Disclaimer : I don't own anything. PRNS I believe belongs to Disney, and FFX I think belongs to SquareEnix.
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(Mi'ihen Highroad.)
As we walked down the road, I took in the scenery around me. A long, almost flat plain in every direction, with seemingly endless fields of grass and flowers. The occassional bush, and what looked like remains of buildings dotted the land here and there.
Looking ahead of me, I noticed that it looked like the road would never end and found myself wondering how long it would take to get to the other side. A young woman stood by a chocobo on the side of the path, and I saw a man pay her money to ride one that she called for him.
Raising my eyebrow, I watched as it ran off down the road, the man bouncing on it's back, and winced as he fell off, landing on his face as the bird stopped nearby to wait for him.
That's new. I thought. Never would I have imagined that you could ride those things. Chocobo powered engines for boats, and to carry things, I guess I really should'nt have been surprised.
Suddenly, a medium sized, armoured fiend jumped out in front of us. It had giant claws, tiny legs, and almost looked like a rollie-pollie or something. Like if I curled it's head against it's ass, it would roll down the Highroad. Hmmm...fiend bowling. I had to shake my head to clear it and focus on the monster.
"Hah! That one looks slow!" I cheered, grabbing my blade.
Cam shook his head. "It's also tough. Let me handle this."
Shaking my own head, I took a step forward, honestly believing I could take it out myself. "No way! I got this!" Running forward, I slashed at the fiend, but my weapon barely even scratched it's armour, which made me frown as I jumped back. "What the...?"
Without another word, Cam ran forward, flinging off his jacket and used his two-handed sword to take the thing down in one hit.
I felt my jaw drop as he turned and walked back to us, his eyebrow raised as he looked at me.
Shane snickered from beside me. "Told ya. Sir Cam's the best!"
Feeling my face heat up, I looked at the ground as I strapped my blade to my back again. "Hmpf. I could've done that!" I muttered as we continued on.
We must've been walking for an hour at least, maybe more. I felt the sun shinging down and took off my jacket, tying it around my waist as I did so.
"Whoa. Weird bracelet." Shane mumbled, looking inquiringly at my morpher.
Remembering what Tori said, I paused, not knowing how to explain it. I could blame it on not remembering anything, but then how would I explain having it still? Maybe I could say it was important, but then he'd question how or why. Either way, I was aware of how much like Al Bhed technology it looked.
I must've paused too long, because Cam came over. "It's important to our journey Shane. There's no time to explain, but I'll tell you now it has powers like you've never seen before."
He frowned as he looked at it and his gaze became suspicious. "Looks like Al Bhed machina to me." he groused.
"In a way, it is." Cam agreed. "It is technology. But you won't be kicking him out of the group because of it. Besides, have you ever seen him use it?"
"Well, no, but-"
Cam cut him off with a raised hand. "I've already stated that it's important to this journey. Remember that Blake is from another world, so is this technology. It's not Al Bhed, so you can relax."
Hunter came over and looked at me curiously. "When you mentioned that you knew Zanarkand was destroyed, is it because of your being from another world?"
Pursing my lips, I looked at Tori who looked as lost as I felt. Sighing, I figured I might as well answer as many questions as I can. "Yes. In my world, we came across the ruins of Zanarkand, and went to explore it when we separated. I was attacked by Ifrit, who told me that the Summoner needed my help."
"We?" Hunter pressed lightly, tilting his head.
Oh boy...here it comes. I thought with dread. "Me and my friends."
Shane looked confused. "But you're here alone ya."
"I was the only one sent here." Well...as me anyways. Sighing, I filled them in. "Shane, remember how I acted when we first met?"
"You acted like you knew me ya." he answered with a nod.
"That's because I do. On my world, there are different versions of all of you that I know. We're warriors who fight to protect our world from danger."
Cam nodded. "The Aeons told me as much. There are no Summoners, Guardians, pilgrimages, Sin or much in the way of what we know."
Hunter nodded, looking puzzled. "And his ability to use thunder magic? And just who am I in your world?"
Looking away, I fought back the tears that suddenly came to my eyes. "Hunter Bradley. My older, adopted brother." Nodding to myself, I looked back over to see pain in his eyes, and a strange understanding. I knew that he realized that all the time he was being cold to me, he was hurting me deeper than he intended.
Tori walked up. "You never answered about the magic." she put in, pain in her eyes as she kept up her act.
"Thunder is my element. I could learn others, but all my life, I was trained in it."
Cam sighed. "As much as I believe this conversation should continue, we are not safe here, and must continue on the pilgrimage."
Hesitantly, everyone agreed and we continued down the road. I often noticed Shane looking at me uncertainly, or Hunter shooting me apologetic glances, and Tori walked by my side. When no one was looking, she grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"You were brave to talk about all that." she muttered quietly. "I wonder now if I should tell them the truth about myself too."
Shaking my head, I pointed briefly to Cam. "You should ask him. I'm pretty lost here."
Before we could continue talking, an older man came into view. He was bald headed and had pale blue eyes and very pale skin. Walking up to us, he pointed to what looked like a ruined building nearby. "Do you know what those ruins are from?"
Pausing, I looked at them closely a moment. "Some old city?"
He nodded. "A city most ancient. A terrible testiment to Sin's power. I tremble every time I see them. Compared to Sin, humans are mere mudpuppies."
"But I believe humans are the only ones capable of defeating Sin." Tori put in.
He sighed and let out a smile. "A good reply. I am relieved to hear you say that M'lady Summoner." He chuckled and shook his head. "Where are my manners? I am Zordon, a scholar."
I felt my eyes widen when he said that. Chancing a quick glance at Tori, I noticed her quickly concealing her shock. Everyone knew of the legendary Zordon who first brought the powers of Power Rangers to earth. From what I'd heard of him, he was dead. Killed to destroy evil in the universe, and free those under it's control.
Then again, it seemed anything was possible on this planet.
"At your service, M'lady. I am on a journey, studying the history of our world, Spira, seeking it's stories and secrets. My travels have taken me to many places, and I am troubled by what I have seen."
You're not the only one pal. I thought darkly. I thought we had it bad on earth, but we had a walk in the park considering this place.
"Fragile smiles on the faces of the people, crumbling at the emere mention of Sin. They are counting on you, M'lady. Give them a reason to rejoice once more."
She nodded. "I will."
We continued out journey with his blessings, and I kept thinking about everything that I'd witnessed, and wondered if this was just another world, or another dimension too. In our world, Zordon was dead. So how could he exist here?
Hearing a sound, I looked up to see three chocobos approaching with familiar figures on their backs. Biting my bottom lip, it was all I could do to keep from gasping out loud.
The blonde, who also seemed to be the leader, nodded to Tori first before looking at the rest of us. "Lady Summoner, I presume?"
"Yes. I am Tori." she replied with a nod in return, bowing slightly in prayor.
The blonde regarded her a moment before saluting her and smiling grimly. "I am Taylor, captain of the chocobo knights."
The second woman, who had shoulder length dark brown hair and a dark tan, smiled and nodded. "And I'm Alyssa." Pointing behind her to the man on the third chocobo, he nodded in greeting. "And that's Cole." Looking back at the group, she sighed. "We've been charged to guard the Highroad."
Taylor nodded and spoke up. "There have been reports of a large fiend appearing in this area, with a taste for chocobos. Do take care Summoner Tori, if you are to rent any chocobos."
"Thank you. I will be careful." she responded, giving another bow and prayor.
"Good. We should get back to our rounds. Farewell."
Alyssa nodded and joined her as they moved slowly passed the group. "Our prayors are with you."
Watching as they left, I turned to find the others moving ahead. We made it a little farther on, before we came across an older man and a young boy of maybe 13 years. They stopped walking and seemed to watch in shock as we approached, and I bit back a groan, realizing what was coming next.
"My Lady Summoner!" the man cried, doing a hasty bow to her.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I silently wondered how everyone knew what Tori was. Was it something to do with the presence she carried? Was it the number of people around her? No, that couldn't be it. If that were the case, then all Summoners would have multiple Guardians.
The young boy had short, light brown hair and brown eyes. "Are you a Summoner?" he asked in awe.
Nodding, Tori smiled as she bent down a bit to see him better. "Yes. My name is Tori."
"I'm Justin." the boy answered with a friendly smile. "Lady Tori, are you going to bring us the Calm?"
She nodded again. "Yes, very soon."
Again, I didn't like the sounds of all this. Was it really going to be that soon? I hadn't even begun to think of a way to defeat that monster, Sin. I don't even know much about it, let alone what it's weak against, or how to beat it for good!
"We're looking forward to another Calm, my Lady Summoner." the man told her with a respectful bow and prayor.
Standing up straight, she took on a more determined pose. "I will do my best."
I knew she would. Recalling her words on the boat that day, I never doubted she'd give it her all, and I guess...part of me worried about that.
I will defeat Sin. I must defeat Sin!
"And good luck to your Guardians as well." the older man put in before waving goodbye and leaving with his son.
I already had a good idea of what a Calm was, so I didn't even think to ask, but Hunter took one look at me and explained. His voice was low, but a lot warmer than I was used to, and for a moment, I could only stare in shock. "The Calm is a time of peace. It comes after a Summoner defeats Sin, and lasts until Sin reappears."
Tori turned back and spoke up then, adding to what was just said. "Sin dies and is reborn."
Taking that all in, I frowned and looked out over the massive fields, and what looked like a large building just a short ways away. "I get it! I thought it was weird. Tori's dad beat Sin ten years ago, right? But he's still here! Didn't really make much sense, but...wait. If it just comes back..."
Shaking her head quickly, Tori interrupted me fiercly. "Don't say it isn't worth it...because it is!"
I know. Even for a little while, people can sleep in their beds without being afraid. That kind of time is worth anything. Don't say it isn't worth it, because it is. I knew in that moment, that no matter what happened, those words would always be burned into my soul.
We went up to the building, which turned out to be some kind of Inn. A Travel Agency, as the others called it. A place to rest and stock up on items and weapons, though I wouldn't trade in my thunder blade for all the money in the world.
"We rest here." Cam said, stopping beside the door.
Shane protested immediately, a deep frown on his face. "This is an Al Bhed shop!" he cried angrily.
Looking at the building, I wondered how he'd know that, but I guess, there were just ways to tell.
Raising an eyebrow, Cam regarded him coolly. "Is that a problem?"
"They don't believe in Yevon! And back in Luca, they...they kidnapped Tori!"
"And where were her Guardians?"
I knew there was no way Shane was going to convince him to leave, and the resigned look on his face told me, he'd given up trying.
Tori seemed to notice that too and walked over to him, speaking in a soft tone. "Sir Cam's just worried about your health."
Huffing, Shane shook his head determinedly. "I'm not tired one bit!"
"Well I am." Cam put in, turning his back on the others and walking inside.
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A few hours later, I came out from my room, exiting the agency.
"As if I could sleep." I muttered.
With everything that had happened, I wondered how any of them could sleep! Thinking back over everything that I'd learned, I began to dislike this journey and wonder if there was a way to stop it. Sin dies, and is reborn. Summoners train to fight Sin, beating him for 10 years, and practically falling off the face of the earth. Tori's unusual sadness when talking about her journey. The way she said I might not be able to help her.
What did it all mean?
I was beginning to get an idea, and I was hoping to God I was wrong!
Blinking out of my thinking state, I looked up at the sky and paused. "Check it out!" I stated to myself as I took in the glowing sunset.
Whereas the sky was of similar colors that night, as they were back in Kilika during Tori's Sending, there was a huge difference in the moods. Kilika's sunset had been somber and forboding. This sunset, it was...peaceful, quiet, almost...gentle.
I noticed Tori sitting, facing the sunset, and seemingly occupied by something. Seeing as everyone else was either by the agency, or inside, I decided to walk over to her and spend some time with her.
Walking up to her, I called out, hoping not to scare her. "What'cha up to?"
She spun around, and smiled as she saw me. I sat beside her and we both turned to watch the sunset. "Pretty..." she said softly as she took in the sky.
I turned from it, leaving the bright colors and peaceful mood, to regard the beautiful woman beside me. The oranges and reds of the sky flooded over her, giving her an almost ethereal look, and taking my breath away. "Yeah." I said just as softly. "Sure is." Realizing I was staring at her, I turned back to the sunset quickly, feeling my face heat up.
"I wish I could live in a place like this. Peaceful...living with a smile on my face every day."
Hearing the wistfullness in her voice, I nodded, agreeing with her. "You can, once you beat Sin, right?"
"I...We'd go home." she said, but I heard the change in her tone, and knew something was up. I didn't want to push her to tell me about it, hoping she'd trust me enough to just come out and tell me herself. She shook her head, and I focused back on her. "But then, a new Sin would be born."
Again, my thoughts surfaced. "Then you can just beat it again." I was glad that this time I spoke them out loud. Maybe she would realize I didn't know, and would tell me what's going on. What's really going on.
"I wish I could..." she trailed off and I noticed her eyes shining with tears.
"Hey, you can!" Shaking my head, I realized what I was saying. "Well, I'm here to help you find a way to beat him forever, but if worse comes to worse, and we fail..." Cam's earlier words came rushing back to me and I stopped cold.
Tori will suffer the same fate as the rest of the Summoners who only temporarily defeated Sin, and you'll die with the rest of us.
Taking a deep breath, and fighting off my dread, I continued, changing what I was going to say. "Tori, why does Sin keep coming back?"
"Sin's our punishment for our vanity, and it won't go away until we've atoned."
"But how exactly do we do that? I mean, what'd we do in the first place that was so bad?"
Giving a soft giggle, she shook her head, and brushed her hair behind her ear. "It's funny. I never questioned it, but now that you ask, I really dunno. There's so much I just don't know."
I nodded. "That makes two of us." I murmured softly, looking out over the darker sky as the last rays of light faded. Getting back on track, I sighed. "Tori, just how are we supposed to beat something like that. Back on earth, we'd have the other Rangers and our Zords, which would at least even the odds, but here? I'm the only Ranger, I doubt I can call my Zord, and...I mean, I just don't see how!"
She nodded to me, though her eyes never left the sky as the stars came out. "The Final Summoning. It's the only way to defeat Sin...that anyone knows of. With it, we can call the Final Aeon. That's the goal of the pilgrimage. The Fayth of the Final Summoning lies waiting in the far north, to greet the Summoners who complete their pilgrimage. At what's called 'the world's edge'...Zanarkand."
Frowning, I wondered if it was the same place that brought me here. If it was, was there a way back? A shortcut to avoid all this mess?
"She means the ruins of a city destroyed 1000 years ago."
Turning my head, I noticed Cam leaning against a road marker, obviously listening in to our conversation. Frowning, I wondered... "You sure it's ruins?" If the Fayth lay there, then it must've been more than that.
Tori nodded. "That's what I've heard."
"You'll see it for yourself soon enough." Cam said to me before turning his attention to our Summoner. "Tori, come back inside." With that, he left, leaving us to talk a bit longer.
"What do you think waits for us in Zanarkand?"
I paused and thought about it. "Honestly, I dunno. Maybe a way back, or maybe just the Final Aeon like you said."
She nodded and sighed. "I wish we could just go home, but we were sent here for a reason."
"I know." I muttered. To be honest, that's what I've been wishing since day one of coming here.
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This was probably a pretty boring chapter. Sorry about that. It does get better. More action and Blake/Tori for those who like it.
I hope you liked this chapter.
R+R please.
Thank you.
Tenshi.
