We reformed our groups, and started down to the last platform. Ben and I solved any puzzles in our way. Although it is more fair to say that Ben did all the work. I just gave instructions, his insistence. By the time we got to the last platform, all the others were waiting. I commed that Ben wouldn't let me help, so it took more time than I wanted. That is when both Sora and Zaon commed in telling Ben he did a good job. I facepalmed, and asked if everyone was ready. We were, and everyone knew the plan. It was time. As the Magus Sisters started to appear, I decided to say something.
"This is it. Now is the time to choose. Die and be free, or live and fight! Your fate is your hands!" Auron chuckled as did everyone except Paine, Maroda, and Drew. Those that chuckled knew I was messing up what Auron had said when we fought Yunalesca two years ago. But what happened next I didn't expect.
"Yuna needs Zaon, Zaon protect Yuna!" Zaon said, followed by Rikku responding "Well I'm fighting!" And when Yuna blurted out that this was her story and we will see it out together, it was like a rallying call for everyone. Then we were swept into battle. Yuna started casting reflect on Cindy and Sandy, while everyone else went after Mindy. I had forgotten how bad her Passido was. It stung like hell!
But we won, just barely. And we needed to rest according to Auron. As we sat in a circle, Yuna asked what we would encounter next while looking at me. For me, it would be tricky to explain the end so I focused on getting to where the tricky part would be.
"We will end up in the Farplane Glen at the end of our routes. There we will see a portal to go deeper. I think Sora would be the best to handle the challenges there. It will be like a memory game for him. As long as we pass the trial if you will, we will meet Gippal and Nooj. From there I cannot speak of. But I do believe that Yuna will have to choose from there. It is her story after all." I spoke the last bit in just above a whisper. I think Yuna understood because she nodded. "I can only get us there. But I have already chosen my story. This is her story to choose. Not one of us can choose it for her, not even me." Auron and Rikku nodded as if they understood and when Paine looked confused, Rikku pulled the others away to explain.
Once we were all rested up, we split up for the last time heading down. While heading down, we all commed each other about what was said before the battle. And Auron had to ask why I paraphrased what he said two years ago.
"It seemed fitting. And we didn't have much time, so I shortened it. I expected the chuckles, but not everyone that was there chiming in. Zaon mimiced Kimarhi, and Yuna mimiced Tidus. And of course, Rikku repeated her line. I almost fell over laughing during battle. I will admit, if Auron would have said anything I would have been no help after. So thank you Auron." I confessed. Auron commed back a "Your welcome", and soon the Glen was in sight.
I jumped first into the Glen and let myself fall onto the flowers. For only a second, it felt like Braska was sitting beside me. Then nothing but the flowers. I closed my eyes and whispered to him that I was still protecting his children with all my might and wisdom. And that he would be so proud of them. I didn't notice until they cast what could be called shadow over me that I wasn't alone.
"Mom, are you okay?" Zaon asked me in a whisper, as if he understood how I felt. I opened my eyes and smiled. I got on my feet and told everyone that I had just been resting for a bit while everyone got here. I led everyone to the purple swirling portal, and looked at them.
"This leads to the deepest part of the Farplane. Once we enter here, it is do or die. I can't make anyone follow me so if you are unsure if you can continue, you are free to use this transport device to return to the Gullwings airship. I have arranged with those aboard to take you where you want to go." I knew that this may be where it all ends but if I didn't go forward, the world of Spira would no longer exist.
Zaon and Sora looked at each other, grabbed each other's hands, and ran through. Yuna saw this and told me that "This is my story." before heading through. Paine said nothing but followed Yuna. Rikku and Auron followed her holding hands, followed by Drew and Maroda. Those two were not holding hands thankfully.
I entered and saw that Sora had found the first part and was committing the sounds to memory. I was so glad that Sora had asked for piano lessons when he was younger, because now he could do this all on his own. Once I knew he had it, I led him to the piano-like keyboard nearby. He played the notes, and we moved ahead. This is the pattern we held, until we got to the stones.
"Sora, certain places have the sounds we used to get here. The song that they make in the correct order will let us pass. I will help you here. In case this ever happened, I tattooed the answer on my back. You will have to lead us. Only you can read the answer. And I have faith in you." I told him. And after a whole lot of encouragement, Sora asked to see my back. I had planned for this, so I had made a low back top that would expose the tattoo when the time was right.