Chapter 4: In The Enemy's Eyes
The Bevellian army was in a panic. Their ultimate weapon had become unstable and was annihilating both Zanarkand's summoners and the Bevellian soldiers. Prime Minister Mika had once again held a meeting in the council to discuss this tragic event.
"Ahem… What is the status report as of now?" Mika asked.
"It seems that our weapon has back fired. Both Zanarkand and our own army are in low morale. Fifty percent of our army was destroyed, while sixty five percent of theirs was annihilated." A man abruptly said.
"I see… Anything else?"
"Our weapon showed just thirty percent of its power." Another reported.
"Hmmm… Thirty percent only? And that great a damage… Hmmm… It shows to be promising ." Mika smiled.
"Errr… I suggest we should not use it again for now until everything is stable again. It seems that our 'weapon' is too sensitive with hostility that it cannot discern who the enemy is and who is not… It would jeopardize our status if the council decides use it." A young senator suggested.
"I see… Well, who is in favor of this?"
Everyone nodded and raised their hands. The weapon was just too powerful to be controlled as of now. It could mean the destruction of both sides in the end.
"That's settled then… What of our 'spy'?" Mika asked once again.
"Unfortunately, he hasn't reported yet…" A young man from the end of the council seats said.
"Hmmm… Ahem… It seems that he is getting too old for this. On the other hand, he may be betraying us. Putting him there for too long could alter his mind in loving that 'uncivilized' land." Mika evaluated.
"What is to be done then? Should we send another?" Someone nearer to the grand chair asked.
"I think not… It's too risky if we send another 'spy'… No matter, we can still manage without his assistance. I still have the ace. I think I have overestimated these summoners."
"Then why continue the war then?" The same young man asked.
"Errr…? That's an unusual question. Are you doubting our power?"
"It's just that I don't approve of war. In the end, both the victor and the defeated lose something… Life… Couldn't we end this or at least have a cease-fire?"
"Hoho.. You're far too young to understand the rules of humanity oh dear senator. Humans love power and if we let them have at the present, the tides of fate could turn."
Everyone nodded except for the man who had suggested the cease-fire. Not knowing what to do anymore, the young senator in a garnet colored robed left the council. In the end, they decided to incubate their "weapon" with heavy security under Bevelle for further evaluation.
The man from the senate returned to his place somewhere near the council. As soon as he went in, he took out some sort of communication device. It was sky blue and spherical. He held it carefully on his palm and pushed a button on top of it. Suddenly, an image of an old man in emerald colored garment and a headpiece of what looked like a bishop's.
"Is that you, [1]Ronan?" the image asked.
"Yes… Ummm…Sir." He stuttered.
"Don't call me sir; 'gramps' will do. Hoho! You are a senator after all. Hoho… What's happening in the council?" the image fixed his glasses to get a better view of the young man.
"But I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for you, 'gramps'. Anyway, it seems that the weapon has also damaged the Bevellian army. They've decided to evaluate it more until it becomes stable again. The Prime Minister has been asking about you. What should I tell them? He already doubts your loyalty."
"Is he? Well then… I did not approve for this war from the very start. It seems that Bevelle is also experiencing problems right now. Hmmm… Maybe it's the right time to make a counter attack. Right… Right… Elder Summoner Yevon should know about this. Tell them Zanarkand is having conflicts right now and is lacking faith with their leader. Knowing Mika, he would fall for it."
"Right. This could turn the tables in favor of Zanarkand, and hopefully, the war would eventually end."
"Let us hope so."
With that, Ronan closed the device. He dressed up to his sleeping clothes and tried to sleep. However, the thought of the end of war could not get off his mind. He was restless and could not sleep. Finally, he gave up, stood up, and went to the kitchen to have a glass of water. It was a nice thought, and if it could end all war, Ronan would pursue this plan even if it meant risking his life.
Gramps rushed towards Zanarkand shrine to suggest to the Elder Summoner the situation in Bevelle. This could be the great turning point, and the opportunity that Zanarkand had been waiting for. In his haste, he almost tripped on one of the steps in the marbled staircase, but it did not stop him from rushing. Finally, he had reached the hall and saw Yevon strolling around the shrine.
"Oh it's you, Maechan. What brings you in haste here?" The great summoner asked as he performed the tradition bow.
"Cough… Cough… I bring you good news." Maechan huffed.
"I see. What's this 'news' then?"
"My source tells me that Bevelle's army is in confusion right now and is in the process of reformation. It seems that their weapon back fired." Maechan enthusiastically reported.
"The weapon that destroyed most of our troops… I see. That's news. What do you propose we should do?"
"I suggest doing a counter attack. It could end all this… Our people will be in high morale once they hear about this."
"Attack… But it goes against what I have molded the people. We are only to defend until those blood lusting Bevelle grow tired of it. Let them realize their faults… Resulting to violence would only prolong the war." Yevon disagreed.
"But letting them oppress Zanarkand is more risky… If they will have another chance to use 'it', I daresay not its name, it could destroy Zanarkand as well as the rest of Spira."
"What is this I'm hearing?" A voice from behind suddenly asked.
A woman suddenly appeared behind the curtains of the shrine. Walking gracefully towards them as she wore her tiara, she observed both their expressions. Looking at Maechan first and gliding through Yevon, she smiled.
"Oh it's you, Yunalesca." Surprisingly, Yevon said.
"I think we should follow what old Maechan had said. We should unleash a counter attack against Bevelle. After all, they started it. Isn't that right, Maechan?" Yunalesca winked at Maechan.
Maechan, without saying anything, simply nodded.
"But what would our people say? It could destroy what they firmly believed in. I simply cannot…"
"Oh father… Maybe it's time to mold them in a different light. It's time for us to learn to fight back. It could end all this. Wouldn't you want that to happen?"
With that, Yevon thought for a while and simply nodded. It seemed that his daughter had convinced him into following what Maechan had advised. If this could end the war, then it could be their last hope.
*** Foot Notes***
[1] Ronan – the young senator of the Bevellian council. A character I made up and has nothing to do with the original FFX.
