Author's Note: Heyo people! Well, since I'm done with my little, err, "side" project, (check my stories if you don't know what I'm talking about) I'm back with another *riveting* chapter. Heh… yeah Fire Rules, keep telling yourself that. ^_^
By the way, just so you won't be confused about the chronology of this chapter… this chapter and the last chapter takes place about one week after Kaemon's forces entered Spira. That would make it three weeks total after Jecht rescued Anya, ya?
Alright, without further ado, here be you chapter six.
Chapter VI: Into a Grey Sky Morning
He was dark, sinister… a shadow of the kind man he once was. There was no time for being good, only time to conquer.
He entered his chambers quickly, kneeling before a portal of some sort. A loud, absolutely malevolent voice echoed loudly throughout the room.
"Good morning, Kaemon... has everything been going according to plan as of late?" Kaemon shook his head briskly, continuing to kneel submissively.
"The Farplane is under control… your forces have almost brought their puny rebellion to its knees. But this man, Jecht… about three weeks ago, he saw the factory and freed a woman who was enslaved there."
"That is most certainly not good news," the voice proclaimed loudly. "They must not find out what is being manufactured there. Why haven't you contacted me sooner?"
"I am sorry… I have been rather preoccupied. But it gets worse, sire. Intelligence reports that they have contacted that boy Tidus… it is rumored that he may try to enter as early as this morning. He's bringing his comrades."
"This is not unexpected… you do know of the prophecy, correct?"
"Yes Master… is it true?" Kaemon asked curiously, lifting his head timidly to view the dark image greeting his eyes.
"I laugh at it… one boy cannot change the natural course of things."
"Yes… what would you like me to do then?" he questioned, returning his head back to the ground.
"Let them in."
"Excuse me? But we've been letting no one in unless they are already slain…"
"Take them in forcefully... alive," the menacing entity repeated. "When they enter, I will entrap them within the Farplane by means of another barrier. We'll use them to lead us to Akeno. This pathetic insurrection will not be over until that man is subdued."
"Yes milord… and what of the conquest of Spira?"
"We will continue after we are sure that Tidus and his allies are under control." The image looked at Kaemon sharply, a devious grin forming on his lips.
"This boy Tidus… he has a wife, does he not? A pregnant wife…?"
"Yes."
"I have some use for him later. We need some leeway, so hit him where it hurts," the entity demanded. "Once they are in and we are sure that they will not escape, send your best soldiers to get her… you will then take her to me."
This struck a lone chord in Kaemon's hardened heart. "Is that not a little extreme? Surely we can take care of this boy without…"
"Do as I say… bring her to me when the time is right. She will make excellent leverage for my plans."
"Yes, master."
The image disappeared quickly and Kaemon stood up. He walked swiftly out the door... there was work to do.
~~~~~~
In Spira
~~~~~~
Daybreak arrived too quickly.
It was hard for Tidus… stirring out of slumber first, he found Yuna buried in the sheltering embrace of his arms and looked at her pensively. He knew what her mind-set would be when she awoke. He wasn't looking forward to it… he didn't want to leave her.
"It's not too late to change my mind."
But what would that accomplish? Would he and Yuna even be alive this time next year if he decided to quit? He didn't know… it was for that reason that he couldn't make himself back down. There was too much to lose by staying... even if he had to die to save Spira, by God he would do it. For Yuna… for the baby.
Gently releasing Yuna from his grasp, he rose from his bed to put on some boxers and look out the window. Expecting the comforting light of daybreak, he was disappointed to see otherwise.
"Just had to look like *this* today," he whispered quietly. "Hope it's not a sign of what's to come."
It was a dismally dreary morning… the sky was an ominous grey, with blackish clouds filling up the heavens. Fog scoured the surface of Guadosalam forebodingly. The dull, unusually gloomy morning gave Tidus a weird feeling.
"This… doesn't feel right," he proclaimed, louder than he wanted to.
"What doesn't feel right?" Yuna asked softly, causing Tidus to turn around quickly to face her.
"Yuna… sorry, didn't know you were awake." Yuna ignored his comment and looked deeply into his eyes.
"What doesn't feel right?"
He did *not* want her to hear that comment. As if she didn't have enough to worry about… now she knew clear in her mind that even her usually confident husband didn't even feel good about the situation.
"Might as well tell her what I'm thinking now," he thought darkly to himself.
"I'm not sure, something just doesn't seem right. Look at the sky… it doesn't look normal." Yuna looked curiously at him and stood up out of bed, wrapping the comforter around her bare body. She walked up next to Tidus to peer out of the window.
Yuna sighed softly… he was right, it didn't look normal. Even a bad weather day looked better than this. That morning, Guadosalam looked… fiendish.
Tidus turned his head to look at Yuna. "I just… don't wanna leave."
He turned away from her and walked a few steps away from the window. "I'm scared. I want to run someplace far away… with you, away from the madness."
Yuna frowned at his comment. Tidus, her brave, valiant husband… scared? She put her arm on his shoulder, trying to comfort him as well as herself.
"What are you scared of?" she asked quizzically, even though it was obvious she knew the answer.
Tidus exhaled sharply and turned back around to look at her. With piercing blue eyes staring into Yuna, he spoke softly.
"I'm not scared of whatever Kaemon has to throw at me. Sure, they might have a powerful army, but to hell with them… I'm scared of losing you."
Yuna ran a delicate hand through Tidus' unkempt hair and smiled bravely at him.
"I thought it wasn't fair," Yuna started, "that you had to leave me again to protect all of Spira. I… I thought it was selfish of this world to demand so much of you." She embraced him gently, leaning her head on his broad shoulder… stifling tears, she continued.
"But before I fell asleep last night, I thought of something. What if… what if this is how it's supposed to be? To protect Spira… what if all of this was determined long ago? Like destiny… or something?"
Tidus started to speak, but Yuna continued talking before he could get a word in.
"It… it kind of comforted me to think about it, knowing that you might be Spira's protector. It means that nothing can happen to you… who can protect Spira then?
She looked at him quietly, waiting for a response to her emotional sentiments.
"Right?"
Tidus didn't want to question any thoughts that may have comforted her. But with all the cowardice he felt deep down inside of him, he *hardly* felt like a protector. Still, he nodded slowly, in hopes of making Yuna feel better about the situation.
"Maybe you are right… who knows?"
Yuna kissed him on the lips and returned her head to his shoulder, not wanting to let go of him. Tidus put his mouth close to her ear.
"You know,' he said softly, "I don't have to leave, Yuna. Maybe… maybe we should see what happens?" She released her embrace to look at him and shook her head in objection.
"No… as much as I want to, it would be selfish of me to have you stay. If we wait and see what happens… there might not be anything left. You know that, sweetie…" Tidus nodded in reply.
"Yeah… I'm gonna miss you."
"So am I… and if you don't come back, I'll come looking for you." Tidus couldn't help but chuckle.
"I can see it now… a nine month pregnant Yuna going to the Farplane, politely asking undead zombies if they've seen her husband."
Yuna feigned anger, trying hard not to chuckle at his crude comment. She wanted to be mad at him for making such a remark, but she always failed miserably when it came to staying angry at Tidus.
Yuna frowned broadly at him. "Have I told you how bad you are?"
Tidus took her into his arms once more. "Only every single day… you know I was just joking, right?"
"Yes… of course. I… I'm going to miss you so much."
"Me too… remember that I love you. All I'll be thinking about when I'm gone is how much I want to be with you again. Okay?"
"Okay…"
"I guess we should get ready… I still have to get supplies ready. You know, we're gonna need a lot of potions, since you won't be around," Tidus complained.
"Well," Yuna said quietly, "I've actually been teaching Rikku quite a bit of curative magic lately. Her heal spells are getting really powerful… if these creatures really are undead, it should help."
Tidus smiled brightly at her. "That *will* help a lot… even when you're not coming along, you still save my neck." Yuna smiled in return.
"Come on… we need to get ready. I promised Imam I would call for reinforcements, remember? I thought I would radio Bevelle from Cid's airship."
"Oh yeah," Tidus said dejectedly. "I was hoping we could spend just a little more time with each other… duty calls, huh?" Yuna nodded thoughtfully, and a playful smile appeared on her face.
"Let's get in the shower," she said gently, dropping the comforter to the floor. "One last time…"
Tidus grinned excitedly and followed her to the bathroom.
"Man I'm gonna miss her."
________________________________________________________________
Wakka, Lulu and Rikku lounged lazily in the hotel's adequately sized restaurant. Deciding that the uncomfortable silence was unnerving, Wakka decided to say something.
"How about this Guadosalam coffee? It's the best part of waking up, ya?" Lulu and Rikku nodded, disinterested.
"Where are Yuna and Tidus?" Lulu asked curiously. "They're over thirty minutes late."
Rikku looked at her knowingly. "I'm sure it's lovey-dovey stuff, or something. Can you blame them?"
Lulu and Wakka nodded in agreement… they really couldn't blame them. In the long run, they figured that thirty minutes wouldn't have a direct impact on the salvation of Spira.
About that time, the young couple walked into the restaurant, hand-in-hand. Yuna thanked Tidus as he politely pulled a chair out for her. He quickly sat down beside her and looked at his friends.
"Sorry we're late," Yuna said apologetically, looking at her friends. "I had to radio for troops for Guadosalam and…" She looked longingly at Tidus, and Lulu politely interrupted her.
"It's okay Yuna… we understand." Wakka nodded.
"You don't have to explain it to us, ya? Thirty minutes ain't no big deal." Rikku nodded reassuringly.
"So," Tidus started, changing the subject. "Have you been outside yet today?"
Rikku nodded vigorously. "Yeah, it's super creepy outside. As long as it doesn't start… thundering."
Tidus laughed at her comment. "Heh, I don't know what was funnier… you screaming at every crash of lightning, or me getting struck by it!"
Every one laughed at his comment. It certainly scared them all when Tidus got hammered by that lightning bolt. But Tidus, being the type of guy he is, got up quickly and shook the cobwebs out of his head. Looking back at the situation now, it was rather amusing.
Silence once again prevailed as they picked at their food. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't make the atmosphere brighter.
About that time, Kimahri walked swiftly into the restaurant to greet them. Wakka, Lulu and Rikku were obviously surprised to see him, as they hadn't heard anything about his arrival from Gagazet.
"Kimahri!" Yuna yelled gleefully as she ran up to her furry friend to embrace him. Kimahri returned her affection and eventually released her from his grasp.
"Kimahri happy to see Yuna again."
Yuna smiled brightly and motioned for him take a seat at the table with them.
Tidus noticed the questioning stares and decided to explain.
"Wakka, when I went to get your sword last night, he was in Besaid." Kimahri nodded.
"Kimahri wants to help."
Wakka smiled and patted Kimahri hardily on the back.
"The more the merrier, ya?"
Lulu looked at the clock on the wall and sighed. "I hate to be the messenger of bad news but… it's time to get going. Do you all have enough supplies?"
Everyone nodded slowly, grudgingly standing up from their seats.
Tidus looked at all of them. "Yeah… we better get going. Imam and his soldiers are waiting for us."
It had all been planned out. The soldiers of Guadosalam were to aid them in exterminating the undead that guarded the passage to the Farplane. Once that task was accomplished, the group would be alone. None of them knew what would be waiting for them on the other side.
They walked unhurriedly out of the hotel, into the abysmal grey sky morning that greeted their eyes. It was far worse being outside than seeing it from a window.
"This isn't a normal storm," Lulu said flatly, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.
Tidus nodded timidly and squeezed Yuna's hand just a little tighter. The air was thick, suffocating… nauseating. He couldn't help but wonder if this was how the entire Farplane was.
As they neared the entrance, the soldiers rendezvoused with them to take up a defensive position in the rear. Yuna and Lulu continued traversing the distance to the Farplane with their friends. As they neared the entrance, Yuna's eyes widened in fear. She grabbed Tidus' hand, stopping his walking abruptly.
"Yuna… what's wrong?"
"Tidus… you can't go!"
"Wha… what's going on, Yuna?" he asked worriedly, trying to keep walking despite Yuna's firm grip on his arm.
"A trap... Tidus, it's a trap!
"Yuna, why do you say this?" Lulu asked, sounding slightly exasperated.
'I… I don't know. I haven't felt like this since I was a summoner. You can't go, this isn't going to work!"
Tidus was about to turn around. The desperation in Yuna's voice was *extremely* convincing... he was about to turn around, that is, until they came down upon them.
"Look out!" Wakka yelled loudly as the creatures started toward them. All hell broke loose.
Tidus leapt into action quickly. Caladbolg flickered brightly, its glow increasing as the blade sliced through the putrid flesh of the monstrous creatures.
"Lulu, get Yuna out of here!" Tidus yelled over the familiar and unwelcome sound of battle. He saw Yuna, deep in concentration, and the recognizable bright flash of Holy broke through the air and wiped out a horde of creatures encroaching upon Tidus. It was helpful, though not helpful enough.
The battle was short but destructive. Their numbers were too great to be controlled. The soldiers had little effect. The creatures were here for a reason… get Tidus, get his comrades.
They focused on Rikku and Kimahri first, who were furiously trying to defend themselves from the incessant onslaught of enemies. They couldn't hold out any longer, and the creatures subdued them. Tidus cried out in anguish as they pulled Rikku and Kimahri into the Farplane.
Wakka was next. He was clumsy with the sword, but he had been defending himself admirably. The numbers were too great, however, and he too was taken.
Eyes met… his cries of objection did not deter her. She ran to him, arms outstretched, tears flowing freely.
All the creatures made their way to the Farplane and clutched Tidus forcefully as he ineffectively tried to force himself free of their grasp. She ran still closer to him.
Hands touched… nothing could be done. He was entering.
Lulu took a hold of Yuna as she still grabbed tightly onto her husband's hand.
"Yuna!" He looked at her as he was taken still deeper into the Farplane.
"Love… you. I swear I'll be back!" Their grasp on each other failed, their fingers brushing against each other one last time.
Gone… he was gone.
Yuna instantly made a run for the entrance. She hit the barrier and fell weakly to her knees. They had closed it up again. She… couldn't follow him.
"No," Yuna whispered quietly. Lulu continued to hold on to her, trying to comfort Yuna and, at the same time, trying to comfort herself.
"No…"
She repeated the comment slowly, endless tears flowing freely down her face… he could *already* be dead. It was too much for her.
"Come back… come back to me."
The situation was out of her hands. The trap had been sprung. There was nothing left to do but wait.
"How long… how long will I have to wait?"
It was a question she would have to ask herself for many months to come.
"Love you…" Her sobs filled the air as the sun claimed the grey sky.
________________________________________________________________
Author's Notes: Well, there you go. My goodness, how depressing! Will Tidus and co. get out of it okay? Well, I guess you'll just have to see ^_^
Sorry for my lack of updates. School has been *really* kicking my butt. It's so much harder this semester than it was the last time around. Oh well…
I promise this won't stay depressing forever. But like I said, this story is following a much different path than the last one. The fluff ends here for a good while. Tidus and his friends are in it for the long haul now, so just see what happens, ya?
The chapter title is derived from Vertical Horizon's "Grey Sky Morning." A lot of the lyrics in this song were fitting for the chapter, I think.
Thanks for reading everyone, and keep those reviews coming! ^_^
Fire Rules