Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ A Separate Thread ❯ Deceptions Woven ( Chapter 8 )

A SEPERATE THREAD

Chapter 8: Deceptions Woven

As they arrived in the underground city of Guadosalam, an elderly Guado man is there to greet them. "We have been expecting you, Lady Yuna. Welcome to Guadosalam. This way, my lady. This way."

"Me?" Yuna asked in surprise.

The man reaches out to take Yuna's hand, but Wakka blocks him with his arm. "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Wakka warned.

"Oh, I beg your pardon. I am called Tromell Guado. I am in the direct service of our leader, the great Seymour Guado. Lord Seymour has very important business with Lady Yuna," the man assures them.

"Business with me? Whatever could it be, I wonder?" Yuna ponders aloud.

"Please come inside the manor. All will be explained. Of course, your friends are welcome too," the man adds.

Marina stops him before he can walk away. "Um, excuse me..."

"Yes?" he inquires.

"My sister, Abra, also works as an assistant to the maester. Might you know where she is?"

"I'm sorry," he begins. "Lady Abra is with Lord Seymour at the moment. I'm sure there will be time for you to see her later," Tromell informs her.

"Thank you," Marina replied, her curiosity piqued.

Tromell walks away, and everyone follows.

"Twist our arms, why don't ya?" Rikku comments in annoyance.

They enter the manor and wait in the foyer. Tidus, Wakka and Lulu stand looking at portraits of various Guado men in the great hall of the manor.

"These are past leaders of the Guado," Lulu informs Tidus.

"They all look the same," Tidus replies, although, they don't really.

"Seymour doesn't look like them, though," Wakka comments.

"Don't you know?" Lulu asks, a bit surprised. "The last leader...Maester Jyscal wed a human woman. She was Seymour's mother."

"Ohh..." both men reply.

Marina has been listening to their conversations. She leans into Auron. "I really have a bad feeling about this," she whispers worriedly.

"What do you feel?" he asked her.

"I feel...deceit. Great sorrow. I...can't really pin it down. Some one is shielding. I can not really speak of it at this time," she replied. He nodded and touched her arm briefly. He then turned to Tidus, "Stay close to Yuna," he ordered.

Tromell entered. "This way, please," he said. He led them into a large room, where banquet tables sat covered in food. "I will go inform Lord Seymour. Please wait here."

In Seymour's quarters, Abra and Seymour sit holding each other. He feels her great sorrow, and tries to comfort her.

"Little one..." he began softly. "You know that this must be done. It will bring happiness to all of Spira. And I must travel with her to the Zanarkand ruins, to become her final aeon, and help her defeat Sin." What he didn't tell her was his intention of becoming Sin.

She nodded, sniffling. She tried to hold back her tears.

He continued speaking softly to her. "You are giving me something so very important, Little one," he said, placing his hand low on her belly. "If things are progressing as I hope, you are giving me the chance to leave a part of myself here in this world. And you are giving great joy to my people. I am so grateful for that."

He kissed her tenderly, lovingly. "I have something for you," he told her as he removed a small box out from within his robes, and handed it to her. "Open it..." he whispered.

She opened the box slowly. Inside was a silver ring, a band engraved with the same heraldic lions that were tattooed on his chest. Between them, they held a heart. He removed the ring from the box and took her left hand.

"Abra, my little one, I can not marry you. And I regret that it causes you such sorrow. But I want all of my people, no...everyone, to know that you are a part of my family. Will you wear my ring?" he asks her.

She nods, and he places the band on her ring finger. He kisses her passionately, holding her close to him. There is a knock at the door and Tromell enters.

"I am sorry to disturb you my Lord, but Summoner Yuna has arrived."

"Thank you. I will be there shortly," Seymour informs him. Tromell exits.

Seymour turns to Abra. "I must go greet Lady Yuna. It's time to set my plans in motion." He sees her distress. He stands and picks her up, holding her in his arms so he can look into her eyes. As he holds her, he speaks quietly to her. "Never forget that you mean so very much to me. I will continue to spend as much time with you as I can. You will travel with me to the temple tonight, my little one."

"Yes my lord," she whispered. He kissed her lovingly once more, sat her back down, and was gone.

A few moments later, there was a knock on the door. Abra wiped her face and called "Who is it?"

"It's just me...Trawen. May I come in?" the voice outside the door called.

"Yes...it's open," Abra replied.

A young woman entered. She was a beautiful woman, with olive skin, dark purple hair and icy violet eyes. She joined Abra on the sofa.

"Abra...what's wrong?" the younger woman asked when she saw her friends tear stained face.

"It's...Maester Seymour," Abra answered.

"Yes...I heard that Lady Yuna had arrived. Everyone knows about his plans. I know it's hard...feeling the way you do," Trawen replied.

"I just...love him so much. It is going to be hard to see him with her. And even harder to let him go," Abra responded sadly.

Trawen nodded. "I'll be here for you...if you need me," she assured Abra.

"Thanks...anyway...let's talk about you. How have you been doing in your studies of the Al Bhed language? I am sorry I haven't been able to help you with it very much," Abra said.

"Oh...that's okay. I've been traveling to Macalania Inn about once a week. One of the employees there, Neda, is working with me. She says I've just about got it down. I'm gonna miss my trips there though," she replied with a shy smile.

"Ah...so is there someone in particular you will miss?" Abra countered with a smile.

Trawen blushed. "Maybe..." she replied.

"Come on! Tell me!!" Abra insisted.

"Well...I don't see him every time I visit. But sometimes I get lucky, and he's there bringing supplies to shop, and checking on the inn. He is always so friendly to me, but I don't think he'd ever be interested in me...I'm too short...I'm pudgy...and..." Trawen replied.

"How can you say that? You're taller than me! And you are beautiful! I know it has been hard on you here, being half Guado and half Al Bhed. They just don't know what they are missing. Your lilac spiral swirled eyes are exotic. And you aren't pudgy. You're nice and curvy...he'd be crazy not to be interested in you!" Just then what Trawen had said began to click...."checking on the inn..." She gasped. "Wait a minute...you're talking about Rin!!" she exclaimed.

Trawen blushed even darker. "Yes...it's Rin. But he is way out of my league..." the younger woman replied regretfully.

"That's crazy! Besides...I know him. He is a friend of my family. I am going to introduce you properly!" Abra announced.

The women continued chatting, and Trawen was able to lift Abra's spirits immensely.

Back in the great room, Tidus looks around. Auron and Marina stand to the right of the door. He approaches them.

"Stay on your guard," Auron cautions.

"Why? This guy's just a priest, right?" the younger man asks in confusion.

"Those with power use that power. Maesters have power," he warns.

"Wait...You sure you don't have something against Yevon?" Tidus remarked.

Auron replies with a short laugh. "I lived a long time in Zanarkand." He almost regretted those words when he felt the sorrow coming off of Marina. He knew that thinking about their time apart caused her pain. He also felt her concern.

"Something about this worries me...something doesn't feel right," Marina added, agitated. He was unsure of what caused her fears. He just hoped she would trust him enough to confide in him.

Tidus leaves them to stand beside Lulu. She begins to speak. "There's no temple here is Guadosalam, see? Summoners usually just pass through here on their way elsewhere," she informs him, causing him to giggle softly.

This irritates her. She turns to him and asks "What?" sharply.

"I didn't even ask a question and you're explaining things," he teases.

"You'd rather I say nothing., then?"

"No, no!" he assures her quickly. "Maybe you finally believe I don't really know anything about Spira. And maybe that means you believe me about Zanarkand, too?"

"Well...there are many things I do not know. Your Zanarkand is one of those things. I suppose I can't say what I think either way. Still, be careful. You shouldn't tell other people," she cautions him.

"Yeah, I know," he replies.

He turns to see how Yuna is holding up. She looks extremely nervous. He goes to her, hoping he can help.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

"Yes...I just don't understand what he wants. I haven't done anything to make him mad I don't think."

He places his hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. He stares up at the ceiling, where three large luminescent balls begin to glow. The door opens finally...but it is only Tromell.

He chuckles before speaking. "Truly, it is good to have guests again. Since Lord Jyscal passed away, these halls have been too quiet. We all hope that will soon change," Tromell says knowingly.

"The death of Lord Jyscal was a great loss for all of Spira," Yuna agrees.

Tidus comments, "Was this Maester Jyscal really such a great guy?"

"He brought the teachings of Yevon to the Guado. He was truly a great man," Wakka answered.

"Truly a loss for us all" Tromell states sadly. "But now a new leader, Lord Seymour, has come before us. Lord Seymour, has come before us. Lord Seymour is a child of a Guado and a human. He will be the tie that binds our two races together," he pauses and smiles, thinking about Seymour's child, and how it will bind not only the Guado and the humans together, but the Al Bhed as well. He continues. "But that is not all, I think. Lord Seymour...he will surely become the shining star that lights the way for all the peoples of Spira."

"That is enough, Tromell," Seymour responds as he enters the room. "Must I always endure such praise?" he asks, almost sarcastically. He performs the prayer gesture. "Welcome," he greets.

"You...wanted to see me?" Yuna asks, her voice soft with nervousness.

"Please, make yourselves at home. There's no rush," he replies.

"Please keep this short, Yuna must rush," Auron reminds sternly.

"Pardon me. It's been a long time since I had guests. Lady Yuna, this way," Seymour tells her.

Yuna steps onto a pitch black floor. A glowing blue light, starting under her feet begins to spread out, turning the black into a star field, as if she is standing in space. Glowing meteorite-like objects fly past her as she looks on in awe. She holds out her hands as if trying to touch them. She, Seymour and the others stand surrounded by space and stars; a large purple planet before them. The glowing orbs streak past them. Everyone, but Auron and Marina, stand looking around in wonder. Auron didn't trust Seymour, and Marina felt Seymour was hiding something; and she was worried about her sister. As Yuna looks around, Seymour steps up behind her and the star field becomes a massive city.

"This sphere is a reconstruction created from the thoughts of the dead on the Farplane," Seymour explains. Her face registers shock. She places her hand to her mouth and gasps in surprise. They seem to be floating over the city.

"Zanarkand!" Tidus exclaims in disbelief. Suddenly the scene changes and they are standing within the Zanarkand Tidus knew. Tall buildings surround them, people pass them and a loud voice over an intercom is heard speaking.

Seymour begins speaking again. "Correct. Zanarkand...as it looked one thousand years ago."

As the people pass around her, neon lights surround Lulu, as she looks around in shock. The image fades back into the overview of the city. Wakka looks around as well, flabbergasted.

Seymour continues explaining. "The great and wondrous machina city, Zanarkand. She once lived in this metropolis," he says almost slyly. Auron answers with a "hmph", eyeing Seymour knowingly.

"She who?" Yuna asks, turning to look at Seymour. He gazes at her, not answering. He looks forward again and smiles as if he holds a secret.

Suddenly the scene changes again. They stand in a large, well decorated bedroom. A young woman with long white hair, wearing a revealing bikini-like costume sits on a bed in the middle of the room.

"Lady Yunalesca!" Yuna exclaims.

"She was the first person to defeat Sin and save the world from its ravages. And you have inherited her name," Seymour comments.

"It was my father who named me," Yuna tells him.

"Lord Braska was entrusting you with a great task. He wanted you to face Sin, as Lady Yunalesca did. However, Lady Yunalesca did not save the world alone. The defeat the undefeatable Sin..." he says as he begins the prayer gesture. "It took an unbreakable bond of love--the kind that binds two hearts for an eternity.," he finishes as his hands form the circle of the prayer gesture, almost as if illustrating the eternal nature of that bond.

They look to the back of the room where Lulu and Rikku stand, looking into a mirror. Rikku seems to be trying to see herself in the mirror, until something in the mirror catches her and Lulu's attention. The group hears footsteps approaching, and they turn. A man in and elaborate outfit, complete with a large golden helmet, walks into the room. He passes right through Yuna, who grasps herself and turns away as if she felt him. The man walks toward Yunalesca, who stands up and runs to him. They embrace. Yuna looks at Seymour, who looks back at her silently; his head cocked to the side questioningly, as he slightly smiles. Yuna looks down, uncertainty on her face, and yet perhaps also a nervousness stemming from a dawning realization of his intent. She returns her gaze to the ghostly lovers, as they part, looking into each other's eyes.

Seymour leans down and begins to softly speak to her. She turns to face him. He stands and pauses, gazing at her; as she looks at him intently, questioningly. He steps to her, and leans down and begins whispering at length in her ear. As he is speaking, she covers her mouth and gasps. He concludes, steps back and nods slowly. Yuna covers her face in shock and embarrassment. She lowers her head and backs away, shaking her head. She seems...lost. Suddenly the room returns to normal. She and Seymour stand at one end. The rest of the group is at the other end, watching them. Auron can feel the fear and sorrow in Marina begin to grow. Yuna is still shaking her head slightly as she turns from Seymour.

She walks toward the others, but turns quickly and heads for a side table. She grabs a glass of water and gulps it down noisily. She sighs and pauses a moment, as if gathering her thoughts. She then turns and rushes to her companions who crowd around her. Marina and Auron hold back.

"Wow! You're face is beet red!" Rikku comments, bending down to look into Yuna's face.

"You okay?" Tidus asks with concern.

Yuna partially hides her face and stammers for a few moments, looking back at Seymour. The others follow her gaze. Finally she pauses and manages to spit it out, "He...he asked me to marry him!"

"You serious?" Tidus asks, feeling his heart plummet in his chest. He turns to Seymour, "Uh...hey!!" he blurts out angrily.

Marina gasps. "Oh, Abra..." she thinks sorrowfully.

"You know what Yuna must do," Auron states firmly.

"Of course," Seymour replies as he approaches. "Lady Yuna--no all Summoners-- are charged with bringing peace to Spira. But this means more than just defeating Sin. She must ease the suffering of all Spira. She must be a leader for the people. I proposed to Lady Yuna, as a Maester of Yevon," he said with an out swept gesture toward her.

"Spira is no playhouse," Auron cautions, stepping closer to Seymour, trying to get his attention. "A moment's diversion may amuse the audience but it changes nothing."

"Even so, the actors must play their parts," Seymour states knowingly. He is silent for a few moments, then walks over to Yuna. "There is no need to answer right away. Please think it over."

Yuna makes a sound, somewhere between a gasp and a sigh as she bows her head to him.

"We will do so then. We leave," Auron stated with authority, and begins to walk away.

"Lady Yuna," Seymour begins loudly, ignoring Auron. "I await your favorable reply," he says softly, confidently and almost smugly. Auron pauses, shocked at Seymour's audacity.

Everyone, including Seymour turns to walk away. He pauses and looks toward Auron's parting form. "Why are you still here, Sir?" he questions.

Auron stops, looking a little startled. He doesn't seem to know how to answer.

Seymour bows. "I beg your pardon." He looks back at Auron and calmly states, "We Guado are keen to the scent of the Farplane."

Marina senses Auron's discomfort, and a little fear that too much will be revealed too soon.

Tidus walks up to Auron, looks at him, and then begins to sniff him, attempting to figure out what Seymour was talking about. Auron pushes him away with annoyance and walks out. Everyone else follows, meeting up again outside.