Chapter 6

Moonflow and the Perky Thief

I watched the Arnold clone walk over to Auron and ask to shake the guardian’s hand. I meanwhile watched the doorway to the Chamber of the Fayth waiting for Yuna to emerge. As Yuna exited the Chamber she slumps forward Kimahri catching her in his arms.

“You ouch much to your father,” Dona said drolly waving her hands around at the group assembled. “All these Guardian’s, the fiend Destroyer, and Sir Auron too? And I hear Seymour is quite taken with you. The world must look different when you’re the daughter of Lord Braska.” I was only mildly shocked at the declaration of my title being separate from Tidus, Lulu, Kimahri, and Wakka. Apparently my title put me up in the legendary category along with the High Summoners and their Guardians. Still I didn’t like the way she put it.

“Do I sense a bit of envy and jealously in your voice?” I state causing her to turn toward me and scowl a bit. I glance at my fellow guardians and noted they were both amused and gave me a look of appreciation.

“This has nothing to do with my father,” Yuna replied looking a bit hurt and angry at the same time. “I’m traveling on my own as a fully fledged summoner.”

Dona’s eyes seemed to soften a bit, walking toward the Chamber, “Is that so, then try standing on your own two legs for once. When the time comes your guardians won’t be there to protect you.”

I watched the dark skinned woman vanished into the Chamber, then yawned heavily looking at the others, “Let’s grab some much needed shut eye, this whole day has been trying on everyone,” I suggested and everyone nodded in agreement.

The group each gets there own room, while I stay up a bit longer trying to sort out the new images in my head. I come to realize my memories weren’t fading, as I previously feared. Instead they seemed to blend and mix with the ones I already had, soon I won’t be able to distinguish between the two. Which was fine keeping the knowledge from my world will help in the coming events and having added knowledge from the individual I guess I was replacing made things easier.

Next morning I crawled my lazy carcass out of bed and quietly walked out of the inn and was greeted by the others. I watched Tidus walk up behind me, “We’re waiting for Yuna,” Wakka replied. Tidus looking concerned went and entered the temple.

“Think it’s a good idea to keep him in the dark about this pilgrimage?” I asked as he vanished from sight.

“We’re not hiding it from him,” Wakka said eyes looking tormented.

“So what he finds out later down the road?” I respond almost glaring at Wakka who flinches. They weren’t blind to what happened during our fight with the Chocobo Eater. I sigh, “I shouldn’t badger you about it when I can’t say anything about it myself. But then again if I can get to Zanarkand, I bet it holds the true to stopping Sin and it will never return.”

Lulu glanced at me, “You really think so?”

I simply shrugged, “What’s it going to hurt if I find out. I just have this feeling that the Final Aeon and Sin are connected somehow, I just need prove to back up the theory.” Not really the truth but the gleam of hope in everyone gathered made what I said easier to swallow. Like all those that played the game I knew how Sin was finally killed but if I gave it away or said anything way before hand, I probably be degreed a lunatic. I made it sound as if my answers would be found at Zanarkand, which in essence was the truth. It would the only place I could spill the beans in regards to what I know.

Tidus was seen walking out of the temple an amused look on his face, as Yuna came tearing out the temple her hair looking about as spiky as Tidus’s. “Yo, sleepyhead!” Wakka called out a smile on his face.

“Sorry! I’m so Sorry!” Yuna stated bowing to everyone face flushed from running.

“Really there was no rush, here your hair,” Lulu says gently, Yuna reached up trying to fix her hair but it wasn’t cooperating right away, until Lulu produced a brush and began helping the young summoner with her hair.

“A summoner with bad hair? What’s the world coming too?” Wakka quipped I gave a slight smirk at this comment.

“You could of woken me up?” Yuna asked irritably.

“We tried three times,” Lulu smiled. “But with all that snoring..,” Lulu trailed off.

“Hmm…What is it today, everyone’s picking on me,” Yuna stated everyone minus myself was laughing, even Auron was chuckling. I simply smiled, “Even you too, Sir Auron?” Yuna asked.

“Once Lady Yuna fixes her hair we’ll leave,” Auron stated trying to sound serious but the gentle laughing from all minus myself.

“At least you’re not laughing at me,” Yuna stated at me.

“Nah, found their attempts at humor to rate a smile at best. If they really wanted a belly about yer hair. They should of said, that you’re hair was a result of a misplaced Thunder spell,” I said putting my arms behind my head whistling lightly passing by the group who was now trying hard not to fall to the ground in laughter.

On our to the divide that we first saw walking up to D’Jose we spotted Lucil, Elma, and Clasko, standing next to Luzzu. Luzzu had apparently survived the battle while Gatta had been the one to die. Luzzu had stated to Wakka and company that he would be returning to Besaid.

“So where to next?” Tidus asked putting his hands behind his head.

“Only way we can go, the Moonflow,” I state before Lulu can speak. “After that Guadosalam,” I state dryly knowing the flack we’ll have once we reach that point.

“Moonflow baby here we come,” Tidus announce cheerfully, I give out a sorrowful sigh before following behind them.

The trip toward the Moonflow could only be described as one thing boring. If you didn’t count the fact that newly formed fiends from Operation Mi’hen were floating around. Most were wolf, Ochu, or Dual Horn fiends. And were quickly dispatched by our group. Along the road however we met Shelinda, who did her speech about learning a lesson from the Crusader’s plight. I pointed out that it was Maester Kinoc that had proposed the Operation to begin with. Not really sure if that was the case of not to be truthful I just placed blame on the leader of the Crusader’s.

Shelinda seemed to shy away from me at this looking hurt. I apologized for hurting her feelings but I didn’t retract my comment. It was after saying goodbye to Shelinda; we ran into Kimahri’s brethren namely Biran and Yenke. Being the first time actually meeting the two, I’d have to say I’m impressed at their size; that was about it. Kimahri talked better than them, making him sound way more intelligent.

“Look! One of Kimahri’s friends. Looks just like him,” Biran stated boasting jerking his head at Tidus. “Both follow summoners around on all fours, hornless goatlings.”

“Hornless! Hornless!” Yenke taunted

“Least Kimahri sounds like he’s got a brain in his head, ya big jerks!” I snort this brought their attention on me as Kimahri stepped forward between us.

“You come to insult Kimahri?” Kimahri inquired crossing his arms.

“Wrong we come to warn Kimahri,” Biran stated giving me an admiring glare. Guess it takes a lot of balls to not only stand up to a Ronso, but it must take some serious grapefruits to insult a Ronso.

“Summoners disappear, never return!” Yenke spoke out.

“We already know, Issaru and his guardians told us about this back in D’Jose,” I replied the two Ronso’s nod.

But something in the yellow haired Ronso eyes seemed mischievous. He turned to Kimahri, “Next will be Kimahri’s summoner,” this caused Yuna to flinch involuntarily.

“Over our dead bodies,” I state with a snort, though I know who was taking the Summoners and why still the more kudos points I get now with these two may be helpful later on when it counted.

“Poor Kimahri, lost his horn now his summoner!” Biran growled ignoring me. These two idiots had a single-minded purpose to drive our friend into a rage. However whatever bait they were using wasn’t working Kimahri simply stood there with his arms crossed.

“Pitiful Kimahri! Howl alone! Howl alone!” Yenke taunted alongside I could hear Tidus grinding his teeth arms getting tense; I reached over and gently placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me and I shake my head. We both turned to watch how Kimahri would react again he did nothing. I’m amazed at his restraint this kind of taunting would gotten me flying in a blind rage.

The two then just turned and left without a word, Tidus glared at them as they left. “Do those two got something against you?” the ace blitzer asked. Kimahri shook his head, “So what they were just picking on you?”

Kimahri didn’t reply at first, “Kimahri will deal with them.”

“And I’ll help,” Tidus clenched his fist.

“Kimahri alone,” the Ronso replied watching his fellow Ronso turn a corner.

“But,” Tidus sighed shaking his head slumping his shoulders.

“It’s Kimahri’s problem, ya. We can’t interfere it’s a rule,” Wakka explained.

I cross my arms stepping forward looking deep in thought trying to provide a distraction. It worked Lulu looked up. “Is something wrong?”

I shake my head giving her a brief smile, “Not really, just something those two goons has me worried, about the summoners. Both Issaru and the Ronso’s can’t be lying about the summoners disappearing.”

“Well if we do our jobs as guardians that won’t happen right?” Tidus explains.

“Not that simple, bud. The summoners are being taken along with their guardians so it safe to assume whoever’s doing this isn’t stupid,” I reply the ace blitzer nods.

“Got to try anyway right?” Tidus asked.

“Goes without saying,” with that we moved on meeting Belgamine was interesting her voice actually matched what I saw. In the same she was just a reused character model with a voice. In glowing reality she was something that could be described in one word, goddess. Also her Aeon duel with Yuna was short and sweet with Yuna coming out on top using Ifrit.

Once we arrived at the Moonflow my only thoughts I had began to float away at the awe-inspiring sight. Much like the ocean during a sunset nothing in the mind seemed to fly up, the only thing was the sight before you.

“They are moonlilies,” Yuna explained, motioning to the numerous, water lily like flowers dotting the clear river. “They say clouds of pyreflies gather here when night-falls.”

“The entire river glows like a sea of stars,” Lulu continues Yuna’s words as we all look on. The only one excited by the prospect was Tidus and Yuna.

“Hey I got an idea,” the blitz ace raised a hand.

“I doubt we have time to stay until nightfall, if we want to get pass the Thunder Plains before dark,” I state before Lulu can speak up, “and that’s not even counting the number of fiends we’ll be facing, between here and there.”

“Okay then once we beat Sin, let’s come back?” the blitz ace suggested.

I shrug, “Actually that wouldn’t be a bad idea, be nice to hold a vigil for all those that have fallen,” I glance at the others gathered and they all gave a silent nod, minus Yuna of course.

“Well we better hurry otherwise we’ll miss the Shoopuff!” Wakka suddenly speaks up his face unusually jubilant. I glance over at Lulu for some sort of explanation and chuckle at the fact she was staring up at the sky muttering something about immature men.

Looking ahead everyone I didn’t know how big a Shoopuff was so my surprise was just as genuine as Tidus’s. The creature was massive easily the size of super truck, the skin texture was similar to an elephant’s, had a long that was curled up looking like a clock spring, it’s coloration was bright sea-green. Outside it’s massive appearance it looked extremely gentle. “Whoa…what the…whoa!” Tidus exclaimed.

“That’s! A Shoopuff,” Wakka smiled brightly, walking toward the loading area.

“Cool,” was all I could say as I walked behind Lulu who turned to me then seemed to roll her eyes again this time at me. “Come on Lulu don’t me you aren’t a little excited about riding one of these things?”

Lulu turned to me lazily crossing her arms looking thoughtful, “Once I did on my first pilgrimage. Since then I lost the taste for that kind of excitement.”

I felt bad about bringing up a terrible memory, “Sorry I didn’t know.”

The black mage smiled sadly, “How could you have known? But thanks for apology.”

I let a small smile appear, “Your welcome.”

I walked with her in silence a little closer than I thought I would be but something in the back of my mind told me to watch out for her. It could be the blended memories I was getting or something else entirely.

Tidus was looking up at the massive creature in awe at it’s sheer size and the weirdness factor it held. After all it looked like a cross between a elephant, a dinosaur, and one of the noise makers for a New Year’s Eve party. “Come on let’s ride!” he said cheerfully.

“We’ll leave as soon we’re ready, ya,” the islander explained. At this time I decided to do some exploring and found O’aka the XXIII standing not far from the Shoopuff.

“Hey, O’aka got any new double-blades yet?” I asked the merchant.

He looked up and sighed, “It be difficult to find such a unique weapon, but I got a clue recently that there was a Legendary Weapon, that was a Double-bladed sword that used fire for blades.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Really, got any idea where this Legendary Weapon can be found?”

“That I don’t know rumor has it; that it was taken by an outcast of Yevon,” O’aka explained.

“Hmm, for legendary weapons they need a Crest and a Sigil. I was researching them at Baaj Temple when I got conked on the head,” I blink rubbing my head mostly in confusion. Where the hell did that come from, must be from these blended memories.

“Here then this must be one of them, on discount of course,” the merchant stated holding a crest with the symbol of Uranus.

I gave him the gil for it, “Just keep looking for those swords, I got a feeling they’re connected to my Overdrives.

“Right, O’aka the XXIII at your service,” the merchant gave a bow before leaving.

After that the group gathered at the Shoopuff and were lifted onto the massive creature. “Shoopuff Launchin’.” The shoopuff driver announced. Hypello’s were interesting creatures having made the Moonflow and the surrounding area their home. Dark Blue skin with Hammerhead style eyes, that looked frog like. Amphibious like skin and water tight clothing but like the creatures they drive were very gentle.

About a half-hour into the trip Tidus was getting antsy, “Will you take a chill pill,” I muttered to him. He just groaned sitting back looking irritated after trying to start a conversation three times Wakka came to our relief.

“Hey, take a look,” He pointed over the side. Tidus stands up looking down into the water. The ruins of a vast city was seen below.

“Whoa! Sunken city!” the blitz ace shouted. I glanced at it was mildly impressed not only that the city looked vaguely familiar.

“Hey, that’s Junon!” I blurted out.

Wakka blinked, “A machina city, a thousand years old. They built the city on top of bridges across the river.”

I laughed softly, “Your partially right Wakka, but mostly misinformed.”

“What ya mean?” Tidus asked.

“I’d say this city is far older than a thousand years, it’s more like three thousand years old, beyond the cities of Zanarkand and Bevelle lives. And it wasn’t sitting on the water the bridges you see were from an underwater base the soldiers built to use a machina called a Submarine,” I explained.

“That’s right your some kind of historian aren’t you?” Tidus stated.

“But Yevon stated this city wasn’t that old and any rate doesn’t matter,” Wakka replied. “Just goes to prove, that it wasn’t a bright idea.”

“What do you mean?” the blitz ace asked the islander.

“Why build a city on the water or if Brad was right underneath the water,” Wakka explained.

“Junon wasn’t a city for civilians it was a military complex, but I get your point Wakka,” I state and the islander smiled.

“Yevon, has taught us when humans have power they seek to use it. If you don’t stop them they’ll go to far, ya,” Wakka explained.

“All well and good Wakka except your missing one thing. Grand Maester Mika is human and he’s in a position of extreme power,” I explained.

“Yes, but he hasn’t done anything,” Yuna spoke up.

I sigh tipping my hat forward, “We don’t know what boils beneath the surface but I agree Mika hasn’t done anything,” I pause watching them relax then smile almost evilly, “yet.”

Tidus looked on in puzzlement, “Okay, if machina are so bad then what about the stadium?”

“Yevon, it decides…which machina we may or may not use,” Lulu replied looking at me her face deeply trouble. In a subtle way I’m making them question the beliefs they were taught all there lives way before the incident with Jyscal Guado. I also had plans for the incident as well.

“Okay, so what machina may we not use?” Tidus asked.

“Remember Operation Mi’Hen that kind,” Wakka explained heatedly.

“Yet, the Maester’s were there in perfect view of the machina and they did not stop the Operation, makes you wonder about there motives,” I explain casually causing everyone again to look at faces deeply troubled. “As for the teachings stating it was war that brought us Sin, that’s both right and wrong.”

“How can it be right and wrong?” Yuna asked.

“When we reach Zanarkand all will be clear,” I said cryptically.

Wakka snorted, “Still doesn’t matter it was the Al Bhed that brought the machina in the first place. They screwed up everything!” he raged then the cabin begins to shake. Before anyone could react a blonde haired man in a gas mask appears grabbing Yuna and diving over the side. “It’s the Al Bhed!” He, Tidus, and myself leapt over the side into the water. Like before holding your breath would pretty much pointless, the water in Spira just didn’t drown people. Which was fine, have enough problems to worry about without drowning in the middle of a boss fight. I drew my weapon being the only one of the group without his Legendary Weapon I would deal out the minimum of damage. However my Overdrive was full and I had to test it, “Overdrive: Great Gospel!” with a brief charge up I extended my double-bladed sword over my head, and instantly I was able to cast, haste, regen, and invincibility onto all three of us. I watch Wakka rear back and slam his blitzball into the huge machina. Using Great Gospel had proven to be a waste as the Extractor suddenly began to convulse, then explode two bodies were flung clear, Yuna and another figure that lazily swam toward the distant shore. We finally reach the surface dragging Yuna up. She coughed a bit more from shock than actual attempted drowning.

“Are you hurt?” Lulu asked Yuna as I helped the young summoner back into her seat. Lulu looked up at me gratefully.

“No, I’m fine,” Yuna said shaking her arms trying to wring the water from her arm covers.

Wakka punched the seat in frustration as he sat down, “Damn those Al Bhed.”

“Ish ebullibody okay?” the shoopuff driver asked and we all nod. The ride finished a few moments later.

Wakka firing off angry question and accusations, “Damn the Al Bhed. What do they want from us? Could it have something to do with Luca? What are they after Yuna for?” he growled. “Bet it was because they lost in the tournament. Wait I bet it was for Operation Mi’Hen!”

I make a buzzer sound, “Wrong, but thanks for playing.”

“I wonder…didn’t Kimahri’s clansmen say something…about summoners…disappearing?” Lulu spoke up tentatively.

“And we have a winner,” I state spinning around.

“You mean the Al Bhed are behind that! Those Sand-Blasted grease monkey’s,” Wakka snarled darkly. I glance at Yuna and note her pained face apparently so did Tidus.

“Hey Wakka, cut it out,” the blitz ace replied.

Wakka blinked for a moment looking around at those gathered, “Oh sorry.”

“If we do our jobs as Guardians then Yuna will be safe, right?” Tidus asked.

“He’s right,” the black mage exclaimed and the others nod.

I stretch watching Tidus walk off, “Let’s hang out here grab some lunch before heading off to Guadosalam.” The others readily agree with me and I order some food.

After about fifteen minutes we begin wondering where Tidus ran off to, and go look for him. We found him talking to Rikku, I smile walking up. “Rikku been awhile,” she looks over at me and smiles.

“YO!” Wakka calls out diverting our attention. “Friend of yours?” he asked.

“You could say that,” both Tidus and I respond the two of us look at each other and laugh.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Rikku,” she states brightly.

“Yuna, Lulu, I told you about her, remember? She was the one who helped when I first came to Spira. She’s an Al Bh…beh…” Tidus states coughing looking over at Wakka sweating slightly at his near slip. Fortunately Wakka missed the slip.

“Really, so I guess you owe her your life? What luck meeting here, ya? Praise be to Yevon,” Wakka stated making his prayer gesture.

Well Wakka’s clueless, thankful for that we are. I thought watching Wakka giving Rikku a good once over.

“Say you look a little beat up? You okay?” the islander asked.

“Uh..Wakka,” Lulu spoke up

Turning to the black mage Wakka looked utterly lost. “Uh, What?”

“There’s something we need to discuss,” Lulu stated.

Wakka quietly crossed his arms still looking confused. “Yeah go ahead.”

“Girls only! Boys wait over there!” Rikku stated waving her hand.

“Right, sorry Wakka,” Lulu, Yuna, and Rikku walk over closer to the tree and I laugh as watching Wakka protest.

The conversation between the three took longer than it did on screen roughly about fifteen minutes. Yuna walked over to Auron, “Sir Auron…,” Yuna states tentatively. Auron grunted a bit looking down at the young summoner, “I would like Rikku to be my guardian?”

Auron doesn’t say anything instead walks over to Rikku, “Show me your face,” Rikku looked confused and Auron repeated himself. “look at me.”

Rikku sighs raising her head up so Auron can look at her face. She closes her eyes at this point. “Open your eyes,” she does rather meekly revealing a emerald green orb that had a spiral pupil, clear trait of the Al Bhed. “As I thought,” however Auron wasn’t looking at the face of an Al Bhed he was instead looking at have of Rikku’s blood line.

“Um no good?” Rikku asked.

Auron eyes softened a bit but know one notice except me, “Are you sure?”

“One Hundred percent! So anyway can I?” the perky thief asked.

“Only if Yuna wishes it,” the old guardian replied turning to regard Yuna.

“Yes I wish it,” Yuna said cheerfully and Auron looks back to Rikku, before walking away, Wakka gives out a grunt.

“Party of eight anyone,” I quip earning a giggle from Rikku.

“Rikku’s a good girl, she’s helped me and Brad out a bunch,” Tidus pleading Rikku’s case.

“Well I’m all for it,” Wakka replied, “the more the merrier.”

“I guess I’ll just have to be the merriest,” Rikku replied pumping a fist into the air and doing a minor dance.

With that the group began it’s trek toward Guadosalam, and hopefully with my presence the angst that will occur in that place won’t.

Author’s Note: Whoa that was long, story taken on life more so than my other fics at this time. Just got to get this out of the way, I replayed FFX again and can see whole new avenues about the ending I want to explore. As for my character he’s getting a blend of memories from various sources. As for the Legendary Weapon can anyone say lightsaber, I know you can. The Tenchi/Ranma crossover I thinking of making is going to wait until I finish this. As for the Ranma/Kenshin fic Battousai’s Descendant I’m afraid I’m abandoning it, it’s been so long now that I forgot the plot I was going to use, so if anyone wants to continue the fic in there own style feel free.