Battles we've Fought
By Degone
Chapter 6
Lulu walked beside her third summoner and thought about the last times she had been to this canyon. The Calm Lands seemed to have no set seasons, a vast wilderness with little care for anything. She matched her surroundings closely then. With a small cynical smile she looked about her, noting most of the others in her party were walking with a determined stride. Heads down against the blowing wind that ruffled her long, tight black braids. The only other member that seemed unruffled was the legendary guardian. Auron walked as if he was in another place, only his physical presence was with them, his mind a million miles away. She saw he was aware, noting all the dangers present, but he was not "with" them.
The dark mage felt very much like that. She remembered the first time she had been on the trail ahead, with only Wakka for company. The two were so inexperienced, and the road from Besaid had been some how easier, less concerned with the politics and whatnot. Gemnine had been a strong, friendly woman, determination to complete the task driving her as well as the passion for revenge. All three had just lost a loved one to Sin. Wakka and Lulu fresh from loosing Chappu. Their leader having lost her only child.
The older woman sighed, not a soul on this pilgrimage could claim not to have a need to remove Sin given pain from their lives. Even the quiet Ronso surly had a story, arriving as he did a decade ago with the very young Yuna. She took the time of the march to gather up what she knew of her companions.
Yuna was the simplest; she was following in her father's footsteps. It was not too hard to figure out she blamed Sin for her lost childhood, her mother and father both killed in one way or another by the massive bane of Spira. The young girl walked with determined steps to her death. Lulu sighed again and shook her head, it would be tough to see her go, to watch her life's essence power an Aeon. She turned her attention to Tidus.
The young blonde was walking near Yuna; hand on the hilt of his sword as if he alone was all that was needed to protect her. He loved her, it was written in the way he watched out for her. Young love was the strongest, most resilient bond two souls could share, it had nearly drove the boy mad to find out his love would die. But, thought the dark mage, there is another reason for his being with us. Her piercing gaze traveled to the dark haired warrior in red. Auron, she added to herself, that is the other reason for Tidus.
There was a connection between the legendary guardian and the boy. Auron, along with the jock's father, Jecht, were the protectors of the last successful pilgrimage. High Summoner Braska had survived to deliver the final Aeon upon Sin, ten years ago. So why now has the monk Auron returned? Promises made to the other two? It seemed he drove the party, reminding Yuna whenever she seemed likely to falter, what she was about. Were we just pawns of a single, albeit powerful, man? Lulu frowned; this was not getting her anywhere.
Rikku, the Al-Bhed cousin of the summoner was an easy read as well. She was here to "save" her family from what was in her mind, a fate worse than death. With the church of Yevon firmly allied against the small group and the destruction of the Home of the Al-Bhed, the task seemed impossible. Yet the irrepressible young girl continued to follow, guarding Yuna in her own bubbly way. Lulu had taken a liking to the thief, teaching her the ways of sorcery and dark magic.
Lulu folded her arms across her chest. The walk through the gap taking longer than she remembered. But soon they had made it to the first of two bridges before the gates to the mountain ahead. They stopped for a moment, resting up from the few random fiends that had stupidly placed themselves before the party. Wakka broke out a few dried rations and Kimahri started a small fire. Auron walked ahead a bit, stopping on the arched bridge across a deep valley. His red kimono ruffling with the breeze along with the colored flags strung above the bridge, the monk was lost in his own thoughts.
Auron rested his large katana on the wood of the bridge, leaning on the hilt. His bare left hand resting across his forehead to block the lowering sun. The rain promised by the clouds had not come, instead the party had to walk in the gray nothingness of an opaque sky. It fit his mood, dark, murky and foul. He noted the star's light was shooting out from the layers of dark clouds as if spearing the way through to light the group's path. To either side it was gray as the leather of his collar. Auron gathered his mental strength and bowed his head to the light. With in the confines of his soul he called to Braska, silent to the others, but full of what was left of his emotions; a bone weary resolve.
:: Lord, it's almost over. We've made it to the bridges before Gagazet. :: He spoke to his master on the Farplane.
A voice only the monk could hear replied, "Get finished with yer belly achin', boy. I don't much think I can hold out for much longer!" it was NOT his Summoner.
:: Jecht!:: Auron almost blinked, if his eye had not already been closed. :: Are you over Zanarkand? Already?? ::
"I … HAD too, Auron. Your groups got the bugger in side here just frothing! Good show to the kids. I'm losing more and more time. I … forget … a lot now. It's harder to remember I'm one of the good guys."
:: Soon we will be there. :: Auron shuddered at the uncertainty of his boisterous friend's mental voice. Jecht seemed to be lost, confused … and if his body's sympathetic reactions were any indication, in a great amount of pain. The warrior in red settled down on his haunches, his head folded in his chest, cheek resting against the sharp blade of his weapon. Every joint ached, every muscle contracted painfully.
:: We just have the mountain to go, brother. :: Auron used the familiar title with respect; to his mind the previous journey had forged a brotherhood between the completely different men. :: Can you continue until we met with… ::
"Don't say her name, Auron. It'll just piss me off." Replied the stronger voice of Jecht. Auron could see the large beast named Sin rise from the ocean near the ruins of Zanarkand, multiple eyes rolling in anger. "How's my boy?" he growled, as Sin toppled more dead buildings in reaction to his pain.
:: Strong, and in desperate need to find another way. :: Thought Auron back, a ghost of a smile hidden by the leather about his face.
"Heh, sounds like a young warrior I once knew." Chided the beast. "Keep it up. I have more, but they need to survive… what's coming up next."
Auron nodded, :: What do you have in mind?:: he sent to his old companion.
"I'm still mostly in control over here, I let the shit go once in a while to keep the bastard happy. But if we can destroy all the little beasties that he can 'RIDE' on…" Jecht let the thought complete itself in the warrior-monk's mind.
:: Then we can destroy Yevon, himself! Jecht, that is … such blasphemy, it's even painful for me! :: Ruefully the man rested his head on his left arm. :: Only you could have even entertained the thought. Anyone from Spira would have been programmed not to even consider it. ::
"Yeah, that's what I thought. But, it may explain why I'm here, why the Fayth took it upon themselves to bring me here. I just got too caught up in the need to get home. Being the destructive force of the world you're living in gives ya some time to muse on shit."
Auron groaned, the pain and stress of contact growing deeper and stronger. :: Must … not …continue…please. ::
"I'll go. Just remember my little thoughts here." Jecht's voice was concerned, laden with guilt for putting his old friend through so much. "Take care, old man."
The scarlet warrior choked back a laugh, as the contact was broken, instead, he allowed himself to fall to his rear, sitting with his blade leaning on his shoulder. With the unconscious movements of much practice, he began to sharpen his weapon, giving reason for his strange movements.
Kimahri watched the single eye of the Day Lord fade into the bosom of the earth. It did not rain today, for that the blue Ronso was glad. He hated the feeling of damp fur. He had made the fire and now relaxed near it. The warrior had seen that Auron had taken to watching over the group by the bridge, the legendary guardian had settled down, hunched and listening to his spirits. The group would be safe under the monk's long eye. Kimahri yawned and stretched, it would be a pleasant night. The rest of the group settled in around the low burning fire, resting from the long walk behind and for the longer walk ahead.
The morning saw the group up and walking, the summoner's party aroused by Auron before dawn. They managed to once again fight off the majority of the fiends with little effort as they walked along the obvious trail. Lulu remained quiet and withdrawn, a female version of the older guardian nearby.
Tidus walked up ahead, playing point man with Rikku when they came upon the next bridge. Below was a valley that sloped up to the side of the bridge they were near. Just as the two where about to explore the possibility of walking down it, they heard a voice.
"That leads to the valley below, Tidus. Not to the foot of mount Gagazet." The dark mage motioned to them. "Back away. There's nothing down there that would be worth much to us."
Tidus looked at Rikku and frowned, something was telling him to go down there. He glanced at the rest of the party and saw a matching frown on Kimahri's face. He believed that Auron was not pleased by the pronouncement either, but then it was kinda difficult to read the old warrior at the best of times. He moved back with the group, Rikku in tow, when they were interrupted by another shout.
"HALT! BY ORDER OF MAESTER SYMOUR GUADO YOU ARE TO BE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY!"
Auron actually snorted in disbelief and moved to stand behind and to the right of his summoner. The rest of the party gathered up to stand with them, Kimahri to the left and in front of Yuna, Tidus beside him and Wakka beside Auron on her other side. Lulu and Rikku stood back and made ready with magic and thieves tools.
Running up from the valley floor, where moments before the blitzballer and Al-Bhed had been standing, a pair of Guado warriors approached. The one that spoke before obviously in charge, threatening and blustering about their status as traitors, he motioned for them to surrender. Yuna deigned them the pleasure and the rest made their intent known with drawn weapons. Thinking they would have to fight a Guado summoner and warrior, Tidus replaced his taming sword for the much more powerful weapon Rikku had customized for him. He had named it "Avenger" and was quite taken with its abilities. The others switched to their more powerful and custom weapons; since most had been using the special weapons they had received in the Monster Arena in the Calm Lands.
Rikku heard it first and pointed to the entrance to the valley. Lulu turned and immediately began chanting for Thundara as the largest construct they had yet to see stampeded up to them along the valley entrance. Auron shoved Yuna back to the support rank and motioned Tidus and Rikku up with him.
Rikku's thief's skills were no match for the large mechina beast, and she was thrown back to the support rank. Lulu took her place and between the hyper fast jock, the old warrior's magic tricks and her powerful sorcery, the metal golem fell. With its demise the opposing warriors fled, leaving the party bruised but whole.
"That's how it's done." Auron intoned as he settled his sword on his back.
"So… do we look down there or what?" Asked Rikku pointing to the valley below.
"I told you, there's nothing there." Lulu's tone had taken a deeper growling tone.
"Hey, isn't that where …?" started Wakka.
"Don't, Wakka." Lulu made a swiping gesture with her right hand.
"Where what?" Asked the red robed warrior, his tone commanding.
"Down there is where I lost my first summoner. There is a stolen Fayth down there. But it's not worth it."
"Why don't we let Yuna be the judge of that?" Auron turned and looked at the youthful summoner.
"We will go. If there are any Aeons that are normally forgotten then we should get them. Remember, Belgemine stated that we needed more than just what I have managed to gather. Do you know what great beast rests down there, Lulu?"
Lulu shook her head, "No, we never made it that far."
As the two talked, Tidus and Auron lead the party down into the valley. Soon they stood before a dark cave, runes and mystical symbols festooning the entrance of stone. Lulu hugged herself and shivered. She pictured the last time she was here, her lovely summoner before her, Wakka nearby. Inside the darkness of the cave the dark mage would have sworn she heard a lone woman's fading call, wordless sounds of despair and abandonment.
"I'm sorry for my actions, Lady Gemnine. I was so young then." She whispered to the fading song of torment.
Auron nodded to his summoner and then walked over to Lulu, with out a single word he looked at the sorceress. He raised a gloved hand and rested it on her shoulder; she was shaking, her eyes wide in fear and guilt. With a squeeze he conveyed his sympathy and turned to lead them into the shaded entrance.
"Be wary," Stated the dark mage, "Last time we were here, it was rife with fiends and dark beings."
"We'll be careful, Lulu." Tidus reassured.
The group moved deep into the tunnels, fighting almost step for step with dark creatures and fiends of evil power. By the time they came to the last chamber of the labyrinth, the group was torn, ragged and bloody. No member of the group was spared, even Yuna, low on her mystical energy was reduced to swinging her rod about her like a club. Before them the tunnel they had traversed opened into a large chamber, beside them was a travelers sphere, deeply dusty from lack of care, but still glowing faintly blue. They all took a moment to allow the magical sphere to strengthen them, and Yuna healed the party. Tidus and Lulu added what they could with their limited white magic. After they had patched themselves up as best as they could, they entered the chamber.
A faint gathering of pyreflies announced the appearance of an Unsent. Before the group a woman coalesced from the whining, flying glow balls.
Lulu gasped, "Gemnine. Have you come to be sent? After all this time?" She asked the wraith before them.
Yuna nodded and walked forward, she moved her staff to the first position of the Dance of Sending. Auron moved back to protect them from marauding fiends stamping through the entrance to the chamber. The woman, clad in the robes of a summoner from eleven years ago, stood without speaking in the center of the chamber. She had no rod, wand or staff, yet she held herself as a summoner. Her eyes however were empty, devoid of emotion or even recognition of her former guardian. As Yuna began to move through the steps of her Dance, the ghosts face finally gained an expression, one of hate.
The wraith known as Gemnine made a motion with her free right arm, slashing the air viciously before her. Yuna's dance was stopped, the young summoner's steps faltered at the move. Auron, back turned to the group, spun as his vision was splashed with a deep crimson light for a moment.
Lulu felt more than heard the denial voiced in the form of a wordless moan. That which had been the Summoner Gemnine was no longer even remotely human. With madding eyes of pure hate and bared teeth, the womanly wraith motioned again with her right arm. The dark mage remembered the gesture from when the summoner had been alive; it was the motion to attack.
"To ARMS!" she shouted, setting action to word she started to chant for her dark magic. The group, hearing her warning, all moved to protect their summoner, sprouting a forest of sharp gleaming blades.
Gemnine had a surprise for her former guardian; she had been making pacts with the monsters with in this dark and dismal place. She began to motion for a summon. Yuna gasped, not recognizing the ritualistic movements, or the resulting flash of powerful magic. All paused in their battle stances as they shared a vision…
A vision of a forested sky with a big, yellow full moon.
Heh, thought I'd just forget about things? I only await the returning of health to the Fan Fiction server… enjoy my tasty treat and never fear… more will be on it's way.
BY the way, yes I am taking some liberties here, and I'm not really all that concerned with being faithful to the dialogue in the game. Please bear with me as I was not about to write down what you all have probably already heard… that's not very much fun, is it?
Please read and review… as always I live for feedback!
By Degone
Chapter 6
Lulu walked beside her third summoner and thought about the last times she had been to this canyon. The Calm Lands seemed to have no set seasons, a vast wilderness with little care for anything. She matched her surroundings closely then. With a small cynical smile she looked about her, noting most of the others in her party were walking with a determined stride. Heads down against the blowing wind that ruffled her long, tight black braids. The only other member that seemed unruffled was the legendary guardian. Auron walked as if he was in another place, only his physical presence was with them, his mind a million miles away. She saw he was aware, noting all the dangers present, but he was not "with" them.
The dark mage felt very much like that. She remembered the first time she had been on the trail ahead, with only Wakka for company. The two were so inexperienced, and the road from Besaid had been some how easier, less concerned with the politics and whatnot. Gemnine had been a strong, friendly woman, determination to complete the task driving her as well as the passion for revenge. All three had just lost a loved one to Sin. Wakka and Lulu fresh from loosing Chappu. Their leader having lost her only child.
The older woman sighed, not a soul on this pilgrimage could claim not to have a need to remove Sin given pain from their lives. Even the quiet Ronso surly had a story, arriving as he did a decade ago with the very young Yuna. She took the time of the march to gather up what she knew of her companions.
Yuna was the simplest; she was following in her father's footsteps. It was not too hard to figure out she blamed Sin for her lost childhood, her mother and father both killed in one way or another by the massive bane of Spira. The young girl walked with determined steps to her death. Lulu sighed again and shook her head, it would be tough to see her go, to watch her life's essence power an Aeon. She turned her attention to Tidus.
The young blonde was walking near Yuna; hand on the hilt of his sword as if he alone was all that was needed to protect her. He loved her, it was written in the way he watched out for her. Young love was the strongest, most resilient bond two souls could share, it had nearly drove the boy mad to find out his love would die. But, thought the dark mage, there is another reason for his being with us. Her piercing gaze traveled to the dark haired warrior in red. Auron, she added to herself, that is the other reason for Tidus.
There was a connection between the legendary guardian and the boy. Auron, along with the jock's father, Jecht, were the protectors of the last successful pilgrimage. High Summoner Braska had survived to deliver the final Aeon upon Sin, ten years ago. So why now has the monk Auron returned? Promises made to the other two? It seemed he drove the party, reminding Yuna whenever she seemed likely to falter, what she was about. Were we just pawns of a single, albeit powerful, man? Lulu frowned; this was not getting her anywhere.
Rikku, the Al-Bhed cousin of the summoner was an easy read as well. She was here to "save" her family from what was in her mind, a fate worse than death. With the church of Yevon firmly allied against the small group and the destruction of the Home of the Al-Bhed, the task seemed impossible. Yet the irrepressible young girl continued to follow, guarding Yuna in her own bubbly way. Lulu had taken a liking to the thief, teaching her the ways of sorcery and dark magic.
Lulu folded her arms across her chest. The walk through the gap taking longer than she remembered. But soon they had made it to the first of two bridges before the gates to the mountain ahead. They stopped for a moment, resting up from the few random fiends that had stupidly placed themselves before the party. Wakka broke out a few dried rations and Kimahri started a small fire. Auron walked ahead a bit, stopping on the arched bridge across a deep valley. His red kimono ruffling with the breeze along with the colored flags strung above the bridge, the monk was lost in his own thoughts.
Auron rested his large katana on the wood of the bridge, leaning on the hilt. His bare left hand resting across his forehead to block the lowering sun. The rain promised by the clouds had not come, instead the party had to walk in the gray nothingness of an opaque sky. It fit his mood, dark, murky and foul. He noted the star's light was shooting out from the layers of dark clouds as if spearing the way through to light the group's path. To either side it was gray as the leather of his collar. Auron gathered his mental strength and bowed his head to the light. With in the confines of his soul he called to Braska, silent to the others, but full of what was left of his emotions; a bone weary resolve.
:: Lord, it's almost over. We've made it to the bridges before Gagazet. :: He spoke to his master on the Farplane.
A voice only the monk could hear replied, "Get finished with yer belly achin', boy. I don't much think I can hold out for much longer!" it was NOT his Summoner.
:: Jecht!:: Auron almost blinked, if his eye had not already been closed. :: Are you over Zanarkand? Already?? ::
"I … HAD too, Auron. Your groups got the bugger in side here just frothing! Good show to the kids. I'm losing more and more time. I … forget … a lot now. It's harder to remember I'm one of the good guys."
:: Soon we will be there. :: Auron shuddered at the uncertainty of his boisterous friend's mental voice. Jecht seemed to be lost, confused … and if his body's sympathetic reactions were any indication, in a great amount of pain. The warrior in red settled down on his haunches, his head folded in his chest, cheek resting against the sharp blade of his weapon. Every joint ached, every muscle contracted painfully.
:: We just have the mountain to go, brother. :: Auron used the familiar title with respect; to his mind the previous journey had forged a brotherhood between the completely different men. :: Can you continue until we met with… ::
"Don't say her name, Auron. It'll just piss me off." Replied the stronger voice of Jecht. Auron could see the large beast named Sin rise from the ocean near the ruins of Zanarkand, multiple eyes rolling in anger. "How's my boy?" he growled, as Sin toppled more dead buildings in reaction to his pain.
:: Strong, and in desperate need to find another way. :: Thought Auron back, a ghost of a smile hidden by the leather about his face.
"Heh, sounds like a young warrior I once knew." Chided the beast. "Keep it up. I have more, but they need to survive… what's coming up next."
Auron nodded, :: What do you have in mind?:: he sent to his old companion.
"I'm still mostly in control over here, I let the shit go once in a while to keep the bastard happy. But if we can destroy all the little beasties that he can 'RIDE' on…" Jecht let the thought complete itself in the warrior-monk's mind.
:: Then we can destroy Yevon, himself! Jecht, that is … such blasphemy, it's even painful for me! :: Ruefully the man rested his head on his left arm. :: Only you could have even entertained the thought. Anyone from Spira would have been programmed not to even consider it. ::
"Yeah, that's what I thought. But, it may explain why I'm here, why the Fayth took it upon themselves to bring me here. I just got too caught up in the need to get home. Being the destructive force of the world you're living in gives ya some time to muse on shit."
Auron groaned, the pain and stress of contact growing deeper and stronger. :: Must … not …continue…please. ::
"I'll go. Just remember my little thoughts here." Jecht's voice was concerned, laden with guilt for putting his old friend through so much. "Take care, old man."
The scarlet warrior choked back a laugh, as the contact was broken, instead, he allowed himself to fall to his rear, sitting with his blade leaning on his shoulder. With the unconscious movements of much practice, he began to sharpen his weapon, giving reason for his strange movements.
Kimahri watched the single eye of the Day Lord fade into the bosom of the earth. It did not rain today, for that the blue Ronso was glad. He hated the feeling of damp fur. He had made the fire and now relaxed near it. The warrior had seen that Auron had taken to watching over the group by the bridge, the legendary guardian had settled down, hunched and listening to his spirits. The group would be safe under the monk's long eye. Kimahri yawned and stretched, it would be a pleasant night. The rest of the group settled in around the low burning fire, resting from the long walk behind and for the longer walk ahead.
The morning saw the group up and walking, the summoner's party aroused by Auron before dawn. They managed to once again fight off the majority of the fiends with little effort as they walked along the obvious trail. Lulu remained quiet and withdrawn, a female version of the older guardian nearby.
Tidus walked up ahead, playing point man with Rikku when they came upon the next bridge. Below was a valley that sloped up to the side of the bridge they were near. Just as the two where about to explore the possibility of walking down it, they heard a voice.
"That leads to the valley below, Tidus. Not to the foot of mount Gagazet." The dark mage motioned to them. "Back away. There's nothing down there that would be worth much to us."
Tidus looked at Rikku and frowned, something was telling him to go down there. He glanced at the rest of the party and saw a matching frown on Kimahri's face. He believed that Auron was not pleased by the pronouncement either, but then it was kinda difficult to read the old warrior at the best of times. He moved back with the group, Rikku in tow, when they were interrupted by another shout.
"HALT! BY ORDER OF MAESTER SYMOUR GUADO YOU ARE TO BE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY!"
Auron actually snorted in disbelief and moved to stand behind and to the right of his summoner. The rest of the party gathered up to stand with them, Kimahri to the left and in front of Yuna, Tidus beside him and Wakka beside Auron on her other side. Lulu and Rikku stood back and made ready with magic and thieves tools.
Running up from the valley floor, where moments before the blitzballer and Al-Bhed had been standing, a pair of Guado warriors approached. The one that spoke before obviously in charge, threatening and blustering about their status as traitors, he motioned for them to surrender. Yuna deigned them the pleasure and the rest made their intent known with drawn weapons. Thinking they would have to fight a Guado summoner and warrior, Tidus replaced his taming sword for the much more powerful weapon Rikku had customized for him. He had named it "Avenger" and was quite taken with its abilities. The others switched to their more powerful and custom weapons; since most had been using the special weapons they had received in the Monster Arena in the Calm Lands.
Rikku heard it first and pointed to the entrance to the valley. Lulu turned and immediately began chanting for Thundara as the largest construct they had yet to see stampeded up to them along the valley entrance. Auron shoved Yuna back to the support rank and motioned Tidus and Rikku up with him.
Rikku's thief's skills were no match for the large mechina beast, and she was thrown back to the support rank. Lulu took her place and between the hyper fast jock, the old warrior's magic tricks and her powerful sorcery, the metal golem fell. With its demise the opposing warriors fled, leaving the party bruised but whole.
"That's how it's done." Auron intoned as he settled his sword on his back.
"So… do we look down there or what?" Asked Rikku pointing to the valley below.
"I told you, there's nothing there." Lulu's tone had taken a deeper growling tone.
"Hey, isn't that where …?" started Wakka.
"Don't, Wakka." Lulu made a swiping gesture with her right hand.
"Where what?" Asked the red robed warrior, his tone commanding.
"Down there is where I lost my first summoner. There is a stolen Fayth down there. But it's not worth it."
"Why don't we let Yuna be the judge of that?" Auron turned and looked at the youthful summoner.
"We will go. If there are any Aeons that are normally forgotten then we should get them. Remember, Belgemine stated that we needed more than just what I have managed to gather. Do you know what great beast rests down there, Lulu?"
Lulu shook her head, "No, we never made it that far."
As the two talked, Tidus and Auron lead the party down into the valley. Soon they stood before a dark cave, runes and mystical symbols festooning the entrance of stone. Lulu hugged herself and shivered. She pictured the last time she was here, her lovely summoner before her, Wakka nearby. Inside the darkness of the cave the dark mage would have sworn she heard a lone woman's fading call, wordless sounds of despair and abandonment.
"I'm sorry for my actions, Lady Gemnine. I was so young then." She whispered to the fading song of torment.
Auron nodded to his summoner and then walked over to Lulu, with out a single word he looked at the sorceress. He raised a gloved hand and rested it on her shoulder; she was shaking, her eyes wide in fear and guilt. With a squeeze he conveyed his sympathy and turned to lead them into the shaded entrance.
"Be wary," Stated the dark mage, "Last time we were here, it was rife with fiends and dark beings."
"We'll be careful, Lulu." Tidus reassured.
The group moved deep into the tunnels, fighting almost step for step with dark creatures and fiends of evil power. By the time they came to the last chamber of the labyrinth, the group was torn, ragged and bloody. No member of the group was spared, even Yuna, low on her mystical energy was reduced to swinging her rod about her like a club. Before them the tunnel they had traversed opened into a large chamber, beside them was a travelers sphere, deeply dusty from lack of care, but still glowing faintly blue. They all took a moment to allow the magical sphere to strengthen them, and Yuna healed the party. Tidus and Lulu added what they could with their limited white magic. After they had patched themselves up as best as they could, they entered the chamber.
A faint gathering of pyreflies announced the appearance of an Unsent. Before the group a woman coalesced from the whining, flying glow balls.
Lulu gasped, "Gemnine. Have you come to be sent? After all this time?" She asked the wraith before them.
Yuna nodded and walked forward, she moved her staff to the first position of the Dance of Sending. Auron moved back to protect them from marauding fiends stamping through the entrance to the chamber. The woman, clad in the robes of a summoner from eleven years ago, stood without speaking in the center of the chamber. She had no rod, wand or staff, yet she held herself as a summoner. Her eyes however were empty, devoid of emotion or even recognition of her former guardian. As Yuna began to move through the steps of her Dance, the ghosts face finally gained an expression, one of hate.
The wraith known as Gemnine made a motion with her free right arm, slashing the air viciously before her. Yuna's dance was stopped, the young summoner's steps faltered at the move. Auron, back turned to the group, spun as his vision was splashed with a deep crimson light for a moment.
Lulu felt more than heard the denial voiced in the form of a wordless moan. That which had been the Summoner Gemnine was no longer even remotely human. With madding eyes of pure hate and bared teeth, the womanly wraith motioned again with her right arm. The dark mage remembered the gesture from when the summoner had been alive; it was the motion to attack.
"To ARMS!" she shouted, setting action to word she started to chant for her dark magic. The group, hearing her warning, all moved to protect their summoner, sprouting a forest of sharp gleaming blades.
Gemnine had a surprise for her former guardian; she had been making pacts with the monsters with in this dark and dismal place. She began to motion for a summon. Yuna gasped, not recognizing the ritualistic movements, or the resulting flash of powerful magic. All paused in their battle stances as they shared a vision…
A vision of a forested sky with a big, yellow full moon.
Heh, thought I'd just forget about things? I only await the returning of health to the Fan Fiction server… enjoy my tasty treat and never fear… more will be on it's way.
BY the way, yes I am taking some liberties here, and I'm not really all that concerned with being faithful to the dialogue in the game. Please bear with me as I was not about to write down what you all have probably already heard… that's not very much fun, is it?
Please read and review… as always I live for feedback!