The terrain here was very rocky and there was no plant growth in sight, cliff-faces rose on either side and it was almost hard to see. Mushroom Rock Road was a dangerous place but it was even more dangerous after dark, they were all relieved that they'd made it here during the day.
Shizuo walked next to Kasuka, keeping an eye out for fiends. The path was filled with Crusaders standing around in preparation for the battle. They came to a split in the path and a man called out to them.
"Lady Yuna, the command center is that way. We aren't done with preparations this way."
Yuna nodded and they went left. Shizuo sighed, he wasn't sure what to make of this group. Yuna seemed nice and her guardians worked well together but they all had such different personalities. That Tidus guy was annoying and dumb. His clothes were weird as well. Oh well it wasn't any of Shizuo's business.
He looked around and spotted Izaya trailing behind them all looking deep in thought and Shizuo frowned. Izaya was a mystery and Shizuo still didn't fully trust him but he was a strong fighter and he never let them down in battle so Shizuo wasn't exceptionally worried either. Auron slowed down till he was next to Izaya and they started up a conversation. Shizuo looked away then.
Kasuka gave his brother a small smile and Shizuo returned it. The only noise as they walked was the small conversations from the Crusaders around them and Izaya and Auron's hushed tones. There was an air of anticipation that fell over everything and Shizuo's stomach clenched. This didn't seem like a good idea at all.
The fiends were tougher here but with the larger group they had an easy time. Finally, they reached the command center and took the elevator to the top. They were on top a large cliff overlooking the ocean and a small beach. There were machina set up all over the cliff top and Izaya stepped up next to Shizuo to look them over.
"They're called cannons."
Shizuo tilted his head.
"What do they do?"
Izaya smiled, waving his hand lazily.
"They shoot iron balls."
Shizuo nodded. But Wakka huffed.
"I don't know how you know that but I hate these things!"
He walked to the nearest one and kicked it, immediately he let out a curse and clutched his foot.
"It's sacrilegious!"
Lulu sighed and the rest of Yuna's group traded looks. Shizuo frowned, there was more to it than that apparently but he didn't want to pry. Besides he didn't particularly care enough to ask after Wakka's back story.
Wakka glared at all the machina.
"It won't work anyway."
Yuna stepped forward then, resting her hand on Wakka's shoulder.
"Don't say that. They want to be rid of Sin just as much as we do. They're trying what they can. Even if they are going against Yevon they are doing it for a noble purpose. I have to hope they succeed."
Wakka frowned but the stiffness in his shoulders relaxed a little.
"Alright. I don't like it but if it works then I won't say anything."
Yuna smiled at him and then they heard a roar from the beach. Shizuo looked down curiously. Crusaders were pulling on a large fiend trying to lead it into one of the numerous cages. Auron spoke from next to him.
"Sinspawn. They plan to bring Sin here with them."
Shizuo looked to Kasuka who gave him a serious look in return. This place was dangerous.
They continued towards the command center and found it behind some fences. They entered the curtained off area and Auron had a conversation with Maester Kinoc that Shizuo mostly tuned out. He'd been distracted by Izaya who looked tense and pale. Izaya was clutching at his knife and his jaw was set. Shizuo frowned, Sin was going to be here and Izaya had lost his family and friends to Sin. No wonder Izaya looked so tight-strung.
Shizuo finally looked away when Seymore approached Yuna. He didn't trust this guy either, he was creepy. Yuna bowed as Seymore spoke.
"Lady Yuna. I'd like you and your guardians to watch the operation, there's no need to participate but you are welcome to see it for your own eyes."
Yuna looked at the others and then nodded to Seymore.
"We will watch."
Seymore smiled and finally spared the rest of them a glance.
"Then when you are all ready the operation shall commence."
Shizuo moved to grab Kasuka's hand.
"Should we stay here or go watch?"
Kasuka seemed to debate it in his head for a moment.
"I think we should watch, we may even be able to help if things go sour."
Shizuo clenched his teeth at that.
"I won't let you join the front lines but if you want to help heal from a distance then that's fine."
Kasuka smiled at his concern and nodded.
"I'll only do that if it's necessary."
Shizuo nodded, relaxing a little but he kept his grip on Kasuka's hand and Kasuka gripped right back. This will be their first encounter with Sin. Shizuo just hopes they're prepared.
