Chapter 9: A Wasted Celebration
Victory was in the hands of Zanarkand. The people went out of their houses as they cheered for the summoners who have won against the Bevellian army. Shreds of different colored confetti were being thrown everywhere as the summoners marched inside the Zanarkand plaza. It was no doubt that Yevon, despite his disagreement, was quite pleased about the outcome. Probably, his daughter and Maechan were right all along.
"We did it!" Lenne shouted cheerfully as the crowd swarmed towards them to congratulate them.
The high summoner stepped up the tall podium, which was located in the center of the great plaza. With his pleased countenance, he addressed the people. The people stood and became quiet. All were looking at their great leader as he was about to give a speech.
"Finally, our summoners have succeeded in destroying the Bevellian camp in the Undying Lands. If it weren't for my daughter and our great strategist, Yunalesca and Maechan, this would not have been possible." He looked and bowed at Yunalesca and Maechan.
Acknowledging their success, the people bowed together with their leader. Maechan and Yunalesca accepted their bow by performing the traditional [1]Zanarkand greeting.
"Let us celebrate this great victory! There will be a great feast in the shrine."
The people roared and cheered restlessly as Yevon announced the great feast. All were excited to attend. After so many years, a great feast would once again occur. The people went back to their houses as they prepared for the feast. In no time, everyone was dressed in elegant garments, and was already waiting outside the shrine. Despite their exhaustion, the summoners too would attend the great celebration.
As the dark started to fall, the shrine was flooded with people. The feast had already begun. The shrine was brighter than usual. Lights were placed around the great shrine. Foods of different styles were served at the great table. The people ate and filled themselves with the scrumptious meal. Everyone was happy.
Outside the shrine, Lenne and Shuyin watched the great fireworks that were being discharged in the great city. Among them were the Sparkling Fountain, the most popular in Zanarkand, the Screaming Sirens, which were soaring high into the air as they screeched, and the Enchanted Explosion, which rose and exploded in different colors in the dark blue sky.
"Sigh… I hope this will never last." Lenne said as she observed the children playing with the sparkling wands as they ran back and forth.
"Cheer up, will ya? Destroying that camp was a big loss for Bevelle. We will win this war in no time!" Shuyin replied.
"I guess… But still… Sometimes, I get this feeling that whenever everyone is happy, something bad is bound to happen..."
"Nah! Stop being paranoid!"
With that, Shuyin grabbed Lenne's hand as they ran off. Shuyin wanted Lenne to be happy. After all, if it was not for her, they would not have beaten that machina. They went all the way to Luminous without stopping. When they had reached the place, Lenne was already panting.
"Huff… Huff… Ha… Ha… That was tiring. Don't you ever do that again!" Lenne shouted jokingly.
"Hahaha! Just wanted to give you some air. I think you're inside that shrine far too long that it makes you feel paranoid." Shuyin laughed.
Lenne gave him a soft smack on the shoulders, and laughed with him. They entered the bar and sat on one of the tables. Shuyin noticed that Lenne was smiling as she her eyes wandered around the place.
"Something wrong?" Shuyin asked.
"… Huh… Nothing… It's just that." Losing the trance, Lenne replied.
"Just that what?"
"I'm just reminiscing. This place holds great memories for me… I can still remember the first time I sang… The first time I met… You."
"Yeah. It sometimes makes me wonder too… It's funny don't you think that we ended up with each other just by a simple song. What was its title? It's the first time I heard it."
"One Thousand Words… I composed it myself." Lenne smiled.
"Really? Wow… You really wanted to become a songstress huh?"
Lenne simply nodded and started to cry. She was feeling sentimental all of a sudden. For some reason, she was feeling really happy, but deep inside her, she was worried; she was worried that at any given moment, this happiness could end. Suddenly, she hugged Shuyin.
"Did I say something wrong?" Shuyin wondered.
"No… I just want to hug you. Can we stay like this for a moment?" Lenne asked.
Shuyin hugged her tightly as he caressed her silky hair. Suddenly, he felt something inside his heart. It started pounding fast. He did not understand why, but he was also feeling that something was about to arise…
Shuyin stopped hugging her and held her on her shoulders. Their eyes met, and slowly, their heads started to go nearer against each other. Soon, their lips locked into each other. They savored the moment… They did not care if everyone could see it… It was like they were in their own little world.
"I won't leave you no matter what… I'll always protect you." Shuyin suddenly said as they finished kissing.
"I know." Lenne smiled as she hugged him again.
…
Inside his own house, Maechan was also busy. He was about to talk to Ronan to tell him how their ploy was successful. Excitedly, he searched for the communication device that Ronan had given him. He could not wait to tell his favorite pupil the great celebration in Zanarkand. Finally, he found it and pressed the button.
"Ronan? Ronan?"
There was no answer. Maechan scratched his head; he was wondering why Ronan was not answering at that time of night. He usually answered as soon as he pressed the glowing button. He pressed it again, but to his disappointment, the device remained silent. He figured that Ronan was probably doing something else, but fear soon formed in inside him. Suddenly, his device started to blink. Hoping it was Ronan, he rushed towards the device and answered it.
"Ronan? Is that you? Thank heavens you're alright! I thought you got yourself in trouble… Hoho." Ronan replied happily as he saw Ronan's face.
"Gramps… I have to… To… Tell you something…" Ronan stuttered.
Maechan scratched his head again. He was surprised that Ronan was not feeling right despite their success. Suddenly, a new face began to appear. Maechan gasped as he saw the new figure.
"Been a long time, Maechan." The figure replied.
"Mika! I should've known! Where's Ronan!?" Maechan shouted.
"Please be calm. Do not worry. The boy is 'still' unharmed despite his treasonable act." He replied focusing on the word, 'still'.
"If you harm him, you'll see!"
"How brave of you to say that… Too bad you won't be able to do anything in time. You are, after all, miles away from here. What can a coward like you actually do? Hahaha!"
Mika taunted.
"How dare you!? All these years I've served you, but I realized I was wrong. I'd rather die in Via Purifico than becoming a slave under you! How I regretted accepting your deal."
"Har har… You told me you would do anything. You brought the misfortune to yourself, Maechan. You cannot blame anyone for that."
Maechan remained silent.
"Anyway, I have not contacted you here to reminisce about the past. I wish to congratulate you in your… Should I say... Victory? Against the Bevelle. It was very tricky especially using one of the senators as a spy to mislead the council. How ironic: a spy using another spy. Isn't that funny?" Mika sarcastically said.
"Tch! Leave the lad alone! It is I who has issues with you!"
"Hmm…? I am afraid that is not so… The 'lad' committed treason and it is your entire fault. The lad has potential if he was only shaped right… Sigh… Pity… What a waste. I guess I will have to kill him then."
Maechan shouted his loudest. He wanted to go to Bevelle to save his pupil, but it simply was not possible. Suddenly, he heard a rifle being readied. All he could do was to shout. Finally, he heard the trigger being pulled, and a loud shot was heard. With a thump, a body fell to the ground. All Maechan could do was to cry… He could not bear it, the death of his pupil.
"Tsk… Tsk… Condolences. Next time, if you want to send another spy, do it discreetly. I may not have acquired revenge from Zanarkand yet, but this would do. However, any time soon, make Zanarkand prepare for the worst. Who knows retaliation could actually be… Should I say… Now?" Mika laughed.
The device was cut off and a buzzing sound from the other line occurred. Slowly, Maechan turned his off as he felt guilt inside his heart. He wanted to kill himself right then and there. He was about to do it, but killing himself at that moment would not help at all… He realized it was one of Mika's plan, to make him commit suicide. He gasped as Zanarkand could be falling into a trap. He rushed towards the shrine to tell what had happened.
