Alcohol is bad for you...very, very, very bad...
Anyway, I won't stall this chapter so you won't have to wait so long. Unfortunately I will be replying to reviews as always so I guess you will have to wait...I apologize.
Rinoa21
Once again thank you! Don't worry Lenne will come in later in the story but Shuyin will come in...hee...very soon I think.
aromatherapy
Unfortunately this is PG-13 so no lemony stuff. giggles Rikku would kill you if she heard you say that, she's living in denial right now about her and Gippal. Calm down everyone Lenne and Shuyin will be in this story!
SpHeRe HuNtEr RiKkU
is glomped Oh! Rikku! I know after exams and the concert I'm surprised I'm even writing this chapter right now. It sucks though because I'm really tired...again...and I'm in San Diego. T.T
Dreammergurl2007
Thank you! I think...
Dreammergurl2007
I'm not trying to make you paranoid I apologize again. Hee, hee. But Rikku and Gippal will come later in the chapter so you'll have to wait longer...hee.
Frittsegurl
Thank you so much! That's very kind of you to say, I don't even know what to say myself laughs nervously. Well thank you again better finish these reviews before people get mad at me. What's your favorite character? I'll make you a plushie.
Kate Willows
No not at all! You aren't being the slightest annoying! I'm glad to have eager reviews! Don't worry Yushin will come like I said...laughs nervously again That laugh was for a different reason.
I don't own FFX-2 you people should know that! If you accuse me of anything as low as stealing them for Square I will have Yu Yu chop you up and put you in a blender. Then I can feed you to the cat I'm getting Lulu for her birthday!
runs away laughing before anyone can hurt her
,,,,,,,,
Yuna/Tidus
Yuna/Shuyin
Shuyin/Lenne
Lenne/Tidus
Gippal/Rikku
Baralai/Paine
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Eternal Rhapsody
Chapter Five: "Throughout the Ages"
::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yuna felt her lower lip quavering with uncertainty as she crawled over to the figure that lay motionless upon the damp beach. With bi-colored eyes, reflecting her twin cultures, she scanned the man once more and the blinked as if washing away stray piece of grain from her pupils. Try as she might the figure was there, lying on Besaid's corrupted beach with no intention of moving.
As if out of nowhere, Yuna could feel the overwhelming nausea churn within her stomach, reaching its acid-like claws up her neck. Restraining the vomit from escaping her mouth, the former summoner clamped her eyes shut just as a cloud of red miasma began to obscure her vision. With a short gasp for the air that had begun to drain from her lungs, Yuna opened her eyes and looked to the dark sky overhead.
"I can't just sit here I have to do something..." she uttered under her breath, holding back the death stirring within her body.
Looking back at the figure, small taints of imperfection appeared as if they hadn't been there before. Along the sun-tanned skin that seemed to glow, long strains of blood danced about joyously with the other scars. Blood drizzled down a creased forehead, running into a half-open mouth.
Cringing with disgust, Yuna edged over and slipped her arm around the man's waist and lifted him as far as she could.
"I'll save you." She murmured absently. "Shuyin."
Ending up by a near-by dune surrounded by tropical weeds sprouting up from the ground, she carefully lowered him to the ground with a faint 'thud'. Quietly muttering about his unusual weight, she cuddled him closer to a miniature tree.
She was unsure why she was so determined to save this man; the feeling was strong over the others though. Was it perhaps that she saw her own Tidus in this man, although he was safely back at the village? Or maybe it was just because of all they had been through together even though they were only 'together' in a way. Whatever the reason she knew she couldn't walk away from anyone in danger, even if the sight of him made her queasy.
White magic was never her specialty either, but she had to admit it was one of her strong points. Coveting one of his many wounds with her delicate palm, she could feel the energy running into him from herself. For a brief moment a connection unlike any other she had ever felt was lit inside her, making her shudder with delight.
She found herself looking aimlessly at him with dilated pupils. His well- built frame was sculpted with such perfection, assuring any girl to swoon and cry, his soft locks of golden hair fell lazily into his face, caressing the even softer skin. Though his eyes were shut with an assuring sadness, Yuna knew beneath them lay an eternity of passionate blue. The same eyes she had looked into in the Farplane, filled with regret and longing for his lover. Lenne.
Lenne. The memory of the beautiful songstress snapped her back into reality. 'That must be it.' She thought with a cold scolding for looking at him that way. 'Lenne's feeling must have somehow gotten mixed with mine and...but she's gone now. How is he back anyway?'
Scowling sharply at both herself and his sudden appearance, Yuna shook her head and continued to heal the damaged skin. A clap of thunder shook the woman from her ambitious rejuvenating, followed by a flash of lightning. Yuna, startled slightly, jumped from her spot and scrambled backwards.
"I'm not afraid of lightning what's wrong with me...?" Yuna stuttered with a slight laugh. "Just thunder is all. I feel like Rikku."
As soon as she started back towards Shuyin, another roar of the storm shook her and sent her backwards into a plant. Shutting her almond shaped eyes, she curled herself into a ball and decided to wait it out since the lightning was now hitting the water. The thought of leaving Shuyin un- protected bothered her deeply, but risking her life wouldn't help either.
Furious lightning flashed around them in an entity of light and heat. The temperature wasn't nearly as bad as the smell, the smell that made Yuna's unhealthy abdomen growl. The unwanted fragrance of distorted eggs and putrid urine clouded around the beach, filling Yuna's nose. Yuna gasped and threw herself onto the plant to support her trembling legs, tossing her stomach's contents along with it.
Abruptly, a pair of cerulean optics fluttered open with a shifting of his body. Shuyin sat up with a slight difficulty, before gazing down at his arms-still covered in faint bruises.
'Who...'
His blurred gaze fell upon the cowering woman underneath the plant, her feathery brown hair draping over her shoulders creating a curtain. His tense features softened and his fists unclenched, as he watched the woman with fascination.
'Lenne.'
Standing to his well-built height, the golden haired man advanced towards the shivering brunette with a dispersing smile tearing at the edges of his mouth. Without the slightest warning, he kneeled down beside her and clasped her within his arms in an almost loving embrace.
Her nausea was put on hold for a few moments before it returned with the uneasy feeling she had felt earlier. Her mind furiously tried to pinpoint whose arms she was resting in when she awkwardly looked up into the face of her possessor.
'Shuyin...?'
Questionably she craned her arm to the ground and shifted her hips slightly so she could catch his face clearly. Shuyin rejected her suspicion and placed his hands onto her hips, tilting her to the side.
Yuna's surprise was fueled by this and grew larger, taking her up into a whirlwind of emotions. He ran his hands through her silky chestnut locks of hair and inhaled the fragrance of her warm body.
'Strange. Lenne, you always smelled of lavender. Now you smell of vanilla...odd.'
Despite her change, he pulled away from the woman as a sincere smile crept across his face.
"I am glad that you are safe, my love." He whispered softly into her ear. "My Lenne."
A gasp of innocence escaped Yuna's petrified lips and evaporated into the air. He had called her yet by another woman's name, their second occurrence in which this had happened. Why had this happened to her again? She wondered as the familiar wave of unsettlement returned to her stomach.
"But I am not Lenne," she replied, keeping her gaze far from his piercing one.
"You ran from that horrid beast. That son of a bitch almost destroyed us yet again but we made it, Lenne. We made it. But you know... The Farplane is dying, Lenne, everything is gone within it's wretched grasp. This horrible world will never be cleansed but it's the only sanctuary we have now isn't it? "Shuyin rambled on, ignoring Yuna as he began to softly stroke her head.
Yuna blinked. What was he talking about? The Farplane dying, Spira being cleansed, some horrible thing that almost killed him yet again. She didn't understand any of it, was it senseless jabber or his way of making the truth from something? She couldn't tell and eventually her confusion thinned out her mind so it became as blank and fuzzy as a field of Pyreflies.
"Lenne. I protected you this time but at what cost? Does this world wish to harm us again?" he continued, his eyes crinkling at the sides. "I am sorry Lennie. I only wish to make you happy."
Before Yuna could reply by explaining that she was not his Lenne, but another woman of the same appearance, Shuyin took her shoulders and pressed his lips against hers. Instantly her mind became a maze of emotion. It was all happening too fast and she couldn't comprehend why or how.
Shuyin gently pushed Yuna against the tree and what was once an innocent kiss became more passionate. The warm feeling of his tongue against her bruised lips sent a chill of pleasure down her spine; causing her to gasp for breath. With a hint of a smirk, Shuyin plunged his tongue within her mouth and pushed his body against her small, lithe figure.
Puling away for a brief moment he smiled and caressed the side of her cheek subconsciously. Yuna caught a hint of sadness within his familiar eyes and felt herself feeling almost sorry and concerned for him. Hesitating, she smiled back and nodded to him, eventually she worked up the courage to speak but Shuyin once again cut her off.
Fervently, his hands began to work on their own, struggling to untie the straps of her halter. Being caught up in his own moments of happiness, he seemed not to notice Yuna struggling beneath him. Her consciousness had revived itself and was working over-time to put an end to this senseless passion that only Shuyin was feeling. Yuna's emotions were raw and cold, angrier with Shuyin now rather than understanding.
After moments it seemed useless to try and advert him from taking her for his own and she gave up. Soon, her own sobbing broke of the rhythmic kissing Shuyin had been directing and he stopped. Looking down at this cowering woman who seemed almost afraid of him now, his eyes fell upon a crystalline liquid pouring from her eyes.
A sharp pang in his side caused him to jerk his hands away from her body, further leading to him moving backwards away from her.
"Lenne." He started, blinking in confusion. "What's wrong? Don' t you remember me Lenne? You must! Throughout the ages our story has been continued. Throughout the ages my longing has gotten stronger. And throughout the ages the pain I have caused you has grown, but I will heal you now Lenne. Let me help, PLEASE." He begged.
With the sense of courage returning to her, Yuna clenched her fists and looked up at him with a flicker of anger within her widened orbs.
"I am not your Lenne," the gunner stated firmly, feeling the energy within her rise.
"What?" Shuyin gasped, looking oddly at her as if she had suffered some odd concussion.
"I said: I am NOT your Lenne!" Every ounce of hatred she had felt before returned along with the feeling of sickness. Suddenly she felt compelled to hurt this man far worse than he had hurt her.
'He deserves pain for being a horrible monster'. She told herself, the negative portion of her overtaking the positive.
"You should recognize your own lover and I am not her! Because of you I am a tainted woman. Now just leave me alone! You're nothing anymore, you failed Lenne and can't even recognize her!"
Shuyin was taken aback from this, Yuna had seemed so calm earlier and now she seemed enraged. Within her the constant battle between kindness and hurtfulness continued as the cloudy miasma returned to poison her thoughts of the blond blitzball player. Feeling her hatred grow, she tuned around and forcefully slapped Shuyin across the face in a swift movement.
Shuyin seemed not shaken at all by her reaction nor her outburst, which angered Yuna even further, therefore causing her to draw her hand up again. As she was about to direct her palm to his cheek, he grabbed her hand and drew her downward. She assumed he was attempting to kiss her again and steadied her reflexes, but Shuyin lifted the hilt of her chin towards her face and paused.
Yuna's gaze shot downward with the final blow of anger, sending her back into the same emotions of pity and understanding as before. Shuyin wrinkled his eyebrows and loosened his keen grip on her hand, settling it down to her side then letting it go.
"Please, woman, look at me." He spoke darkly, restraining a few inches of sadness from his voice.
"W-why d-"
"Just-please-do it."
Obediently the woman looked cautiously into his eyes that were crawling all over her body, pouting her lips in a somewhat confused order. Along with confusion a slight hint of disgust trickled along her face, but immediately vanished when she caught the disappointed look in his eyes. Dropping her chin, Shuyin wearily turned away and stalked back from her.
"It's true. I have failed her for the second time, two times too many." He laughed. "I thought that for the first time I actually did something right for her, saved her from eternal death. The look on her face was unbearable but so beautiful at the same time, fear and panic I guess."
Yuna furrowed her eyebrow and sat down upon the still warm sand that glittered beneath her, motioning for Shuyin to sit beside her. He smiled weakly, his face still etched with sadness, and obeyed.
"I couldn't even accept the fact that you were not her, we have met more than once and I should have know your reaction would be the same. That's when I knew, those words you spoke, 'I'm not Lenne', are so familiar to me now. I never thought I was this stupid-stupid-but not that stupid."
"I shouldn't have-"
"No, no, it's okay. Really I just...I wanted her to be safe from that horrible thing. I told her to run and leave me for her own safety; I thought it would be me who suffered. Instead I failed to protect her again." Shuyin paused for a moment and sighed. "Damn thing! Why does everything have to be so fucking complicated?"
Yuna cringed at his words, reliving for a moment the same horror she had felt back at the village. Smiling weakly at t he blond, she nodded and sympathetically caressed the side of his face with her hand. Shuyin jumped slightly at her sudden touch but relaxed himself when her hand lowered.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, folding her hands behind her back. "I know...how you feel. To lose someone you truly care for because of some action you made. You wish it was you who faded instead of them."
Shuyin blinked at her kindness, something he wasn't expecting. 'Why is she being so...kind to me? After what I put her through she isn't angry with me. Especially considering I was acting like a jerk.'
"......."
"Shuyin I would do anything to help you if I could. Really I would, but I'm not sure what happens after..."
"......."
"Come with me please." She demanded softly, grabbing his hand and gently tugging him away from the plant that had served as a shelter. A short flash of lightning struck the water and sent sparks flying onto the beach but she ignored them. "You need rest after what you did for Lenne and all. You deserve a good meal and some sleep I'm sure."
Shuyin grinned slightly and reluctantly followed so dragging him wasn't necessary.
'She's so much like her...but you shouldn't even begin to compare her to Lenne. She will never be as great as her so just accept it Shu.' Yuna turned around and beamed before releasing his hand and jolting up the perilous climb. 'But maybe...'
His eyes caught wind of a faint bruise that was drawn along the side of her thin arms in the same place as his own wound that had strangely disappeared. She grabbed at her arm and continued, the second she did so his pain no longer remained. Putting on a trademark smirk, he darkness within his mind began to work again along with the cogs that had started to turn.
'I can use her'
Shuyin stopped, waiting to see if the gunner had noticed his halt. When she didn't bother to acknowledge hat he had put pursuing her on hold, he grinned and twisted his ankle to the side on a rock. Yuna's cry of pain delighted Shuyin, causing his sneer to grow as she soothed her ankle and walked on.
'I can save you Lenne, just hold on and give me time. I will not fail you this time. I am back.'
::::::::
"Oh my bloody Yevon what is that?!" Gippal exclaimed, leaning over the decumbent computer surface to get a better view of the sphere screen.
"Beats me!" Rikku chirped, neatly folding her hands behind her head. "Looks like a giant fiend to me!"
"Fiends do not look like that stupid." Gippal mocked, rolling his swirled green eye. "Besides what would a fiend be doing in the Farplane pray tell?"
Rikku scanned the screen from the corner of her eye, examining the cryptic shadow that doomed the Farplane Glen. The raging flames licked the ground, dissolving all forms of life that resided in the persistently tranquil meadows, while a shrill metallic sound shook the speakers on the screen.
"Well I-"Rikku was cut off as the image switched this time to what looked like an ancient living room. Rikku's face screwed itself into a confused expression as she asked, "Who's that?"
The Al Bhed pointed bluntly to a little girl that had appeared on the screen.
She was a small little girl with chocolate brown hair, huddled by a fireplace, her eyes looked clear and pretty much empty with a willowing sadness within their young grasp. Her head tilted upwards as a tall man with black hair and a warming smile approached her, the youth smiled faintly and jumped into his arms.
The man chuckled and nuzzled the girl's neck, sending her into a fit of giggles. Looking up at the man with a philosophic grin she pointed to the bookcase and bit her tongue
"Yes little Nayru I'll read it to you," the man assured with a wave of his hand. He stood up and hobbled over to the bookcase before taking the sigil- covered book back to the girl. Her eyes brightened to a vibrant hazel color, flecked with honey and cinnamon.
Rikku backed away as the scene changed to one that centered on a tall glittering building that stood fiercely against the ocean; a giant water fountain hovered near by.
The same female brunette was standing distantly by the ocean, watching the water spill down into a crevasse where many other buildings like the lit-up one were housed. The rest of the water flooded over and was carried away to some other country or city.
The girl, who had appeared to have aged quite a bit-give or take two years, dipped her small fingers into the luminescent liquid that matched the tears falling from her once again clouded eyes. Her thoughts were interrupted by a woman who had come up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder with an invisible hate.
"Your father was a wonderful man Nayru, remember that always." She spoke in an unattractive tone. "Come now."
The woman dragged the girl away from the funeral as the screen blacked out into nothingness. Rikku turned around and was about to speak up but yet another scene was triggered, forcing her to go back into watching mode.
The girl who seemed extremely popular the previous scenes was nowhere to be seen, in her place was a young woman about the age of thirteen standing outside a massive building that read THEATER.
Her hair was twisted into a ponytail that hung a few inches below her shoulders; a decorative hairpiece with many beads wove through the elastic from behind her ears. She was dressed in a metallic looking dress with blue tinted see-through sleeves and frill on the edges, shivering like crazy. Her almond shaped optics darted back and forth before she started up the glowing steps. She had almost reached the door when the same woman from before grabbed her hand and jerked her back violently.
"Nayru what are you doing here!?" she screeched angrily, twisting the girl's wrist. "I told you you're never allowed to come outside unless it's for me!"
Nayru flinched from the impulse and nodded weakly; attempting to rip her hand away while the woman's face grew red with frustration.
"THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE!!??"
"I'm sorry mother I just..." her small voice trailed off as she looked away, only for the woman to slap her cheek so she faced her again. "I wanted to come here! I love it here and I wish I could stay forever but you won't let me! Why mother? Why can't I just do this one thing for myself instead of what you want?"
Her mother narrowed her eyes in an eerie way at her before throwing her against the wall with a loud 'crack'. She gritted her pure white teeth and kicked Nayru's leg so that it jabbed her in the side. "You will be punished when we get home. Now get up before I punish you here AND at home!"
Finally after the last scene, the screen faded until the silhouette of the large beast in the burning Farplane re-appeared with malevolent glory. Rikku's face had twisted into a depressing frown as she hopped out of the chair and switched off the machine.
Running her hands down her legs, she slowly bent over and shook her head sadly, Gippal merely watched while trying not to focus his attention on her backside.
"How sad." She finally said after getting into her upright position again. "I wonder who that little girl was and who those people were. Her life sure didn't look very nice."
"That's an understatement." Gippal muttered, sitting lazily on the stairs. "Her life sucked. Though you have a point on who she was, we don't even know why the commsphere showed us that movie."
"If pops treated me like that I'd hate the big meanie even more!" Rikku cried forcefully, ignoring Gippal's thoughts on the situation. "How rude that lady was! I'd probably move in with you or something!"
"Why? 'Cause you just can't get enough of me, eh Cid's little girl?" Gippal jeered, smirking his trademark of mockery.
"Eeeew no! Oui celg sehtat banjand!" Rikku shouted defensively, raising her gloved hands to hide her flaming cheeks.
"Oh come on admit it Cid's girl you love me you looove me!" he teased, clapping his hands together with immaturity.
Rikku returned his child-like behavior by sticking out her tongue. "In your dreams!"
"You sure it isn't the other way around?" Gippal questioned, not daring to hand this argument over to the female Al Bhed. "It sure seems that way by the look on your face!"
"Why you little..."
He grinned and jumped up, rushing at her with a battle cry before tickling her sides. The blond screamed with giggles and begged Gippal to giver her mercy, hugging her sides to protect herself. The leader of the Machine Faction only ignored her cries of help and pushed her down over the side of the stairwell.
Rikku looked up at him, both malachite optics flickering with excitement. Gippal paused and looked at them with intense examination, scanning each swirled emerald carefully. Rikku heaved and stopped laughing for a few moments as Gippal's face drew closer to hers. Feeling the heats rise in her face, Rikku lowered her gloves seeing as it was no use hiding her rabid blush.
He was about to lower his slightly wind chapped lips to her own glossy ones as a high-pitched squeak sounded through the bridge. Both jumped apart and Rikku dashed over to the spherical window like nothing had happened.
Gippal caught the look of panic on her face when she turned back to face him, her restlessness clearly showing.
"It's Yunie!" she cried, jumping into the air with a wave of her hands. "We can't let her find out what we did! Because then...then...THEN!"
"Are you suggesting we figure out what we saw on our own Madame Cid's Girl?"
Rikku smirked.
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well I hope you enjoyed that chapter! A lot of Yushin interaction and all (I hope you're happy Kate!) Also the Ripple stuff will probably make Rikku happy since she absolutely loves Gippal. Don't hurt me Rikku! I still say her and
Baralai go good together...ANYWAYS! Until next time! AS THE AL BHED SAY: Yuna fecrac oui ymm dra pac!
::Yuna the Songstress::
Anyway, I won't stall this chapter so you won't have to wait so long. Unfortunately I will be replying to reviews as always so I guess you will have to wait...I apologize.
Rinoa21
Once again thank you! Don't worry Lenne will come in later in the story but Shuyin will come in...hee...very soon I think.
aromatherapy
Unfortunately this is PG-13 so no lemony stuff. giggles Rikku would kill you if she heard you say that, she's living in denial right now about her and Gippal. Calm down everyone Lenne and Shuyin will be in this story!
SpHeRe HuNtEr RiKkU
is glomped Oh! Rikku! I know after exams and the concert I'm surprised I'm even writing this chapter right now. It sucks though because I'm really tired...again...and I'm in San Diego. T.T
Dreammergurl2007
Thank you! I think...
Dreammergurl2007
I'm not trying to make you paranoid I apologize again. Hee, hee. But Rikku and Gippal will come later in the chapter so you'll have to wait longer...hee.
Frittsegurl
Thank you so much! That's very kind of you to say, I don't even know what to say myself laughs nervously. Well thank you again better finish these reviews before people get mad at me. What's your favorite character? I'll make you a plushie.
Kate Willows
No not at all! You aren't being the slightest annoying! I'm glad to have eager reviews! Don't worry Yushin will come like I said...laughs nervously again That laugh was for a different reason.
I don't own FFX-2 you people should know that! If you accuse me of anything as low as stealing them for Square I will have Yu Yu chop you up and put you in a blender. Then I can feed you to the cat I'm getting Lulu for her birthday!
runs away laughing before anyone can hurt her
,,,,,,,,
Yuna/Tidus
Yuna/Shuyin
Shuyin/Lenne
Lenne/Tidus
Gippal/Rikku
Baralai/Paine
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Eternal Rhapsody
Chapter Five: "Throughout the Ages"
::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yuna felt her lower lip quavering with uncertainty as she crawled over to the figure that lay motionless upon the damp beach. With bi-colored eyes, reflecting her twin cultures, she scanned the man once more and the blinked as if washing away stray piece of grain from her pupils. Try as she might the figure was there, lying on Besaid's corrupted beach with no intention of moving.
As if out of nowhere, Yuna could feel the overwhelming nausea churn within her stomach, reaching its acid-like claws up her neck. Restraining the vomit from escaping her mouth, the former summoner clamped her eyes shut just as a cloud of red miasma began to obscure her vision. With a short gasp for the air that had begun to drain from her lungs, Yuna opened her eyes and looked to the dark sky overhead.
"I can't just sit here I have to do something..." she uttered under her breath, holding back the death stirring within her body.
Looking back at the figure, small taints of imperfection appeared as if they hadn't been there before. Along the sun-tanned skin that seemed to glow, long strains of blood danced about joyously with the other scars. Blood drizzled down a creased forehead, running into a half-open mouth.
Cringing with disgust, Yuna edged over and slipped her arm around the man's waist and lifted him as far as she could.
"I'll save you." She murmured absently. "Shuyin."
Ending up by a near-by dune surrounded by tropical weeds sprouting up from the ground, she carefully lowered him to the ground with a faint 'thud'. Quietly muttering about his unusual weight, she cuddled him closer to a miniature tree.
She was unsure why she was so determined to save this man; the feeling was strong over the others though. Was it perhaps that she saw her own Tidus in this man, although he was safely back at the village? Or maybe it was just because of all they had been through together even though they were only 'together' in a way. Whatever the reason she knew she couldn't walk away from anyone in danger, even if the sight of him made her queasy.
White magic was never her specialty either, but she had to admit it was one of her strong points. Coveting one of his many wounds with her delicate palm, she could feel the energy running into him from herself. For a brief moment a connection unlike any other she had ever felt was lit inside her, making her shudder with delight.
She found herself looking aimlessly at him with dilated pupils. His well- built frame was sculpted with such perfection, assuring any girl to swoon and cry, his soft locks of golden hair fell lazily into his face, caressing the even softer skin. Though his eyes were shut with an assuring sadness, Yuna knew beneath them lay an eternity of passionate blue. The same eyes she had looked into in the Farplane, filled with regret and longing for his lover. Lenne.
Lenne. The memory of the beautiful songstress snapped her back into reality. 'That must be it.' She thought with a cold scolding for looking at him that way. 'Lenne's feeling must have somehow gotten mixed with mine and...but she's gone now. How is he back anyway?'
Scowling sharply at both herself and his sudden appearance, Yuna shook her head and continued to heal the damaged skin. A clap of thunder shook the woman from her ambitious rejuvenating, followed by a flash of lightning. Yuna, startled slightly, jumped from her spot and scrambled backwards.
"I'm not afraid of lightning what's wrong with me...?" Yuna stuttered with a slight laugh. "Just thunder is all. I feel like Rikku."
As soon as she started back towards Shuyin, another roar of the storm shook her and sent her backwards into a plant. Shutting her almond shaped eyes, she curled herself into a ball and decided to wait it out since the lightning was now hitting the water. The thought of leaving Shuyin un- protected bothered her deeply, but risking her life wouldn't help either.
Furious lightning flashed around them in an entity of light and heat. The temperature wasn't nearly as bad as the smell, the smell that made Yuna's unhealthy abdomen growl. The unwanted fragrance of distorted eggs and putrid urine clouded around the beach, filling Yuna's nose. Yuna gasped and threw herself onto the plant to support her trembling legs, tossing her stomach's contents along with it.
Abruptly, a pair of cerulean optics fluttered open with a shifting of his body. Shuyin sat up with a slight difficulty, before gazing down at his arms-still covered in faint bruises.
'Who...'
His blurred gaze fell upon the cowering woman underneath the plant, her feathery brown hair draping over her shoulders creating a curtain. His tense features softened and his fists unclenched, as he watched the woman with fascination.
'Lenne.'
Standing to his well-built height, the golden haired man advanced towards the shivering brunette with a dispersing smile tearing at the edges of his mouth. Without the slightest warning, he kneeled down beside her and clasped her within his arms in an almost loving embrace.
Her nausea was put on hold for a few moments before it returned with the uneasy feeling she had felt earlier. Her mind furiously tried to pinpoint whose arms she was resting in when she awkwardly looked up into the face of her possessor.
'Shuyin...?'
Questionably she craned her arm to the ground and shifted her hips slightly so she could catch his face clearly. Shuyin rejected her suspicion and placed his hands onto her hips, tilting her to the side.
Yuna's surprise was fueled by this and grew larger, taking her up into a whirlwind of emotions. He ran his hands through her silky chestnut locks of hair and inhaled the fragrance of her warm body.
'Strange. Lenne, you always smelled of lavender. Now you smell of vanilla...odd.'
Despite her change, he pulled away from the woman as a sincere smile crept across his face.
"I am glad that you are safe, my love." He whispered softly into her ear. "My Lenne."
A gasp of innocence escaped Yuna's petrified lips and evaporated into the air. He had called her yet by another woman's name, their second occurrence in which this had happened. Why had this happened to her again? She wondered as the familiar wave of unsettlement returned to her stomach.
"But I am not Lenne," she replied, keeping her gaze far from his piercing one.
"You ran from that horrid beast. That son of a bitch almost destroyed us yet again but we made it, Lenne. We made it. But you know... The Farplane is dying, Lenne, everything is gone within it's wretched grasp. This horrible world will never be cleansed but it's the only sanctuary we have now isn't it? "Shuyin rambled on, ignoring Yuna as he began to softly stroke her head.
Yuna blinked. What was he talking about? The Farplane dying, Spira being cleansed, some horrible thing that almost killed him yet again. She didn't understand any of it, was it senseless jabber or his way of making the truth from something? She couldn't tell and eventually her confusion thinned out her mind so it became as blank and fuzzy as a field of Pyreflies.
"Lenne. I protected you this time but at what cost? Does this world wish to harm us again?" he continued, his eyes crinkling at the sides. "I am sorry Lennie. I only wish to make you happy."
Before Yuna could reply by explaining that she was not his Lenne, but another woman of the same appearance, Shuyin took her shoulders and pressed his lips against hers. Instantly her mind became a maze of emotion. It was all happening too fast and she couldn't comprehend why or how.
Shuyin gently pushed Yuna against the tree and what was once an innocent kiss became more passionate. The warm feeling of his tongue against her bruised lips sent a chill of pleasure down her spine; causing her to gasp for breath. With a hint of a smirk, Shuyin plunged his tongue within her mouth and pushed his body against her small, lithe figure.
Puling away for a brief moment he smiled and caressed the side of her cheek subconsciously. Yuna caught a hint of sadness within his familiar eyes and felt herself feeling almost sorry and concerned for him. Hesitating, she smiled back and nodded to him, eventually she worked up the courage to speak but Shuyin once again cut her off.
Fervently, his hands began to work on their own, struggling to untie the straps of her halter. Being caught up in his own moments of happiness, he seemed not to notice Yuna struggling beneath him. Her consciousness had revived itself and was working over-time to put an end to this senseless passion that only Shuyin was feeling. Yuna's emotions were raw and cold, angrier with Shuyin now rather than understanding.
After moments it seemed useless to try and advert him from taking her for his own and she gave up. Soon, her own sobbing broke of the rhythmic kissing Shuyin had been directing and he stopped. Looking down at this cowering woman who seemed almost afraid of him now, his eyes fell upon a crystalline liquid pouring from her eyes.
A sharp pang in his side caused him to jerk his hands away from her body, further leading to him moving backwards away from her.
"Lenne." He started, blinking in confusion. "What's wrong? Don' t you remember me Lenne? You must! Throughout the ages our story has been continued. Throughout the ages my longing has gotten stronger. And throughout the ages the pain I have caused you has grown, but I will heal you now Lenne. Let me help, PLEASE." He begged.
With the sense of courage returning to her, Yuna clenched her fists and looked up at him with a flicker of anger within her widened orbs.
"I am not your Lenne," the gunner stated firmly, feeling the energy within her rise.
"What?" Shuyin gasped, looking oddly at her as if she had suffered some odd concussion.
"I said: I am NOT your Lenne!" Every ounce of hatred she had felt before returned along with the feeling of sickness. Suddenly she felt compelled to hurt this man far worse than he had hurt her.
'He deserves pain for being a horrible monster'. She told herself, the negative portion of her overtaking the positive.
"You should recognize your own lover and I am not her! Because of you I am a tainted woman. Now just leave me alone! You're nothing anymore, you failed Lenne and can't even recognize her!"
Shuyin was taken aback from this, Yuna had seemed so calm earlier and now she seemed enraged. Within her the constant battle between kindness and hurtfulness continued as the cloudy miasma returned to poison her thoughts of the blond blitzball player. Feeling her hatred grow, she tuned around and forcefully slapped Shuyin across the face in a swift movement.
Shuyin seemed not shaken at all by her reaction nor her outburst, which angered Yuna even further, therefore causing her to draw her hand up again. As she was about to direct her palm to his cheek, he grabbed her hand and drew her downward. She assumed he was attempting to kiss her again and steadied her reflexes, but Shuyin lifted the hilt of her chin towards her face and paused.
Yuna's gaze shot downward with the final blow of anger, sending her back into the same emotions of pity and understanding as before. Shuyin wrinkled his eyebrows and loosened his keen grip on her hand, settling it down to her side then letting it go.
"Please, woman, look at me." He spoke darkly, restraining a few inches of sadness from his voice.
"W-why d-"
"Just-please-do it."
Obediently the woman looked cautiously into his eyes that were crawling all over her body, pouting her lips in a somewhat confused order. Along with confusion a slight hint of disgust trickled along her face, but immediately vanished when she caught the disappointed look in his eyes. Dropping her chin, Shuyin wearily turned away and stalked back from her.
"It's true. I have failed her for the second time, two times too many." He laughed. "I thought that for the first time I actually did something right for her, saved her from eternal death. The look on her face was unbearable but so beautiful at the same time, fear and panic I guess."
Yuna furrowed her eyebrow and sat down upon the still warm sand that glittered beneath her, motioning for Shuyin to sit beside her. He smiled weakly, his face still etched with sadness, and obeyed.
"I couldn't even accept the fact that you were not her, we have met more than once and I should have know your reaction would be the same. That's when I knew, those words you spoke, 'I'm not Lenne', are so familiar to me now. I never thought I was this stupid-stupid-but not that stupid."
"I shouldn't have-"
"No, no, it's okay. Really I just...I wanted her to be safe from that horrible thing. I told her to run and leave me for her own safety; I thought it would be me who suffered. Instead I failed to protect her again." Shuyin paused for a moment and sighed. "Damn thing! Why does everything have to be so fucking complicated?"
Yuna cringed at his words, reliving for a moment the same horror she had felt back at the village. Smiling weakly at t he blond, she nodded and sympathetically caressed the side of his face with her hand. Shuyin jumped slightly at her sudden touch but relaxed himself when her hand lowered.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, folding her hands behind her back. "I know...how you feel. To lose someone you truly care for because of some action you made. You wish it was you who faded instead of them."
Shuyin blinked at her kindness, something he wasn't expecting. 'Why is she being so...kind to me? After what I put her through she isn't angry with me. Especially considering I was acting like a jerk.'
"......."
"Shuyin I would do anything to help you if I could. Really I would, but I'm not sure what happens after..."
"......."
"Come with me please." She demanded softly, grabbing his hand and gently tugging him away from the plant that had served as a shelter. A short flash of lightning struck the water and sent sparks flying onto the beach but she ignored them. "You need rest after what you did for Lenne and all. You deserve a good meal and some sleep I'm sure."
Shuyin grinned slightly and reluctantly followed so dragging him wasn't necessary.
'She's so much like her...but you shouldn't even begin to compare her to Lenne. She will never be as great as her so just accept it Shu.' Yuna turned around and beamed before releasing his hand and jolting up the perilous climb. 'But maybe...'
His eyes caught wind of a faint bruise that was drawn along the side of her thin arms in the same place as his own wound that had strangely disappeared. She grabbed at her arm and continued, the second she did so his pain no longer remained. Putting on a trademark smirk, he darkness within his mind began to work again along with the cogs that had started to turn.
'I can use her'
Shuyin stopped, waiting to see if the gunner had noticed his halt. When she didn't bother to acknowledge hat he had put pursuing her on hold, he grinned and twisted his ankle to the side on a rock. Yuna's cry of pain delighted Shuyin, causing his sneer to grow as she soothed her ankle and walked on.
'I can save you Lenne, just hold on and give me time. I will not fail you this time. I am back.'
::::::::
"Oh my bloody Yevon what is that?!" Gippal exclaimed, leaning over the decumbent computer surface to get a better view of the sphere screen.
"Beats me!" Rikku chirped, neatly folding her hands behind her head. "Looks like a giant fiend to me!"
"Fiends do not look like that stupid." Gippal mocked, rolling his swirled green eye. "Besides what would a fiend be doing in the Farplane pray tell?"
Rikku scanned the screen from the corner of her eye, examining the cryptic shadow that doomed the Farplane Glen. The raging flames licked the ground, dissolving all forms of life that resided in the persistently tranquil meadows, while a shrill metallic sound shook the speakers on the screen.
"Well I-"Rikku was cut off as the image switched this time to what looked like an ancient living room. Rikku's face screwed itself into a confused expression as she asked, "Who's that?"
The Al Bhed pointed bluntly to a little girl that had appeared on the screen.
She was a small little girl with chocolate brown hair, huddled by a fireplace, her eyes looked clear and pretty much empty with a willowing sadness within their young grasp. Her head tilted upwards as a tall man with black hair and a warming smile approached her, the youth smiled faintly and jumped into his arms.
The man chuckled and nuzzled the girl's neck, sending her into a fit of giggles. Looking up at the man with a philosophic grin she pointed to the bookcase and bit her tongue
"Yes little Nayru I'll read it to you," the man assured with a wave of his hand. He stood up and hobbled over to the bookcase before taking the sigil- covered book back to the girl. Her eyes brightened to a vibrant hazel color, flecked with honey and cinnamon.
Rikku backed away as the scene changed to one that centered on a tall glittering building that stood fiercely against the ocean; a giant water fountain hovered near by.
The same female brunette was standing distantly by the ocean, watching the water spill down into a crevasse where many other buildings like the lit-up one were housed. The rest of the water flooded over and was carried away to some other country or city.
The girl, who had appeared to have aged quite a bit-give or take two years, dipped her small fingers into the luminescent liquid that matched the tears falling from her once again clouded eyes. Her thoughts were interrupted by a woman who had come up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder with an invisible hate.
"Your father was a wonderful man Nayru, remember that always." She spoke in an unattractive tone. "Come now."
The woman dragged the girl away from the funeral as the screen blacked out into nothingness. Rikku turned around and was about to speak up but yet another scene was triggered, forcing her to go back into watching mode.
The girl who seemed extremely popular the previous scenes was nowhere to be seen, in her place was a young woman about the age of thirteen standing outside a massive building that read THEATER.
Her hair was twisted into a ponytail that hung a few inches below her shoulders; a decorative hairpiece with many beads wove through the elastic from behind her ears. She was dressed in a metallic looking dress with blue tinted see-through sleeves and frill on the edges, shivering like crazy. Her almond shaped optics darted back and forth before she started up the glowing steps. She had almost reached the door when the same woman from before grabbed her hand and jerked her back violently.
"Nayru what are you doing here!?" she screeched angrily, twisting the girl's wrist. "I told you you're never allowed to come outside unless it's for me!"
Nayru flinched from the impulse and nodded weakly; attempting to rip her hand away while the woman's face grew red with frustration.
"THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE!!??"
"I'm sorry mother I just..." her small voice trailed off as she looked away, only for the woman to slap her cheek so she faced her again. "I wanted to come here! I love it here and I wish I could stay forever but you won't let me! Why mother? Why can't I just do this one thing for myself instead of what you want?"
Her mother narrowed her eyes in an eerie way at her before throwing her against the wall with a loud 'crack'. She gritted her pure white teeth and kicked Nayru's leg so that it jabbed her in the side. "You will be punished when we get home. Now get up before I punish you here AND at home!"
Finally after the last scene, the screen faded until the silhouette of the large beast in the burning Farplane re-appeared with malevolent glory. Rikku's face had twisted into a depressing frown as she hopped out of the chair and switched off the machine.
Running her hands down her legs, she slowly bent over and shook her head sadly, Gippal merely watched while trying not to focus his attention on her backside.
"How sad." She finally said after getting into her upright position again. "I wonder who that little girl was and who those people were. Her life sure didn't look very nice."
"That's an understatement." Gippal muttered, sitting lazily on the stairs. "Her life sucked. Though you have a point on who she was, we don't even know why the commsphere showed us that movie."
"If pops treated me like that I'd hate the big meanie even more!" Rikku cried forcefully, ignoring Gippal's thoughts on the situation. "How rude that lady was! I'd probably move in with you or something!"
"Why? 'Cause you just can't get enough of me, eh Cid's little girl?" Gippal jeered, smirking his trademark of mockery.
"Eeeew no! Oui celg sehtat banjand!" Rikku shouted defensively, raising her gloved hands to hide her flaming cheeks.
"Oh come on admit it Cid's girl you love me you looove me!" he teased, clapping his hands together with immaturity.
Rikku returned his child-like behavior by sticking out her tongue. "In your dreams!"
"You sure it isn't the other way around?" Gippal questioned, not daring to hand this argument over to the female Al Bhed. "It sure seems that way by the look on your face!"
"Why you little..."
He grinned and jumped up, rushing at her with a battle cry before tickling her sides. The blond screamed with giggles and begged Gippal to giver her mercy, hugging her sides to protect herself. The leader of the Machine Faction only ignored her cries of help and pushed her down over the side of the stairwell.
Rikku looked up at him, both malachite optics flickering with excitement. Gippal paused and looked at them with intense examination, scanning each swirled emerald carefully. Rikku heaved and stopped laughing for a few moments as Gippal's face drew closer to hers. Feeling the heats rise in her face, Rikku lowered her gloves seeing as it was no use hiding her rabid blush.
He was about to lower his slightly wind chapped lips to her own glossy ones as a high-pitched squeak sounded through the bridge. Both jumped apart and Rikku dashed over to the spherical window like nothing had happened.
Gippal caught the look of panic on her face when she turned back to face him, her restlessness clearly showing.
"It's Yunie!" she cried, jumping into the air with a wave of her hands. "We can't let her find out what we did! Because then...then...THEN!"
"Are you suggesting we figure out what we saw on our own Madame Cid's Girl?"
Rikku smirked.
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well I hope you enjoyed that chapter! A lot of Yushin interaction and all (I hope you're happy Kate!) Also the Ripple stuff will probably make Rikku happy since she absolutely loves Gippal. Don't hurt me Rikku! I still say her and
Baralai go good together...ANYWAYS! Until next time! AS THE AL BHED SAY: Yuna fecrac oui ymm dra pac!
::Yuna the Songstress::
