Cleansing Original Sin

Chapter 3: Fiendish Blitz {Part 2}

Yuna's lips twitched slightly. She tried to resist smiling. It was really, really hard. Asher's screwed up face had a very much stroke victim quality to it. The way he mimicked the tacky thing hanging from the ceiling behind him was completely dumb. That was intentional. He recounted the amazing story of Pimping the Shark. The shark named Pimping hung proudly above the somewhat scorched pool table by thick rope. The shark was smaller than a great white, but definitely huge. The way it was decorated was completely pretentious, and gaudy. It had a vividly purple colored wide brimmed hat adorning its head with a pink feather sticking from it. A long golden chain hung around its neck, fake diamonds in the 100% gold plated necklace shown almost as convincingly as real diamonds. The once fearful monster's predator grin had been reduced to comic amusement thanks to the now blunt looking golden teeth sparkling in its silly gob. Asher claimed that was actually real gold. Yuna sincerely doubted it.

Yuna finally broke down. A wide charming smile manifested itself on her full lips. She giggled girlishly. "That's quite the fish story…" She said cheerfully, disbelief still on her lips. "Gat took that thing down with his bare hands?"

Asher raised hand solemnly, just like he was swearing on Yevon's sacred texts. "I crid you not, Yuna…" Asher said seriously. There was still that silly knowing grin on his face that told her otherwise. "I was there. He almost lost a leg! Luckily, we had a healer on board. Gat takes his fishing on like it's a life, or death business. Well," Asher winced, laughing wryly. "That time it actually was!"

Tidus snorted rancorously, amused smile manifested on his face. Yuna looked to Tidus. Asher, and Tidus looked to be getting along well thus far; better than Yuna could have hoped. She didn't have very many doubts about them getting along. Asher was fairly amiable boy. So was Tidus. "I took down a much bigger monster on the way over." Tidus bragged jauntily. "That Sinspawn had to at least be twice the size of a great white."

Asher shook his head, rolling his blue spiraled eyes. "I bet that was a minnow…" He deadpanned questioningly. "You've obviously have never seen my bro Gat at work. Now, he's what Sin is to the wide Fiend population. Complete genocide on two legs."

Tidus, and Asher continued to argue animatedly. Comparing, and contrasting their heroes in Gat and Auron. It was clear they both admired the men. Auron was more widely famous for getting her father to Zanarkand. Gat was somewhat more esoteric. Yuna had heard things… None of them pleasant. Luzzu, and Gatta had told horror stories around campfire. He was very much a boogieman. Yuna was savvy enough at her young age not to believe to hype. Then again, anyone who was Blackbriar employed seemed to be shaded in bad press. Asher was no exception… Yuna knew better. She knew him better than any storyteller could imagine.

Lulu, and Kimahri sat on the L shaped couch in Asher's living room abode along with them quietly. Lulu offered short words. Kimahri seemed to eye the giant fish hungrily. Yuna found herself giggling some. There was no hiding cats loved seafood. Even Ronso were no exception to the rule.

A small, soft musical beep was heard overhead. Everyone looked up, Asher got up from his seat. He took one snack from a bowl, and chomped down on it. Yuna got up, knowing what that meant. Even she knew that signal from their child. "We're back in Luca." She stated cheerily, a person who was ignorant of technology might have given her a questioning look. Everyone who didn't really did, actually. Asher smiled knowingly. And so did Yuna.

Tidus piped up, expressed satisfaction in his easy speech. He grinned widely. "Can't remember the last time I heard that tune. Auto pilot is an awesome thing. I thought my home only had that. Mine's set on a pretty cool song. Surprised you keep on the basic default setting."

Asher shrugged carelessly. "Never got around to it." He replied casually, a bit of curiosity was found in a question. "You have a house boat, too?"

Tidus grinned wider still. He was possibly giving Pimping competition with dopey grins. "Oh, yeah. Back in my hometown, Asher. It's very plush. Like your place."

Asher smiled a bit. He didn't exactly have a lot of company besides his clients, and the few friends he had. Moving all the time didn't help the frequency of it. It actually was nice to have people over…even if he knew they'd be leaving soon. "Well, Yuna." He said somewhat sadly, turning to the young Summoner. He almost didn't want to look her in the eye. Deep down, Asher didn't want to. Adnu knows he didn't want to say this. "I guess this is your stop. I'll probably see you around…"

Yuna blinked, surprised by the impromptu goodbye. "What do you mean?" She asked carefully. Yuna frowned, touching his arm gently. It was that same caring touch she'd always used. Still, it always shook him. "You're not coming with us…"

Asher didn't have a strong argument. Those big emerald and azure colored jewel like eyes met his blues. She probed him in that wanting gaze for reasons. He averted his eyes. Asher shouldn't have had to tell her why. Yuna knew damned well why.

"You're coming with us." Lulu's voice said with quiet finality. Lulu came up beside them, small smiled on her purple colored lips. "Just because that's what Yuna seems to want." The dark sorceress tiled her head to Yuna marginally, frolicking tones on her lips in a barely imperceptible way. "And the Lady Summoner gets what she wants, correct?"

Kimahri joined them, muscled arms still crossed over his chest. He merely nodded in agreement. His silted eyes were full of silent meaning. Strong respect was firm in them.

Tidus snuck up behind him, throwing an arm around over his shoulder. Very friendly, and brotherly for the very short space he'd known him. "C'mon, dude." Tidus chided him playfully. "You're coming with us. No questions asked."

Asher snorted, giving in entirely. He threw up his arms in the air in surrender for the second time today. Right now, he was happy to submit to Yuna's gleeful bunch of weirdoes. "I guess I can't argue." He plainly stated, offering his hand out to Yuna. "Not when you're all ganging up on me. Alright. You may Shanghai me, Princess."

Yuna grinned widely, taking his hand in return. She let a happy little titter. Asher couldn't help getting infected with the same one. He let himself be taken by the hand into Luca. As they entered the city, they found a view sphere playing the last seconds of the game. By the skin of their teeth, the Besaid Aurochs managed to win over the Al Bhed's native sons. Not that Asher cared. He was a little more impressed with the Auroch captain's moves. Yuna, and Tidus cheered excitedly. Asher smirked a little. "Serves those tend ycc sudranvilganc right. I guess that cowlick of his got Miss Lulu's little transmission fine." He commented jokingly. After the joke, his tone turned a little more serious. His analytical side processed the little bit of the game he saw. While kinda brutish and unpolished…That guy on the screen was definitely a professional Blitzer. Asher always respected the Auroch captain in that way. "Well, the Aurochs have gotten better since last year's Blitz off. They were a lot worse in last year's games. They lost during the first round to the Goers. It was kinda sad. Even I felt sorry for them."

"We're going to win this year." Tidus informed him proudly. A cocky grin spilt his lips. "Because, I'm there."

"Better you than Wakka…" Lulu decided disparagingly, letting out a small unlady like snort. She palmed her face at the neatly passed out redheaded man floating in the water. Asher didn't completely blame the guy. The Psyches gave him a terrible beatdown. Lesser men would have already expired by now. "He's just as ungraceful as ever." She complained. "If it were Chappu, he'd still be standing."

"Hey, Lulu." Tidus protested, frowning slightly. He came to face Lulu, looking her dead in the eye. "That's unfair to Wakka, don't you think?"

"Excuse me?" Lulu inquired darkly, her single harsh visible red eye settled on Tidus. Asher was a little glad that wasn't him on the receiving end.

"I could never take Chappu's place." Tidus informed her solemnly. "You told Wakka that, right Lulu? And I don't think-" For once, this kid was without any dumb comments. He was trying to be honest, and up front with what he thought; although he yammered like a parched, half delirious man trying to find his way through the Bikanel Sandsea. He guessed whatever matter this Chappu dude settled into was a dead serious one. Yuna noticeably stiffened, sadly glanced off to the side. Clearly, this Chappu was someone Yuna knew. Likely, he was deceased…

"You don't want to finish that sentence…" Lulu cut him off sharply. Her red eye narrowed dangerously, glowing with dark power. For a moment, he thought Tidus was a dead man. He winced, whimpering like a kicked Chocobo. He put his hands up defensively, waving them akimbo in some make shift attempt to establish a Reflect spell. Asher was pretty sure Yuna was the single practicing White Mage here.

Lulu stomped ahead of them. She didn't spare any wishes for them to follow. Obviously, the other Black Mage wasn't in a good mood. Asher clapped Tidus on the back, deadpanning flatly. He wore a small smile to show he was being teasing. "Smooth moves, man. Hope you're better on the court than you are wooing the ladies."

Tidus grumbled, rolling his eyes. "You sound like my old man."

Asher shrugged carelessly, encouraging Tidus. "Listen, don't let it bother you. Do your best out there. Everything else'll follow. I promise that much."

Suddenly, Tidus lost his frown. He plastered a huge grin on face. He was ready for anything. "You're right, Asher! I gotta get my head in the game!"

Tidus jogged on ahead, going straight to the stadium proper. He challenged Kimahri to a little race. The huge cat man surprisingly accepted with a succinct nod. They both took off like mana powered rockets. Asher smiled widely. Yuna shared his smile, letting out a small laugh. She watched Tidus, and Kimarhri leave. They had all the combined energy in Spira behind them. That was for sure. Yuna squeezed his shoulder appreciatively. "Pep talks were always your forte, Asher." She said cheerfully. "You continuously knew how to lift my spirits up when we were kids."

Asher shrugged once more. He treated it like it was nothing. It really wasn't a big deal. He'd do that for any one of his friends. He considered it funny, though. Under an hour ago, Tidus was threatening his life. He let out a wry chuckle. "That's just me, I guess."

"Yes, it is." Yuna agreed gently, taking his hand once more. She let him know they were alone with a small affectionate squeeze. Asher found himself squeezing back. They slowly followed after Tidus, taking in this small walk to appreciate the ocean breeze.

Best worst morning ever. Asher grinned ever wider, letting out a content sigh. Adnu might like me after all.

When they entered the locker room, little worried cries filled the air. The men were obviously from Besaid. Their native island twang was something Asher immediately recognized. He'd never been to Besaid, but he had sold more than a few choice guns to a couple open minded islanders who found themselves on his boat doing business with him. They let Tidus go in first. "Miss me, guys?" Tidus inquired playfully. He deftly kicked a ball lying on the floor up into the air, and caught it with the greatest of ease. Tidus spun it on his finger one of the blue bumps purveying the ball. Asher was impressed slightly. Dexterity was a must in Blitz.

They all filed into the room. Yuna was protectively flanked by her dedicated Guardians Lulu, and Kimahri. Something like this incident wouldn't happen twice.

"Lady Yuna! You're safe!" One of the several men wearing the Aurochs' signature yellow exclaimed. The tall tanned man from the video sphere was sparled out on the locker room benches. Asher immediately knew his face. It wasn't one he liked to see under any scenario. Still, for Yuna, he tried to keep his disdain on hold.

Yuna bowed deeply, profusely apologizing for distressing them. "I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry for worrying you."

Asher patted the girl on the back shoulder. "Wasn't your fault, Yuna." He let her know comfortingly. Yuna touched his hand gratefully in return. "Bad crid happens."

Everyone in the locker room who was an Auroch, and not Wakka eyed Asher suspiciously. His use of Al Bhed was enough to get all their eyes on him. Heaven forbid if someone laid a finger on the Lady Summoner. Asher shrugged off the glares, he was used to it. He straight up didn't give a damn.

"I can't believ-" Wakka lifted up his head, painfully grunting. His dark eyes widened in instant recognition of Asher's face. "YOU!" Wakka snapped. "What're ya doin' here?!"

"Hello to you too, Wakka." Asher returned blandly, crossing his arms. One hand snapped up a jaunty military salute. "Been a while, Capt'n. Congrats on the win. I didn't think I'd be ever saying that to you, but vilg mesideways…here I am."

Wakka blinked, taken aback by his genuine sounding congratulations. He gaped. "Why would you-"

"Wakka." Lulu said sternly, stepping up before the bench. Wakka glared past her at Asher. He merely smirked back at Wakka. It was half taunting, half self-satisfied. Wakka's dumbfounded face was priceless. He wished he could have taken a picture for posterity's sake.

"Asher helped save Yuna." Lulu immediately began to explain calmly. She was interrupted post haste. One of the Aurochs gaped, letting the information process almost instantaneously. "You're the Captain of the Al Bhed Psyches! I thought I knew your face from somewhere!"

"Ex-captain." Asher pointed out monotonously, shrugging at the unimportant fact. "I haven't been their captain for a long ass time. I quit Blitz in general a few years ago."

"Wait…" Tidus cut in. "Why didn't you tell us that?"

Asher rolled his eyes, jesting flatly. "You didn't ask. Besides, would you have trusted me initially if I shared that?"

"No…" Tidus answered without hesitation.

Asher waved him off airily. "My point exactly, Tidus."

Yuna snickered, touching Asher's arm. "I was his biggest fan. I ran away from home once just to see him play several times." Kimahri frowned at that. Yuna remembered how much the beast man was worried for her when she came home. Kimahri forgave her, and only asked that she take him along next time. Kimahri reportedly liked Blitz as well.

"I was honored." Asher said half-jokingly, patting Yuna on the head. The Grand Summoner's daughter blushed brightly. "The Lady Summoner was definitely my classiest fan. Not at all like groupies that used to friggin' pile up."

Tidus was genuinely surprised by the revelation. He completely forgot about Asher's previous affiliation with Yuna's kidnappers by now. What was important was Blitz! "Asher, dude!" Tidus half shouted out of excitement, grabbing Asher by the shoulder. "You can play Blitz! That's awesome!"

Asher snorted with humor, sarcastically ribbing his new friend. "Glad you caught on, buddy." He brushed Tidus' hand of playfully, smiling proudly. "I've been told that I used to cut a mean punt past the goalie when I was still playing."

Yuna's variably colored green, and blue eyes lit up brilliantly. "Asher!" She squealed with excitement, her hands came up in an exaggerated gesture that accented her cuteness. Asher found himself blushing a little merely at that. "Since you're here, that means you can play!"

It was Asher's turn to blink rapidly. Two voices with distinct accents, and thoughts protested in sync. "Not a chance…" "Not a chance in Sin drawn hell, ya."

Wakka, and Asher glared at each other for a long moment. The whole room dropped a degree or two. Lulu sighed. Asher bit down on his lip to keep his anger at bay. Asher wanted to let Wakka have it. He took a deep, long cooling breath. He had a promise to keep to Yuna. "Listen, Tidus, Yuna." Asher started carefully. He looked between the two to establish empathetic connection between them. "I haven't played Blitz in two years. I haven't even bothered practicing. I don't think you'd want me ruining your championship shot. A quitter like me is last thing you need."

Yuna shook her head, grabbing his hand. She lifted it up to eye level, and encased his hand in her other hand. Yuna's hands were softly warm to the touch against his own big calloused ones. "I know you have it in you to succeed, Asher." Yuna candidly disagreed, giving him her best charming smile. It was one of those sweet smiles that should have melted any ice left on every heart in the room. Asher felt like he was mush already. "It doesn't matter if it's Blitzball, or anything else, Asher. I will always believe in you. I know Sara did as well. She'd be cheering you on in the stands with me if she were still here with us."

Asher was quiet. Hearing that name again welled up all kinds of feeling to rise in his chest. Somehow grief was interwoven with determination. "Thank you, Yuna…" Asher gratefully said. He put his other hand on her hands to communicate this further. Admitting this caused him to feel heat coursing through his face. "It's…been a long time since anyone talked to me like that. I'll play…as long as everyone else is okay with it."

Asher looked over the rest of the Aurochs. There was already a small debate among the members.

"C'mon, he's an Al Bhed! Can we even play with a non-believer?"

"I don't think that has anything to do with anything. He was one of the youngest players to make MVB a few years ago."

"We'll need the advantage, but the kid has a point. He hasn't even played Blitz since he quit. There ain't even time to warm up!"

"Lady Yuna says she wants him to play. That's good enough for me. Besides, this takes pressure offa my shoulders. I can sit it out, watch the game, have a beer, and that a chili dog that's been hauntin' me dreams. Yanno, not get the crap knocked outta me by the Goers for once."

There were a lot of words in this exchange, but one man who could decide overall. Lulu stood over the victoriously beaten Wakka. The team captain sat there on the bench, looking contemplative. Lulu thought she should make the decision easier. "We do owe Asher both financially, and spiritually." Lulu pointed out quietly to her redheaded companion. She looked to the ground shamefully. "We did ruin his abode, threaten him, and poke weapons in his face. Yet, he still chose to help us. He could have told us to vilg off…" Wakka groaned at her use of Al Bhed. Lulu only smirked back. "…So to speak."

Asher strode up to the bench, crossing his arms. "I'll make it easier for you, Wakka." He offered his compromise neutrally. Asher fell into his logical business mode. It felt like he was making a gun deal rather than playing Blitz for the worst team in Spira. "If we lose, you don't have to pay me. If we win, you pay for the damages on my boat. We'll be completely square after that. You can use the rest of the prize money for whatever you want."

Wakka sighed deeply, letting a tight scowl take up his face. "Fine…" He agreed tentatively, he narrowed his eyes on Asher slightly. "I'll blame ya if we lose, though."

Asher shrugged. "What else is new? The Al Bhed seem to be the answer to all of your issues."

Wakka looked like he wanted to say something. Lulu's warning look censored him entirely. He huffed, and pouted to himself. That look on Wakka looked a lot better on Yuna. Speaking of Yuna, she looked like she was ready to leap on Wakka. She cheered, hugging Wakka. "Thank you so much, Wakka. This does mean a lot to me."

Wakka flushed a shade of red that matched his hair. Like Asher, his main weakness was also the young Summoner. "Alright, alright…" He moaned, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "You can profusely thank me once we win, Yuna."

Yuna tittered, stepping her way to Asher. She held Asher's hand once more, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "I believe in you." Asher silent thanked her. She waved goodbye to everyone, cheerily wishing them all the best of luck. With that, Yuna left with Kimahri for the stands to look for the best seats. Asher was sure her status alone would get her the best seat possible. Only a Maester, or team owners could get better ones.

Asher watched her leave with a smile. Tidus grinned big along with Asher, standing right next to him. "If you're nearly as good as everyone says you are." Tidus started up, patting him on the shoulder. "This should be a breeze."

"I'm glad you and Yuna have confidence in me." Asher sighed, cautiously glancing to the other members of the team. They whispered among themselves. All of them seemed to have their reservations about these two taking their spot on the team. Asher thought it was reasonable. He still had his fears as well. "Not everyone else seems to believe as hard as you two do."

"You'll do alright, Asher." Tidus chirped, locking eyes with Asher. Nothing in those baby blues seemed to share any doubt. "Even I get the jitters sometimes. Just don't let the butterflies get the better of you. They're worse than Fiends."

Asher stared for a long moment. Lulu came up to them, offering her own sagely advice. She smiled kindly at them. This time Lulu spoke with genuine warmth. "Think of it as facing a monster in battle, boys." She gave Asher a quick wink, implying something devious by the crack of power lighting up fingertips. Her index finger pointed upwards flickered with the power of flame. It was easily snuffed out by her thumb. "Everything goes: even magic."

Asher flashed a shark like grin that would have made Pimping proud. All of his worries seemed to snuff out like Lulu's flame. "You're right, Lulu." He concurred evenly. "That dumb hunk of junk we obliterated was way worse than Bicky, and his fangirls."

Asher, and Tidus shared a look. It was absolute acknowledgement they were going to win. Two differing shades of blue united in absolute confidence. Asher, and Tidus high fived sharply, it let off an intense crack like thunder. "Let's do this cred! We're gonna make the impossible possible!" Asher shouted. Everyone else in the locker room shouted in complete unison. It was a battle cry even the faithful communally shared with one unyoked from the faith.

Lulu smiled genuinely to herself. It might have been this type of joined determination might not have only won them the game. Someday, this sense of community might win them back Spira. It was a wonderful image. The cynic inside Lulu wanted to scoff. Deep down, Lulu knew it was possible.

All the rest of the men left in a rush of excited tension. Wakka sat there, starring distantly at the slammed shut door. "Ya think they can do it…?"

Lulu nodded, quietly speaking her faithful words. "I always believed, Wakka; even when you were out there getting beaten to a fine pulp."

Wakka chuckled sheepishly. "You saw, ya? Not my most graceful performance ever. " He let out slight grunt to decorate the grimace on his face. A bolt of pain shot through his side where a Goer had tackled him, and where another had kicked him. There were too many places that should have hurt, but didn't. A green glow emitted from Lulu's hand. It was a pleasing sense of warmth Wakka couldn't completely define. "Thanks, Lu. It ain't often that I see ya use healing magic."

Lulu sat down next to him, leaning to the point where her head rested on his shoulder. "Other than Chappu, you're the only man I'd do this for…"

"Lu…" Lulu silenced his words with a graceful finger on his lips. Lulu shook her head; a slight smile parted her purple shaded lips. "Let's just…enjoy the game."

Wakka didn't say a word. They both sat there, enjoying one another's company. Lulu felt him snake his arm around his waist. Lulu didn't mind. This was what lovers did. Even secretive ones shared such a bond.

They watched the game with eager, and yet nervous anticipation. For years to come, everyone who was there would say this Blitz Cup Open would be the one to remember for more reasons than one.