Chapter 8 now ready to go! Get ready for a wild party in Besaid as the events of the day send ripples throughout the village and beyond! After that the pilgrimage officially begins.
"As usual, the author does not own Yu-Gi-Oh! or Final Fantasy" Zane said
"Screw the rules! I have money! I could own anything I want" Kaiba added with a smirk
Well at least those two are good for something. Plus I couldnt resist an abridged moment there. Hands up to LittleKuriboh for that one. Pure genius.
Chapter Eight: Party Time In Besaid! - The Sisters Of Besaid
"I remember… That night we talked for the first time. I didn't know it then, but after that night, everything changed. For everyone... For Kaiser... For me…" Tidus narrates
"Id been to some parties back home, but this one really was fun, who knew simple villagers could throw such a wild bash? Then again it was a special occasion. They had a new Summoner, and thier first Duelist Champion for the first time in a thousand years. Its taking some getting used to, being a sort of celebrity figure... but hey, its fun so far and kinda annoying." I narrate.
It was now night in Besaid, and the clear sky sparkled with the stars shining down on Spira. After fending off the Fiend attack earlier in the day, I had spent the rest of my day like some sort of dignitary. Yuna and I had been hearded around the village talking to the villagers, many of which asking about the Aeon and my duel monster. Yuna was taking it all in her stride, happily smiling and laughing with the villagers as we were moved around the village. I did my best to put on a good face for the occasion, but this wasnt exactly my thing... it kind of made me uncomfortable. It was a long afternoon to say the least, in the end I made my excuses, and managed to drag myself away from the crowd. Wakka offered me his hut for the afternoon to rest in, promising no interruptions. True to his word, no one made any attempt to enter the hut for the next few hours as I caught up on a few hours sleep.
"You have much more power than I anticipated... I must say im impressed" spoke a voice
"Zane? Kaiba? Is that you?" I think back.
"They arnt here, and they cant keep you from me either" replied the voice.
"And here I was thinking that you were a figment of my imagination... what a dissapointment." I reply sarcastically
"Hmm, make jibes all you want now... you've already taken the first step towards me" says the voice
I wake up with a start, someone is faintly calling my name as I sleep. Opening my eyes, it takes me a few seconds to adjust, as I look around the hut, I see two half transparent figures in the hut with me. One was sat on the foot of the bed, while the other was stood near the door, looking outside.
"So your awake" Zane said
"About time! I didnt want to be cooped up in this hut all night" Kaiba added from the doorway
Standing up off the bed, I stretch out my aching bones to wake them up a bit, before re-donning my coat and duel disk. Its at this point that I notice that Tidus is in the hut with me, he is sleeping soundly on the sofa, snoring slightly. Trying my best to be quiet I turn to my two half transparent guardians.
"Someone keeps talking to me in my sleep... Its not as wierd as it sounds, but either way its not someone who's promising me sweets and puppy dogs." I say quietly to the Fayth's. Quickly they glanced at each other, as if asking a silent question as to if it was the other one.
"Well by the looks of it, it wasnt either of us" replied Zane.
"I do my best to try and stay out of these things... but it wasnt me. You could always interrogate whoever it is if you want answers" Kaiba said snidely.
Before I had chance to speak to my Fayth's further, the hut covering started to ruffle as someone started to enter. Instantly the forms of the Fayth disappeared from my view as Wakka entered the hut.
"Ah so you awake ya? Thats good, its time for the party ya!" whispered Wakka.
"Party?" I whisper back.
"Yeah a party! To celebrate Yuna becoming a Summoner and you the Champion of Besaid! Now come on!" Wakka said.
"Hey! What about him?" I say pointing back at Tidus.
"Well after stuffing his face earlier he said he needed some sleep, ill come back and get him in an hour or so, need to introduce him to the team properly anway, now come on!" Wakka said grabbing hold of my arm and leading me out of the tent.
Emerging into the cool night air, I can see indeed that the entire village is indeed having quite the party. The circle where Yuna and I had summoned earlier in the day had now been converted into a large bonfire, lighting up the whole village. Several villagers were playing musical instruments, creating a rather mellow atmosphere in the night, while everyone else was talking and pretty much enjoying each others company.
"Lets go party ya!" Wakka said heading off into the crowds.
"What the hell, I deserve to let my hair down after the day Ive had" I think
A little over an hour into the party quickly passed. I had managed to have a few drinks along the way, something called a "Besaid Delight" and whatever was in it was strong, I could already feel it starting to work its magic on my head. For a religious world that was Spira, heck, they sure could make a strong drink. I decided to lay off the alcohol for now and drink some local fruit drinks instead, last thing I wanted was to have a hang over at the start of the pilgrimage tomorrow! After speaking with a few villagers I made my way towards the campfire area, It was then I noticed that Yuna and the duelist were sat together talking by the fire close to the Crusaders Lodge. Looking over I could see they were laughing and giggling with each other, probabally gossiping by the looks of it. Realising that I still hadnt given Yuna the staff I found, I made a move to go and talk to them. As I approach I could see that Yuna had seen me coming, looking up she gave a sweet smile in my direction. The Duelist on the other hand looked at me then looked away, with an annoyed look on her face. Standing before them I bow briefly.
"Good evening Lady Summoner and Lady Duelist" I say politely
"Please, just Yuna will do Duelist" Yuna says with a giggle.
"Well in that case, just Kaiser will do for me" I say back with a wry grin, realising that she was being playful.
Yuna giggles to herself once more, giving Kisara a nudge, she looks back up at me
"Well? arnt you going to introduce yourself to Kaiser?" Yuna asks her
"Tara" she says simply.
In the appropriate words of this world... by Yevon she was divine. Her voice was almost like an angel, I didnt think it was possible for someone to be as perfect as this. However that soon changed.
"Excuse me Yuna, but its time to train, see you later" Tara says.
Standing up, she smiles down at Yuna, before walking away, not even acknowledging that I was truly there. Confused, my eyes follow after her. Watching her walk away, her dark hair flowing behind her, I almost nearly didnt notice as she looked back at me over her shoulder and gave me a rather nasty look.
"Dont mind Tara, for some reason shes not her usual self tonight" Yuna said, interrupting my staring at Tara's leaving body. Looking back down at Yuna, I smile at her
"I was beginning to think it was something I did" I say
"No, for some reason she's been acting strangely since we came out of the Temple" Said Yuna, looking behind me, as she watched Tara entering a hut.
My mind clicked, remembering the staff on my back once more, carefully I moved my arms behind my back and unbuckled my coat straps. Bringing the staff before me, I hold it out horizontally before kneeling down, and extending it towards Yuna.
"A gift for a new Summoner, Its the temple's treasure, I found it before we met down in the chamber" I say.
Yuna, who was now quite speechless didnt really know what to say, reaching out slowly, she took the staff in her hands, gazing over it a few times, she placed it down on the ground infront of her, giving me a wide smile.
"Thank you Kaiser... its a wonderful gift... but I dont have anything for you" she said.
"Dont worry about it, its no big" I say with a smile.
Sitting down comfortably on the floor, I gaze at the woman before me. She seems so innocent, but I knew what hidden strengths were buried in her core. But there were a few questions that were still making me think.
"So... how do you know Tara?" I say, trying not to sound too obvious.
"Tara? Shes my sister" Yuna said "Well adopted sister... not that it matters to either of us" Yuna adds.
My mind immediately dies down the noise as the rest of Yuna's sentence made bit more sense, trying to calm down mentally, I decide to follow it up.
"Adopted sister? Whys that if you dont mind me asking?" I say
Yuna looked up at the sky and smiled at the stars she could see.
"Well... Tara and I were best friends when we were kids, we went everywhere together. We were inseparable. Even our parents were close. When my father became a Summoner, his best friend, Tara's father, took up his duel disk as Champion of Bevelle and journied with him" Yuna speaks.
But then Yuna's face became that of sadness, I could almost tell what she was going to say next.
"When our fathers... didnt return after defeating Sin, we were both together during the celebrations in Bevelle... when we realised that our fathers were gone... we both made a vow to become sisters... and to be family to each other." Yuna said smiling at the partial good and bad memory. "And everything else pretty much slipped into place from there really" Yuna concluded.
"Quite a story" I say
In actual fact I was still confused, this seemed like too much of a coincidence, I almost felt like something else was going on here. Something between the lines.
"Not really... just how it goes... and its not like I dont consider Wakka or Lulu like a brother or sister... anyway Kaiser, how about you? Tell me a little about yourself?" She asks.
"I err...I mean I..." I trail off, my cover story having since blanked from my mind Yuna's face suddenly turned to that of horror, she clasped a hand over her mouth.
"Im sorry! Im so sorry! Wakka did say you couldnt remember much about yourself... im so sorry... I completely forgot! Please forgive me" she said hurriedly
Taking a rather sigh of relief inside, I realise that Wakka had already covered my ass for me.
"No its fine... ive got bits and pieces about myself, its coming back in time... but I can tell you something if you want?" I say
I noticed that Yuna had calmed down after her 'incident'. I was just wondering how much Wakka had said about me. Then again, I realised that he would have said some things about Tidus also.
"Well... anything at all you remember?" Yuna enquires.
"Anything I remember? Thats a good one to ask. Even if she knew where I really came from, none of the memories I have back home are good ones" I think sadly
"The truth is Yuna, that from what I do remember... I really hope I dont remember myself" I say
"Why?" Yuna says with a gasp.
"Because ive got a good feeling that I dont have no good memories. Just trust me on this one. The only thing I do remember that makes me smile and feels like im alive is..." I say. Taking a glance at my duel Disk as I trail off.
"Well in that case" Yuna begins. Yuna then reaches over and puts her hand onto mine, looking up I see her smiling sweetly at me.
"Tell me about your monsters, for starters that dragon you summoned today. It was so powerful!" She says
Without even looking, I reach down and pluck a single card from my deck, holding it up, it was indeed the Cyber End Dragon.
"You mean this monster?" I say
"How did you know where it was in your Deck?" Yuna asks in suprise.
Thinking about it, I realised that I didnt have an answer for her, id simply picked the card out without even thinking about it. "To be honnest, I dont know, maybe its the power of the Fayth" I offer
"Show off" Kaiba speaks
"I had to do something to raise his confidence, what have you offered so far?" Zane speaks.
A simple snort was Kaiba's response.
"I thought so" Zane finished.
Looking over at the card, Yuna stared at it in awe, examining every single area of the cards details, the picture, the monsters stats, its effect, she didnt leave anything to chance as she examined it.
"Quite an impressive monster, you know, you should go find Tara, shes been a duelist most of her life now and has some impressive monsters of her own" Yuna says.
"I dont think im her favourite person right now" I say
"Well it'll be alright, shes quite the talker when it comes to duel monsters, so that should get you somewhere" Yuna says.
"Well in that case..." I say standing off.
"Ill see you later Yuna" I say with a smile
"You too Kaiser" She finishes.
Turning around, I begin to walk away to the hut I saw Tara enter, but along the way, I felt eyes in the back of my head. As I walk, I look over my shoulder to see Yuna is watching my retreating form. I couldnt quite understand it, I was getting mixed feelings for her, and my own feelings were mixed towards her. I knew that it wasnt a physical attraction that we were sending each other. Dont get me wrong, it didnt take a genius to see that she was absolutely stunning, but for some reason it felt different. Shaking my head to clear it, I decided best thing to do was to address this feeling as I go along, because now I was outside the hut Tara had entered. Standing at the entrance to the hut, I take a deep breath and rasp on the wood of the hut, as a knocking sound. Hearing out someone shout enter, I enter the hut.
As I enter the hut I see that its just like the rest of the huts, with the various rooms I would be used to, had been compiled all into one. Sat on a chair at the table, Tara is sat, rapidly shuffling her deck. With quite a lot of vigour I add. Her back was to me and I notice that her cloak is hung up on one of the walls.
"So you had enough fun talking to that lame Flan duelist then sis?" Tara says.
I didnt know quite what to do, for a start, Tara must have thought I was Yuna. The second? What was with her? Openly insulting me even though id hardly said two words to her since I first saw her. Deciding a direct approach would be better I decide to speak.
"Thanks... I was sure you were gonna say a common Dingo or something" I say
Jumping up out of her chair instantly, Tara span around and locked eyes on me within a second.
"What are you doing here?" She asks fiercely.
I couldnt help but stare at her for a second longer. I thought she looked and sounded divine as it is, but for some reason she got even better when she was angry.
"Nice to see you too Tara" I say with a wry grin.
Snarling, Tara put her deck back in her duel disk, which activated after a second.
"Ill ask again, WHAT are you doing here?" She repeated.
I was taken aback a bit by her, this girl meant business.
"If you must know, Yuna told me to come see you, something about us both being Duelists?" I say
Looking down I lift up my duel disk, and gasp in mock shock.
"Oh wait! Ive got one of these newfangled machina's too! What are co-incidence you have one too!" I say sarcastically
For a second, a small grin appeared on her face, I could tell that she found it funny, but it changed back to a snarl after a second or two later.
"Dont fuck about with me, thinking you can walk in her looking like the big bad with your goth outfit! You've been here less than a day and your already the temple's Champion! The first one in the temples history! So dont try to be all clever with me with the cute talk" she says, rather angrily to say the least.
"So you think im cute do you?" I say grinning
Tara's face was a picture, but then again, the rage on her face that followed it didnt seem to be something Id want to experience. Tara then deactivated her duel disk and walked towards me, she stopped mere inches from my face.
"Go fuck yourself" Tara said
Looking at her face, I didnt expect what was going to happen next. Tara very sharply punched me in the gut, and I do mean that she hit HARD. Within a second I grabbed onto me stomach and fell to my knees, completely winded and gasping for air. Tara was still standing over me, with a rather cruel grin on her face.
"Your not so tough now are you?" She said
Kneeling down she grabbed hold of my chin and lifted my head up, looking at me dead in the eyes.
"STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME. Next time I wont be so nice" She said.
Taralet go of my face and grabbed hold of her cloak before exiting the hut, still leaving me on the floor to recover.
"That was nice?" I say to no one inparticular, still gasping for air.
Several minutes later after I had recovered, I exited the hut still clutching hold of my stomach. For someone so nice on the outside, she sure could hit hard. Looking round I couldnt see Tara anywhere, which I was quite thankful of. I spotted Tidus and Wakka by the temple. Deciding id rather be safer with some people that actually didnt hit me, I made my way over to them. Seeing me approach, Wakka gives me a wave, while Tidus is observing the fact that im holding my stomach. As I stand next to him he raises an eyebrow and folds his arms.
"You ok?" He asks.
"Tip for you Tye... dont ever piss off an already pissed off woman" I say still feeling the effects of the punch.
Deciding not to say anymore, Tidus simply glares at me for a few seconds before shrugging it off. Although Tidus didnt have much time to think about it because Wakka had grabbed him by the shoulders, and pushed him forwards slighty before a group of men that were dressed similar to Wakka.
"Let me introduce you to the team. This guy wants into the tournament so bad I let him on the team! His memory's a little fuzzy so don't mind him if he says anything odd! Go on, say hi!" he said, shoving Tidus forward infront of the team.
"Um…hi guys." Tidus said, quite sheepishly
A few mumbles of hi's and hello's came from the Aurochs team in response. Not exactly a rousing response for a new player. Leaning over I whisper in Tidus's ear.
"Get em motivated Tye! You know the way" I whisper to him.
"So what's our goal?" Tidus asked with a grin.
"TO DO OUR BEST!" replied the Aurochs clenching thier fists to emphasise the point.
"I think you lost that one Tye" I say whispering to him again.
"No, we got a new goal now! Our new goal is VICTORY! To win every match, to defeat every opposing team, to bring the Crystal Cup back to our island. That's all we gotta do to win, easy, ya?" Wakka said
That seemed to do it, the Aurochs began to murmor, starting to mutter the word victory, somthing they had never had before. It wasnt too long before they all started to shout out victory, ending in a long chant of the word all in time while clapping thier hands and punching the air. Chants of victory was starting to draw the attention of some of the other villagers I noticed, all looking over at the Aurochs rather strangely. Smiling I looked over at Tidus to try and congratulate him but I saw that his gaze was somewhere else. He was looking over at Yuna, who was sat with an elderly couple and a young child, talking to them. Looking for a few seconds more, she must have noticed him looking over at him, turning her head slightly, she gave him a rather nice smile. His eyes wouldnt leave her. Moving next to him I give him a nudge, no response. Rolling my eyes I wave my hand infront of his eyes.
"Yo Tidus! You still in there?" I ask.
Breaking his view of her seemed to rouse him from his gaze for a second.
"Huh?" Came his meek reply.
Rolling my eyes for a second time, I facepalm.
"Do I have to do everthing around her? Get in there!" I say
Reaching around his back, I give him a rather hard shove, sending him tumbling towards the group Yuna was sat with. Regaining his balance, he steadied himself, and turning he gave me a glare, before taking another step forward.
"You heathen!" the elderly man cried
"Stay away from the Summoner!" The elderly woman added.
"You're a bad man!" The little girl finished
Yuna got onto her feet at this point, earning an gasp from the old man.
"Lady Yuna be careful!" He said.
"But it was really my fault…to begin with…" she said.
Turning around Yuna started to walk towards Tidus, she stopped a few steps before him and clasped her hands together infront of her body. Standing a few more feet away, I realised I could hear what they were saying, not that I didnt already know what was going to happen.
"This is how it starts... I can tell even now with the way he looks at her... something I used to feel... But thats gone now, too much time has passed. At least I can be happy for him, its better than nothing" I think
"I know he dosnt shield many of his thoughts from us, but I can feel there are still some areas that are shielded for some reason. Thats quite odd" Zane said.
"Dont be so suspicious Trusedale, you want to know everything in his memorys? Like every time he went to the bathroom for instance?" Kaiba says snidely
"Touche, Kaiba... But still I was meaning certain memories, and from what I can feel they are painful ones" Zane adds.
"Let him have his privacy Trusedale, whatever he is hiding, it caused him a lot of pain... dont open old wounds." Kaiba said.
"I'm Yuna. Thank you so much for your help earlier." she said, slightly bowing.
"Huh?" He said thinking for a moment before the penny dropped "Oh, er sorry about that! Wasn't that-?… Wasn't I not supposed to-?… Guess I kinda overreacted!" he added rather nervously.
"Oh no!" she said shaking her head "I was…overconfident…"
Tidus looked to be quite flustered at this point, as if he didnt really know what to say, facepalming once more, I breathe heavy into my hand.
"Oh for the love of!... say something!" I cry out in my head.
"Erm… I saw that Aeon thing. That's amazing!" He suddenly blurted out
"Really?" she said elated. "Even better than Kaiser's dragon?" She added
He nodded, genuinely lost for words as she edged closer to him.
Standing where I was I gripped my fists tightly, almost feeling them going white under the pressure.
"Ill remember that you backstabbing little..." I think
But I noticed that Yuna seemed quite happy at what he had said, I decided to let it slide.
"Do you think I can become High Summoner?" She continued to Tidus
Another simple nod was his reponse, which at this point I realised was all he could do. The poor boy was tongue tied, rightly so considering that Yuna had edged closer to him at this point with a rather large smile on her face. However the moment wasnt mean to be as shortly came an intteruption.
"Lady Yuna! Come play with me some more!" said the young girl, jumping around on the spot and tugging at Yuna's arm.
Without saying anything Yuna kneeled down and nodded to the young girl, who smiled happily and skipped back to the old couple.
"How does she do it? She somehow has that effect on everyone?" I think
Standing back up Yuna smiled at Tidus again before speaking.
"So…tomorow then…" she voiced softly.
"Tomorrow?" he asked confused
"We're going on the same boat, aren't we?" Yuna asked
"Oh, really?" Tidus said.
"We can…talk more…" Yuna confirmed backing away.
Tidus mouthed some sort of agreement as Yuna turned and began to walk away
"You can…tell me all about Zanarkand…" she finished before returning to the couple near the fire.
Tidus was almost glued to the spot. He wasnt moving an inch, not that I could blame him. Wakka knocked me out of my thoughts with a nudge. Nodding in Tidus's direction he grinned at me. I could tell he had been thinking the same as me. With a evil grin we both walked to either side of him.
"She's cute, ya?" Wakka asked giving him a nudge.
"Yeah…" he admitted honestly, not even bothering to stop looking at her.
"Don't get no ideas!" Wakka warned.
"No promises there, big guy! Hey, but what if she like, comes onto me?" He asked mischieveously.
"That's not going to happen..." Wakka said quietly.
Looking sideways past Tidus, I look over to Wakka, he catches me glance and I smile at him weakly. Both of us acknowledging what would happen at the end of Yuna's pilgrimage
"If you get tired let me know! I gotta bed made for you the two of you at the Crusaders Lodge." Wakka said.
Beginning to yawn myself, I stretch my arms out above my head.
"Thanks Wakka, think ill turn in now, come on, you too lover boy" I say grabbing Tidus by the arm and dragging him towards the inn.
"Hey wait! But im not tired yet!" he complained.
"OH YES YOU ARE" I say firmly. Also noticing Wakka laughing as I lead Tidus off.
Gulping, Tidus didnt object further, once we reached the Inn, I shoved him inside.
The inside of the Crusaders Lodge was empty, even the innkeeper wasnt around. Everyone still being outside enjoying the party. Upon our entering Tidus glared at me for some answers.
"Alright whats the big deal? I was enjoying that party!" He complained.
Rolling my eyes, I fold my arms and start counting off the reasons.
"One its late to begin with, and im half drunk as it is. Two we have to be up early in the moring to catch the boat, and I dont fancy being cranky and hungover in the morning. Finally number three, you arnt going to get anywhere with her tonight" I say
The only thing that seemed to get any sort of reaction from Tidus had been my third reason, he took a step back in suprise.
"Oh come on Tye, I saw the way you looked at her." I say with a grin.
"I err... its just that... err... you know... I mean" He stammered.
Chuckling to myself I unfold my arms and give him a punch on the shoulder.
"Hey no sweat with me Tye, she digs you... she completely gave you the come hither look" I say grinning.
"Really?" Tidus asked quickly, earning another laugh from me.
"Yeah really, and you arnt gonna get anywhere with Wakka around, so just wait till morning like she said" I say
"You heard all that?" Tidus asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Errr.. I mean..." I stammer at being caught out.
"Well we can call that one all then if you want" Tidus said laughing.
Clenching my fist, I give the blitzer an evil look, he seems to understand whats going to happen to him, and he retreats into the sleeping area, to which I follow him. Cornering him quickly next to the wall I stand infront of him.
"Remind me why I shouldnt kill you?" I say
"Because it'll... errrr. errrr upset Yuna?" He offers with a large grin.
Gritting my teeth I lower my hand and declench my fist.
"You got me there Tye" I say with a smile.
Sitting down on one of the beds I make myself comfy, Tidus doing the same on the one opposite.
"Can I ask you something Kaiser?" Tidus asked.
"What is it?" I say wondering.
"Why is it you keep calling me Tye?" He asks
"Arent I allowed a pet name for you" I smirk. "You dont like?" I ask
"No its not that, was just wondering" He replied
"Fair enough then" I say with a smile.
Starting to stretch out, Tidus lays back on the bed.
"So what do I get to call you?" Tidus asks
"I dont know, think of something" I say
"Ill have to think about it then" He sniggers "Think im bushed after all, goodnight then Kaiser" He says with a yawn.
Smiling he almost makes me chuckle with trying to think of a name in return, however reaching up to my head, I can feel that the drink id been having was starting to take hold of me, so turning in would be a wise course of action. Plus knowing my luck id probabally got internal injuries from when Kisara punched me earlier. Standing up, I remove my duel disk from my arm and place it on the table next to my bed, before removing my long leather jacket and hanging it up on a coat hook next to the table.
"See you in the morning Tye...Tidus?" I say
Looking over at Tidus, he was already asleep on the bed, beginning to snore lightly, rolling my eyes once more, I lay back onto the bed, not bothering to get under considering it was quite warm at night in Besaid.
"Ah well the journey begins tommorrow" I say to myself.
Pretty much with the effects of the drink in my stomach helping me along, I was soon sound asleep falling into dreamworld. Little did I know that two half transparent figures were standing in the door way to the sleeping area of the inn.
"He's starting to believe" Zane said
"Believe what Trusedale? Humour me." Kaiba replies.
"Believe that what he was, where ever he came from, is not who is here on Spira" Zane said
"That sounds a bit too complicated" Kaiba says wryly
"In that case, here he feels welcome and needed just for being him, not for what he can do for others." Zane adds
"Thats almost exactly the same" Kaiba sneers.
"Work it out then yourself" Zane finishes, to which Kaiba simply snorts.
"Pathetic" Spoke the voice.
"This is starting to take the piss, cant I get a nights sleep without you barging in on my sleep?" I reply
"Pathetic arnt you, getting sucker punched by a woman" The voice says sniggering.
"SHUT UP" I reply fiercely.
"My my, I seem to have struck a nerve" chuckled the voice
"Ill strike more than your nerves if you wernt such a coward and show yourself" I say with defiance.
"Oh dont worry about that, we will meet soon, just wait and see" Finished the voice
"I HATE YOU!" Came a loud cry
Springing up straight off the bed, within half a second my duel disk was on my forearm and was activated, my hand over the deck slot ready to draw. Looking over the Inn, I could see the voice was Tidus's sat up in his bed, shaking and covered in sweat. Lowering my arm I stand at the side of his bed, his heavy breathing echoing slightly in the Inn.
"You ok? You have a nightmare or something?" I ask
Still seeing that he was shaken up, I quickly looked around the Inn, seeing a jug of water and a glass on a nearby table, I fill it up and offer the glass of water to Tidus who rapidly gulps it down.
"Better?" I ask
"Yeah much... thanks Kaiser" He says
I sit down on my bed, noting as well that my duel disk had deactivated.
"I didnt even think when I shot out of bed. I grabbed hold of it and had it on my arm ready to draw so fast, and it activated despite not being any danger or anything around. This thing must have activated purely on the fact that I was startled, almost like an extention of my own body." I think
"So what were you dreaming about?" I ask
"Errr nothing... its nothing... cant really remember" He stammers.
It didnt take a genius to work out that he was lying, or for someone who actually knew. He could remember full well the dream, he was dreaming about his father, about how much he hated him. Hey I could relate.
"He's dead, ok? Dead!" Came a dark female voice
Both of us immediately looked at each other, wondering where the voice had come from, nodding my head towards the Inn door, we both very quietly tip toe over to the Inn curtain, standing on either side of the curtain, we peek through to see who is talking outside.
"He does look a lot like Chappu... I was surprised too, the first time I saw him. But no matter what he looks like, he isn't Chappu! You shouldn't have brought him here in the first place!" Lulu snapped
Looking outside I could see that the voice was indeed Lulu, having a go at Wakka it seemed, all I could say was that she didnt look exactly the best woman you would want to piss off.
"But he needed our help!… Kaiser too." Wakka said weakly
"Excuses again?" she snapped back.
Lulu looked to the skys and folded her arms before speaking again.
"You know how much it upset Tara when he became the temple's Champion Wakka." Lulu continued
"But-" Wakka stammered
"That's it! No more! Enough Wakka!" Lulu interrupted.
Turning around on her heels, Lulu simply walked away from Wakka, leaving him bewildered and looking quite hurt that she had just given him quite the earbashing. Wakka eventually turned on the spot and very slowly headed towards the Inn, he almost seemed like he was sliding along the ground, his feet wernt exactly walking very well.
"Think thats our cue to move Tye" I say, letting go of the curtain
Nodding in response Tidus let go of his side, I quickly made a beeline for the Inn table and sat down on one of the chairs, waiting for Wakka to enter, Tidus on the other hand simply stood next to the curtain. After a few more seconds Wakka entered the hut, still looking quite dejected.
"Scary!" Tidus said, earning a small laugh from me
Wakka didnt reply, he simply began to walk forward
"So... who's Chappu?" Tidus asked
This question did make Wakka stop, he simply stood still and took a deep breath before speaking.
"My little brudda, Chappu. He looked like you." Wakka spoke
"He's dead?…" Tidus guessed
But Wakka didnt answer, he was already walking though the Inn towards the sleeping area, standing up, Tidus and I made to go after him. In the sleeping quaters, Wakka was sat on a bed, Tidus and I sat on the one opposite him, while he began to tell his story. Looking at Wakka, his face told the whole story, he almost looked defeated at the death of his brother. As much as I knew about his history, just seeing his face full of grief infront of me, filled me with such sadness for his loss.
"He was in the Crusaders when they fought Sin last year…. He didn't make it… I first heard on the day of the tournament…" Wakka began.
"Oh, so that's why…" Tidus said, the penny dropping
"How could you play your best with that on your mind?" I offer.
"I became a Guardian to fight Sin, ya?" Wakka stated firmly
"Revenge, then?" Questioned Tidus.
"Thats never the answer Wakka, no matter how good you think it will make you feel" I throw in.
"Well It was the original idea… Look at me I'm more worried about a stupid game now, then avenging my brother." Wakka added.
I turn to look to Tidus to see his reaction, he must have been thinking the same think because as I turn my head he is looking at me. Giving each other a knowing glance, we both turn back to Wakka for him to continue his story.
"Well, after the tournament, I become a Guardian full-time. I know it kinda looks like I'm using you" Wakka said, looking up at Tidus "…but I'm not…" He finished
"Don't worry. I mean, I owe you a lot." Tidus took a glance at me before continuing. "We owe you a lot. You really helped us out y'know. What I mean is…" Tidus trailed off.
Glancing at me once more, I nod in understanding, we both stand up and offer our hands to Wakka, who's head is still down.
"Thanks Wakka" We both say
Wakka raised his head, seemingley forgetting his grief for a moment, he reaches out, not quite sure which hand to take, before he pulls away and starts laughing
"Stop! You're embarrassing me!" Wakka chuckles
"Im glad he feels happier, he just needed a bit of reassurance and thanks" I think
"So, you gonna tell me your teams strategy?" Tidus asks
"Ya sure brudda, lets go over to the table and I can plot it all out for ya!" Wakka says, his confidence returning upon the mention of Blitzball.
The two begin walking towards the table in the other area, Tidus calls for me over his shoulder.
"Kaiser? You coming?" He asks
"Sorry Tye, still bushed, you go talk, Blitz isnt my thing really, see you in the morning" I say
"Night Kaiser" He replies.
Smiling again I see them sit at the table, I could only just hear them talking so I didnt have to worry that they would disturb me, turning around I place my duel disk back on the table before climbing onto the bed, hoping to get some sleep before daybreak. But something on my mind was still troubling me, it was what Lulu had said about upsetting Tara.
"How would becoming the Temple's Champion upset her?" I keep thinking before I drift off to sleep.
"This is getting to be quite tiresome"" spoke the voice
"Should I say snap now?" I snap back
"Your supposed to be a legendary dark warrior, yet all you seem to be doing is nothing. Pathetic really" replied the voice.
"Is disturbing me in my sleep a pass time of yours? Or do you really have nothing else better to do?" I retort.
"Know this child, before the next day is out, you will know what is like to feel darkness" The voice finishes with a rather sinister twist.
Waking up with a start, my eyes shoot open, I throw myself up instantly and onto my feet, still startled by the declaration of the voice in my sleep. Looking round, I see that is day time, Tidus is still sleeping soundly, despite my rather loud awakening.
"Feel darkness? What could it mean?" I think.
Slowly shaking the sleep from my eyes, I grab a glass of water from the bedside table and drink down quickly, the words of the voice had distrubed me, and not like all the other times it had spoken to me. The last things it had said to me about feeling darkness, it sounded like a statement of fact, and that was something I didnt like to hear. Hearing groans behind me, I look over my shoulder to see Tidus beginning to stir from his sleep, I begin to grab hold of my coat and my duel disk as I hear a voice over my shoulder.
"Morning Kaiser"
Looking over my shoulder I see Tidus is sat up on his bed, still rubbing sleep from his eyes. Donning my coat and duel disk, I grab another two glasses and fill them with water, handing one to Tidus.
"Morning Tye, time to get up, we have a boat to catch" I say
Gulping his water down rather fast also, Tidus wiped his mouth and took a deep breath, before throwing himself onto his feet and starting to stretch.
"Feels good for a decent nights sleep for a change" he said
Smiling I fold my arms.
"Pity that the bed hair of yours dosnt agree" I say with a smirk
"Wha?" He said hurriedly.
Running over to the nearest mirror on the wall, Tidus almost screeched when he saw his head, well... birds nest of hair that is, although it took him only a few seconds to move it back into his messed up look he normally goes for. Turning round with a smile he gives me a thumbs up.
"There, no bed hair now... how come yours stayed so well?" He asked.
With a wry smile of my own I walk over to the mirror and take a look, having to stifle a slight gasp as I see my now longer hair again than usual. It was taking a little getting used to having thicker almost shoulder length dark hair, but as Tidus had said, no bed hair for me. Aside from moving the few bangs of hair out of the way of my eyes, all was good.
"Its because im worth it" I say with a grin
"What?" Tidus asked confused
"Nothing" I saw with a laugh, punching him on the arm.
"Come on, lets get going, that boat wont wait forever." I say.
With a nod we both exited the inn.
As we exited the Inn, instantly I could feel the warm Besaid sunshine bearing down on me. The cool ocean breeze kept it from being too hot. Closing my eyes for a second, I lift my head up to feel the suns warmth on my face. It felt really good, like a day at the seaside or something. Getting back to reality, opening my eyes, I see Wakka and Lulu at the centre of the village, stood where the fire had been the night before. Tidus and I quickly walked over to them, and the pair spotted our approach, turning round to face us.
"Hey, sleepyheads!" Wakka said with a smile
Both of us grinned rather sheepishly at him, it appeared that they morning had since been and gone.
"Somethin' I wanna give you." Wakka said to Tidus.
It was a that point that Wakka gave Tidus a rather impressive looking sword that he had been holding.
"Whoa!" Tidus said gasping.
It was the Brotherhood sword, a very fine weapon indeed, it was blue in colour and had a very sharp set of serated edges along once side, perfect for slicing up Fiends. But looking at the blade itself was the true marvel, its enitre length was shimmering with a magical blue light, almost like the surface of water was rippling and bubbling along the entire blade, It really was something to see. I was glad to actually see it myself up close.
"You're giving this to me?" Tidus asked, still in shock
"Yeah. Use it well." Wakka said with a nod
Tidus took a few swings with it, gauging its weight and the overall feel of the blade, it didnt take him long to feel comfortable with it. It wasnt suprising really, it was clearly an enchanted sword. Tidus unhooked the old sword on his back and passed it to me, before strapping his new sword on his back. I tried to hand him the old sword back, but he shook his head, earning a confused glance from me.
"You dont want this now?" I ask
"Nah, you keep it, might come in handy in close quaters if your monsters arnt too quick" He says.
Raising an eyebrow at his (for a change) impressive logic, I quickly once more use the coat straps around my waist to make a crude strap for the sword on my back. The sword wasnt too heavy so it should be ok to keep it there for now. I could always either find or at some point buy a proper scabbard for it. Not that it was my primary weapon anyway, taking a glance at my duel disk.
"Thanks Tye" I say with a smile.
"No prob" He said smiling back.
"That's the sword you gave Chappu." Lulu voiced suddenly
"Well, he never used it." Wakka said sadly.
Lulu didnt reply to that statement, and there was an awkward silence in the air for a few seconds.
"So dont I get anything?" I ask meekly
Wakka gave a chuckle before replying.
"No sorry brudda, not really got anything a duelist would need" Wakka said "Where's Yuna?" Wakka suddenly inquired.
Lulu simply turned her head towards the temple, indicating her response.
"We're taking the same boat as Yuna, right? Why do we gotta wait here?" Tidus questioned.
"Because its polite?" I say quickly.
Wakka gave a broad grin at my comment, and looking over at Lulu, I could have sworn I saw the faintest form of a smile quickly cross her lips. It was gone a second later but at least it told me one thing.
"Think ive got her on side... at least slightly" I think
"Yuna came to this village ten years ago when the last Calm started." Wakka began
"The Calm?" Tidus inquired looking confused.
"Since then, she's been like a sister to me and Lulu. But she had the talent…she became an apprentice. Now, today, she leaves as a Summoner." Wakka concluded
"This is our journey. We should leave together." Lulu spoke, her voice a lot more softer than it had been last night. Nevertheless, it was still devoid of much emotion.
Just then there was a small crash towards the direction of the temple. All heads instantly turned in that direction to have a look. It was Yuna, trying to move a extremely large and heavy suitcase, and not having much luck at that.
"You really don't need all that luggage." Lulu called to Yuna
"They're not really my things. They're gifts for the temples we're to visit." Yuna answered in a soft voice
"This isn't a vacation Yuna." Wakka scolded lightly
"I guess... I guess you're right…" Yuna agreed, slowly walking towards us.
As she got closer I could see she didnt have anything else with her. Except to my delight, the staff I had given her the night before was now across her back. To which Lulu seemed to notice.
"Where did you get that staff Yuna?" Lulu asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh this? Kaiser gave it to me... Its the temple's treasure he found in the Cloister" Yuna said with a beaming smile
"Did he now" Lulu added, gaving me a sideways glare, to which I rub the back of my head with a smile.
"Ok! Off we go!" Wakka said as we began to leave the village.
As we passed under the arched entrance to the village and made our way along the track, I looked over my shoulder to see that Yuna wasnt following us. Stopping I turn round to see her looking out of the village, taking in every deatil, before finally making the Yevon prayer towards the temple. Then just as quickly as she stopped she turned round and started to run back along the dirt track. Smiling as she passed me she hurried towards the others.
"Saying goodbye wernt you Yuna? How I wish I could tell you now that you didnt have to." I think to myself sadly, before running back and joining the others.
As we started to make our way up the dirt track, we all walked in silence. It almost felt uncomfortable, but the silence was about to be broken by a loud growling sound, a Dingo was heading our way, snarling and baring its fangs at us. Instantly Tidus and Wakka stood point, drawing thier weapons, it was only then that I noticed the Blitzball that was harnassed on the small of Wakka's back.
"Hey, why don't you try out that new sword I gave you?" Wakka suggested to Tidus
With a wry grin, Tidus instantly lunged forward, and with a small leap, sliced at the Fiend which didnt even have time to react. The sword bit deeply into the back of the Fiend, killing it instantly and it dissolved into a cloud of pyreflies.
"No problem!" Tidus proclaimed.
"Not too shabby! You kept up with him pretty well! Might make a good Guardian one day!" Wakka said grinning.
The victory was short lived, as descending from atop the nearby hill, a Condor Fiend was heading our way, drawn by the sounds of the fight.
"A flyer! My kind of customer!" Wakka beamed
Wakka took aim at the Condor and threw his Blitzball at it with all his bodyweight behind it, hitting it square on, the Condor swayed in the air for a second before dropping to the floor and dissolving into pyreflies. Seeingley of its own accord, the Blitzball upon impact, flew back perfectly in the air towards Wakka, who leaped into the air and caught it without breaking a sweat.
"Impressive" I say with a small round of applause.
"Yes, really impressive" Yuna added
"Not too bad I suppose" Lulu concluded.
Sheathing thier weapons once more, Wakka and Tidus took a sec in the praise they recieved before we all started to move back along the dirt track. Within a few minutes the promotory where the statue was appeared into view, however something had appeared with it. A Water Flan was slithering down the track, heading right towards us, with a rather malicious grin on its jelly like face.
"That looks like trouble…" Wakka said,
"Heh! Watch this!" Tidus shouted.
Without a second thought Tidus went on the attack, slicing at the Flan. The Flan didnt even attempt to dodge, as Tidus blade moved ever closer. Then it was all over, the blade swept clean through the Flan, which didnt even react to the attack.
"What the?" Tidus gulped
The Water Flan wiggled around quickly, conjuring a tentacle like arm from its jelly body substance, and slaped Tidus hard across the face, sending him flying back to the floor with a thud, jumping back onto his feet and wiping his face, he looked quite pissed off.
"Told ya! Only magic can beat that thing! If you can't beat 'em down, you gotta use magic of an element they don't like!" Wakka said.
"Magic? Element?" Tidus asked bewlidered.
"Let's have our black mage show you what I mean! Lu! You're up!" Wakka shouted over his shoulder.
Lulu rushed forward, leaving Yuna and I on the sidelines, and joined Wakka and Tidus at the front. With a wave of her hand, she conjured forth a small doll, which she held in her left arm. It was almost the size of a baby, it was a pink moogle doll, and her physical offensive weapon believe it or not.
"Clueless, aren't you? Good thing I'm here." She said scolding the pair.
Taking a look at the Flan, Lulu began her analysis for Tidus.
"Spells of Ice work well against Fire Fiends, and Fire Fiends are weak against Ice magic, you follow?" Lulu began
"I get Fire and Ice but what about Lightning and Water?" Tidus replied
"Your kidding right?" I say sarcastically, Lulu also didnt seem impressed, who gave a snort before continuing
"Lightning and Water are opposed just like Fire and Ice, this one here is a Water Fiend, which means..." Lulu trailed off
"Use Lightning!" Tidus exclaimed
"You get a gold star mate" I say facepalming.
Lulu ignoring our comments, lifted her right arm and focused her magical energies, after a another second, she pulled her arm down to her side, releasing her magic. A powerful bolt of Lightning seemingley conjuring out of nowhwere hit the Flan dead on, which sizzled and dissolved into pyreflies in an instant.
"Whoa! Tidus cried out
"See... easy" She said with a smirk.
A couple of loud growls interrupted us once again as four more Dingo Fiends headed down the Promotory towards us. Seemingley it was turning into quite the busy day against Fiends so far! Lulu, Wakka and Tidus were still at the ready, rearing to go against the Fiends. Glancing down at my duel disk, I give a wry smile to myself.
"My turn" I think
Taking a sideways glance to Yuna, she seeingley noticed my intent, giving me a smile and a encouraging nod, I walked forward to the rest of the group, along the way I extend my left arm in the air above my head, and with a satisfying sound, I hear my duel disk activate. Smiling that I was getting the hang of this, I passed by the group and stood infront of them, between them and the Fiends.
"Hey there brudda! What ya doin?" Wakka shouted.
"DONT WORRY, THESE FIENDS GOT NOTHING ON ME" I say in my dual voice.
Looking over my shoulder I give them a sideways smile, relaxing, they all sheath thier respective weapons and take a step back. Turning back to face the four Fiends, I hear someone shout to me
"Kaiser! Your gonna have to teach me that eye trick! Its really cool man!" I hear Tidus shout.
Smiling, I didnt even realise my eyes had changed, then again it didnt matter, I could already feel the powers of the Fayth beginning to flow through me once more. Drawing a card from my deck, I didnt even look as I slapped it down in a monster zone.
"ALRIGHT! COME OUT CYBER DRAGON!" I yell
In a explosion of pyreflies, my metallic dragon appeared before me, wrapping the lower half of its body around me for protection all the way up to my neck, it never once actually touched me, giving me plenty of space to move. Giving the four Dingos a rather metallic roar, the Fiends started to step backward, unsure of what to do. The lead Dingo decided to take a chance, dashing forwards, it lept into the air to sink its fangs into the dragon. However my Cyber Dragon had other ideas, with a quick snap forward of its neck, it caught the Dingo it mid air in its powerful jaws, and a second later they had clamped shut crushing the life from the Dingo as it dissolved into pyreflies. Seeing the death of thier leader, the remainding three Dingos turned tail and began to run for thier lives.
"Dont let them go, kill them"
I could feel malicious feelings beginning to flow through me, seeing the Dingos retreat, I wanted to pursue them. Make them pay for thinking they could attack me.
"Make them bleed, taste thier very blood on your lips"
Gritting my teeth in unholy rage, I clench my fists in anger, as my blood begins to boil
"CYBER DRAGON! PREPARE TO ATTACK!" I shout
The Cyber Dragon gave another roar, and uncoiled from around me, rearing up at full height, it bean to draw energy into its mouth for its attack.
"Let thier death crys be your lullaby, enjoy the slaughter of all that oppose you"
"Kaiser! There fleeing!" Yuna shouted horrified.
"Fiends are Fiends Yuna, if I let them go here they will only try to hurt someone else, this way innocents dont get hurt" I reply, before turning back towards the retreating Fiends.
"NOW MY DRAGON ATTACK! EVOLUTION BURST!" I command
"Enjoy the taste of darkness...hahahahahaha"
The dragons energy attack struck true, and vaporised all three of the fleeing Dingos on the spot, not even the pyreflies remained once the dust had settled. Turning round, I replaced the card into my deck and my duel disk deactivated. Looking at my companions, I could see mixed reactions on thier faces. Lulu and Tidus hadnt seemed to have changed, for Lulu, what I said was exactly that, Fiends were Fiends. They were safer on as pyreflies than something that could hurt people, and Tidus just looked impressed at seeing my monster. Yuna and Wakka seemed mostly in shock at my act, I had already heard Yuna's account, but Wakka was still almost rooted to the spot.
"Kaiser... ya know... that was kind extreme ya?" He asked slowly
Folding my arms, I simply tilted my head to the side.
"They were Fiends, them or us, or I could have left them to escape. Escape and kill someone else, you think I want that on my head?" I ask firmly
Wakka seemed to stutter trying to find an answer, but I already knew that he didnt have one.
"I thought not...Lets go" I say.
Seeingley following suit, we all started to move back up the dirt track. Only a minute later we arrived at the promotory. Lulu slowly made her way to the rope fencing and looked down on the village, shortly after Yuna stood by her side. No words were exchanged for a minute or two as the rest of us stood at the back.
"Take your time." Lulu voiced suddenly
Standing there for a few more minutes, I could almost sense Yuna's eyes looking down on the village she had called home for years. Thinking she would never see it again.
"Believe me you will Yuna" I promise to myself
"Let's got goin', man!" Tidus said suddenly
"No. We're gonna wait." Wakka interrupted sternly
"Huh?" Tidus questioned.
Yuna turned around and began to walk away from the sight of the village, stopping as she was about to pass Wakka.
"Are…you ready?" Wakka asked
A solemn nod was all his reply was as Yuna began to walk along, followed after by Lulu, who gave Wakka a knowing glance as they passed each other
"What's er… goin' on?" Tidus asked, looking at me.
"Just watch, let it happen" I said softly
Wakka at this point had knelt infront of the obelisk statue that was on the promotory, and was silently praying infront of it, standing just behind him were Yuna and Lulu who looked deep in thought. Tidus and I joined them and stood on either side of Wakka as he prayed.
"It's an ancient custom… People leaving the island pray here for a safe trip… Chappu didn't pray that day…said he'd miss his boat…" Wakka said, trying not to stammer as the pain was evident in his voice, over the loss of his brother.
Tidus and I cast each other glances, and we know what we had to do.
"You want to pray for something?" I ask
"Yeah... I pray that we all have a safe journey to Luca and Yuna has a great Pilgrimage" Tidus says, making the Yevon prayer bow.
"Thank you" Yuna echoed softly.
"Nice Tye... I pray that im thankful to the Fayths of Besaid for making me thier Champion, and I hope I never let them down" I say
I didnt even have time to begin the prayer bow when something shouted out.
"THATS IT! IVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SHIT!" Shouted a voice
Wakka immediately fell onto his back in shock. The rest of us started to look around seeing where the voice had come from. Emerging from behind the statue was Tara, and she had rather pissed off look on her face.
"Tara! Whats the matter with you?" Yuna declared in shock.
Without even looking, Tara jabbed a finger in my direction pointing squarely at me. All eyes of the group turned on me as I looked around.
"Tough crowd" I say
Taranow clenched her hand into a fist.
"He is my problem Yuna, since he came here he had everything handed to him, and im sick of it!" Tara declared.
"Are you talking about being the temples Champion?" Yuna asked
"I mean everything! He stands there trying to look the bad ass in those dark coat and clothes, and he even manages to fool the Fayth into making him thier Champion!" Tara shouts.
"I didnt fool anyone, they called to me actually. And for your information... I look mighty fine in black" I reply cooly.
"Was I talking to you?" Tara retorts, before turning to look back at Yuna
"And yeah, I saw him give you that staff Yuna, and saw him chitty chatting to you. He probabally was trying to get you to dump me and make him your duelist!" Tara continues.
"Tara! Your my sister, id never do that, we didnt talk about anything like that!" Yuna says in horror.
A malicious twist seemed to cross Tara's face as she turned and looked in my direction.
"Well theres always one way to find out who should be your duelist Yuna" She declared as her duel disk activated.
Yuna's eyes widened in horror as she realised her sisters intent.
"Tara no! Stop this! You cant mean..." Yuna stammered.
"Too late Yuna! Kaiser! As the Champion of Besaid I challenge you to a duel! And dont even think about refusing! You cant! As I, Tara challenge you as the Champion of Bevelle!" Kisara shouted
"Tara!" Yuna, Wakka and Lulu shouted.
"Is this a good time to ask whats going on?" Tidus says, although no one was listening at the moment.
Tilting my head to one side, I gave her a wry smile.
"I accept" I say as my duel disk activates.
Chapter 8 signing off! A lot of negative feelings from Kisara have emerged in this chapter! Nex time we get to see the first offical duel of the fic. Believe me it wont disappoint. Also whats with the connection bewteen Tidus and Yuna towards Kaiser that he has felt so far? What is the voice in Kaisers dreams doing manipluating his feelings? Read on and find out.
Read onto the next chapter I dare you! Because believe me in that duel... all hell will break loose.