*Oh my goodness, I'm going to try and write chapter 14 before I get killed by reviewers who want more! (laughs) I'm j/k, guys, I know you wouldn't do that! (Glances at Tio, who is STILL waiting for her Baidaness) Oh my...maybe I should hurry just in case...heh...*
"I stand in the night with a silver sword,
Killin' her demons, beatin' 'em off her door...
Sleep baby don't you cry,
Daddy's got a worn out lullaby..."
-Wonderland
~Angie Aparo
"I'll give you three guesses and a hint. It rhymes with the first four letters of his name." -Datto Perigan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Botta awoke to the sound of everyone breathing. He barely remembered the night before, almost all traces of Naida's sweet voice on the phone gone from his mind. He wouldn't admit it like he had last night, but he really missed her.
(She must think I'm a moron,)He thought(Not talking to her one minute, then telling her I miss her the next...)
Drawing in a deep breath, he rolled over on his cot, looking up at the dimly lit clock hanging above the door. After a moment of squinting, the numbers came into focus to read 4:30 AM. He exhaled slowly, rolling back over onto his side, then closed his eyes again, trying to go back to sleep.
(Wonder if she'll really watch the game today...We're playin' the Goers an' everything...)
Botta shuddered a bit. Not that it had been the first time that week. Any time he thought about the Goers, something inside him just chilled. He couldn't explain it, but something just told him that something was wrong about them... .something.. bad.
Taking another deep breath, he pushed the thought of the upcoming game aside, and sat up. He looked around the room, taking note that everyone was asleep, then carefully stood up and walked out to the deck of the ship.
The sun was just rising as Botta stepped foreward, leaning on the rail. The sky was clear as far as he could see, making a clear view of the rainbow array of colors that painted it. He stood, watching for what seemed like a long while, until the sun was at least halfway up, it's rays of light shooting through the paiting, but only adding to it's beauty.
"Sure is somethin', ya?"
Botta turned to see Wakka standing next to him, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
"Haven't see somethin' like this since we crossed the Moonflow a while back."
Botta nodded quietly, turning back to the scene as Wakka joined him leaning against the rail. They remained quiet for a few minutes, before Wakka took a deep breath.
"So..you and our Rookie make up yet?"
Botta looked at him out of the corner of his eye.
"I guess so."
"You guess?"
Wakka turned and looked at him, waiting for an answer. Finally, Botta returned his gaze, eyebrow slightly raised.
"Yeah..I guess."
He turned back to the sunrise, and Wakka could only shake his head.
"Yer a real hard-head, you know that?"
"..I know."
They were quiet again, then Wakka smiled a little.
"Heard the phone ring last night."
"Yeah..it was her."
"You talked to her a bit?"
"A little bit. We need to go get her after our game."
Wakka stood quietly, waiting for Botta to tell him more. After a minute, he realized that the redheaded Guard wasn't going to tell him anymore, and gave up on trying. Instead, he decided to talk about something else.
"You ready for the game?"
At this, Botta looked at him.
"Yeah, I guess. As ready as I can get for the Goers, anyway."
Wakka laughed a bit, "Ya...I know what you mean,"He clenched his fist a bit,"Good for nothin' cheaters..makes me wonder what they got up their sleeves for the last match, ya?"
"Yeah,"He replied,"But..I guess that's why we gotta stay on our toes, ya?"
Wakka nodded, relaxing.
"Well...I guess we'll see how we can handle it today, ya?"
"Yeah."
With that, they stood in silence again, watching as the sun finished rising, then going below deck to get breakfast, stirring the other members of the team on their way. They had a game to get ready for...
Naida woke in the soft bed, her small body almost invisible underneath the fluffy blankets and pillows that surrounded her. shivering a bit, she swung her legs off the edge of bed and to the floor, almost drawing them back when her feet practically turned to ice. Taking in a deep breath, she stood up, putting on her goggles and walking over to the big window, pushing back the curtains. Snow fell everywhere, and not a inch of the ground was bare. Naida shook her head, realizing that it would be a little bit before she could even set foot outside to go back to the woods.
(Yep..)She thought,(I'm in Macalania alright..hasn't changed much. Lots of snow in the morning, freezing all the time.. I don't think I'll EVER understand why Teale loved it here so much.)
She paused at the thought of her younger sister, then shook her head again.
(Not now..I need to go eat something.)
She turned and stepped out of the room, walking down the hallway and toward the back where the hotel served breakfast. As soon as she entered the small breakfast area, a young woman approached her, a bright smile on her face.
"Good morning, miss!"She said, "Welcome to the Macalanian Travel Agency! I suppose you're here for breakfast?"
"Oh,"Naida said, feeling strange with all the formalities,"Well..yes..I am, thank you."
The woman nodded, then led her to a table already set with almost anything you could want for breakfast. Naida thanked the woman, then began to eat.
(Hmm...)She thought as she dug into one of her pancakes,(There wasn't near this much stuff when we brought Teale here...Wonder what happened..?)
A few minutes later, Naida looked up to see a young man standing next to her. She recognized him as the clerk at the front counter, and smiled.
"Good morning."
He smiled back at her, "Good morning, Miss Dark. How did you sleep?"
"Like a rock,"She laughed,"It's been a LONG time since I've been able to sleep like that."
"I'm glad to hear that. I trust your breakfast is going well?"
"Oh, yes, thank you. It's wonderful,"She paused, then,"Oh! You can sit down with me if you want."
The man paused, then sat down across from her.
"Thank you."
"Oh, no problem! Hey, you work here, not me."
"Well..do you work anywhere?"
"Actually yes. I work at the Travel Agency in the Calm Lands."
"The Calm Lands? My, that is a ways away."
"Yeah, I suppose. But for now I'm playing Blitzball for the Besaid Aurochs."
At this the man paused, eying her. She stopped eating, raising her eyebrow.
"Is there something wrong..umm.."
"Gered,"He finished for her, "Gered Black..and..you're..Naida Dark..correct?"
"Yes, that's the name I signed in with."
"The Naida Dark that joined the Besaid Aurochs this season...and your brother died not too long ago in an attack near Mi'ihen."
"Yes..that's right.."
Immedietly, Gered's face fell.
"You had a sister that died here almost 3 or 4 years ago..didn't you?"
Naida looked at him, suddenly feeling awful.
"Oh..don't feel bad, please. It wasn't your fault, I promise!"
The young man took a deep breath shaking his head.
"I'm so sorry..about your sister...things have changed so much since then..I'm sorry that we weren't like this sooner...we might have been able to help her survive.."
Naida shook her head again, "No no! Don't talk like that! It wasn't your fault, I promise. My sister's death couldn't be avoided. It was just unfortunate that she died in your Inn...so don't worry. Neither I nor my brother ever held anything against you, so don't worry, alright?"
He paused, then nodded, "But..if there's anything we can get you..just ask..Anything at all."
"Oh, no thank you..that won't be necessary."
"We just added a wonderful new clothing store, full of coats and other things you might need to keep warm. I'll tell the clerk to give you whatever you want."
"No, I promise you don't have to do that."
"I'm sorry, but I insist..you don't have to take anything, just know that the offer's open."
Naida sighed, then nodded slightly, "...Thank you..I'll take a look after I'm done eating."
Gered smiled again, getting up, "Thank you so much. Enjoy the rest of your stay."
With that, he walked off, leaving Naida to finish her breakfast.
"6:30 tonight? Man, are you crazy?!"
Letty looked over at the slightly frustrated Botta as the redhead glared down poor Lacy.
"Botta man,"He said calmly,"She can't help it. The weather's gettin' all crazy with this weird Cold Season comin' in, and they just spread the schedules out this time. We won't be stayin' the night, we're just gonna play, then go get Naida."
Botta let out a frustrated sigh, "What if she calls before then? What if she needs us before the game starts?"
"Botta,"Datto said, looking at him with his pale blue eyes, "I wouldn't worry about stuff like that. She's smart. She'll know to call before she goes out to the graves, alright?"
"Besides,"Keepa added, "You two've been fightin' lately anyway, why do ya care alluva sudden?"
Botta shot a crystal glare at the Goalie, who was unfazed. Strange, Keepa and Datto..the two youngest ones on the team, were always the only ones who could stand Botta's freakish eyes.
The Guard took a deep breath, and was about to retaliate with a smart remark when Jassu put a hand on his shoulder.
"Alright, Red. We got a game to play."
"Yeah, not for another 10 hours..."
Reluctantly, Botta followed the rest of the group to the lockeroom, squaring things away for the time being. After everything was done, Botta looked around, then stood up.
"I'm going to the cafe."
"I'll go with ya,"Datto said, getting up. Keepa stood up too.
"Guess I'll go too then."
Botta shrugged, turning and walking out the door, the two younger men behind him. They were soon at the cafe, sitting in a booth and watching the games on the sphere. Guados lost to Kilika, Psyches won against the Ronsos..time passed quickly for the three in the cafe, but even after the second game, they had a couple of hours left 'til their game at 6:30.
"I can't believe this.."Keepa said.
"What's that?"
"Why are they spacing out the games again?"
"I'm not sure, Keep. My best guess is the delays with the ships."
"Yeah well..."
Botta listened as the two went on with there conversation. He understood Datto's opinion on the spaced out games, the Psyches hadn't come in 'til almost 10 minutes before their game had started. The sea was rough in different parts of Spira, and Botta was glad that Naida was safe in Macalania.
(Or so I think...)
"Hey look, if it isn't the 3 Stooges."
Botta snapped out of his thoughts to see Bickson and two of his men standing next to their table.
"What?"
Bickson laughed a bit, "Oh, let me rephrase that. How about Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest?"
Datto rolled his eyes a bit, "You been lookin' in a mirror again, Bickson?"
The Captain looked at the Shooter, "Ah, shut yer trap, kid. What're you doin' outta yer playpen anyway? D'you get lost?"
Datto glared at Bickson, and Botta raised his eyebrow.
"What do you want, Bickson?"
The redheaded Captain smirked.
"Oh, nothin'..just comin' to wish you luck in the game..yer gonna need it."
"Oh..well that's very nice of you..now leave."
"Well.."He said, leaning over on the table, "I was going to, but I'm curious now..I've seen all the guys on yer team so far..except for Naida..I thought you said she'd be back before our game..."
Keepa and Datto looked at Botta, but he only kept his glare on Bickson.
"She's still gone on her Journey."
"Oh..well..I hope she's watching..I'm going to score some goals for her.."
"You mean yer gonna try,"Datto cut in, leaning back in his seat. Bickson ignored him, and kept looking at Botta.
"Hope she comes back to you soon, Trapper. Unlike other people in yer life..."
At this, Keepa turned to the obnoxious redhead.
"Alright, Bick, I think that's enough."
He raised his eyebrow, "Oh, YOU think it's enough? Haha,"He turned to the two guys with him, "Hey Raudy, Graav, this guy thinks that this is enough..."
The two guys started chuckling, looking at the Goalie. After a moment, he slowly stood up.
...He towered over all three of the Goers, standing at his height of almost 6'5".
"Yeah,"He said, looking down on the startled Goers, "..I think that's enough."
The three guys stopped laughing, and Bickson looked over at Botta.
"Yeah...well..we'll be goin' now..." He glanced almost nervously at the huge Goalie, "...See ya."
He turned and strode out of the cafe, Raudy and Graav right behind him. Keepa looked down at Datto, who was looking at Botta, who was staring absently out the window. The young Shooter glanced at Keepa, then put a hand on Botta's shoulder.
"Man..don't listen to Bick..aight? He's nothin' but a jerk, man..c'mon.."
Botta only kept looking out the window as Datto tried again.
"Well, Botta...you know what he is? I'll give you three guesses and a hint. It rhymes with the first four letters of his name. He's nothin' but a-"
"Datto!" Keepa yelled.
"What?"
At this, Botta smiled a little. Datto laughed, and Keepa shook his head, smiling slightly. After a moment, the Goalie turned and looked at Botta.
"Really..don't worry about him..."
"I'm not,"He replied suddenly, sliding out of the booth, "I'm not worried about him..."He paused, then, "I'm worried that she won't come back."
With that, he walked out of the cafe, leaving the Goalie and the Shooter alone with their hot chocolate and silence..that is..until Datto spoke.
"Hope she calls soon.."
"Me too, Datto..c'mon..we got a game to play."
The two stood up, and walked out of the small cafe, dressed for the game, to meet their friends at the entrance to the field. When they were there, Wakka gave them a pep talk, then sent everyone but Datto in. As they entered, Keepa looked over at Botta, and gave him a thumbs up.
"Good luck."
(Man...it's been a while since I've done this..)
Naida lay in the bathtub, bubbles covering the surface, hiding her bare skin underneath it. The steam from the water rose and filled the air, making the small bathroom look more like a sauna. The young Al Bhed leaned back into the water, soaking her bright blonde hair, then laying her head back on the cushion on the back of the tub. She closed her eyes, relaxing.
(Now..if Teale had been here when all this was here, I could see why she would like it..)
She'd only been in the bathtub for about 5 minutes, but already she could feel herself drifting off to sleep. She sighed and let her mind wander wherever it pleased...big mistake.
~"Come on now, Teale..you have to take this."~
~"No! Naida I'm sick of that stuff! Why do I have to take it so much?"~
~"So you'll get better."~
The 14 year old Al Bhed looked up into her sister's blue eyes, her own forest green ones shimmering darkly.
~"Naida...why do say stuff like that?"~
18 year old Naida ignored the comment, tilting the younger girl's head back and pouring some of the liquid down her throat. Teale coughed, then looked at her.
~"I can't believe you, Naida Raine Dark...our mother would turn over in her grave if she saw you lying like this."~
Naida winced slightly, the glared at her sister.
~"Don't ever say that again, Teale."~
~"Why not? Because you know it's true? Why won't you just admit it? Leon has. He won't say anything, but he's already accepting it."~
Naida shook her head a bit.
~"No, Teale.."~
~"Face it Naida. I'm going to die here. In this room. In this bed. In this hotel. I'm going to die in Macalania of Sin's toxin, and there's nothing you can do about it."~
Naida paused, looking her sister right in the eyes. Her own threatened to fill with tears, but she fought it. Instead, she stroked her younger sister's curly brown hair.
~"...Are you comfortable..?"~She asked gently. Teale sighed.
~"...I'd be more comfortable if I were in a tub full of hot water."~
Naida sighed. She knew that if she put Teale in anything hot, it would make the poison flow faster..the colder she was, the slower it worked. That was why they were in Macalania after all...
~"Teale, I can't do that."~
Teale winced, ~"For the love of Yevon, Naida. I'm going to die anyway. Can't I at least be comfortable?!"~
Naida paused, closing her eyes for a moment, before standing up and turning toward the door.
~"Leon!"~
Almost immedietly, their older brother came running in, worry etched onto his incredibly handsome face.
~"Fryd ec ed?"~
Naida shook her head, ~"Could you go run Teale a hot bath?"~
Leon stopped, almost shocked.
~"Are you crazy? You'll kill her!"~
~"No,"~Teale said sternly,~"The bloody toxin's gonna kill me. I'm not stupid, Leon. I know I'm going to die..so just let me be comfortable."~
The 21 year old Al Bhed man looked startled, and after a moment, quietly walked into the bathroom and began to run the small bathtub full of hot water as Naida looked at her sister.
~"Are you strong enough to undress yourself?"~ She asked quietly so Leon wouldn't hear.
~"Yeah..I think so..I'll yell when I'm done.."~
After a few minutes, Leon came out of the bathroom, hair slightly damp from the steam.
~"Alright..it's ready."~
Naida nodded to him as he walked over to the bed, and picked up his little sister. He carried her into the bathroom, setting her on the side of the tub, then gently shutting the door and looking at Naida.
~"She's..she's killing herself..you know that?"~
Naida shook her head, ~"We won't let her stay in there very long..alright?"~
~"Yeah...right.."~
They fell silent for a moment, before Leon shook his head. Naida looked at him.
~"What?"~
~"...Strange."~
~"What's that?"~
~"...Who would have ever thought...that a simple bubble bath to take someone closer to their death...."~
Naida shook her head, throwing the old memory aside as she sighed again, inhaling some of the steam. She relaxed again, slowly opening her bare eyes and looking around the bathroom. She spotted a little white digital clock in the corner on a small stand, and could faintly make out the time of 6:45. Immedietly she gasped.
"The game!" She almost screamed, jumping up out of the bathtub.
She almost forgot to wrap herself up in a towel as she ran out of the bathroom and into her hotel room, switching the medium sized TV on the stand at the foot of bed on to the Blitzball game. Luckily, Gered had told her that the times had been moved around due to the weather, and that her team played at 6:30. She tightened her grip on the towel around her as she found her teammates losing by 2 points to the Goers. Halftime was over and there was 2 minutes left in the game. Naida sighed, feeling slightly guilty for not having watched the whole thing. She sat and watched, screaming when Datto scored a goal on Raudy. The ball was thrown in again, Letty grabbed it, passing it back to Botta.
"Go Botta!" She yelled as he swam upcourt.
He was blocked by Bickson, who glared at him with a rather evil smirk. She saw him mouth something, and Botta shook his head, his free fist gripping tightly. Bickson tackled the offguard Guard, stealing the ball. She leaned foreward as he turned and chased him, catching him just a few feet from the goal. The redheaded Guard looked at the Captain, eyes narrowed in anger as he mouthed something back. Naida tilted her head to the side, almost swearing that he had said something about her. He tackled, and Naida almost dropped her towel screaming when he stole the ball back. He passed it upcourt to Wakka with 20 seconds left on the clock. The Captain passed it to Datto, who twisted around and kicked it with all his strength. The ball went in, tying the game.
Naida stared at the screen blankly, then let out a sigh of relief.
(We..we tied...better than losing...)
Slowly, she stood up and walked back into the bathroom, letting the water drain from the tub, then gathering up her usual bathing suit outfit. She walked out into her room again, putting her bathing suit in her pillowcase, then pulled out the pair of old jeans she'd shoved in there. She walked over to a small bag sitting on the table in the corner, and pulled out a pair of hiking boots the store had given her, along with a dark green sweater that draped over her hands, but showed a bit of her mid-drift. She grabbed her necessary undergarments, then quickly got dressed. When she was finished, she put her goggles on for the last time, taking a look in the mirror.
(..Just to think..after tonight I'll never have to wear these again...)
She sighed, shaking her head and pushing her hair behind her ears.
(Makes me think of this place 8 years ago...)
~"Leon!! Give me back my goggles!"~
~"Why? You don't need them anyway!"~
13 year old Naida turned and glared at her 16 year old brother.
~"Well, I like them alot! Give them back!"~
Leon whirled around to her, voice stern.
~"Naida...don't you EVER wear these unless you HAVE to."~
Naida paused, then looked down.
~"...Alright Leon..I won't."~
~"Promise?"~
~"I promise."~
Naida shook her head and turned from the mirror, gathering her things onto the table, then picking up the phone. Quickly, she dialed the number to the Auroch's Locker room. Soon, she was greeted by a familiar male voice.
"Naida?"
"Yeah, Letty. It's me."
"...You fixin' to go?"
"Yeah..come and get me."
Without another word the two hung up, and Naida walked out of the Inn and toward the woods.
Letty turned to the quiet, expectant group.
"Yeah..that's Naida..umm...she's ready to go..."
The group stayed silent, before Datto spoke up.
"Where's Botta?"
Keepa looked at him, "Someone needs to go get him from the cafe."
"I'll do it." Jassu said, already heading out the door,"We goin' by Airship?"
"It'll be here 'bout 5 minutes,"Wakka replied.
"Alright, we'll meet y'all at the dock."
The dark-skinned Guard ran out of the lockeroom hallway, and down toward the cafe. He was halfway across the bridge, when he saw Botta on the side, leaning against the rail and looking out over the dark ocean. Jassu slowed down, walking to be next to his friend.
"Hey.."
Botta looked up at him, slightly startled, then relaxed.
"..What's up?"
"Naida called."
Botta surpressed a sigh of relief, "She ready?"
"Yeah..we needta go meet the guys at the dock."
"Alright...let's go get her."
With that, the two Guards took off for the dock to go get their female comrade.
"Ubah."
At the sound of Naida's Al Bhed tongue, the thick bushes blocking the entrance to Teale's stone parted, and Naida walked into the comfortably spaced grave area. She looked around, and almost screamed.
Over next to the grave site, was the Lake Macalania. The pyreflies danced gracefully along its surface, creating a beautiful sight. Naida stared in shock-horror as some of the pyreflies clustered together. She knew what was about to happen, no matter what she wanted..
After a moment, Teale stood in front of her. 14 year old, 5'1" Teale Evelyn Dark. Her green eyes shone in the darkness, and her dark curly hair hung loosely on her shoulders. Naida stared at her sister for a moment, until another cluster of pyrflies formed next to Teale, taking Naida's form. When it was complete, both forms turned out to the lake. Teale, who had looked healthy and strong just seconds before, knelt to the ground, one hand on her stomache and the other palm-down on the ground. The memory Naida jogged up to her, and the real Naida stood only a few feet away as the replay of 3 years ago came rushing back to her...
~"Teale, what are you doing out here?!"~
The young Al Bhed turned to her older sister, sweat pouring down her pretty face as she stood up.
~"I..I'm sorry..Naida...I just..I ..wanted to see...the lake..one..last..time..."~
She swayed, then fell foreward, Naida catching her before she hit the ground. She sat on her knees, cradling her younger sister.
~"Teale..."~ She said softly, her throat beginning to grow tight as her sister began to drift away.
The young girl smiled, ~"I'm so happy...that Yevon..blessed me..with you and..Leon..as..my siblings.."~
~"Shh...save your strength..you're going to be alright..we'll just get you back to the Inn..and..everything will-"~
~"Naida."~
The 18 year old Al Bhed looked at the younger one, her blue eyes burning into her sister's forest green ones.
~"Yes..?"~
~"Sing..sing...the Hymn.."~
~"But.."~
~"Please Naida..please..."~
The real, 21 year old Naida Dark covered her mouth with one hand as her past form began to rock her sister, singing the Hymn. After a moment, the real Naida took a deep breath, then walked over to the illusions, kneeling down next to them. She looked between the ghosts of herself and her sister, then began to hum the Hymn gently with her ghost. She watched in sorrow as her ghost began to cry, but continued to sing, even up until the point, where she watched her younger sister die..all over again. The real Naida stood up as her ghost burst into tears, burying her face into her sister's hair. She turned away, when she noticed the pyrflies were forming another person.
"..Leon.."She whispered as the form stabilized, and knelt next to the other two ghosts, crying.
Naida couldn't take it. Her eyes stung, and she turned from the scene, walking over to the single, solitary stone that sat in the middle of the area. She knelt down in front of it, pushing some of the old vines out of the way to reveal Teale's name, age and race.
"Teale.."She said softly, "...I'm back, sweetie..and I've brought someone else you love.."
She leaned over to the pile of rocks she and Leon had stacked up all those years ago, and pulled one of the larger ones down, setting it next to Teale's.
"...Leon's gonna stay with you for a while.."She said, still fighting tears. She turned away from the stones and back to the ghosts, which were starting to disappear. Once the ghosts of Naida and Teale were gone, the one of Leon stepped foreward, walking toward Naida. She stood up, watching him as he walked toward her, then stopped a couple of feet away. He reached out to her, touching the side of her face, then kissing her on the forehead. Naida closed her eyes, not sure of what to do. After a moment, she opened her eyes to see Leon's ghost disappearing into pyreflies, and slowly..his name appeared on the empty stone.
Leon Guile Dark
24
Al Bhed
Naida took a deep breath, standing up.
(That..wasn't..too..terrible.) She thought slowly, turning to the exit. She gasped.
Standing there, was Botta, Letty, Wakka, and Rikku. She turned away from them.
"We're sorry,"Wakka said softly, "That...you had to see everything over again.."
She nodded her thanks, looking back at them. Letty waved slightly.
"Do what you have to."
Naida nodded again, then knelt down in front of the gravestones. She took a deep breath.
"My name is Naida Raine Dark..daughter of Erin Aurora Dark and Adam Cole Dark...sister to Teale Evelyn Dark..I was put on bondage 3 months ago..and here it ends.." Her voice began to waver a bit as she fought back tears, "I am the last of my family..and so it will be..my bondage is up...and has been ended..by Leon Guile Dark.."
At this, she began to cry, but continued with her release speech.
"On this spot..my goggles lay..never to come back..in any way.. I'm all that's left, I'm all alone, Yevon have mercy..on my soul..."
With that, she pulled her goggles off her face, setting them down in front of Leon's stone.
"I leave them here with the one that bound me to them..and receive my final eye color.."She whispered, then stood up. She turned around to face the group.
Botta's eyes widened as for the first time in a month, he saw Naida Dark's eyes. ..Her lime green eyes.
"Bright green.."Rikku said softly, "The color of a true Al Bhed orphan."
Naida looked at them for a moment, before Wakka turned away.
"...Let's go."
He walked off. Rikku paused, then turned and followed. Letty stood, watching as Naida turned back to the stones again. He looked at Botta. Who paused, then walked over to her. He stopped a few steps away, when he heard her singing the Hymn softly. Slowly, she went to her knees in front of the stones, wrapping her arms around her mid-drift as tears streaked her peach face. Botta knelt down next to her, and slowly, place at hand on her shoulder.
"Naida..I..."
Before he could finish, the young Al Bhed woman twisted around, throwing her arms around his waist and sobbing into his chest. He paused, then wrapped his arms around her small body, cradling her.
"I'm all alone.."She sobbed,"I'm..all alone.."
Botta rubbed her back, resting his chin in her hair.
"No..no you're not...we're all here.."
She continued to cry, "Botta...I.. I want to go back....I want to go home.." She paused, then, "But..there's no one to go to...I have no home..I have nothing..I.."
"Shh..."He said softly, "I know.. I know.."
Letty stood, arms folded, and continued to watch as Naida pulled away from Botta, looking over at the Center, then back to Botta. She leaned against him.
"...Don't ever leave me, Botta.."She said hoarsley, "Don't...ever leave me all alone..."
He paused, then nodded, hugging her tightly and rocking her gently as the snow began to fall again under a cloudy moon, the dim light piercing the darkness.
"I won't...I swear by my dead brother Rennan..I won't.."
~~~~~Author's Note: Oh my good sweet mother of Abe Lincoln...that took long enough, eh?! I'm sorry I didn't have it up as soon as I said I would! (Just goes to show me, right Tio? ^_^)
Once again, I'd like to thank you all for bearing with me! This chapter was really sappy and all, but I promise, the next one is gonna be MUCH less sappy! It's about 11 PM right now, and I have to get up early in the morning, but I wanted to finish this chapter off before I went to bed. I've been working on it for a good portion of my day, so be happy! *lol j/k*
Thanks so much for reviewing, too! That one goes out to all you great people! Tio,(Who I'm freaking GLAD to see you've finally updated!) Carter(I'm actually all caught up in Jaws, and I'm waitin' for the next chapter!) Dream Angel (I can't wait for the next chapter of "What can be built...."!) Daemon ( I KNOW YER THERE! *laughs*) Sonata(I'm almost caught up with your stuff!) and last but not least, Nikki! (I've read the chapters you've got up on "Where Broken Dreams Go" *You guys really need to read this story, it kicks major tail!*, and I'm about to die if you don't get the next one up!)
Alright guys. I'm going to make an attempt..and you know what that is..? TO TRY AND HAVE ANOTHER CHAPTER UP ON MY BIRTHDAY!!! *dances* That's right! I turn 16 on February 28th, GO ME!! *laughs* yeah..sure. Ha, anyway, I really am going to try that, and I hope you all enjoy this chapter until then! Stay safe wherever you are, and always remember: Man who stands on toilet is high on pot!
-Keeping it "Real"
~Ari
P.S. I was kind of in a rush to write this, so if I missed out on anything, just e-mail me and I'll be more than happy to answer questions!
"I stand in the night with a silver sword,
Killin' her demons, beatin' 'em off her door...
Sleep baby don't you cry,
Daddy's got a worn out lullaby..."
-Wonderland
~Angie Aparo
"I'll give you three guesses and a hint. It rhymes with the first four letters of his name." -Datto Perigan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Botta awoke to the sound of everyone breathing. He barely remembered the night before, almost all traces of Naida's sweet voice on the phone gone from his mind. He wouldn't admit it like he had last night, but he really missed her.
(She must think I'm a moron,)He thought(Not talking to her one minute, then telling her I miss her the next...)
Drawing in a deep breath, he rolled over on his cot, looking up at the dimly lit clock hanging above the door. After a moment of squinting, the numbers came into focus to read 4:30 AM. He exhaled slowly, rolling back over onto his side, then closed his eyes again, trying to go back to sleep.
(Wonder if she'll really watch the game today...We're playin' the Goers an' everything...)
Botta shuddered a bit. Not that it had been the first time that week. Any time he thought about the Goers, something inside him just chilled. He couldn't explain it, but something just told him that something was wrong about them... .something.. bad.
Taking another deep breath, he pushed the thought of the upcoming game aside, and sat up. He looked around the room, taking note that everyone was asleep, then carefully stood up and walked out to the deck of the ship.
The sun was just rising as Botta stepped foreward, leaning on the rail. The sky was clear as far as he could see, making a clear view of the rainbow array of colors that painted it. He stood, watching for what seemed like a long while, until the sun was at least halfway up, it's rays of light shooting through the paiting, but only adding to it's beauty.
"Sure is somethin', ya?"
Botta turned to see Wakka standing next to him, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
"Haven't see somethin' like this since we crossed the Moonflow a while back."
Botta nodded quietly, turning back to the scene as Wakka joined him leaning against the rail. They remained quiet for a few minutes, before Wakka took a deep breath.
"So..you and our Rookie make up yet?"
Botta looked at him out of the corner of his eye.
"I guess so."
"You guess?"
Wakka turned and looked at him, waiting for an answer. Finally, Botta returned his gaze, eyebrow slightly raised.
"Yeah..I guess."
He turned back to the sunrise, and Wakka could only shake his head.
"Yer a real hard-head, you know that?"
"..I know."
They were quiet again, then Wakka smiled a little.
"Heard the phone ring last night."
"Yeah..it was her."
"You talked to her a bit?"
"A little bit. We need to go get her after our game."
Wakka stood quietly, waiting for Botta to tell him more. After a minute, he realized that the redheaded Guard wasn't going to tell him anymore, and gave up on trying. Instead, he decided to talk about something else.
"You ready for the game?"
At this, Botta looked at him.
"Yeah, I guess. As ready as I can get for the Goers, anyway."
Wakka laughed a bit, "Ya...I know what you mean,"He clenched his fist a bit,"Good for nothin' cheaters..makes me wonder what they got up their sleeves for the last match, ya?"
"Yeah,"He replied,"But..I guess that's why we gotta stay on our toes, ya?"
Wakka nodded, relaxing.
"Well...I guess we'll see how we can handle it today, ya?"
"Yeah."
With that, they stood in silence again, watching as the sun finished rising, then going below deck to get breakfast, stirring the other members of the team on their way. They had a game to get ready for...
Naida woke in the soft bed, her small body almost invisible underneath the fluffy blankets and pillows that surrounded her. shivering a bit, she swung her legs off the edge of bed and to the floor, almost drawing them back when her feet practically turned to ice. Taking in a deep breath, she stood up, putting on her goggles and walking over to the big window, pushing back the curtains. Snow fell everywhere, and not a inch of the ground was bare. Naida shook her head, realizing that it would be a little bit before she could even set foot outside to go back to the woods.
(Yep..)She thought,(I'm in Macalania alright..hasn't changed much. Lots of snow in the morning, freezing all the time.. I don't think I'll EVER understand why Teale loved it here so much.)
She paused at the thought of her younger sister, then shook her head again.
(Not now..I need to go eat something.)
She turned and stepped out of the room, walking down the hallway and toward the back where the hotel served breakfast. As soon as she entered the small breakfast area, a young woman approached her, a bright smile on her face.
"Good morning, miss!"She said, "Welcome to the Macalanian Travel Agency! I suppose you're here for breakfast?"
"Oh,"Naida said, feeling strange with all the formalities,"Well..yes..I am, thank you."
The woman nodded, then led her to a table already set with almost anything you could want for breakfast. Naida thanked the woman, then began to eat.
(Hmm...)She thought as she dug into one of her pancakes,(There wasn't near this much stuff when we brought Teale here...Wonder what happened..?)
A few minutes later, Naida looked up to see a young man standing next to her. She recognized him as the clerk at the front counter, and smiled.
"Good morning."
He smiled back at her, "Good morning, Miss Dark. How did you sleep?"
"Like a rock,"She laughed,"It's been a LONG time since I've been able to sleep like that."
"I'm glad to hear that. I trust your breakfast is going well?"
"Oh, yes, thank you. It's wonderful,"She paused, then,"Oh! You can sit down with me if you want."
The man paused, then sat down across from her.
"Thank you."
"Oh, no problem! Hey, you work here, not me."
"Well..do you work anywhere?"
"Actually yes. I work at the Travel Agency in the Calm Lands."
"The Calm Lands? My, that is a ways away."
"Yeah, I suppose. But for now I'm playing Blitzball for the Besaid Aurochs."
At this the man paused, eying her. She stopped eating, raising her eyebrow.
"Is there something wrong..umm.."
"Gered,"He finished for her, "Gered Black..and..you're..Naida Dark..correct?"
"Yes, that's the name I signed in with."
"The Naida Dark that joined the Besaid Aurochs this season...and your brother died not too long ago in an attack near Mi'ihen."
"Yes..that's right.."
Immedietly, Gered's face fell.
"You had a sister that died here almost 3 or 4 years ago..didn't you?"
Naida looked at him, suddenly feeling awful.
"Oh..don't feel bad, please. It wasn't your fault, I promise!"
The young man took a deep breath shaking his head.
"I'm so sorry..about your sister...things have changed so much since then..I'm sorry that we weren't like this sooner...we might have been able to help her survive.."
Naida shook her head again, "No no! Don't talk like that! It wasn't your fault, I promise. My sister's death couldn't be avoided. It was just unfortunate that she died in your Inn...so don't worry. Neither I nor my brother ever held anything against you, so don't worry, alright?"
He paused, then nodded, "But..if there's anything we can get you..just ask..Anything at all."
"Oh, no thank you..that won't be necessary."
"We just added a wonderful new clothing store, full of coats and other things you might need to keep warm. I'll tell the clerk to give you whatever you want."
"No, I promise you don't have to do that."
"I'm sorry, but I insist..you don't have to take anything, just know that the offer's open."
Naida sighed, then nodded slightly, "...Thank you..I'll take a look after I'm done eating."
Gered smiled again, getting up, "Thank you so much. Enjoy the rest of your stay."
With that, he walked off, leaving Naida to finish her breakfast.
"6:30 tonight? Man, are you crazy?!"
Letty looked over at the slightly frustrated Botta as the redhead glared down poor Lacy.
"Botta man,"He said calmly,"She can't help it. The weather's gettin' all crazy with this weird Cold Season comin' in, and they just spread the schedules out this time. We won't be stayin' the night, we're just gonna play, then go get Naida."
Botta let out a frustrated sigh, "What if she calls before then? What if she needs us before the game starts?"
"Botta,"Datto said, looking at him with his pale blue eyes, "I wouldn't worry about stuff like that. She's smart. She'll know to call before she goes out to the graves, alright?"
"Besides,"Keepa added, "You two've been fightin' lately anyway, why do ya care alluva sudden?"
Botta shot a crystal glare at the Goalie, who was unfazed. Strange, Keepa and Datto..the two youngest ones on the team, were always the only ones who could stand Botta's freakish eyes.
The Guard took a deep breath, and was about to retaliate with a smart remark when Jassu put a hand on his shoulder.
"Alright, Red. We got a game to play."
"Yeah, not for another 10 hours..."
Reluctantly, Botta followed the rest of the group to the lockeroom, squaring things away for the time being. After everything was done, Botta looked around, then stood up.
"I'm going to the cafe."
"I'll go with ya,"Datto said, getting up. Keepa stood up too.
"Guess I'll go too then."
Botta shrugged, turning and walking out the door, the two younger men behind him. They were soon at the cafe, sitting in a booth and watching the games on the sphere. Guados lost to Kilika, Psyches won against the Ronsos..time passed quickly for the three in the cafe, but even after the second game, they had a couple of hours left 'til their game at 6:30.
"I can't believe this.."Keepa said.
"What's that?"
"Why are they spacing out the games again?"
"I'm not sure, Keep. My best guess is the delays with the ships."
"Yeah well..."
Botta listened as the two went on with there conversation. He understood Datto's opinion on the spaced out games, the Psyches hadn't come in 'til almost 10 minutes before their game had started. The sea was rough in different parts of Spira, and Botta was glad that Naida was safe in Macalania.
(Or so I think...)
"Hey look, if it isn't the 3 Stooges."
Botta snapped out of his thoughts to see Bickson and two of his men standing next to their table.
"What?"
Bickson laughed a bit, "Oh, let me rephrase that. How about Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest?"
Datto rolled his eyes a bit, "You been lookin' in a mirror again, Bickson?"
The Captain looked at the Shooter, "Ah, shut yer trap, kid. What're you doin' outta yer playpen anyway? D'you get lost?"
Datto glared at Bickson, and Botta raised his eyebrow.
"What do you want, Bickson?"
The redheaded Captain smirked.
"Oh, nothin'..just comin' to wish you luck in the game..yer gonna need it."
"Oh..well that's very nice of you..now leave."
"Well.."He said, leaning over on the table, "I was going to, but I'm curious now..I've seen all the guys on yer team so far..except for Naida..I thought you said she'd be back before our game..."
Keepa and Datto looked at Botta, but he only kept his glare on Bickson.
"She's still gone on her Journey."
"Oh..well..I hope she's watching..I'm going to score some goals for her.."
"You mean yer gonna try,"Datto cut in, leaning back in his seat. Bickson ignored him, and kept looking at Botta.
"Hope she comes back to you soon, Trapper. Unlike other people in yer life..."
At this, Keepa turned to the obnoxious redhead.
"Alright, Bick, I think that's enough."
He raised his eyebrow, "Oh, YOU think it's enough? Haha,"He turned to the two guys with him, "Hey Raudy, Graav, this guy thinks that this is enough..."
The two guys started chuckling, looking at the Goalie. After a moment, he slowly stood up.
...He towered over all three of the Goers, standing at his height of almost 6'5".
"Yeah,"He said, looking down on the startled Goers, "..I think that's enough."
The three guys stopped laughing, and Bickson looked over at Botta.
"Yeah...well..we'll be goin' now..." He glanced almost nervously at the huge Goalie, "...See ya."
He turned and strode out of the cafe, Raudy and Graav right behind him. Keepa looked down at Datto, who was looking at Botta, who was staring absently out the window. The young Shooter glanced at Keepa, then put a hand on Botta's shoulder.
"Man..don't listen to Bick..aight? He's nothin' but a jerk, man..c'mon.."
Botta only kept looking out the window as Datto tried again.
"Well, Botta...you know what he is? I'll give you three guesses and a hint. It rhymes with the first four letters of his name. He's nothin' but a-"
"Datto!" Keepa yelled.
"What?"
At this, Botta smiled a little. Datto laughed, and Keepa shook his head, smiling slightly. After a moment, the Goalie turned and looked at Botta.
"Really..don't worry about him..."
"I'm not,"He replied suddenly, sliding out of the booth, "I'm not worried about him..."He paused, then, "I'm worried that she won't come back."
With that, he walked out of the cafe, leaving the Goalie and the Shooter alone with their hot chocolate and silence..that is..until Datto spoke.
"Hope she calls soon.."
"Me too, Datto..c'mon..we got a game to play."
The two stood up, and walked out of the small cafe, dressed for the game, to meet their friends at the entrance to the field. When they were there, Wakka gave them a pep talk, then sent everyone but Datto in. As they entered, Keepa looked over at Botta, and gave him a thumbs up.
"Good luck."
(Man...it's been a while since I've done this..)
Naida lay in the bathtub, bubbles covering the surface, hiding her bare skin underneath it. The steam from the water rose and filled the air, making the small bathroom look more like a sauna. The young Al Bhed leaned back into the water, soaking her bright blonde hair, then laying her head back on the cushion on the back of the tub. She closed her eyes, relaxing.
(Now..if Teale had been here when all this was here, I could see why she would like it..)
She'd only been in the bathtub for about 5 minutes, but already she could feel herself drifting off to sleep. She sighed and let her mind wander wherever it pleased...big mistake.
~"Come on now, Teale..you have to take this."~
~"No! Naida I'm sick of that stuff! Why do I have to take it so much?"~
~"So you'll get better."~
The 14 year old Al Bhed looked up into her sister's blue eyes, her own forest green ones shimmering darkly.
~"Naida...why do say stuff like that?"~
18 year old Naida ignored the comment, tilting the younger girl's head back and pouring some of the liquid down her throat. Teale coughed, then looked at her.
~"I can't believe you, Naida Raine Dark...our mother would turn over in her grave if she saw you lying like this."~
Naida winced slightly, the glared at her sister.
~"Don't ever say that again, Teale."~
~"Why not? Because you know it's true? Why won't you just admit it? Leon has. He won't say anything, but he's already accepting it."~
Naida shook her head a bit.
~"No, Teale.."~
~"Face it Naida. I'm going to die here. In this room. In this bed. In this hotel. I'm going to die in Macalania of Sin's toxin, and there's nothing you can do about it."~
Naida paused, looking her sister right in the eyes. Her own threatened to fill with tears, but she fought it. Instead, she stroked her younger sister's curly brown hair.
~"...Are you comfortable..?"~She asked gently. Teale sighed.
~"...I'd be more comfortable if I were in a tub full of hot water."~
Naida sighed. She knew that if she put Teale in anything hot, it would make the poison flow faster..the colder she was, the slower it worked. That was why they were in Macalania after all...
~"Teale, I can't do that."~
Teale winced, ~"For the love of Yevon, Naida. I'm going to die anyway. Can't I at least be comfortable?!"~
Naida paused, closing her eyes for a moment, before standing up and turning toward the door.
~"Leon!"~
Almost immedietly, their older brother came running in, worry etched onto his incredibly handsome face.
~"Fryd ec ed?"~
Naida shook her head, ~"Could you go run Teale a hot bath?"~
Leon stopped, almost shocked.
~"Are you crazy? You'll kill her!"~
~"No,"~Teale said sternly,~"The bloody toxin's gonna kill me. I'm not stupid, Leon. I know I'm going to die..so just let me be comfortable."~
The 21 year old Al Bhed man looked startled, and after a moment, quietly walked into the bathroom and began to run the small bathtub full of hot water as Naida looked at her sister.
~"Are you strong enough to undress yourself?"~ She asked quietly so Leon wouldn't hear.
~"Yeah..I think so..I'll yell when I'm done.."~
After a few minutes, Leon came out of the bathroom, hair slightly damp from the steam.
~"Alright..it's ready."~
Naida nodded to him as he walked over to the bed, and picked up his little sister. He carried her into the bathroom, setting her on the side of the tub, then gently shutting the door and looking at Naida.
~"She's..she's killing herself..you know that?"~
Naida shook her head, ~"We won't let her stay in there very long..alright?"~
~"Yeah...right.."~
They fell silent for a moment, before Leon shook his head. Naida looked at him.
~"What?"~
~"...Strange."~
~"What's that?"~
~"...Who would have ever thought...that a simple bubble bath to take someone closer to their death...."~
Naida shook her head, throwing the old memory aside as she sighed again, inhaling some of the steam. She relaxed again, slowly opening her bare eyes and looking around the bathroom. She spotted a little white digital clock in the corner on a small stand, and could faintly make out the time of 6:45. Immedietly she gasped.
"The game!" She almost screamed, jumping up out of the bathtub.
She almost forgot to wrap herself up in a towel as she ran out of the bathroom and into her hotel room, switching the medium sized TV on the stand at the foot of bed on to the Blitzball game. Luckily, Gered had told her that the times had been moved around due to the weather, and that her team played at 6:30. She tightened her grip on the towel around her as she found her teammates losing by 2 points to the Goers. Halftime was over and there was 2 minutes left in the game. Naida sighed, feeling slightly guilty for not having watched the whole thing. She sat and watched, screaming when Datto scored a goal on Raudy. The ball was thrown in again, Letty grabbed it, passing it back to Botta.
"Go Botta!" She yelled as he swam upcourt.
He was blocked by Bickson, who glared at him with a rather evil smirk. She saw him mouth something, and Botta shook his head, his free fist gripping tightly. Bickson tackled the offguard Guard, stealing the ball. She leaned foreward as he turned and chased him, catching him just a few feet from the goal. The redheaded Guard looked at the Captain, eyes narrowed in anger as he mouthed something back. Naida tilted her head to the side, almost swearing that he had said something about her. He tackled, and Naida almost dropped her towel screaming when he stole the ball back. He passed it upcourt to Wakka with 20 seconds left on the clock. The Captain passed it to Datto, who twisted around and kicked it with all his strength. The ball went in, tying the game.
Naida stared at the screen blankly, then let out a sigh of relief.
(We..we tied...better than losing...)
Slowly, she stood up and walked back into the bathroom, letting the water drain from the tub, then gathering up her usual bathing suit outfit. She walked out into her room again, putting her bathing suit in her pillowcase, then pulled out the pair of old jeans she'd shoved in there. She walked over to a small bag sitting on the table in the corner, and pulled out a pair of hiking boots the store had given her, along with a dark green sweater that draped over her hands, but showed a bit of her mid-drift. She grabbed her necessary undergarments, then quickly got dressed. When she was finished, she put her goggles on for the last time, taking a look in the mirror.
(..Just to think..after tonight I'll never have to wear these again...)
She sighed, shaking her head and pushing her hair behind her ears.
(Makes me think of this place 8 years ago...)
~"Leon!! Give me back my goggles!"~
~"Why? You don't need them anyway!"~
13 year old Naida turned and glared at her 16 year old brother.
~"Well, I like them alot! Give them back!"~
Leon whirled around to her, voice stern.
~"Naida...don't you EVER wear these unless you HAVE to."~
Naida paused, then looked down.
~"...Alright Leon..I won't."~
~"Promise?"~
~"I promise."~
Naida shook her head and turned from the mirror, gathering her things onto the table, then picking up the phone. Quickly, she dialed the number to the Auroch's Locker room. Soon, she was greeted by a familiar male voice.
"Naida?"
"Yeah, Letty. It's me."
"...You fixin' to go?"
"Yeah..come and get me."
Without another word the two hung up, and Naida walked out of the Inn and toward the woods.
Letty turned to the quiet, expectant group.
"Yeah..that's Naida..umm...she's ready to go..."
The group stayed silent, before Datto spoke up.
"Where's Botta?"
Keepa looked at him, "Someone needs to go get him from the cafe."
"I'll do it." Jassu said, already heading out the door,"We goin' by Airship?"
"It'll be here 'bout 5 minutes,"Wakka replied.
"Alright, we'll meet y'all at the dock."
The dark-skinned Guard ran out of the lockeroom hallway, and down toward the cafe. He was halfway across the bridge, when he saw Botta on the side, leaning against the rail and looking out over the dark ocean. Jassu slowed down, walking to be next to his friend.
"Hey.."
Botta looked up at him, slightly startled, then relaxed.
"..What's up?"
"Naida called."
Botta surpressed a sigh of relief, "She ready?"
"Yeah..we needta go meet the guys at the dock."
"Alright...let's go get her."
With that, the two Guards took off for the dock to go get their female comrade.
"Ubah."
At the sound of Naida's Al Bhed tongue, the thick bushes blocking the entrance to Teale's stone parted, and Naida walked into the comfortably spaced grave area. She looked around, and almost screamed.
Over next to the grave site, was the Lake Macalania. The pyreflies danced gracefully along its surface, creating a beautiful sight. Naida stared in shock-horror as some of the pyreflies clustered together. She knew what was about to happen, no matter what she wanted..
After a moment, Teale stood in front of her. 14 year old, 5'1" Teale Evelyn Dark. Her green eyes shone in the darkness, and her dark curly hair hung loosely on her shoulders. Naida stared at her sister for a moment, until another cluster of pyrflies formed next to Teale, taking Naida's form. When it was complete, both forms turned out to the lake. Teale, who had looked healthy and strong just seconds before, knelt to the ground, one hand on her stomache and the other palm-down on the ground. The memory Naida jogged up to her, and the real Naida stood only a few feet away as the replay of 3 years ago came rushing back to her...
~"Teale, what are you doing out here?!"~
The young Al Bhed turned to her older sister, sweat pouring down her pretty face as she stood up.
~"I..I'm sorry..Naida...I just..I ..wanted to see...the lake..one..last..time..."~
She swayed, then fell foreward, Naida catching her before she hit the ground. She sat on her knees, cradling her younger sister.
~"Teale..."~ She said softly, her throat beginning to grow tight as her sister began to drift away.
The young girl smiled, ~"I'm so happy...that Yevon..blessed me..with you and..Leon..as..my siblings.."~
~"Shh...save your strength..you're going to be alright..we'll just get you back to the Inn..and..everything will-"~
~"Naida."~
The 18 year old Al Bhed looked at the younger one, her blue eyes burning into her sister's forest green ones.
~"Yes..?"~
~"Sing..sing...the Hymn.."~
~"But.."~
~"Please Naida..please..."~
The real, 21 year old Naida Dark covered her mouth with one hand as her past form began to rock her sister, singing the Hymn. After a moment, the real Naida took a deep breath, then walked over to the illusions, kneeling down next to them. She looked between the ghosts of herself and her sister, then began to hum the Hymn gently with her ghost. She watched in sorrow as her ghost began to cry, but continued to sing, even up until the point, where she watched her younger sister die..all over again. The real Naida stood up as her ghost burst into tears, burying her face into her sister's hair. She turned away, when she noticed the pyrflies were forming another person.
"..Leon.."She whispered as the form stabilized, and knelt next to the other two ghosts, crying.
Naida couldn't take it. Her eyes stung, and she turned from the scene, walking over to the single, solitary stone that sat in the middle of the area. She knelt down in front of it, pushing some of the old vines out of the way to reveal Teale's name, age and race.
"Teale.."She said softly, "...I'm back, sweetie..and I've brought someone else you love.."
She leaned over to the pile of rocks she and Leon had stacked up all those years ago, and pulled one of the larger ones down, setting it next to Teale's.
"...Leon's gonna stay with you for a while.."She said, still fighting tears. She turned away from the stones and back to the ghosts, which were starting to disappear. Once the ghosts of Naida and Teale were gone, the one of Leon stepped foreward, walking toward Naida. She stood up, watching him as he walked toward her, then stopped a couple of feet away. He reached out to her, touching the side of her face, then kissing her on the forehead. Naida closed her eyes, not sure of what to do. After a moment, she opened her eyes to see Leon's ghost disappearing into pyreflies, and slowly..his name appeared on the empty stone.
Leon Guile Dark
24
Al Bhed
Naida took a deep breath, standing up.
(That..wasn't..too..terrible.) She thought slowly, turning to the exit. She gasped.
Standing there, was Botta, Letty, Wakka, and Rikku. She turned away from them.
"We're sorry,"Wakka said softly, "That...you had to see everything over again.."
She nodded her thanks, looking back at them. Letty waved slightly.
"Do what you have to."
Naida nodded again, then knelt down in front of the gravestones. She took a deep breath.
"My name is Naida Raine Dark..daughter of Erin Aurora Dark and Adam Cole Dark...sister to Teale Evelyn Dark..I was put on bondage 3 months ago..and here it ends.." Her voice began to waver a bit as she fought back tears, "I am the last of my family..and so it will be..my bondage is up...and has been ended..by Leon Guile Dark.."
At this, she began to cry, but continued with her release speech.
"On this spot..my goggles lay..never to come back..in any way.. I'm all that's left, I'm all alone, Yevon have mercy..on my soul..."
With that, she pulled her goggles off her face, setting them down in front of Leon's stone.
"I leave them here with the one that bound me to them..and receive my final eye color.."She whispered, then stood up. She turned around to face the group.
Botta's eyes widened as for the first time in a month, he saw Naida Dark's eyes. ..Her lime green eyes.
"Bright green.."Rikku said softly, "The color of a true Al Bhed orphan."
Naida looked at them for a moment, before Wakka turned away.
"...Let's go."
He walked off. Rikku paused, then turned and followed. Letty stood, watching as Naida turned back to the stones again. He looked at Botta. Who paused, then walked over to her. He stopped a few steps away, when he heard her singing the Hymn softly. Slowly, she went to her knees in front of the stones, wrapping her arms around her mid-drift as tears streaked her peach face. Botta knelt down next to her, and slowly, place at hand on her shoulder.
"Naida..I..."
Before he could finish, the young Al Bhed woman twisted around, throwing her arms around his waist and sobbing into his chest. He paused, then wrapped his arms around her small body, cradling her.
"I'm all alone.."She sobbed,"I'm..all alone.."
Botta rubbed her back, resting his chin in her hair.
"No..no you're not...we're all here.."
She continued to cry, "Botta...I.. I want to go back....I want to go home.." She paused, then, "But..there's no one to go to...I have no home..I have nothing..I.."
"Shh..."He said softly, "I know.. I know.."
Letty stood, arms folded, and continued to watch as Naida pulled away from Botta, looking over at the Center, then back to Botta. She leaned against him.
"...Don't ever leave me, Botta.."She said hoarsley, "Don't...ever leave me all alone..."
He paused, then nodded, hugging her tightly and rocking her gently as the snow began to fall again under a cloudy moon, the dim light piercing the darkness.
"I won't...I swear by my dead brother Rennan..I won't.."
~~~~~Author's Note: Oh my good sweet mother of Abe Lincoln...that took long enough, eh?! I'm sorry I didn't have it up as soon as I said I would! (Just goes to show me, right Tio? ^_^)
Once again, I'd like to thank you all for bearing with me! This chapter was really sappy and all, but I promise, the next one is gonna be MUCH less sappy! It's about 11 PM right now, and I have to get up early in the morning, but I wanted to finish this chapter off before I went to bed. I've been working on it for a good portion of my day, so be happy! *lol j/k*
Thanks so much for reviewing, too! That one goes out to all you great people! Tio,(Who I'm freaking GLAD to see you've finally updated!) Carter(I'm actually all caught up in Jaws, and I'm waitin' for the next chapter!) Dream Angel (I can't wait for the next chapter of "What can be built...."!) Daemon ( I KNOW YER THERE! *laughs*) Sonata(I'm almost caught up with your stuff!) and last but not least, Nikki! (I've read the chapters you've got up on "Where Broken Dreams Go" *You guys really need to read this story, it kicks major tail!*, and I'm about to die if you don't get the next one up!)
Alright guys. I'm going to make an attempt..and you know what that is..? TO TRY AND HAVE ANOTHER CHAPTER UP ON MY BIRTHDAY!!! *dances* That's right! I turn 16 on February 28th, GO ME!! *laughs* yeah..sure. Ha, anyway, I really am going to try that, and I hope you all enjoy this chapter until then! Stay safe wherever you are, and always remember: Man who stands on toilet is high on pot!
-Keeping it "Real"
~Ari
P.S. I was kind of in a rush to write this, so if I missed out on anything, just e-mail me and I'll be more than happy to answer questions!