Author's Notes: Don't. Kill. Me. Please. --falls down to her knees in shame-- ....I never abandon my fics… I just… update… them… very… slowly… sometimes… Please, spare me! --tries to back away from furious readers, trips over a rock and ends up on her back, staring up pleadingly at the angry crowd--
Man, I never thought I'd sink so low… This 'update' doesn't even count as a real chapter… I cut the 'real' chapter in two and posted only a couple of outrageously short paragraphs... but I do have a good reason for posting this... stuff, nonetheless - please, see the bottom of this page for more information.
To all reviewers: ....um..... thank you… and… sorry…? --is still staring at the ground in shame-- Well, this fic certainly doesn't deserve so much attention, but… your support has been wonderful. Honestly, I can't thank you enough…
Now, about this chapter… Hm, I won't say 'enjoy', like I usually do, because I know for sure that you won't. Geez, don't even try, it's not gonna work. .; Once again, I apologize for everything.
'Chapter' Five: Dancing on the Water
"Yuna…" Lulu sighed, gently running a hand over the summoner's pale, damp forehead.
"Kimahri worried, too," the young warrior said, effortlessly lifting the unconscious girl of the ground. She looked so fragile in his powerful arms… that it was nearly frightening.
"Is she all right?" Wakka asked nervously.
"It's just temporal fatigue," Lulu replied, short of breath as she was already struggling to keep pace with the marching Ronso - the weather was gradually getting worse and Yuna needed to be taken to a safer place as soon as possible. "The healing spell she used was incredible. I'm surprised that she managed to cast it at all…" she shook her head. "Well, never mind. She'll be fine, trust me."
"I hope so," Wakka nodded thoughtfully; then, suddenly, he froze and smacked his forehead, as if remembering something extremely important. "…And where the hell is Tidus?"
Lulu came to a halt as well, meeting the blitzer's panicked gaze. They both instantly turned around, but all they could see were the many corpses scattered round the beach. Wakka swallowed audibly.
"Lu…?"
"I haven't seen him since that machina exploded…" she admitted slowly.
"Me neither…" Wakka clenched his hands into fists. "Kimahri?"
"No," the warrior replied in a low growl. "But we search later. Yuna needs shelter from rain," he stated simply, once again starting to walk towards the nearby cliffs. The two other guardians didn't move at first, until, finally, Lulu broke the silence;
"Let's go, Wakka. Kimahri's right… we still need to take care of Yuna."
"Damn," the red-haired man stared at the ocean in a mixture of worry and frustration. "Lu… you don't think… that he…?"
"Of course not," she snapped, slightly less composed than usual. "Don't worry," she added a moment later, in a much calmer voice.
"I…" Wakka shook his head quickly. "He may be lying here… somewhere, I dunno. Just go with Kimahri… and I'll try to find him, ya?"
Lulu nodded, the solemn look never leaving her face. "…Thank you."
The monster must have been venomous, Seymour realized, clenching his teeth in pain -- but it was already too late for second thoughts. Changing his mind right now was out of question; he had no other choice but to perform the sending, so he could as well continue what he had started. The Crusaders certainly deserved a descent ceremony, he decided, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. He could do at least this much for them, so they wouldn't have to wander about Spira as some accursed fiends, but, more importantly, he would take care of everything… for Yuna.
He recalled her earlier words -- it's my duty. Barely conscious, she was really willing to stay on her feet just to help with the funeral. Seymour was impressed with this kind of determination. Deep in his heart he held himself for a weak man, unable to bear any great sacrifice. Yuna's attitude was simply… admirable.
It's just a few meters away from the shore, he thought, looking up. My fear is ridiculous. I won't drown. The gray water whirled under his feet, forming tiny ripples and waves, as if the depths wanted to consume him, but it stayed obedient to his will. It was still raining. Brushing a couple of wet strands from his face, Seymour closed his eyes and started the summoner's dance. His movements were graceful, harmonic and well-organized, but his mind… His mind was in chaos.
How many have died today? he angrily wondered, swinging his decorative staff with his right arm. Dozens? Hundreds? In the name of what? Of repenting our sins? Of satisfying one man's ambition? Or has it been all… in the name of Yevon?
The lost souls that couldn't find their way to the Farplane… he could feel them… feel all their pain as strongly as he could feel his own. He was their guide, but still… he found himself too badly shaken, unable to concentrate.
How much does it take to escape Yevon's 'punishment'? Mother's sacrifice? Yuna's life? How many people will have to die? How many summoners will have to dance? It's never going to end, is it? Yes, I've seen Yevon true face, in Zanarkand, all these years ago. And I have been right all along. It's impossible to defeat Sin… death is the only true force in Spira. It is the only liberation.
His arm still hurt; the pain was getting dangerously close to unbearable. The droplets of rain were falling down on his face, stinging to his long eyelashes. So many questions and only one answer… surprising in its simplicity. Ingenious in its efficiency.
Terrifying in its madness.
The air was fresh, humid and chilly. Yuna woke up in Kimahri's strong, fur-covered arms. The Ronso sat on the ground, sheltered from the rain by a protruding cliff ledge, cradling the petite summoner against his side in an overly protective manner, as if she were but a little child. Her long black hair flapping in the wind, Lulu stood nearby, with her back turned on the two. A small Moomba, partially covered with sand, lay motionlessly at her feet.
"Yuna safe," Kimahri looked down, purring in barely concealed contentment. He had noticed the change in Yuna's breathing and knew that the girl was no longer asleep.
"Yuna?" Lulu spun around, almost knocking over her magical toy. "At last! How are you feeling?"
"I'm f-fine… just a bit cold," the summoner trembled.
Lulu walked up to her and knelt down. "Don't worry, the rain will pass soon… Here, take this," she handed her friend a potion. "I'll make you feel better."
"Thanks…" The liquid was disgusting, so bitter that it instantly made her eyes water, but Yuna drank it to the last droplet. "Where is everyone…?" she asked slowly, resisting the urge to spit, wiping her lips with the back of hand in a very unladylike manner. A moment later Kimahri helped her stand up.
"Wakka's still looking for Tidus," the mage explained calmly, careful not to reveal any of her concern for the boy's life. "Auron disappeared somewhere without saying a word," she sighed. "I wish he were less mysterious at times… Anyway, we're leaving as soon as they all come back."
"I see… but they're all fine, aren't they?" she asked urgently.
"…Of course," Lulu nodded. "Don't worry."
"Okay…" Yuna exhaled, visibly relived; then, suddenly, her voice once again grew alarmed. "But what about… um…" she stammered, her face turning crimson for no apparent reason.
Lulu gave the young summoner a strange look, yet kept herself from voicing any unnecessary comments. "You've been unconscious only for a couple of minutes," she said, once again turning in the ocean's direction. "The maester's still performing the sending."
"He was wounded--"
"He's a man," she interrupted firmly. "He'll be fine."
Yuna raised a hand to her warm, flushed cheek. "I should… thank him."
"Yes," the woman nodded. "You probably should, but… Yuna?"
"Yes?" she looked up, slightly surprised with the worry in her friend's voice.
"You need to be careful… and, besides… your pilgrimage is still important, isn't it?"
"Hm?" the summoner frowned, visibly confused. "Of course it is… Why do you ask?"
Lulu shook her head. "No, forget what I've just said," she said softly. "…It's nothing."
End of 'Chapter' Five
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Dear Readers! I posted this pathetic excuse for a chapter simply because I wanted to tell you something very, very important. Yes, I've been suffering from writer's block, but this particular case of writer's block is kinda different from the one that usually plagues so many authors… You see, it's not that I'm bored with this fic, or that I lack inspiration… on the contrary, actually. I'd love to keep writing and I have way too many ideas (which are mostly too stupid to be posted on this site, unfortunately ;)). And yet… I'm stuck. Lost. Standing at the crossroads. Because… from now on, I can:
Follow the storyline quite faithfully (adding a couple of extra scenes here and there, since I refuse to write a simple novelization), sticking - more or less accurately - to the character's true personalities. It would mean writing Seymour as a complete bastard (or a tragic villain; it depends from your point of view ;)) who obviously has some feelings for Yuna, yet still wants to use her in his mad scheme to destroy all life in Spira. Well, the poor girl would have to act accordingly, eventually realizing that she has no other choice but to fight and kill the man. Yeah, you're right - it would be a classical tearjerker.
Make Seymour realize that his sudden love for Yuna is more important than his obsession with Sin and death. In other words, he would turn considerably less evil… almost to the point of becoming a 'good guy' -- though, by no means, a saint. And yes, it would involve a completely different, adventurous plot… and perhaps some slight Tidus/Lulu, as well. [I really want to create a fic that shows Seymour in a fairly positive light; the idea simply won't leave me alone… Damn. I guess I read way too may 'Sephiroth Redemption' fics in my teenage years… --sigh--]
Personally, I'd hate to give up on any of these scenarios, but I'm afraid that I'm not capable of writing two completely different versions of the same story at once… which is why, my dear Readers, I have to ask:
What would you like to read more? An unpredictable AE (Alternate Events, for the universe stays the same) story, which portrays Seymour as some kind of a… hero? [Yay, he will finally get the respect and attention he deserves! :)] Or a semi-faithful novelization? [Such a beautiful, tragic love! Lots of emotional pain!] ……Damn, I really am torn between the two! .
Please, vote, it's very important (only if you're interested in reading more, that is…). As soon as I get a couple of opinions, I will start working; the ideas are ready --taps her head-- but I still need to write everything down.
Click the button, please. I want to finish this fic, I really do… just help me choose. --stares pleadingly--