CHAPTER 3: SUPRISES GALLORE! JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW EVERYTHING
Yuna sat on the outskirts of the city she thought a lot about Mandrake. She wondered why Mandrake seemed to brim with such hatred. Yuna then looked up and saw Nightshade.
"Come with me." She said. "I have something to show you."
"What?" Yuna asked as she followed. The Viera said nothing and only lead Yuna to a cave, it seemed well traveled.
"This is where Jade and I first found her." Nightshade recalled. Yuna went in the cave. Inside was dark, but ahead she saw firelight. Yuna went ahead Nightshade followed Yuna to the firelight there in a corner seemed to be a cage, inside it was something it was silent it looked like another Vah Shir. The Vah Shir noticed Nightshade and vice versa.
"Ebon?" Nightshade asked. The cat woman looked up unfamiliar with her own name but she nodded.
"N..nightshade?" she asked. "Are you here to save me?"
"From who?" Yuna asked. She looked at Yuna unsure.
"Ebon she's a friend you can trust her." Nightshade said.
"M..my s..sister." Ebon stammered.
"Mandrake?" Yuna asked. Ebon nodded.
"B..been t..trying to talk to her through o…our link. B…but she shuts m..me out." Ebon said. The three looked up as they heard a sound, Nightshade and Yuna ducked into a dark corner hoping to avoid whomever it was. Mandrake stalked in she cast a glare at Ebon she grabbed and held up a stuffed animal and tossed it down and stepped on it.
"USELESS!" she shouted. "I don't know why I keep you ALIVE!"
"I'm your sister." Ebon murmured. "You supposed to love me." Mandrake glared at Ebon.
"Only use you showed me was when you where found by those two Viera. And now one of them is dead. Who knows where the other one is. You have only me to support you. But you have no use to me!" Mandrake raged as she spat in Ebon's face. Yuna watched and her anger grew how could someone be so callous to their own sister?
"Can you free Ebon?" Yuna asked.
"Yes." Nightshade replied. "I'll need someone to distract Mandrake though."
"Leave that to me." Yuna whispered. Nightshade nodded, she could tell by Yuna's tone she was furious. Yuna walked up her gun pointed at Mandrake, Mandrake looked at Yuna almost amused.
"Well look who it is." Mandrake said.
"How could you be so awful?" Yuna asked. "She's your sister and you treat her like nothing." Mandrake laughed, her laughter was cut shot when Yuna shot her in the arm. Mandrake snarled and went after Yuna, she bowled her over but in the resulting struggle Yuna seemed to have the advantage. Yuna seemed more fierce, this took Mandrake back, normally Yuna would hold back but this time she didn't. Nightshade freed her friend from her cage, Ebon hugged Nightshade tightly, and Nightshade smiled as she returned the hug.
"Welcome back." She whispered. Ebon nodded she noticed the battle Yuna seemed to be winning, but Mandrake ducked Yuna and kicked Yuna hard in the jaw her head snapped back and Yuna fell to the ground.
"Can you take care of my sister?" Ebon asked her stuttering gone. Nightshade nodded.
"Can you take Yuna to someplace safe?" Nightshade asked. Ebon picked up her stuffed animal she spotted.
"Yes." Ebon replied. Nightshade nodded and engaged Mandrake, Ebon darted in and took Yuna in her arms and made a run for it. Nightshade saw them go and concentrated on Mandrake
Ebon carried Yuna outside to what looked like a hidden valley. She laid Yuna on the ground, Yuna moaned softly and woke up. She looked and saw Ebon the dark skinned Vah Shir smiled at her, it was a kind smile.
"You ok?" Ebon asked. Yuna nodded.
"So you're the real Ebon?" she asked. Ebon nodded her scars where plain to see now in the moonlight.
"That's me." She said sadly. "The simpering simpleton, the dolt, the.."
"One who brought me to safety." Yuna cut in. "The one with a good heart, the one who is willing to love her sister even after all the evil she has done to you." Ebon paused and looked at Yuna.
"I do still love her I always will she is my sister." Ebon said. "But why risk so much for me?"
"I guess it's what I do." Yuna said, she surprised herself when she said it. "I help out people." Ebon nodded she then turned she heard a voice Yuna listened she heard it too.
"YUNA!" the voice called. It was Lenne.
"How far from Cove of Honor are we?" Yuna asked.
"Not too far." Ebon said. "I brought you here because Mandrake never comes here it's safe from her. Go to your friend, I'll be ok." Yuna looked she saw what she thought was Lenne wandering the cliff above the valley. Lenne looked and saw Yuna with a dark skinned cat woman it didn't look like Mandrake. Lenne made her way into the valley, which was tiring since the cliff it's self went into the valley but only by spiraling downward. Once there Lenne went to her friend she was introduced to Ebon who was Mandrake's kind hearted sister.
"those scars." Lenne said. Lenne hummed softly white energy seemed to touch Ebon and her scars faded. Ebon looked in amazement.
"Thank you." She whispered. Lenne nodded the effort tired her and she sat down.
"I forgot how much that could take from me." Lenne muttered. Yuna looked around. Yuna felt something wasn't right with the area, Yuna looked around some more she saw what looked like a riverbed. She went to it Ebon followed here Lenne went with them. Yuna saw the water was green in color.
"Green water?" Ebon questioned. Lenne nodded.
"On my friend Tifa's world there is a place called the life stream. It's a connection to the spirit worlds." Lenne explained. "Human's who fall in it find themselves lost." Ebon and Yuna's looked it seemed to peaceful, they then heard a sound they saw Nightshade. She was in the shadows when she stepped out the three gasped, her right eye was scarred it was open the pupil in the eye dead. She would never see from the eye again.
"Nightshade." Ebon whispered. Nightshade went to her friend and gently hugged her.
"I can try to heal it." Yuna offered.
"No." Nightshade said. "I'm ok."
"At least let her try." Lenne said.
"I said no." Nightshade said. "I will be fine." Yuna then heard a crashing sound, she looked and Mandrake was coming down at her. Mandrake kicked Yuna into the river, Yuna cried out and coughed as she was swept away in the surprisingly strong life stream current.
"How could you be here?" Ebon cried. "I thought this was my one haven from you!"
"ah my dear simple sister." Mandrake said. "I let you think it, it was simple to follow you here. Now alas your new friends will all die, I'll leave you alive though to mourn them." Lenne took the chance to try and catch Yuna, the current was fast though in the end Lenne had no luck, and she sighed.
"I can catch her." Nightshade said as she came up.
"Do it." Lenne stated. Nightshade was off.
"Your pathetic." Mandrake said. "All these years I thought you grew but the only think that grew was how sad you truly where."
"SHUT UP!" Ebon screamed. "I love you Mandrake I always will you're my sibling. But I've taken ALL I CAN FROM YOU!" with that Ebon launched herself as Mandrake. The two tumbled and landed, Ebon was on her feet and flew at Mandrake again, and Mandrake took hit after hit after hit from her sister. Mandrake saw Ebon come at her again and grabbed her and shoved her to the ground, while Ebon was recovering Mandrake left. Ebon got up to see her sister leaving. Ebon looked for Lenne she found her. Lenne explained to her what Nightshade was doing. Just as Ebon was about to look for her Nightshade came up Yuna was in her arms.
"She ok?" Lenne asked.
"Some of her spirit has left her." Nightshade stated. "Without a whole spirit your destined to sleep." Nightshade looked up as Tifa, Rimoru and Katejina came down. Tifa saw Yuna and went to her. Lenne told them what happened.
"So where is Rikku?" Lenne asked.
"Back on Spira." Tifa said. "She got a call, she didn't want to take it, I told her too, I assured her Yuna was fine and now..this."
"She's not lost." Lenne said.
"Lenne." Tifa said. "How could you let this happen?" Lenne looked surprised.
"It's not her fault." Ebon said. "she tried!"
"Neither where the riders." Tifa continued. "But here we are in the same situation."
"Your not being fair." Katejina said, "It's not Lenne's fault."
"Tifa it was an accident." Rimoru said.
"Why did she have to bring you back?" Tifa asked. Lenne looked at Tifa the words hit her like a bullet.
"Stop." Katejina said.
"I'm sorry." Lenne said, she then slapped Tifa as hard as she could across the face! Tifa staggered back and blinked a few times. "Get a hold of yourself Tifa!" Lenne cried. "We won't resolve anything arguing here!" Tifa nodded and started to walk off. Katejina blocked her path it was clear to see the Viera was agitated.
"What's gotten into you?" Katejina asked as she roughly lead Tifa away from the others.
"Leave me alone." Tifa retorted. "Last thing I need is you lecturing me." Katejina scoffed.
"Your friends need you, but if your going to go off on them maybe it's best if you go home." Katejina scolded as she walked off. Tifa looked down, she's been different lately exploding at the drop of a hat. Katejina had a point, she always did Tifa just never wanted to admit it. Tifa looked back at the group, she went to the group she saw Lenne and Rimoru talking
"You should stay here." Rimoru said as Tifa walked up. "You and Tifa seem to be the closest to her."
"But who will go." Tifa said "If Lenne and I stay here?"
"I will." Rimoru said. "I'm a priestess I should be ok, if I know where to look."
"Rim." Tifa said. "I've been in the life stream, it's not a good place to be your surrounded but you feel alone. Can you handle it?"
"I don't know." Rimoru said. "I can try at least, Yuna has done so much for us, and we owe her this."
"I just hope your right." Tifa said.
"I'll come too." Nightshade said. "I can hear the spirits, I can guide Rimoru."
"But your hurt." Tifa pointed out.
"I'll be fine." Nightshade responded. Tifa nodded hesitantly.
"I want to go too." Ebon said shyly. "It's my fault Yuna is like this." She cast a glance at Yuna who lay there. Lenne nodded. A portal appeared, the three went through with Rimoru waving as she went in. Tifa sat down she didn't look at Lenne she was too ashamed of herself to. Lenne sat down next to her friend and looked at Tifa.
"You ok?" Lenne asked.
"From the slap?" Tifa asked. "I'm fine just never expected it."
"I'm sorry for that." Lenne said. "I needed to get you to focus. But what I mean Tifa is, are you ok? You've acted oddly ever since your nightmare, and I have the feeling that at times your trying to avoid me. Why?"
"In my nightmare, I was talking to you." Tifa said. "Then he killed you, I am afraid. I am just so worried we almost lost so many people, You, Rim, Yunie, even myself. And right now I'm just so scared, I don't know if I could take losing more friends. This isn't like me in the least bit!"
"Loss is a way of life." Lenne said. "Tifa you have to cope with the loss and become stronger with it. It will take time to do so though. But I do hope we don't have to cope, losing someone you care for is the worst kind of pain." Tifa looked at Lenne, she always wondered about her, how she could come across as a strong willed girl.
"In truth Lenne I am jealous." Tifa admitted. "You and Yuna share so much in common, sometimes I feel like I don't belong. Like the third wheel sometimes." Tifa saw Lenne smile at her.
"Odd you said that Tifa." Lenne said. "I was going to say the same thing about you and Yuna." Tifa looked shocked.
"Really?" Tifa asked "why?"
"You and her have more in common than you think. Your both saviors of your world, you both lost your parents, you both have brought back someone from the beyond." Lenne stated. Tifa was thoughtful, she never though of it that way before. Lenne smiled warmly at her.
"You keep telling Yuna to be Yuna." Lenne said. "Tifa, you need to be Tifa." Tifa nodded. Lenne then noticed the wagon came with Marjorie and Katejina. Yuna was carefully loaded into the wagon. Lenne looked at Tifa who still sat there.
"You coming Tifa?" Lenne asked. Tifa shook her head.
"I need time." She answered. Lenne nodded with a smile she placed a reassuring hand on Tifa's shoulder. Tifa's hand reached over and gave Lenne's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Come back when your ready ok? No rush, sort things out Tifa." Lenne said it was odd her voice was calm as if she knew in her heart Tifa would be ok. Tifa nodded. Tifa heard the wagon left but she also heard someone.
"Going to sit there all night?" Katejina asked.
"Maybe." Tifa replied. "I don't know why you take an interest in me." Katejina sat down.
"You are my friend." Katejina said. "As hard as it sounds I do worry."
"But you can't trust us." Tifa shot back.
"Try having someone you trusted and loved as your own sister shoot you in your throat and leave you for dead." Katejina said. "You would have trust issues too." Tifa was silent.
"Do you ever ask why?" Tifa asked. Katejina shook her head.
"We chose different paths." She said. "In the end we crossed and only one was able to walk away. But I do want to know what made her do it. Much like I want to know what made Millie turn on Marjorie."
"Millie?" Tifa asked.
"Ah yes you weren't there, I keep forgetting. Millie was an old friend of Marjorie but she used her. Marj is still tormented about the why." Katejina explained.
"You could have Lenne take you to a soul cave." Tifa said.
"Soul Cave?" Katejina asked. Tifa giggled.
"What would you call it?" she asked.
"A cave." Katejina responded. "No need for fancy names." Tifa nodded as she cast a glance at the stars.
"What's wrong with me?" Tifa asked seemingly to herself. "I went off on Lenne, yet she forgave me without a second thought."
"It's her nature to do so." Katejina answered. "Tifa you have a temper, I've noticed that much but you have passion with that temper. Yet today you didn't have any of that passion you where only upset. That's why I pulled you aside."
"Your saying I'm a hot head?" Tifa asked. Katejina shook her head.
"No I'm saying you burn with the fires of passion Tifa." Katejina said. "That itself is a gift a rare one at that." Tifa nodded slowly almost unsure.
"Why is it my friends, the ones who I cherish the most always suffer?"" Tifa asked herself. Katejina paused a minute.
"Protect them, now come on." Katejina said. "It's getting late, we don't want Lenne and Marjorie worrying too much." Tifa got up.
"Thanks Kate." Tifa said. Katejina nodded with a slight smile.
"Anything to keep your head on straight." Katejina said. "but next time I might just kick you in the rear."
"I'll keep that in mind." Tifa said as they started back.
Nighttime was falling in the town of Nibelhiem when a portal opened, a young girl dressed in a red kimono, followed by a Viera and a black cat woman jumped out.
"Ok." Rimoru said. "Where are we?"
"A creepy place." Ebon said. "I don't like it here." Nightshade nodded then looked towards and old mansion.
"We should be safe in there." She said pointing at the mansion.
"That place gives me the creeps." Rimoru protested. The three then heard a moan.
"What was that?" Ebon asked.
"Wind." Rimoru responded. A blood curdling laughter was heard.
"And that?" Nightshade asked.
"Someone told the wind a joke?" Rimoru suggested nervously. The three then saw a menacing shadow. They turned around and saw this massive 4 armed giant red creature.
"What is that?" Rimoru asked.
"You wish to ask it where it is from?" Nightshade shot back. Rimoru shook her head.
"In here!" a voice called, Rimoru looked it was a lady in pink she stood by the mansion. "they won't come in here!" the three went to the mansion by the Behemoth was fast and brought down his enormous pole arm, Ebon was fast enough to dodge. Rimoru saw someone huddled out of the corner of her eye she went to the person he coughed he seemed to be on the brink of death. The kind-hearted priestess offered her hand it was grabbed and it's touch burned. It lunged after Rimoru with an oddly shaped knife, she dodged and with a fluid motion with one of her short swords cut it's head off. She ran to the house Ebon and Nightshade where nearby. Ebon was next in, Nightshade was almost there but the Behemoth fired a massive gun and Nightshade went flying when she landed she was unconscious.
"NIGHTSHADE!" Ebon screamed. Without another word Ebon bolted and went to her friend. A Fell Giant, creatures stitched together with dark arts, joined the Behemoth. Ebon put Nightshade over her shoulder, she noticed the giants bearing down on her. She ran as fast as she could to the mansion, she jumped and to her surprise landed inside the house, Nightshade with her.
"Talk about risky." Rimoru said as she took off her Kimono. "so hot." She complained.
"It's just from the running you'll be fine." Ebon said placing Nightshade on a nearby couch. Rimoru nodded but fell to one knee. She noticed Flametail and Thunderpaws came in both where ok. The girl in pink went to Rimoru and put her hand t her forehead.
"You have a fever." She said.
"Bummer." Rimoru said as she collapsed. Ebon ran to her and took her up in her arms.
"There are beds to your left." The girl said. Ebon went and went into the left room and placed Rimoru in a bed. The girl in pink followed. Rimoru was covered in sweat, she moaned. The girl in pink placed her hands on Rimoru's heart and a breeze flowed through the room. When it was over, the girl put her hand on Rimoru's forehead, she smiled.
"The fever is broken." She said. Ebon nodded.
"She'll be ok then?" she asked. The girl nodded. "Thank you.." Ebon stopped. The girl giggled.
"I'm Aeris." Aeris said, "I'm sorry in all the excitement I forgot to give you my name. Lenne told me all of yours though."
"You know Lenne." Ebon asked. Aeris nodded.
"We met when I was in the afterlife." Aeris said. "When I came back I could hear her, now she's back, well let's say she and I talk whenever we can. Mostly when we are asleep."
"You mean you dream of each other?" Ebon asked. Aeris shook her head.
"No, I mean we see each other." Aeris said. "It's hard to explain I'm afraid. But I know of your friend Yuna. I know where her spirit might be." The two went to the main room where Nightshade was, she woke up with a groan. She was introduced to Aeris and filled in about Rimoru.
"Aeris was going to tell me where Yuna is." Ebon said. Aeris nodded,
"Yes I feel her spirit near.." she was cut off when the door flew open, a man came in and closed it behind him. He looked at the ladies. He was tall with a muscular build shaved head but sported a goatee. He sported two shotguns and a dark trench coat.
"Ok who let the creapies into this town?" he asked.
"Hello Vaughn." Aeris said. "These are my friends Ebon and Nightshade, their friend Rimoru is resting."
"Let me get this straight cat woman and bunny girl are friends of yours?" Vaughn asked.
"Please forgive him." Aeris asked. "He's rough on the outside but a sweetheart on the inside. He can take you to Mideel."
"Mideel?" Ebon asked.
"Yes. I'm sorry." Aeris apologized. "That is where you can reach Yuna's spirit the easiest."
"Whoa?" Vaughn protested. "I'm not a taxi here, why should I take them to Mideel, place is hot as hell."
"Because you want to help them find their friend." Aeris said. "Don't you?" Vaughn sighed.
"Fine." He agreed "But they owe me. Now where is this Rimoru girl?"
"Resting." Ebon said. She looked and saw Rimoru, she seemed better but she leaned against the wall.
"You sure you should be up?" Aeris asked. Rimoru nodded.
"A KID!" Vaughn exclaimed. "damn what's next a bear, monkey and wolf?"
"We have those back home in Ivalice." Rimoru responded.
"Great. I can hardly wait." Vaughn replied. "So what's the deal now we go back into spook central or we stay here?"
"They can't get to us in here for some reason." Aeris said. "We are safe here for the night, then you will leave for Mideel."
"And you?" Rimoru asked.
"I'll go someplace else where I am needed." Aeris stated.
"We have enough room here?" Nightshade asked.
"We should 4 bedrooms and someone could sleep on the floor." Aeris said, looking at Vaughn.
"Fine I'll take the floor." Vaughn said. "I better not catch any of you down here. You know trying the sneaky sneaky catch a glimpse."
"Deluded sort isn't he." Nightshade asked as she walked off.
"Very." Ebon agreed as she went with her. Vaughn watched then as he set up his sleeping bag.
"A bunny girl, a cat girl and a kid." He repeated. "What I won't do for some easy money."
Katejina went to the mouth of a cave, Lenne and Marjorie where with her. Katejina cast a glance at Lenne.
"This one of them?" she asked. Lenne nodded.
"I can sense them both Jade and Millie." Lenne stated. "You both sure you wish to do this?"
"We need closure Lenne." Marjorie said. "What Millie did to me was outright wrong, and I for one want to know if all this time I was living a lie."
"I just want to know what got into Jade." Katejina said. "Lenne you can go back to Tifa. We know the way back alright."
"Ok. Just remember to keep calm and you'll be fine, don't be afraid and keep your wits about you" Lenne said as she started off she then turned back. "Best of luck.. to both of you." Lenne then walked off. Marjorie looked at her friend.
"Ready to do this?" she asked. Katejina shook her head.
"No." she admitted. "but lets do it anyhow." Marjorie nodded and the two went into the cave. It was dank and cold inside the cave, their sensitive ears perked up. Both Viera's went a separate direction.
Marjorie went down a passageway, she heard something from ahead of her, and she continued she saw Millie sitting there in her black archers' outfit. She smiled a sad smile at Marjorie.
"How much of it was a lie?" Marjorie asked cutting right to the chase. "And why? Why lead me on? Why pretend to be my friend? Why do this to me?"
"It…. Wasn't all a lie." Millie said. "I meant some of what I said."
"Some?" Marjorie asked. "You LIED to me! And I want to know why and I want to know it right NOW!"
"Marjorie." Millie said. "Your too young to understand, when you grow up you will know why I had to do it."
"You mislead me." Marjorie said. "You tried to turn my against Katejina, who is my true best friend. And all you can say to me is I'm too young?"
"You won't understand if I tell you." Millie said.
"Because of you I was forced to kill someone who I thought was like a sister to me. When I took your life I took some of my own life and I HATED it! I HATE you for what you did to me!" Marjorie raged her voice echoed in the cave
"I'm sorry Marj." Millie said. "I really am that it came to this, if it helps any the part about us living in the forest together wasn't a lie. That's what I wanted for us. For you, to be safe from everything al the hurt and all the harm." Marjorie looked at Millie for a minute before she responded.
"I wish I could believe you." She whispered. "But all you did was lie and lie and lie some more. I have the closure I need, goodbye Millie." Marjorie turned to walk away.
"I was doing it for your own good." Millie stated. Marjorie stopped in mid stride and turned around. "You needed to know not everyone could be trusted. I was a harsh lesson and I'm sorry for that but you needed to learn it. Please forgive me." Marjorie scoffed.
"You'll never have my forgiveness for what you did to me." Marjorie snarled. "I hope you get used to this, the lonesomeness your feeling, because it's staying that way. I will never forgive you for something you did so easily like hurt me." Marjorie walked away from Millie, Millie simply sat there she cried quietly, for her friend.
Marjorie was walking out when she stopped, she looked down and sighed. She lost control she wanted closure. Millie was sorry that's all that should have mattered. Marjorie turned back and went to where Millie was, she was sitting there crying, but as Marjorie approached the crying changed, to laughter! Millie looked up an evil grin as her face as a grasped Marjorie's hand. Marjorie gasped.
"You want to know why I did what I did?" Millie hissed into Marjorie's ear. "Hate! I hate Katejina, and I hate YOU! You killed me and you hate me! So now I use that hate to aid me. Your so predictable, your soft heart always gets the better of you. Now your soft heart will be the end of your precious Katey!" Millie started to be absorbed into Marjorie's body Marjorie struggled best she could. "You can't struggle, don't resist. This is my revenge on you both, you see I take you over I leave you aware enough so you watch yourself, well me, in you body, kill your best friend!"
"NO!" Marjorie screamed. She then screamed again a blood-curdling scream.
Katejina followed the sensation she felt the moment she entered, she went to an opening a Viera in an assassin outfit sat on a rock it was indeed Jade. Jade nodded as Katejina approached.
"Why?" Katejina asked. Jade looked at Katejina
"I followed orders." Jade said. "From Ebon, I still don't know how Ebon turned from such a sweet thing into a monster. Seeing her change like that was heart wrenching." Katejina explained to jade the entire story of Ebon and Mandrake as best she could. Jade was thoughtful after Katejina finished.
"So they where two different people the entire time?" Jade asked. Katejina nodded. "That explains a lot."
"Doesn't explain why you did such a sloppy job." Katejina said. "Why leave me to die? Why not kill me there?"
"I was hoping for you to survive." Jade explained. "I never wanted to shoot you in the first place. I'm so sorry for all the pain I caused." Katejina nodded with a sad smile. Katejina then felt a tension in the entire cave followed by a blood-curdling scream.
"Marjorie!" she whispered.
Lenne was on her way back to Cove of Honor when her head throbbed, she clutched her head she felt a scream, a terrible scream in her head. She fell to her knees waiting for the screaming to subside. It did shortly, Lenne looked back to the cave. Was someone in trouble there? Did she dare ignore it? In the end the answers where obvious and Lenne ran to the cave fast as she could.
Katejina ran to the scream Jade followed, Katejina ran she saw Marjorie on her knees. She went to her Marjorie looked up.
"Kate?" she asked.
"You ok?" Katejina asked. Marjorie nodded.
"Just shaken up." She answered. Katejina brought Marjorie close to her that's when she took the chance to strike. Jade saw this and cried out.
"KATE!"
Katejina reacted with a quick shove, Marjorie fell back but the dagger bit into Katejina's shoulder. Katejina looked at Marjorie in shock.
"What's gotten into you Marj?" she asked. Marjorie laughed it was a cold one.
"I'm sorry she's not here." Millie answered with Marjorie's voice. "This is Millie speaking how can I help you?"
"Let her go!" Katejina demanded. Millie shook her head.
"No." she replied. "You see this is perfect, Marjorie killed me, you killed Jade. Now you yourself will die at your precious Marjorie's hands. The poor thing will be overcome with guilt."
"You disgust me." Katejina snarled. "Leave Marjorie alone she's suffered enough!"
"I'll be the judge of that." Millie said. "Now I'll simply get on with killing you!" With that Millie launched herself at Katejina. Katejina was on the defensive, how could she hit her friend? She was on the losing end, even if she killed Marjorie, Millie would survive. Millie used Marjorie's body to the best of it's ability, it was one thing to fight someone posing as someone else. Millie however was not posing, she took over Marjorie's body, and for the time being she was Marjorie. Katejina had to fight her own best friend or she would surely lose her own life. Jade watched she was helpless as a spirit she couldn't hurt the living. What Millie did was use Marjorie's negative feelings against her and it worked. Jade heard someone run in, she saw her before it was Lenne only this time she wasn't a spirit she was alive. Lenne saw the scene before her.
"Marjorie!" she cried. "What are you doing? Stop this!"
"It's not her!" Katejina cried. "Somehow Millie possessed her!" Lenne blinked then nodded. She went to Marjorie who had just shoved Katejina to the floor. Lenne was fearless as she approached Marjorie.
"What are you going to do?" Millie asked. "Sing me to death?" Lenne shook her head she reached for Marjorie, she pulled back seemingly afraid of the singer but why? That's when Katejina popped up behind her and got her in a full nelson type of lock.
"Lenne." Katejina begged. "Do what you must! But please if you can… keep my friend safe."
"I promise I will." Lenne said as she touched Marjorie's face. Marjorie winced in pain as the searing purity touched the evil that possessed Marjorie. Lenne stood there eyes closed a black smoke came out of Marjorie's eyes and mouth for a minute when it vanished Lenne released her grip. Lenne fell to the ground, Marjorie fell back lifelessly in Katejina's arms. Katejina cradled Marjorie and shook her hoping for any sign of life.
"Marj?" she whispered. "Come on Marjorie don't do this, please, answer me." Jade watched as Katejina tried to awaken her friend. Jade saw love in Katejina, something she didn't see in her for a while. Katejina shook Marjorie but she remained still. Tears fell from Katejina's eyes one landed on Marjorie's cheek, the young fencer came to with a moan.
"Don't cry Katey." She whispered weakly. "I'm ok. But I hurt you." Katejina hugged Marjorie fiercely.
"Oh god." She said. "I thought I lost you. Don't worry about my shoulder Marj it is fine. I couldn't picture life without you!" Marjorie smiled but said nothing, she cast a glance at Lenne who was waking up. Katejina let go and Marjorie went to Lenne. Lenne saw Marjorie and managed a smile.
"What happened to Millie?" Marjorie asked.
"She was hell bent on hurting people so I punished her." Lenne answered. "I sent her to hell."
"You can do that?" Katejina asked. Lenne nodded.
"My holy powers allow me too." Lenne said. "I'm still confused how they work, I don't know until I do something different with them."
"Like with the riders?" Marjorie asked. Lenne nodded.
"Yes and like with Dusk and Darkness." Lenne added. "I guess I learn as I go." Marjorie giggled but she stumbled Lenne caught her.
"Sorry kind of weak I guess." Marjorie admitted.
"Lenne can you bring her to Cove of Honor?" Katejina asked. "I have something I need to wrap up here."
"Of course." Lenne said as she left with Marjorie. "Take your time Kate." The two left. Katejina was alone with Jade.
"Your learning to love again." Jade observed. "Perhaps one day your strong enough to forgive me for my sins." Katejina reached in her pocket and pulled out something it was a veil white in color all snipers had to wear one to keep their faces hidden. Katejina hadn't used hers in ages she let the veil drop to the ground.
"That was part of my old life." Katejina started. "My life I tried to continue to live after you shot me. Not anymore, Jade all I wanted to know was the why."
"And now you know?" Jade asked. Katejina thought for a minute.
"What's done cannot be undone." Katejina said. "We learn from our mistakes and pray we aren't doomed to repeat them. But Jade all I ever wanted was to know if there was a reason and know I know. You can rest." Jade approached Katejina odd-looking insects left her body and seemed to hover around Katejina. Jade them hugged her former hunting partner and friend, Katejina returned the hug a tear ran down her cheek. Jade looked at Katejina one final time before fading.
"Thank you." She whispered as she faded. Katejina smiled, it was a sad but happy one at the same time. She left the cave, she could have sworn as she left that she heard Jade laugh a happy laugh.
Vaughn was waken up with a nudge by a foot. He looked and saw Nightshade.
"What?" he grumbled.
"Get up now." Nightshade responded.
"Damn girl I need my sleep." He replied. Nightshade grabbed his sleeping bag and with rough strength yanked it out from under his he tumbled to the floor. He looked at Nightshade.
"Let me guess." He said. "It's your time isn't it?" Nightshade shot him a glare with her one good eye. Rimoru came down she was ready Ebon he noticed was by the door. Aeris was gone.
"Where Aeris go?" Vaughn asked.
"She left as soon as the sun came up." Ebon replied. "Come on we should go." Vaughn put on his trench coat along with dark sunglasses, he collected his items. As soon as he was all set he lead them out of the mansion and to an airship. The airship was huge in size, standing there was another man smaller than Vaughn but nearly as muscular he too had a shaved head but no facial hair. He and Vaughn shook hands.
"Sup Zander." Vaughn said. "Let me introduce you, the kid it Rimoru, the cat girl is Ebon and the cranky bunny bitch with one eye is Nightshade. Ladies say hello to my pilot Zander." Rimoru and Ebon nodded politely Nightshade simply glared. They went onto the ship Vaughn and Zander went onto the bridge of the ship.
"So where too?" Zander asked.
"Mideel" Vaughn replied.
"Ok kids." Zander said. "Take your seats and get ready we're going to fly!" Zander sat down and punched buttons on the control panel. The ship took off with a rough start a thud was head as Nightshade was tossed to the ground from where she stood.
"CAREFULL!" she shouted.
"Take your seat then!" Zander shouted back. Ebon grabbed Nightshade's arm.
"Please." She pleaded. Nightshade sat down the trip was over shortly and they where at the tropical island of Mideel.
"This is the place ladies." Zander said. "All please leave in an orderly fashion and thanks for choosing Zander."
"Your enjoying this way to much." Vaughn said.
"Hey I enjoy my work." Zander said. "Also I got some information, for you. Because aren't they the ones who are going to help?"
"I said they owe me a favor." Vaughn said. "Who knows if they listened. But anyway what's the info?"
"Here is where it is strongest." Nightshade said as she stood at the coastline. "So just how do you rescue a stranded spirit?" Rimoru sat down cross-legged, she looked up at Nightshade.
"I might need your help for this." She said. "If I get lost in there, you might have to save me somehow." Nightshade sat down next to her, she felt the Viera take hold of her hand.
"I'll guide you best I can." She said she turned to Ebon. "Keep watch Ebon." Ebon nodded. The other two seemed to go into a deep trance Ebon watched, all she could do now was wait.
Life stream, a connection between the spirit world and the real world, the souls in the water wander some seeking salvation, some resting for eternity. Others are simply lost and seeking a way out. Yuna fell for what seemed like forever, when she stopped she was alone but she felt as if she was being watched. It wasn't like the Far Plane, when she fell into the hole in Djose Temple two years ago it was different at least there where people, Baralia, Gippal, Nooj, even though they left. But again here in the life stream the feeling of being alone engulfed her. There wasn't even the light of the pyreflys soul creatures in her world to light up this dark place
"Hello?" she cried out. "Tifa? Lenne? Katejina? Anyone?" she heard no response. She heard strange noises and jumped, she was afraid now, it was worse than the Farplane on her world. The farplane was much like the life stream except the living could talk to the souls of the dead. Yuna heard something and saw someone, she was in red and young it hit Yuna.
"RIMORU!" she cried out. Rimoru approached Yuna and extended her hand.
"Take my hand Yuna." She advised. "I can lead you back to your mortal body." Yuna was hesitant but took the teens hand. Rimoru lead Yuna to where Yuna saw light, she looked through what seemed to be a window, Tifa and Lenne where by her bedside. She looked at Rimoru
"You know the way back?" she asked. Rimoru nodded.
"Go." She said. Yuna nodded and seemed to jump through the window.
In a bedroom in Cove of Honor Yuna lay she was sleeping, Tifa and Lenne where at her bedside. Both where startled when Yuna opened her eyes and sat up, she shook her head.
"You ok Yuna?" Lenne asked. Yuna nodded.
"Rimoru came and got me." She said. "I hope she makes it out ok herself would hate to lose her."
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Lenne assured Yuna. Yuna then noticed Tifa, she seemed aloof, not paying attention.
"You ok?" she asked Tifa. Tifa snapped out of her spaced out state she looked at Yuna then at the ground.
"I just miss them." She said softly.
"Your friends?" Yuna asked. Tifa nodded.
"Been driving me crazy." Tifa said. "I left so many things hanging when I came here. I never looked back but since I was there. I find myself wondering about a lot of things. I've been getting mad at myself and been taking it out on my friends here. It's not fair to you to have to deal with me when I'm like this."
"Tifa." Yuna said. "If you want to go home to check up we won't mind. I guess I've forgotten about that. I've always had Rikku to keep me updated. I understand you want to see your friends, and I think you should." Tifa looked at Yuna.
"We will be here when you return Tifa." Lenne added. "But if your bothered by this fact you should go see them." Tifa nodded slowly, she didn't expect them to be so understanding but yet they where.
"Thank you both for your support." Tifa responded. "I'll think on it." She left the room.
Tifa went to her room along the way she passed Katejina's room the door was open slightly. Tifa heard something, she looked in the small crack of the open door and saw Katejina. She seemed in pain, Tifa considered opening the door, when she was surprised when Katejina said.
"Come in." Tifa entered, Katejina sat there a towel was on her right shoulder, which was bleeding. Her shirt was in a heap on the floor. The room was starting to stink of blood.
"That's a bad wound." Tifa noted.
"It looks worse than it is." Katejina said.
"I should still get Marj." Tifa insisted. Katejina shook her head.
"She's been through a tough time as of late." Katejina said. "Best to leave her be. I'll be fine." Katejina then went to get up but staggered and fell, Tifa went to her. She saw the blood on the towel.
"Kate, you've lost a lot of blood." Tifa observed. Katejina nodded weakly.
"Close the door." She said weakly. Tifa obeyed, she then helped Katejina into bed. Katejina looked at Tifa.
"This is new. I didn't think you gave a damn about me." Katejina said.
"Despite how I act I still think you a friend." Tifa replied. "Let me heal you." Katejina nodded. Tifa took out a cure materia and healed the wound. Katejina smiled she would never admit this Tifa, but she was a better healer than she was.
"How did you get this wound?" Tifa asked. Katejina told her of the cave, of Millie and her final betrayal of Marjorie, of the forgiveness she gave Jade.
"She's right you know." Tifa noted after Katejina was finished. "You are learning to love again. I see it with Marjorie, you love her like you would love a sister. You would gladly risk everything if not more to keep her safe." Katejina nodded with a smile
"She means that much to me." Katejina stated. "You have people like that too Tifa, we all do. I think you should go home and check on your friends, but I hope you return to us as well." Tifa starred at her for a minute she forgot how good her hearing was.
"Thanks." Tifa said. "I will return, I just want to check on things." She left the room she let the door close behind her. She sighed after she closed the door. She knew she had to do something to shake this funk she was in. She hoped returning would solve the dilemma, Tifa then turned as she heard a ruckus. She went to where she heard it she saw Ebon, Nightshade and Rimoru along with two men, Tifa gasped she knew them from her hometown of Kalm!
"What your gripe anyway?" Vaughn asked Nightshade. "I told you that you owe me one so I'm going to ask whoever is leading this parade about it."
"We aren't just some mindless thug you hire!" Nightshade shot.
"Your after the pentagram right?" Vaughn asked. "I know about them I know how to get to them. I know how to hurt them and I know how to find them."
"Why should we trust you?" Nightshade asked.
"I could ask the same thing." Vaughn replied. Nightshade snorted as she walked off Ebon followed. Tifa came to where they were.
"Looks like you lost none of your charm Vaughn." Tifa said. "And could this rugged gentleman next to you possibly be Zander?"
"Hey Tifa." Zander said as he hugged her. "You haven't changed a bit."
"You have." Tifa said. "For the better too, your not the skinny kid I used to always stick up for. So what's brings you here?"
"They have a favor to ask." Rimoru said. "They said we owed it to them since they helped us." Tifa looked at Vaughn
"Still the mercenary." She sighed.
"Tell me how to make money out of nothing and I'll do that." Vaughn said. Tifa shook her head she knew arguing with him would be pointless.
"Well if you are going to ask a favor I guess Yuna is the one to ask." Tifa suggested.
"Which one is Yuna?" Vaughn asked.
"Light brown hair, rose colored hood, blue skirt." Tifa described. Vaughn nodded and left. Tifa stopped Zander as he was about to leave.
"Zander." She asked hesitantly. "How is my bar?" He looked at her the look pierced her heart.
"You going to go home soon?" he asked. Tifa nodded. "Good they need you." He left. Rimoru came up to Tifa.
"You ok?" she asked. Tifa shook her head.
"I have to go home." Tifa said seemingly to herself she then looked at Rimoru. "Tell the others I said goodbye and I'll be back when I take care of everything."
"Your leaving?" she asked. Tifa walked away towards her room.
"Yes." She replied and entered her room. Rimoru didn't know what to do, she couldn't let Tifa up and walk off. But then again she seemed pretty upset, the teen wrung her hands nervously. Before she made her choice.
Rimoru looked they had to be here somewhere either Yuna or Lenne. Maybe they knew what was going on more than she did. Rimoru heard voices, one was Vuaghn's the other seemed to be Yuna's. Rimoru went forward but bumped into someone, she fell back.
"You ok?" Lenne asked. "You seem to be in an awful rush." Rimoru nodded and told her about Tifa.
"She still here?" Lenne asked.
"I think so." Rimoru replied. "She was in her room last I saw, most likely packing." Lenne nodded.
"I'll go speak to her." Lenne said. "You ok now?" Rimoru nodded. Lenne smiled. "Good, when Yuna is done with whoever that guy is tell her. And thank you." Rimoru smiled. Lenne left Rimoru went to where the voices where she saw Vaughn and Yuna in conversation.
"I don't think it's right that I just up and leave." Yuna protested.
"Hey you either help me with this problem I have or you don't. But if you don't, don't expect me to help you any either." Vaughn said. Yuna paused, in all truth she could use the help they weren't really setting the world afire they way they were going now. But caving into Vaughn on this matter, well to Yuna it didn't seem right.
"If it makes a difference." Zander spoke up. "I think your friend Tifa is going back. And her and our problems are connected."
"You did something to her?" Yuna's asked.
"Some asshole's are trying to take what's hers." Zander said. Yuna nodded.
"I'll help." Yuna said softly. "If only to help Tifa."
"Works for me." Vaughn said. "Lets go Zander." The men left. Yuna saw Rimoru. Rimoru told Yuna about what happened before.
"Thanks Rim." Yuna said as she left.
Tifa threw random amount of clothes in her bags, her thoughts where a total mess. When she thought she was done she hefted the bag over her shoulders and went to the door where to her surprise stood Lenne.
"Going to leave without saying goodbye to your friends?" she asked. Tifa shook her head.
"I waited too long Lenne." She said. "I told Rim to tell you all I said goodbye."
"I know she came to me." Lenne said. "Tifa, your doing the right thing in my eyes."
"I wish I could tell myself that." She whispered. "I feel like I am betraying you all. Like I'm being selfish."
"Your not." Yuna said from the doorway. "Tifa, we all understand. If it helps any I'll be with you." Tifa and Lenne looked at Yuna, she explained what happened.
"That's Vaughn alright." Tifa admitted with a sigh. "Yunie I could try to talk to him."
"It's ok." Yuna said. "You best hurry." Tifa nodded, she embraced Lenne.
"Tell the others I said goodbye for me?" she asked.
"Of course Tifa." Lenne replied. "I hope everything works out for you." Tifa nodded.
"I hope so too." She replied. She went to Yuna.
"See you in a bit." Yuna said. "I'm sure things will work out for you Tifa." Tifa noticed a portal opened.
"Looks like my ride." She said. "But how does it know when to open?"
"Something we can look into later." Lenne said. "Good luck Tifa."
"Thanks." Tifa said as she went through.
END CHAPTER 3