ACT II: CALM BEFORE THE STORM


Chapter Nine

"Hah!"

Ching!

"Don't exhaust yourself!" Dowot exclaimed from the sidelines.

Ceres wiped at the sweat on her brow, watching the wriggling plant with trained eyes. When it flickered, she grabbed the temporary shield thrown to her and took cover. It protected her body as the monster, Ragora, shot a volley of rock hard seeds.

The enlarged orbs ricocheted off the shield and smacked Qiluah in the back of the head. With a start he balked and shot her an intense glare, a strand of pretty hair out of place.

"...Watch out?" she meekly shrugged, replacing the shield.

A squeal from the fiend brought back their attention. As it worked to cough up more seeds, Ceres stalked up close to it and struck with the sharp part of her fans. The cuts were deep but not enough to defeat the creature. It swayed in pain before continuing its preparation.

"Good, it's become weaker!" Dowot exclaimed from the tree he was behind.

Sensing another attack, Ceres backed away but not in enough time. She dropped to the ground and covered her head as the monster's seeds came for Qiluah instead.

"Foolish girl," and a slash was all she heard before odd orbs of blue and yellow light spread to the sky from where the monster had been.

Ceres looked on in awe of the phenomenon.

These were the same lights she saw back near the stadium in Zanarkand. Just like the insect fiends, this one was just a mesh of undead energies as Dowot had put it. It's life snuffed out as if it had never existed, an array of lights left in its stead. The lights seemed to linger on before dissipating.

It never seized to be amazing.

Dowot moved forward, offering the girl his hand. He easily pulled her back to her feet with a smile.

"Nice work!"

"She messed up."

Qiluah's voice also seized to never amaze her. Such dry utterances. He was committed.

"No, I just misjudged my timing for a second," she crossed her arms.

Qiluah simply huffed. Dowot placed a hand on each of their shoulders.

"Now kids-" both seethed at him. He cleared his throat. "Ceres, that was dangerous to assume, but Qil, it was Ceres' attack that weakened it enough to be killed and you know that."

"This outsider put herself in danger. I still don't understand why we let her tag along on warrior work."

"Qil-"

Qiluah slammed the butt of his spear into the earth, seething at the girl. "We hunt to feed our families. Without it, resources are very limited. So for us, this isn't some pass time. This is life or death."

"And you don't think I understand that?"

"No! I don't. You show up here under mysteriously circumstances-"

"I was dragged here, thank you very much!"

"Oh yes, apologies, princess," the man sneered sarcastically.

Suddenly, the mass of Chief Hgefer moved to stand between the two as Ceres aggressively approached his hot-headed warrior. After glaring at Qiluah, he held a hand in front of Ceres, warning her not to cross. The girl huffed, clutching her fists at her sides before opting to pick up the forgotten shield from the ground, snatching it in rage.

"Not like I asked to be here, asshole."

Qiluah looked her up and down, suddenly disinterested. "Well, you know where the pier is..." Before catching her reaction, he turned away and walked off.

The asshat. Don't walk away before I can deliver a comeback!

"Let him go," Hgefer breathed out. "I'll deal with him later."

Jieb silent as ever, simply stood on the side almost wishing he hadn't witnessed the scene. Dowot was clearly irritated with the young lad, both appalled and disappointed. But he couldn't be surprised with that tantrum.

"Ceres, you did a wonderful job," Hgefer smiled, despite the frown on her face.

"...But he's right. I screwed that up."

"Ah," Dowot cut in heartily. "You're a warrior-in- training. It'll be like that until you learn."

When Ceres didn't look too sure, Hgefer clapped a large hand on Ceres' shoulder causing her to slump. "We'll getcha into shape."


And into shape, she got.

Each morning, Ceres got up early to fish with Bergho. When there was a good batch, she helped him transport most of it to the Fishermen's Wares, a semi large boat carrying tradable Kilika goods for the merchants to sell. The merchant paid good money for the export.

Then after a light lunch, she ran into the forest to meet up with the warriors, tagging along with them as they hunted for supplies. She fought more Ragora, pesky lizards called Dinonix, and poisonous Killer Bees. She learned how to observe fiend patterns and adapt to win. It was scary at first, but now it has become natural.

When she finally ran into a yellow glob of electricity, she attempted to hold it off herself. Unfortunately, she didn't have the capabilities to fight it. Quickly, she'd tasted coppery blood as lightning burned through her body. Luckily, one of the warriors caught up with her and took it down.

That day, she'd learned two things: one, she'd have to start carrying water around with her, and second, that the potion she carried around that was given to her by Rikku could literally save lives. That is, if they weren't dead already.

She usually ran along with Dowot or Hgefer, the latter making her his responsibility. He was sure to teach her more about each of their weapons and how piercing damage was more effective on some fiends than others. Mr. Jieb, as she came to call the elder, finally got around to teach her elemental basics and how to know if a fiend is fortified with magic.

Magic.

Such a strange concept. Some had an affinity for it, with natural talent flowing through them. Others weren't so lucky. Ceres still wasn't sure where she fell in this, but she hoped one day to learn herself. Anything to give her a edge while surviving in this world.

Her growing strengths didn't go unnoticed.

Hgefer was quick to note her forming muscles and darkening features from all the ocean water and sun. She could even be trusted to hunt alone by the edge of the forest. He spoke of her progress with pride, believing she should join the islanders and build a life there.

It was tempting.

She'd had such a busy and demanding life back in Zanarkand. One filled with technology, socialites, and high-fashion. Things she once coveted as components to a successful life.

None of that existed here and yet, she felt a warmth in her chest at the thought of her new home.

Everyone pulled their weight. It didn't matter who was the son of whom nor whom held more accolades. You brought something to the table so everyone could eat.

Sometimes it was dangerous, even taxing, but she was no stranger to hard work; a world-class tech company did not run itself. The work here was more physically-demanding and that was to be expected.

She never thought in a million light years she would catch a fish or learn to wash laundry (Elisa chastised her for that one). It's as if all of that rich-living did none for her character, and she saw that. And Qilua, the brat, was sure to remind her of that often. Yes, she was aware of prestigious chip on her shoulder but, damn. Leave her be!

Overall, this life was simple.

Did she miss the aromatic pleasures of a coffee, or the sound of machine schematics crinkling between the desk and her pencil? Without a doubt, but the longer she stayed here, the further away her life seemed.

It was as if the demands of this laborious yet simple life sheltered her from the old reality. While she had time to think about her possibly dead uncle, she also didn't have time to think about her possibly dead uncle.

That's because on one hand, food had to be put on the table or she didn't eat. On the other hand...it was easier this way.

She didn't want to think about what happened. She didn't know what happened. What was dream or reality. What good would it do to put her mind in worry over something so horrid as the death of her uncle, or mind-crushing as the destruction of her world?

She was better off eating today and finding her way back home.


She made her way up the last flight of stone steps at Kilika Temple.

She had been trying to learn all she can about this strange world and its customs to stay alive. In her inquiries, she'd learned of the mysterious faith called...the Fayth. Or was it Yevon? She often got their terms mixed up, still not quite understanding their beliefs.

Today, she would figure it out.

Upon arrival, she saw more lively movement about the grounds. Men and women in robes casually walked around, conversing and minding business. Some appeared to be cleaning around the temple, others bowing.

One spotted her and lightly stepped closer. He took a step back and bent his knees, swooping back up with his arms in parallel and holding an imaginary ball. She'd been around blitz enough to recognize its calling sign.

Guy must be a fan.

He proceeded to bow his head and smile, "Welcome, visitors."

She felt movement to her left, where Bergho stood and saw his arms swoop around from the corner of her eye. She glanced at him in confusion, before looking back at the man. His smile suddenly became tursed as he watched her.

"Good priest, I apologize for my friend. She is not from the island and was exposed to Sin's toxins," Bergho explained.

Quickly, the tensed smile dropped into a pitying frown. "Oh my! You have my condolences, child."

Ceres shrugged awkwardly before nodding to the man.

"So then you're here to pray, I assume? To ask the Fayth for healing and restoration!"

Before Ceres could retort, Bergho patted her back and smiled at the priest. "You guessed it!" Ceres rolled her eyes.

"And to perhaps..."

Ceres suddenly got chills down her spine as the priest stared into her soul.

...

...

"...Rededicate your life to Yevon's teachings, I hope? I mean, of course that's why you're here."

Ceres eyes widened at how quickly the guy's creep game spiked. She opted to just hum in response, stepping closer to Bergho, who cut in, "Can't wait to show her the temple!"

The priest chuckled, scratching the back of his head while shaking it.

"Yes, well I shan't keep you believers waiting. Praise be to Yevon."

Bergho repeated the phrase back to the priest as he walked away.

"Come on. The temple's pretty old but it's a sight to see."

Ceres was instantly reminded of a giant lobster from the framing of the temple. The cobbled stone stained from the salty air and rustic. Shockingly, something about it looked a bit mechanical in design. That is until Ceres noticed the priests and nuns littered around the building. Some were conversing, others hard at work tidying up and cleaning.

Upon entry, she was greeted with more praises to Yevon and bowing. Most of which she simply nodded or indicated toward Bergho, whom delivered the proper response. At one point, he stopped them in their tracks and blocked her from going in any further.

"Okay, you're getting really weird looks," he peaked behind and around her worriedly before turning back to her. "Do you know anything about Yevon?"

He was only met with a blank look.

"What about the Fayth...summoning?"

Shrug.

He threw his arms up in frustration, "So all you know about is Sin?" Noting the distress in her face, Bergho suddenly cracked a strained smile and placed his hands on his hips. "You know what? That's alright because that's why we're here. Come on."

Instantly, Ceres stopped in her tracks.

Standing in the entrance of the temple, an overwhelming feeling came over her as her ears were filled with the most beautiful and eery melody. The voices moved in a phantom-like harmony, unified by a shared sorrow.

That song...

Then came sudden flashbacks.

Tidus.

The exploding light.

That boy.

Her city in ruins.

Large hands came to rest on either arm, squeezing in comfort. "...Ceres?"

She was forcibly pulled back into the present. A small crowd had gathered. The look of concern on Bergho's face made her acutely aware that something was wrong. People were staring in disgust. 'Is she mental?'

Bergho's face came closer, effectively blocking her view of the others as he looked her over. A thumb gently padded under one of her eyes.

She was crying.

"Hey, it's okay." Someone shoved a tissue in his hand and he thanked them. He helped dry her tears as she focused on breathing.

"Bergho, why am I crying? What -"

"It must be the toxins," someone exclaimed. "I heard that she's been exposed to Sin!"

More murmurs went around the temple. Some worried for her, others fearful of these events.

This time, a woman stepped forward. Her hair was bound in a green wrap, pulled back in modesty. She looked apologetic.

"Be mindful, miss. The Fayth is trying to speak to you, but something is keeping you from hearing them...You must find a way to hear the voice or... that is all it says."

The priest from before was suddenly there. "Sin has truly tried to overcome this young lady. We must pray."

The woman laid a hand on her arm before moving away. "...May Yevon guide you."


No A/N

Just hope you enjoyed this one! I've been busy with a new job and catching the flu (thankfully recovering).

Please leave a review so I know you're reading LOL.