Pre A/N: This is my make up gift for Chapter 6. It was boring, short, and
didn't have a lot of value, save showing the sinister councils in action.
Well, this chapter is long, (hopefully) exciting, and I've spent a long
time churning this out before the school week hit. Enjoy ^^ ~ No One
Chapter 7: Day of the Tournament
Weston's eyes trained along the quick moving skyline, admiring the sun's radiance shining through the white, fluffy clouds. He hmmed and shrugged his shoulders, trying to get used to the odd, yellow outfit Wakka had given him to wear. It wasn't chaffing per se, but it was a little odd, since it was made with a dense material. Underneath it he only had his freshly washed boxers. Wakka had told him not to wear anything more, so that he could better fit in. Weston, even though he had nothing to be self- conscious over, hated being barely clothed. In fact, the only reason he ever went shirtless was to stay cool in hot weather.
Weston's green eyes moved to the semi-opaque reflection of himself. He scarcely recognized the person looking back at him. Whenever he looked into a mirror, he still saw that scared, pudgy child jumping from foster home to foster home, trying to put a horrific past behind him. That same child could barely keep friends, was teased constantly, and was bullied at whichever school he was in at the time. This child had only his books and imagination to keep him sane, and at the moment the child turned into an eighteen-year-old adolescent, he joined the Army. However, due to his insecurities (and an eating disorder), they sent him on his way.
Not able to fend for himself, he jumped from homeless shelters to Salvation Army posts and back again, much like his broken childhood. Tired and about to give up on it all, Weston began living on the streets. Eating only when he could bum money off of bystanders or when he found food, he began to lose the weight in the worst of ways. With his spirit broken and his body becoming a wreck, he admitted himself into a mental health clinic, just for the shelter and care. But soon, after befriending the staff there, he began to find himself once more. His drive to become better was so astounding, none of the staff at the clinic could release him; he'd always come up with some excuse to stay. After a year, he had toned his body and mind, and left the clinic to try the Army once more. Two years older and fitter in body and mind, the Army gladly accepted him. Basic training was a breeze and after a short mission in Columbia, he began training to become a member of the elite Delta Force, the Army's anti-terrorist spec ops team. He easily made the cut.
Weston closed his eyes tightly, shaking his head, trying to erase the memories from his thoughts. He opened his eyes once more and could see the anthill like skyline of Luca. The sheer size of the city excited him, for it resembled something he'd see in America. Ships could be seen entering docks, flags and banners waving, birds flying in and out of the city. Weston smiled secretly, not wanting to show his exciting too obviously. His heart picked up it's pace as the airship descended slowly, the city growing in size every few feet.
A voice came over some sort of intercom and said, "Fa femm pa ynejehk eh Luca crundmo. Bmayca tu hud aqed dra yencreb ihdem ehcdnildeuhc yna kejah."
Weston sighed. Even in this world he could not escape languages he didn't understand. Luckily, the same voice then said, "We will arrive in Luca shortly. Please refrain from exiting the airship until instructions are given."
With a groan, Weston turned around and headed back down the stairs that lead to the inner cabins. Passing through two metal sliding doors, he headed two columns down a large, semi-circular pathway and walked through another set of doors. These doors opened up to yet another hallway that had yet another set of doors at the end. He walked slowly through these and entered a large room with seats on either side. At the far end was a small screen on which a mostly opaque image was being displayed. Yuna and Rikku were in the two front-left seats, and Wakka and Lulu were sitting opposite of them on the right-front pair of seats.
"An in-flight movie, eh," Weston chuckled. Rikku was the first to turn around, immediately laughing at seeing him in the Auroch uniform. Lulu turned around and gave him an odd look.
"I don't think that suits you too well, Weston," she said, trying to hold in her grin.
Wakka's head popped up above his seat. "Ya, you do look a bit odd in it, brudda. But, I don't think you'll have too much trouble passing as an Auroch. Lookit that build!"
Weston grunted and walked forward, eyeing the screen a bit closer. The image was certainly moving, and Weston could recognize a cheering crowd, two differently colored teams of six players each, and a scoreboard. In the center of the image was a few Weston looked to Wakka with a finger pointed at the screen.
"Blitzball?"
"Ya, last year's match between the Beasts and Goers. It was a close one. Goers won of course...but the Beasts put up a fight."
Weston raised an eyebrow and sat a row behind Wakka and Lulu, eyes glued to the screen.
On the screen, Weston could see the two teams vying for position and points. As far as he could tell, Blitzball was basically water polo and soccer mixed. As Wakka was commenting on what was happening, Weston hmmed, wandering how a sport like this had developed, especially the 'playing underwater' aspect. When Wakka started explaining the positions, Weston laughed.
"The positions are the same as Hockey."
"Hockey," Wakka asked.
"Think of Blitzball...played on top of ice."
"Jeez, that'd be dangerous, ya?"
Both Rikku and Yuna laughed, Lulu hiding a chuckle.
"What, and playing underwater isn't," Weston asked in defense.
"Nah. When you get in the sphere, it's just like being outside of it, 'cept you have a goal to get a ball into, and you don't have to worry 'bout things like gravity and such."
Weston raised an eyebrow. "What about -breathing-?"
Wakka grinned. "Well, the well trained players can hold their breath for long times. But, for some reason, in the spheres, you can breathe. We don't know why. That secret died with Zanarkand and the old Spira."
Of course, this perplexed Weston beyond description, but like everything in Spira, he'd have to go along with it.
The air ship made a sudden halt and Weston heard a loud sound that resembled that of an anchor dropping. The voice from before came over the intercom again.
"Du aqed dra creb, bmayca ica dra vnuhd pyo tuunc. Bmayca fydlr ouin cdab uh dra supema cdyenc. Mevd uvv ec yd veja BS. Bmayca syga cina du pa pylg uh dra yencreb po vuin drendo. Dryhg oui."
And translated: "To exit the ship, please use the front bay doors. Please watch your step on the mobile stairs. Lift off is at five PM. Please make sure to be back on the airship by four thirty. Thank you."
Rikku quickly got up and ran out of the room, Yuna jogging behind. Weston followed Lulu and Wakka out and into the hallway. From the hallway, they stepped onto the semi-circle pathway and made their way up the stairs that lead to the large ball room/exit. The two doors were still opening and a large crowd of people were filing out rather slowly. Weston saw many oddly dressed people that he took for Blitzers.
He turned the Wakka and inquired about the players.
Wakka replied, "Ya, most of the teams traveled on this airship. The Beasts, Fangs, Glories, and, of course, the Aurochs."
"Ah. What's taking so long?"
"Team introductions."
Weston nodded and looked about him. Only a few non-players had actually taken the airship. Weston recognized a few people from Besaid, including the shopkeeper that so eagerly sold him potatoes every week. He waved and she smiled back at him, the wrinkles on her face curving with the gesture. Wakka leaned over.
"Remember, if anyone asks, you're a new recruit for the Aurochs."
"Yeah, I know."
"So go over there with the team. We'll meet you in the locker room, ya?"
"Gotcha," Weston replied and slowly made his way to the six men dressed similarly to him.
"So you're that Weston guy, eh? You got a big build. Can ya play?"
Weston smiled to the somewhat thin, dark complexioned man known as Jassu, and replied. "Nah, sorry."
"They don't have it where you come from?"
"Nope."
"Too bad. You missing out, bud. Maybe the guys and me can teach ya a thing or two sometimes."
"That'd be great."
"Ya," Jassu replied and let a silence come between the seven men.
Weston felt uneasy around them, not knowing them, and wished this day would hurry up and end. But, Weston knew that it would be just his luck for this to be the longest day he's ever had to endure. The line moved a bit more, and after about twenty minutes, the Aurochs were out of the two doors and were introduced to the crowd.
The roar from the crowd nearly blew the team of men back a few feet as the commentators yelled the team's name.
"Bobba, here come those Aurochs. They've won the past two years in a row and they're looking to do it again. I see they have a new team member. Whoever he is, he's going to be great in the sphere!"
"Right Jimma! This team has seen many victories since their renewed talent two years ago. Can they do it once again?"
"I'll bet this month's salary on it, Bobba. This team has been preened and prepped by Wakka himself. And, with the playing influences left behind by Sir Tidus, these guys are unstoppable!"
"Right again, Jimma!"
To this, even more cheers and hollers were heard and the Aurochs were having a tough time making their way down the stairs and onto the concrete dock's walkway. Even on the concrete, the journey was tough. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people crowded along the side of the path, trying to get a chance to talk to or touch the Aurochs. Weston himself received a few grips and squeezes on his walk down the dock's path. When finally at the end, they took a left onto yet another path, a bricked walkway, and headed towards the entrance a few yards away. They entered a lobby and headed right, towards a stairway, and eventually, they crowded into the locker room with the Aurochs' logo illuminated on its door.
Keepa, the bulging goalkeeper said after the team had filed in, "I'll go sign us in, ya? I'll be back in a few."
The team nodded and Keepa left. Weston sighed and sat down, looking up at the small screen in the locker room's far right corner. On it, he could see a large sphere being filled with water. Tons upon tons of people were cheering and jumping in their seats. Weston smirked and mumbled under his breath. "It's like Super Bowl Sunday out there..."
"Wha," asked Jassu.
"Nothing"
"Whatever ya say."
Weston hmmed and continued to watch the screen, almost mesmerized by it. After a few minutes, Keepa returned, sullenly shuffling his feet.
"Wassa matter," asked Jassu.
"We gotta play the Goers first. I mean...I was at least looking for a challenge, ya know?"
Keepa grinned and the men started cheering and laughing, slapping the slightly pudgy man on the back. Weston, of course, stayed seated, not feeling very comfortable cheering with the team.
"What teams play first," Jassu asked Keepa.
"Glories and Beasts are first. Then we get to kick the Goers' butts, and then it's on to the second round. We have ten minutes, so let's get warmed up, ya?"
The team cheered in unison and started to stretch and run in place, popping appendages and tightening their uniforms. Weston still had his eyes glued to the screen, watching the game that had just started, when Yuna, Lulu, Wakka, and Rikku walked in.
Yuna smiled at the team, bowing. "Good luck today. I'll be cheering you on one hundred percent!"
The guys blushed and smiled, while Weston sat there, not really noticing. Wakka spoke next. "Now remember, guys, what is our goal?"
"To win!" they shouted, laughing afterwards.
Rikku and Lulu both gave a good luck wishing and the group left, after saying good-bye, and started heading towards the guest balcony of the stadium.
--------------------
"Well, do you think the guys will win," asked Rikku.
Wakka boasted, "You kiddin' me? 'Course they will. They're Aurochs, right?"
"Right!" the young Al Bhed agreed.
Yuna grinned and approached the two gate guards. But, instead of letting the group go straight through, the taller of the two guards pushed his staff forwards. "Weapons check. We must confiscate any and all weapons."
"Why," asked Lulu. "It wasn't this way last year."
"New procedures. We're wanting air-tight security for the Maestress, and that includes her and her friends."
Yuna nodded. "Let's do as he says, guys."
They all handed over their weapons, albeit reluctantly. Once the guard was satisfied, he let them pass.
"Well, that was odd..." commented Lulu.
Yuna nodded while Rikku gave a curious hum. Wakka was a bit angrier than the rest and grunted.
"Taking our weapons like that. How're we sposed to protect ourselves?"
"Maybe they've had threats," Yuna conjectured.
Rikku hmmed. "But they always have those..."
Yuna sighed but still persisted. "Don't worry. We won't have anything to worry over with the increased security."
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"And the Beasts have won it! Wow, now that was a game, eh, Jimma?"
"Right, Bobba. The Glories' scoring spree in the first half really crippled the Beasts' defense, but whatever happened during the half must've really gave the Beasts some energy! The defense was an impenetrable wall during the second half and the offense kept scoring! I don't know how they did it, Bobba, but they must've had some kinda magic on their side."
"Must've been that or luck, Jimma, but let me tell you, the Beasts are on fire and looking for that cup. Now, don't go -any-where folks, we have the Goers going up against the Aurochs in about two minutes. This is going to be a tough game to watch, Jimma."
"Right-o Bobba. Edge of your seat action, for sure. The Aurochs have been on fire for nearly two years and the Goers have had all of the off season to study the movie spheres and train hard to get the cup this year. If you ask me, I think the Goers are going to "Go" all out for the win in this one."
"Absolutely correct, Jimma. The Goers are going hard but we can't discredit the Aurochs. Their rise from the ashes was amazing to watch and I don't see them being any lax this year. The opening tournament sets a standard for the rest of the season, and the Aurochs have the opportunity to even further their incredible popularity. Look for the Aurochs to pull off some amazing plays."
"And, personally, Bobba, I can't wait to get this started, so let's go ahead and run off the stats for the two teams and then it's Blitzoff!"
Weston smirked, noting that annoying commentators are hard to escape. Jassu was at the door, cheering the guys into a frenzy.
"Remember! Tight defense and trigger-happy offense, guys! If you get tired, rotate to the back. We've got a long way to go and this is only the beginning! Let's go!"
And with that, they ran out of the locker room and entered the sphere. Weston watched on the screen as the two teams filed into the arena, taking their respective places. A horn sounded at a blue-and-white ball was launched into the air. Letty caught the ball and swam forward, dodging tackles and took a shot at the goal. A female member of the Goers caught the ball and swam forward, breaking a tackle and headed right towards Keepa. She shot, but Keepa blocked it and passed it to Jassu, who took his time getting to the other side of the field. He passed to Datto who shot and missed, a Goer retrieving it afterwards.
Weston hmmed, studying the game. He could probably enjoy this game, but he knew he'd have to be trained in certain techniques. He still didn't understand how they could breath and exert much effort underwater.
Weston watched for the remainder of the half, and while Jimma and Bobba were yapping about the first half -where the Aurochs had "valiantly fended off attack after attack, but couldn't keep two shots from going in"- the team filed in, some heaving, others simply breathing heavy.
"Tough half," Weston commented.
"Wouldn't ya know it," said a slightly flustered Letty, "that the Goers have a bit more talent this year..."
The rest of the team mumbled their "yeahs" and "yups", while Weston just leaned forward and nodded. Why he nodded, he didn't know, but he kept nodding.
After five minutes of catching their breath, the Aurochs were out on the field again. Weston watched as the power struggle continued, the ball being driven back and forth. Finally, Jassu scored a goal and the crowd erupted. Unperturbed by this, the Aurochs led another successful drive a minute later, scoring one more on the board. With only two minutes left, the game was tied, and both defenses were almost airtight. Another minute ticked by and still no score. Datto, fearing a stalemate, took a chance and intercepted a Goer pass. He swam very quickly towards the goal and just barely broke a tackle. Off balance, he took a risk, upside down kick. On it's way to the goal, a Goer got a hand on it, but didn't deter it. A worried Datto cringed as he saw the ball heading right to the goalie. But, it sailed through the goalie's leg and the score buzzer went off. The Aurochs all threw their fists in the air, but right away, they had to defend once again, as the Goers led one last forceful drive. Even the goalie was coming forward, trying to force the score. As the right forward for the Goers got his shot off, the clock hit zero and the crowd all got up on their feet to see if the shot would go in. Keepa had plenty of time to see the ball coming and caught the ball, throwing it up in the air. This caused the crowd to go crazy, the cheering and hooting and hollering all echoing in the water-sphere.
Weston had gotten himself into the game and cheered when the ball was caught. Feeling embarrassed after such an open show of excitement, he sat down with reddened cheeks, even though he knew no one could've heard or seen him.
The players filed in, and surprisingly, Weston was waiting for them, patting each of them on their backs, and acknowledged their wonderful performance. After a few more cheers and pats on the back, the Aurochs' locker room quieted down as the match between the Psyches and the Fangs commenced.
"Whoever wins this one, we get to play," Jassu explained to Weston.
Weston nodded and turned his attention back to the game.
--------------------
"Are your two men in place?"
"Yes."
"Good. I just hope they can pull this off."
"They will."
"Thank you, Lord Nyka, for your confidence."
"No need to thank me. Just find that confidence yourself, Daemon."
The nervous councilman walked back to the center of the balcony, where the table for the meeting had been placed.
Nyka impatiently paced the balcony, watching the game from the high vantage point. He scanned the crowd and grinned to himself.
He commented mostly to himself, "Look at how the people of Spira get so wound up in a silly game. So easily manipulated. If a game can get them into this kind of frenzy, just imagine what a passionate and well-spoken leader could do. Yes, I can see all of these people eventually being under our power. Just one wall to tear down before that can happen.
"You see, without a leader, the commoners are just brain dead sheep, looking for their shepherd. Imagine, that after our plans go through, the chaos. They will be looking for a leader to touch them, to guide them, and, ultimately, to control them. Common people can't lead. They must be lead, controlled. Without that control they wander aimlessly. This 'free will' that Yuna promotes in every speech she makes was the downfall of old Spira. Had Yevon and his teachings not come along, this world would be in total and complete ruin by now.
"Yes. Yevon will rule once more. From the ashes of social decay and the disgusting filth that is free will, Yevon will once again rise, to help steer the people of Spira, under his stern hand, to finally achieving purity. But, Yevon's controlling vehicle, Sin, has been truly defeated. We must create that control through other means. We must have total military control of this world, you see. By force or by will, the people will let us in their cities. Let us spread Yevon's word and spread our control. The infidels will be eliminated and the chosen people will inhabit Spira. Of course, this means the Al Bhed will have to be completely wiped from Spira's serene surface, but Yevon himself tells us that all that who oppose him, must die for their sins."
Nyka squinted, as the Fangs scored a goal.
"The Ronso must side with us. They may be beasts, but they've always known the right path. The Guado, too. They've lost their line of leaders and need guidance...I'm quite sure they are ours too. But Yuna's supporters...They could always be converted. Those that don't will have the same fate as the Al Bhed. But I fear that if force is used, we must...'modify' the teachings a bit. Machina would most certainly have to be used."
Nyka's self-assuring speech tapered off as the commentators announced the Fangs' win.
"Good job, Ronso. Teach the infidels that they cannot win. They will never win. Not with the power of Yevon coursing through the righteous people's veins. Yevon is my strength and drive. I will do all in his name and I will not fail. The infidels will be dealt with, the towns and cities taken, and I will not rest until Yevon is spread to every corner of Spira. Two more games to go until Yevon will triumph in his first victory since the Sin disaster. Braska's daughter will die. She will die for her betrayal!"
--------------------
The Aurochs all laughed at Weston.
"What?"
Jassu tried to control himself as he said, "I don't think we should worry about the Fangs, bud. The Psyches have taken our place as the worst team ever, so the Fangs' win wasn't all that great. I mean, they even let the Psyches score!"
The team once again burst into laughter. Weston only shrugged it off and watched the team pile out of the locker room. He turned his attention to the screen and watched as they once again took their places on the field.
Five minutes later, at the half, the score was five to zero in the Aurochs' favor. The team filed back in, congratulated and cheered each other on, and then left, Weston not wanting to say a word due to his worries being proven to be in vain.
Five more minutes later, the Aurochs easily beat the Fangs, allowing one score, which Weston just thought was a sportsmanship maneuver.
The team filed back in and all eyes were glued to the screen. The tournament tree was displayed and all of the branches led to the face off between the Glories and the Aurochs. Quietly, the team shuffled out of the locker room and headed back into the arena.
The Guado team looked almost as strange as the Ronso team had to Weston. The Guado were quite tall and had the oddest colored hair, in Weston's opinion, anyway. The game started and every person in the crowd was up on their feet, watching intently. The Aurochs scored right off, but the Glories answered with a score as well, tying the game with only a minute gone from the clock. Weston scooted forward on the bench and eagerly anticipated the next play.
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"It's good to see you, Maestress."
"Thank you, Lord Nyka. I pray you've enjoyed the games so far?"
"Yes, they've been quite hair-raising, I must say. I'll present you with the treaty at the half, and we can commence the meeting then. I pray we will have good news to share with the people at the end of the game. Now, let's take our seats and enjoy the game."
Yuna smiled and sat next to Nyka, the other New Yevon councilmen on her left.
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Weston growled as the Glories scored once more. There was only one minute left on the clock and Jassu looked determined. Datto won the ball at the Blitzoff, and immediately passed it to Jassu. Jassu then swam full force towards the opposing goal. He was going to score, even if it took him beyond his limit. He was only a few yards from the goal and the defense was closing in. He looked to his left and right. Defenders were circling him. He gritted his teeth and lunged forward.
The impact looked especially gruesome in the water. Jassu's nose and mouth immediately shot a smoky red cloud into the water as the Guado's elbow slid off of his face. The ball dropped and the Glories' right forward immediately grabbed it, heading towards the Aurochs' goal.
Jassu was obviously unconscious as he slowly floated downward, blood cloud trailing him. The buzzer rang before the Glories' could take a shot and the Aurochs all crowded around their fallen comrade, Keepa being chosen to drag him back to the locker room.
Weston, being so shocked and angered, had missed most of the crowd's reaction and Jimma and Bobba's yapping about how fouls need to be properly called. He also missed the locker room door opening. While he was grumbling, the Aurochs quickly set Jassu on a bench and an X-Potion was used. The Auroch came to, but was still weak from the hit, his nose more than likely broken.
Weston sighed. "He ok?"
Datto nodded. "He'll be fine. Still to weak to play..."
And Weston could tell from the hint what was coming next. The Aurochs all slowly looked up at him as their fallen team mate groaned.
Weston sighed. "You're going to have to carry me. I've never played this before."
"You'll do fine, bud. You been watching on the screen," asked Datto
"Yeah."
"Then just do what you've seen done."
"...Ok..."
The half was almost over and the team started filing out of the door. Nervous, Weston waited a few moments before heading out. Datto laughed and urged him on.
"Come on. It won't be as bad as you think, ya?"
Weston sighed and nodded and the door slid open. Before him was a wall of water and Datto effortlessly walked into it, swimming towards the center of the field.
Weston sucked in a breath and walked forward. He felt the cool water envelop him and his first reaction was to try to hold his breath. He held it as long as he could and felt his lungs empty when he let the breath escape into the water.
He gasped and sucked in another breath, awaiting the water to fill his lungs. But, instead, the water dissolved as he breathed in and it was as light as air, traveling down his lungs. Surprised, Weston began swimming towards the field.
--------------------
"That's...that's Weston!" shouted Wakka.
"It...sure is!" affirmed Lulu.
Rikku just leaned forward and stared in total shock.
The three sat there, silent, watching as the stranger claiming to hail from 'The United States', a man with no ties to Spira, swim towards a Left forward position.
--------------------
Yuna had to admit, seeing Weston in the sphere totally shocked her. Nyka, too, was shocked and leaned over to the Maestress.
"A secret weapon, perhaps? Or something you weren't expecting. You look rather surprised."
She blushed and shook her head. "No. Just, I didn't expect to see our new recruit out on the field today."
Nyka nodded. "Everyone gets their chance." And he added silently to himself, "And I'll have mine soon..."
--------------------
"Look at this, Jimma! Besaid's new recruit is on the field! We'll get to see what he's made of!"
"And I'm sure he's quite the player, Bobba. Trained with the Aurochs, he's bound to have star talent. Let's just hope he can fill Jassu's shoes!"
"And here's the Blitzoff!"
Weston watched as the Guado forward took the blitzball. He didn't know exactly what his job was at this point, but he was quickly taught.
Datto yelled, "Get 'em!"
And Weston, to the best of his ability, swam towards the lumbering player. He read the player's body language and quickly banked right, hitting the Guado full force with his shoulder. The ball was loose and Weston fought his momentum and tried to pick it up. Another Glories player swam underneath him and took the ball. Weston grunted shifted his body weight to his feet. His sandaled feet made contact with the Guado's back and he had to stop himself from 'drilling' the player into the floor of the sphere. Datto swam by and got the ball. Once again, Weston was at a loss, but as usual, he was told very quickly as to what his duty was.
Letty punched Weston on the shoulder, hard. "Time to block the defenders!"
Weston nodded and followed Letty, trying to keep up. Quickly, Weston was learning how tiring the game of Blitzball was. He made contact with a Guado and the two tangled there for a moment. Since Weston was concentrating on keeping the player at bay, he didn't notice the buzzer going off. The Guado immediately freed himself and shoved Weston back towards his side.
Not the moment Weston was back into formation, the ball was launched again. Datto caught it and swam forward. Weston followed him and found himself staring at two defenders, one being the one who had hit Jassu so hard in the first half. Datto was covered, but he knew better than to let himself be defeated. He tossed the ball to Weston, who caught it, and yelled. "Go for it!"
And Weston gladly did so. He lunged forward while Datto held on of the defenders at bay. The defender that had attacked Jassu jumped up, but was quickly put back in his place as all of Weston's weight landed atop his head. Weston leaped off of the foot planted squarely on the Guado's head and threw the ball up in front of him. He drew back his arm and hit the ball with the hardest punch he could muster. The ball sailed towards the goal and zoomed right past the goalies' head, leaving the Guado at the goal a little more than stunned. The buzzer went off and the Aurochs were up one.
The crowd enjoyed the violent yet graceful show of athleticism and every single seat in the stadium was empty, including the conference balcony. The mounds of people standing made the stadium seem even larger from inside the sphere. But the teams couldn't have cared. There was still two minutes left of grueling play.
The ball was launched and the Glories had control. The ball eventually found it's way to Weston's stepping stool and the Guado was already charging towards the US soldier. Weston braced himself and when the two impacted, a great hush silenced the crowd's roars.
Weston rolled back into position as the stunned Guado tried to regain his stance. Letty already was on his way to scoring. When the buzzer went off, the crowd once again cheered.
Weston reformed with the rest of the team and awaited what would probably be the last Blitzoff.
The ball launched into the air and Datto snatched it from the Guado's reach. He cupped it against his chest and swam forward, the rest of the Aurochs following. The crowd hushed as the seconds ticked by. Datto was swimming in circles, trying to devour the time as much as he could. At fifteen seconds left, he shot and missed, but it didn't matter. The Aurochs had the cup and the remaining fifteen seconds shot by, not allowing the Glories enough time for a chance to score.
Weston heaved a great sigh in the water and laughed, his body slightly aching from all the activity. The two teams headed back into the locker room area, the Aurochs all applauding Weston's performance. Humble, Weston only smiled, not bragging or boasting. He just simply responded, "I did what I thought needed to be done."
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"Where...how...wha," asked a confused Wakka.
"I agree..." said a shocked Lulu.
Rikku, kept her face in constant shock mode.
The three had never expected that type of talent from Weston, especially in Blitzball. They didn't really care that the Aurochs won, they just wanted to know how in all of Spira had Weston been able to do what he had just done.
Rikku let out a small squeak and the others nodded.
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"Well, Yuna, I must say you had quite the talented recruit hidden under your sleeve."
Yuna couldn't really comment. Her mouth was too far open to make any legible speech.
"I see that you're as surprised as I. But, let's get the win behind us and tell the people the wonderful news."
Yuna blinked out of her daze and nodded.
Nyka smiled and shifted back towards the table. Yuna followed and the two were soon headed to the balcony from where all announcements were made.
--------------------
"Let's head to the gate. Yuna should be there any moment," Wakka suggested.
Lulu and Rikku nodded and followed the Auroch to the gate.
Oddly, the two guards that had been there before the games had started were gone. "Strange," commented Lulu.
"Ya. Well, let's wait here. We can see the main balcony from here, anyway."
--------------------
"People of Spira. Today we have witnessed bouts of pure athleticism. The winners and losers are still equal in their efforts, and therefore should be respected. But one team did come out on top, and the Aurochs are the winners of the Tournament."
Nyka then waited for the teams to find their way to the balcony. The Aurochs led the other teams and soon, they were all filed onto the small balcony, some of the teams' members having to stand on the edge of the balcony's shoulder.
"You have all fought valiantly today, and proved your worth as sportsmen. Will the captain of the Aurochs please come forward to claim his team's prize?"
Datto, who had been chosen to take Jassu's place as captain for the time being, stepped forward and took the large trophy, raising it high and proud, causing the crowd to erupt into fanfare. Weston couldn't help but to grin. He had been apart of the win and it made him feel proud to have Datto holding that trophy up.
"Congratulations, Aurochs, you have proven yourselves to be the top Blitzball players in all of Spira. I, and, I'm sure, all of Spira looks forward to the upcoming season's matches. Now, if I may, I, with the blessing of Yuna, have an announcement to make. During halftime of the last game, Yuna and the New Yevon council signed a peace treaty, marking peace between the two parties."
The crowd once again roared. Nyka flashed a smile and raised his hands, telling them to calm themselves.
"The New Yevon council and the Maestress pray that all of you will hold this treaty to heart and not judge solely based on spiritual beliefs. Every citizen of Spira is a sibling to another. We are all related, as Spira's people. Thank you."
He stepped back from the podium as the crowd continued its cheers. The two teams filed out, and Yuna bid her goodbyes to the Council.
Nyka grinned to himself and nodded to his fellow councilmen. A few of them were nervous, others grinning just as confidently as Nyka.
"The time is near, gentlemen. Remember to keep sad faces. We cannot show our guilt. I've already gotten a drafted speech ready, and I'll make it tomorrow."
The council nodded to their leader and Nyka paced back towards the front podium, looking at the emptying crowds.
"Yes, indeed, the time is near."
--------------------
Yuna found Lulu, Rikku, and Wakka waiting by the gate. They all hugged her and congratulated her on the treaty.
Lulu, a bit apprehensive still, asked Yuna what she had thought of the treaty.
"It looked very sincere. Nyka was so confident that this could help unite the people of Spira, I could not refuse him."
Lulu nodded and Wakka began to comment excitedly on Weston's performance.
"Did ya see how he just punched the ball right in there!? It was like he's done it all his life, ya?"
Yuna laughed. "Yes, Wakka, I too was surprised at Weston's play. I didn't even expect to see him playing, let alone score."
"And on defense! He can really mow 'em down!"
Lulu laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, Wakka, he was quite amazing."
Wakka laughed and Rikku elbowed him in the side.
"Don't get so excited. What if that was just a fluke?"
"Bah, playing like that isn't a fluke, Rikku."
They all laughed and began walking back towards the docks, not aware of the figure running towards them.
--------------------
"There you guys are! Talk about hard to track down."
Yuna smiled. "Good game, Weston. I was very surprised at your performance."
Weston grinned, trying to catch his breath. "Yeah, so was I. But like I told the guys, I was just doing what I thought needed to be done."
Wakka laughed. "Yeah, sure thing brudda. And I'm covered in purple fur. Quit being so modest. You were a star out there."
Weston blushed a bit and shook his head, scratching at the back of his neck. "Nah. Just mimicking the others."
Wakka grinned. "Too modest, ya?"
Lulu nodded. "I agree."
Rikku smiled and playfully punched at Weston's stomach. "Where'd you learn to punch like that? That ball went flying into the goal."
Weston feigned a few oofs as she playfully pummeled his stomach and finally answered, "The Army."
"This 'Army' must know a lot."
"More than some people would like," replied Weston.
Rikku stared at him and he ruffled her hair. "Don't mind me, I'm just cynical." She smiled and swatted at his hand.
Soon, they were near their dock. Lulu stopped, and the others did as well.
"What is it," asked Yuna.
Lulu replied, "Were those two guards there when we arrived?"
Yuna shook her head, but reminded Lulu of the increased security. Lulu growled and whispered something to her. Yuna nodded and started to turn, causing the rest of the group to do so as well. But before they could head back, the two guards were upon them.
--------------------
"May I help you, sirs," asked Yuna.
One of the guards, the taller one, had a sort of rifle looking object in his hand and Weston immediately realized that the man's finger was on a very old-style trigger. The weapon lowered and was aiming right at Yuna's chest. Yuna and the rest of the group immediately put up their hands, save Rikku.
"What's the meaning of this," asked the angering Al Bhed.
"The Maestress has been ordered to die."
Rikku blinked, and then shouted, "What?!", causing the crowd on the side of the docks and pathway to turn their attention to what was going on.
Yuna sighed shakily, and slowly said, "You may have me, but please let my friends go. They have nothing to do with this."
"Agreed," said the shorter guard, who carried a doubled-edged sword, unsheathed.
"But Yunie!" yelled a distraught Rikku. Wakka, despite the scowl, was more or less a deer in headlights. Rikku yelled, "Lulu, use your magic!"
Lulu sighed, shaking her head. "I cannot. They have Reflect cast..."
The guards seem to laugh at this, and for the first time, Rikku got a glimpse at an eye glinting through a hole in the guard's visor.
"The same guards who took our weapons!" yelled the Al Bhed. Once again the guards laughed and pushed slightly forward. Rikku looked from the guards to Yuna and back again, trying to decide on what to do.
"Your friends will leave now, Maestress," said the shorter guard.
Yuna nodded. "Please go."
Rikku refused, as did the others, quite verbally.
This whole situation flicked a switch within Weston, and he knew he'd have to do something soon; otherwise, Yuna would be dead.
Slowly, he inched forward, taking the sword-wielding guard's attention from Yuna.
Weston raised his hands higher. "Easy. Easy. I'm just leaving for the dock."
The guard nodded and Weston slowly walked beside the guard but slowed even more. As all eyes from the crowd were on the incident, Weston's right arm quickly shot up and two extended fingers hit and dug into the shorter guard's throat. The guard dropped the sword and started gasping for air, his windpipe crushed by the force of the blow. With the shorter guard now convulsing on the ground, Weston spun around, and, in what seemed forever, grabbed the other, taller guard's weapon and tore it from his hands. The guard grabbed Weston by the shoulders and soon, the two were entangled, the rifle's barrel sticking into the flesh under the guard's chin, digging into the soft underbelly of his mouth. The two men's eyes were locked, arms wrapped together, the guard's hand on his dagger and Weston's finger square on the trigger of the weapon, a slight pressure already being exerted on it. All Weston needed was to feel the guard's body weight shift, and things would end. Almost in slow motion, the guard's hand gripped the handle of the dagger, making a slight shift in his position.
Weston pulled the trigger.
Post A/N: WHEW...finally done with this. I've spent over 19 hours on this chapter. 12 of those were STRAIGHT hours in a row. I had bloodshot eyes that night. Man. Anyway, things are definitely heating up ^^ and Weston is strutting his stuff, eh? The next few chapters won't be as long as this one (mainly because this took a lot out of me) but after a few more stuff happens, expect really long chapters that are far...VERY far from boring. ^^;; Hope you enjoyed this one. I sure spent long enough on it. And if there are any spelling errors etc, please keep in mind that I was up from 12pm to 2am, writing this chapter. This WILL be proofread, but right now, I just wanna post this bad boy. ~No One
Chapter 7: Day of the Tournament
Weston's eyes trained along the quick moving skyline, admiring the sun's radiance shining through the white, fluffy clouds. He hmmed and shrugged his shoulders, trying to get used to the odd, yellow outfit Wakka had given him to wear. It wasn't chaffing per se, but it was a little odd, since it was made with a dense material. Underneath it he only had his freshly washed boxers. Wakka had told him not to wear anything more, so that he could better fit in. Weston, even though he had nothing to be self- conscious over, hated being barely clothed. In fact, the only reason he ever went shirtless was to stay cool in hot weather.
Weston's green eyes moved to the semi-opaque reflection of himself. He scarcely recognized the person looking back at him. Whenever he looked into a mirror, he still saw that scared, pudgy child jumping from foster home to foster home, trying to put a horrific past behind him. That same child could barely keep friends, was teased constantly, and was bullied at whichever school he was in at the time. This child had only his books and imagination to keep him sane, and at the moment the child turned into an eighteen-year-old adolescent, he joined the Army. However, due to his insecurities (and an eating disorder), they sent him on his way.
Not able to fend for himself, he jumped from homeless shelters to Salvation Army posts and back again, much like his broken childhood. Tired and about to give up on it all, Weston began living on the streets. Eating only when he could bum money off of bystanders or when he found food, he began to lose the weight in the worst of ways. With his spirit broken and his body becoming a wreck, he admitted himself into a mental health clinic, just for the shelter and care. But soon, after befriending the staff there, he began to find himself once more. His drive to become better was so astounding, none of the staff at the clinic could release him; he'd always come up with some excuse to stay. After a year, he had toned his body and mind, and left the clinic to try the Army once more. Two years older and fitter in body and mind, the Army gladly accepted him. Basic training was a breeze and after a short mission in Columbia, he began training to become a member of the elite Delta Force, the Army's anti-terrorist spec ops team. He easily made the cut.
Weston closed his eyes tightly, shaking his head, trying to erase the memories from his thoughts. He opened his eyes once more and could see the anthill like skyline of Luca. The sheer size of the city excited him, for it resembled something he'd see in America. Ships could be seen entering docks, flags and banners waving, birds flying in and out of the city. Weston smiled secretly, not wanting to show his exciting too obviously. His heart picked up it's pace as the airship descended slowly, the city growing in size every few feet.
A voice came over some sort of intercom and said, "Fa femm pa ynejehk eh Luca crundmo. Bmayca tu hud aqed dra yencreb ihdem ehcdnildeuhc yna kejah."
Weston sighed. Even in this world he could not escape languages he didn't understand. Luckily, the same voice then said, "We will arrive in Luca shortly. Please refrain from exiting the airship until instructions are given."
With a groan, Weston turned around and headed back down the stairs that lead to the inner cabins. Passing through two metal sliding doors, he headed two columns down a large, semi-circular pathway and walked through another set of doors. These doors opened up to yet another hallway that had yet another set of doors at the end. He walked slowly through these and entered a large room with seats on either side. At the far end was a small screen on which a mostly opaque image was being displayed. Yuna and Rikku were in the two front-left seats, and Wakka and Lulu were sitting opposite of them on the right-front pair of seats.
"An in-flight movie, eh," Weston chuckled. Rikku was the first to turn around, immediately laughing at seeing him in the Auroch uniform. Lulu turned around and gave him an odd look.
"I don't think that suits you too well, Weston," she said, trying to hold in her grin.
Wakka's head popped up above his seat. "Ya, you do look a bit odd in it, brudda. But, I don't think you'll have too much trouble passing as an Auroch. Lookit that build!"
Weston grunted and walked forward, eyeing the screen a bit closer. The image was certainly moving, and Weston could recognize a cheering crowd, two differently colored teams of six players each, and a scoreboard. In the center of the image was a few Weston looked to Wakka with a finger pointed at the screen.
"Blitzball?"
"Ya, last year's match between the Beasts and Goers. It was a close one. Goers won of course...but the Beasts put up a fight."
Weston raised an eyebrow and sat a row behind Wakka and Lulu, eyes glued to the screen.
On the screen, Weston could see the two teams vying for position and points. As far as he could tell, Blitzball was basically water polo and soccer mixed. As Wakka was commenting on what was happening, Weston hmmed, wandering how a sport like this had developed, especially the 'playing underwater' aspect. When Wakka started explaining the positions, Weston laughed.
"The positions are the same as Hockey."
"Hockey," Wakka asked.
"Think of Blitzball...played on top of ice."
"Jeez, that'd be dangerous, ya?"
Both Rikku and Yuna laughed, Lulu hiding a chuckle.
"What, and playing underwater isn't," Weston asked in defense.
"Nah. When you get in the sphere, it's just like being outside of it, 'cept you have a goal to get a ball into, and you don't have to worry 'bout things like gravity and such."
Weston raised an eyebrow. "What about -breathing-?"
Wakka grinned. "Well, the well trained players can hold their breath for long times. But, for some reason, in the spheres, you can breathe. We don't know why. That secret died with Zanarkand and the old Spira."
Of course, this perplexed Weston beyond description, but like everything in Spira, he'd have to go along with it.
The air ship made a sudden halt and Weston heard a loud sound that resembled that of an anchor dropping. The voice from before came over the intercom again.
"Du aqed dra creb, bmayca ica dra vnuhd pyo tuunc. Bmayca fydlr ouin cdab uh dra supema cdyenc. Mevd uvv ec yd veja BS. Bmayca syga cina du pa pylg uh dra yencreb po vuin drendo. Dryhg oui."
And translated: "To exit the ship, please use the front bay doors. Please watch your step on the mobile stairs. Lift off is at five PM. Please make sure to be back on the airship by four thirty. Thank you."
Rikku quickly got up and ran out of the room, Yuna jogging behind. Weston followed Lulu and Wakka out and into the hallway. From the hallway, they stepped onto the semi-circle pathway and made their way up the stairs that lead to the large ball room/exit. The two doors were still opening and a large crowd of people were filing out rather slowly. Weston saw many oddly dressed people that he took for Blitzers.
He turned the Wakka and inquired about the players.
Wakka replied, "Ya, most of the teams traveled on this airship. The Beasts, Fangs, Glories, and, of course, the Aurochs."
"Ah. What's taking so long?"
"Team introductions."
Weston nodded and looked about him. Only a few non-players had actually taken the airship. Weston recognized a few people from Besaid, including the shopkeeper that so eagerly sold him potatoes every week. He waved and she smiled back at him, the wrinkles on her face curving with the gesture. Wakka leaned over.
"Remember, if anyone asks, you're a new recruit for the Aurochs."
"Yeah, I know."
"So go over there with the team. We'll meet you in the locker room, ya?"
"Gotcha," Weston replied and slowly made his way to the six men dressed similarly to him.
"So you're that Weston guy, eh? You got a big build. Can ya play?"
Weston smiled to the somewhat thin, dark complexioned man known as Jassu, and replied. "Nah, sorry."
"They don't have it where you come from?"
"Nope."
"Too bad. You missing out, bud. Maybe the guys and me can teach ya a thing or two sometimes."
"That'd be great."
"Ya," Jassu replied and let a silence come between the seven men.
Weston felt uneasy around them, not knowing them, and wished this day would hurry up and end. But, Weston knew that it would be just his luck for this to be the longest day he's ever had to endure. The line moved a bit more, and after about twenty minutes, the Aurochs were out of the two doors and were introduced to the crowd.
The roar from the crowd nearly blew the team of men back a few feet as the commentators yelled the team's name.
"Bobba, here come those Aurochs. They've won the past two years in a row and they're looking to do it again. I see they have a new team member. Whoever he is, he's going to be great in the sphere!"
"Right Jimma! This team has seen many victories since their renewed talent two years ago. Can they do it once again?"
"I'll bet this month's salary on it, Bobba. This team has been preened and prepped by Wakka himself. And, with the playing influences left behind by Sir Tidus, these guys are unstoppable!"
"Right again, Jimma!"
To this, even more cheers and hollers were heard and the Aurochs were having a tough time making their way down the stairs and onto the concrete dock's walkway. Even on the concrete, the journey was tough. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people crowded along the side of the path, trying to get a chance to talk to or touch the Aurochs. Weston himself received a few grips and squeezes on his walk down the dock's path. When finally at the end, they took a left onto yet another path, a bricked walkway, and headed towards the entrance a few yards away. They entered a lobby and headed right, towards a stairway, and eventually, they crowded into the locker room with the Aurochs' logo illuminated on its door.
Keepa, the bulging goalkeeper said after the team had filed in, "I'll go sign us in, ya? I'll be back in a few."
The team nodded and Keepa left. Weston sighed and sat down, looking up at the small screen in the locker room's far right corner. On it, he could see a large sphere being filled with water. Tons upon tons of people were cheering and jumping in their seats. Weston smirked and mumbled under his breath. "It's like Super Bowl Sunday out there..."
"Wha," asked Jassu.
"Nothing"
"Whatever ya say."
Weston hmmed and continued to watch the screen, almost mesmerized by it. After a few minutes, Keepa returned, sullenly shuffling his feet.
"Wassa matter," asked Jassu.
"We gotta play the Goers first. I mean...I was at least looking for a challenge, ya know?"
Keepa grinned and the men started cheering and laughing, slapping the slightly pudgy man on the back. Weston, of course, stayed seated, not feeling very comfortable cheering with the team.
"What teams play first," Jassu asked Keepa.
"Glories and Beasts are first. Then we get to kick the Goers' butts, and then it's on to the second round. We have ten minutes, so let's get warmed up, ya?"
The team cheered in unison and started to stretch and run in place, popping appendages and tightening their uniforms. Weston still had his eyes glued to the screen, watching the game that had just started, when Yuna, Lulu, Wakka, and Rikku walked in.
Yuna smiled at the team, bowing. "Good luck today. I'll be cheering you on one hundred percent!"
The guys blushed and smiled, while Weston sat there, not really noticing. Wakka spoke next. "Now remember, guys, what is our goal?"
"To win!" they shouted, laughing afterwards.
Rikku and Lulu both gave a good luck wishing and the group left, after saying good-bye, and started heading towards the guest balcony of the stadium.
--------------------
"Well, do you think the guys will win," asked Rikku.
Wakka boasted, "You kiddin' me? 'Course they will. They're Aurochs, right?"
"Right!" the young Al Bhed agreed.
Yuna grinned and approached the two gate guards. But, instead of letting the group go straight through, the taller of the two guards pushed his staff forwards. "Weapons check. We must confiscate any and all weapons."
"Why," asked Lulu. "It wasn't this way last year."
"New procedures. We're wanting air-tight security for the Maestress, and that includes her and her friends."
Yuna nodded. "Let's do as he says, guys."
They all handed over their weapons, albeit reluctantly. Once the guard was satisfied, he let them pass.
"Well, that was odd..." commented Lulu.
Yuna nodded while Rikku gave a curious hum. Wakka was a bit angrier than the rest and grunted.
"Taking our weapons like that. How're we sposed to protect ourselves?"
"Maybe they've had threats," Yuna conjectured.
Rikku hmmed. "But they always have those..."
Yuna sighed but still persisted. "Don't worry. We won't have anything to worry over with the increased security."
--------------------
"And the Beasts have won it! Wow, now that was a game, eh, Jimma?"
"Right, Bobba. The Glories' scoring spree in the first half really crippled the Beasts' defense, but whatever happened during the half must've really gave the Beasts some energy! The defense was an impenetrable wall during the second half and the offense kept scoring! I don't know how they did it, Bobba, but they must've had some kinda magic on their side."
"Must've been that or luck, Jimma, but let me tell you, the Beasts are on fire and looking for that cup. Now, don't go -any-where folks, we have the Goers going up against the Aurochs in about two minutes. This is going to be a tough game to watch, Jimma."
"Right-o Bobba. Edge of your seat action, for sure. The Aurochs have been on fire for nearly two years and the Goers have had all of the off season to study the movie spheres and train hard to get the cup this year. If you ask me, I think the Goers are going to "Go" all out for the win in this one."
"Absolutely correct, Jimma. The Goers are going hard but we can't discredit the Aurochs. Their rise from the ashes was amazing to watch and I don't see them being any lax this year. The opening tournament sets a standard for the rest of the season, and the Aurochs have the opportunity to even further their incredible popularity. Look for the Aurochs to pull off some amazing plays."
"And, personally, Bobba, I can't wait to get this started, so let's go ahead and run off the stats for the two teams and then it's Blitzoff!"
Weston smirked, noting that annoying commentators are hard to escape. Jassu was at the door, cheering the guys into a frenzy.
"Remember! Tight defense and trigger-happy offense, guys! If you get tired, rotate to the back. We've got a long way to go and this is only the beginning! Let's go!"
And with that, they ran out of the locker room and entered the sphere. Weston watched on the screen as the two teams filed into the arena, taking their respective places. A horn sounded at a blue-and-white ball was launched into the air. Letty caught the ball and swam forward, dodging tackles and took a shot at the goal. A female member of the Goers caught the ball and swam forward, breaking a tackle and headed right towards Keepa. She shot, but Keepa blocked it and passed it to Jassu, who took his time getting to the other side of the field. He passed to Datto who shot and missed, a Goer retrieving it afterwards.
Weston hmmed, studying the game. He could probably enjoy this game, but he knew he'd have to be trained in certain techniques. He still didn't understand how they could breath and exert much effort underwater.
Weston watched for the remainder of the half, and while Jimma and Bobba were yapping about the first half -where the Aurochs had "valiantly fended off attack after attack, but couldn't keep two shots from going in"- the team filed in, some heaving, others simply breathing heavy.
"Tough half," Weston commented.
"Wouldn't ya know it," said a slightly flustered Letty, "that the Goers have a bit more talent this year..."
The rest of the team mumbled their "yeahs" and "yups", while Weston just leaned forward and nodded. Why he nodded, he didn't know, but he kept nodding.
After five minutes of catching their breath, the Aurochs were out on the field again. Weston watched as the power struggle continued, the ball being driven back and forth. Finally, Jassu scored a goal and the crowd erupted. Unperturbed by this, the Aurochs led another successful drive a minute later, scoring one more on the board. With only two minutes left, the game was tied, and both defenses were almost airtight. Another minute ticked by and still no score. Datto, fearing a stalemate, took a chance and intercepted a Goer pass. He swam very quickly towards the goal and just barely broke a tackle. Off balance, he took a risk, upside down kick. On it's way to the goal, a Goer got a hand on it, but didn't deter it. A worried Datto cringed as he saw the ball heading right to the goalie. But, it sailed through the goalie's leg and the score buzzer went off. The Aurochs all threw their fists in the air, but right away, they had to defend once again, as the Goers led one last forceful drive. Even the goalie was coming forward, trying to force the score. As the right forward for the Goers got his shot off, the clock hit zero and the crowd all got up on their feet to see if the shot would go in. Keepa had plenty of time to see the ball coming and caught the ball, throwing it up in the air. This caused the crowd to go crazy, the cheering and hooting and hollering all echoing in the water-sphere.
Weston had gotten himself into the game and cheered when the ball was caught. Feeling embarrassed after such an open show of excitement, he sat down with reddened cheeks, even though he knew no one could've heard or seen him.
The players filed in, and surprisingly, Weston was waiting for them, patting each of them on their backs, and acknowledged their wonderful performance. After a few more cheers and pats on the back, the Aurochs' locker room quieted down as the match between the Psyches and the Fangs commenced.
"Whoever wins this one, we get to play," Jassu explained to Weston.
Weston nodded and turned his attention back to the game.
--------------------
"Are your two men in place?"
"Yes."
"Good. I just hope they can pull this off."
"They will."
"Thank you, Lord Nyka, for your confidence."
"No need to thank me. Just find that confidence yourself, Daemon."
The nervous councilman walked back to the center of the balcony, where the table for the meeting had been placed.
Nyka impatiently paced the balcony, watching the game from the high vantage point. He scanned the crowd and grinned to himself.
He commented mostly to himself, "Look at how the people of Spira get so wound up in a silly game. So easily manipulated. If a game can get them into this kind of frenzy, just imagine what a passionate and well-spoken leader could do. Yes, I can see all of these people eventually being under our power. Just one wall to tear down before that can happen.
"You see, without a leader, the commoners are just brain dead sheep, looking for their shepherd. Imagine, that after our plans go through, the chaos. They will be looking for a leader to touch them, to guide them, and, ultimately, to control them. Common people can't lead. They must be lead, controlled. Without that control they wander aimlessly. This 'free will' that Yuna promotes in every speech she makes was the downfall of old Spira. Had Yevon and his teachings not come along, this world would be in total and complete ruin by now.
"Yes. Yevon will rule once more. From the ashes of social decay and the disgusting filth that is free will, Yevon will once again rise, to help steer the people of Spira, under his stern hand, to finally achieving purity. But, Yevon's controlling vehicle, Sin, has been truly defeated. We must create that control through other means. We must have total military control of this world, you see. By force or by will, the people will let us in their cities. Let us spread Yevon's word and spread our control. The infidels will be eliminated and the chosen people will inhabit Spira. Of course, this means the Al Bhed will have to be completely wiped from Spira's serene surface, but Yevon himself tells us that all that who oppose him, must die for their sins."
Nyka squinted, as the Fangs scored a goal.
"The Ronso must side with us. They may be beasts, but they've always known the right path. The Guado, too. They've lost their line of leaders and need guidance...I'm quite sure they are ours too. But Yuna's supporters...They could always be converted. Those that don't will have the same fate as the Al Bhed. But I fear that if force is used, we must...'modify' the teachings a bit. Machina would most certainly have to be used."
Nyka's self-assuring speech tapered off as the commentators announced the Fangs' win.
"Good job, Ronso. Teach the infidels that they cannot win. They will never win. Not with the power of Yevon coursing through the righteous people's veins. Yevon is my strength and drive. I will do all in his name and I will not fail. The infidels will be dealt with, the towns and cities taken, and I will not rest until Yevon is spread to every corner of Spira. Two more games to go until Yevon will triumph in his first victory since the Sin disaster. Braska's daughter will die. She will die for her betrayal!"
--------------------
The Aurochs all laughed at Weston.
"What?"
Jassu tried to control himself as he said, "I don't think we should worry about the Fangs, bud. The Psyches have taken our place as the worst team ever, so the Fangs' win wasn't all that great. I mean, they even let the Psyches score!"
The team once again burst into laughter. Weston only shrugged it off and watched the team pile out of the locker room. He turned his attention to the screen and watched as they once again took their places on the field.
Five minutes later, at the half, the score was five to zero in the Aurochs' favor. The team filed back in, congratulated and cheered each other on, and then left, Weston not wanting to say a word due to his worries being proven to be in vain.
Five more minutes later, the Aurochs easily beat the Fangs, allowing one score, which Weston just thought was a sportsmanship maneuver.
The team filed back in and all eyes were glued to the screen. The tournament tree was displayed and all of the branches led to the face off between the Glories and the Aurochs. Quietly, the team shuffled out of the locker room and headed back into the arena.
The Guado team looked almost as strange as the Ronso team had to Weston. The Guado were quite tall and had the oddest colored hair, in Weston's opinion, anyway. The game started and every person in the crowd was up on their feet, watching intently. The Aurochs scored right off, but the Glories answered with a score as well, tying the game with only a minute gone from the clock. Weston scooted forward on the bench and eagerly anticipated the next play.
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"It's good to see you, Maestress."
"Thank you, Lord Nyka. I pray you've enjoyed the games so far?"
"Yes, they've been quite hair-raising, I must say. I'll present you with the treaty at the half, and we can commence the meeting then. I pray we will have good news to share with the people at the end of the game. Now, let's take our seats and enjoy the game."
Yuna smiled and sat next to Nyka, the other New Yevon councilmen on her left.
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Weston growled as the Glories scored once more. There was only one minute left on the clock and Jassu looked determined. Datto won the ball at the Blitzoff, and immediately passed it to Jassu. Jassu then swam full force towards the opposing goal. He was going to score, even if it took him beyond his limit. He was only a few yards from the goal and the defense was closing in. He looked to his left and right. Defenders were circling him. He gritted his teeth and lunged forward.
The impact looked especially gruesome in the water. Jassu's nose and mouth immediately shot a smoky red cloud into the water as the Guado's elbow slid off of his face. The ball dropped and the Glories' right forward immediately grabbed it, heading towards the Aurochs' goal.
Jassu was obviously unconscious as he slowly floated downward, blood cloud trailing him. The buzzer rang before the Glories' could take a shot and the Aurochs all crowded around their fallen comrade, Keepa being chosen to drag him back to the locker room.
Weston, being so shocked and angered, had missed most of the crowd's reaction and Jimma and Bobba's yapping about how fouls need to be properly called. He also missed the locker room door opening. While he was grumbling, the Aurochs quickly set Jassu on a bench and an X-Potion was used. The Auroch came to, but was still weak from the hit, his nose more than likely broken.
Weston sighed. "He ok?"
Datto nodded. "He'll be fine. Still to weak to play..."
And Weston could tell from the hint what was coming next. The Aurochs all slowly looked up at him as their fallen team mate groaned.
Weston sighed. "You're going to have to carry me. I've never played this before."
"You'll do fine, bud. You been watching on the screen," asked Datto
"Yeah."
"Then just do what you've seen done."
"...Ok..."
The half was almost over and the team started filing out of the door. Nervous, Weston waited a few moments before heading out. Datto laughed and urged him on.
"Come on. It won't be as bad as you think, ya?"
Weston sighed and nodded and the door slid open. Before him was a wall of water and Datto effortlessly walked into it, swimming towards the center of the field.
Weston sucked in a breath and walked forward. He felt the cool water envelop him and his first reaction was to try to hold his breath. He held it as long as he could and felt his lungs empty when he let the breath escape into the water.
He gasped and sucked in another breath, awaiting the water to fill his lungs. But, instead, the water dissolved as he breathed in and it was as light as air, traveling down his lungs. Surprised, Weston began swimming towards the field.
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"That's...that's Weston!" shouted Wakka.
"It...sure is!" affirmed Lulu.
Rikku just leaned forward and stared in total shock.
The three sat there, silent, watching as the stranger claiming to hail from 'The United States', a man with no ties to Spira, swim towards a Left forward position.
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Yuna had to admit, seeing Weston in the sphere totally shocked her. Nyka, too, was shocked and leaned over to the Maestress.
"A secret weapon, perhaps? Or something you weren't expecting. You look rather surprised."
She blushed and shook her head. "No. Just, I didn't expect to see our new recruit out on the field today."
Nyka nodded. "Everyone gets their chance." And he added silently to himself, "And I'll have mine soon..."
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"Look at this, Jimma! Besaid's new recruit is on the field! We'll get to see what he's made of!"
"And I'm sure he's quite the player, Bobba. Trained with the Aurochs, he's bound to have star talent. Let's just hope he can fill Jassu's shoes!"
"And here's the Blitzoff!"
Weston watched as the Guado forward took the blitzball. He didn't know exactly what his job was at this point, but he was quickly taught.
Datto yelled, "Get 'em!"
And Weston, to the best of his ability, swam towards the lumbering player. He read the player's body language and quickly banked right, hitting the Guado full force with his shoulder. The ball was loose and Weston fought his momentum and tried to pick it up. Another Glories player swam underneath him and took the ball. Weston grunted shifted his body weight to his feet. His sandaled feet made contact with the Guado's back and he had to stop himself from 'drilling' the player into the floor of the sphere. Datto swam by and got the ball. Once again, Weston was at a loss, but as usual, he was told very quickly as to what his duty was.
Letty punched Weston on the shoulder, hard. "Time to block the defenders!"
Weston nodded and followed Letty, trying to keep up. Quickly, Weston was learning how tiring the game of Blitzball was. He made contact with a Guado and the two tangled there for a moment. Since Weston was concentrating on keeping the player at bay, he didn't notice the buzzer going off. The Guado immediately freed himself and shoved Weston back towards his side.
Not the moment Weston was back into formation, the ball was launched again. Datto caught it and swam forward. Weston followed him and found himself staring at two defenders, one being the one who had hit Jassu so hard in the first half. Datto was covered, but he knew better than to let himself be defeated. He tossed the ball to Weston, who caught it, and yelled. "Go for it!"
And Weston gladly did so. He lunged forward while Datto held on of the defenders at bay. The defender that had attacked Jassu jumped up, but was quickly put back in his place as all of Weston's weight landed atop his head. Weston leaped off of the foot planted squarely on the Guado's head and threw the ball up in front of him. He drew back his arm and hit the ball with the hardest punch he could muster. The ball sailed towards the goal and zoomed right past the goalies' head, leaving the Guado at the goal a little more than stunned. The buzzer went off and the Aurochs were up one.
The crowd enjoyed the violent yet graceful show of athleticism and every single seat in the stadium was empty, including the conference balcony. The mounds of people standing made the stadium seem even larger from inside the sphere. But the teams couldn't have cared. There was still two minutes left of grueling play.
The ball was launched and the Glories had control. The ball eventually found it's way to Weston's stepping stool and the Guado was already charging towards the US soldier. Weston braced himself and when the two impacted, a great hush silenced the crowd's roars.
Weston rolled back into position as the stunned Guado tried to regain his stance. Letty already was on his way to scoring. When the buzzer went off, the crowd once again cheered.
Weston reformed with the rest of the team and awaited what would probably be the last Blitzoff.
The ball launched into the air and Datto snatched it from the Guado's reach. He cupped it against his chest and swam forward, the rest of the Aurochs following. The crowd hushed as the seconds ticked by. Datto was swimming in circles, trying to devour the time as much as he could. At fifteen seconds left, he shot and missed, but it didn't matter. The Aurochs had the cup and the remaining fifteen seconds shot by, not allowing the Glories enough time for a chance to score.
Weston heaved a great sigh in the water and laughed, his body slightly aching from all the activity. The two teams headed back into the locker room area, the Aurochs all applauding Weston's performance. Humble, Weston only smiled, not bragging or boasting. He just simply responded, "I did what I thought needed to be done."
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"Where...how...wha," asked a confused Wakka.
"I agree..." said a shocked Lulu.
Rikku, kept her face in constant shock mode.
The three had never expected that type of talent from Weston, especially in Blitzball. They didn't really care that the Aurochs won, they just wanted to know how in all of Spira had Weston been able to do what he had just done.
Rikku let out a small squeak and the others nodded.
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"Well, Yuna, I must say you had quite the talented recruit hidden under your sleeve."
Yuna couldn't really comment. Her mouth was too far open to make any legible speech.
"I see that you're as surprised as I. But, let's get the win behind us and tell the people the wonderful news."
Yuna blinked out of her daze and nodded.
Nyka smiled and shifted back towards the table. Yuna followed and the two were soon headed to the balcony from where all announcements were made.
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"Let's head to the gate. Yuna should be there any moment," Wakka suggested.
Lulu and Rikku nodded and followed the Auroch to the gate.
Oddly, the two guards that had been there before the games had started were gone. "Strange," commented Lulu.
"Ya. Well, let's wait here. We can see the main balcony from here, anyway."
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"People of Spira. Today we have witnessed bouts of pure athleticism. The winners and losers are still equal in their efforts, and therefore should be respected. But one team did come out on top, and the Aurochs are the winners of the Tournament."
Nyka then waited for the teams to find their way to the balcony. The Aurochs led the other teams and soon, they were all filed onto the small balcony, some of the teams' members having to stand on the edge of the balcony's shoulder.
"You have all fought valiantly today, and proved your worth as sportsmen. Will the captain of the Aurochs please come forward to claim his team's prize?"
Datto, who had been chosen to take Jassu's place as captain for the time being, stepped forward and took the large trophy, raising it high and proud, causing the crowd to erupt into fanfare. Weston couldn't help but to grin. He had been apart of the win and it made him feel proud to have Datto holding that trophy up.
"Congratulations, Aurochs, you have proven yourselves to be the top Blitzball players in all of Spira. I, and, I'm sure, all of Spira looks forward to the upcoming season's matches. Now, if I may, I, with the blessing of Yuna, have an announcement to make. During halftime of the last game, Yuna and the New Yevon council signed a peace treaty, marking peace between the two parties."
The crowd once again roared. Nyka flashed a smile and raised his hands, telling them to calm themselves.
"The New Yevon council and the Maestress pray that all of you will hold this treaty to heart and not judge solely based on spiritual beliefs. Every citizen of Spira is a sibling to another. We are all related, as Spira's people. Thank you."
He stepped back from the podium as the crowd continued its cheers. The two teams filed out, and Yuna bid her goodbyes to the Council.
Nyka grinned to himself and nodded to his fellow councilmen. A few of them were nervous, others grinning just as confidently as Nyka.
"The time is near, gentlemen. Remember to keep sad faces. We cannot show our guilt. I've already gotten a drafted speech ready, and I'll make it tomorrow."
The council nodded to their leader and Nyka paced back towards the front podium, looking at the emptying crowds.
"Yes, indeed, the time is near."
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Yuna found Lulu, Rikku, and Wakka waiting by the gate. They all hugged her and congratulated her on the treaty.
Lulu, a bit apprehensive still, asked Yuna what she had thought of the treaty.
"It looked very sincere. Nyka was so confident that this could help unite the people of Spira, I could not refuse him."
Lulu nodded and Wakka began to comment excitedly on Weston's performance.
"Did ya see how he just punched the ball right in there!? It was like he's done it all his life, ya?"
Yuna laughed. "Yes, Wakka, I too was surprised at Weston's play. I didn't even expect to see him playing, let alone score."
"And on defense! He can really mow 'em down!"
Lulu laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, Wakka, he was quite amazing."
Wakka laughed and Rikku elbowed him in the side.
"Don't get so excited. What if that was just a fluke?"
"Bah, playing like that isn't a fluke, Rikku."
They all laughed and began walking back towards the docks, not aware of the figure running towards them.
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"There you guys are! Talk about hard to track down."
Yuna smiled. "Good game, Weston. I was very surprised at your performance."
Weston grinned, trying to catch his breath. "Yeah, so was I. But like I told the guys, I was just doing what I thought needed to be done."
Wakka laughed. "Yeah, sure thing brudda. And I'm covered in purple fur. Quit being so modest. You were a star out there."
Weston blushed a bit and shook his head, scratching at the back of his neck. "Nah. Just mimicking the others."
Wakka grinned. "Too modest, ya?"
Lulu nodded. "I agree."
Rikku smiled and playfully punched at Weston's stomach. "Where'd you learn to punch like that? That ball went flying into the goal."
Weston feigned a few oofs as she playfully pummeled his stomach and finally answered, "The Army."
"This 'Army' must know a lot."
"More than some people would like," replied Weston.
Rikku stared at him and he ruffled her hair. "Don't mind me, I'm just cynical." She smiled and swatted at his hand.
Soon, they were near their dock. Lulu stopped, and the others did as well.
"What is it," asked Yuna.
Lulu replied, "Were those two guards there when we arrived?"
Yuna shook her head, but reminded Lulu of the increased security. Lulu growled and whispered something to her. Yuna nodded and started to turn, causing the rest of the group to do so as well. But before they could head back, the two guards were upon them.
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"May I help you, sirs," asked Yuna.
One of the guards, the taller one, had a sort of rifle looking object in his hand and Weston immediately realized that the man's finger was on a very old-style trigger. The weapon lowered and was aiming right at Yuna's chest. Yuna and the rest of the group immediately put up their hands, save Rikku.
"What's the meaning of this," asked the angering Al Bhed.
"The Maestress has been ordered to die."
Rikku blinked, and then shouted, "What?!", causing the crowd on the side of the docks and pathway to turn their attention to what was going on.
Yuna sighed shakily, and slowly said, "You may have me, but please let my friends go. They have nothing to do with this."
"Agreed," said the shorter guard, who carried a doubled-edged sword, unsheathed.
"But Yunie!" yelled a distraught Rikku. Wakka, despite the scowl, was more or less a deer in headlights. Rikku yelled, "Lulu, use your magic!"
Lulu sighed, shaking her head. "I cannot. They have Reflect cast..."
The guards seem to laugh at this, and for the first time, Rikku got a glimpse at an eye glinting through a hole in the guard's visor.
"The same guards who took our weapons!" yelled the Al Bhed. Once again the guards laughed and pushed slightly forward. Rikku looked from the guards to Yuna and back again, trying to decide on what to do.
"Your friends will leave now, Maestress," said the shorter guard.
Yuna nodded. "Please go."
Rikku refused, as did the others, quite verbally.
This whole situation flicked a switch within Weston, and he knew he'd have to do something soon; otherwise, Yuna would be dead.
Slowly, he inched forward, taking the sword-wielding guard's attention from Yuna.
Weston raised his hands higher. "Easy. Easy. I'm just leaving for the dock."
The guard nodded and Weston slowly walked beside the guard but slowed even more. As all eyes from the crowd were on the incident, Weston's right arm quickly shot up and two extended fingers hit and dug into the shorter guard's throat. The guard dropped the sword and started gasping for air, his windpipe crushed by the force of the blow. With the shorter guard now convulsing on the ground, Weston spun around, and, in what seemed forever, grabbed the other, taller guard's weapon and tore it from his hands. The guard grabbed Weston by the shoulders and soon, the two were entangled, the rifle's barrel sticking into the flesh under the guard's chin, digging into the soft underbelly of his mouth. The two men's eyes were locked, arms wrapped together, the guard's hand on his dagger and Weston's finger square on the trigger of the weapon, a slight pressure already being exerted on it. All Weston needed was to feel the guard's body weight shift, and things would end. Almost in slow motion, the guard's hand gripped the handle of the dagger, making a slight shift in his position.
Weston pulled the trigger.
Post A/N: WHEW...finally done with this. I've spent over 19 hours on this chapter. 12 of those were STRAIGHT hours in a row. I had bloodshot eyes that night. Man. Anyway, things are definitely heating up ^^ and Weston is strutting his stuff, eh? The next few chapters won't be as long as this one (mainly because this took a lot out of me) but after a few more stuff happens, expect really long chapters that are far...VERY far from boring. ^^;; Hope you enjoyed this one. I sure spent long enough on it. And if there are any spelling errors etc, please keep in mind that I was up from 12pm to 2am, writing this chapter. This WILL be proofread, but right now, I just wanna post this bad boy. ~No One