Disclaimer: Lenne, Shuyin, Bevelle, Zanarkand, and Blitz are all properties
of Square Enix. However.Gio, the dearly departed Kaiyla, and now..the
mysterious EVELYN are mine. BACK OFF, you steal, YOU DIE.
A/N:
Zac: Chapter 5 is here! Were at the halfway point people! Enjoy!! Also, Chapter 5 marks the return of Alex as my editor (she was absent for 3 and 4) So..here are some comments from her: Oh.before Alex. ANY AND ALL FANS.R&R.show your love.
Alex: Hi, I love you all (im in a lack of words..really!) It's been great being able to help with the story, and adding my own thoughts and comments (I haven't been killed by Zac yet, so that's also a plus) ENJOY
Chapter 5: Picking Up the Pieces
"Lenne!". I was here again. The same narrow hallway, confronted with my darkest fears. Every time I had the dream.it ended the same way. Lenne would be dead; nothing could change that.
"Why? Who did this to you!?". She looked up at my eyes, and then went limp. Each dream was unnervingly real..as If I was actually living each moment. I pounded the ground with my fist, "NO!".
The dark figure reappeared over her body, his voice was cold and empty..but somehow, it was familiar. "She has to die you know.." He smiled, "let her go."
My blood began to heat up with anger, "You...you did this!!". The figure laughed at my despair and anger, and stroked Lenne's face. "Don't you dare touch her!"
"It was not me that harmed her..she is a victim of fate. There is still chance for you though, leave her..join me"
He outstretched his hand to me. It was cold, and pale.I was unsure if I should take it...
"Shuyin?" Gio was leaning over my bed, with a worried expression on his face. I jumped up from my dream..a sigh of relief escaped from my lips. Then I remembered what had happened. Kaiyla.the plains.Lenne..!
I shot up and grabbed a hold of Gio, "where's Lenne?? WHERE IS SHE?". Gio removed my hands from his collar, and stepped aside.
"Lenne!"
She was alright, she wasn't dead...my premonition hadn't come true. I jumped up to hug her, but collapsed back onto the bed in pain.
Lenne ran over to me, tears filled her eyes. There was a large gash in between my shoulder blades, making any movement extremely painful, "I'm Ok."
"Shuyin." She began to cry as I held her. She had no one..her parents, her sister..they were all gone. I was all she had left. Gio left us alone.
I let her face fall gently upon my chest, and stroked her hair until she had fallen asleep.
It was around midnight when I jolted up from another bad dream. I again winced in pain, forgetting the laceration on my back. I moved slowly so that I wouldn't wake up Lenne, and silently stepped out of my bedroom.
The floor was cold against my bare feet, and I folded my arms against my chest trying to make myself warm again. I had no idea where I was going; it was like something was guiding me.
The walls, floors, everything was blending together, creating a whirlwind in my head. Reality was blurred, I could no longer tell If I was still dreaming..or If I was awake.
I saw Gio, encased in shadow "I'm through.no more, Evelyn!" The two figures were barely visible through the shadows of Gio's bedroom. A women's hand entered the light, taking his,
"Oh..a shame. There was a time when you were more than willing". Gio threw her hands away from his,
"Leave me alone.."
She seemed to be happy with his anger, "Maybe I'll have to remind you".
She walked out of the bedroom, forcing me to make a quick turn to the right. She had long jet-black hair, and walked with a 'familiar air of confidence I only wished I could own'..
I had no idea who she was. I figured she was just another one of his "conquests". I quietly turned back towards my bedroom, but was stopped by Gio.
"Shuyin?"
I flew off the bed, "Ah!"
Gio began to laugh, "Sorry man, I just heard some noises, was just checkin it out ya know?"
I had been dreaming, but I had no idea who that girl was. I had never even met her before. Much less dream of her.there was something familiar about her though, but I couldn't place my finger on it..
"So.what are you doin up so late again?" I asked curiously.
Gio fumbled around for a few moments, and then remembered his previous excuse,
"Ah, just heard a noise man, but it's good. Nothing wrong ya know? Sleep tight"
He rustled my hair, and began to walk up the stairs to his bedroom. Something was up with Gio, and I was going to find out what it was.
The next morning I decided to take a walk along the streets. The presence of war was felt everywhere.Some people were fleeing the city, some were calling for revenge. Most were still shocked over the loss of "Zanarkand's greatest performer". Our city had been slapped in the face for the last time. I now accepted the war..I even encouraged it. I had been hurt by Bevelle for too long, the time for peace had long passed.
I walked along the beach, kicking the sand along my way. The sun felt warm and comforting against my bare back. I stared longingly into the sky, begging the heavens to send me some sort of answer. All I received were the sounds of the sea.
The sun began to set, and I decided to go back home. I returned to the apartment to find Lenne sitting at the edge of the bed, staring blankly out of the window.
She had put on a surprisingly brave face, but I could see that she was slowly being eaten away inside..the loss of her sister was killing her.
I sat beside her on the bed, and put my arm around her, "Are you alright?"
She continued to stare towards the window, "I know she could have done it Shuyin. I SAW the hope that those people held in their eyes that night...she could have done it".
Lenne stood up, and began to pace. She had something on her mind, "What is it?"
She walked over towards me and took my hand, "I have an idea".
It took a few moments for me to register what she had just told me, "No. I won't allow you to!".
Lenne stepped back, "It doesn't matter what you say, I have to do this!". I grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards me,
"No! I won't let you do this to yourself! Lenne, It's..it's insane! I won't lose you to Bevelle!".
She began to plead with me, "Don't you understand?? I HAVE to finish what Kaiyla started. Or else her death was in vain! There is no other way!"
Her brown eyes filled with tears of desperation. Her mind was set, there was no changing it.
I clenched my fists and slammed them against the wall, which wasn't such a smart move. Fragments of the wall were embedded within my knuckles, and I screamed in pain.
Lenne rushed over to my side, and dragged me to the bathroom. My blood stained her light blue skirt, she didn't seem to care.
"Ahhh!" it felt like every bone in my hand had shattered, leaving me in extreme pain.
Lenne tried to stifle laughter, "Oh, Hold still! Your making it worse..". She gently slid her hands over mine..and slowly pried open my fingers, "See..nothings broken. You can be so dramatic."
She was right.We both began to laugh uncontrollably. It had been awhile since we had the opportunity too.
Within two weeks Zanarkand was filled with news of Kaiyla's younger sister. Her courage and devotion to Zanarkands cause brought pride and hope to their hearts. They respected her. They even began to love her.
The days leading to her concert were quickly ticking away..I was left with a nauseating feeling within my stomach every night. I couldn't change fate, I knew that...but that didn't mean I'd give up without a fight.
"Your doing what??", Lenne was surprised.
"I'm not letting you get up there without any protection. That's when the Abe's will come in". Maybe my idea was a little farfetched..assembling a team of blitz players. One thing was for sure though, once they had their minds set on something, nothing could get in their way.
So It was set. The Zanarkand Abes would accompany Lenne during her performance. It helped to ease my nerves...but not by much.
I decided to take Lenne somewhere special the night before the concert. I didn't want to regret anything..I wanted the night to be perfect.
"Where are you taking me?" her eyes were blindfolded, and she followed me eagerly like a small child. The smell of the sea, and the sounds of the waves gave away my surprise.
I had led her to 'our' place...the place where I first knew that I had loved her.
I removed the silk cloth from her eyes, and placed my arms around her waste, "Surprise".
She turned excitedly and jumped into my arms. We sat down on a small field of grass, overlooking the ocean. I placed my arms around her, and softly kissed her neck.
She turned towards me, and looked lovingly into my eyes, "I love you".
"I love you too".
I turned to her and caressed her face, then led her gently down onto the soft bed of grass. I kissed her body softly, and our hands met. I was so nervous..I had no clue what to do, or if I was even doing it right. I leaned in closer to kiss her, but missed her lips completely..landing a huge, wet, passionate kiss..right on her noise.
Lenne fell into a fit of laughter. My head felt hot, and I was completely overrun with embarrassment.
"I'm..." Lenne broke into more uncontrollable laughter.
I was becoming angry, "it's not funny."
She tried to stop laughing, "I'm sorry.."
I pretended to still be angry with her; even though It was pretty funny. I laughed to myself..there'd be no escaping it; I'd always be a klutz.
I felt her hand brush against my shoulder, pulling me towards her face. I stared into her eyes, and smiled. I tried another kiss, this time with greater success.
I closed my eyes, and let everything else come naturally. The wind brushed against the soft blades of grass, and through my hair. The waves were creating a soothing atmosphere, crashing against the sandy shores, and all the creatures seemed to be serenading us that night.
We were both a little scared and unsure. I could see it in her eyes... But our fears were washed away by our love for one another. I was giving in, slipping away from reality.
She took my hand, and gently placed it across her chest. Her heart was beating fast, just like mine.
"I'm scared.", she whispered
I placed her hand onto my chest, "Me too"
I felt her hands softly move up my back, up to my head, and through my hair, causing all my senses to melt. It was like my body was shutting down. I was overwhelmed by her taste, her smell, her being. I was overwhelmed by her.
My body was heating up, and I felt an immense rush of emotion. I kissed her hungrily, forgetting everything else but that moment. We moved slowly in motion with the wind that swept across the fields.
"Hello??", I awoke to find myself completely alone...Lenne was nowhere to be found. A dark figured lingered in the distance. Was I dreaming again?
It was the girl I saw with Gio that night. Her long black hair flowed freely in the wind, and she moved gracefully as if carried on air. I followed her through the empty streets, desperately trying not to lose her.
I found myself at a fork in the road. One side was dark, barren, and filled with hatred and death. The other seemed to hold true happiness, and solace.
The woman led me down the darker path..where I was soon greeted by the same mysterious figure in my other dreams. I reached out towards it's face, and finally pulled back it's black cloak..revealing his true form.
"No!"
A/N:
Zac: Chapter 5 is here! Were at the halfway point people! Enjoy!! Also, Chapter 5 marks the return of Alex as my editor (she was absent for 3 and 4) So..here are some comments from her: Oh.before Alex. ANY AND ALL FANS.R&R.show your love.
Alex: Hi, I love you all (im in a lack of words..really!) It's been great being able to help with the story, and adding my own thoughts and comments (I haven't been killed by Zac yet, so that's also a plus) ENJOY
Chapter 5: Picking Up the Pieces
"Lenne!". I was here again. The same narrow hallway, confronted with my darkest fears. Every time I had the dream.it ended the same way. Lenne would be dead; nothing could change that.
"Why? Who did this to you!?". She looked up at my eyes, and then went limp. Each dream was unnervingly real..as If I was actually living each moment. I pounded the ground with my fist, "NO!".
The dark figure reappeared over her body, his voice was cold and empty..but somehow, it was familiar. "She has to die you know.." He smiled, "let her go."
My blood began to heat up with anger, "You...you did this!!". The figure laughed at my despair and anger, and stroked Lenne's face. "Don't you dare touch her!"
"It was not me that harmed her..she is a victim of fate. There is still chance for you though, leave her..join me"
He outstretched his hand to me. It was cold, and pale.I was unsure if I should take it...
"Shuyin?" Gio was leaning over my bed, with a worried expression on his face. I jumped up from my dream..a sigh of relief escaped from my lips. Then I remembered what had happened. Kaiyla.the plains.Lenne..!
I shot up and grabbed a hold of Gio, "where's Lenne?? WHERE IS SHE?". Gio removed my hands from his collar, and stepped aside.
"Lenne!"
She was alright, she wasn't dead...my premonition hadn't come true. I jumped up to hug her, but collapsed back onto the bed in pain.
Lenne ran over to me, tears filled her eyes. There was a large gash in between my shoulder blades, making any movement extremely painful, "I'm Ok."
"Shuyin." She began to cry as I held her. She had no one..her parents, her sister..they were all gone. I was all she had left. Gio left us alone.
I let her face fall gently upon my chest, and stroked her hair until she had fallen asleep.
It was around midnight when I jolted up from another bad dream. I again winced in pain, forgetting the laceration on my back. I moved slowly so that I wouldn't wake up Lenne, and silently stepped out of my bedroom.
The floor was cold against my bare feet, and I folded my arms against my chest trying to make myself warm again. I had no idea where I was going; it was like something was guiding me.
The walls, floors, everything was blending together, creating a whirlwind in my head. Reality was blurred, I could no longer tell If I was still dreaming..or If I was awake.
I saw Gio, encased in shadow "I'm through.no more, Evelyn!" The two figures were barely visible through the shadows of Gio's bedroom. A women's hand entered the light, taking his,
"Oh..a shame. There was a time when you were more than willing". Gio threw her hands away from his,
"Leave me alone.."
She seemed to be happy with his anger, "Maybe I'll have to remind you".
She walked out of the bedroom, forcing me to make a quick turn to the right. She had long jet-black hair, and walked with a 'familiar air of confidence I only wished I could own'..
I had no idea who she was. I figured she was just another one of his "conquests". I quietly turned back towards my bedroom, but was stopped by Gio.
"Shuyin?"
I flew off the bed, "Ah!"
Gio began to laugh, "Sorry man, I just heard some noises, was just checkin it out ya know?"
I had been dreaming, but I had no idea who that girl was. I had never even met her before. Much less dream of her.there was something familiar about her though, but I couldn't place my finger on it..
"So.what are you doin up so late again?" I asked curiously.
Gio fumbled around for a few moments, and then remembered his previous excuse,
"Ah, just heard a noise man, but it's good. Nothing wrong ya know? Sleep tight"
He rustled my hair, and began to walk up the stairs to his bedroom. Something was up with Gio, and I was going to find out what it was.
The next morning I decided to take a walk along the streets. The presence of war was felt everywhere.Some people were fleeing the city, some were calling for revenge. Most were still shocked over the loss of "Zanarkand's greatest performer". Our city had been slapped in the face for the last time. I now accepted the war..I even encouraged it. I had been hurt by Bevelle for too long, the time for peace had long passed.
I walked along the beach, kicking the sand along my way. The sun felt warm and comforting against my bare back. I stared longingly into the sky, begging the heavens to send me some sort of answer. All I received were the sounds of the sea.
The sun began to set, and I decided to go back home. I returned to the apartment to find Lenne sitting at the edge of the bed, staring blankly out of the window.
She had put on a surprisingly brave face, but I could see that she was slowly being eaten away inside..the loss of her sister was killing her.
I sat beside her on the bed, and put my arm around her, "Are you alright?"
She continued to stare towards the window, "I know she could have done it Shuyin. I SAW the hope that those people held in their eyes that night...she could have done it".
Lenne stood up, and began to pace. She had something on her mind, "What is it?"
She walked over towards me and took my hand, "I have an idea".
It took a few moments for me to register what she had just told me, "No. I won't allow you to!".
Lenne stepped back, "It doesn't matter what you say, I have to do this!". I grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards me,
"No! I won't let you do this to yourself! Lenne, It's..it's insane! I won't lose you to Bevelle!".
She began to plead with me, "Don't you understand?? I HAVE to finish what Kaiyla started. Or else her death was in vain! There is no other way!"
Her brown eyes filled with tears of desperation. Her mind was set, there was no changing it.
I clenched my fists and slammed them against the wall, which wasn't such a smart move. Fragments of the wall were embedded within my knuckles, and I screamed in pain.
Lenne rushed over to my side, and dragged me to the bathroom. My blood stained her light blue skirt, she didn't seem to care.
"Ahhh!" it felt like every bone in my hand had shattered, leaving me in extreme pain.
Lenne tried to stifle laughter, "Oh, Hold still! Your making it worse..". She gently slid her hands over mine..and slowly pried open my fingers, "See..nothings broken. You can be so dramatic."
She was right.We both began to laugh uncontrollably. It had been awhile since we had the opportunity too.
Within two weeks Zanarkand was filled with news of Kaiyla's younger sister. Her courage and devotion to Zanarkands cause brought pride and hope to their hearts. They respected her. They even began to love her.
The days leading to her concert were quickly ticking away..I was left with a nauseating feeling within my stomach every night. I couldn't change fate, I knew that...but that didn't mean I'd give up without a fight.
"Your doing what??", Lenne was surprised.
"I'm not letting you get up there without any protection. That's when the Abe's will come in". Maybe my idea was a little farfetched..assembling a team of blitz players. One thing was for sure though, once they had their minds set on something, nothing could get in their way.
So It was set. The Zanarkand Abes would accompany Lenne during her performance. It helped to ease my nerves...but not by much.
I decided to take Lenne somewhere special the night before the concert. I didn't want to regret anything..I wanted the night to be perfect.
"Where are you taking me?" her eyes were blindfolded, and she followed me eagerly like a small child. The smell of the sea, and the sounds of the waves gave away my surprise.
I had led her to 'our' place...the place where I first knew that I had loved her.
I removed the silk cloth from her eyes, and placed my arms around her waste, "Surprise".
She turned excitedly and jumped into my arms. We sat down on a small field of grass, overlooking the ocean. I placed my arms around her, and softly kissed her neck.
She turned towards me, and looked lovingly into my eyes, "I love you".
"I love you too".
I turned to her and caressed her face, then led her gently down onto the soft bed of grass. I kissed her body softly, and our hands met. I was so nervous..I had no clue what to do, or if I was even doing it right. I leaned in closer to kiss her, but missed her lips completely..landing a huge, wet, passionate kiss..right on her noise.
Lenne fell into a fit of laughter. My head felt hot, and I was completely overrun with embarrassment.
"I'm..." Lenne broke into more uncontrollable laughter.
I was becoming angry, "it's not funny."
She tried to stop laughing, "I'm sorry.."
I pretended to still be angry with her; even though It was pretty funny. I laughed to myself..there'd be no escaping it; I'd always be a klutz.
I felt her hand brush against my shoulder, pulling me towards her face. I stared into her eyes, and smiled. I tried another kiss, this time with greater success.
I closed my eyes, and let everything else come naturally. The wind brushed against the soft blades of grass, and through my hair. The waves were creating a soothing atmosphere, crashing against the sandy shores, and all the creatures seemed to be serenading us that night.
We were both a little scared and unsure. I could see it in her eyes... But our fears were washed away by our love for one another. I was giving in, slipping away from reality.
She took my hand, and gently placed it across her chest. Her heart was beating fast, just like mine.
"I'm scared.", she whispered
I placed her hand onto my chest, "Me too"
I felt her hands softly move up my back, up to my head, and through my hair, causing all my senses to melt. It was like my body was shutting down. I was overwhelmed by her taste, her smell, her being. I was overwhelmed by her.
My body was heating up, and I felt an immense rush of emotion. I kissed her hungrily, forgetting everything else but that moment. We moved slowly in motion with the wind that swept across the fields.
"Hello??", I awoke to find myself completely alone...Lenne was nowhere to be found. A dark figured lingered in the distance. Was I dreaming again?
It was the girl I saw with Gio that night. Her long black hair flowed freely in the wind, and she moved gracefully as if carried on air. I followed her through the empty streets, desperately trying not to lose her.
I found myself at a fork in the road. One side was dark, barren, and filled with hatred and death. The other seemed to hold true happiness, and solace.
The woman led me down the darker path..where I was soon greeted by the same mysterious figure in my other dreams. I reached out towards it's face, and finally pulled back it's black cloak..revealing his true form.
"No!"