INTRODUCTION
All worlds have a beginning and an end somewhere in the middle is always a link to bring the worlds together.
Spira, a calm peaceful world full of deep blue seas, rolling green planes and breathtaking snow capped mountains, was a world ravaged by a being known as Sin. Sin was a devastating force resurrected from the collected negative feelings of people, who fed off the emotions greedily like a glutton at a banquet table. This terrible being was a product of an ancient war between two great cities, their conflict beginning to take its toll on the planet. Sin ended all that.
The only means to defeat this creation was by the Summoners of Spira. Summoners undertook a long trek called a pilgrimage to collect different and progressively more powerful Aeons. Their faith and their determination was tested along the way, as well as their strength. IF they made it to the ruined city of Zanarkand, they summoned the Final Aeon who emerged and destroyed Sin, so the land would enjoy another ten years of Calm. If defeated, the Summoner was considered a High Summoner and revered throughout the land. One such Summoner was Yuna, daughter of Braska, famed High Summoner of Spira. There were high hopes for Yuna, as she began her pilgrimage, and she didn't let the people of her world down. She managed to defeat Sin.
Gaia home of Midgar the famous floating city, a world in danger. First from a corrupt corporation obsessed with finding a suitable power source. Second was from a hero gone mad by the thought of who his mother could be. Third was from a menace summoned called Meteor to destroy the planet to pave the was those destine to take over.
Tifa Lockhart an unlikely hero along with her misfit band of friends. 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.
Norrath a truly unique place where Elves, Gnomes, Troll, Ogres along with many other races all roamed. A place not ruled by one demonation 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 where 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.
This place is called Ivalice, a land ruled by laws and judges. A place where groups of people are called Clans. Where a young boy named Marche and Clan Nutsy opened gates between Midgar, Spira and Norrath.
At least this is what we know of.
CHAPTER ONE
Tifa had come to enjoy the life that she made for herself here in Ivalice. She was surprisingly happy with how it had all turned out. Today though Tifa found herself taking a stroll along the edge of town, walking absent-mindedly along the flower laden paths totally lost in thought. One of the thoughts was of the people she made friends with in her time here. One of which was a young woman from a world called Spira.
Yuna was young, vibrant and had a refreshing naive innocence, while still remaining sensible and down to earth. Since coming to this world and meeting the former Summoner, Tifa and Yuna clicked immediately, creating a bond deeper than friendship. They were practically sisters, and Tifa smiled as she thought of long nights sitting by the fire, trading stories of past battles and tragic loses. They both had their dark moments and doubts, but so too did they have wonderful times and triumphs.
As Tifa walked along the colorful walkways a figure in the distance caught her attention. Tifa smiled as the deep cerulean skin gave away Shaden, the Dark Elf from Norrath, and a friend of hers. Unlike Yuna who enjoyed sharing her stories with Tifa. Shaden was quiet and reserved, but that didn't prevent her from sharing the fire with her new friends. Either Tifa or Yuna could take their eyes away when she would first sit down. The fires glow seemed to reflect off of Shaden's dark skin making her an immaculate form of beauty for a brief moment. Though during most late night campfire stories she would appear to be studying her dainty feet buried under her light green and light blue Crystalline Robes. She heard every word and if not for the book she was reading, her friends would have noticed the slight smile on her face. Though Shaden seemed aloof and distant, nothing could be farther from the truth. Where Yuna and Tifa went she often go if her studies permitted it. If they where in trouble she would be there with her powerful magic.
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.
"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."
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, her thoughts drifted back to this place. When she first came to Ivalice it was to escape the heartache of her friend Cloud going missing. Tifa found that hurt quickly vanished when she met a kindred spirit in Yuna. Though Tifa often found herself thinking of those she left behind.
The small team of AVALANCHE was a misfit group of unlikely heroes. There was Barrett the hot-tempered unofficial leader of the team; Tifa often viewed Barrett as her big guard dog. Vincent Valentine was a mystery, who seemed to be content to live in the shadows. Cid Highwind was their pilot, who had a mouth that would make the foulest of foul mouths blush. There was Cait Sith a small cat robot controlled by Reeve, who ironically worked for the same company they vowed to stop. Yuffie was the annoying teenager who would take any chance to steal their magical materia orbs. RedXIII or Nanaki was a either a dog or cat type creature. Tifa never could figure out what he was; only that he had a sharp mind.
Then there was Aeris, the flower girl, while she served as a rival for Cloud's affections. Tifa still viewed her as a close friend, when Aeris died, Tifa felt as if a small part of her died with her. It was these feelings that lead to Aeris' eventual resurrection at Tifa's hands, two years after AVALANCHE saved the planet. Finally there was Cloud the spiky haired leader. Tifa smiled sadly, he vanished shortly after Aeris rejoined the living. Unable to bear the pain Tifa came to Ivalice. Though she was happy here, she found herself wondering about her old friends.
Aeris was always certain things happened for a reason, a philosophy Tifa never quite grasped. Was Cloud meant to vanish so Tifa would come here? Or where she and Cloud simply fated never to be together to begin with. Tifa sighed softly until she noticed something!
Tifa then saw something dart across her peripheral vision that caused her to pause. She took up a stance she hadn't used seriously in a couple of years as she whirled to face the intruder. She scanned to see a white haired Viera starring at her from the trees. Viera's where tall slender humanoids most had very long silver or white hair and very long pointed rabbit ears. But this was not just any Viera though this was Katejina.
Unlike Yuna and Shaden who she trusted fully, she was reluctant to trust Katejina. Katejina was very cold and distant, she never sat with them at the campfire. Tifa and Yuna found her near death in a cave, she was nursed back to health thanks to them. As a show of thanks she stayed with them, but that meant very little. So little in fact Tifa wondered if she could even call her a friend, most of the time she was off alone. The times she did grace Tifa and Yuna with her presence she said little to nothing. Tifa often worried that the secretive Viera would try to harm Yuna and Tifa. Though she prayed that wasn't the case.
Katejina jumped down and landed with grace. She looked at Tifa, her white hair made her look that much older and much more intimidating as she set her deep blue eyes upon Tifa.
"Something wrong?" Katejina asked.
"No, not at all" Tifa said. Katejina stared at her before speaking making Tifa shiver, as Katejina's deep blue eyes seem to bore into Tifa's soul.
"Yuna is looking for you." She stated.
"Oh!" Tifa gasped, "I forgot." Tifa turned and ran back to town.
Katejina sighed and returned to the trees. Katejina wasn't exactly the social type she didn't want anything to do with anyone else. She was happy that way, in her line of work she can't afford the close friends. Those few who she had called friends in the past have always proven to be anything but. She cast a look down and saw Tifa meet with Yuna. She had joined Tifa and Yuna out of gratitude for saving her. She found Yuna to be incredibly naïve, yet she found herself grudgingly respecting the young woman. Tifa was another story, her sideways glances told she didn't trust her. Katejina didn't want to care, but she was bothered by the mistrust. Katejina glanced down to see Tifa running towards Yuna.
"YUNIE!" Tifa yelled.
Yuna was a former High Summoner of her world known as Spira. Having saved her world from the being known as Sin. With everything she had been through Yuna went back to her home Besaide Island. For two years she lived a boring, orderly life. She listened, gave advice and acted how she felt she should act. She was constantly watched by the good hearted but overbearingly overprotective Waka. As well as her mentor and his wife the black magic using Lulu, though they both where there for her during her trying times as a summoners.
That all changed one day when Yuna's cousin Rikku came to the island and showed her a sphere, which is the recording events some, could be from very long ago. This one had the young man Yuna thought had vanished. Showing a rebellious nature she left Besaide against the orders of Waka. Yuna went with Rikku and joined her cousin Brother, his friend Buddy and the boy genius Shinra in the Gullwings. Yuna metamorphed in this time becoming far more adventurous and daring. In times of anger the petite young summoner could be quite intimidating. Yet those times where few and far between. Despite how much she changed she kept her sense of responsibility and her soft side in helping others.
To keep Yuna from being recognized Rikku gave her an outfit something Yuna still wears to this day, the gunner outfit, which has a pink hood and a blue skirt along with of course guns. Her light brown hair was not even shoulder length but she had part of it in a long braid that went the length of her body. Though Yuna didn't like violence, she was still a crack shot with the guns she carried with her. She smiled when she heard Tifa's voice.
The two of them had grown to be very close in their time together. For that Yuna was grateful, she admired Tifa's skill and strength, both physical and spiritual. She knew Tifa would be there whenever she got in trouble. That thought soothed Yuna more than anything else.
"I was wondering when you would show up," Yuna smiled. "Ready to find out where that cave is?"
"Of course," Tifa replied. "But where do we even start looking?"
"I can lead the way," Katejina said as she jumped down. "Wouldn't want you two getting hopelessly lost out there." Yuna nodded and smiled, Tifa was hesitant she didn't really like Katejina but in the end she nodded 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
"Looks creepy in there." Tifa stated.
"A tough girl like you is afraid of the dark?" Katejina questioned as she gave Tifa a mocking look.
"Kate, I think what Tifa meant was how are you going to see in there?" Yuna said, hoping to break up any tensions.
"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 an 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.
"Your 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. A blue gem was in its forehead, the three women shook in fear.
"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! Lets get out of her NOW!!" The three woman ran as fast as the could slipping on the muck covered floor of the cave until they where outside, even then they didn't stop they ran farther just to be sure. They stopped once they where certain they where safe, Tifa and Katejina fell to the ground panting. Yuna simply stood there a vacant look in her eyes. She suddenly fainted to the ground, Tifa dove to catch her, and Yuna lay limply in Tifa's arms.
"Yunie?" she whispered as she shook her friend gently. Yuna's body wobbled limply in Tifa's arms.
"I'm sure shaking her like that will help her." Katejina quipped sarcastically 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.
"Weren't we going into the caves?" She asked.
"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.
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, lets 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 and she was still shaking.
"I'll be ok just tired I guess." Yuna said leaning on her friend gratefully.
"Lets 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 from. 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.
"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, Katejina made her do that all to often. She went to her house and went in. She fell asleep quickly after hitting the bed.
She woke up many hours later to the moonbeam in her face. She got up and went outside. She noticed Yuna leave her house too and go on the road. Tifa followed to the gate. Tifa noticed Katejina jump down from who knows where.
"You told Yuna?" she asked.
"No." Tifa said. "Something tells me she's going the same place we are going."
"We?" Katejina asked then smirked. "Oh why the hell not, You need someone to keep you alive anyway." Tifa smiled and they followed Yuna to the cave. They both noticed Yuna was in dark armor. Yuna went into the cave, Tifa and Kate followed to where they where earlier in the day. 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 how Yuna stood that she was somehow under the dragon's mental control. Yuna looked like a puppet on a very loose string. "We fell right into it's 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 "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 into the jewel in the creatures forehead. The monster shattered but as it did it's haunting laughter filled the cave. 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 attacked us Tifa knocked you out. Oh and I slew the big bad dragon." Katejina said with a smirk. Yuna looked at Tifa.
"No wonder my jaw hurts." She muttered.
"Sorry Yuna." Tifa said. Yuna nodded.
"You do what you needed to do." Yuna responded then rubbed her jaw again. "Just wish you did it some gentler way."
"We are here now." Katejina said ignoring Yuna's complaints "We should check it out unless Yuna has more bad sensations about this place."
"I'm fine now," Yuna said. "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 the songstress outfit.
"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." 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 the songstress dress Yuna had on when she did concerts her hair was long and the same color as Yuna. 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 a calm.
"Hello Yuna, the high Summoner" she laughed, "Saved Spira three times and now trying Ivalice?"
"Three times?" Yuna asked. Lenne nodded.
"Once from Sinn, then from a civil war that would have destroyed Spira. Then a third, from Shuyin." Lenne looked down her voice was sad.
"I'm sorry." Yuna started. "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 to admit I am glad you chose that song to sing. 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."
"Song?" Yuna asked, she then thought. "I got that song from you I think, I could hear you in my head singing it."
"It would always make me stop and think, especially when I was upset." Lenne said. "It is no coincidence you got the Songstress garment, or that you chose to became a Summoner. Deep down you and I are almost sisters. We both loved our people so much we would do anything to save them, same goes for friends and the ones we love."
"You loved Shuyin." Yuna started. "Loved him so much that you could never get the words out. Like I was, with Tidus."
"He 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.
"Using my dress you where usually at your best." Lenne said. "When you sang your emotions poured out and I could sense them, even though I am long dead. Tell me Yuna have you ever wondered about your eyes?" Yuna looked at Lenne.
"My eyes?" she asked. "I've been curious as to why they are two different colors but everyone I asked basically told me one of two things. First was because I was unique and this was the Fayth's way of telling me so. Second is what Lulu told me, that it's because the blue one represents my faith in Yevon and the green represents the Al-bhed in me. I found it aggravating that no one knew for sure but I accepted it." Lenne chuckled.
"Well you are one of a kind Yuna." She smiled. "However your different color eyes means that part of me in inside of you. I have been with you since the day you were born. Think of me as another guardian if you will."
"I don't know what even to say anymore." Yuna started. "Your 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 was to guard me; Tidus was to keep you safe. Yours was to stop Sinn."
"And yours?" Yuna asked.
"I am not sure, maybe it was to think of that song you sang so masterfully at the Thunder Plains. Or maybe I was born just to die to serve a purpose." 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.
"Better than ok." Yuna smiled.
"Come on." Tifa urged. "We should go." Yuna nodded and she was lead out and met up with Shaden. Another Viera was with Shaden and 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 me the sphere."
"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 fell back holding her side.
"Get back!" Katejina called out as she cast a piercing glare at the smirking Jade.
"YUNA!" Tifa cried. Jade smiled as she entered, she met with two Bangaa's.
"Find her and make sure she doesn't make it out alive." She whispered to them. "Bring me the sphere." The Bangaa's nodded.
Yuna ran into the cave, she was scared and hurt. 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. She was an injured girl and they where capable of killing without remorse. Yuna climbed to a ledge, she heard sniffing as she saw a Bangaa. It sniffed and looked up, smiling it climbed up the frighten girl in his sight. Yuna hit it with a kick to the neck sending it spiraling down it landed amongst rocks and didn't move. The other Bangaa came up and saw his dead partner.
"You'll pay for thisss." He hissed. Yuna tensed ready to do what she did before again. The Bangaa leapt and took her by surprise he slashed and Yuna ducked blood sprayed from her forehead. The blood poured into her eyes stinging them. The Bangaa smiled and leapt, Yuna heard the leap and moved she then caught him with a sweep kick and sent him plunging down. Yuna fell to her knee's she was hurt and now blinded. She was unaware she was being stalked. The Bangaa was bellow her he tensed to spring but heard something her turned around and got slashed in the throat.
"Bad Bangaa." The voice said. The person went up to the ledge where Yuna was.
"Who's there?" she asked.
"Help." The person whispered. "I'm getting you out of here." The person took Yuna in its arms and carried her to near the entrance. She put her down and left but she heard Yuna call out
"Paine?" Yuna asked. The person walked away. Tifa spotted Yuna.
"She's at the entrance!" Tifa called out as she ran to her friend. "She's hurt bad!" Tifa looked and saw someone; Tifa couldn't make out who. Katejina and Shaden ran up to Yuna.
"I'll go for help," Shaden said as she ran off.
"Kate." Tifa started. "Can you clean her wounds I need to check something."
"More important than this?" Katejina asked.
"I think I saw someone." Tifa said.
"Ok go check it out but be careful." Katejina warned. Tifa nodded and ran into the cave. She looked but saw no footprints, on the ground she saw a necklace. She picked it up and she heard someone.
"Give it to her." The voice said. "She'll know what it means."
"Who are you?" Tifa asked squinting into the darkness.
"A friend" the voice said. "Go she needs you." Tifa listened but heard nothing; she looked but saw no one, even in the shadows. Tifa went back to Katejina who was kneeling over Yuna.
"She ok?" Tifa asked.
"She'll see again." Katejina said. "And she'll live. She sure can take punishment. You find the person?"
"No" Tifa answered. "All they gave me was this" She held out a thorny necklace with an odd symbol on it. Yuna struggled to look at it.
"Easy." Katejina said.
"Paine." Yuna whispered as she lost consciousness. Shaden came back with a handmade stretcher. Yuna was gently placed on. Katejina left to go back to town. Tifa went to follow but looked back into the cave, she thought she saw someone but at second glance saw no one. Tifa shook her head and left.
Jade went into the cave, an hour ago she sent in 3 Bangaa to kill Yuna, she heard nothing. She carried a lantern and looked around. She saw a body of a bangaa and then another followed by a third.
"Damn her." She cursed. "How can an injured girl kill two bangaa?"
"Help's not being alone." A voice said. Jade went for her lantern only to have it fly from her hand. And smash again the wall. She was in the dark. She looked but saw nothing. But then she felt a hand on her throat.
"Hurt her again and you'll be with them." The voice snarled. Jade nodded and she fell gasping to the ground. The figure vanished. Jade cursed her misfortune
******
Morning rose along Ivalice. In Forestria the day was full bloom except for one house. A human lay sleeping in a chair head lolled to the side. A Viera kept a weary watch out while standing in the corner, while a dark skin woman lay in another chair. In the bed lay Yuna; she regained consciousness about a half-hour ago. She dared not wake her friends. Her forehead was bandaged, as was her side, in her hands she held a necklace a thorny one, the one Paine always had around her neck. Yuna heard a moan as Tifa woke up, Tifa went to Yuna.
"You ok?" she asked, Yuna nodded.
"Who gave you this?" she asked holding up the necklace.
"I don't know, the cave was dark I couldn't make out anything, the person said you'll know what it means. And the person told me to help you." 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. 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 stopped Vegnagun I was told she went missing. She vanished without a trace. She said nothing 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, she also said I should forget my past."
"I'm sorry I didn't see anymore of the person." Tifa said.
"I know who you mean." Yuna said. "I think whoever it was helped me they spoke to me but the voice was so quiet I couldn't tell if it was hers or not."
"You think the answers lie in that cave don't you?" Tifa asked. Yuna nodded.
"I saw someone else there too, someone who has been gone for a thousand years." Yuna explained. 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 think is I was only scared when I first saw her. It quickly gave way to calm."
"Ok so who was this ghost?" Tifa asked trying not to call Yuna's word into question.
"Lenne." Yuna said.
"The person who owned the songstress sphere before you got it?" Tifa asked. She knew some of Lenne but not a lot, Yuna showed her spheres of Lenne in the past.
"Yes." Yuna responded. "She said that it was fate that I get that sphere. That I hear here voice come to me. I'm still confused though, why would Jade want it so badly?"
"She wants it because she think 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.
"I know Yuna, you two have been supportive of me and I'm glad for that." Katejina said.
"Yet you still keep us at arms length." Tifa said. "We are not like Jade"
"Like I just said she wasn't always like that something in her changed. She was always almost cold but she warmed up to me. Like we bonded." Katejina said. Tifa paused, Sephiroth was the same, he was regarded so highly but when she met him he was so distant so cold, but not evil. That changed that one night, the night she was left alone, he father was killed he town destroyed, but in that same moment her friend Cloud who was there saved her. Tears fell from Tifa's eyes.
"You ok?" Yuna asked. Tifa nodded and blinked away the tears.
"Something Kate said struck me." Tifa said. "I knew someone who was the same way, but we weren't friends. He was regarded more as a hero, a legend and a menace."
"Tifa." Katejina said seeing she was getting upset. "There is no need for you to tell us this if it upsets you. Past scars hurt, they can heal slowly or not at all. It's up to you to have the strength to move on. Which you have"
"Your saying I should forget?" Tifa asked.
"I'm saying you should move on, never forget but don't linger either." Katejina said. "The past if over nothing you can do can change it no matter how bad you want to." Tifa nodded she never saw Katejina this open before, she was normally the silent type who spoke only when things had to be said. They heard footsteps as a Viera in white stepped in.
"How is our patient today?" she asked
"Sore." Yuna responded. "And tired" the doctor looked around the room.
"I suggest you all go and get some rest." She said. "Let Yuna regain some strength." At that Shaden woke up. The doctor filled her in, she nodded and left, as did Tifa and Katejina. Katejina went to Tifa
"We should go get some real rest. Yuna will be resting the rest of the day most likely." Katejina said. Tifa nodded and looked at Katejina
"Kate." She started.
"It's fine." Katejina finished. "No need for an apology." Tifa looked a Katejina in shock
"Was that obvious?" Tifa asked.
"I can tell when people don't like me." Katejina said. "In all truth I don't blame you. However I would like to think that, we are friends so lets break down the barriers from now on ok?" Tifa nodded.
"Deal." Tifa said and she went to her home. Katejina smiled and went to her house.
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.
"Yes but you survived. Which is why I'm here." Jade stated. "Join us, it's simple all you have to do is kill the human and take the songtress sphere." Katejina blinked
"Your out of your mind!" she said "You want me to kill my friend!"
"Please." Jade scoffed. "I'm giving you a chance to end it quickly for her, if Mandrake, Ebon or Nightshade where here 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 and oddly enough for her the 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.
"That's a nasty cut," A voice purred. A cat woman stepped out. They where called Vah Shir, when Norrath connected with Spira this cat woman was found abandoned. Jade found her and gave her a name and a purpose.
"I was taken off guard Ebon." She said. Ebon smiled her dark fur suited her name.
"That washed up Katejina got the best of you?" she inquired. Jade shot her a look.
"I was taken by surprise, I didn't expect her to lose control." Jade replied. "Something she doesn't do all that often. So why are you here?"
"They want you to kill the human tonight." Ebon replied.
"Do they?" Jade smiled. "Or is it this human is scaring them?"
"Don't get smug." Ebon said. "They want her dead tonight at high moon. Or your life is forfeit."
"She'll be dead tonight." Jade said. Ebon smiled and vanished.
Jade starred into the town. She waited the town grew dark the moon rose 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 fear in her eyes until she saw Katejina balanced a small dagger on her pointer finger. Jade laughed but it was cut short as with amazing accuracy Katejina let the dagger fly! She was hit between the eyes and fell against the wall to the ground.
"You taught me well old friend." Katejina whispered to her. Jade looked at her a tear in her eyes.
"I'm sorry." She whispered to Katejina and then her eyes rolled back in her head and she was gone. Katejina held her in her arms. She heard someone come in.
"She did try." Katejina said her voice hollow. "Now she's dead." She heard Yuna gasp.
"Kate." Yuna said "Are you.."
"I'll be fine." Katejina said. "I just need time."
"I understand." Yuna said and stated out she then turned back. "How did you know to move me?"
"I suspected her of doing so." Katejina said. "Was the best move and it worked. Your safe."
"I'm sorry it came to this though." Yuna said.
"Don't be." Katejina said. "Get some rest. I'll be ok" Yuna nodded and left. Katejina looked at Jade and closed the lifeless eyes. She picked up Jade in her arms and carried her to the edge of town. A fresh grave was already dug.
"I knew it would come to this." She said to herself. "Hope you don't mind if it's a little shallow." She placed Jade in the grave and piled on the dirt. She then took a cross with the name JADE on it and stuck it into the ground. She heard something but didn't turn around she knew it was someone connected to Jade.
"Turn around." The voice snarled. Katejina turned and saw a cat woman with dark fur. She had a crossbow pointed at her.
"Jade's dead." Katejina said. Ebon showed no response.
"I see." Ebon said. "You'll be with her soon enough." She fired the crossbow Katejina dodged with incredible speed and knocked the crossbow from Ebon's hand.
"How in the four worlds are you so fast?" she demanded. Katejina said nothing and shot her bow! Ebon semi dodged but still got struck. She yelled in rage as she ran into the darkness. Katejina put her bow back and left the grave,
Ebon limped into the woods, everything was going wrong. Jade wasn't supposed to fail, who was this Viera? She went to a clearing the bleeding stopped in her arm. Another Viera came out her sharp white hair made her stand out. A Nou Moo a cow person for lack of better terms joined her. Ebon nodded at the Viera.
"Nightshade." She nodded at the Nou Moo "Mandrake, or should I say Ebon." Nightshade looked confused.
"Where is Jade's present location?" Mandrake asked ignoring the confusing jab.
"Dead." Ebon said.
"Seems that Katejina is still around." Nightshade said. "Only she has the speed to match Jade."
"Please." Ebon pleaded. "I ask to be the one to kill Katejina."
"Why should you get the honor?" Mandrake asked his face twisting into a smile.
"She embarrassed me." Ebon explained. "I ask for the honor to kill her."
"You'll have that honor." Mandrake said. "Her life is yours, do with it what you wish." Ebon smiled and evil smile and bow her head in thanks and vanished into the night.
"Why did she call you Ebon?" Nightshade asked.
"None of your concern." Mandrake responded. "Lets get to the matter at hand." Nightshade sighed.
"So what are you going to do with them?" she asked.
"We let them believe they have the upper hand." Mandrake responded. "I will have that garment, but there is a change. This person this, Yuna, what have you heard about her?"
"Not too much except she has a great will and a tremendous spirit. Some say it's why she has been able to do what she has done is because she believes in herself and trusts others with her well being." Nightshade responded. "It would be worthy of honor if it weren't so fool hardy."
"I want her, alive" Mandrake responded. "I want her alive so I can break her will and her spirit before I break her body." Nightshade bowed, Mandrake smiled he knew in the end he always gets what he wishes.
The hour was late the moon slowly began her decent from it's 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, in one 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.
She looked at herself confused, she didn't do anything, it simply happened.
Why?
That was the question in her mind ever since Yuna met Lenne's ghost she's been thinking her mind has been going non stop. 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, it was decided, 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 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 much to her surprise 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 kneeling before a cross. She could tell it was Katejina. She went close to there but didn't interfere with what she was doing. Katejina turned around and saw her friend.
"You did this?" Yuna asked looking at the makeshift grave.
"Least I could do." Katejina said. "I did kill her."
"To save a life." Yuna countered. "Mine, which I am eternally grateful for. You did the right thing Katejina even if it doesn't seem like it now."
"I just remember what her last words to me where." Katejina said looking at the grave. "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 knelt by the grave 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 and hung it around the cross. She smiled sadly and left. For better or worse her life was starting anew once again.
Tifa waited as her chocobo chirped she patted it behind the ear to calm it down. Yuna came riding up with her chocobo.
"Any luck with Shaden?" Tifa asked.
"Nope." Yuna answered, "You know her, always doing something else."
"Hope you two aren't leaving without me." Katejina said as she rode up her chocobo. Yuna and Tifa smiled.
"Was hoping you would come Kate." Tifa said. Katejina nodded.
"We are returning to the cave right?" Katejina asked.
"Yup," Yuna responded. "I think we can get more answers there."
"Like Lenne?" Tifa asked. Yuna nodded and spurred on her chocobo.
"Lets get going." She said. The others nodded and the three were off. They reached the cave shortly. The chocobo's chirped nervously.
"Place isn't really chocobo friendly is it?" Tifa noted.
"No, let's just let them go." Yuna said, "They know enough to come back to us at least." She released her Chocobo and watched Tifa and Katejina do the same thing. They all looked at the cave.
"Foreboding isn't it." An old voice stated. Yuna looked and saw Maechan.
"Hello Maechan." Yuna said.
"Well hello my Lady Yuna and her two friends." Maechan said. "I had a pleasant chat with Lenne last evening would you like to hear it?"
"I thought Lenne was dead?" Katejina cut in.
"So is Maechan" Yuna said. "Though he forgets he is dead so he's still here." She laughed nervously.
"You mean we're talking to a dead person?" Tifa asked.
"I am a world passer." Maechan said. "I have been around for one thousand years, until my purpose is complete I cannot travel on."
"What is your purpose?" Yuna asked. Maechan shook his head.
"I can't seem to remember." He said "But you lady Yuna have in mind for a mission don't you."
"Yep." Yuna said. "I was hoping you would help with that."
"I'll do my best to help you." Maechan said.
"Where is Lenne buried?" Yuna asked. Maechan stroked his beard.
"Funny thing is after she met her death no one knows what happened with her body. There are no records of her being buried in Zanarkand or in Spira for that matter." Maechan said.
"Could she have ended up here?" Yuna asked looking at the cave.
"Possible." Maechan mused. "But to do what you intend to do take more than a body, though it would help. You need her very essence and her being." Yuna took out her songstress sphere.
"I have this." She said. "It has her memories and feelings, I know because I feel them as well." Maechen nodded.
"I wish you best of luck." He said and started off.
"Wait!" Tifa called. "You said you talked to her right." Maechen stopped.
"Well funny thing is I forgot our talk." He said. Tifa sighed as she watched him toddle off.
"He is forgetful." Yuna said. "But at least I know some more."
"Yunie." Tifa said. "What you are doing sounds risky. You might even put yourself at danger here. You sure you want to do this for Lenne? She might want to stay dead."
"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.
"Just be an alert ok?" she asked. Yuna nodded.
"You bet!" she exclaimed. Tifa smiled. She looked back at her friends. "Maybe I should go in alone." She added. Tifa and Katejina both nodded. Yuna smiled nervously. She went into the cave; she closed her eyes upon entering hoping to find Lenne easier. She felt something in front of her, she opened her eyes and Lenne stood there.
"Welcome back." She said. "I had a conversation with Maechen the other night he tell you?"
"Not really, he already forgot it." Yuna said. Lenne chuckled.
"I am not surprised." She said. "Anyway he told me where my body is!"
"Where?!" Yuna asked not being able to contain her anxiousness. Lenne chuckled again.
"In this cave someplace." She said "He told me it was perfectly preserved somehow, maybe the Fayth themselves had to do with it. It's been a dream to walk along the mortals again." She looked down sadly.
"What?" Yuna asked. "I thought this would make you happy."
"One thousand years have passed." Lenne said. "My friends, my family, all dead, if I did come back where would I return to?"
"How about here?" Yuna asked. Lenne looked up and at Yuna she smiled.
"I guess it could work." Lenne said. "Seems like you have a plan my friend."
"I do" Yuna nodded. "My songstress dressphere has your memories, I know I have some inside me. If I use them both combined with your own memories of you, we might bring you back whole."
"You would putting yourself at an awful risk Yuna." Lenne warned. "You might lose yourself or part of yourself in me. I do not want that."
"What do you suggest then?" Yuna asked. Lenne thought for a minute.
"Become the songstress." She said. Yuna looked at her blankly. "You become the songstress I might be able to siphon my memories from you, but you have to stay focused." Yuna nodded and changed into the Songstress in a glimmer of lights. She stepped out and looked at Lenne. Lenne sat down, Yuna joined her. Lenne put out her hand, Yuna placed her palm in her hand, and it was shaking.
"Do not be afraid." She comforted. "Stay focus and you will be fine." Yuna nodded. Lenne put her other hand on Yuna's hand and shut her eyes. Yuna did the same, she searched herself for the memories of Lenne. A white mist surrounded the two women the cave was silent. Lenne felt herself fill with her memories. She then opened her eyes and released her grip. She then saw Yuna slump to the ground.
"YUNA!" she cried. She went to Yuna who was covered in sweat. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly.
"We did it." She said softly. Lenne nodded. She helped up Yuna who staggered. She regained her footing.
"I am sorry I should have realized it would be taxing for you." Lenne said.
"I'm ok." Yuna said. "Can you find your body?" Lenne stood still for a moment.
"Yes it is close." Lenne took the lead and Yuna followed. They came to a crystallized lake. Yuna looked and said something.
"LOOK!" she cried out.
Lenne looked to she her body rising it wasn't decayed no signs of age. Yuna then looked up and saw a dark figure leap down in attack of Yuna. Yuna was able to dodge but she was still in songstress and the attacker was closing in. Yuna had no time to choose the dresssphere she just had to change quickly. She did a back flip while the air around her shimmered. She landed she carried two weapons. She was now in the thief dresssphere.
"Lenne!" she called out. "Do what you have to do!"
"What about you?" Lenne asked.
"I'll be fine, I'll hold off whoever this is. Go!" Yuna shouted. Lenne went to her body. The attacker was busy with Yuna, Lenne went spiritual and lay in her own body. Yuna was on the defensive the attacker was extremely quick for something that size. Yuna was pushed having to keep up even as a thief. Yuna cast a glance to Lenne the body was covered in shimmering lights. Yuna had to buy her afew more minutes. The cat woman dove again Yuna leapt to meet her and drew one of her daggers across her side. The cat woman screamed.
"You'll pay!" she yelled and quickly ran out. Yuna fell to her knees exhausted. A bright light then blinded her, she turned her head and put up her arms. The light faded and Lenne stood there.
"It worked." Lenne said breathlessly. "I am alive again." Yuna approached Lenne with caution. Lenne smiled warmly at Yuna and embraced her. "Thank you my friend." Yuna nodded, she heard footsteps and turned. Katejina and Tifa where running.
"Everything ok?" Katejina asked. "We saw Ebon run out of here like a bat out of hell."
"We're fine." Yuna said. "Not only that but it worked." Tifa and Katejina looked at Lenne. Lenne smiled and nodded.
"Hello." She said.
"Hi." Tifa said.
"Hello Lenne." Katejina said. Tifa noticed Lenne and Yuna standing side by side.
"You two look like sisters." She observed. Yuna giggled
"We do don't we?" Yuna said.
"So what now Lenne is back?" Katejina asked. "seeing that Ebon was here they must have known Yuna would try this."
"How?" Yuna asked.
"That is simple." Lenne added. "Anyone who observes you know what you will do, it's simple really if there if something wrong you do your best to fix it. It's what makes you special Yuna." Yuna nodded, she noticed she was still a thief, she took her gunner sphere and held it up, she was cloaked in lights when they faded she was a gunner again. Tifa looked at the lake.
"How did this preserve you Lenne?" she asked. Lenne looked at the lake
"Trying to figure that out myself." She said.
"The answer is quite simple." Maechen said as he appeared. "the crystals in the lake preserved Lenne's body for this one moment. The time of her rebirth, it was said soon after the time of rebirth would come a calm."
"Calm?" Yuna asked. "This place seems calm enough already."
"It's not." Katejina said. "Ever since the judges and laws have faded disorder has taken over slowly. Mandrake and his goons are signs of that. But Mandrake is the bottom rung so to speak, he belongs to an order called the Black Pentagram."
"Black pentagram?" Tifa asked. Katejina nodded.
"An order of assassins. Mandrake is head of one point." Katejina said.
"Who are the other heads?" Yuna asked.
"Maelstrom, Darkness, Brimstone and Disorder." Lenne said. "I heard quite a lot about them my time here. They are all dangerous."
"So we should stop them." Yuna said. Lenne smiled
"Inspirational sort are you not?" She asked Yuna. Yuna smiled nervously
"Well I don't think they should get away with this. And unless I miss my guess the calm to Ivalice will come after we take care of them right Maechen?
"Yes." He said "But I fear it may be at a terrible price. I have a feeling that by the time the Pentagram is stopped one of those who fought to stop it will have paid the ultimate price." Tifa swallowed hard
"You mean one of us might be killed?" Tifa asked. Maechen nodded.
"There is no victory without a price." Maechen said. "But I might be wrong, but I have a feeling I might not be about this." Maechen walked into the shadows and disappeared. Tifa, Lenne, Katejina and Yuna exchanged worried glances.
"So what do we do?" Lenne asked. "Do we still fight?"
"Why not?" Katejina said. "He warned us so all we have to do is make sure it doesn't come true."
"You make is sound so easy." Yuna commented.
"Yunie," Tifa started. "I'm worried like you but you said we should stop them didn't you?"
"Yes, but I don't want to lose any friends while doing so." Yuna said firmly
"None of us do." Lenne said. "Like Katejina said we have to be careful. Prove Maechen wrong for once." Yuna smiled.
"So it's agreed then." Yuna said. "Since Mandrake is looking for us I guess we should finish with him, but then who?"
"Maelstrom would be the next choice." Katejina said. "No doubt he'll be a chore to handle though."
"I don't think we are going to have an easy time with any of them." Tifa added. "But I'm ready to do what it takes."
"Us too" Yuna and Lenne said at once. They nodded in agreement.
"I guess tonight is the last night in Forestria for awhile then." Yuna said as they left the cave. Lenne smiled
"The first steps are always hardest." She said. They went on foot back to town. Where Shaden met them. She noticed Lenne and was introduced. Yuna filled Shaden in on the plan.
"Sounds logical." Shaden said. "We can leave tomorrow." Everything was set. Lenne agreed to stay as the local quest house for the night free of charge. The night was upon them and in the morning they would start for another quest for the Calm.
