Final Fantasy RPG

[Morph]

And back to Besaid we go, lol. Spira's layout is practically burned into my brain, lol. :lol:

[Blade]

We were headed back to Besaid island. On the way I heard Rikku say "I wish we could get around faster. I hate Seymour for destroying the Celsius." then Yuna saying "If we hadn't abandoned it, we wouldn't be walking now." just then I heard noise and I stopped. Yuna also heard it and turned around to look behind us, she saw a big cloud of dust in the distance "What is causing all that dust?" the noise got louder and I said "Whatever it is we'd best move out of its way." we cleared the road and a huge vehicle came rolling through. When it passed us it stopped and I said "Wait here. I'll check it out." I walked up towards it and then a side hatch opened, I had my hand on my sword just incase. Then a man came out and said "Whoa there Auron." I stopped. Yuna came running up "Uncle Cid." Rikku came up next "Wow pops, where'd you come up with that thing?" Cid then said "Well it wasn't just me that built this thing. I did have some help. Who do you think is driving this big thing?" Yuna then said "Brother." Cid nodded "Yep. Me, Brother and Shinra got together back at Home and thought of something to help get you all around faster. I know its not an airship, but its the best thing we could come up with. Besides, don't you all get tired of walking." I then replied "Well I could use the break." Yuna looked around "Let's go everyone."

[Morph]

We all climbed into the vehicle that Cid, Brother, Buddy and Shinra had put together back at the recently reconstructed Home. All of the Al Bhed weren't there though, some chose to live their lives outside of Home, now that machina....rather, machines, weren't "taboo" anymore.

"Yuna! I...uh...we have missed you!" came Brother's booming voice.

I laughed "I've missed all of you too"

"What about me?" Rikku said, making a pouty-face.

Paine rolled her eyes and sighed.

"So...where to kids?" Uncle Cid asked us.

Everybody looked at me. What was that? Everytime there was some sort of decision making involved.

I thought for few moments. We needed answers. I needed answers.

I'd thought that maybe going back to Besaid would be helpful, but it wouldn't. There was no point. What would we do? Ask the Fayth?

"Brilliant Yuna" I thought to myself "They're only under Seymour's control" I mentally slapped myself...then had a great idea.

Maybe Lulu and Wakka would know something!

"Shinra, do you have any Commspheres?" I asked, turning to the young Al Bhed genius.

"Of course. Which Commsphere do you need to connect to?" he answered, pulling a Commsphere from his large bag of trinkets.

"Besaid. I just hope the Aurochs haven't broken it again" I replied. I had the feeling that behind that mask, there was a shocked look on his face.

"Connecting now" he replied though...cooly.

"Uh...kids...where to?" Uncle Cid asked again.

"Nowhere yet. I have to find something out" I replied, then hopped back out of the vehicle with the Commsphere in hand.

"What's she doing?" Uncle Cid asked to no-one in particular.

"You really are clueless, pops" Rikku sighed.

"Hmm, great. Sitting in Macalania Woods getting picked on by kids" he mumbled "Back me up here, Auron"

Auron meerly grinned, which made everyone laugh. After the laughter slowed, conversations began.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I could hear everybody talking inside the vehicle as I walked away a little from it.

The Commsphere still read "Connecting". Strange, I didn't remember it taking this long on the Celcius.

I turned back to the vehicle "Shinra. Could you help me out here?" I called. He immediately hopped out and came over to me.

"It still says it's connecting" I said handing it to him.

"Hm, it could be some sort of electrical interference" he replied and began tinkering with it.

Tetsuna came out of the vehicle aswell "Hey Yuna" she said.

"Hey Tetsuna" I replied "What's up?"

"Hm, nothing...I guess" she replied and remained silent for a minute "Do you really think we have a chance? You know...of defeating Seymour?".

"I have full confidence in all of you" I replied "I know we can all finish this together"

"Fixed it!" came Shinra's voice "Lulu, Wakka and Vidina are there"

I walked over "Lulu! Wakka!" I greeted, waving at the Commsphere. Vidina waved back "Hello Vidina" I said to him

"How have you all been?" I asked them.

"We been good, ya" Wakka answered "How about you and the others?"

"Fine" I replied simply. I would tell them the full story when we all got home "I wanted to ask...do either of you know anything about what's been going on?"

"There have been some strange things happening lately" Lulu replied, setting Vidina down to play "I went to the temple a couple of days ago. The Fayth was singing for a while, then just stopped. The voice completely disappeared"

"We had news that it happened at Kilika and Djose too" Wakka added "Apparently at the exact same time"

"Yuna, do you still have the Aeons?" Lulu asked.

"I only had Valefor...but, no, she's gone. I'm sure they're all gone" I replied.

"Geez" Wakka sighed.

"So, you have no link to the Aeons at all?" Lulu asked "What will you do?"

"I have a plan. You'll know if it works" I replied.

"What can we do Yuna?" Wakka asked.

"Keep safe" I replied.

"YUNA!" came Cid's voice.

I rolled my eyes "Patient as always" I mumbled "I have to go"

"Yuna, there might be answers in Bevelle" Lulu added.

"We're just outside of Bevelle now" I replied "We'll ask Baralai".

"Good luck. All of you" Wakka said.

"Bye. We'll see you when this is over" I said, waving goodbye as the Commsphere shut off.

I handed the Commsphere back to Shinra as we walked back to the vehicle. Tetsuna had already gotten back in. We climbed through the back.

"Where to?" Uncle Cid asked, clearly getting very impatient.

"Bevelle" I replied. Brother instantly fired up the engine and Cid began to drive.

"I thought we were going back to Besaid" Auron stated.

"I thought it would be a good idea at the time, but there isn't anything useful there. Our answers could be in Bevelle" I replied.

"I see" he added.

Brother and Cid argued the whole way...which wasn't very far.

"Why can't I drive?!" Brother demanded.

"Because you're just the co-pilot!" Cid snapped back "Besides, you're a horrible driver"

"AHH! What?" Brother then began cursing at Cid in Al Bhed.

I just sighed and shook my head.

[Blade]

I looked up at Brother and Cid, by this time they had stopped arguing and were just standing in place. I looked over to Cid "If you two are done arguing, can we get moving." Cid looked over to me "Oh yeah. Buddy, floor it, we're headed to Bevelle." Buddy replied "Yes sir. Hang on back there." I heard the engine roar and then the vehicle was moving. I looked across and Yuna had a puzzled look on her face, like she was thinking about something. I called to her "Yuna." she looked over at me, but didn't say anything and I asked "What's troubling you?" she got up from her seat and then came over and took the seat next to me "I think I know why the fayths have been silenced." I then said "You think its Seymour that's behind this." she replied "It is possible. But I don't want to jump to conclusions. I want to get more info, just to make sure." Cid then came over and said "We're getting close to Bevelle. You all go ahead of us, we'll sit and wait." it wasn't long after he said that, that the vehicle started to slow and then came to a halt. Yuna got up and pressed a button on the side and the door opened "Ok everyone out." she said and hopped outside. Rikku, Paine and Tetsuna filed out behind her. I then got up and said "Keep the engine running." I walked by Cid, went to the door and stepped outside.

[Morph]

We walked the way to the main gates of Bevelle. I knew everybody was a little nervous, I had to admit, even I was. When bad things happened, Yevon was always in disaray, and the people relied on their praetor to keep them, and the city safe.

As usual, the guards were positioned at the gate. They saw my guardians and raised the weapons.

"Oi! Stop right there!" one cried. We all stopped "Ye aint allowed. Turn around and leave!"

Rikku sighed "Yunie?"

I sighed too. I didn't like commanding others. I stepped forward "Lower your weapons!" I demanded.

"L-Lady Yuna!" they immediately lowered their weapons.

"Our apoligies High Summoner" the other said hastily. They both stepped aside.

"C'mon" I motioned to everybody and we walked through the gates.

The temple still looked the same as ever. It's grand doors stood open, waiting for us to enter.

"Yuna. I think I'll sit this one out" Paine said suddenly. I nodded.

"Umm....me too Yunie" Rikku mumbled. I didn't bother to ask any questions. I just wanted to get some answers and be done with Bevelle. I always hated being here.

Tetsuna and Auron followed me into the temple. The monks still stood along the passage as usual, bowing as we walked past. We all stood on the lift and it quickly rose up to the higher platform. Once this was restricted to Lords and Maesters, now a single Praetor stood here, watching over Yevon. Baralai. He was conversing with one of the monks when we stepped off of the lift. He looked over.

"Ah, Lady Yuna" he said cheerfully

"Yuna" I corrected him

He bowed "My apologies"

"It's fine. This is Sir Auron" I said motioning to Auron "And this is Tetsuna" I added motioning to Tetsuna "They're two of my guar---um...travelling companions" "Oops...nearly slipped up there..."

"It is nice to meet you both" He bowed to them "So, Yuna. Are you here because of what's been happening?"

"You already know?" I asked shocked

He laughed a little "It's a little hard to miss the Fayth's singing when you work in a temple all day"

"Then...you know something?" I asked

[Blade]

We walked back to the temple and went inside. Yuna started the conversation "So Baralai, you said you knew what was happening. Why are all the fayths silent?" Baralai paced the floor in front of the group "Well Yuna you know the importance of the fayths. Its where the summoner goes to 'talk' with the aeon." Yuna stood with her arms crossed, not saying anything "Ok ok." said Baralai "I won't waste time then." he paced a bit more and then stopped "All of the fayths stopped singing so it could only mean one thing. Seymour is at work and what he is doing threatens this very world." I stepped up and said "What exactly is Seymour doing then?" Baralai then said "I think he intends to bring Sin back." Yuna took a step back, like she lost her footing, but I kept her from falling down "That can't be possible." I said "Yuna defeated Sin 2 years ago." Baralai then said "You say its not possible. But think of the power he has." I then said "I've seen what he can do. He took down an airship and nearly took us down with it." Yuna then said after regaining her senses "How does Seymour intend on bringing Sin back?" Baralai then said "You all plan on going to Zanarkand right. Well who do you think he could bring back." I then said "Only one person comes to mind. Jecht." Baralai nodded "Yes he could bring him back. But Seymour doesn't care about anyone or their feelings. There is someone else." Yuna then said "No he wouldn't do that. Not him." Baralai then said "Like I said. Seymour doesn't care, that's just how evil he is. You all should really think carefully about what your gonna do." there was a pause and then Baralai said "Is there anything else you all need to know" Yuna then said "No there's nothing else. I think we'll be going now, thank you Baralai." Baralai then said "The pleasure is mine, Lady Yuna." he bowed.

[Ms.Croft]

As Baralai and Yuna talked to each other, my mind drifted back to the thunder plains.

My eyes woke suddenly to a terrific noise outside. Groggily I climbed out of my bed and moved to the nearest window shaking the sleep away from my head. Leaning one arm against the ledge, I peered out and saw Yuna hovering above the ground.

"That was impressive." I heard Auron's voice say.

"I thought so, too." Yuna replied.

As their conversation continued, I thought back to the days of being just a novice spellcaster in Besaid, turning cubes of ice into water, and turning drops of water into ice. I'd come so far since then. Adventuring with Lady Yuna had certainly matured both my mind and magic. How any of what lied ahead seemed impossible to me, how could I have the hopes of destroying Seymour with the magic I held in my hands? I needed to improve more, I needed to attain more wisdom in the black arts.

Quickly and without thinking, I grabbed my father's stave, and headed for the inn's exit. I was hit by a searing heat and shielded my eyes. Peering through the gaps in my fingers, I looked up at the source.

"Yuna..." I muttered to myself.

"Wow" Yuna breathed.

"'Wow' is an understatement, Yuna" I said "I've never seen anything like that!"

"Nobody has," Auron replied "It is...a first...we shall continue now..." I stood still at Auron's words and watched the group leave without me. Yuna turned her head to look for me and noticed.

"Hey, you coming?" She smiled.

"Uh," I said staring at her, "Yeah, sure. Just let me go grab some things I've left and I'll catch up with you guys in a minute!" I said smiling, holding up my thumb and two fingers to her. She simply nodded, smiled and continued walking without asking a question.

When their bodies had all vanished from my sight, I slowly preceeded to the dangers of the thunder plains.

"Right...let's..do it, I guess." I left the comfort of a nearby thunder conductor, and walked as far away from the nearest ones as possible. Slowly, I sat down, legs crossed and placed my stave upright between my hands. Summoning the will of my magic, a single lightning strike hit the ancient stick and dispersed quickly. I had to try harder. I shook my head, closed my eyes and slowed my breaths.

With all my determination I channeled the magic within, felt myself lighter and lifted off the cold earth beneath me. I was hovering. I couldn't believe it. I was hovering.

Ok, Tetsuna, don't get ahead of yourself, concentrate...concentrate....

Clearing my mind of any thoughts, and thinking of nothing but air, I mustered all of my strength and felt the piercing blow of energy flow around me, over me, under me. I opened my eyes.

"Whoa..." Before me was pure electricity. It surrounded my body and acted like a cage of protection. I smiled softly and looked upwards towards the sky not wanting the moment to end. Eventually, I allowed it to and gently returned to the earth beneath me.

"Impressive!" I turned to the source of the voice, "Tetsuna....."

"Tetsuna...Tetsuuunnna, Tetsuna!!" I looked suddenly and realised it was Yuna now calling my name, "What do you think?"

[Morph]

"What do I think?" Tetsuna repeated "Well....I...er...um...I dunno...um"

"What do you thnk, Yuna?" Auron interjected.

"I think I know why he chose him to use" I replied slowly.

Auron nodded "And why is that?"

I knew what Auron was doing. He was getting me to face it, even though I didn't want.

"Because he knows...no...he thinks...that I could never hurt..."I couldn't bring myself to say his name "him..."

Auron nodded again and went over to Rikku and Paine. He told them what had happened.

"Are you okay Yuna?" Tetsuna asked, concerned.

"Yeah...for now, I guess" I replied, then suddenly, I was angry "I'm going to kill Seymour" I mumbled through gritted teeth.

[Morph]

We regrouped and headed for the main bridge to leave. Everything was silent. No birds chirping. No people talking. Only the sound of the running water, and our light footsteps.

We had just gotten back past the main gates when a loud noise erupted and people started screaming.

"What was that!!?" Tetsuna yelled over the noise.

"Well, it didn't sound like a bomb" Rikku replied "I know my bombs"

"No, it was magic" I replied, pulling out my pistols "Let's check it out" I started forward as everyone else equiped their weapons and began to follow.

Suddenly, I felt it. Evil. Hate. Darkness. Seymour.

"He's here!" I announced holding my pistols at the ready.

"Oh no. What do we do?" Rikku asked.

"I don't know" I replied.

"I thought you said you had a plan!" Tetsuna said.

"I do. But it's for later. I can't do it yet" I replied.

"We can't leave these people to defend themselves against Seymour" Auron stated.

"And we won't" Paine replied.

"Hey...I..." I struggled "I can't move" I said.

Suddenly, I was lifted into the air. Seymour appeared then.

"When your friends are out of the way, I'll be able to control you!" he growled. Then, I was thrown across the area. I hit the wall hard and fell into the water. There was a current in here, pulling me around.

"YUNA!!" everyone yelled. Tetsuna and Rikku attempted to come to my aid, but Seymour had somehow boxed them inside invisible walls.

"We're trapped!" Rikku said.

Tetsuna began creating electricity in her hand.

"Tetsuna. Don't. It will only hurt us" Auron told her. She stopped.

"So what do we do then?" she asked.

"You do nothing" Seymour answered. Suddenly right in front of them. He was getting stronger by the hour "Now, I will destroy all of you, and I will control Yuna".

"Why do you want to control Yuna? She's not the one you need" Auron asked.

Seymour laughed "Oh, but I do need her. There are two puppets in my play"

"We know you plan on summoning Tidus back. To make him Sin" Rikku snapped back.

"Well, aren't you all clever then?" he asked sarcastically "But one thing is wrong. I don't plan on summoning him. I cannot summon a spirit...let alone a dream"

"What are you talking about?" Paine asked angrily.

"That's why he wants to use Yuna" Auron replied.

"What? I don't understand" Tetsuna asked, looking at Auron.

"As far as I know, only two summoners have ever been able to summon others who shouldn't be on this plane of existence" He replied looking at Tetsuna "High Summoner Lord Braska, and his daughter...Yuna"

"Wait, I didn't know Yunie could do that. She never told us" Rikku said looking a little upset she'd never been told.

"Not even Yuna knows she can" Auron replied.

"Then how do you?" Rikku asked Auron.

"How do you think I got here?" he replied "Subconciously, Yuna knew something was wrong. She summoned me back without even knowing it".

"And that handy gift is precisely why I need her" Seymour said, ending the conversation "Now, to the Farplane with you!" he said and began creating and attack.

"Uh oh" Tetsuna said "He's using Ultima!".

-----------------------------

I was still struggling against this current that had pulled me under, I knew everyone was in trouble I could feel it.

I kept struggling. Was it any use?

Suddenly, I was falling. Then I hit the ground with a loud "thud!".

I yelled a little in pain. I ached all over.

I forced myself to stand. I pictured myself with my friends. They really were in trouble. Seymour was going to hit them with an Ultima attack!

I summoned what little strength I had left in me and projected a mirror shield to protect them. I felt the Ultima attack hit my shield, then bounce back on Seymour. He lay in a heap on the ground, then quickly got to his feet, laughing "Perhaps another time then" he said and disappeared.

Everyone was safe now, but, where was I? The underground? I fell again and just lay there. Slowly falling asleep.

[Blade]

Everyone was looking around frantically for Yuna. I just stood in place in thought, where had Yuna gone to this time. I remember seeing her being thrown by Seymour and then falling into the water. She never came back up, could there have been some sort of portal. I walked to the edge where the water was and looked. Paine saw me and came over "Do you think Yuna is in another place?" I nodded "She has to be. No one could survive underwater this long." I said. Rikku and Tetsuna soon came over and Rikku said "We looked everywhere. Yunie is gone." Tetsuna added in "Yeah and I couldn't do anything to stop Seymour." I then turned around "There wasn't anything that we could do. We all saw Seymour take that reflected Ultima attack and get back up. He's too strong at this point, and we can't face him in the state he's in now." Rikku then said "So if Yunie isn't here, where did she go?" I then said "If Seymour has anything to do with it, she's in a place that is dark and lonely. He's got Yuna where he wants her."

[Morph]

2 hours later...

I woke up. Still on the freezing ground. Cold and wet. I blinked a few times and looked around.

"Oh, right, the underground" I thought to myself.

I stood carefully to maintain my balance, still very sore. I wondered where everyone was, then, I remembered what I had done.

The mirror shield. I'd projected it so far from myself. How did I do that? When I did it, I didn't even feel like I was here, I felt like I was still

there with them. Maybe I could do it again...?

I focused. I pictured being with them. It was hard, since I was still very exhausted. But I did it, I was standing there with them.

They were talking to Baralai...

"Do you have any idea at all where that water leads?" Auron almost demanded.

"The water?" Baralai repeated "I didn't know it went anywhere" he said as his face showed confusion.

"Think Baralai" Paine demanded "We have to find her!"

"I swear to you Paine. If I knew, you would already be there" he replied, with a sigh "She could be anywhere in the underground"

"Oh Yunie..."Rikku sighed "...we'll find you"

Tetsuna had been standing there with her head down, she looked up for a brief second, her head went back down,

then immediately shot back up again, looking directly where I was "standing"...

"Yuna!?" she asked, clearly shocked.

"What?" Rikku asked, looking around "Where?"

"There" Tetsuna said pointing at me.

"I can't see her" Paine added

"Well, she is definately there!" Tetsuna confirmed.

This was my opportunity "Tetsuna" I said "I'm in the underground..uh, somewhere in the cloisters, I think" Wow, this was really making me tired again.

"Okay" she replied. She had heard me! "We're coming Yuna"

I nodded and, suddenly, I was back in cloisters again. What in Spira was happening to me? Where did this strange new ability come from? And, why could only Tetsuna see me when I did it?

There were many questions, but I couldn't think anymore. I felt lightheaded. I sat, and waited. Not willing to move anywhere.

[Ms.Croft]

Everyone looked at me as if I were crazy. I smiled slightly, and then looked at Auron.

"She's in the cloister of trials, at least...that's where she thinks she is."

"She thinks?!" Paine responded, "Yuna was talking to you? How?"

"I...I don't know exactly, she was just...there. You guys really didn't see her?!" They all just looked at me. "Ok, anyhow...we need to get there. Baralai...where are the cloisters?"

"I know..." Auron said without expression. He walked towards a control panel by some stairs and simply waited.

"Yeah...I think he wants us to go there." Rikku pointed.

We eventually arrived to a pedestal set into a ramp. Again, Auron walked slowly onto it and waited. The rest of us followed and as if it knew, the ramp set off towards an unknown destination.

We arrived at a place completely foreign to me. There were magical floorways everywhere with arrows pointing in different directions.

"Where are we?!" I asked looking around in wonderment.

"In the cloisters...but Yuna isn't here. She must be in Via Purifico or where she summoned Bahamut for the first time." Auron said.

"Viawhat?!" Paine interrupted.

"The 'underground' part of this chamber."

"Oh yeah!" Rikku said jumping excitedly. "Me, Wakka and um...Him had to swim through there to reuinite with you guys!"

"Ok, this is all way over my head." I said hurridly. "We need to go find Yuna A.S.A.P, so come on, let's go!" I began walking towards the first magical walkway.

[Morph]

I stood again. Still sore and lightheaded, I held the wall for support and began walking along it. I was wrong, this wasn't the cloisters. It was the underground, but, this was where the prisoners were sent. This was where I had been left. Me and my guardians. All because we discovered Yevon's lies.

"I should let Tetsuna know, so they're not running aaround in circles" I thought to myself.

Once again, I concentrated. They were already in the cloisters, just above me. I was in front of Tetsuna then, but barely, I was flickering. She saw me though.

"Yuna? You okay?" she asked, reaching out but finding nothing.

"Via...Purifico...."I got out before I could take no more. I fell to my knees, in Via Purifico once again. I made myself stand and continue toward the locked exit. Near the end, I slid down the wall and almost lay on the ground again.

I would've gotten out myself, but I didn't have the strength. It was a struggle to walk this far, let alone run back out.

"Yuna was there again?" Paine asked.

"Yeah. She said she's in Via Purifi-tico?"

"Via Purifico" Auron corrected.

"Yeah! That one!" Tetsuna replied "So, let's go. She didn't look too good"

"Let's move it people!" Rikku said, running ahead, she remembered this place aswell as anybody else, as did Auron.

All I had to do, was wait. I smiled and closed my eyes again.

[Blade]

We went around several turns, it seemed like we were running forever (yes I ran too, even though my body didn't want to). We came to a long straightaway passage and Tetsuna said "I see her. Yuna is at the end of this passage." she kept running. We all made the turn and then all of a sudden Tetsuna was stopped in the middle. Like a wall had been put up, but it was invisible. I then said after catching my breath "Seymour." Rikku looked around "He's here, I don't see him. But we're so close to Yunie." just then we heard his voice "So you all thought it would be that easy to rescue Yuna." he appeared in front of us and I said "Let us through. We're not here to fight you." Seymour turned around "She looks so vulnerable now." he walked through his own invisible barrier and came to a stop at Yuna's head and turned around again "You're right, your not here to fight me. But there is a friend of mine that has been wanting to meet you all." he raised his hands. Tetsuna looked down at the floor "What's going on with the floor?" I then said "He's summoning his aeon." Rikku then said "Anima!!! You mean we have to fight it again." I saw the head coming through the portal in the floor "Get ready everyone." Seymour then said "If you happen to live through this battle, then you can have Yuna back. If you can find us." he knelt down and put his hand on her head, they both vanished.

[Morph]

I woke up. What the? I'd moved? How? Where? I moved a little. Ow. For some reason, I felt more sore than before, my head was fine now though. What was this place anyway? I'd never seen it before...

Once again, I forced myself to stand, but there was no support this time. What was this place anyway? It was almost...white. No dark at all.

Why did I not want to be here then? This place was beautiful. But something told me danger was near. I knew something wasn't right. Then, I saw cracks in the white floor beneath my feet. It fell in, and I with it. I managed to cling to the edge. Beneath me was pitch black. This wasn't a 'somewhere', it was an illusion, falling apart round me. I heard his laugh then. Seymour's twisted laugh.

"My dear, Lady, always getting yourself into trouble" He said extending his hand for me to take as he materialised.

I took his hand, and he pulled me up.

"My dear, you look so tired"

"No thanks to you!" I spat back, putting a distance between me and him.

He chuckled "Yes, I do apologise for that" he said, then looked distracted "Ah, the show is about to start. I shall return" he added and turned "Just for my amusement...there is a way out. Try taking a leap of faith for once Yuna" then he disappeard.

So, there was a way out. Great. Where? I must have walked around for atleast twenty minutes before I finally got it. I looked at the hole in the middle of the room. How far would that fall? I pressed the node on my garment grid for the aeon's dressphere. It wasn't working. I tried another node to be sure, none worked. Was it just this place? Or would I have to get a new one from Shinra? "Oh well" I thought and jumped into the hole. Next thing I knew, I hit the ground, back in Via Purifico. "Owww!!" That was it. Enough was enough. I stood, still, I'd never been in so much pain, but I'd had enough. I pressed the node on my garment grid to try it again. It worked. Lucky. I felt the power of the aeons again. But still, my body ached too much for a fight. I concentrated and again, I was with my friends. I could see myself though the door past Anima. I knew though, that I wouldn't be able to help for very long.

"Yuna?" Tetsuna asked again, glancing to her left at me "What are you doing?"

"I'm helping" I replied

"Helping? I can barely see you. You look like you're flickering"

"I do?" I looked at my hands "Oh, I am"

"You should just relax. We can take this...Anima"

"I want to help"

"Yuna!"

"Just, let me do a few things"

"You're just draining yourself Yuna. You're exhausted"

"I'll be alright" I assured her, then quickly threw a meteor at Anima.

Rikku shrieked "What the Yevon!? We can't see her, but we can see her attacks?"

"I guess so" Tetsuna replied

"That did some damage aswell" Auron replied, then striked Anima.

"How'd you get back anyway?" Tetsuna asked

"Seymour isn't too bright" I replied and hit Anima with an Aerospark.

[Blade]

Yuna's last attack made her a bit more visible. We could see her behind Anima, although briefly. Anima had stopped moving and I said "Its charging for its special attack." hoping Yuna heard me. But Tetsuna came around "Special attack? Is it bad." Rikku replied "Oh its bad alright. Its only called Oblivion." Tetsuna replied "O-oblivion...Uh that does sound bad. Can we stop that from happening." I then said "We've hit Anima with all we have. Yuna will have to stop this attack." I then said "Yuna, you have to stop Anima. Use another aeon attack." Yuna then said "I got it." just then a bright light came down and engulfed Anima, "Mega Flare." I said, we all turned our heads away from it. It was over just as fast, when we looked again Anima was gone. But Yuna was now fully visible, and she fell to the ground "Yuna!!" we all yelled. We ran to her and I said " We have to find her a place to rest." Rikku then said "We should go back to Besaid. Its peaceful there." I nodded "Besaid it is. Let's go."

[Ms.Croft]

I nodded, and we began walking towards the exit, Yuna in tow.

"Honestly," I turned around, shortly followed by the others. "Did you really think it'd be that easy?!" Seymour laughed. "Back you go, Yuna!" He waved his hand and she disappeared again.

"Damn it, you let her go!" Rikku said advancing towards him. He stopped her in her tracks with a look and simply smiled.

"I said I'd let you have Yuna back if you lived through the battle...but the battle's not over!!" Below Seymour, a portal appeared and a chain sank into it. He pulled out Anima again, but he wasn't the same anymore. He was darker. Auron looked surprised.

"That's a dark Aeon! Everyone, prepare yourselves! It's much stronger now! This won't be a battle we can win easily."

I sighed and looked at the huge monstrosity.

"I won't let you take Yuna...everyone! I need your help. I need to cast my strongest spell again...but it'll take some time. I've mastered ice and thunder, but I need your help with fire..." Auron looked at me and nodded. "I have to cast this spell, it's the only way to beat it now. Protect me!" I said and held my spell stick in front of me, staring at the elemental jewels. I held my hand over the blizzard jewel and concentrated.

[Morph]

Seymour laughed "Did you already forget?" he mused "A summoner can summon an aeon and have it ready for it's most powerful attack"

He laughed again at their faces "She will destroy you all. Anima. Oblivion" he commanded.

The dark aeon did as commanded, casting my friends into oblivion, attacking them relentlessly. When the attack was over however, they were unscathed.

"What the...?" was all Rikku managed blurt out.

"Tetsuna?" Paine asked

"Again, no" she replied "I don't know that spell"

"None of us do, only Yuna" Auron replied, then laughed a little "It would seem that even though she's unconcious, her subconcious remembers to protect"

"Huh?" Rikku said

"Call it...instinct, if you will" Auron replied

"No wonder she's exhausted all the time" Tetsuna replied

"So, you're saying, we're practically invincible?" Paine asked

"Let's test that theory" Auron replied, rushing forward to attack, the others followed, Tetsuna began creating her spell.

[Ms.Croft]

“Blizzara...” I whispered concentrating on the jewel. The spell was absorbed by it, and it eventually began showing condensation on the surface. Breathing slowly, I moved my hand upwards.

“Hey, Tetsunie, do ya mind kinda hurrying it up a bit pretty please!!! Yuna’s protection’s not holding out here...” I ignored Rikku’s voice and concentrated hard.

“Watera...” The jewel responded and began filling inside with water. I then heard an almighty scream.

“It’s using pain!” I heard Auron shouting above Anima.

“Not a problem!” Rikku responded mixing two liquids together. “This’ll help!” She said throwing the concoction into the air. It burst and covered us all, creating a magical barrier.

“Thundara...” As expected, the jewel began creating static. “Fi...oh no! I can’t do it!”

“What?!” Came Rikku’s voice. “You haven’t learnt Fira?!” I looked to Anima and was suddenly filled with a sense of dread.

“Allow me!” I turned to Paine as she swung her sword towards me. A powerful fire attack followed and hit me before becoming absorbed. The fire jewel was now full of hot magma.

“All right!” I shouted triumphantly. “Let’s do it!! Elemen....” I thrust my stick into the air and began twirling it between my fingers. A huge ball of energy formed consisting of the 4 elements in perfect unison. I held my hand upwards allowing the energy to settle. “....tara!!”

((There's a challenge for you, Morph, try drawing that attack ))

[Blade]

I heard Tetsuna say the spell. I also saw that ball of energy leave her hand, I looked back quickly to everyone else "Brace yourselves. This one's gonna be big." A bright flash of intense light, and I heard a shriek. When it was over I looked back to Tetsuna, she seemed to be in a bit of shock from casting that powerful spell. I heard Rikku say "Its gone." I looked back and indeed Anima was gone, but so was Yuna and Seymour. Paine came over next "Looks like magic girl needs to be brought back to us." looking at Tetsuna. We walked over to her, that's when she came about "Did I cast that?" she was staring at her hand. I then replied "You did, and it was very impressive." Paine then said "You can thank me later. We have other business to tend to." Rikku replied then "Yeah Yunie's gone missing again. Where could she be now?" I then said "Only one place." I looked at each of them "Zanarkand."

[Morph]

Small droplets of water splashing on my face woke me from my slumber. I slowly lifted my head and took a look around.

"Zanarkand?" I mumbled to myself. Slowly I stood, looking around the chamber. This was the secret area that was just beyond the chamber of the fayth "How did I get here?" I asked the silence around me.

"I brought you here, of course" Seymour said as he materialised before me.

I glared daggers at him "Why here? Why not one of your mind games again?"

"Why use a mind game, when I know you want the same thing as I?"

"What?" I spat at his confusing question.

He stared at me for a moment "You really don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" I yelled "I don't know what you want!!"

"You do not understand the power you possess Yuna" he replied calmly "Your talent is unique. Only one other person apart from yourself has ever been able to do what you can do, and yet, you do not know you can do it"

"I don't know what you're talking about"

"You are a summoner Yuna --"

"I already knew that --"

"Hush" he said to me "But not just a summoner of the aeons spirits, no. You can summon back whoever you like. Lives lost in tragedy. A stolen family" he paused and looked at me again "A lost dream, perhaps?"

"Why was he telling me this? Did he want to be beaten? Why tell the enemy what could be possibly their greatest strength? Unless..."

He interupted my thoughts "Yuna. I know you lost someone that you hold dear. Your missing dream. Summon him back"

"Why would you want me to do that?" I asked, confused by what he asked.

"Because Yuna, then we shall both have what we most desire"

"Both?" I asked. What could me bringing back those gone have anything to do with him getting what he wants?

"Call it, a meeting of achievements, if only for a little while"

"If I can bring people back, even dreams, then why shouldn't I use that power?" I thought "No. No, no, no. Something isn't right. He's

lying. He always lies. Don't listen to him" I told myself.

"No" I stated

"Hmph. Very well" he replied "But, tell me one thing"

"What?" I asked, suspicious of his behaviour

"How are you projecting spells to protect your friends?"

"I...what?" now I was truly confused.

"Don't know that either? Intriguing" was all he replied with. What in Spira have I been doing without actually doing it? "Oh well. You're going to do what I want anyway" he said and held his hand out at me. "Not again!".

"Now, summon him. Summon the dream" he commanded. I couldn't stop. I began a spell that I didn't know I knew...

((MsC, I accept your challenge, lol ))

[Ms.Croft]

I fell to the floor both from exhaustion and despair.

"She's gone...Yuna's gone...they're so far away!" I said to the others, tears filling my eyes. Footsteps approached and I turned to Paine.

"Project yourself to her."

"What?!" I responded in complete disbelief. Paine sat down next to me then, and patted me on the shoulder.

"You saw Yuna when we couldn't, correct?" I nodded. "Then you two must have some sort of...connection to each other. Perhaps magical...like..." Paine looked to Auron for help.

"She's right,Tetsuna." He said walking up to us. "You just have to concentrate hard and you'll be there. You are our only hope now. For Spira." I somewhat understood what they were asking of me. I did see Yuna when she was trying to communicate with us, but only I could. There was some sort of magical bond between us, albeit temporarily.

"Ok..." I stood up and closed my eyes. "I'll do it." I held my hands to my stomach and concentrated on a power deep within myself. I felt it, a little ray of light waiting to be brought out. Focusing on it, I began breathing slowly, urging it to be brought forward. My hands driifted out in front of me creating a 'ball' and I willed the magic there. Then I felt it. Between my hands a bright light began pulsing, bright and brighter. As it filled them, I propelled my hands in opposite directions. The energy became a ripple and my friends disappeared. It was then that I saw Seymour.

"Yes, that's right, Yuna...not long now." Seymour couldn't see me. I looked over to Yuna. She was performing a summoning ritual. "Just a bit more...you'll be able to see 'Him' again." Him? I thought to myself, wondering who he meant. It was then that I remembered the picture I picked up in Spira of a happy blonde boy. The one Yuna spoke so little about. This was what Sir Auron and Yuna were talking about...he's the one to bring back the ultimate Aeon. I had to stop this.

"Yuna! Yuna listen to me! It's Tetsuna, you have to stop this. You're too strong for Seymour, he can't control you, remember that!" As I urged her to stop, I felt my magic power draining and the world I was in began to disappear. "DAMN IT!" I needed to do something fast. As if the Fayth had given me the answer, I walked up to Yuna, pressing the white mage dressphere. As my father's robes surrounded me, I placed my hand over Yuna's body and forced it. "Reflect!"

[Morph]

I stopped. Frozen on the spot.

"What?" Seymour said shocked "Yuna. Continue" he commanded. Still I did not move.

"Tetsuna" I whispered, lifting my head to stare at her.

"Fight Yuna! You're stronger than he is! I know you are!" she told me.

"I'm stronger" I repeated her words to myself. She was right. I was stronger.

Was I performing that summoning because he had said, or because it's what I wanted too?

I shouldn't have thought that. Bringing 'him' back wouldn't be any good. I would fight my way out of here if I had to.

"Yuna. Summon him now!" Seymour demanded now.

"No" I replied strongly, and turned to him. As I turned, the aeons' dressphere materialised over me, without needing to touch the garment grid "I will never do anything for you"

He laughed "Your strength is back then. I don't remember you being so strong Yuna" he mocked me.

"How about a taste of your own?" I spat at him, then quickly raised my hand, producing a beam of light which struck him and threw him across the room and into the wall. I'd hit him with 'Pain'.

"I'm coming Tetsuna" I said running past her, and back through the chamber of the fayth to the lift.

[Blade]

Seymour got up and said "Your not getting away that easy!!!" he snapped his fingers. Yuna, running, could see the lift to escape the fayth just as she got near she hit an invisible wall. Her way out only a few feet away, she turned around after catching her breath. Seymour was standing at the end of the passage, Yuna saw him take a few steps forward and then vanish. He appeared again just feet away and said "So close to escape. There's only one way that barrier is coming down, and you know what has to be done." Yuna replied "I already told you that I won't summon him. You don't have control over me." Seymour let out a evil laugh and then said "Summon 'him'. Oh no that's not what I meant. You and me in a battle to the death, the only way that wall goes away is for you to kill me. Let's make that wall more real." he pointed over Yuna and the wall was suddenly visible, concealing the lift "I know you all had some sort of plan. You'd have your friends battle me, and hope they would weaken me to the point you could finish me off." he took a step closer "But they're not here. Your going to have to do this yourself." Yuna then said "If you want to die, I can arrange that. I'll send you back to the farplane, and you'll never escape again." Seymour stood in battle stance "Give me your best shot then. We'll see who sends who to the farplane."

[Morph]

Seymour was ready to attack...

"Wait" I said "If you kill me...how will you get what you want?"

He laughed then "Dear Yuna...even in death, spirits return" he smiled "Am I not proof enough?"

"So...you're saying that even if I send you back, you'll be back again?"

He nodded "Naturally. It is what I desire. It is, what I will get. There is no denying fate..."

It was then that I remembered. An ancient text my father had shown me once, when I was very young.

A passage that I had forgotten, but somehow, I always remembered it...

"Those gone can return. Great deeds done will allow new life. Life taken willingly is awarded with power"

It wasn't from Yevon. It was something older, before Yevon had formed...before Sin's beginning. Before anything bad had

happened to Spira. I knew then, what I would do...

"So, it's summon him, or die?" I looked at him "Those are my options?"

"I couldn't have said it better myself" he mocked, not expecting my answer.

"I would rather die" I said and lunged forward at him, grabbing him and throwing him back into the other room.

I followed, going to attack again. He was already up.

"Is that all?" he laughed "Really Yuna, I was expecting more from you"

"Yuna! What are you doing?" I heard Tetsuna yell. Still standing away from me in her spiritual form "Get him!"

I stood ready, pretending to prepare my next attack.

He laughed "I pity you Yuna. Truly, I do. That's rare for me" he laughed again "I shall make this quick then" he said,

then began his attack "A new one, just for you" he created a ball of energy, which then split into four around me.

"Goodbye Yuna" he said to me and let his attack strike me "For now" I replied, smirking at him.

The attack hit me and I fell instantly. I looked in Tetsuna's direction before I hit the floor, and smiled.

Then, I turned into pyreflies and disappeared...

-----------------

"YUNA!" Tetsuna yelled as our link to each other broke.

"What happened?" Auron asked...