjorie. In her dilerium a piercing laugh entered her head, then the face of Rimoru, who betrayed them! In that moment yuna's heart beat stronger with the need for vengence. Yuna then awoke! She saw an almost skeletal woman standing over her.
"Looks like ol Aggies cure work on ye after all!" Aggie said with a cackle. "welcome back to the land of the living." She then turned away for a brief moment "Mariah, get in here!" Yuna simply sat there puzzled, she saw a young woman come in dressed in a simple black outfit with dark hair to match.
"Oh Aggie!" she crowed. "you did it!"
"Yes of course I did." Aggie said almost in a dismissive tone. "Get her friends, I'm bettin they'll wanna see her." Yuna still had no clue what was going on. All she knew was she felt better than before. "Yer still weak dearie." The old woman continued. "Ye'll need some rest, to regain yer strength. Don't worry Mariah will fetch yer friends." Yuna lay back in bed and let her eyelids close, while awaiting her friends.
Mariah wasted no time in waking both Tifa and Lenne and informing the two of what happened. They made their way to where yuna was kept. Tifa still noticed Lenne keeping her distance.
"Are you ok Lenne?" Tifa asked innocently. Lenne stopped in her tracks, the look she gave Tifa was not one of anger but more of remorse.
"No." Lenne answered her voice soft. "I am far from ok." Tifa went to the songstress and tried to put her hand on her shoulder, which Lenne roughly shrugged off "I do not need comfort!"
"Ok." Tifa said crossing her arms across her chest. "What do you need? Aside from a swift kick in the rear?"
"You are not bothered by it?" Lenne questioned. "Rimoru betrayed us! How can you be so calm? Is betrayal so common to you, that you have grown accustomed to it?"
"You think I'm calm?" Tifa scoffed. "I'm pissed as hell! Last thing I want to do is be here. I would rather be slapping the smug look off of Rimoru's face!" tifa took a minute to compose herself. "that can wait though, yunie's waiting for us Lenne. Remember we're still her friends."
"As are you." Lenne reminded Tifa as they continued. "With myself. I know I have not said that as of late." Tifa smiled.
"Thanks Lenne." She replied. The two friends quickly made their way to where Yuna was resting.
The young woman opened her eyes when she heard her friends walk in. She managed a weak smile.
"Did the two of you make up?" Yuna asked her voice still weak. Tifa nodded as she went to Yuna's bedside.
"How do you feel Yunie?" Tifa asked.
"Better." Yuna replied. "Just weak and tired now."
"You will have time to recover now." Lenne told her.
"Nope no, change of plans the three of you have to get going!" Aggie rambled as she came in. "Well of course I'll send Mariah with ye, and yer friend two so really the five of you, but you get my point."
"Why the sudden rush?" Tifa asked.
"Solders!" Mariah exclaimed as she came in with Seneka hot on her heels. "Aggie what are we going to do?"
"All of ye will have to leave. There is a dock about half a days walk from here. I know the captain, she'll help ye out." Aggie explained as she shoved Tifa a small bag full of gil.
"What of Yuna?" Lenne asked. "She is too weak to make the journey!"
"I'll be fine Lenne." Yuna said as she got out of bed, she was abit wobbly, but managed to stand on her own strength. Tifa and Lenne however, exchanged uneasy glances, they both knew their their friend needed bedrest. Mariah was quick to fetch appropiate clothing for the group of them to keep them warm on their journey. In thirty minutes the small party was ready to move out.
The five of them where quick to take a back exit out of where they where. The youthful Mariah took the lead, having been over the path numerous times in the past. Tifa and Lenne kept close to the still weak Yuna, helping their friend whenever they where able to. The bitter cold air from the snow peaked mountains kept them moving.
During this Tifa kept a close eye on Yuna who struggled, even in perfect health Yuna would have trouble. However the young gunner uttered no words of complaint. Mariah lead them to the docks which took alittle longer than what Aggie predicted. At the docks a large ship awaited them, along with a silver haired woman in brightly colored clothes.
"About time Mariah." She said. "These your friends?"
"Yes." Mariah said with a nod then indicating which her hand. "These are Yuna, Lenne, Seneka and Tifa. You guys this is the captain." The Captain simply nodded as she lead the group aboard her ship. As they came aboard the captain gave them a quick once over glance. When she got to Lenne she quickly stopped her, handed her an odd looking blade and sent her on her way. The four of them where ushered bellow decks while Mariah stayed above decks to discuss matters with the captain. The four of them shared a single room with two bunk beds. None of them where in love with the accommodations but still they where satisfied. Tifa noticed Lenne with the blade she was given.
"What kind of sword is it?" Tifa questioned innocently.
"It matters not." Lenne replied as she leaned it against the bedpost. "I will not use it."
"I could train you to use it." Yuna offered from where she was resting. Lenne shook her head.
"I am familiar with a blade." Lenne replied. "He taught me back in Zanarkand."
"Then why not use it?" Seneka asked.
"I abhor violence." Lenne said sourly. "I have defended myself quite well without the use of excessive violence."
"There are times where you might not have that choice." Tifa said. "At least keep it with you."
Lenne sighed as she shook her head, she didn't expect Tifa to understand, but what was worse was that no one seemed to even try to see it from her point of view.
"Everything revolves around destruction and mistrust." Lenne muttered. "How can anyone see if from a peaceful view. Especially you." Lenne shot Tifa a piercing gaze. Tifa clenched her gloved hands into tight fists. She then exited the room letting the door slam behind her. Seneka who was in obvious discomfort due to the situation also left, leaving Yuna and Lenne.
"Happy?" Yuna questioned. Lenne shot Yuna a dark look. "I think that might have even chased Tifa away!"
"Do not judge me!" Lenne exclaimed.
"Then don't judge others!" Yuna shot back. "What's been with you lately Lenne? The snide remarks, the put downs, this isn't like you!"
"You know nothing of me." Lenne said.
"I'm starting to think that's true." Yuna said a hint of sadness in her voice. "I thought you where a friend, but your actions.."
"You where wrong." Lenne blurted out, as she left. Much to Yuna's surpise she took her belongings with her. Yuna was in shock, she couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. Lenne was her friend, but Yuna had no idea why she was acting this way. As quickly as she could she tried to follow Lenne.
Lenne emerged from bellow decks, she noted that they where still docked. She approached the captain.
"I want off." She demanded. The Captain and Mariah both exchanged glances. As the captain was about to accept Lenne was grabbed by a very angry Tifa.
"What the hell are you doing?" Tifa asked.
"Leaving." Lenne stated.
"And what about Me and Yuna?" Tifa questioned. "What about you?"
"My fate is not your concern!" Lenne stated. "As your fate is no longer my concern." Tifa's eyes flared with anger, her hand tightened into a fist.
"So you'll run? Just like in Colatia?" Tifa questioned. "What about all speeches you've given me about staying true? They don't apply to you?
Lenne was about to give an angry retort when Yuna burst out. The two looked at Yuna, both knowing she should be resting.
"Stop it!" Yuna cried. She then cried out in pain as she clutched her side. Both Lenne and Tifa tried to help her but the young woman avoided her friend. "Keep away from me!"
"We only want to help you Yunie!" Tifa exclaimed.
"I don't want your help." Yuna cried, her emotions starting to get the better of her. "All you do is make things worse! Both of you!"
"Yuna." Lenne begged. "Please we can debate this later! You need our help!" At this point Seneka ran up with Mariah behind her.
"Ok the two of you," Seneka said pointing at Tifa and Lenne. "Get bellow deck now, we just shoved off. Mariah and I will take Yuna to the sickhold. Tifa and Lenne obeyed though both where concerned for Yuna. After returning to their quarters the woman where engulfed in an awkward silence. After an hour tifa finally decided to break it.
"Why are you acting like this?" Tifa asked. Lenne remained silent. "Lenne, please. This has gone too far!"
"I do not wish to discuss this." Lenne said. As Tifa was about to press on when they where inturpted by Seneka coming in.
"How's Yuna?" Tifa asked.
"She's good, she's resting." Seneka said.
"Great so we can see her." Tifa continued.
"No." Seneka said. "she was insistant that neither of you two see her today. Can't really say I blame her either. Excuse me I have things to attend." Seneka left.
"Why do I have the feeling that we might have chased away the one person in both of our lives who really accepted us." Tifa said.
"I am sure, this is not the end." Lenne said. "Yuna simply needs time to herself."
"Lenne." Tifa said. "I don't think you really get it. Yuna wants nothing to do with us! Because of what happened! I really don't know whats going on Lenne. But it might have cost you a friend! Hell it might have cost US a friend!"
"She would not.." Lenne started. "I was so cold to her. I did not intend to be that way to her."
"Face it Lenne." Tifa said saddley. "We blew it." Saddley the singer nodded her agreement. Outside the ship sailed on quiet seas, not mirroring the turmoil of those who served as it's passengers.
Dawn was quickly approaching the small ship, in the small quarter bellow decks two women stirred restlessly. Sleep didn't come easy if at all to the duo of Tifa and Lenne. Both knew their action the previous day were unforgivable, they suspected that their friend Yuna would likely never want to speak to them again.
Tifa sighed as she looked out the small window near her bed. The sun was just now starting to fill the earth bellow it with it's warm golden rays. Tifa sighed, she wanted nothing more than to see Yuna and try to explain herself. She knew that wouldn't happen though. Tifa looked to the door as she, heard something, the noise bellow her indicated Lenne heard as well. When the door opened Yuna entered, she looked at both women and let out a soft sigh as she closed the door. Tifa quickly scrambled down from the top bunk. Both Tifa and Lenne where about to speak when Yuna held out her hand.
"Please." Yuna said. "Just listen to me." Yuna looked at both of them, she still considered them friends, she still loved them like sisters. Her voice was even but still gave away how annoyed yuna was with this as she spoke "I love the two of you like sisters, I admire all your strengths and respect all your feelings." She shifted her gazed to Tifa. "Tifa we've known each other for two years, yet lately your acting edgier pushing me away. I want to know why but you won't tell me." Yuna shifted her gazed to Lenne. "Lenne, for a long time you where part of me. I thought I knew you, but it seems I'm no where close to knowing you. You won't talk to me either, about your problems. It's amost like you can't trust me" Tifa and Lenne looked down, both knew their friend was right. Yuna looked at the two of them. "I would like to help you, but it seems as if I'm not the right person. I'm running out of things I think I should do."
Neither Lenne or Tifa spoke, what could they say that could possibly defend their recent actions. Finally after what seemed to be forever Tifa found the courage to ask a question, the only one she could ask.
"Will you be there with us? When we confront our inner demons?" Tifa asked her wine colored eyes meeting with the Blue and Green mixed eyes of Yuna.
"Of course I will." Yuna replied softly. "Your both my friends, and it will take a lot more than what happened yesterday to chase me off. You should both know that of me by now." Yuna shot the two of them a teasing smile. Tifa and Lenne both smiled at Yuna, they where grateful that Yuna would stick by them. As Tifa was about to speak she cast a glance out her window, to see the ship had come to a stop.
"The ship stopped." Tifa stated. "Lenne, come on we'll see what's going on. Stay here Yunie, you should be safe."
"I'm coming with you." Yuna stated, she noted Tifa's look. "Or would you like to try to make me stay here?"
"Just stay close to Tifa and myself." Lenne cut in not wanting any further confrontation. "Neither of us wish to see you harmed again." Yuna nodded as the three of them carefully crept above docks. Tifa poked her head out, she saw most of the crew was taken prisoner. Among the captives, where Mariah, Seneka and The Captain all where tied up and unconscious.
"Bad news." Tifa hissed as she rejoined the others. "Looks like someone's taken over the ship."
"Only the three of us are left?" Yuna asked. Tifa nodded.
"Looks that way." Tifa replied. She then looked up along with Yuna and Lenne when they heard a sharp clearing of a throat.
Before them stood a dark skinned man with a slightly muscular build and of a height around six feet.
"Do not fear, as long as you do what I tell you, I will offer you no harm."he said with a slight british accent. "I only wish the singer and a sphere of the same name."
"Rimoru sent you?" Tifa asked, not trusting the man in the least.
"I was sent by the lady, but I do as I wish even when following her orders." The man said. "I am Condet, and I offer you the chance to come peacefully. I really do not wish to harm three ladies as lovely as yourselves." Tifa cast Yuna a glance who in turn nodded her head. Tifa approached Condet and reached out her hand. With a smile Condet took her hand, only to be met with a roundhouse kick to his face.
"GO!" Tifa barked. "I'll hold him off!" Yuna grabbed Lenne by the arm and lead her out past Condet. Tifa watched them go, when she turned around she was greeted by a punch to her stomach. Tifa held back a cry of pain but sank to her knees.
"Your course of action was the most predictable Ms. Lockheart, but hardly the smartest." Condet said as he paced around Tifa, assuming her to be incapacitated. "You think I am a moron? I know of your martial arts training, give up now, I have no real desire to cause you any harm." Tifa said nothing but sweapt her legs towards Condet's in an attempt of a leg sweep. To her surpise he caught her legs in his own his legs and fell back causing Tifa to cry out in pain! He kept the leg lock applied to Tifa for a minute until the intense pain cuased Tifa to lose consciousness. He stood above her as he men ran to him.
"Bind her hand and foot." Condet said. "The put her with the others." He then left to pursue Lenne and Yuna.
Yuna and Lenne made it to the captains quarters, where they entered in hopes that whoever these people where, would simply give up their search. As Yuna watched, she saw Condet emerge. In a frightening moment Yuna could have sworn the man's eyes met her eyes. Yuna gasped in shock, and did so again when he started directing men to their location.
"We have to move!" Yuna exclaimed. "They're coming for us!" Before Lenne could respond the door flew open. A dozen men with Condet taking up the rear swarmed in.
"I give you another chance to surrender." Condet said.
"If I do so, you must swear to me, that all those you captured will be released and set free. My friends will be included in that. I will remain with you, as your captive."
"You truly are a noble woman Lenne." Condet said. "We have a bargain, the captives will be freed and set out on lifeboats. Of course you will have time to say farewell to your friends. We will have the fighter brought to you."
Yuna said nothing she only clutched Lenne's arm while turning pale. She watched Condet leave and saw Tifa hobble in. Tifa looked at Lenne, who could read everything by her expession.
"Why?" Tifa asked trying not to let her anger get the better of her.
"This way at least I have the knowledge that Yuna and yourself will be safe." Lenne explained. "This was not an easy choice for me, but it was the only one I could make."
"What about us?" Yuna asked as she finally let go of Lenne's arm. "Can you really trust him?"
"I pray I can." Lenne replied, understanding why Yuna was so upset. "I need the two of you to trust me on this."
"I respect your choice Lenne." Tifa said. "Doesn't mean I have to like it, you could be getting yourself in even deeper."
Lenne nodded, this was possibly the hardest thing she's ever done, but she knew if she did this. At least Yuna and Tifa would be safe from Rimoru. Yuna however, didn't see it that way, as she turned her back to Lenne, Yuna could not fathom why Lenne would take such a risk. Tifa though she disliked the idea, knew it was Lenne's choice. Lenne approached Tifa and the two embraced each other.
"Be safe." Tifa whispered in Lenne's ear.
"You as well." Lenne replied.
Lenne went to Yuna who turned to face her, her eyes brimmed with tears. She hugged Lenne and squeezed tight. Lenne said nothing and simply returned the hug. She could only imagine what Yuna could be feeling now. She looked at Lenne her face serious.
"I want you to promise me you'll make it through this." Yuna said, her tone more serious than either Lenne or Tifa have ever heard.
"I promise." Lenne said. "Only if the two of you swear you will do what it takes to free the others." Yuna nodded. At that time guards came in flanked by Condet. Yuna slowly let go of Lenne, their hands clasping together in a final farewell, at least for the moment. The two of them where escorted to the life boats, most of the crew was allowed to remain on board to work the ship. Under his promise to Lenne, Condet made sure no harm came to them. Only half a dozen not needed crew members, the captain, Seneka, Mariah and of course Tifa and Yuna where put on the smaller lifeboats. The six crew members where put in the first one, The Captain, Seneka and Mariah in the second and yuna and Tifa in the third. Yuna cast a final glance at Lenne, who watched. Yuna held a hope in her heart that the two would see each other again. The boats where then lowered into the choppy waters bellow.
The Keep, a tower in the Northern portion of Ivalce's artic continent Frocia. It was now and perhaps has always been home to Rimoru. Inside The Keep, Rimoru made haste to the chambers where a Viera was being "questioned" for imformation. She was met by a guard who bowed before her.
"Progress?" Rimoru asked.
"She's not talking milady." The guard replied as she held the door open for her. Rimoru smirked to herself. "Also milady, we heard from Condet, he has the singer."
"And her two friends?" Rimoru asked.
"They where set on lifeboats about an hour ago. I was informed that Zekia, took it upon himself to take some action." The guard reported.
"Perfect." Rimoru replied with a smile on her face. She then entered the room and let the door close behind her. She looked at the Viera, she was a tortured and bloody mess, her long silver covered her face.
"You should talk Katejina." Rimoru said. "Why put yourself through this for those you care nothing about?"
"I care more than you do witch!" Katejina croaked, as she glared at Rimoru through her one eye that wasn't swollen shut.
"Maybe your kid sister would be more talkative." Rimoru said with a sadistic smile. "Plus I heard she screams rather nicely too." Katejina spat at bile of blood at Rimoru which landed on the ground infront of her.
"Don't you dare touch a hair on her head!" Katejina raged. "They'll come, then you'll get yours." Rimoru simply laughed.
"Oh please, Lenne is already in the hands of one of my most trusted men." Rimoru said showing no fear. "Tifa and Yuna are most likely dead by now, no one's going to save you. So I give you a choice, you talk, or I'll make little Marjorie talk. That is after she's done screaming."
Katejina remained silent and glared at Rimoru, who sighed as she went to the door and opened it to reveal a guard had Marjorie. The guard shoved the young Viera into the room. He grabbed Marjorie's wrist and produced a small dagger which he handed to Rimoru. Marjorie did her best to keep a brave face, but Katejina could tell her baby sister was terrified.
"Your baby sister is about to have a very bad day." Rimoru warned as she approached the young viera.
"Stop." Katejina said. "You win, just don't hurt her." Katejina knew it was a rotten bargain, but she didn't want Marjorie to suffer. The young Viera hung her head knowing what happened.
"Very good Katejina." Rimoru said as she dismissed the guard who dragged Marjorie out of the room. "Now, let's share our feelings shall we?"
END CHAPTER ONE
