A/N: Alright, this is the chapter you've been waiting for. Yes, Zell will be summoning one of his GFs. He'll have to explain to Yuna why he has such a mean looking 'Aeon'. I think you get the idea of who I'm talking about. Mwwaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahaha...cough, cough. Okay that's enough on the evil laugh. Read on.
Chapter 11.
They were all inside the building watching Rikku bounce like a bouncy ball with happiness but now and then she would shriek when lightning and thunder boomed. Yuna sighed and looked at the Clerk. "I'm….a little tired. Do you have a room available?" She asked. The clerk nodded. "Yes, just over that way." She said. Yuna nodded. "Thank you." She said and went down the hall.
Wakka and Lulu looked confused. "Uh, Yuna?" he asked even if she was gone. Lulu shook her head. "It's not like her." She said. Tidus turned and went down the hall out of sight. Zell folded his arms and shook his head. He looked around then found a small spot to do his meditating. He wasn't exactly sure how long he was sitting there, and he didn't know if he had fallen asleep or not. He was just thinking things over and over. Trying to put the puzzle together of what was going on.
Finally, Wakka nudged him with his foot breaking his concentration. Zell opened his eyes and looked up. "Hey, sorry to interrupt. But you've been sitting there all night long, man. Most of us were getting worried, ya? Did you fall asleep?" Wakka asked. Zell blinked and shrugged. "I could have but then again, no. I don't remember falling asleep. I've been thinking all night I guess. It happens." He said. Wakka nodded. "Okay, just making sure. We're taking off now. Yuna's worried that if you didn't sleep and are tired we could stay longer. I think it's because of Rikku's complaining, ya?" He said. Zell nodded. "I'm sure of that. But no. I'm not tired. Meditating is like sleeping but it's not. I'm awake but resting." He said. Wakka nodded. "I understand. Everyone's waiting outside." He said and started away. Zell stretched in his spot before pausing with his arms above his head. "Hey, Wakka." He said. Wakka turned around. "Yeah?" he asked. Zell lowered his hands. "I have a question. Can you be certain you can trust that Seymour guy?" he asked. Wakka blinked in surprise but then nodded. "It's Maester Seymour and yeah, we can trust him. Maesters haven't done anything but the good for Spira." He said. Zell shrugged unseemly. "Okay. Whatever you say." He watched his friend leave.The blonde SeeD stood and went over to the counter where the clerk was. "Hi, Sir. Can I help you?" He asked. Zell nodded. "Yeah, you got one of those rings that are immune to certain elements like electricity?" He asked. The man blinked for a second and then nodded. "You mean the Yellow ring, right?" He asked. Zell shrugged. "If it absorbs lightning or keeps it from hurting people, yeah." He said. The clerk nodded. "Yes, sir. We do actually. Hold on a second." He said. The clerk turned away and started digging through a few boxes then brought back a yellow band with the lightning symbol on it. "This what your looking for?" he asked holding it out. Zell took it and examined it. He then nodded. "Yeah. How much is it?" he asked. The Al Bhed clerk nodded. "Well, being where we are, 1000 gil. Sorry if it's a little high." He said. Zell shook his head. "Nah, don't worry about it." He said handing a bunch of coins to the clerk and took the ring. "Thank you, sir. Hope you'll come again."
Zell quickly left. Everyone was still waiting. "What took you so long?" Lulu asked. Zell shrugged. "Just getting a few things before we head out." He said. Everyone nodded and looked around. Rikku whimpered again. "It's not stopping, is it?" She asked. Auron sighed and shook his head. "Don't tell me you were hoping it would." He said. But his answer soon came when lightning struck and Rikku shrieked. He groaned and started to walk away. "Fine, stay here." He said, roughly. Rikku growled. "All right, already! But! You didn't have to say it like that, you know! You could be more comforting or something! You know, try to cheer me up! You just don't get me at all, do you! Hey! Are you listening!" She called after him. Another bolt of lightning cracked in the sky. This time she didn't scream but she did flinch."I'm not scared! I'm not scared, you hear!" She yelled after Auron. Just then a man ran up and took a picture of them and then ran off. Everyone blinked. Zell rose an eyebrow. "Now that was weird." He said. Tidus nodded and they hurried after Auron. Zell stayed close to Rikku though. They had ran into a few fiends and they were quite troublesome. Rikku ended up getting knocked off her feet because of a lightning spell and it just made her more scared.
After that last battle, Zell approached her as they walked. "Hey, Rikku. I knew this would come in handy sooner or later, but here." He said. Rikku looked at what he was holding out to her. The yellow ring. She gave him a weird look as if he was crazy. Zell rose an eyebrow. "It makes you immune to lightning, Rikku. You get hit by a electric spell it won't hurt." He said. Rikku slowly took it and looked at it. "Uh…..um….why are you giving it to me?" She asked. Zell folded his arms. "Because your scared of lightning. That must mean something but I'm not going to ask you why. This will help you get over your fear for awhile." He said. Rikku lightly smiled and put it on. "But, won't you need it?" She asked. Zell shook his head. "Nah, I never get hit by lightning." He said now walking away.Suddenly a bolt of lightning cracked and hit Zell. Rikku jumped and screamed at the top of her lungs. Everyone who was ahead spun around looking shocked. Zell was just standing there. His hair standing on end and he was smoking. His eyes were just a little wide with surprise. Tidus hurried back. "What happened!" He asked. Rikku started crying and pointed at him. "He got hit! He got hit! He got hit!" She cried with hysterics. Everyone hurried forward and started to crowd around Zell but then stepped back when he started laughing. "Wow, that one actually hurt." He laughed. Rikku sniffed. "Wha! B-but…But I thought…..I thought….." She stammered.
Just then another bolt came flying at them. "Watch out!" Auron yelled leaping to the side. Everyone tried to scatter but to their surprise, Zell swung his hand and actually batted the bolt away with his hand without getting hurt. Everyone again, for the fifth hundredth time stared at Zell with shock and awe. Zell looked around. "What? Why is it every time I do something you guys look at me like that?" He asked. Tidus stared. "Are you some kind of God or something?" He asked skeptically. Zell rolled his eyes and folded his arms. "Of course not. I've told you before, or at least I think I've told you, I'm immune to lightning. That's why I was so happy getting here." He said. Auron nodded. "I see now. You're a lightning eater." He said. Zell nodded. Wakka stared. "A what?" he asked. Lulu smirked. "He absorbs lightning. If he gets hit by any lightning spell or bolt, it will only power him up. Make him stronger." She said. Zell nodded. Tidus grinned. "Cool!" He then frowned. "But how?" he asked.Auron turned and started walking away but paused. "It's because he has a creature of lightning living inside his mind." He said and then walked off. Everyone blinked at Zell. Zell nodded with his eyes wider. "My GF. I've told you about it before." He said as if it was obvious. Wakka nodded pointing at him. "Oh, that thing. I thought you were kidding about that." He chuckled. Zell shook his head. "Maybe when we really need it, I'll summon it out and let you see what it can do. But right now, let's get out of here." He said. Everyone nodded and hurried after Auron.They were half way across the plains when Yuna sighed and stopped. "Everyone, wait." She said. Everyone stopped and turned around. "What's up?" Wakka asked. Yuna sighed. "I have something to tell you." She said. Lulu blinked. "Here?" She asked. Rikku bounced on her heels. "We're almost out of here. Let's go." She said. Yuna shook her head. "I have to say it now." She said. Auron turned his head looking towards a lightning rod tower was. He nodded. "Over there." He said. And everyone hurried over. Zell didn't realize that he was holding his breath until he felt the small pain in his chest and lungs. He already knew what Yuna was going to say.
"She didn't need to tell me. I could see it right in her eyes.I guess my instincts and mind had gotten sharper."
Everyone stood around Yuna, except Zell. He was looking up at the dark clouds. His eyes unblinking. His back to the group but he listened. "Zell?" Yuna asked. Zell didn't turn around. "Go ahead and tell them, Yuna. You don't need to tell me. I already know." He said. Yuna blinked. "But..." She was saying. Zell shook his head. "Your easy to read, Yuna. Just tell them." He said.
Yuna sighed and looked at the others. "I've decided to marry." she said. There was a small silence. "I thought so." Lulu said softly. There was another silence. Another lightning bolt struck the air. And Rikku cowered. Again. "B-but why? Why'd you change your mind?" Wakka asked. Yuna shook her head. "For Spira's future...and Yevon's unity. I thought it would be the best thing to do." She said. Auron shook his head. "That's not good enough." He said his voice a little hard. "Wait, is it...Is it because of Lord Jyscal?" Lulu asked. Tidus blinked. "Hey! That sphere!" He cried out. There was a long silence. Zell slowly turned around and looked at Yuna who was looking uncomfortable. Auron walked towards her. "Show me." He said. Yuna backed away and shook her head. "I can't. I must speak to Maester Seymour first. I truly am sorry. It is a personal matter." She said. Wakka stared at her. "You're kidding, ya?" He asked. Auron just looked dully at her then turned away as he said, "As you wish."Zell turned away again looking up at the sky to hide his disappointment in Yuna. He wasn't too happy with her decision. But he couldn't make her change her mind. "I'm sorry." Yuna said with sorrow. Auron turned back. "Just one thing." he said looking serious. Yuna shook her head. "I won't quit my pilgrimage." She said. Auron nodded. "Then it is...fine." he said now walking away. Tidus hurried forward. "Wait a minute, Auron! You don't care? I mean, you're not going to stop her?" He asked. Auron paused. "No, I'm not. As long as she is willing to face Sin...all else is her concern. That is a summoner's privilage. As long as she journeys." He said. Wakka nodded. Tidus shook his head. "But that's..." He looked over at Zell. "What about what Zell said earlier? In Guadosalam! It's just..." He was saying.
Zell turned back. "Don't drag me into this, Tidus. I've already had my saying in this and Yuna didn't agree. I'm just a Guardian and a SeeD. In the rulebook, a SeeD is not to question his employer. I've questioned one before and it got me into trouble. I'm not going to do that again." He said shaking his head. Tidus groaned. There was another silence.Wakka stepped up to where Yuna was. "Yuna, just one question. Can't you just talk to Maester Seymour? You've got to marry him?" He asked. Yuna shook her head. "I don't know. But I think it is the right thing to do." Wakka shrugged. "Okay, I guess." He said. Rikku whimpered and hurried forward placing her hands on her shoulders. "Yunie..." She was cut off when another lightning bolt cracked. Rikku looked up with a scowl. "Quiet!" She yelled at the sky. "I wish we could help somehow, some way." She then said to Yuna. Yuna reached up and touched one of Rikku's hands. "It's okay...'ll be fine." She said. Zell watched them from over his shoulder and sighed softly.
"I don't get it...how things work here.
And apparently neither did Tidus.
I really felt like I didn't belong here. Not that I did.
And if I didn't belong here, why was I still with them?
Why was I still in Spira? I felt a little alone.
And if I was going to be alone here,
I didn't want to think about it.
I've been alone before and it's not pleasant."
Auron turned around. "Next, we're going to Macalania Temple. Yuna can talk with Seymour there. We Guardians will wait until they're done and plan our next move. Understood?" He asked. Everyone nodded and began walking towards the giant forest at the end of the path. Zell kept his eyes straight and refused to meet anyone else's. No one spoke either. Zell still heard Rikku whimpering and it was starting to get on his nerves. The group finally entered the forest. The sky was clearer and there wasn't anymore lightning and thunder. Rikku finally stopped huddling close to Zell and stood straight looking around. She smiled and jumped up and down with joy. She hurried away to explore a little. Zell shook his head and started to follow but someone grabbed his jacket and pulled him lightly back. He turned around and found that it was Auron with Tidus.Auron looked over at the group first then back at the two. "Your worried about Yuna." He said. Tidus nodded. "Course I'm worried about her. What is she thinking?" He asked. Zell didn't answer. "The simplest answer would be...in exchange for agreeing to marry him, she hopes to negotiate with Seymour." Auron said. Tidus blinked. "Negotiate what?" He asked. Auron didn't exactly answer. "I wonder." he said. Zell folded his arms and remained quiet. "What? All by herself?" Tidus asked. Auron nodded. "She's strong, but Seymour is the better negotiator." He said.
Tidus looked frustrated. "Well then, why don't we do something about it?" He asked. Auron shook his head. "Yuna wants it this way." He explained. Tidus growled. "Argh! I just don't get it! Doesn't she trust us?" He asked. Zell looked at him. "It's not that she doesn't trust us, Tidus. If she didn't trust us, she wouldn't have asked us to be her Guardians." He said. Auron nodded. "On the contrary...She doesn't want us caught up in whatever it is she's planning." he said. Tidus sighed and nodded. "Yeah, that's what I thought. But that makes me worry even more. She could just tell us." He said.
Auron shook his head. "That's the way she is. She's naive, serious to a fault and doesn't ask for help." He said. Zell lowered his head. 'Just like Squall.' He thought. Tidus nodded. "You're probably right." He said. Auron gave a swift nod. "Yuna's easy to read." He said. Zell gave a nod. "I've said that before." he said. Tidus nodded. Auron started to walk away. "But hard to guard. Stand by her always." He then looked over at Zell. "And I mean always." The two boys followed him to the rest of the group. Rikku gave them a look and waved her finger at them. "Slowpokes!" She cried out. Tidus shrugged. "Sorry." he said. Zell nodded but earned a small glare from the blonde Al Bhed. "I'm still mad at you though!" She turned and folded her arms. Zell snorted and shook his head. He turned and looked up at the branches above him."I can't believe I was so calm. I wasn't exactly showing the emotions I was feeling.
So it was proving, even though I didn't notice right off, I was growing up.
I knew why Yuna was marrying Seymour. It wasn't for love.
It was because it was her duty. She was doing her job like I was doing mine.
But sometimes I wonder. What if she...what if she liked someone else.
And she was doing this because she was scared of expressing her feelings
towards the one she liked. I don't mean me. I know for sure she didn't
like me like that.
I think...no, I knew...she liked Tidus."
"Yuna, lets go." Tidus cut into Zell's thoughts. Zell looked around and followed the others. They walked down a path through mangled and odd shaped trees. Suddenly..."Hey!" Someone yelled. Everyone looked ahead and saw Barthello running towards them. "You, have you seen Dona?" He asked panting hard. Tidus and Zell looked at each other. "Dona? Can say we have." The blitzer said. Wakka folded his arms. "What's up?" He asked. Barthello looked faint. "We got seperated on the way here. Damn it all! I've got to find her!" He cried out.
Auron shook his head. "Calm down." He said. "But if anything happens to her..." Barthello was saying. Auron stepped forward. "Running around in a panic is not going to help. Right now, you have to keep cool and search." He said. Barthello stared. "But..." He was saying. Again Auron interrupted. "Guard your emotions, then guard your summoner." He said. Barthello sighed and nodded. "You're right." He said. Auron looked over the others. "Shall we search?" He offered. Barthello shook his head. "No, I've taken up enough of your time. Thank you, Sir Auron." He gave them a bow and then ran off.
Rikku started to run after him but stopped. Everyone watched her with surprise. "What's up?" Wakka asked. Rikku shook her head. "Oh, I just wanted to wish him good luck." She said with an innocent smiled. Zell stared at her then smirked. The group walked on. They ended up fighting several monsters. Zell had no problem with them. The group were almost out of the forest when Auron stopped the group. He looked around then turned to the right towards another path way. "Wait. It is here. Somewhere." He said.
Tidus looked at him. "What's here?" He asked. Auron looked at him. "Something you should see." He said. Yuna looked around and nodded. "But, Sir Auron..." She was saying. Auron shook his head. "It won't take long." He said. Everyone nodded. The swordsman looked at the others. "Just wait here. We'll be a minute." He said. He turned and chopped a branch down that was blocking the way. He nodded for Tidus and Yuna to follow him. Zell watched them and then sat down to wait.
They weren't gone too long like Auron said. They soon came back out. Tidus was looking awkward about something. Yuna was smiling a little. Zell was wondering what had happened but then again, if it was his business, Auron would have told him to go with. They went on with their journey. The group left the forest coming to a frozen lake. Snow every where. Zell felt the chilly wind already. He looked around. The group walked towards a Travel Agency.
The Blonde SeeD smiled seeing Clasko with the one chocobo by the building. He walked right up to him and grinned at him. Clasko smiled and waved. "Hi there. Would you look at this? They always leave me behind." He said. The chocobo warked. "Oh, you want me to scratch you?" Clasko asked and began scratching his neck. "There. Good boy." Zell laughed and stepped to the other side of the chocobo which looked at him with suspicioun. But the SeeD reached up and patted his beak very softly. It gave a cute purr and rubbed it's head against both Zell and Clasko. Clasko laughed and patted it's neck.
Tidus walked up looking amazed. "How'd you know what it wanted?" he asked. Clasko looked at him. "I've always been able to tell how a chocobo feel. Maybe I'd make a better chocobo breeder than Chocobo Knight, huh? Hey, what job do you see me doing?" He asked looking at Tidus. Tidus shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not very good with chocobos so I couldn't tell you." he said. Clasko looked disappointed then he looked at Zell with hope. Zell grinned. "I've said the same thing to my friend, Irvine and I'm going to tell you. I think you should be a breeder. Your very good with chocobos." He said. Clasko grinned. "Yeah! I think so too! Hmm...you know. I might just give it a try." he said. Zell nodded.Just then, Tromell walked up to them with a smile. "Lady Yuna, we've been expecting you. We were surprised you decided to come so soon. Pleasantly surprised of course. Lord Seymour sends his apologies for having left without notice." he said. Yuna nodded stepping up to the Guado. "It's quite all right. I have one question if I may, sir." She said. Tromell nodded. "My lady?" He asked. Yuna sighed and nodded. "I want to keep journeying, even if I marry. Do you think that Maester Seymour would let me?" She asked.
Tromell nodded with a bigger smile. "But of course, my lady. Lord Seymour wishes nothing else, I'm sure." He said. Yuna nodded and turned to the group. She smiled. "Goodbye." She said and started to walk with Tromell. At first no one walked after, but then Zell pushed past the others following the two. Tromell turned around when he realized that he and Yuna was being followed. "We must follow Guado tradition. I'll have to ask you to wait here a little while longer. I'll send someone to escort you." He said starting to turn away. But to everyone's shock, Zell stood firm. "No." He said sternly. There were several gasps from the group, except Auron and Kimahri. Yuna being one. She spun around giving Zell a strange look of pleading. Tromell turned with surprise himself. "Pardon me?" He asked. Zell shook his head. "I said no. Yuna is not going anywhere without one of us. I don't give a damn if it's your tradition or not." He said. Yuna gasped softly and the scowled. "Zell!" She scolded.Zell ignored her. He stepped forward facing off with Tromell. "I mean no disrespect, sir, but we are her Guardians. She hired us to protect her. And that's what we intend to do. One of us is going with her, even if you don't like it or not. You can try to stop me if you want, but are you willing to stop the rest of them." He said nodding his head towards the others. There was a small silence. Tromell looked at the group behind Zell looking like he didn't believe Zell.
But Auron stepped forward standing next to Zell. "He speaks the truth. Yuna does not leave without one of the Guardians." He said calmly but there was a small hint of seriousness there. Yuna looked uncomfortable."Sir Auron, Zell." She said in a pleading tone. But both stood firm. Lulu then stepped forward. Rikku and Tidus followed. Kimahri and then Wakka then stepped forward and folded his arms with a nod of agreement. Tromell nodded then. "Very well. You are faithful and loyal Guardians. One of you will be allowed to come with us." He said with a small bow.
Everyone looked at each other, but Zell and Auron. They just stared forward. "Who's going with?" Tidus asked. Auron then softly nudged Zell forward. "Zell will. He spoke up then he will go with." he said. Everyone nodded. Zell stepped next to Yuna who still looked uncomfortable. "Uh...I..." she paused. Auron shook his head. "We're all with you. Do as you will. But Zell goes with." He said. Yuna smiled and nodded. "Thank you." She said and started to walk with Tromell. Zell gave a slight nod to the others. Auron nodded back meeting his eyes. The swordsman's eyes told him everything. 'Watch Yuna closely and make sure nothing happens'. Zell nodded and walked after Tromell and Yuna. He heard Auron speak to Tidus. "Sorry." he said. Tidus looked at him with a "Hmmm?" "That was your line." Auron spoke.
Zell walked close to Yuna when he heard Tidus call after them. "Yuna! Zell!" He called. The two turned around. Tidus gave a loud whistle making the two smile in understanding. Zell stuck his fingers in his mouth and whistled back while Yuna giggled. "Yessir!" She called. Then the two walked after Tromell who looked slightly confused. They were on the icy lake when suddenly..."Oh no!" Rikku cried out. "Al Bhed!" Wakka yelled.
Zell saw them coming. They were on skidoos and they encircled him and the other two. Zell grabbed Yuna and pulled her behind him with his fists raised, ready to fight. Yuna was clutching the back of his jacket with fear. Tromell looking extremely nervous. The others ran up. "Stand back!" Auron ordered. Tromell looked at him. "Thank you!" He took Yuna's hand and pulled her away. Zell just stood there for a minute ready to fight the Al Bhed. "Lady Yuna!" Tromell called out making him turn his head. Yuna had ran back. She wanted to fight too. The Al Bhed surrounding the group turned and ran away but there standing on the hill was an Al Bhed with a mohawk. Zell was just disgusted with him already. He didn't like dudes with mohawks. "Rikku!" The Al Bhed yelled.
Everyone looked at Rikku who was glaring. "Tuh'd ehdanvana un oui kad drec!" The man yelled. Beside him a large cannon rolled forward and sat there."Ouin bnaleuic magic yht aeons yna caymat!" The Al Bhed laughed. "Oh no!" Rikku gasped and stepped back. Tidus and Zell shot her a worried look. "What?" Zell asked. "Translation?" Tidus spoke with worry. Rikku looked at them. "He's gonna use an anti-magic field on us!" She cried out. "Kad dras!" The Al Bhed man yelled. The cannon quickly rolled forward and attacked. The group hurried forward. Auron looked at the others. "We'll have to fight it normally! Lulu! Stand back with Yuna!" He ordered. Lulu nodded. The guys hurried forward and was ready to battle. Zell was wondering, while he was fighting, if this thing was effecting his magical abilities too. He figured it was worth a try. He found a nice thunder spell and tried to throw the spell but it only sparked from his hands and zapped him instead. And it hurt this time. Zell gave a sharp cry sucked his finger. "What're you doing!" Tidus asked as dodged a bullet.
Zell looked at him as the cannon started to shoot at them. They dodged as much as they could. "I was just seeing if it was effecting my magic too! I guess it does!" he yelled. Wakka was almost hit by a bullet. "Does it effect those GF things too!" He called. Zell looked at him. "I don't know! But if I'm going to summon one, I need some time! It takes a few minutes to get it!" He yelled. Auron nodded. "Then hurry it up! We'll keep it busy!" He called. The SeeD nodded and jumped back as a fire spell nearly hit him. His eyes went to the machine flying above the cannon. He gritted his teeth. 'That thing….I think that's where the anti-magic field is coming from!' he thought. He nodded and tried to think of what GF to use. He couldn't use Quezacoatl because the machine might absorb electricity. So that left Pandamona and Diablos. Wind might not have worked so why use the darkness demon. If that didn't work, then he would have to figure it out on his own.Zell reached inside his mind and grasped the demon waking it up from it's sleep. He could hear the snarl of annoyance inside his head but the demon seemed a little happy that it was going to be used, finally. The others were having a hard time trying to keep the cannon busy. It was now aiming at Zell ready to fire. But suddenly four globes of light surrounded him and green light appeared under Zell's feet. A small signal with it.
"Alright! It's working! Get back! This is going to be a little nasty!" Zell yelled. Auron, Wakka, Tidus and Kimahri quickly jumped back giving Zell room. Suddenly Zell's body went transparent before he disappeared. The whole area went dark. The sky was full of purple light and clouds. It was black as night. Bats began to form right above the cannon creating a large black ball. Something was coming out from under the ball.
It was Diablos. His wings were folded around his body and his head bowed down. With a snarl he threw his head back and his wings spread out. Bats seemed to fly right off of him. His peircing yellow eyes looked at the cannon as he grinned evilly. He rose his claws with yellow energy. The black ball above him fell a little around his claws. Gripping the ball, Diablos then flung it hard down right on the cannon. Smashing it a little. Symbols surrounded the ball and cannon. Then Diablos did a flip in the air and exploded into millions of bats and they vanished. The area returned to normal. But the cannon still stood. Only the flying machine had exploded.
The cannon was rattling a little as it powered up. "Damn! It didn't destroy it!" Wakka cried out. Zell appeared again looking very dizzy. "Zell, you alright!" Tidus asked. Zell shook his head hard to shake off the dizziness. "Yeah! Just give me a second! That's just only an after effect!" He called. Rikku hurried forward. "I'll take over for a minute! We've got to hurry! It's going to use a nasty attack on us and could kill us if we don't hurry it up!" She called out.
Auron nodded. "It's time to end this!" He yelled. He began to glow a little. His sword glowing with power. He then slammed into the ground sending a huge energy wave towards the machine and hitting the cannon. It sent a few loose screws flying. Tidus then ran forward and began running around the cannon slashing it then he jumped back. Wakka was next. He started to glow with his own energy. He clutched his ball and yelled the word fire! The ball burst into flames and he threw it at the cannon. Kimahri was next. He clenched his fist and then leaped up into the air coming down on the cannon with the sharp end. Lulu hurried forward and sent series of spells at it. Then Rikku started mixing things and created a nasty bomb. Then Yuna hurried forward. "My turn!" She said.She spun in a circle, flames flying up. Suddenly there was an explosion sending Yuna flying up. A large beast exploded upward with flames dancing around it. It then landed catching Yuna on the shoulder. Then it softly put her down letting her step aside. The beast was all too familiar to Zell. Zell's eyes went wide seeing it. "Ifrit?" He whispered. The beast then snarled and formed two fire balls in it's claws. It flung them towards the machine. The machine began rumbling and exploding. It was broken into pieces.
Everyone stood there now staring at the broken machine. The Al Bhed standing off to the side began cursing words that Zell couldn't make out and jumping and down with rage. He began kicking snow angrily. Rikku rolled her eyes. "Fryd s pypo." She muttered. Tromell hurried forward. "My lady." He said. Yuna looked at everyone and then nodded. She walked after Tromell. Zell stopped for a second and then saluted to them. "See you at the Temple. I'll explain to you about Diablos when you get there." He said. Everyone nodded.
Zell hurried after Yuna and Tromell. He could could tell that Tromell was too uncomfortable with Zell around but he said nothing. Yuna looked at him as they walked. "Zell, can I ask you something?" She asked. Zell nodded. "Sure. What's up?" he asked stuffing his hands in his pockets. Yuna looked troubled. "That thing…..your summon thing…..what was that? It reminds me of an Aeon too much. Your not a summoner are you?" She asked.
Zell shook his head. "I already told you what it was. It's called a GF, short for Guardian Force. It's from my world. I'm no summoner, only a fighter with that demon." He said. Yuna nodded. "I see." She said still looking troubled. Zell rose an eyebrow. "What's wrong?" He asked. Yuna shook her head. "It's nothing…..but…..when you summoned it…..I felt some kind of….darkness coming from it. I could tell……I could tell that it wasn't good." She said. The blond SeeD cracked a smile and laughed. "Well, then, your senses are very sharp. Because he's not good. He's an evil jerk but he can't do anything bad unless he wants me kicking his butt….again!" he said loudly as if trying to let the demon catch the hint.Shut up, Dincht!
Zell snorted. "Make me shut up, Diablos. What're you going to do, talk me to death?" He asked. Yuna and Tromell gave him a look like he was going crazy.
Chickenwuss!
Now Zell looked mad. "Oh, that was low, Diablos! I should summon you so I can just kick your ass!" He growled. Yuna looked puzzled. "Are you okay?" She asked. Zell looked at her. "Oh, sorry. Diablos was just being a pri….jerk. He talks to me all the time, when he's not sleeping. I can communicate with my GFs whenever. Sometimes it gets annoying. Especially talking to Diablos." He said. Yuna nodded. "I understand." She said. Tromell looked away not wanting to even say anything. He just kept leading them.
They finally made it to an icy Temple. Zell looked up at it. His eyes were wide. He shivered seeing it. He didn't mind coming here….but….it reminded him of the towers of Ultimecia's Castle. He shivered hard thinking about the memories. Yuna saw it and she looked concerned at him. "What is it? Are you cold? I wouldn't be surprised. Your wearing shorts and short sleeved shirt." She said. Zell shook his head. "No, I'm not cold. Not really. It's…..it reminds me of Ultimecia's castle just a little." He said.
Yuna nodded and they went inside the temple. And waiting for them was Seymour. He was smiling until he saw Zell with them. He looked startled and not so happy. He met Zell's eyes who stared back with hardness. But Seymour bowed to Yuna. "Lady Yuna, what a pleasant surprise. I am happy that you could make it. However I am surprised to see your Guardian. I thought he was with the others." He said giving Tromell a look. Zell saw that Seymour was agitated and before Tromell could start explaining he stepped forward. "You shouldn't be surprised. I am just doing my job as a Guardian. And Yuna doesn't go anywhere without one of her Guardians. That is our rules. Maester or not. I don't mean to be rude but we will do anything to protect our Summoner. Even if that means going against others' orders. If you don't like it, then I guess you'll have to deal with it." He said coolly.There was a cold silence. A few people were shocked that this Guardian would say such things to a Maester. Yuna hid her smile well though. She was finding this sort of amusing. And apparently so did Seymour. At first he wasn't looking too happy about what Zell said then he smiled with a small chuckle.
"My, my. This is a surprise. Never have I met such a devoted Guardian such as yourself. You will go far in this career." He said. Zell smirked and nodded. "I try my best. Believe me, I'm not that devoted as my friend Squall is." He said. Seymour nodded. He turned to Yuna. "We must discuss our business. Shall we do it here or inside the Chamber?" He asked. Yuna shook her head glancing at Zell. "I think inside the Chamber will do." She turned to her Guardian. "Zell, would you please stay here though. This is going to be a private conversation. And I promise I will come out soon." She said.
Zell wasn't too happy at this but he nodded still looking at Seymour. "All right. But don't be too long if you can help it." He said. Yuna nodded and turned to Seymour. Seymour nodded and motioned her to go first. Yuna did. Then the Guado/Human looked at Zell then followed with his guards behind him. Zell narrowed his eyes then sat at the base of stairs. He started to meditate listening to all the sounds around him. Then a faint song filled the air.The SeeD opened his eyes and looked around. The song it was so peaceful and soothing. It made Zell feel comfortable. He didn't know what the words meant but he liked it. It was like listening to Rinoa singing her mother's song. Zell went back to meditating listening to the song.
Just then he heard yelling from outside the temple. Zell opened his eyes and listened. He couldn't make out the words but someone sounded angry. Finally the doors opened and the rest of the group walked in. They saw Zell sitting there and nodded to him. Zell nodded back and stood. "Where's Yuna?" Lulu asked. The SeeD nodded up the stairs. "She's inside the Chamber. She wanted to talk to Seymour alone so I just stayed out here." He said. Auron nodded stepping up to him. "We're going in." he said. Zell nodded and they started up the stairs when there was a scream. Everyone spun around and a girl hurried out of one of the rooms. "Lord Jyscal! A sphere in Lady Yuna's belongings!" She gasped. Everyone hurried back down the stairs into the room. Auron went over to the sphere laying on the bed. "This may well answer a few questions." He said. He picked it up and set it on the floor.
Suddenly an image of the Guado, Jyscal appeared. A cloudy background behind him and lightning flashed over his head proving that it was recorded in the Thunder Plains. The Guado looked troubled and upset. He sighed in the sphere and began to speak.
"What I am about to tell you is the unclouded truth. I swear it on my honor as a Guado. Listen to me very carefully, for I shall tell you the truth about my son, Seymour. His mind is closed even to me, a Maester of Yevon. But I can feel flames of darkness burning in his heart. He is using Yevon, the Guado, and even the Summoners. If he is not stopped, he will surely bring destruction and chaos to Spira." He paused.
Zell looked surprised. What was this old Guado saying? That his feelings towards Seymour was true? That Seymour was bad? "I will leave this world soon, killed by own son. But I do not fault him. Because I was not wise enough, he has suffered and become twisted. I could not protect him and his mother from the world and its cruelty. I will accept death as punishment for my deeds. But whoever is watching this…..I implore you to stop Seymour! Stop my son!" Then the sphere shut off.
Auron growled. "Wonderful." He muttered. Rikku looked at him. "Will Yuna be all right?" She asked. Auron hurried out of the room with the others. "Without us, no." He said. Everyone hurried out. "Where you goin'?" Wakka called after him. Tidus gave him a look. "You saw, didn't you? Seymour's bad news!" He said. Wakka swallowed hard. "But he's a Maester!" he said. Zell gave him a glare. "So what! Yuna's in danger! We can't let her face Seymour alone!" He growled. Tidus nodded. "Stay here if you want!" The two teens ran up the stairs. Lulu looked at Wakka. "Come on, Wakka. Let's at least hear him out." She said. Wakka sighed. "This can't be happening." He muttered as they hurried through the doors.The group hurried down an icy tunnel. "Kimahri's up ahead. Go." He said. Tidus and Zell nodded. "Right." They said. Auron looked at Wakka. "We will protect Yuna from anyone. Even a Maester." He said. Wakka groaned. "This can't be happening." He said. Lulu shook her head. "If he is truly at fault, it must be done." She said. They hurried down the hall into the next room.
Seymour was standing at the staircase leading to the Chamber of the Fayth where Yuna was in. The door was closed so that meant she was inside. Two Guado guards were standing on the sides of the Seymour. Tidus hurried forward with Zell at his side. "Seymour!" The blitzer yelled. Seymour didn't turn around. "Please be silent. Lady Yuna prays to the fayth." He said. The two teens growled. "Make me!" Tidus roared with anger. Zell nodded. "Yeah, you blue haired bastard!" He snapped. There was a deafening silence. Seymour slowly turned around and gave Zell a dirty look. He slowly walked down the stairs and glaring at them.Just then the doors open and Yuna walks out. Seymour turned around to look at her. "Yuna!" Tidus called to her. Yuna gasped and stepped back. "But why…." She asked as she walked down the stairs. "We saw Jyscal's sphere!" Tidus said. Auron turned his cold eyes onto Seymour's back. "You killed him." He said.
Seymour smirked and just stood there as Yuna passed. "What of it? Lady Yuna, certainly you knew of these things, did you not?" He asked looking over his shoulder. Yuna squeaked trying to find her words. "Well then, why have you come here?" Seymour asked. Yuna turned around and looked at him. She didn't know what to say. "I came….." She paused looking directly at her friends. Her eyes paused on Zell who watched her. His mouth tightened firmly. Then Yuna turned to looked back at Seymour with a determined look. "I came to stop you!" She said.
Seymour stood silent then he turned around looking at her as he spoke his next words. "I see. You came to punish me, then." He said. He walked towards her. The Guardians tensing with ever step. Then Seymour held out his hand towards her. Yuna looked at it then back at him. She walked backwards away from him. The Maester seemed slightly disappointed. "What a pity." He said shaking his head. The Guardians all stepped forward and around Yuna. Seymour looked bemused. "Ah, of course. Protect the summoner even at the cost of one's life. The Code of the Guardian. How admirable." He said waving his hand. The two guards step forward. "Well, if you're offering your lives, I will have to take them."Yuna frowned at him. "Maester Seymour. I trust my guardians with my life. But they are also my friends. I will not stand by and watch them be hurt. I will fight you too." She said gripping her staff. Zell and Tidus grinned. "All right!" Tidus said with a nod. Wakka hurried forward. "Maester Seymour!" He cried out. But Seymour turned nasty. His eyes narrowed with hatred. "So be it." He said very coldly.
The group stood ready. Zell tightened his gloves and cracked his knuckles. Tidus spun his sword in hand. Kimahri tightened his grip on his spear. Everyone was ready. All but Wakka. He was looking devastated. The Guado guards turned and casted protect and shell on Seymour. Tidus growled. "I knew you were bad news from the moment I saw you!" He yelled. Seymour mocked a look of surprise. "Oh, my sincerest apologies." He said calmly. Tidus growled. "Seymour!" He snarled. Wakka stepped closer. "Maester Seymour! We must stop this!" He begged. Seymour said nothing. Zell gritted his teeth with anger. "Your nothing but scum, you know that! Your just like that no good rotten President Deling of Deling City!" He growled. Everyone didn't know exactly what he was talking about but it made no difference. Seymour smirked as his guards began their attacks on the group."Yes, Tromell told me some interesting things about you. I am very aware of the powers you possess. This shall be interesting. I am interested in seeing your power." She said. Zell narrowed his eyes. "Well, then I better not disappoint you then!" He lunged forward ready to punch the day lights out of Seymour.
However one of his guards intercepted and it didn't really make a difference. Zell punched the Guado hard sending him flying into the wall. Seymour flicked his wrist and a strong wind spell hit Zell hit him the chest sending him flying across the room. Tidus raced forward to attack. So did the others. But for some reason the Guado guards seemed to be faster. They kept getting in the way.
Finally Kimahri got mad and rose his claws. Suddenly the Guado were transformed into stone and they shattered. Seymour looked mildly surprised. He kept throwing spells but it didn't really do him very good. He finally got fed up and summoned his Aeon. "Feel my pain. Come, Anima!" he roared.
The Aeon that had killed all the fiends back in Luca appeared. Everyone looked worried but they fought hard against it. Mainly Zell. He punched and kicked at the Aeon but it was very powerful. Just then Anima let out a snarl and a red light exploded around it's head. Some kind of invisible spell flew down and hit Zell in the chest. Pain filled his body making him cry out. "What is that!" Tidus cried out. Auron jumped forward and slashed the huge Aeon. "It's using the spell Pain! Be careful when it does that!" He yelled. Zell got to his knees and held his chest as he staggered to his feet. He remembered Pain. Fujin, one of Seifer's lackeys, used that spell all the time. He would just have to watch out for that spell again.They kept attacking. Yuna had to summon a few of the Aeons. And to Zell's surprise, she had Shiva too. But this Shiva looked different. It was like she was made out of ice. They fight raged on when finally Tidus used his Slice and Dice attack again and defeated Anima. The monster roared and then vanished. Seymour looked mad. "That power that defeated Anima….It will be mine!" He roared and began casting spells. A few of the spells would end up being electricity so Zell would jump forward to take them in, powering him up. Seymour looked even more outraged when it did. He wanted to kill Zell. So he stopped casting lightning at him and tried to attack him with different spells. Then Auron struck Seymour. Seymour fell to his knees.Yuna stepped forward looking sad. "Yuna….you would pity me now?" he asked and then fell onto his back. Yuna sighed and walked over to Seymour's body She bent down and closed his eyes that were still open. She then stood and lowered her head. Suddenly the doors burst open and in ran Tromell. He gasped halting in his footsteps. "Lord Seymour!" he gasped.
A/N: Ha! Ding, Dong, the dork is dead, which ol' dork, the wicked Dork. Ding, Dong, the wicked Dork is dead. okay, I think I'm drinking too much caffiene. Anyway, that's it for now. Let me know what you thought.
