Destati Fatali
Notes: First thing is first, I apologise for my lack of updates, it has been a bit hectic for me these last months and the muses refuse to cooperate with me. Anyways, without further ado here is Act III
Loosely based/inspired on Shakespeare's tragedy- "Hamlet". As mentioned, this is a crossover so expect... unusualness occurring. I wanted to try something different
Other than that please enjoy and read & review, I'll love you forever and ever.
Special thank you to Gord, Loki Flamewing, RenaLanford65, ff-fangurl15. huggles
Also to Teri for her inspiration and patience XP.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, ;; this fiction is done for entertainment purposes only.
Warnings: AU. Some OOC.
Act 3, Sc.i
Esthar Palace: Great Hall
Long black veils decorated the usually animate halls. The sky outside reflected the mood of the court, clouds keeping the sun's rays out.
Gloom.
Yes, that was the word Lady Yuna was looking for to describe this scene.
Gloom and mourning.
Laguna had been a greatly loved ruler, under him Esthar had grown and become prosperous, a powerful nation which stood proudly among others. A country, which had grown to rival Galabadia, Zanarkand and Bevelle.
Under King Laguna and Queen Edea the union of Balamb and Esthar had taken place.
And his dead had come so suddenly; Yuna could clearly remember yesterday— the King's fierce voice, making her promise.
It was as if he had known.
The memory of that promise was enough to further strengthen her resolve to see it through. Out of the few customs that Khimari had chosen to teach her— one was to respect the wish of a dying man. Technically, Laguna had not been dying yesterday... but it didn't matter, she would see this through.
She would serve Squall.
And hope that would be enough.
Squall and Yuna knew each other before the prince's enrolment in the Balamb Garden, three years ago.
Their association had always been a polite one, Squall was reserved and so was Yuna. Lord Braska had become enamoured with the idea of them two together and on several occasions dropped Laguna hints about it.
During Squall's study at Balamb both had remained constant correspondents.
And it was that which had brought them closer, Squall always had much to say, and words were not sufficient. However, when the Prince wrote... it was a whole new side to him. The future high priestess would never claim to know him perfectly.
But there was affection between them.
At least in their letters. Seeing him would be a whole new matter altogether.
"Prince Squall and his guard have arrived..."
Yuna took a deep breath.
Act 3, Sc.ii
Esthar Palace: Private chambers
The rain had yet to cease. It was as if the sky itself was mourning a loss. That or enraged at a deadly sin. Seifer sat in his room, mind lost in thought. He awaited his sister. Somehow, he had pictured their reunion to be... different from this.
It had been so long since he last saw her, and now she was no longer just a little girl- but a young lady.
A young lady who was to serve as High Priestess to the future king.
Knocking interrupted his thoughts.
Yuna...
Lady Yuna had been sent upstairs to summon her brother for the ceremony.
Seifer stood. He approached the door and openned it. He met eyes with his sister. "yes?" he said hoarsely. He had been subdued to silence for such a long while...
"Brother." She bowed her head respectfully, "Father has sent me... to get you, it's time... almost for the main proceedings to start. Lord Seymour will be... leading."
Seifer sighed. Such formality radiated from his sister, she seemed so distant, or was that just him? "Of course..." he stepped out and stood before her, forcing himself to smile a little, "Yuna..." The knight placed a hand on her shoulder.
"How have you been?" he enquired, having missed the chance to speak with her in privacy before.
Yuna hugged her brother instinctively, all formality melted away, "I've missed you." she looked up warmly at him, her eyes a little full of silent tears. "I've been alright my lord." she bowed again remembering she was addressing not just her brother, but a knight.
/Never forget your place/ Was what her father said, she had to be an obedient daughter and sister.
"What about you?"
Seifer nodded. "I've fared well. Graduation is approaching," he said softly, "You've changed..." he added as they began their way out of the wing. The corridors decorated with elegant swirls of black. Seifer who was accustomed to the castle's cheerful decoration felt a little alien to these changed surroundings.
He didn't belong here.
"I have my lord?" Yuna bowed her head again, submissively, "Is that a good thing...brother?"
He thought a moment. There had been a lot of changes lately. So answering that question was not that easy, considering the young girl by his side, the blond shrugged.
His sister was now... a true lady it seemed. "I believe so." he assumed.
"I thank you for your words." Yuna smiled warmly at Seifer, linking her arm with his. "I only regret that our meeting has to take place under such dreary circumstances."
Yes. She regretted that.
Those last words were the ones she had said to the young Prince a while ago as he passed her without acknowledgement.
Squall had not replied but continued walking.
Seifer nodded and replied, jerking the brown-haired girl from her thoughts, "Yes, it's true." he murmured in agreement.
He placed his hand over his sister's. "While I was at school... have I missed any other changes?" he inquired, the general atmosphere felt different, as if there had been more alterations he was unaware of.
'I wonder how Squall is taking this...' he thought to himself about his friend.
"Nothing much, except father, Lord Seymour and King Laguna -Hyne rest his soul- named me the future high priestess of Esthar." Yuna couldn't conceal the pleased tone in her voice.
Even if it was inappropriate during the circumstances.
Seifer smiled proudly at his sister. "I'm proud of you then." He went to continue his congratulations when a familiar form came up the steps.
Head master Cid of Balamb. The old man appeared lost.
Frowning, Seifer approached him, "Headmaster?"
Cid turned to them and smiled. "Hello young Knight Almasy. I am in search of His highness, the Prince. Seems he is no where to be found."
Yuna replied for her brother, "Headmaster Cid, I believe that Prince Squall is in his rooms, preparing for... tonight." the lady gave a deep bow of respect. "If you would like me to inform you are looking for him...?"
The Headmaster blinked and bowed in return to the Lady. "Ah lovely Lady, please, if you may?" he asked gently.
Seifer blinked. He really wasn't used to seeing his sister act like that. Not at all, she'd been so rebellious at one time. Now she was...
A Lady.
She was to meet expectations... the very expectations he remembered once having for her. It was odd. Somehow, seeing her act like that brought no satisfaction to the knight.
True, she had once been a much freer spirit, but that had changed when Squall and Seifer left to Balamb. With only her left, Lord Braska took special care if making sure she rose to the expectations desired.
Yuna smiled at Headmaster Cid, "Then I shall return shortly, brother, headmaster, if I may take my leave." she bowed at both of them before heading up the staircase towards Squall's room.
Act 3, Sc.iii
Esthar Palace: Royal Chambers
Squall sat at the edge of his bed, his head in his hands.
Everything had been so sudden.
He could still picture Laguna's smiling face, wishing him farewell before his return to Balamb for the last semester of the course.
Why?
Why had this happened?
Mere words could not express the prince's ache; nothing mattered but that pain, it would consume him. Squall would let it consume him. How could Laguna have died like that?
No- he wouldn't accept it.
Couldn't.
What had the physician said?
A failing heart?
It was a lie!
Laguna had never suffered any heart problems. It was...
A lie!
"Liar!" the prince jumped to his feet knocking aside the book on the bedside table, the unoffending object hit the floor with a dull thud.
Sinking down again, Squall ran his fingers through his hair refusing to cry. The only sound filling the room was that of the pounding rain against the windows. A light tapping sound was heard at the door, so softly, as if the figure on the other side was afraid of disturbing.
Lifting his blue eyes, the prince cleared his throat, "C-"his voice sounded as if he were on the verge of crying. No, that was not the impression Squall wanted to give, so clearing his throat he spoke up again. This time loud and clear, "Come in."
The door slid open slowly, and Squall recognized the small sound made by the beads in the intruder's hair.
Lady Yuna.
He recalled meeting her upon his arrival, but the pain had blinded him completely, just drowning out everything. The prince didn't move, just watching her calmly behind carefully guarded eyes.
As the young woman stepped inside she dropped in a courtesy, "Your Highness, headmaster Cid of Balamb is here to see you." Yuna remained with her hair bowed down until she felt the prince moved closer.
She looked up at him awkwardly. No, these were not the circumstances in which he'd hoped to see him again.
Slowly, the prince took the young woman's hands and kissed the back of it, "Thank you." He said releasing her hand. "I have not been myself since the news..."
Squall's way of apologising without saying sorry.
Understanding, Yuna bowed her head again, "Of course, Highness."
"Squall."
"Prince Squall."
"Only in public." The young man sighed heavily. This was a burden he had never wanted. Offering his arm to the woman in front of him, he added: "Shall we go down?"
"As you wish."
Act 3, Sc.iv
Esthar Palace: Corridor
"My Lord, you seem-"
Seifer walked away from the headmaster rudely, frowning the headmaster watched him leave. Seifer grumbled softly, "I do not need uninvolved people in my business."
If Squall was ice, Seifer was fire.
A few minutes later, Squall descended down the stairs, with Yuna by his side. The woman followed him until he was close to Cid, and then took her leave from the prince. The head of Balamb took praise of her impeccable manners.
Almost too perfect.
Like the prince's own...
"Headmaster?" Squall enquired.
Cid frowned at the Prince." How are you faring your highness?" he asked gently.
Squall shook his head softly, "As well as one who has just lost a father can fare." he replied.
The death of his father had removed the icy mask... leaving ... something else behind. Something so dark. Something, which had been best, left undisturbed before.
Headmaster nodded. "Well I understand this loss is great. I also understand that you are to be taking his place as king. In this case, you will be considered a graduate of Balamb. We don't expect you at graduation..." he said simply.
"I'm here with Instructor Trepe is to give you your certificate."
Squall's eyes hardened. "Then you are very mistaken Headmaster, it is my uncle, Lord Seymour, who will be taking the crown."
Headmaster Cid looked to him. "Professor Trepe told me that would be the likely case. Either way if you wish to stay rather then return to Balamb..." he trailed off. Quistis warned him about this. She merely said that the young Prince would not be prepared for the task. Cid thought better of Squall but it seems....
"It will be announced tonight." Squall said folding his arms, he nodded at the Headmaster, "I will remain in Esthar for now, even though I am not obliged to do so... I feel as if I should. It would probably be the right thing to do."
Headmaster Cid bowed. "As you wish your highness. And it was requested of me to deliver this message from your instructor." he straightened. "If you need a final word with her before we leave tonight, just send for her." he turned and continued down the steps, leaving the prince to his own thoughts.
The headmaster was highly disappointed and he hoped it shown in his eyes.
"Thank you Headmaster." Squall turned away from Cid. But it was more than that; he couldn't return to Balamb... something was holding him here. A supernatural force which would not let him part.
His father would've said it was the power of a beautiful woman over him, but though Squall was glad to see Lady Yuna... he couldn't say that it was entirely because of her that he choose to stay.
No, it was something that he had sensed in the air once he stepped off the carriage.
The rain pounded outside, but it was not crying. There was no mourning tone in the howling winds outside.
No, it was outraged.
Squall heard it.
Murder.
End of Act 3
Notes: ;; Weee, the plot thickens a bit more and before anyone kills me on the pairing of this fic- because I don't want any flames regarding this pairing.
First of all this is an AU, so... why not? I do believe that Squall and Yuna would look cute together, however, the purpose of this pairing is more than just aesthetic.
When I decided to do a fic based on Hamlet I had to find characters that suited the original characters of Hamlet. Squall for me fits as a perfect tragic prince, Laguna a good-hearted king, Seymour as the scheming brother... and so on. When it came to the part of Ophelia it was a little more difficult, her character is (to my perception at least) supposed to be one of innocence and obedience. Rinoa certainly did not fit this role but Yuna did. Yuna in FFX is rather quiet, innocent but strong headed and she obeys Yevon's teach- during the beginning anyhow- and so to my mind she suited the role of Ophelia best.
It is quite a difficult pairing to write, and I want to make it as believable as possible, also based on how Hamlet acts with Ophelia in Shakespeare's play.
Anyways, I hope that made some sense.
Please read and review
Gord- Thank you for your review, I am glad you are enjoying this, is also hoping that this fic will develop into something quite unique Arigato for your thoughtful review
Loki Flamewing- Thank you, bows Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
ff-fangurl15- Yes, it will have Zell and Tidus, ect. It may also include some of the characters from FFX2 as well. But I won't spoil anything.
RenaLanford65- Arigato for the review!
Thank you for reviewing, you guys keep the story going. So please keep reviewing, author's like to please their readers.
