I'm back again with chpt 9!! Thanks to all reviewers, (exams are soooo nearly over!!) Thankyou!
Chpt 9 : The Journey of 'The Sussurus'; part 1
"What's wrong with Dagger?" Tei enquired. Mariah shook her head.
"I think she's jealous of Sarah. I can't really tell though.."
"What's Sarah got that Dagger hasn't?" Tei itched her ear like she always did when she was thinking.
"She's got Iifa..." Mariah sighed. "I heavily suspect that Sarah and Iifa are in love with each other... and Dagger likes Iifa."
"What a shame.." Tei said, smiling inwardly. She was glad that Sarah and Iifa liking each other was out, now Dagger could never get in the way.. Dagger had now finished talking with the regent, and everyone was assembled in the dock. They had loaned out a ship called 'The Sussurus'. It meant light breeze. It had five magnificent white sails, and was made of the strongest wood around. It had been painted white and red in some places, giving it a royal feel. The entire group felt proud to step on it. Dagger had infact wanted to come on the journey through curiosity, so she and Mariah were reluctantly allowed to journey with Iifa, Sarah and Tei. Darson had also caught up with the group, claiming that when Sarah had finished journeying, she was coming back home. So he and the group of summoners had accompanied them. Many of the civilians of Lindblum had come to the dock to wave them off, they all loved to see a ship sail, since airships were all so popular. Sarah waved to them as The Sussurus crept out of the dock, the seagulls soared around the masts gracefully. As the wind whipped through her hair she felt happy. It was the first time in ages she had felt so content, the kind of unreasoned joy one has when all is going well.
("Even though it is near the end of Gaia,") She thought, ("I feel like a new person...") She didn't know why the others had joined her, Tei and Iifa, but that didn't matter anymore. They were to sail up the west coast of the Forbidden Continent and then travel on foot to Oeilvert. It was more like a mission than one of Iifa's requests.
("Maybe it's Regent Cid's way of keeping his eye on us..") She looked down at the wake of The Sussurus, spreading unevenly below her. She remembered the last time she was on a ship like this...
~~* Flashback *~~
"It's gonna bump the boat again! Hold onto something!!!" Tei screamed as the bulk of Leviahthan's scaly body squeezed against the boat, again knocking everyone to the floor. Sarah felt herself slip to the side of the boat, and into the dark waters below her..
"ZIDANE!!! SARAH'S GOING OVER!!!" Tei caught his attention as they both saw Sarah scream as she fell into the waves.
"SARAH!!!" Zidane dropped his weapon and dived into the water after her...
~~* End of Flashback *~~
("That was when me, Tei and Iifa came to the Mist Continent.. I had to call him 'Zidane' back then.. He saved me from drowning.. What would I do without him?")
~~* Flashback *~~
("I feel so... cold. Why is everything so dark? Zidane? Tei? Where am I?") Sarah's eyes slowly opened to a salty sting and transparent blue emptiness. Suddenly it struck her.
("I feel so light headed and.. I'm under water!?") Sarah breathed out violently only to find bubbles rushed from her mouth.
("I need air! But where's the surface?!") Sarah looked around to find everything was a deep blue, there was no wavy surface, and no light coming from above her.
("I'm.. gonna die..drown..") Sarah's mind flashed thousands of colours as her lungs strained and her head pounded with the lack of oxygen.
("..Zidane..I..I..need..you..") Sarah sensed her consciousness fading, but felt a pair of hands grab her clothes and pull her upwards, until she felt air on her face.. The cold sea air bit her wet form as the pair of arms supported her and held her head up.
("Zidane..?") Sarah turned her head to see the familiar cerulean eyes and the now wet, blonde hair. Her weariness finally took a hold as her eyes shut, and the sound of Zidane calling her name drowned out of her ears...
~~* End of Flashback *~~
("Oh gods, what would I do without him.. I owe you so much Iifa..I owe you my life..") Sarah felt the hot, wet feeling in the corners of her eyes, and a solitary tear rolled down her cheek. It was not a tear of sadness, instead it was a tear of happiness.. knowing that he would be there to look after her. But she didn't know how long it would be until he had to leave again..
"Enjoying the view, Sarah?" Dagger stepped up from her right and leaned on the railings as she did. "What are you thinking about?"
"..Stuff.." Sarah said awkwardly, hastily wiping away her tears.
"What kind of 'stuff'?" Dagger smiled.
"I-I was thinking about what Oeilvert would look like.. I can't wait to get there." Sarah lied.
"Hmmm.. I was thinking about our little team, you know.. About Iifa.." Dagger brushed her air back from the salty air. Sarah felt the sting of jealousy again, but she ignored it.
"What about Iifa?" Sarah said without emotion.
"About his race. Mariah told me that he plans to wipe out this world, including you and me." Dagger quietly. Sarah knew she was trying to annoy her.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. We will be engulfed by the fires of hell and burn under his eyes.." She announced poetically. Sarah pitied her, for trying to break her down. She knew that she could pass this off as nothing.
"I don't know about you, but Mariah and I are escaping that fate." Dagger pursed her lips. "Kuja is going to rescue Mariah and any of her friends.. but not you, because Kuja doesn't like you hanging around with his mortal enemy.." Sarah began to get agitated, but she knew better than to rise to the bait. A small plan jumped to her vision.
"Have I introduced you to Darson, Dagger? I think he quite likes you.." Sarah changed the subject and put her arm around Dagger's shoulders and led her to where Darson was standing. Sarah knew that he would fall for any pretty girl, and then stick to them like glue. She knew because it had happened to her.
"Darson?" She called.
"Oh, Sarah.. I hope you know that after you've finished goofing around.." He started, but Sarah quickly interrupted.
"This is Dagger. She wanted to meet you!" Sarah pushed the confused Dagger towards Darson.
"Wow. Hi, miss.." Darson goggled at her for a while before asking her a string of questions. The plan had worked marvellously, Darson was drawn to her like a moth to the flame.
"Oh.. yes..um I .. of course.." Dagger tried to speak in the breath pauses of his questions. Sarah smiled to herself.
"I'll leave you two to get acquainted, later!" Sarah waved her hand a little and left the two, much to Darson's joy and Dagger's dismay.
(" I'm a genius..") She mentally applauded. (" But I wonder where Iifa is?") She looked around the ship, he was nowhere to be seen. She turned back to the stern of the ship only to find him looking directly at her, exactly where she had been standing.
"WHOA!! Iifa! Don't frighten me like that!!" Sarah held her hand against her chest and rolled her eyes at him. He only responded with a full laugh.
"Sorry bout' that.." He grinned evilly. "What were you doing?" Iifa switched into his serious mood again.
"Oh, I was setting Dagger and Darson up together.. Hey! That's a really good couple name! Darson and Dagger, the betrothed! Heehee.. Well, it's a tonne better than Darson and Sarah anyday.." She shrugged. "Do you know where Mariah is? I wanted to talk to her about something." Sarah quickly scanned the deck for her.
"Yeah, she's in the sailor's cabin. Been throwing up for the last half hour.. Shame really. I take it you like boats?" He raised his eyebrows.
"I did before we rode on the Blue Narciss, but now I'm not so sure.." She remembered thinking about that incident earlier, and how Iifa saved her. Her emotions for him suddenly came rushing back, taking her by suprise.
"OH IIFA!!! I was so scared!!! I thought I was going to drown!" She burst into tears, collapsing onto his chest.
"S-Sarah, why were you were worrying about that now? It happened nearly a month ago!" He too was taken by suprise at her sudden show of emotion.
"S-Sorry Iifa, I don't know why I'm crying..." She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Maybe it was bottled up until now.." She felt her tears coming back.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Some things are better let out.. Come here.." He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, while she let her emotion take over.
"Just let it out.." He soothed, feeling her sobs rack both their bodies.
"Thankyou Iifa.. for everything.." She said so only he could hear.
"..........." He remained silent, then embraced her harder and planted a kiss on the top of her head. She felt even more in debt to him now, now not only for her life, but for her love.
************************
"Ohhh.. Those two would make SUCH a nice couple!" Tei sat dreamily looking at Iifa and Sarah hugging on the deck. "Don't you think Darson?.. Darson?" Tei turned to Darson, who looked pretty much dreamy himself.
"Yeah... I wonder what Dagger's doing..." He said in an equally dreamy and monotone voice.
"Darson! Snap out of it!!" Tei grabbed his collar and slapped him round the face several times.
"What did you do that for?!" He suddenly snapped out of his trance.
"You were muttering about Dagger?" Tei suggested, raising one eyebrow. To her suprise, he blushed at the mention of her name. Tei drew breath in an elated way.
"YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH DAG.. MMPH!!" Darson quickly pushed a hand over Tei's mouth, unabling her to say his new found love's name.
"Stop shouting, dammit!" He said hoarsely, letting go of her.
"So.. you don't love Sarah any more?" Tei hid her grin of relief.
"Well.. now Dagger's come along..I..I.." He sounded like he had fallen for the princess on the moment he set eyes on her.
"Well I never..." Tei placed her hands on her hips as Darson walked back into the cabin, probably looking for Dagger.
("Amazing.. I never thought she was any prettier than Sarah... Well.. at least he won't be bothering Sarah anymore.. I can't believe how many people like each other on this ship.. Darson loves Dagger, who loves Iifa, who loves Sarah.. who loves Iifa.. Man this is confusing.") Tei shook her head and decided to approach Iifa and Sarah on the deck.
"Hey you two. It's gonna be a beautiful night! No clouds whatsoever... (sigh) how romantic.." Tei cupped her own face in her hands.
"Your right..." Sarah reluctantly let go of Iifa and turned to face Tei.
"You've been crying, Sarah.. Why?" Tei's face became concerned.
"Oh.. I was just bottling some things up.. silly of me really.." She wiped her face of tears once more. Iifa decided to take his leave and left the two, saying "Good night, ladies." before departing. They both said good night also, and the two girls leant on the starboard railings.
"You two really ought to just spill the beans to each other.. it'll make life simpler.." Tei advised.
"I know your right.. but I don't know if I have the courage to stand up to the future destroyer of our planet and say 'I love you.'" Sarah sighed.
"Well, I know you hate this planet, there is nothing here for you to turn back to, is there?" Tei became serious all of a sudden.
"...True.." Sarah watched the water sparkle beneath her, the sun was setting creating a mirage of pink, yellow, orange and red lines on the water. It looked like thousands of streamers were in a high wind, but it calmed her. Her observation was diverted when Tei started giggling quietly.
"What are you laughing at?" Sarah asked, bemused.
"Oh, I had a funny little thought.. Like what your future would be if you two finally got together..."
"Try me.." Sarah challenged.
"Ohhh.... you'd have cute little kids with horns and tails... and they'd have cute little faces and cute little clothes with those tiny cute little buttons and big sparkling cerulean or brown eyes..." Tei described with a high note to her voice.
"W-What?! I-I-I never said anything about children!!" Sarah blushed hard. "Well.. I wanted to have children some point in my life... But why am I jumping so far ahead?! I'm only 16!!" Sarah panicked.
"You ain't gonna get anywhere with that attitude, Sarah. You gotta be less embarrassed by your emotions! If you feel like hugging him, hug him! Share what you feel with him.. I promise you, you won't regret it.." Tei continued assuring Sarah.
"Since when did you become my relationship advisor?" Sarah cracked a smile.
"I never did. I was just passing on some friendly advice which my mother told me." Tei suddenly became serious again. "Before she died, my mother told me to be open, and to never by dishonest to myself. She said that letting the person you love see what you think and how you think is good for a relationship. It doesn't matter if you are shy, if you truly, deeply love someone, don't hide it from them.. or the opportunity may disappear forever, and you will regret it more than ever. Just think if that someone died... you could have spent a lifetime loving them and never breathed a word about your feelings.. just think how that would end up." Tei then turned to Sarah. "You remember that famous saying?"
"How could I ever forget.." Sarah said fondly. They spoke in unison, without flaw..
"It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.."
I thought I better leave it on that point, cause it makes sense... That reminds me of the time one of the boys in our year got killed in a car crash, our head-teacher said that saying in his memorial assembly. All the people that knew him were crying, and all the people who didn't know him that well (including me and my best friend) just left the assembly hall feeling very, very depressed and upset. Sorry I had to share that unfortunate event with you, but I at least wanted to do something in his memory as he was in my year, and no-one should have to die at age 16 when so much of your life is ahead.
R.I.P. Ryan, they planted an oak tree outside the school for you.
Chpt 9 : The Journey of 'The Sussurus'; part 1
"What's wrong with Dagger?" Tei enquired. Mariah shook her head.
"I think she's jealous of Sarah. I can't really tell though.."
"What's Sarah got that Dagger hasn't?" Tei itched her ear like she always did when she was thinking.
"She's got Iifa..." Mariah sighed. "I heavily suspect that Sarah and Iifa are in love with each other... and Dagger likes Iifa."
"What a shame.." Tei said, smiling inwardly. She was glad that Sarah and Iifa liking each other was out, now Dagger could never get in the way.. Dagger had now finished talking with the regent, and everyone was assembled in the dock. They had loaned out a ship called 'The Sussurus'. It meant light breeze. It had five magnificent white sails, and was made of the strongest wood around. It had been painted white and red in some places, giving it a royal feel. The entire group felt proud to step on it. Dagger had infact wanted to come on the journey through curiosity, so she and Mariah were reluctantly allowed to journey with Iifa, Sarah and Tei. Darson had also caught up with the group, claiming that when Sarah had finished journeying, she was coming back home. So he and the group of summoners had accompanied them. Many of the civilians of Lindblum had come to the dock to wave them off, they all loved to see a ship sail, since airships were all so popular. Sarah waved to them as The Sussurus crept out of the dock, the seagulls soared around the masts gracefully. As the wind whipped through her hair she felt happy. It was the first time in ages she had felt so content, the kind of unreasoned joy one has when all is going well.
("Even though it is near the end of Gaia,") She thought, ("I feel like a new person...") She didn't know why the others had joined her, Tei and Iifa, but that didn't matter anymore. They were to sail up the west coast of the Forbidden Continent and then travel on foot to Oeilvert. It was more like a mission than one of Iifa's requests.
("Maybe it's Regent Cid's way of keeping his eye on us..") She looked down at the wake of The Sussurus, spreading unevenly below her. She remembered the last time she was on a ship like this...
~~* Flashback *~~
"It's gonna bump the boat again! Hold onto something!!!" Tei screamed as the bulk of Leviahthan's scaly body squeezed against the boat, again knocking everyone to the floor. Sarah felt herself slip to the side of the boat, and into the dark waters below her..
"ZIDANE!!! SARAH'S GOING OVER!!!" Tei caught his attention as they both saw Sarah scream as she fell into the waves.
"SARAH!!!" Zidane dropped his weapon and dived into the water after her...
~~* End of Flashback *~~
("That was when me, Tei and Iifa came to the Mist Continent.. I had to call him 'Zidane' back then.. He saved me from drowning.. What would I do without him?")
~~* Flashback *~~
("I feel so... cold. Why is everything so dark? Zidane? Tei? Where am I?") Sarah's eyes slowly opened to a salty sting and transparent blue emptiness. Suddenly it struck her.
("I feel so light headed and.. I'm under water!?") Sarah breathed out violently only to find bubbles rushed from her mouth.
("I need air! But where's the surface?!") Sarah looked around to find everything was a deep blue, there was no wavy surface, and no light coming from above her.
("I'm.. gonna die..drown..") Sarah's mind flashed thousands of colours as her lungs strained and her head pounded with the lack of oxygen.
("..Zidane..I..I..need..you..") Sarah sensed her consciousness fading, but felt a pair of hands grab her clothes and pull her upwards, until she felt air on her face.. The cold sea air bit her wet form as the pair of arms supported her and held her head up.
("Zidane..?") Sarah turned her head to see the familiar cerulean eyes and the now wet, blonde hair. Her weariness finally took a hold as her eyes shut, and the sound of Zidane calling her name drowned out of her ears...
~~* End of Flashback *~~
("Oh gods, what would I do without him.. I owe you so much Iifa..I owe you my life..") Sarah felt the hot, wet feeling in the corners of her eyes, and a solitary tear rolled down her cheek. It was not a tear of sadness, instead it was a tear of happiness.. knowing that he would be there to look after her. But she didn't know how long it would be until he had to leave again..
"Enjoying the view, Sarah?" Dagger stepped up from her right and leaned on the railings as she did. "What are you thinking about?"
"..Stuff.." Sarah said awkwardly, hastily wiping away her tears.
"What kind of 'stuff'?" Dagger smiled.
"I-I was thinking about what Oeilvert would look like.. I can't wait to get there." Sarah lied.
"Hmmm.. I was thinking about our little team, you know.. About Iifa.." Dagger brushed her air back from the salty air. Sarah felt the sting of jealousy again, but she ignored it.
"What about Iifa?" Sarah said without emotion.
"About his race. Mariah told me that he plans to wipe out this world, including you and me." Dagger quietly. Sarah knew she was trying to annoy her.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. We will be engulfed by the fires of hell and burn under his eyes.." She announced poetically. Sarah pitied her, for trying to break her down. She knew that she could pass this off as nothing.
"I don't know about you, but Mariah and I are escaping that fate." Dagger pursed her lips. "Kuja is going to rescue Mariah and any of her friends.. but not you, because Kuja doesn't like you hanging around with his mortal enemy.." Sarah began to get agitated, but she knew better than to rise to the bait. A small plan jumped to her vision.
"Have I introduced you to Darson, Dagger? I think he quite likes you.." Sarah changed the subject and put her arm around Dagger's shoulders and led her to where Darson was standing. Sarah knew that he would fall for any pretty girl, and then stick to them like glue. She knew because it had happened to her.
"Darson?" She called.
"Oh, Sarah.. I hope you know that after you've finished goofing around.." He started, but Sarah quickly interrupted.
"This is Dagger. She wanted to meet you!" Sarah pushed the confused Dagger towards Darson.
"Wow. Hi, miss.." Darson goggled at her for a while before asking her a string of questions. The plan had worked marvellously, Darson was drawn to her like a moth to the flame.
"Oh.. yes..um I .. of course.." Dagger tried to speak in the breath pauses of his questions. Sarah smiled to herself.
"I'll leave you two to get acquainted, later!" Sarah waved her hand a little and left the two, much to Darson's joy and Dagger's dismay.
(" I'm a genius..") She mentally applauded. (" But I wonder where Iifa is?") She looked around the ship, he was nowhere to be seen. She turned back to the stern of the ship only to find him looking directly at her, exactly where she had been standing.
"WHOA!! Iifa! Don't frighten me like that!!" Sarah held her hand against her chest and rolled her eyes at him. He only responded with a full laugh.
"Sorry bout' that.." He grinned evilly. "What were you doing?" Iifa switched into his serious mood again.
"Oh, I was setting Dagger and Darson up together.. Hey! That's a really good couple name! Darson and Dagger, the betrothed! Heehee.. Well, it's a tonne better than Darson and Sarah anyday.." She shrugged. "Do you know where Mariah is? I wanted to talk to her about something." Sarah quickly scanned the deck for her.
"Yeah, she's in the sailor's cabin. Been throwing up for the last half hour.. Shame really. I take it you like boats?" He raised his eyebrows.
"I did before we rode on the Blue Narciss, but now I'm not so sure.." She remembered thinking about that incident earlier, and how Iifa saved her. Her emotions for him suddenly came rushing back, taking her by suprise.
"OH IIFA!!! I was so scared!!! I thought I was going to drown!" She burst into tears, collapsing onto his chest.
"S-Sarah, why were you were worrying about that now? It happened nearly a month ago!" He too was taken by suprise at her sudden show of emotion.
"S-Sorry Iifa, I don't know why I'm crying..." She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Maybe it was bottled up until now.." She felt her tears coming back.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Some things are better let out.. Come here.." He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, while she let her emotion take over.
"Just let it out.." He soothed, feeling her sobs rack both their bodies.
"Thankyou Iifa.. for everything.." She said so only he could hear.
"..........." He remained silent, then embraced her harder and planted a kiss on the top of her head. She felt even more in debt to him now, now not only for her life, but for her love.
************************
"Ohhh.. Those two would make SUCH a nice couple!" Tei sat dreamily looking at Iifa and Sarah hugging on the deck. "Don't you think Darson?.. Darson?" Tei turned to Darson, who looked pretty much dreamy himself.
"Yeah... I wonder what Dagger's doing..." He said in an equally dreamy and monotone voice.
"Darson! Snap out of it!!" Tei grabbed his collar and slapped him round the face several times.
"What did you do that for?!" He suddenly snapped out of his trance.
"You were muttering about Dagger?" Tei suggested, raising one eyebrow. To her suprise, he blushed at the mention of her name. Tei drew breath in an elated way.
"YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH DAG.. MMPH!!" Darson quickly pushed a hand over Tei's mouth, unabling her to say his new found love's name.
"Stop shouting, dammit!" He said hoarsely, letting go of her.
"So.. you don't love Sarah any more?" Tei hid her grin of relief.
"Well.. now Dagger's come along..I..I.." He sounded like he had fallen for the princess on the moment he set eyes on her.
"Well I never..." Tei placed her hands on her hips as Darson walked back into the cabin, probably looking for Dagger.
("Amazing.. I never thought she was any prettier than Sarah... Well.. at least he won't be bothering Sarah anymore.. I can't believe how many people like each other on this ship.. Darson loves Dagger, who loves Iifa, who loves Sarah.. who loves Iifa.. Man this is confusing.") Tei shook her head and decided to approach Iifa and Sarah on the deck.
"Hey you two. It's gonna be a beautiful night! No clouds whatsoever... (sigh) how romantic.." Tei cupped her own face in her hands.
"Your right..." Sarah reluctantly let go of Iifa and turned to face Tei.
"You've been crying, Sarah.. Why?" Tei's face became concerned.
"Oh.. I was just bottling some things up.. silly of me really.." She wiped her face of tears once more. Iifa decided to take his leave and left the two, saying "Good night, ladies." before departing. They both said good night also, and the two girls leant on the starboard railings.
"You two really ought to just spill the beans to each other.. it'll make life simpler.." Tei advised.
"I know your right.. but I don't know if I have the courage to stand up to the future destroyer of our planet and say 'I love you.'" Sarah sighed.
"Well, I know you hate this planet, there is nothing here for you to turn back to, is there?" Tei became serious all of a sudden.
"...True.." Sarah watched the water sparkle beneath her, the sun was setting creating a mirage of pink, yellow, orange and red lines on the water. It looked like thousands of streamers were in a high wind, but it calmed her. Her observation was diverted when Tei started giggling quietly.
"What are you laughing at?" Sarah asked, bemused.
"Oh, I had a funny little thought.. Like what your future would be if you two finally got together..."
"Try me.." Sarah challenged.
"Ohhh.... you'd have cute little kids with horns and tails... and they'd have cute little faces and cute little clothes with those tiny cute little buttons and big sparkling cerulean or brown eyes..." Tei described with a high note to her voice.
"W-What?! I-I-I never said anything about children!!" Sarah blushed hard. "Well.. I wanted to have children some point in my life... But why am I jumping so far ahead?! I'm only 16!!" Sarah panicked.
"You ain't gonna get anywhere with that attitude, Sarah. You gotta be less embarrassed by your emotions! If you feel like hugging him, hug him! Share what you feel with him.. I promise you, you won't regret it.." Tei continued assuring Sarah.
"Since when did you become my relationship advisor?" Sarah cracked a smile.
"I never did. I was just passing on some friendly advice which my mother told me." Tei suddenly became serious again. "Before she died, my mother told me to be open, and to never by dishonest to myself. She said that letting the person you love see what you think and how you think is good for a relationship. It doesn't matter if you are shy, if you truly, deeply love someone, don't hide it from them.. or the opportunity may disappear forever, and you will regret it more than ever. Just think if that someone died... you could have spent a lifetime loving them and never breathed a word about your feelings.. just think how that would end up." Tei then turned to Sarah. "You remember that famous saying?"
"How could I ever forget.." Sarah said fondly. They spoke in unison, without flaw..
"It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.."
I thought I better leave it on that point, cause it makes sense... That reminds me of the time one of the boys in our year got killed in a car crash, our head-teacher said that saying in his memorial assembly. All the people that knew him were crying, and all the people who didn't know him that well (including me and my best friend) just left the assembly hall feeling very, very depressed and upset. Sorry I had to share that unfortunate event with you, but I at least wanted to do something in his memory as he was in my year, and no-one should have to die at age 16 when so much of your life is ahead.
R.I.P. Ryan, they planted an oak tree outside the school for you.