Chapter Twenty Five

Luneth

The Shadow Temple

When the Aeon Stone ceased its magic a figure stood in the bubble with Baralai, his purple eyes shining down upon the weakening Yevonite. Not wasting any time the summoned man raised his hand against the acid barrier and created a large enough hole to slip through. Picking up Baralai he quickly moved through the gap that he had created. Placing the man on the ground the summoned Aeon smiled when Baralai began to breathe steadily again. Amber eyes opened and a look of confusion crossed his features. For a moment no words where spoken then the Aeon motioned towards the necklace around Baralai's neck and the Yevonite clasped it desperately. Shakily he stood up and faced his saviour.

"Thank you." Baralai whispered.

"You are welcome." the snowy haired man answered.

"You came from the Aeon Stone right?" Baralai asked quietly.

"Yes, I came when you were in danger. My name is Luneth." the Aeon smiled gently.

The Aeon was a small man in appearance with snow white hair and bright purple gemstone eyes. He was wearing black pants, a white shirt and an emerald green vest with black boots. His hair was kept tied back into a ponytail. His face was delicate and almost feminine in appearance but he had a distinctly masculine voice. Luneth approached Baralai and extended his hand in a show of greeting. The former Praetor smiled and gently shook the offered hand.

"Thank you for saving my life." Baralai stated.

"It was my job to make sure you were kept safe. Shall we get back to your friends?" Luneth motioned towards the tunnel.

"So you're an Aeon." Baralai asked as they walked down the tunnel. "I have seen Shiva, Ifrit and Bahamut and they don't look like you."

"Thank you." Luneth grinned.

"I didn't mean any offence." Baralai stammered quickly.

"It's ok. I'm a low level Aeon, just starting out. This is my first assignment. You could say I'm a guardian angel on his first mission." Luneth smiled brightly.

"You score points already." the silver haired healer replied. "I need to get the others. Velis is insane if he thinks he can control a Devil Golem."

"I'll be staying with you until your mission is over. Once the Stone was activated I remain flesh and blood." Luneth said.

"What about your powers?" Baralai asked.

"I have control over Light and Holy magic." Luneth answered as they reached a fork in the tunnel.

"Can the Lord of Earth be revived?" the former Praetor asked.

"If the Devil Golem received enough life energy then yes he can awaken." Luneth replied. "We need to get to his temple."

Baralai nodded then followed Luneth as he walked down the right side of the tunnel. They walked for a few minutes until they came to a thick door. Pushing the door open Baralai stumbled out into what appeared to be a place for prayer. The interior of the small temple smelled of jasmine, the air was heavy and the heat made it slightly hard to breathe.

Luneth and Baralai hesitantly approached the door and pulled it open. When his amber gaze fell on a familiar red head shock filled his heart. Reno was caught in a fight against Nhadala. The blond woman kept screaming about how Gippal never loved her, how she was used for comfort and a need to not be lonely anymore.

"Gippal was mine! I won't let that has been Praetor take him from me!" Nhadala snarled.

"Stop now Nhadala! I don't want to hurt you." Reno bit out harshly.

"I won't let you into the temple." the blond woman answered.

"What will you tell Gippal, huh?" Reno asked quickly causing Nhadala to pause. "How are you gonna tell him you did this? You wanted Baralai dead?"

"I just want him to love me without thinking about Baralai. Is that too much to ask?" she begged.

"I'm sorry about your life but I won't apologize for Baralai. At least the person you love still fucking breathes." Reno hissed.

"Stop it!" Baralai yelled as he ran out of the temple. Reno and Nhadala jumped when they heard his voice.

"Lai? Fuck, you're safe." Reno breathed with relief. "Who the fuck is that?"

"I am Luneth, an Aeon at your service." he answered. Reno stared wide eyed at the man.

"Nhadala, please we need to get into the Temple of Earth." Baralai pleaded.

"I can't let you go." she whispered softly.

"Everything is at stake if we stay here." Baralai begged her. "If the Devil Golem awakens everyone in this city will die."

"The Sand King has not given you his blessing to enter the temple. I can't let you go." Nhadala snarled.

"Then I apologize for this." Luneth said. Before anyone could say anything he moved fast and bought his fist crashing against her jaw.

"Holy shit!" Reno jumped back. "What did you do?"

"She'll be out cold for a while. We better get moving though." Luneth answered.

"Lai, what happened to you?" Reno asked.

"Velis and Toya where in the city. They took me to this chamber below the Shadow Temple. They were going to use me to awaken the Lord of Earth." Baralai explained.

"Lai…if Toya is doing this Atsuma might not be bale to save him." Reno said softly.

"I know. It will break his heart as well as Makoto." Baralai closed his eyes. "Let's get to the Temple of Earth first."

When they reached the plaza, Tidus, Zell, Vincent, Seifer, Atsuma and Makoto were already gathered there. Unable to waste anymore time Baralai quickly explained what had happened. Luneth's appearance had understandably startled them but they could ask questions about the Aeon later.

Right now they had to get back to Sandstorm Village and get past the guards. Once they were packed up and ready Baralai took them back across the city, past the main gates and out into the marshland. The sky was blood red, causing Baralai to shiver slightly. The red sky always seemed to herald bad fortune. When they reached the crossroad they saw that the guards were already arriving from the village.

"Maybe we should split up and take them out." Makoto suggested.

"He's got a point." Seifer nodded. The other agreed with the suggestion.

"Ok then, we'll split up. Vincent, you Seifer, Tidus and Zell stay in the village and keep the guards busy. I'll take the others to the temple." Baralai said.

"Be careful." Vincent said wearily.

"And you." Tidus grinned as he gripped Zell's hand for reassurance.

"What if we find Gippal?" Zell asked causing Baralai to pause slightly.

"Just tell him I'm sorry." the silver haired man sighed gently. "Let's get this over with."

When they entered the village Baralai too his group through the quiet village towards the large gates leading into the forest beyond. This section of the island was the only place to remain fertile and green. The power of the Temple of Earth provided the land with lush green pastures and trees. The gate was guarded by two men at all times and the gate itself needed a key to be opened. S

eifer took his group towards the guards first. When the men refused to let them pass Seifer and Vincent made short work of them. With well aimed Enchantments they disabled the guards and the gate remained before them. Baralai heard more guards approaching their position. Luneth moved quickly and brought his fist down upon the gate.

The front splintered and fell apart under the force of his attack. Wood went in all directions as he pushed the broken gate open and stepped through. Glancing back towards his friends Baralai shot Seifer a grateful smile before following the Aeon into the forest beyond the village. The trees were thick and a large canopy blocked out most of the sunlight but Baralai could see clearly enough.

There was a pathway leading into a small valley. If memory served the Temple of Earth was located beyond the valley near a lake. The temple had been built above the water and the only means of accessing it was a bridge that had to be summoned. At least that's what the myth entails anyway.

Baralai led them through the forest onto a small pathway. He decided to stick to the road for now to see where it would take them. After ten minutes of walking they finally reached an alcove overlooking the valley and in the distance the Temple of Earth remained silent atop a vast lake. It was actually a beautiful sight to behold and yet its true purpose caused a chill to go down the former Praetor's spine. Luneth was observing the land below them, his violet eyes scanning the land for any sign of danger. The place was utterly still and silent it was highly unnerving. Atsuma suddenly screamed as he fell to the ground holding his right arm.

"It's the Queen!" Atsuma screamed out.

"She must be in the temple." Makoto cried as he held onto his childhood friend.

"Ahhh!" the student screamed again as he fell into darkness.

"Follow my command." a voice called as Atsuma opened his eyes. He was floating in that dark place again, just like the time he touched the Emperor of Fire's Magicore.

"What do you want?" Atsuma demanded.

"The Lord of Earth…can you hear me?" the voice asked.

"My lord…I obey." Atsuma turned to the source of another voice.

"The boy approaches. Everything is set." the voice drawled. "Do you understand?"

"I obey." the Lord of Earth answered.

"Follow my command…proceed." the voice said and Atsuma felt hot pain course through his body.

"Stop! I won't listen to you anymore!" Atsuma screamed out.

"You don't have a choice in the matter, you never have." the voice answered. "Now follow my command."

"Get out of my head!" the student begged. The darkness was fading and a dull red light enveloped him. He could see millions of stars around him. He almost felt safe.

"I have been with you since you were a child." the voice said. "I have been influencing your life. You are my vessel and you will obey."

"I won't listen to you." Atsuma whimpered as searing pain tore through his body.

"You can't help that. I am a part of you." the voice replied.

"We'll stop the Lord of Earth…we'll stop him I swear!" Atsuma growled.

"My vessel…that is what I am counting on." the voice said with amusement. Before Atsuma could said anything he cried out as light spilled across his vision.

"Are you ok?" Makoto helped Atsuma to his feet.

"Yeah but…I heard the Lord of Earth in my head with that other voice. We have to get to the temple now." the student stated quickly.

Note-woo hoo another chapter! And the Aeon is Luneth from FF3, an adorable character who just screams uke! Ok then enough of my rambling, catch you on the flip side!!