Disclaimer: Nope, Final Fantasy X belongs to Squaresoft. *sobs* However,
original characters (my summoner and her party) belong to me.
This is my first FFX fanfic and reviews are greatly appreciated. I've always thought that Auron was a closet romantic (especially when he was younger), but to reveal it would take so much away from his bad ass demeanor.
I meant for this section to turn out so much better than it did. I have so many ideas for what's coming next that I just had to get this one out of the way for continuity's sake. Upcoming sections will be much better, I promise! ^_^
Also, this story will roughly follow the game up until Bevelle, but I won't be writing out each and every scene. The story will contain spoilers, so if you've beaten the game and/or don't care to be surprised, please read on.
Read and enjoy!
"Kiss From a Rose" Part Eight
Copyright 2003 by Amie Martin
highlander_bellflower@hotmail.com
*****************************
~Yuna--Via Purifico~
The Via Purifico was dark, damp, and dreary, a place abandoned by time chosen specifically for those forsaken by Yevon. Seemingly endless hallways formed the intersection at which I stood, each path beckoning me into the oblivion. Here I was at a loss, unable to think of what I needed to do and how to do it in order to survive. I wasn't ready to concede defeat in death.
It was becoming more and more obvious to me that the opinion of Mika and Seymour was not shared by all of Yevon. The monks who threw me into the Via Purifico had seemed uneasy and unnerved by their duty. One even said, "Forgive me, Lady Yuna," before I fell. It seemed as if I had the people of Spira on my side, but Mika and Seymour had all the power. If only I could get out of here...
In spite of myself, I sighed. It was easy to accept death in this place; already thoughts of helplessness and uselessness were overwhelming my mind. I couldn't afford to give in to these thoughts, not now, not ever. Despite the bleak conditions, I was not alone in the Via Purifico. Katralina had been sentenced the same as I, and maybe--just maybe--my guardians would be here as well. I would never know if I didn't look.
Drawing on all of my strength, I whispered, "Now or never," and took a step down the path to my right. I figured it was as good a place as any to start my search. Now was not the time to let my fears get the best of me.
Claustrophobia set in as I wandered. Mildew covered the walls, dulling what markings of Yevon still remained. It was clear that Bevelle had never intended anyone to see, much less enjoy, this place.
No one, that is, except for the damned.
My eyes took in all there was to see, and yet it seemed as if I saw nothing at all. Everything in the Via Purifico looked the same. If I kept wandering like this, I was going to get myself lost. At least when I was walking, I was physically doing something--a far better choice, in my opinion, than waiting for boredom to catch up with me.
Turning a corner, I finally found that I was not alone in this place that Yevon forgot. A Ronso crouched next to the east wall of the room, his back to me. I squinted as I walked closer to him, trying to recognize the markings and decorations on his back.
"Kimahri?" I called hesitantly, still unsure of the Ronso's identity. "Kimahri, is that you?"
The Ronso turned, and I was greeted by the face I had known for ten years. I almost squealed with joy at the sight of him; like a lost, lonely child, I was relieved that I was no longer alone. Even though I knew Kimahri would not relish such displays of affection, I hugged him tightly, as I did when I was a child.
"Kimahri, you're all right!" I cried as I let him go. "You have no idea how much I worried--no one told me where any of you were--"
He stepped back and looked down at me. "Yuna, sorry we left you alone," Kimahri said gruffly, and I knew his words were sincere, no matter how he said them.
"No, Kimahri, I'm the one who should be sorry." Hanging my head, I couldn't bring myself to look Kimahri in the eye. "I should have told you what I was planning. Maybe everything wouldn't have gotten so out of hand if I hand."
"Kimahri not sorry for Seymour." Kimahri crossed his arms in front of his massive chest, as if to emphasize his point. "Yuna not be sorry either."
I took a moment to think about his words. Seymour was the one who murdered his own father and made a mockery of the teachings of Yevon. Being a Maester didn't make his crimes any less than they were--traitorous. I knew, in my heart, that only the faithful could defeat Sin, and with that fact in mind, I knew I could succeed. "Thanks, Kimahri. I needed to hear that."
The expression on Kimahri's face was the closed the Ronso could come to a smile. It was frightening at first, but over the past ten years I had gotten used to it.
"Do you think the others are here, too?" I looked around the room hopefully, but there were no other signs of life. If Kimahri was in the Via Purifico, then I knew the rest of the guardians couldn't be far away.
Shaking his head, Kimahri said, "Kimahri not know, but Kimahri help Yuna look." His face hardened. "Kimahri not fail as guardian again."
"It's okay, Kimahri. Let's see who we can find." With what confidence I could muster, I moved towards the exit on the north side of the room, across the hallway I came from. Kimahri said nothing but followed close behind me, a familiar and comforting presence I was all too glad to have with me.
This hallway, although it looked just like the others, seemed to be moving in a different direction than the passage that led to Kimahri's room. My mind entertained the notion that we were merely walking in circles, making our search essentially fruitless. I pushed the doubt from my mind, determined not only to find my guardians but also to find a way out of here. If every little stray thought contained doubt, my hope and optimism wouldn't last, and without them the Via Purifico would become our home forever.
As we approached the next intersection, I saw Auron from a distance. I was relieved, not only by the fact that he appeared unharmed but by his mere presence--indicating that we had not yet completed a full circle in the Via Purifico. He seemed the same as the last time I saw him, as if he refused to let any problem hinder his concentration. Even though Kimahri didn't slow down behind me, my steps became more reserved as I came closer and closer to the legendary guardian. Of all of my guardians, Auron would be the one to demand an explanation.
"Sir Auron," I called softly, lowering my head in respect and guilt. I stopped a good distance away from him, unsure of what his reaction would be.
"Yuna." Auron's head turned in my direction, and I could feel the weight of his stare upon me. "You are a summoner, and should not hang your head. Surely you still have your pride."
Flustered, I looked up and quickly took the few steps that remained between us. "But Sir Auron, I--" I paused, not knowing what to say to the man who had guarded my father as well as myself.
He held up his gloved hand to silence me. "You are not responsible for Seymour's crimes," he said in his usual gruff tone. Glancing around him, he added, "There must be an exit somewhere. We search!"
"Yes, but we must also search for the others." Seeing Auron's questioning stare, I explained, "If you and Kimahri are here in the Via Purifico with me, I can"t leave without being certain that no one else is here as well."
Auron grunted, but said nothing.
"And besides," I continued, "I was not the only one sentenced to the Via Purifico. She's in here somewhere, and I want to make sure I find her."
"Who is this woman you speak of?" He was trying to sound stern, but there was an undertone of emotion in his voice, almost like he was afraid to hope. The very notion of Auron being afraid struck a chord in me; the man hid his emotions well--too well--and perhaps Katralina had something to do with that. It was something I would ask her when we found her--if we found her. Until then, I wasn't sure I wanted to mention Katralina around Auron, just in case.
Voices drifted down the passageway towards us, interrupting my train of thought. Intrigued, I paused and listened to the conversation, letting Auron's question slide fo the moment. Chances were that I was no stranger to them...
"We're supposed to stay in one place if we get separated." It was undeniably Lulu's voice, filled with just the right amount of sarcasm and concern that I knew she possessed.
"And who is supposed to go looking for everyone? I hope you don't expect Yuna to go off on her own." It was a woman's voice, low like Lulu's, but one I failed to instantly recognize. Maybe it belonged to Katralina, reunited with her niece.
"Of course not. Yuna knows what to do." Lulu sounded confident in her belief, and inwardly I smiled at doing the unpredictable.
"Then, it would be up to us to go look for her, correct?"
I shot a sideways glance at Auron and said, "It's Lulu, I know it is!"
The older man's face seemed to soften dramatically. "And Katralina is with her," he said quietly. My suspicions were right--they knew one another, but the question was how well...
"Lulu!" I shouted, waving my hands in the air so we could be easily spotted. "Lulu, we're down here!"
"Yuna?" Lulu paused for a second, then added, "Yuna!"
Soft clicking noises indicating footsteps echoed down the hall, and Lulu appeared from amidst the darkness. She rushed to my side, her face painted with worry and concern. Katralina emerged from the shadows a few steps behind her niece and walked at a slower pace, almost like she was hesitant to join us.
"Lulu, I'm so sorry for not letting you know what I was planning." She had always been like a big sister to me growing up in Besaid; I feverently hoped she wouldn't view my actions as a personal betrayal.
"Apology accepted." The black mage smoothed a hand over my hear, a gesture she had used with me for years. "Next time, just let us help you, all right?"
"I will, I promise." I turned to Katralina, who now stood between Lulu and Auron. "Lady Katralina, I am glad to see you well."
A small, sad smile graced the older woman's lips. "You sound like Braska," Katralina said, almost wistfully. "He was never found of nicknames, but you can call me Kat, like almost everyone else." She looked over at Auron, as if a secret had passed between the two.
Clearing his throat, Auron asked, "Did you search those passages on your way here? The young Lady Yuna believes there may be more of her guardians here." His gaze never left Katralina's face.
"Nothing but wandering fiends." To me, she asked, "And Yuna's searched the other side?"
Nodding, I answered, "Yes, on my way here. It seems like the only way we haven't explored is down that passage." I pointed to a red-light hallway just over Auron's shoulder.
"That will be our next stop then." Katralina met Auron's gaze openly, without flinching--something most people were unable to do. "Auron, have you ever..."
"Been here? No. The priests never spoke of the Via Purifico." Auron gestured towards the passageway. "I don't doubt that there's an exit in here, however. Bevelle always leaves itself with a backdoor."
"You're probably right," Lulu mused, "but I didn't know you knew so much about Bevelle, Sir Auron."
Auron and Katralina glanced at one another, silently exchanging information. Finally, Katralina answered, "Auron was a warrior monk here, many years ago. It was how he met your father, Yuna--in the service to Yevon."
Her answer surprised me--Auron had always remained a mystery to me when my father was alive, and generally remained so during my own pilgrimage. Katralina, who at first seemed to have nothing to do with the situation, had deeper ties to Auron that I would have imagined. There was a past here, a story waiting to be told, but I knew that now was not the time for such matters. I, too, had my own emotions to pursue, concerning a certain blond- haired, blitzball-playing guardian...
"Well," I began, breaking myself free of my thoughts, "the sooner we find the exit, the sooner we'll find the others." Especially Tidus, I added silently.
I took a step forward down the red corridor, but Katralina laid a hand on my arm to stop me. "Wait, Yuna. There's something I must ask of you."
"Anything." Katralina had helped defend me from the likes of Mika and Seymour, and a simple request would not be hard to fulfill.
"I realize that it is late in your journey, and that my timing is horrendous, but it was not coincidence that I was here when I was." Katralina folded her hands in front of her, a gesture I thought to be a sign of nervousness. "Lulu sent for me, so that I could join you on your pilgrimage to Zanarkand. Lady Yuna, I would be honored if you would accept my services as a guardian."
A former summoner, now becoming a guardian? Merely because Katralina had failed in her own pilgrimage did not mean she could not be of great benefit to myself and my party. Her knowledge of the road ahead would prove beneficial in the long run, and she alone would understand my struggles as a summoner. "Sir Auron, do you approve?"
"He couldn't say no to you," Katralina said confidently. Glancing over her shoulder at him, she added, "Or me, for that matter."
The legendary guardian grunted. "If the two of you wish it," he said gruffly.
"And I wish it. Katralina, it is I who have the honor of having a former summoner as a guardian." I bowed to Katralina in prayer, and although she smiled, she did not bow back. I reminded myself that one did not necessarily need faith in Yevon to be a good guardian.
"Well, now that Aunt Kat's officially a guardian, let's keep moving." Lulu stepped forward and led the way down the passageway. I followed close behind her, with Kimahri not far behind me. Auron and Katralina brought up the rear, and I couldn't help but notice the tension between them and how close they stood to each other. There was definitely a story there, I decided; I'd have to ask Lulu about it later.
The red passageway was a straightaway, unlike its predecessors. It led to another open room with similar markings, but in here we had company.
Isaaru, the summoner we met in Djose, stood waiting for us, solemn but seeming as if something was disturbing him. He held his head high as we entered, his eyes meeting mine, a look of challenge mixed with aprehension.
"Lady Yuna," Isaaru greeted coldly, "I had not expected you to be the one sentenced to this hell. The daughter of High Summoner Braska turned traitor..."
I gripped my staff tightly, refusing to be daunted by his words. "Lord Isaaru," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "what are you doing here?"
"The Al Bhed dropped us off in the Calm Lands," the male summoner explained, "and Maester Mika called me to Bevelle, ordering me to 'deal with the traitors.' It shouldn't have to be this way."
"Isaaru--"
"The temple's rules are law!" he pratically shouted. Isaaru's faith had clearly been shaken, and now he was grasping at something--anything--to keep the old ways alive inside him.
From somewhere behind me, I heard Katralina say, "If Yuna won't take him up on a contest of aeons, then I certainly will."
"You've become cocky," Auron countered, sounding both amused and concerned at the same time.
"And you've become overly cautious," she fired back. "The power never really goes away. I bet I could still summon."
"No, Katra."
Katralina paused for a moment, then asked, "Tell me, when did I become the less serious one of the two of us?"
Closing my eyes, I blocked all of the conversation from my mind. This was my pilgrimage, my decision, my life to give in order to bring the Calm to Spira. My entire life, I had always followed the teachings of Yevon, using my life to bring happiness to the people of Spira, but I had never really lived for myself. Now, I would defeat Sin because *I* wanted to, and no one, not even Yevon, could stop me.
"Forgive me, Lady Yuna," Isaaru said, "but I cannot let you pass!"
Opening my eyes, I stared at him with renewed and fierce determination.
"We'll have to change that, won't we?"
*****************************
A/N: Ahhh... carpal tunnel...
Like I said, not the best stuff I've ever written, but it moves the story forward.
cool_kitsune: There'll be more Auron and Kat goodness next chapter, I promise!
This is my first FFX fanfic and reviews are greatly appreciated. I've always thought that Auron was a closet romantic (especially when he was younger), but to reveal it would take so much away from his bad ass demeanor.
I meant for this section to turn out so much better than it did. I have so many ideas for what's coming next that I just had to get this one out of the way for continuity's sake. Upcoming sections will be much better, I promise! ^_^
Also, this story will roughly follow the game up until Bevelle, but I won't be writing out each and every scene. The story will contain spoilers, so if you've beaten the game and/or don't care to be surprised, please read on.
Read and enjoy!
"Kiss From a Rose" Part Eight
Copyright 2003 by Amie Martin
highlander_bellflower@hotmail.com
*****************************
~Yuna--Via Purifico~
The Via Purifico was dark, damp, and dreary, a place abandoned by time chosen specifically for those forsaken by Yevon. Seemingly endless hallways formed the intersection at which I stood, each path beckoning me into the oblivion. Here I was at a loss, unable to think of what I needed to do and how to do it in order to survive. I wasn't ready to concede defeat in death.
It was becoming more and more obvious to me that the opinion of Mika and Seymour was not shared by all of Yevon. The monks who threw me into the Via Purifico had seemed uneasy and unnerved by their duty. One even said, "Forgive me, Lady Yuna," before I fell. It seemed as if I had the people of Spira on my side, but Mika and Seymour had all the power. If only I could get out of here...
In spite of myself, I sighed. It was easy to accept death in this place; already thoughts of helplessness and uselessness were overwhelming my mind. I couldn't afford to give in to these thoughts, not now, not ever. Despite the bleak conditions, I was not alone in the Via Purifico. Katralina had been sentenced the same as I, and maybe--just maybe--my guardians would be here as well. I would never know if I didn't look.
Drawing on all of my strength, I whispered, "Now or never," and took a step down the path to my right. I figured it was as good a place as any to start my search. Now was not the time to let my fears get the best of me.
Claustrophobia set in as I wandered. Mildew covered the walls, dulling what markings of Yevon still remained. It was clear that Bevelle had never intended anyone to see, much less enjoy, this place.
No one, that is, except for the damned.
My eyes took in all there was to see, and yet it seemed as if I saw nothing at all. Everything in the Via Purifico looked the same. If I kept wandering like this, I was going to get myself lost. At least when I was walking, I was physically doing something--a far better choice, in my opinion, than waiting for boredom to catch up with me.
Turning a corner, I finally found that I was not alone in this place that Yevon forgot. A Ronso crouched next to the east wall of the room, his back to me. I squinted as I walked closer to him, trying to recognize the markings and decorations on his back.
"Kimahri?" I called hesitantly, still unsure of the Ronso's identity. "Kimahri, is that you?"
The Ronso turned, and I was greeted by the face I had known for ten years. I almost squealed with joy at the sight of him; like a lost, lonely child, I was relieved that I was no longer alone. Even though I knew Kimahri would not relish such displays of affection, I hugged him tightly, as I did when I was a child.
"Kimahri, you're all right!" I cried as I let him go. "You have no idea how much I worried--no one told me where any of you were--"
He stepped back and looked down at me. "Yuna, sorry we left you alone," Kimahri said gruffly, and I knew his words were sincere, no matter how he said them.
"No, Kimahri, I'm the one who should be sorry." Hanging my head, I couldn't bring myself to look Kimahri in the eye. "I should have told you what I was planning. Maybe everything wouldn't have gotten so out of hand if I hand."
"Kimahri not sorry for Seymour." Kimahri crossed his arms in front of his massive chest, as if to emphasize his point. "Yuna not be sorry either."
I took a moment to think about his words. Seymour was the one who murdered his own father and made a mockery of the teachings of Yevon. Being a Maester didn't make his crimes any less than they were--traitorous. I knew, in my heart, that only the faithful could defeat Sin, and with that fact in mind, I knew I could succeed. "Thanks, Kimahri. I needed to hear that."
The expression on Kimahri's face was the closed the Ronso could come to a smile. It was frightening at first, but over the past ten years I had gotten used to it.
"Do you think the others are here, too?" I looked around the room hopefully, but there were no other signs of life. If Kimahri was in the Via Purifico, then I knew the rest of the guardians couldn't be far away.
Shaking his head, Kimahri said, "Kimahri not know, but Kimahri help Yuna look." His face hardened. "Kimahri not fail as guardian again."
"It's okay, Kimahri. Let's see who we can find." With what confidence I could muster, I moved towards the exit on the north side of the room, across the hallway I came from. Kimahri said nothing but followed close behind me, a familiar and comforting presence I was all too glad to have with me.
This hallway, although it looked just like the others, seemed to be moving in a different direction than the passage that led to Kimahri's room. My mind entertained the notion that we were merely walking in circles, making our search essentially fruitless. I pushed the doubt from my mind, determined not only to find my guardians but also to find a way out of here. If every little stray thought contained doubt, my hope and optimism wouldn't last, and without them the Via Purifico would become our home forever.
As we approached the next intersection, I saw Auron from a distance. I was relieved, not only by the fact that he appeared unharmed but by his mere presence--indicating that we had not yet completed a full circle in the Via Purifico. He seemed the same as the last time I saw him, as if he refused to let any problem hinder his concentration. Even though Kimahri didn't slow down behind me, my steps became more reserved as I came closer and closer to the legendary guardian. Of all of my guardians, Auron would be the one to demand an explanation.
"Sir Auron," I called softly, lowering my head in respect and guilt. I stopped a good distance away from him, unsure of what his reaction would be.
"Yuna." Auron's head turned in my direction, and I could feel the weight of his stare upon me. "You are a summoner, and should not hang your head. Surely you still have your pride."
Flustered, I looked up and quickly took the few steps that remained between us. "But Sir Auron, I--" I paused, not knowing what to say to the man who had guarded my father as well as myself.
He held up his gloved hand to silence me. "You are not responsible for Seymour's crimes," he said in his usual gruff tone. Glancing around him, he added, "There must be an exit somewhere. We search!"
"Yes, but we must also search for the others." Seeing Auron's questioning stare, I explained, "If you and Kimahri are here in the Via Purifico with me, I can"t leave without being certain that no one else is here as well."
Auron grunted, but said nothing.
"And besides," I continued, "I was not the only one sentenced to the Via Purifico. She's in here somewhere, and I want to make sure I find her."
"Who is this woman you speak of?" He was trying to sound stern, but there was an undertone of emotion in his voice, almost like he was afraid to hope. The very notion of Auron being afraid struck a chord in me; the man hid his emotions well--too well--and perhaps Katralina had something to do with that. It was something I would ask her when we found her--if we found her. Until then, I wasn't sure I wanted to mention Katralina around Auron, just in case.
Voices drifted down the passageway towards us, interrupting my train of thought. Intrigued, I paused and listened to the conversation, letting Auron's question slide fo the moment. Chances were that I was no stranger to them...
"We're supposed to stay in one place if we get separated." It was undeniably Lulu's voice, filled with just the right amount of sarcasm and concern that I knew she possessed.
"And who is supposed to go looking for everyone? I hope you don't expect Yuna to go off on her own." It was a woman's voice, low like Lulu's, but one I failed to instantly recognize. Maybe it belonged to Katralina, reunited with her niece.
"Of course not. Yuna knows what to do." Lulu sounded confident in her belief, and inwardly I smiled at doing the unpredictable.
"Then, it would be up to us to go look for her, correct?"
I shot a sideways glance at Auron and said, "It's Lulu, I know it is!"
The older man's face seemed to soften dramatically. "And Katralina is with her," he said quietly. My suspicions were right--they knew one another, but the question was how well...
"Lulu!" I shouted, waving my hands in the air so we could be easily spotted. "Lulu, we're down here!"
"Yuna?" Lulu paused for a second, then added, "Yuna!"
Soft clicking noises indicating footsteps echoed down the hall, and Lulu appeared from amidst the darkness. She rushed to my side, her face painted with worry and concern. Katralina emerged from the shadows a few steps behind her niece and walked at a slower pace, almost like she was hesitant to join us.
"Lulu, I'm so sorry for not letting you know what I was planning." She had always been like a big sister to me growing up in Besaid; I feverently hoped she wouldn't view my actions as a personal betrayal.
"Apology accepted." The black mage smoothed a hand over my hear, a gesture she had used with me for years. "Next time, just let us help you, all right?"
"I will, I promise." I turned to Katralina, who now stood between Lulu and Auron. "Lady Katralina, I am glad to see you well."
A small, sad smile graced the older woman's lips. "You sound like Braska," Katralina said, almost wistfully. "He was never found of nicknames, but you can call me Kat, like almost everyone else." She looked over at Auron, as if a secret had passed between the two.
Clearing his throat, Auron asked, "Did you search those passages on your way here? The young Lady Yuna believes there may be more of her guardians here." His gaze never left Katralina's face.
"Nothing but wandering fiends." To me, she asked, "And Yuna's searched the other side?"
Nodding, I answered, "Yes, on my way here. It seems like the only way we haven't explored is down that passage." I pointed to a red-light hallway just over Auron's shoulder.
"That will be our next stop then." Katralina met Auron's gaze openly, without flinching--something most people were unable to do. "Auron, have you ever..."
"Been here? No. The priests never spoke of the Via Purifico." Auron gestured towards the passageway. "I don't doubt that there's an exit in here, however. Bevelle always leaves itself with a backdoor."
"You're probably right," Lulu mused, "but I didn't know you knew so much about Bevelle, Sir Auron."
Auron and Katralina glanced at one another, silently exchanging information. Finally, Katralina answered, "Auron was a warrior monk here, many years ago. It was how he met your father, Yuna--in the service to Yevon."
Her answer surprised me--Auron had always remained a mystery to me when my father was alive, and generally remained so during my own pilgrimage. Katralina, who at first seemed to have nothing to do with the situation, had deeper ties to Auron that I would have imagined. There was a past here, a story waiting to be told, but I knew that now was not the time for such matters. I, too, had my own emotions to pursue, concerning a certain blond- haired, blitzball-playing guardian...
"Well," I began, breaking myself free of my thoughts, "the sooner we find the exit, the sooner we'll find the others." Especially Tidus, I added silently.
I took a step forward down the red corridor, but Katralina laid a hand on my arm to stop me. "Wait, Yuna. There's something I must ask of you."
"Anything." Katralina had helped defend me from the likes of Mika and Seymour, and a simple request would not be hard to fulfill.
"I realize that it is late in your journey, and that my timing is horrendous, but it was not coincidence that I was here when I was." Katralina folded her hands in front of her, a gesture I thought to be a sign of nervousness. "Lulu sent for me, so that I could join you on your pilgrimage to Zanarkand. Lady Yuna, I would be honored if you would accept my services as a guardian."
A former summoner, now becoming a guardian? Merely because Katralina had failed in her own pilgrimage did not mean she could not be of great benefit to myself and my party. Her knowledge of the road ahead would prove beneficial in the long run, and she alone would understand my struggles as a summoner. "Sir Auron, do you approve?"
"He couldn't say no to you," Katralina said confidently. Glancing over her shoulder at him, she added, "Or me, for that matter."
The legendary guardian grunted. "If the two of you wish it," he said gruffly.
"And I wish it. Katralina, it is I who have the honor of having a former summoner as a guardian." I bowed to Katralina in prayer, and although she smiled, she did not bow back. I reminded myself that one did not necessarily need faith in Yevon to be a good guardian.
"Well, now that Aunt Kat's officially a guardian, let's keep moving." Lulu stepped forward and led the way down the passageway. I followed close behind her, with Kimahri not far behind me. Auron and Katralina brought up the rear, and I couldn't help but notice the tension between them and how close they stood to each other. There was definitely a story there, I decided; I'd have to ask Lulu about it later.
The red passageway was a straightaway, unlike its predecessors. It led to another open room with similar markings, but in here we had company.
Isaaru, the summoner we met in Djose, stood waiting for us, solemn but seeming as if something was disturbing him. He held his head high as we entered, his eyes meeting mine, a look of challenge mixed with aprehension.
"Lady Yuna," Isaaru greeted coldly, "I had not expected you to be the one sentenced to this hell. The daughter of High Summoner Braska turned traitor..."
I gripped my staff tightly, refusing to be daunted by his words. "Lord Isaaru," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "what are you doing here?"
"The Al Bhed dropped us off in the Calm Lands," the male summoner explained, "and Maester Mika called me to Bevelle, ordering me to 'deal with the traitors.' It shouldn't have to be this way."
"Isaaru--"
"The temple's rules are law!" he pratically shouted. Isaaru's faith had clearly been shaken, and now he was grasping at something--anything--to keep the old ways alive inside him.
From somewhere behind me, I heard Katralina say, "If Yuna won't take him up on a contest of aeons, then I certainly will."
"You've become cocky," Auron countered, sounding both amused and concerned at the same time.
"And you've become overly cautious," she fired back. "The power never really goes away. I bet I could still summon."
"No, Katra."
Katralina paused for a moment, then asked, "Tell me, when did I become the less serious one of the two of us?"
Closing my eyes, I blocked all of the conversation from my mind. This was my pilgrimage, my decision, my life to give in order to bring the Calm to Spira. My entire life, I had always followed the teachings of Yevon, using my life to bring happiness to the people of Spira, but I had never really lived for myself. Now, I would defeat Sin because *I* wanted to, and no one, not even Yevon, could stop me.
"Forgive me, Lady Yuna," Isaaru said, "but I cannot let you pass!"
Opening my eyes, I stared at him with renewed and fierce determination.
"We'll have to change that, won't we?"
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A/N: Ahhh... carpal tunnel...
Like I said, not the best stuff I've ever written, but it moves the story forward.
cool_kitsune: There'll be more Auron and Kat goodness next chapter, I promise!