Chapter 49 – 1000 Words

Rikku twitched her nose as something poked it. Her eyes clamped shut as she tossed over onto her side. In her unconscious mind, she again felt a poke against her skin. Growling, she rolled back over and cracked open an eye. Paine stood before her, continuing to prod her with her finger.

"Geez, what do you want," she murmured, almost incomprehensibly.

Paine flicked her on the ear. "Hey, we're leaving soon. It's almost noon already."

"Why?" yawned Rikku, outstretching her arms to the ceiling. "I thought we'd be here all day."

"So did I, but that's not the case anymore."

Earlier that morning, the attendant at the service desk noticed a frazzled little Hypello stumbling into the building. He was huffing and puffing and blathering something at her. Once he calmed down, she was able to speak to him. She then got up and called for Rin, who left early to repair the remaining faulty machina. When she told him of the Hypello's distress, he suggested she should talk to Yuna. As per his orders, she woke Yuna up.

While her hair was a mess, she knew that Hypello wasn't much for caring about appearances. In her bare feet, she walked to the lobby, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Sitting down next to the shaking Hypello, she asked him what the trouble was. In the back of her mind, she wondered if he was employed by Tobli.

"I am so sorry for bothering yoo Mish Yoona, but Tobli is in trubbable!"

Yuna looked oddly at him, knowing how "trouble" and Tobli were practically synonymous. "Oh, what kind of trouble? Is he hurt or something?"

The Hypello shook his head. "No, but he could be. He owesh shome people gil he couldn't pay back. Now they're after hish head! Oh . . ."

"Calm down, calm down," Yuna pleaded, putting up her hands to motion for him back into his seat. "He's resourceful and probably good at dodging bankers."

"True, but I'm so worried about him. What will I do if he ish captured? I'll be out of a job and—"

Yuna sighed but smiled. "Alright! I guess it wouldn't be right not to help Tobli. Tell you what, we'll come with you to the Moonflow and sort things out, okay?"

The Hypello nodded vigorously and shook her hand forcefully enough to tremble her entire body. Buddy led him to the Celsius, relieving Yuna of her Hypello babysitting. By this time, Paine had finished getting ready. Seeing Buddy and the Hypello leaving the lobby together made her curious, on top of seeing Yuna so grungy in public.

"What's up with the Hypello?" she asked, although somewhat regretfully.

Yuna turned to her and grinned. "Um, well, another mission."

Paine groaned. "Oh boy. What did you get talked into now, Yuna?"

Overhearing their conversation, Rikku mirrored Paine's groan. She dragged herself onto the Celsius and disappeared inside cursing Tobli in Al Bhed the entire way. While Paine returned to the bridge, Yuna decided to get something to eat before they arrived at the Moonflow. Taking the lift down to the cabin, she perched on a stool and greeted Barkeep.

"It sheems there ish another Hypello on board the ship," he stated, pouring some water for Yuna.

"Yeah, and Tobli's in trouble again."

"Oh? Ishn't he the funny little man who we picked up at the Calm Lands shome time ago?"

"Yup."

Yuna took a big gulp of water from the glass and wiped her mouth clean. Resting her face on her hand, her thoughts drifted to wonder about Nooj and Gippal. They were somewhere in the Farplane, detached from the rest of Spira. With no communication since they battle at the old Yevon temple in Bikanel, Yuna worried that they had no lead on Shuyin. For the good of Spira, no Shuyin no no Vegnagun. No Shuyin also meant no reunion with Lenne. So many unrequited feelings still stirred within Yuna—a message of a long-lost love needed to be delivered.

"What are you troubabled about?" asked Barkeep, setting down the glass he had been wiping out.

Yuna blushed. "Uh, um, nothing important."

He chuckled once and went back to reorganizing his array of bottles on the shelf behind him. Walking upstairs, Yuna gazed out the window and noticed the beautiful landscape of the Moonflow coming into view underneath the ship. Hopefully, whatever trouble Tobli got himself into could be quickly resolved, she thought to herself. While the Moonflow's beauty remained as exquisite as ever, Yuna's thought returned to the small cabin and the fayth inside.

After landing, Tobli's associate led them to where he normally held his performances. Much to the Hypello's surprise, Tobli ran nearby. Three tall, Al Bhed men chased closely after him as he ran past some people sitting on a bench. Coldly they yelled at him, saying something about the gil he owed them. Darting past them, the girls watched the little man evade their clutches.

"There he is!" shouted the Hypello frantically. "Please help him!"

Yuna looked at Paine, who shrugged, and then Rikku rolled her eyes. Without a word, the girls raced off to catch up with Tobli. Back down the road, they proceeded, shocked at just how fast the little critter could run. So evasive was he that even the men couldn't keep up with him. Yuna watched them hunch over, their hands on their knees, panting heavily.

One of them turned their head toward Yuna. "Whew . . . that little guy is fast. Did you see anyone run by here?"

"Oh, uh," stuttered Yuna, not sure how to respond. "Nobody at all."

Rikku and Paine continued searching around for him up ahead while trying not to garner the attention of Tobli's pursuers. Wherever he hid, it proved impossible to find him. Then one of the men shouted, and pointed his finger at Tobli running away back toward the south bank. The three men continued their pursuit, huffing away.

"We just came from there!" grumbled Rikku.

Paine crossed her arms, "Ridiculous!"

The trio sprinted back the way they just came, hoping Tobli could keep up his pace. When they arrived back at the river bank, Yuna noticed the men were again clueless as to Tobli's location. Considering how much of a loud mouth he was, his ability to evade capture amazed Yuna. She listened to the men swear up a storm as they searched everywhere for Tobli. In the distance, Rikku spotted him aboard a shoopuf crossing to the north wharf.

"Oh hey, there he is!" she pointed, then muffled herself realizing the men stood right next to her.

"Aha!" yelled one of them. "Let's get 'em. Thanks, young lady!"

On the next shoopuf the men boarded, impatiently waiting to capture their target. Yuna and Paine stood around Rikku, both giving her a nasty look. Not wanting to waste time, Paine led them to the south wharf. They watched ahead of them as the Al Bhed men got off and resumed their tracking. A couple of minutes later, another shoopuf arrived for boarding.

"Oh, I hope we're not too late," cried Rikku, shuffling her feet.

Paine scoffed. "These things really don't move very fast do they?"

For what seemed like an eternity, the shoopuf lackadaisically trotted across the Moonlfow and arrived at the north wharf. Placing her hand above her eyes, Yuna gazed around to try to spot Tobli or his pursuers.

"Psst! Come here," pleaded a voice beside her.

Yuna spun herself around slowly to locate where the voice came from. Sticking his beak-like mask out from a cluster of branches, Tobli emerged from behind a tree. He shivered as his eyes darted around. Looking around, Yuna didn't see the men who had been chasing him. She motioned for Rikku and Paine to come over to her. While the men searched elsewhere, the three girls formed a triangle around Tobli, and kept that formation as they walked up the north bank road towards Guadosalam. Upon entering the city, Tobli released a heavy sigh.

Ducking into the office he kept here, he thanked them for rescuing him. "Thanks to you girls, I'll be safe now. Yup-yup!"

Rikku squatted down. "So, why were they—"

"It's better not to ask," interjected Paine with a smirk.

Tobli huffed and paced around the office. "It seems everyone is going nuts. I'm just a little behind on payments, and they want to kill me! Spira has become so uptight."

"Are you sure it was just a little bit of money?" questioned Rikku, winking at Paine.

"Well um, that's not the point! There's no need for a call to arms over some mere gil . . . right?"

Yuna laughed under her breath. "You should be alright now. Don't worry."

The girls turned to leave, but Tobli stopped them. "Hold on, hold on. I haven't properly thanked you yet."

Yuna shook her head, "No, it's ok—"

"Nonsense," continued Tobli. "But how can I repay you? Let me think of something spectacular. Yes, that's how!"

Motioning for Paine and Rikku to kneel down, he whispered his idea into their ears. For a moment, they were expressionless, but then Rikku's face lit up like the sun. Even Paine seemed to approve of whatever he said. Yuna cringed at whatever idea Tobli whispered; she crept closer to the three of them.

"How's that for a good idea? Something for everybody!" exclaimed Tobli, jutting out his chest.

Rikku cheered and ran over to Yuna. "Yeah, we gotta do this, Yunie! It'd be awesome!"

Yuna blushed, not sure why she was the gallant center of attention all of the sudden. "What would? Someone, please tell me!"

"Well Yuna," began Tobli as she swallowed anxiously. "You should perform a concert."

"A what?"

Tobli grinned wide. "Yes, a concert! Not just any old show, but a magnificent, stupendous concert! One that all Spira can hear and enjoy. It might even be what everyone needs to settle their differences."

Yuna, a bit scared by his suggestion, looked at Paine for some support, who answered, "Hey, I don't know Yuna. It actually does sound like a good idea."

"True. But how would I—"

"Not to worry Yuna," he interjected. "My Hypello employees and I will take care of the arrangements 'Twill be a yummy Yunapalooza indeed!"

Biting her lip, Yuna stood in silence. Although his proposition to use her singing to bring the people of Spira together appealed to her good nature, Yuna was no songstress. As she gripped together her hands against her chest, she believed it might be the opportunity to help Spira in the way that she had been searching for. Maybe with Lenne in her heart, she could sing to quell the division amongst the people. Not to pass such an opportunity, Yuna agreed. He cheered and sent for his Hypello assistants. A small army of them returned, all awaiting his command.

The plan was for them to parachute down from the Celsius to all over Spira, telling anyone and everyone about the concert. When Buddy, Brother, and Shinra were told of the plan, they were all for it—especially Brother.

"Yuna will sing? Yuna will sing!" he erupted over the CommSphere. "I can see Yuna sing! How can that not be the best plan ever?"

Buddy then shot in with a poignant question. "Hold on. Where are we going to have this at? Especially if you want that many people to come."

Tobli immediately responded, "Don't you worry, I've already determined that. We would have it in the Thunder Plains."

"The Thunder Plains?" everyone shouted in unison.

He explained that the Thunder Plains provided them with a large enough open area to hold a gigantic crowd. Shinra suggested they use the Celsius as the stage. Brother became even more excited because they would be using his ship to propel Yuna into stardom. The regiment of Hypello loaded aboard the Celsius, Brother flew all across Spira. They dropped anywhere where someone might be. Of course, such a rudimentary system gave no indication as to how many people would come.

Because the promotion process would take some time, Yuna still had over a week to dwell. While she had been in plenty of high-pressure situations before, nothing clouded over her more than knowing she would be in front of an enormous crowd. For a couple of days, she paced around Guadosalam while the Celsius continued airdropping Hypello. Unlike any other situation she had faced, the slow, unending wait dug at her nerves.

Finally, with only hours to go before her performance, the Celsius returned for her. Their mission had been quite successful, landing all the Hypello without issue.

"We're back!" screamed Rikku as she glided off the ship.

Yuna hugged her. "How did it go?"

"Pretty good," replied Paine, who was walking up to them. "It went without a hitch. Now we'll just have to wait and see."

Rikku leaned towards Yuna, her hands behind her back. "Hey Yunie, you look a little sick."

"I'm okay. I guess I'm just really nervous," said Yuna.

Rikku gave her a goofy grin. "Aw, don't be. Here, I have an idea!"

Leading Yuna back into the ship, Rikku took her down to the cabin, where she had a large speaker and two microphones set up. Yuna swallowed her saliva nervously as she watched her cousin flip on a bright red switch. A crackle shot from the speaker as she adjusted the volume knob.

"Let's get changed," she rejoiced, although Yuna didn't understand.

Dragging her to the second floor of the cabin, on their beds were two dresspheres. Yuna knew hers quite well as Lenne's songstress sphere, but she was hesitant to wear it. Then she thought back to Lenne in her dreams. What wouldn't Lenne give to be able to sing one more time, she thought to herself. Feeling resolve course through her, she donned the ancient summoner's clothing. Rikku, too, took on a new appearance.

She twirled around, loving being in her cute orange and blue dress. "You have to admit, these look pretty killer!"

Yuna chuckled. "I do like your silly purple tie."

Rikku stuck out her tongue at her cousin. "Alright Yunie, let's go practice your singing."

Grabbing her by the hand, she yanked Yuna back downstairs. Her body tingled in anticipation. Rikku began pushing some buttons on the speaker, and a loud beat followed by some guitar riffs bounced off the walls of the cabin. She began swaying to the music and encouraged Yuna to do the same. Although embarrassed at first, Yuna started getting into the rhythm. Barkeep came over to cheer them both on.

After warming up her voice and loosening up her tension, Yuna felt ready to conquer the world. She would have to settle for a crowd of Spirans. She was so focused, that she didn't even realize that they had left Guadosalam and were landing at the Thunder Plains. A few shots of lightning cracked in the distance, alerting her to the fact that showtime approached soon.

"So, I guess there's only one more thing left to do," stated Rikku, puzzling Yuna.

"What's that?"

"Uh, what are you gonna sing?"

Yuna closed her eyes, bowing her head slightly. After a brief second of silence, she began to hum. Her mind cleared of thought, and the notes of a song hidden deep within the shadows of her heart whispered out.

"Wow, did you write that, Yunie?" asked Rikku, her mouth agape.

Yuna, her eyes still closed, shook her head. "No, it's more like I felt it, deep within me. I can hear it echoing inside me."

"I see. Is this from Lenne?"

"Perhaps. I may not know a lot about her life, but I still feel so connected with her. Funny, for the longest time I wanted to banish her from me. But when I had the chance, I couldn't let her leave."

"Thus shall Lenne's scattered thoughts be woven into bittersweet song, or something like that," giggled Rikku.

Yuna laughed as well. "Yeah, something like that. That was very poetic of you, Rikku!"

The two cousins took the lift up to the bridge. Paine hovered over Shinra, watching a video feed from outside the ship. Yuna could see droves of people awaiting her—far more than she ever imagined. It seemed that if there were any more people, the Thunder Plains would sink into the earth. She was quickly broken out of her trance when Paine grumbled to Shinra.

Walking over, Yuna tapped Paine's shoulder. "What's the matter, Paine?"

Paine pointed her thumb to the screen. Shinra turned on the audio. The voice of numerous, angry spectators filled the area. People from New Yevon and the Youth League were arguing, and it didn't sound civilized.

"The Yevonites are here, too? How am I supposed to enjoy the concert with them stinking up the air?" barked a teenage boy.

An old woman beside him grunted. "Hey! You Youth League dogs will never be worthy of hearing the high summoner sing!"

"If the Praetor were here, he'd never let these maggots walk around, spouting their nonsense."

Another man nearby interjected, "What I wanna know is, where'd Nooj go? It's his fault that Spira's falling apart! What kind of leader abandons his people when they need him most?"

Yuna frowned at their anger and distrust. The constant bickering fractured Spira at a time everyone should be thriving. With Sin defeated, the Eternal Calm should have unified its people. She hoped to her very core that it was possible to heal these wounds.

"Geez, don't these guys ever give it a rest," mumbled Paine, turning away from the monitor in disgust.

Rikku scratched her ear. "Yeah, really. Well, Yunie . . . I guess you need to work your magic."

Yuna stared at the floor, then in her mind affirmed her task, and tightened her fists together, "Right! I can do this."

Wiping her mind of everything but the song, Yuna followed Rikku and Paine to the deck of the ship. Brother and Buddy gave her a resounding thumbs up for good luck. Brother leaned up against the front window of the bridge, his breath fogging up the glass. As they went up, Tobli raced around frantically.

"Oh my, oh dear! These people are crazy. I hope they don't ruin—"

Yuna smiled, silencing his worry. "No need to worry, Tobli. I'm ready."

The three girls huddled together, their hands clasped together. Looking into each other's eyes, they poured any and all hopes they had into one another. The girls were nothing but smiles, knowing that it was their turn to make a difference.

"Y. R. P. Break!" they exclaimed in unison.

The lights on the deck of the Celsius dimmed down, with only the shots of lightning illuminating the Celsius and the ground below. The noisy crowd from before had hushed down to barely a whisper, patiently waiting for Yuna to come center stage. The Hypellos managing the sound system gave the girls the go-ahead to begin.

"Achtung baby!" roared Brother from inside the Celsius. "Rock out, Yuna!"

Yuna breathed in one final time. Her heart pounded in her chest as she viewed the massive crowd in dead silence, all eagerly waiting for their grand summoner to sing. She walked to the forefront, a spotlight following her movement. Cheering and applause rumbled from all around her. Approaching the microphone, she conjured all the might she had.

Placing her mouth up to it, she began to speak, "A thousand years ago lived a summoner, not much different than me. During a time of great conflict in Spira, even before Sin, she had the courage to sacrifice herself for the good of Spira. The people were divided, and nobody knew what to do, or how to live. Eventually, it was this divide that led to her end. I ask all of you to get passed your differences. Please, live together in peace. This is what I ask of you, and she would as well."

She took a step back, and nodded at Shinra, affirming her readiness. Rikku's eyes widened when the simple hum of Yuna's voice echoed into a full musical rendition across the Thunder Plains. A streak of lightning illuminated Yuna, rain pouring down her hair and face. Softly, she gripped the microphone, waiting to unleash all the feeling inside her. Taking a deep breath, she opened her lips to sing.

I know that you're hiding things, using gentle words to shelter me . . .

As her words began, Yuna immediately uplifted the souls of those in the crowd. Her face portrayed the emotions she had been feeling for so long. Beads of rain poured down her face, matching the raw feelings streaming from inside of her. The gigantic crowd, so imposing to Yuna just a few moments before, blurred from her vision. The words continued to roll from her lips while her chest tightened. These words weren't just from her. These were Lenne's words, too.

But dreams could never fool me, not that easily . . .

The light beat of the drums started, and the rain slowed to a halt. Yuna's words directed the emotions felt by the crowd. In her heart, she hoped to inspire. A sudden stream of blue light arced across the Celsius. A thousand years of longing and regret poured through Yuna's voice. To love with no hope of ever being loved in return stung in her words. Like a mirage, the backdrop of the jagged plains transformed into the ancient city of Zanarkand to the marvel of the crowd.

Pyreflies flew out from her glowing dress. Before the crowd was Vegnagun and Shuyin. Yuna's song didn't stop, her voice pushed on with even more passion and emotion. In a flash of white sparkles, Yuna became Lenne.

Cause a thousand words, call out through the ages. They'll fly to you...

Images of Shuyin playing Vegnagun's organ appeared behind her. The beast, just as it did a thousand years ago, opened itself up to him. Racing to stop him, Lenne stood with arms stretched out. The footsteps of soldiers hammered on the floor behind her. The lovers destined for death held each other, knowing their fates stood eternally sealed. With guns pointed straight at them, Lenne looked into Shuyin's eyes for the last time. All she could do for one final moment was smile. Bullets rang out, sparks raging from the gun barrels. A thousand memories of their love and mistakes flashed in an instant as they were shot down. In their last few moments, Shuyin and Lenne, lying on the ground, looked at each other. A tear trickled down her cheek. She knew their love was lost.

Together with Lenne, Yuna sang.

Oh, a thousand words have never been spoken. They'll fly to you. They'll carry you home and back into my arms . . .

The passion between Yuna and Lenne exploded as the two sang their duet. The resounding echo of Yuna's voice to Lenne's words struck into everyone's hearts. Bound together by the darkest of bonds, Yuna's voice rang out. Unaware that Lenne had manifested on the stage with her, Yuna poured everything welled deep within her soul out into the world.

Turning all of the lonely years to only days, they'll hold you forever!

By the last words, a shining streak burst from Yuna and sailed across the plains. Lenne, along with the images of her past, vanished from sight. The eternal curtain of ebony clouds above parted from the sky. Sunlight touched the ground of the Thunder Plains for the first time. Both she and Lenne had unleashed so much heartache and lament from singing together, but now Yuna stood alone. Gentle rays of light illuminated her body.

"Oh, a thousand words." Yuna shed a solitary tear—for both she and Lenne.

Yuna collapsed on the deck. Although completely drained of feeling or energy, she held the entire crowd in silent awe. Only the whistle of the gentle breeze sounded throughout the entire Thunder Plains. Rikku and Paine rushed over to check on her. Whatever Rikku said to her didn't register. Her mind felt numb, overwhelmed beyond thought. Yuna just hoped it was enough.

Next chapter: With Yuna's legendary performance over, the peoples of Spira have a chance to reflect upon themselves. Shortly after the concert's completion, Leblanc is on the CommSphere. She has a message from Nooj from within the Farplane. The girls determine that this is the time to make their final strike!