The Son of Auron: The Hope of Spira
Chapter 8
The Zanarkand Demon
Zaon lashed out at Jack with the Lithe as his adversary stood his ground.
Finally the weapons connected in a fury of sparks.
The beast struck at Jack again and again and again until the two both appeared to be tiring out.
Panting, Zaon grinned through jagged teeth.
"Time to test the power of my master," he said as a Mi Pagados began to glow.
Jack caught on to the act, "Hurry, your weapons can pierce them! Destroy them quick!" he said to his comrades.
Yuna and the others looked at a glowing mass before them.
Wakka sprung up into the air and launched his World Champion at it, hitting it dead on.
The stone ceased its glow and crashed to the ground, but Wakka's weapon appeared stuck inside it.
Wakka ran over to it to retrieve his weapon, grabbing its side and tugging forcefully.
Though it wouldn't budge he kept up trying as Jack and Zaon continued their vicious battle.
Suddenly, the rock began to quiver.
Wakka ignored it and continued his tugging.
He stepped back in shock as the bolder began to change.
While still grasping the weapon, it melted into the form of a man.
The colorless figure took on shape into a statue of Wakka holding World Champion.
It charged at the party as they just took in what had happened.
Tidus braced met the charge with a blow to his ribs.
He had endured the same hit there in the past but this felt worse than pain.
He felt empty.
Meanwhile, Jack dueled against the first vanquisher of Sin.
He rarely dodged the attacks but mostly blocked them.
He had even taken many hits as well where Zaon hadn't even been toughed by him or his blade.
Jack would lash out with a vicious combo and Zaon would deflect it with ease and counter it.
Then an idea popped into Jack's head.
"ARS ARCANIUM!" he shouted, rapidly firing slashes at the beast, but Zaon blocked every single strike.
Jack couldn't believe his eyes.
"This is one of the toughest foes that I have ever encountered," he thought to himself.
A voice rang out in his head, "Of course I am! No one can defeat Yunalesca's aeon!"
Jack lost concentration from the discovered mind-reading powers of his attacker.
Zaon took this moment of opportunity to bring Ligth down on his victim.
Jack suddenly snapped back to his senses but it was too late, for a mind blowing pain from behind told him he had been folly.
He crumpled to a heap on the floor in an uncontious state.
Jack woke to find himself surrounded by darkness.
"Where am I?" he called hearing his voice echo around him.
"Do not be scared!" rang a deep voice.
"What! I'm not scared, I just wanna know what happened," Jack spat.
Somehow, this voice seemed so familiar.
He thought he heard laughter, but ignored it.
He heard the voice again, "Well, your still uncontious from that blow. I guess that Lord Zaon was too much for you."
"BITE ME!" yelled Jack.
"Words of defeat are all I hear, the Hope of Spira would stand and fight, no matter the outcome. I guess you are not the prophecy's target," the voice mocked.
"Of course I am! A have half of the Callikiller! I have worthy fighting skills! I-" Jack voice trailed off.
"You could be just a pawn, just give up!"
Jack was getting really ticked off by now. "I am the Hope! I must be!"
Laughter rang around him, "Prove it then," challenged the voice.
These words sunk into him. He knew he mustn't give in to failure.
"I-I won't give up," he stuttered.
"Then you are ready," replied the darkness.
Jack felt himself coming to as his surroundings began to vanish.
The last thing he heard before coming to, was the voice.
"Good luck, my son."
Jack awoke to find his friends in peril.
He turned to Zaon whose attention was focused on the others.
The group looked like they wouldn't last longer.
Wakka and Yuna were knocked out, Tidus was petrified, Rikku had been inflicted with darkness, and Lulu was silenced and her Onion Knight wasn't making much progress.
Jack returned his attention to Zaon.
Picking up his sword, he summoned all of his strength and lunged towards the beast.
Landing on its back, he held on and sunk his sword into the aeon's back as Zaon slayed Lulu.
Zaon reared back his head and made a roar loud enough to make a banshee tremble.
Jack twisted the injected blade around inside the monster, drawing it again and piercing a new area.
Jack was about to strike again but a powerful hand grabbed him and he was pulled away from the bleeding back.
Zaon's glowing red eyes stared at him, anger in every corner.
"You should have remained where you were, I thought you were dead.
Now, I will make your death slow and painful!" he roared.
He gripped his prisoner tightly until Jack began to suffocate.
Before he fainted from the assault, he was placed on the ground.
He was too weak to rise as he watched Zaon prepare for another attack.
Zaon stopped himself to add, "Also, that brutal attack that you just committed may have been critical, but my Mi Pagados heal fast," he said, turning to reveal not a mark on the dark flesh.
"You see," he continued. "When one attacks a Mi Pagados, they absorb their weapon and transform into its owner.
The copy is much more powerful than the original form.
Every time it inflicts damage, it absorbs the victim's life force. It is then saved until I require its use. I have enough to survive all of Spira's machina and more now!"
He then raised his scepter until the gemstones sparkled in the lights above.
"Now, you shall perish before my overdrive!" he shouted.
As Jack watched weakly, the center of the crystal where the four gems met split into each separate stone and tilted outward into four directions.
Inside of the separated head of the staff, a white core glowed.
Zaon placed his free hand above the core and absorbed its power into it.
He held it above Jack grinning wickedly.
"Prepare yourself for the might of Yunalesca!" he shouted.
Inside his head, Jack heard the voice from his dream inside his head, "I knew you weren't the one. How do you expect to defeat Mi Yevon if you can't even take on one of his minions," it taunted.
The hand opened and a swirling ring of light enveloped Jack.
"HAND OF LUCIFER!" Zaon Yelled.
The white dome around Jack began to glow brighter and Jack felt as if each cell in his body were shattering.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was all he could say as he suffered from the pain.
Finally the attack ended and Zaon looked over the heap that was once his opponent.
He spat and turned to the blind Rikku.
She looked up at him and yelled, "You shall pay for that!"
He responded to this by a blow to her head, knocking her out.
He looked around at his handy work, grinning.
Suddenly, Wakka rose to his feet, soon to be followed by Yuna, Tidus, Lulu, and Rikku.
"What!" Zaon shouted.
"Whoa man. What happened?" asked Wakka.
"Look!" said Lulu.
Everyone including Zaon turned to see the ashy form of Jack rising, putting away his item pack.
Weakly he yelled, "Get the- the Pagados, d-don't touch them with your weapons!"
Tidus understood and casted hastega and Yuna casted protect.
Zaon was shocked, "How? Nobody has ever survived my overdrive!"
Jack looked up at him through his hat.
Zaon showed fear for a moment but this vanished quickly.
He suddenly whipped out Ligth and struck at Jack over and over again.
Jack dodged every blow, and leaped up to slash at the aeon's face.
He growled through his bloodstained face.
He reached for Jack but he met it with the amputation of his thumb.
The monster cried out in pain.
"I don't get it," he though. "My Pagados should be healing me by now."
He looked up in shock to see that the others had slain them with Lulu's magic and Rikku's overdrive and were now cheering Jack on.
He turned his attention back to his dueler who had his sword raised and pressed against his forehead.
Before the victim could stop him, Jack stabbed.
Jack landed as Zaon's dark sinister form crashed and the black flames quickly devoured the body.
Out of the ashes rose the human form of Zaon.
Weakly, he stumbled to the ground.
Everyone except Jack rushed over to him.
Zaon looked up, tears in his eyes, "I am a disgrace. I wasn't myself, for I was weak."
"Don't say such, Mi Yevon was too powerful," said Yuna.
Zaon wheezed, "I know you seek my wife's help. Place this in the center of the dome, then all will be explained," he said, reaching into his pockets and revealing a black shard.
"The Hope mustn't fail, the light must not fade," he whispered before he fell limp.
"Do as he says," said a voice belonging to Jack.
They turned to him, "Are you OK?" asked Tidus.
Jack started, "I-"
He finished by collapsing to the ground.
Lulu gasped, "Tidus, you and Rikku take Jack back to the airship, we'll take care of Yunalesca."
The two walked off, as Lulu picked up the shard.
Shrugging, she tossed it into the center of the blitz dome.
Apon reaching the center, the crystal exploded, filling the dome with blue light.
The viewers shielded their eyes at first but withdrew as the light dimmed.
Yunalesca's face was in the center of the glow.
"Ah, Lady Yuna," I am happy to see you. I see I was wrong when you defeated Sin and Yu Yevon even without the final aeon. Happy as I am, we have other matters to discuss. I know that you seek my aid, and why. To activate your relic, simply toss the weapon and the relic inside," she said.
Wakka shrugged and tossed in the two.
There was a white flash and Wakka looked into his hand to find a new weapon.
This ball was just a regular orange ball with a red spot on it.
In gold letters along its side were engraved the words "Universal Champion."
"It may seem weak but do not judge before it is tested," spoke Yunalesca.
Wakka glanced at the others, motioned to the face and twirled his finger around his head.
"WATERGA!" the face yelled, drenching Wakka.
Wakka stuck out his wet bottom lip and walked back to the airship.
"And as gratitude for freeing my husband from the clutches of Mi Yevon, I give you his relic," she said.
Tidus felt something drop into his pocket.
He pulled it out to reveal a relic fashioned in the shape of the sun.
"Hey thanks!" he said, throwing in Calabolg and his relic into the dome as well.
There was a flash and Tidus found a long, golden sword in his hand with the words "Starblade," printed on the shaft.
"We are gracious for these gifts, and we hope to return," said Yuna.
"You may come as you please," said Yunalesca, vanishing.
Apon re-boarding the airship, they found Wakka standing outside the infirmary.
"How is he?" asked Yuna.
Wakka shook his head, "Pretty bad. Some broken bones, major burns, large cuts and bruises, It don' look good ya."
"Where's Rikku," asked Tidus.
"With him now," Wakka replied.
Rikku looked down at the sleeping face of Jack.
Tubes were connected all over him.
She had told the doctors to leave on his hat and head garments, knowing he would be upset if she hadn't.
She held his hand in hers, smiling down at his slumbering form, "I know that you may act like you do not care for me, and I don't know why, but deep down, I know you do.
I know this because I do care for you. I care for you enough to make you this promise.
I promise you that no matter the cost, you will defeat Omega and end your hiding.
I will give my life to make it true if necessary," she said bending down to kiss him on the cheek.
She felt his hand squeeze hers. She looked down to hear him whisper, "As much as I care for you, I have regrettable reasons."
"Tell me, please," she pleaded.
"I won't hurt you," he said.
"You will not, I know it, just tell me, I promise, nothing will happen to either of us," she said.
Jack took in a breath, "Ever since Omega scarred my life, it seemed cursed. Everyone, I got close to was killed. Finally, I excepted my cursed fate. Until, I slay Omega, I shall remain cursed."
Rikku sighed. Though she thought he wasn't really cursed, she knew she couldn't change his decision.
"Well, I'll let you rest, you saved us all, you deserve it."
She could tell Jack was smiling at her, as she left.
Meanwhile, Cid was watching them through a window across the infirmary.
"Oh man, I gotta get this together!" he said walking back to his room.
Jack knew the curse was gonna end with Omega. He would find him and he would kill him, that was his goal.
He was beginning to love Rikku, and he wouldn't see her die. He would make sure of this.
Seymour was slumped over in his throne at Guadosalam.
He had had a hard time accepting that his enemies had progressed so much.
Before he was about to daze off, a guard walked into the chamber.
"My Lord, I'm sorry for disturbing you at this hour but I am pleased to inform you that your army has conquered the southern islands of Spira."
Seymour grunted in approval.
So far, he had taken control over the towns of Besaid, Luca, Bevelle, Kilica, and he was gaining control of Mt. Gagazet.
"Thank you, you may leave now," said Seymour lazily as the guard bowed and left.
Seymour was about to close his eyes again when he felt a presence before him.
"What is it!" he demanded with his eyes still closed.
"I are you Lord Seymour," said young voice.
Seymour's eyes fluttered open to look apon a young man about Jack's age.
A green eye was visible through his dark blonde hair and the other was concealed behind a black eye patch with a flame emblem on it.
He was an average height and wore a tattered shirt.
His only visible was a sheathed sword buckled at his hip.
"Sorry, you can't have an autograph so scram before I send you off myself," he said.
"Spare me, I'm here for the job you sent out," the child replied.
Seymour bore a puzzled look on his face.
The boy sighed and tossed a sphere on Seymour's lap.
Seymour activated the dome to see a hologram of himself.
It began to speak, "This is to all warriors, soldiers, contract killers, and bounty hunters. A new enemy has revealed it self to us all. There have been six of them recently reported and each one is armed and deadly and require assistance to maintain. I humbly request that if you have experience in a job suitable for this, please contact me, Maester Seymour, at the Guadosalam palace to see if you are fit for the job," it said clicking off.
Seymour had no memory of such a thing, until a voice rang inside his head, "Seymour, I made that while you were away, we need more than the final aeons it seems and somebody has to be skilled enough in the art of combat to take care of this matter."
Seymour shrugged, "Sorry, children aren't allowed," he said to the boy.
The boy grinned slyly, "Would you prefer a demonstration?"
Seymour beckoned for a guard to walk in.
"My position requires real fighting skill, so if you don't mind, you must kill this soldier," he said.
The boy began to draw his sword with a smile of satisfaction.
"Wait, I wasn't finished!" said Seymour.
"You must do it blind folded and he with two swords," he grinned.
The boy showed no sign of worry on his face.
He snapped his fingers and the boy was blind folded and the guard received two swords.
"You may begin," he said.
The boy turned his back to the guard as the soldier ran towards him, and began slashing at him wildly.
The child ducked, leaped, and spun, dodging every attack.
Time passed, and the boy finally had had enough, as he leaped forward away from the guard and turned on his heel.
He drew his sword lightning fast and slashed at the thin air just as fast.
All the guard saw was the glint of the golden blade riding through the wind.
Seconds later, he sheathed his weapon and stood still.
The guard began to laugh at the boy but stopped when his head dropped to the ground.
Seymour smiled in appreciation for this boy reminded him of someone similar that he had known long ago.
"Well, I guess that you fit the position," he said. "Now, let's talk business," he said with a smile.
Author's Note: Hey! Sorry about the wait, writer's block and school are to blame. Any way, I have some things to tell so READ THIS A/N! Firstly, thank you The Fatty Next Door, Arinya, BlackSaiyan1, Dark Evrae, FFX LOVER, and DibMagician for your reviews! As for this chapter, this chappie tells you that the votes sided with a Jikku. The romance needs work, I know, but I'm trying. Luckily, Tidus and Wakka will be fighting in the next chapters ^_^! This wasn't as long a chappie like my others but I won't crowd too much in a chapter. Important note: I have received many questions about this and I plan to announce that I have left in things about Jack's past that haven't been explained yet. I promise it will all fit together soon enough. In this chapter Ligth it spelled correctly, not light, Ligth, pronounce it Lithe. Anyway, thanks for your kind reviews and I'll keep posting! Cheers!
PS: Special thanks to StoryWeaver1 for reviewing almost all of my chapters. You Rock!
~Callik~
Chapter 8
The Zanarkand Demon
Zaon lashed out at Jack with the Lithe as his adversary stood his ground.
Finally the weapons connected in a fury of sparks.
The beast struck at Jack again and again and again until the two both appeared to be tiring out.
Panting, Zaon grinned through jagged teeth.
"Time to test the power of my master," he said as a Mi Pagados began to glow.
Jack caught on to the act, "Hurry, your weapons can pierce them! Destroy them quick!" he said to his comrades.
Yuna and the others looked at a glowing mass before them.
Wakka sprung up into the air and launched his World Champion at it, hitting it dead on.
The stone ceased its glow and crashed to the ground, but Wakka's weapon appeared stuck inside it.
Wakka ran over to it to retrieve his weapon, grabbing its side and tugging forcefully.
Though it wouldn't budge he kept up trying as Jack and Zaon continued their vicious battle.
Suddenly, the rock began to quiver.
Wakka ignored it and continued his tugging.
He stepped back in shock as the bolder began to change.
While still grasping the weapon, it melted into the form of a man.
The colorless figure took on shape into a statue of Wakka holding World Champion.
It charged at the party as they just took in what had happened.
Tidus braced met the charge with a blow to his ribs.
He had endured the same hit there in the past but this felt worse than pain.
He felt empty.
Meanwhile, Jack dueled against the first vanquisher of Sin.
He rarely dodged the attacks but mostly blocked them.
He had even taken many hits as well where Zaon hadn't even been toughed by him or his blade.
Jack would lash out with a vicious combo and Zaon would deflect it with ease and counter it.
Then an idea popped into Jack's head.
"ARS ARCANIUM!" he shouted, rapidly firing slashes at the beast, but Zaon blocked every single strike.
Jack couldn't believe his eyes.
"This is one of the toughest foes that I have ever encountered," he thought to himself.
A voice rang out in his head, "Of course I am! No one can defeat Yunalesca's aeon!"
Jack lost concentration from the discovered mind-reading powers of his attacker.
Zaon took this moment of opportunity to bring Ligth down on his victim.
Jack suddenly snapped back to his senses but it was too late, for a mind blowing pain from behind told him he had been folly.
He crumpled to a heap on the floor in an uncontious state.
Jack woke to find himself surrounded by darkness.
"Where am I?" he called hearing his voice echo around him.
"Do not be scared!" rang a deep voice.
"What! I'm not scared, I just wanna know what happened," Jack spat.
Somehow, this voice seemed so familiar.
He thought he heard laughter, but ignored it.
He heard the voice again, "Well, your still uncontious from that blow. I guess that Lord Zaon was too much for you."
"BITE ME!" yelled Jack.
"Words of defeat are all I hear, the Hope of Spira would stand and fight, no matter the outcome. I guess you are not the prophecy's target," the voice mocked.
"Of course I am! A have half of the Callikiller! I have worthy fighting skills! I-" Jack voice trailed off.
"You could be just a pawn, just give up!"
Jack was getting really ticked off by now. "I am the Hope! I must be!"
Laughter rang around him, "Prove it then," challenged the voice.
These words sunk into him. He knew he mustn't give in to failure.
"I-I won't give up," he stuttered.
"Then you are ready," replied the darkness.
Jack felt himself coming to as his surroundings began to vanish.
The last thing he heard before coming to, was the voice.
"Good luck, my son."
Jack awoke to find his friends in peril.
He turned to Zaon whose attention was focused on the others.
The group looked like they wouldn't last longer.
Wakka and Yuna were knocked out, Tidus was petrified, Rikku had been inflicted with darkness, and Lulu was silenced and her Onion Knight wasn't making much progress.
Jack returned his attention to Zaon.
Picking up his sword, he summoned all of his strength and lunged towards the beast.
Landing on its back, he held on and sunk his sword into the aeon's back as Zaon slayed Lulu.
Zaon reared back his head and made a roar loud enough to make a banshee tremble.
Jack twisted the injected blade around inside the monster, drawing it again and piercing a new area.
Jack was about to strike again but a powerful hand grabbed him and he was pulled away from the bleeding back.
Zaon's glowing red eyes stared at him, anger in every corner.
"You should have remained where you were, I thought you were dead.
Now, I will make your death slow and painful!" he roared.
He gripped his prisoner tightly until Jack began to suffocate.
Before he fainted from the assault, he was placed on the ground.
He was too weak to rise as he watched Zaon prepare for another attack.
Zaon stopped himself to add, "Also, that brutal attack that you just committed may have been critical, but my Mi Pagados heal fast," he said, turning to reveal not a mark on the dark flesh.
"You see," he continued. "When one attacks a Mi Pagados, they absorb their weapon and transform into its owner.
The copy is much more powerful than the original form.
Every time it inflicts damage, it absorbs the victim's life force. It is then saved until I require its use. I have enough to survive all of Spira's machina and more now!"
He then raised his scepter until the gemstones sparkled in the lights above.
"Now, you shall perish before my overdrive!" he shouted.
As Jack watched weakly, the center of the crystal where the four gems met split into each separate stone and tilted outward into four directions.
Inside of the separated head of the staff, a white core glowed.
Zaon placed his free hand above the core and absorbed its power into it.
He held it above Jack grinning wickedly.
"Prepare yourself for the might of Yunalesca!" he shouted.
Inside his head, Jack heard the voice from his dream inside his head, "I knew you weren't the one. How do you expect to defeat Mi Yevon if you can't even take on one of his minions," it taunted.
The hand opened and a swirling ring of light enveloped Jack.
"HAND OF LUCIFER!" Zaon Yelled.
The white dome around Jack began to glow brighter and Jack felt as if each cell in his body were shattering.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was all he could say as he suffered from the pain.
Finally the attack ended and Zaon looked over the heap that was once his opponent.
He spat and turned to the blind Rikku.
She looked up at him and yelled, "You shall pay for that!"
He responded to this by a blow to her head, knocking her out.
He looked around at his handy work, grinning.
Suddenly, Wakka rose to his feet, soon to be followed by Yuna, Tidus, Lulu, and Rikku.
"What!" Zaon shouted.
"Whoa man. What happened?" asked Wakka.
"Look!" said Lulu.
Everyone including Zaon turned to see the ashy form of Jack rising, putting away his item pack.
Weakly he yelled, "Get the- the Pagados, d-don't touch them with your weapons!"
Tidus understood and casted hastega and Yuna casted protect.
Zaon was shocked, "How? Nobody has ever survived my overdrive!"
Jack looked up at him through his hat.
Zaon showed fear for a moment but this vanished quickly.
He suddenly whipped out Ligth and struck at Jack over and over again.
Jack dodged every blow, and leaped up to slash at the aeon's face.
He growled through his bloodstained face.
He reached for Jack but he met it with the amputation of his thumb.
The monster cried out in pain.
"I don't get it," he though. "My Pagados should be healing me by now."
He looked up in shock to see that the others had slain them with Lulu's magic and Rikku's overdrive and were now cheering Jack on.
He turned his attention back to his dueler who had his sword raised and pressed against his forehead.
Before the victim could stop him, Jack stabbed.
Jack landed as Zaon's dark sinister form crashed and the black flames quickly devoured the body.
Out of the ashes rose the human form of Zaon.
Weakly, he stumbled to the ground.
Everyone except Jack rushed over to him.
Zaon looked up, tears in his eyes, "I am a disgrace. I wasn't myself, for I was weak."
"Don't say such, Mi Yevon was too powerful," said Yuna.
Zaon wheezed, "I know you seek my wife's help. Place this in the center of the dome, then all will be explained," he said, reaching into his pockets and revealing a black shard.
"The Hope mustn't fail, the light must not fade," he whispered before he fell limp.
"Do as he says," said a voice belonging to Jack.
They turned to him, "Are you OK?" asked Tidus.
Jack started, "I-"
He finished by collapsing to the ground.
Lulu gasped, "Tidus, you and Rikku take Jack back to the airship, we'll take care of Yunalesca."
The two walked off, as Lulu picked up the shard.
Shrugging, she tossed it into the center of the blitz dome.
Apon reaching the center, the crystal exploded, filling the dome with blue light.
The viewers shielded their eyes at first but withdrew as the light dimmed.
Yunalesca's face was in the center of the glow.
"Ah, Lady Yuna," I am happy to see you. I see I was wrong when you defeated Sin and Yu Yevon even without the final aeon. Happy as I am, we have other matters to discuss. I know that you seek my aid, and why. To activate your relic, simply toss the weapon and the relic inside," she said.
Wakka shrugged and tossed in the two.
There was a white flash and Wakka looked into his hand to find a new weapon.
This ball was just a regular orange ball with a red spot on it.
In gold letters along its side were engraved the words "Universal Champion."
"It may seem weak but do not judge before it is tested," spoke Yunalesca.
Wakka glanced at the others, motioned to the face and twirled his finger around his head.
"WATERGA!" the face yelled, drenching Wakka.
Wakka stuck out his wet bottom lip and walked back to the airship.
"And as gratitude for freeing my husband from the clutches of Mi Yevon, I give you his relic," she said.
Tidus felt something drop into his pocket.
He pulled it out to reveal a relic fashioned in the shape of the sun.
"Hey thanks!" he said, throwing in Calabolg and his relic into the dome as well.
There was a flash and Tidus found a long, golden sword in his hand with the words "Starblade," printed on the shaft.
"We are gracious for these gifts, and we hope to return," said Yuna.
"You may come as you please," said Yunalesca, vanishing.
Apon re-boarding the airship, they found Wakka standing outside the infirmary.
"How is he?" asked Yuna.
Wakka shook his head, "Pretty bad. Some broken bones, major burns, large cuts and bruises, It don' look good ya."
"Where's Rikku," asked Tidus.
"With him now," Wakka replied.
Rikku looked down at the sleeping face of Jack.
Tubes were connected all over him.
She had told the doctors to leave on his hat and head garments, knowing he would be upset if she hadn't.
She held his hand in hers, smiling down at his slumbering form, "I know that you may act like you do not care for me, and I don't know why, but deep down, I know you do.
I know this because I do care for you. I care for you enough to make you this promise.
I promise you that no matter the cost, you will defeat Omega and end your hiding.
I will give my life to make it true if necessary," she said bending down to kiss him on the cheek.
She felt his hand squeeze hers. She looked down to hear him whisper, "As much as I care for you, I have regrettable reasons."
"Tell me, please," she pleaded.
"I won't hurt you," he said.
"You will not, I know it, just tell me, I promise, nothing will happen to either of us," she said.
Jack took in a breath, "Ever since Omega scarred my life, it seemed cursed. Everyone, I got close to was killed. Finally, I excepted my cursed fate. Until, I slay Omega, I shall remain cursed."
Rikku sighed. Though she thought he wasn't really cursed, she knew she couldn't change his decision.
"Well, I'll let you rest, you saved us all, you deserve it."
She could tell Jack was smiling at her, as she left.
Meanwhile, Cid was watching them through a window across the infirmary.
"Oh man, I gotta get this together!" he said walking back to his room.
Jack knew the curse was gonna end with Omega. He would find him and he would kill him, that was his goal.
He was beginning to love Rikku, and he wouldn't see her die. He would make sure of this.
Seymour was slumped over in his throne at Guadosalam.
He had had a hard time accepting that his enemies had progressed so much.
Before he was about to daze off, a guard walked into the chamber.
"My Lord, I'm sorry for disturbing you at this hour but I am pleased to inform you that your army has conquered the southern islands of Spira."
Seymour grunted in approval.
So far, he had taken control over the towns of Besaid, Luca, Bevelle, Kilica, and he was gaining control of Mt. Gagazet.
"Thank you, you may leave now," said Seymour lazily as the guard bowed and left.
Seymour was about to close his eyes again when he felt a presence before him.
"What is it!" he demanded with his eyes still closed.
"I are you Lord Seymour," said young voice.
Seymour's eyes fluttered open to look apon a young man about Jack's age.
A green eye was visible through his dark blonde hair and the other was concealed behind a black eye patch with a flame emblem on it.
He was an average height and wore a tattered shirt.
His only visible was a sheathed sword buckled at his hip.
"Sorry, you can't have an autograph so scram before I send you off myself," he said.
"Spare me, I'm here for the job you sent out," the child replied.
Seymour bore a puzzled look on his face.
The boy sighed and tossed a sphere on Seymour's lap.
Seymour activated the dome to see a hologram of himself.
It began to speak, "This is to all warriors, soldiers, contract killers, and bounty hunters. A new enemy has revealed it self to us all. There have been six of them recently reported and each one is armed and deadly and require assistance to maintain. I humbly request that if you have experience in a job suitable for this, please contact me, Maester Seymour, at the Guadosalam palace to see if you are fit for the job," it said clicking off.
Seymour had no memory of such a thing, until a voice rang inside his head, "Seymour, I made that while you were away, we need more than the final aeons it seems and somebody has to be skilled enough in the art of combat to take care of this matter."
Seymour shrugged, "Sorry, children aren't allowed," he said to the boy.
The boy grinned slyly, "Would you prefer a demonstration?"
Seymour beckoned for a guard to walk in.
"My position requires real fighting skill, so if you don't mind, you must kill this soldier," he said.
The boy began to draw his sword with a smile of satisfaction.
"Wait, I wasn't finished!" said Seymour.
"You must do it blind folded and he with two swords," he grinned.
The boy showed no sign of worry on his face.
He snapped his fingers and the boy was blind folded and the guard received two swords.
"You may begin," he said.
The boy turned his back to the guard as the soldier ran towards him, and began slashing at him wildly.
The child ducked, leaped, and spun, dodging every attack.
Time passed, and the boy finally had had enough, as he leaped forward away from the guard and turned on his heel.
He drew his sword lightning fast and slashed at the thin air just as fast.
All the guard saw was the glint of the golden blade riding through the wind.
Seconds later, he sheathed his weapon and stood still.
The guard began to laugh at the boy but stopped when his head dropped to the ground.
Seymour smiled in appreciation for this boy reminded him of someone similar that he had known long ago.
"Well, I guess that you fit the position," he said. "Now, let's talk business," he said with a smile.
Author's Note: Hey! Sorry about the wait, writer's block and school are to blame. Any way, I have some things to tell so READ THIS A/N! Firstly, thank you The Fatty Next Door, Arinya, BlackSaiyan1, Dark Evrae, FFX LOVER, and DibMagician for your reviews! As for this chapter, this chappie tells you that the votes sided with a Jikku. The romance needs work, I know, but I'm trying. Luckily, Tidus and Wakka will be fighting in the next chapters ^_^! This wasn't as long a chappie like my others but I won't crowd too much in a chapter. Important note: I have received many questions about this and I plan to announce that I have left in things about Jack's past that haven't been explained yet. I promise it will all fit together soon enough. In this chapter Ligth it spelled correctly, not light, Ligth, pronounce it Lithe. Anyway, thanks for your kind reviews and I'll keep posting! Cheers!
PS: Special thanks to StoryWeaver1 for reviewing almost all of my chapters. You Rock!
~Callik~