A.N: Note to self: Poison sucks. Horribly. Especially Castlevania's poison. Damage AND stat debuffs? Yeouch! FFX characters had it somewhat easy. Even if it could kill. But hey, there's always those Life Vessels too, so it evens out... doesn't it?
Disclaimer: The elements used in this fanfiction, with the exception of my O.C, are not owned by me. They are owned by their respective owners. Anyone else have something to say?
Richter Belmont: Hahahahaha!
DarkDiablo: Who are you?!
Richter Belmont: Open the story's gate! Come forth, my writers!
DarkDiablo: The scent of those books... You're a Belmont!
Richter Belmont: Crush this author who invades my fanfiction! Hahahahaha!
Jonathan Morris: At this rate, poor DarkDiablo's going to be overwhelmed in madness! Anyway, enjoy your read!
Final Fantasy: Aria of Ruin
Chapter Three: Guardians
Walking through Kilika Port, Jack Morris saw the extent of the carnage that Sin caused upon the poor village. In a way, it reminded him of when he came back to his village from a successful bounty, only to find it in flames. Very little was left untouched of the otherwise peaceful and prosperous village. It wasn't long before Tidus noticed the hunter looking over the destruction.
"Something up, Jack?", Tidus asked out of concern. "Just some memories, Tidus. The carnage before us reminds me of around three weeks before Sin brought me here. I had come back home from a successful bounty. I came home expecting peace and prosperity... yet that was not what I found", Jack said. Tidus looked saddened at those words. "Instead, I found a village consumed by flame. Burnt to the ground. And its inhabitants..." Jack turned to look at Tidus, full of sorrow. "The village's inhabitants were heartlessly murdered. And I wasn't there to even die for them... give them a chance at fleeing. Now, I'm the only inhabitant of that village that still lives", he finished.
He then brought out the whip that had a silver blade attached. "So your family was among those that were murdered?", Tidus guessed. "Couldn't be any closer to the correct answer there, Tidus", Jack said. "But like I said, just memories. We should get going", he finished. "Ya, you really shouldn't dwell on the past", said a large man who was approaching. He had fiery orange hair, with a blue head band around it. He had a strong build, almost like he was a wall. Behind him, there were multiple guys, all tan skinned and wearing yellow rubber jump suits.
"I take it you're Wakka, then? I believe I owe you and your Auroch friends thanks for that save", Jack said gratefully. Wakka nodded. "No problem, ya. So, you got a name?", he asked. "Jack Morris", the hunter responded. Though surprised by the response, Wakka nonetheless performed a small and weird bow. "So, where are you from, Jack?", Wakka asked. Jack slightly hesitated before answering. "To say the honest truth, Wakka, its a long story. One that you probably wouldn't believe. Curses, even Tidus had a hard time believing it when I told him", the hunter replied. "Good point. After all, you were swallowed by Sin. His toxins must be getting to ya", Wakka said. Clueless, the hunter looked at Tidus, who merely shrugged. "But enough about that, ya? Aurochs, huddle!", Wakka added. The men did as Wakka requested, rather hastily. Wakka then placed his hands on his hips, grinning as he did so. "On to the temple, where we pray for victory!", he yelled.
The Aurochs nodded, then took off in the direction of the temple. Jack, again clueless, looked to Tidus. "Victory?", the hunter asked. "The Besaid Aurochs are a blitzball team, like the Zanarkand Abes", Tidus responded. "Ah. Makes sense. But is now really the time to be thinking of such things...?", Jack asked. "High Summoner Ohalland used to live in the Kilika Temple here. Yep, Lord Ohalland was once a great blitzer, you know?", Wakka asked proudly. Jack shrugged, while Tidus frowned.
"Wakka...?", Tidus asked. "Hm?", was Wakka's response. "Praying for victory's all good... but is this right?", Tidus finished. "Something wrong with playing blitzball?", Wakka asked. Tidus shook his head. "Is this really the time?", Tidus asked. "Yeah, Wakka. It would be worrisome to let something like this become more important than the events that happened yesterday", Jack added. Though surprised, Wakka nodded. "This is the only time. The players fight with all their strength, the fans cheer for their favorite team. They forget pain, suffering... only the game matters. That's why blitz has been around for so long. Least, that's what I think", Wakka responded. Tidus nodded, while Jack had a look of confusion. "Whatever you say", Tidus replied. "Lets play... and win! Right?", Wakka asked. "Right!", Tidus said with a nod. Jack merely nodded. "Temple's beyond the jungle there. Lets go", Wakka said, walking away.
"Mind if I come along too, Wakka?", Jack asked. Wakka turned to look him over. "Well, it couldn't hurt. Still, Lu isn't going to be happy. And who can tell what Kimahri's thinking, ya?", Wakka answered. "Well, I still owe ya one for the save, Wakka. An extra pair of hands could be your ray of hope these days", Jack said. "You're probably right. Yuna might agree with you on that, ya. She's friendly to anyone, no matter who they are", Wakka said. Jack managed a small smile at those words.
The three walked a good portion of the way up to the temple in silence, before Wakka turned to look at Jack. "You don't happen to have a liking for machina, do you?", Wakka asked. Jack looked clueless. "Machines, Jack", Tidus added. "Nothing more than this", Jack replied, showing Wakka his crossbow. "And I use that for the good of the innocent people as well", he added. Though surprised at the answer, Wakka eventually relented and nodded. "Well, either way, it goes against Yevon's teachings to be using machina, as they're ultimately the reason Sin is here", Wakka responded. Jack was surprised at those words. Admittedly, he preferred the old-fashioned way back on his home-world compared to the many machines built for transport and other things, but to learn of Sin existing because of this? It proved worrisome for the hunter.
"At least now I know for sure you're not some Al Bhed. Well, we should hurry on up and catch up with the others. I just know Lu isn't going to like this", Wakka added before continuing on the path. Clueless, Jack turned to Tidus. "Al Bhed? Are these Al Bhed any big concern?", the hunter asked. "He believes that they are bad people. But I know they're not, because they saved me some time before I met him. To tell the honest truth, a girl named Rikku was practically my first friend here", Tidus replied. Though surprised, Jack smiled. If this Rikku was a friend of Tidus, she'd probably get along just fine with the hunter too.
After some more walking, the three came up to two women. One looked to be as young as Tidus and Jack, and wore a kimono. She was very pretty, though. The other woman kind of reminded the hunter of Alucard, back on his home-world. She looked stoic, but a bit on the cold side. Wakka walked up to them and put his hands on his waist. "What's up?", he asked the two. The stoic woman gave Tidus a cold look. "Yuna's saying she wants you with us", she told him. Jack looked confused, while Tidus had a look of shock. "Huh?" Tidus asked. Yuna looked shyly at him. "I want to ask you to be my guardian", she answered. Everyone around her had a look of shock. "Yuna! What? This isn't the time for jokes, ya! He may be a good blitzer, but against fiends, he has little experience", Wakka noted. "Not a guardian, then... I just want him nearby", Yuna replied. "What? What do you mean?", Tidus asked. "Its just that, well...", Yuna began, but was cut off by the stoic woman. "We're all going to the temple anyway, can this not wait until later?", she asked.
Surprised, Yuna nodded to her. She then looked back at Tidus. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...", she said. "There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm just not sure what's going on", Tidus replied. "My apologies", Yuna said with a nod. She turned to look at the hunter. "And who's this?", she asked. Caught off guard by her question, Jack looked at her shocked. "Where are my manners...", he said sheepishly. "My name is Jack Morris", he finished. "He got swallowed by Sin and was brought to Spira, like Tidus", Wakka added.
The other woman sighed, shaking her head with annoyance. "Wakka, would you please stop being so friendly! You can't just meet some stranger and have them join us", she said sharply. Jack was shocked. "Sorry, Lulu, its just that..." Wakka began. "Welcome, Jack. I'd be happy to have you travel with us", Yuna politely cut Wakka off. Once again, everyone around her had a look of shock. Tidus was the first to break out of that, grinning. "That's Yuna for ya, Jack", he said. The young lady blushed, but Lulu looked very annoyed. "Yuna, that man could be a fiend for all we know!" she said sharply.
In the midst of all this talking, no one but Jack noticed a weird monster with wings and a huge eye in the center appear from above, behind Yuna. "Yuna, do me a favor, and duck. Now", Jack said at the young girl before throwing a knife at the fiend. Despite her surprise, Yuna did as she was asked, and the knife hit the creature dead on, killing it. "Convinced now?", the hunter asked Lulu. She looked about ready to argue when she noticed the fiend fading into small streaks of light. "Now that I managed to catch your guys' attention from your conversation, what do you think would have happened if I hadn't seen that thing?", the hunter asked the group.
"I hate to admit it, but he's got a point, Lulu. Without him there, Yuna might have been dealt a bad blow from that fiend, ya?" Wakka said. All eyes turned to her at that point. Eventually, she relented and slowly nodded. She then went to continue her walk to the temple, Wakka joining her. "Sheesh. I can't believe I lost my own bet", Jack said. This surprised Yuna and Tidus, who were still around the hunter. "A bet?", Tidus asked. "Yeah. I met a man named Alucard. I worked with him when I was attempting to avenge my family. And let me tell ya, he was colder than everyone else I knew. We agreed to a bet, though. We wagered a bat's wing that I wouldn't find anyone colder than him. Lulu just blew that bet out of the water", the hunter explained. "Alucard? What kind of name is that?", Tidus asked. "You'd be surprised, Tidus", Jack replied.
After that, Jack, Yuna, and Tidus continued their journey towards the temple. "So, Jack, were you...", Yuna began, but paused mid-sentence. "Lying about avenging my family?", Jack politely finished for her. "I wish I could say I was. They were heartlessly murdered about 3 weeks ago", he said. "And what's worse, they were to be used as sacrifices for the resurrection of a great evil. I couldn't have that happening", he finished. Tidus and Yuna were shocked at those words. "I'm sorry to hear that", Yuna said sadly. "Its not your fault, Yuna. But I thank you for your sympathy", Jack replied. "At least they're at peace now", he added, with a sad smile.
It wasn't long after those words were spoken when Jack noticed a tall, blue, cat-like man walk behind the three. The hunter was slightly intimidated by the being's appearance, but was calmed by Tidus. "Don't pay too much attention to him. That's Kimahri, another of Yuna's guardians. He doesn't take kindly to strangers, even if they save Yuna from a bad surprise like that fiend we saw you dispatch", Tidus told the hunter. "Well, that's reassuring", was all Jack managed in response.
Before long, they joined up with Wakka and Lulu, before being stopped at the sight of a large, red monster. It possessed long tentacles that looked sharp and poisonous. A man and a boy ran up to the group. "Company halt!" the boy said. "The fiend before us is Ochu, Lord of the Forest. We've had trouble with this one before. Remember, discretion is the better part of valor", the man said, nodding. "Ochu, Lord of the Forest, huh?", Jack replied. He then let loose a smirk on his face. "It doesn't look so tough. Maybe someone can convince it that its not worth the trouble?", he added. The boy, Gatta, looked shocked. "Huh? But...", he managed in response. "Take it easy. I've faced worse than this", the hunter assured him.
Grabbing his whip of lightning, Jack walked up to the fiend. It hissed loudly at the hunter, warning him to stay away. "I think we both know that won't happen, pal", Jack said threateningly to Lord Ochu. And with that, the fight between hunter and plant broke loose. Lord Ochu struck first with its tentacles, only to miss as Jack merely stepped aside. Seizing the opportunity, he swung the whip at the plant, and landed a clean blow. Lord Ochu hissed in pain, and swung its tentacles at Jack again. This time, the attack landed cleanly on him, yet the hunter cared not that he was injured. Compared to the dark cult that Jack had killed a week earlier, Lord Ochu was weak. The only trouble that the hunter had to worry about was its poisoned tentacles.
The fight kept its pace for the next few seconds, before the hunter struck a blow deadly enough to prompt Lord Ochu to sleep. Not one to leave it idly by, Jack saw it as the opportunity to finish the plant off, before it could catch him off guard. 'Aww, somebody get sleepy? Too bad', he thought, before throwing a pair of knives at the creature. Lord Ochu was forced awake by the blades hitting, and it was clearly enraged that the hunter would be, it thought, that bold. It jumped, intending to cause an earthquake. Jack jumped up with it, going on a hunch. While he did so, he brought out his two-handed sword.
"Well, I'm pretty sure its been a long, nice reign for ya, Lord Ochu", the hunter taunted at the creature. "Its just too bad, that people don't accept the likes of you. So I'm just gonna have to ask you to kindly...", he continued. That was when Lord Ochu realized that the hunter was in the air, ready to deal a fatal blow. But it was already too late, and the attack landed cleanly. "...leave!", Jack finished. As if on cue, Lord Ochu disappeared, the only traces of its existence being numerous streaks of light. The hunter then sheathed his weaponry, looking as if nothing had ever happened
Meanwhile, the rest of the group was shocked and amazed, Lulu included. He had taken on Lord Ochu single-handedly, and lived to tell the tale! The hunter then turned around and ran back towards the group. "Um, Jack?", Yuna was the first to speak after having witnessed the battle. "Yeah?", Jack replied. He saw what Yuna was pointing to, and sure enough, the hunter noticed that he was poisoned. "Oh. That. Yeah, that's no problem", he said coolly, as he consumed an antidote. "Thanks for pointing that out, though. I hate poisons", he added. Gatta looked around, and then offered the hunter an elixir for his trouble.
"Thanks for clearing him out. He has been a nuisance", Gatta said. "Hey, it was no big deal", Jack replied to him after receiving the elixir. Upon a closer inspection, however, the hunter noticed angelic-wing-like decorations on the item. "An elixir, it is, but one of a different kind...", the hunter silently noted. He then inspected the elixir's contents, and that was when he finally realized what he had been given. The liquid inside looked almost like a rainbow of colors, constantly changing between those colors. He then had a flashback to around 2 weeks ago, back when he was with Alucard, hunting down the dark cult.
"You look badly hurt. Maybe I have an item that can cure that?", the voice of a man asked to a visibly wounded and exhausted Jack Morris. This man was unnaturally pale, given the vampiric heritage he descended from, with long, silvery white hair and golden eyes. He was garbed in rather regal black clothing with a golden trim, topped off by a cape that had a midnight black exterior and a lining that glowed blood red. Though he forged little attachment to humans because of his immortality, it was not to say that he didn't come off as a cold and heartless man. Rather, he was the opposite of his own father, even going so far as to choose that very man's own name, branded in reverse.
The pair had just managed to make it through Tristis Pass, heading towards Oblivion Ridge, where they had guessed the dark cult was using as their lair. In the process, however, Jack was heavily wounded. The severity of those wounds was enough to leave him walking with a limp to his step. "As long as it heals these wounds, I don't care what item you give, Alucard", the hunter replied. It wasn't long before Alucard pulled out a potion with a liquid that constantly shifted between the colors of a rainbow. "With wounds that severe, I don't think anything else I have would heal you fast enough. Though it wasn't really meant for a full-blooded human such as you", he noted.
Jack was surprised at those words. "You mean to tell me they have potions for vampires too?", he asked. "Not quite. The potions you refer to were made for those with vampire blood in their veins", Alucard corrected. "Well, color me surprised", was all Jack managed in response. The dhampir then gave the hunter the potion. "I want you to drink up. And I also want you to know that I'm sorry for any further pain you feel during the consumption process", Alucard said. Jack, though surprised, nodded slowly. "Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained", the hunter responded, before consuming the potion's contents
Alucard was glad he had said his apology before giving Jack that potion, because immediately afterwards, the hunter looked to be in greater pain than he was already in, about ready to let loose a blood-curdling scream. Apparently, the Life Vessels that the previous members of the Morris clan found and consumed in their quests to repel Count Dracula and other evils were made for full-blooded humans. But the Life Vessels that Alucard himself consumed in his fair share of quests were made for use by those with vampire blood in their veins. The potion that the dhampir gave Jack, unfortunately, was of the latter kind. But thus far, this Life Vessel was the only thing they managed to find that could potentially heal the severe wounds that Jack sustained, fast enough that the pair could continue their quest.
The pain that Jack felt immediately afterwards was like he had just been stabbed in the heart. He was about ready to scream when the pain faded away. The wounds he had suffered journeying through Tristis Pass began to heal themselves rapidly as well. Though the process was difficult, Jack had survived, and he felt better almost immediately. If one were to ask about what the hunter felt afterward, he would go so far as to say that he felt tougher than he had ever been in his life. After the process, Jack checked to see if there were still wounds on him. To his relief, he found none. Alucard looked relieved, as well.
"What... what was that potion?", Jack asked out of disbelief. "The potion I gave you was a Life Vessel made for those with vampire blood in their veins", was all Alucard said in response. "A Life Vessel?", the hunter asked. Alucard nodded. "Life Vessels are special potions that have been made with the purpose of extending the longevity of the one who drinks them. They also restore any wounds that the drinker has suffered", he explained. "So what you're trying to tell me is that the potion has, in addition to restoring those wounds, made me tougher to the effects of damage?", Jack guessed.
Alucard nodded. "But since that Life Vessel was made for one like me, it may not have been as effective as it could have been", the dhampir noted. The hunter could do little more than shrug at this. His companion had a point; he had no vampire blood in his veins. It would probably explain why he felt the rather massive pain just a moment ago. "At the very least, you survived that potion. Any others you consume should be less painful", Alucard added. Jack nodded, understanding immediately. "Well, either way, thanks, Alucard. But we've no time to lose. That dark cult isn't going to kill itself", the hunter replied, with a smirk on his face.
"Hey, you coming with, ya?", Wakka asked Jack, pulling him out of his flashback. The hunter looked at the group. "I wonder if that man realized what he had this entire time", he noted, smiling as those words were said. Everyone looked at him, confused. "I would just outright say it, but I have a feeling not even Tidus would believe it. So, I'm just going to have to show you", the hunter said. He then gave Tidus the potion. "Tidus, I hate to ask you this, but could you drink the contents of that elixir?", Jack asked the perplexed star player. Everyone around him looked shocked, but Tidus slowly nodded. Just before the star player could consume the potion's contents, he was interrupted. "And I want to apologize for any pain that you feel immediately afterwards, as well", Jack added, remembering what he had experienced 2 weeks before. Nodding, Tidus consumed the elixir's contents.
As the hunter predicted, Tidus felt the pain he was referring to. Much like Jack, however, he proved to be strong enough to survive the process. Everyone looked ready to give Jack what for after seeing Tidus like that. "What kind of potion was that?", Tidus asked, immediately alerting the group. "A question, first. How do you feel right now?", the hunter asked Tidus. "Like... like I could take on a whole army of Ahrimans now!", Tidus said proudly. Jack smiled at those words. "Perfect. Now then, what I just gave you was a Life Vessel. The reason you're feeling what you're feeling there is because that potion has permanently increased your health", the hunter answered. "A Life Vessel, ya? I never knew...", Wakka said. "And neither did that man, I predict", Jack replied. "But how did you know?" Lulu questioned. "Because I've had several like that", was Jack's answer. "But no time for small talk. We've a temple to get to", he added. Everyone agreed to those words.
Before long, the group was on their way to the temple once more. "I think its safe to say he has proven himself, with how he handled that fiend. At least, in my book", Tidus said. Yuna and Wakka agreed with him immediately on the matter. Jack, however, had a question on his mind. "So, anyone mind if I ask what this guardian business is all about? That seems to be brought up quite a bit as of late", he asked. "Summoners are our weapon against Sin whenever he appears. They undertake pilgrimages to Yevon's temples. Guardians are the people who protect the summoners on their pilgrimages", Yuna answered.
Jack looked intrigued. "And let me guess... you're the summoner, while everyone else", he said, gesturing politely to the rest of the group, "are your guardians?", he finished. "Almost. Yuna is a summoner, and most of us are her guardians, ya." Wakka corrected. "But you, and Tidus aren't yet", he finished. "Well, we've some distance to cover still, do we not?", Jack asked. Everyone around him nodded before walking onwards.