Night came and went uneventfully. The day restarted once again as the sun rose and lifted the sky into a light blue. Once the sun hit the village, Shion exited the Crusader’ lodge. Despite her teasing Savayna about not needing rest, she knew better than to push herself unnecessarily. The redhead had greatly entertained her, quick to temper and easy to annoy. Then again, that was just the type of person Shion was--distant, secretive, and generally distrusting. But she was also a woman on a mission, and regardless of Savayna’s wishes Wesley also had a duty to fulfill--even if he didn't know it yet.
Stretching her arms above her head, the hilt of her sword clinked quietly against the armor on her legs. The sound had gotten her a few looks from the nearby Crusaders, though none would speak. Ignoring them for the moment, instead, she went straight to Wesley’s home, taking the same position she did last night as she waited for the young man to emerge.
Shortly thereafter Shion had arrived, it took no more than three full minutes until Wesley calmly walked out from his home and took in a deep breath, exhaling that deep breath as he smiled up at the bright, golden sun that happily smiled back at him - or so, that's what Wesley saw. The clouds hovering over the village seemed to be shaped like Kilikan candies as they slowly moved across the ocean-colored sky towards where Kilika was.
The dark-haired summoner looked around and he saw Shion simply leaning against his home. "Good morning, Shion! So happy to see that you seem well-rested!" Wesley gave the blue-haired warrior a smile. "Would you care to walk with me? I wish to see the beach and I wouldn't mind the company."
As chipper as always, it seemed. Lightly pushing herself from her position, Shion nodded. “We have much to discuss,” She informed him, crossing her arms. It was as good a time as ever, although she would take a look around. “Surprised your little friend isn't hovering around.”
“Little friend?” Wesley was confused for all of one moment, but then he had a vocal a-ha moment. “Oh, you must mean Savayna,” Wesley deduced, looking Shion’s way. “She is likely out hunting or training,” he informed Shion as he walked forward, absolutely blanking on what she had to say in response to his offer to her to walk with him.
Convenient. It was an opportunity to speak freely, one she would take gladly. Shion ended up following Wesley's lead, her heels crunching against the ground underneath. “The fayth has heard and accepted your prayer. Whether the people want to accept it or not, the fayth’s return isn't a chance encounter. The Machina Faction, the Youth League, New Yevon...there are many who question why they return without having a proper explanation. But under the still water lies turmoil. Spira itself is crying out for help...and she asks for you,” She stated as such.
As he listened, Wesley’s eyes wandered to the sights around him. Time escaped them as Shion told him of Spira’s troubles because they had already made it to the top of the hill where Besaid’s wildlife and Besaid Village met. The air was somewhat thicker, but the smell of the wildflowers that only grew on the cliff sides nearby carried thanks in large part to the breeze that traveled towards the village.
Wesley took it upon himself to get a little closer to the nearest rock formation where he saw that eight-petal flower colored gold and white and plucked it. As he took in a gentle whiff, Wesley offered it to Shion. “If you wouldn’t mind, just smell the flowers. This is the season where they are just now blooming. All of the cliffs and mountains on the island will be covered in them in just a few weeks,” He told her, his voice a tad louder than usual, but that was due to how loud the wind was up where they had walked.
Her amber eyes looked at the flower for about two seconds before looking back at the man. Taking the flower somewhat reluctantly, she stared at it for a moment. It was just a flower. Pretty, perhaps, but it had no actual use for her.
“Pleasant. But that’s not the point.” Shion replied slowly.
Wesley turned his head slowly, but it wasn’t where Shion was standing - it was where Yuna Bridge was at. “Very well, this way. We can talk whilst we walk.” Wesley again disregarded Shion’s words as the carefree man casually strolled towards the bridge.
Was that not what they were doing already? Taking his lead, Shion followed suit somewhat reluctantly.
“It's nice to just enjoy the scenery.”
Was it? Shion didn't think so. Not now, anyway.
“Have you nothing to say?” She finally decided to ask him.
As he hummed with his eyes cheerfully narrowed, he directed his attention to Shion after a long moment of mostly-silence. “This weather is quite lovely, isn’t it?”
“I meant in regards to my previous words.”
“What about them?” He asked calmly.
Shion stared at Wesley for a moment, wondering if he was testing her. “Will you not answer her call?” She asked him.
Wesley continued down the path, his pace slowing due to his preference to enjoy the scenery. And as he did, Shion’s words were coming at him, which prompted the young summoner to stop and look back at the blue-haired girl who had stopped, those amber eyes simply gazing at him. “I have, Shion,” Wesley said, offering her simple words as he continued down his slowed stroll.
What was it about summoners that had them refusing to simply be upfront? Wesley's thought process was an enigma, prompting the woman’s annoyance. She should have expected as much all things considered. Perhaps she didn't want to compare the two, but no, Wesley was proving that the comparison had merit.
“Then we go to Kilika,” She told him, gauging a reaction.
By the time it took Shion to say that, they had made to the end of the path and the beach was in sight. The sounds of crashing waves, the children playing on the beach with the Besaid Auroch’s, and, of course, the seagulls unleashing their cries as they flew over the blue ocean. Wesley stood there, just taking in the sight. After letting the beauty of nature sink in and after Wesley was content enough, he turned to face Shion. “I still need to make some arrangements, but this afternoon should--” And just as Wesley was about to finish, his eyes lit up as he saw the sight of his friend come running his way. “Ah, Savayna. So happy you were able to make it,” Wesley greeted her with a smile.
“Stupid laidback idiot, you left without me!”
“I hope your farewells were pleasant. I know the villagers will miss both of us so.”
“My master cried, but he’ll be fine,” Savayna said, giving Wesley a smile and Shion a scowl.
As Wesley smiled, he looked to Shion with the same smile, his eyes full of hope and excitement. “I do hope you forgive me. I was trying to stall long enough for my dear friend to catch up. It wouldn’t be fair if we left without her being able to reach us before we departed for Kilika.”
The sound of a lyre being played accompanied the conversation, causing Shion to let out a rather heavy sigh. Yes, this one was going to be a handful as well. Shaking her head slightly, she instead looked at the few boarding, including a familiar looking musician happily playing his tune.
Ignoring Savayna’s look, Shion would begin to walk to the boat. “Onwards, then,” She instructed the pair.
Wesley happily followed Shion as she seemed to lead them down to the shore, though Savayna was less willing. Along the way, Wesley heard her mumble a few things he dare not repeat should there be any children present. He felt uncomfortable knowing that there were so many ways to describe the female species of a dog in reference to ‘that woman’ who was in front of them. But, on the upside, it would be nice to have company along the journey to Kilika. Even though Wesley was packed and had all the belongings he needed already on the boat, traveling alone has never been something he was particularly fond of.
When they traveled along the shore, the sight of Wesley to the children and their admiration for Wesley was immediate as they ceased what they were doing and came up to him, smiling and laughing.
“Wesley, is it true that you’re leaving Besaid?”
“I’m afraid so. I have to go where Spira calls me.”
“Will you be back?”
“Of course I will. Be sure to pray for me!” Wesley cheerfully said, giving all the children each a hug and before long they tackled him and the physical sight of Wesley was gone, only the sounds of his laughter mixed in with the children’s laughter was heard.
Shion watched him for a moment, though said nothing as her eyes wandered to the few stragglers that had gathered. Wesley was popular; the children didn't seem to be the only ones wishing him well on his journey. His heart was in the right place, she would give him that much. Unfortunately, the beginning of the journey was the easiest. The road ahead of them would be filled with peril and challenges, all designed to test the new summoner.
With that in mind, Shion simply boarded the ship.
As the children, the Besaid Aurochs, and the others who wanted to see Wesley off had all personally been given a goodbye from him, he, along with Sav, made their way to the dock where the ship was awaiting the two. Just as they were about to step onto the ship, a voice of desperation caught Wesley’s attention. It wasn’t until he turned around did he see who it was. “Oh, Kiat. Is there something wrong?”
“You..forgot...this…” Kiat’s voice was breathy, a sign he was out of breath, though he handed Wesley something that resulted in the young summoner to give Kiat a gaze of shock.
“Oh my great goddess, how could I have forgotten that!” As Wesley took the large book from Kiat’s sweaty palms, he let out a sigh of relief. “I thank you so much for coming all this way to give me this, Kiat. You have my eternal thanks!”
“Don’t..mention..it..” Kiat said, taking a seat on the ground as Wesley and Savayna boarded the ship.
“I apologize for the wait.” Wesley offered his sincerest apologies to Shion.
She shook her head, leaning against the railing as the lyre’s music danced on the winds. Fate worked in funny ways sometimes. “Leaving in such a way doesn't seem like a surprise to you,” She stated.
Wesley took a spot a few feet away from Shion, watching the sea create a symphony in tune to the island-friendly sounds of the lyre he heard. Pair that with the company of an old friend and a new friend and Wesley couldn’t possibly ask for more. “The people of Besaid are very close, Shion.”
“What he means to say is everyone here adores him and tends to smother him with praise,” Sav clarified for Shi-Shi, patting Wesley on the back a little rougher than what most would. Sometimes she didn’t know her own strength.
All the more reason why it surprised the woman. So long as Wesley was dedicated, she would not give him any reason to stay. Luckily for her, the boat departed shortly afterward. Staring out into the open sea, she watched Besaid get smaller and smaller until eventually it was gone. As she pushed herself away from the railing, she noticed the sound of the lyre getting louder.
“And we’ll let it be, sun-kissed eyes that swim across the sea~” A very pleasant, soothing voice rang through the air. The source of it happened to be the same as the lyre; a chestnut-haired young man sauntered his way towards the trio, golden brown eyes twinkling. Shion’s eyes narrowed as the young man approached Savayna, giving her a wink. “Just close your eyes, I’ll guide you to a sweet memory.”
Wesley turned around as the man with the lyre approached them, a smile on his face. The melodious tone of his voice seemed to relax Wesley. He found the lyrics both calming with the sounds of the gently moving water making way for the boat and quite befitting of the start of their journey. Wesley found himself humming to the sounds of the lyre, eyes closed as he simply enjoyed the music, completely oblivious to Savayna’s annoyance with Rio.
Savayna quickly made it known she wasn’t interested as she gave him one, quick glare. “Not going to happen, bard,” she told him outright.
Said man chuckled to himself, slightly leaning in towards the red-haired woman. “So the possibility crossed your mind before you rejected it? I’m flattered, my lady,” He replied somewhat cheerfully, continuing his playing. He seemed to enjoy Wesley’s humming, playing his lyre just a little more passionately as he closed his own eyes. “We’ll let it be, just you and me, let’s cherish this precious memory--” He sang, his eyes landing on Shion.
“Enjoying yourself?” She asked him rather bluntly, unamused.
“Always, my darling,” He told her. “Because when it’s you and me, we’ll let it be, eyes colored golden brown like the sunset,” He sang rather cheerfully, greatly enjoying the rather irritated grimace that took over Shion’s face.
“What a beautiful day for music,” Wesley said, his eyes opening and greeting the Bard with a smile. “You are quite talented, Bard. What do you call that one you just sang?” Wesley asked, completely oblivious to what was happening with Shion and the Bard.
“I call it, ‘Sunset’--after a beautiful moment I once had with a woman who was near and dear to my heart,” He replied in earnest.
“That poor woman,” Shion said.
As Wesley seemed to nod, likely approving of the title, Sav rolled her eyes. “She probably didn’t like the way you sang,” Savayna stated bluntly.
“I sing the same way I make love--tenderly and romantically,” He replied without skipping a beat, lightly bowing to the group. “I am Rio of Kilika, famed for waxing lyrics and strings together to create beautiful music, whether they are from my lyre or from a beautiful woman.”
Sav knew from the moment he started opening his non-melodic mouth that she wasn’t going to like this guy. To avoid from doing something that, perhaps for a few hours would feel great and bring her some form of relief, decided to walk away from Rio, the Idiot from Kilika. Instead, she opted to take a place next to Wesley, looking forward at the water as the thought of Kilika filled her up.
And as she did that, Wesley smiled. “Please, don’t stop singing on our account. I’m sure we would benefit from your harmonious voice and poetic lyrics. May Yevon be with you and strengthen your beautiful message!” Wesley happily said, giving Rio the Yevon Bow as he encouraged him to keep playing his lyre and singing as he had been.
The bard’s smile faltered as he watched Wesley’s bow. He was quiet for a moment, his fingers lightly plucking as his eyes landed on Shion. The amber-eyed woman gave him no answers to his somewhat questioning look, only offering him silence. “Yevon, huh?” He quietly repeated.
“Wesley here is a child of Yevon,” Shion confirmed.
Rio nodded slowly, though he seemed to regain some of his enthusiasm. “If the young summoner wants a song, then who am I to refuse?” He grinned as Shion rolled her eyes at him. “And we’ll let it be, moving onwards, letting the past be but a memory~”
As long as he wouldn’t bother her, Shion had no issue with the bard continuing his song, choosing instead to watch the sea.