"This is the weirdest looking place I have ever seen." Garet said as they exited the Thunder Planes, "Where are we anyway?"
"Macalania Woods. The temple is through the woods but Bevelle is that way." Noah said pointing toward the path leading to the right, "We'll head that way and go to Macalania Temple first." He walked up the tree branch a few feet ahead then motioned for the group to follow.
Stella had been silent since the disturbing news from the night before. She kept her hands clasped behind her back and her eyes simply stared off into space. Garet sighed; he hated seeing her this way. Mia and Noah were also acting strange. It seemed Noah refused to have anything to do with Mia. But it was none of his business he figured. They continued walking along the mangled tree branches until they arrived at the travel agency. "So where's the temple?" Garet asked stretching.
"Down that way, across the lake ice." Stella said quietly pointing in the direction. She turned away from the group and sighed, "I'm not sure I want to do this anymore." She said after a pause.
"Why not?" Garet asked.
"Because Uncle Marcus…"
"You're going to let him win?"
"Sin…Maybe I just shouldn't I mean Sin…"
"It kills indiscriminately. Al Bhed, Guado, or anyone else you can think of. Sin doesn't care who it kills and you shouldn't care who you help." He said crossing his arms.
Stella nodded, "You're right…but it's just so hard…"
"This is totally unbelievable…" someone said walking out of the agency, "Sin is a complete menace to us all. That poor summoner." He shook his head then noticed the group staring at him curiously, "Hey you're that Al Bhed summoner. I guess you're our only hope, heathen." He said.
"Watch it. She's done nothing to you. And what do you mean only hope?" Noah said.
"Sin attacked a boat bound for Besaid last night and killed a summoner and her guardian."
This news captured Stella's interest, "Belgemine was heading out to Besaid!" she said grabbing Garet's hand.
"Yeah that was her name. The monks are all saying we have no choice but to rely on the heathen." He said pointing to Stella, "I don't know what's worse: Being killed by Sin or being saved by an Al Bhed." He continued through the woods.
"Don't worry about that jerk Stel. He'll be jumping for joy when we defeat Sin." Garet said, "Now let's get a move on. We're almost to Zanarkand right?"
Stella nodded slowly, "Let's go everyone."
They walked on through the snow as Stella sang softly. Recognizing the song, Garet sang with her. And pretty soon Noah joined in as well. "I didn't know you knew the Hymn of The Fayth." Stella said looking at Garet.
"I learned it a while ago, back in Zanarkand. Who is that singing anyway?"
"It's the Fayth. The Hymn soothes the souls of the dead." Noah said.
"Funny how everything here is different from Zanarkand. We sing that song there leisurely."
They reached the temple and found a small crowd of people. "Have you Al Bhed barbarians no manners. Let these people mourn the death of a summoner in peace."
"I am a summoner sir." Stella said stepping forward.
The monk growled, "I would never accept you as my High Summoner."
They could hear a few people murmur in agreement. "I can't believe Grand Maester Mika would allow this abomination to go on." He continued.
Stella bit her lip to keep back her tears. "That's enough out of you." Marcus said pushing him away, "I won't let you bad-mouth my niece."
Stella's eyes grew large as she and her uncle stood face to face. He was about to speak but stopped when a young girl appeared.
"My lady…" the girl said sheepishly walking up to them.
"Yes?"
"W-would you perform the sending for us please?"
Stella looked surprised, "Why?"
"Our parents died this morning. We brought them here to the temple after Sin's attack. My little brother and I are afraid they will become fiends."
"Take me to them."
Stella said following the girl toward a room. She gazed at the
lifeless bodies, and then began dancing. Pyreflies swirled around
her, tears streamed down her cheeks. When she finished she walked
over to the siblings and nodded, "Thank you my lady. I am looking
forward to the Calm. It will be good to know that my brother will be
safe."
"Yes. I'll bring the calm as soon as I can." She
smiled and dried her eyes.
"I've seen a lot of sendings but none as beautiful as yours." Marcus said walking up to them.
"Uncle Marcus?" Stella turned to see him strolling up to them.
"Stella we need to talk."
"Come on everyone. The Cloisters are waiting." She said quickly.
She pushed past him, ignoring him as he called her name.
"It's all right, I can wait." Marcus said as the doors leading to the cloister closed behind them.
Stella shook her head, "I don't want to talk him." She said.
"Well you can't just ignore him." Garet said, touching her arm.
"Why not?"
"Maybe he'll explain things. At least give him the chance." Noah said, agreeing with Garet.
Marcus was pacing in front of the cloister entrance when they returned a few hours later. Stella leaned against Garet as they walked down the steps. She sat down and lowered her head. "We need to talk Stella. Now." Marcus said looking at her sternly.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"You have to
understand why I did this. I don't want to lose you." he sat
beside her but she turned away from him, "I was trying to protect
you…"
"That again? Come on man, we're her guardians. We
protect her." Garet said
Marcus stood a faced him, "You don't know anything. You won't be able to protect her when the time comes."
"I'll protect her from anyone, anywhere no matter what."
