See the first chapter for a disclaimer, I don't like repeating myself. :)

Author's Notes: I can't say I don't like writing fics… but I'm a lazy person. Besides, trying to think in a foreign language is fairly difficult. I'd rather read a Seymour/Yuna story created by someone else. The problem is, not many people write about this particular couple, so I'm stuck with making up a story on my own… which is so frustrating. Hopefully, this fic will start a trend for Seyuna stories. Seyuna…? Oh, I've just created a word! How do you like it? :)

Anyway… I sincerely didn't realize that the blue-haired bastard had so many fans! Thanks for all your reviews! They were extremely motivating! See, I actually updated! --grins-- Please, keep them coming, it's really important! :))

Enjoy!

Chapter Two: Life beyond death

"Lord Seymour, a strange looking man…" the guard hesitated "…demands to speak to you."

Demands? Seymour frowned. Ah, it must be him… Well, it's high time he showed up, the game starts in a few moments…

"Let him in," he ordered without a second thought.

The mysterious man wore a long green cape and a pair of goggles. He pulled his hood off, revealing short blonde hair and an unpleasant, scared face.

Seymour didn't wait for the Yevon gesture, he knew that he would never see an Al Bhed bending down in a prayer. "Is everything ready?"

"Yna oui cina ypuid druc?"

Am I sure about this? Such a rude question… Seymour raised a hand to his chin.

"I believe it's none of your business."

"No, it isn't," the Al Bhed agreed, pale lips curled in a nasty smile. "What about the money?"

"Six thousand gil for your services," Seymour shrugged, presenting a heavy pouch.

"You're most generous, maester."

"Wait," the young priest narrowed his eyes. "Have you kept your word?"

"Nobody will know that you had anything to do with it… your grace…" the man nodded; his voice was filled with sarcasm. "All men I hired think they're working for me. They're going to release the monsters as soon as the tournament ends."

"What about you?"

"I'm leaving the city. Essateydamo."

"Out of my sight," Seymour muttered; the brief conversation was finished. The visitor took the pouch and wordlessly left the chamber.

As soon as he was gone, Seymour sighed heavily, leaning against a white pillar. I've become a murderer… and it's too late to change anything. I've already chosen my path. Father… you knew this would happen, didn't you? he thought bitterly, burying his face in his hands. Why didn't you stop me?

Guilt and anxiety were nearly unbearable, but the young man was too proud to turn back. Besides, there was really no way back - the tournament started in a couple of minutes. Seymour suppressed an angry growl, frustrated with himself for being so damn sentimental. I have no time for reminiscences! he thought, brushing his doubt aside. I'd better worry about today… Well, if I act quickly, no one will die. The monsters aren't that strong. But… nobody must know. I cannot leave any witnesses.

He bit his lip. It was a vicious circle, a never-ending spiral of violence. I want to free Spira of Sin, he wondered, but am I any better? Choosing to ignore the disturbing thought at the very moment, he called one of the guards.

"Have you seen the Al Bhed who left a few minutes ago?" he asked him quietly.

"Yes, my lord."

Seymour turned around, meeting the guard's calm gaze. "That man insulted me. You have two hours to find him… he is most probably somewhere in the docks. I want you to kill him. Keep it quiet, though. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord," the man didn't ask any unnecessary questions.

Perfect, Seymour thought. Everything is going according to plan. Then why…

Why am I feeling this way?

"Let go of me!" Yuna cried out, hitting a man who carried her. The blow wasn't very hard, but the Al Bhed grimaced - he hadn't expected such a delicate girl to put up any resistance. He carefully placed her on the ground.

"Cdibet kenm," he muttered, looking quite irritated. "Fa yna cyjehk ouin meva!"

Yuna blinked. What did he say? Something about saving my life? She looked around; the man had brought her to a place that resembled a cargo hold. A few other Al Bhed stood to the side.

Yuna was rather curious than afraid, for the kidnappers obviously didn't try to hurt her; they hadn't even tied her hands, for that matter. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, trying to remember some Al Bhed phrases that would be useful in her current situation, but to no avail.

"We…" one of the man started, "explain… now… not. You safe."

Yuna sighed. When are you going to explain, then? Are we on a ship? I can't go anywhere with you! I have to go back… everyone's probably worried! And… what about the game? It's already started, I guess…

Still, the possibility was tempting… What would they all say, if she suddenly disappeared? If she quit her pilgrimage? It's not my fault, right? The Al Bhed brought my here against my will… Nobody will know…

Suddenly, she could hear curses and a loud thud. The men ran outside, leaving only one guard with her. Clutching a knife in his hand, he walked up to a small, circular window, trying to see what was happening.

No, the girl thought, hanging her head in shame. How can I be so selfish? I can't wait for somebody else to defeat Sin. I must continue with my pilgrimage, no matter what it takes. And I… I will. I'm not a coward. She bit her lip. I wonder… what was my father thinking? Why does it have to be so hard!?

It's only… a temporal nervous breakdown, she assured herself quickly. But… what if I'm not strong enough? No, no, no! I won't give up! Stop it, already! Think about something else! Yuna looked up, finally noticing her staff laying a few meters away. You have to go back, remember?

Quietly, not to alarm the guard, she sneaked past him, reaching for the weapon. Squeezing it in both hands, she approached the Al Bhed from the behind. Yevon… forgive me! she thought, hitting the man on the head the hardest she could. He gave a quiet moan of pain and fell to the ground.

Using all her remaining strength, Yuna pushed the door open and ran outside… straight into Lulu's arms. The black mage looked down at her friend, narrowing her eyes a bit mischievously, which was quite unusual for her. "I hope you hurt them."

"A little." Yuna had to smile back.

Seymour impatiently glanced at the scoreboard… 2:1 for the infamous Besaid Aurochs. Only two more minutes left till the end of the final match, but the game had been paused.

"Everyone seems to be calling for Wakka, folks!" Bobba, a blitzball commentator, stated the obvious. "Say... Where is that player going? He's leaving the sphere pool! He may be injured!"

Of course, Seymour remembered the blonde blitzer - it was the boy who wouldn't bow in his presence. It had turned out that he made a very good player, he had scored two goals in the first half of the match. Right now he was swimming towards the exit.

"What's happening?" Bobba wondered. "The crowd is going wild! Ah! It's Wakka! He's back on the field and ready to go! The Aurochs seem glad to have him back!"

The game was resumed. "A long pass from Botta…" Jimma, another commentator, was raving himself hoarse. "Datto catches the ball!"

"Seymour," Maester Mika said quietly. "I am not feeling well."

He turned around, leaning over the maester. "What is wrong, my lord?"

"Gooooooal!" Bobba's excited cry rent the air.

"My… my chest hurts." Mika's eyes were clouded with pain.

"Roushi, you should lay down. Hey, you!" Seymour gestured at several men to come closer. "Take the maester to his chamber!" he looked at the Mika again. "Should I accompany you, my lord?"

"No… stay here. Somebody has to close the tournament."

"Will he make it!? Time is ticking out! A beautiful, long pass from Graav!"

Seymour was not surprised to hear such an answer. "As you wish, roushi."

With the help of his servants, Mika left the terrace. Seymour wordlessly watched him go. The noise was getting louder.

"Unbelievable! The Aurochs win, folks!"

The crowd started to cheer. Seymour tensed. Suddenly, a horrible shriek caught his ear. Somewhere above his head a flying monster dived down, aiming at the stand. A few seconds later more fiends appeared. The crowd, seized with panic, broke into a run. Seymour took a deep breath, narrowing his violet eyes.

"Mother, I need you…" he whispered.

The aeon that emerged from the abyss was nearly as repulsive as Sin, though much smaller in size. A sickening sight… Seymour fought the urge to avert his gaze. His mother… what had become of her… Before his very eyes, Anima was writhing in pain.

It had been his parents' idea all along; he had never gotten a word in this. If I had been able to decide, he thought bitterly, she would be resting on the Farplane right now.

The nightmarish creature was no longer his mother… still, Seymour knew that somewhere within this monster a fragile human soul existed. He could nearly feel it struggling inside; it tortured him as much as it tortured Anima. Little did he know, she was suffering because of him. She was unlike any other aeon, and yet unable to communicate… thus utterly helpless.

No time for second thoughts… Seymour straightened himself up. "Anima, destroy the fiends!"

Three hours later everything was over. Even though some people had suffered mild injuries - mostly because they had stumbled and fell, desperately trying to run away - no one had died because of the fiends. Anima had managed to destroy them all in one powerful attack.

Seymour stretched like a cat, raising a glass of wine to his lips. He had become Luca's savior. Everywhere he went, the citizens marveled at his immeasurable strength and self-control. Hopefully it was the last time I had to do anything like this… he thought, glancing at a glowing sphere he had picked up from a table.

"--the cup for the first time in history!" the speaker's words were illustrated with scenes from the last blitzball tournament. "Some people claim it was a miracle, some have even accused the judge of corruption… but let's face it, Besaid Auchors were simply the best team this year! Anyway, I was surprised to learn about Wakka's sudden retirement! Needles to say, all blitzball fans are extremely disappointed! The good news is, the captain quits because he wants to concentrate on his job as Lady Yuna's guardian! Isn't that wonderful?" The view suddenly changed to Wakka standing beside a solemnly looking girl. A second later, though, she smiled at the audience. "As some of you may know, Lady Yuna is actually Lord Braska's one and only daughter! What a name to live up to! Hopefully, she'll bring us the Calm really soon! With the help of Wakka as her guar--" the scene switched back to Wakka's recent exploits. Seymour tossed the sphere aside. It landed on the table with a soft thud.

Of course, he had recognized the girl. She is Lord Braska's daughter? A summoner on her journey? He sighed, suddenly feeling uneasy. Is she… going to die…?

Everything seemed so utterly pointless. A person's death meant nothing in this word. It was… so wrong. Over the last ten centuries, countless summoners had offered their lives in a vain attempt to defeat Sin… and it still existed. She… she will be next?

Why do I suddenly care…?

Suddenly, a young Guado woman rushed into the room. "My lord," her voice was trembling with fear, "Mika-roushi requests to see you. Immediately."

"Seymour, I'm dying."

"Maester!"

He ran up to a large bed, falling to his knees next to Mika's side. Pale as never, the old man lay on his back, breathing shallowly. Seymour, the half-Guado, could already feel the sweet, sickening smell of death lingering in the air.

Speaking was obviously causing Maester Mika a great deal of pain. "I constantly…" he began slowly, "think about our situation… I wonder… what will become of this world when I'm gone…? I guess… I cannot die… yet. I mustn't disappoint the peoples of Spira… Seymour… Promise me you won't tell anyone. Promise me you won't send me."

What!? Seymour stared at the man in utter shock. You can't do this to me! You don't really care about Spira! You're simply afraid to die, you want to stay in power as long as possible! What are you thinking…? You're eighty years old… surely you don't intend to live forever!?

"Maester, I--"

"Seymour," the man interrupted him firmly. "Have a look around."

He did as he was told, instantly noticing a few hefty acolytes who stood by the walls. They were all armed with swords. Seymour suspected that at least a dozen more was hidden behind marble pillars. Although their faces were neutral and dispassionate, the men looked dangerous. They must have been observing him for the last couple of minutes.

"They are deaf, but not blind," he could hear Mika saying. "And, above all, extremely loyal."

"Maester," Seymour frowned. "…Do you not trust me?"

"Let us say…I'm just being careful," the man answered and suddenly started to choke. The noise he was making sounded terrible, as if he were trying to cough his lungs up.

Why are you doing this!? the young summoner wanted to yell. Dead people belong to the Farplane! What are you trying to achieve?

"Seymour, I know… what you are thinking, but this… is an order," Mika said slowly, wiping the blood from his lips. "I want you to swear… by Yevon… Now."

Seymour clenched his teeth. What if I kill you? Of course, he didn't dare to say it out loud. He glanced to the side - the acolytes were still watching him. Unlike them, Seymour carried no weapon, but he was, after all, a black mage and a summoner, so he needed none. Still… he thought angrily, I can't simply kill everyone that stands in my path… There are some limits…

"What you are trying to do… my lord," he began, "is actually against the teachings of Yevon."

"It is for the better, believe me," the maester replied. "Spira… needs an experienced… leader. Hurry up, Seymour. You really… have no… choice."

The young priest closed his eyes. "I swear by Yevon," he finally said, though with lots of difficulty, "that I will keep this a secret. I will not send you, my lord."

"A wise decision," Mika was satisfied. "I am glad that you didn't disappoint me… Please, leave… I wish to…" he chuckled slightly, "…'die' in peace. Oh, and by the way… Kinoc sent us a messenger… I believe that you should see him right now. He has… some remarkably interesting news to share…"

Seymour was furious. For the first time in his short life he had encountered an obstacle that he could not overcome. How am I going to win against the Grand Maester? It is impossible! As soon as returned his private chambers, he grabbed an empty glass from a table and threw it at the opposite wall, which was very unlike him. The crystal goblet shattered with a loud noise, which alarmed a few servants. Seymour shook his head, trying to calm down - such behavior didn't square with his public image.

"Roushi, a man awaits you," somebody said behind his back. "Lord Kinoc's messenger… his name is Laen…"

"Fine," he nearly growled in response.

The servant hastily backed down. A few seconds later a tall man entered the chamber, his appearance rather intimidating. Judging from his clean-shaven head and simple robes, he was one of Kinoc's famous warrior monks. He stopped in the middle of the room and greeted the half-Guado with an official gesture.

"What is it?" Seymour snapped at him. "Don't just stand here! Start talking already!"

The monk had expected the high priest to offer him a place to sit; Seymour's harsh words left him angry and offended, and yet he said nothing, wisely choosing not to argue with the maester.

"First of all," he started solemnly, "Maester Kinoc was extremely sorry to learn of the death of your father. He would like to convey his deepest sympathy at Lord Jyscal's sudden demise…"

Is that all…? Seymour sat down, closing his eyes, trying to forget about the promise he had just made. "Tell maester Kinoc… tell him that I appreciate his kind words."

"You may soon be able to thank him yourself, my lord."

"What do you mean?"

"Lord Kinoc claims that he will defeat Sin. He wants you to meet him in Djose."

"Kinoc-roushi will try to become a summoner?" the priest smirked, not bothering to hide his rude amusement.

"He has found another way to win against Sin, my lord. He believes that he will be able to destroy it… forever."

Seymour's violet eyes snapped open. "What did you say?"

"He plans to use some sort of ancient machina," the messenger explained. "He believes that the Al Bhed, together with the Crusaders, will be able to defeat Sin once and for all."

"He would cooperate with the Al Bhed?" Seymour watched the monk with growing interest. "He would go this far?"

"Yes, my lord. I am sorry, but the details still remain unknown. However, Operation Mi'ihen - such is the official name - starts in two weeks. You should hurry, my lord, if you want to meet Maester Kinoc before it is too late."

Before it is too late…? You don't believe that he will succeed, do you? Seymour kept his thoughts to himself. He leaned back on his chair, raising a hand to his temple - the headache was getting stronger. "Have you spoken to Maester Mika?" he asked in a tired voice.

"Yes, I have."

"…And?"

"The Grand Maester says he is willing to ignore the violation of the teachings," the monk replied. "According to his words, defeating Sin is much more important. Officially, of course, the Grand Maester knows about nothing…"

"How bloody surprising," Seymour hissed.

Unbelievable… so we all play open cards now? I can't say that I don't agree with Mika on this matter… but is that a thing a maester would say? And what if Kinoc actually defeats Sin? Would Mika still try to rule forever?

He bit his lip. Pure insanity. Does he really think that he can destroy Sin with the help of an ancient machina…? No, it's impossible… Too good to be true…

But… if he succeeded… then the summoners… this girl… Yuna…

She wouldn't have to die.

End of Chapter Two

Author's notes: Horrible chapter, I know. Next one will be better, I promise. Oh, and do I realize that Seymour may seem OOC in my fic, but in FFX we actually never see his thoughts, right? We don't know how he acts when he's alone, either. Please, let me know what you think!