Chapter 50

Vegnagun

We kept walking and as we got closer, I saw how big Vegnagun really was. I was terrified... but that wouldn't stop me from destroying it and going home to my family.

"It's moving!" Yuna said.

We ran forward and found Nooj.

"Both Baralai and Vegnagun belong to him now." he said.

We all looked up.

"Shuyin..."

I could just see Baralai on top of Vegnagun. As he played, Vegnagun's eyes glowed. Nooj turned to us, and I didn't like the look he had in his eyes. He walked over to us.

"I have a plan. Can't call it a smart one though."

"What's that?" Paine asked.

"He acts through another's body. Stop the body and you stop him."

"You want to shoot Baralai." I said.

Paine looked alarmed.

"No..."

"His body will be useless, but if we're lucky, he won't die. Shuyin will abandon Baralai. And then he'll come back for me."

"What then?"

"I will die. My body has already been rigged. I'm taking Shuyin with me."

I shook my head.

"Nooj..."

"But... you're our captain." Paine said.

"Exactly."

"No! No you can't do it this way."

"I don't like your plan. It sucks."

My eyes widened and I looked at Yuna. Everyone turned to face her.

"Your plan is awful. Think about it. It's no different than what we did four years ago. We destroyed our own allies. We destroyed the aeons who'd fought together with us, at our side. We didn't have a choice then. We believed that was the only way we could save Spira. Do you know what it felt like to watch them die? Right before my eyes? It was the only thing we could do. It was the only choice we had. I gave in, I accepted, I believed. I allowed it to be true. I thought I'd be able to go through with it without ever doubting myself. But I... it hurt so much."

Tears welled in my eyes. I took Yuna's hand and she squeezed mine.

"Forgive us."

I looked around for the boy, but I couldn't see him.

"Everyone was so happy. 'Great job, Yuna. You did it. You saved us all'. There were too many smiles to count. And I know that I was smiling too. But now... when I look back... The people who should be here aren't. The ones who should be smiling with us aren't here."

"We had no choice."

I looked around again.

" 'We had no choice.' Always we had no choice. Those were our magic words, we repeat them to ourselves again and again but you know, the magic never worked. The only thing we're left with is regret."

"Yuna... I'm sorry."

"No. I don't want this anymore." she said softly.

It was my father's voice. I knew that Yuna heard it too.

"I don't want friends to die... or fade away. I don't want battles where we have to lose in order to win." she took a deep breath. "Nooj I know that what you say is what you mean to do. Give me your resolve. Believe in Yuna."

"Hm. So you have a plan?" Nooj asked.

I looked at my sister.

"Light?" I asked.

"That's plan B, but before that... hey Rikku. No matter how monstrous it looks Vegnagun is still just a machina. So we can take it apart, right?" she asked.

"Uh yeah... uh, maybe?"

I jumped when Gippal came up behind us, taking Rikku in his arms.

"You never used to be the think before you act type, what gives?" he asked Rikku.

She smiled at him.

"Leblanc!"

"And I never was the wait like a good girl type. Isn't that right Noojie?"

I shook my head but I still smiled.

"Vegnagun can be detroyed. Abso-posi- you better believe it." said Gippal. "Wanna know why?"

"Cause people built it!" Rikku answered.

"Yeah... people are dumb." I said.

Paine chuckled.

"Right! Everyone! It looks like we can stop that thing after all."

Vegnagun started to react, as if to tell us 'Yeah right! I'm indestructible'.

"Bwuhahaha! Now it's pissed!" Ormi said.

"Witless little widget isn't it?" Logos asked.

Nooj looked at Yuna.

"What about Shuyin?"

"Plan B!"

I smiled at her.

"Oh?"

"Love." Yuna and I said.

"Oh boy..." Gippal said.

Rikku smacked him.

"The ultimate illusion." Nooj said.

I rolled my eyes in response.

"It'll work! I've come this far to bring Lenne's feelings to Shuyin. I'm not stopping now!"

"The power of love conquers all! So romantic! Count me in!" said Leblanc.

She was very enthusiastic. Vegnagun started to steam! I drew my sword and we all looked up.

"Look!" Paine said.

"Get back!" I shouted.

Vegnagun started moving and we went back as far as we could. It was even bigger than I originally thought. It looked like a giant insect! With wings and even what looked like a stinger. At least six legs! It growled but didn't do anything.

"Ha! It's bluffing!"

Yuna and I looked at each other.

"Sir Jecht?"

"Yuna, Amahy, you have your friends."

"Vydran." I said.

"If we all attack at once we can do this! Let's split up!"

"Leave the legs to us." Leblanc said.

"We've got the torso." Gippal said.

Nooj nodded.

"Guess that leaves the tail!"

I frowned.

"I didn't see a tail."

Yuna tapped me on the shoulder and then pointed.

"Ohhh... damnit! Alright let's go!"

Vydran please stand beside us. And you Jecht!

Auron's POV

Waiting on the airship for Amahy to come back was like torture. The minutes seemed like hours and the hours felt like days. I was scared but I wouldn't let my son see that.

Come back to me, Amahy. Come back to me and our son.