Side-story: Aquila & Emotion
Jan 20, 2015 17:44:21 GMT -6
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Post by msgrrtasticdiva1982 on Jan 20, 2015 17:44:21 GMT -6
Side-story: Aquila & Emotion
Despite Aquila’s size and warp speed capability, entering the latter under these circumstances would risk collision with nearby celestial bodies. Thus, the fleet isn’t going to see a touchdown for several hours. “Everyone, get some rest.” Syd earns his passengers’ attention. “She won’t be landing for a while. Best take it easy until then.” The only person incapable of responding is the slumbering Zephyr, who is carried out in his father’s strong arms. Syd smiles at his parting fleet---the only one remaining behind being his intelligence specialist and close friend Fang. Upon leave of the last departee, the young Captain strikes up an endearing conversation. “Grand little crew we have here, yeah?”
“Soft backs-turned-charges, strangers, saviors, tech geeks and old acquaintances.” Fang’s witty summary incites a short round of laughter. “It’s enough to make your head spin, but a full ship is much better than an empty one.”
The young Captain composes, and becomes serious. “Thanks for bailing me out back there, mate.”
“No darkness is going to stop me, not now, not ever. Letting that same darkness take my mates---not happening.” Fang turns in her chair and stands proudly. “I’m well in need of a little rest myself, but we’re a two-man piloting crew here. It’d be good to have some more help, but …” Syd giggles under his breath, realizing what she’s aiming at. “Yeah. Don’t see much promise in our midst.”
“Don’t be too sure about that!” As if by the grimmest of chance, April skips back into the flight deck with a smile brighter than the sun. Syd, a fan of April’s sarcasm, can’t help but laugh. The spunky spitfire halts at his side, and gives him a little pet on his head, before approaching Fang with witty yet cynical air. “Oh, my god, like, how dare you underestimate us. I thought you were, like, my sister and stuff.” April gives Fang a little nudge, making the nomadic warrior blush. “But seriously, Fang. Really now?”
“Yeah, I get you, AJ.” The nomadic warrior makes a confession. “I’m used to grouping with others, but ever since the Chaos outbreak that destroyed my home world, I’ve developed a few insecurities. Big ones at that.” Syd observes Fang’s softening disposition, which is quite unlike her. He can tell just as much as April … Fang’s harboring a lot of deeply-rooted, tender sentiments. Images of lost and unfound loved ones haunt Fang’s memory, as she continues her confession. “I was born on a planet called Gran Pulse, where I was a member of the Yun clan---a family of hunters in the long-since ruined town of Oerba. It was there I met and befriended my best mate Vanille of the Dia clan during a time called ‘the War of Transgression’ … Our families and all our fellow villagers were lost, and I blamed our patron fal’Cie Anima for allowing that to happen!”
“That’s pretty sad, Fang.” April’s countenance softens with sympathy. “What else happened?”
“Vanille and I agreed to undergo the ceremony of being made Anima’s l’Cie. But then passion drove me into a fit---I had an outburst that almost got me executed for blasphemy against the fal’Cie. Vanille shielded me and begged for my life to be spared, offering her own so we could complete our Focus together.” It’s quite apparent that both April and Syd are at a loss, understanding little about Fang’s original world and its mythoi. Thus, she inserts an explanation. “Fal’Cie were gods that watched over and protected the people of Gran Pulse, and the superpower moon in its orbit, Cocoon. L’Cie are chosen by these gods to complete a Focus: a mission revealed to l’Cie in a vision that must be completed. Should one complete their Focus, he or she shall be crystallized, gaining eternal life in the process. Should one fail to complete the Focus, or should his or her brand reach its final stage … he or she will become a Cie’th: a mindless monster.” With that said, April and Syd seem to understand things a little better. Thus, Fang recommences her initial confessive retelling. “Things went well for us, or so we believed … Vanille and I gained the power to become Ragnarok---a powerful creature from Pulse legend---to fulfill our Focus … of destroying Cocoon.”
Syd grimaces with confusion. “Why would Anima want you two to destroy Cocoon?”
“Simple, mate. The Pulse and Cocoon fal’Cie were always at each other’s throats. They used ordinary folk from their respective planets to cause havoc for the other. It was like being caught between a war of hallowed scapegraces.” Fang faces her comrades with serious air, bearing what most would consider “pride”. But that pride quickly dissipates and becomes sentimentality, in thought of what happened next. “Vanille feared the power we were given, so I became Ragnarok on my own to complete our Focus. My Ragnarok cracked Cocoon's shell and, taking pity on the people of Cocoon, the goddess Etro intervened and crystallized both Vanille and me before we could complete our Focus. Our crystallized forms ended up in the Pulse Vestige, Anima's resting place, and in the war's aftermath, Cocoon's fal'Cie raided Pulse for materials to fix the damage Cocoon had sustained, and we were brought into Cocoon as crystallized fossils.” From the bottom of their heart, April and Syd feel for Fang who, along with her friend Vanille, suffered fates of which no man or woman should realize. “When we awoke 500 years later, we met our current friends on Cocoon: Lightning, Serah, Snow, Sazh and his son Dajh, Hope and his family, Lebreau, Gadot, Yuj, and Maqui. Lots of trials came our way, but we managed to make it through, until … Vanille and I sacrificed ourselves to become Ragnarok. Ragnarok surrounded Cocoon with lava and summoned the crystal dust from Oerba to crystallize Cocoon, the pillar of lava, and the two of us … I don’t remember much of what happened afterwards, only that my eyes opened to an unknown bedroom in Victory City. For all I know, I could still be asleep with Vanille at my side, waiting for someone to wake us up.”
Syd is shocked to hear Fang’s confession, initially having a different opinion. “You don’t remember much, either?”
“Only what I just told you.” Fang looks to her comrades. “What about you two?”
“It’s pretty much the same with me.” Syd shares a bit of personal information. “I’m from a family of scientists, and my pastime was building things. Machines, doodads, trinkets and other simple stuff. The onliest thing I remember is falling asleep one night, and then waking up in Victory City the next morning. Oh, and …” His face grimaces with sadness, recalling what he heard in his dreams. “My parents’ screams … I could hear them loud and clear, but I couldn’t wake up. I wanted to, but I just … couldn’t … like something or someone had my Soul locked away! It was … really scary …”
April folds her arms, retaining a sympathetic air. “No offense, guys, but you two were lucky. We experienced the whole thing, up-close and personal.” The grave difference of her experiences with the Chaos captivates her comrades. “Joe, Curtis and I were among dozens involved with an important live sports event called ‘WrestleMania,’ where the strongest of our peers gathered for what most considered ‘the grandest showcase of the year’. As the current DIVAS Champion, I headlined the event for my respective division. However, when the Shadows---no, when the Chaos came---everything and everyone disappeared, save me and a few of my peers. Unfortunately, Joe, Curtis and I were the only ones who survived the transcendence.”
“So, you remember everything?”
“I did a few days ago, Syd. But as the days pass on, I forget a little more … I’m afraid to say this, but …” The spunky spitfire loses her flair, and covers her face in tears. “I … don’t even remember their faces anymore! My husband … my family … our friends … all of them! I can’t remember a single one …” Fang gives April a supportive hand on her shoulder, realizing how deeply her pain delves. “It’s so opposite. Those who experienced everything lose their memories, and those who were asleep remember everything … I can’t compare the two---both bear equivalent pain and hardship.”
“Well, looks like we’ve got plenty of hard work cut out for us.” Fang’s securing tone earns her comrades’ attention, especially that of the emotional April. “No worries, AJ. I’ll teach you how to work a few things around the flight deck later. For now, get yourself some shuteye, and know that we’re putting our backs into this---for everyone’s sake.”
Syd seconds the gesture. “Right she is, AJ.” His secondary empowerment captivates April, and earns a little silent approval from Fang. “This here ship runs on high hopes. So, no need in frowning. Okay?” The spunky spitfire kneels and gives the little Captain a big hug, making him blush. “Oi, come on, enough of that already!”
April stands and addresses her supportive comrades. “Thanks a mil, guys. You’re the best, really.” She wipes her tears away, so grateful to have their friendship under these trying circumstances. Her resolve strengthens because of their reinforcement. “I understand there’s a dangerous road ahead of us filled with a bunch of uncharted territory. But despite these odds, let’s do our best, no matter what.”
“Sounds good to me, AJ!”
Fang seconds Syd’s response. “Cheers to that, Captain.” The intelligence specialist gives April a little navigational advice in the spare of the moment. “First thing’s first, mate---get yourself some rest. Beds are down the walkway, upstairs and straight ahead. You can’t miss them, literally.”
“Thanks again, guys.” April parts from the flight deck with a merry little skip. “See you in a few!”
“Sweet dreams, mate.” Despite these wishes, Syd can’t help but feel a sense of concern for April, as well as a heavy burden of guilt that leaves a sour taste in his mouth. For the longest time, he’s viewed “soft backs” with a sense of aversion, but after hearing April’s pain, witnessing Joe’s sacrifice, experiencing Curtis’s resolve, and receiving Sean’s aid under desperate measures, his overall opinion has drastically changed. “I think we should leave Baby on autopilot for a while.” Syd parts with a guilty air about him. “She’s sentient after all, so no need in doing things she can do for herself.”
Syd may be an expert storyteller when it comes to excusing himself, but he’s no master. Fang can tell---he’s sulking in his own transgressions against his current allies. (Poor little fella, but I’m glad it’s finally hitting him. You can’t go around tossing sour words at others to make yourself feel strong.) Aquila agrees with a sentimental meow, as she activates her autopiloting system to secure a safe and smooth ride for her passengers. “Thanks, Aquila. You’re a peach, mate.” The sentient spaceship meows once again with the same tone, as Fang departs from the flight deck in silence. (This promises to be one hell of a voyage. To think this was once a dream to my people, and now … Look at me---I’m living the dream, along with a new set of heroes.) Upon entering the recreational area, Fang notices Noel staring aimlessly into the traversing outside cosmos. (Humph. Funny … Feels right having that one around. Almost like … in some manner … we were meant to meet each other.) She chooses to speak up, and address the observational transcender. “Oi, Noel.” He solemnly turns to her. “Need some company there, mate?”
“Naw. I just need some time to myself.” Noel smiles appreciatively. “But thanks.”
“Don’t mention it, mate. But try to rest up a bit.”
“Nice looking out. I’ll be sure to get in a few hours.”
“No problem, and goodnight.” Fang proceeds up the staircase centered before her.
“Goodnight.” Noel returns his attention to the outside cosmos, deep in thought. (… When was the last time I could say that and mean it? I’ve lost track.) He closes his eyes, as images of lost loved ones fill his memory. (Caius. Yeul … Looks like fate has us dancing around the stars now. But I wonder … Will I be able to keep up this time around?)
The cosmos of outer space---a vast ocean of stars whose origins predate the dawn of mankind. A beauteous sight for anyone, especially those who’ve dreamt of seeing the stars for as long as they can remember … In this hulking mass of technological wonder, rested upon a bed in the centermost leftward bedroom upstairs, Joe admires the majesty of the universe. (So, *this* is what it feels like to be a space-traveler? Huh, not bad---not bad at all.) Reflections of boyhood dreams are revived within the enforcer’s heart. Tender what-ifs and if-onlys follow thereafter, crowning his spirit with a sense of misery; a cruel sentiment that reminds him of what was lost, and what must be found. (Galina, Joelle … If you could only see this. The stars---up close, they’re so … *beautiful*.)
He’s not alone in his bedroom … Rooming with him is none other than the slumbering Curtis, who has been asleep for several minutes. Joe observes his resting comrade, recalling several memories from their former life … At least, those he can clearly remember. Some of these memories are lovely, tender, heartwarming and pure. Others are horrible, cold, distressing and adulterated. In the past, Joe has seen an equal amount of good and bad times with Curtis and April, and several others who were lost to the Chaos; however, the images in his head … They’re all but clear this time.
(I have a feeling … that very soon, everything will be forgotten---and, there’s no escaping that. We’ll have to remember everything on our own, whether we want to or not.) Also rooming with him at his left is the pretending April. She’s just as awake as Joe, despite her possum-like behavior. She can feel his sad eyes protectively watching her, especially since she knows he’s fully aware of her sleeping habits---when April sleeps, she snores lightly, so lightly that one could hear a pin drop. That snore isn’t heard, so he knows she’s awake. “Can’t sleep?”
“… No, I can’t.”
“Still thinking about Phil and the others?”
“Yeah. I can’t let them go. And I know that … someday … our memories will worsen.” Joe knows this as well, but chooses to remain silent about it. In the deepest depths of his heart, the man known as “the Enforcer” is terribly afraid---to forget everything, everyone, and every memory that drives his dominating soul. “I spoke with Fang and Syd before coming here.” April begins a confession that slowly weaves its way into Joe’s heart. “Fang remembers everything before the Chaos destroyed her home world, and so does Syd; although, his memories are very faint. But us …” She sits up in her bed, and rakes her hair out of her face, as Joe fetches a photograph from his back pocket---one of him enjoying a day at the beach with his wife and daughter. “We’re forgetting everything so quickly. I know it’s the same for all of us because … our smiles thin by the day. With every sunrise, a small spot in our hearts festers and grows, and the cold chill of oblivion seems all the more real.” Neither of them realize that April’s voice has awoken Curtis, who listens ever so vigilantly to April’s tearful words. “If only we could turn back time and forget the Shadows---the Chaos that eats away at our hearts---none of us would be suffering like this. We can fight it all we want, but we’re doomed to become shells of what we once were. I … I … I don’t want that for any of us …”
A tear emerges from Joe’s left eye, and trails down his temple, wetting the roots of his hair. More follow thereafter, and he soon finds it hard to maintain his breathing, as he suffers in silence. April attempts to find such strength, but she can only manage a small whimper beyond her hands. Curtis clutches his bed sheets with his free right hand, opens his eyes, and releases a small river of tears. “I … have faith in him …” The warmth in Curtis’s voice earns his younger comrades’ attention, and they are introduced to the gentlest yet saddest umbra, as an image of Victory City’s final moments replays in their heads. “I mean this from the bottom of my heart---I believe in that kid … He has so much hope inside his heart, for the future, for everyone … Our memories, our loved ones---he’ll be the one to help us remember everything, and overcome the evil that has corrupted our souls … I …” Curtis’s grip on his bed sheets becomes tighter, and his weeping slightly clouds his words. “… I know how you feel, guys … but … we … can’t give up, no matter what! No matter how much it hurts, no matter the amount of pain we must endure, we can’t give up---never … never …”
Their days are numbered … Curtis, April and Joe, three warriors from an unseen and forgotten world---doomed to become shells of disremembrance. However, Curtis harbors hope in Zephyr, a young man who holds that very same power in his heart---one whose inner light shines brighter than seven suns. Joe and April feel the same, in every way imaginable … This strong belief replenishes a hint of their confidence, if nothing else.
Currently, Noel reaches the staircase summit, where he ventures off to find a suitable resting place. Amid his travels, the transcender is amazed by the mechanical superpower in his sights; a beauty he never thought he’d see. Aquila purrs and opens a door in the near distance, which Noel takes to with little trouble … When he arrives to the room entrance, the second rightward door, he is surprised to see whom Aquila has chosen to be his roommates---Serah and Zephyr. A bed is reserved in the center just for him. Kai once took this bed, but he decided to take another room---to be alone, so he could meditate and compose his chakras. (Looks like I get stuck with the young crowd like always, huh. Aww, no matter.) Noel proceeds towards the centermost bed, unholsters his weapon and lays it at bedside, and makes himself comfortable.
Ironically, as Noel closes his eyes, Serah opens hers---to see the back of another young man from her dreams. She knows in the distance beyond, Zephyr is resting all the same, immersed in an unseen world of dreams … Serah looks at the end of her bed, and notices Mog sleeping in transparency to keep himself hidden. An adorable sight, but one that reminds her of the mission Lightning, her sister, posthumously bestowed upon her. (Everything in the universe has been corrupted … I have to be the one to correct these anomalies, while helping Zephyr complete his globetrot. Noel, Curtis, April, Joe, and everyone else---and several other people---will be there along the way.) The Warrior Goddess’ sister closes her eyes and receives visions of the “other people” she mentioned. The great feats they’ll accomplish, the wonders they’ll realize … Serah anticipates their meeting, which she believes is very, very close. (Maxi, the playboy pirate; Lion, the regal-minded martial artist; and, two other people that are a little younger than me … I don’t know their names---they didn’t speak much in my dreams, but they were very intense. Incredible warriors with *amazing* powers …) Zephyr lightly grunts from his bed, turns and lays sideways. Serah hears him tossing, which slightly tickles her, but she keeps her giggle silent to refrain from disturbing her roommates. (Zephyr … I don’t understand why, but this journey seems possible because of you. We’re all bound to you by fate, destiny; things that modern scientists would deem as nothing more than chance. But I believe this was all meant to happen---to make things right, to restore what was wronged by the Chaos. Even if the common man refuses to believe the unbelievable, I dare to be that fool … that bids it all on hope.)
Hope, a very curious word in every sense. Desires, wishes, aims and aspirations---an unyielding belief that a certain something will happen. Humanity thrives off the principles and theories of hope; however, there exists those who would defy hope itself … to create something beyond the boundaries of human imagination; a miracle of untold insanity, buried beneath the depths of silence. (Celine, Aisha, Master, my brothers and sisters-in-arms … Zephyr, my son …) Kai meditates in the privacy of his bedroom, seated prayer style to properly invoke his Cosmos. In the oceans of his spirit, the warrior priest of light encounters many inner conflicts; silent whispers of guilt, all of which have been unheard by his beloved son Zephyr. (Eventually, I will have to tell you the truth. This place … I don’t belong here. But at the same time, I don’t want to leave you behind … Why? Why must things be this way?)
Suddenly, Kai finds himself suffering a grave vision---one that highly disturbs him: an image of an unavoidable encounter with Curtis, a man who has stepped up as Zephyr’s Guardian. In this battle, Kai is no longer himself … His soul has been taken by the Chaos, and he brandishes a left arm corrupted by naught---one so powerful that it nearly kills both Curtis and himself. Noel supports Curtis with a much-needed interference, placing Kai in a near-death state using a powerful attack that razes the air … Noel then notices Sean bleeding to death several feet away to the east, in the arms of none other than a weeping Zephyr. In a burst of uncontrollable rage, Noel kills Kai via bisection with his swords---from his head to his feet---and scatters Kai’s Cosmos to the heavens.
Kai awakens from meditation in a wave of fear! His breathing becomes heavy with anxiety, his eyes overflow with tears, and his spirit explodes with incomprehensible guilt. (No … No, this can't be! Why am I seeing this? … Someone, please, tell me why … WHY AM I SEEING THIS!?) Soft, mocking laughter haunts him from the west … Kai opens his eyes to notice a most shocking visitor: Insidious, the seeker of naught! The ominous hood’s smile is revealed by the dimmed nightlight at Kai’s bedside. “You …” Apparently, the warrior priest of light is acquainted with the seeker of naught, and this acquaintanceship is most negative. “What are you doing here?”
“O how quickly you cling to deception, Kai. They’ll find out eventually, and you’ll be abandoned by the last remaining loved one in your life … Your so-called ‘son,’ Zephyr---he’ll have nothing to do with you.” Insidious, seductive and deceptive in his own right, mounts Kai’s bed and crawls up to him like a wild beast. “… Hey, Kai. Stop fighting the urge.” The warrior priest of light is taken aback by Insidious’s statement, and a rough heartbeat follows thereafter, which provokes him to hold his chest. This pain … Kai doesn’t understand why he’s feeling this way, and this is the first time he’s ever felt such a sensation. “O daring, benevolent priest of light. Pandemonium wants you … It yearns to hold and keep you---mind, body and soul---for a-l-l eternity … So, submit to it. Please?”
Kai balls his left fist, lifts it and throws its for Insidious’s jaw! “Get away!” However, the seeker of naught grabs hold of Kai’s shooting left wrist, and begins imbuing him with Chaos! No, not beginning---this isn’t the first time … Chaos generates from the warrior priest of light’s body, as if he were a containment unit for the said supernatural energy. “St-stop it … I can’t betray him … I *won’t* betray him!” Insidious smiles at Kai, before releasing his wrist, triggering a calming of the Chaos in Kai’s body. “… Why … are you … doing this to us?”
Insidious dismounts Kai’s bed, turns and giggles mockingly. “Why? Humph … Why else would I do these things, priest of light?” The seeker of naught holds himself, as if he were bathing in currents of the utmost malevolence. “Pandemonium desires *his* soul most of all. But the feelings I harbor as a Heart of Pandemonium, well … They’re of a nature all on their own. Unique, to say the least … Sentiments of which you, and a-l-l those of your ilk, will *never* be able to understand.” Kai dares to stand in the midst of one who has a hold on his heart, and pays dearly for it: Insidious’s eyes twinkle, and the priest of light is knocked into unconsciousness. The seeker of naught giggles seductively, looks over his shoulder, and smites his victim. “I’m going to pay my darling little star a visit. So be a good boy, and rest for a while.”
Meanwhile, Sean rests in the comfort of his shared bedroom with the slumbering Fang and Syd. However, he’s currently incapable of closing his eyes. So much has happened … He recounts the precursors of his bizarre journey one by one---from the final test of strength that would’ve proven him worthy or unworthy of his master’s true teachings, to being spirited away by the Chaos, to becoming a contender at the Night of Champions, to encountering a cruel case of déjà vu … Both Sean and Syd were saved by Fang, whose spear aided them in a battle against a great Soulless. They were then spirited away to Valhalla, where everything else is known history.
It’s almost beautiful---being engaged by fate so fiercely, like poetry of the highest caliber. Of all people from his original world, only he and Lion were the ones who survived the Chaos … at least to his knowledge. (I must be one lucky guy, making it this far … Lion … everyone …) He looks to his right, and observes the tranquility of his new friends, who are only two of the several that made a difference in his life. (I’ll stay with them for as long as it takes. I’ll fight by their side, and help rescue you all … Humph. “Rescue you all” …) Zephyr’s image appears vividly in his mind, almost as if it were etched there. (That guy … I don’t know why, but I have a great feeling about him. Can’t quite put my finger on it, and that’s not like ya boy here---I’m always on the money. Huh.)
Suddenly, a rough hand throttles the Shotokan hopeful, and a faint, growling voice whispers threateningly in his right ear. “Let me get one thing clear with you, boy---He! Is! Mine! So stay away from him, you got that!?”
In a flash, Sean awakens from what he realizes was nothing more than a nightmare! A cold sweat has tainted his entire body; thus, he feels the need to take a shower. A clever young man, he finds his way to the men’s bathroom, where he manages to learn the ship’s mechanics with a little trial and error. In no time flat, he bathes under Aquila’s warm jets, which are quite soothing compared to the ones back in Victory City and his home world. (I can’t believe that dream I just had … Whoever that freak was, he damn near broke my neck.) Sean holds his throat, recalling the ruthless grip of his attacker, which felt almost too real---something that has set his spirit at unease. (Zephyr … I know you can’t hear me, but I have a feeling why that guy attacked me. It’s because … well …) Sean blushes, a telltale expression of innocent inhibitions and reserves. His heartbeat exudes warmth at the thought of the Keeper of Souls’ smile. (I don’t know, man … I think I might like you or something. It’s crazy---I’ve only known you for a short while, and I already feel like this?)
These strong feelings … They somehow reach the deepest depths of Zephyr’s heart, and awaken a presence resting in the sleeping Keeper of Souls---a spiritual being in his likeness, who traverses the Aquila and finds the bathing Sean. The warmest sensation does it exude, as if it were a living star … Sean feels this warmth press against his back, enwrap and comfort him, and fill his spirit with the tenderest emotions. “He can hear your silent cries for understanding. And he does accept them, Sean Matsuda.” The Shotokan hopeful closes his eyes, and listens to the spiritual being’s every word, each one more mesmerizing than the last. “I am the Fool, Arcana of Eccentricity and Adventure. I am he who takes Zephyr’s soul as residence, and I am both the source of his holy power and unshakable will. He is currently incapable of waking up, as I have placed his body into a recovery phase. However, when he does, he’ll have memories of this little conversation. So tell me, Sean Matsuda---how do you *really* feel about him? And be honest.”
“… I … I …” Sean’s rushing blood makes it hard to answer the Fool Arcana.
“Uh-huh, I’m listening. And so is he.”
“… Well, I …”
“Back at the since-fallen Victory City, Zephyr worried about you.” The Fool’s confession brings things into perspective for Sean, who was oblivious to this beforehand. “When you were fighting Joe Anoa'i, he worried about you first---then, honor corrected what he believed was an error, and reset him on the path of benevolence.” Sean looks over his shoulder into the Arcana’s heterochromic eyes, and sees Zephyr's face, which brightens his blush. The Fool smiles at the flushed youth, whose tan frame feels as if it will melt momentarily. “I believe you humans call these feelings ‘a crush,’ which is rather adorable in my opinion. However, Sean Matsuda, I beg of you---do not interfere in his mission. It could prove fatal for you, even if your heart is in it. The last thing Zephyr wants … is to see his loved ones hurt or dead.”
Sean’s body freezes with fear. “D-Dead? For real?”
“Yes, dead. As you are now, you can’t protect him. It would be impossible for you, Sean Matsuda.”
“… Why? Is it because I’m … a weak martial artist?”
“Your perception is unsightly and your passion is cosmetic at best. You have much growing to do, as does Zephyr, which is one of the reasons why you’re drawn to him. You feel … as if he understands you, which he does.” The shower jets provide an optical illusion, as Sean begins to weep in the Fool’s arms. He turns and embraces the warm Arcana, who returns his embrace most tenderly. “It’s okay, Sean. I’m here.” This voice … It doesn’t belong to the Fool---it belongs to Zephyr, who speaks to Sean from the deepest depths of his dreams. “We’re just alike, you know. We’re both young, immature and inexperienced on so many levels, and we have so much drive to succeed. But our hearts aren’t strong enough … I felt that the moment you bumped into me. It was an instant connection, almost like fate.” Sean recalls that moment as if it happened a minute ago---how he caught Zephyr after accidentally bumping into him. The words he said … “I even remember how you addressed me in that moment: ‘Oh, man. That was totally my bad. Sorry about that. Are you okay?’ Before meeting you, Syd and Fang, I never heard such manners of speech. Everyone from Victory City, and my new friends from Valhalla---I can honestly say, without a doubt, I’m mesmerized by all of you so very much.” Zephyr plants a kiss on Sean’s cheek, taking the Shotokan hopeful for a whirl of innocent emotion. His heart fills with warmth at the Keeper of Souls’ gentle touch. “Thank you, Sean, you’re a kind and gentle soul. But I can’t offer my heart to you. It’s much too soon … But should you need me, I’m here---always.”
“Zephyr … Thanks, man …” Sean pulls his heart’s charge closer, his tears knowing no end. “This … is my first time feeling this way for … you know …” The Keeper of Souls gently caresses the fade of Sean’s hair, bringing the latter at ease. Sean’s tears calm momentarily, as he makes a confession of his own. “I was a bit of a playboy back home, but when I saw my sensei Ken Masters fight … I wanted to be just like him. So, I created my own version of what he calls ‘Ansatsuken’---to earn his approval. I challenged him a few times, failed, but decided that I wouldn’t give up. I had a girlfriend too, but … she died because of me …” Zephyr tightens his hold on Sean, realizing how deeply his shame delves towards his immature misdoings. “My passion grew even more after that. I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen again, so I reached my current height of power, but … It’s not enough, Zephyr. And now that I feel this way about you …”
“Remember what I said, back when we were helping Joe to the infirmary?” Sean opens his eyes, recalling that said moment. Zephyr’s gentle voice caresses Sean’s ear amid his tender reminder. “The lesson Kai taught me: ‘A warrior needs not the approval of man, but of his or her self. If the spirit is not satisfied, then a warrior’s fist is powerless’ … Sean, you need to master a fist that only you can wield---and, you need not the approval of Mr. Masters. Rather, you need to work your way towards self-approval by refining your Ansatsuken-inspired fighting style.” Zephyr pulls away and looks into Sean’s eyes, speaking a multitude of unsaid words with his smile alone. “And I’ll be there to help you, so don’t worry. Just promise me one thing---when you’re with me, smile.”
“Smile?”
“Yes, smile. I want my journey to be filled with smiles. Although I know that’s not possible, maybe just for now?” It doesn’t take much for Sean to crack a smile---Zephyr’s kindness makes it that much easier for Sean to smile, even when his heart is breaking. “Aww, Sean, you’re so handsome when your smile. A very charming expression.”
“I’ll do anything for you. Always.” Sean catches himself and blushes all over again. “I-I mean, uh …”
Zephyr is tickled by Sean’s bashful behavior, which eventually makes the Shotokan hopeful giggle. “Goodnight, Sean. I’ll never forget this moment.” The Keeper of Souls moves in to give Sean a kiss on his cheek once again, but the clever Shotokan hopeful sneaks a kiss by turning his head. Zephyr pulls away and blushes, his skin reddening at the thought of having his first kiss in his dreams. “Oh, my! I, err … Well, this was unexpected.”
Sean rakes his fingers through Zephyr’s hair with gentle touch, deepening the Keeper of Souls’ blush. “Yeah, tell me about it. And likewise, should you need me, I’m here---always and forevermore.” Zephyr looks into Sean’s eyes and sees assurance, which eases his soul well enough to return back to whence it came, his body. Sean closes his eyes and momentarily undergoes a case of déjà vu---he awakens in his bed, having been asleep the entire time. (Huh? All of that was just a … Man, I don’t believe this …) Sean turns in bed to observe the beauteous outside cosmos, which tell tales of endless possibilities. He lays his head back down on his pillow, feeling somewhat embarrassed about confessing his innermost romantic feelings to nothing more than a dream. (I can’t believe it was all for nothing … Zephyr … Please, tell me it wasn’t a dream---that, in some way, it was real … Please …) Suddenly, a feeling so terrible---the most horrible one imaginable---lifts Sean from his pillow, and hastens him towards Zephyr’s bedroom. Syd and Fang are awakened by his unintentional noise, and are equally worried about him. (That guy … He’s after him! Zephyr, please be alright, man!)
It’s very fortunate that Sean’s awareness set him into a panic; for, at this very moment, the seeker of naught looms above Zephyr, harboring untold cruel intentions. “You … are … mine …” The Keeper of Souls is awakened by Insidious’s voice, but is immediately introduced to a world of pain, which awakens everyone in the spaceship! “You … are mine … You are mine, Zephyr, my darling little star!” Noel leaps after the seeker of naught, attempting to blindside him; however, Insidious’s almighty Chaos repels the transcender most viciously, knocking Noel into the nearby wall, which frightens Serah. Mog transforms, and she too pursues Insidious. “Stop interfering, you insects!”
The Warrior Goddess’ sister and the Moogle suffer the same fate, landing directly beside the incapacitated Noel. The room entrance is accessed by none other than the speeding Sean, who immediately engages Insidious without a moment’s thought, which offers the seeker of naught a little amusement. “Stay away from him, you creep!” Insidious evades Sean’s every martial endeavor, inaudibly taking his skills with a grain of salt. “Damn you! Stand still!”
Suddenly, a most needed assist comes in the form of Curtis’s flames, which entrap and restrict Insidious in a shell of spiritual fire! Sean looks to the entrance to excite at the image of his channeling liberator and his other fellow crew members, all save Kai whose absence confuses him. “You’re wondering where that foolish romantic Kai is, aren’t you, boy?” Sean glares at Insidious, whose blazing image ignites a fire of his own from within. “He won’t be joining you for a while. I made sure that he couldn’t come here, and I thought I made myself clear to you---Zephyr is mine!” Sean looks over his shoulder at the suffering Keeper of Souls, as Insidious mocks him with laughter. “Face it! You couldn’t protect him even if you wanted to---you’re weak, pathetic, useless, immature, self-centered, and utterly *foolish* if you think otherwise. Are you that arrogant to believe you could ever touch the shadow of ‘that man,’ you crazed little brat?”
“… Shut up …” Suddenly, something strong awakens within the unconscious Noel, who quickly recovers from incapacitation. “… Arrogant? You storm your way in here, cause trouble and *dare* to call anybody arrogant?” The same happens for both April and Joe, who step forward in unison, their eyes shining like sunlit jewels. Noel stands to his feet bearing a voice much more potent than his normal one---the voice of the Arcana resting in his soul. “My name is Justice---Arcana of Coldness and Severity---and my brethren cometh as well.” From the glaring April and Joe respectively gleams their inner selves, as the possessed Noel makes their presence known. “High Priestess---Arcana of Wisdom and Intuition! Strength---Arcana of Stability and Inner Fortitude!” Justice proves its power by lifting Noel’s sword, and constructing a trap of solidified air around the already restrained Insidious! “In the name of all that is good, you *will* be chastised for your sins!”
The High Priestess uses April to construct a purifying fountain of spiritual water around Insidious, which adds to his suffering. Strength than encases Insidious in constructed mounds of stone, which combine to create an impenetrable pillar! However, before the worst-case scenario occurs for the seeker of naught, he dissipates into a fleeting breeze of Chaos that escapes the clutches of Curtis and the empowered trio, who have been revealed as three more Guardians.
The glow in their eyes fades away, as Joe, April and Noel collapse to the floor! Zephyr is freed of his torturous state, and his body is once again placed in a recovery phase. The unconscious crew members---Joe, April, Noel, Mog, Serah, and Zephyr---are taken to Aquila’s infirmary, where they are tended to by their peers. The same is done for Kai, who is immediately discovered unconscious at the foot of his bedroom entrance. (Ain’t even been an hour, and already … everything is falling apart.) As the Captain of this ship, Syd feels responsible for allowing such misfortunes to befall his fleet. He observes his healing friends from outside a series of containment tubes, which were personally constructed for medical purposes, with many uneasy sentiments. (Mama … Papa … Can we really make it through this in one piece?)
A clearing night sky after a passing rainstorm … A tall and stoic young man observes the majestic sight, unable to return to sleep after having a horrible nightmare. His heart is greatly troubled; for, this is the seventh consecutive time that he’s had these visions---graphic dreams about a great battle, strangers from other worlds, and a journey that will test the very limits of his heart and soul. A multitude of names comes to mind, as he sees vivid depictions of the people who will have a great impact in his life. (Zephyr … Curtis … April … Joe … Fang … Syd … Serah … Noel … Mog … Sean … Maxi … Lion … Honey … Seira … Leah … Celine … Aisha … Kai … Insidious … Aizen … and …) However, the final two faces are shrouded in mystery. It appears to be a young lady and a short but muscled man, judging from their silhouette; unfortunately, that’s all the young man can perceive. (You two … Why is it so hard to see your faces?)
Another soul awakens from slumber, roused by spiritual awareness. “Hey, are you okay?” The young man turns around; a spiky set of carrot red hair is illuminated by the appearing moon. “We have school in the morning, you know.”
“Yeah … Sorry about that, Rukia.”
“… You’re having dreams about ‘them’ again, aren’t you?”
“Same as always.”
“Are you still unable to see ‘those two’?”
The young man shows signs of immaturity, as he lightly explodes at his roommate. “Rukia, come on! You know I don’t like repeating myself …” Despite his belligerent display, the young man’s anger fails at disrupting the girl named Rukia’s collectiveness. He turns away, gazes out his window, and the moon reveals a warm set of brown eyes. “I keep seeing myself journeying to the stars with them, seeing all these things, overcoming so many obstacles but losing so much in the process. I know I never went this deep into things, but that’s what’s bothering me … And most of all, I just had this crazy dream about that Insidious guy---he tried taking Zephyr’s soul, but then everyone came to help. And Kai …”
“Don’t fret too much over a simple dream.” Rukia’s coldness annoys the young man, but she’s doing this for a reason. In the moment, the young man needs to compartmentalize the situation, and find some way to rest up for tomorrow. “I’ve been having strange feelings myself. Hours ago, I felt several presences approaching this planet. Perhaps when they arrive, we’ll get the answers we seek.” The young man closes his eyes, realizing he’s not alone in this---that someone understands his inner quarrels. “Get some rest, Ichigo. I feel a storm is on its way, if you know what I mean.”
The young man named Ichigo looks to her with a smile. “Yeah. I’ll be sure to ‘bring an umbrella’.”