Chapter 4

The Temple of Fire's Cloister of Trials was a maze of magical flame so of course it was uncomfortably hot inside. I tried to keep my attention on the puzzles because I just wanted to be done here.

I walked down the hall back to the niche in the wall where I'd set one of the Kilika spheres and picked it up. These ridiculous puzzles would be infinitely easier if one could hold two of the crystal spheres at the same time. Unfortunately the damned things actually repel each other like polarized magnets.

I'd already found the switch in the corner. So I carried the sphere to the pedestal's new location next to the stairs and inserted the sphere into the slot. I pushed the pedestal along the ledge. When the pedestal bumped into the wall I moved to the other side and pushed it into the niche, where the switch was located. Once it was on the switch, a magical seal appeared and then broke. As the magic disappeared, the pedestal, along with the whole niche it was standing on dropped loudly out of sight.

I retrieved the purple destruction sphere from its resting place in the alcove nearby and carried it down the stairs. As I'd suspected, another slot for a sphere had been uncovered. I inserted the amethyst colored crystal globe and another large seal appeared and then broke, finally revealing a treasure chest in a small opening within the wall.

I opened it and tossed the prize to Karin. It offered its wearer magical protection from fire, but the colorful bangle would've looked ridiculous on me. She squealed a thank you as she put it on and admired it, blushing.

I snorted and rolled my eyes, already thinking about the next piece of the puzzle. There was another set of stairs to my right leading to the Chamber of the Fayth, but the door was still locked. With a sigh, I went back to the other room and grabbed the last Kilika sphere.

When I placed the sphere into the socket, the wall burst into flames and then disappeared revealing the path to the inner sanctum. Once we were inside that chamber it was much cooler so everyone else relaxed as I approached the Sanctuary of the Fayth.

"So, now what do we do?" Naruto asked looking around at the others- I paused, taking note of the way he avoided looking at me.

"Now we get to relax. This is the easy part," Suigetsu smirked. "Sasuke's always had a strong affinity for magic and spirits so this won't take long at all."

I turned and touched the huge metal shield blocking the door to the Fayth. I'm used to such comments and yet it's still strange to hear people say things like that, because everything summoners are trained to do feels so normal to me…

Never the less, the magical lock opened and the huge metal seal was pulled noisily upward into the wall and out of sight. Translucent lotus petals folded back before me also as I walked into the inner chamber.

The Fayth was a statue set in the floor and wreathed in dancing flame; both were encased in the same type of crystal that the fist sized puzzle spheres were made out of. Valefore's Fayth had been encased in crystal too, when I was a child.

The statue that had given me Naruto had not been anything like this. But I could still see it clearly in my mind. Freestanding and looped with massive chains- some that were carved out of solid stone and all of it was surrounded by countless wards and sigils. The differences were unforgettably puzzling...

Still, this wasn't the time to worry about that. I knelt before the crystal encased statue, and tried to clear my mind.

"You are quite young to have so many questions on your heart…" The words were spoken in a soft whisper but somehow they echoed melodically inside the small room.

"Maybe," I blushed but knew that there was no point in denying it. "But I'm a Summoner and no matter what answers I find, I won't let anything stop me from fighting Sin."

"I sense power and much determination in your heart, but I feel anger as well… Always be aware of the emotions which guide your hand. The road ahead only gets longer and more dangerous- for you and your guardians."

I nodded. "I will. Will you help me on this quest?"

"Yes. The Aeon of Fire will stand at your side, always."

I felt the Fayth's power join with mine and I bowed to the statue beneath me.

"We won't meet again," This time I felt the whisper deep within my heart- the voice fading even as I heard it. "But use this gift to protect Spira and it will protect you."

I nodded. "Thank you."

I said a final prayer and gave the sign of Yevon's blessing before I went back out to my guardians. "We're done, let's go."

Suigetsu grinned at Naruto. "See, what'd I tell you? Sasuke's the best."

"Hey? Do you guys want to go down to the beach tonight? I mean once we get back to Kilika?" Karin asked.

I shrugged. I already knew I was going to go to the inn and go back to bed, but I wasn't about to admit it- not yet. "We'll see. Let's just get back to the village first."

In front of us, the door leading back through the Cloister of Trials opened and I growled at the thought of seeing Kabuto again…

Luckily, the figure coming up the stairs toward us wasn't the creepy High Priest- although this guy could almost be as annoying...

"Ah, hello again Lord Sasuke," The long haired boy purred silkily as he hugged me. "I'm glad Besaid's Elders finally acknowledged you, but I see you're still traveling with all of your… childhood playmates?"

I snorted and disentangled myself from Haku's embrace.

"Oh, Lord Haku." Karin bowed, a faint blush dusting her cheeks- she was practically drooling watching the other boy flirt with me.

Naruto growled predictably as he nudged the others aside to stand beside me.

"Well hello, handsome. Easy there, lover boy." Haku purred, he poked Naruto's chest with one slender finger. Then he giggled, smirking at me. "No need to be jealous right, Sas?"

I just growled but speaking of jealousy…

"Let's go, Haku." The predictably gruff voice was Zabuza's, and the huge swordsman looked every bit as unhappy as Naruto did. He was the Haku's long time guardian; the pair has been lovers for as long as I've known them. That disturbs me because I was ten and Haku was only twelve when Macalania temple accepted him for Summoner's training. Zabuza is almost old enough to be Haku's father- never the less they seemed devoted to each other…

"We're done here, but I suppose we'll see each other again, in Luca," Suigetsu said.

I growled, praying that we weren't going to be stuck on the same ship to Luca with these two. I don't mind hanging around with Hinata and her guardians. But Haku never seems to get tired of flirting with me- publicly… Part of me knows he is just doing it because he knows it bothers me, but I have always sensed that he would do a lot more than flirt if he thought I would let him. Needless to say, I hurried outside.

At twilight, the Temple of Fire was even more beautiful and imposing than it was during the day time. As the sky darkened around us, the large crystal globes of flame that decorated the massive causeway stood out even more brilliantly. They were visible for miles around in total darkness and ships approaching the island used them as beacons on stormy days to find land and the village.

We probably could have spent the night at the temple for a small donation, but I wasn't tired yet. I wanted to go back to the inn, because then we'd be closer to the ships in the morning-

"You don't like them?" Naruto asked somewhat hesitantly, distracting me from my thoughts.

"Haku's alright," Suigetsu shrugged. "But he's been trying to get into Sasuke's pants since they met years ago- mostly because he knows it makes Karin cream her panties."

"Shut up! I do not!" Karin snapped whacking him in the head with her staff. "Gawd. You're such an asshole…"

"Knock it off you two," I snapped. "We're approaching the rainforest so be quiet. This isn't the time or the place to be playing around."

Compared to our afternoon trek to the temple, the late evening trip back to the village was easier. A few lightning elements and a few Ragora plants tried their luck, but I was just glad that no more sin spawn showed up.

I wasn't interested in sitting on the beach though. Being a summoner is tiring, so I went straight to the Inn and the shower.

Naruto followed and wrapped his arms around me; I moaned enjoying the warmth of his body against my back. I leaned into him as he sucked on the back of my neck. Needless to say, our shower ended with very cold water.

Not long after that, I was immediately dragged into bed partially on top of Naruto. I fell asleep listening to the sound of him purring.

Morning came earlier than I wanted it to, but I took another shower and by that time Naruto was stirring. He grabbed me, but I cast the grooming spell on him and got him dressed before he could undress me.

"You'll need to be on your best behavior today," I said playfully.

"And what does that mean? You weren't complaining last night."

I snorted coolly. "I just mean, when you don't understand something, please wait to inquire about it until these three or myself can explain it to you- privately."

"Oh. Okay."

"Let's go," I started for the door but Naruto yanked into his arms for another kiss instead. I kissed him back, but then growled when the kiss ended and I realized I was trying to get his shirt off of him. I threw a punch at him but he blocked and laughed all the way down the stairs.

The innkeeper was no where in sight, but there were breakfast pastries identical to the ones served yesterday waiting for us on the counter. I took one and Naruto took two so I left a few gil beside the serving tray.

"So," He took a bite of pastry. "Uhm- what is this Zanarkand place that everyone keeps talking about?"

"Zanarkand is a holy place…" I answered. I took another bite of mine as well, but barely tasted it. "The ruins of a city destroyed a thousand years ago by the ancient machina war. Only summoners and their guardians go there now. It is the resting place of the Final Aeon. All of our battles and all my other Aeons are training for my fight with Sin."

"Lord Summoner." The captain of the ship bowed as we walked along the dock. "Is your party ready to board?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Then welcome to the S.S. Winno. Your party is the last to arrive, but that is okay because it looks like we'll make it to the tournament in plenty of time."

"The other ship already left early this morning, Haku and Hinata were both on it. Not that it matters because the idiots in Luca can't start with the whole Luca Goers team is on this ship anyway." Suigestu smirked.

"Don't forget about us," Wakka said.

"Of course, you're in the tournament, but it isn't like anyone is picking the Besaid Aurochs to win…" Suigetsu pointed out. "Cheer up, Wakka; you'll still get some sphere time. I mean, if they do a bloopers reel again after the tournament this year, Botta and Keepa will probably be on screen again for most of it again."

"Aww come on, boys buck up," Someone behind us sneered. "I'm sure there will be plenty of room up on the gag reel for Wakka and the other Aurochs too."

"Nobody asked you," I turned and then growled, once I realized that my first guess would've been correct. It was the star player of the Luca team, "Bickson."

"Oh, pardon me, Lord Sasuke. Statistically speaking, they'll have to beat another team someday- it just won't be us. The Luca Goers are taking home another trophy." He said as he and his teammates wandered off to the other end of the ship's deck.

I growled. Some people are just jerks.

"Don't look like that," Naruto growled, looking around at the Besaid team. "Come on, the games haven't even started yet and you guys already look like you lost!"

"Three years in a row our first game has been against them- and we lost every time…"

"Well then, maybe this year you'll finally start against someone else!" Naruto grinned.

I nodded. "I know you trained especially hard this year. Things have to get better sometime, Wakka."

"Easy for you to say," Wakka sighed. "People believe in you, Sasuke."

"I fought hard and I believed in myself, Wakka." I snapped. "That's the only way to show that we are worth believing in."

"You sure told him." Naruto grinned following me down the deck of the ship. "I never figured you would be giving speeches like that."

"They deserve to win one… But they'll have to fight for it."

"Well sure," Naruto nodded. "But there's always next year, if they lose again, right?"

I felt a sick feeling stirring in the pit of my stomach, but I nodded quietly. Yes, the Aurochs will get another shot next year- but I won't be around to see it. I wanted to see them win once this year because even if I stop Sin, this will still be my last trip to Luca. I knew it is selfish of me, but I wanted to be there when they win…

"You okay?" Naruto looked at me oddly.

"I'm fine," I nodded.

"Lord Summoner?" For once I was glad to have my title called because Naruto let it go, but it was clear that he didn't really believe me.

I nodded. "Yes?"

I turned to see a man with bright red hair and a big green pack strapped to his back who bowed deeply to me. "O'aka the XXIII, Merchant extraordinaire at your service! Someday I'll have items on sale from places you've probably never even heard of! Mark my words, my Lord."

I snorted dubiously, as a Summoner I've dedicated years to studying the lands and waterways of where we will be going. "I doubt that, but if you aren't actually selling anything, then what are you doing?"

"Well, as it just so happens, I'm on a mission to collect funds to invest in me shop. You wouldn't happen to have a bit of gil to lend, would you?"

Naruto stood behind him shaking his head but I gave the man a handful of gil anyway. The merchant grinned and bowed. "Thank you. I won't forget this. You mark my words, Lord Sasuke; I'll find a way to pay you back for your kind generosity."

He wandered off down the deck and Naruto scoffed.

"You know he's probably going to the nearest tavern with that to buy some ale, right?"

I shrugged. "What else do have I have to spend my Gil on?" I asked. "I'm a summoner, remember? Besides, what did it hurt?"

Naruto didn't have an answer for that and the rest of the day passed uneventfully. I passed the time talking to the people on board the ship. Both the other passengers and the crew were excited about the upcoming tournament but I stubbornly stayed away from Wakka and the Goers. At sunset Naruto and I went to my room below deck but we didn't get much sleep this time either.

Never the less, the next morning dawned bright and sunny and we reached our destination. Luca's harbor was a sprawling collection of long docks built in a massive circle around the gargantuan Blitzball stadium and beyond that, laid the sphere theatre and the city proper.

Naruto stood near the front of the ship. He watched the sailors who were busy scurrying back and forth around the deck and up in the rigging of the mast as the S.S. Winno pulled smoothly into the dock.

I was more interested in the city beyond the docks and the stadium. As many times as I've made this trip, Luca is still breathtaking. Colorful people, banners and balloons are everywhere and the whole city gleams in beautiful, polished white marble.

This was the first time I've visited Luca that I would be able to leave the city after the tournament. So I couldn't wait for the tournament to begin. I'm excited for our adventure to begin because I know there are sights that I've only seen in books and memory spheres waiting for us just beyond the huge balcony at the north eastern end of Luca!

"Hey!" Naruto grunted, poking me in the back. "I said it's time to go!"

"Usually you're the one ignoring me," I purred, walking down the ramp. I waved to the sphere cameras but only for a moment and then I got happily lost in the crowd.

"I don't ignore you… Teme."

"Hey!" Karin called, catching up to us. "Don't leave without us!"

"I think there's something going on at Dock 3. I see even more people over there!" Juugo said.

"It must be the ship from Bevelle," I shrugged. "It means we've arrived just in time because Maester Mika is here."

"Great," Naruto grumbled under his breath. "But who is that?"

"Maester Mika has ruled all of Spira for the last 50 years. He is a very wise man," Juugo answered reverently.

"Come on," Suigetsu pushed forward, taking Naruto and I with him. "Let's head over there. We have almost an hour till the first game starts and that's plenty of time to get to our seats."

I nodded; we have plenty of time because even though the whole stadium area was flocked with people, there weren't enough that the seats would be packed yet. Besides, no matter who made it into the finals, the later matches would usually be the most exciting ones anyway.

"People of Spira, I bid you welcome to the tournament! But first I would like to introduce you to Lord Seymour Guado. He is the son of Maester Jyscal who departed for the Farplane a fortnight ago."

The crowd cheered as the Maesters came down the ship's ramp and headed for the stadium. I've never met Lord Seymour, but his father was one of the few who supported me in my quest to become a summoner. I was shocked and even a little sad when I heard that Lord Jyscal had died.

"Thank you, everyone for your kind welcome," This Lord Seymour looked like trouble to me. He was a few years older than me but it didn't look as if he were grieving for his father. He seemed well-spoken, but there was something I didn't like about his smirk. Everything about his manner and expression reminded me of a child who thought he was getting away with sneaking too many cookies from the jar before dinner… "I, Seymour Guado swear to use the power entrusted to me for the good of Spira and all of her people, just as my father did."

Naruto snorted. "Yeah right. That guy is up to something."

The crowd cheered I agreed with Naruto when Lord Seymour's eyes met mine. I was glad that the people in front of us were pushing us farther back from the Maesters and their procession toward the royal box.

"Sasuke!" The shout startled me, but I smiled up at Hinata. "Hey! Up here you guys!" Hinata waved looking down from the crowd above us. Summoners are allowed to sit in a special section near the Maesters, but Hinata and I have always declined the invitation. After our teams lose, we usually find ourselves more interested in the crowd than the games anyway.

Blitzball is a fast moving game that is played by two teams of six players inside a giant sphere of water that is created and maintained by magic. The games are fairly short but the competition is fierce. Players try to get the ball through the other team's defenses and into the net on the opposing side of the sphere pool.

"Hey!" Hinata grinned, sliding over to make room for us and offered me a small bag. "You guys want some popcorn?"

"No thanks," I said, shaking my head. "But maybe later…"

"Well, I'll tell you one thing. You guys are so lucky you waited for the other ship. Did you know High Priest Kabuto bitched about what a brat you are the whole trip over here? I mean I knew you two didn't get along but man, he was telling everyone that would listen." Kiba growled.

I couldn't help grinning a little at that.

"Yep. That's our Sasuke," Suigetsu announced proudly.

Hinata shook her head. "No, it's not funny you guys! Kiba's right; it was strange. I overheard Kabuto telling Lord Haku that you need to be brought under control, Sasuke!"

I sighed. I've heard that said before, but Hinata worries too much already. And saying it only makes it worse.

"So they have an Orochimaru in this world too, huh?" Naruto asked. "The one in my world was a real monster…"

"Then believe me, you won't like this one either," I whispered.

"Hey look! They've posted the draw!" Karin said pointing at one of the large screens near the scoreboard. "Besaid got a by! So, if they can beat the Al Bhed, they actually have a chance to make it to the finals!"

I wasn't sure the Aurochs could beat the Al Bhed, but at least they don't have to start against Luca this year. I know I'm being selfish again, but I really want to see them win one…