Edit: got the numeral wrong...sorry. Fixed it read on!

Chapter XV

A shadow lurked behind a lofty stone pillar etched with anicent symbols and prayers. "You cannot fool me, Paine." Fiohn's voice rasped. The large chamber was tenderly lit. Lit well enough to see what was ahead of you without having to sacrifice it's saintity. Paine stepped forth cloaked in dark satin she removed her hood to reveal her ducile scarlet eyes. She seemed oddly at peace with herself. " Did you do as I asked?" Fiohn noticed a void in her left hand. It was strangely cuffed, as if she had just lost her sword. Paine hastily hid her hand behind her. " I got rid of him, that is all that matters."

Fiohn eyed Paine, giving her a baffled look as if unable to believe she had actually had the gull to kill her former friend and comrade. "You...actually?"

Paine moaned " Enough, I did the job. Now it's time for you to uphold your end."

Fiohn chuckled " my end?"

"Forgive me for not informing you sooner, my services aren't gratuitous."

"Considering I am your mother's only brother I figured I'd let you rule New Yevon with me."

" I don't want New Yevon, I only want Esten to be released."

" Esten?!" Fiohn gasped.

"Yes, my mentor. He's the only family I have left, except you. However I can hardly consider you family."

" It's been so long since he was imprisoned."

"Yes, they imprisoned and wrongfully accused him six years ago. It's the only favor I ask. Baralai is gone from power and you shall have all you desire to uptain."

Fiohn cocked his head a bit and a smile comenced to peer though his somber demeanor. He approached a statue of Braska. He caressed the stone, then spat.

"Yes, New Yevon shall be reborn. No more of this idol worship." Fiohn glared odiously at Braska's statue.

"Yuna?" Paine inquired.

"She's still around. She is a fine woman. She shall make a lovely wife now that she is a widow."

A guiltly smirk danced along Paine's lips " a widow."

Complacently Fiohn allowed Paine to visit with her former friend if only for a few brief moments. Yuna was bowed in defeat. Her expression peaceful as if in deep meditation. Still Paine could feel Yuna anxiety fly towards her. Yuna peered up, her eyes glazed with tears. "Paine."

" Yuna."

It was a cool reception. It was Paine who told her the truth however Yuna resented her presense. It meant that Baralai was surely dead. Fiohn motioned to Paine and left the two women face to face.

"This means you..." The words felt heavy in her mouth. "killed...him."

Yuna's eyes weren't ones of anger rather than deep sadness.

"Fiohn is gone...good"

Yuna clasped her hands together. " If you killed Baralai I want you to know that, you might as well take my life also."

"Yuna?" Paine's voice echoed some new found emotion.

"You killed him! If only I wasn't so stupid. If only I didn't lie to him. This whole elaborate plan and I fell right into it."

" I had no place to tell you those things. Perhaps I was the one who was envious. Secretly I couldn't stand seeing Baralai happy after all his father did to Spira. My family was slaughtered, yet Baralai becomes preator of New Yevon. What about me?"

"Your excuses will not redeem what you have done! Fiohn is an evil man! He will bring Spira's demise! "

"I could care less about Spira,Yuna. I know you hate me but you must know something."

" Tell me that your leaving. I don't think I can bare this conversation much longer."

"Yuna", Paine reduced her voice to a soft whisper," Baralai is not dead."

Yuna's heart beat quickened for the first time she felt all the muscles in her body relax. It was like she respirated for the first time. Unsure of how to respond Yuna sank into her cell. She placed her face along the cold bars and closed her eyes. "He's alive?" she thought.

"Don't get so excited." Paine smiled tartly." I doubt he wants to see you."

"Where is he?!" Yuna's eyes lit as if something had rekindled in her heart.

" It's funny how when the time came to strike, I become numb. I've never felt that way. I had the idea settled in my head that it would be so easy."

"Paine,please tell me! Paine!"

"Closer than you'd imagine ,Yuna."

Paine walked steadily away from Yuna. She had a new sense of pride and moral abounding her. She knew Esten would be proud, if no one else. Yuna was left in awe. Everything was simply whirling beyond her. Everyone seemed three steps ahead. Her heart was secretly prying her in a different direction. She wanted to breathe Baralai in again, just to see if what Paine siad was true. If he was alive it would mean a secound chance for both of them.

Her body felt eager that night as if awaiting something Yuna could hardly sit still. She paced around like some caged animal watching for an open invitation to escape. The virginal white fabric of her dress was now tarnished with brown blemishes. Clumsily Yuna would trip over the fabric. It was a delightful little skit to Baralai would find Yuna's shortcomings entertaining.

"Even high-summoners have their bad days."

The voice sounded familiar however Yuna could not place who it belonged to.

" Who is there?"

Yuna peered around the hallowed area.

" Lady Yuna." a guard approached. Although his face was hidden his scent drifted towards Yuna almost clinging to the air around him. Yuna's face appeared uncertain. Her expression unpresuming but doubtful. The young guard had something concealed in his left hand half way hidden behind him, in the darkness it was difficult to discern. "Trust me." the words floated through Yuna, aware of what exactly was happening. " How can I? I don't..." by the time Yuna had expelled the words from her mouth the cage had flung open. The young guard awaiting her at the ledge leaning in as far as possible with his arms outstretched. "The question is how after all you've done can I possibly trust you,Yuna?"

"Baralai?!"

" You can swim,Yuna?"

Yuna was paralzed in time. Having no idea how to respond she gave him an awe-struck glaze.

" Now jump I have no time to waste! " he voice became authoritory.

He sounded as if it were up to him he would let her die here. Yuna was reluctant to accept his offer however she was secretly glad he was alive. The hurt in his eyes was visble as he extend his hand outwards. It all was happening so fast. Everything became so demented. They both stood in silence. Yuna decided she had nothing to lose.

Yuna peered downwards towards the cloudy gray water. Baralai was outstretching his arms out as far as he cloud, enough so that at the precise position Yuna could grasp his forearms. Yuna with difficulty pushed the fabric of her dress behind her. She reached for Baralai managing to clasp onto only his fingertips. She hastily decided to make a leap for his arms. As she closed her eyes and jumped she began to felt weightless till she felt her body collide with Baralai's as they both collasped into each other over the Via Purifico. Her head flung upwards as their bodies violently fell into the frigid waters. For a brief secound it felt like thousand of tiny pricks had stabbed her all at once.Even if this could have been their end she felt Baralai's body close to hers , it was almost surreal to think these moments could be their very last together.