This is a long chapter… longer than any of the other ones, anyways, I think. It took me so long to write! I was going to put more in, but it's late and I wanted to put a chapter up this week. I'll put the stuff I had planned for this chapter in the next one.

Going to Las Vegas tomorrow! That's part of the reason I wanted to finish this chapter. That way, when I come back, I'll come home to lots of reviews! (hint hint ^_~)


Kirei na Kanjou

"You say she is in Kilika?" a distinctly masculine voice said. The bearer of the voice sat on a throne that was placed on a raised dais. The room itself was dark, with only a few faint sources of light on the walls.

"Specifically, on the S. S. Liki, my lord." The other speaker was standing in front of the other. "She is on her way to Kilika and should arrive shortly."

"And the Al Bhed?"

"He is with her."

The first laughed maliciously. "Perfect," he sneered. "They will be mine soon enough. Then the maesters will have to recognize me."

"Yes, my lord," the subordinate said. "What would you like me to do?"

"It would be pointless to take them at Kilika. Let them believe they are safe for now. Send some warrior monks to Luca to stop them. Keep the Summoner alive and bring her here."

"What about the Al Bhed? He is her guardian."

The one sitting on the throne frowned, though it was hardly noticeable in the dark. "I have no need for the Al Bhed. Those Al Bhed have been plaguing Yevon for far too long… If he attacks, kill him."

"Yes, my lord. I understand." The servant was leaving, when the first interrupted.

"Oh, if the girl summons that forbidden Aeon, do a favor to Yevon and eliminate it too. It should not be allowed on Yevon's land."

The second paused for a moment, hesitant about what he was about to ask. "My lord… do not think of me as ignorant, but I must ask. Why is it that want them captured?"

His lord laughed again. "Those fool maesters would not recognize a heathen were it placed right in front of them. This Summoner… I have heard many rumors about her. Not only does she keep company with an Al Bhed, she claims she has come from Zanarkand, thus defiling our holy land. If I can expose her to them, they will realize just how much of a genius I am…"

"I understand." The other started walking to the exit again. He shook his head sadly, earning a glare from the higher, which again went unnoticed. He went out of the cold room and closed the large door behind him.

******************

"So… have you ever been to Kilika before?" Ku peered curiously at Leviathan, who had been standing by her for a while now. He hadn't said anything since she had fallen asleep and arrived in her subconscious.

What? Oh, no. I have never gone to Kilika before, but I have heard about it.

"What's it like there?" Ku asked. She was hoping for another location as sunny and warm as Besaid.

It is quite peaceful there. Tropical, as well. It is partly situated on water, and the Kilika Beasts can be seen practicing there often.

"Kilika Beasts?"

The Blitzball team of Kilika. They work hard and train often to prepare for the Luca Blitzball tournament.

"Ah, I see." She was happy that it would be like the previous location. The warm islands of Spira were much different than the cold city of Zanarkand. Still, memories of her old home lingered in her mind.

Ku? Are you all right?

"What? Oh, um, yeah. I'm fine. Just… thinking."

About Zanarkand?

Ku laughed desolately. "How'd you know," she said, the sarcastic tone clear in her voice.

Leviathan stared at her for a moment, then looked away. Another silence ensued between the two, until finally, Leviathan broke it.

You wished to know more about me, did you not?

She nodded a little, then twisted a strand of her hair awkwardly. "I mean, if you don't want to, I'll understand…"

I do not mind. It is time for someone to know my story.

Ku sat down on the non-existent floor, readying herself for what she believed would be a long tale.

Where do I start…? You realize that Fayths were created when Sin was born. And Sin was created about 1000 years ago, right around the time of your Zanarkand.

"So," Ku contemplated, "You mean that Sin was created because of Zanarkand?"

That appears to be popular belief. Because of Zanarkand's extensive use of machina, Sin was created to punish the people. That is what Yevon teaches. Do you then realize that many of the Fayths that exist today lived back then?

Ku paused, figuring out what it was that the Fayth was trying to say. "Wait! You mean--"

I once lived in that time, 1000 years ago. Before Sin destroyed Zanarkand, I had already left for Bevelle. The time I was there, you were probably around the age of 4.

"That's the age that… that I was sent to the orphanage…"

Exactly. I suppose that people would have called me something of a 'murderer' back then…

Leviathan paused, letting the revelation fully sink in. Ku sat still for a while, then fidgeted uncomfortably.

"When I was first sent to the orphanage, I couldn't stop thinking that my parents would come and get me. Maybe they had just put me in there for a while, like we used to put our dog in the kennel when we went away, you know?" She stopped and scratched the edge of her eye. "Finally, I realized that they wouldn't come back. They were dead… and I told myself, I was going to find whoever killed them. I would get him back for everything he had done… But now…"

Leviathan kneeled down next to the girl. She tried so adamantly to keep her strong composure, yet it was so easily broken. He placed one arm gently around her shoulders.

I understand if you hate me… I have caused much pain. But it is too late for me to fully repent for my crimes.

She shook her head vigorously. "No, it's not that. It's… nothing." She stood up, and Leviathan followed her action. Quickly regaining her calm demeanor once again, she said, "I'd assume there's more to the story than that, right?"

You are far more perceptive than I would have imagined. That is correct. Would you like me to tell you that as well?

Ku shook her head again, causing her thin black braids swing around her. "No, I think you've told me enough for now. How about next time?"

Leviathan smiled, and turned his head to the side, staring at an invisible object.

Yes… That would probably be better. Maybe next time you can tell me more about yourself?

"What? Can't you just look through my mind for it?"

I do not look through all your memories… I do give you some privacy. Well, I am tired today. I think I will leave you now in order to get some sleep…

******************

Ku laid in bed, one arm slung over her eyes blocking out the bright light. She struggled to remember what had happened the day before, and remembered her conversation with Brother. Smiling, she decided to thank him for cheering her up.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, realizing that the pain had ceased completely. The bandage that was on her leg easily slipped off, and underneath, there was no trace of any kind of wound.

"Attention all passengers!" a voice shouted from deck. "We are approaching Kilika! We should be there in a few minutes."

Ku had heard that the view of an island in the morning was the best time to see it, so she rushed out onto the deck. Most of the other passengers were already gathered outside, clinging onto the sides of the ship to see the awaiting Kilika.

She found a small opening on one side, just large enough for her to fit. Looking over to the island, she was astonished at what she saw. Kilika was more beautiful than Besaid. Like Leviathan had said, most of the village was on water, situated on bridges that wound their way everywhere. A few boxes were discarded on the docks. Small huts made their homes everywhere, and people were walking around, untroubled. The clean blue water also added to the splendor of Kilika, and colorful fish and children could be seen swimming in it. Behind the town was a jungle. To Ku, the whole island looked like a tropical paradise.

After a few minutes, the ship settled by the docks of the small village. Ku ran off the boat, one of the first ones off. She was eager to explore. She stood off to the side, tapping her foot impatiently while she waited for her guardian to exit the boat. When Brother appeared at the top of the plank that connected the boat to the dock, she waved excitedly.

"Brother," she shouted, "Over here!"

He went over to her. "Calm down. Reminds me of Rikku. Like little kid."

Ku shook her head defiantly. "I'm not a kid! I just want to explore the village a little, that's all."

Brother pointed to the jungle. "We go to temple first. If we have time, we explore."

Ku pouted. The kind guardian she had seen the day before had once again become the dutiful boring Al Bhed he had been all the other days she had known him. She figured that the quicker she agreed, the sooner they could get back to Kilika, so she agreed. "All right, fine." However, she couldn't help but mutter, "You're so dull…"

Brother looked at her sternly, to which she answered, "I didn't say anything. Let's go." He sighed, then followed after the fleeing Summoner.

The jungle was large, but the path to the temple seemed short enough. From where Ku was standing, she could see a few stones embedded into the ground with some writing scrawled onto it. A bridge, blocked by three Crusaders, was up ahead.

"Al Bhed?" Ku questioned as she examined the stones closer.

"Oac," Brother answered. "Al Bhed left clues around Spira for special treasures."

"Oh, I get it." She walked on a little farther until she was standing in front of the Crusaders. "Good morning, Crusaders. I ask permission to pass to Kilika Temple."

Two of the Crusaders started to mutter to each other; it was obvious they were talking about Brother. The third, seemingly the highest-ranking one there, hushed them. "Lady Summoner, behind us is Ochu, Lord of the Wood. Many Crusaders have not been able to defeat it. We warn you, it would be safer to find an alternate path around it."

Glancing to the left of the officer, Ku saw a large plant-like monster, its red tentacles waving threateningly around its round body. Bright green leaves circled its midsection, and green gas could be seen emerging from its skin.

"Lord Ochu… well, Brother, we should probably go around it." She glanced around; her guardian was nowhere in sight. "Er… Brother?"

A loud crash was heard from where Lord Ochu was standing, and a pained cry emitted from the creature.

"Dyga dryd, Lord Ochu!"

Ku sighed and rubbed her temples. "Brother… why did you attack…" Turning back to the three shocked Crusaders, she said hastily, "Sorry about that. Excuse me…". She ran off to fight the now angered Lord of the Wood.

"Brother, you idiot!" Ku yelled as she tried desperately to slash Lord Ochu with her scythe. "What'd you do that for!?" She jumped instinctively to the side to avoid a large red tentacle, and couldn't help but think of how much she had improved in her fighting. Looks like Cid's training really did pay off. Good thing, since I'm sure that my guardian's going to get me killed someday…

"Lord Ochu ryc hajan paah y tevvelimd ahaso vun so baubma! Machina yht magic lyh gemm ed!" (Lord Ochu has never been a difficult enemy for my people! Machina and magic can kill it!) He fired another shot from his gun, causing the monster to screech again. He then cast a fire spell on the wounded Ochu.

Ku ran up to the monster again, ready to attack, when it stopped moving. Somewhat surprised, Ku stopped as well. She had learned to be cautious since the Cactuar she had fought, which had also done nothing until it attacked with its 10,000 Needles, something she never wanted to experience again. "Um… Brother? What's it doing?" It appeared to be slumped over, and was making strange grumbling noises.

Brother paused for a second, examining it, when he understood what it was doing. "Yddylg ed huf!" he exclaimed. "Ed ec cmaabehk, yht ed nalujanc meva frema ed cmaabc. Gemm ed!" (Attack it now! It is sleeping, and it recovers life while it sleeps. Kill it!) He proceeded to fire multiple shots at the sleeping creature and cast several more spells before pausing to rest.

Ku followed Brother's example and tried to cut its tentacles off in its sleep, a complicated task. She soon learned that the tentacles were a lot tougher than they looked.

Suddenly, Lord Ochu woke up again with much more vigor than it had before. It threw both Ku and Brother away. Ku managed to land in a soft patch of grass, but the other wasn't so lucky, being thrown forcefully against an old rotting tree. He slumped to the ground, a moan escaping his lips.

"Oh, great…" Ku sighed. "Machina and magic can really kill it, huh?" She ran over to her fallen guardian, whose back was scratched up badly and bleeding. "Ick…" She looked at the enemy and was relieved to see that it was almost defeated.

She walked forward a little, then performed the summoning dance for Valefor. Remembering what had happened the last time she summoned the Aeon, she almost stopped midway through the summoning, but in the end decided to continue.

Valefor appeared with the same dignity as it had had the last time it was summoned. The colorful bird still amazed Ku when she summoned it. She pointed to Lord Ochu, and the Aeon continued to attack the creature.

Meanwhile, Ku backed over to Brother, who was still sitting against the tree he had injured himself against. "Sit up," she ordered, and he did so. She rummaged around in the accessory pack she had tied around her waist and pulled out two bottles; one was filled with a clear liquid and the other with a green mixture. Ku emptied the green bottle's contents out onto her hand, which sloshed heavily in her open palm. Reaching to Brother, she rubbed the concoction onto his wound until it had been absorbed into his back.

"Ku, ed cdehkc…" (Ku, it stings…) he groaned. One eye was closed, and the other was only half open.

"Oh, be quiet. You're such a baby sometimes. And stop sulking." She tried to suppress a laugh as she handed him the Potion. "Drink this, it'll reduce the pain."

He looked at her suspiciously; he was used to Al Bhed Potions, not the Potions they sold everywhere else in Spira. He shrugged off his doubt and drank the contents of the glass vial. Wiping his mouth with one of his gloved hands, he could feel some of the aches from his back receding.

"Wow," Ku said. "Valefor's stronger than it looks." She was staring at the Aeon, who had just dealt the final blow against Lord Ochu. The fiend cringed, then cried out as it exploded into pyreflies. Valefor turned to its Summoner, who nodded, and the Aeon flew back into the sky and soon disappeared from view.

"Lady Summoner!" a voice yelled. The three Crusaders were running up to them. "Lady," said the officer, "We saw what you did! That was amazing! I've never seen Lord Ochu beaten by only two people before!" The Crusaders removed their helmets, revealing that the officer was a woman and the other two were men. They executed the prayer gesture. "We must go patrol the rest of the jungle now that the Lord of the Wood is gone at the moment." The woman saluted to Ku and Brother. "We wish you luck on your journey." With that, the three ran off to another hidden path leading farther into the mass of trees.

Ku leaned down to help the Al Bhed up. "Come on. The temple shouldn't be too far." They started down the path again, turning once to the left to take a separate path that led straight to the temple of Kilika.

The two arrived in front of a tall flight of stone stairs, their white surface scarred with many cracks. Some plants were growing in the splits between the steps.

"So many steps," Ku stated. "Guess we should hurry." She grinned at Brother, who was still looking up to the temple. "Shouldn't take us too long, right?" She started at a run up the steps, the other soon following. They passed through the wide clearing and after going up a second set of stairs, reached Kilika Temple.

Ku walked to the summoning platform, gazing at the blazing fire that was covered by an emerald shield. A few villagers were sitting around the temple, talking or looking at statues that were similar to the ones in Besaid's temple. Inside, she could hear the Hymn of the Fayth, this one unique to Kilika. It was lower than the one that Valefor had sung, the baritone voice of the Fayth reverberating through the temple. She stopped at a statue that was particularly large.

"Dat's a statue of High Summoner Ohalland. Used to live in dis temple." Turning around, she saw that it was no other than Wakka. "He was once a great blitzer, ya? We pray to him every year before da Blitzball Tournament."

She turned back to the statue. "But you still lose?"

"Eh," he said as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Don't say dat 'round here, ya?" He laughed heartily. "You see those steps back there? Lord Ohalland used to train there!"

Ku laughed with him. "We should be getting to the Chamber of the Fayth now. Good luck in the tournament!" She and Brother were walking to the intricately decorated door leading to the Cloister of Trials when it opened.

A woman, a few years older than Ku, and two others exited. The woman, who Ku assumed to be a Summoner, was covered in sweat from her time in the Chamber of the Fayth. Her two guardians, one male and one female, supported her.

"Hmm?" The unknown Summoner faced Ku. "A Summoner… unusual to find one so young starting so soon." She reached her hand out, and Ku grasped it. "I'm Suki, and these are my guardians, Ari and Griffis."

Ku examined the group carefully. Suki was probably in her early twenties, with shoulder-length brown hair. Her Summoner robes were similar to Ku's, except her midriff was not exposed. The color was also different, hers being a deep red compared to Ku's blue. Ari was the female guardian, her long red hair bright against her pale skin. Her golden eyes shined, making her numerous freckles show more. Her clothes were simple, consisting of a golden cloth shirt that hung messily above her dark brown pants. Her weapon was a bow that she held, and a quiver of arrows was tied to her back. Griffis was the opposite of Ari. His messy black hair covered his dark blue eyes and pale face. He wore a black shirt and black pants, with a dark bluish-black cape slung over one shoulder. A sword was in a sheath that was attached to the side of his belt. His constant frown contradicted continuous Ari's smile.

"I'm Ku, and this is Brother. It's nice to meet you."

Suki and Ari looked inquisitively at Brother, and Griffis crossed his arms. "You have an Al Bhed for a guardian?" Suki asked.

"Um… yeah," Ku replied tentatively. "I'm sorry if you have something against the Al Bhed."

Suki shook her head robustly. "No, no! It's not that. It's just… so different from what I've seen." She smiled kindly, then leaned in closer to speak in a whisper. "I'm glad that some people are willing to question the teachings."

"Dunno why people are so against you Al Bhed," Ari said. "It's not like you're that bad or anythin', right?"

Brother grinned and nodded. "You are like Rikku. My little sister."

Ari laughed. "Really? Hee hee, never really met anyone like me before! Maybe if we ever get the chance to go to Home, I can meet her, y'know?" She nudged Griffis with her elbow. "Hey, Griffis, what d'ya think?"

Griffis shook his head. "No comment."

"Oh, come on!" Ari encouraged. "You always got somethin' good to say!"

Suki smiled meekly. "Oh, Ari, stop bothering him. You know he doesn't like to talk that much." She nodded to Ku. "We should not keep you any longer. Maybe we'll see you in Kilika?"

Ku returned the nod. "Yes, maybe. Goodbye."

"Kuutpoa," Brother muttered softly. Then they both entered into the Cloister of Trials.

The Cloister of Trials in the Kilika Temple was a little more challenging than the one in Besaid, but after trying many combinations of the Kilika and Glyph spheres, they were finally able to put out the fire blocking their way and make it through. When they arrived at the Chamber of the Fayth, Brother stood to the side of the door like the last temple, and Ku entered, more confidently this time.

Ku noticed that this chamber was almost identical to the one that Valefor was housed in. The only difference was the relic in the center, which pertained specifically to Ifrit. She kneeled down and began to pray.

She stole a glance at the relic, and saw an image of Ifrit appear. It started to walk towards her, and just as quickly as it came, it vanished. A man, seemingly a Crusader, took the Aeon's place.

Are you the Summoner who has called me?

Ku stood, and squirmed under the Fayth's strong gaze. "Yes."

What is it that you seek, Summoner?

This conversation was the same as the one she had had with Valefor. "I wish for your help to defeat Sin."

Is that really all you want?

Ku started to wonder if Fayths had some sort of power to draw the truth from you. For some reason, she had the irresistible urge to tell Ifrit everything. "I want to know more about myself and about Spira. I want to find out why people are against the Al Bhed, and what I can do to help them."

Why do you want to help the Al Bhed?

"They seem so misunderstood. I guess I can understand why Yevon dislikes them, but it's just that everyone hates them without even getting to know them." She was about to say more, when she realized how inane it was to be telling a Fayth, someone who was a strong follower of Yevon, all these things about a race they hated. "Oh, sorry… You probably don't care too much…"

Please continue.

She was a little surprised at the supportive tone Ifrit used, but continued as he had asked. "When I first arrived at Spira, I was near Home. The Al Bhed were the ones that took me in and taught me about Spira and everything. They even supported me when I asked to become a Summoner, and Cid taught me everything I needed to survive. He even brought me my first guardian."

I understand.

The Aeon was silent for a moment. Ku didn't know what to say, so she stayed quiet. After a few uncomfortable minutes, Ifrit spoke again.

You say that you do not know about yourself?

She laughed weakly. "No… I'm afraid not." The Crusader walked off of the relic over to her and reached one ghostly hand out to touch her forehead.

I see that you are not fully real… A half dream, perhaps? Yes…

"A half dream? Valefor and Leviathan both said something about dreams…"

The man pulled his hand away at the mention of the forbidden Aeon.

Leviathan!? What business have you with him?

Not again, Ku thought. "He is my protector, whom I found in Home. He has helped me many times in my journey already, and I am greatly indebted to him."

Strange… you are sure that Leviathan has done this?

"I am positive."

To think that someone as cruel as him could be so kind to you… Maybe he really is trying to seek forgiveness. Very well. I will grant you my power to help you on your journey.

He reached over to Ku once again, this time grasping her at the shoulders. A gentle warmth came over her, which then left as he let go.

You are very strong, Summoner. Do not change.

She nodded to him and did the prayer gesture. Ifrit jumped up and disappeared as Ku exited the chamber.


I think I ended another chapter in the same way. The one with the Besaid Temple, I believe.

Well, at least something happened in this chapter. More about Leviathan is revealed! And new characters.

The song "Powder Snow" by Ayumi Hamazaki is so pretty… I like listening to it during the sadder scenes. Music makes it so much easier to write. ^^

And just cause I won't be home on the 25th, Merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate)! ^