— 13 —
After their troubles, Vanille and Lightning escaped the enchanted forest and found themselves in a perilous, hostile region of Gran Pulse where intimidating mountains towered over harsh plains and enormous vegetation.
The couple treaded on foot due to heavy downpour. Their muddy shoes trudged through the treacherous, deep fault valley. The area's geography consisted of endless highplains, sheer escarpments, and gigantic fallen trees.
Lightning and Vanille found themselves facing a narrow, hollowed escarpment. Lightning wrapped her cape around Vanille's shoulders to shield her from the brutal raindrops.
"Perhaps I should get my own cape. That way, you don't have to always give me yours," Vanille giggled.
"What if I like lending you my cape?" Lightning replied.
"I like it too," Vanille blushed, "but it's getting a little worn, don't you think? We should really get you a new one."
The soldier's eyes widened. "No way! I've been through so much with this cape!"
Vanille simply chuckled at Lightning's stubbornness and decided not to push the subject further. After rounding a sharp corner, the pair were startled to find a long avenue roofed and lined with imposing pillars. The walkway led to a fortress-armored door roughly 100 yards out. The entirety of the structure was enclosed by the natural cliffs surrounding them. Lightning and Vanille looked at each other with amazement.
"I think we've made it," Vanille whispered, wiping the rain and wet hair from her face.
Lightning grinned and laced her fingers with Vanille's, tugging her along towards the entrance. A few paces before the couple reached shelter under the roofed pathway, they were alerted by a large, blue blur zigzagging dangerously towards them from pillar to pillar.
The soldier protectively barred Vanille to the rear. The red-head drew her bow and nocked an arrow in one clean motion. Lightning was surprised to detect the familiar humming sound of a lightsaber, and immediately drew her gun-blade. The blur leaped from the last stone pillar and crashed to the earth with such intensity that the ground shook below them.
A monstrous, snarling feline-man crouched in front of their path. Vanille recognized him to be of the Ronso race. They had blue skin and their eyes were yellow with cat-like slits. A broken horn adorned this Ronso's forehead.
The humanoid had landed on his feet and left hand—a blue, laser emitting hilt was clutched firmly in the claws of his right hand. The man-beast pushed himself up to stand and roared in an intimidating fashion.
Wishing to avert a fight, Lightning placated, "We mean no harm. We've been summoned by Yeul."
The Ronso growled before stating, "From mile away, Kimahri sense stranger's Force aura." His eyes flickered when he noticed Vanille's weapon. He reached out and curled his fingers into a ball. Vanille could only watch as her bow was ripped from her hands, by an unseen force, and fell to the ground, snapping and cracking into dozens of twigs.
His words sounded cryptically like Fang's back at Academia Hall. Though Lightning didn't understand it, Fang mentioned that Lightning's presence was burdensome to force-sensitive beings.
"Do you know of Yeul the Seeress—"
"Strangers not see Yeul until strangers answer questions first!" the Ronso roared.
"You're making a serious mistake!" Lightning firmly urged.
The Ronso huffed and replied, "Lower weapon and come quiet."
Vanille timidly pushed Lightning's protective arm aside and briskly stepped forward. "Please, Sir!" she implored, "We really haven't come to start any trouble. But it's quite urgent that we see Seeress Yeul."
In disbelief, Kimahri tilted his head at the sight of the impudent little red-headed girl. Against Lightning's better judgment, Vanille stood firm, but gripped onto her soldier's arm for strength.
Interrupting the Ronso's thought process, an authoritative, female voice called out from behind his blue figure, "Master Kimahri! Wait!"
Kimahri repressed the light emission and turned slightly to acknowledge the incoming presence of a hover chariot. The chariot was carrying two passengers.
Once within distance, the driver of the chariot came to a hasty stop. A slender, brunette girl was helped out of the hover chariot by a young man dressed in a striking bi-colored tunic. Black and yellow split down the middle of his top and a yellow tabard tied at his waist. His trousers were black, and his hair was chopped in distinct spikes. A lightsaber hilt clipped to his belt.
Lightning inventoried the source of the voice. The young woman wore a dress made of draping, white fabric. The sleeves were decorated with braids of gold along the sides and tied by a gold cord halfway up her lower arm. Her belt was white, with a layer of purple beneath it. She also wore a pastel, purple cape with a red stripe at the shoulders and a gold braided chain along the neckline. It clasped by an intricate gold pendant inset with a white jewel. She wore a delicate, golden headpiece atop her medium-length brunette locks.
One thing was certain, this young lady was surely important.
"Yeul's been expecting them," the resplendent brunette informed.
The feline humanoid grumbled, "Yeul not tell Kimahri sooner?"
"I'm sorry, Master Kimahri—"
The Ronso strode to the pathway, taking shelter under the rooftops. "Kimahri know it's not Princess Yuna's fault." He was clearly softened by the young woman's consolation.
Vanille and Lightning shot each other confused looks. Lightning, especially, wasn't sure how to behave in the presence of a noble woman. Conversely, Vanille had been prepared for congressional duty during the last several months, which included taking some etiquette lessons.
"You're a bit early," Yuna addressed the travelers in a friendly voice. "Please, come under the shelter!"
Still in awe, the red-head and the soldier shuffled to the walkway and wiped the beads of water from their faces. Yuna, with her escort trailing behind her, approached Lightning.
Vanille nudged Lightning in the ribs. "Bow," she whispered.
Not questioning Vanille, the soldier straightened her spine, drew an arm across her chest, and bowed to the noble woman standing before her.
Yuna extended her palm, "I am the Archprincess Yuna of Paddra."
Lightning took her hand politely, "Your Highness. Captain Lightning Farron."
Princess Yuna indicated to the solemn young man behind her, "This is my Jedi Guardian, Cloud Strife."
Lightning and Cloud gave a curt, respectful nod to each other before Yuna turned her attention to Vanille. The red-head gracefully curtseyed before Archprincess Yuna.
"What is your name?" Yuna gently inquired.
"Vanille, Your Majesty."
"If you'll follow us, Captain Farron and Lady Vanille, we'll bring you to Yeul," the Princess directed.
Vanille and Lightning looked encouragingly at each other before entering the hover chariot. Yuna lingered behind with Kimahri and Cloud.
"Would you like a ride to the Jedi Temple, Master Kimahri? If I'm not mistaken, the Tournament will be starting soon," the Princess offered.
Without hesitation, the Ronso replied, "Kimahri appreciate Princess Yuna's offer."
"Splendid. Oh, and Master Kimahri, I have a message from Yeul. I was hoping you could inform the Jedi Council when you get back . . ."
— 13 —
The Princess sat between Cloud and Kimahri, across from the couple. The Princess's chauffeur retracted the roof of the hover chariot. Thankfully, the rainstorm which plagued Lightning and Vanille had passed. The dark clouds blew over and gleaming sunlight prevailed.
"The town proper of Paddra is divided into four sectors by the cardinal directions of a compass," Cloud indicated.
The couple barely heard him. They were busy soaking in the colorful bustle of the merchant districts. They could see the streets lined with shops and stalls of every description from east to west.
As they reached the heart of the city, Princess Yuna informed the couple that the area they were passing through was called Muthru Bazaar—the liveliest part of town.
The couple never imagined Paddra to be so thriving—so animated. They passed hundreds of faces as they made their way deeper into the city. The chariot driver led them south, where the streets widened into a fantastically grand piazza.
"Welcome to Harmony Square," Yuna spoke as they passed over the piazza. "As you can see, there's quite an abundance of people here today. A very special annual event is taking place."
The couple nodded as they observed the crowds of people. Several obelisk monuments lay scattered around the unique ivory walkways of the piazza. Many richly garbed individuals were assembled in small groups, talking merrily. Others were resting on the stone ledges of a long strip of canal.
The strip of crystal clear canal traversed from the piazza southward, leading them towards the city's principal landmark. The canal flowed into a pool of water ornamented with a symphony of golden fountains. Beyond the pool, a wide stone double staircase led up to a landing. There, framed by four pearly white pillars, stood the grand entrance of the magnificent Paddrean Royal Palace.
"This is incredible," Vanille gasped in awe. Although Lightning remained silent, there was marvel in her eyes.
As they followed along the canal, the chariot suddenly came to a halt. The blue Ronso stood up. "Kimahri thank Princess for ride. Kimahri go gather High Council now."
Yuna smiled brightly at the Ronso and said, "See you soon, Master Kimahri."
High Council for what? Lightning pondered. Maybe . . . it has something to do with that annual event the Princess mentioned.
They briefly watched as the Ronso headed eastward towards another massive structure in the distance. The structure was a ziggurat, with five towers built upon its flat rooftop. Four of the towers were arranged in each corner surrounding the tallest central spire. Lightning noted the pale, stone exterior. Despite the building's austere design, its expansiveness rivaled that of the Palace. Interestingly, the population in the piazza seemed to be migrating to that very building.
The chariot continued down the central strip, carrying the party towards the Palace. Drawing closer, the magnificence and splendor of the architecture seemed evermore apparent. The Palace exhibited thousands of tall lattice windows, each ornately trimmed with gold-leaf. The azure and white façade accented the imperial atmosphere.
The chauffeur delivered the party at the foot of Royal Palace's double staircase, where the group alighted.
They made their way up the steps. Striding behind Princess Yuna, Lightning inquired, "Majesty, may I ask something? "
Yuna turned and smiled at the soldier. Lightning asked, "Who is Yeul exactly? I know she's a Seeress, but—"
Yuna understood Lightning's query, and replied, "Outsiders might view Yeul as a Queen, but . . . Yeul isn't fond of titles, you see."
I know the feeling, Lightning thought.
"Interesting," Lightning stated simply, deciding it inappropriate to investigate further.
An imperial guard stood rigidly on each side of the Palace entrance. They carried traditional swords hung at their hips, in lieu of lightsaber hilts. Their outfit consisted of light armor covered by an aristocratic style uniform—a glaring difference from Cloud, Yuna's Jedi Guardian.
The gatekeepers saluted and held open the ornate, double-doors. While passing under the threshold, Vanille looked up at the grand balcony seated above them.
"This is the Grand Hall," Yuna said.
The couple looked around. It was an extraordinary sight. An intricate masterpiece, outlined in gold, adorned the high ceiling. An imperial staircase with white marble handrails led up to the next floor with rows of coupled, grey granite columns at the top of the landing.
Classical alabaster sculptures of all sizes filled the walls. The Grand Hall was a light hue of turquoise and trimmed with white and gold accents. Down a hallway, in the middle of a colonnade corridor, stood a petite, richly-dressed blonde girl.
"Hey, Yunie!" the bubbly blonde greeted. "I'm supposed to let you know that Yeul's waiting in the Throne Room— Oh, heyyy."
The cute, teen royal's voice transitioned from cheerful to pleasantly curious about the two guests with Archprincess Yuna. Yuna cleared her throat to indicate the girl's lack of manners. The girl instantly took the hint.
"Oh, forgive me! Manners, right. Forgot. It's strange having guests!" Rikku giggled and blushed. "I'm Rikku. Duchess and cousin to the Archprincess Yuna!"
As customary, Rikku extended her palm to Lightning, eager for her to take it. Baffled by the teen's eagerness, Lightning paused before accepting the royal's hand, replying cordially, "Duchess. Captain Lightning Farron."
Rikku turned and offered Vanille a friendly curtsy, which Vanille reciprocated with a deep, respectful one. "Vanille, Your Grace—It's our honor to meet you."
Rikku perked, "Lady Vanille, Captain Farron, happy to have you both at Court!" Then, she turned to her cousin, "I'll see you at the tournament, Yunie?"
Yuna nodded and Rikku took her leave. The group continued up the staircase leading up to the hundreds of state rooms.
"You'll have to forgive my cousin. She's a bit eccentric sometimes," Yuna apologized.
"Sometimes?" Cloud added blandly.
Lightning and Vanille stifled their laughs—knowing exactly what the Archprincess was getting at.
"Will you be seeing Yeul with us, Your Highness?" Vanille inquired.
Yuna gave a small shake of her head and replied, "No, Lady Vanille. I'll be waiting just outside, though."
"Waiting, Your Highness?" Lightning asked quizzically.
Yuna nodded but maintained her hastened pace, "Yeul will explain it, Captain."
Withholding their questions for now, Lightning and Vanille followed Yuna and Cloud down a long corridor. Around the middle of the hall, Yuna ushered the couple into a room, "Come. Yeul waits beyond the threshold."
Vanille entered the long, narrow room first, followed by Lightning. The door shut behind them. Located at the far wall were three golden chairs on a double-layered platform. The bottom platform had two empty chairs spread apart from the central chair on the top platform. Occupying the central chair was a young girl.
As they advanced towards the girl, the couple noticed the intricate rosewood floor. The golden designs etched into the boards were astounding. Along the walls, marble pillars alternated with rows of lattice windows draped with fine silk tapestry. Behind the golden chairs was a double-door passage to the grand, stone balcony overseeing Harmony Square.
The girl had vivid green eyes and long, coral, dark-blue hair. Two strands framed her oval face. She was lean, delicate, and wearing a unique diadem headdress. Despite her natural glow, it conflicted with her humble, pastel purple and white dress and sand-cloak over it. Something about the way the girl looked at them suggested her maturity was beyond comprehension.
"Welcome, Lightning and Vanille . . . You've come a long way," the girl greeted. "I am the Yeul of which you seek."
The couple strode closer to their target, marveling at how such an articulate voice could belong to such a youthful face.
From a respectful distance, Lightning dropped on one knee and bowed before the Seeress. Vanille discreetly stood back and watched as Lightning placed her hand over her heart and gazed up at the girl Queen. "My sister . . ." she uttered despairingly.
Yeul fully sensed Lightning's grief , consoling her, "Your sister's detainment is most troubling to me, Chosen One. The events to come— I've seen some visions crystal clear while others remain shrouded in uncertainty."
Vanille placed a comforting hand on Lightning's shoulder as Yeul continued, "You have the power to bring balance to the Force."
Lightning swallowed hard and stood up to face the Seeress, "Majesty, I have so many questions about this . . . 'Force'. You call me the Chosen One, but what does that mean? Can it save Serah?!"
"You have many questions, brave warrior, and rightfully so. However . . . in Paddra's distant and recent pasts, a Seeress' revelation of forthcoming events has proven direly controversial. For this reason, I must implore you to wait a little longer for the answers you desire."
Yeul was truly sympathetic to the soldier's disappointment, but the Seeress was wise enough to know the dangers of divulging too much of the prophecies at once.
"Your Highness, how can I wait?" Lightning beseeched, her inner turmoil rising. "It was for her sake that I sought you. She said that you were both 'connected'. Surely, there is something you can do to help her!"
Yeul solemnly rose to her feet, her hands by her sides. "The destiny before you is more important and pressing than my connection with Serah."
Yeul stepped down the double ledge and continued, "Your pleas are not forgotten. You may have many questions, and aspire to hastily rescuing your sister—but understand this . . . rushing away now, or knowing too much too soon, will only thwart the sincerest of your intentions."
The young Seeress stood in front of the towering soldier. Vanille calmingly rubbed Lightning's back, offering any comfort she could to ease her soldier's torment. Yeul, too, reached out to Lightning's other arm and squeezed briefly.
Quietly afflicted, Lightning complied, "I understand, You're Highness . . . What would you have me do?"
Yeul smiled faintly and responded, "I've requested an audience with the Jedi Council at the Temple. They await us in the High Council Chamber. Yuna will accompany us. Once there, the Council is better versed to grant you some answers that you deserve."
Vanille continued rubbing Lightning's back while the soldier whispered, "Very well."
"As of now, I have only one question for you, Lightning," Yeul stated softly.
With a clenched jaw, and torn on the inside, Lightning nodded for the Seeress to proceed. "Can you confirm that, before your expedition to Paddra, your sister was, indeed, abducted by a Sith Lord?"
Lightning glanced over at Vanille. Their eyes met in a mutually understanding gaze. The Captain's mind wandered back to her encounter with Fang. Though Lightning didn't fully understand what a 'Sith Lord' was, she knew Fang admitted to being trained as one.
The soldier looked back to Yeul and replied, "I believe so, Your Majesty."
Yeul's eyes betrayed an uneasy sentiment. At that instant, Lightning knew that her confirmation marked the beginning of a whole new destiny of things to come.
And so it began.
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