Off we go again! Not much action this chapter, but plenty of juicy story and some changes for FFX fans that they might not expect! So with that lets be off!
Sadly, I own neither Yu-Gi-Oh or Final Fantasy
Chapter 22: Follow The Mi'Ihen Highroad - The End Leads to... Cyberdark?!
"Some time later after the duel in the stadium, we had all regrouped before going our separate ways. Yuna, ever the helpful one, had spent her time healing anyone who had been injured during the Fiends attack or the lightning strikes. The others had gone with her for fear of what happened last time with the Al Bhed, although Wakka did wish to give his team a proper goodbye before he joined Yuna officially, and Tidus had gone off with Auron. I knew he would return, but in a way I wanted to be with him when he confronted Auron since what he would said would haunt my friend for some time to come. However lets rewind for a moment, because much to my utter distaste, im currently stuck between a rock and a hard place"
Im currently stood inside a large chamber in the stadium with Maester Mika, who was singing my praises for the defence of Luca and its citizens during the Fiend attack and against the Duel Bot. To be honest, I wasnt listening, I was focused on Sephiroth who was sat casually at one side of the room watching the display with a smirk on his face. I was staring at him intently while he stared back with his cold green eyes with Maester Mika talking as if he hadnt noticed either event. In the end Maester Mika said something which caught my attention.
"Of course with the use of Machina, it is clear the Al Bhed were behind the attack. We shall endevour to inform all of Spira of thier involvement in this atrocity and ensure they sing your name in praise of thier defence" He said.
"It wasnt the Al Bhed..." I reply quickly.
Mika glanced at Sephiroth for a moment before speaking.
"Then who was it?" He asked.
"Him" I say pointing directly at Sephiroth. "A way of enciting panic in the citizens" I reply. "And I believe it was a way to show to the world Im truly the Dark Warrior with that duel... despite whatever sinister intentions he has behind it"
Mika was silent for a moment as he raised an eyebrow and looked towards Sephiroth whos facade did not change under the elder Maester's scrutiny. However a few seconds later her began to clap and smile.
"Bravo Measter Sephiroth! You have truly outdone yourself!" He beamed with pride.
"You knew?!" I ask flabbergasted.
"Of course, Measter Sephiroth told me of his intention to announce you after you won the Tag Tournament. But I did not believe it would be as masterful as this! Excellent!" He said continuing to clap
"To think you would do such a thing... both of you" I spit feeling my rage growing before drawing my sword. "Then I will declare my judgement for such actions right now!" I declare.
"It seems our young Duelist wishes to fight" Sephiroth said without even altering his seating postion.
Mika quickly moved between me and Sephiroth before offering his hand and speaking.
"My boy, it would be most 'unfortunate' for anything to happen between us all here" He spoke. "After all, you are here to deliver us from Sin, and not to destroy us... unless Spira wants to know you are" He said, implying his intentions.
"First of all" I reply sneering. "Im not your 'boy'. Second, Say what you want, because I dont care and finally..." I say my eyes shifting colour. "Its not like I would kill you Maester... after all, your already unsent"
The Maester raised an eyebrow for a moment before regarding Sephiroth who's expression did not change once more.
"Hypocritical for you to speak of my secrets when you come from another world, is it not?" He replied.
I actually nearly gasped for breath at his declaration and the Maester took that as a sign to continue.
"Your expression tells me I am correct, so I suggest you leave immediately and we will forget this entire matter" He said before moving away to sit down casually.
Sneering once again, I feel my knuckles tighten around the hilt of my sword as I would love to send them both to the Farplane right here and now, but reluctantly I sheathe my blade before making for the door.
"This isnt over" I say before leaving.
"How right you are" Sephiroth smirks once I had left.
Back in Luca near the water fountain, Wakka was stood with his back to the Aurochs. He was holding what looked like a large crystal rectangular prism statue, the trophy of winning the Blitzball tournament. His team were in a state of unrest muttering to each other before they started to speak up.
"You're really leavin', Cap'n?" Datto suddenly spoke up.
"Shouldn't you heal up first?" Letty added
"Yuna needs me with her now." Wakka said turning back round and addressing his team "I can't be lying around in some bed."
The Aurochs all hang thier heads, crestfallen at such news.
"Yeah, but..." Datta started.
"Come on, look sharp!" Wakka suddenly exclaimed, causing the Aurochs to stand to attention. "The blitz season just started, don't make those faces, ya?"
With a smile, he then handed the trophy over to Datto, who beamed at it before Wakka gave them a wave and began to walk away.
"Well... See you, boys! You be good."
"Cap'n..." came a quiet reply from his team
"I can't hear you!" Wakka shouted back while still walking away
"Cap'n!" The Aurochs roared while saluting their departing Captain.
A short time later Wakka had joined the rest of the group on the look out point overlooking Luca just before the road to the Mi'ihen Highroad, where Wakka had just rejoined the group.
"Are you sure?" Yuna spoke up.
"Never liked long goodbyes anyways." Wakka said scratching the back of his head "Sorry for making you wait, Yuna. I had some promises to keep, ya, but from now on, I'm your full-time guardian."
"Then welcome back, Sir Wakka." Yuna smiled sweetly. "Good to have you with us."
"Glad you officially joined up big guy" Tara said wrapping her arms around him from his side. "Took you long enough" She smiled giving him a hug.
"Hey, it's good to be back, ya?" Wakka said blushing. "So, any news on what happened?"
"Not really." Lulu said crossing her arms "We don't know where the fiends came from. Maester Mika is safe and sound, thanks to Maester Sephiroth getting him to safety, and Maester Mika has publically thanked Kaiser for his defence of the stadium and Luca's citizens. It appears as if it was an Al Bhed plot with the Machina Robot they used. That's about it, no actual motives or reasons were revealed."
"Those damn Al Bhed" Wakka sneered, causing Yuna to involuntarily cringe.
"But Kaiser's Accel Synchro Monster ... It was so powerful." Yuna said.
"Im confused though" Tara said releasing herself from Wakka. "Our prize was only seven blank cards from the tournament. I think its pretty clear they were those initial Synchro Monsters he played, but where did he get the other two? I mean, its not like he would just be carrying round a Synchro Tuner Monster and an Accel Synchro Monster is it?"
"As opposed to having the Blue-Eyes White Dragon as a soul monster in secret" Lulu countered, causing the group to look at her, and even Kimahri who was still standing watch. "He still keeps a great many secrets, but right now we have no reason to doubt him. For everyone one of his secrets have been revealed in our defence, and nothing malicious, which is enough for my curiosity for now"
"I hope your right Lulu..." Yuna trailed off.
"Having calmed down somewhat after my encounter with the two Maester's I found my emotions changing to that of deep sadness as I was about to say goodbye to some of my most precious cargo. I had since gone and met up with Nomi and was about to furfil my promise to him that I made in Kilika."
"We will take good care of him Mr Dark Warrior Sir" A woman was saying to me with a smile.
I was stood outside of an Orphanage in Luca with Nomi, ready to part ways with him. I had intended to keep him with us for a while, but after the incident with the Duel Bot and Sephiroth changing the course of events that I believed were to happen, I had decided he should stay here where he will be safe. Nomi was stood behind my legs feeling shy and afraid of the woman now standing before him holding her hand out. Smiling, I kneel down to talk to him.
"Its alright, they are good people here, they will look after you" I say with a smile.
"I know..." He said hiding his face. "Its just... I wanted to stay with you"
"When we beat Sin" I say holding him by the shoulders. "Then you can ok?" I say.
Lifting his head up with my hand, I could see that the young boy was holding back his tears at the thought of me leaving him, and with a smile I pull him close for a hug which he quickly returns squeezing me tight. Letting go, I take a card from my pocket and hand him it.
"Someone to keep you company, and look after you while im not here" I say with a smile.
"But this is?!" Nomi said holding the card.
With a small squeak, his suprise was answered as a small blue winged orange hamster quickly appeared on his shoulder. Turning his head round, Nomi quickly hand the ghostly creature lick his face to which he laughed.
"Kai will look after you" I say as the Hamster disappeared. "And you have to keep him with you"
"Of course I will... thank you Kaiser (Dandy)" Nomi smiled happily. "You really are a good big brother"
"Course I am" I wink, shrugging off what I thought I had heard from him. "Ill let you know how my duel goes at Djose if I can" I smile. "But for now you can go meet your new friends" I say looking round.
A small crowd of children had gathered in the windows as we were talking, and suddenly they couldnt let thier curiosity be contained any longer as they all dissappeared to run out into the street. I quickly moved away from Nomi who was swamped with the children.
"The Dark Warrior is your big brother?!" "Thats so cool!" "Do you duel too?" "Whats your name?!" Where do you come from?!"
Smirking as I watch him being swamped by all thier questions and comments, I nod to him as they children take him inside the Orphanage. I look to the owner at this point.
"Are you sure you dont need anything for his care?" I ask
"Of course not!" She said. "The brother of the Dark Warrior will be welcomed here until he returns!" She beamed.
Smiling, I was satisfied that he would be taken care of, after all, all the other children looked well kept and happy. So with a nod I excuse myself as she re-enters the building. For a fleeting moment, I move to the window and peer inside, seeing the children and Nomi playing in a large open room with lots of toys and cards. Feeling a wave of sadness wash over me a tear rolls down my cheek.
"Goodbye Nomi" I say sadly.
I felt shame for I knew that when I completed my mission, there was every possibility I would have to return home, and could not honour the promises I had made him. I just hoped that as the Dark Warrior that defeated Sin, he would be looked after for all time as my brother. At very least I knew that Yuna would take care of him if the worst came to the worst. As I turned to walk away, I heared a familiar squeak as Kai had appeared on my shoulder and was staring at me.
"No" I say. "I arent leaving you forever, just look after him ok? I have to come back to Luca at least once, so Ill get you back when this world is safe ok?" I smile.
The hamster squeaked in response and dissappeared as I began my walk away, content in the knowledge that a person I care about, and a creature I cared about, would be safe and sound in thier new home.
On Luca docks there was quite the explosion brewing as Tidus had managed to get Auron alone. Rushing forward suddnely, he grabbed the older man by his coat in rage shouting all forms of abuse
"Hey you! Don't just stand there! All of this is your fault!" He said tightening his grip. "Gettin' swallowed by Sin! Ending up here in Spira! Not being able to go back to Zanarkand-everything, everything! I'm telling you, it's all your fault."
The atmosphere was tense for several long agonising seconds... until there was a laugh from Auron... that grew in strength and volume until he was laughing uncontrolably. A few minutes later, Tidus had released Auron and was standing behind him, while the elder man was looking away.
"Who are you, anyway?" Tidus said sounding defeated. "You knew my old man, didn't you?"
"Yeah."
"And you also knew Yuna's and Tara's father's?" Tidus continued
"That's correct." Auron replied his voice still monotonal.
"Hey, man, no way!" Tidus exclaimed. "Hey man, there's no way. That's just impossible"
"Nothing impossible about it." Auron said looking into the sky."Jecht, Braska, Dedgen and I... Together we defeated Sin, ten years ago. Then I went to Zanarkand... where I watched over you. So that one day I could bring you to Spira."
"Why did it have to be me?" Tidus asked
"Jecht asked me to." Auron replied simply
"Is he alive?"
"It depends on what you mean by 'alive'" Auron replied "He is no longer human. But then... I felt something of Jecht there in that shell, couldn't you? You must have felt him when you came in contact with Sin."
The terrible realisation hit Tidus like a truck as his face went white at the implications of what he had heard.
"It can't be..." He stammered.
"It is. Sin is Jecht." Auron continued.
"No! That's ridiculous! No way!" Tidus said throwing his hands up "I don't believe you!"
"But it is the truth." Auron continued. "You'll see for yourself."
"Your full of crap!" Tidus shot back.
"No he isnt" I say, walking into the scene. "He really isnt"
"And how long have you been there?" He asked curious.
"Since you first grabbed me" Auron said. "Isnt that right Dark Warrior?"
"Yes... and just Kaiser will do" I say. "I figured you needed to vent, and thought I best let you"
A few seconds passed in silence until Tidus finally spoke up.
"So you heard all that?" He asked.
"Yes... but I wont tell anyone, if thats what your thinking"
"Thinking?!"" Tidus suddenly errupted. "I dont know what to think! Ive just been told my old man is Sin! What do you think im thinking?!""
Suprised at his outburst I hold my hands up.
"Dont blame me... it sounds wierd enough to me, but its the truth"
"How do you know?!" Tidus shot back
"Because Kaiser's story is tightly interwoven into yours, and his road lies along the same path as yours... from the beginning until the end" Auron spoke. "Regardless, come with me" He said looking to Tidus
"If I say no?" Tidus said weakly.
"Every story must have an ending." Auron replied
"I don't care about your stories!" He shouted back.
"They are rather crytic" I offer
"I see. Sorry you both feel that way. Fine, then. Come or don't come. It's your decision." Auron said turning away
"What am I supposed to say?" Tidus said, crouching down "You tell me it's my decision but I don't have a choice, do I? I have to go with you! I have to! You're the only one who can tell me what's going on anyway!"
I could feel the hurt in his voice from the revelation he had heard, and once again he was lost. I move to his side and tussle his hair to try and cheer him up, with a weak smile being my thanks.
"Irritating, I know. Or are you afraid?" Auron suddenly says, coming over and placing a hand on his shoulder "It's all right."
"Auron?" Tidus said looking up "Will I ever go home? Back to Zanarkand?"
"What happened to our promise?" I say quickly.
"I know that..." Tidus said. "But I mean... 'my' Zanarkand, the one I call home"
I realise I couldnt answer him, but fortunately Auron jumped in
"That's up to Jecht. I'm going to offer my services to Yuna. Come." He said, beginning to walk away. "I imagine your already her Duelist Kaiser" Auron adds. "But if you are not, I suggest you offer your services like me"
With that he walked away, leaving the two of us on the docks as he slowly made his way after Yuna. A few moments passed as we were in silence before Tidus spoke.
"Kaiser... how do you know he's telling the truth?"
"I just do" I said thinking quickly of an answer. "He said it himself, he was there ten years ago when they beat Sin, so he would know exactly what happened. Do you doubt what he said? He seems pretty sure"
"Its not that... it just sounds so unbeliveable... but at the same time... I think he is right, I could feel my old man as Sin"
"The situation is screwed up to say the very least..." I say offering him a hand back up. "But we have time for you to think about it, come on, lets go to Yuna and the others.
Smiling he takes my hand and hauls himself up.
"Thanks Kaiser" He says smiling.
"Anytime you idiot" I smirk back. "Come on lets go" I say as we both head back to follow Auron.
Back at the viewing point, the others were still gathered awaiting the return of the others.
"Do you think he's gonna stay here?" Wakka said speaking up.
"Sir Auron knows him, apparently. You were right. He did meet someone he knew." Lulu replied
"Do you think he'll find a way back to Zanarakand?" Yuna offered.
"I sorta hope not" Tara added. "I know it sounds selfish, but I like him with us"
"Kaiser will miss him too" Yuna added. "And he told me he has found a home for Nomi, so he will be well looked after"
"In any case, I'll miss having them around too" Wakka said with a smile
"He's still in town, isn't he?" Yuna suddenly realised. "Lets go see him Tara"
"That would be nice" Tara said beaming with her sister.
The two girls were about to head back into Luca until there was a collective...
"Oh!"
"Whoa." Wakka echoed
"Sir Auron!" Yuna exclaimed hardly believing her eyes.
"I cant believe it" Tara said in disbelief.
At this time I had walked past Auron to go stand alongside Lulu as the group started to re-conveyne. Tidus was still moping with his arms limp by his side behind Auron.
"Yuna." Auron said simply
"Sir?" She replied unsure.
"I wish to become your guardian. Do you accept?" he said matter of fact
"You're serious?" Lulu said before looking at me "Did you have something to do with this?"
"Dont look at me. He decided on his own" I reply with a smirk
"You refuse?" Auron then said glaring at Yuna
"No, no!" She replied flapping her arms quickly "We accept! Right, everyone?"
"Absolutely!" Tara exclaimed
"O-Of course! No problem at all!" Wakka said hardly believing it.
"But...why?" Lulu questioned with a raised eyebrow
"I promised Braska... and Dedgen" Auron stoically said
"You promised our fathers?" Yuna said looking to Tara, before contemplating for a moment. "Thank you, Sir Auron! You're welcome to join us!"
"And...he comes too." Auron said flinging Tidus infront into the midst of the group as Tidus gave a squeal.
"Hi...guys. Eh...howdy!" Tidus said not knowing what to say.
"Your not an example of how to make a cool entrance" I say shaking my head.
"This one I promised Jecht." Auron said
"Is Sir Jecht alive?" Yuna said looking hopeful
"Can't say. Haven't seen him in ten years."
"I...see." Which was replaced by a crestfallen look
"You'll meet eventually." Auron offered.
"Yes. I'm looking forward to it!" She smiled.
"What's our itinerary?" Auron said suddenly stepping to me and Lulu "Where are we headed?"
"Hey! Come with me!" Yuna suddenly said grabbing Tidus by the arm
"You too" Tara said grabbing me.
We were both quickly grabbed and pulled to the end of the viewing point overlooking the sea and Luca as a whole. The view was rather beautiful I had to admit, as the sun shone down upon the water in the distance.
"Hey, watch!" Yuna said suddenly followed by a shrill whistle
"Yuna taught me too!" Tara said before whistling herself.
"Hey, you got pretty good, both of you" Tidus said weakly
"You sound sad." Yuna said looking at him.
"Yeah, maybe." He replied.
"Wanna scream?" She smirked
"I really don't think that's gonna help this time."
"Since when did you scream?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"It was in the Kilika Forest" Tara said. "After we left you he decided to scream to let it out" She giggled.
"Maybe he just needed a slap on the back of the head instead" I smirk to which the girls giggle.
"You know what?" Yuna began. "It's embarassing to say this myself... But summoners, duelists and their guardians are kind of like Spira's ray of light. A lot of people in Spira depend on us. I learned to practice smiling when I'm feeling sad, you know? I know it's hard."
"And its a great feeling to see you make the people around you happy. Your a part of that now Tidus, so you should get some joy from that" Tara said
"Yeah... I undestand. I think." He said
"Just run with it for now" I offer. "It will get better"
"Right, now let's see what you can do." Yuna said looking at Tidus then me. "You too" She smiled
"Huh?" we both said looking at each other
"Come on!" Yuna said
"Show us both your smiles!" Tara said with the pair squealing in delight.
"I am not doing this" I folding my arms
"Dont be like that!" Yuna says pouting.
"Yea!" Tara echoes. "Tidus is doing it!" She said
Looking to my side I see he was making a bunch of wierd facial expressions that would barely constitute a smile. I shake my head in desbelief at the looks he was pulling.
"This is werid!" Tidus said before giving me a nudge. "Hey if I have to do it you can too!"
Relucatantly feeling them all looking at me, I give a heavy sigh and start to do it too. My jawline quickly started to ache as I kept constantly smiling.
"This feels false" I say breaking it.
"Well lets try something different!" Yuna said "Try laughing out loud!"
"What?" We both say
"Come on, show us!"
"No" I say. "Im putting my foot down this time"
"Well im gonna!" Tidus said
What happened next was the most obnoxious and annoying laugh you could ever hope to hear, he sounded like a pompous business man in a board meeting. I face palm instantly and shake my head in embarassment as everyone was staring at him. But suddenly something happened, I felt a bubbling my in stomach as if something was coming to the surface, and I couldnt stop it. A few moments later I began to laugh out loud too, a massive condescending laugh of superiority. I had no idea what was happening but it felt good.
"You both probably shouldn't laugh any more." Yuna said looking wiereded out.
Neither of us at this point woud stop, as eventually Yuna and Tara joined in mimicing us. We all faced out into Luca as we laughed out loudly for the entire city to hear. Eventually we all statrted to laugh normally and fall about the place at our own antics
"Too funny!" Yuna laughed
"You have a really crazy laugh Kaiser" Tara smirked
"It was your idea!" Tidus said pointing at the pair.
"And its not like I did it on purpose! Infact, I dont know why I did that" I think puzzled.
"That was really mean making him do that" Syrus spoke
"Oh come on Sy! You know you found it funny too!" Jaden chuckled
"And I must admit it is something Kaiba would do" Zane sniggered slightly
"Him and his massive ego" Jesse added.
"But you embarrassed the Sarge making him laugh like you!" Hassleberry added
"I make my own fun" Kaiba laughed, with his own trademark laugh
"Um...thank you... All of you. I want my journey to be full of laughter." Yuna said
"Anytime" Tara smiled
"Me too" I say
"Okay." Tidus said
"If any of us should get seperated, just whistle. I'll come running, I promise. We should all do the same" Yuna said smiling at us all
With a a resounding nod, we all agreed to our pact before Tidus spoke again
"Well, let's go."
However as we all turned around we were faced with the rest of the group looking at us as if we were from another planet.
"What're you looking at?" Tidus said
"We were just worried you guys might've gone crazy!" Wakka said smirking
"Sorry!" Tidus said
"Blame those two!" I said pointing at the girls who giggled.
"Well then, alright." Yuna said heading to the centre of the group "Now, we will go to the temple of Djose, and guardians and duelists? Don't forget to smile." Yuna said sweetly before heading up the stairs.
Without further ado our Pilgrimage re-commenced as we ascended the stone steps up to the Mi'ihen Highroad. At the top the group fanned out to walk the road as I took a moment to look at the scene. The road itself was a simple dirt path that winded far away into the distance heading to Djose, while all around it seemed to be wilderness grass land. Several ruins seemed to litter the plains that were ranging from large to small. In the distance I could see Chocobo's running around in thier natural evniroment and I smiled at seeing them.
"We all best be ready" Lulu spoke up. "The Highroad is a good distance to travel and is traversed by a variety of fiends, so let us be on guard"
"Nothing we cant handle!" Tidus said perking up.
"Well then, lets get going!" Yuna said as she led us from the stone cobbles onto the dust road itself.
We had been walking for around fifteen minutes as the group casually talked amongst themselves. I myself had been taking care to look at the ruins around the Highroad, noticing thier various shapes and sizes. It looked like at some point there were several settlements along its course that had been levelled in the years that past by Sin. I had often wondered what Spira had been like during the time before Sin. In the end I spotted Tidus heading for a particularly large piece of ruin to inspect it and I decided to join him.
"I wonder what this once was?" He said as I joined him.
"Dont know" I said observing it
"Do you know what those ruins are from?" a voice said as a figure walked from behind the ruins.
The figure was a very elderly old man wearing glasses and sporting a full mouth and chin covering white beard and moustache. He wore mostly a green outfit, with a green pointed tall hat on his head, sporting a white cape across his back with a green suit underneath with a distincitve red cross across his chest. While what looked like small white shorts were stopped by rather heavy looking black boots. His general attire almost reminded me of something the pope would wear but simply in a green hue.
"Some old city?" Tidus then replied as Yuna and Tara joined us
"Correct. A city most ancient!" The wizened figure intoned "A terrible testament to Sin's power. I tremble every time I see them. Compared to Sin, humans are mere mudpuppies!"
"But I believe humans are the only ones capable of defeating Sin." Yuna added
"That, and the bonds we share" Tara finished.
"Two good reply's. I am relieved to hear you say that, m'lady summoner and duelist. Where are my manners? I am Maechen, a scholar. At your service, m'lady's." He said with a bow
"I am on a journey, studying the history of our world, Spira, seeking its stories and secrets..." He said beginning a monologue. "My travels have taken me to many places, and I am troubled by what I have seen. Fragile smiles on people's faces crumbling at the mere mention of Sin. They are counting on you, m'lady's. Give them a reason to rejoin once more."
"We will." They both said
For a moment I stared at the pair, because something troubled me about the way they had responded. I knew what Yuna believed her fate was in her mind, but what was with Tara? Hadnt she already relinquished being her duelist for me? Or was there something else going on here?
"Now if you will all excuse me, I must be on my way, good day" Maechen spoke before bowing and departing.
"He was a nice man" Tara said as he walked away.
"He seemed wierd to me" Tidus said.
"Tidus!" Yuna exclaimed as a scold, while a second latter he recieved a slap on the back of the head from me.
"Owww!" He cried out.
"Try and respect your elders" I say. "He knows an awful lot. You might learn something" I say with a smirk.
"You dont always have to hit me" He said with a pout.
As we all laughed for a few minutes over this, the group rejoined together as we proceeded along the way. As we progressed along the Highroad, we encountered several Fiends along the way. For a combined group like ourselves they were not much of a problem at all, until that is...
With a roar, a Fiend charged onto the highroad. I recognised it as a Raldo, it was a small armored fiend that looked like a sphere. It had very small legs and a body, but its arms were drastically over sized which it used to protect is body. Worse still, its shell on its back was scaled and armored.
"Hah! That one looks slow." Tidus said readying his sword.
"It's also tough. Let me handle this" Auron said readying his own large blade
"No way! I can take it!" Tidus said jumping foward swinging his sword. However his sword rebounded sharpley off its scales as the Fiend blocked his attack sending him staggering "What the...?" he squealed as Auron snorted in response.
Rushing forward, Auron gave an over head two handed strike that cleaved into the Fiend without resistance as it perished in a shower of pyreflies
"Told ya, Sir Auron's the best!" Wakka beamed
"Hmph, I could've done that" Tidus said with a sneer
"Maybe in your next life" I add with a chuckle.
Continuing along the highroad, I found myself once again still looking at the ruins and stopping several times to examine them. In the end I realised that I was lagging behind the group and hurry to meet them. Rather suprisingley in the distance I see Auron stood waiting for me, and he held out a hand for me to stop as I approach.
"We must speak" He said stoically.
"Cant we do that when we join up with the others?" I say puzzled.
"This is not something they can hear" He said, sending a shiver up my spine.
"Go on" I say suddenly feeling very tense.
"You are not of this world" He said matter of fact.
"What?" I ask, trying to be shocked.
"You are a poor liar" He said in reply. "The quicker you admit the truth the quicker we can proceed, for you know it is the truth as do I"
Even though I didnt know how he knew such a thing, I realised that Auron was at least genuine, and chances are his words would be something I needed to know.
"No im not" I reply. "Then again... neither are you... not anymore anyway" I reply referring to his status.
"Hmph" He replies with a snort understanding my meaning.. "You are well informed, I would ask you how you know this information, but it is irrelevant. The fact is, that there is something further I am certain you will not know about Sin"
"You mean aside from Jecht being Sin?" I say genuinley intrigued.
"Yes... but it is something you must keep from the others, especially Tara"
"Go on" I say with a nod now starting to dread where this was leading.
"Sin is Jecht... but that is not the face of the true beast. Jecht was transformed into the Fayth for the Final Aeon for Braska to wield. However, the Fayth is merely a vessel with no power other than the life force of the Summoner... to truly empower the Final Aeon, something else is needed."
"I really dont like where this is leading" I say putting the pieces together.
"I am assuming you have deduced my words" Auron continued. "Yes, the Duelist and further, the Soul Monster is needed to become the power that is wielded by the Final Aeon..."
"Then Dedgen..."
"Is a part of Sin too... just like Jecht. While the physical body of the beast is Jecht, the power behind it is Dedgen"
"Is he alive? I mean at least like Jecht sort of is?" I ask
"I do not know. In one hand I should say no, for the process of becoming the power for the Final Aeon, fuses the soul of the Duelist and the Soul Monster together, so at that time, he would have ceased to exist as one being"
Auron then seemed to look into the sky for a moment as if recalling his own past.
"But then again... during the battle with Sin, Jecht as the Final Aeon, was able to Summon Dedgen as a Duel Monster to battle alongside him. Both of them displayed some characteristics of thier former human personalitys. Therefore, it could be said he is alive in some form... but within Sin with Jecht"
"Why are you telling me all this?" I asked
"For you must be prepared" Auron stated looking me dead in the eye. "Sin when cornered by the Final Aeon is never battled against the odds... just like it can create and Summon Sinspawn from its body... it can summon something else"
"Oh dont tell me!" I say bringing my hands to the back of my head in despair.
"Yes" Auron intoned. "It can summon the final form of the duelist and Soul Monster... your final opponent will be Dedgen and his Soul Monster combined"
Feeling faint for a moment, I feel like my legs had turned to jelly as I process this information. I know realise that Final Aeon or not, both Jecht and Dedgen would have to be overcome.
"We must go now. We can speak again some other time" Auron said turning around and walking away without saying anything further.
"Auron" I say causing him to stop. "About me being from another world... the others they..."
"I will not tell them" He says simply. "This is your story to write, the time will come when you will tell them" He said beginning to walk away once more.
As I saw his red form walking away, I managed to breathe some air back into my lungs. I realised that Tara would soon find out what had happened to her father and it would crush her just like it crushed Tidus. But more so on her father, who she loved and cherished rather than hated. I looked at the back of my hands for a moment with my marks my dragon had given me. I simply stared in wonder at what all this meant.
"Does this mean we cannot defeat Sin in the way I know? Do I have to destroy Sin by giving up my life to do so?"
Shaking such thoughts from my mind I quickly run after Auron to catch him up.
After catching up with the others I had mostly kept myself to myself for a duration of the walk. Auron's words had disturbed me greatly. Up until now I had a clear plan in my mind on how to complete this pilgrimage from what I already knew, but slowly but surely, the lines were becoming blurred in what I actually knew. I was starting to realise that this may not be as simple as I thought. However I was snapped back to reality as a trio of Chocobo riders were bouding along the path towards us until they came to a stop.
"Lady Summoner, I presume?" The lead female rider spoke up before seeing me. "Ahhhh, and the Dark Warrior no less"
"Yes, I am Yuna."
"And I am he, Kaiser" I say
"I am Lucil, captain of the Djose Chocobo Knights." She said introducing herself
"And I'm Elma. We've been charged to guard the Highroad." Said the second.
Lucil and Elma wore roughly the same form of outfit but with different colour schemes. Lucil had flaming red hair, wearing a purple like body suit with white sleeves and yellow undergarments showing, while her thights were exposed but were stopped by knee high boots once more. Elma's was red in contracts to Lucil's purple, but the design always reminded me more of a Samurai feel to her outfit. But it was mostly the same, even down to the knee high red boots.
"There have been reports of a large fiend appearing in this area, with a taste for chocobos. Do take care, Summoner Yuna, if you are to rent any chocobos." Lucil said with caution in her voice. "Then again, I highly doubt with such a large group and the Dark Warrior with you, that it will be much of a threat"
"Thank you. We will be careful." Yuna said with a bow.
"Good. We should get back to our rounds. Farewell." Lucil said before rearing her Chocobo round and leaving
"Our prayers are with you." Elma added before riding away.
"A large fiend... Let's go get him!" Tidus said punching the air.
"Why?" Auron said with a raised eyebrow
"It's the right thing to do." Tidus said countering
"It's the right thing to do?" Auron said with a chuckle
"What'd I say now?" Tidus replied
"Jecht said that a lot, too" Auron said "And every time he said it, it meant trouble for Braska, Dedgen and me... Usually Dedgen would then punish Jecht in some way"
"Punish him?" Tidus said suprised. "And Jecht would go along with that?"
"He probabally made him run laps or cook a meal for the day" Tara said with a giggle.
"That is correct" Auron continued. "Dedgen had trouble in instilling discipline into Jecht for a while, but before long, he became almost a model Guardian"
"No way!" Tidus exclaimed in disbelief.
"It is the truth... for I was there. Let us be on our way" Auron said as he led the way
As we continued along, at the side of the road looking like they were taking a rest was a woman and young girl. At the sight of us they couldnt contain themselves as the rushed towards us
"My Lady Summoner!" The woman said
"You're a summoner?" the girl added
"Yes. My name is Yuna."
"I'm Calli." Said the small girl.
Calli looked about her pre teenage years in terms of age, wearing a yellow top with a red skirt. She had a very wide smile, but what suprised me the most was she was wearing a duel disk.
"Nice to meet you, Calli." Yuna said sweetly
"Lady Yuna, are you going to bring us the Calm?" Calli asked.
"Yes, very soon."
"Yay!" She said as she began to run around Yuna
"We're looking forward to another Calm, My Lady Summoner." Said the woman.
"I'll do my best." Yuna nodded
"And good luck to your guardians and duelists as well." Bowed her mother.
Calli suddenly seemed to stop as she looked towards Tara and me. Rushing foward she stopped before us, looking up at me in particular.
"Are you him?" She asked. "Are you the Dark Warrior?"
"I suppose I am" I said with a smile.
"Cool!" She gleamed. "Im gonna be a duelist too someday!" She said holding up her duel disk.
"It takes a lot of dedication and practice" Tara said smiling and tussling her hair. "So make sure you stick at it!"
"I will! Thank you!" She said with a wide smile.
A few moments later Calli and her mother had excused themselves as they waved to us in the distance heading towards Djose themselves.
"What's the calm?" Tidus asked suddenly
"The Calm is a time of peace. It comes after a summoner defeats Sin, and lasts until Sin reappears." Lulu explained
"Sin dies and is reborn." Yuna added
"I get it!" Tidus said putting the pieces together "I thought it was weird. Yuna's dad defeated Sin ten years ago, right? But Sin's still here! Didn't make much sense till now. Wait... If it just comes back..."
"Don't say it isn't worth it... Because it is." Yuna said looking to the floor.
"Even for a little while... people can sleep in their beds without being afraid. That kind of time is worth anything. Don't say it isn't worth it. Your words that day, Yuna-I remember them well." Tidus narrates
"Calli the Duelist? That one was a suprise. Then again everything is starting to suprise me lately. This Spira is not one I know, but then again it is. Talk about a headache. Then again what Auron said to me... I really dont know how to begin trying to work that one out" I narrate.
As we continued on the Highroad, I could see in the distance a shape forming as we got closer. As we got within distance, it looked like a Caravan being driven by a Chocobo that had shed a wheel. The driver was currently replacing it, while Luzzu and Gatta were stood supervising. Seeing us approach, Gatta immediatley headed over.
"Hey, we saw the game and your duels! You guys were great!"
"Congratulations, Wakka! and to you too Kaiser and Tara" Luzzu added with a clap
However thier jubilance didnt last any longer as Elma and Lucil quickly rode up from behind us
"Hey! Stop loafing around!" Elma said firmly
"Uh... The lady summoner and her group..." Gatta said not knowing where to look.
"This mission requires our full attention. We've no time to waste! Understood?" Lucil added with a firm tone again.
"Yes, ma'am! Apologies, ma'am!" Luzzu said saluting.
"Carry on." Lucil said with a wave before riding off.
"See?" Luzzu said to Gatta when they had gone "Keep your head down, say "sir" a lot, and you'll do fine."
"Right...sir." Gatta said with a nod, followed by a giggle from Yuna and Tara
"Hey, Yuna. Even though Yevon rejected us... we still believe in you. That won't ever change." Luzzu said with a smile, then noticing the wheel was now back on the Caravan.
"Thank you, Sir Luzzu, Sir Gatta. But, you know... It's not too late for you to go back to Besaid, and..."
"We should be going, sir!" Gatta said quickly as they both jumped onto the Caravan as it began to depart once again.
Once they had left, Tara put a hand on Yuna's shoulder.
"They've made thier choice Yuna... just like you. You cant change thier minds"
"I know" Yuna said softly. "But it wont stop me from trying at least"
The two girls nodded to each other and led the way once again. I noticed that we had covered a lot of the ground and it was only early considering how far we had walked. As I surveyed the countryside once again, I hear noise again and notice two people in an argument. One was a Crusader in silver battle armor, and another was a woman dressed in green robes, which were similiar in style to Maechen's, but her hat was not pointing up but more around the back of her head, and her overall outfit seemed almost Kimino in attire.
"We'll defeat Sin any way we can!" The Crusader said angrily
"But Yevon's teachings say..." The girl said timidly
"Enough!" He said before walking away
"I-I only meant to..." She said sighing and looking at the floor
"Are you all right?" Yuna said
"Lady Summoner...?" The woman said, which was responded by both of them making the prayer gesture
"Yes, I am Yuna."
"It is an honor, my lady. My name is Shelinda. I am a disciple of Yevon."
"What was all that about? The Crusaders' operation?" Wakka said speakign up
"You mean the one Gatta and Luzzu were talking about?" Tidus added
"I heard they were to use forbidden machina! I had to stop them." Shelinda said
"Huh? Why?" Tidus added.
"The use of machina is strictly forbidden by the Yevon priesthood." Lulu explained
"That's bad, ya?" Wakka said folding his arms
"Let them use whatever they want." Auron said stoically "They still won't defeat Sin."
"But, it's not about defeating Sin! The teachings of Yevon must be upheld!" Shelinda said almost in anger
"Yeah! Right!" Wakka backed up
"But you don't understand! The Crusaders won't even listen to me. And it's all because I'm just a lowly acolyte."
"Don't say that" Yuna said "Well, I haven't been a summoner for very long myself, you see. Still, I can't put myself down every time I fail. People are depending on me. They're depending on both of us!"
"Yes! Yes, you're right, my lady. Absolutely right! Thank you so much, Lady Yuna! Now, I feel I have the courage to finish my training." Shelinda said before running away without saying anything further in haste.
As she run away, I simply shook my head in disbelief.
"Hypocracy upholidng such teachings"
A collective gasps from some of the group came as they all looked at me.
"You serious?!" Wakka said his eyes wide.
"You really just went there?!" Tara said equally as shocked.
"Come on" I say folding my arms. "Machina is strictly fobidden yet both Tara and I use Duel Disks... plus no one batters an eye when I use my Machina Monsters. So tell me the sense in that?"
"He has a point" Auron said with a nod.
"Thats different!" Wakka said. "Those are used to defeat Sin!"
"So what your saying Wakka, is that if Yevon proclaims they can be used to defeat Sin its fine, but the Crusaders cant because it wasnt? That sounds more like... Its fine if it suits Yevon" I say
Wakka was lost for words along with most of the group until Yuna spoke up
"Do you really feel that way?" She asked.
"Honestly... I dont know what I think. My head is still fuzzy, and I arent getting into this further" I say walking away as my anger rose.
As I was departing, I heard footsteps running after me.
"Slow down will you!" Tidus said.
Sighing, I do so but keep walking as he walked along side me.
"What was all that about?" He said looking at me.
"I think I just needed a vent" I say shrugging.
"If it helps..." He said. "I think I agree with you"
"Thanks" I say with a smirk. "Your not too bad are you?"
"You dont have to give back talk all the time you know" He said with a laugh.
"Or a slap... but your due another" I say as we both begin to laugh.
Looking over my shoulder, I could see the group had resumed the walk but was keeping a distance from us.
"Could they make it any more obvious they are lagging behind us?" I say.
"Not really" Tidus said giving them a glance. "I think you must have shook them up pretty bad.
"They'll get over it. Its just that I..."
Stopping suddenly, Tidus looks at me as my eyes were moving into the distance near a ruin that had three people stood near by.
"Whats the matter?" He said looking where I was looking. "People you know?"
"No... I just feel... Like I have to go to them" I say begining to walk
"Wait for me!" He said hurrying after me.
As I approached the Trio almost against my own will, I realise that one of the group is infact Belgemine, a Summoner, but the other two I did not recognise. They were both duelists, and were female. It looked like they were identicle twins from thier pale faces, but despite thier hair being in a similar style of long and flowing, one of them had green hair, and the other dark blue. The wore Yevonite robes similar to Shelinda, but wore no hats, and thier colour schemes matched thier hair colour perfectly. Belgemine wore a mostly green attire, that covered her from shoulder to foot. It was various shades of green and seemed to be covered by feathers around her ankle level and below. Rather oddly, she wore what looked like minature hats on either side of her head like oversized ear muffs.
"Ah, a summoner party." Belgemine said as we approached.
Looking round, I see that Yuna and the rest must have seen my diversion from the main road and had caught up to follow me seemingley forgetting the last encounter only minutes previously.
"You, too, are a summoner? Yuna asked
"My name is Belgemine. You are...?" She said
"My name is Yuna"
"Ah, the high summoner's daughter" Belgemine said "I assume that means you are Tara yes?" Belgemine said looking at Tara "I've heard much of you both. But you are still fresh on the road, are you not?"
"Yes, we are."
"Then I believe myself and my Duelists might have a few things to teach you"
"Hm?" Yuna said intrigued.
"Let us see which are stronger. My aeons or yours. A one-on-one match. Not to the death, of course. What do you say?"
"I'll do my best!" Yuna said with glee.
"And I see you have the Dark Warrior in your group" Belgemine said. "Would you also like to take our test?"
"Of course" I say feeling my spirit getting fired up
"Then allow me to introduce your to my duelists, we have Allia" She said referring to the green haired woman. "And Tallia. They will be your respective opponents.
"Sounds good to me" I say
"Me too!" Tara echoed.
"However there is a twist" Belgimine said holding a hand up "You have to swap decks"
"What?" Both Tara and I said.
"It is one thing to duel with your own decks, but to understand other strategys and tactics is something else in order to improve. My duelists regularly test each other with other decks and now I offer that opportunity to you"
"What do you say Tara?" I say looking to her
"Sure, why not!" She said.
At that we proceeded to swap our decks and make sure our Extra Decks were swapped too before putting them in our duel disks. Playing a quick game of rock paper scissors, Tara won out and chose to go first in this test. The rest of us moved to the side lines to observe the duel as Allia faced off against Tara.
"This will be one duel, with our contest of Aeons following it, then the final duel. All matches are independant and there is not team score. This is simply to test one another. Now begin!" Belgemine said.
"DUEL!"
Tara 8000 Allia 8000
Drawing thier opening hands, Allia spoke up.
"I shall go first" She said, her voice sounding timid but seemingley full of confidence. "I set a monster in defence mode and two cards face down and end my turn"
Her three brown cards appeared on the field quickly before Tara was putting her hand on her deck.
"Then I draw!" She said.
However she gasped as in her haste, she had not checked her opening hand, and now with her sixth card in her hand she was mortified. Her hand consisted of all three Cyberdark Monsters, Graceful Charity, Heavy Storm and Overload Fusion. She stared long and cards at some of the cards that had almost killed her, her mind was racing as she took a card from her hand.
"I activate Graceful Charity!" She said before drawing.
Drawing three cards, her expression turned once again with what she had drawn. Two Hunter Dragons and Power Wall. She was struggling to maintain a steady breathing pattern as she put together the pieces in her head.
The deck wanted her to use the Cyberdark Series...
No matter what she did, it meant she would have to use the Cyberdark monsters in some way. She could clear out Allia's back row with Heavy Storm, then follow up with a ppunishing attack with Cyberdark Horn's piercing damage if she tossed the Hunter Dragons. If she kept the Hunter Dragons and tossed the Cyberdarks, she would have two effectless monsters that might not last long, forcing her to use Overload Fusion to summon Cyberdark Dragon to power up with the Hunter Dragon and Power Wall. Her mind was coming back to the same thing as she looked at the cards that had caused her such pain...
"What do I do?"
Small cliffhanger ending there! How will Tara manage to duel using the cards she despises that nearly killed her? Find out next time!