I'm surprised that you guys haven't maimed me yet. I just always seem to take forever writing the newest chapter of Angel Wings. I've gotten mixed reviews about Tidus having some recollection of Yuna calling to him; I know that it's strange, but please, bear with me. As of right now, I'm not going to go into depth about it, but in later chapters, it will become very important.
Thanks A MILLION to everyone who told me how to cure 'Curse'. I feel so incredibly stupid because I never could figure out how to get rid of it. I could have sworn that I tried remedy, but maybe I used it on the wrong person?
Thanks to everyone who left me a nice review: Spirit-of-Auron; SavannahX; Warui-Usagi; Crazycutie2; Akira Stridder; Seashell110; Anime-Cat123; Kitsu Kurasei; Darkheart Orion; Litwolf689; JJ Chow; and Damson. Thanks also to everyone who is reading this fanfic!
Angel Wings
Chapter Eleven: Cerulean Eyes in the Dark
She hated fiends and monsters, and deranged Maestors, and everything that came in-between. She loathed Sin and the destruction it wrought and all of the unsent that became monsters. But most of all, she hated all of the fighting.
While fighting was necessary, and a means to protect oneself, it was also nerve wracking. Yuna hated the fear that made her knees weak, and the worry pounding at her temples, as she watched her Guardians fight to protect not only her, but also themselves.
Each time one of her friends got hit by the Chocobo Eater, Yuna wanted to rush in and heal them. She wished that she was fighting beside her Guardians, but Sir Auron had made her stay back.
"You need to let us Guardians do the work, Yuna. We'll call you when we need you to heal us." Yuna wished she had had the nerve to argue with Auron, but she was still shocked from Tidus' confession that she was too shaken to put up much of a fight.
So now she was stuck standing beside Wakka and Kimahri, as Tidus and Auron hacked away at the monstrous fiend, and Lulu cast Fire every chance she got. The three Guardians fighting were trying their best to get the upper hand, but every time they knocked the fiend closer to the cliff's edge, the monster would get back to its feet and knock them back where they had started.
"This is useless!" Yuna cried, wincing with sympathy when Lulu got hit. Lulu stumbled backwards and dropped to her knees, swaying with both pain and exhaustion. Yuna didn't hesitate; she rushed forward and took Sir Auron's spot before the older man even opened his mouth to call her.
Yuna closed her eyes and searched deep inside herself for the fountain of light that held her healing magick. She cast Cure on Lulu, who smiled gratefully. Yuna gasped when she felt both her Aeons bursting with power inside her mind.
"Tidus! Lulu! Let me summon Ifrit! I finally have Grand Summon!" Tidus looked at Lulu for confirmation. Lulu shrugged her shoulders and stepped back, pulling Tidus with her.
Yuna faced the giant fiend, her eyes steady and without fear. She wasn't worried; she had complete confidence in herself. She was strong, she knew she was, and this fiend was just one more obstacle she needed to pass to continue down her chosen path.
Yuna closed her eyes and concentrated on Summoning Ifrit, her Aeon of choice until she obtained Bahamut and Anima. Ifrit's fire seared her mind and warmed her body. Ifrit caught her on its outstretched arm, and helped her onto the ground. Yuna stood behind her Aeon, feeling the power her Grand Summon gave her fire Aeon.
The Chocobo Eater was cautious as it gazed at Ifrit. It couldn't seem to make up its mind, and finally tried to rush the Aeon. Ifrit easily jumped out of the fiend's way, gazing defiantly at its enemy.
Ifrit, Yuna thought, feeling exhaustion sweep through her body. We're all exhausted. You have both the power and the strength to end this swiftly. Go for it, my Aeon. Yuna could feel Ifrit's acquiescence.
Ifrit leaned forward and the ground shook as the fire Aeon gathered all of its power for one last devastating blow. The Chocobo Eater was stunned by the raw power, and could only watch as Ifrit created two giant fireballs and flung them at the fiend.
The Chocobo Eater was caught up in the giant sphere, spinning helplessly in an endless circle. Ifrit flung giant sections of the ground into the fireball, until the sphere exploded, dropping the Chocobo Eater back to the ground. Within seconds the fiend had dissolved into Pyreflies.
Yuna ran forward and patted Ifrit's head, pouring all the gratitude and affection she could into Ifrit's mind, through their link. Too worn out to do more than pat her Aeon's head, she collapsed to the ground and watched the Fire Aeon dissolve and leave her alone with her Guardians.
"Here," Lulu said, kneeling beside the Summoner. "The fiend left us some new weapons. Here's a new staff for you, Yuna." Yuna reached for the Belladonna Staff, liking its weight and the poison effect it held. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Auron swinging his Flaming Katana, and Wakka picking up his Ice Ball.
"Wow, Yuna, that was amazing!" Tidus said, helping her to her feet. "We were doing okay, but I doubt that we could have defeated the fiend as quickly as you did!" Yuna shrugged her shoulders and smiled gratefully when Tidus put his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer.
"Is everyone okay?" Yuna asked, swaying with exhaustion. She had forgotten how much Grand Summon taxed her. "Does anyone need healing?"
Wakka smiled from behind Lulu, waving an empty potion bottle so that Yuna could see. "I needed a little patching up, ya? But the potion we bought took care of what little injuries I sustained."
"Besides," Auron added, "You're exhausted. You need rest, Yuna. Your Pilgrimage cannot continue with a half dead Summoner."
Auron walked back to the road, Kimahri close behind, and Lulu and Wakka bringing up the rear. Tidus ran after the other Guardians before he stopped and turned back towards Yuna. He smiled one of his heart stopping smiles that made Yuna's knees weak, and motioned for her to follow.
Yuna was happy doing just that as she called for her Guardians to wait for her.
&)((()&()))&$
Rin's shop was only a little further up the road. They had met the Chocobo Eater earlier than Yuna's first Pilgrimage, so they couldn't collect any rewards for defeating the monster. Though it made her feel greedy, they did need the money for supplies, at least until her MP increased, and she was able to handle all the healing her Guardians needed.
Nevertheless, she was happy to see the Al-Behd and she greeted him warmly.
"Ah, Summoner Yuna," Rin said in his heavily accented voice. "It is good to see you." Yuna bowed and made appreciative noises when Rin showed her around his inn.
"A room if you would." Auron said, cutting Rin short. Rin bowed and motioned for Yuna to follow him, which she did, glad that she was finally going to get some rest. She looked behind her and caught Tidus' eye. She couldn't stop her face from flushing, and she turned back quickly, before she made a fool out of herself.
$#&&$$
She dreamt she was running through Cid's airship, calling Tidus' name. A sense of urgency filled her, and Yuna felt as if Tidus' life was in danger. She couldn't seem to run fast enough, and her staff, Nirvana, dug into her palm.
Yuna ran onto the elevator and nearly jumped out of her skin when she realized Lulu and Sir Auron were waiting for her. Lulu pulled Yuna beside her. She wanted to scream and tear at her hair; she wanted to pound her fists against the wall; but most of all she needed to get to Tidus.
"What's going on?" She asked Lulu. The Black Mage motioned towards the air, and Yuna nearly screamed. Right in front of her, in all its fearsome glory was Sin, its numerous eyes locked on Tidus.
As Yuna watched, helplessly, rooted to her spot from a combination of fear and shock, Sin exploded into a myriad of Pyreflies and vanished. And to her horror, Tidus began to fade, again.
Why? WHY was she being tormented by Tidus fading? Why couldn't her mind let it go? She had another chance; Tidus wasn't going anywhere if she could help it. And before she could stop herself, she was running through Tidus again, his name on her lips, as he vanished from her life.
&())(&&
She awoke drenched in sweat, her jaw aching from all the tension running through her body. There was just so much to do, and she didn't have enough time to complete anything. She needed to finish her Pilgrimage, collect the gems, and keep Tidus from fading. And all in a matter of months.
And her rest was constantly being disturbed by the haunting memory of Tidus disappearing, leaving her with a gaping wound in her heart that refused to heal. It wasn't that she couldn't survive without Tidus in her life, but rather that she knew she would never be content or complete without the Swordsman by her side.
Yuna sighed in frustration and got to her feet. She needed to calm down and get some fresh air, or she would never be able to get back to sleep. Yuna glanced behind her checking on Lulu, making sure that she hadn't woken up. Lulu was still resting peacefully, unaware that the Summoner had risen.
Yuna made her way outside of the Inn, laughing softly to herself as she gazed around the deserted and dark Highroad. Spira was a beautiful place, capable of so much peace and tranquility. Yet Sin took everything away before any people could rebuild their lives.
Stars twinkled in the nighttime sky, and a soft breeze blew Yuna's hair around. Nocturnal creatures chattered around the young Summoner, and Yuna sat down in the soft grass, burying her fingers deeply into the stalks. She felt free and at ease, her worries washed away by nature's serenity.
"Yuna." She nearly jumped out of her skin when her name was whispered softly behind her. She turned, her hand gripping her throat defensively, noticing for the first time that she had forgotten her weapon. She immediately relaxed when she saw Tidus peering at her from the darkness.
"Oh, you scared me," she said, feeling stupid. She didn't know what else to say. She was alone with Tidus, and already her heart was accelerating, and fingers aching with the need to touch him. Her eyes wandered over Tidus' body, taking in his rumpled clothes and his tangled hair. He had either just woken up, or had been tossing and turning, unable to sleep, before he, too, decided to go outside.
Tidus shrugged and sat down beside her, looking straight ahead, his body tense. Unable to help herself, Yuna put her hand on Tidus' shoulder, and massaged gently. She wanted to hug him, to kiss his cheek, do anything. But shyness, and the awareness that Tidus didn't really know her, and probably wouldn't welcome her touches, stopped her.
Oh how it hurt her knowing Tidus didn't want anything from her yet. That he didn't love her. Would Tidus still long for her and rebel against Yevons teachings? Or would her drastically different attitude and actions change everything she was trying to preserve?
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier, Yuna. If I hurt your feelings I'm very sorry." Tidus whispered, resting his hand on top of hers. Yuna blushed though a pleased smile spread across her face.
"You didn't, though. I was merely surprised at what you said to me." Yuna said, a bit defensively. Tidus sighed and released her hand, his jaw setting angrily.
"I still am confused, though, Yuna. How come I feel like I know you? Why is that sometimes when I'm asleep, I dream of a dark place, and I can hear someone that sounds remarkably like you, calling my name?"
Oh, why can't Tidus drop this? What am I supposed to say to him? I can't tell Tidus the truth that would be disastrous. But what else can I do?
"Well…" Yuna started, her eyes dancing away from Tidus', "It's probably just a dream. I mean, how could we possibly know each other. We just met a little while ago!"
Tidus frowned, unconvinced. Yuna winced and mentally hit herself. She had sounded less than convincing, and it was obvious Tidus didn't believe her. She had never been a good liar, many people had told her that.
"I wish you would give me a straight answer. I would have thought you of all people would be honest." Yuna felt like she had been slapped, and her heart ached. It wasn't like that, though…she had to make Tidus believe her!
"No, no, Tidus, please, just listen to me!" She cried desperately. Tidus glanced at her, shocked at the urgency in her voice. The only time Yuna spoke with so much emotion was when she talked about Sin.
"I need to keep certain….tales a secret and close at heart. If I reveal their purpose, something that I wish greatly to occur may never happen. Please believe me, though, if I could tell you, I would."
Please, please, Tidus, understand!Tidus was confused, and it showed. After many tense moments he nodded and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, Yuna, let's get you back inside. I don't want Lulu to beat me up." Tidus said, trying to tell a joke.
Just before they went back inside, Yuna stopped Tidus by grabbing his hand. "You're not mad, are you?" She waited with baited breath, almost afraid to hear Tidus' response.
"I'm confused, Yuna, and a little angry. But I trust you, and I believe what you told me. It's just…I wish things were different."
Gazing into Tidus' cerulean eyes, she too wished things could be different. And if she had her way, they would be.
&$()())(((&&
"Stop, that is enough." Belgemine said as she watched her Aeon fall to the earth, defeated. "With just a little more practice, you may be able to defeat Sin." Yuna bowed respectfully before the unsent Summoner, and accepted the Echo Ring. She was glad she had won, not that she doubted her Aeon'sstrength, or its skill, but the ring was useful, and would be needed in the battles to come.
Her Guardians, confident in her safety moved away, and sat down on the grass. Auron was still close by, and could be by her side in seconds if needed. Kimahri stayed nearby as well, the Ronso having no interest in partaking in any conversations.
Belgemine motioned for Yuna to come closer, which she did. The young woman looked at Yuna shrewdly. Yuna shifted from foot to foot uneasily.
"I know of what you seek, High Summoner Yuna." Yuna stared at Belgemine, shocked. Did everyone know what she was up to? "Some of us Unsent are privy to your Quest. Sir Auron was alerted by one of the remaining Fayth before you were…sent back. I, too, was informed."
"But why?" Yuna asked unable to stay silent.
Belgemine's eyes flashed. "Because," She said, "I know where the first Gem is."
End of Chapter
Sorry about Yuna's attitude in this chapter. I wanted her to be confused, but at the same time craving Tidus' touch. She loves her Swordsman; and she wants to be with him. It's been too long since she's kissed him…
Ahem. I like Belgemine. Don't ask me why, but I do. I really wanted her to have a roll in Yuna's personal Quest, even if it's small. Hence why she's even mentioned.
Please, you guys, it's been awhile since I updated. Can you tell me if you want me to continue? Thanks, it's appreciated.
Kristen