Chapter 16: Drama's On the Sea's - An Evil Arises
It was a few minutes after my duel with Elan, and I was walking back through the Kilika forest with Nomi in tow. The young boy was walking a few steps behind me, looking quite timd as his eyes searched the trees for any signs of fiends. I had kept silent during my journey and had taken out my new cards from my inside pocket, looking at the card form of my pets.
"Why do I get the feeling your all looking at me?" I smile to myself.
Replacing the cards inside my pocket, I take a look over my shoulder to see Nomi walking nervously behind me. Smiling to him, I hold out a hand and he takes it as I walk him to the side of me before letting go.
"Theres nothing to be afraid of" I say. "Ill protect you"
"Its just... Ive never been through the forest before without... without my brother" He said sadly.
Giving him a weak smile, I stop for the moment and get down on one knee to address the young boy.
"Look, I know its sad, but I'm here for you now. Nothing will happen to you while im around... you know, you remind me of my little brother you know" I say smiling and tussling his hair.
The act of this brought a cheery smile to Nomi, who giggled.
"Where is your little brother?" He asked.
"He's a long way away from here" I say. "You can meet him some day if you like. He will be a good friend to you" I say.
"Yay!" Nomi cheered.
Our chat was interrupted by a loud hissing noise, and turning my eyes towards the noise I see a Dinonix approaching. It was a large green lizard with a yellow sharp spinal like formation along its back down to its tail. It was padding along the ground on razor sharp claws, intending on making us its next meal. Nomi instantly hid behind me at the sight of it, while I calmly draw my sword while standing up.
"Go and hide" I say quickly, to which Nomi instantly starts scurrying away.
Sizing up the lizard, I can see that it will be very agile, so I point my sword directly at it.
"If you value your existance, you will turn around right now" I say, not even sure it could understand me.
A loud hiss was my response as it lept forward at me slashing out with its razor sharp claws. Bringing the flat side of my blade up, I take the attack head on, sparks flying between its claws and my steel in the clash. Pushing it off, it jumps back to land like a cat on the ground. Siezing my chance I dash forward, suprised again at my own speeed and deciding to take the initative, I leap high in the air, jumping higher than I thought possible and flip over the Fiend, slashing downward as I do tearing the flesh on its back. With a roar of pain, it whips its tail up as I land, and hits my square in the centre of the chest, sending me flying back in a heap on the ground. As I struggle to get up, I hear it his and launch itself at me once more, and reacting I bring my sword up and it impales itself on my blade, hissing in pain as it dissolves into Pyreflies. Taking a few breaths to ease my pain for a moment, I get to my feet before putting away my sword
"Well that was fun" I smile.
Looking round for Nomi, I cant see him among the trees, however I breathe a sigh of relief a moment later as he remerges timidly from behind a tree.
"Is it gone?" He asks.
"Yea" I say. "It wont bother anyone anymore"
Nomi quickly joined me as we began our walk back towards Kilika, but the silence was short lived for there was enough going on in my head to keep my occupied.
"To jump and flip like that is not possible" I think. "Im not athletic by no means, yet I did it like I've fought that way for years. Reacting purely on instinct with increased speed and strength. Is this what it means to have a soul monster like Blue-Eyes?" I think
Passing across the bridge where we fought the Ochu, I could see the end of the trail in sight. As we walked, Nomi spoke up.
"Hey Kaiser, are you going to enter the tournament in Luca?" Nomi asked.
"Blitzball?" I say. "Not really my thing" I snigger.
"No" Nomi laughs. "Duel Monsters. The Tag Tournament before the actual start of the Blitz season"
I was really not expecting that, but smiling to myself I had already decided.
"Yes" I say. "Yes I think I will"
"Do you have a partner?" Nomi asked.
"Yes" I smile thinking of one person. "Someone I know that will jump at the chance knowing her"
"Yay!" Nomi cheered. "I can see you duel again!"
His delight was once again interrupted this time by the shuffling of what sounded like leaves on the ground. Looking up, I see a Ragora approaching from out of the tree line. It looked like a walking bush, with leaves for arms and a flower on its head. But I knew that was decieving, for it could shoot seeds from that flower that could be devestating. Nomi this time didnt need to be told, he instantly fled behind a tree at the sight of the Fiend while I was re-drawing my sword. Sizing it up I see it shuffling around on the floor, and then my eyes widen in terror as I realise my mistake. Within the space of half a second, it had inhaled and shot a seed at me hitting me full in the chest. I felt my ribs crack in misery at such an attack as I was flung backwards, dropping my sword in the process.
As I slide along the floor and come to a stop, I can see stars in my eyes and hear the Ragora shuffling across the ground towards me. Managing to lift my head I see it raising a leafed arm, and notice quickly that it is infact razor sharp. Rolling out of the way as the arm comes down, I jump to my feet running past it and foward roll towards my sword picking it up as I do and spinning round. The Ragora had already recovered and was shuffling towards me once again. With a spinning strike I slice its bladed arm straight off, making it cry out in a wierd shout of pain. It shuffled back and I see it moving to use its Seed Cannon again.
Taking the initative this time I lung forward in a thrust strike, embedding the tip of my blade directly in its body before it can. It made a pain noise once again and attempted to wrestle free the balde from its body. Giving it no chance, I pulled out my sword and in an overhead slash cleaved the Fiend clean in half, it dissolved quickly in a cloud of pyreflies. As I was panting from the attack, the adrenaline left my body as I fell to the floor, the pain in my chest taking hold as I gasp for air. Feeling round my ribs, I felt for certain at least two were cracked. Nomi emerged from the trees moments later running over to me looking concerned.
"Are you ok?" He asked.
"Strangely yes" I reply, for I could feel an odd sensation running through my chest. "It looks like a bit of Soul power is giving me a hand" I smile through the pain that was diminishing.
Standing back to my feet, I feel my ribs were going to be sore, but none the worse for wear. Using my sword as a temporary walking stick, I point to the end of the forest.
"Come on, lets not push our luck" I say.
Walking by my side, Nomi supported me as I walked despite his small frame. As we walked I felt my strength returning and was able to walk by myself shortly after as I replaced my sword. A few minutes later we had cleared the forest and were back in Kilika. The sun was setting and was casting an orange glow on the remains of the town. As we made our way towards the ship, I see Tidus waving like a mad man on the side of the deck
"Hhhhheeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyy!"
Face palming instantly, Nomi saw my reaction.
"Whos that?" He asked.
"A first class idiot" I say taking my hand away. "But he's a good heart" I smile.
Making our way onto the boat, Tidus quickly greeted me, noticing Nomi.
"This your new friend" He asks smiling at the boy.
Nomi for his part hid behind my legs at his question.
"Yea. Im gonna take him to Luca to make sure he is looked after. His bullys wont be bothering him again"
"Are they errrr... in one piece?" Tidus asked suddenly.
"For the most part, although Elan, their leader is a bit worse for wear after the duel I put him through" I smile
"You should have seen him!" Nomi said suddenly full of confidence. "He beat him easy! Kaiser has these really strong pet dogs and a hamster!"
"Dogs? Hamster?" Tidus said looking confused.
I could have mentally choked at Nomi saying that, after all, it was something that Tidus couldnt know... at least not yet.
"Never mind" I say quickly changing the subject. "It looks like they are casting off, we just made it"
"Yea" Tidus said, his mind acting like a sieve. "Luca in the morning here we come!" He said fist pumping.
As he spoke the ship was indeed departing, and as it moved slowly out of the pier I looked at the remains of Kilika and the destruction brought about by Sin.
"I will destroy you, you monster" I think. "Even if I die trying"
As the sun was setting below the waterline, the sound of steel could be heard clashing on the deck of the ship. Both Kaiser and Tidus were practising against each other once again, but this time, the battle was a lot different than the previous one. Kaiser was now dueling Tidus one handed with his blade, smooth and fluid movements backed up by immense strength was pushing the young blitzer to the limit. As a three pronged attack by Kaiser against Tidus pushed the blitzer back as he parried the blows, the two stepped back, panting from there exertion.
"You've... you've changed" Tidus said between pants.
A flash of blue, black and silver in my eyes were already giving a part answer.
"Its not everday I have three boss monsters backing me up" I said, no longer panting. "I just hope you know what your ready for, because I can go another ten rounds" I winked
"You know how to provoke me dont you?" Tidus said smirking.
"Then cut loose..." I say smirking back. "You know you cant hurt me" I say with a playful wink
"Oh thats it!" Tidus said full of determination.
Racing forward, Tidus attacked with a flurry of blows first up high, then towards my legs. Parrying them quickly, I flip backwards in a sommersault at his low attack and thrust forward with my sword in a disemowling strike. Tidus span to the side and gave a back handed strike with his gauntleted hand. With a smirk, I dodge under it and launch a fist foward towards his gut. As I do, I pull back my fist and instead poke him with my finger. With a laugh I roll out of the way and flip back onto my feet.
"One to me" I say.
"You smug bastard!" He laughs.
His next attack caught me by suprise, running forward he peforms a cartwheel and a flip before coming down into an overhead strike, his Spiral Cut technique. Bringing my sword up quickly to parry, the strength of the attack slid me back across the deck, jarring my bones.
"You deserved that" Tidus grinned
"Dont blame me what happens next" I say narrowing my eyes.
Feeling energy charging up inside my body, I launch myself across the deck at speeds once again making me looking like im sliding. Stopped before Tidus I leap high in the air for an overhead Braver attack once more. Tidus brought his sword up again and parried, but his strength was also not sufficient as he was sent skidding back across the deck from the force of the attack. Panting once again from both our exertions, a voice at the side of the deck speaks up.
"Maybe you should stop for today" Yuna said
"Before it gets messy" Tara giggles.
Looking at each other, Tidus and I shrug our shoulders before before sheathing our shoulders and walked to the girls. Standing at the rail next to them, we catch our breaths.
"So how do you think we are doing?" I ask them.
"Your both certainly improving" Yuna says.
"Id say a seven" Tara giggles.
"Get lost" I shoot back.
"Hey, if it helps at all, your duelings a ten" She smirks. "Which means your Blitzing has to be the same Tidus" She adds
"Hear that Tye?" I say. "She's trying to flatter us" I smirk
"Yea" He said weakly.
Noticing his now unhappy demeanor, Yuna turned to look at the blitzer.
"Are...are you okay?" She asked
"I...I don't know." Came Tidus's weak response
"What do you want to do?" She questioned further
"To scream real loud." He admitted
"No... really dont" I say facepalming
"Leave him alone" Tara says punching my arm
"Yea!" Yuna agrees. "You should be able to let it out" She adds.
It didnt take long for Tidus to do that, screaming out really loud to vent his frustrations once more. As the two girls giggle I simply roll my eyes at his antics.
The scene quickly changes to night time in the hold of the ship. I was sat educating Nomi in the way of dueling. He was picking it up really fast I had to admit, and after looking over at his deck, I could see why he was targetted by Elan. His own Beast deck was really good, no doubt that was the point in them taking it, to pump up his own deck even more. Tidus walked over to us at this point.
"Want to take a break and walk up top with me?" He asks.
"Sure" I say. "Besides, its this one's bed time" I say towards Nomi.
"But im not sleepy!" He protests
"Get to bed you" I smirk.
Putting on a sad face in protest, Nomi begrudgingley picks up his cards before retreating towards the other room where his bed was.
"You are like my big brother" He adds though. "He made me go to bed early too" He sniggers.
Rolling my eyes and after seeing him leave the room, I get up and head with Tidus out towards the deck.
"Aren't you a stern big brother?" He sniggers.
A sharp slap to the back of his head making him cry out.
"Kids should be not seen, and not heard" I snigger.
"Yes sir" He says pouting.
As we walk onto the deck I feel the serene ocean breeze on my face as the moon was shining high in the sky. It was really quite peaceful which was what I could really do with tonight. As we turned around to head to the front of the ship, we passed Lulu and Wakka making thier way to the upper area. Lulu did not acknowledge us while Wakka smilled at us as they passed. As we made our way to the main deck, I immediately saw a crowd near the front of the ship. The Luca Goers and some over Kilika citizens it seemed were surrounding Yuna and Tara talking, while Kimahri was standing like a Sentinel nearby watching them. Tidus was leading the way, heading towards Yuna as he interrupted them.
"What are you all talking about?" Tidus asked.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Bickson said all high and mighty
"Ah, I remember him. Guy from Kilika" The one I knew as Graav said.
"Hmm?" Bickson said.
"You know, one of the Besaid Aurochs. Said somethin' about winning the cup" Graav sniggered
"Oh, right. You're that idiot" Bickson laughed also.
"Don't call him that!" Yuna suddenly interjected.
"Not unless you want our boots in your ass" Tara added with a sneer
"But he is an idiot" Bickson said unfazed. "They don't got what it takes to win the cup"
"Well, they do now that I'm here!" Tidus responded full of confidence.
"You have no chance beating my boy here" I smile
"Yes, they will win!" Yuna added "He used to be the star player of the Zanarkand Abes!"
"Yeah, as if anyone lived in those ruins" Graav said as the pair laughed loudly.
"It's not ruins, there's a big city there! There is!" Yuna said getting madder by the second.
"So keep your stupid mouths shut" Tara added
However all the pair recieved were stares at thier words by the assembled crowd, they all looked at them like they had hit thier heads or something.
"I got too close to Sin and-" Tidus said trying to take the heat off them.
"There is a city, really!" Yuna said not letting up before turning away from them.
Tara for her part just gave a loud huffing noise before turning away putting her arm around Yuna's shoulder.
"Right. Whatever your Ladyship says" Bickson says as the Goers walk away laughing along with the assembled crowd.
"What's wrong? You seemed kinda mad back there" Tidus said, to Yuna.
"They were being rude and... I do believe your Zanarkand exists. I really do, you know!" Yuna said now smiling.
"How come?" Tidus asked intrigued.
"Sir Jecht used to always tell me stories" Yuna said.
"He always used to go on about his Bliztball stadium" Tara added.
"It'd be great to see your home someday. I'd love to go there." Yuna said with a smile.
"Yours too if you remember it Kaiser" Tara smiled
"Yeah." We both said weakly.
"So, Yuna, wanna come over to my place? Right, sure... As if I had a place to show her. But I did notice something at that time that Lulu had mentioned before... Kaiser's face... he knew where his home was. And it wasnt a good memory"
"A choice between going to show them my home or Zanarkand? Zanarkand every time... least the fiends there are doing what they do naturally, rather than vipers I know pretending to be your friend"
"Well well well" A voice echoed across the desk. "If it isnt the hero of the hour"
Knowing immediately who the voice was, I see Orion and Alessa walking across the deck towards us. Rolling my eyes, I could see the contempt on his face as he looked at me as they stopped before us.
"Can I help you with something?" I ask.
"I hear you beat Leo after all" He said. "A fluke no doubt"
"Well regardless of what you think, you did hear correctly... but hear is all you did since you were running away pissing your pants in fear like a baby" I smirk.
"Dont push me!" Orion said his face turning red.
"Leave him" Alessa says. "He isnt worth it"
"Thats right Orion" I say. "Listen to your mother" I add
"Orion..." Alessa says her face full of rage. "Kill this fucking shit" She sneers.
"Dont even try it" I say, my hand already on the hilt of my sword.
"Hmph" Orion spits. "Cant beat me without a weapon?" He says.
Raising an eyebrow, I take off my sword and throw it on the deck.
"There you go" I say. "But remember what happened last time you tried to hit me" I smile.
Snearing for a moment, Orion raises his duel disk.
"How about we do it our way?" He says. "Actually no, not here, you gotta earn the right to face us" He says.
"We are the tag duel champions after all" Alessa says.
"So you cant face us in the finals of the tournament in Luca" Orion says with a smirk.
"Tag duel?" Tidus says sounding confused.
"Dont you know?!" Alessa says suprised.
"Its a tournament held each year before the Blitzball tournament" Yuna explains. "Tag Teams from around Spira battle it out to face the reigning champions"
"And these two are the reigning champions" Tara says with a sigh.
"So you can battle your way to us" Orion says. "But of course it will be difficult to get there, and impossible to beat us since you have no partner" He said laughing.
"Shes standing right there" I say, silencing his laughter immediately.
Tara for her part looked stunned for a moment, until her expression changed to that of a wide smile.
"Yes... yes she is" She says.
"You'll still loose" Orion said with a spit before walking away with Alessa in tow.
After the pair had left, the remaining three were looking at me intently.
"Are you sure about his Kaiser?" Yuna asked. "You dont have to do this to rise to them"
"Im not" I say. "I was gonna enter anyway. They just gave me an extra incentive"
"So..." Tara said. "Do you really want me as your partner?" She asked unsure.
"Of course I do" I say smiling. "So are you with me then partner?" I ask, offering my hand.
"Yes" She says beaming taking my hand. "All the way to win the finals!"
"What a dream team!" Yuna smiles.
"This is gonna be awesome! You two can win the tournament, and we can take the Blitz tournament!"
As we all gave a resounding cheer to Tidus's logic, the very moon itself seemed to shine brighter at our confidence.
"He has no fear, no doubt, no heisitation whenever he has dealt with that Orion guy" Tidus narrates. "I can tell that he really doesnt like him and that even if I didnt know Kaiser was a good a duelist as he was, then they are both gonna cream them in those finals. Just in time to then cheer me on to taking the Blitz cup"
"Winning tournaments are never a problem for me" I narrate. "But a tag one is gonna be new. Then again, Tara's and my fusion game plans are in perfect synch. We can taken them easy... But I've something special planned for Orion and Alessa. Im not gonna play it until I face them... Im gonna beat them with my Blue-Eyes"
The girls quickly made thier way back into the hold saying they wanted something to eat before leaving Tidus and I alone on the deck. After picking up my sword I look up, I see Lulu and Wakka talking and snigger.
"Want to evesdrop?" I say
His cheeky smile was more than enough that I needed as we creeped to the side of the raised area to listen, quickly hearing Lulu's voice giving a scolding.
"Well? Say something." Lulu said, the contempt in her voice "You'll take responsibility?" "Relax! He's bound to know someone in Luca" Wakka responded
"And if not?"
"He could always join a blitz team" Wakka offered "Anyhow, it's better than just leaving him in Besaid!"
"What? Just leaving him in Luca?" Lulu countered.
"What do you want me to do?" Wakka said sounding defeated
"Yuna wants to make him a guardian." Lulu responded
At this point Tidus gave a broad smile, to which I roll my eyes.
"Oh yeah, geez... There's that too, eh?" Wakka added
"And whose fault is that?" Lulu said, knowing exactly who she meant
"Not mine!" Wakka retored, followed by a few seconds silence "It is mine, huh? Why do you think she wants to make him a guardian, anyway?"
"Because he's Sir Jecht's son. That and the fact that Kaiser is already with us."
"Oh, right." Wakka realises. "Wait, you sure 'bout that? He's really Sir Jecht's son?"
"It's hard to say, but Yuna seems to believe so. After all, the Dark Warrior has walked right into our midsts, so she is more than willing to believe something like that too" Lulu explains.
"Okay." Wakka suddenly said
"Okay?" Lulu said, anger once again raising in her voice "Okay? That's all you have to say?"
"Well, yeah, I mean... He's gotta decide for himself, ya? Well, him and Yuna, I guess" Wakka offered
"You're right, for once" Lulu said, a hint of a snigger in her voice
"Ahem!" Wakka said sounding insulted
"I wonder which is best..." Lulu suddenly said "Why don't you tell him he should?"
"Should what?"
"Become Yuna's guardian" Lulu replied
"Why me?" Wakka replied. "Why cant Kaiser do it or something?"
"Because Yuna can't. That and you shouldnt expect someone else to do it when its your reponsibility" Lulu replied.
"Why not?"
"He hates his father, what he was, what he did." Lulu said "Do you really think she can possibly say to him..." "I want you to be my guardian, like your father was to mine? Plus you seriously cant expect to put that on Kaiser either, despite his questionable past, its not his decision to begin with, let alone the fact he has a greater destiny in the battle against Sin"
"Aren't you being over-sensitive?" Wakka replied
A loud sigh was his response from the Mage.
"All right, all right. I'll try talking to him after the tournament." Wakka said admitting defeat
"Be discreet" She warned
"I know. It's his decision. He doesn't like his father?" Wakka asked
"Apparently. He told Yuna as much." She responded
"Hating your own father, huh? Sounds like a luxury to me. I don't even remember my parents. Can't say how I feel about 'em." Wakka said, sadly thinking back
"I...I was five then, so I remember mine a little." Lulu offered back "Dammit! Sin just takes everything away from us" Wakka retorted.
Hearing footstep as the conversation was over, I nod to Tidus and we silently walk back towards the front of the deck to avoid them seeing us. After seeing them descend and head back towards the hold, I speak up.
"Looks like your gonna be a guardian" I say. "Congrats" I smile
"Yea" He said.
"Your not happy with that?" I say
"I thought I would be" He says sighing.
"But?" I asked
"I dont know..." He said walking towards a blitzball in the center of the deck.
Standing at the side of the deck, I could see him thinking about something. Then I realise its that time, as I lean against the side of the deck, He looks towards the ships mast and kicking the ball to it, it bounces back, and with a punch and a kick he sends it back towards the mast twice before leaping high in the air peforming a rapid spin until he lashes out with his foot, sending the ball flying away into the unknown.
"The best? Yeah right!" Tidus says touching the ground.
"Oh Tye!" I exclaim. "That was totally awesome!" I say clapping.
As he turns round to respond, he gasps at Wakka and the Aurochs surrounding him like a pack of wolves.
"Whoa! What's that called?" Wakka asks
"Doesn't have a name. Anyone can do it if they try." He replies.
"Show us one more time, ya?"
With a smile, Tidus sets the shot up again, performing it flawlessly, and a minute or two later the Aurochs had left him alone to go practice various stages of the shot trying to learn it themselves. Yuna and Tara are stood in the background on the upper deck I notice. Waving to us, they beckon the pair of us to join them as we headed to where they were.
"That was the Jecht Shot, wasn't it?" Yuna said as we approach
"How do you know that?" Tidus asked
"Sir Jecht showed it to us when we were a children" Yuna replied
"He called it the "Sublimely Magnificent Jecht Shot Mark III'" Tara added
"Stupid name, huh?" Tidus says with a sigh "You know what? There is no Mark I or Mark II, you know? My old man said the name Mark III was just something to hook the crowd. He said they'd come back every night expecting to see Mark I and Mark II. And, they really did come back. I used to get so mad."
As the girls giggle, Tidus hangs his head while I offer him a reassuring smile "Is he alive, you think?" He says suddenly
"I don't know." Yuna said honestly. "But, Sir Jecht was my father's guardian."
"So he's famous here, too?" Tidus asked.
"Yes. So if anything happened to him, I should think word would get around fast." Yuna replies.
"Plus he helped beat Sin you know" Tara added. "So its not like he could hide forever with everyone wanting to thank him for the Calm"
"Uh-huh." Was his only response
"What would you do if you found him?" Yuna said, asking the burning question.
"Who knows? I thought he died ten years ago. Well... I'd probably just smack him one." Tidus said, punching the air to emphasise his point. "After everything he put Mom and me through. And because he was famous, I was always... Well, you two should know. Both your father's are famous, too. Everyone in Spira knows them, right? Ain't it tough?"
"It is hard to follow in his footsteps as a summoner." Yuna said sighing.
"Our fathers were great men" Tara added. "Its hard to step out of thier shadows next to that
"Sure." Tidus said understanding.
"But the honor of having a father like him surpasses all that, I think" Yuna offers.
"Well, there wasn't much to honor about my old man, that's for sure." Tidus said with a slight sneer.
"You shouldn't say that about your father!" Yuna exclaims
"I got the right!" Tidus retorts
"I guess you do." Yuna said sadly.
There was silence for a few moments until Tara spoke.
"We are all going on about our famous fathers while leaving poor Kaiser out" She says with a smile.
"Do you remember anything about your father yet Kaiser?" Yuna asks.
"Not really" I say sighing.
It was just then Tidus gets hit in the back with a blitzball, as we all look over the edge to see Wakka had thrown it
"Show me that move again!" Wakka shouts
"Be there in a minute!" Tidus says.
As we all go our separate ways, I remain where I am. The girls going below the dek for the night, while Tidus was instructing the Aurochs with his shot...
"I didn't think my old man would come to Luca. He never did like watching other people play. But I couldn't help feeling something bad was gonna happen. And these feelings of mine are usually right. Sure, I had told Wakka I'd help him win the tournament. But I wasn't sure I had it in me to play at all anymore. At least I can enjoy Kaiser and Tara win thier tournament... Why do I get the feeling I will get to see Kaiser's Blue-Eyes again?"
"My father?" I narrate. "A selfish arrogant drunk who spent all day sleeping, never spent time with me, and left me mother when I was a kid. Thats what I want to tell them, but I cant... thats actually quite ironic. He sounds a lot like Jecht"
It was still sometime later, and as I lay on my hammock rolling around trying to sleep, I realise the futility of the effort. Too much had happened today, and despite the fact I had been training like a madman with Tidus, I was suprised that I wasnt worn out. But it was my mind that was wondering more than anything else...
"So much happened today" I think to myself. "Getting my deck back, awakening my Blue-Eyes, the duel with Leo, getting Hassleberry and Syrus in my head, dueling Elan on the plateau... that was a lot of fun" I smile to myself. "I got to see my boys and girls even here on Spira" I think. "And of course... dying" I think.
Shifting over in my hammock, the thought made me shudder as I looked back
"Did I really die?" I think, the thought being almost too frightening to bear. "Yuna said I did... but was it real? Or was that what it took to bring out my Blue-Eyes? Sacrificing myself?"
Getting out of the hammock slowly to not wake Tidus in the one below me, I flex my arms and notice my sword is by the side of the hammock.
"I always knew my way around a sword, but now I fight like Cloud as if its second nature. From that first Braver attack that Kimahri helped me out with, to the second one against Tidus, the difference was night and day, I did the second one on my own steam, without any assistance... and thats not even mentioning that Cross Slash attack that sliced up the Sinspawn" I think
Feeling my mind racing even more, I give a loud sigh and look towards the door, moving to head up on deck
"Mmmm, Hamburgers with extra cheese" A voice says
Sniggering, I see its Tidus, clearly sleep eating or something
"Idiot" I snigger.
Turning away with a smile I head towards the door
"Kaiser"
Freezing for a moment, I turn my head to see its Tidus again, but he is still sleeping like a baby.
"Dont dream about me" I snigger. "Ill start to worry!" I whisper
Walking away again, I hear him speak again
"Kasier... your a good... good friend. Im glad I met you"
Smiling, I look and see he is still asleep.
"Im glad to have met you more" I whisper. "Even though you are a fool at times" I say before exiting.
As the door closed though, a voice continued whispering
"So are you" Tidus said, his eyes opening smiling.
Walking onto the deck, no one is around. It is very later after all I reason. As I moved to the front of the ship, I find myself looking at the distant horizon. For a moment a sense of dread started to engulph me as I moved ever closer to Luca. Taking a card from my deck, I smile
"At least I have you" I say looking at my Blue-Eyes.
For a moment, I stare at the card... and feel a sense of excitment in what I can now do, and holding the card high in the air as my duel disk activated I smile.
"I summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" I declare placing the card on my duel disk.
A crackling of blue and white energy seemed to come from the card and then... nothing. Nothing happened. Looking around, I scan the horizon for my dragon, and then sigh.
"I really wanted to meet you again before Luca" I say to no one inparticular. "You know, not in a life or death situation that is"
A second later a massive roar echoed across the waters as I looked up at the moon.
"Clever sod" I smirk.
The moon had now a rather large shadow on it from my perspective. It was my Blue-Eyes, and with a flap of its wings, it descended towards the ship like a bullet. As it approached it slowed down and landed safely on the deck. Looking in my direction, it raised its eye towards me.
"My dogs would love playing with someone as big as you" I smile
With what sounded like an actual snorting 'hmph' the Dragon did something most unexpected. It shuffled to turn round on the deck, presenting its back and lowering its tail and wings. Beckoning me with its head to climb on its back. With an almost shriek of excitement I didnt need to be told twice and quickly clambered aboard the massive dragon. With a mighty flap of its wings it took off, ascending towards the heavens.
Back on the deck of the ship, a ghostly crowd of the Fayth were watching the pair ascend into the skies, however Jaden awas absent.
"Awwwwww. Isnt that sweet?" Syrus said.
"Nice little bonding time" Jesse said.
"Well the guy seems happier" Hassleberry said.
Zane had shot Kaiba a glance who had his arms folded leaning against a wall.
"I would have thought you had something to say Kaiba" Zane asked. "After all it is a part of you"
"I know it is" Kaiba spits back. "And im pleased"
"PLEASED?!" Syrus, Jesse and Hassleberry exclaimed.
"I didnt say anything" Kaiba shoots back.
With various murmors from them at what they had 'apparently' heard, Jaden suddenly appeared.
"Where you been Jay?" Jesse asks.
"Just putting a little plan into action" He says.
"You mean?" Jesse asks hopefully, to which Jaden nods.
"What you planned Jay?" Syrus asks, to which the others look in his direction
"You'll see" He smirks.
Holding onto the scales of my dragon, we were flying through the night sky of Spira without a care in the world I fling my arms out for a second in glee at the sheer liberation that I felt. A buffet of wind caught me and I was flung backwards to fall back towards the waters below. But I didnt panic for a second, for almost in a heartbeat my dragon had moved back round to catch me on its back once again. Leaning forward I wrap my arms around it lovingley resting my head against its back. I could feel its heartbeat as it flew through the sky... and rather oddly, it was in perfect synch with my own. Sitting back up I observe we are very high up, almost above the cloud line. But despite our height, the air was not starting to thin as of yet.
Looking down, I could see we were in the rough area of the boat. In the distance far below, I could see the ship almost like a spec in the water. Something caught my eye from the ship as a blast of light seemed to appear for a moment before it was gone. Seconds later I saw why, a massive shape was ascending upwards towards us. As it came closer, it looked like a white humanoid with white wings. I smile as I realise its Rainbow Neo's. Seconds later as I focused my vision as the monster approached, I saw Tara casually sitting on the massive monster's shoulder. Giving me a smile and a wave as they approached, Rainbow Neo's stopped short as we hovered in the air.
"Fancy seeing you here!" She smiled.
"Yea well, I had to walk my boy here" I smile.
Grunting once again in protest, my dragon gave another snort and turned its head away. Tara chuckled to herself while even Rainbow Neos made a noise that sounded like a small chuckle.
"Either way, its nice to see you up here. I like to fly sometimes too" She remarked.
"We're lucky having the means to do it" I say.
Looking down, I notice that the ship was passing by some small islands.
"Hey, wanna touch down on those islands there? Be nice tonight" I ask.
"Sure..." She said with a mischeious smile. "Race ya! Lets go Rainbow Neo's!"
Without needing to be told again, Neos plummeted towards its target far down below. Blue-Eyes roared in rage at being cheated off the start line and went straight after it. Both creatures accelerated to almost inhuman speed somehow managing to keep thier duelists on board, and as they came closer to the island they slowed down and as they touched down by a claws breathed, Blue-Eyes took the victory. As I step off my Dragons back, and Neo's takes Tara in his hand to put her on the beach, Blue-Eyes roared in victory while Neo's gave a nod of approval. The two monsters began to dissappear into pyreflies seconds later, leaving us two alone on the small islands beach. Looking around, I could see it wasnt much bigger than a playing field, with a few small trees around the center, but it was nice enough for a walk during the night.
Rather suddenly, Tara took my hand into hers and started walking along the beach with me. I felt uncomfortable for a moment, not really knowing how to react, but I decided to go with it, after all, there was far worse ways to spend an evening.
"So this Luca thing" Tara said suddenly. "You gonna use your Blue-Eyes?" She asked
"Not until the finals" I reply. "A treat for Orion and Alessa"
"Speaking of treats" Tara smiled, before taking a card from her deck. "I have one for you"
Curious, I take the card and turn it over, suprisingley its blank.
"Yea I thought that too" Tara said answering my unasked question. "Apparently it will reveal itself when the time is right"
"What am I supposed to do with it?" I ask
"Just put it in your deck and let it show you the way" She smiled.
"Fair enough" I say putting it in my deck. "Infact I have something for you too" I smile.
"Really?" She asks with a smile.
Reaching for the card Syrus had given me, I stop for a moment, before shaking my head.
"Not now" I say. "That card isnt blank and I want to suprise you with it" I say.
"Ooooooh, very swarve" She winked.
"What can I say, its my charm once more" I smile.
"Well I shall await your gift kind sir" She giggles.
"If you say so" I chuckle, before thinking. "Tara, who told you to give me that card? You said it will reveal itself along the way, so someone must have told you that" I ask.
Putting a finger directly on my lips, she sniggered.
"Thats a secret" She giggled again. "I cant tell you right now"
"Your not making this easy" I say pushing her hand away to talk.
"Neither did you with your gift" She countered.
"That was very slippery of you" I smirk.
"I know" She smirks, before looking round. "Anyway, its getting late and we need to be back on that boat before it goes too far" She smiles.
"Yea come on" I say.
After a few short minutes of flying with our monsters, we were back on the Winno and were walking down into the hold as we stop outside Tara's and Yuna's private room. Standing infront of me, she smiles.
"Good night" She says, before reaching over and kissing me on the cheek.
As she did and moved away, we found ourselves very close to each others faces. For a few moments, I stare into her eyes, feeling her looking into mine. A few seconds later she smirks and moves away opening the door.
"Ill see you tomorrow" She smiles.
"Sleep well" I smile.
As she closes the door and a few seconds pass, I realise how close I'd actually been to kissing her. Shaking the haze from my mind for a moment, I smile to myself before walking back to the Aurochs room.
As Kaiser entered the Auroch's room, Jesse and Jaden were stood against the wall, they had seen the whole thing.
"Your evil Jay" Jesse smirked.
"Maybe" Jaden smirked, his eyes taking on a yellow glow for a moment. "But Im good at what I do" He smiles
The next morning Tidus and I were on the deck of the boat as it was pulling into Luca's docks. Tidus was extatic at seeing hte massive stadium before him, making various noises of excitement as I could see the docks were teaming with people of all ages. A few minutes later we draw into the port as the ramp was being placed down.
"Ah, over there! The ships carrying the players are arriving now!" A announcers voice said all around Luca "This would be dock number 2"
Almost on cue, the Kilika Beasts descended from the ramp as the announcer spoke while waving to the assembled crowd
"All the way from Kilika, it's the Kilika Beasts! High Summoner Ohalland used to play for them, a big name to live up to. Their hometown was recently attacked by Sin. Isn't that right, Jimma?
"Yes, Bobba. They're going to be pulling out all the stops to try and bring back the cup this year."
"Exciting, isn't it, folks? Our next team off the ramp is... Well, well, well! If it isn't the Besaid Aurochs! They're a living, breathing, statistical impossibility! I've never seen a team this bad! That's right! In twenty-three years they've never made it past the first round! Only a few die-hard fans are in the audience today."
As the Aurochs descended the ramp, I could see there was a small crowd, but only a handful at best clapping for them, however it was the next thing that made my skin crawl.
"But I suppose we should give them some benefit of the doubt this year Bobba! After all, they have a mascot of the new Besaid Champion with them!"
"Oh for the love of" I mutter immediately face palming.
Seconds later I detect movement and see someone on the dock practically zooming the camera on me for the whole of Luca to see.
"From what we have learned his name is Kaiser, and not only is he the first Champion of Besaid in a thousand years, that he recently defeated Leo of Kilika Temple in an action packed duel!" Jimma said
"Your right Jimma, but even such a good duelist as that, cant guarentee a victory for the Aurochs here! I say best of luck to them, and a safe journey back to Besaid."
"Right, Jimma. Moving right along, our next team is... Here they are, folks! Our very own Luca Goers!"
As the Luca Goers descend the ramp, they smirk and smile at the crowd at thier own superiority. If I hadnt already gotten off the boat with the team while the camera had moved off me, Id have gone up and slapped the lot of them.
"They've got power! They've got speed! They've got teamwork! They're an all-around first-class team! And they're back home in Luca!"
"Without a doubt, they are the favorite this year, Bobba. And after the way they dominated last year, it'd take a miracle for them to lose today."
"You can say that again, Jimma. Look at the crowd, folks! Look at the crowd! Looks like all of Luca has turned out to cheer the Goers on! They know, I know, and you know, folks! The Luca Goers are number one!"
"And here are the other stars of Luca Bobba! Our very own Luca Duelers!"
Wanting a hole I could crawl into and die, I practially sneer at seeing Orion and Alessa getting off the boat, wowing it up to the crowd.
"Thats right Jimma, our reigning Tag Duel Champions will once more defend thier titles in this years final!"
"But which team can defeat such a devestating tag team Bobba, the Duelers have never even lost half thier life points!"
Looking round, I could see Tidus was starting to turn crimson in his face, until Wakka nudged him.
"It's like this every year, ya? Don't let it bother you"
With a sneer and reaction on instinct, Tidus grabbed a megaphone before I could even stop him and had jumped onto a box
"Stop right there, Goers!"
His loud shouting immediately drew the attention of the crowd and both the Goers and Duelers.
"You guys are smilin' now, but not for long! Cause this year, us Aurochs are taking the cup! And your Tag Titles are being taken by Kaiser and Tara too!"
With a loud laugh, I could have killed him on the spot for dropping me in it like that as the crowd finally dispersed as our group rejoined us together.
"What in Yevon's name were you doing up there?" Wakka asked
"We sure stood out, though!" Datto said
"We were on the sphere!" Letty exclaimed
"We were?" Datto said excited
Before they had time to say anything further, a few people run by saying various things.
"Maester Mika is here!"
"Already?"
"The number 3 dock!"
"What's up now?" Watching thier retreating forms
"Maester Mika has arrived, that's what!" Yuna asked excited
"Mika? Maester?" Tidus said confused.
"Maester Mika is the leader of all the peoples of Spira." Lulu explained. "He's come all the way from Bevelle. The tournament is being held to honor his fifty years as maester."
"Fifty years? Shouldn't he be, uh, retired by now?" Tidus said
"Hey! Mind your mouth, now." Wakka said.
"Well its true Wakka" I say drawing his glance. "We have to watch out for his health in such a strenuous role dont we?" I say.
The answer seemed to satisfy him, but I knew it was a lie of my own. The Maester had no 'health' to worry about.
"Let's all go see him!" Yuna said excitedly heading towards the docks.
As we quickly all made our way towards the next dock, we got a view as best as we could, although it was quite crowded
"Can't see a thing!" Tidus complained.
"Shhhh!" Wakka said.
"Here comes the new Maester!" Tara said smiling. "I hear he's a duelist!"
Raising an eyebrow, I realise that having Seymour as a duelist would make things more complicated. As I saw the hold of the ship open and a figure begin to emerge, I felt my heart physically stop and my blood freeze in a cold sharp blast of pure terror. He turns around and walks towards the ramp on the ship, a duel disk true enough on his arm...
White skin...
Piercing green cyan eyes...
Silver hair...
A massive blade at his side...
An aura of pure evil...
Standing on the ramp, he smiles into the crowd. And then I felt his eyes look directly onto me... into my soul.
"May I present!" A man on the ship said. "Maester Sephiroth Guado!"