Alex lay on the hard cot, scowling at the air and impatiently tapping her fingers against her arms which she had crossed. Grunting, she sat up. She felt way to aggressive to be lying down and doing nothing.
"Stupid fucking town," She bit the air in spite."Stupid fucking people just don't get me. Don't get me and Naisha." She continued to move about the cabin, pacing back and forth while turning over the events of the day in her head.

The man in the black cloak stood now in front of The Defiant, in the shadows of a nearby warehouse. His eyes closed, as he reached out with his mind to feel the presence of four people on the ship. One of which was full of fury and anger. His eyes slowly opened as his left eye began to glow an ominous dark red. At this moment he appeared before the massive readhead. He was just as tall as her, and with his cloak's cowl over his head, it almost looked like he was looking down at her.

He remained silent, despite the sound of him breathing through his mask, for a moment as he stared into her eyes, as if trying to read her thoughts. His head pulled back as if he found some deep dark secret, while letting out an interested "hmph." Then with out hesitation he then spoke, his voice deep and soothing, but muffled by the mask he wore. "I can see why they are afraid of you..." His head moving from her head to her toes, then back up. "You are fiendishly large."

Gippal looked over to Maximus as he asked what was eating at him with a queer look and shook his head, "Nothing." Quickly as he didn't want to talk about it. He looked down at Eva and smiled and said, "I'm fine."

Eva looked at him with squinty eyes and her lips pursed. She finally let the air out of her lungs with a sigh before shaking her head and looking to Maximus and answering his earlier question. "Ehhhh..." Her eyes closed as she grew slightly embarrased and had a nervous smile slowly appear on her lips. "I... Don't know. I can't explain why I did...it's a bit confusing. MORE SO now that I am able to walk around now fine in the city. All I can say was I was deathly afraid of this place.... Which is weird, I don't know why I am."

She let a nervous chuckle out and quickly changed the subject as they neared the temple's steps. "Anywho! I wonder what Saina is going to cook."

Gippal watched Eva, pushing his other thoughts of Alex and Nai out of his mind as she answered Maximus. Despite her not being able to walk about to find answers, no one in the village seemed to know her the last time he was here asking for her. Yet with such a strong reaction to this place, there had to be more to the story.

His stomach growled at the mention of food...realizing he didn't eat at all since the night before. "I don't care...as long as it's good." He said with a smile. "I could go for some meat though."

Eva looked at him as his stomach growled and giggled. "You always eat meat, never any greens. I'm going to tell her to make a salad!"

Gippal scowled, "I would die."

As they stopped at the steps, Maximus even though he was tired from the day and didn't have any sleep, he decided to go to the trials, so when everyone was done eating they could go directly to the Fayth and quickly get off this island before anything else bad would happem.

"Well I'm going to go ahead and clear the trials for everyone...We've had a rough first day for our journey, you two should relax. Ill meet back up with you at Eva's room." Maximus said, and with out waiting for a response he started up the steps

Gippal looked at him funny, but shrugged. If he wanted to do it he had no qualms with it.

Eva looked at Maximus as he suddenly decided to leave them. With a frown she nodded and said, "Maximus! You don't have to, we can do it together!" Not that she wanted to do it herself as of the moment, but she didn't want him to think she was ok with not doing the work. She moved to the stairs when Maximus turned back around.

"You need to take it easy for the day, Let me make it easier for you Lady Eva." Maximus said quickly before going up the stairs again.



Slightly confused on why he was wanting to do it when it was tradition for the Summoner to do it with her Guardians. She opened her mouth to protest but sighed, giving up the thought. He was right She was tired, and it's not like the religion was true, after hearing the story of what really happened from Gippal... This wasn't a normal Pilgramage. Pushing the thoughts from her mind she looked at Gippal as he didn't move forward. "What's up?" She asked as she placed her hands infront of her and held her left wrist with her right hand.

Gippal looked at her and gave a small smile. Looking to the bench near by he nodded his head to it and said, "Let's sit down and relax for a minute." Gently touching her arm and leading her to the bench. As they sat he sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment before looking to her and asked. "How are you feeling?"

Eva smiled as he touched her arm and lead her to the bench, unlike him as he leaned back looking at the sky, she sat with perfect posture and watched him. When he looked at her and asked how she felt she smiled. Blushing slightly as she answered, "I'm doing better. Sorry about freaking out again..."

Gippal shook his head and placed his hand on her's "You don't have to say that. I'm just glad your ok now. I hate to see you crying..." He said as he looked at her. " I told you, we will find out your past, and this is a good lead. We will take it slow though, at your pace."

Eva smiled as he held her hand, blushing as he did, wishing he would do this more often. She suddenly realized he was talking and had missed the first half. Nodding in thanks she said, "Thanks, I'm glad you are here to help me." She wanted so badly to kiss him right now....to really show how much she was greatful for him.

He smiled and pulled his hand back and leaned back on the bench once more. Looking to the trees in front of them." Nah, I'm the one who's glad to be here with you. You definatly brighten up the days of the last two years, I should be the one thanking you."

Eva's cheeks reddened even more, her hands wringing part of her dress on her lap as she didn't know what to say. She brightened his days? Her heart beated at what seem like a million beats per second. "I...I do?"

He looked back at her. "Yes of course..." His smile went away as he then added, "You don't realize how much we worried about you when you went off on your own...and missed you." He said, his cheeks reddening slightly. He looked away, the inner conflict rising of his feelings... for Nai and Eva. He cared deeply for both...though he hardly showed it. It was hard.... it was with these two women that he had a hard time showing his love for...he probbably didn't want to screw it up....but he tend to do so anyways.

She gave a sad smile at his words, she was happy he missed her....but sad that she made him worry. She knew she shouldnt have left them...she felt like a burden sometimes to Gippal and Urick. But coming back and seeing them jump right back into where they left off. "I... I'm sorry." She looked forward as he turned away, allowing the sounds of the animals in the jungle to surround them. She scooted closer to Gippal, trying to be discreet as she did so. Shifting her legs just slightly enough to slightly to be even that much closer to him.

"It's ok, at least I know you're safe now." He said as he felt her move closer, Glancing over to her he smiled. Shifting his arm behind her back and gripping the edge of the bench behind her, as she leaned into his shoulder. There they sat, as Eva grew more at ease with Gippal by her side.

Saina walked beside Urick with Mercury in tow behind them. She held the blue chocobos reigns in her hand, having tired him out with the roughhousing earlier. As they walked, she couldn't help glancing at him periodically whilst considering in the back of her head how to prepare the food she'd bought.

As Urick walked beside Saina, he thought of her last question. "Which should be more feared..... The Gods.... or Man?" Rolling it around in his head. There was no real religion in Yevon now. Once it was proven to be corrupt and all a lie. But the concept of a god is a all powerful being. One could say Sin was a god for a long time, even though created by man, and defeated by it.

Of the three questions she asked he knew already his answer, as if it was a lightning bolt. He looked at Saina as she glanced at him. Smiled shyly... "I...have an...answer to your question." the cheeks turning red as he finished his sentence.

Saina looked at him, blinking in surprise.

"So soon...?"

Her small lips turned up into a smile. A small one but, for her, it did mean a lot.

"Well... then which is it?"

Urick only reddened more when she smiled, though it small it was still a sight to behold. "Uhm..." He smiled sheepishly and looked forward, "Man... Sin...was created by a man... With godlike powers and only defeated...five times in a thousand years. But it was also defeated by man. Which shows the potential of all men and women to be god like if they choose for it to be so." He said, with growing confidence. "Our... potential is limitless...be it for good or evil, to rise above god."

Saina listened carefully, memorizing every syllable. She closed her eyes and nodded, satisfied with his answer.

"Urick.. Could you help me make a fire outside of the temple?"

He was taken back by her segway into helping with making a fire, but for a moment. He simply nodded with a grunt. He was used to making fires since his travels with Gippal...usually being the one to make the food. Because, unlike Gippal who had a silver spoon, he had to help raise his younger siblings...which included cooking.

As they continued to walk he slowly pointed his left hand's thumb backwards at Mercury and said, "Chocobo tastes great." He said with an ever so slight smile.

Saina noticed his smile and allowed hers to drift back to him. Though, Mercury wasn't so amused. He nipped Uricks beefy shoulder with an unhappy chocobo noise. At this, Saina was able to chuckle as she set to work taking out the ingredients necessary.

-------

It was amazing, the idea that someone could make a gourmet-looking meal from a fire but Saina had. Each plate came with even its own garnish. With Urick's help, she took the plates back to the temple where Gippal and Eva waited. Though her expression was neutral, all throughout the preparation process Saina had exchanged certain glances with the larger man that accompanied her.... and kept quiet the thoughts to herself the way he made her heart speed up.

The food smelt amazing, and he was impressed on how gourmet it looked. When ever he cooked....it was usually a pile of slop.... good slop...but still slop. While helping, he had glanced at Saina as she focused on the task at hand, but some times...he swore he saw her looking at him, but always seemed to by a microsecond off on catching her eyes. His heart began to beat a little faster as he began to wonder if she was really watching him or if it was his imagination. He couldn't explain why she made him feel this way, he always had people looking at him for his size and build...it didn't bother him anymore. But when she looked at him, her icy blue eyes seem to tear through his skin and see his naked soul. Because of this he started to grow slightly stiff..not wanting to make an mistake in her eyes.

Gippal noticed first of the two arriving, the smell of food in the air made his stomach growl angrily for it. He jumped up, with one hand up high to say hello. "THERE YOU TWO ARE! Yevon I'm starving!"

"Wow." Eva said as she looked at Gippal when his stomach growled. He Jumped up, which caused her to jump a little not knowing why, until she turned to see Urick and Saina walking towards them with some delicious food in their hands. She smiled and stood up, moving towards them to help with the plates. "Here let me help." She said as she reached out and took a plate from each of them.

She then gave Saina a playful smile and leaned close to her. "You guys DID take your time..." Giggling she then added in a whisper, "Did you kiss him?" Her eyes flashing with mischievousness.

Saina gave nothing away in her expression. Her flat demeanor continued on despite being asked what she had by Eva. In response, she merely looked the young summoner in the eye and pushed her shoulders back a little.

"Such a question is unbecoming for a Summoner, M'lady."

And nothing more was said on the subject. Though it sounded strangely like advice from an older woman to a younger one. The food was quickly distributed as well as eating utensils before the pale woman spoke up again.

"We should eat this and immediately begin Eva's pilgrimage into the depths of the temple. I fear we may have stayed here long enough."

Focusing now on her plate, Saina began eating.

Gippal and Urick looked at each other as Eva leaned in and whispered something into Saina's ear. With that look in her eyes to make them both uneasy. When Saina spoke up saying that question was unbecoming for her to say, Gippal mouthed 'What the hell?" to Urick, obviously wondering what Eva had said.

Saina moved and with Urick's help divi up the food and mentioned they should go directly to the Trails and move on. Frankly Gippal agreed, no telling what would happen if they stayed longer, with their luck so far.

Saina ate first, and then Gippal. He took a massive amount on his utensil and as soon as it entered his mouth he paused...his eyes bugged out as he frantically wondered what to do with this......vile....food if that was what it was in his mouth.

Quickly dropping his fork, he murmured, "S'cuse me." Then bolted into the jungle, after he was sure he was far enough away, he spat out the food behind a tree.

Urick on the other hand, had taken a smaller bite than his cousin. Though his face showed no emotion, he became still as a rock. Looking down at his food...he sat there, not chewing. Wondering how something that looked so good, tasted so horrible.

Eva watched the reaction of the two boys and blinked a few times. She then looked to Saina, who seemed to be enjoying her food. 'What was up with them?' she thought to herself before taking a small bite herself. Her eyes went wide, as she reached up with her free hand to delicately cover her mouth. She glanced back at Saina, and whined just a smidge to herself before swallowing. This caused her to shiver at the disgusting taste. She forced her composure before saying softly. "Saina...my dear..." she smiled sweetly. "Where did you learn to cook?"

Saina, meanwhile, continued to eat. She was even smiling and seeming to enjoy the taste a little. She looked at Eva as she asked her question. Her lips pursed a little and she tapped a gloved finger to her lips, trying to remember the answer. All that came to mind was shadowy figures in her head, murmuring things about how to cook one thing or another... but there was only one that stuck out to her prominently.

"I learned my techniques from a very talented chef. He took me under his wing and showed me many ways to prepare a meal. It was time well spent."

Saina had already cleared her plate and set it aside.

"I'll be waiting beside the Cloister of Trials entrance. See you there, M'lady...." She paused to turn her gaze to the brawny man among them. "Urick," And with that, she walked away, heels clicking against the ground with each step.

Gippal slowly made his way back, relieved to see Saina getting up to leave. As she walked away he sat down... waited till she was out of ear shout and sighed, "Oh my Yevon. That stuff was disgusting!"

Urick said nothing as he turned around and politely as he could spat the food out onto the plate before setting it down. He felt terrible, but that food was completely inedible. He then turned back around and shook his head sadly.

Eva gently placed her plate down while holding her mouth, refusing to allow it to come back up. Clearing her throat she closed her eyes and said, "We must never let her cook again. I couldn't bare to tell her how bad it was....she seemed to enjoy it so." Standing up she looked to Gippal and said, "Gippal can you throw the rest out? We don't want this lying around in case she see's it...though unlikely, better safe than sorry."

She ran her hands down the front of her dress and waited for Gippal to throw the food away. Which he did...rather quickly. Staying for a few minutes longer, to give the guise of 'finishing' their food. The three of them made their way to the temple to find both Saina and Maximus.

Maximus waited for the others at the doorway to the temple, his arms folded as he thought of Saina. It was her...he knew it. Yet she seemed to Young! He wondered how he was going to convince her that she was his brother, she already didn't believe him. He looked up as he heard the clacking of some heels against the stone, Saina slowly made her way up alone. He shoved himself upright with just his back and waited for her to come towards him.

Once she was close enough he asked, " Where are the others? " He knew they were down there. "We should be leaving soon. I don't think the Youth league is going to tolerate us for much longer." His voice gruff...as if he was a grumpy old man.

"You're right, they're not." Saina walked up to the taller man, her relaxed posture matching his as she stopped before him.

"It will not be much longer now, Maximus." As she spoke, her cool, pale blue eyes looked up into his own. Within their depths, it seemed some twinkle could be seen there.

"They're eating a meal I prepared. I think they enjoyed it."

The crow-haired girl tilted her head down, closing her eyes in what seemed to be contentment.

"Come. We should go on ahead to make this venture painless."

With that, Saina made her way up the stairs to the cloister of trials.

It hasn’t been long since Naisha had fell asleep when something woke her up. Her senses were flared up as she felt something unnatural going on the ship. She had never before felt something exactly like this, but she knew it’s location… She feared it was at Alex’s place… With a struggle she tried to stand up, but it simply did not work out. Each movement was hard and painful. Her unnatural arm was weighting her more than usual along with the heavy horn on her head!

It took Naisha a few moments to realize that Alex was in her room! She must have picked on the something going on in her sleep as there was also a man about as big as Alex in her room! With a hood on!” Who are you?” Naisha asked, raising her still human arm to the man, preparing to throw an attack spell on him if he is dangerous.

“How did you get in here?” She asked also, throwing a glance at the red head.” Alex, are you alright? Did he do something to you?” Nai asked her friend before returning her eyes and focusing on the intruder.” Depending on YOUR answers, you may not leave the room unhurt…” Truth was that she couldn't strike the man properly here even if she wanted though. Any of her more powerful magics would damage the ship... a lot and she didn't want to damage it. It was Gippal's after all.

Eva dragged both Urick and Gippal behind her back to the temple, fairly quickly not wanting Saina or Maximus to wait for them much longer. She couldn't help but feel giddy. Her child hood dream coming true...at least she thought it was...with a group of close friends, Looking back at Gippal and Urick with a hint of a blush on her face seeing them. She honestly couldn't believe with what happened in this last few years, and how she could ever meet such amazing men, and now their friends Alex and Naisha, and Saina and Maximus.

She came into view of Saina and Maximus walking up the stairs to the cloister of trails and yelled. "HEY!" She stopped suddenly and let go of Gippal and Urick's hands as they went up to her lips and her face turned red as a rose, filled with embarrassment. _"Sorry..." she said as she looked at a priest who had turned to her and shushed her. She quickly ran up the stairs to Saina and said in a normal voice, still bright red in the face "I'm supposed to do this with you all." She said with a smile before slipping a strand piece of hair that fell in front of her face over her ear and took a deep breath, pushing the doors open and walking inside.

A dark chuckled invaded the space in which Naisha and Alex occupied. As the small, ugly, deformed girl spoke up with threats, the hooded figure turned slowly toward her.

"Pitiful. They bring you, trash... a nuisance. You should be forgotten."

With that, his red eye began to glow so brightly that the entire room was flooded with intense, blinding crimson. As it did, the pain Naisha would feel would be utterly unbearable. It was as though her body had been wrapped in barbed wire and twirled around erratically, slicing her skin off while her head was pegged through countless times by dozens of ice picks. As of that wasn't enough, the torturous sensation was added onto with a sound only Naisha would hear, a high pitched, swirling, screaming sound that invaded all of her sense and filled her eyes with visions of needles being pierced into her eyes despite nothing actually being there, all of these sensations and feelings invisible and non-physical.

At this moment, the hooded figure smiled sadistically at Alex before turning and running down the halls the Defiant, running fast but slow enough that he would remain in her line of sight as Naisha's pain continued.

---

"Agreed M'lady, we should hurry."

She pushed past Eva after they went through the door, turning to look over her shoulder.

"I'll push on ahead and do what I can. Maximus is right. We should get out of here as soon as possible."

With that, she hurried ahead, her katana slashing through a few separate fiends on her way, running through the streams of pyreflies before they faded from sight, pulling the cloister of trials spheres together as quickly as possible, the path opening up fairly quickly.

The instant she saw the figure, Alex reached for her sword, hand on her hilt as her blue eyes flared at the stranger that stood before her. She was surprised he seemed around her size, not many were. Urick was about one of the closest beside Ronso, which were just naturally huge and bigger then even her. Perhaps this stranger was a small Ronso? They didn't really have that.... furry scent. Growling, the tall muscled woman gritted her teeth and glared at him. This was just not her fucking day. Can't she have a little time to relax?! At all?! What was this some sphere drama play? Whoever this was seemed.... unnatural. She didn't particularly know why, just knew he was creepy as Anima. Cocking a eyebrow at his words, that felt like they meant something but honestly she didn't really understand other then he was just pointing out the obvious.

"Yeah? What's it to you asshole? Just sneak on here into my room to tell me that? Unsure which is creepier. Your actions or your eye." Alex barked before her eyes snapped to the door as Naisha entered and she visibly twitched in dismay. "Nai what are you doing here?! You should be resting!" The tall woman shouted, though she supposed she wasn't one to talk. She was pretty hurt and sore, and that sleep potion did help make her drowsy. But at least she could take damage even if batted around. She feared Naisha wouldn't handle whatever this guy wanted.

When the stranger turned toward Naisha and said those words of insult toward her best friend, rage instantly flared and Alex snarled as she unsheathed her weapon. "You're the trash here, asshole! I'll ******* beat the ever living **** outta you for daring to insult her! You know nothing about her!" she roared and made to swing at him but halted when it seemed Naisha was in pain. Before she knew it, the stranger was retreating. Hissing, breathing heavy in her anger, concern over won and she quickly turned to Naisha. Grabbing her as gently as she could in her emotional state.

Control. Control. Don't. Hurt. Naisha.

Naisha was perhaps the only one she could be this gentle to, while pissed off.

"Nai?! Nai?! Are you alright?! What's wrong?! ****!!!" Alex growled, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck bristle as she hurriedly tried checking the frail girl for physical injuries. There was none. The giant woman cursed again angrily as she cupped Naisha's head between her large hands. Trying to ease any pain. Although she knew it was useless, she tried to use magic. Any healing magic she watched Yuna do so many times.

"*******.... work!" Alex growled in frustration as she tried. But nothing. "**** I hate you!" The red head shouted angrily as she glared frustrated at her hands at their lack of use in this particular situation. A part of her wanted to chase him down, the more wild side of her that was angry, but she wanted to stay to make sure Naisha would be fine. Yet it seemed maybe this could stop if she just punch that bastard in the face hard enough. But what if he came back here for her?! What if he kidnaps her or does lewd things?!

Wait no... think Alex. Think. Naisha was alright when she came here, this man came to Alex first. When he could of easily went to Naisha. Why? Grimacing as she looked between Naisha and the retreating man, she ground her teeth in until they hurt before setting Naisha down and sprinting after the figure at full speed. Convincing herself Naisha would prefer Alex go after and beat the stranger into pyreflies. Running full force, she knew she was pushing herself with the state of her body, adrenaline acting like a sedative and pumping it into gear. She'd probably just tire herself out, but she was definitely giving jerk something to remember her by. Catching up, Alex quickly swung her sword when managing to get into arms reach.

The man laughed as the woman followed him through the Defiant. Allowing her to catch up to him as he turned around and when she was close enough he easily dodged the sword with a duck and a follow up swing with a graceful jump backwards. Before she would attack again he laughed more. "Really? That's it? Aren't you going to beat me into Pyreflies? You can't even touch me! Pitiful."

He turned, and slipped through a door that lead to the outside of the airship. But never ran too far so she was out of reach. Just enough to keep her close as he zipped around crates and people, that seemed to not even notice him...only Alex barging through the docks. Come on Freak! You aren't getting tired are you?"

He laughed even more, it seemed to echo in her mind, how grating it was. He lead her into the streets, narrowly missing her attacks still, with out even raising his arms. They stayed hidden under the cloak, As he ran though chains rattled and jingled with each step.

---

While this happened, Nai would continue to feel this excruciating pain through out her body. It would seem like forever, and all of a sudden it would come to a stop, only the dull pain of what ever happened slowly ebbed away. When she would awake from this, she would see Alex kneeling next to her. Asking "Are you ok Nai?I'm Sorry... I lost the pyco in the black cloak.

---

Gippal and Urick followed up behind Eva as she dragged them up the steps. He had looked down at her hand holding his...it felt so cool and yet comforting in his hand. He wondered why he was having such an issue over what Alex and Nai said. They didn't know him, they didn't know the pain and the horror's he went through these last few years. And yet when he even got them released from prison, they didn't seem to grateful for that. He didn't even recognize Nai anymore... Yet, with Eva, he didn't have to worry about that...She was kind and loving and sweet. She knew what he went through, They had a much closer connection than he and Nai...and they were friends for many years more.

He realized he was lost in thought when they caught up to Saina and Maximus. Who were eager at the bit to get going. After Eva said that she should be doing this with them, Saina agreed, yet still wanted to push on ahead for them. As well as Maximus,

"Alright Sounds good." Eva had pushed open the door at this time. "You two clear the path, and Urick and I will stay near Eva incase anything breaks through."

As they entered, and the battles started for Saina and Maximus, it didn't leave much for them as they followed. But Gippal was ready, with his knifes, and Urick simply followed like a silent moving statue...though his eyes were trained on Saina.

Urick couldn't help but watch as she fought her way through the fiends...she looked so elegant, and graceful in her strikes. Unlike Alex who was more brute strength and power. He didn't understand why, but Saina was captivating, so much so he found himself with a slight blush on his cheeks, that Gippal seemed to notice with a raised eyebrow.

He nodded when Saina agreed with him as they should leave soon. He listened more when she explained where the others were. Food? He could have used some... for some reason he thought they were going to come up here and eat. Not that it mattered, really. "Ill have to give it a try next time." He said with a slight smirk.

As she then said they should clear the way, he nodded, "I agree...the faster the better." It would be good, perhaps this is what he needed to get closer to her so that she would recognize him for who he really was.

But before they could enter, Eva had run up the stairs after yelling and embarrassing herself. It was cute to watch, but his face didn't reveal it. After mentioning she wanted to do this with them he simply nodded and stepped out of the way as she pushed the cloisters of trails open.

Gippal then added that he and Urick would stay near Eva, while Saina and he would clear the path. A wise choice as he was the most experienced, and again it would give him a chance to work alongside Saina. Once inside he walked calmly. As the first fiends came towards him, he did not hesitate, nor break his stride as he quickly unsheathed his katana and slashed through anything that came near him. These fiends were extremely weak compared to the ones in Zanarkand, so it was child's play for him. He didn't waste any energy as they moved forward deeper into the cloister, each strike was definitive and simple.

He looked over to Saina and asked, after noticing her use of the Katana, and before at the stadium with her magic, "Where did you learn how to control ice magic so easily?"

Alex kept pursuing, cursing as she missed as she angrily swung at him again. And again whenever she quickly caught up. If he hold still and let her hit him, then they would see who'd be the one laughing. Her fast pace only faltered as they were leaving the ship. If she was thinking properly, she probably should of known better to stop right there and not continue pursuit. After all, she was banned from town and that would just cause more trouble for everyone. Again. That and she probably would of noticed that this is probably obviously a sort of trap. Be it to lead her into further trouble with the law, to be ambushed and killed, or worse.

Course she wasn't thinking so none of that really crossed her mind. She only paused because she was leaving the comfort zone of Naisha, and she didn't like it. Alone, hurting, on that ship. Well... alone with that guy... but if Gippal trusted him, she suppose she shouldn't worry. Plus, if she wanted to be sure to make her pain go away, beating the pyreflies out of this guy was probably a sure way to do it. So she continued. Not like she was scared of death anyway. As long as the others and Naisha were fine, delve straight into danger.

"**** you! Try telling me that without your fancy smancy magic tricks and take a punch in the face asshole!" The red head snarled as she continued chase, thundering pass people. Weaving passed those in the way, spinning to dodge the obstacles like in Blitzball, before continuing. She was really trying to focus at least enough to not hurt anyone with her attacks and avoid trampling, still her mind was mostly focus on this jerk.

The pain completely consumed Naisha’s mind. It felt stronger than anything she ever felt before, even the time when she took all those deadly injuries and being stabbed through the chest felt softer than this. It was like all the nerves in her body screamed waves of pain at the same time. Even her lately noisy mind, filled with voices, fell silent, consumed by the overwhelming wave of suffering.

The only brief thought she could formulate was to wonder how can such pain exist. She was always sure there wasn’t pain greater than what she once felt, but clearly the world wanted to prove her wrong!

As the pain started to vanish, her breathing heavy, the taste of blood in her mouth causing her to feel nausea, she started to regain her senses. In the slowly restoring ability to absorb the information about the world around her, Nai heard Alex’s voice. It felt so real and normal she couldn’t really notice anything wrong about it.” Alex…I....can’t… breath…” She said, through pained heavy breaths.

“What…happened?” She asked with a pained voice, still in confused state. She felt scared and helpless. That pain was not an enemy she could blast away...

Saina continued on hacking her way through monsters, freezing some of them solid in ice so that Maximus could easily come through after her and deal the final blow. A flying creature loomed overhead, narrowly sweeping in to attack her. At the last moment, Saina turned the ground to ice and power slid beneath, her back bending back wards before she brought her heel down hard. Stopping the motion, she used the slickness of the ice to kick off, back flipping around the flier, and slashing her katana straight down.

She landed, the ice fading while she panted. She stayed still a moment, ready to push on until Maximus spoke up.

"Where did you learn how to control ice magic so easily?"

Still panting and a bit ahead of the hall down from the others, she turned her head with a surprised quirk of the brow. Between breaths, the pale woman fought for an answer. It was still difficult to cast so much magic with mana so low. She'd yet to get an Elixir since shipwrecking that morning.

"It's... not as easy as it looks."

She admitted at last, leaning her head down as she paused to catch her breath.

"Actually, it even hurts a little."

Her gloved fingers trailed down the long scar on her abdomen, sighing as she stood up.

"It's a matter of will. Power always comes with price. What you see is ease, but what I feel is control."

She paused, letting her words be punctuated as she looked at her gloved hands.

"My magic has never been unintentional, and it's not just something formed on a whim. It's something handled with care and what precision I can give."

Her voice trailed off. Then she looked over at Maximus, inspecting her blade simultaneously.

"My power is different than most black mages, this much I know. I think what that difference is... I... understand this magic, better than most."

She nodded, then looked at another spherical indent in the wall as she stood up.

"We are here."

She placed the sphere into the indent, causing it open up and reveal the room that comes before the Chamber of the Fayth. Saina walked in, placing her katana away, and sat down against one of the walls with her eyes closed, resting for the moment to try to regain her mana. With the Hymn playing all around them, she seemed at peace.

"M'lady, I will not accompany you within the Fayth this time. Be strong, for all of us."

Eva watched as Saina and Maximus worked off each other, almost fluently as they tag teamed fiends that came at them. It was interesting as they only met a few days before, but the two most serious people of the group did work well together. While they fought she casted some protect and shell spells over everyone, just in case. though by the end it didn't seem worth it as all of them were very accomplished fighters. Especially Urick, who had wrestled a Behemoth back at Besaid and won.

Though Saina and Maximus did most of the work, a few did managed to slip through as Gippal and Urick took care of them. She was starting to feel that she had the best guardians in the business...as they all were amazing fighters, that she didn't even have to worry about being attacked.

She couldn't help but feel that she had the strangest feeling that she had been here before.The Hymn of the Fayth was soothing and seemed to pluck at an old memory that was behind a white veil of clouds. As they reached the chamber of the Fayth...she knew for a fact she had seen this door before.

Looking over to Saina as she mentioned she would not join her inside the chamber at this time...she glanced to Gippal, who only gave her a nod as if saying the same through his confident warm red eyes. She nodded a few times and took a breath. "OK." She said as she squared her shoulders and walked up the stairs to the door. It opened at her prescience and as she walked through it closed just as fast. The song was loud, and verburated through her entire being...it actually gave her strength...and made her very very weak and tired at the same time at being at the source of the song.

As she took the final steps to the large carving of the Fayth, it glowed brightly of the soul of the one who sacrificed himself to become a weapon to fight sin. Before she could pray however, a man suddenly was standing infront of her, formed out of pyreflies. Eva... he said as if he already knew her.

Eva looked confused at his tone, but before she could say anything he continued, "You and your group are the only ones that can defeat Thane...stop him, before he manages to complete what he started so long ago. Complete what you had started so long ago as well..."

She wanted to ask what he meant, But it was as if he didn't want to reveal any answers she wanted. You already know I've accepted you as my summoner.... Was all he said, before he vanished again.

"WAIT! WHAT DO YOU MEAN!" She reached out, as if she could even grab him and hold him to this plane of existance. But just as fast as he appeared, he was gone again. Feeling more confused as she was before she came, she didn't understand how he was acting like he already knew of her... like she was here before. Well she did feel like she was, but she still couldn't remember. Trying to think, about it, it only made her more confused...and the more she spent there....the more she grew tired and weak. Perhaps she should head back out before she fell asleep and made teh others worry.

It had been about ten minutes since she went in. But when she walked out, she put a tired smile on her face. "Well...Two Aeons...lets head to Macalania temple..."

Maximus had listened to Saina as they moved through the temple, workng off of her as she froze fiends and he finished them off, or he simply slicing through any that came to him first. She explained how she simply understood the magic better than others, and how it was something that wasn't as easy as it looked, That he could see now as he noticed her heavy breathing. She reminded him of Uncle Auron, who also kept so much contol over his weapon with one hand, it seemed so easy but it was obviously a lot of will power, conditioning and training. Though different as this was magic, and magic like he had never seen before, the concept was the same. He couldn't help but smile a little at her explanation. "You remind me alot of Uncle Auron." He said simply after they made it to the room before the Chamber of the Fayth.

"Here..." He handed an elixer to her with a smile on his face. He was certainly tired, but with years of conditioning and pushing himself to his limits on many occasions, he had learned how to cover his fatigue and the fact he could last a lot longer under these conditions.

It was then the others arrived and Eva, after nodding to them went into the Fayth's room alone. Personally he knew the entire faith of yevon, and all his teachings were lies created to control everyone. Where summonings really came from, and who Yevon really was. He really didn't see the need for the formality of what the rules were for Summoners and their guardians. Not that he didn't admire the fact that they would still sacrifice themselves to protect Spira, he never lost that.

He had also been in every chamber of Fayth during the last twenty years, so he doubt he was missing much...though come to think of it, he never saw one actually 'alive' He sat down on the steps and pulled out a wetstone to begin sharpening his sword while they waited.

He looked at Gippal, who seemed to be back in his own little world, almost like he was falling asleep, While Urick had chosen to stand by the door as he glanced at his sister...every few moments. He knew there was something forming between the two, and his internal big brother wanted to tell him to back off...but after thinking about it, it would only be weird as Saina didn't believe he was her brother, and the fact that Urick seemed to be very honorable...and an impressive fighter, Though he never really heard him speak, he seemed like a gentle man.

He glanced at Saina again and asked, "Saina...you do realize that we are living in a world that knows Yevon was a Lie...why do I get the feeling that you still believe in it?"

The man gave a chuckle. Why would I Ever allow you to punch me in the face? You really are a special kind of stupid arnt you? He now slowed even more, allowing her to strike and strike, moving just so that it would barely miss him. His moves were graceful and deliberate, and silent...if not for the sound of rattling chains under his cloak. All the while as he moved through town, people around them freaking out at the fact the crazy Redhead giant was slashing away at someone. People started to run and freak out, When the man in the cloak suddenly switched gears and after dodging another attack, he launched his right knee into the womans abdomen, knocking the wind out of her and causing her to crumple to the ground.

He sighed and shook his head, Pitiful... He simply said before his red eye flashed more intensely and he suddenly faded into nothing, as if he was only a mirage.

The sound of men in heavy armor could now be heard to Alex as she was surrounded by the youth league, their weapons drawn as the man in charge yelled, "Drop your weapon! You are under arrest!"

---

Alex looked down at Nai as she asked what happened. She looked confused. "You tell me? You were freaking out and I found you on the floor like this! You sounded like someone was boring through your skull..."

She helped her up and back to her bed and waited for her to say what really happened to her before sighing..."You know... You really shouldn't have come...this adventure is just too much for you."

She then looked her right in the eyes. "You are just weak, and feeble... and a burden to all of us. You are losing control of yourself....you are not even human anymore....

She smiled evily and flicked Nai's forehead, which after she did, the pain once again returned to Nai's mind, so much more powerful now as Fake Alex dissipated just like the man did infront of the real Alex.

Alex snarled at them man as she swung at him. "Shut the fuck up! You're the stupid one here!" she snapped before gasping as she was forcefully kicked in the stomach and forced to her knees. She coughed before struggling to her feet again. But by the time that happened, the man was gone and now she was surrounded by the Youth League. Peachy. Honestly what was the point of this? Cracking her knuckles and rubbing her temples in a attempt to calm her temper in order not to throw a fit. She slammed her weapon down and crossed casually flung her arms vertically.

"Woopee fucking do. What a surprise." The tall red head said sarcastically. Honestly she really shouldn't. If she had thought about it, it was some pointless trap. Though it didn't make much sense to her. She was already in deep trouble anyways. Only thing worse is just getting locked up in one city instead of the ship. Amazing. Course does she think of that at the time? Noooooo. Well whatever, at least Naisha wasn't really dragged into this, this time. It be nice to know if she was okay though. Or if the others were alright. Hopefully they at least go to the ship soon and help her out.

She didn't remember pissing off any weird magic smancy assholes. Well. Not a guy at least. Unless someone knows gender magic. Is that a thing? Who the fuck knows with magic.

“It felt like something was crushing my skull indeed!” Naisha agreed, moving her normal hand to her forehead, sensing all the cold sweat that was covering her. Just thinking about it sent phantom pain through her body at strength she didn't expect possible. What was that? Was she now also weak towards mental attacks? Great because her basically dying body was not enough...

“Maybe...” Naisha replied to Alex's statement about her presence there and the fact it may have been better for Naisha to have stayed behind back home. That said, this sentence rose a flag inside Nai's mind. Alex despite being very protective of her, never really have said anything like that before! Was she really that much of trouble... Her thoughts were stopped halfway as her mind froze at Alex's next statement. The words hit Naisha as a giant hammer, her breathing turning heavier as she felt fear and pain from her friend's statement. Naisha knew she wasn't healthy, but she never was of bother... especially combatwise. She knew how to fight using her magic, but the redhead's statement, filled Nai's eyes with tears.” Alex.... why are you saying that...?”

Her question was almost answered as she saw the smile on this Alex's face.” You are not Al.. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” She cried as the pain returned even stronger than before. Naisha's heart was racing from the pain, her body that was already struggling to maintain her life was having troubles keeping up. Pain felt so strong... her body hurt... her head hurt. She couldn't take it anymore. Her mind filled once more with nothing but the pain... She felt life slipping away from her again.' No.... not … like …. this...' She barely managed to form a thought. She was never too great into other types of magic beside combat ones, but she had one that might work if it activated at all.'S...l...e...e...p...' She cried attempting to activate the magic before her body shuts down from the stress.