A/N : I'm really, REALLY sorry for the far too long absence, people! (one whole year!) I hope that didn't cause me to lose too many of my fans! Ric, I got Evrae coming for you! The reason I didn't update is because I have discovered the wonders of FFXI. Truly a game that must be played, but it costs a lot. It costs your soul:p Anyway, enjoy this chapter! J
Chapter 19: The Test for Trust Begins
Everyone climbed in the large object and Cid hurried to a room closed with glass all around.
"Hu desa! Ku, ku, ku!" he urged running in.
Two more Al Bhed followed him in, one being Brother. Cid went right down a small set of stairs to a control panel. Brother went to the middle and sat down. The other Al Bhed went left.
"Three minutes mavd!" Brother exclaimed getting nervous.
"Rinno, rinno! Oui ryja one minute!" Cid warned.
Tidus bursted in the room, followed closely by the others.
"Where's Yuna?" he asked waving an arm out, frowning.
"Everyone on board?" Cid asked ignoring Tidus.
"Everyone alive!" The other Al Bhed answered him.
Tidus walked to Cid, still frowning madly and grabbed his shoulder to make him face him.
"I said, where is she?" he asked again.
He grabbed him by the collar and lifted him off the floor.
"Answer me! Answer me, damn you!"
Everyone stared at him with surprise.
"Wow!" Zell let out.
Thinking he was going too far, Carole wanted to stop him, but Squall blocked her way, shaking his head.
"Let him do that," he said.
Cid looked back at Tidus, not even trying to get free.
"What'll you do when you find her, eh?"
Tidus released Cid and lowered his head, shameful.
"I...I...I didn't know anything about what a summoner is supposed to do," he said in a sad tone. "And I told her all those things without even knowing! I gotta tell her. I gotta tell her I'm sorry!"
"That's it?" Cid asked, frowning. "You're gonna tell her you're sorry? And then you just drag her to Zanarkand and make her fight Sin, huh? You're all the same; let the summoner die so we can leave in peace!" he screamed pulling Tidus over his shoulder.
Tidus landed on his rear and turned his head.
"No!" he objected, showing his hand before he got up. "I'm... I'm not gonna let Yuna die!"
"Huh! Words! Show me action!"
"I'm telling you, she won't die!" he assured in a determined tone, waving his arm out.
"Boy, don't forget those words," Cid said in a lower tone. "Cause if you do... I'm gonna make you regret it."
There was no doubt in Tidus's mind that he was serious.
"I won't," he replied pumping his fist.
Cid stood a little behind the middle seat where Brother was. There was a large blue sphere with some writings appearing all over it, moving around it.
The argument apparently settled, Carole turned around.
"Hey, where'd Veronique go?" she asked not seeing her anywhere.
"Well this room is small," Zell said. "Others stayed behind as well and went exploring a bit."
"As long as she is not around me, it's good," Adam said folding his arms. "I bet she tricked us again and she's gone."
Carole frowned at him, making him look away.
Tidus went to Cid's side, looking at the sphere too.
"So you know where she is?"
"'Course not! That's why we're gonna look! Using this Airship!"
"A... Airship?" Wakka exclaimed.
"An Airship?" Zell exclaimed as well.
"I thought it looked familiar."
The floor started shaking, startling the people on the bridge, almost causing some to lose their balance. An engine started somewhere on a lower level.
"Vydran, nayto du ku!" Brother told.
"Yeehaa! E vmekrd 1000 years ujantia!
Outside, the ceiling of the hangar opened in two, allowing sand to rain in. The Airship started taking off, gaining height as it got out of the underground hideout it was in.
"Whoa! Ed sujac!" Brother said like it was amazing.
"Necg pek, feh pek!"
Once it was high enough, the Airship started flying away from Home.
"Whoa! Ed vmeac!" Brother exclaimed.
Carole buried a laugh with her hand and she noticed Squall smiling as well.
"Of course, it flies," she whispered. "If it wouldn't, it wouldn't be an Airship."
"I guess that with the machinas being forbidden, they never saw anything like this."
Kerry was standing close to Carole, but she couldn't help looking all around. She never set foot in the Ragnarok, so all this was new. She never even saw Garden move either.
"Haqd, fa ica dryd!" Cid commanded.
Brother lowered his head and sighed, looking sad all of a sudden.
"Frydajan oui cyo."
He looked up and started singing the hymn of the fayth. Cid turned around and started singing along, walking towards the others. Rikku lowered her head, on the verge of tears.
"What's going on?" Wakka asked.
"What are they gonna use?" Carole asked.
Her and Squall being the only ones understanding some Al Bhed in the room, the others were even more clueless than they were. Seifer learned a little too during operation Mi'ihen but he was not on the bridge.
"We're... we're gonna blow up our Home..." Rikku answered.
"How?" Lulu wondered.
Everyone felt sorry for her, sharing the pain of losing her home.
"With one of the forbidden machina," Cid answered.
He turned to the guy down to the left pod. Apparently, it was the control for firepower.
"Nayto? Vena!"
Outside the Airship, a panel came down on each side, revealing small holes from which two dozen missiles were fired. They headed straight behind the ship and crashed into Home. It exploded and the wave from the blast spread around, catching up with the Airship.
"Watch the wave!" Carole exclaimed realizing too late.
The fire swallowed the Airship, causing it to start shaking and go randomly.
"Kyaa!" Kerry screamed holding onto Carole.
"Hold on!"
The inside of the airship was glowing red and the heat was getting intense. The airship was shaking. Brother managed to get control back and gave more speed. The airship got out of the ring of fire.
"Gah-hah-hah-hah!" Cid burst out. "Nadinh du cyrt!"
Brother lowered his head and started crying helplessly. Who would blame him? He just saw his home get blown up.
Cid walked behind him.
"No need for tears! What is good about machina is they can be build anew, you see?"
Wakka saw Rikku was pretty down too so he attempted to cheer her up.
"Hey, look!" he told her scratching the back of his head. "Don't get so down. Boom! Like happy festival fireworks, ya?"
Rachel slapped her forehead.
"How dense can you be?" she mumbled.
"You can cram your happy festival, you big meanie!" Rikku replied Wakka clenching her fists and frowning in the process.
She walked away from him and Wakka lowered his head, figuring it was pretty stupid.
"Why didn't I just shut my big mouth?"
Cid was standing in front of the big rolling sphere in the middle of the room while the guardians were scattered across the room. The SeeDs' gang was incomplete but the ones in the room were standing close to the door, looking around at that unknown technology, but still familiar.
Tidus was showing a strange face. He wanted to find Yuna quick so he could apologize but as Cid said: then what? Get her to Zanarkand so she gets killed? No way!
Knowing what he was feeling for she also lived a similar dilemma, Carole went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You okay?" she asked.
"I... I dunno. I just want to see Yuna again."
"We'll find her," Carole assured granting him a comforting smile.
He looked into her eyes, seeing only sincerity in them.
"It's gonna be alright. I feel it."
Tidus smiled back and nodded.
"You're right! I'm gonna do my best!"
He walked to Cid who was still watching the sphere like a kid who just got a new toy. He seemed pretty focused, but still pretty lost.
"Did you find anything about Yuna?" Tidus asked him.
"I'm lookin' into it, okay?" Cid told.
Tidus folded his arms and sighed.
"Don't worry, I'm using a sphere oscilla-finder. If she's out there, we'll get her."
"A sphere oscilla-finder?" Tidus repeated.
"It's an ancient machina," Cid explained. "I don't know how it works either so don't ask me, okay?"
"And you still use it?" Lulu asked with surprise.
Squall had a thoughful frown.
"I bet it works reading some wavelenghts in the air..."
"Maybe, but I bet they don't know anything about that," Carole replied.
Cid had a laugh.
"I don't really know how this rig flies, either!"
Wakka widened his eyes in fear, suddenly really nervous. But the SeeDs didn't seem the least bit worried.
"If anything goes wrong, you can ask us," Squall offered. "We are... familiar with these kinds of things."
"I appreciate it. All because of the Yevon taboo on machina, we're running around in the dark, here! Ain't it a rush, kiddos?"
"Yeah, that sucks!" Rachel let out. "These things are pretty damn useful but no one knows how to use them!"
Carole stretched up a bit.
"I'm going to check up on Veronique. After all, she is my responsibility."
As she started to walk out, Squall grabbed her arm, making her turn her head to him. He looked really serious. The others all turned to her as well.
"You be careful, ok?" Squall said. "If she does anything to you..."
"I thought you trusted my decisions. I said it's gonna be alright."
"It's not you we don't trust," Adam said. "It's her!"
"You say that because she brainwashed you and made you attack us," Carole replied.
"Well, she did make up a fake Squall that almost raped you..." Rachel reminded.
Carole turned to her and frowned madly, causing her sister to make a step backwards.
"Thank you so much for reminding me! For your information, she's also the one who told me how to get Squall back and offered to take us back home right away! We refused so we can still help the others! I know it's a risky move but can you just get along with that and shut up about it?"
Everyone looked away, still not really cool with the idea but deciding not to push their short tempered leader too far.
"I think I can hold her off if she tries anything on me, don't you think?"
Kerry stood next to her, a hand to her chest.
"Whatever you do, I'm with you, C-chan!"
Carole smiled warmly at her pupil, then looked at the others.
"Nice to see I got someone on my side at least!"
She left without another glance behind her. She past Auron leaning against the wall on the other side of the door. He traced her as she left the hall and she felt uneasy until she got out the other way. There was another hall, Kimahri standing there, his arms crossed on his chest. There was a door on a side, and on the other, there was more halls. Isaaru was standing in the middle of the hall, Maroda was leaning on the wall in front of him. His little brother, Pacce, was asleep on the floor, exhausted.
As she past them, she heard the door from which she came from open up, then she heard Tidus talking with Kimahri. After that, she walked through a door and left that hall, losing track of the conversation. On the other side, she climbed a set of stairs and came upon Rin, the Al Bhed merchant. She nodded to him and he waved with a smile.
She walked through another door at the end of the new hall.
"Damn this airship is huge! Nothing like the Ragnarok though."
She had a smile that turned into a sad face. She was homesick. As she past a door on the side of the hall, she shook her head. She promised she'd stick with them to the end, she would.
She didn't know why, she was walking her way into the airship like she knew exactly where she was going.
At the end of the present hall, close to the door, an Al Bhed woman was taking care of a child, sobbing about her doll left in Home. She had a thought for the poor kid and past the door that opened in front of her and closed behind her like the others all across the airship.
She walked up a new set of stairs and ended up on top, or so it seemed. There were large windows all around the side walls each side of the stairs. She walked around the stairs and to the end of that room, not paying attention to the few Al Bheds looking through the windows.
There was a platform at the end of the room. Once she stepped on it, the platform lifted her up. Then a large door opened up in front of her when the platform stopped. It lead outside, showing the blue sky. She carefully stepped out, immediately caught up by surprise by the strong wind blowing all around.
"Watch it or you'll fall. You should sit down."
Veronique was standing right in the middle of the place and didn't seem the least bit disturbed by the wind. Carole followed her advice and sat down, leaning against the structure.
"How can you stand like that?" Carole asked.
The sorceress was facing her her back, so she turned around, showing a smile.
"Well, I AM a sorceress, you know."
Carole nodded, thinking her question was pretty stupid.
"I know why you wanted to see me. You have lots of questions, and it's perfectly understandable."
"You gonna answer them?"
"Not all of them. There are some things still better left unknown. So ask, if I can, I'll answer."
Carole thought for a moment.
"Why are you hiding here?"
"Well, simple: some of your friends rather not see me too close."
"Hum... true..."
Feeling a little dumb on the floor, Carole got up and rested her back against the structure.
"Wha..." she started.
She didn't know how to voice her questions. There were many things she didn't understand, but she didn't know what it was so how could she ask about it?
"Is there anything wrong with me?" she asked in a low tone, her head down.
The wind covered her voice but Veronique still knew what she said.
"What, beside the fact that you're short-tempered, that you always take the burden on your shoulders so your friends don't get involved and that you hide your true feelings not to worry anyone?" She asked playfully.
"No, I'm serious! What is it you wanted with me?"
"What makes you think I wanted anything with you?" Veronique asked with a mysterious smile.
Her face itself was a mystery. Carole could look at her face all day and never figure out what she meant.
"I... I dunno! I always felt like you were watching me!"
"I watched you all, you know. What makes you think you're so special?"
Carole looked away and swallowed.
"I don't know... But can you answer that? Is there something wrong with me?"
Veronique had a smile that made Carole uneasy. She reminded her of an adult looking at a kid who just asked a grown-up's question.
"I can't answer that."
Carole widened her eyes.
"Why?"
"I can't tell you. Not yet. You are not ready to hear the answer."
The SeeD felt her heart beat faster for some unknown reason.
"What's inside me? What's burning inside me?"
Veronique shook her head once more.
"Can't tell you. Although I can tell you this: you don't have to worry about it for now. Focus on what's to come.Your friends can't afford to lose you now."
"What do you mean?"
"I said too much..."
She looked away, the wind playing in her long red hair. Carole left the safety of her spot on the wall to walk straight in front of Veronique, the wind not disturbing her anymore. This caused Veronique to look back to her.
"Why don't you tell me? I'm sick of this! You're toying with me from the beginning! I feel you close since the beginning of it all! You know something I don't and it makes me sick! Tell me!"
Veronique smiled comfortingly.
"See how you react only knowing that I know something? What I know could be disturbing. For you and for all of your friends. Remember how you reacted when you learned Squall was not real after operation Mi'ihen? You shut yourself off. We have to save Yuna, now. We may have to fight, you wanna get everyone killed because you got something hard on your mind? You're better off not knowing for now, believe me."
Carole wanted to insist but gave up. Veronique was good with mysteries, she wouldn't say anything until she wanted to.
"You saw the future?"
Veronique shook her head.
"I don't look in the future anymore. Too painful. But sometimes, I can still feel some things. I know now is not the time for you to know."
"Will you ever tell me?"
"Yes. Later, you will have to know."
Carole gave an uneasy face. She was worried before about what could be wrong with her. Now she knew there was something wrong, just that she didn't know what. She could feel it before, but having it confirmed scared her even more.
Veronique placed her hands on her shoulders, causing her to jump up a bit.
"Get it out of your mind for now. If you think too much about it, you may end up killed."
Carole shook her head. She was right. She had to stay focused like the SeeD she was. But she was tired of all this...
"If I knew you better, I'd think you are worried about me..."
"Would that be so hard to believe? I care for everyone. I never wanted anyone killed and I still don't."
She made a wide smile that didn't have anything to do with her concern anymore.
"You'll see, I'll prove myself useful!"
Carole couldn't understand how she did that. Look all serious one second and cheerful the next one. She couldn't do that for one.
"Now go back before they think I pushed you off the airship."
Carole looked at her a while then turned around to go back the way she came. Once she was out of sight, Veronique sighed.
"It's getting harder. I won't be able to hold it for very much longer... I can at least ease her mind a bit..."
Once Carole was back down the platform, she felt light headed. She was not sure why she felt so worried a minute ago.
She walked back to the bridge, coming across Tidus on the way there. He waved to her.
"Hey, you found her?"
"Yeah, she was on the deck."
"Huh? Why?"
"Guess."
"Oh right..."
She looked straight in front of her while Tidus scanned her face.
"You okay?"
She shook her head and looked at him.
"I feel weird... Veronique said... some things and it gets to me..."
"She must be trying to mess with you again. She did that all along, didn't she?"
"Yeah, but that's not her plan right now. I asked her some questions she couldn't answer."
Rather wouldn't answer...
Tidus placed his arms behind his head and looked up.
"Oh, well. No use thinking about it like crazy, then."
Carole smiled.
"Yeah, right, like you're not thinking about Yuna right now."
Tidus' face slightly turned red and he looked away. Carole giggled at the sight.
"What? Can't I be worried?"
"Of course you can, but don't pretend you don't like her, now."
"Who pretended I don't like her?" he asked with a wink.
The girl couldn't help but laugh at his behavior. He was just the kind that you can't help but smile when you're around him. It's like his whole self was giving off an aura of joy.
"Don't you ever worry about anything?" she asked
"Well, I am worried about Yuna... If the Guado got her, she could be in danger, now since we killed Seymour..."
He frowned, clenched his teeth and his fists so hard, they started shaking. Just when Carole started wondering if he would not blow up, he calmed down.
"Hey, I'll help. We all will. After all, that is why we agreed to stay."
Tidus turned to her and smiled warmly.
"I really appreciate it, you know."
She smiled back, cheered by his smile.
"You know, I feel like we're more than just comrades. More than friends, too, see what I mean?"
Tidus arched an eyebrow and looked at her a questionning way, an amused smile on his lips.
"Huh... aren't you engaged?" he asked.
"No, that's not what I meant!" she replied with a laughter. "I mean like family."
She frowned, lost in her thoughts and scratched the back of her head.
"Didn't I say that before?"
"Yeah, I think so. Hehe. Yeah, you're my little sister I have to take care of!"
As he said these words, he wrapped an arm around her neck and held her close to him, not leaving her a chance to escape and barely enough space to breath.
"Hey! Let go!"
She was trying to break free but she couldn't help laughing at the same time, which was making it harder. He was so great. A little while ago, she was all worried and now, she was laughing light heartedly. And it was great.
As they were nearing the hall leading back to the bridge, they saw Kimahri, still standing by the door, arms crossed. The door opened and Rachel came out, looking around. When she caught sight of her sister, she tiped her head at her.
"There you are! Hey, there is something going on in there, you better come!"
Tidus immediately released Carole who stopped giggling and they followed Rachel in. Zell was right on the other side, but Auron was not anymore. In fact, his voice could be heard from the bridge, along with Cid's. It sounded like they were arguing.
Seifer and Audrey were also in that hall, the bridge being too small for them all to fit in. In the entrance, Dave and Quistis were there, and Irvine and Selphie joined up on the bridge.
"After rescuing Yuna, then what?" Auron asked as Carole and Tidus tried to make their way there through the others. "You want to keep her safe, correct? Would you seek to stop her pilgrimage?"
Once Carole broke through Dave and Quistis, she joined up with Squall, Kerry standing next to him.
"What's going on?" she asked him in a whisper.
"Shh."
"Of course!" Cid replied. "If she continues this fool pilgrimage, she will die! Sure as if you killed her yourself! No hare-brained law or teaching can send my little niece to her death!"
Tidus managed to break through as well.
"When I save her," Cid continued, "I'll make her give up being a summoner quicker than a desert melts ice!"
"Even against her will?"
"Better than a dog's death!" Cid insisted walking to the front. "And I'll take down anyone who don't agree!"
"You are the captain."
"Good! Then it's settled!"
Auron walked back out and everyone squeezed up to let him pass.
"Let him say what he wants," he said once he was at Tidus' level.
Wakka suddenly seemed shocked.
"He called Yuna his, uh, niece, right? I mean, so that makes her Al Bhed, right?"
"Wakka..." Carole started shaking her head.
"Don't say it! Yuna's Yuna, right?"
"No matter what happends, Yuna won't give up her pilgrimage," Lulu assured.
"Come on!" Adam exclaimed. "Isn't there anything we can do to stop it?"
"Yeah, with all of us, there must be something we can come up with!" Dave said from the entrance.
"First, we rescue Yuna!" Cid cut in. "Let's show 'em what we got!"
"Yeah!" everyone exclaimed raising their fists in the air, psyching up.
Zell punched his palm with his fist.
"Bring it on! I'm ready for action, now!"
He started punching the air, and kicking an invisible opponent in front of him.
"Quit it, Chicken-wuss!" Seifer said with a teasing smile.
Zell stiffened and turned to Seifer.
"What'd you say?"
Squall smiled. Just like old times. He turned his head to his bride-to-be and looked at her.
"So, where was she?"
"Oh, outside."
"What did you talk about?"
"Oh, not much, she said she'll prove herself useful."
Squall's insistent gaze on her made her feel uneasy for some reason, so she looked away, confirming his doubts.
"What else?"
"That's all, really!"
"You're lying."
"Am not!"
"Then why can't you look at me in the eye and say it straight?"
She lowered her head guiltily and sighed.
"She only added more questions to mine. She couldn't tell me anything, so I can't tell you more..."
She turned to him and looked straight in his eyes.
"I swear."
Kerry looked from one to the other, guessing there was a lot more in the air than it appeared at first sight. Squall finally blinked and smiled warmly.
"Yeah, I believe you."
His hands trembled half a second like he didn't know what to do, then he gave in and hugged her tight. Kerry felt uneasy watching them even though they were only hugging. Carole hugged him back as tightly. Both had their eyes closed. Anyone looking at them could tell that then again, there was more than what they could see in the air.
"Don't leave me," Squall whispered in her ear only for her to hear.
"What's with this all of a sudden?" she asked back in a whisper.
"Just promise me. I want to hear you promise me you'll never leave me..."
"Squall..."
Before she could answer, a beeping sound was heard from the main control panel that caused them to break apart and turn to Brother.
"Vydran! Fa vuiht Yuna!" he exclaimed.
"Frana?" Cid asked.
"He found her!" Carole translated for the others.
"E femm cruf oui!"
"Yuna?" Tidus called.
Alerted by the calls, Auron came back in as well.
In front of them, an image appeared showing the top of a tower in a city with long bridges connecting together. Yuna was standing on a large platform, her hair piled up on the back of her head, wearing a long sleeveless white dress, white boots and white gloves. There were flags with Yevon's symboles floating all around. Plus, someone was holding Yuna's hand. It was Seymour! At least it looked like him. Then the image disappeared.
"Oh, my God!" Carole exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Where was that?" Tidus demanded.
"The Palace of St. Bevelle. Heart of Yevon," Lulu answered.
"Gramps, let's move!" Tidus urged.
"Easy, kiddo," Cid advised. "Bevelle's defenses are top-notch."
"Yeah, we're running right in the middle of the enemy territory, here!" Zell added.
"What's the matter, gramps?" Tidus asked a teasing way. "You scared? Yuna's there, so we go and get her!"
He turned around to the others and smiled.
"And that's all!"
Carole raised her thumb at him.
"I'm with you!"
"Heh! You got guts!" Cid said. "Cad luinca du Bevelle! Vimm cbaat yrayt!"
"Nukan!" Brother obeyed.
Brother gave a boost to the Airship, the sudden speed causing many people to lose their balance. The SeeDs, used to it, managed to find their balance, but others, like Tidus, dropped down. Tidus slid on his back to Cid's feet. Cid put a knee down next to him.
"It'll take a while to get to Bevelle. Meanwhile…"
Tidus got up and stood on a knee, resting a forearm on his other knee, his other fist on his hip to look cool. Zell put a fist up along with him.
"We prepare for battle!" They said at same time.
Squall shook his head in discouragement. How could he be so dumb at a time like this? But then, he couldn't be really mad. Zell just wouldn't be Zell without the dumb act. And Tidus would not be Tidus for the same reason.
Zell and Tidus looked at each other and laughed. Then Tidus turned to the other guardians for preparations.
"The city of Bevelle is built on water," Lulu told him. "You or Rikku should study your magic, just in case."
Carole turned to Squall with birth of fear on her face.
"Did you hear that?"
Kerry didn't seem too easy with this either.
"I can't fight in water…" she said.
"No one will fight in water if it goes well," Squall tried to reassure.
What if it doesn't go well? Carole thought.
Frowning thoughtfully, Wakka joined with the other guardians.
"I'm glad Yuna's okay and all, but what's with those fancy clothes?" he asked.
Lulu turned to him.
"It's called a wedding dress," she told.
"What?" Wakka exclaimed in surprise and shock. "Grrr… What's going on?"
"She's not marrying Seymour, is she?" Kerry asked.
"Well it looked that way to me," Squall said.
"But what's Seymour doing alive?" Rikku asked with surprise. "Didn't we take care of him in Macalania?"
"I was about to ask the same thing," Adam said. "He seemed pretty dead to me."
"He is dead," Auron said. "As dead as Jyscal was. His attachment to this world kept him from the next."
"Whoa, scary!" Rikku said.
"You mean he's a ghost?" Rinoa asked.
"We call people in this case Unsent. Yuna must be trying to send him."
"Wonder if that will work." Rikku said.
"Perhaps he won't expect it."
Rikku raised her fist, cheered up.
"Yeah! We're gonna save Yunie, and nobody's gonna stop us!"
Everyone in the room and outside who heard her, cheered up along. A little action for the SeeDs was welcome although some were not completely at ease. They couldn't put their finger on what was annoying them. Veronique's presence on board, Seymour still standing, but dead, Yuna in danger? They couldn't say. But as they learned from their training, personal feelings must not get in the way, that's when accidents occur. Although their female leader made it to where she was because of her feelings regarding some matters, especially towards her male companion, some SeeDs were still attached to Garden's way of thinking.
Without warning, the Airship started shaking, like struck by something. Everyone was startled and some lost their balance. Kerry held on Carole who was held by Squall and others held at the closest wall to them. If they didn't have a wall to lean onto, they dropped down.
"What was that?" Rachel exclaimed taking Zell's hand to get up.
A blonde Al Bhed, Rin came in, immediately followed by Veronique. Some changed faces when they saw her. Even when she appeared more concerned than Rin.
"We're being attacked from within," Rin told. "Some of the Guados that attacked Home must have snuck on board."
Cid ran around the sphere in the middle and frowned at Rin suspiciously.
"You're awfully calm about it!"
"I am calm about most things," Rin replied.
"No use panicking about it, now." Squall advised taking his formal tone, giving up his easy pose.
Cid looked at the floor, very serious.
"Fiends… There's nothing to do, but-" he started.
"But destroy the ship and go down together!" Rikku finished jumping in, in front of her father, mimicking his tone.
Cid looked so pitiful at the moment that some barely held bursts of laughter could be heard across the room.
Rikku turned to Cid and reached for her head, shaking it with a sigh of discouragement.
"You gotta learn a little restraint, Pops."
She walked towards the door.
"If you crash the ship, we can't go rescue Yunie!"
Tidus has joined up with Squall, Carole and Kerry and Rikku joined in with them, turning around to her father.
"Leave the fiends to us professionals!" she said placing her fists on her hips, raising her head up.
"Yeah, let's go!" Tidus said pumping his fist as he turned his head to Carole and Squall. "Right?"
"Right!" Carole said, saluting.
Squall nodded and Kerry had a smile.
"Don't forget about us!" Irvine called from the hall. "We're with you too!"
"Thanks," Rikku told them all.
Rin walked in and bent over in the middle of the small group, his hands on his back.
"Rikku, you've made some good friends, I think. Good luck," he added placing a hand on Tidus' shoulder.
After a few more words of encouragement to the team, Rin left the bridge.
Ignoring the glaring at her from all around the room, Veronique stepped in, ignoring the ones pressing themselves against the walls each side of the hall to keep clear of her as possible.
"I want to help too!" she said.
Carole looked at her and smiled.
"I would have been disappointed if you wouldn't have asked."
Veronique's face lightened up.
"This Airship is pretty big, we should spread around," Tidus suggested.
"Good idea," Squall agreed. "It's not like we can get lost around it."
"Let's clean the garbage around and meet up on the upper level before the exit on the deck," Carole said. "Any objections?"
It sounded like a fair enough strategy. Most people, especially Adam, were only hoping not to get to team up with Veronique. Wakka cut in that problem when he joined up with them, apparently having trouble with something he wanted to say.
"Hum… Veronique, you can come with us if you want."
He looked elsewhere as he talked, like he didn't want to see his own mistakes on her face. He gave it much thinking and he came to understand that he did a mistake in the past. Veronique was but a child when she told him of Chappu's death. The more he thought about it, the more clearly he remembered what happened that day. She was in a panic, tears of fear all over her face, telling Wakka they had to do something. And what did he do? He panicked and threw her out and forgot about her. She used people from another world to cross his path and watch over him in her place until she decided to do it herself.
"What do you mean?" she asked, not sure to understand.
He took a deep breath and looked at her.
"I took my decision, ya? You stayin'. And while we clean up that place, you come with me, ya?"
Just for half a second, something past over Veronique's eyes that only a trained eye could have spotted. Being the closer ones to her, Squall and Carole both saw it: joy. She didn't let it show, because it was not the time. The words to describe how she felt didn't exist. A light shone in her eyes for a second as well and a smile lightened her face even more. That was as much as she allowed showing.
"I will not disappoint you, I promise!"
Squall turned to Carole with a sorry look on his face as everyone was hurrying outside.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have doubted you. I now believe you were right. I don't feel anything bad from her either."
Carole smiled warmly at him.
"Don't worry about it. I'm getting used to people not agreeing with my decisions. As a leader, I have to think for my team. I took responsibility, but I rather have Veronique close to us so we can watch her, than risk her following us from afar and get killed. After all, she is our ticket home."
"I thought about that too."
Carole looked at Veronique who hurried outside behind Wakka.
"She sure looks happy."
"She has a chance to prove her usefulness."
"Hey, come on or there won't be anything left for us!" Kerry called from the door.
"Right behind ya, K-chan!"
"There's another one that looks happy," Squall said with a smile.
The two quickly followed behind. Squall had something itching in a corner of his mind, like there was something he wanted to say, but he couldn't remember what. He shrugged it off, thinking maybe it wasn't that important. He's forgotten Carole didn't promise him she'd never leave him…
Lots of monsters were roaming free around the place. Bombs, Evil Eyes and Dual Horns attacked the youths restlessly. They split up in smaller groups to avoid getting in each other's way. Seifer went with Audrey, Dave and Quistis down the stairs to clear the way. Weapons out, everyone stood ready.
Squall waved out and looked at Wakka, that serious look on his face he always had when he was fighting.
"Wakka, you get going. We'll clear up behind you!"
"Aye!" Wakka answered with a thumb up.
He went ahead with Veronique, Tidus, Auron, Lulu, Rikku and Kimahri. They past Isaaru's brothers on their way.
"Be careful," Maroda advised.
The remaining SeeDs and their friends turned to Squall. Even Carole did. When he was around, she always trusted his decisions regarding fighting.
"Let's make sure no monsters or Guados remain on board. There are civilians around after all."
Nodding from the team.
"Don't think about summoning, it's too small in here to do it."
"It's pretty obvious!" Rachel stated.
Squall looked around, deciding of the team arrangements.
"I'll go down after the others with Carole, Kerry, Irvine and Selphie. Zell, Rachel, Rinoa and Adam, you go through every single room you find and clean them up. We'll clear the halls of any monsters the others could have missed."
"Where do we meet up when we're done?" Rinoa asked.
Squall had to admit he had no idea how the airship was. While the others explored, he remained on the bridge the whole time. That's when Carole came to his help.
"Down these halls, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the deck. Let's meet there, you can't miss it."
"I guess that's settled, then," Squall said with a smile. "Alright, team! Move out!"
The SeeDs saluted their leader and split up. Squall, Carole, Kerry, Irvine and Selphie ran down the hall, feeling the adrenaline start boiling. They paid attention to every little noise that didn't have anything to do with an engine or other mechanical stuff.
A Guado came out of nowhere right in front of them and summoned two Bombs and a Dual Horn before running away, apparently only trying to buy some time. Squall pointed at the Bombs.
"Irvine, shoot the Bombs down! Selphie and Kerry, you go after the Guado, don't let him get away or this will never end! Carole and I will take care of the Dual Horn!"
"Roger!" they all replied.
Selphie looked at Kerry and smiled widely.
"Let's do this, Kerry!"
"Okay!"
The girls ran ahead while their teammates kept the monsters busy to keep them out of their way.
Irvine shot the Bombs with his Exeter. They only managed to grow once each before they were brought down. On the gunbladers' side, the Dual Horn didn't know which one to attack first. Strikes seemed to be coming from all directions at once, not to mention the shots from the gunblades. After Squall cleared out of the way, Carole went for it and pulled the trigger. She was surprised to hear a faint 'clic' from it. She pulled back.
"Damn! I'm out of ammo!"
"Don't worry, I've got plenty left for the both of us!" Squall said.
He jumped in the air and brought his gunblade down with full strength, delivering the final blow as he pulled the trigger.
He sheathed his gunblade and walked towards Carole, looking for something in his pocket. The girl seemed pretty upset, cursing herself.
"I'm so stupid! That's a basic for gunblade users: always make sure the gunblade is loaded!"
"Don't be so hard on yourself. What, it's the first time you do this, right?"
"I never forgot before…"
Irvine put his gun on his shoulder and joined them. At that moment, Kerry and Selphie came back.
"Well, in my case, I can't afford to forget since my gun is useless without ammo. But you still got a blade with no ammo."
Squall handed Carole a few bullets. That was the one thing about gunblades. Even though the model changed, the bullets were always the same, so unlike Irvine's gun that could use different ammo, all gunblades used the same ones, so no need to start looking the world over for specific bullets.
"We got the Guado. I knocked him on the back of his head with my nunchaku, and Kerry finished him off. He never saw it coming!"
Kerry smiled proudly at Selphie.
"You sure will be a nice adding to SeeD, K-chan!" Selphie said.
Kerry blushed slightly.
"Well, I still have a ways to go…"
Carole loaded her gunblade. Squall's gunblade had a barrel, but she didn't. Hers was like Seifer's. She loaded a compartment in the handle and pushed it in until she heard it lock up.
Squall looked at everyone, making sure no one was hurt so they'd be ready to leave.
"Alright, let's go!"
The team moved out as they heard other teams come in. They had a room to check in that hall so they would catch up later.
They encountered a few more monsters and repeated the same strategy most of the time. Sometimes, Irvine would shoot down the Guado before he could escape, or Selphie and Kerry would run after him.
They kept running down the halls when Squall turned to Carole.
"How much further?"
"Right through that door! It's the stairs that lead up to the elevator that leads outside!"
"Cool!"
They went through the door and almost bumped into Tidus and the others who were standing on the other side.
Tidus turned to them and waved.
"Hey, guys! What took you so long?"
Carole pushed her hair back and shrugged.
"We were held a bit back there."
She turned to Veronique who looked like she never was happier in her entire life. Wakka was even standing next to her and he didn't seem the least bit troubled with it.
Auron looked at the youngsters and at the door.
"Where are the rest of your friends?" he asked.
"Checking the rest of the ship for fiends," Squall answered. "They should be here soon."
The old guy nodded and climbed the stairs. Everyone followed him right away. As they climbed, Carole joined Veronique.
"So, how did it go?" she asked.
"It worked better than I expected. It's like he trusted me completely! He never complained on my fighting and never tried to interfere either. He even told me I was pretty good."
"Well, I'm happy for you," Carole ended with a warm smile.
The sound of a door opening caught their attention and they saw Seifer, Audrey, Dave and Quistis come in. When they noticed their friends were already there, they hurried upstairs as well. Shortly after, came in Zell, Rachel, Rinoa and Adam. Adam and Rinoa immediately caught sight of Veronique so they climbed the stairs less eagerly than the others.
There wasn't much room next to the windows, so they had to spread around a bit. Auron was standing to the end of it, looking outside.
"Huh, now there's a rare sight," he said.
Everyone closened in on him to see what he was talking about. When Tidus placed his eyes out, he had a move backwards in surprise. There was a giant winged snake following the airship.
"Whoa, that's huge!" he exclaimed.
Rikku crouched down in front of the window while some were trying to see over the others.
"What is that?" she asked.
"Looks like a monster to me!" Zell told.
"Can't you be any more obvious?" Seifer said. "Of course it's a monster, stupid!"
"Give it a rest, you two!" Squall scolded with a frown.
He turned to the guardians as Zell started sulking, turning his back on Seifer and folding his arms.
"So, what is that thing, exactly?" he asked. "I don't think it's flying around here to get some fresh air."
"It's the guardian wyrm, Evrae," Lulu answered.
On the other side of the glass, the flying monster flew down out of sight. Kerry pressed her face on the glass to try and see where it went but it disappeared in the clouds.
"The great sacred beast – protector of Bevelle!" Lulu added.
Auron chuckled.
"The red carpet has teeth."
"Wait, that means we're close to Bevelle!" Tidus understood.
"Rikku, you read me?" Cid's voice called in the microphone.
Rikku got up and everyone looked up at the ceiling.
"We're gonna fight that thing! Get on deck and show him what you got! Go!"
"There he goes again," Rikku said.
"The ferryman asks a high price," Auron commented.
They started heading for the elevator when Squall stopped.
"Wait a minute."
Everyone stopped and turned to him.
"What's the matter?" Zell asked. "Let's go!"
"I don't think we should all go, we're gonna get in each other's way."
Auron looked around at how many they were.
"Good point, we're too many."
"Some will stay behind and double check all the rooms in the ship for anymore hidden Guado," Squall commanded.
"Good idea," Carole approved.
She looked to Kerry next to her and gave her a smile.
"I want you to stay here, K-chan. I would feel safer knowing you're inside."
Kerry nodded promptly, slightly sighing with relief. She was glad she didn't have to go outside.
"I'll stay with her," Selphie suggested. "I don't think I'm gonna be very useful against that thing."
"I'll stay too Sefie," Irvine said placing himself next to her.
"No, you go. You got a gun, you can shoot it from afar, you're gonna be needed."
"She's right, Irvine," Squall said.
Irvine shrugged.
"If you say so, Commander."
Squall looked at his team mates, thinking who would be useful and who would be better inside. He knew they were many, but he didn't want anyone to fear they would be useless.
"I don't want to force anyone into going or staying, so I'm asking volunteers. Who wants to stay?"
Audrey moved forward.
"I'm staying inside. My twin circles are good at close range, but shit in long range."
"I'd like to have a piece of it, but I don't know if I could even touch it," Dave said a little reluctantly. "So I'll stay in too."
"Me too," Quistis added.
"Arrrgh! Dammit!" Zell exclaimed punching the ground. "Guess I stay in too."
"Well I'm going," Rachel said. "I never get to fight tough guys!"
The ones who were to stay inside moved away from the others, standing in front of them.
Squall turned to the rest of them.
"Ok, let's do this!"
"You be careful, you guys," Dave advised.
The others nodded and they climbed on the platform leading outside. As it went up, Kerry waved at them, wishing them good luck.
"Any ideas how to beat that thing?" Seifer asked.
"Let's just get there first, we'll see then," Squall answered.
The elevator stopped and the door opened. Everyone stepped out and at that moment, the giant wyrm broke through the clouds next to the ship. The sides opened to reveal the holes from which the missiles that destroyed Home were shot.
"We gotta keep our distance, boys," Cid's voice told. "But we can't let her get too far away. You all have to tell me when to move!"
Evrae dived under the clouds again as they were getting ready, taking their weapons out and focusing. Then it suddenly rose up right next to the ship, roaring, causing Rikku to hold her head with two hands in surprise and fear. Then Evrae disappeared again.
"But tell me quick, eh? This rig ain't so nimble, you hear?"
"Roger! I'll give the commands!" Tidus screamed to cover the sound of the wind and the airship's engine.
"Not alone, you won't!" Rikku added, psyching up next to him.
Evrae was right next to the ship, leaning over it so close it could touch it and reach for the fighters. Its clawed arms slashed in, not bothering picking a specific target since there were so many. Tidus got hit and lost his balance a moment. Evrae packed quite a punch and was very painful.
"Are you okay?" Carole inquired.
"Augh... Better take it from afar if possible. Go back! Farther away!" he screamed for Cid to hear.
"Just a minute!" his voice echoed in the microphone.
"Attack it with all you got before the ship moves!" Auron said.
The bladers went in and slashed all they could while Rinoa was healing the wounded.
The ship started shaking.
"Don't be falling, now!" Cid warned.
Everyone crouched down to avoid falling overboard while the ship put some distance between Evrae and them. Once it stopped, they got back up.
"From here, the long range fighters take it over."
"Ya!" Wakka said taking his ball out.
Adam armed an arrow in his bow, Rinoa readied her Blaster Edge and Irvine loaded his gun. The others felt a little left out.
"Magic will be helpful, too," Lulu told. "If you all have some to spare..."
"And don't be afraid to summon if you want to," Auron added. "No one will know here except for us and we already know you can do it."
"Hey, that gives me an idea!" Seifer said as his face lightened up.
As the others turned to him to know what was his idea, Evrae unleashed a series of attack that reached a random area of the deck, dealing small damage but to many people at same time.
"Keep it busy, I have to focus!"
The shooters obeyed right away, throwing and firing their weapons at will. Seifer remained behind, a hand in front of his face, his eyes closed in concentration.
"Come, Cerberus!" he called as he finished summoning.
The graveyard appeared and the three-headed dog released its special technique. Double and Triple for everyone. His job done, he vanished along with the graveyard.
"What... what was that?" Rikku asked in fear.
Squall turned to Seifer and smiled approvingly.
"Good thinking, Seifer!" he praised before turning to the guardians to explain. "Cerberus used Double and Triple on us all. It allows everyone under those spells to cast 2 or 3 times in a single shot."
"While it's gonna be far from us, being able to cast more than just one spell should be helpful."
"A nice little trick," Lulu said.
She unleashed three –ra spells she had. It did not matter much which ones, because unfortunately, Evrae was protected against all elements, only receiving half the damage it would have normally caused.
The SeeDs who couldn't use their short range weapons started casting spells along with Lulu while the long range fighters were going all out.
"This is it!" Cid's voice said. "I'm hitting it with all we got!"
The airship started shaking a little when all the cannons shot simultaneously. The missiles flew to Evrae and exploded on contact, compensating their lack of damage.
"Ah, yeah!" Zell exclaimed. "Do that again!"
Master, call me, allow me to bring you my aid, a voice rang deep in Squall's mind.
He nodded and put his gunblade back, focusing on the summoning. Evrae unleashed its multiple target attack again so Carole moved in front of him to keep him from being disturbed. She used a protect spell on herself to reduce the damage.
In the trance state preceding summoning Squall was in, he didn't notice. He opened his eyes and waved his hand out.
"Come forth, Bahamut!"
A huge shadow appeared in the clouds and broke through them to fly up in the sky, traced by everyone.
"Even after all this time, it's still impressive," Squall whispered.
"Yeah..." Carole trailed off.
The King of Dragons came back down with his wings folded and flapped them a little over the airship to slow his fall. He flapped to keep up with the airship, on the side opposing the one where Evrae was. The SeeDs expected the Mega Flare attack, but to their surprise, it didn't come.
"What the?" Carole let out, surprised.
"I have been thinking since our arrival in this world," Bahamut said.
Everyone froze, listening to him. His voice was deep, but clear. Some would have expected more of a growling, but he was using perfectly understandable words.
"I am not standing by and watch any longer. I will help. I shall carry you to the enemy so you can keep fighting in close range."
"Say what?" Irvine exclaimed.
Squall had a smile and grabbed his gunblade.
"Great! I was afraid I wouldn't have anything left to do!"
He ran to the edge of the airship and jumped off to land right on Bahamut's back. He sat over his arms, but the large shoulders made it a little complicated. Squall ended up kneeling, squeezing the dragon's spine between his legs. It was safe enough.
"I can still take more people," Bahamut told.
Squall turned his head towards Carole and they had an accomplice smile. The girl grabbed her own gunblade and jumped on Bahamut's back, behind Squall. She was on her knees, right under the arms. Her legs were resting on the junction of the wings and the back which made it a little uncomfortable, but unless she would be very careless, she would not fall.
"You okay?" Carole inquired worried about weight.
Bahamut was quite large so it was close to nothing to him.
"You can add more."
Squall looked back at the airship, wondering who would want to come along. Seifer was standing there, looking at the two on the dragon's back.
"Ah, heck!"
He frowned and jumped behind Carole. Squall turned around as much as he could to look at Seifer.
"Welcome aboard."
"I want a piece of this, I'm done watching you always be the hero!" he replied with a smirk.
"If there's room left..." Rachel started.
Carole looked back at her sister with a little surprise. Since Rachel became a SeeD, she did not participate in many missions, and the ones she attended were far from dangerous. Carole's field exam was tougher than everything her sister ever participated in. At that moment, though, with her two blade hand axe, she looked pretty confident and determined.
Carole turned her head to Squall who looked at Bahamut. The dragon turned his head to the girl on deck and nodded. Rachel showed a proud smile and jumped behind Seifer. She was just over the rear legs.
"I will be careful not to make anyone fall, you all focus on the target," Bahamut said.
"Wait!" Rikku exclaimed before the dragon would take off. "The Airship can fire missiles, if you're there, you're gonna get hit too!"
The four youngsters on Bahamut's back looked at each other.
"Damn! Couldn't someone give us a sign when it's about to shoot?"
"I'll do it," Rinoa offered. "When Cid is ready to shoot, I'll tell you telepathically."
"But, Rinoa... we're no longer..." Squall started, unable to finish his sentence.
Rinoa had an understanding smile.
"I know we're not linked anymore, but we were once, so I can still talk to you, you know. I'm gonna tell you before the ship shoots so you can tell Bahamut to get out of the way."
"Sounds fair enough. Let's do this!"
Bahamut flapped his huge wings and flew towards Evrae who saw a threat in the dragon immediately. He tried to bit him, but Bahamut was swift despite his passengers.
"Attack it, I will simply keep it from hurting you. My scales are hard, it won't hurt me."
The four fighters held onto the scales of the back with one hand to slash at Evrae with their other hand.
"This is it!" Cid's voice said. "I'm hitting it with all we got!"
"Now!" Rinoa's voice echoed in Squall's mind.
Bahamut put some distance between Evrae and him before Squall even said anything. The reason was pretty obvious: Bahamut was junctionned to Squall so he could hear in his mind too. Squall frowned at the thought. So all the GFs junctionned to him could know at all time what he was thinking about. Enough to make him stop thinking at all.
The airship released a dozen missiles at the same time which hit Evrae and exploded on contact. The people still on the deck were cheering.
"Alright!" Tidus exclaimed. "That did some damage!"
Lulu kept casting spells after spells, while the shooters were firing at will. Busy dealing with the dragon flying around it, Evrae didn't even pay any attention to them at all. Veronique did her best as well, casting spells to her heart's contempt, something she never did before.
After a moment, the airship was ready for another volley of missiles so Rinoa signaled Squall again and Bahamut moved out, allowing the missiles to reach Evrae for major damage once again.
"Keep at it!" Squall cheered the others. "A little more!"
The dragon riders slashed all at same time, watching the monster be hit by the long range weapons. It was covered with arrows, bleeding from bullet holes and bruised from Wakka's ball. It was also suffering from many burns, colds and shocks. Bahamut was flying around on the side opposing the airship so the others would not be afraid to hit them by mistake.
The riders were running on adrenaline. The feeling of the wind in their ears and clothes, brushing their faces was thrilling. Not to forget the height, which would cause their death would they fall. Bahamut's scales were pretty hard, making it easy for them to hang on without worrying about hurting the GF.
Another signal from Rinoa made Bahamut move out again. As Bahamut flapped his wings to get out of the way, the missiles came raining. Evrae shook up and wiggled its tail towards Bahamut and his riders. Bahamut stiffened up to avoid the tail. Squall cramped his arms in his neck to avoid falling backwards. Carole hanged on him while Seifer cramped his heels in Bahamut's spine. A very small and faint scream was heard behind him, but the other three all heard it. They turned their head just in time to see Rachel as she fell backwards, a look of terror in her face. Seifer stretched out to her to try and catch her but his hand closed around her axe, around the blade, cutting through his leather glove. Rachel let go of her axe and fell down.
"Rach, NO!" Carole yelled leaning over.
Squall grabbed her to keep her from falling along.
"Shit!" Seifer let out holding the axe in his hand.
From the airship, the others saw everything.
"Oh, my god!" Rikku exclaimed reaching for her mouth. "Someone is falling!"
"Who is it?" Tidus asked.
"It's Rachel!" Adam exclaimed widening his eyes in fear.
Veronique ran to the edge of the ship, thinking of what she could do. Rinoa bent over and spread her Angel Wings. She flapped them and jumped down the airship. She folded them as she dived, head first to gain speed and catch up with Rachel. Everyone was watching on the edge, holding their breath.
As she was falling, Rachel was thinking she would not see the end of this and never go back home. She thought that at least, she tried something hard. She was only sad she would die in the process.
Something above caught her attention so she looked up and recognized Rinoa. She extended her hand towards her and Rinoa did the same. The moment their hands touched, they closed tight, nothing would have made any of them let go. Rinoa pulled on Rachel's hand to take her closer and held her close to herself.
"Gotcha!" Rinoa said smiling to the scared girl.
"Thank you, Rinoa! I owe you one!"
Rinoa flapped her wings to stop their descent and flapped some more to go back up. Rachel hanged on tight.
As they made their way back up, the others all traced them and cheered up.
"Alright!" Tidus exclaimed raising a fist.
"Way to go, Rinoa!" Adam added.
On Bahamut's back, Carole breathed out, feeling her heartbeat slowly go back to a normal pace. Squall squeezed her hand on his shoulder a bit and smiled at her.
Rinoa came up flying next to Bahamut but Evrae saw her and tried to attack her. Weapons and spells came flying.
"Leave them alone, you overgrown snake!" Irvine screamed as he fired some more.
"Yeah! Get over here!" Adam said as he shot another arrow.
"Come on!" Wakka added.
Lulu raised her hand and cast another spell.
"We're out of ammo?" Cid's disappointed voice said in the microphone. "This really isn't my day..."
"Not to worry, pops!" Rikku exclaimed raising a fist. "We won't need anymore!"
Rinoa closened in on Bahamut when Evrae turned its attention to the deck fighters. It even went back to the side of the airship to be closer to them.
"Now you're talking!" Tidus said tightening his grip on Brotherhood.
Auron followed his example and both bladers slashed like mad.
Seifer moved to where Rachel was earlier so she would sit behind Carole, in front of him.
"There, this way you won't fall again."
Rinoa got Rachel close so Carole and Seifer both grabbed her to sit her down.
"Come on, Seifer, it's not like it was your fault."
"I should have caught you back. Lucky Rinoa acted quickly or you'd be dead by now."
Squall had a teasing smile.
"Aww, so you care."
Seifer looked away, a blushing slightly.
"Well, I just don't want to see Chicken-wuss get all teary. We don't need a crybaby in this."
He handed Rachel her axe back. As he did so, she saw the blood dripping from his glove.
"You're bleeding!" she exclaimed.
"Bah, catching a blade by hand tends to do that," he said with a light smile.
Rachel grabbed his hand and took his glove off.
"Ow! Watch it!"
She stared at the cut while Bahamut was flying closer to Evrae so the other two would fight it from the other side.
The cut was pretty deep. She figured her axe was pretty sharp but judging from how deep it was on his fingers, it was obvious he grabbed it hard. She was moved by the fact he tried to save her. She never expected him to be that way, but then again, wasn't it simply normal to keep someone you travel with, fight with, and hang with from dying?
"You're lucky I let go of it. If I would have held on, the blade would have slashed your fingers off."
"Maybe."
She held her own hand over his.
"Cure!"
The blood dried up and the cut closed up. Seifer raised his hand to his eyes and examined it. He closed and opened it a few times to test it out.
"You know, I thought I'd be used to that by now, but I'm not."
Rachel giggled.
"You could have done it yourself though."
"I thought I'd let you feel sorry for me and do it."
She laughed a little more. Seifer took on an embarrassed look which made he laugh even more.
"I'm ashamed to admit it, but I don't have any cure spells junctionned."
Rachel laughed again and was joined by Squall and Carole. Seifer frowned at them.
"Hey! I'm not the one traveling the world over to gather spells as I save the day!"
"Maybe you should, then," Squall told as he slashed at Evrae once more.
"Whatever..." Seifer trailed off as he slashed and pulled the trigger in the process.
Evrae threw its head backward, readying a skill.
"Watch out!" Veronique exclaimed.
She placed herself in the middle of them all and raised her hands over her head, forming a barrier around everyone on deck the moment Evrae released his Stone Gaze ability. It bounced off the barrier, keeping anyone from turning to stone.
Wakka turned his head to her and nodded approvingly. Veronique felt a wave of pride come up. She proved useful, just like she said she would. And she would continue.
She dropped the barrier to allow the others to go at Evrae again.
Evrae cast Haste on itself.
"Ah, great!" Seifer complained. "Not only doesn't this thing die, now it's quicker!"
"Don't give up!" Rinoa exclaimed from back on deck as she shot her shooting star.
"Keep at it!" Squall added from Bahamut's back.
Evrae opened its mouth and released a poison breath that Veronique didn't have time to shield from them. It brought everyone on deck to their knees.
"Guys!" Carole called.
Irvine gave off a red light and he got up. He loaded his gun with many pulse ammo and released Hyper Shot. Beams of light hit Evrae a couple times before he ran out of energy and went back on his knees. Rinoa cured him right away. Then it was the Guardians' turn to go Overdrive. Tidus used his spiral cut, jumping and back flipping before bringing Brotherhood down on Evrae. Rinoa cured him right after. Auron raised his sword and brought it down, doing his Dragon Fang overdrive. A blast of fire came up from under Evrae. Kimahri released Fire Breath, managing some damage of his own. Rinoa kept curing but she couldn't follow. Rikku mixed two potions together to make an ultra potion, which proved pretty useful, bringing everyone back to their full health. It was Lulu's turn to go overdrive. She released a series of Thundara spells one after another, keeping Evrae from moving at all.
Evrae growled and threw its head backwards, showing difficulties to stay in the air. It started losing altitude as it slowly turned into pyreflies.
"Way to go!" Carole exclaimed slapping her sister's held out hand.
"We did it!" Rikku exclaimed.
The riders climbed off Bahamut. Squall turned to it while the others were rejoicing at their victory.
"Thank you for your assistance," Squall said.
"I am happy to be of service to you."
He nodded his head and vanished back to his own dimension.
"That was awesome!" Carole exclaimed behind him.
He turned to her and watched her hair messed up by the wind. He had an uneasy feeling for some reason but he couldn't get what it was. He couldn't bring himself to smile as he saw her enthusiasm while she was praising Veronique and the others as well.
"What is it..." he asked himself in a low tone. "What's on your mind that you're not telling me?"
He could tell even though she looked happy and all psyched up, she was bothered by something. He wouldn't be much of a boyfriend if he couldn't tell when she was hiding something. Although the others didn't seem to notice, he did.
His thoughts were disturbed when the airship started shaking a worrying way.
"Cruud!" Brother's voice said. "Fa'na mucehk bufan!"
"Rao! E caa Bevelle!" Cid replied.
"Oh, shit..." Carole breathed out.
"Hang on!" Rikku exclaimed. "We're losing power!"
"You gotta be kidding!" Rachel said.
The airship was flying over the clouds, touching them before it suddenly gained height, flying straight towards the sun. The people on deck laid down to keep from falling. The airship stopped gaining height, losing it instead and it broke through the clouds while everyone was hanging the best they could, holding onto whatever they could.
A/N: Yay! Done at last! I hope you liked it, and I'm really sorry for the delay. I know I don't have much more to go, but I got a major writer's block for a while. I got some parts already all planned up though, like the fight with Yunalesca. But until then... I'll have to keep writing. Cya in next chapter ;)