The Son of Auron: The Hope of Spira
Chapter 12
The Fatal Choice
Jack slowly opened his eyes to a bright beam of light.
He sat up instantly, looking around.
Running out on the deck, he looked around at the beach that the boat had docked at.
He approached Lulu sitting at the side of the ship eating some food.
She noticed him coming and said, "Well, about time you were awake."
"How long have I been asleep?" asked Jack.
"Just a couple of hours, eight maybe," she replied.
"Eight!" Jack said in surprise, "I have never slept so long in years!"
Lulu laughed silently, "Don't trouble yourself, we don't mind, we actually had time for a decent breakfast, so you were doing us a favor."
Jack shrugged and changed the subject, "So, uh, where are we?"
"On the eastern coast of Spira, close to the east islands and the Omega Ruins," she said.
"Ok, thanks, well, I'll get ready to leave," Jack said as he walked to shore.
Walking along the beach, he noticed things that he was hidden from him by the head garments.
He noticed after a long time the beauties of Spira.
He then came up to Wakka who was building a poor quality sandcastle.
He gave the man a questioning look but Wakka just shrugged and continued his "masterpiece."
He saw Yuna strolling along the beach and he walked up to her.
"So, finally decided to wake up huh?" she joked.
"Ok, why is everyone picking on me?" Jack teasingly whined.
"Tidus and Rikku are patrolling the area for means of transportation, otherwise, we gotta walk," Yuna said.
"How long have they been gone?" Jack asked. "About an hour but they should return soon," replied Yuna.
She was right too, for soon, two figures were seen on the horizon.
-
"Ok, we found a Chocobo ranch about a mile from here, and that can get us to the western shore and we can probably find a boat to take us to Sanubia so I guess we are all set," said Tidus when the party had gathered.
They decided that the plan was the best they had so they set out with Rikku and Tidus in the lead.
Everyone remained quiet except a sobbing Wakka over the loss of his sandcastle for the rest of the trip.
Soon, a small barn came into view and Rikku identified it as the ranch.
Yuna approached the owner and said, "Seven chocobos please."
This surprised the owner but was able to find some suitable chocobos for the journey.
Yuna received a sleek white Chocobo, Tidus got a black one, Wakka with a light blue, and everyone else got casual yellow birds.
"Hey guys," called Tidus, "It gonna be awhile before we get to the west shore so why not have a race?"
"Good idea," said Wantz, "We could use some excitement today."
The group lined up, and Lulu called out, "1, 2, 3, GO!"
Feathers flew as the birds speeded away toward the west.
Tidus was in the lead at first, but Jack pulled up from behind him and stole the lead.
He kept it up for a few minutes but soon, another flash of yellow appeared in the corner of his eye.
Rikku soon tied up with him and gave him one of those cheeky smiles as the two charged their chocobos on and on.
Soon, a third racer came up from behind and soon, Rikku and Jack were looking at Yuna's back.
This kept up until a beach came into view and suddenly, without warning, Wantz pulled up in front of Yuna and ended the race.
Several hours later...
Wantz watched from the ship's cabin at the rocking waves.
They had found a ship, but it was rockier than the SS Liki and he felt like he was gonna throw up.
Soon, he began to see double and after that, he passed out.
"Strange character, that Wantz," said Tidus watching with Yuna.
"He's all right," she said, "But you are right, he is odd."
The two laughed and then grew serious.
"Tidus, I was wondering, if we are gonna get married, then what would happen if we didn't defeat Mi Yevon?" asked Yuna.
Tidus kissed her and replied, "You know that will not happen, we must succeed."
Yuna was about to answer when the intercom crackled to life, "ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS- WE ARE APPROACHING THE SANUBIA DESSERT- WE WILL DOCK IN FIVE MINUTES SO PREPARE TO DEPART!"
-
The engine of the hover roared out all other noise of the dessert as Yuna, Tidus, Jack, Rikku, Wantz, Lulu, and Wakka rode toward the newly approaching Home.
At first, all they could see was a unusually large dune up ahead as the hover slowed its speed until an electronic voice crackled over the radio, "Please state your entry code. Failure to comply will result in-"
"Highwind," said Rikku, interrupting the recording.
At first, the radio remained silent but soon the voice returned, "Access granted."
The hover began to speed up again as the sandy dune ahead began to tremble and quake.
The sands spilled away as the circular dune split and sank into the ground to reveal the small city within it.
The new city was home to tall towers and shelters for the Al Bhed nation which were enclosed in a large clear dome to fit the shape of the sand dune shell.
Entering the dome through the gateway that had just opened, Tidus looked around at the sparkling buildings, shops, and wide variety of airships flying above the party.
"There's the Grand Pillar," said Rikku. "That the Al Bhed council's headquarters where they meet and discuss meetings."
The hover stopped at the entrance in front of two guards.
Rikku stepped forward and said, "Hiya! We're expected guests of the Airship Master. I am his daughter, Rikku."
The guards looked at each other and then nodded and said, "Proceed, Miss Rikku, are they with you?" they asked looking at Yuna, Tidus, Wantz, Wakka, Jack, and Lulu.
Rikku nodded and the guards moved aside to allow access.
Tidus looked around the dark room that the party had reached after seemingly endless staircases and corridors.
Not a sound was heard with the exception of his own breathing.
The silence was interrupted as he felt the floor begin vibrating.
Then, light pierced the darkness as the dark walls around him broke away to reveal a large room shaped like a half circle filled with hovering platforms similar to the one that he and the others were on.
"We are lucky that we were not late for this meeting, for it will decide Spira's fate," whispered Lulu behind him. (I know that it is kinda convenient that they were right on time but just go with it. I couldn't think of a better way.)
In the very center of the room, rested a large rounded cone shaped structure.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed over all of the conversation of those on the platforms.
"ATTENTION EVERYONE! WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO THIS COUNCIL MEETING TO DECIDE POSSIBLY OUR VERY HOPE OF SURVIVAL! WE ASK FOR NO DISRUPTION OF ANY KIND OR THE OFFENDER SHALL BE SEVERELY PUNNISHED. WITH THIS SAID, ALL STAND FOR THE ENTRANCE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS!"
Everyone stood around the room as a series of hisses came from the centerpiece. Then, a podium shot out from the bottom right side of the cone.
Then, another podium shot out of the bottom left side across of the first one.
Then, two more shot out, each above the bottom two.
Soon after, a final pair ejected from the cone, one on the top of it, and one on the bottom front.
(A/N: The podiums are still connected to the cone by a three-foot walkway on the side four and the other two are just connected to it.)
Then, a middle-aged man rose up from behind the bottom left podium and said through the speaker, "Lonar-Boris, Artillery Master."
Lonar-Boris had a sinister look at first glance. He had a shaved head and had a thick goatee and piercing black eyes.
"He was my pop's rival back when they were kids and they still treat each other the same as they did then," came Rikku's voice from behind the group.
Another person rose from the bottom right podium but he was a much younger man in his late teens. "Gippal, Machina Master."
Another man rose above Gippal, surprising everyone to be Cid.
"Cid, Airship Master."
Then, across from Cid rose a fourth man. He was probably around Gippal's age as well. He had a tan face and long, white hair and a formal composure but it was one thing about him that sent chills up everyone's spines.
It was his eyes, which were rich bright hazel color reminding the onlooker of a condor or eagle.
His voice was rich and deep as he said, "Ansem, Ancient Master."
Everyone was silent as the grave at the name until the top platform rose.
"What's up with that guy?" whispered Wakka to Rikku.
"Oh that's Ansem. He is in charge of the research of Spira's past for possible ways to gain peace but lately, he's just been abscessed with finding a weapon to solve the problem. Lately, he has gained the reputation name of 'Insane.'"
"If that's what they call him, then why do they allow him in the council?" asked Yuna.
"His record shows that he is of royal blood in some place but we don't know where and he refuses to tell us. We do not want to risk a dispute with his kin if he is telling the truth so we have no choice but to follow his wishes most of the time," Rikku replied.
"TCS1095382, Surveillance Master," said the machina scout that had come from the front bottom podium.
This surprised Tidus that they had a Machina for a councilor.
Then, the top podium rose and a round squat man with a thick bushy beard and a bald head with balding sides rose and said, "Barrabus, Home Master."
"He takes care of the Al Bhed Home and keeping the population fed and the defenses up," said Rikku again.
Finally, the loud speaker came up again and said, "And now, the Council Master."
A portion of the front wall of the cone slid back to reveal a small dark sheet of glass. Inside, stood an attractive woman in her late twenties. She had dark amber hair and deep green eyes. "Dala, Council Master."
"That's my aunt on my mother's side. She was her younger sister. When my ma died, she took part in the rebellion against the Guado and soon got promoted to the Council Master," said Rikku proudly.
"We must now come to order!" Dala called out above everyone in the room. "We have been forced with a dark decision. The Guado have begun to attack the different countries of Spira. They have ended up claiming every single city and town that they come to. If this keeps up, Spira will be at their mercy. Word has even reached our ears by Airship Master, Cid that they are being led by the thought to be dead, Seymour Guado!"
A roar of disapproval and anger rippled across the room until Dala silenced them by raising her hand and she continued, "Because of this matter, we have been put to a choice. We can either try to send seven of our members in order to negotiate a means of peace or cease fire, and the other is a choice I don't wish to take, and that would be means of declaring war against the Guado."
"We must go to war!" shouted Ansem standing from his seat. "We have far more machina than those petty Guado and maybe even more numbers!"
"Sit down Ansem, you must consider the facts," said Dala. "They are sure to have much greater numbers than us and they have more than enough machina and that is just two advantages that they have."
"And so you are saying that the negotiations will work?" asked Gippal in an angry voice.
"Both of you are on thin ice, said Barrabus out loud.
"What do you know, old man?" asked Lonar-Boris.
Then, everyone was in argument and all was in chaos.
-Continues for a long time until, finally...
"ORDER!" screamed Dala for the hundredth time and everyone quieted down.
"I suggest that a vote be taken to decide the whether it is war or negotiations," she said.
"I will allow a one-hour break to everyone while the council and I vote on the outcome."
- One-hour later
Tidus was once again aboard the platform, over-looking the reunited council.
A large Blitzball scoreboard loomed over head.
"The votes shall appear on the screen for everyone to see. Each voter's identity shall remain anonymous for their protection," Dala said.
Replacing where the team names should have been were the words "War," and "No War."
Dala read out, "vote 1 is, Yes."
A loud mix of groans and shouts of triumph were heard around the room as Dala continued, "Vote two is, Yes."
The same shouts were heard.
It seemed that after every vote, the same sound was heard around the room.
"Vote three is, No," continued Dala.
"Vote four is, No. Vote five is, No. Vote six is, Yes."
The scoreboard now was tied at three for war and three for no war.
Dala continued, "And the final vote seven is-" but before she could say the tie breaking vote, she was silenced by a huge explosion that blew up form inside he chamber in the cone which caused the other councilors to tremble.
"What! Noooooo!" cried Rikku.
"How did that explosion not kill the other members?" asked Jack.
"Dala replaced the former Council Master after he was assassinated by an undercover Guado officer," said Rikku with sadness in her voice. "After Dala became Council Master, she called for a new design of the council platform which included a place where she was safe from any assassination attempt from the outside."
By now, everyone was running around screaming and yelling. This included the council members.
After a squad had investigated the chamber and brought out the body of the victim and found that she was dead.
An investigator later came out with a fragment of the bomb to analyze it.
Several hours later, the investigator returned to the main chamber where everyone had almost returned to normal.
"I have analyzed the piece recovered from the wreckage and found the fingerprints of someone in this very room. In fact, I have matched up with the fingerprints of one of the council members," they said. "The prints belong to the Ancient Master, Ansem!"
A roar of anger rose from the crowd.
"Of course, he had wanted a war all along, he must have killed the Council Master in case the War was not the majority," said someone out of a nearby platform.
"He must be punished!" cried another.
Ansem looked around angrily. "Fools! It was not I who committed the crime!" he said but the roars and jeers that he received told him they didn't believe him.
"Arrest him," said Cid.
As several guards rushed towards Ansem, he said, "I must have been framed! I DID NOT DO IT, I SWEAR!"
They still approached him and Ansem let out a cry of anger and said, "If you fail to believe me then I shall take no part in what is in store for me!"
With that, he activated a button on his podium and he plummeted below it through a mysterious trap door and vanished from sight and the trap door resealed itself.
The guards checked the podium and said that Ansem had jammed the control device and that he could not open the door.
Just then, the speaker voice came on again but this time, in a different voice and said, "Attention Al Bhed Council, this is watch tower 6. We have spotted Ancient Master Ansem escaping our premises in a hijacked hover and is heading for the docks."
"Close the docks and send out all scouts to capture him!" said Lonar-Boris.
"Wait!" said Cid. "Close the docks and all other means of escape, cancel his password to the Home, and leave him out there to die!" yelled Cid.
Cries of approval were heard from the crowd and the speaker shut off.
-
Cid sat with Yuna and the others in his private quarters soon after the incident.
"I caint believe that bastard did something like that!" Cid said in disgust.
"I know and I feel sad for you but we must know, are they gonna stick with war or not?" asked Tidus.
Cid lowered his head and muttered, "They majority was war."
"WHAT!" all seven listeners said at once.
"I know, the Al Bhed army are gonna set up a surprise attack at their next target at the Calm Lands. It's the perfect place for a battle they say," said Cid sadly.
"Great, now we have to kill Mi Yevon AND win a war," said Wakka.
"That reminds me," said Lulu. "We have to find her and I'll bet my life that she's in the Farplane!"
"No, you think?" mocked Wakka who a moment later got a punch from Lulu in the shoulder.
"Before that though, we must convert the relic from Omega," said Jack. "By the looks of it, I'd say it was Lulu's."
"No fair, I want one!" said Yuna.
"We had better go to Zanarkand," said Wantz.
"Pops, I have an idea for the battle," said Rikku. "Since they are gonna arrive at the Farplane tomorrow and you are gonna meet them there, that would leave Guadosalam emptied except for some weak defenses and villagers. As they're heading over there, we can travel to their city and get to the Farplane without a scratch."
"Good idea, you must get the smarts from me," said Cid proudly.
-
Yunalesca fixed her gaze on the party and said, "So, you have finally defeated the mighty Omega. I admire your courage, and you also have a relic. You know the routine."
Lulu took out the relic and tossed it in along with the Onion Knight and waved good bye to the little doll as it sank into the center of the sphere.
The two objects started to glow and Wantz would have sworn that he saw the Knight moving as it transformed.
When the new doll floated back into the waiting hands of its master, it had changed in deed.
"I give you now, the Onion Mog!" said Yunalesca.
The new weapon was just like a regular mog, but with a royal cape and a gold crown studded with a bright, glowing amethyst stone.
Lulu nodded in thanks and stepped behind the others.
Yuna then stepped forward and said, "Do you know the location of Seymour Guado, for he carries the final relic to activate my weapon."
"Ah, Seymour. I do not know why, lady Yuna but I am unable to track him down," said Yunalesca.
She continued, "But, if you track him down, you will have the power to activate the relic. Because you are a summoner like me, you have had the power all along."
Wakka stepped up, "Hey! Why didn't you say something earlier and save us the trouble?"
Yunalesca said, "Hey, it can get kinda lonely in a big old blitz ball dome by yourself."
"How can I activate one?" Yuna asked.
"Simple, each relic contains a powder inside it. You must break it open and hold it over your weapon. Most of it should get on the weapon if not all," Yunalesca said.
"OK guys, let's enter that Farplane!" said Wantz cheerfully.
"You are mistaken, I am afraid!" said Yunalesca.
She continued, "I can't tell you who, but it was said that no mortal could enter the Farplane while they were still alive except for three chosen for the feat."
"Well, that sure narrows it down!" said Tidus.
Yunalesca continued, "A script was said to hold the key to the chosen ones and I know it. Here's how it goes:
Many of mortal try to pass the dead gate, but they never succeed and suffer a poor fate.
Till a trio of one, from the living world came, Three diverse, yet three of the same.
Now learn the balance, then take flight, Those with courage, will live on to fight.
And that is all that I know on getting in the Farplane, and I suggest that you remember that for it is all I have left for you. Now, I must leave you, for I too am one with this war."
With that said, Yunalesca vanished.
"What could that mean?" asked Rikku.
"Three diverse yet three of the same. Well, I can tell you one thing, Jack has to be one to go in there," said Lulu.
Let's get Cid to drop us off at Guadosalam but we gotta be quiet," said Yuna.
-
The party had entered the town and like they had predicted, the place was deserted so the group had no trouble getting to the Farplane gate.
Standing over the vast garden below, the party looked around at each other then looked ahead again.
"Well the hell with this, let's go!" yelled Wantz as he dashed toward the gate.
"Wantz wait!" everyone called but it was too late as the ex-salesman leaped towards the ledge and collided with an invisible wall and hit the floor.
"OW!" he said.
"So that must be why none could enter, they couldn't get off the balcony," said Lulu.
"Hey! I got an idea! We all place our hands against the edge and see who's doesn't get blocked." Said Rikku.
They each approached the edge and extended their hands.
Jack's hand passed through along with Tidus' and Yuna's. Everyone else's hit flat against it.
After the events had been discussed, the members began to say their parting farewells.
"Good luck, Wakka, Rikku, Lulu, and Wantz," said Jack.
"We're counting on you guys!" said Tidus.
Jack walked up to Rikku when she was out of hearing range of the others.
"I wish I could be with you Rikku," he said.
"Me too," she muttered.
"This will be the first time we have been apart since I first joined up with you guys and it will empty my heart being apart from you," he said.
"What are you talking about?" said Rikku. "I'll be with you here," she said taking his hand and placing it above his heart.
Jack smiled and said, "Do not worry, I will return, we will meet again."
Rikku nodded and the two hugged.
"Well, my dad is still waiting, we had better go to fight in the battle," said Rikku.
"Good luck," said Jack.
They held each other's hands for a few seconds and then, Rikku walked away.
Boarding the airship, Rikku looked back at the trail leading to the Farplane one last time before she was whisked away to the coming battle.
-
Throughout the Calm Lands, airships were flying everywhere and soon, their cargo of Al Bhed troops were dispatched.
Soon, a small area in the center of the Farplane was cover with soldiers.
Rikku was worried by the small amount that had been gathered compared to the grand army that Seymour had in store.
Luckily for them, they had a lifetime supply of machina weapons and armored chocobos as a gift from the Chocobo Knights who had agreed to assist them in the battle.
But Rikku still didn't think that it was enough, and moments later, her thoughts were interrupted by a rumbling in the distance. The sound came from thousands of troops approaching and they were probable just about to exit Macalania woods.
"STEADY EVERYONE!" shouted a captain.
"STEADY..."
-
Jack examined the wall and said, "Well guys, it's time."
Yuna lightly put her hand further through the invisible wall but this set off some sort of reaction.
The flowery garden below suddenly burst into flames, and the crystal clear falls turned into a river of lava.
All around the vast landscape was horrible scenery now, and only a fool would jump.
"Guys, we gotta go down there," said Tidus.
"Are you crazy?" asked Jack.
"Maybe," said Tidus with a smirk, "Or maybe it's just an obstacle. The poem that Yunalesca told us, it said trust the balance then take flight, that must mean that we gotta jump no matter how hard it seems."
"That makes sense to me," said Yuna.
Jack shrugged and said, "I have a question, speaking of which, what does it mean if we are three of diverse and three of the same?"
Tidus thought for a moment and said, "I know! Jack, you are an Emrys, I am a dream, and Yuna is a summoner!"
"Ok, good thinking, but what does it mean by being the same?" asked Jack again.
"I guess it would be that we are in one guardian group?" said Tidus.
"That can't be it!" said Yuna.
Tidus shrugged and said, "It'll come to me later."
The three began to walk forward to the end of the platform with Tidus on the right, Yuna in the center, and Jack on the left.
The three then stepped up to the edge of the platform and looked below at the torment that could kill them instantly and then ahead.
Before them, the pyreflys had formed loved one from their memories.
Before Tidus, stood a proud looking Jecht. In front of Jack stood a peaceful Auron, and facing Yuna, stood the graceful Lord Braska.
"Now I get it, three of the same," murmured Yuna under her breath.
"Trust the balance, then take flight, those with courage, will live on to fight," Jack chanted.
He repeated it again and was soon joined by Yuna and moments later, Tidus.
Yuna took both of their hands in hers as they began walking toward the edge chanting, "Trust the balance, then take flight, those with courage will be left to fight!"
They finally reached the furthest they could go and taking a deep breath before repeating the chant one last time, their feet left the platform and they plummeted down towards the fiery land beneath them.
-
Kinos looked at the last elixir as he soon after tossed it into the large pit.
The elixirs had the appearance of a palm-sized crystal with sprouting shards at the top. It glowed a variety of colors and the possessor of it moved.
By now, the large hole had been filled to the top with the elixirs as they glowed apon the impact of the tossed elixir.
Mi Yevon stepped forward and said to Kinos, "Well done, Kinos. Now, I can free the spirits!"
Mi Yevon held out her hands and aimed for the sky and said, "COME TOGETHER AS ONE TO FREE THOSE OF MANY!"
The glowing crystals started to melt before them until they were nothing but multi-colored slime.
Then, the slime began to mix together and crystallize all over again.
Quickly, it built up until it was a giant Farplane Elixir with many protruding shards.
Then, a beam shot out of a shard and hit a passing pyrefly.
The beam pulled the creature into the crystal shard from which it came.
In the shard, Kinos could see the face of the person who had been caught.
Then more beams shot out and found spirits and pulled them in.
This occurred for several minutes until the entire crystal was filled with faces of different spirits.
Mi Yevon then waved her hand and the faces began to vanish, sending those inside it to the living world.
"The time, has finally come," Mi Yevon whispered.
-
A/N: Wow, three cliffys in one chapter, that's a stretch for me. I am so glad for those who reviewed my last chapter and I thank you so much. I like the ideas I have seen for the contest and I'm ready to announce the winner. Before I say the winner though, I want NO hard feelings from other contestants. In other words, don't send me flames if you didn't win. And now, the winner. After some careful consideration and thoughts, I have picked one. The winner of the Jack's Overdrive contest is... Storyweaver1's. Congratulations Storyweaver1, you will receive a GOOD part in my fanfic: The Son of Auron: The Ruba Spheres. You will receive an e-mail from me containing a form you must fill out and send back to me with your choices for the character. Some bad news I have in store is that, I will be taking a lot of time off this fic to complete my other fic (The Son of Auron: The Ruba Spheres) that I recently started. Sorry but I want to finish that fic before I continue, I also have to add in our winner. Anyway, thanks for the reviews and entries and once again, congratulations to the winner. Cheers!
~Callik~
Chapter 12
The Fatal Choice
Jack slowly opened his eyes to a bright beam of light.
He sat up instantly, looking around.
Running out on the deck, he looked around at the beach that the boat had docked at.
He approached Lulu sitting at the side of the ship eating some food.
She noticed him coming and said, "Well, about time you were awake."
"How long have I been asleep?" asked Jack.
"Just a couple of hours, eight maybe," she replied.
"Eight!" Jack said in surprise, "I have never slept so long in years!"
Lulu laughed silently, "Don't trouble yourself, we don't mind, we actually had time for a decent breakfast, so you were doing us a favor."
Jack shrugged and changed the subject, "So, uh, where are we?"
"On the eastern coast of Spira, close to the east islands and the Omega Ruins," she said.
"Ok, thanks, well, I'll get ready to leave," Jack said as he walked to shore.
Walking along the beach, he noticed things that he was hidden from him by the head garments.
He noticed after a long time the beauties of Spira.
He then came up to Wakka who was building a poor quality sandcastle.
He gave the man a questioning look but Wakka just shrugged and continued his "masterpiece."
He saw Yuna strolling along the beach and he walked up to her.
"So, finally decided to wake up huh?" she joked.
"Ok, why is everyone picking on me?" Jack teasingly whined.
"Tidus and Rikku are patrolling the area for means of transportation, otherwise, we gotta walk," Yuna said.
"How long have they been gone?" Jack asked. "About an hour but they should return soon," replied Yuna.
She was right too, for soon, two figures were seen on the horizon.
-
"Ok, we found a Chocobo ranch about a mile from here, and that can get us to the western shore and we can probably find a boat to take us to Sanubia so I guess we are all set," said Tidus when the party had gathered.
They decided that the plan was the best they had so they set out with Rikku and Tidus in the lead.
Everyone remained quiet except a sobbing Wakka over the loss of his sandcastle for the rest of the trip.
Soon, a small barn came into view and Rikku identified it as the ranch.
Yuna approached the owner and said, "Seven chocobos please."
This surprised the owner but was able to find some suitable chocobos for the journey.
Yuna received a sleek white Chocobo, Tidus got a black one, Wakka with a light blue, and everyone else got casual yellow birds.
"Hey guys," called Tidus, "It gonna be awhile before we get to the west shore so why not have a race?"
"Good idea," said Wantz, "We could use some excitement today."
The group lined up, and Lulu called out, "1, 2, 3, GO!"
Feathers flew as the birds speeded away toward the west.
Tidus was in the lead at first, but Jack pulled up from behind him and stole the lead.
He kept it up for a few minutes but soon, another flash of yellow appeared in the corner of his eye.
Rikku soon tied up with him and gave him one of those cheeky smiles as the two charged their chocobos on and on.
Soon, a third racer came up from behind and soon, Rikku and Jack were looking at Yuna's back.
This kept up until a beach came into view and suddenly, without warning, Wantz pulled up in front of Yuna and ended the race.
Several hours later...
Wantz watched from the ship's cabin at the rocking waves.
They had found a ship, but it was rockier than the SS Liki and he felt like he was gonna throw up.
Soon, he began to see double and after that, he passed out.
"Strange character, that Wantz," said Tidus watching with Yuna.
"He's all right," she said, "But you are right, he is odd."
The two laughed and then grew serious.
"Tidus, I was wondering, if we are gonna get married, then what would happen if we didn't defeat Mi Yevon?" asked Yuna.
Tidus kissed her and replied, "You know that will not happen, we must succeed."
Yuna was about to answer when the intercom crackled to life, "ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS- WE ARE APPROACHING THE SANUBIA DESSERT- WE WILL DOCK IN FIVE MINUTES SO PREPARE TO DEPART!"
-
The engine of the hover roared out all other noise of the dessert as Yuna, Tidus, Jack, Rikku, Wantz, Lulu, and Wakka rode toward the newly approaching Home.
At first, all they could see was a unusually large dune up ahead as the hover slowed its speed until an electronic voice crackled over the radio, "Please state your entry code. Failure to comply will result in-"
"Highwind," said Rikku, interrupting the recording.
At first, the radio remained silent but soon the voice returned, "Access granted."
The hover began to speed up again as the sandy dune ahead began to tremble and quake.
The sands spilled away as the circular dune split and sank into the ground to reveal the small city within it.
The new city was home to tall towers and shelters for the Al Bhed nation which were enclosed in a large clear dome to fit the shape of the sand dune shell.
Entering the dome through the gateway that had just opened, Tidus looked around at the sparkling buildings, shops, and wide variety of airships flying above the party.
"There's the Grand Pillar," said Rikku. "That the Al Bhed council's headquarters where they meet and discuss meetings."
The hover stopped at the entrance in front of two guards.
Rikku stepped forward and said, "Hiya! We're expected guests of the Airship Master. I am his daughter, Rikku."
The guards looked at each other and then nodded and said, "Proceed, Miss Rikku, are they with you?" they asked looking at Yuna, Tidus, Wantz, Wakka, Jack, and Lulu.
Rikku nodded and the guards moved aside to allow access.
Tidus looked around the dark room that the party had reached after seemingly endless staircases and corridors.
Not a sound was heard with the exception of his own breathing.
The silence was interrupted as he felt the floor begin vibrating.
Then, light pierced the darkness as the dark walls around him broke away to reveal a large room shaped like a half circle filled with hovering platforms similar to the one that he and the others were on.
"We are lucky that we were not late for this meeting, for it will decide Spira's fate," whispered Lulu behind him. (I know that it is kinda convenient that they were right on time but just go with it. I couldn't think of a better way.)
In the very center of the room, rested a large rounded cone shaped structure.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed over all of the conversation of those on the platforms.
"ATTENTION EVERYONE! WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO THIS COUNCIL MEETING TO DECIDE POSSIBLY OUR VERY HOPE OF SURVIVAL! WE ASK FOR NO DISRUPTION OF ANY KIND OR THE OFFENDER SHALL BE SEVERELY PUNNISHED. WITH THIS SAID, ALL STAND FOR THE ENTRANCE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS!"
Everyone stood around the room as a series of hisses came from the centerpiece. Then, a podium shot out from the bottom right side of the cone.
Then, another podium shot out of the bottom left side across of the first one.
Then, two more shot out, each above the bottom two.
Soon after, a final pair ejected from the cone, one on the top of it, and one on the bottom front.
(A/N: The podiums are still connected to the cone by a three-foot walkway on the side four and the other two are just connected to it.)
Then, a middle-aged man rose up from behind the bottom left podium and said through the speaker, "Lonar-Boris, Artillery Master."
Lonar-Boris had a sinister look at first glance. He had a shaved head and had a thick goatee and piercing black eyes.
"He was my pop's rival back when they were kids and they still treat each other the same as they did then," came Rikku's voice from behind the group.
Another person rose from the bottom right podium but he was a much younger man in his late teens. "Gippal, Machina Master."
Another man rose above Gippal, surprising everyone to be Cid.
"Cid, Airship Master."
Then, across from Cid rose a fourth man. He was probably around Gippal's age as well. He had a tan face and long, white hair and a formal composure but it was one thing about him that sent chills up everyone's spines.
It was his eyes, which were rich bright hazel color reminding the onlooker of a condor or eagle.
His voice was rich and deep as he said, "Ansem, Ancient Master."
Everyone was silent as the grave at the name until the top platform rose.
"What's up with that guy?" whispered Wakka to Rikku.
"Oh that's Ansem. He is in charge of the research of Spira's past for possible ways to gain peace but lately, he's just been abscessed with finding a weapon to solve the problem. Lately, he has gained the reputation name of 'Insane.'"
"If that's what they call him, then why do they allow him in the council?" asked Yuna.
"His record shows that he is of royal blood in some place but we don't know where and he refuses to tell us. We do not want to risk a dispute with his kin if he is telling the truth so we have no choice but to follow his wishes most of the time," Rikku replied.
"TCS1095382, Surveillance Master," said the machina scout that had come from the front bottom podium.
This surprised Tidus that they had a Machina for a councilor.
Then, the top podium rose and a round squat man with a thick bushy beard and a bald head with balding sides rose and said, "Barrabus, Home Master."
"He takes care of the Al Bhed Home and keeping the population fed and the defenses up," said Rikku again.
Finally, the loud speaker came up again and said, "And now, the Council Master."
A portion of the front wall of the cone slid back to reveal a small dark sheet of glass. Inside, stood an attractive woman in her late twenties. She had dark amber hair and deep green eyes. "Dala, Council Master."
"That's my aunt on my mother's side. She was her younger sister. When my ma died, she took part in the rebellion against the Guado and soon got promoted to the Council Master," said Rikku proudly.
"We must now come to order!" Dala called out above everyone in the room. "We have been forced with a dark decision. The Guado have begun to attack the different countries of Spira. They have ended up claiming every single city and town that they come to. If this keeps up, Spira will be at their mercy. Word has even reached our ears by Airship Master, Cid that they are being led by the thought to be dead, Seymour Guado!"
A roar of disapproval and anger rippled across the room until Dala silenced them by raising her hand and she continued, "Because of this matter, we have been put to a choice. We can either try to send seven of our members in order to negotiate a means of peace or cease fire, and the other is a choice I don't wish to take, and that would be means of declaring war against the Guado."
"We must go to war!" shouted Ansem standing from his seat. "We have far more machina than those petty Guado and maybe even more numbers!"
"Sit down Ansem, you must consider the facts," said Dala. "They are sure to have much greater numbers than us and they have more than enough machina and that is just two advantages that they have."
"And so you are saying that the negotiations will work?" asked Gippal in an angry voice.
"Both of you are on thin ice, said Barrabus out loud.
"What do you know, old man?" asked Lonar-Boris.
Then, everyone was in argument and all was in chaos.
-Continues for a long time until, finally...
"ORDER!" screamed Dala for the hundredth time and everyone quieted down.
"I suggest that a vote be taken to decide the whether it is war or negotiations," she said.
"I will allow a one-hour break to everyone while the council and I vote on the outcome."
- One-hour later
Tidus was once again aboard the platform, over-looking the reunited council.
A large Blitzball scoreboard loomed over head.
"The votes shall appear on the screen for everyone to see. Each voter's identity shall remain anonymous for their protection," Dala said.
Replacing where the team names should have been were the words "War," and "No War."
Dala read out, "vote 1 is, Yes."
A loud mix of groans and shouts of triumph were heard around the room as Dala continued, "Vote two is, Yes."
The same shouts were heard.
It seemed that after every vote, the same sound was heard around the room.
"Vote three is, No," continued Dala.
"Vote four is, No. Vote five is, No. Vote six is, Yes."
The scoreboard now was tied at three for war and three for no war.
Dala continued, "And the final vote seven is-" but before she could say the tie breaking vote, she was silenced by a huge explosion that blew up form inside he chamber in the cone which caused the other councilors to tremble.
"What! Noooooo!" cried Rikku.
"How did that explosion not kill the other members?" asked Jack.
"Dala replaced the former Council Master after he was assassinated by an undercover Guado officer," said Rikku with sadness in her voice. "After Dala became Council Master, she called for a new design of the council platform which included a place where she was safe from any assassination attempt from the outside."
By now, everyone was running around screaming and yelling. This included the council members.
After a squad had investigated the chamber and brought out the body of the victim and found that she was dead.
An investigator later came out with a fragment of the bomb to analyze it.
Several hours later, the investigator returned to the main chamber where everyone had almost returned to normal.
"I have analyzed the piece recovered from the wreckage and found the fingerprints of someone in this very room. In fact, I have matched up with the fingerprints of one of the council members," they said. "The prints belong to the Ancient Master, Ansem!"
A roar of anger rose from the crowd.
"Of course, he had wanted a war all along, he must have killed the Council Master in case the War was not the majority," said someone out of a nearby platform.
"He must be punished!" cried another.
Ansem looked around angrily. "Fools! It was not I who committed the crime!" he said but the roars and jeers that he received told him they didn't believe him.
"Arrest him," said Cid.
As several guards rushed towards Ansem, he said, "I must have been framed! I DID NOT DO IT, I SWEAR!"
They still approached him and Ansem let out a cry of anger and said, "If you fail to believe me then I shall take no part in what is in store for me!"
With that, he activated a button on his podium and he plummeted below it through a mysterious trap door and vanished from sight and the trap door resealed itself.
The guards checked the podium and said that Ansem had jammed the control device and that he could not open the door.
Just then, the speaker voice came on again but this time, in a different voice and said, "Attention Al Bhed Council, this is watch tower 6. We have spotted Ancient Master Ansem escaping our premises in a hijacked hover and is heading for the docks."
"Close the docks and send out all scouts to capture him!" said Lonar-Boris.
"Wait!" said Cid. "Close the docks and all other means of escape, cancel his password to the Home, and leave him out there to die!" yelled Cid.
Cries of approval were heard from the crowd and the speaker shut off.
-
Cid sat with Yuna and the others in his private quarters soon after the incident.
"I caint believe that bastard did something like that!" Cid said in disgust.
"I know and I feel sad for you but we must know, are they gonna stick with war or not?" asked Tidus.
Cid lowered his head and muttered, "They majority was war."
"WHAT!" all seven listeners said at once.
"I know, the Al Bhed army are gonna set up a surprise attack at their next target at the Calm Lands. It's the perfect place for a battle they say," said Cid sadly.
"Great, now we have to kill Mi Yevon AND win a war," said Wakka.
"That reminds me," said Lulu. "We have to find her and I'll bet my life that she's in the Farplane!"
"No, you think?" mocked Wakka who a moment later got a punch from Lulu in the shoulder.
"Before that though, we must convert the relic from Omega," said Jack. "By the looks of it, I'd say it was Lulu's."
"No fair, I want one!" said Yuna.
"We had better go to Zanarkand," said Wantz.
"Pops, I have an idea for the battle," said Rikku. "Since they are gonna arrive at the Farplane tomorrow and you are gonna meet them there, that would leave Guadosalam emptied except for some weak defenses and villagers. As they're heading over there, we can travel to their city and get to the Farplane without a scratch."
"Good idea, you must get the smarts from me," said Cid proudly.
-
Yunalesca fixed her gaze on the party and said, "So, you have finally defeated the mighty Omega. I admire your courage, and you also have a relic. You know the routine."
Lulu took out the relic and tossed it in along with the Onion Knight and waved good bye to the little doll as it sank into the center of the sphere.
The two objects started to glow and Wantz would have sworn that he saw the Knight moving as it transformed.
When the new doll floated back into the waiting hands of its master, it had changed in deed.
"I give you now, the Onion Mog!" said Yunalesca.
The new weapon was just like a regular mog, but with a royal cape and a gold crown studded with a bright, glowing amethyst stone.
Lulu nodded in thanks and stepped behind the others.
Yuna then stepped forward and said, "Do you know the location of Seymour Guado, for he carries the final relic to activate my weapon."
"Ah, Seymour. I do not know why, lady Yuna but I am unable to track him down," said Yunalesca.
She continued, "But, if you track him down, you will have the power to activate the relic. Because you are a summoner like me, you have had the power all along."
Wakka stepped up, "Hey! Why didn't you say something earlier and save us the trouble?"
Yunalesca said, "Hey, it can get kinda lonely in a big old blitz ball dome by yourself."
"How can I activate one?" Yuna asked.
"Simple, each relic contains a powder inside it. You must break it open and hold it over your weapon. Most of it should get on the weapon if not all," Yunalesca said.
"OK guys, let's enter that Farplane!" said Wantz cheerfully.
"You are mistaken, I am afraid!" said Yunalesca.
She continued, "I can't tell you who, but it was said that no mortal could enter the Farplane while they were still alive except for three chosen for the feat."
"Well, that sure narrows it down!" said Tidus.
Yunalesca continued, "A script was said to hold the key to the chosen ones and I know it. Here's how it goes:
Many of mortal try to pass the dead gate, but they never succeed and suffer a poor fate.
Till a trio of one, from the living world came, Three diverse, yet three of the same.
Now learn the balance, then take flight, Those with courage, will live on to fight.
And that is all that I know on getting in the Farplane, and I suggest that you remember that for it is all I have left for you. Now, I must leave you, for I too am one with this war."
With that said, Yunalesca vanished.
"What could that mean?" asked Rikku.
"Three diverse yet three of the same. Well, I can tell you one thing, Jack has to be one to go in there," said Lulu.
Let's get Cid to drop us off at Guadosalam but we gotta be quiet," said Yuna.
-
The party had entered the town and like they had predicted, the place was deserted so the group had no trouble getting to the Farplane gate.
Standing over the vast garden below, the party looked around at each other then looked ahead again.
"Well the hell with this, let's go!" yelled Wantz as he dashed toward the gate.
"Wantz wait!" everyone called but it was too late as the ex-salesman leaped towards the ledge and collided with an invisible wall and hit the floor.
"OW!" he said.
"So that must be why none could enter, they couldn't get off the balcony," said Lulu.
"Hey! I got an idea! We all place our hands against the edge and see who's doesn't get blocked." Said Rikku.
They each approached the edge and extended their hands.
Jack's hand passed through along with Tidus' and Yuna's. Everyone else's hit flat against it.
After the events had been discussed, the members began to say their parting farewells.
"Good luck, Wakka, Rikku, Lulu, and Wantz," said Jack.
"We're counting on you guys!" said Tidus.
Jack walked up to Rikku when she was out of hearing range of the others.
"I wish I could be with you Rikku," he said.
"Me too," she muttered.
"This will be the first time we have been apart since I first joined up with you guys and it will empty my heart being apart from you," he said.
"What are you talking about?" said Rikku. "I'll be with you here," she said taking his hand and placing it above his heart.
Jack smiled and said, "Do not worry, I will return, we will meet again."
Rikku nodded and the two hugged.
"Well, my dad is still waiting, we had better go to fight in the battle," said Rikku.
"Good luck," said Jack.
They held each other's hands for a few seconds and then, Rikku walked away.
Boarding the airship, Rikku looked back at the trail leading to the Farplane one last time before she was whisked away to the coming battle.
-
Throughout the Calm Lands, airships were flying everywhere and soon, their cargo of Al Bhed troops were dispatched.
Soon, a small area in the center of the Farplane was cover with soldiers.
Rikku was worried by the small amount that had been gathered compared to the grand army that Seymour had in store.
Luckily for them, they had a lifetime supply of machina weapons and armored chocobos as a gift from the Chocobo Knights who had agreed to assist them in the battle.
But Rikku still didn't think that it was enough, and moments later, her thoughts were interrupted by a rumbling in the distance. The sound came from thousands of troops approaching and they were probable just about to exit Macalania woods.
"STEADY EVERYONE!" shouted a captain.
"STEADY..."
-
Jack examined the wall and said, "Well guys, it's time."
Yuna lightly put her hand further through the invisible wall but this set off some sort of reaction.
The flowery garden below suddenly burst into flames, and the crystal clear falls turned into a river of lava.
All around the vast landscape was horrible scenery now, and only a fool would jump.
"Guys, we gotta go down there," said Tidus.
"Are you crazy?" asked Jack.
"Maybe," said Tidus with a smirk, "Or maybe it's just an obstacle. The poem that Yunalesca told us, it said trust the balance then take flight, that must mean that we gotta jump no matter how hard it seems."
"That makes sense to me," said Yuna.
Jack shrugged and said, "I have a question, speaking of which, what does it mean if we are three of diverse and three of the same?"
Tidus thought for a moment and said, "I know! Jack, you are an Emrys, I am a dream, and Yuna is a summoner!"
"Ok, good thinking, but what does it mean by being the same?" asked Jack again.
"I guess it would be that we are in one guardian group?" said Tidus.
"That can't be it!" said Yuna.
Tidus shrugged and said, "It'll come to me later."
The three began to walk forward to the end of the platform with Tidus on the right, Yuna in the center, and Jack on the left.
The three then stepped up to the edge of the platform and looked below at the torment that could kill them instantly and then ahead.
Before them, the pyreflys had formed loved one from their memories.
Before Tidus, stood a proud looking Jecht. In front of Jack stood a peaceful Auron, and facing Yuna, stood the graceful Lord Braska.
"Now I get it, three of the same," murmured Yuna under her breath.
"Trust the balance, then take flight, those with courage, will live on to fight," Jack chanted.
He repeated it again and was soon joined by Yuna and moments later, Tidus.
Yuna took both of their hands in hers as they began walking toward the edge chanting, "Trust the balance, then take flight, those with courage will be left to fight!"
They finally reached the furthest they could go and taking a deep breath before repeating the chant one last time, their feet left the platform and they plummeted down towards the fiery land beneath them.
-
Kinos looked at the last elixir as he soon after tossed it into the large pit.
The elixirs had the appearance of a palm-sized crystal with sprouting shards at the top. It glowed a variety of colors and the possessor of it moved.
By now, the large hole had been filled to the top with the elixirs as they glowed apon the impact of the tossed elixir.
Mi Yevon stepped forward and said to Kinos, "Well done, Kinos. Now, I can free the spirits!"
Mi Yevon held out her hands and aimed for the sky and said, "COME TOGETHER AS ONE TO FREE THOSE OF MANY!"
The glowing crystals started to melt before them until they were nothing but multi-colored slime.
Then, the slime began to mix together and crystallize all over again.
Quickly, it built up until it was a giant Farplane Elixir with many protruding shards.
Then, a beam shot out of a shard and hit a passing pyrefly.
The beam pulled the creature into the crystal shard from which it came.
In the shard, Kinos could see the face of the person who had been caught.
Then more beams shot out and found spirits and pulled them in.
This occurred for several minutes until the entire crystal was filled with faces of different spirits.
Mi Yevon then waved her hand and the faces began to vanish, sending those inside it to the living world.
"The time, has finally come," Mi Yevon whispered.
-
A/N: Wow, three cliffys in one chapter, that's a stretch for me. I am so glad for those who reviewed my last chapter and I thank you so much. I like the ideas I have seen for the contest and I'm ready to announce the winner. Before I say the winner though, I want NO hard feelings from other contestants. In other words, don't send me flames if you didn't win. And now, the winner. After some careful consideration and thoughts, I have picked one. The winner of the Jack's Overdrive contest is... Storyweaver1's. Congratulations Storyweaver1, you will receive a GOOD part in my fanfic: The Son of Auron: The Ruba Spheres. You will receive an e-mail from me containing a form you must fill out and send back to me with your choices for the character. Some bad news I have in store is that, I will be taking a lot of time off this fic to complete my other fic (The Son of Auron: The Ruba Spheres) that I recently started. Sorry but I want to finish that fic before I continue, I also have to add in our winner. Anyway, thanks for the reviews and entries and once again, congratulations to the winner. Cheers!
~Callik~