Just so you know, I really don't think FFX needs a sequel. Course that didn't stop me… -_-; and though FFX-2 is a great game, the 'story' is kinda killing me
Heroes
"Hey! Are you ok!?" Gatta raised his torch to get a better look.
The night patrol was usually very pleasant, with the moon reflecting across the water and the sound of waves breaking on the beach. Even when it was cold out, it was still a nice break from the drill and kill of his job. Most of the time he'd looked forward to it, but lately the walk didn't seem so appealing. People had started spreading rumors about strange sightings in the temple and mysterious things happening around the village.
Though Gatta was old enough not to get drawn in by childhood ghost stories, walking alone through the darkness seemed a little less peaceful that night.
But it wasn't anything he couldn't deal with.
After all, when you're a captain of the guard, you can stand being alone at night, right? Nothing that Gatta couldn't handle.
Until he saw a body washed up on the shore.
"Uh…" He glanced behind him at the night fires back in the village. They seemed so far off. He gripped his torch a little tighter. What now? He could go get help, or at lest report it. What if the guy was still alive? What would Luzzu do? Gritting his teeth, Gatta took a breath and made his way towards the body.
The figure lay facedown on the edge of the shore, with sea foam washing up around its legs. As Gatta got closer, he could see the person's clothes. They looked strange, maybe Al bhed, but for a moment he thought he recognized them.
"H-Hello?" He kicked the body lightly. No response. He rolled it over and studied the person's face. It didn't take long to identify.
"No way." Sand caked on the guy's features and a few strands of seaweed hung from his hair, but there was no doubt about it.
"How the hell…?" Gatta soon realized that the body had to be dead, and took a step back.
After thinking about the situation a little, He decided that the best course of action would be to return to the village as quickly as possible and get help. Gatta began to make his speedy journey back to Besaid village when he heard a cough. It startled him so much that he almost tripped over himself. Turning slowly, he saw the drowned man cough up some water and roll onto his side.
Gatta didn't know what to do. Most of him wanted to turn and run like hell back to the campfires, but Luzzu stopped him. There was no question what Gatta had to do, and he was going to do it. Going against all his instincts, He lifted the survivor by the arms and began dragging him towards Besaid.
---
The sun shined cheerily through the window, but Yuna wished it would just go away. She stood at the mirror, idly combing her hair. There was always something that had to be done, but by pretending to be busy you could give yourself at least a little time to think.
Hmmm. She tried to remember what adventures her schedule had in store for today. There were always letters that had to be signed and speeches that had to be written. Maybe a foreign minister would stop by for a visit. Wouldn't that be a treat?
She put down the brush and apologized automatically. That's not the fairest thing to say, and besides, they probably don't like traveling over here in the first place…
Cold water poured from the faucet. Yuna splashed some over her face. The shock helped her wake up a bit.
You're just grumpy today, no reason to take it out on anyone else. She looked up at the mirror. A pair of multicolored eyes stared back.
Yuna sighed. "I shouldn't be here." She knew she wasn't the leader that Spira needed or deserved, but there wasn't any way she could say it. She couldn't tell Lulu, and she couldn't abandon the people.
Standing there, looking at her reflection, memories came flooding back. Remember then? When you lived every moment and never had to think about the future? Sure, there was always some fear and regret, but at least you knew you were doing the right thing.
"Yuna!" Lulu called from somewhere in the mansion. "Hurry up!" Yuna snapped out of her daydream and watched her memories spiral down the drain. Glancing back up at the mirror, she practiced her carefree smile, then hurried out.
---
Lulu was sitting at the table going over her list when Yuna rushed in.
"I'm here! I'm here." She reached the table and flopped into a seat as Kimahri came over with plates of food.
"Good morning, sleepyhead." Lulu had an amused look on her face. "Rest well?" Yuna thanked Kimahri before responding with a casual "Uh-huh." She took a small bite of an apple, glanced over the other delicious foods set out on the table, then looked back at Lulu. She was still smiling, or as close to smiling as Lulu ever got.
"What?"
"You were talking in your sleep."
"Oh…" Yuna looked back at her food with renewed interest.
"You know," Lulu's voice became serious again. "It's been a year. Things change, there's nothing you can do about that. But you should try to move on." Yuna just studied the bite mark in her apple. Shaking her head, Lulu turned back to her list.
"Anyway, there are several letters from the Crusaders that you should respond to, and we have to finish writing that speech for the Anniversary celebration."
Well I got that right, Yuna thought.
"Which brings us to the party. It's only two days away. I have all the preparations set up, but I still need to go over the invitation list again, just to make sure. Let's see," She scanned down the paper. "Of course there are the other maesters, and the Al bhed regent will be there," She sighed, aggravated. "But sadly our treasurer won't be able to attend."
"Let Wakka be." Yuna said. "He deserves a vacation. Besides, the blitzball tournaments are important to him."
"He's so in love with that stupid game." Lulu mumbled, shaking her head. She looked back at the list. "Issaru and Donna will be there."
"Well that's nice." Just then, there was a knock at the door. A guard looked in.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there is some mail for Lady Yuna." They both got up from the table and made their way to the courtyard.
Outside there were two large carriages. Several guards were coaxing two animals out of the backs and another man stood watching the whole scene nervously. A chocobo stepped down from one of the carriages as Yuna approached.
"Ca-Careful! Mind the roof will you!? Easy there!" The man noticed Yuna and turned. "Greetings my lady." He said, bowing hastily. He pulled a letter from his pocket and began to read.
"In honor of your victory over sin, please except this gift. Both of them are trained for riding, and they should be fairly easy to handle. Perhaps they may even remind you of your adventuring days. I hope you enjoy they and I would like to thank you for your services to Spira. You are truly our guiding light."
Yuna smiled a real smile for the first time in weeks. She was a little embarrassed in front of the messenger and Lulu, but the letter made her feel much better.
The guards finally persuaded the second beast from the wagon. A large cat padded onto the ground, it's shining white fur streaked with black stripes.
"That's very generous." Yuna watched as the guards led both animals around the mansion. "Who sent it?"
"It was… um…. Hold on a second…" He searched the page. "Actually, there isn't any name." Lulu chuckled.
"It looks like Yuna has a secret admirer." Yuna ignored her.
The messenger opened a bag hanging at his side and began searching through it. "There's also… ah here it is… This." He pulled out a blue recording sphere and handed it to Yuna.
"Thank you."
The messenger bowed again before returning to his carriages.
When Yuna got back to the table, she turned the sphere on. Wakka's grinning face flickered across its surface.
"Hey! How ya holdin up without me? I thought I'd let ya know how things were goin out here." Lulu threw a disgusted look at the ceiling. Wakka acted like he saw it. He pulled at the collar of his robes "Lulu's probably pretty ticked, huh? I'm real sorry about leavin work and everything, but I promised the boys I'd be there for em. Anyway, I'm gonna make it up to ya by winnin the tournament this season! We got a new secret weapon. This kid is amazing! She can shoot like a- ah well you'll see everythin in a week anyway. By the way, I'm sorry bout missin the Anniversary party. I'm sure you'll have a great time without me, though. I can't wait to see you at the stadium. In a week then, ya?
Wakka winked and then the sphere flashed off. Well, there was something to look forward too. Yuna's day was starting to look up.
---
A loud horn sounded as the blitzball hit the net. Not bad.
Wakka watched the players from the sidelines, wearing his old blitz outfit. Being treasurer was a great deal and all, but the wardrobe just wasn't his style. Being back in his yellow overalls made him realize how much he hated those stiff robes. How the heck could the maesters wear that stuff all the time? It was a large price to pay for looking important. Oh well, we're blitzin now, so no point in complaining.
The stadium was empty during practice and it seemed quiet without the cheering crowds. Wakka could even hear the water bubble in the blitzball's wake. It made him realize how much of the game was lights and music. There was an echoing thud as two players collided and the ball was sent floating towards the rim.
Kira recovered it.
Ahh, here we go. Wakka pulled out a pair of binoculars. He needed to get a real picture of what this kid was all about.
The ronso moved like a dolphin, swooping down to collect the ball before turning effortlessly, letting her momentum carry her back towards the centerline. She soared, weaving through the water with balance and grace.
She has a nice style, Wakka thought. Moving with joyful and carefree agility, she looked like she was flying. Her skill was definitely something. None of the boys could even touch her. With the slightest motion she curved just out of the reach of anyone approaching.
Letty struggled to catch up to her, but wasn't nearly fast enough. She was obviously showing off, but doing a pretty good job of it. Kira had covered two thirds of the pool in under three seconds, and Wakka could see his team getting anxious.
Datto waited about 20 feet in front of the goal, with Jassu close behind him. Knowing she wouldn't be able to outmaneuver them at this range, he didn't bother to go after her. She apparently realized that too, because she didn't try to avoid them, just continued straight ahead. Datto leaned forward, ready to lung, while Jassu braced his arms to aid the attack.
As soon as she came within striking distance, Datto kicked off of Jassu for a tackle. Kira shifted her weight and came to a perfect stop. She tossed the blitzball up above the heads of the players, then, grabbing Datto's arms, she swung herself under his charging body. She slipped out between his legs, grabbing his ankles as she went. Then, pulling herself up so she was perpendicular to his back, she kicked off.
Kira twisted as she launched from Datto and soared over Jassu in a graceful backward arch. The blitzball fell like a shooting star, landing neatly in Her arms.
No way! Wakka's mouth gaped like a fish.
The confused Jassu spun around in bewilderment to see Kira finish her awesome jump. Ending in corkscrew several yards away, she rightened herself in the water, then turned back to him.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Botta with a dumbfounded look on his face. Kira lightly tossed the ball, pulling back her fist. She punched the ball as it came down, sending full force towards Jassu. He wasn't fast enough to dodge it, but . The blitzball connected with his elbow and ricocheted away. The force from the hit sent Jassu wildly off balance, but as he stumbled down he saw Botta catch the ball.
Botta was caught off guard as the ball thudded into his hands. There was a moment of confusion before he noticed Kira speeding towards him like a shark. He had a second to glance nervously around the arena, looking for somewhere to throw the damn thing before she was on him. She threw her arms out to slow down as she planted one foot on Botta's thigh. The other landed square in his chest. Walking up him like a staircase, Kira kicked the ball from his grip and shoved him backwards in a single motion.
The blitzball rose higher and higher, until it almost touched the top of the sphere. Kira floated alone in before the goal as the beaten players sunk around her. The ball began falling. She straightened, hovering directly below it with her back to the nervous goalie. Wakka watched intently as the ball bounced gently off her forehead and spiraled back up through the water. He could almost see Keepa gulp.
The ronso jumped into a perfect back flip. The blitzball fell and Kira's shot came full circle.
"Whoa-ho-hoa!" Wakka looked as though the ball had just ricocheted into his head. Keepa clung to the edge of the goal, which now had a circular hole ripped through it. Kira just floated there looking very pleased with herself.
Wakka blew his whistle. "Kay guys! That's enough for today, let's hit the showers, Ya?" He looked back to Kira. There was something about her floating there, with her arms folded across her chest and a self-righteous smile hanging on her face. It just seemed very familiar.
The blitzers all swam to the exit, with Kira in the lead. Water ran from her hair and tail as she pulled herself out onto the platform. She shook some of it off, then leaned down and gave Jassu a hand. As he came through the barrier, she could see the bruise appearing on his arm. Jassu rubbed the spot a little, but didn't say anything.
"Uhh, sorry about that." She smiled apologetically. Jassu looked back with a shocked expression on his face. He didn't really know what to say. He wasn't used to getting apologies from people who just massacred him. It definitely wasn't something the Goers would do.
"Oh no problem, take hits like that all the time" He said with a weak smile.
"You did pretty good back there." Kira picked up a more friendly tone. "I didn't even think that you'd deflect that shot. I guess I got a little overconfident."
"Hey you still whipped us all pretty good."
"Yeah, well…"
Wakka broke in. "Kira! That was really somethin-" He stopped himself, then in a more professional tone said "Uh, when you're done in there, we should have a talk" With that, he headed for the locker room.
"Well, coach seems to like you."
"Really?" Kira looked after him.
"Yea, I haven't seen him so excited in a long time."
She smiled.
Hope you like it so far. More to come! Tomarrow actually.