Muwahahaha! Thanks a million for all of the kind reviews, they warm my ice cold heart, and make me happy! It's also always nice to know that people actually like what you're writing! And here I am now, delivering another chapter, and making FFX the way it could have been(okay, not really, but I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about!).

Thanks to everyone who left me a kind review. I know that it's really lame to name everyone, but I like to do it, because you guys are the reason why I'm still writing this. Also thanks to everyone who has taken an interest in my story, anonymous or not, I still am grateful:Aeron-Rain; Larael Black; Warui-Usagi; Kitsu Kurasei; light-forsaken-knight; SavannahX; Shiva555; Yukiru aka ninja; titchwoo; Bleucherrygirl; JJ Chow; New Lord of Darkness; and XoXSetsunaXoX.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Siaush and the music video she made to FFX, "Imagine Me Without You", which I watched on Youtube. This chapter would have taken even longer if I hadn't watched it and gotten inspired!

And now for your viewing pleasure, here's chapter Twelve!

Angel Wings

Chapter Twelve: An Unwelcome Encounter

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost.
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over.

I see my vision burn; I feel my memories fade with time.
But I'm too young to worry.
These streets we travel on will undergo our same lost past.

I found you here, now please just stay for a while.
I can move on with you around.
I hand you my mortal life, but will it be forever?
I'd do anything for a smile, holding you 'til our time is done.
We both know the day will come, but I don't want to leave you.

I see my vision burn; I feel my memories fade with time.
But I'm too young to worry (a melody, a memory, or just one picture).

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost.
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over.

Trials in life, questions of us existing here, don't wanna die alone without you here.
Please tell me what we have is real.

So what if I never hold you( yeah,) or kiss your lips again?(Woooaaah)

So I never want to leave you and the memories of us to see.
I beg don't leave me…

---"Seize the Day", Avenged Sevenfold

"Because I know where the first Gem is" Belgemine's words echoed in Yuna's mind over and over, the words repeating like a worn mantra. Yuna knew that she looked stunned and was probably staring at the unsent Summoner with her mouth wide open, but she was powerless to move.

She knows where the first Gem is! Oh Yevon, I'm one step closer to ending my personal quest. Oh Tidus, I'm getting near! When I face Sin again, as I'm destined to, you won't vanish when all of the Aeons are sent! But…will I be able to obtain the first Gem? What if something goes horribly wrong? What would I do then?

The doubts plaguing Yuna's mind had her inhaling sharply and focusing, finally, on Belgemine's expressionless face. The older Summoner looked at Yuna's pale face and allowed a flicker of sympathy to show before it vanished.

"You do?" Yuna gasped, her voice shaking. "Where can I find it? Is it near?"

Belgemine stared at Yuna impassively, seemingly unmoved by Yuna's excitement. Yuna wanted to grab Belgemine by her shoulders and shake her furiously; anything to get the Summoner to speak what she longed to hear.

I need to calm down before I act foolishly and attract my Guardians attention. Yuna looked over to where her Guardians stood, watching her. She needed to be careful. If they came near, Belgemine wouldn't tell her anything. If that happened, Yuna felt she would go mad.

Yuna inhaled sharply and bit her lip hard, trying to quell her shaking hands and calm her racing mind. She was pleased to see that Belgemine was smiling, impressed by Yuna's foresight.

"It seems that you've matured beyond your years." Belgemine whispered. Yuna remained silent, unsure whether Belgemine was complimenting her or stating a fact. "And that is good, because your quest this time around is harsher and of a more…personal nature."

"Yes." Yuna responded, motioning for the Summoner to continue.

"Obtaining the first Gem will not be too difficult for you and your Guardians, I imagine. Especially since you will end up in the area where it is located."

Yuna gasped. "Then it is close?"

Belgemine shook her head. "I'm afraid not, but I wished to tell you its location because you must prepare yourself." Seeing Yuna's questioning look, Belgemine elaborated. "Maester Seymour, the dead one, not the one that you are going to meet soon, is attempting to collect the Gems for himself. And when he possesses his other self…he is powerful."

"Yes, I saw. Before the Fayth sent me back, they warned me of the Gems power."

"The Fayth knew that you would not abuse the Gems power, because you need them to save your dream. But for others, those that hunger for power, they are a treasure that must be horded.

Maester Seymour did not know of the Gems existence originally. But when his Sent self followed you back, he must have overheard your conversation with the Fayth, and realized that the Gems could help him become the next Sin…"

Yuna's eyes widened. "He wouldn't…"

Belgemine nodded her eyes bleak. "Yes. If Maester Seymour gains all three Gems and defeats Sin before you do, he will become the next Sin and will be unstoppable. The Seymour that exists in this time, the one that isn't dead, he already has one Gem."

Yuna gasped. "So he's one step ahead of me."

"He doesn't know where the other two are, though, so you have an advantage. But he will figure it out, because he has the means of acquiring their locations."

"Can't you tell me where the other two Gems are?" Yuna asked. "I could go and get them before Maester Seymour."

"No," Belgemine said firmly. "You must continue your Pilgrimage. With the Blessing of Yevon you will thwart Seymour. And you need to grow in power and obtain the other Aeons. You defeated Seymour once; you can again."

Belgemine looked Yuna over, her eyes steely. "The first Gem is in the chamber where the Summoner Lulu guarded died. While there you can pay for Yojimbo's services. As you make your way there, continue to grow stronger. For I'm sure you'll meet the Unsent Maester Seymour there."

Yuna bowed and watched Belgemine walk away. The responsibility she carried had increased two-fold. But she needed to keep going. She had defeated Seymour once, and she would again. She had to.

(&()($$$

Yuna was relieved when they started moving again. She was too exhausted to do anything other than follow her Guardians and heal, and if the battles were difficult, Summon either Valefor or Ifrit. There was time to think later. As of right now she needed to prepare herself mentally for her 'first' encounter with Maester Seymour. It was going to be both difficult and stressful.

In no time at all, it seemed, Yuna and her Guardians arrived at the Mushroom Rock Gates. Sir Auron immediately made his way toward the gate, but Wakka and Tidus, who were both exhausted, collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily. Yuna sat down beside Tidus, and did her best to observe the Swordsman without being too obvious.

Tidus was still acting strangely. During their trek to the gates Tidus had joked around with Wakka, and asked Lulu questions, which Lulu delivered in her usual icy voice. It seemed to Yuna, who couldn't stop herself from watching, that Tidus was withdrawn, and his attempt to act normal was half hearted.

Oh Tidus I'm sorry that I've messed things up between us. I just want to get close to you, Tidus, and instead of just being your friend as I should be, at least right now, I tried to rush things. With your dreams about the Farplane, and hearing my voice calling for you, you're undoubtedly confused.

And I just made everything worse. Instead of denying my knowledge of what you were speaking of, I admitted that I knew of what you spoke, and I withheld the information from you. You must loathe me, Tidus, and though I know I should give you space, I seem incapable of staying away, of keeping my hands off of you.

Yuna blushed, ashamed of herself. She was like a needy child. Just last night she had touched his shoulder. And before that she had rested her head on his shoulder, allowed Tidus to hold her….Oh Yevon, she was awful!

"Where are we going?" Tidus' voice broke Yuna from her self-loathing, and immediately she turned her gaze on Tidus, who was looking at Wakka.

The Blitzer shaded his eyes and looked down the road. "We are making our way to the Djose Highroad and from there to the Djose Temple where Yuna will pray for the next Aeon."

Yuna nodded and flushed under Tidus' intense stare. Auron made his way over to her and settled his one piercing eye on her. Yuna stared back and got to her feet. Apparently it was time to move out.

"Look, there's some chocobos!" Wakka cried. "Maybe we could take a quick ride, ya?" No one answered. Auron was already moving ahead, Tidus close behind. Yuna stared at her Guardian indecisively. She wouldn't mind riding a chocobo, but they really needed to get moving.

"I wouldn't mind. It would be nice to ride around and rest our feet." Wakka grinned at Lulu, amazed that the Black Mage actually agreed with him. He touched her shoulder affectionately, but Lulu walked away, leaving Wakka hurt at Lulu's cold dismissal of his affections.

&(()&$)(

Yuna's eyes fluttered closed and she exhaled slowly while her muscles, tense from constant worry, relaxed from the soothing sway of the hyper Chocobo's shuffling walk. Tidus rode beside her, not saying anything, but Yuna was relieved to see that Tidus' eyes were lit with excitement, and the gloom that clung to Tidus had dissipated.

"There's another chest!" Tidus called excitedly, instantly drawing Yuna's attention. They exchanged a look, and Yuna urged her Chocobo into a dead run, Tidus close behind. Yuna felt exhilarated as her Chocobo soared through the air, its wings flapping, and landed neatly onto a small rock shelf in front of the treasure chest. Tidus landed seconds later.

After another ride up and down the road and Yuna saw they hadn't missed any items, she reluctantly followed Auron back to the Mushroom Rock Gate and dismounted. She swayed, unbalanced, and nearly fell. Strong arms steadied her, and as she inhaled, Tidus' intoxicating scent invaded her senses. Yuna shuddered and leaned back, savoring the feel of Tidus' body against hers.

As her Guardains made their way to where she stood in Tidus' arms, she moved away, schooling her features so Tidus' wouldn't see her disappointment. Auron shot her a look, but remained silent as was his way.

Auron motioned towards the guarded gate. "Whenever you're ready, Yuna." She walked over to the gate. As her small entourage neared the gates, Dona and her Guardian Barthello stood beside her, arms crossed.

"My my, if it isn't the Summoner Yuna. You have an impressive amount of Guardians, don't you?" Dona asked mockingly, her eyes moving from Wakka and Lulu, than Kimahri, and lingered on Tidus far longer than Yuna was comfortable with, and finally settled on Auron. "And it keeps on growing. Impressive. Now you have the legendary Sir Auron, too. I seem to recall that your father, Lord Braska, only had two Guardians."

Yuna stiffened. "No more than I can trust guard me. I am honored that so many would risk their lives to keep me safe." Wakka and Tidus nodded in agreement.

"I see." Dona said, not even trying to hide her sarcasm. "You're wasting your time, though, Yuna. The guards here won't let any pass, even Summoners. They would keep us from our sacred duty."

Yuna's eyes shifted to the Guard standing before the gate, having already known of the orders not to let any pass. They could get by, though, without Maester Seymour. Or so she hoped. She had no wish to meet with Guado, even if he wasn't…insane, just yet.

What would she do if her dead husband possessed his other half? Last time she had encountered them both, she had died. Literally. Once again Yuna wished she had all her Aeons. As powerful as both Seymour's may be, she was more so with all her Aeons

Ifrit had proved that her Aeons possessed more power than she had imagined. The fire Aeon had managed to pass his powers to her in her time of need, and had helped her repel Seymour's assault, and burn through the ropes binding her to the chair.

And if she could do that….Why, she could do almost anything!

As optimistic as she may be concerning her Aeons, Yuna wasn't stupid. There was a reason why she was allowed to tap into her Aeon's powers. More than likely the Fayth realized she would need them in order to combat her husband's growing power, coupled with the Gem he held.

Yuna wasn't willing to risk everything just to use her Aeons power. Tapping into that power could wait until she was in dire straights. Until then, she would push the knowledge into the back of her mind.

"We have to try, though, Yuna." Lulu said.

"Do you think they'll let us pass? I mean, Yuna is a Summoner! And without a Summoner, Sin cannot be defeated, right?" Tidus asked. No one answered.

"I'll still try. I have to." And if the guard won't let us pass, I'll whack him with my staff! Yuna thought, a wry smile spreading across her face.

As Yuna neared the guard her Guardians surrounding her protectively. Yuna bowed to the guard and greeted him politely. The man blushed under Yuna's gaze, and stammered out an apology.

"You mean you would seek to keep a Summoner from her Pilgrimage?" Auron sounded incredulous.

"I-I'm sorry, Lady Summoner, but I can't let you pass. We-we have an operation against Sin, and we must prepare…" He trailed off when Auron fixed him with a fierce, one eyed stare.

"I would think you would reconsider." Auron growled, his hand moving to his Katana.

The guard paled and swallowed nervously, his eyes shifting to Auron's hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. "I…I guess I can let you through, but only for a price."

"Of course." Yuna said, motioning for Wakka to give her their coin purse. There was something she wished to buy, anyway, and she was willing to fork over the money for it. And besides, she still had the money she had been carrying when the Fayth sent her back, so they weren't in need of any funds.

"Thank you Lady Summoner," The man said handing her the Moon Ring. "Your patronage is appreciated."

&((($()(&()

"Do you really think they are planning on fighting Sin? And with forbidden Machina? That is against Yevon's teachings!" Wakka cried, appalled.

Yuna walked beside Tidus and Lulu, half listening as the Black Mage explained to Tidus why Wakka was against both Machina and the Crusaders.

"It looks that way." Auron said dismissively. "It really isn't our concern. We need to get Yuna through here as swiftly as possible, before someone realizes we bribed our way in."

"Well they would have to be pretty stupid not to see," Tidus muttered, and Yuna silently agreed with him. They stuck out like a sore thumb as they weren't wearing Crusader armor, nor were they making any attempts to join any of the Crusaders.

"We need to get moving," Yuna said urgently. Maester Seymour is here and I want to avoid him at all costs.

"I think that's where we can get out of here and away from all of the troops." Lulu said as they neared another gate, and the Guardians all shared a sigh of relief. "And good thing too. We don't need to get caught up in all of this."

Tidus grabbed Yuna's hands as they made a mad dash towards the exit and to the Djose Highroad.

"STOP!" Tidus froze suddenly nearly sending Yuna to the ground. She turned and a silent scream left her lips. Her and her Guardians were surrounded, a group of Crusaders forming a loose circle around them, guns pointed at all of them. And behind the solders, a sinister smile on his face was Maester Seymour, and his eyes glowed red.

Oh Yevon, Yuna thought frantically, he's been possessed! This can't end well for anyone, least of all us!

"I heard that a Summoner and her Guardians bribed their way in here, despite strict orders that were to be enforced. It took awhile, but we found you." Yuna paled at Seymour's soft, silky voice. It couldn't be trusted.

"It is wrong that you banned access here. And it's even more pathetic that a Summoner must wait for permission to enter, and halt the Pilgrimage."

Seymour smiled, though his eyes were cold. "Perhaps."

"What are you going to do with us? Let us go, now!" Tidus cried. The guns the Crusaders held cocked, the sound ominous in the sudden silence. Yuna tensed, ready to throw herself in front of Tidus or Summon should the need arise. She would do anything to protect not only Tidus, but her Guardians.

"You're all going to meet Sin, Lady Yuna." Yuna's mouth fell open in both shock and fear. Seymour continued on, heedless of Yuna's conflicting emotions. "Now take Summoner Yuna and her Guardians to the command center and await further orders."

We're going to die, Yuna thought frantically. There's no way we'll survive an encounter with Sin, even with my Aeon's increased power, and Tidus' connection to Sir Jecht. It's too early for Tidus to take advantage of that. We're dead, doomed…

Unless a sudden, brilliant idea popped up in the next fifteen minutes or so her journey was truly over.

End of Chapter

A/N: You guys have no idea how happy I am that this chapter is done. It took me over a month of false starts and early stops to complete, but I'm pleased with it. It starts off kind of so-so, but the last two pages are great. I'm ecstatic that I'm FINALLY getting Yuna somewhere. She's getting closer to the third temple….

Oh, one thing. Maester Seymour CAN possess his 'real' self; IE. The 'not dead' one. He can do this pretty much whenever he wants for a reasonable amount of time. He just can't maintain it for very long. And when Seymour DOES possess his other self, he can influence those around him(remember Bickson and Gaav?), which is why the guards weren't objecting to what he was doing to Yuna and her Guardians.

Next update may be awhile. I can't really promise anything at this point. I start my first year of college at Central Connecticut State University on the 6th of September. I know that I'm not going to have another chapter written before then, so please try and be patient.

If you read this, liked it, and want more, than please review! All comments are welcome!

Kristen