Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy X or any of its characters. I only own my character, Danaya. The following OCs belong to the following people. Any of my plot similar to anyone else's is simply pure coincidence.
Alisa, Taehyr - Xedina Fairlady
Rhys - Teamplaya101
Analise - MemoriesoftheForgottenGuardian
Xanxus - Big K Studios
Iyana - Roseria Sylvester
Sargent - AcidRain14
REVIEW REPLIES:
Teamplaya101 - Haha well wait no more because here it is!
Xedina Fairlady - Yeah, I'm thinking this chapter will tell you what's coming up~
Anon - Thank you so much for the construction criticism. ^^ Regarding how much time has passed in the story, I have mentioned it in the actual story. It's very subtle, so I apologize if you didn't catch it. Three years actually passed (I put two years in the description and I guess in the heading), so I'm sorry for the minor error! I did fix it. When Danaya was describing how she has changed, she said, "My light tan skin was still the same, but I did grow at least a few inches taller these past three years." That's how you can tell three years had passed, so I'm sorry if you didn't catch it. :) I understand what you're saying about the characters, but please keep in mind not all of these people are main characters. There are about seven or eight main characters, which is a lot, but I'm trying to challenge myself to see if I can make sure everyone has equal parts in the story. Also, I received a review a long time ago saying that I needed to make sure each character was included so none would be left out. I took that advice, so I'm sorry if it's confusing you. ^^ About the "to be" verbs, I do agree your version or how you fixed it sounds better so I will continue to improve on that! Thank you!
Big K Studios - Haha Danaya is getting hot? Really now XD. Haha yes, Analise becoming an aeon is sad, but it does give the spotlight to the other people in the group, since Analise played a huge role in the first story. ^^
Hey guys! So some of you were expecting me to update last week, which I didn't do. I'm trying to update regularly like at a pace, but it's just not going to work like that. XD I currently have a chemistry project due on Wednesday, and I only have had three days to work on it with my partner. It's really a busy start for me at school, so I'm sorry to anyone I'm disappointing. Please understand that I'm a busy sophomore and I also have my personal life to take care of. No, this doesn't mean I'm going to take years or even months to update one chapter. I will never go over a month unless there's something really important or really bad happening. I'm trying as best as I can to even write parts of chapters because it's so hard for my schedule. I had to help my sister get around our school, and she's struggling with her homework, so I'm doing double the work. I feel exhausted, and I'm done with being occupied at around 7 or 8 at night, and I have to sleep for school at 9:30. I know I'm being "overdramatic," but just please try to understand me. I have a busy life XD. I love writing stories and everything, but it's not my first priority. ^^ Putting aside this paragraph, please continue on and enjoy the second chapter!
Danaya's POV:
When we all arrived at the locker rooms, we saw everyone there: Baralai, Paine, Gippal, Nooj, and the Aurochs. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANAYA!" everyone shouted as we entered the room. I laughed and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, everyone! Thank you so much!" I exclaimed. Sainey and Shaun came up to me to give me a hug. I hugged them back tightly and walked over to Baralai and Paine. Paine smirked and gave me a side-hug.
"How's the birthday girl doing?" Paine questioned.
"I'm doing awesome!" I answered. I turned to Baralai and shot him a look. "How's Yevon?"
Baralai replied, "It's doing okay, Danaya." Baralai ruffled my hair, and I stuck my tongue out. I chuckled and looked at Gippal, who was leaning against the wall with a toothpick in his mouth. I walked up to him and gave him a big hug.
Gippal laughed and placed his arm on my shoulder. "Whoa there, soldier. Hope you didn't miss me too much." I smiled and walked away, since Uncle Rhys and Auntie Rikku were approaching Gippal to talk to him. "Cid's girl! How ya been? Rhys? How about you?" I heard Gippal ask as I walked away. I went over to Shaun and Vidina. After talking to them for a while, all the adults decided to leave to get to their seats.
"We're just going to get to the seats before some teenager brats steal them." Uncle Rhys teased.
Paine joked, "Have fun in your special seat, Danaya." I waved goodbye to my parents and told them I would see them later. When they left, I looked at all the Aurochs. Sainey was with Alisa, Taehyr, and Iyana while Xanxus and Sargent were with the rest of the Aurochs spread out in the room. I decided to just stay with Vidina and Shaun. Shaun cleared his throat, and I looked at him curiously. Vidina nudged him in the side, and Shaun nudged back.
"What's going on?" I asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. Vidina laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.
Vidina started, "So I kind of have a present for you, but it's pretty lame, ya?" I giggled, already knowing what it was. "I'm going to be playing with the Aurochs for your birthday. Sorry I couldn't get you a better present, but I know you've always wanted to see me play blitzball on a team." I tried to act surprised, but Alisa and Taehyr were ruining it by giggling really loud. Vidina stared at them. "What's so funny?" I giggled as Vidina started to walk towards them.
Before he could get to them, I exclaimed, "They told me on the airship! Sorry! I already knew." Vidina stared at all of us dumbfounded. Shaun laughed and slapped Vidina on the shoulder.
"Anyways, it's a good idea, right Danaya? We've always asked him to play with us, but he always declined, ya?" Sainey noted as she stretched her arms. I nodded in agreement. All of us who weren't playing decided to head out to go to our seats. I gave Vidina a good luck kiss, and Sargent wolf-whistled. "Oh, shut it, Sarge! You know you'd do more to Iyana!" Sainey shouted with a cackle. Iyana and Sargent both turned red and looked away from each other.
I shouted, "Good luck, everyone!" Xanxus, Sargent, Iyana, Taehyr, Alisa, and I all went out of the locker rooms.
Xanxus said, "This is probably going to be one heck of a tournament." Everyone agreed. We passed the line up board on the way, and we noticed the Aurochs would play whoever was the winner of the other games.
"Okay, see you guys!" Alisa exclaimed as we both waved goodbye to the others and went our separate way to the special balcony seats. The two of us walked up a corridor and pushed open the doors. The sunlight blinded me, and the cheers and screams of the crowd deafened me. Mom and Dad smiled at Alisa and I as we came out. From where we sat, we could see everyone, and everyone could see us. I quickly spotted the whole group in the middle balcony section. The crowd quieted down as Mom cleared her throat, the sound resonating as she began to speak in the microphone.
Mom announced, "Danaya. Today, you turn eighteen years old. This is a special time in your life, and we know how much you love blitzball. Honey, I can't think of a perfect word to describe you because perfect is just not enough for you. You have been through so much, and I am grateful that you are who you are. Happy birthday, sweetie." Mom passed Dad the microphone, and the crowd cheered loud. I could feel tears squeezing out of my eyes as I took in the words Mom had said.
Dad began, "Danaya..." He chuckled. "You are a very special girl. I can't believe my little girl has already grown into a beautiful woman. Just remember that no matter what, you're still going to be one of daddy's little girls. I love you." The crowd went 'awww.' I took in a deep breath. *It's not like I'm going to die, Dad. Calm down.* I thought in my head as the microphone was passed to Alisa. Alisa grabbed my hand and made eye contact with me.
"Danaya." Alisa started. "You are the best sister I could ever have. Thank you for dealing with me all the time, and thank you for being there for me. I know that you're going to say it's just your job as a sister, but you do way more than you're supposed to. I hope you have a fun time today, sis. Thank you. I love you."Alisa and I gave each other big hugs as she passed me the mic with joyful eyes. I looked at the crowd and giggled.
I announced, "I can't think of anything to say but thank you. Thank you to Dad, Wakka, and Uncle Rhys for making this happen. Thank you to everyone who came here to not only celebrate my birthday, but to watch all these wonderful blitzball players play today. So without further delay...let the tournament begin!" With that said, everyone cheered and shouted all their team names. The blitzball sphere started to develop as cannons shot out water, forming a sphere.
The first four games went by quickly. The first game was between the Luca Goers and Ronso Fangs. Surprisingly, the Luca Goers won 3-2. The next game was with the Kilika Beasts and Al Bhed Psyches, in which the Al Bhed Psyches won 2-0. The third game was between the Guado Glories and the Luca Goers, where the Goers won 4-5. The fourth game was between the Goers and Al Bhed Psyches. The Luca Goers won that one 5-2. It was now the final game: Besaid Aurochs vs. Luca Goers. I tightened the grip on my knee as both teams entered the sphere. They met up in the middle to exchange handshakes. I grimaced as Shaun went in for the handshake, but Aron dodged the handshake and smirked. My grimace went away and was replaced with a smile as Vidina tried to look for me. When he saw me, he waved and I laughed. I waved back, and both teams swam to their positions.
The Goers didn't change their players nor positions in the past few years. Everyone got stronger and rougher. Ed was their center, Aron their Right Forward, Mylene their Left Forward, Gigi and Fifi their defense, and Jester their goalie. The Aurochs had Dean as Center, Shaun their Left Forward, Vidina their Right Forward, Bettina and Lauro on Defense, and Sainey as the Goalie. The ref swam to the middle with the blitzball, threw it up as the buzzer sounded, and swam away before he got trampled on. Dean and Ed both jumped for the ball, and unfortunately Ed got to it first. I grimaced and watched as Ed swam to the Aurochs' side. Ed threw a pass to Aron, only to have it intercepted by Shaun. Shaun wagged a finger at Ed and smirked as he swam to the halfpoint of the sphere and threw a long pass to Vidina, who was already waiting near the Goers' goal. Vidina caught the ball with ease and performed a Sphere Shot. The blitzball whizzed past Jester, and the buzzer sounded as the score was now 1-0! I stood up and cheered with Alisa happily. The ref came back and threw the ball up once again. Dean caught it this time, but once he caught it, he was immediately tackled by Shaun and Mylene. I gasped as the blitzball fell out of his hand and landed into Ed's hands. Ed threw a long pass over to Aron, who caught it and quickly swam to our goal.
Aron was tackled by Bettina, Vidina, and Lauro, but he still had the ball in his hands. Aron placed his hand on the side he was tackled on as he passed the ball to Mylene. Before she could be tackled by Bettina and Lauro, Mylene kicked the ball into the goal. Sainey was unable to catch it as the blitzball went left and right and then into the goal. The score changed to 1-1. I clutched my knee tightly as the ball was thrown up once again. Ed caught it, but he was quickly caught between Shaun, Vidina, and Dean. Shaun was the first to tackle him, but Ed stayed intact with the ball still in his hands. Vidina tackled him next and gained the ball. He rushed to the Goers' goal and performed a Venom Shot. The ball hit Gigi and Fifi, both of them poisoned in the process, and whizzed past Jester! I cheered as the score changed to 2-1! The ball was thrown up again, and Ed caught it only to be stopped by the buzzer, indicating it was halftime.
I was going to rush to the locker rooms, but Alisa grabbed my arm. "Wait, Naya! You can't go. Look!" Alisa pointed her head in the direction of the sphere. I turned my head and furrowed my eyebrows as the blitzball sphere was being lowered. On top of the sphere was a small circular stage perfectly centered. I gasped in amazement as my mother was standing on it with a mic in her hands. I looked back and forth between Dad and Alisa, but all they did was smile. Everyone quieted down as Mom placed the microphone up to her lips.
"It is halftime, and -chuckle- I haven't done this for three years. " Mom made eye contact with me as I held a weak smile. "Danaya, honey, you mean a lot to everyone. I know this is your favorite song of mine, so...enjoy it." My eyes widened as familiar music played. Tears welled up in my eyes. *1000 Words...* I remembered this song. My mom sang this song to Alisa and me throughout our entire childhood.
Mom sang, "I know that you're hiding things, using gentle words to shelter me. Your words were like a dream, but dreams could never fool me. Not that easily. I acted so distant then, didn't say goodbye before you left. But I was listening; you'll fight your battles far from me. Far too easily."
I mouthed the next words along as my mother sang. " 'Save your tears cause I'll come back' I could hear that you whispered as you walked out through door. But still I swore..." As Mom sang the rest of the song, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the Goers and Aurochs swimming back into the sphere with energy surging through their veins.
"...Making all of the pain you feel seem far away. They'll hold you forever!" Suddenly, the music stopped. Everything was still. Screams erupted from the crowds, but they weren't screams of joy; they were screams of terror. I stared on in confusion as people began to rise from their seats and run in fear. It took me only seconds to realize what was going on. Fiends were everywhere. And by everywhere, I meant there were maybe thousands attacking innocent people. It was a nightmare. There wasn't enough time to think as I shoved Alisa into Dad's protective arms and ran out the corridor to get to the stands. I caught a glance of Mom as she ran off the stage probably to get her guns. I shrieked as I ran into someone, who turned out to be Vidina. His hair and outfit still damp from the water, he looked at me with fearful eyes. Without speaking a word, the two of us rushed to the stands, where people shoved past us to escape the fiends. In a split second, Vidina and I separated to go fight the monsters and cover more ground. I noticed everyone else was fighting on their own, so I scoured the area I could cover.
Three Chimera Brains surrounded what looked to be two little girls. I rushed to their aid and quickly placed them behind me as I started towards the three Chimeras. I powered up my sword and shouted, "Slice and Dice!" Going back and forth, I sliced the three fiends as two of the Chimeras burst into pyreflies. When I turned back to get the other Chimera Brain, I stared in horror at the sight. One of the little girls was on the ground bleeding while the Chimera Brain was about to go for the other girl. Tears sprung out as I cast Thundaga on the Chimera Brain and sliced it up. The little girl who was alive ran crying to the girl on the ground. My hand went up to my mouth as I watched on in shock. The little girl was dead. Just when I was about to comfort them, I shrieked as five Killer Hounds pounced on the two girls and devoured them. I had no time to act as the girls' bodies were ripped in half. I felt sick. Sick and dizzy. I snapped out of it and got back into my game. Biting my lip, I turned around and encountered a Yellow Flan and Two Ochus. I quickly cast Watera on the flan and started attacking the two Ochus.
"Flame Tongue!" I shouted as I charged my sword with fire. My sword began growing flames as I struck one of the Ochus down. I continued to charge my sword with fire as I slashed and slashed both Ochus. One of the Ochus struck me as I fell back and clutched my injured leg. I hurriedly drank a Potion and got back up. Once I recovered, both Ochus cast Waterga on me. I screamed as I was sent back into the seats. I let out a groan as I struggled to get up from the seats. I grabbed my sword and hurried to fight the Ochus, but I found Taehyr already slicing them away with her two small scythes. Taehyr looked back at me and shot me a wink before fighting them off.
"You might want to help Alisa! She's struggling!" Taehyr shouted as she backflipped away from the Ochus to give her just enough time to point to her left. Without wasting a second, I ran over to my sister and found her surrounded by various monsters: two Dingos, one Coeurl, and one Sandragora. *How did these fiends even get here?* The Sandragora shot a huge seed to my sister, sending her falling to the ground. I glared at the fiend and cast Firaga on it, followed by three powerful swipes of my sword. I quickly defeated the Dingos, but the Coeurl had cast Death Blaster on me. I fell to the ground with beads of sweat forming on my forehead, and my legs were feeling very weak. My arms were too weak to pull out a Potion. I watched as my sister recovered from the Sandragora's attack and charged at the Coeurl full on with her sword.
Being the Guardian of Life, my sister has a very special sword like my Uncle Rhys does. The base of her sword starts off as a heart, and the tip of the sword ends with a sharp end. The sword pretty much looks like an outstretched heart. The sword is white and red. Alisa killed the Coeurl with one stab, and she pulled out her sword. Alisa hurried over to me and placed her hand over my head. She closed her eyes as her hand glowed white. Suddenly, I felt all better. I sighed in relief and thanked her as she helped me up. Alisa and I looked around and found Xanxus, Iyana, Taehyr, and Sargent being surrounded by fiends. Mom and Dad were working together as a team and so were Uncle Rhys and Auntie Rikku. Gippal, Paine, Baralai, and Nooj were all scattered throughout the arena fighting off as many fiends as they could. I couldn't find Vidina, so I began to panic. "Danaya! Over there!" Alisa shouted as she pointed somewhere. I followed her finger and found Vidina struggling against two Ogres and a Sand Worm, trying to protect three innocent kids.
"Don't worry, kids! Super Vidina is here to save the day!" Vidina shouted. Vidina cast Flare on the Sand Worm, but just as he did that, one of the Ogres struck him down. I gasped, but Vidina got back up as he stunned the Ogre by hitting it on top of its head with his staff. Vidina cast Firaga on the Sand Worm and flipped over one of the Ogres ready to attack him. Vidina smirked as he cast Firaga on all three fiends. He finished off the Sand Worm with another Flare. Destroying the Sand Worm, Vidina carried the three kids over to a safe corner in the stands. He turned to go deal with the Ogres, but one of the Ogres had already gained the upper hand by tackling Vidina to the ground and punching him over and over.
"Get off of him!" I shouted as I jumped on the Ogre, stabbed it on its head, and backflipped away from it. I cast Firaga on both Ogres and yelled as I charged at the second Ogre, the first Ogre already bursting into pyreflies. I sliced all its arms off and watched as the Ogre burst into pyreflies as well. I looked at Vidina and saw him lying on the ground. His forehead had a huge cut on it, and he was bleeding profusely on both arms.
Vidina shouted, "Dannie, behind you!" I whipped around and barely dodged an oncoming attack from another Ogre. This one was bigger than the average Ogre, and that meant it had an increasing chance of pummeling me into the ground. Using my sword, I pushed it away from Vidina and kicked it in the stomach. When I was about to slice it, a flying monkey wrench impaled the Ogre from behind his head and made it burst into pyreflies. Iyana smirked at me as her wrench flew back to her. I had no time to thank her or go back to Vidina because I was soon surrounded by five Dual Horns and three Evil Eyes. *What the hell? WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM?* I shouted in my head.
*I don't know, Danaya. I just don't know. Danaya. There are too many for you to handle. Summon me.* Analise asked. I nodded my head and stepped back, getting closer to Vidina. With my sword in one hand, I outstretched both my hands and called out, "ANALISE!" In a flash, a beam of light struck down onto the stands and Analise appeared with her armor outfit and sword. Analise smiled. *It feels good to be out...* However, Analise's smile disappeared as she surveyed the chaos and damage going on. Analise looked at me for a signal, and I nodded. "Analise, Attack!" I ordered. In a flash, Analise struck down the fiends surrounding me and six Dingoes coming our way. Three Chimeras shot Lightning towards Analise, but her shield absorbed the magic as Analise counter-attacked with her sword, sending all three of them bursting into pyreflies. My eyes darted around to find anyone who needed help quickly. My eyes locked onto Sargent and Xanxus, whom were surrounded by fiends everywhere.
"Analise, Holy Stars!" I shouted. Analise knew where I wanted her to attack as she faced Xanxus and Sargent. Analise brought her sword down, and shining stars of light shot down towards all the fiends. Most of them vanished quickly in a burst of light while some of them stayed standing. Xanxus and Sargent sent thankful looks in our direction while Xanxus' gaze lingered on Analise. She smiled at him, but then she ran to Alisa's and Taehyr's rescue. I had to follow her, so I struck down the fiends in my path. I began to panic as all of the fiends began to overtake everyone. I saw my parents get overwhelmed from the amount of fiends surrounding them. My eyes went to Uncle Rhys, who was protecting Auntie Rikku from the many Malboros in their way. Wakka and Lulu were struggling with all the Bombs. Baralai was on the ground injured while Gippal and Nooj were defending him. "Analise!" I called, my mind already going to a panicked state. Analise paused her fighting and turned to me. I gave her a look, and she nodded. We both shouted,
"Lunar Gale!"