—14—
After leaving the Throne Room, Lightning and Vanille were met by Yuna and two royal servants who were holding neatly folded stacks of clothes.
"I hope you don't mind—I took the liberty of ordering you new garments. I thought you might want to freshen up before leaving," the Princess offered.
Still clad in their muddy travel wear, the couple graciously accepted the idea of clean clothes. The servants handed the parcels to its respective recipient and bowed before leaving.
"I'm sorry the outfits are not too extravagant . . ." the Princess apologized.
"No worries, Your Majesty," Vanille said cheerfully. "These will do just fine!"
Smiling, Yuna nodded and pointed down the hallway. "The washrooms are to the left over there. Take your time."
Yuna, Yeul, and Cloud waited patiently for the couple. Lightning reappeared first. She was now wearing a long-sleeved, gray tunic and trousers, with off-white tabard tied at the waist with a gray obi. She still wore her red cape despite it being damp from the rain.
The soldier met Yuna's bi-colored eyes. "Feeling better?" the Princess kindly inquired.
Lightning smiled faintly and replied, "Much better, Your Highness. Thank you." Yuna nodded . However, their attention was quickly diverted to the reopening door.
Vanille emerged to find four marveling faces. The shirt of her dress was olive green above the slim, v-cut waistline and had plain long-sleeves. The color shifted to a darker olive green from her hips until the fabric touched the floor—the skirt had simple, yet unique symmetrical patterns trailing vertically downwards. The v-neck modestly highlighted her smooth collarbones. A trendy, silver-braided headband held back her wavy, red locks.
"Oh, my," Yuna gasped, then smiled approvingly. "You look delightful, Lady Vanille."
Vanille was a bit flustered, but she regained composure and politely replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Lightning's lips parted. Her girlfriend appeared so elegant and modest. The soldier felt honored that the red-head refused to take off the necklace that Lightning had made for her.
The two royals and Cloud turned to leave with Lightning and Vanille tailing behind them. After a few strides, Lightning peered down at the graceful red-head.
The soldier paused before leaning close to Vanille's ear. "You look like a princess," she whispered.
Vanille smiled and whispered back, "Wild imaginations." Lightning scoffed and straightened up, to the amusement of the red-head. The couple quickened their pace to catch up with the noble entourage.
—14—
Yeul, Yuna, Cloud, Lightning and Vanille were transported to the foot of the pathway leading to the ziggurat edifice. The promenade bisected Harmony Square, where the crowds continued lingering about.
"This boulevard is called the Processional Way," Yuna indicated.
Lightning and Vanille assessed the wide road. A maroon and white staircase lay a few dozen meters ahead.
"Pardon, Your Majesty, but I thought we were going to a temple?" Lightning questioned.
To the soldier's dismay, the three Paddraean natives chuckled at her statement.
Did I say something funny? Lightning thought.
"Forgive us, Captain," Yuna apologized, yet still smiling. "Despite the building's somber, fortress look, you're sure to find the interior quite different."
Yuna was the first to step forward. She peered back over her delicate shoulder, indicating for them to follow. The party started after the Princess.
Seeking clarification, Vanille inquired, "This is the Jedi Temple, then?"
Flanking the red-head's right side, Cloud confirmed, "Yes . . . As the Princess said, it only looks grim from out here. On the inside, it's a peaceful sanctuary." The Jedi Guardian looked sincerely at his lightsaber.
Suddenly, a group of joyous children dashed around the entourage. They were all dressed in rich, vibrant colors with little lightsaber hilts clipped at their belts. The youngsters gathered around the two royals and gleefully greeted in unison, "Good afternoon, Your Highnesses!"
Princess Yuna giggled modestly and bent down to them. They bowed in respect. Vanille's heart melted at the sight, and she reached out to clutch Lightning's arm.
"Good luck at the Tournament today, children," Yuna said in a gentle voice.
"Thank you, Archprincess!" they chirped.
The closest Youngling to Vanille was a small boy. He looked up at her, and saw the bright smile and kind eyes of the red-head, "Are . . . Are you a Princess too?" he whispered.
Vanille blushed profusely at the young boy's comment. Lightning smirked. Yeul also heard, and gently explained, "This is Lady Vanille."
"Lady Vanille," the boy ogled and bowed. His friends mimicked his actions, making Vanille blush even more.
A little girl tugged on his sleeve, "C'mon, Master Fran said we can't be late!"
"Hurry off, Younglings," Yuna instructed. "Wouldn't want Master Fran to be upset, would you?"
The children beamed up at her and turned to leave. They waved over their shoulders at the adults as they scurried off. Vanille happily waved back, earning a chuckle from Yuna.
"Charming, aren't they?" Yuna commented.
"Very, Your Highness" replied the red-head with a broad smile.
As the party continued walking, Lightning bent down to the red-head's ear and whispered, "What'd I tell you?"
Vanille poked Lightning in the arm and the soldier feigned a pained look. Vanille returned with a look of adoration, rubbing the soldier's arm affectionately. They both shared a momentary smile.
Reflecting back on the children's conversation, Vanille became curious. Turning to Cloud, she asked, "What's this Tournament that everyone seems to be talking about?"
With a hint of a smile, the blonde Jedi explained, "The Apprentice Tournament. It's an annual event organized by the Jedi Academy to showcase the skills of the young Initiates. The Academy trains force-sensitive individuals, and when they're ready, they're entered into the Tournament."
"So those adorable little kids were Jedi Initiates?" Vanille questioned enthusiastically.
"Yeah," Cloud replied, amused at the petite girl's excitement. "Sometimes we call them Younglings," he added.
"Younglings!" laughed Vanille. "So cute!"
Lightning caught the normally solemn Jedi smiling. Vanille's ability to lighten any situation never ceased to amaze her.
The red-head piped up with another question, "The children rushed off so quickly. Will the tournament be starting soon?"
"Not yet. Master Fran probably wanted them to meditate beforehand," the blonde Jedi answered.
"Meditate?"
"Jedi meditate to communicate with their midi-chlorians," Cloud expanded. "Heard of them?"
Fang's voice echoed in Vanille's mind, 'You possess enough midi-chlorians to be partially sensitive to the Force . . . not enough to be a Jedi.'
"A little," Vanille responded. "We're not really sure what they are though."
The soldier had been listening in on the conversation. Lightning also remembered Fang babbling about midi-chlorians.
"They exist within the cells of all living things," Cloud continued. "They're mediators that can help a Jedi tap into an energy field known as the Force."
The soldier recalled Serah's voice, 'If you listen close enough, the midi-chlorians will speak to you.'
So that's what Lightning does, Vanille realized.
By now, the party was trotting up the main staircase. A short distance away, a towering stone gate stood ajar for passage through the main entrance. A continuous stream of people were passing through.
"Is it always so busy?" Lightning observed.
"Just today," Yuna replied.
"The Academy allows everybody in?" Vanille asked.
"Just today," Yuna smiled. "The Jedi form an integral part of Paddra, along with the Court and the city's citizens. Holding special public events such as these help to reinforce the bond between all groups."
Yuna's eyes flicked briefly towards Cloud, so slightly that Lightning and Vanille might've imagined it. Eyes now hinting of playfulness, Yuna leaned towards the two and told them, "Also, the show is quite spectacular."
The intricacy of Paddraean life continued to baffle the couple. While Lightning and Vanille waited for the information to sink in, the party crossed the main threshold to a very wide, cavernous hall.
The floors were designed with red and white marble tiles, and the moving entourage was flanked by statues erected in reflective pools. Looking ahead, the couple spotted lively crowds of people.
"Bringing us inside the Temple, we now enter the Meditative Walkway," Yuna continued the guide.
Along the outer walls, large arcades of stained glass windows bore story-telling images. Vanille admired it closely. The soldier knew her red-head was yearning to explore, but Lightning didn't want to fall behind. Vanille stared until she felt herself being tugged along.
"This place is massive," Lightning said in awe.
"Yes," Cloud affirmed. "So the Temple has been divided into four sections, one section for each of the four, corner towers."
"What section are we in now?" Vanille asked curiously.
"The southeast wing, the Sector of Reconciliation. But we're headed west, to the Sector of High Council."
"Where everyone seems to be going too," Vanille noted.
"Because the Arena for the Apprentice Tournament is also being held in the Sector of High Council," Cloud explained. "Normally, only the Reconciliation wing is available to the public; today is an exception."
"Ahhh," the couple nodded.
Vanille perked up again and asked, "What's the purpose of the Tournament?"
"Hmm," the Jedi mused. "Initiates need a mentor to advance their training. They demonstrate their skill in the Tournament by dueling so that Jedi Knights and Masters can scout for a potential apprentice."
As they made their way through the crowd, people paid respect to Yeul and Yuna with curtsies and bows. The couple noticed a pattern. The crowd would cluster into three types: ones who were lavishly and elegantly attired with a refined demeanor, like Yuna—supposedly these were from the Court; ones attired in tunics of varied colors and with lightsaber hilts by their belt, like Cloud—definitely Jedi; and then there were the majority of citizens who were more lively and casual, dressed in an array of fashions from stylishly respectable to modestly simple to downright gaudy.
They entered a spacious ground level chamber with a four-story mezzanine.
"This is the Great Hall," Yuna informed.
The mezzanine was illuminated by blue, ambient lights trailing up its supportive columns. Bridges arched and connected opposing sides of the upper levels. Perhaps the most impressive feature was the array of towering red stone and dark bronze statues lining around the Great Hall.
Vanille continued to marvel. Lightning, however, was pressed with other thoughts.
"Majesty," Lightning turned to Yeul, who had hardly spoken. "What is the High Council?"
The young Queen looked up at her enquirer. "It's an assembly of Jedi Masters elected for their wisdom and strength to govern the Jedi Order. They also act as advisors to Archprincess Yuna."
"Are they your advisors too, Your Highness?"
"Though I'm viewed as Queen," Yeul smiled, "I remain primarily a Seeress, and exercise no sovereignty."
Lightning collected her thoughts as Yuna veered left and directed the group to the mouth of a corridor—which emptied into another extension of the Meditative Hallway.
A few minutes later, the entourage arrived at a large chamber where there were tremendous queues of citizens marching up wide, granite stairwells and rounding to a second flight.
Cloud stopped to address Yuna, "Milady, I'm required at the preliminary chamber. I'll find you on the observation deck later."
"Very well, Cloud. Thank you," Yuna replied with a smile.
Cloud bowed and bade farewell to group. Princess Yuna led the remaining party into a restricted section.
The wall was fully lined with columns of steel cylinders. The front of the cylinder tubes had full-length doors of transparent, reinforced glass.
"Elevators?" Vanille mused.
"Turbovators," Yuna corrected.
A Jedi Security Guard recognized the royal guests. The man pivoted sideways, with an outstretched arm to the vessel lifts. With due formality, he asked, "Going up, Your Majesties?"
—14—
"The roof is called the Temple Terrace," Yuna chatted with Vanille, pointing out of the turbovator. Vanille soaked in the vision of tranquil, green gardens blanketing the roof-deck plaza of the Temple. The closest garden had an immensely aged tree and a sandpit next to it that was filled with dazzling pink stones. The Terrace exuded tranquility upon the surrounding Paddrean cityscape.
Meanwhile, Yeul prepped Lightning on the High Council Masters. There were four, about which, Lightning listened attentively.
The royals waited patiently as the couple took one final look at the breathtaking vista, then beckoned them to a steel spire poised nearby. They entered the Tower of High Council lobby, where the turbovator hoisted them several stories unto a small, marble stone landing.
A short hallway led the entourage to the circular, High Council Chamber, where the Jedi Council members awaited them. The tiny chamber had no walls, just a panorama of reinforced glass.
Yeul and Yuna promptly seated themselves between an older man with long, brown and gray streaked hair, tied with a gold ribbon. He had stubble on his chin, and there was a large scar over his right eye, which he kept permanently shut.
"This couldn't wait until after the Tournament, Yeul?" The man said gruffly.
"I'm afraid not, Master Auron," Yeul replied. "Step forth, Captain Farron and Lady Vanille," the Seeress requested.
Lightning folded her arms behind her back and stood stoically before the High Council. Vanille took her place next to the soldier.
Yuna sat up, then indicating the scar-eyed man to her side, began the introductions. "This is Grandmaster of the Paddrean Jedi Order, Master Auron." The Grandmaster was as brusque and imposing as Yeul had mentioned, Lightning noted.
Yuna continued, indicating a young yet bold-looking blonde woman with pale skin and blue eyes, "Master Celes Chere." The woman stared analytically at Lightning.
Turning to the Ronso, Yuna addressed with a smile, "Master Kimahri Ronso, whom you've met." The Ronso nodded curtly.
Finally, Yuna indicated a man of similar age to Auron, with blonde hair, blue eyes, facial stubble, and a toothpick pressed between his lips, "And Master Cid Highwind." Cid offered an easy, laid-back smile.
Lightning nodded respectfully to the Masters as Yuna eased back into her seat. The Seeress then spoke up.
"Esteemed Masters of the High Council," Yeul solemnly addressed, "I present Captain Lightning Farron. The Chosen One."
Silence befell the room.
Celes was first to speak. "The Chosen One? As in, from the ancient prophecy? The one who will bring balance to the Force."
"That is correct," Yeul confirmed. "The prophecy's champion stands before you."
"Ha. That explains this exceptionally vexing aura I've been feeling." Celes rubbed her temple lightly.
"Are you sure, Yeul?" Auron asked skeptically.
"You are free to question her," replied the Seeress.
Lightning felt hard stares all around her. Vanille placed a soothing hand on her soldier's back.
"Captain Lightning Farron?" Auron began.
"New Bodhum Guard Corps, Security Regiment, Sir."
Mutters were heard around the room.
"You're from the Upper World . . ." Auron looked questioningly at Yeul, who remained silent.
"Yes, Sir."
"What brings you here?" Auron continued.
"My sister," Lightning stated matter-of-factly. "She urged me to find Yeul, and said that I would find all the answers here. I've yet to receive a straight answer from anyone."
"Then let me tell you straight," the Grandmaster declared, "You're not the Chosen One. And even if you were, you're too dangerous to train. There's no disturbance in the Force to balance, there's no need for a Chosen One."
"You're too afraid and too headlong," Celes added. "Your powers are strong, but your spirit cannot rein it."
"What?!" Lightning was confounded.
"You worry for your sister. You're afraid of losing her," Celes elaborated.
How did they know? Lighting pondered. "I just want to save my sister. I don't care about the Chosen One. Each minute that passes, she is in danger."
Calmly as always, Yeul spoke, "You will need the powers of the Chosen One, if you are to save your sister."
"I will not have her trained in the Jedi ways, Yeul," Auron contended. "The risk is not worth taking."
"Would you have the Dark Side train her? For it was them who captured her sister," Yeul revealed.
"If that were so, surely, we would've sensed a disturbance in the Force," said Celes.
"Kimahri not think Sith return and Council not know," the Ronso asserted. Lightning's ears pricked up at the word Sith.
"Ya'll are forgettin'," Cid finally spoke in his drawling accent, "The Dark Side's cunnin'—always tryna' deceive us."
The soldier was urged to back Yeul, and spoke up, "The one who took my sister was a friend. She used powers I had not seen before . . . powers which I realize I also have. She had a lightsaber, and used it to cut my gunblade." Lightning drew out her gunblade to show the charred indentations. "She tried to persuade me to become a Sith Lord with her, in order to find Paddra and destroy all the Jedi here. I refused, and with my sister and Yeul's help, I was able to escape with Vanille, and found our way here first."
The Council was now deep in thought, apprehensive and disturbed at the news.
"This can't be ignored, Auron," Cid asserted.
Auron looked at the Masters in turn. "We will use all resources available to unravel this mystery." Then looking back at Lightning, Auron continued, "In the meantime, I want her tested . . . I want her in the Apprentice Tournament."
The other Masters almost choked.
"—Just wait a damn minute, Auron!" Cid interjected. "You think it's fair throwin' the young'un into the Arena without lettin' her practice first?"
"Fairness is irrelevant. I want to see what she can do, if she is to be the Chosen One as Yeul claims. I will make my judgment then."
"Let's be reasonable," Cid insisted. "She's wieldin' a gunblade fer chrissakes. You know damn well when we put a saber in her hand, its weight's gonna be all over th' place. Give the kid a day to practise at least!"
"We cannot sanction any further delays to the Apprentice Tournament, Cid," said Celes sympathetically but firmly.
"Kimahri want to see what Zappy can do, too."
Zappy?! Lightning twitched slightly at the unwarranted nickname.
"Uh, excuse me . . . " Vanille started, but paused as all eyes turned to her. She willed herself to continue, "Shouldn't Lightning get a say in this too?"
"Will you fight in the Tournament, Captain Farron?" Celes inquired.
"I don't want to be a Jedi . . ." Lightning deliberated, glancing at Vanille beside her. Vanille was peering up with concerned eyes as Light continued purposefully, "But I will fight."
Auron nodded. "Good. Because the only hope you have of saving your sister is to become a Jedi." He turned to Yeul.
"I, too, shall honor the decision of the High Council," the Seeress acknowledged.
The Masters rose to their feet.
"So it's settled," Auron declared. "Master Kimahri will escort you to the preliminary training chamber. If it be your destiny, the Force will guide you."
Lightning nodded.
Yuna approached the couple, smiling brightly. "Good luck, Captain Farron," she said, to which Lightning responded with a nod. Then Yuna turned to address the red-head, "Lady Vanille, would you accompany me and Yeul to the Tournament?"
"I'd love to!" Vanille replied more enthusiastically than she intended.
The Council and Royals began making their way out. Lightning turned to Vanille, and their eyes locked. The red-head briefly squeezed her soldier's hand and said, "I'll be watching."
"Now I have to do well," the soldier winked, making her girlfriend smile.
Lightning felt a pat on her shoulder as the Ronso Master brushed past her and commanded, "Follow."
"Oh, and Captain." Swiveling to the direction of the voice, Lightning saw Auron looking back over his shoulder. "Pitch that gunblade."
Lightning was about to glower at the man when she felt Vanille's soft hand on her arm. "I'll take it for you," smiled the red-head. Lightning returned the smile and handed the gunblade-with-sheath to Vanille. "It's a little heavy," Vanille commented, "But nothing I can't handle!"
Lightning planted a gentle kiss on her lover's forehead. "Thank you," said the soldier.
"Go get 'em, tiger," Vanille whispered.
Author's EndNote: I won't be adding anymore characters, with a name, unless they're Final Fantasy established characters, or I indicate otherwise. Thus far: Celes Chere (FFVI), Cloud Strife & Cid Highwind (FFVII), Kimahri, Yuna, Rikku, & Auron (FFX). Many more on the way.