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4 days ago
Current Check my new bio out for a special message!
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8 days ago
*Hits poohead* I didn't have a problem but it's nice that the door is open :)
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11 days ago
Do you think God stays in heaven because he too lives in fear of what he's created?
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3 mos ago
I saw a one-legged man at the ATM. He was checking his balance.
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4 mos ago
Where do bad rainbows go? To a prism. It's a light sentence, but it gives them time to reflect.
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Banned for justifying your feelings of orange.
Banned for feeling orange.
Banned for thinking it wouldn't.
Banned for not satisfying Foster. You're so mean, Quote.
Chapter V - Leaving Besaid


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.
Banned because you're so harlerious.
Banned because you're so quotable.
Hail to England — Manowar — Hail to England
Strangers — Hawthrone Heights — Zero
The Ceberus Plot — Clint Mansell and Sam Hulick — Mass Effect 3 Orginal Soundtrack
I Remember You (Skid Row Cover) — The Ataris — Punk Goes...Metal
We Are Broken [Live] — Paramore — The Last Riot!
Gearing Up — Yoko Shimomura — Kingdom Hearts III Original Soundtrack, Disc II
Hearts Burst Into Fire — Bullet For My Valentine — Scream Aim Fire
Ditty For Daddy — Shio Sagisu — Bleach Original Soundtack I
Scene Six: Home — Dream Theater — Metropolis Part Two: Scenes From A Memory
With Or Without You (U2 Cover) — Eyeshine — Unknown Album








Sonny was so deep in thought - or whatever counted for thoughts by listening to his father’s 80s Metal playlist at full blast - he didn’t hear what Julie had said to him. It wasn’t until she moved right in front of him and he happened to look up at the same time did he see the red-haired girl smile in such an eerie way that it made Sonny wonder what exactly she wanted with him. They didn’t talk much. And when they did, it was often when Sonny passed through the halls of King’s Academy and moved past the Unholy Trinity of Julie, Chanel, and that grease monkey, April-not-O’Neil-April. Even at Santiago’s party, she didn’t greet him. Not that she had any reason to.

He tried to hide his already-rising annoyance through a cough as he removed his earbuds from his ears. “What?” He asked simply. He saw her mouth move just a moment ago, but he didn’t hear a single word she said.

“I just asked… never mind,” Julie began before looking down at her salad. “Where is the rest of your gang?” She looked up at Sonny once again. He had a look of utter boredom as he stared at her. Julie couldn’t shake the feeling that she had made a mistake when she had initiated the conversation. If someone was to see the two of them sharing a lunch together, that person would have thought both of them had gone insane.

“Good question,” he said, wondering the same thing. They were never known to be punctual in their timing, but at the very least, Sonny half-expected the two Kavis of the group to show up at some point. While Indian Kavi was more likely to show up at their usual hangout spot in the quad/courtyard, the other Kavi was least likely, but neither of them was in sight - not even Marisol or Archer didn't appear to be anywhere in sight. If anybody was known to keep Sonny company, it was them.

Sonny let out a sigh, shrugging somewhat at the thought of the others. If they weren’t going to show up, then he wasn’t going to waste his mental energy on them. “Whatever. They’re not missing much,” he admitted. Obviously, Sonny was referring to the obviously-riveting conversation between him and Julie. “But why are you here? April and Chanel too busy for you?” Sonny asked outright. “You and I don’t necessarily have a lot in common.”

Julie looked at him curiously with her chin still resting in her hand, she was usually very good at reading people but from her seat across from Sonny she had a very hard time to place him and to know where she had him. After a few seconds of this then the redhead decided to let it go “I usually eat lunch by myself.” she paused and popped a tomato in her mouth and chewed it “It gives me time to scheme” A small giggle escaping her. At his last comment, she shot him a puzzled look “Why do you say that? It’s not like we have explored the depth of our acquaintance.” she drawled pointing between them with her fork. “Who knows? We might have a great deal in common - Marisol for instance. We both like her?” She continued with a small sparkle in her eyes.

Well, this was a surprise. “Since when are you and Marisol on talking terms?” Sonny asked, lifting his head from the half of a slice of pepperoni pizza. He didn’t quite understand why Julie would mention his oldest friend just out of nowhere. “Did your two friends put you up to this? Chanel never has liked me. I don’t know why, but this just smells of Chanel. Or maybe it’s Archer trying to trap me into something.” Like always, Sonny’s mouth ran its course. He gave Julie an inquisitive look. Whatever her game was, he wasn’t going to fall for it.

Julie couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as Sonny rambled. So there was something going on? She cocked an eyebrow and smiled at him “Put me up to what Sonny? Talking to you?” She paused and shrugged “No this was just my own attempt of self-growth. I take it you don’t like it?” She asked in a dry tone.

Though he still wasn’t completely buying what she was selling, Sonny was starting to see that maybe he could be wrong. He’s not going to admit that right now, but the least he could do was not to completely chew off her head before she could try explaining it. “It’s like I said, Julie,” Sonny started, eying the redhead with a somewhat serious look, “we never talk aside from general greetings when either one of us sees the other in the hall, so you can understand my position, can’t you? Then you happen to mention Marisol who I know for a fact you don’t talk to - at least not for a while.” He clarified his earlier statements, still wary of Julie’s true intentions.

Taking a deep breath Julie looked back down to her lunch “Why are you so… distrusting? Yes, agreed we do not talk that much, so this is me trying to change that. Why would that mean me having some malicious ulterior motive?” She started getting frustrated. Was she really seen as so distant and cold that even her talking to someone was seen as strange? “Whatever Sonny. I was just trying to make conversation, if that is such a goddamn farce, I am sorry. I’ll let you get back to your pizza.”

Fine, go. See if I care.

That’s what Sonny wanted to say. And it almost left his pursed lips, but then her words replayed in his mind and that led Sonny to let out a defeated, apologetic sigh, though it was brief and almost inaudible. It was at such a low volume that no one would one would be able to figure that out unless they were right in his face, listening in for every single detail. He then looked up at Julie after what must’ve felt like an eternity of awkward silence. “No, don’t go,” Sonny managed to utter without really thinking about it. His tone had a borderline longing for company. “I didn’t mean to chew off your head. Marisol hasn’t talked to me in a few days and in her place, my overbearing mom has. You might not remember her, but if you ever had an all-too-interested parent who questions everything you do, then you might understand why I’m just a little on edge today.” Though Sonny didn’t intend to, he found himself venting to Julie. He would usually tell Mari about this shit, but she wasn’t talking to him for whatever reason.

Julie listened closely to what Sonny said and nodded along “Oh… I mean she went through a lot that night.” She pondered trying to figure out why Marisol would be ignoring Sonny. “I only have my dad and he is quite the busy man, so I can’t really relate. But I know about being on edge,” she lowered her voice into a whisper at the end of her sentence looking over her shoulder spotting the devils gang looking at her whispering and laughing. She turned back to face him “But whatever is going on between you and Marisol I’m sure you guys will work it out, have you tried to talk to her? And I’m not talking about a text message!” She winked.

And how would Julie know what was going on with Marisol? Oh, right. They’re friends, apparently. It still bothered him for some reason… well, not so much as it bothered him, but rather the teen found it strange that, of all people, Julie Macmillian, would know what went on through the mind of Marisol Castillo. Not even Sonny, who has known Marisol for practically his entire life, could tell what’s been going through her mind, especially as of late. Whether it was Marisol being increasingly distant with him or Sonny giving her enough attention and/or interest in what’s been happening with her, she’s been a mystery to him. If he had to ask himself, it was since the time they had sex during the summer. It didn’t make sense to him.

“We usually text where we’re going to meet,” Sonny said, “but that would require her to answer my text messages. Even when I went to her folk’s place, they said she wasn’t there, so it’s been somewhat difficult to get her to talk to me. I didn’t see her in homeroom, either,” he informed Julie. “If she needs her space, then she’s got it, but it’s honestly pretty bitchy on her part to just ghost me. I did nothing to her.” The more he spoke, Sonny found himself getting a bit angrier at Marisol.

Wiping her mouth with a napkin Julie started to pack up her lunch “I guess if you’ve tried to contact her the ball is in her court.” Not really knowing why, Julie reached out and put a hand on Sonny’s arm, looking at him earnestly. “You know what Sonny? I think a lot of people are wrong about you...” but before she could finish her thought the arrival of one of the absent Misfits made Julie retract her hand with a little too much force. She smiled up at Jun “Oh no, no. I’m just annoying your friend here.” She said as she busied herself with putting away the remainder of her lunch back in her bag.

Sonny found himself curious about what Julie was going to say, so he had Jun to thank for leaving that thought incomplete. And to make matters worse, it seemed as though she was preparing to leave. Go figure. Sonny trades up one potential friend for the friend he didn’t know why he was friends with but was. The good thing was that thanks to his conversation with Julie, Sonny was in a better, non-pissy mood like he was when Julie joined him. “You leaving already?” Sonny asked Julie.

The redhead looked up from her bag when Sonny addressed her “Alas, all good thing must come to an end.” She chirped and looked down at her watch. “But thank you for keeping me company, Sonny. Let’s not have this be just a one-time thing, okay?” she stood up and smoothed out her skirt and looked to Jun. “Very nice to see you, James!” She smiled and hoisted her school bag on her shoulder. “I’ll catch you guys in chem!” And with that, she turned and left the boys, ponytail swinging as she floated into the crowd of students.

There was a moment or two after Julie left that Sonny allowed to remain in awkward silence. Without the presence of the remainder of the group around, he and Jun didn’t have much to talk about. In addition to a tenseness between them that never went away, there wasn’t anything that came to his mind that wasn’t a witty comment at the expense of Jun’s ethnic background. As much as he would like to, Sonny felt like being nice for once, so he didn’t opt for the first thing he thought of. Instead, he gave Jun a half-assed smile. “Yeah, so have a good weekend?” Sonny could just hear the forced, pleasant tone play back in his mind, but for the sake of trying to not be a dick - especially after he calmed down - Sonny wanted to try and start the week off without any drama coming back to hit him later on.
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