The Torn Heart

A.N. sorry there is little consistency in the Al-Bhed being spoken here, fortunately, I won't need to use it often, enjoy the chapter. XD

Ch. 3: Within the Celsius

"Hi everyone," Rikku cheerfully chimed in as she stepped through the doorway to the bridge of the Celsius, "C'mon, get your lazy bums over here and help us a little, Yunie's hurt."

Following her words, Cirrus walked in with Yuna in his arms, immediately attracting the attention of everyone, especially Brother. Paine followed in wordlessly.

Yuna had tried to walk in herself to avoid awkwardness between Cirrus and Brother, something she knew would happen. But her back still wasn't strong enough to support her without pain. They would just have to deal with the situation with Brother rather than avoid it.

As if to prove her point, Brother immediately jumped out of his pilot seat and rushed over to Yuna. Followed by Shinra and Buddy, who were putting the ship into autopilot.

Brother, seemingly without even noticing Cirrus, reached out his hand and caressed Yuna's hair, then in a soft, but nevertheless badly pronounced pharse he said, "Yuna...are you hurt?"

"No, I'll be okay." Yuna smiled at brother.

What an awkward position we are in: I'm in Cirrus's arms, but smiling at Brother. She mused over the thought.

Noticing the discomfort of the three, Brother backed up slightly; Yuna noticed the look of gratefulness mixed in with suspicion and a hint of jealousy as he stared at Cirrus, "Who...Are...You?" He sounded almost bordering rude.

But before Cirrus had a chance to speak, Rikku jumped into the action, with a smile and a twirl of her hair, she put a hand on Cirrus's shoulders, "This is Cirrus, he was the one that called us when Yuna was in trouble." Rikku then put her other hand on Brother's shoulders, "This, is my brother, Brother! My pop wasn't too creative with him. Oh and one more thing, Brother's a sicko sometimes, just ignore him."

"Rikku, Kah Pasa!" Brother turned to Rikku and in a most exaggerated manner, shook his fist at her.

Rikku, however, completely ignored him, she pointed to Buddy, "That's Buddy over there, our super-hot-spot-finder-extraordinaire!"

Buddy nodded towards Cirrus, seemingly unaffected by Brother's attitude toward the spiky blond haired stranger.

"And this," Rikku continued on, "Our kid genius, Shinra!"

Yuna suddenly felt Cirrus's arms tense, she saw his eyes widen, a look of surprise lit his features as he heard the name Shinra. The look quickly faded, as he nodded in Shinra's direction. But it didn't stop Yuna from asking, "Do you know Shrina?"

Cirrus smiled and shook his head, "No, it was just a coincidence, his name reminded me of something."

Yuna started to speak again, wanting to question what it reminded him of, but Cirrus cleverly changed the topic by clearing his throat and stating, "Yuna is still hurt, is there an area in this ship that she could lie down?"

Brother, back in his usual self, immediate stared down at Cirrus, imposing himself as the leader, "I am the.... leader...of this ship.... and I decide-"

But before he could finish, Rikku quickly jumped up and walked to the sliding door, and beckoned Cirrus to come, "Please ignore him, and follow me."

Upon reaching the shop/bedroom, the trio greeted the barkeep, and went upstairs. Cirrus laid Yuna upon a bed, she then promptly fell asleep in exhaustion.

What's that sound?

Music...

What is it...?

The Hymn of the Faith?!

No...It different

Where is it coming from...?

Gently, Yuna eyes fluttered open. It was dark; apparently, night had fallen while she was sleeping. Rikku and Paine lay on beds next to hers, both of them in their pajamas, sleeping fitfully into the night. Gingerly, Yuna sat up; the pain in her back had faded. She knew she couldn't sleep anymore; tiredness and lethargy had left her head a long time ago.

She got up; the ship was completely silent except for the soft hum of the engines and the sound of someone singing. Carefully, she crept down the stairs, being quiet as not to disturb Paine, as she was a light sleeper. Rikku, on the other hand, could probably sleep through a marching band clashing their cymbals and gongs right in her ears. Yuna headed for the deck, she was sure whoever was singing would be up there.

As she walked, she mused over who it could be. Brother? Nah, he sleeps like Rikku does. Buddy? No way, he's way too shy to sing. It can't be Shinra either; he's just a kid, Yuna thought to herself. For a brief second she even considered the idea of Barkeep singing, but the thought simply made her laugh.

Cirrus, it could only be him. This man is so strange and unique; he isn't like anyone she has ever met before. Just who is he? He isn't dressed like anyone in Spira, no one in Spira could lift much less use that massive sword of his, but his eyes, those strange glowing green eyes, they seemed to capture Yuna every time he looks at her with them. He is a handsome man, no doubt, he had the hard chest and muscular arms to prove it, but there is just something off about him, Yuna chewed over the thoughts. His eyes seemed to reflect a level of pain and experience that went far beyond his years; he has suffered the pain of losses too...

The hymn grew louder as she drew nearer to the door that would lead outside to the deck. The voice, Cirrus's voice was pleasant and smooth, it made her feel peaceful and calm inside. The song seemed to fill her spirit with hope and light, something she knew was fading in her life.

Then just as she reached the door, the hymn immediately stopped, in its place, she heard a muffled cry.

Without warning, the deck door slide open, as soon as the sight caught her eyes, Yuna's hands quickly flew to her own mouth, to prevent herself from screaming.

A.N. Okay, I pretty much reached my Chapter page limit, I'll update as soon as I have finished my normal busy work, it shouldn't take too long. Thx for reading this chapter :)