DISCLAIMER: I do not own FFX, FFX-2, FFVIII or any of the characters and locations affiliated with it. I do, however, own the story "Silver Wings", "Silver Wings 2: 1000 Confessions" and all references to dialogue not originated by Square-Enix.
DO NOT COPY MY STORIES!!
If anyone wants to post my stories anywhere else, please just ASK and then give me credit for writing it. Email with any requests.
PLEASE NOTE: "PaineOfBevelleSairysSkyeWind" is a fic stealer!! Watch out for her. She is also known as "Paine" and "Paine of Spira". She has also taken to stealing my name "akksgurl" so for future reference, I am the one and only "akksgurl" and I have never posted on any other site besides this one, so if you see my stories floating around out there and they are not directly linked back here then they have been stolen and I'd appreciate if you'd report them to the webmaster for removal. Thanks a lot in advance! I am also sure I am not the only one she is stealing from so be sure to keep an eye out for my fics as well as others on other sites.
Author's Notes: I'm winding this story down. It should be finished within two (possibly three) more chapters. I'm outlining a new story that I hope to begin on as soon as this one is complete. Thanks to all my reviewers!
SILVER WINGS 3: Back Into My Arms
by akksgurl
Chapter Thirty-Two: The Beginning Of The End
Rikku was awakened from her mid-day nap on the sofa by a slamming door and muffled cursing. She languidly rose from her perch and went to investigate, finding Gippal glaring at the wall in the entryway of the small house, muttering about Yuna's stupidity under his breath.
She frowned, "Why are you talking about Yunie like that?"
He seemed surprised to see her and guiltily ran a hand through his hair, "She and I just had an argument, that's all. Don't worry about it."
"What did you fight about?" she pressed as he tried to walk around her. Her hand grabbed at his wrist but missed as he twisted to keep her from touching him.
"It's not important."
"Obviously it is," she insisted, "because you wouldn't have fought otherwise."
She could see that he saw the wisdom of her words and shrugged, wandering aimlessly toward the living room she had just vacated and lowering himself into the nearby chair, "She just didn't like my theory. That's all." He sighed, "I can see her point. It really doesn't make much sense when you think about it."
Rikku knelt down in front of Gippal and lay her head on his knee, gazing up at him adoringly, "Does this have to do with you going to the library?"
"I always liked psychology…" he muttered, not really answering her question, "And when I really thought about everything, it started to make a lot of sense to me."
"What made sense?"
Gippal ran his index finger along her jaw line, smiling at her, "You're so beautiful…"
She grinned and then stared at him accusingly, "You're changing the subject, mister."
"I know." He replied with a smirk. Gippal hooked his arms under hers and lifted her onto his lap, firmly wrapping his arms around her waist once she was seated. He kissed the tip of her nose, then her lips, "I told Yuna that I think Tidus has multiple personalities."
"What?!" shrieked Rikku, pulling away and staring into his eyes. She couldn't believe he'd just come right out and say that to anybody but especially to Yuna. He had to know how she'd react to it. She leaned in, "Why'd you do that?"
"Because, that's what I think his problem is. There's really no other explanation that makes any sense."
"What about the merger?"
"What about it?" Gippal asked her, "If it was the merger, don't you think he would have merged by now?"
"So you're saying the fayth lied to Yuna…to all of us?"
"Everyone else related to Yevon lied," stated Gippal, "What makes the fayth so special?"
Rikku didn't quite know what to say to that. He was right. She had never been a firm believer in the faith due to her upbringing as an Al Bhed, but she had known enough to be shocked when everything turned out to be a lie. She remembered the look in Yuna's eyes when her beliefs turned out to be nothing but lies. She couldn't believe the fayth would knowingly shatter Yuna's belief in them as well. They just couldn't do something so heartless.
"Why would the fayth lie?"
"Why wouldn't they?" retorted Gippal, "I mean, Rikku, think about it. Would Yuna have really fought Shuyin all these times if she knew it was Tidus?"
"No…"
"Exactly. The fayth had to lie in order to get her to protect Spira again. I mean, the fayth never would have told her that Tidus was a dream and that he was going to vanish. Tidus is the one that told her! The fayth would have kept it a secret so that she'd fight."
Rikku nodded, "You're right. You're absolutely right."
"And I think Paine was onto it."
"What?"
Gippal sighed, "Some Besaid residents told me that they saw Seifer leaving the Chamber of the Fayth in the Besaid Temple muttering to himself. He seemed really distracted. Paine was last seen with him and they both left in a hurry."
"…and went to the Farplane…" Rikku whispered the finish to his thought.
Gippal nodded, and patted her thigh gently, "Exactly. Why would they do that? It doesn't make sense…unless there was something they needed to ask the fayth."
"I wish we could know for sure." Rikku said in a whisper, laying her head on Gippal's shoulder, "I wish she was still alive…"
"Me too…"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"You're evil…?" Shuyin repeated to the shadowed figure that he knew instinctively was staring at him though he couldn't see his face.
"Of course. I have to be in order to do the things you created me to do."
Shuyin swallowed hard, "What things…?"
"Killing the Crimson Squad…, possessing Nooj and Baralai…, destroying Spira with Vegnagun…, changing Yuna back to Lenne…, killing Baralai…, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…"
"Get away from me!!" Shuyin shouted, backing away from the figure before him. This had to be some sort of a sick dream. It just had to be. There was no way that any of this was true.
"Why are you acting like this, Shuyin?" the figure asked, "I'm freeing you from your guilt. You didn't do any of this. I did it. I thought you'd be happy."
"Who are you?"
"Whoever you want me to be." Came the reply, "You created me, but you never named me. I was just there to do your bidding. I came out when you were too scared to. I did the things you wanted to do but didn't have the guts."
"I didn't make you…"
The shadow continued to stare at him, taking steps toward him slowly and deliberately, "Yes you did. Your anger and guilt created me. I even remember the first words that I heard you say… 'I'll make them pay, Lennie. They'll regret what they've done to us.'"
Shuyin stumbled backward, letting out a startled cry as he did so. The figure seemed unfazed as he stepped closer, reaching a hand out for him, "Come with me, Shuyin. Your second chance is in shambles because of him. Come with me, and we'll erase him completely. It'll be like he never existed."
"Who…?"
"Tidus…"
Shuyin didn't move as the figure touched his hand. It was a cold shock that went through him and yet Shuyin didn't move. It all was Tidus' fault. If Tidus didn't exist then he'd truly have his second chance. He wouldn't be living until Tidus came back. He'd have Yuna all to himself – his precious Lennie – and there would be nothing and no one to take her away from him. She'd love him again. He'd see to that. All he needed to do was go with this figure that seemed so familiar and yet so alien to him. Tidus would be gone. Yuna would never know the difference…
"Shuyin!"
Shuyin's mind was ripped from its reverie as he heard the shout of his name. He turned his head and was blinded by a bright light forming just beyond the darkness, "Tidus…?"
"Ignore him!" the figure demanded, gripping his wrist harder, "Come with me…he'll only take everything away from you."
Tidus was running toward him, extending his hand, "Come with me." He called, "Don't go with him. He'll just destroy us both!"
"He'll destroy you!" the figure shouted, pulling Shuyin into a standing position and pulling him deeper into the darkness.
"Think of Yuna!" shouted Tidus, "Don't do this!"
Shuyin stopped. If he went with the shadow, he'd be rid of Tidus, but Yuna would never forgive him. He couldn't convince himself otherwise. If he went with Tidus, at least he'd have a few moments with Yuna before Tidus took over again. He'd be able to say goodbye. He wouldn't have the overwhelming guilt that he'd had for over 1000 years. He'd be doing the noble thing for once.
Shuyin wrenched his hand away from the shadow and took off in a run. He heard the shadow screaming obscenities from behind him but he kept running. Tidus was waving him closer and closer to the light. Shuyin reached out, and accepted Tidus' hand.
Sunlight shone in his eyes as he slowly lifted his lids. Yuna's smiling face was looking down at him. She gripped his hand and kissed it gently, "Good morning, sleepyhead."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"One…two…three!" the trio of Guado called out unanimously as the final boulders blocking the entrance to the Farplane were removed. Tromell watched, waiting until the entrance was clear to rally together with the other Guado.
"Now we can see what the damage is." He said, a hint of sadness in his voice. Just the thought of damage to the Farplane upset him. Even though the Guado were powerful when he came to the preservation of the Farplane, there was only so much their race could do. He dreaded seeing the results of the implosion. It would tear him up to have to ban visitors, but if the Farplane was no longer safe for the living, he'd have to do just that. He couldn't risk allowing those who wanted to visit passed relatives, come to require the Farplane themselves.
He told the trio behind him that he wanted to enter by himself first, and if he deemed it safe he'd call for them. He didn't want to risk more lives than necessary until he was certain all was safe.
The main hall leading to the Farplane was relatively undamaged. The only evidence of the implosion were the charred walls that lined the formerly immaculate entrance. The stairs leading to the entrance were also charred, but withstood his weight easily, giving him hope for the rest of the Farplane.
The doorway's force field was still working, but seemed to lack some of the power it had before. Tromell quietly muttered a few words to strengthen the spell over it, and then peered closer. Rocks barred the path from the inside, but it didn't look like anything he couldn't handle himself.
Bracing his feet firmly on the ground, Tromell pushed his hands through the doorway and pushed against the largest of the boulders. It budged slightly, so he increased his efforts and to his surprise, found it moving easily away. It was almost as if he'd gained quite a bit of strength in his old age. He repeated the effort with the next boulder and it moved just as quickly, as did the last one. Taking a deep breath, Tromell stepped through the portal and onto the rock surface of the Farplane.
Then he screamed…
"Shut up, old man. You're giving me a headache!" spat a tall blonde man with a scar.
An attractive girl with gray hair slapped him, "Be nice. I'm sure he's shocked to see us."
Tromell stared, mouth agape, pointing and trembling. It was Yuna's two friends who had been assumed dead in the implosion. He noticed the man's muscles and suddenly realized why the boulders moved so easily. Seifer had been helping from his side of the blockade.
Paine stepped toward Tromell who promptly stepped back. If these two were back, then they must be like Lord Seymour, he reasoned with himself. That frightened him beyond reason. Paine appeared unconcerned with his fear as she stepped another pace closer to him, "Listen, Tromell. You need to tell me where Yuna is. It's imperative that I speak with her."
"I…i…if..thi…this…is about…L…Lord Seymour." Tromell stammered, "She already knows…"
Paine's eyes flashed, "Where is she?"
"P..probably at the h..hospital."
"Why?" asked Seifer.
"Seymour didn't hurt her, did he?" demanded Paine, both closing in on Tromell.
"N…no." replied Tromell, shaking his head, "He k…kill…killed, er…tried to…Tidus."
"He tried to kill Tidus?!" Paine turned to look at Seifer, "We've got to get out of here."
Tromell took a deep breath, "How did you survive?" he asked, managing to control his stutters.
"Don't worry about it, old man." Snapped Seifer, trying to pull Paine along with him, but the woman refused.
"Seifer, he deserves an explanation." Paine hissed, pulling her arm away from him and looking back to Tromell, "A friend of ours…Baralai…pulled us into the Farplane Glen with him during the implosion. We only just left because we weren't sure of the damage out here. We were spared due to Baralai's quick thinking, but that's also when we came to know that Seymour had been freed. And that Tidus…" she sighed, "Well, one problem at a time."
"Come on! This century, please Paine!" shouted Seifer, impatiently.
Paine nodded, "Coming."
"Wait!" called Tromell, halting the two in their steps, "Everyone thinks you're dead. You'll be raising quite a few eyebrows and might even be warning Seymour. He might do something drastic if he feels threatened."
"You're right…what do you suggest?" asked Paine.
Tromell thought for a moment and then grinned, "Come with me. I think I have an idea."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
He didn't like being blackmailed into helping her, but Seymour had to admit that the woman did have a point. He had to be alive before he could confront his bride. Otherwise she'd just send him and he'd be right back where he started. He had to be more careful this time. He had to play things Ultimecia's way for a while. Then he'd be in control of his own destiny again, and he'd make Yuna pay for what she'd done.
The alleyway was dark as he waited. Even in the middle of the day, this alley was as dark as night and it was perfect for what he had in mind. He still found it humorous that Nooj believed he was a person with information on LeBlanc. He couldn't believe Nooj was that crazy with grief that he'd meet a perfect stranger in a dark alley while his girlfriend's captor was on the loose.
Well, Seymour supposed that it didn't matter. As long as Nooj showed up and didn't struggle too much he didn't care what Nooj thought or did. This was his last errand for Ultimecia and Seymour just wanted it to be an easy one.
He heard muffled footsteps behind him and quickly adjusted his hood to hide his blue hair. He didn't want to give Nooj any warning until he was ready to show himself and by then it'd be too late for escape.
"Are you the one who called me?" came Nooj's voice from behind Seymour. Although he hid it well, Seymour could sense the fear in Nooj's deep tones. It warmed his heart to know the man was terrified. He hadn't frightened people in a long time. He missed it.
Seymour didn't turn, but nodded in affirmation. He heard Nooj take another step toward him and knew that if he turned now, Seymour could grab him easily and without needing to take a step toward him, but he continued to wait. He didn't want to rush this.
"Do you really know where LeBlanc is?"
Seymour nodded again, and he heard Nooj approach again, another step and then another. Nooj was just a few inches away from his back at this point.
"Where?"
"Do you really want to know that?" Seymour asked, turning around and displaying a wicked smirk. Nooj gasped, stumbling back and dropping his cane as he did so. Seymour didn't have to move quickly to catch up with the man. He gripped his hair firmly in his hand and pulled him back against his chest, "No running away, Nooj. Don't you want to be with LeBlanc again?" he asked, smirking broadly as he pulled Nooj further down the darkened alley.
The brunette struggled, but Seymour was stronger and definitely more limber than the man he held in his arms. Without his cane, Nooj was nothing. He could barely move his mechanical arm and leg and his good side was held firmly in Seymour's grip. Seymour felt something jabbing into his leg, and reached down to retrieve Nooj's cell phone from his pocket, "Thanks!" he said with a smile, slipping the phone into his own pocket. Nooj bit down on Seymour's hand in retaliation but Seymour just laughed, "Your blonde friend stabbed me, remember? What makes you think a few teeth marks are going to do anything?"
The hideout Ultimecia had deemed worthy to host her diabolical plot was only a few yards away from the place he had decided to meet Nooj. He figured that the police would be too stupid to look for Nooj so close to the last place he was known to be. Besides, Zanarkand was abandoned anyway…
Why Ultimecia had insisted on having her hideout in the Zanarkand blitzball stadium ruins was beyond him. He figured she was just a big fan of the game. It didn't really matter to him anyway. He just wanted to get this over with. Nooj was really putting up a struggle and all Seymour wanted to do was kill him, but Ultimecia would have flipped out so he had to endure it.
With the struggling man, Seymour managed to make his way into the underbelly of the Zanarkand blitzball stadium and to the Chamber of the Fayth where Ultimecia was waiting. He heard Nooj gasp when he saw her, but the woman ignored him for the moment and focused on Seymour, "You can throw him into the room downstairs until I'm ready for him."
"Did you finish up everything on your end?"
"Yes, what do you think I'm stupid?!" she spat, glaring at Seymour and then smiling politely at Nooj before turning her attentions back to the blue haired man, "They'll just think that Squall and I vanished along with Nooj and LeBlanc. It'll be a mystery!" she said with a giggle, spinning around happily, "I just love this. It's been too long."
Seymour nodded, "I can agree with that." He said, tightening his grip on Nooj, "I'm gonna dump him downstairs, then we can finish up our discussion."
"Before you do that," Ultimecia said, "I want to ask Nooj something."
Seymour released his grip on Nooj's mouth and hissed, "Don't bother screaming. No one will hear you."
Ultimecia grinned at him, "Is that blitzer alive?"
"Yes." Replied Nooj.
"Pity…" said Ultimecia, frown.
Seymour sighed, "We'll deal with him later, Ultimecia."
"Yes we will. Now take Nooj downstairs."
Seymour nodded and did exactly that. He dragged Nooj into the underbelly of the chamber and stopped outside of a small door, reaching into his pocket with one hand to retrieve the key. Nooj struggled against him until his mouth was free, "You won't get away with this." He spat, "My friends will figure it out."
"Oh really?" Seymour replied with a smirk, "You mean, Yuna – whose just a bit distracted now. Or Tidus – whose just a little injured. Or maybe Rikku – whose as dumb as this door here."
"Gippal will figure it out. He's not stupid."
"No, he's not." Replied Seymour with a smile, "but he'll soon have his hands full. I've got some unfinished business with him."
"What are you going to do to Gippal?!"
"I'm not going to do anything." Seymour said, swinging the door open and throwing Nooj to the floor just inside, "Cid is."
The door slammed before he could hear Nooj's response but he didn't feel like he was missing something. He didn't care what inanity Nooj was going to blurt out in retort. Seymour dropped the key back into his pocket and retrieved the small phone he had stolen from Nooj. He glanced down Nooj's speed dial list until he came upon the name he wanted, and then listened as it rung…
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cid glared at the man, the deep scowl forming a crease on his face that seemed only to deepen with the lengthening time, "What did you say?" he asked, in heavy, angry tones.
"I saw your daughter and Gippal." The man replied, "They were at the hospital in Luca…kissing."
Cid struggled to maintain his composure as he asked, "Why were they at the hospital?"
"I believe Yuna's boyfriend was injured. I'm not sure to what extent, though sir."
Cid tried to focus on the fact that Yuna was hurting and that he should be doing the 'good uncle' thing and comforting her, but he couldn't help but remember what the little tramp had done to hurt Rikku. And then for Rikku to…
He snapped the pencil he was holding with one hand and glared up at the now trembling Al Bhed man. He was relatively certain that Bhaden wished he hadn't snitched on Rikku and Gippal now, but it was too late for that. Cid stood slowly, "You will speak of this to no one." He said, his words measured, "You will go back to your business and forget what you saw. I will handle it."
Bhaden didn't need to be told twice and he was gone before Cid had a chance to blink. This left Cid alone with his thoughts, and his anger. How dare Gippal use his daughter like that. How dare Rikku allow herself to be used by that…that liar.
Cid felt helpless to stop it. He hadn't been able to prove his belief that Gippal is the reason Home was attacked or any of his other theories. Without proof, Rikku wouldn't believe him. There had to be something.
The phone on his desk ran loud and clear, pulling him from his thoughts. His caller ID showed Nooj's number and he frowned. What did Nooj want? He lifted the receiver to his face, "What is it Nooj?"
"Do you want to know who lead the Guado to Home?"
The voice wasn't Nooj's but it did sound oddly familiar to Cid. He just couldn't place it. He did, however, desperately want the information, "Yes."
"Then talk to Tromell Guado. He worked for Seymour and knows who Seymour gave the job to."
Cid quickly scribbled down the name of his contact and then asked, "Who is this? How did you get Nooj's phone?"
His questions were answered by a dial tone.
He instantly thought of calling Yuna to tell her of the mysterious phone call. With LeBlanc's disappearance, the fact that someone else was using Nooj's phone would be a major concern, but he decided to wait for a while. He needed to find out what this Tromell man knew before he confronted Gippal with his accusations. Besides, Nooj probably just lent his phone to a friend. It was nothing to be concerned about.