Final Fantasy: The Chronicles Of Paine Chapter 10

"Everything that has a beginning, has an end"

-The Matrix Revolutions

Several hours had passed since the team had left Bikanel Island, as well as the showdown with Leblanc and her airship. The Gullwings were closing in on their first destination before they reached Zanarkand.

"This is Buddy, we're approaching Besaid island. I want everyone ready to go before we get there, because we're running short on time. If anyone has some friends or family living there, it would be wise to say your goodbyes now, just in case," said Buddy.

"Has anyone seen Rikku?" Yuna asked.

"Since she read that letter, she's been crying in one of the cabins all by herself," Paine shrugged.

"I should go and talk to her," Yuna said quietly.

"She wanted to be alone...." Paine warned. "I know what she's going through, so just leave everything to her for now."

While it was true that Rikku had been by herself for hours, Paine knew it was wise to let Rikku make the first step to her recovery.

"So anyway, Paine. I forgot to ask you. What are you going to Besaid for?" Yuna asked.

"I need to pick up a few things, and talk to some people," said Paine.

Yuna seemed unusually quiet, and was in somewhat of a blank state. Evidently, she was deep in thought, most likely about Tidus. Was it true, that she could see him again in this life? If so, for how long? And how will he have changed since the last time she saw him alive? Her mind was racing, and she had felt some hope, for once. Vivi said that Fayth could reincarnate persons as he saw fit, to carry out his plans. Perhaps Yuna could harness this power somehow. What she did not know, is the price that would need to be paid to have him back in flesh and blood.

"Yuna, do you still have Vivi's cell phone?" Paine asked. Yuna said nothing, and handed the phone to Paine in an absent-minded manner.

"I don't think Vivi would mind if I use up the minutes on this anyway," Paine said to herself. She entered Cid's phone number, and waited for him to answer.

"Yeah," came the man's loud voice.

"It's Paine," she said.

"What's going on?" Cid asked.

"We have a lead. Vivi was a mere puppet for Fayth, the spirit of an old Aeon." Paine explained.

"I know, I know. I have some more information for you as well. Since the incident with Vegnagun, the large holes between the Farplane and Spira remain. He's found a way to travel through this hole into our world. However it seems he can't do what he wants without posessing someone. This is the same idea as what Shuyin was doing to Baralai three years ago, of course Shuyin wasn't the spirit of an Aeon and was only human. There still are no confirmations as to who he's controlling. By the way, I've heard about you wasting Vivi. Nice work, but next time try to be a bit more subtle," said Cid.

"I know, I acted a bit wrecklessly, but at least we know what we're doing now," Paine shrugged.

"Indeed, but the Al Bhed construction crew is a mess right now. Something about an airship crashing into the land, gunshots, Vivi being discovered dead, and then shortly after there was an airship dogfight reported a few miles off the coast of Bikanel, and an illegal ship was shot down," Cid commented.

"That was us who crashed into the island. I'm with my old teammates, the Gullwings, and I was hitching a ride with them on their Celsius. It turned out Vivi had snuck onboard and planted a bomb. The explosion didn't kill us, but the crash nearly did. You then sent Yaibal along with a small team to dig us out. I found Vivi waiting for us inside a tent at the construction site, and I interrogated him. He only told me what I could force out of him, and then I shot him. However I did find a slip of paper in his suit which tells us what's going on. I then commandeered your ship and now we're en route to Zanarkand, where Fayth is supposed to be holed up," Paine explained. "By the way, where is it that you learned all of that new information about Fayth?"

"I have a group of cells working on the mainland and trying to get us info while you are out doing whatever you can," Cid said.

"Who are the spies?" Paine asked.

"They are a young group of Ronso, as a matter of fact. Named Lian and Ayde,"

"I never knew they worked for us," Paine said.

"Of course you don't, why would you? We keep the organization as discreet as possible, and always send out small teams. Only a few people know about your presence, and we always keep the rest of the team in the dark, because they have a right to peace of mind, like the rest of Spira. Anyway, taking out Vivi may have nearly blown our cover, but it's at least bought you some time for now, and we now know where Fayth is. For now, keep everything you do quiet, discreet, and don't draw attention to yourselves. By the way, how is Rikku doing?"

"She's been crying since she read your letter, but she'll make it. When this is all over, if we make it through this, you need to speak with her, in person." said Paine.

"Ok, we're running out of time, so you should get to work as soon as possible."

"Yeah," said Paine, shutting off the phone.

Just then, Rikku emerged from the cabin she was in. The rest of the crew seemed to gasp, as the old Rikku entered the room. She stood there, wearing her usual green shorts, orange top and bright yellow scarf. She also had evidently washed the black dye from her hair, because the bright blonde tone shined through the way it did three years ago. And the most dramatic improvement was also the smallest. She no longer stared with an icy blue gaze, but the chilling glare was replaced with her beautiful bright green eyes, which appeared more full of life and vibrant than ever. She had a half smirk, half frown on her face, as if something was missing.

"What's wrong, Rikku?" Yuna asked.

"I don't feel any different." she said.

"Give it time, you'll feel better," Yuna encouraged. "We're landing in Besaid soon, and you can get out and see everyone before we leave for Zanarkand,"

Rikku seemed to at least feint a smile. "Were you talking to my dad?" she asked.

"Yeah, on the cell phone." Paine replied.

"What did he say?" Rikku asked.

"He's going to see you when this is all over."

Rikku didn't answer, but took a seat in an empty chair.

Paine glanced out the window, and saw a familiar shape. It was Besaid island. She felt somewhat depressed, because she somehow felt she would never see it again.

"Is something wrong?" Cloud asked, clearly concerned.

"I'm fine," Paine lied. "Anyway, shouldn't you be fighting with Barkeep right about now?"

Cloud rolled his eyes, "I'm just worried,"

"What do you have to be worried about?" Paine asked. "You could go home right away if you wanted. Nobody asked you to help me fight Sin,"

"Maybe, but I can't just up and leave you guys, it's my business now too," Cloud sighed.

Paine had some strong dislike for Cloud, and rather than argue, she merely dismissed him with a rude hand gesture. Cloud scoffed and walked out of the room.

Even after I stop Fayth, the fight will not be over, she thought. Somewhere out there, Leblanc and her goons are plotting against me, and someday, I will find my meaning and ending. She will kill me, or I will kill her. Revenge is too trivial for words, but this is the only my soul can find respite.

"Besaid Island, everybody out!" Buddy announced.

Well, she continued thinking. At least if I die fighting for my cause, I can at least know I died without vain.

"Paine, what are you doing? We're here, let's go!" Yuna called.

To be continued...