Fandom Final Fantasy X: Still Dreaming [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

‘I am known now as Ixion, and I felt in you a power to defeat Sin, a power your mother had.’

The words still rang in Nica’s head as she left the bath that those of Djose had generously prepared for her, along with a few snacks to get her moving down the road and back to Luca. The trip along the Mi’ihen Highroad was not brief; leaving in the morning, they would still reach Luca by late afternoon or evening, depending on how well conditions remained, and how fiend-populated the road was.

Since the attack of Sin on Luca, the road had been unusually high in fiends. ‘Well, not so unusual.’ Plenty had died, and though there had been numerous sendings, Nica was beginning to understand that not only did all sendings not always work perfectly, it was hard to gather all the dead and send them. Plenty had escaped being sent, and few stopped to send the fiends who were defeated, to prevent them from coalescing into some new, angrier, fiend.

Summoners had a journey too long to pause after every battle to perform a sending. ‘More should be trained to do so – even if it is just that.’ It was not something Nica would be vocalizing as she dressed, taking on the color of the Luca Goers for old time’s sake in the sari she wrapped about herself, purple and yellow. Tinkling gold bells were wrapped around her ankles, which stirred Cassio to a sighing groan as she stepped out into the center of the temple.

“You’re going to attract all the fiends,” he grumbled as he rose to his feet. He’d been sitting before one of the statues, and only now moved, dressed as well as a Luca Goer – he hadn’t changed out of his uniform since he ran up here; they weren’t playing games, but he liked to show people the Goers were still going.

He’d be changing before they left – even if he was likely to pack it.

“I am not,” Nica said, “not all fiends are attracted to noise, otherwise Luca would be overrun.”

His green eyes held naught but doubt, but he wasn’t going to challenge it further. Cassio knew there was little point. She was on a death march as it was, if she wanted to go with bells on, she’d go with bells on. She’d made the journey to and from here enough times with them, he shouldn’t be overly concerned now.

Except, he was.

Death felt far more real now. It had after the incident with Sin, when they all realized they weren’t immune to its strikes, but especially now that they were both acknowledging it in a vastly different way. “Are you ready?”

Cassio scoffed, “More than you,” he said with a slight smirk touching his face, “I’m sure Luca’s ready,” he added, “no one doubts you,” and how could they? True, neither of them were descended from summoners, few were descended from summoners given the job, not even the famed Yunalesca was known to have progeny, but they knew Antares, and they knew Kari, two shining stars in different ways, and many owed their lives to Kari.

They’d soon all owe their lives to Nica.

Nica only inclined her head a bit, and he could see the doubt surface; it hadn’t been easy for her to acquire Ixion, and he wasn’t surprised. She’d rushed her own training. Many summoners took longer than this to get to their first aeon, because the bond was hard. He didn’t understand it, and had to accept the way Nica tried to explain it.

‘Like forcing oil and water to mix.’

A difficulty few could manage, apparently. Many summoners never left the room with a fayth, let alone all of them.

Yet, Nica said nothing, just lifted her head again with a smile, and walked on, “Then let’s not keep them waiting any longer.” And so, Cassio followed dutifully, and eventually took the lead.

He was a ranged fighter, but that didn’t prevent him from moving in the way of blows; he had far more defense and endurance than Nica, who could tire too easily from moving too much, and it was going to be a long walk, he felt it in his bones.

And it was.

The fiends seemed to want to give their greetings to the new summoner, and eagerly met them on the path. The siblings worked well together, Cassio consistently stealing the attention of the fiends to give an opening to Nica, it was still tiresome work, made only slightly easier by Nica’s newfound talents in healing.

It was a bit of a boost that closed wounds and soothed muscles.

Yet not once did Nica summon Ixion to deal with these fiends, wanting to save her energy for the summoning until Luca, so everyone would see and have no doubts. His voice was still there, at the back of her mind, occasionally telling her to move, or strike, his instincts honed from time as a fayth, and the life before this one, which she caught glimpses of when they melded, and would likely continue to see glimpses of.

Naturally, the universe had other plans for the new summoner.

Luca was in sight, the music in the air, wafts of delicious food tainting the evening breeze, hope lifted high – but there was still a fiend intent to crush that hope, for even as Nica was lifting her hand, bracelet jangling like her anklet, she started to recognize the shadow that fell over the path, and had time enough to jump back before it landed.

Cassio stayed ahead, and felt himself go white as he recognized that this was no ordinary fiend, but a Sin spawn, by the strange glistening scaled wings the creature had. Its wings gave it more the image of a manta ray rather than a bird, though its legs were all taloned. It had a tail akin to a ray, barbed with more of those flickering scales, and it wasn’t afraid to use it, leaning forward and aiming a strike right at him.

He jumped back and hurled his chakram at the tail end to severe it, but it swiftly moved it out of the way. “Tch.”

The guards at the gate didn’t hold their courage – they rushed back into Luca to find others. Thankfully, the fiend seemed to have no interest in turning on them, and snatched the blue disc out of the air on its way back, only to toss it aside and out of reach.

Apparently, it was intelligent.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” that’s what Cassio took those snorting sounds for as he pulled a knife, and threw it at what he assumed was the head, although given the pattern on its abdomen he wasn’t entirely sure. At least that struck, and the creature did seem to reel back, giving more credence to the thought it was its head. “Any bit of help, Nee—”

The ‘bit of help’ was answered in a crackling of lightning and the manifestation of a startling unicorn with braided white hair. The summoning dropped Nica to her knees, but Ixion was willing to stand in front while she recovered, a bolt of lightning charging on its horn that he threw in a disk at the fiend, snapping off a bit of one wing, before Nica was able to put a hand up on Ixion’s side, and draw up, and then draw herself up onto the aeon, polearm at the ready, like some warrior of old.

“Now that’s more like it,” Cassio smirked – and then made a dash to get his chakram.

Fucking Sin spawn.

 

[PhantomLord]

It had been a long few weeks, for a certain blond who was notorious across the streets of Luca and has been for the past several years. A man of duel haired color, taken in by the wandering Guado and taught the way of the blade that was... different from others to say the least. A surprise that has helped him catch many off guard, whether it be drunken fools after a night of Blitzball who wanted to fight the wrong person, or the myriad of fiends who traveled along the Highroad. These were dangerous times, especially after the attack from the Demon itself that had ravaged the bustling city of Luca. It hadn't attacked this place in so long.. It had almost made Carta feel safe.

After the attack on Luca that had ravaged the population, fiends had of course multiplied across the Highroad and beyond. Those who were angry at those who still lived, without a summoner to aid them became nothing more than mindless monsters thirsty for blood. They would attack anyone without care, making travels from church healers and other civilians impossible without dangers spread across their journey. And that's how Carta came to being a temporary Highroad watcher, aiding those in need that he saw and slaying the beasts no one else could. It was a thankful job and the Gil was good, plus it helped stretch out his body. However, on the third day of his watchman duties...

He had attempted to save someone who clearly did not need to be saved.

Cut back to present day, and the Sin Spawn gazed down at the summon with fire in it's lifeless eyes. The amalgamation of human souls always hungered for more, a primal urge that made it's focus hone in completely on the beast of thunder in front of it. The standoff was intense between the two; summon and monster not daring to make the first move whilst Nica chose to ride on it's back. It seemed like the battle was about to start, when all of a sudden a small glimmer was visible from the sky and grew bigger at intense speeds. Something was making it's way towards the beast, and all of a sudden and with a mighty and... excited yell, it arrived.

"METEOR STRIKE!"

The Sin Spawn soon found something impact the top of it's head. Hard. A heel had struck downwards onto the beast, and with incredible speed and ferocity the Sin Spawn's head crashed into the ground with such force that the Earth around it crumbled and the area shook around them. Naturally dazed, the winged beast lay there unsure as a young man leapt up from the attack and flipped through the air like an acrobat. A man of raven hair with crimson highlights, dressed in nothing like what anyone would wear in Luca landed in front of Ixion; a fire in his eyes and excited grin spread across his face. Taking up a stance, it was clear this man was excited for this.

"Hehe, come on bird brain! I'm not done!" The boy called out as the beast slowly began to rise back up from it's own crater. Rage was visible on the beast, having been caught off guard by some boy with beast like strength. With a Shriek, the beast took to the airs to just hover above ground; where it would attempt to just ram through everyone: fighter, Goer and Summoner all in the same. However, before it could reach something else happened that made the Sin Spawn realize today was not it's day. From the outskirts of the highroad someone leapt forward, intense speeds allowing it to reach the beast before it could finish it's charge. A blade of crimson color, coated in an intense wave of flames lunged towards the beast, planting itself into one of it's wings. With a now pained shriek, the course of the Spawn was twisted and sent to the ground whilst Carta pulled out his blade before the crash and leapt up to land in front of Cassio.

"How many times do I have to tell you to not rush in?!" Carta called out angrily, having gotten himself caught in another fight. It was clear that he had been through quite a few today: tattered clothes and cuts, blood trickling down his lips and an empty Ether bottle hanging from his belt.

"Hey, come on! It's your job to help people, isn't it?" The other man grinned wide, still revved up with energy. His clothes were also dirty from the fighting, but he simply looked excited. Exposed muscles were pumped and fueled with blood, fingers cracking as he clenched his fists. "Don't worry, we've got this! You guys can head to-"

Tomeus had turned around to try and reassure those who were attacked, but soon his eyes widened in pure shock. In his excitement, he hadn't realized that the person behind him was not simply a victim.. As evident by the massive mount she was now riding; electricity cackling as if part of the Thunder Plains had taken life and joined the fight. "Woah..." The boy called out, realising what this was...

A summoner.

In his amazement, the Sin Spawn had gotten enough time to recover. With a roar, it charged forward once more and crashed into the inattentive Tomeus who was sent flying into the Ruins of the Highroad. His body crashed through the solid stone, a cracked rib the result that made the fighter gasp for breath as blood trickled down his mouth. "Crap.." He muttered, seeing the beast charge up it's wings to send a powerful gust into the ruins..

It was aiming to send the whole thing crashing down onto the poor boy.

 

[Lucyfer]

Nica kept Ixion still with a hand on the side of its neck, not wanting to needlessly endanger herself, or Ixion, while Cassio went to fetch its chakram. The Sin Spawn seemed willing enough to give a few moments, almost hypnotized by the electric spectral before it, until a literal crash broke that focus. The shout drew Nica’s gaze up, though her lips curved into a frown at the announcement, which should have given the Spawn time enough to evade.

Apparently, it didn’t – and the Sin Spawn dealt with the blow, rage boiling over as it took another blow from the blond companion to the rash fist-fighter.

Cassio was the one to get a good look at the blond, not an entirely unfamiliar figure, but one he had yet to make the acquaintance of. He gave a nod as he twirled his chakram on his finger, though that was as far as acknowledgment would go. The Sin Spawn wasn’t prepared to let any of them catch a breath, and went after the darker haired man, hitting him hard and sending him back.

“I got him!” Cassio said, hurling his chakram at the beast before turning and running to where the stranger had landed, pulling one of his potions out from the small pack he carried that kept his knives, and let his chakram hang. He knelt down by the stranger, uncorking the potion with a, “Here,” as he shoved it towards him, eying the beast in case he had to move.

He’d let Nica practice her magic for healing, so he had spares.

Nica, it seemed, would also get to practice summoning in a real situation now.

He was prepared to offer his arm to the stranger once the potion was emptied, to pull him up and away from the ruins. Not that they were in any immediate danger, despite what the Sin Spawn may have wanted.

Ixion was swift, and so was Nica, both notably agile.

Ixion let lightning crackle on the tip of his horn once again, and brought a bolt of lightning down from the sky, slamming into the center of the Spawn’s spine and disrupting its ability to create a gust. Naturally, the Spawn focused its attention on Ixion at that point, reminded of the sight of the fayth and the pyreflies that almost consistently moved about the specter. It took to the ground and tried to cut Ixion with its wing, but Ixion ran around it, and ran close enough to let Nica get under it and thrust the glaive up into its neck.

The Sin Spawn recoiled, tried to pull back, but Nica rose up, followed it as long as she could and pressed the glaive in deeper, twisted it to try and gain some control.

Naturally, the glaive wasn’t the weapon for that, it had no hook, and the Spawn was able to lift up high enough. Even with a hole through its neck, it was far from done, and lashed out with talons and gusts anew, each gust sheering off smaller scales that acted like throwing knives to cut and maim those it came into contact with.

 

[PhantomLord]

"Thanks... Rookie mistake." Tomeus was one to be quite harsh with himself when it came to making a reckless mistake like that. Leaving himself with his back turned towards the monster at hand was something that would have killed him in most instances, had he been a normal being. He was thankful to have allies fo this battle, it was clear he would be needing it for such a large threat. Taking the arm offered to him, Tomeus stood back up and leapt out of the ruins athletically to survey the scene. First opening he got, he was gonna get some revenge.

Carta meanwhile stayed back, not wanting to get in between a Sin Spawn and a horse that could shoot out electricity the moment it decided to. Carta could do the same, but he felt like his own thunder spell wouldn't be quite as impressive to say the least. This girl was the new summoner, the one he had heard about through the streets.. so she came back successful it seems. Well, that was one hopeful moment for today.

Finally, both Ixion and Nica stepped back once the monster began to focus onto the two of them and let loose a razor sharp gust. That was the blond's moment, who stepped behind the giant bird and leapt onto its back from behind. "Let's see how you like a bit of poison in you, bird brain!" Carta called out cockily, running his left hand over the crimson blade and infusing it with Poison. The green ooze like substance coated the blade, and pierced into the skin of the beast. It's Hide was tough, but it was damaged enough for the beast to recoil and the poison to seep into its body.

"Gotcha-Woah!" Carta didn't think the rest through, and now was part of a wild rodeo as the sin spawn thrashed around to try and get rid of him. The blond kept a hold of his blade that was in the beast, trying his best to not get thrown off the monster. "Little help here guys!" He called out, a call that Tomeus answered. He leapt forward at high speeds, his fist colliding with the side of the monster. It unleashed a small shockwave from the impact, knocking the Spawn on its side where it thrashed around, giving an easier time for Carta to get off... But still he struggled to get the blade out all while the monster struggled on its side.

These two were strong, but clearly a bit rash.

 

[Lucyfer]

Cassio grinned, though it faltered as he heard the sounds from the fight. He just caught his chakram on the way back, and turned to see the gust that the Sin Spawn unleashed. He held his arm up to shield his face as stray scales clipped by, cutting across him, cutting into his uniform. “And I was doing so well,” he complained as this new ally ran ahead to help the fool who got on the back of the Sin Spawn.

Reckless, but it brought the grin right back to Cassio’s lips all the same. He did like reckless, although he preferred it when it was himself, and not people he ought to be protecting.

He could already tell that Nica’s own action had been regretted, at least somewhat; she hadn’t been spared the cutting scales, either. He hurried forward as the beast was taken back to the ground, flopping about rather desperately while the blond struggled with his blade. The prone position was useful to them all, but Cassio was able to take advantage of it first.

Range had its uses.

One throw as the beast was turning its head towards Carta, and that was the end of it. His chakram went into the weaker part of the neck where a hole had already been made, and severed the head clean off, causing the Sin Spawn to begin to deteriorate into pyreflies immediately, thus freeing the blond.

It had the added benefit of freeing all of them from the fight, as well.

“Thanks for the assist!” Cassio called to the pair as Nica moved off Ixion, keeping a hand on his neck as she looked the specter over. Not that Ixion ever showed injury; he wasn’t of the same stuff as humans or ronso, a conglomeration of pyreflies that could be dispersed, but never killed – not truly.

“Just a little longer,” she patted his neck, feeling the strain of holding him to this realm. Yet, they were close enough to Luca that it would be no problem to march him in and show them that she had been successful. “If you’re not on duty, you ought to come into Luca with us,” Nica invited, “after this, you all deserve to share in the feast!”

Who could resist free food. “I’m Nica, by the way. And this is—”

“Cassio, formerly of the Luca Goers, now a Guardian,” he gave the pair a charming smile, which almost caused Nica to roll her eyes when she recognized it. Not that she could fault him; it was to be his last night in Luca, she was certain he meant to enjoy it. So long as he wasn’t late, and hungover in the morning, she wasn’t inclined to stop him. Even if he was…well, he deserved one last good night, too. “There shouldn’t be another one of those so I’m sure we’ll all be fine to let the usual guard watch the Highroad. Come have some fun.”

 

[PhantomLord]

"Gh-Grrr... Why didn't I pick a hammer instea-Woah!" The sudden loss of balance from there no longer being a monster caught Carta off guard, who fell onto his back where the beast used to be; pyreflies fluttering off from underneath him and joining the Farplane. "Ow.." He muttered, rubbing his now sore behind as a hand reached out to help him up. Tomeus had a grin from ear to ear as usual, intoxicating positivity that could get on the swordsman's nerves... But here it was reassuring more than anything.

"Nice work out there!" The warrior helped up his friend as if he were weightless, making sure the blond was ok before stretching his body. "Guess neither of us can claim that kill. Still the score is 15-4 for me."
Carta couldn't help but roll his eyes, but before a retort was made the two turned to the siblings on their pilgrimage. A small smirk danced along his lips, his blade sheathed back where it belonged.

"No problem. It's what I do." Carta brushed some of his hair back, stepping up to the summoner with Tomeus as both made their symbol of respect: both hands raised to the sky, one step back and encircling them to their chests before bowing.
"It's an honour to meet you, Lady Summoner. And an even greater one to assist." Tomeus' tone turned to pure respect, a more serious voice that even Carta wasn't used to. "These roads are dangerous, I'm glad no damage befell you."

"My name's Carta, and this here is Tomeus who's... Kinda been leeching off me like a lost puppy." The Warrior looked at his friend's betrayal in shock, making the former laugh as he turned to the elder brother and his offer. "Well, I won't say no to a good party! Been ages since I've had a good bit of booze~. I guess we're celebrating your first Aeon?" His eyes turned to Nica, a vibrant fire in his gaze. The excitement of a new Summoner was always something to celebrate: a new Calm possibly on the horizon.

 

[Lucyfer]

Demeanors swiftly changed in both as they approached Summoner with full knowledge now of what she was, offering their respects with the traditional prayer gesture. Nica had an urge to wave it away, but she didn’t; she would have to get used to this, as well as the title ‘Lady’, now that she had proven herself. She couldn’t stop every person on her path from acting so formally. Starting now would just be an endeavor of futility.

Better to grin and bear it now, and so she did, even if Cassio’s expression faltered under their tempered greetings. He would take longer to adapt, since he hadn’t wanted this to begin with, and still didn’t want it – still hoped someone else would succeed before they ever made it to Zanarkand.

“Yes,” Nica answered, “A good way to be sent off, I think,” she agreed, aware there was a ship prepared to take her to Besaid. It had been done when she entered the trial, although there had been doubts, it was better for everyone to act in faith and hope it would be rewarded.

Thankfully, so far, it was.

Cassio took the first steps ahead, and gestured for them, “C’mon, Carta, Tomeus, the food isn’t going to get fresher, and the booze won’t be any colder the longer we delay,” he teased, this causing Nica to shake her head a bit and smile, before also walking to follow, Ixion coming along at her left side, his head held high as they went to cross the bridge to enter Luca.

Already, a crowd was gathering, having heard both of the Sin Spawn, as well as the Summoner’s return.

Still, Cassio had time to call back, “How long you been working this area, Carta? I don’t think we’ve met before,” so Cassio assumed sometime after Sin’s attack; he thought he knew most of the guards on the Highroad before that time, though afterwards had been a bit of a mess, “and why don’t you just get a job with the guards, Tomeus? Won’t have to leech on Carta anymore, and they’re always hiring.”

Because people were always dying. “Way you two handled that Sin Spawn, I’m sure they wouldn’t deny you.”

 

[PhantomLord]

The two warriors walked side by side with the Summoner and her guardian, confused for a part of their group that was meant to defeat Sin at the edge of the world. The blond couldn't help but shake off the prayers sent their way a bit nervously, as they weren't meant for him. It wasn't his plan to go to Zanarkand and end up dying on the snowy peaks of Gagazet.. Though the attention was nice... His attention was snapped back to Cassio, inquiring where he had been before.

"Oh, I've been here only a week. Once Sin came, the guards were overrun by Sin Spawn, so I just volunteered to lend a hand. The extra gil hasn't been too bad either." The blond chuckled, before pointing to Tomeus. "He's been working for free, saying the fight and doing what's right being payment enough. Guy clearly has never gone hungry.." He added with a small mutter.

As for Tomeus, the warrior shook his head and smiled. "Thank you, but my role is not here. I am dutied with accompanying a Summoner to the holy grounds of Zanarkand, and aid them in slaying Sin for the new calm. This is what I was trained for, so I must ask..."

His attention turned to Nica, walking in front of Ixion despite the crowd as he bowed his head and fell to his knees. "My Lady Summoner, please allow me to become your guardian. I will protect you with my life, and aid you in your quest to the Holy Lands of Zanarkand."

Carta felt secondhand embarrassment, seeing the crowd stop to watch this. "Way to put her on the spot, idiot.." He groaned, not liking the extra attention on top of it all.

 

[Lucyfer]

Cassio nodded. A week made sense, someone he’d see around but not know yet, “Yeah – I’m sure the guards are grateful for the help you’ve provided, Carta,” he said, though wondered at Tomeus working for free. Sure, Cassio had also never known a day without food either, but he wasn’t working for free. He knew better than that. That day always could come, unlikely as it seemed.

Though, it seemed far more likely on the road ahead. Neither he nor Nica would be making money along the way, and he wasn’t sure they’d find a maester or temple every time they needed food or a bed to put them up for a bit. Plenty of people would – but once they got to Mt. Gagazet, not even gil would get them far where food was concerned. They’d need to have plenty of rations before then…and perhaps some knowledge about hunting.

He was about to offer a comment to Tomeus, but Tomeus elaborated.

Apparently, he was training to be a professional Guardian. ‘Why aren’t you at Bevelle, then?’

Fate worked in strange ways. Finding a summoner, and just before the nearly rebuilt Blitz Dome, the dark haired man offered his services on bended knees. There was something so ridiculous about it that Cassio had to lift a hand to cover his mouth, even as the crowd ooo’ed and aww’ed over the selfless offer.

‘Oh, Yevon help us.’ He let out a bit of a chuckle at Carta’s exasperation. “You don’t get used to it. Least you don’t have to worry about that,” he noted, since Carta wasn’t the one offering himself up, nor did Cassio expect it. Sure, it was a thankful job – but death seemed inevitable.

And Nica was clearly flustered by the offer.

The attention was familiar enough, and she’d planned to let Ixion be greeted by many, but this sudden offer of a formal guardian was strange. “Well—I…,” she already had a guardian, and looked over at Cassio, who looked terribly amused. It was unusual to have too many, most summoners only had one. Of course, summoners of late weren’t having any success. “I’ll have to consider it,” she tempered, rather than give a direct answer of acceptance.

She didn’t know Tomeus, and she didn’t know if it would be a boon or a burden. Personality clashing was one of the last things she needed, “Give me time to think, I will have an answer before midnight,” she offered, to a crowd that seemed a bit saddened by the caution, wanting to celebrate another guardian joining the crew immediately, rather than wait.

“So…,” Cassio leaned towards Carta, “anything I should know about Tomeus before she comes to bother me about him? Besides the fact I can probably get off with feeding him dry bread and water,” he couldn’t help the wry smirk as he whispered to Carta, conspiring already.

He wasn’t sure about Tomeus joining, though he wasn’t opposed. More hands to deal with fiends was useful, and Tomeus evidently had quite a bit of strength.

 

[PhantomLord]

The consideration was enough to have a light shine in Tomeus' eyes, as he stood up and bowed once more. "Thank you, My Lady Summoner! I eagerly await your answer!" In his mind, he was already a guardian. There was no conceivable way she would deny him! Though Carta couldn't help but sigh heavily, and dragged the warrior back from out of the streets. "Come on, don't hog her spotlight!" He called out, groaning with every word while Tomeus tried to keep his footing.

Once inside Luca properly, everyone would be able to look in awe at the magnificent Aeon. All knew of the Lord of Thunder, but not all had seen the electrifying creature with their own eyes. There were cheers and celebrations for the Lady Summoner, all clamoring for the next calm to take place.

"Seems like she's gotten popular." Carta smirked as he stood beside the taller Cassio. "Guess promising to destroy Sin gets you a few brownie points, huh?"

"She is performing a sacred duty, one that will save the lives of millions. There is no greater honor for either of you." Tomeus was completely enamoured by the Summoner's Pilgrimage. For him, there truly was no stronger calling than for one to become a summoner and promise a new calm. A period of peace, where people can live without the fret of death looming over them.

"You should join us, Carta. You said you wanted to explore the world." Tomeus' proposal both insinuated he was already going, and put the blond on the spot now. Something he wasn't ready for as he looked on in shock. "Wh-What?! I said I wanted to explore, that means coming back you dolt! I'm not gonna freeze to death at Gagazet!"

 

[Lucyfer]

Cassio would let Nica have the spotlight once they were close enough to the stadium. She let people come close to touch Ixion, to show its peaceful nature to all those who were not foes, and talk with people she had known since she was a child, for many, for the last time. He wouldn’t go to interject himself into those conversations right then, but he moved off to the side to where lines of food and drink were set up.

Tomeus was already inviting Carta along as if he had any place to do so – as if he were already going. Cassio rolled his eyes. Carta still hadn’t told him anything about what to expect with Tomeus so he could make a judgment call. ‘Ah, well.’ So far all it seemed was that he’d be too enthusiastic about this dying business.

Cassio grabbed a drink before joining the conversation, “You know, if you wanted to join just for the trip, no one says you have to stay through the whole pilgrimage to Zanarkand,” Cassio offered, “not that Tomeus even knows if he’s going or not,” Cassio smirked, added, “How come you aren’t in Bevelle to get assigned to a summoner, anyways, if it’s so important to you?”

Which, Cassio always wondered about that. He knew Bevelle was their holy city, but few, if any, summoner started with Bahamut. They usually started out on Besaid, and the bird thing – he honestly forgot it’s name. It’s why he and Nica were heading that way.

~***~

One of those people Nica found in the circle of old friends and acquaintances was Kezia, “We’ll be traveling on the same boat tomorrow! I’m so excited to see Besaid!”

“Really?” Nica was surprised, “I thought your goal was to head towards the Calm Lands and Zanarkand?”

“One day,” Kezia said and sighed, drooping dramatically, “I have to start somewhere,” she pursed her lips together, adding, “but at least I know it’ll happen, the group is starting to head out! Jerik is going towards the Calm Lands to find that old temple! Maybe he’ll have found it by the time you reach it, and you can add the lost aeon to your pilgrimage.”

“Maybe,” Nica accepted, though wondered if she would need it. Then again, plenty of other summoners were failing…it might be a good idea. “What is there in Besaid that interests your group?”

“Apparently lots of ruins with,” she pulled a face, “Al Bhed writing on them. But someone said it ties back into summoning, and one thing led to another, and we got approval from the grand maester to look into it!”

“You’ll tell me what you find, won’t you?”

“Of course!”

 

[PhantomLord]

The comment about Bevelle was the first thing that made Tomeus' smile turned from a bright and colorful one, to a much more timid and nervous kind. "Uh... It's a complicated and long story... I'm not too sure you'd be interested in all the details, but-"

"He took the wrong turn from Macalania and ended up never second guessing." Carta was quick to bring up Tomeus' biggest failure, making the martial artist blush and glare at the blond. Carta just had a devilish grin on his lips, finally getting his back at the one who had been sticking onto him like glue.

"I-It's not like that!" Tomeus tried to defend himself. "I-Yes I took a wrong turn, but then I imagined that surely I'd find a Summoner in need of assistance here in Luca instead! So I stuck around and made sure that-"

"Mate, you thought this was Bevelle until three days ago!" Carta just piled onto it, making the martial artist just turn around and not look at the two out of embarrassment. It gave the swordsman some time to think on the proposal. "I'll see. I may stick around a bit, I need to go see someone in Guadosalam. That'd be on the way, no?"

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

"Kezia!"

Another young man called out to the acquaintance of Nica. A guado himself, elegantly dressed with his long fingers wrapped around his arms as they folded over his chest. Veined eyes stared at the summoner, his hands unclenching to perform the prayer of the fayths.

"My Lady Summoner, it is an honour. I am Taron, one of the supervisors of the expedition. I hope my comrade hasn't been boring you with our confidential expedition." One word was emphasized more than the others, a sharp stare landing upon the young woman. "But we will be sharing our vessel. If you have anything you need, please come find me. We would do anything to help ensure the safe travels of a Summoner."

 

[Lucyfer]

A grin slowly began to spread on Cassio’s lips, before it eventually turned into a laugh at the expense of Tomeus. “If you’re allowed to join us, I’m not ever letting you lead the way,” he couldn’t help but say, shaking his head. How would anyone confuse Luca with Bevelle? “You know Bevelle doesn’t have a Blitzdome, right?” How could he not – the only place in the world with one was Luca!

By Yevon! How did Tomeus make it in this world?

He tried to get his bearings a bit as Carta clarified the trip, “Yeah. Our first stop is Besaid, then through the other islands – Kilika and Baaj, before we return here and get on the way to Macalania. Guadosalam is right before Macalania, and after that is Bevelle. Don’t worry, we won’t get lost this time.”

Then came the Calm Lands, the rumored lost temple of the Calm Lands, Remiem, and then Mt. Gagazet and Zanarkand. It didn’t sound like a long journey, and Cassio knew it would be far shorter than he wanted it to be. “Plus I don’t think you’d have to get Nica’s permission to just tag along in an unofficial fashion, though it would be nice if you got things set up for us when we’re away in the Cloister of Trials. Some good food and beds. It’s apparently pretty tiring.”

At least for Nica.

Not so much for him, but then again, he wasn’t entering into strange agreements with aeons for their power.

Which, he noticed Ixion dissipate all of a sudden, and looked for Nica in the crowd to make sure she was okay. She seemed to be, with familiar face, and a guado who always gave him the creeps. He wouldn’t go approach and disrupt it just yet, though he did ask, “So – I understand why being a guardian is important – but why do you want to risk your life for someone you don’t know? You know guardians don’t tend to come back, either.”

Perhaps it was just because it saved the whole world, and would save people he knew.

Still…Cassio remained doubtful about the selflessness of others. And wasn’t convinced he wanted to die for all of Spira, either, for that matter.

~***~

Kezia couldn’t help but huff and roll her eyes under the glare from Taron, though Nica only smiled. The emphasis didn’t go over her head; she knew plenty of things about confidential by now, considering everything that went on between a summoner and aeon were considered just that, but she would only shake her head.

“No, Kezia has not been boring me, but I’ll try not to pry any further,” she answered Taron, inclining her head respectfully to the guado overseer. “I appreciate your offer, though I think that I have everything that I need,” although she could feel the strain anew.

Though Ixion seemed content to mill among the crowd, and bow his head for children to touch, she couldn’t maintain this much longer without risk of collapse. It was easier when he wasn’t fighting or using his power, but it was still terribly tiresome. ‘You’ll have to practice. More and more.’

“Ixion,” she called out to the fayth, who lifted his head and then meandered towards her. She put her hand to his face, “Thank you, that’s all for now.” And with that, he began to fade into pyreflies, an act she belatedly worried over, “Oh—I’m sorry, I did not consider…I apologize if that was untowards, Taron,” she did not fully understand the relationship that the guado had with the pyreflies, but she understood there was one with the farplane in Guadosalam.

Kezia, still sulking a bit for being told off, interjected, “Oh it’s fine, it’s fine, it’s not like we don’t see plenty of them everywhere nowadays.” A sad truth about being in Spira now.

 

[PhantomLord]

"A blitz-what?" Tomeus looked confused once more at the guardian's words, making Carta roll his eyes and point at the massive stadium on the other side of the city. "That thing? Remember? With the giant water sphere?" He called out, not believing this guy didn't even know what Blitzball was.

"Oh, with the sphere of water? I thought that was a giant Spherimorph for training." The warrior always seemed to have fights on the mind. Seeing as he was built for combat, other activities like Blitzball or Spheres were redundant to his people. The blond couldn't take it much longer, and just chose to turn back to the actual guardian's words.

"Besaid, huh? I heard it's quite peaceful over there. I suppose Kilika will be on the way back then?" The swordsman was growing a bit more interested. He could always start off with them to get the two Aeons there, and as they pass back by Luca he could decide if he wanted to go the rest of the way. "Hmm... Alright, I'll at least tag along on the boat. But nothing says I'm a guardian or anything ok? You know the rumours that circulate these days, it's more dangerous than ever to be a summoner on the road."

"Then that's why they need guardians to be on their best foot forward! The calm must take place for the people of Spira." Tomeus' determination sparked again, his eyes almost on fire at the prospect of helping everyone take a break from the destruction of Sin.

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

"Indeed. More and more fiends have been appearing as of late, My Lady Summoner. I suggest making sure to have a proper circle of guardians to aid you.. You never know what kind of monsters one my find on the road these days." Taron was very matter of factly about this. Perhaps his dealings with the farplane and his intricate connection with Pyerflies made him more disconnected, but death seemed to be... mundane to their kind. They see it everyday, in every form.

"Now, we must be ready to depart. We will make sure the vessel is ready for tomorrow, and inform the captain of a summoner boarding. Just in case you need some more rest and fear the ship leaving." Taron bowed to Nica, respect for her new position demonstrated firsthand. "Kezia. Come, we are leaving."

 

[Lucyfer]

Nica smiled but shook her head, noting, “The ship already knows,” it had been waiting, as far as she knew, for her to be prepared and so was setting off in the morning because of that. She would be ready to leave, just as Cassio would. He was the only one she worried about not making it on time. “But thank you,” she offered her own prayer for Taron, drawing her hands up before forming them into the orb and bowing, “your consideration is appreciated. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your night.”

She would leave them on that note, Kezia waving as she walked off with Taron, and Nica turning back, spotting Cassio still with their earlier acquaintances. She hadn’t yet given much thought to the offer of a guardian, nor gotten to ask Cassio what he thought.

He probably had some ideas now, so she chose to make her way over to them.



“Spheri-what?” It was Cassio’s turn to be confused as Tomeus suggested an alternative for what the Blitzdome was. “Where in all of Spira have you been that you don’t know about blitzball? Even the ronso know!” It was absolutely baffling. What else did people do for fun? For morale? Blitzball was among the few luxuries they had left, the few things that could turn their mind from Sin.

Still, at least he seemed determined to be a guardian. Whatever summoner got him would be lucky. ‘And we might get another to join us.’ An extra hand in battle, at least for a while. He didn’t think that Nica would say no – and they might get an answer soon, for it seemed her conversation with old friends was coming to an end.

“I’m pretty sure Nica won’t have any problems with you tagging along unofficially, but we’ll see,” he told Carta, and smiled as she joined, “How is Kezzy?”

“She’s fine, she’s going to Besaid, too.” Nica answered.

“Sounds like it’s going to be a full boat. Speaking of,” he gestured to the blond, “He wants to tag along for a bit. Not as a guardian, just an unofficial helping hand.” Nica arched a brow, but Cassio offered no further indication of his own thoughts in his expression.

So, she asked directly, “And what do you think?”

He shrugged, “I’m not opposed to having another person to throw at the fiends. They aren’t quite so bad around Besaid, but Kilika has some bad ones,” those plants with the terrible breath, “and as to Tomeus…eh…I’m not sure,” he was saying it more teasingly, “boy doesn’t even know what blitzball is, and I’m not sure how well he’ll do out and about.”

“He seems to need some guidance, and I believe Carta was doing that?” Nica noted, trying not to make it as obvious she was playing along. Feigning seriousness.

“Yeah, yeah, Carta was helping him out. I guess they kind of need to go together, huh?” Poor Carta.

 

[PhantomLord]

"Spehirmorph. They're fiends that grow from Sphere Pools. Nasty things, that's why I thought it was training. There's been a few of them where I live." Tomeus mused, before deciding to answer Cassio's most pressing question. "Oh, I live in Macalania Forest! Our tribe has been living there for hundreds of years now. We train so that when we are ready, we can serve as guardians to summoners in Bevelle!"

"Yeah, if you know to turn left." Carta snickered, making his martial artist friend blush and look at his feet. Nica soon returned to them, and the question of if Tomeus could be a guardian was risen once more. His mood changed to an excited smile, then again when he started to worry about his fate.
"I-I may not know Blitzball too well, but I have been training my entire life in the martial arts! I am strong, I can be of good use to you!" He pleaded his case, while Carta simply listened in and interjected when he was brought up as a guidance for Tomeus.

"H-Hey, you're making me sound like I'm his nanny or something! It's him who won't stop following me!" The blond interjected, before a soft sigh escaped his lips. He could see what they were doing... It seemed like it'd be a package deal after all if they had their way.

"Look, we're all going on the boat anyways. Official or not, we can just fight together when the need arises, K?" Carta tried to end the conversation there, but Tomeus leapt onto that chance to plead his case once more.

"I-I can show you more of my fighting style as we reach Besaid! I'm sure you'll see I can be a good guardian for you!"

"Will you drop it?! You're sounding desperate now!" Carta pulled on his friend's ear, pulling him away to give Nica and Cassio some room to chat.

 

[Lucyfer]

Cassio had listened with an interested ear to what Tomeus had to say about the spherymorphs, as his mind translated it. He hadn’t realized the creation of spheres involved such hazards as a fiend, but then again, what didn’t involve fiend hazards anymore? All the more reason to have additional back-up, as these two – well, one – hapless soul was realizing.

Carta wasn’t escaping Tomeus that easily.

Nica just chuckled as the duo were pulled away, before looking back up fondly at Cassio, “And why was Carta volunteering to come along?”

Cassio shrugged, “He wanted to explore the world. There’s no better way to do that than to go with us. About the only place we’re not going to see is the Al Bhed Home,” Cassio answered, “though if he’s like anyone else, that probably won’t bother him much.”

Nica put a hand on his arm, “You can see it when everything is done, you know.”

“Yeah,” Cassio wasn’t supposed to dwell on his own death. Even so, he shrugged the hand off, “I know.” He didn’t. Although, more than one Guardian might help the odds. He didn’t know. Not really. Still, he hoped he wouldn’t die alongside his sister, as selfish as that was. He was selfish.

So, he moved his own hand to give a pat to her back, “C’mon, let’s enjoy the party while it lasts,” he wouldn’t invite the duo back over immediately. He would go enjoy the rest of his night with Nica, and find his Blitzball friends to hang out with for a bit, letting the evening pass into true night, and trying not to get too buzzed.

Hungover on a boat wouldn’t be a great way to start this venture.

 

[PhantomLord]

Carta stayed close to Tomeus that evening. Even if he claimed time and time again not to be his caretaker, he did always make sure to have the warrior in his sights and make sure he wasn't doing anything stupid. Though the most he did for the night was show off some tricks for the kids; performing his martial arts and parkouring even as the guards told him to get off the central square statue. He was like a monkey as he flipped around, showing incredible athleticism as he moved. It was clear his family was not to be messed with.

Morning came, and as expected Tomeus was one of the first awake. He took this time to harness his mind into the upcoming trials ahead; even if this wasn't his first official trial as a guardian, he still needed to be on top of his game to impress the Summoner. The young man could be seen by the docks, balancing upside down on one hand as his eyes remained closed.

Carta meanwhile woke up an hour later; quite early still. The morning rays meant he had some shadow left, which gave him a quick chance to steal breakfast when he had the chance. After having been with Tomeus a few weeks, he knew what to expect in the morning and just sat with his feet hanging off one of the containers. He checked a few of his pouches: Potions, antidotes, Echo Screens... All the stuff for Besaid and Kilika were here, plus a few more pouches if he can nab some gear.

"They should be here soon." Carta called out to Tomeus, who remained as still as a plank in his position. The blond still couldn't believe how long he could stay like that...