#HARD TO BELIEVE AURON WOULD DO THAT.. AT ALL ......... | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

p-artsypants · 3 years ago

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I Do...I Guess? (8)

Macalania Lake

“I would...like to ask you something.” “Shoot.” “Well...if it’s not too much...I’d like to ask you...to marry me.” -- Knowing what's to come during her pilgrimage, Yuna asks Tidus to marry her, strictly for convenience and having an official next of kin, of course. Starts after Luca and how this decision would affect the rest of the story.

I apologize for the wait. I have been super busy these last few months. I was also working on another fic (which I need to stop doing.) But hopefully there will be more updates more regularly.

Ao3 | FF.net

—

Being the only people to know a huge secret was overwhelming. Going to confront a man about a murder was even worse.

There wasn’t much time for chit chat in the Thunder Plains, but once they arrived in the Macalania Woods, the conversation became easy once again.

Except with Yuna and Tidus. They were both uncharacteristically quiet and stayed at the back of the group.

“Hey, you two okay?” Wakka asked what everyone had been wondering.

“Fine, just kind of tired,” said Tidus, while he stretched.

“I’m...I’m just thinking about how I’m going to turn Seymour down. I’m nervous about it.”

“Well, he can’t get that upset. Especially since he already knows you’re married.”

“Yes, well…”

“And he’s a Maester. We can trust him.”

Tidus and Yuna shared a look, a look that Auron noticed but said nothing about.

“So, Rikku,” asked Wakka, as they walked the winding tree trunks. “The Al Bhed…for them, you said they have nothing against Yevon. But do you guys practice? Or do you have a different religion? Or none at all?”

“Well, it’s hard to not believe in the Fayth, since we see Aeons in battle. It’s just…hard to follow ceremony and decorum and all the pizazz of the temples when they don’t let us. So, Yevon is respected, the Fayth is honored, but all the extra stuff is ignored.”

“What extra stuff?”

She scoffed. “Seriously?”

“To me, Yevon is all connected. The tenants must be upheld.”

“Yeah, but was it always like that? Was Yevon really even a religion to begin with? Or have people just turned it into more than it should be?”

Wakka frowned at that, but then shook it off. “I’m not a priest. I don’t know how it all comes together, but it does!”

“Yunie would know! She studied to be a summoner for years!”

Yuna answered. “Being a summoner and a priest are two very different things. Summoners must learn to convene with the Fayth, and the Fayth is really all we deal with.”

“Then, what do the priests do?”

“In Zanarkand,” Tidus began, “we had a different religion. The priests spoke and gave lessons on the Holy Book from God. Anything like that?”

“They are usually very good mages, as the temples control the distribution of magic scrolls,” said Lulu. “That being said, a mage, such as myself, would have to study on their own or find a teacher. The temples don’t hold lessons.”

“Auron! You were a monk, weren’t you? You would know!”

Auron had avoided this conversation this long, but it seemed like it would persist until he ended it. “Priests of Yevon are ruler enforcers. They tell people how to act and pray, what to think, who to hate. They give aid to those who ask, but they…they weren’t there from the beginning. The Maesters, Bevelle, it’s all been adding up since the start, but was never part of Yevon’s vision.”

“Wait,” said Wakka, “you mean that Rikku’s right?”

“In a world where not every day is guaranteed, people will give their time and money to anything that makes them feel safe. Yevon being the only thing that’s effective against Sin? A lot of time, and a lot of money.”

“So…what are we supposed to do?”

“Get Yuna to Zanarkand. That’s what matters, and that’s the part of Yevon that is true and real.”

Tidus and Yuna shared a look, still suffocating in their guilt of forbidden knowledge. Until they faced Seymour, all they would have were these glances. A check in to make sure the other was still on board. It had to be quick and silent, but it’s all they had.

Eventually, after many a battle in the woods, they emerged from the trees and came upon Lake Macalania.

“Whoa! It’s all frozen over!” Tidus exclaimed. But the air was only a little colder than it had been in the woods.

“It’s the Fayth in the temple that makes it that way,” explained Lulu. “She’s ice themed.”

“She? Oo another girl in the party! We’re even with the boys!” Rikku cheered.

“Uh, aren’t you forgetting Yuna’s other summons?” Tidus chided.

“No? Ifrit is a boy and Valefor is a girl!”

“Wait, they have names?” He gawked. “I’ve just been calling them ‘Big Bird’ and ‘Hot Dog’.”

“The summons are all named after the Fayth that sacrificed their lives to become Aeons.” Lulu explained patiently. “And Rikku did forget one. The newest one, Ixion. So even when we obtain Shiva, the boys will still have us outnumbered.”

While this little debate was going on, Tromell spotted them and hurried over. “Lady Yuna! We’re so glad you came so quickly.”

“How did he beat us here?” Rikku muttered.

“Probably slipped past us while you were cowering at the Inn in the Thunder Plains,” Wakka teased.

His reward was another punch to the gut.

“In Guado tradition, Lady Yuna will come with me now, and we will send someone to escort the rest of you soon.”

Yuna grabbed onto Tidus’ arm. “My husband comes with me. After all, he is not just my guardian.”

Tromell seemed surprised by her insistence, but ultimately agreed. “If that is how you would prefer it, My Lady, we will comply.”

Before they left, Yuna handed her bag and inventory to Rikku. “Would you hold onto this for me?”

“Of course! I won’t leave it out of my sight.”

“Make sure you don’t.”

“Are we prepared to leave now?” Asked Tromell, with thinly veiled irritation.

“Yes, I’m ready now.” Yuna bowed graciously.

“Are we walking to the temple? Looks kind of slippery…”

As he spoke, Tromell waved his hands and a disc of ice under the feet cracked away, and started to float them to the lake.

“The Guado are very mystical and profound mages. This is ice magic I couldn’t do.”

“It’s cool…no pun intended.”

The couple were very quiet as they made their way to the temple. Who knew what Tromell would hear and use against them? It was cruel, but true.

“Why did you give Rikku your inventory? You know she’s going to snoop through it.”

“Perhaps she will. But I have nothing to hide.”

Ah, so this was how she was going to tell them about Seymour?

She offered a sheepish smile. “We’ll meet up with them soon, anyway.”

The ice disk came to rest at the front steps of the temple. A handful of Guado stood guard nearby, and as they arrived, a pair departed inside.

“Maester Seymour will be notified of your arrival, if you will wait here in the temple.”

“This guy loves to make us wait…” Tidus muttered, thankfully not overheard by Tromell.

“And every time, it gives me anxiety,” Yuna lamented back.

As Tromell wandered away to get back to his duties, Tidus stepped closer, resting a gentle hand on the small of her back. “So, what’s our game plan?”

“I’m going to convene with the Fayth and get the Aeon. That way, if things go south, we can flee and not come back to this temple.”

“Great! And then what?”

“Then we talk to Seymour. Maybe he can be reasoned with, or has a reason for what he did.”

“I think he should be prepared to fight in that event. Once he knows we know, he may not let us leave.”

“So let’s hope Rikku snoops through my bag soon.”

Then, the side door opened, and Seymour in all of his festering glory appeared. “Lady Yuna, we meet again. I hope you have an answer for me?”

“With all due respect, Maester Seymour, I would like to pray to the Fayth before we discuss your proposition.”

The man’s cold purple eyes slid over to Tidus. “Should I assume that his presence here means you are declining?”

“As I said, a prayer to the Fayth first, and then we will talk. We have much to discuss.”

“Oh we do? How very interesting. Let me not waste anymore time then. If you will follow me to the Cloister of Trials.”

Yuna and Tidus glanced at each other, sharing that reassuring gaze, as they were led up the stairs and into the Cloisters. Tidus nodded once, while Yuna’s lip trembled.

Surprisingly, there was just a long hallway made of ice, and nothing else.

“Where are the trials?” Tidus asked, walking in step with Yuna.

“This Temple is unique in that its trials are backwards. You must complete them in order to leave the temple.” He peaked over his shoulder. “And I might just help you. Though I think you know my price.”

“Bribing a summoner. Very becoming of a Maester,” bit Tidus.

Seymour laughed. “An expert in Yevon you are now? My apologies.”

Tidus rolled his eyes, but let him go.

“It was only a joke, of course.”

“Sure. Whatever.”

Soon they arrived in a large chamber where the only doors were the one they came through, and another leading to the Fayth.

“Please, go on, Lady Yuna. We will both wait here for you.”

She looked at Tidus, worry all over her face.

“Go on. I can handle it.”

“We’ll behave,” Seymour smiled maliciously.

Unconvinced, Yuna went in to pray.

As soon as the door shut, Tidus withdrew his sword and set it in front of him, to lean on.

Seymour just glanced at it. “I’m afraid we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot, Sir…Tidus, wasn’t it? Shall we start anew?”

“Are you serious, man?”

“What ever have I done to you?”

“You mean, besides trying to tear me away from the woman I love?” Whoops, a little too honest there. Probably more honest than he even was with himself.

“You love? And here I thought you were just trying to bask in Yuna’s glory. I only had the noblest intentions for what I did.”

“Whatever your intentions were, you’re still a homewrecker, dude.”

“How did you and Yuna meet?”

“Oh, so now you want all the juicy details?”

“As I said, I thought you had less than altruistic intentions in your marriage with Yuna. I didn’t realize it was puppy love.”

Tidus scoffed, “Puppy love…if you must know, I met Yuna in Besaid. I’m friends with Wakka first, and he introduced us.”

“When you arrived in Besaid? Is that before or after Zanarkand?”

“You heard about that?”

“Quite the rumor. The Lady Summoner Yuna, traveling with Sir Auron and a man from Zanarkand. Another rumor is that you are Sir Jecht’s son. Any credence to that?”

“Yeah. Jecht was my old man. Like father, like son, huh?”

“Hmm. How interesting. And how does it feel to have Sin as your father?”

Tidus decided to keep the fact that he already knew close to his chest. Maybe he could play dumb. “What?”

“You didn’t know? My apologies.”

“How do you know about a thing like that?”

“It’s a Maester’s job to know all there is to know about Sin.”

“Then…you would know if a Summoner is really the only way to beat it.”

“The final summoning. It is the only way. To hope for more is foolish.”

“I see.”

“So you understand?”

“That Yuna has to finish her pilgrimage? Yeah, I got it. I had it a long time ago. Thanks.”

“What I mean,” Seymour took a step closer. “Is that to be the spouse of a summoner is not a privilege or a coveted role. Truly, you are to be pitied. When the end comes, you will not receive her praise, but suffer instead. Suffer so much you’d wish you were dead.”

The threat was vague and didn’t make much sense. So it was easy for Tidus to simply cock his head and ask, “then why do you want it so badly?”

“No one knows suffering as I have.”

“Seymour!” Auron’s voice filled the room as the door from the Cloisters opened.

“Stay silent, please. Yuna prays to the Fayth.”

“Make us!” Rikku shouted.

Just then, the chamber to the Fayth opened, and Yuna descended, looking nervous.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Rikku asked Yuna, “Gave me your bag with the sphere?”

“I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“I’m afraid I’m missing something,” Seymour smiled. “I assumed that you all would be joining us later.”

“You killed your father,” said Auron. “We saw your father say as much.”

Seymour slid his gaze over to Yuna. “And you knew? You came here with that knowledge? And for what?”

Yuna raised her staff with resolve. “We came to stop you. Just as your father asked.”

Seymour chuckled, looking far too carefree for anyone’s comfort. “Because of my father…you are swayed so easily. Say I did kill my father. What of it? You are to complete your pilgrimage and defeat Sin. What happens to me has nothing to do with you.”

Tidus scoffed, “Oh yeah? And what about after we come back? You think Yuna will stand for having you as a Maester? As the one that killed Sin, I’m sure she’ll have you excommunicated, or imprisoned or whatever! So you can come clean now, or we’ll kick you out of Yevon later!”

Silence echoed through the room, making goosebumps rise on Tidus’ arms. Why was no one backing him up?

Seymour laughed outright, not even hiding his delight. “Oh Lady Yuna…your boy is so funny. Did you not tell him the Truth? Or is he so massively in denial?”

“What are you talking about?” Tidus asked, softly, unnerved.

Yuna spoke up. “Lord Seymour, I kindly ask that you leave that topic alone. It is something he should hear from me.”

“Then by all means, go ahead and tell him.”

Yuna hesitated, holding her staff close to her chest. “Not…not right now…”

Seymour smiled, knowing that’s how’d it be. “I see. Then you really must care very little about him. Does he even know what he’s gotten himself into? You are much more manipulative than I thought. Not pure at all. Keeping secrets from your guardians, hiding the biggest truth from your husband…you conned him into marrying you, and he didn’t even know what his fate would be.” He glanced over his shoulder at Tidus. “Your reaction earlier makes so much more sense now.”

Tidus barked back, “Don’t talk about her that way! If Yuna has a secret, she’s entitled to it. You don’t know anything about her!”

A beat of silence passed as Seymour’s dirty words cut deep. Then Yuna confessed, quietly, “I’m going to die.”

“What?”

“When I call the Final Aeon I get in Zanarkand. It will kill me. That’s the big secret.”

It was mostly shock that had Tidus whisper back, “Why…didn’t you tell me?” There was no accusation, no hurt, just a question, like it was all he could manage to get out.

Yuna answered honestly. “It hurts too much.” She attempted to reach out for him, but thought better of it at the last second. “I didn’t want to lie, but…I guess it was a lie by omission.”

“And everyone else knew, except me.”

“I’m so sorry,” Yuna breathed.

“Lulu...Wakka?” He turned to look at them. “You let her do this? You knew, and…” Rage rocked his voice. “Isn’t she like a sister to you!? What about you, Kimahri? I thought you swore to protect her!”

No one could look him in the eye, as he was absolutely right.

“I tried to stop her,” Rikku whispered, with tears. “That’s why I came along. To try to find a way…”

“And it looks like you’re the only decent person in this party!” His furious eyes landed on Auron. “And you! You’re trying to rush us there! Was watching one Summoner die not enough for you!?”

“Calm down.” Auron snapped. “This was Yuna’s decision, as was Braska’s. It’s a Guardian’s duty--”

“Yeah yeah, to protect them so that they can die when the time is right!”

“Tidus,” Yuna spoke with her soft tone, and yet sounded stern. “I told you...every day for ten years, they asked me if I was sure. I’m not a summoner because they didn’t try hard enough. I’m a summoner because I wanted to be one. And it’s an honor.”

Tidus clenched his eyes shut and willed himself not to cry. But how badly he wanted to.

Seymour broke the reverence, “That wasn’t too bad, was it? Now everyone is on the same page.”

“Shut up,” Tidus growled. “You monster.”

Seymour’s carefree and mirthful attitude vanished in a flash, as he frowned. “That’s not a very nice thing to say, Son of Jecht.” He cracked a smile again as he looked over the group. “Well, now that you know my secret, and I know that you won’t let it go…foolish as that is…I suppose I’ll have to kill you.”

Auron shouldered his sword and pushed Tidus behind him, as he was vulnerable. “We came prepared for a fight. Did you?”

“No. But I always have someone who’s ready to go.” He raised his hands, and gestured in a circle.

Auron shouted to the group. “He’s summoning! Move out of the way!”

A giant anchor fell out of the sky and melted into the floor.

“It’s the Summon from Luca!” Yuna cried, joining her guardians on the other side of the room.

“Yuna, the new Aeon!” Lulu reminded.

Yuna nodded once, and raised her staff, calling forth a giant ice crystal to descend.

“No!” Seymour shouted, furious.

Shiva arrived in an explosion of ice, and stepped forward onto the battlefield. However, instead of waiting for instructions, she narrowed her eyes in anger and put herself solidly between Anima and Yuna.

The door to the Fayth opened, and a massive tremble went all throughout the temple. “Traitor!” Shouted a woman’s voice, booming and echoing as if it was coming from the walls. “How dare you turn an Aeon against another summoner in my temple!?”

Shiva, the Aeon, raised her hands and began to build a wall of ice.

“You didn’t deserve my Aeon then, you don’t deserve my temple now, Seymour Guado!”

“What’s happening?” Tidus asked, standing close to Yuna’s side. “What is she doing?!”

“I don’t know!” Yuna trembled as the Temple shook again. “I just summoned her!”

“Anima! Share your pain with that Aeon!” Seymour commanded, in effort to control the situation.

His Aeon shot a beam of light from it’s bleeding eye, and it hit Shiva head on. She took it in stride and continued to build her thick ice wall, now forming a dome around the summoner and guardians.

The temple rocked again, now parts of the ceiling falling.

Tromell and a monk ran in. “The Temple is collapsing! Lord Seymour!”

“Lady Yuna and her guardians are trying to destroy the Temple! Run!” Seymour shouted. And with that, a huge chunk of the ceiling came down right on him and Anima, crushing him. Anima seized up, her connection to the mortal plane being severed, and started to fade into Pyreflies.

“My Lord!” Tromell shouted, trying to run for Seymour.

“We must go or we will die!” Said the monk, grabbing at the Guado. “There’s nothing we can do!”

A loud cracking noise came as the temple floor started to shift. But the dome of ice was so thick, no one could see what was happening.

Then the lanterns blew out, and they were left in the rumbling dark.

“Are we...going to die?” Asked Rikku.

Shiva just kept building up ice.

“It all depends on if this holds,” Auron said. “And that’s all we can hope for.”

Yuna hugged Tidus around the waist. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.”

He couldn’t say anything, but held her back tightly.

The fall came. It was sudden, sharp, and threw everyone around to slam into the ice.

When Tidus came to consciousness, he was laying on soggy cold ground. Definitely not the stone floor he’d been standing on a moment ago.

“Ugh, my head.”

“You survived the fall, I see,” Auron was nearby, watching over him.

“Hmm mmm, but I bumped my head, I think.” He rubbed the tender spot on his skull.

“We all did. Yuna’s the last to wake from unconsciousness.”

“It would be the healer,” he laughed.

“We still have potions.”

“The temple?”

“It’s gone. Just a pile of ice and rubble now.”

Tidus stood on wobbly legs and looked around the debri covered cavern. Light came from the broken ice up above, but it was dim, like the day was ending.

“The Fayth survived,” Lulu stated, emerging from the wreckage. “It’s intact. But it’s about the only thing that is. Yuna will have to perform a sending when she comes to, as well.”

Wakka was only a few steps behind her. “This is so many degrees of messed up, man. We destroyed a temple, killed a Maester...we’re finished man. Totally traitors of Yevon!”

“The Fayth destroyed her own temple,” Auron clarified. “Something that never would have happened if Seymour hadn’t summoned his Aeon.”

“Where’s Yuna?” Tidus asked, too exhausted to really care about all the trouble they were in.

“She’s over her,” Lulu beckoned.

She was laid out on a dry piece of stone, with Kimahri watching nearby.

“Yeah, just leave her on the cold ground, great idea.” He scooped her up so she could sit in his lap and lay her head on his shoulder.

Kimahri sat behind him, resting his back against his own. “Ronso fur will keep warm.”

“Can’t you start a fire, Lulu?”

“Sure, what material would you like me to burn? Stone? Metal? Or maybe ice?”

“A simple no would have been fine too.”

Rikku came back, with a small handful of burnable material from the wreckage. “It’s all I could find that was dry. Has she stirred?”

“Mmm,” Yuna grimaced, and fluttered her eyes open.

“Good timing,” Tidus chuckled, mirthlessly.

Yuna turned her head, but didn’t move to get up. “What...happened?”

“We fell,” informed Lulu. “The temple is destroyed.”

“The Fayth!” Yuna shouted and leapt from Tidus’ lap, staggering. Immediately, she started summoning, and the ice aeon appeared once again.

“Thank goodness, the Fayth is okay.”

Shiva started to walk into the wreckage, and everyone followed, curious to see why the summon was acting independently. She led them to the Fayth statue, safe, where Lulu had found it.

The ghost of a woman emerged, and she bowed. “Lady Summoner, I am glad to see you are safe. I apologize greatly for my actions, but they had to be done.”

“You hated Seymour?” Tidus asked.

“Seymour Guado came here as a summoner, as a child. He was not worthy of my Aeon, though he persisted and prayed several times. I could see that his heart was clouded in hatred. His intentions were not in Spira’s best interest. Eventually, he moved on. I thought that was the last of him, until he was appointed High Priest of my Temple. I could feel his contempt for me every time he arrived. In my many years here, there have been plenty of Priests and Summoners alike to gain my ire, but none so fervently as Seymour. And to see him call his Final Aeon against you...I would rather be left without a temple, than to have someone like him decide who and who cannot pray to me.”

“Wait, that’s the Final Aeon? He has it?” Yuna asked, horrified.

“The Final Aeon is different for each Summoner. But yes, it seems that he obtained it, and then neglected to finish the fight against Sin.”

“Selfish prick,” Tidus muttered.

“What must we do now?” Asked Yuna. “No other Summoners will be able to pray to you down here. No one else will be able to get the Final Aeon!”

“Child, calm yourself. I am not the first Fayth to be lost. And if a Summoner really does desire me, they will find a way to me.”

“There’s...other Aeons?” Yuna asked.

“At least two, in the Calm Lands. One that was stolen, and one that was abandoned. There may be more still. So do not fret, Lady Yuna. Sin can still be defeated.”

“Well, at least that is covered. But now what do we do? We’re stuck at the bottom of the lake.” Tidus commented, gesturing at the rapidly darkening sky.

“Not to mention,” added Wakka, “That Yevon warrior monks will be coming soon to arrest us for the murder of a Maester and the destruction of a temple! We’re fugitives! Nowhere is safe!”

“We’ll go to Bevelle and tell Maester Mika. We have Jyscal’s sphere, and...and if we can convince them to come here, Shiva’s Fayth can corroborate our story.”

“Maester Mika will not speak to Fayth. Fayth are for summoners only to convene with. He won’t make an exception,” said Lulu.

“We need a place where we can lay low for a while, where Yevon will not find us.” Said Auron.

“Um,” Rikku piped up. “I have a place...but it’s a little bit of a detour.”

“How much of a detour?”

“...Bikanel Island?”

“The desert. You want us to go to the desert!” Wakka threw his hands up in exasperation.

“It’s not just a desert! It’s Home!”

“Wait,” Lulu raised her hand. “The Al Bhed settlement is in the Bikanel desert?”

“Clever, huh? We can catch a boat from the Facd Luycd, just to the West of here.”

“An Al Bhed guardian to a summoner? How very interesting,” said the Fayth. “I can grant you one more favor, as a sign of good will.” Her Aeon ran over to the edge of the cavern, and began spraying ice over the wall. As it built up, it formed a staircase.

“Go, and be well.”

#ffx #Final Fantasy X #tidus #yuna #fanfiction #i do...I guess #fanfic #tuna #tidus x yuna

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aion-rsa · 3 years ago

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15 Best Final Fantasy Characters

https://ift.tt/3rHgcZn

While the list of things that Final Fantasy has gifted the gaming world is much longer than the one we’re bringing you today, one of the most consistently incredible aspects of this legendary RPG franchise is the quality of its casts of characters.

Even if you’ve only played one or two Final Fantasy games in your lifetime (or perhaps even just absorbed elements of the series through its prominent place in gaming culture) you likely know and have strong feelings about at least one Final Fantasy character. No matter how fantastical these games get, their heart will always be found in the heroes, villains, and even NPCs that drive some of the greatest adventures in RPG history.

Which Final Fantasy character is the best of them all, though? That’s a question fans will never find a universally approved answer to, but I’m willing to be most personal shortlists include at least a few of these incredible characters that have become icons of this franchise, the genre, and gaming.

15. Bartz Klauser (Final Fantasy 5)

Many Final Fantasy protagonists are tortured souls burdened by destiny and circumstances. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that type of character (we’re actually going to honor a few of those tortured souls later in this list), but too much of that kind of personality can really wear you down.

That’s what makes Bartz Klauser such a breath of fresh air. As a young man just trying to honor his father’s dying wish to go out and explore the world, Bartz didn’t ask to get caught up in an epic battle or grand adventure. Yet, he handles the incredible events that befall him with positivity, humor, and constant support for his friends and allies.

14. Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy 8)

There was a time when it felt like Squall’s place somewhere at the bottom of any list of Final Fantasy protagonists was all but reserved. There are still more than a few Final Fantasy fans who passionately hate him, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s angsty, he’s sometimes derivative of other characters, and he’s even sometimes cruel to people who should be his closest allies.

Yet, there’s just something about Squall. His looks and gunblade certainly make him memorable from a design perspective, but there’s also something to be said for how we get to watch Squall grow throughout Final Fantasy 8 in a way that few franchise protagonists get to grow across the course of their own adventures. Squall is the surprisingly grounded heart of a Final Fantasy game that reaches all-time high levels of weirdness.

13. Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy 9)

I’ll always have a soft spot for Final Fantasy 7 and 8’s more somber protagonists, but like many fans at the time, I was more than ready to embrace Final Fantasy 9’s return to medieval fantasy as well as its returns to slightly more upbeat lead characters.

Zidane is a fantastic example of a more lighthearted Final Fantasy protagonist, but he is no mere throwback to a simpler time. There’s plenty of darkness in Zidane’s surprisingly deep backstory, which makes his attempts to become a better person and a better leader (as well as his insistence on enjoying life whenever possible) that much more interesting.

12. Cidolfus Orlandeau (Final Fantasy Tactics)

Some version of Cid pretty much had to be on this list, but which Cid is the best of them all? Well, there’s certainly an argument to be made for Final Fantasy 7’s Cid, Final Fantasy 14’s Cid, and Final Fantasy 9’s Cid, but my vote for the best Cid goes to a somewhat outside the box version of this recurring character.

It’s interesting enough that Final Fantasy Tactics’ Cidolfus Orlandeau is a warrior when so many other versions of Cid are engineers, mentors, or even political leaders, but what makes Orlandeau really stand apart is how powerful he is. This is one of the most overpowered characters in Final Fantasy Tactics in terms of both lore and in-game abilities. Actually, his incredible power kind of feels like a love letter to the entire Cid “lineage.”

11. Zack Fair (Final Fantasy 7)

It may seem like Zack Fair’s popularity only started to grow in more recent years, but the truth of the matter is that many Final Fantasy 7 fans have always loved Zack and just weren’t able to properly share their love for this previously minor character prior to the modern internet age.

Before Zack Fair finally got to star in his own game (the largely underrated PSP title, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII), he won the hearts of millions with his optimism, friendly nature, and unwavering belief that he can fight to make the world a better place. He is, in many ways, what we think of when we think of heroes.

10. Celes Chere (Final Fantasy 6)

Final Fantasy 6 certainly isn’t lacking in memorable protagonists (or villains), which really makes it that much more impressive that Celes Chere has arguably become the game’s unofficial lead all these years later.

Celes initially comes across as a standoffish enemy general who is only helping the player’s party because they’re temporarily united against a common threat. By the time we reach this game’s legendary opera scene, though, we understand who Celes really is and even start to sympathize with what we previously believed were her greatest flaws. Celes was one of the first Final Fantasy characters that properly showcased the storytelling potential of this franchise and gaming.

9. Lightning (Final Fantasy 13)

Final Fantasy 13 honestly deserves a lot of the criticism it regularly receives, but it’s always been a shame that the game’s divisive (often negative) legacy means Lightning is sometimes denied the status she so rightfully deserves.

Lightning’s backstory isn’t the most complicated in Final Fantasy history, but that actually proves to be one of the character’s strongest qualities. Lightning is mostly interested in protecting her sister, which turns out to be all the motivation as she needs to embark upon an epic journey as well as all the motivation we need to sympathize with the incredible things she does along the way. Lightning is fearless, strong, determined, and the kind of person many of us like to think we would become in her situation.

8. Balthier (Final Fantasy 12)

It’s certainly easy to understand why so many Final Fantasy fans have compared Balthier to Han Solo over the years. Balthier is, after all, a sarcastic yet suave sky pirate who gets caught up in a war. You don’t have to break your brain to see the similarities.

However, that doesn’t make Balthier any less of a compelling character. Balthier believes he’s the real protagonist of Final Fantasy 12’s all-time great story, which is honestly hard to argue against when you consider that he’s the most consistently compelling character in the game and one of the most consistently entertaining characters in the history of this franchise.

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7. Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy 7)

What is it about Tifa that’s made her one of the most popular characters in Final Fantasy history? Is it her warmth? Is it her combat abilities? Is it the ways that she’s able to so easily pivot between leader and supporter based on what the situation calls for?

The answer is “yes.” Tifa is capable in ways that the best playable video game characters sometimes need to be, but she’s still vulnerable, conflicted, and sometimes scared in the ways that any of us would be if we were in her situation. She’s a truly well-rounded character who is more than worthy of her fan-favorite status.

6. Auron (Final Fantasy 10)

On the surface, Auron is everything that you’d expect to see in a “cool” Final Fantasy character. With his giant sword, samurai-like philosophies and lifestyle, and mysterious vibes, you could even argue that Auron represents some of the “tropes” we sometimes associate with this franchise’s most notable warriors.

Yet, Auron is so much more than the (admittedly badass) warrior he first seems to be. As we learn Auron’s backstory, we also learn more about the Final Fantasy X universe and this game’s wonderfully weird and surprisingly complicated storyline. Auron is undoubtedly cool, but it’s the sweet and sorrowful details of his backstory that elevate him above some notable competition.

5. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7)

It’s sometimes hard to look at Cloud and not see a collection of what we now think of as cliches for both Final Fantasy protagonists and JRPG characters. Even if you want to push aside the fact that Cloud helped introduce (or at least arguably perfected) some of those cliches, you can still make a compelling argument for the character’s all-time great status on the basis of some of his qualities that don’t get talked about quite as often as they should.

Cloud is a much deeper and more mysterious character than he often gets credit for. Given that we learn more about him as we learn more about Final Fantasy 7’s plot, world, and emotional stakes, he’s also one of the best (if initially less obvious) player surrogates in the history of RPGs.

4. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy 7)

Like so many of Final Fantasy’s other great characters, you could make an argument for Sephiroth’s “best” credentials on the basis of his design alone. Any character that looks this cool and has a theme song as incredible as “One-Winged Angel” is destined to steal some hearts.

What’s most impressive about Sephiroth, though, are the ways that the Final Fantasy team has revisited this character and grown him over the years. Sephiroth is a tragic character in many ways, but you won’t find many who are willing to shed a tear for him or the ways he’s used his personal tragedies to internally justify unforgivable acts.

3. Yuna (Final Fantasy 10)

While I don’t hate Tidus as much as some people do, I have to admit that I’ve always seen Yuna as the real protagonist of Final Fantasy 10 as well as one of the series’ best characters ever.

Yuna’s incredible empathy and compassion are appropriate character traits for a summoner who is so willing to complete what is generally considered to be a suicide mission. Yuna believes in the role she plays in this world, but she’s not so committed to her duties that she becomes this one-track protagonist that doesn’t get to develop a personality. Indeed, it’s Yuna’s likability that inspires so many Final Fantasy 10 players to see her complete her quest, whatever the cost may be.

2. Kefka Palazzo (Final Fantasy 6)

When people are praising Kefka as a villain (which is obviously something that happens quite often), the line you’re almost always guaranteed to hear is that Kefka is one of the few villains in any medium who achieves their seemingly absurd plans for world domination. His almost unrivaled success as a villain has rightfully become the defining part of his legacy.

As a character, though, Kefka stands apart through the almost horror movie-like nature of his design (he’s somewhere between Pennywise and the Joker) as well as for the way he goes from court jester to world-destroying diety so convincingly. He is, at the very least, the best Final Fantasy villain ever.

1. Vivi Ornitier (Final Fantasy 9)

Vivi’s short lifespan and the fact he was ignored and dismissed for so many of the few days he had to live should make him one of the most tragic characters in Final Fantasy history. Indeed, many aspects of Vivi’s life are a tragedy and a pretty compelling tragedy at that.

Yet, there’s a reason that simply hearing the name “Vivi” puts a smile on so many Final Fantasy players’ faces. Vivi may discover the sorrowful truth of his existence in Final Fantasy 9, but he also learns the joys of friendship, confidence, and adventure. In many ways, the character’s final words represent how we all feel whenever we have to leave our favorite Final Fantasy characters:

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

“I’m so happy I met everyone… I wish we could’ve gone on more adventures. But I guess we all have to say goodbye someday.”

The post 15 Best Final Fantasy Characters appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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jace-the-writer-guy · 4 years ago

Text

M.I.A. Part Two

"My name... is Cameron Roberts. I am a Ghost operative under the orders of Commander Riley Black," Viper, or rather Cameron, said to Auron and Shyla as she sat on one of the two couches in the Karmine family living room. Cameron had taken her gear off and was left in her pants and a sports bra, which revealed her toned and fit body along with a few viking tattoos she had on her forearms, her right hand, and her back, "In... my own world, I was on an operation to take down a private military company called Sentinel that took a company called Skell Tech hostage and forced them to create weapons and drones. After the threat of the T-800 Terminators on Auroa was neutralized with the help of another Ghost and a person from the future that warned us of them, I was ordered to investigate and destroy the portal technology that Skell was being forced to experiment on. I activated the self destruct sequence, and the portal turned on and sucked me into it. The next thing I knew... I was in the forest where you found me."

"That ain't the weirdest thing I've heard for someone from earth showin' up here. You ain't a monster hunter like the others were on their earth." Auron remarked, leaning back in the cushions of the couch.

Cameron blinked a few times. "If this is all real, then... What exactly is this world?"

Auron and Shyla both spent the next hour or so explaining to Cameron about the new world she had found herself in. They explained all the kingdoms and continents to her, along with the faunus race. And Auron had of course told her of the creatures of Grimm and told her about each type of Grimm that had been discovered, including the Beowulves that he saved her from. He also told her that they were at his home in Anima, south of the Kingdom of Mistral.

Safe to say, it was a lot to take in for Cameron and it left her just sitting in silence for several moments. Her arm had been bandaged up on the way to the house. She just didn't know what to say, let alone think. She was just suddenly thrust into a world so foreign and so much more deadly than her own. Even past the constant worry of terrorism or even war of her home, this world called Remnant and it's inhabitants were dealing with far worse with the constant battles against those monsters all over the world in a huge struggle for survival, and the Grimm were unrelenting.

Cameron began to hold her head in her hands, her elbows on her knees. "I know it's a lot to take in, but it's real," Auron said softly to her, "We'll offer our home to ya to stay in until you feel like you're ready to live in this world."

"I... a-appreciate it," Cameron replied shakily, "Where's your bathroom?"

Shyla stood up from the couch, leaving Dusk to lay next to Auron, and put her hand on Cameron's shoulder. "I'll lead you to it. I wouldn't mind taking a look at your guns if you're okay with that."

"Umm... sure." Came Cameron's quiet reply.

Shyla led Cameron through her home and eventually led her to the bathroom, where Cameron quietly closed the door after thanking Shyla. She turned the light on and went to the sink, then she turned the cold water on. She cupped her hands under the stream of water and closed her eyes, and she splashed it in her face, hoping the cold would wake her up from this dream. She opened her eyes after she did that and saw that she was still in the Karmine home. She let out a sigh before she grabbed a rag and soaked it in water, and then she started to wipe her face paint off, along with the dirt and grime that had accumulated on her face and arms. When she finished with that, she dried off with a towel and she looked at herself in the mirror.

This was real.

Cameron could feel her eyes begin to sting with tears as it completely set in for her. She would possibly never be able to return home, and never see her family or friends ever again. Her tears began to stream down her cheeks as she walked out of the bathroom and through the house, and she walked outside past Auron and Shyla. She sat on the top step and rested her arms on her knees, and she buried her face in them and she just began to sob and cry uncontrollably.

She was a trained soldier that was trained to accept the fact that on any given day, she wouldn't be able to make it home. But that was only for if she was killed in battle. Now she was so far from home and she had no way of ever returning. It was hitting her hard to say the least. Auron and Shyla could hear her cries from where they sat, but they both figured that it was best to let her be alone for right now and let out everything that she could. Her cries lasted for several long, heartbreaking minutes before they eventually softened and Cameron calmed herself down as best she could.

She raised her head up and just leaned against the post next to her. She had no more tears left to shed right now. Her eyes still stung, but Cameron didn't care. She pulled her Desert Eagle from its holster on her hip and held it in both her hands for several moments, and she held the top of the slide against her had with the barrel nowhere near pointed at herself. She closed her eyes and started muttering to herself.

"Odin... I've failed my oath to protect my home. I don't know if I can ever return so if you're listening, give my family the strength to make it through whatever news they get about me. But I'll make a new oath right here. I might not be able to protect the people of my home, but I will still give my life to protect the innocent here in this new world and honor you and my ancestors. I may never see my family again... but I won't let that break my spirit. I will keep fighting and I will do my best to protect the innocent of this world."

Cameron holstered her pistol and looked out over the treetops, and she heard the door open behind her. A second or so later, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "We'll get you some new clothes an' you can take a good shower," Auron said to her, "We'll get your aura unlocked sometime in the next couple o' days, an' maybe get you somethin' other than a knife. If you run outta ammo, you're gonna need somethin' bigger to protect yourself. Plus we gotta keep an eye out for what your semblance may be."

Cameron turned and looked at him. "My fucking what?"

"Basically a super power," Auron explained to her, "Mine lets me make metal from dirt."

Cameron let out a short breath and shook her head. "Odin give me strength..."

"You'll have to tell me who that is. But for now, come on. We gotta get you some clothes an' some food."

X x X x X

"Hmmm..." Cameron frowned a bit as she held a sword in her hand. After a week of letting the former Ghost operative grow used to being in the world of Remnant, Auron and Shyla took her out into Mistral so she can find out what type of melee weapon she could go with in case she needed it. She had her combat knife of course, but if those Grimm could be bigger than the Beowulves she had encountered, she could definitely use something a bit bigger for if and when she runs out of ammo in the field with whatever work she takes.

"This one doesn't feel that nice in my hand." Cameron finally said and put the sword back on the wall where she got it from.

"Well, we're seeing what you might want for yourself," Shyla told her, "We aren't going to make you pick one of these to use since they aren't made special for one person."

"You've been through a lot the last week an' wakin' up your aura seemed to take a lot out of ya, so I'll be makin' whatever you think you'd want after you figure it out and give me the details." Auron said as he leaned against the wall nearby.

Cameron lowered her hands to her sides and looked back up to the wall where all the weapons were. If she was going to have a melee weapon, she would definitely like a good sword. And if she was going to have a sword, she wanted one that would be something her ancestors would wield into battle. She never thought she would train to fight with a sword but this new world she found herself in was going to test her strength in more ways than one. She began to clench her fists and continued to look over the weapons with a bit more determination, and then she felt her right hand begin to clench around something. When she looked down, her eyes widened as she was now suddenly clutching the ghostly hilt of a sword. The hilt and crossguard looked very familiar to her.

"I-is this..." She watched the blade begin to form and take an ethereal glow. The sword grew to the size of a bastard sword with just enough room on the hilt for both her hands to hold if needed, "Hǫfuð?"

///A ghostly, ethereal version of this sword///

"Ummm... what?" Shyla asked her curiously.

"Where I'm from, the movies that featured this sword called it Hofund, so you can go with that," Cameron replied and held the sword in the air, "Where did this come from? Was it a gift from Odin?"

Auron began to grin. "Seems to me like you already figured out your semblance. Guess you had some pretty strong feelin's about home. What's that sword supposed to be?"

Cameron gulped a bit and let out a slow breath. "Hǫfuð, or Hofund, is the sword used by Heimdallr to guard the Rainbow Bridge of Asgard in Norse mythology, and my heritage traces far back to the vikings that believed in the Norse gods. It took the form of the sword used in some super hero movies back home, and all my tattoos are tributes to my heritage."

She released her grip on the hilt and the sword began to vanish. "And... you said that's my semblance?"

Auron nodded. "Right. No other way to explain it, unless you wanna go with it bein' a gift from your God. Could be both, who knows."

"Well, now we know that you won't have to make her a sword," Shyla said playfully, "Now that that's settled, I think we should go get something to eat. Then we can go back home and talk about the ammo Cameron here uses for her guns."

Cameron felt herself filled with new waves of determination and she nodded. "That sounds good to me. Thank you both for everything over the last week. And please, just call me Cammie from now on."

#oc #cameron 'viper' roberts #auron karmine #shyla karmine #dusk the puggle wuggle #ghost recon breakpoint #rwby oc #ghost recon

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fulgensun · 4 years ago

Text

For the occasion, I’ll leave here the page called ‘Jecht’s Real Story’ present in FFX Ultimania Omega. It has the bonds chart and art like any other character, plus three little paragraphs about some aspects of his life and a brief description of his pilgrimage journey:

-- THE TRUE IMAGE OF A BASHFUL, TERRIBLE GENIUS Overconfident, impudent, and so proud of himself and his talent to think training is useless for someone like him. That’s the image of Jecht that comes to mind according to Tidus’ memories. What sort of person was he like? He had been criticized as someone who hated to practice. However, looking at the fact he repeatedly went out to train out at sea, it’s possible Jecht thought keeping silent about his training sessions and his hard work would have made people think he was the best. That thought was a boost to his self-confidence. He couldn’t maintain his pride unless he bragged about it. Aside from that, the very fact people still talked about him ten years after his disappearance is proof Jecht did possess charm, that most likely made up for his faults.

-- ROUGH LOVE FOR HIS SON Contrary to his rough behavior and actions, Jecht truly loved his son Tidus with all his heart. Through his mocking words, like “You’re gonna cry”, he wanted to make his weak child grow up to be a stronger man. It’s that kind of love one would expect from a lion that pushes his cub down into the ravines. Still, Jecht’s words and actions were mistaken for something else and taken at face value else by the child, making his son only distance himself from him and forming a gap between them. Jecht’s memories of Tidus, naturally, remained the same as they were before they were separated. Although in his memories, his son still glares at him with hate, he soon starts to cry without giving voice to his real thoughts -- and Jecht continues to cherish that one memory of his son, one of a weak child who needs to be protected, and dreams of him growing up. Fragments of Jecht’s true feelings can be seen as illusions whenever Tidus gets poisoned by Sin’s toxins.

-- THE PILGRIMAGE Jecht didn’t die at sea ten years ago, but he touched Sin and was brought to Spira. Taken to an unknown world, his state of mind and situation were naturally pretty similar to Tidus’. Unable to bear with the anxiety and loneliness, while dreaming to go back to Zanarkand, while wishing to return back to his wife and son… he accepted Braska’s offer because he saw it as a chance to return home. And for a long while, he didn’t lose hope. However, as the journey continued, he came to learn the situation of Spira and took his fate in his own hands. Because of his friendship with Braska and Auron he created along the way, making them later be inseparable, he discovered his own role in Spira. In the end, entrusting Auron with his greatest desire of bringing up and watching over his child, Jecht gave up his life for Braska.

Another interesting bit about him is about the way he was brought to Spira, the first of his kind in the dream world:

-- HOW JECHT CAME TO SPIRA Jecht, whose daily training routine was to dive into the dream sea of Zanarkand to practice Blitzball, one day spotted the fifth Sin. This Sin was visiting the seas of Dream Zanarkand, and was resting calmly underwater, at the bottom of a relatively shallow coastal area. One day, I’ll reach and touch it -- with that objective in mind, Jecht tried to dive deeper and deeper in that sea many times to approach Sin, till one day, ten years ago, he achieved his goal. As a result, he was swallowed up by Sin and, for the first time, a resident of Dream Zanarkand was taken to Spira.

It’s pretty interesting the fact it’s heavily implied Jecht did know about this huge creature sleeping underwater for a while but never told anyone: he made it his personal objective to dive deep and long enough to finally touch it. The Dream city, made of pyreflies, is usually the place where Sin goes to rest next to, because the dream “heals" Sin. It’s more like a reflex, or instinct, I think - Sin approaches the dream and sleeps next to it till it’s strong enough (I believe the Ultimania mentions newborn Sin, during a Spiran Calm, need to grow and heal from the traumatic event of the Final Summoning, resting underwater, probably near DZ in this case too). The only Sin who willingly, from its core, decided to approach (and destroy because you do try to put yourself in Jecht’s shoes, knowing what that city represents and really is) DZ was the sixth Sin, aka Jecht.

It is also confirmed he was stranded to Bevelle and that he was indeed imprisoned for telling some soldier monks he was from Zanarkand. Braska heard the rumor which had started to spread, and decided to free him.

#meta tag.#jecht #final fantasy x ultimania #[ also little trivia he's 190 cm tall ]#[ im not sure i saw the height on the wiki but the more you know ]

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runicmagitek · 5 years ago

Note

For the fandom-ship-character meme: FFX, Auron/Lulu, Tidus?

Awww thank you so much! And so appropriately timed, seeing I’m slowly replaying X :D

FFX

Favorite character: Auron has always been my fave.

Least Favorite character: Back when I first played it when it came out, I couldn't stand Tidus, but with my recent playthrough, wow do I despise Wakka.

5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon): Auron/Lulu, Auron/Lulu, Auron/Lulu, Auron/Lulu, and Auron/Lulu (it's literally my one and only ship. I don't really like any of the other ships in X)

Character I find most attractive: Lulu! Have you seen her?!

Character I would marry: Again, Lulu. Love me a lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say it.

Character I would be best friends with: Rikku. With my recent playthrough, I resonate with her a lot and I want nothing but the best for her.

a random thought: The mechanics of this game are really solid and it's sad/weird that it hasn't been reused in any of the other Final Fantasy games.

An unpopular opinion: X-2 never happened and chucked out a lot of important themes in X.

My Canon OTP: I don't have one.

My Non-canon OTP: Auron/Lulu

Most Badass Character: Everyone wishes they were as badass as Auron

Most Epic Villain: Yunalesca is pretty epic, but like... that's it? All the other antagonists are old, religious dudes that aren't really... epic. and I can't take Seymour seriously, so he doesn't count.

Pairing I am not a fan of: Literally all of them outside of Auron/Lulu. X isn't a prime source of shippy stuff for me, so I'm honestly baffled by almost all of the pairings.

Character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Lulu. I have such a hard time believing that she'd settle with Wakka, of all people, and have his kid and play housewife forever. She deserved better.

Favourite Friendship: Yuna and Rikku! I love how supportive Rikku is of her and is so determined to find a better solution to the summoner predicament. And while the game doesn't expand too much on it, I also love Yuna and Kimahri. They deserved more scenes together.

Character I most identify with: A mix between Rikku and Lulu. Lulu embodies all the salt and eyerolling I have on a daily, if not hourly basis. Also my inner goth loves her style. And Rikku just isn't afraid to challenge traditions that make no fucking sense and speak her mind. Love both of them!

Character I wish I could be: I wish I had more of Yuna's patience and general kindness.

Auron/Lulu

When I started shipping them: Like fucking immediately? There was never a particular moment that I can remember that made me draw this conclusion, but I always felt like they'd get along better with each other than anyone else.

My thoughts: Lulu's been through so much and she constantly has to explain basic ass shit to either oblivious or ignorant men. She never has to do that with Auron. And for Auron, Lulu is someone he doesn't need to babysit. They've both been through their share of hell and have grown because of it. They've always been that couple where I feel they'd be comfortable with each other in utter silence.

What makes me happy about them: Everything! They're aesthetically pleasing, their personalities align beautifully, and I'm a sucker for warrior/mage dichotomies.

What makes me sad about them: Auron dies in the end and Lulu gets fucked hard by canon :(

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Honestly, there's not much fic with them, so I guess the lack of fic annoys me? XD

Things I look for in fanfic: Does it have Auron/Lulu front and center and essentially ignores whatever nonsense that happens in X-2? Sign me the hell up!

My wishlist: I'd be game for any small moments they share together throughout the story. I'm a sucker for bittersweet moments full of dramatic irony, like Lulu dreaming of plans with him once the pilgrimage is over. Punches me right in the feels.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Absolutely no one :\ I'd rather they both be single and find happiness with themselves than be with another person.

My happily ever after for them: Either Auron doesn't die and they pave a new life together in the Eternal Calm or they die together and can exist peacefully in the Farplane. As long as they're together, it's a happy ending to me.

Tidus

How I feel about this character: Ho boy. I don't like Tidus. At all. I will say that I've come to tolerate him a bit more with my recent playthrough, but not by much.

Any/all the people I ship romantically with this character: n o p e

My favorite non-romantic relationship for this character: I do enjoy his interactions with Rikku.

My unpopular opinion about this character: His random monologues in the actual game are a massive interruption all to point out the obvious and it drives me up a wall

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: I wish there was more development with him and his mom. She seemed so... not important :\

Favorite friendship for this character: So like, I feel "fave non-romantic relationship" is more or less a friendship? Unless that was talking about a strictly sexual relationship, which... just call it that??? ANYHOW, I still love his friendship with Rikku.

My crossover ship: oh god no

#meme thing #deemoyza

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braskide · 4 years ago

Note

❝ I want you to stay. ❞

responsibility is a double edge knife.

being responsible for own’s life is a heavy burden, even so to understand that to survive is all you have left – it only gets worse when the weight is doubled, someone depending on you. yuna knows this well and keeps it hidden into her being, her cheekbones covered by dust and nostalgia of a time where things were kinder, easier. out of all that had happened and was bound to happen, hell breaking loose on earth and the few survivors hating on other surviving souls, she was entrusted with the task of making sure a side of the outskirts were safe as the rest of her association had previously done so in the days prior to this. although days had never been easy on them, they kept on being a lively bunch of individuals that cared for one another – and most importantly, yuna knew she could trust them to watch her back & she would watch theirs. maybe, in other times, other eras, this was an overrated feel. but not now, not here – and she barely even remembers those long-forgotten times where relationships and dynamics were overlooked to be trustworthy on the get go. nowadays something as complicated as trust felt harsh like what gold used to be in glory’s days: precious, worthy thousand lives. it was said, before the apocalypse, before the suns and the moons all came crumbling down with disease, one could count trusted ones on the tips of their fingers – if that is right, yuna believes life has taken away some fingers from her, then; or maybe, life has put her before the exhausting trials of working towards such spoils of war.

cloud had gotten to them with bloody knuckles and with the lowest chance to make it out alive – he did not beg them to take him in, but he fought for his life in more ways than just with his fists or swords. the day they had found him, yuna was not with them – she would meet him later on, when auron explained to her that he could not be trusted, but they were not such beasts to leave him among ruins of forgotten temples just to die, his arm believed to be injured beyond saving. and so yuna helped him when his hands were chained, and then she helped him more when he had shown symptoms of what could be defined trust and did not need his hands tied together anymore, so that he could dine with the rest of them without having bad looks from the other end of the table, which was usually where auron or lulu would sit, oftentimes one next the other, ever so watchful of the new found, especially when this one would approach yuna for words or simply a request.

to this day, months later, yuna kept asking herself what of cloud has made such headstrong personalities take a second look at him, enough to now consider him part of whatever they all were together. though multiple replies would come to mind, she never dared to ask something so trivial out loud – when life and death are but a simple line, why would someone ever wonder such a thing?

yuna headed out with a simple word sent to the rest, her guns clocked into the straps of her backpack. it wasn’t much of a hard job to patrol the outskirts, and she did so on her own accord although Lulu had often disagreed with her on it, and each time yuna would remind her that this world does not allow her to be a girl & that is exactly why a woman was to come out of it, the one that was standing in front of her now. she set off then, and cloud seemed to be on the same accord, following her steps in silence. it was not much after that yuna would attempt and match his speed by slowing down, and she believed he did the same with a hasty foot. the silence among them did not feel uncomfortable as they helped each other cross things such as broken trailers, jumping over fences, sceneries that did not have an unfamiliar taste to it. it was not required for cloud to tag along for such a bothersome task, but there was no complaint on yuna’s side, and they did not bring it up on the hike to the spot.

the marked place was quiet and much to no one’s surprise, the trap for the unsent all still intact. this of all the places seemed to be yuna’s favourite – the small misplaced bed was still covered by blankets she had previously carried to here, worn out clothes laid out on them and old dusty lights hanging from the ceiling to make out what seemed to be the frame of a small sanctuary from the world. The dark seemed to cover the small windows from behind the ripped curtains, and against no one’s complaint they unpacked for the night. few words had been shared between the two in the hours spent together alone & all seemed to be impersonal and used out of necessity. the path from yuna to cloud and back seemed to be rocky – not much because of their will, but the world’s cold did not allow them to open the doors to the much-needed tenderness and yearning. yuna’s came out in many occasions, though they seemed to be hidden under a layer of warpaint – she would often check on the arm scars of him, the ones that seemed to heal despite anyone’s better judgement – and she went at it again now, as Cloud rested with an arched back sitting on the bed. yuna kneeled to his front, her hands working towards his side and he just seemingly phased by looking down to her as she had often found him do before. her fingers cautiously unwrap his muscle, old bloody bandages covering old wounds, and when she would tap what would have been his fatal scar, his eyes kept lingering on her, or so she had felt his stare above her head. she had often wondered why was it that whenever her eyes would snap up to meet his, he would casually look away, suddenly enraptured by another issue or nothing at all. perhaps it was never her place to wonder so, but one just could not help – and thus she had stopped looking up so suddenly, silently enjoying the weight of it, even now.

this time, it felt different. By now her knees would have gotten up from the ground, done with his patch – if not for words hitting her like a bullseye. disarmed, if not only physically – the soul needs to be covered at all times, don’t you know? Who would have guessed that such silences and stolen looks would lead to this – whatever this is, in such a plagued world. her eyes lifted with the following silence and as expected, his eyes did not quiver. yuna has seen that look before, although not aimed at her directly – this time, it sent shivers down her spine. It felt like a soft ocean ( were cloud’s eyes ever so blue? ever so enchanting to lose oneself in them? ) to drown in if surrender was ever an option. there is nowhere to go – but it feels hopeless, it feels useless; the world feels so. and cold. and lonely – and perhaps cloud must have felt so, too. perhaps this was all but a trickery magic, like holding onto each other to draw warmth back and forth. her hand slid from his arm, cold fingertips laying into his hands, curling around his palm, their hands joined in an unlikely solution, new. ❝ i’ll stay tonight, ❞ yuna says, but it does not feel like the end of it. it never feels like the end – and the complications come after. she is sure to have taken the wrong route of these words – but perhaps the easiest. but maybe, just maybe, she can have this one night of uncertainty. cloud feels like it’s on the other side of her now, an arrow across the heart.

even now, cloud is making her look at him twice – her trust in their joined hands in this rotten world.

#ndeavor #post apocalypse verse.#me: i want cloudyuna content !! !!#also me when i realize i can make the content: o #anyways.#this is LATE but u know what.#i ATTEMPTED.#I TRIED !!! !!!#also.. .. remember that tlou kinda verse we wanted to attempt.... ... .. hello #BONJOUR.JPG #i'm thinking the x squad with a mix of the vii squad is what we have here.. ..#auron and lulu and barret as leaders of it. ....#y/y? ?? ?#ANYWAY HERES WHAT.#this is 1300+ words of self indulgent mutual pining.#if this was an ao3 it would legit be the first thing coming UP in the they both love and care for each other but the world is fucked #< TAG #BUT EYAH U KNOW WHAT I MEAN !!!#IM SO SORRY THIS IS A WORLD VOMIT THANK U FOR COMING SO FAR

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randomkposts · 5 years ago

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Hello

I figured I should start with wall of quotes. Cause whynot

Quotes “It's hard to hate my prep team. They're such total idiots." - Katniss.”

“Here's some advice. Stay alive.” “The cat that Prim got hates me, I think partly because I tried to drown it.” “District 12: Where you can starve to death in safety.”“No. Now, shut up and eat your pears."

” It's lovely. If only you could frost someone to death." "Don't be so superior. You can never tell what you will find in the arena. Say it's a gigantic cake-”“Yes, frosting. The final defense of the dying.”

“Technically, I am unarmed. But no one should ever underestimate the harm that fingernails can do. Especially if the target is unprepared.”

"Well, leprechauns. You know they're not real, don't you?""Let us proceed under the assumption that the fairy folk do exist and that I am not a gibbering moron."

"I majored in Ancient History. You have your own page in the 'Criminally Insane' section."

"Really, Butler, I must begin choosing my business associates more carefully. Hardly a day goes by when we aren't the victims of some plot.""The punching is not helping my concentration, by the way.""Oh, brilliant. I must write that one down in my witty retorts book."

"The pixie is crazy! Give me your gun, Holly. I'm going to shoot him.""Excuse me, Captain. Are you two going to weep salty tears of admiration over a helmet all night, or do we have matters to discuss?"

"This is a well. You might think that there is something to it... But in fact it is just an ordinary well."

Woman in Ur : Hey, where are you four brats off to now? What...? You're going to go save the world...? Did you get hit on the head or something!?

Gilgamesh : Enough expository banter. It's time we fight like men. And ladies. And ladies who dress like men. For Gilgamesh...IT IS MORPHING TIME! Galuf : Bartz! Stop that! Bartz : But it's fun! poke, poke, poke... Bartz : Jumping Christmas!

Edgar : "That's Shadow! He'd slit his mama's throat for a nickel!" Kefka : "This is sickening! You sound like chapters from a self-help booklet! Prepare yourselves!" Locke : "Hey! Call me a TREASURE HUNTER, or I'll rip your lungs out!" Edgar : "If something were to happen to me, all the world's women would grieve!" Setzer : "My life is a chip in your pile. Ante up."

Yuffie : So! I saved the great Vincent Valentine! Do I get any thanks?

Squall : Right and wrong are not what separate us and our enemies. It's our different standpoints, our perspectives that separate us. Both sides blame one another. There's no good or bad side. Just two sides holding different views. Squall : I dreamt I was a moron...

Seifer : Great, I have one chicken-wuss and one kid who just entered puberty in my team! Squall : ...Whatever.

Auron: The red carpet has teeth. Auron: Outside the dream world, life can be harsh, even cruel, but it is life.

Rikku: Memories are nice, but that's all they are.

Kimahri: Pick spot. Shut up. Wait.

Rikku: Do you think we need a password? Paine: How about 'Kick..it's..ass' Paine : The hardest person to know is one's self.

Raogrimm: People are capable of kindness beyond angels, yet we also commit sins that would put a demon to shame... Lonely Chocobo: Warkkkkk!!! Gweh!!!! Warkkkk

Naja Salaheem : (After Abquhbah faints when he realizes that he's speaking to the empress) Nothing to be concerned about, Your Magnificence. Mercenaries are trained to sleep anywhere, anytime if the opportunity presents itself.

Lightning: Worst birthday ever. Lightning: It's not a question of can or can't. There are some things in life you just do. Lightning: We live to make the impossible possible! That is our focus!

White Mage: Hi. I was just wondering if you knew how much we've suffered because of you. Good day. [after finding the Falcon Rydia : It's not yours. Edge : That's okay, it would be happy to be used by us!

...That's General Leo.. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy.

You think a minor thing like the end of the world was gonna do me in?

"What a cute doggy!' "Leave us. The dog eats strangers...'

This should be fun. When do we leave?

Read my lips - mercy is for wimps! There's a reason "oppose" rhymes with "dispose"...If they get in your way, kill them!I don't care for the appearance of this pitiful little hamlet... So burn it!!

Figaro Guard : Kefka's "One shy of a six pack!" Imperial soldier : I oppose peace! Narshe resident : Narshe is a neutral city.! We want no war here, but that %#$@& Empire won't listen! South Figaro Resident : We may be thieves, but at least we have goals in life!

Cyan: This is the Phantom Train. It carries the departed to the other side. Sabin : Wait! I don't want to go THERE!

Strago: Go to your room! Relm : I will not! What a fussy old man! Strago : Relm! Is that you, my dear? You're alive! Relm : Idiot! Of course I'm alive! Strago : Oh, I'm so happy..." Relm : Did you think I was gonna check out before you, old man? Strago : You're as foul mouthed as ever, bless your heart!

Shadow: I know what friendship is... and family...

"It's not my problem."

"Don't fight here! You'll ruin the flowers!" "I think they believe I have what it takes to be in SOLDIER!" "Mine is special. It's good for absolutely nothing!"

Don't need no appointment... This is a 'mergency! Anyone who don't wanna get their face bashed in better git outta the way!! "I've got the wrong person."

W-wait a second. I won't run or hide. Yes, I was a spy. I was hired by the Shinra. I couldn't help it. How 'bout if we continue like nothing ever happened?

Shut up! Sit your ass down in that chair and DRINK YOUR GODDAMN TEA!

This's gonna be a big splash. Hold on to your drawers, an' don't piss in 'em!!

Maybe God'd forgive an ugly shit like you, but I won't!

I don't know what the hell it is, but it's falling from the sky. Hmpf! It's not even an omen.

Hey, do you know who I am? I'm Cid—that's who the hell I am! Now just let me handle it!

I don't want to regret not having done something later.

I always thought this planet was so huge. But lookin' at it from space, I realized it's so small. We're just floatin' in the dark. ...kinda makes you feel powerless. On top of that it's got Sephiroth festerin' inside it like a sickness. That's why I say this planet's still a kid. A little kid sick and trembling in the middle of this huge universe. Someone's gotta protect it. Ya follow me? That someone is us.

We're busy runnin' back and forth! Even my bikini goddess would be pantin' about now!

Oh, GAWD! If I knew this was gonna happen, I would've taken rope escape lessons more seriously!!

Escape from a world of illusions... Hmph... I wonder which is better.

I know you want my help because I'm so good!

Cloud, put me in your party, so I can get off this ship. Cloud...sign this. It's a contract that says when the war is over, all the materia will belong to me.

The stars shine so bright, like glowing materia... reach up and grab one. GROSSNESS! Don't mess with me old man! You don't even have any Materia!

Citizens, unite! Come to the light, Mako energy. Power is truth. Shinra is the future. Real happiness can be found in obedience to the company People are ignorant. They'll feel better as long as someone is punished.

Godo : Go! Survive till the end! And return! With the Materia! Doctor in Mideel : You can see for yourself what things look like, but at least no one was seriously hurt. We're just very unhappy now. Junon soldier : I'm learning to be a delinquent soldier!! I just can't seem to get the hang of it! Reeve Tuesti : What may be a few to you was everything to those who died...

Barret : She ain't gonna show up. 'Least this time she didn't steal our materia. Guess we gotta be thankful for that. Yuffie : How could you say that!? I came all the way here after being seasick as a dog! I didn't go through all that just to have you guys have the best parts all to yourselves!

...A speech? Forget it. Cut the mic!

You're-going-to-like-me! You're-going-to-like-me! Did it work?

D-Do you have any...hot dogs left?

...The HELL! Man...Now this is what I call boring. This ain't right, man!

YOOOO!!! The HELL you doin'!!!?

I'm a pretty lucky guy. Hand in hand with two beautiful girls.

That is sooo vague!

Super-Duper-Mega-Bummer!!

Well, Zell was riding his T-Board in the hallways of Garden. He made a sharp turn and went straight into the woman's res...

Sharpshooters are loners by nature... We hone our instincts, pour our whole being in a single bullet. The pressure of the moment... An instant of tension... That's what... I have to face alone...

Well, fine then! We WILL have a good time!

Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target.

Well, we could skin this little guy and wear him as a disguise...

I say things that get a rise out of some people. Just don't let it bother you and we'll get along fine.

Ooh neato! A hole in the middle of no-where!

You've all heard this before. How life has infinite possibilities. I don't believe that one bit. There weren't many paths for me to choose. Sometimes, there would only be one. From the limited possibilities I faced, the choices I made have brought me this far. That's why I value the path I chose... I want to hold true to the path that HAD to be taken.

Let's just fire like crazy and make a big hole, BOOM!

...Speeding. Let's go arrest that student for violation of academy regulations. Listen up! Teamwork means staying out of my way. It's a Squad B rule.

This is the scene where you swear your undying hatred for me!

And so, Laguna runs for dear life. She got upset and put fruit jam in your shoes. You were almost in tears!

Fujin: DISTURBING.RAGE!SHOCK!GOOD. CONVENIENT.PERSUASION, USELESS. SEIZE!IGNORE.RUN!ELLONE? NOT HERE.FATIGUE POSSE... We are. We always will be. Because we're a posse, we want to help you. Whatever it takes to fulfill your dream, we're willing to do. But... You're being manipulated, Seifer. You've lost yourself and your dream. You're just eating out of someone's hand. We want the old you back! Since we can't get through to you, all we have now to rely on is Squall! It's sad... Sad that we only have Squall to rely on... Seifer! Are you still gonna keep goin'?

Big Sister: I can't wait until I meet a guy that I can scream at and exchange blows with!

Quistis : You're the squad leader. Good luck to you. Seifer : ...Instructor. I hate it when people wish me luck. Save those words for a bad student who needs them, eh? Quistis : Alright, then. Good luck, Seifer. Seifer : [to Fujin and Raijin] Add Instructor Trepe to the list. Zone : Our plan is to...Selphie : ...Blow it to smithereens with a rocket launcher!? Zone : [taken aback] ...Ahh...not quite... Rinoa : Oh, shut up! I made it like that on purpose. It represents my hatred towards Deling. Zell : Hatred, eh? Yeah...right. Selphie : It's one of the...ugliest things that I've ever seen in my life. You must really hate him.

You don't need a reason to help people.No cloud, nor squall shall hinder us!Piece of cake. I'm an escape artist.

In the end, it boils down to two simple choices. Either you do or you don't. You'd think with all the problems in this world, there'd be more answers. It's not fair... but that's the way things are. The choice is yours.

SON OF A SHOOPUFF!

Al Bhed is Al Bhed. Rikku is Rikku. Rikku swore to protect Yuna. And Rikku is not a liar. Kimahri can tell. So, she is a friend.

Why are you still here, sir? (pause as Auron looks at him) I beg your pardon. We Guado are keen to the scent of the Farplane.

Rikku : Did you...hit your head or something? Tidus : Um, you guys hit me. Rikku : Oh, right...do you remember anything before that?

Sometimes, when I got a lot on my mind, it just helps to go, "AAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Once Lady Yuna fixes her hair, we leave." "Guard your emotions first, then guard your summoner." "Ha! Legendary guardian? I was just a boy. A boy about your age actually. I wanted to change the world too, but I changed nothing. That is my story." "Don't look to others for knowledge. This is your story."

Don't think it's just a game. Your life's on the line. "You. It's what's for dinner." You. Are. Hired."

Barkeep : Mish Yoona, what can I do for yoo?

Yuna : Duck Soup! Paine : Duck what?

Rikku : I'm gonna kick you in the spleen! Paine : Spleen?

Lightning : (to soldier).Nice gun. Noctis : Goodbye, whoever you are.

You sure are a keen observer of the obvious, kupo!

And I know some "little girls" who can kick your butt!

"You hit the Lord of the Titans in the eye with a blue plastic hairbrush."

Rachel: They asked me a lot of questions about you. I played dumb. Annabeth: Was it hard?"

"Love conquers all," Aphrodite promised. "Look at Helen and Paris. Did they let anything come between them?""Didn't they start the Trojan War and get thousands of people killed?" "Pfft. That's not the point. Follow your heart."'

“Ever had a flying burrito hit you? Well, it's a deadly projectile, right up there with cannonballs and grenades." "The ADHD part of me wondered, off-task, whether the rest of his clothes were made the same way. What horrible things would you have to do in your life to get woven into Hades' underwear?"

Rachel: You're a half-blood, too? Annabeth: Shhh! Just announce it to the world, how about? Rachel: Okay. Hey, everybody! These two aren't human! They're half Greek god! . . . They don't seem to care."-

"What I did next was so impulsive and dangerous I should’ve been named ADHD poster child of the year."

“You're a stalker with hooves." "I am not! I followed her to the Big House and hid in a bush and watched the whole thing.”

Well, we kind of tried to kill each other in a duel to the death." "I see. You tried the diplomatic approach.”

"Well, Percy, what have we learned today?""That three-headed dogs prefer red rubber balls over sticks?""No," "We've learned that your plans really, really bite!”

"Dude!" said a party pony as he unloaded his gear. Did you see that bear guy? He was all like: 'Whoa, I have an arrow in my mouth!”

“Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp…” She looked at Zoe. “Which one was it?”"That boy in Colorado,” Zoe said. “You turned him into a jackalope.”Ah, yes.” Artemis nodded, satisfied. “I enjoy making jackalopes…”

“Christmas in the Underworld was NOT my idea. If I'd known what was coming, I would've called in sick. I could've avoided an army of demons, a fight with a Titan, and a trick that almost got my friends and me cast into eternal darkness. But no, I had to take my stupid English exam.”

“Meat!" he said scornfully. "I'm a vegetarian." "You eat cheese enchiladas and aluminum cans," I reminded him."Those are vegetables.”

"How about this: stealing is not always bad?""I don't think my mom would like that moral."

I thought about the lines Rachel had spoken in that creepy voice: about storm and fire and the Doors of Death. "Maybe," I said, "but it didn't sound so good.""No," said Apollo cheerfully. "It certainly didn't. She's going to make a wonderful Oracle!”

"My son here convinced me that perhaps I should prioritize my list of enemies." He glanced at me with distaste. "As much as I dislike certain upstart demigods, it would not do for Olympus to fall. I would miss bickering with my siblings. And if there is one thing we agree on - it is that you were a TERRIBLE father.”

Running with a drowsy child of Hades was more like doing a 3 -legged race with a life size rag doll.”

“Yay!' he said. 'Now we can eat peanut butter sandwiches and ride fish ponies! We can fight monsters and see Annabeth and make things go BOOM!”

“You know how teachers tell you the magic word is 'please'? That's not true. The magic word is 'puke'. It will get you out of class faster than anything else.”

" He tossed me a jar of thick green liquid—Greek fire, one of the most dangerous magical substances in the world. Then he threw me another essential tool of demigod heroes—duct tape”

“Juniper: Are you guys busy? Percy: Well, we’re in the middle of this game against a bunch of monsters and we’re trying not to die. Annabeth: We’re not busy. ”

Though "peanut butter" is a strange battle cry. It shall be as you say. But my son, pray this works."I am praying. I'm talking to you, right?"Oh . . . yes. Good point.”

“Let us find the dam snack bar," Zoe said. "We should eat while we can."Grover cracked a smile. "The dam snack bar?"Zoe blinked. "Yes. What is funny?""Nothing," Grover said, trying to keep a straight face. "I could use some dam french fries."Even Thalia smiled at that. "And I need to use the dam restroom." "I do not understand.""I want to use the dam water fountain," Grover said."And…" Thalia tried to catch her breath. "I want to buy a dam T-shirt."

"with great power... comes great need to take a nap"

“Oh no." I said panic rising in my chest. "No, no, no, Somebody get a can opener. I've got a god in my head!!”“Well," I said. "If you need me, I'll be outside, playing with sharp objects.”

“Fairness means everyone gets what they need. And the only way to get what you need is to make it happen yourself.”

“I guessed his name was Face of Horror. I wondered how long it had taken his mom to think of that. Bob? No. Sam? No. How about Face of Horror?”

“Now the tattoos," Zia announced."Brilliant!" I said."On your tongue," she added."Excuse me?”

“I just love family meetings. Very cozy, with the Christmas garlands round the fireplace and a nice pot of tea and a detective from Scotland Yard ready to arrest you.”

“Carter Kane, 14, died tragically in Paris when he was eaten by his sister’s cat Muffin.”

“There will be guards,” Bast said. “And traps. And alarms. You can bet the house is heavily charmed to keep out gods.” “Magicians can do that?” I asked. I imagined a big can of pesticide labeled God-Away.”

“I believe you, Sadie.""Oh really. I'm holding the bloody feather of truth, and you believe me. Well, thanks.”

I guess it started in London, the night our dad blew up the British museum.”

“The baboon is driving,” I noted. “Should I be worried?”

“Thank Ra!” She exclaimed. “Yeah, I’m alive.” “No, I almost jumped in after you. I hate the water!”

“Why did adults have to be so thick? They always say “tell the truth,” and when you do, they don’t believe you. What’s the point?”

“I must admit I’m impressed, Sadie. You controlled your magic and controlled Isis. And you, Carter, did well turning into a lizard.”

“That’s Narmer with the spoon,” I guessed. “Angry because the other bloke stole his breakfast cereal?”

“Most of Set’s forces were running towards our boat, screaming and throwing rocks (which tended to fall down and hit them, but no one says demons are bright).

"Great another mystery. I was about to suggest we ram Amos’s head against it and see if that worked.”

The stuff was so thick and rough, it made me wonder if the poor Egyptians had had to use toilet papyrus. If so, no wonder they walked sideways.”

“I looked back, but Bast and Sadie seemed fine. They were still staring at the water as if it were some amazing Internet video.”

. Why would someone display a rock? Aren't there enough of those in the world?”

“Dejardins was so stunned, he momentarily forgot how to speak English. "Ce n'est pas possible. On ne pourrait pas-”

#Random K #Hello #Former profile #So many quotes #I

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paybackraid · 6 years ago

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So I started writing this at about 10:30 last night after reading @khkeystagram ‘s last posts. Fell asleep, woke up at 3:30 or so and finished it. The ending was supposed to be slightly humorous but I think it came out rushed BUT it was like 5 when I finished s o. Plenty of strong language, they’re all emotional.

Summary: Lea is terrified, but slightly impressed.

Words: 1992

The whole of the ResCom was out of their fucking minds, and that was all that Lea had to say on that.

They were batshit insane if they honestly thought that Roxas was going anywhere near those freaks.

“The king said—“

“The king can say what he likes!” Lea snapped, fingertips digging into Roxas’ shoulders. Isa could have died, and no one seemed to fucking get that! Auron was hovering awful close to dead, and they h o n e s t l y thought that Roxas was going to go in alone, with no one but a stinking duck at his side.

He had already lost Roxas once, and it almost fucking broke him. He was not risking it. Not again, and definitely not like this.

“Lea, it’s fi—“ Roxas didn’t seem too fond of saving his own life, apparently. He wasn’t protesting at all, in fact was almost buzzing with excitement. Lea knew he had seen considerably less action than he had in his days in the Organization and was probably a little antsy, but going from zero to roughly five million was too big a risk.

“No, it the fuck isn’t!” Lea snapped. “The king’s been fucking batshit for ages! You’re a kid, going into a fight that almost killed three people!”

“He asked for me!”

“I don’t care!”

Donald, looking more than a little anxious, watched them argue. He had arrived not too long ago. Goofy was with him, though he didn’t seem to be ready to fight.

“YOU’RE!! A!! KID!!” And kids were never supposed to get involved. It was bad enough that Ven was the target, and bad enough that him staying with them meant that Xion and Roxas were in danger. Now, Roxas was to be the sole target. And what, because some cracked up king thought Roxas was OP?

“I can fight!! I could kick your ass!!”

“I am not the same as Aqua and Terra, Norted and apparently on a RAMPAGE! Look!! Look at them!” Lea grabbed Roxas’ arm and spun him to face Zack, who sat with Cloud and was leaning his head on their shoulder. Isa wasn’t even there, still being looked after by Aerith, while Auron had to be brought to an actual hospital. The message, though, was loud and clear. “What if that happens to you?!?” Lea would never forgive himself. He would never, ever forgive himself. Kids weren’t supposed to be involved.

“It won’t!”

Xion and Ven had taken a step back once Lea started yelling, rather than crowding around Lea while he did the Scared Mom thing. They watched one another and the exchange, looking as if they wanted to input something but didn’t want to face overprotective Lea.

“You can’t know that!”

“They’re out there!” Roxas finally snapped, stamping his foot like a sullen child. “Okay?! Terra and Aqua—or, or Jeff and… what did he call her? Jeff and Regina are coming here, Lea! You saw Leon’s text—Terra’s gonna raze the fucking town trying to get to Ven! Then it won’t just be me and Donald in danger!” Donald quacked when he realized he was being spoken of, but didn’t try to get into their conversation. “It’ll be you, and Xion, and Ven, and Naminé, and everyone here. An entire town of innocents is a whole lot worse than just Donald and me.”

Lea’s eyes darted between Roxas and the kids, between the two keyblades Roxas had suddenly conjured. Oh, he hated it when the kids used logic on him.

“At least if it’s just the two of us, I won’t have to worry about looking out for anyone else, and I grabbed like twenty Mega Potions, so when Donald inevitably doesn’t heal me, it’s fine.”

Lea shook his head hard and whipped around to Ven and Xion. Ven squeezed Chirithy tighter in his arms. “You two! Talk him out of this!”

“Someone has to stop them,” Ven whispered into Chirithy’s fur, only just loud enough to be heard. “Even over keysta, something hasn’t felt… right. It’s like… like that’s them, but it’s not them? I don’t get it, but Aqua and Terra aren’t in control. If we can’t stop them with reason, then we have to stop them by force. And I guess if I trust anyone to do it, it’s Roxas.”

“Wrong answer,” Lea snapped. “You.”

“Lea, if someone doesn’t, we could all die. The king might be… kind of weird, but he has a point. Roxas is a bitch to fight. He’s fast, and the light thing he does makes him impossible to touch. He stands better a chance than any of us.” Xion said right after, without even missing a beat. She seemed a little nervous, but she also knew that Roxas was one of the better fighters in their bizarre gaggle of friends. “Riku won’t even fight him.”

“That’s not fair, and don’t bring me into this,” Riku scoffed from the other side of the shelter, where he was crouched by Naminé.

Donald finally came up and touched Lea’s shoulder with his staff. He looked psyched up and ready to go—probably, this was the only chance of him being brave, so they had to take advantage of it. “Don’t worry,” he quacked, “we’ll be home in time for supper.”

Lea took an extra few seconds to translate the duck, then looked down to Roxas, who looked to him with a surprisingly hopeful and fiercely determined blue gaze. He wanted to fight. He had offered to help before, and now it really was no longer a choice.

...Kids were not supposed to be involved.

“You saw what they did to Isa and Zack. Auron’s a hell of a lot worse. So if… if you’re going to do this, you’re going to be safe, and you’re going to be smart. And you,” he turned down to Donald, “are going to heal him whenever he needs it.”

Donald nodded shallowly, muttering under his breath (something about no one worrying about whether he’d be safe?) and walking toward the waiting Leon.

“Lea—“ Roxas started, but before he said anything, Lea snapped, “and none of this last words bullshit. You’re coming back.”

“Of course I am! Terra’s slow, and Aqua is better with magic than her blade.”

Lea clapped his hands on Roxas’ shoulders and looked him up and down. Hard to believe this was the same gremlin who semi-regularly wandered Twilight Town looking for old leftovers to eat, or the same zombie who used to follow him like a puppy.

“Good luck,” Xion said, reaching forward to squeeze Roxas’ shoulder just above Lea’s hand.

Ven hugged Chirithy a little tighter, lifting his face out of its fur to request, “bring them home. Please.”

“Don’t worry! This is gonna be easy as pie.”

Finally, Lea drank enough of an eyeful in of this stupid, reckless teen. When Xion dropped her hand, he tugged Roxas forward and hugged him close against his chest, meshing his hand into his soft hair. “Be safe.” It wasn’t often that he said what he was about to say, but when he did, he meant it with his whole restored heart: “I love you.”

“...I thought we weren’t doing any of that last word bullshit.”

Lea sniffed hard and released the brat. He cleared his throat and shoved the kid away, toward Donald. “We’re not! Just… get outta here, and don’t get yourself hurt too bad.”

“Aye aye!” With that, Roxas turned on his heel and approached Leon, saying he was ready to go. Leon nodded and escorted them toward the Gummi hangar. Lea watched Roxas take out his phone, probably to text one of the other kids (since keysta was pretty much shut down as per Leon’s command).

“Remember!” Xion called, jumping to her toes. “Scars are sexy!”

“Xion!”

Roxas waved them off with a laugh. Then, he was gone.

Within a few minutes, a small Gummi ship left the hangar and headed toward the outskirts of RadGard, where they hoped to cut off Terra and Aqua on their warpath—catch their eye with the lookalike of their target, then bring them to their knees where no one else could get hurt.

Lea closed his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. Suddenly, he wanted to see Isa. He was awake when they brought him in—maybe he was still awake now. Isa had a monotonous, soothing voice and saw reason like few others—it was why he had disappeared to find Terra and Aqua, and unfortunately was why he was hurt now. Lea didn’t have to like it, but he knew that what Isa had done made sense. ...At least some.

...But Aerith had said she would come find him when Isa was finished being healed. He liked Aerith, and knew she would keep her word. He just… had to trust her.

Instead, he turned to Xion, who looked up at him with curious eyes. She suddenly stumbled, nearly lost her footing, when Lea tugged her hard into his arms and hugged her close. At least this was one he could hold close.

“Yo,” Cloud called from next to Zack, who now seemed to be half-napping on their shoulder. “He’s gonna be fine. Kid’s tough.”

Lea glanced his way, eyeing Zack on their shoulder whose hand was so messed up it nearly had to be amputated.

“Dilan and Aeleus went with ‘em,” Cloud continued. “Not to fight—so they’ll have an airlift if they run into any problems—“ Lea’s eyes went wide instantly, heart pounding like a heart attack, “—aaaand if they don’t, they can get Aqua and Terra on the ship and to Ienzo ASAP. We thought this one through this time.”

Lea scowled a little and dropped his head to rest on Xion’s head. Xion was squirming a little and kind of making like she wanted to go to her girlfriend, but Lea had firmly decided that until Roxas was back safe and sound, he wasn’t letting her go.

Suddenly, there was a noise outside like a ship coming in. Lea lifted his head toward the one window and saw… the same ship that had just left a little more than five minutes ago? ...What?

Fuck, that couldn’t be good. It could not be good. Dilan and Aeleus were bringing Roxas and Donald back already—they must have lost spectacularly. Xion had said scars were sexy, but he hoped that Roxas knew she was joking.

Leon went out to meet them, a little trepidant because it was far too early for them to be home.

They’re dead. Oh god oh no oh FUCK they’re dead. Dilan and Aeleus are going to carry them out in a goddamn bodybag Lea what the hell were you thinking he was a KID! What’s Isa goiiii—what?

Much to probably everyone’s surprise, the door opened and it wasn’t Leon, Aeleus, or Dilan to step through.

Sure enough, Roxas stepped through the hangar door, an arm behind his head. Donald followed him through. Neither looked like they’d even broken a sweat. In fact, Roxas was grinning like he had had the time of his life.

Roxas lifted his head to them, then lifted the arm behind his head in greeting. “I told you!! It’d be easy as pie!! Ven, Aeleus and Dilan are bringing them in now.”

A startled silence descended over the three keyblade wielders, who didn’t know quite what they were meant to say to that. Everyone else chattered—Naminé dove at Roxas for a hug, Riku clapped him hard on the back, Goofy barreled for Donald, Cloud went to assist in getting the two Norted wielders in.

After a moment, and Roxas walking toward them still grinning like a madman, all that Lea’s mind was able to process was that he didn’t know what the fuck was going on. Roxas and Donald had succeeded in like two minutes, where Auron had nearly died, Zack nearly lost a hand, and Isa wouldn’t be breathing right for days?

“...What?”

#khkeystagram #khfanfic #kh #creative aces #my writing #sorry i really love the seasalt fam #also i dont think speaks QUITE to the blog #and the writing isnt of the highest quality TBH #but it was FIVE IN THE MORNING #also i really loved this arc #and yall have NO IDEA how proud i was of Roxas when he came home safe and sound #i love him so fucking much the fuck #also sorry if any of this contradicts anything #i PERSONALLY dont care if the blog ends up contradicting anything #please do im expressing my love

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noccalula-writes · 5 years ago

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What are your favorite games and franchises? Top 5?

OH BOY have I got feelings on this subject.

Please keep in mind - I’m a storyteller and a writer. I fucking /love/ a good story. I DM a DnD game and my biggest weakness is that I don’t often include enough combat because I am so much more interested in telling a story. So for me, there’s got to be an emotional investment for a game to really land. I also hyperfixate like a motherfucker so I often refuse to pick up new things purely because there’s not enough space in my head for them at the time, so I’m slow getting to things as they come out.

So, I’m first and foremost a survival horror bitch. I cut my teeth on Parasite Eve before I played any others - my mother scrimped and saved and fought her way through Wal-mart back in like 1998 to get me the original Playstation gaming console and Tekken 2 (which was my first PS game, I played it in an arcade near her barber shop as a child - Tomb Raider 2 was my second). The old Playstation discs at that time came with demos for different games, including Metal Gear Solid, which I replayed until I could have done it in my sleep because poverty meant I wasn’t likely to get another game anytime soon. I mention this because the Parasite Eve trailer used to give me nightmares but I was super, super hooked.

I am a huge Silent Hill fan. Huge. That is a tragedy I could write a whole ‘nother post about, because as excited as I am to finally get my hands on Death Stranding (again, poverty, so it’ll be another minute before we can get a PS4), we’ll never get another SH game again unless some major reconciliation happens with Kojima and Konami, which is unlikely (and also hard to hope for - I’m happy Kojima now has the creative freedom to go as balls to the wall as he wants).

I am an equally huge Resident Evil fan. I’ve always maintained that my first fandom was The X Files, but my wife pointed out a few nights ago that my RE love started around the same time in the late 90′s, so now it’s a chicken and egg kind of thing. Point being, it’s either The or One Of my longest lasting fandoms/interests. RE and Silent Hill get compared to one another a lot - RE7 did nothing to help that - but they really are apples and oranges to me. Fruit, sure, but two totally different tones and experiences.

I’ve been a huge Tomb Raider fan for forever - my first high school boyfriend was loaded and bought me Angel of Darkness to come play at his house and while it was def critically panned, I do recall enjoying it - so that’s been fun to get those games remade with updated graphics. I’ve only played the one but the others are def on The List.

So now that I’ve talked for an hour, my Top 5 fave games ever -

#1 - Resident Evil 3 I am beyond jazzed for this remake, and a lot of people in the 90′s complained about RE3′s lack of clear cut boss battles, but I don’t know what they’re talking about. The entire fucking game is a boss battle - Jill vs. Raccoon City, and of course, Nemesis, who used to give my mother nightmares and caused me to sleep with a leaf-stabber by my bed for years. Jill is far and away my favorite protagonist in RE; she’s got a resilience of the spirit that somehow isn’t conflated with naivety, which is uncommon in ‘nice’ female protags. She’s savvy but she’s still kind, and she’s committed as fuck to survival - not to mention, as zealotous a Chris and Jill shipper as I am, she and Carlos had hella chemistry and I’m excited to see where that goes (JD Pardo would have made a fuck of a Carlos Oliviera, btw). It was An Experience and it’s forever at my #1.

#2 - The Last of Us

There is no comparison for emotional weight in video games, as far as I’m concerned. SPOILERS if you don’t already know the ending (this game came out in what, 2014?) but to me one of the biggest thing in the game’s favor is that the protagonist made the wrong choice. He had an option to potentially eradicate the cordyceps fungus and maybe save the world, turn the tides back for humanity, and with the weight of the world in the balance, he chose to save Ellie instead. It was, on a global scale, the wrong choice - but it was the human choice. It was the thing that a dad who never properly grieved his dead daughter would do for the surrogate daughter he inherited by accident. As for Ellie, there is no other character quite like her in games, and she’s fucking quality LGBT representation, especially considering how little we see queer children in media. I still cry every time, we play this game twice a year like clockwork and every single time, I still cry.

#3 - Silent Hill 3

All of SH’s games will have a special place in my heart - and if you wanna talk shit about Downpour, I’ll meet you in the Denny’s parking lot at 11, you better square the fuck up because I will defend Murphy with fists - but 3 is the best, hands down. I felt like it did the best job of streamlining the series’ ... uhm... somewhat complicated lore into something more understandable. SPOILERS: The villains are horrific - the Missionaries strike fear into my heart every time I play, and Claudia eating a miscarried god fetus to become god herself? Fucked up on a level you rarely see. I suppose if you didn’t catch it in the last sentence - your protag Heather vomits up a fetal god late in the game. Yes, you read that right. The best thing about this game though? Heather. I could climb up my feminist soapbox and talk about Heather as a subversion to video game tropes all fucking day - she’s a nonsexualized teenage girl whose father is killed for her character development. She’s self-sufficient, tough but still vulnerable, and hard as nails in a fight. As I might have mentioned a time or six, she also voluntarily aborts a god because Fuck Your Plans, She’s Got Her Own.

#4 - Final Fantasy X

Listen. I don’t know how much of this is because of actually enjoying playing the game and how much of it is emotional attachment. As most of you who follow me know, my mother died when I was sixteen. When I was about fourteen, I dated a rich kid who used to bring his PS2 to our very not-rich house and play games for us to watch - the sort of neophyte version of Watching Guys Play Videogames, if you will, which is another rant for another time. He got a Gamecube specifically so I could play RE Zero and Hunter The Reckoning. He was a neckbeard but he was also desperate to keep me from ditching so he did the smart thing and plied my very poor ass with money and food. The #1 game in the watching roster, though, was FFX - and if you know anything about the game, you know how heavily spirituality features into the story. My mother, very caught up in a very Eastern Philosphy Meets Quantum Physics internal seeking about the nature of things, was hooked from the word Go. She used to sit and watch Trey play for hours - we all did, but having her join us and love it that much? Wonderful. Half my memories of this game are both of us crying - crying when Yuna dances to send the souls, crying when Yuna reveals she’s on a suicide mission, crying when she and Tidus fall in love anyway, crying when she sends her Aeons to die in the final fight, crying over ‘the fayts are waking up’, crying when the big reveal about Auron comes up, crying crying crying. My wife bought it in 2011 and I watched her play through it again and while it suffers from the same issue as all FF games - too much filler and weird battle scenarios - it was cathartic. I miss my mom.

#5 - Resident Evil 6

Eat my entire ass. You already knew this was coming. I will defend this game to my grave for the fact that we have complex, interesting narratives surrounding female characters who have actual personalities. Was it perfect? No. Did it take RE out of horror territory and move it more into action? Woefully, yes. Is this series deeply problematic for where it chooses to set down your mostly-white protags and have them kill their way through? Big time. Don’t gloss those facts. But it’s got emotional punch in spades and a few weird character breaks that ended up being kind of brilliant - Chris has been so resiliently relentless in his fight against bioterrorism that a major PTSD break was inevitable. Leon would of course risk life and limb to help Helena, even though she implicated herself in something terrible. The icing on the cake to me was a grown up Sherry Birkin, wide eyed and believing like hell in the fight she thought she was on the right side of and getting knocked down only to get back up. Ada’s entire side campaign was brilliant. I hate some of the control choices they made in this game - the running from the Haos scenes near the end of Chris and Piers’ campaign makes me want to eat my own fist - but so it goes with most RE games (until RE4, moving your protag was like driving a tank). Jake and Sherry are My Unsinkable Ship. There are at least six scenes across this game that never get easier to watch - when the bomb hits the city and the cut scene of the mass infections begin, I still get sick to my stomach - and that, to me, is the mark that this game struck a hell of a chord in terms of storytelling.

This was long.

#noccalula answers #this was fucking long #ask and ye shall receive #vidja games

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asoulofatlantis · 2 years ago

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One must wonder how there are still so many humans left. Its not very likely that every then years a new summoner comes running, rushing to save the world and even then, not all of them or their Guardians survive till the end, as we know. So if Sin usually kills like half of Spiras population within only a few months, that really gives them only a short while to actually “defeat” him once again before he kills to many people to make the humans race survive on Spira. And even then, when you see how many children were killed here, it wouldn’t be surprising that the population was slowly but surely falling over the years and that they always had to fear extinction...

In any case, Yuna here lost his mother to Sin and her father died “defeating” Sin and here she was watching Families torn apart by Sin yet again. Of course now she is even more dead set on defeating Sin as quickly as possible.

Tifus realizing this was his new reality, must have hurt a lot. No one wants to be stuck in a world were the spiral of death always seems to win. Especially not if that is so far away from the rather carefree place you came from. And the pain is not going to end just yet. Far from it, actually...

Think about it. Anytime Sin attacks and no Summoner is around, most of the people who died become the monsters that you fight. Assuming that most of the summoner are marching towards Zanarkand and that there are likely not much more then 3 around at the same time anyway, its likely that more than half of the people who die in Sins attacks are doomed to become fiens, because no freaking summoner is around. Especially in such rather rural regions. I mean yes, they have temples, so summoners might visit them often, but still... if, which is also likely the case after Donna and Yuna leave Killika, all the available summoners have reached Luca and move on in the direction of Zanarkand, then the people on those smaller island are left to accept their families and friends becoming monsters.

Lulus is not as naive as Wakka and easily understands that Tidus not knowing or understanding anything is not normal, even for someone who comes in contact with Sins so called Toxin. She sees right through the fact that Tidus didn’t just forget, but instead never knew to begin with. However, instead of doubting him, she is actually explaining everything to him anyway.

This is the most beautiful cutscene this game has to offer. Even tho it is rather sad.

I get that this is a world of death and that Sin kills many people on a regular basis but it seems still odd that they had all those coffins and flowers ready so fast. I mean, this dance isn’t likely too long after the actual attack. So lets say it was an hour. After the shock of the attack, they go around, gather the corpses and put them in those caskets they apparently always have ready and then decorate them with the mass amount of flowers that are apparently also always ready and then they put them into the water? And all that within around an hour or so?

(I should do Game-Sins, really. I would be good at it, trust me XD)

Lulu didn’t lie that the end is when Yuna defeats Sin, but she and all the other always kept quiet about the truth behind Yunas true destiny. Even Auron didn’t seem to be able or willing to bring himself to tell the poor boy the truth. I get what Lulu meant when she said it was just too hard to say... but they put Tidus and Yuna both through a lot with keeping quiet - then again, its not like Yuna was able to tell Tidus the truth either.

I believe this is the mother of those 3 kids. I mean, lets face it, she was the only one of them to have a chance to survive to begin with.

And I think anyone who has lost someone they loved before, they know the feeling of waking up in the morning, hoping it was all just a bad dream. A freaking nightmare that is finally over... just to face the truth. And in my experience, that keeps going on for a while. So its quite realistic.

It sounded like it came out of the blue, but it makes sense for Yuna to want the son of the man who was her fathers guardian her guardian also. Plus, I think she knew how lost Jekkt had been back when he came into Spira and that it would likely help Tidus to get accepted and feel like he belongs somewhere. Maybe she also has a little crush on him. I think all in all she herself believes her reasons to be rather selfish, given how she apologizes when he is confused after that question.

Wakka doing this again XD Jokes aside, I think the problem here is, that given Yunas position, she should have the freedom to choose whatever she wants, so requesting to have Tidus nearby is something that her team should grant to her if Tidus agree with it, that is. HOWEVER... this indicates Yuna having feelings for Tidus and this could make the matter of her journey a problem. It could either change her mind - which might save her, but would also cause her to feel guilty, as we see much later - or it could make things harder for her on the long run. So allowing or forbidding it, is not just connected to the question what is Yunas right as summoner, but also comes down to the question what is best for her. I get why Lulu and Wakka are both shocked but also torn by this development.

Ever since I actually do use some time to train (and also now with the ingame-cheats making the grid more accessible then before) this thing is a peace of cake for me and i LOVE beating it just to show Luzzu that we are cooler than him XD

Denial is obviously part of the many tortuous stages of grieving. However, Wakka should be way past that already. Then again, when you lose someone you love, you just want to find a way to feel better about it... if there is just the slightest chance of someone you love being still alive, you will grasp that straw, no matter the fact that it is impossible or doesn’t make any sense at all.

However... Lulu is not having any of this bullshit. She prefers to face the truth. No matter how hard and cold it might be.

The fact that they both refuse to face each other in that moment says a lot about it. In a sense, Lulu doesn’t want to face Wakkas feelings either, although she tries to force him to learn to accept and live with them anyway.

#FFX Mona Version

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p-artsypants · 4 years ago

Text

I Do...I Guess? (Chapter 3)

Djose Temple

Ao3 | FF.net

In my mind, Zanarkand is just like...Los Angeles, or New York. Just a big city with modern day technology...with slightly questionable fashion statements?

And OMG I’m so happy to get reviews! I knew writing for FFX was like shouting into a void, but I got responses! And they were good! So I guess I’ll keep going??

—

In the morning, the team braved the Djose Highroad to the temple. Along the way they came across a smattering of survivors. They had endeavored to reach the temple but had succumbed to exhaustion from fiends.

Thankfully, they had yet to find any casualties.

Djose Temple was a magical marvel. Theme parks in the ancient Zanarkand had similar awe inspiring attractions, but nothing as amazing as the suspended rocks with lighting bolts.

“That happens when a summoner reaches and convenes with the fayth,” Lulu explained.

“So there’s a summoner here already?” Tidus asked aloud. He wondered if it was Dona, or heaven forbid Seymour.

Dona hadn’t seen the devastation of the failed operation. Her callous, holier-than-thou attitude would be anything but a balm to the wounded and dying.

And Seymour? Well, he was just creepy enough that Tidus just didn’t like him.

“Let’s see if we can help while we wait for them to finish,” Yuna suggested.

The others agreed, and they volunteered to help where they could.

Tidus watched Yuna rush into a room where there was much groaning. Her hand rested on the doorframe, and the ring he had given her glinted on her finger.

No one seemed to notice.

Even when they returned to camp last night, no one noticed. Lulu and Wakka were already asleep, while Kamahri and Auron took their first watch. Pleasant greetings were exchanged before Kamahri offered some of the cooked fish they had left over from dinner. Then they fell asleep shortly after.

Now it was the next day, and their engagement was official. Who did he talk to about that? They did say he had until Djose Temple to figure it out. And he did.

But it didn’t seem like a good time to bring it up. Would Yuna do so? It was her idea after all.

Tidus was directed to a cot with a wounded crusader on it. The man had a piece of shrapnel in his stomach, and Auron, one of the only others in the room with a strong stomach, was tasked to pull it out.

Tidus was to hold the poor bastard down by the shoulders, while Wakka had his legs.

And it continued like that for a few hours. The patients were different, but the job was the same. Some were being amputated, while others were just getting stitches.

But no matter what, it seemed like Operation Mi’ihen’s casualties were far from over.

By mid-afternoon, the summoner in the cloisters finally emerged. A man named Isaaru, and his brother-guardians.

Finally, a polite summoner. He did rib Yuna a little, but it felt like friendly rivalry compared to Dona’s outright harassment.

“The cloisters are empty, you two should go.” Auron urged Tidus and Yuna.

“But there’s more people to heal...”

“We can spare some potions. Now, go.”

Hard pressed to argue, Yuna simply turned to Tidus. “Will you come to the trials with me?”

“I did the first two on my own. I think I can handle another.”

“Oh, I’ll help too.” She smiled.

“Oh then, I have nothing to worry about. After you?”

They still didn’t speak of the impending wedding, but Tidus still tried to be the best fiancé/guardian he could be. He didn’t allow her to lift a finger, though she figured most of the puzzles out on her own. He moved the pedestals, he inserted the spheres, and when it came to leaping across a live electric pit, he gladly made the jump for her. They then reset the puzzle and activated the floor panel, which allowed them to go up to the next level. This time, Yuna helped him push all the pedestals into place and revealed the stairs to the Fayth.

He followed behind her as she ascended the stairs.

The door to the chamber opened for her, and she turned to look at him in question.

“I’ll wait right here for you,” he promised, sitting on the floor.

She offered a smile, and went inside.

And so he waited. Patiently, ankles crossed.

This would be the first time he waited the entirety of her prayer. The last two times, he came in at the end.

This time, he was alone in his waiting. The other guardians were busy helping downstairs.

Besaid had taken her two days, but Kilika was only about an hour. Was she getting better at whatever happened in there? Or was it based on the Fayth itself?

His ignorance to this whole situation was like a punch to the gut.

Wakka was right. Yuna needed someone that was more educated on Yevon, who could help her.

And yet, he could only believe she needed someone to remind her to be human more. Sure, if he knew more, it might help. Maybe he’d try a little harder to learn the religion. If only to stop embarrassing her with his ignorance.

Yuna emerged two hours later, sweaty and panting. He caught her before she could faint, and brought her back down into the temple.

He sat her on the stairs to the cloisters and retrieved a flask of water for her. “Better?”

“Yes, thank you for taking care of me.”

“As a fiancé should,” he smirked.

There was a loud gasp at that, and they both turned to see—Shindig? Shanda? The pious lady they had met on the Mi’ihen Highroad, standing not too far away. “Truly?! Is what I hear correct? You are to be married to Lady Yuna?”

The other guardians, who had not been informed that he had made his decision, all came closer to listen.

“That’s right.” Yuna smiled softly. “I asked, and he accepted.”

Auron gave a thumbs up, while Wakka shook his head. Kimahri and Lulu were unreadable, but didn’t look angry at least.

“This is wonderful news! The wedding of a summoner is always a blessed occasion! Will you be waiting until you reach the temple in Bevelle?”

“Well,” said Tidus, “we were going to do it here, but...”

“An even better idea! The survivors could really do with the hope!”

Yuna sputtered. “I don’t know if it’s an appropriate time—“

“Nonsense! I’ll take care of everything! Leave it to me!” And she hurried off to find the head priest, leaving Tidus and Yuna to face the other guardians alone.

“So, were you going to tell us you said yes?” Wakka asked, arms crossed.

Tidus sighed. “We made it official last night, after all the sendings. I wanted to give Yuna something to be happy about, but we weren’t going to push it. Especially with everything that happened.”

“We did give him until Djose to reach a decision,” Lulu reminded patiently. “There’s no reason for you to be angry.”

“I just wish he had the common sense to say no.”

Tidus frowned at Wakka, crossing his arms.

“So what made you change your mind, ah? Wanna get in on that post-sin glory?”

Tidus’s heart raced a little faster as he confessed. “I just wanted to say yes. I don’t want her to be lonely.”

Lulu smirked. “Sounds as altruistic as can be. If Yuna wants a companion that doesn’t interfere with her quest, I’m for it.”

Yuna blushed. “Well you didn’t have to say it like that.”

Before more teasing could ensue, the head priest arrived. “I hear there is a couple wishing to be wed?”

Yuna bowed to him. “Yes sir, my guardian and I. But if you’re busy with the operation, we don’t want to intrude.”

“Nonsense. Everyone is stable, and you have done so much to help us. It’s the least we can do for repayment.”

So it was happening. It was really happening. Marriage. At seventeen. And he hadn’t even gotten her pregnant first.

Were they going to have sex tonight? Yuna didn’t seem the type. Would she try for the sake of legitimacy? He certainly wasn’t going to force her into anything. He’d let her take the lead. This was her idea anyway.

A stone pillar, much like the ones in the cloister, raised out of the ground. It had a little dome with two holes on either side.

“Now reach inside and clasp hands, so the soul scryer may tell if your souls are compatible for the soul bonding ceremony.”

Tidus blinked several times, hearing things he was not prepared for. “The what what?”

“Isn’t a soul binding ceremony...a little antiquated?” Asked Auron.

Shalinda, who had returned with the priest gasped. “Oh no! It’s a beautiful and sacred ceremony!”

“Huh...just for some of us who are a little...out of practice...” Tidus mentioned sheepishly.

Lulu explained. “The soul binding ceremony is an ancient wedding practice, in which the souls are joined in life, so the beloved can find each other in death.”

“It’s not to be taken lightly.” Wakka urged.

“It’s just for show,” Yuna whispered. “They can’t actually bind our souls. But if the idea bothers you—“

“No no, it’s okay. It’s not going to, like, hurt or anything, right? Or change me as a person?”

“The more compatible you are, the less of an effect you should feel on yourself.” The priest explained. “Come, present yourselves to the soul scryer.”

No point in putting it off any longer. He put his hand in on one side, and Yuna put hers in the other. They met in the middle and entwined fingers.

Immediately, the scryer turned blue, then a blinding white.

Tidus spoke while covering his eyes, “is that a good thing?”

“Blessed be this day! A summoner is a perfect match for her beloved! This union will be wonderful and prosperous in love!”

Okay. So a good thing it was. He and Yuna a perfect match? What were the odds?

It seemed pretty low, considering the bright blush on Yuna’s face.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yes—just—“ she rested her free hand on her face. “Perfect matches are really rare. I didn’t know...”

He squeezed her hand. “Hey, it’s alright. I’m not upset. Actually, quite the opposite! No need to be embarrassed!”

She gave him a weak smile, obviously still embarrassed despite his reassurance.

“Let us begin the ceremony. Did you bring a change of vestments?” Asked the high priest.

“Ah, no. Please, we’d like to be as streamlined as possible. We don’t want to take up any more resources than necessary.” Yuna bowed again.

“Very well.”

Both of them removed their hands from the scryer, as it lowered back down into the floor. Then the head priest urged Yuna and Tidus to follow him to the door to the cloisters. They stood at the top of the stairs, while the other guardians and other witnesses gathered around to watch.

Yuna raised her hands for him to hold. And he did so daintily.

“O Fayth, O song of the Farplane. Hear as we call out to you in prayer. This couple has sought to be joined in the holiest of traditions. In soul, love, and flesh and bone. Knit them together in a tapestry of absolution. Bind their souls so that they may find each other in the end. May their love be pure and strong, and may they find peace and strength within each other.”

He looked at both. “Do you have the rings?”

Tidus took out his, and Yuna awkwardly took off the one she was wearing, then they traded.

“Tidus, please repeat after me: ‘I, Tidus,”

“I, Tidus,”

“Do take Lady Yuna, to have and hold, in sickness and in health, to the Farplane do we part.”

“Do take Lady Yuna, to have and hold, in sickness and health, to...not even the Farplane do we part.”

The wording change was not lost on those assembled. Especially Yuna, who smiled bashfully.

“You may place the ring on her finger.”

Tidus took off his gloves, and then very delicately slid the ring onto her finger.

“Lady Yuna, if you will repeat after me: I, Lady Yuna,”

“I, Lady Yuna,”

“Do take Tidus, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, to the Farplane do we part.”

She smiled. “Do take Tidus, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, to not even the Farplane do we part.”

“Non Traditional vows, but lovely nonetheless.” The priest praised. “You may place the ring on his finger.”

Just as he had done, Yuna slid the ring onto his finger. Then she squeezed his hands affectionately.

“I pronounce you, in the name of Yevon, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Yuna blushed again, then whispered, “I’ve never kissed before.”

“Well, do you want a normal first kiss? Or a traditional Zanarkand wedding kiss?”

“Hmm, I’ll try the Zanarkand wedding kiss.”

He winked at her, before holding her close. “Hang on to me.”

Yuna only had a minute to hold around his neck, before he lowered her into a dip, and pressed a deep and meaningful kiss to her lips.

Those gathered either gasped in shock or wolf-whistled. Either way, Tidus realized maybe these people weren’t used to such public displays of affection.

But still, her kiss felt incredible. She was warm and soft, she smelled of flowers and this unnamed spice that tingled his nose.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but when he righted her, she had a contented and gleeful smile on her face.

Then applause broke out, and they returned to reality.

Married. They were married. Officially. There was no going back now.

Not that he wanted to. Yuna was wonderful. She deserved as much support as she could get, and he was honored that she picked him.

“Presenting Lady Yuna, and her husband, Sir Tidus!”

The ‘Sir’ was a nice touch. Did he get to keep that name?

They descended down into the crowd, receiving heartfelt handshakes and pats on the back of congratulations. People were genuinely happy, and it was a relief to see people smiling. Maybe getting married now really wasn’t a bad idea.

“Many congratulations on your marriage, Lady Yuna.” Isaaru bowed. “I hope your husband aids you on your pilgrimage.”

“Of course I will!” Tidus exclaimed, like suggesting otherwise was ludicrous. “I’ll do anything to help Yuna.”

“Glad to hear it. Well, may the first to Zanarkand be the winner. We’ll be moving on to Macalania.”

“Oh, and a word of warning for you and your guardians,” his guardian added. “Rumor is that summoners have gone missing on the road to Zanarkand. Best keep sharp.”

“Well, thank you for the warning! We’ll be extra diligent!” Tidus saluted.

“Glad to hear it. Now, we’ll let you go. Heard you did a lot of sendings for these poor folks. You must be exhausted.”

“It’s always an honor to perform such a ceremony. Thank you for thinking of my well-being though.”

After marinating in the glad tidings of the crowd, the head priest approached the couple. “The ceremonial cleansing is ready for you both, if you desire it. I assume you’d like to get cleaned up after the ordeal you’ve been through.”

“Oh!” Yuna blushed. “Ah, yes, well, that would be nice...”

“What’s wrong?” Tidus asked softly.

“The ceremonial cleansing is basically a bath that the wedded couple share. The temples are almost all built on hot springs for this reason, and for summoners to take baths on their journeys. We really don’t have to...”

“I mean, I would like to get cleaned up. I wouldn’t want to offend my ladyship’s nostrils.”

Yuna giggled and then glanced at the priest, who was looking at them curiously, either concerned that Tidus didn’t know about the hot springs that everyone else knew about, or that this newly wedded couple wasn’t absolutely ecstatic to be bathing together.

“Alright. Let’s try it.” Said Yuna, with a little forced optimism. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing...a lot of each other, from now on. Might as well get used to it.”

Tidus held out his hand to her, and followed the priest outside the temple. He had remembered seeing a river when they had arrived here, and they weren’t too far from the ocean. The hot springs, however, were inside the rock on the back side of the temple. The priest led them into a little alcove in the mountains. There was a single, wide tub, where milky water was already steaming. There was a collection of soaps and perfumes near the edge, and a pair of towels and robes hanging nearby.

“If you leave your clothes in this basket, we will make sure they are cleaned and returned to you in the morning.”

Yuna bowed in gratitude. “Thank you for all of this. It is much appreciated.”

“You are most welcome, Lady Yuna, and Sir Tidus. If there’s anything else we can do, do not hesitate to ask.” He bowed at the waist, and exited the room.

“I could get used to being called ‘Sir’, that's very fun.” Tidus said with a laugh.

“I’m glad you enjoy it. I worried that the attention would make you uncomfortable.”

“There’s still time,” He chuckled. Then he glanced at the water. “How about I turn around so you can get undressed, and then once you’re in the water, I’ll join you?”

“Alright.” She agreed with a relaxed sigh.

Tidus turned around, and waited patiently for her to give the okay. Instead, she gave a series of frustrated grunts. “You good?”

“Lulu tied my Obi too tight, and I’m having a little trouble getting the knot out…”

“Can I help?”

She chuckled, “you can try.”

He turned around, seeing the problem immediately. She had pulled on the bow, but the knot remained.

“You’d think I’d know how to undo this stupid thing, but in my haste, and I pulled the wrong side.”

“No judgement from me.” He dug his fingers into the knot and slowly got it untangled, and then completely undone. With the obi gone, a lot more skin was visible, and he awkwardly tried to avert his gaze. “Is that good? Need help with anything else?” He cringed. “Not that I want to undress you, just if you were having any other wardrobe malfunctions…”

She giggled. “I understood. No, I got the rest of it.”

Glad that he hadn’t offended her, he turned back around and began to unbuckle his bracer.

Once he was down to his shorts, he heard Yuna get into the water.

“Okay, I’m decent.” She claimed.

She was just a head above the water. She was so cute that he let a giggle out.

“Why are you laughing?” She pouted.

“Nothing. I’m just surprised you’re letting me see your neck!”

“I’m modest!”

“And it’s very becoming.” He kicked off his boots and socks and went to remove his pants. But he glanced at her beforehand, and noticed she was completely turned away.

“Oh come on now, you don’t have to look away. We’re married after all.”

“I need to work my way up to that point.” She urged. “You may be my husband...but you’re still sort of a stranger.”

Now fully naked, Tidus splashed into the water, and scooted closer to her. “I think you’re the strange one. You proposed to me after all.”

“And you accepted.”

“Touché.”

“And maybe I did rush things. Maybe proposing was impulsive.”

“You’re not having cold feet now, are you?”

“What? No, my feet are very warm!”

“Is that not a phrase these days? Where I come from, ‘getting cold feet’ means that you’re regretting a wedding. Usually before the ceremony.”

“It’s a common thing?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Lots of people get married for all different reasons. And not all of them are good.”

“Do you think we got married for the right reasons?” She looked at him with big, sad eyes.

“Well, I hope so. You wanted a companion for your journey, right? A taste of romance?”

“If I hadn’t been a summoner, I would have just asked you to dinner, and see where things went. But...I’m on a bit of a tight schedule, you see. I don’t get to watch things unfold. If I want something, I have to take it.”

“So you wanted me?” He moved his leg, and his knee brushed against her bare thigh.

She blushed. “When you put it like that, it makes it sound like...like I was lusting after you.”

“I wouldn’t blame you if you were. I know I’m irresistible.”

She smiled at him. “You are pretty cute.”

“Hey! I’ll take it!” He glanced over the shelf of soaps, and popped the caps to sample them. There was a really nice fruity one. “Would you mind if I washed your hair?”

At this point, Tidus was worried she was going to pass out from how red her face was. “I—if you want to? You don’t have to!”

“Think of it as a bonding activity.”

“...okay...”

She settled in front of him, arms wrapped around her chest (though he had no way of seeing). He took a pitcher and wetted her hair, then very carefully started to massage the shampoo in.

The sensation sent chills up her spine. “It’s...weird. But nice.”

“Just like me.”

She let out a very unladylike snort.

“Cute.”

“No it’s not! I used to get picked on for that all the time when I was younger. So embarrassing!”

“Well, I think it’s cute. And my opinion is the only one that matters.”

She just snorted again. “Quit making me laugh!”

“I can’t help it! It’s my natural charm!”

He scrubbed at her scalp, doing his best to get the sand out from the beach. Then he used the pitcher to rinse, before applying conditioner and rinsing again.

“There we go. Squeaky clean.”

“Then it’s only fair that I return the favor,” she announced.

Now it was his turn to blush. “Well...I guess that’s fair.”

“Are you afraid I’m going to find out you aren’t actually this tan? Just dirty?”

“I am tan! It’s from training in the sun. Even then, I have naturally darker skin.”

“Did I hit a sensitive topic?” She couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, I’m just usually very hygienic, so your world with no showers or deodorant is making me uncomfortable.”

“I truly am learning so much about you in just a little time.”

“I have nothing to hide from you,” except one major thing, “so feel free to ask whatever you want.”

It continued like that. Yuna washed his hair, and then he washed her back and shoulders while she returned the favor. They talked, they laughed, they teased and flirted, all until they turned pruney and Yuna yawned.

“I’m sorry, you’re probably exhausted, and I’m keeping you up. Let’s get ready for bed.” Again, he stayed turned away so that she could get out and get dressed in the silk robe provided by the temple. He followed along soon after, and they returned to the temple. They were then escorted to a private room reserved for summoners. It had one big bed, and a stone floor.

Tidus frowned, but got to work searching through the cabinets. They were mostly empty, as the supplies had gone to all the survivors in the other parts of the temple.

“What are you looking for?” Yuna asked.

“I was looking for another blanket and pillow. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Oh!” She sounded horrified at the idea. “You don’t need to do that! There’s plenty of room on this bed for both of us! We might not even touch!”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! You were working just as hard as me today. You don’t need to sleep on the cold ground!” It was rather endearing how indignant she was. She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. “I can’t have my guardian having a poor night’s sleep.”

“Alright, alright.” He chuckled. “You get in first, and I’ll take the outside.”

She crawled in the bed, and tucked herself close to the wall to make sure he had plenty of space. Then he scooted under the blankets and turned his back to her, and then turned out the bedside lamp.

“Goodnight, Yuna.”

“Goodnight.”

After a moment, she spoke up. “Tidus?”

He decided to mess with her a little and didn’t answer.

“I know you can’t already be asleep.”

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat.

“What?”

“My full title, please.”

She snorted. “Sir Tidus?”

He rolled over. “Yes, My dear Lady Yuna? What can I do for you?”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m only kidding. You can call me whatever you like. I’ll make everyone else call me ‘Sir’.”

“What if I want to call you something cutesy? Like Snookie Wookums?”

“I love it, because everyone else will hate it.”

She giggled.

“What were you going to say earlier? When we said goodnight?”

“Oh…um. I was just wondering…if you would give me a goodnight kiss?”

He sat up a little on his arms. “Yuna, I would love to give you a goodnight kiss.” Since it was dark, he reached out for her, and cupped her cheek with his hand. Then he slowly leaned in and kissed her lips, oh so gently, oh so sweetly. “How was that?”

She hummed, and then answered. “Perfect. I’ll be able to sleep now. Thank you.”

“Anytime…Snookie Wookums.”

She snorted.

#Final Fantasy X #Final Fantasy #ffx #final fantasy tidus #tidus #tidus x yuna #yuna #fanfiction #I Do I guess

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