The Quest for the Final Summoning, Ch. 1

[CelesJessa]

Chapter 1: "The Winds of Change"

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A warm breeze blew through the island of Besaid, rustling Raine's blonde hair. It was the first time she had been to Besaid... and it was where her journey would start- her pilgrimage. Her homeland, Kilika was were she made the commitment to travel Spira with her guardians by her side, and now it was time for her to fufil her pledge.

The village of Besaid we rather small, but the area around it was beautiful. It reminded her of her own Kilika... only smaller.

As the group walked through the village, approaching the Temple, villagers stopped by the road to see the new Summoner-to-be. A few bowed in respect, a sign of their wishing for her safe journey... and for her sucess in bringing the Calm to Spira.

Raine stood at the foot of the large temple, gawking up at it, despite herself. She had seen the Temple on her own island many times, but this temple in Besaid was so big compaired to the dwarf of a town that surrounded it.

(OOC: yeah, we're starting in Besaid. It makes sense to go on this path to keep from traveling back and forth on Spira to get all of the Aeons. And I would guess it's the summoner's path, instead of some starting with super-powerful ones like Bahamut first. You would probably need to appeal to the weaker Aeon before trying to get a strong one like Bahamut.

So, here we go. ^^ hopefully this works out well.)

[Squishy Cheeks]

Mitsu stood next to his unproven summoner. A bemused smile on his face. He was home.

"Mitsu welcome back." A man in the Besaid Auroch uniform said coming running up to Mitsu. "You rejoining the team, ya?"

"Maybe, I believe we'll be in Luca in time for the season start tournament." Mitsu replied. He also wore an auroch uniform but unlike the rest of them his wasn't yellow and blue. His was black and silver.

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Jad, don't tell me your going to be Wakka with a hammer...

OOC: Also, I realized my guy has no appearance, so my first post will include one.

Dezil was leaning against a building and taking a breather. He had just been paid to lead a summoner group this way a day ago, and it had been a mess getting here. However, the deed was done, and they felt their next leg would be safer, so they bid him a fond farewell.

He let the wind run through his short, spikey light brown hair, and smiled as it hit his face. He rarely got a chance to just relax anymore like this, since most of the time he was on high alert defending his current employer, and he found these restful moments enjoyable.

Suddenly he noticed someone approaching the temple, and others bowing with respect as a local blitzball player approached her and talked to her. <Hmm, a new summoner? Let's see if she can get past the first test, since the first step is always the largest on the road to being a summoner.> He thought. He put on his dark shades, pulled his black longcoat closer, and kept an eye on the summoner and her guardians to see if she succeded.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: actually I described him to celes as a goth chappu.

[Forever Zero]

OOC: A goth Chappu? This should be interesting...

[Biran]

Brian sighed as he watched the new summoner come through. 'If only, if only...' He wished that he could do something like that. Something with meaning. He quickly snapped himself out of his state of depression in time to bow politely as Raine walked by.

[Mr. Viewtiful]

I made the same mistake as FZ, so like him, I'll include an appearance, as well.

Drake, one of the last living human dragoons, wasn't surprised at the crowd of people that assembled. Just like Father said...it almost feels familiar, he told me in such detail of the first step of his summoner's journey back when he was a guardian.

He stood behind the summoner named Raine, his red leather vest fitting loosly over his black shirt. His baggy denim shorts were dirty from the journey, as well as his leather boots. He usually carried his halberd on his back, but instead held it in one of his fingerlessly-gloved hands at the moment, leaning it on his shoulder.

He blew a strand of his brown hair out of his face back into it's usually messy hairdo. I hope Raine'll do well on this first trial. Father never told me about that one...I guess he wanted to surprise me.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: Besaid has the second best Aeon... My Valefor did 9999 for every boss in the first half of the game with his Overdrive (Giving me many Overkills). Just talk to the dog.

IC:
Rei Dio wandered around the small island village. He made sure to keep his two Machina pistols hidden under his black jacket, concealed in holders under his arms.

Raising his black gloved hand to scratch his head, he slid it under the black bandana that covered his short, blonde hair.

Gazing around the town, he avoided eye contact with most people, not wanting to them to notice his one blue eye, and his one green eye (Gasp! He's half Al-Bhed. No sunglasses because that's Forever's thing).

Glancing over at the summoner he was working as a Guardian for, he noticed several people bowing to her in the traditional Spira way.

OOC: Celes, wanna PM me on the inside joke of Rei Dio?

[Truce]

ooc-Valefor is also the "nicest" aeon there is, making it easy to gain favor of.

Just like in the sphere...

With perceptive brown eyes Ripel had spotted the Summoner. Not that was hard, Summoners (or Summoners to be) were always easy to spot within a crowd, no matter how big that group was.

Grinning, he walked over and bowed respectfully. "Lady Raine, I am glad to meet you finally. I have waited a long time for this moment. Pardon me."

Still grinning, he reached behind him slowly...and pulled out a pen. "Could you sign my scarf for me?"

ooc-If you're wondering what Ripel looks like in this, the costume is the Mimic costume from FFT, only darker tones. Brown eyes, black hair, and tanned skin like the other Ripel.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: I thought Bahamut was quite nice.

[CelesJessa]

(OOC: Hm. Raine doesn't have an appearance yet either, besides her blonde hair... I'll think of something, later, then post it.)

Raine wasn't sure how to feel, not used to getting attention like this or getting bowed to. She should have expected it, Summoners always were held in high regard. She bowed back humbly at the other townspeople and the man who had asked her to sign his scarf. She took the pen to sign the scarf, when she recalled some of his words, "You've been waiting a long time to meet me? You've been waiting a long time for this moment?" She chuckled, "I wouldn't imagine someone like me would be famous, especially before even becoming a full-fledged summoner.

(OOC: who cares about niceness or not in aeons, we're here in besaid now, I doubt it would be good for me to go POOF wow! We're in Bevelle all of the sudden!)

[Truce]

Oh...crap. Err...

"I believe you misunderstood Lady Raine," he said still grinning, though weakly, "What I meant was that as a follower of Yevon I forever am anxious to meet the next summoner and wish them luck. Especially the pretty ones," he added, hoping to change subjects.

[Tenjin Matsukaru]

OOC: IM BAAAAAAAACK!

IC: Argoth cleaned another glass for his slave-driver of a bar manager and let out a curse as it broke in his hands. Yet again the same grating voice yelled from the backroom "ARGOTH! THATS COMING OUT OF YOUR PAY!" Argoth let out a groan of frustration. There was very little holding back his urge to tear that bastard a new one.
This was most definiately not work patented for a Dark Knight. He took a glance at the stars over the Luca Blitzball Stadium. Surely there was a greater calling than washing glasses for a bar owner with a swelled ego. Argoth checked the time and dropped the cloth on the table "I should've left two hours ago. If you want to charge me for that glass, take it out of my overtime." There was hurried footsteps as Argoth headed towards the door as the bar owner slipped between Argoth and the door "where did this talk of overtime come from, HUH?" Argoth pointed at the clock "Listen, I was supposed to finish two hours ago, that counts as overtime. Now you can either pay me what you owe me or you can take it up with Prometheus"
The Bar owner gritted his teeth "FINE! But don't expect any more out of me" Argoth smiled and walked out the door and into the street "I really have to find a new job"

[Technal]

Zeke ran up behind the group he had slept in and no one woke him. Oh could he miss the first day of him being a aurd ian. His long white hair flowed behind him as he ran and pushed past people. He wore baggy blue jeans and a a black muscle shirt that showed off his muscles. He had black steel toe boots that thudded softly each time it hit the ground. His left ear was peirced with a Ronso tribal earing and in his hand was an odd sword. It appeared to be a machina weapon called a gun yet it had a long blade that came out the end instead. Zeke had fashioned it and gave to a Synth expert who created multiple copies and began selling them, with Zekegetting a percentage iof the earnings. His gray eyes glared at some people that wouldn't move out of his way, which the soon did. "Raine sorry I'm late. I selpt in a little late" he said looking down sheepishly. He always hated showing up late that was just his way. "The only thing I;m sorta worried about is if we'll be able to play Blitz Ball in the tournament coming up in Luca, but this comes first" he said putting the gunblade in a sheath which rested on his left side. He softly brushed the white hair out of his face. His air was long falling onto his shoulders. He glanced at Raine hoping she'd forgive him.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: yeah my maul is way god mod

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: If you are going to use Machina, at least do it smart (As it not carrying it out in the open in a Machina hating world). And no smith in Spira can make Machina, they just dig it up.

[Stover]

(Whoops, didn't see that the new thread was up...I give myself the 'Slick' award.)
(And I'm a gaurdian, if that was missed.)

Jason absent mindedly tossed around two of his smaller knives while looking around. He always looked like he was looking for something. As he juggled the two knives around, he said to no-one in particular: "No, no come-on there...entirely professional all the way through...."

[Forever Zero]

OOC: I want to be much more scathing, but for right this second, I will reserve my rant to, a Gunblade in Spira makes absolutly -5% sense, so for the good of all that is consistent, drop the gunblade and use a weapon that might fit.

[Stover]

(Well, the idea of a gunblade in the first place makes about -2 sense...)

[Forever Zero]

OOC: I won't argue with that... But, even in the fictional, and fairly nonsensical world of FF, and specifically in the world FFX, the gunblade has absolutly no place in it. It barely had a place in FFVIII since basically 2 people in the world that had fairly advanced technology used it, so it has no place in a world where machinery is regarded as evil, and it can only be recovered, not made anyway...

[CelesJessa]

(OOC: I dunno about the gunblade. More spira would be much more against machina even than in FFX, this is much earlier and their rules are probably a lot more strict... like america in the puritan era.)

Raine smiled at the man who had been talking to her, "Ah. I must have misunderstood then." She bowed respectfully to the man, "I am glad to have everyone's encouragement. It will help me on my journey." She was just about to go on when Zeke ran up, apologising for being late.

"It's alright Zeke. We just left a little bit ago as well."

After speaking to the others, Raine looked back up to the temple, "Well, we better get going to getting my first Aeon." She said with mixed feelings. On one hand, she was excited to become a full-fledged Summoner and help Spira... but on the other hand; It would mark the begining of her final journey... her pilgrimage to save Spira.
She looked back at the others, "So, are you all ready? Once we go, there'll be no turning back..." She gave a slight smile, then took the first few steps, heading inside of the first Temple.

[Stover]

"Oh shit...I forgot my stuff!

"...just kidding. Ready when you are."

[Mr. Viewtiful]

Drake nodded. "I'm ready."

I was told that the first step for the summoner is always the hardest one: the time when he or she decides whether or not to continue with the life-taking journey, or to quit. I'm glad Raine made the honorable decision, but I hope none of us will regret it...

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Hmm,I just realized I better beat my copy of FFX before this RP reaches it's end. Does anyone know how close I am to the end when I am facing some rock monster right after the Calm Lands?

[Rhuhael]

The ex-preist looked out from under the hood of his gold-trimmed black robes. His loose blue pants blowing in the wind. He saw as the young girl spoke to her guardians. As some people passed by he quickly looked down, the fact that he was a guado was definitely not helped by the huge scar across his one eye. He stroked the Gusi-kama he had stashed up his sleeve.

So another summoner eh? Apparently a new one by the looks of things. I wonder how long she'll last? Two days? A week? She doesn't look to have half the stregnth my wife did and I'm not even sure she's alive. But still, perhaps I can get some information off of this young one later...

[Technal]

OOC:You have a ways to go Zero, a good ways. That's the way Zeke is though he would try and ush the envelope just enough but so little though they wouldn't say anything and since it doesn't use anything machina except for the grip and handle they wouldn't care. They may frown a bit but wouldn't get angry.
BIC:

Zeke nodded in approval of their first step into the old temple. Oh if only his father could see him now. He sighed and concintrated on what they had to accomplish, but as he was doing that a distant memory came to him. You're gonna what said a big burly man standing in front of Zeke. How can you even consider doing something like this. This family does BLITZBALL not gaurdianship. If you leave and become a guardian you are no longer my son. The memory faded and Zeke heaved a sad sigh and took a few steps in following Raine.

ooc:I'll be doing that alot so Zeke's history will slowly be revealed.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: No, it's a gun. A gun is machina, there for people will be mad. Why do you think my guy is hiding his guns?

[CelesJessa]

Raine headed inside the large temple. As they entered the first thing she noticed was the statue of Yunalesca that was standing over the doorway. There were many statues of other High Summoners, but the one of Yunalesca demanded attention.

(OOC: question, what are we going to do about the cloister of trails? I'm sure almost all of us know how to get through it already, but should I think of some other trail or something like it to do in each temple, so that it's a little more interesting?)

[Stover]

(Besides, how does one even use the gun? Do you throw the bullets at them?)

[Technal]

(ooc: It's not a gun in this thing thats just it. It doesn't fire anything and all it uses of a gun is the handle and trigger housing for better presicion. And I think we should change it up and make it interesting, like some fighting or other stuff.)
Zeke stared at the statues each of the summoner that brought the calm. One thing that always made Zeke wonder was why that the guardians were never or something. He was sure some of them diedin a battle against sin.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: ... Ugh... So it shoots nothing, but has a handle of a gun? That is the worst idea ever, seeing as that sword would be horrible to wield compared to any other sword... And stop calling it a gunblade then, or machina. It's just a piece of metal.

IC:
Rei followed Raine in, then sat down on a nearby bench, waiting for her to enter the trails.

[Stover]

(It shoots nothing, God damnit.)

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Man, it's fun to just watch the RPs around here...

[Technal]

gunblade is the technical term and the only reason I said machina is so that it would be understood at what the base looks like. Haven't yous ever played FF8. Squall's gundblade looks like Zeke's.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: Yes, I know what it looks like. But that is an actual GUNblade, as in it can shoot. Your's is just a sword with a crappy handle. Calling it a Machina does not help the image you're trying to make.

[Stover]

(The idea is still faulty. The rapid curve of the metal at the handle would weaken the entire blade, as would the rapid tapering of the large, almost butcher-knife blade into something the size of a handle would also weaken the blade. And even then, the shape and positioning of the handle would greatly reduce the manuverability and range-of-motion of the blade.)

[Technal]

ooc: Yes but you didn'talways shoot out of the gunblade. in fact rarely ever is it done. The gun blade allows for a more powerful slash that a regular sword does. I've used both of them in real life and could hit harder with the Gunblade that with a short sword.

[Biran]

'I wonder what they actually do inside the temple?' thought Brian from the back of the croud. 'Well, no time like the present to find out!' Brian morphed into a small bird and casually flew into the temple after Raine, hoping nobody would notice it and guess it was something to be suspicious about.

[CelesJessa]

(OOC; okie dokie, let's not fight now, before this turns into Perditions chapter 10. (you know, the one you two people on the same side tried to KILL EACH OTHER. (I swear if that happens again EVER, somebody will get hurt) *ahem* I can make a discussion thread for this RP though, if it's going to be necissary as long as it's going to responsable discussing, not just fighting.)

[Truce]

ooc-For the Cloister of Trials, I say we just skip that. It will be pointless and tedious. The next few posts should be of the Guardians waiting for Raine, and Raine's experiences in the cloister.

"Ahem." Ripel cleared his throat, trying to gain attention with waving his hand in front of the group.

"Lady Raine, though I am sure you admire the actions of these High Summoners before you, to achieve what they have done will first require one thing. You have to pass the trials deeper into the temple."

[Stover]

(Never mind...)

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: gunblades that don't shoot anything? Yeah they have those. They're called SWORDS and Daggers.

"Can we get this over with the trials here are rather easy."

[CelesJessa]

(OOC: okie dokie, we're gonna skip the cloister of trails. I'm gonna write a post of what happens to Raine when she's getting the powers in my next post. Feel free to write what the others are doing (at least one person, so that I don't double post on accedent.)

The group soon found themselves standing in the small room right outside of that Chamber of the Fayth. Raine took a deep breath before she walked forward, entering the Chamber of the Fayth. She glanced back at her guardians as the door closed tightly behind her, sealing her apart from the others.

(OOC: keep in mind, even though my next post will be rather short, She should be in the Chamber of the Fayth for awhile, like they were in FFX.)

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

(OOC: Just get rid of the gunblades, and no one in Spira can make any types of Machina, even the Al Bhed, who just dig it up...also, I dunno if Stewie is still gunna be Magus, so if he is I say we start in Kilika *second 'nicest' aeon*, but if he isn't, I'll just hop a boat or wait for you guys to come or whatnot)

Zita sat at the base of the Kilika temple, waiting impatiently. His goggles were snapped tight around his eyes, and he wore baggier clothes to hide his Al-Bhed get up underneath. Even though it was midday and he was covered, it was still better than Bikanel in the shade, so he didn't complain.

After shifting his gun-machina around his back so they didn't protrude as much from his clothes, he wandered towards the entrance, looking over the supposed 'never ending flames' of the temple. He didn't believe any of it, of course, but he decided to do a little experiment.

After shooing away a small child who had wandered near, he took out a strange cylindrical bottle with a nozzle at one end and a few switches at the other. He stretched his arm out nozzle end first, being sure to pull back any loose clothes, then pressed on the button. A faint sucking sound could be heard, and as he pulled the bottle out, he sealed it shut. Some of the flame danced around inside the bottle.

"Famm, drydc xiengo. Luimth'd rind du cyja drec..." Zita thought aloud in Al Bhed, then tucked the bottled inside one of his many pouches. He then prduced two more liquid filled bottles, and began experimenting. A few times he looked up to see if the wait was over, but over time he just forgot about it and proceded with his mixing.

(OOC: If Magus is still in, Zita is waiting for him to finish, if not, he's waiting for the boat to come in.)

[Biran]

Brian, still in his bird form, rested on a nearby statue. He had followed Raine through the Cloister of Trials and was surprised at what it was like. 'Hmm, wonder what's next?' he thought.

[Rhuhael]

The Guado walked over to the entrance to the temple so he could watch for unusual proceedings. Each time was almost exactly the same except for the first time his wife went in. That was when he decided to leave the clergy. She had enetered and had not come out for seven days. He had to retrieve her from the fayth. She had passed out.

Far better safe than sorry I suppose

[IHateMakingNames]

Rei was leaning about the walls examing his guns when he noticed a bird had somehow got into the cloister. He aimed one of his guns at the bird, he shot a normal bullet at it.

OOC: I assume that all bullets in FFX are blanks, which would explain how people survive them.

[Stover]

(This coming from the guy who insists all 'machina' be kept hidden...)

"That wasn't entirely neccisary, was it?" Jason asked as he ballenced one of his sais on his fingertips.

[Forever Zero]

OOC: They should be if this is the FFX universe were talking about, and it is. The only defense I can give IHMN is it is a semi-secret place, but you would think he wouldn't be so trigger happy considering he has to hide his guns 95% of the time...

OOC: Oh, and I don't have much to do for right this second, but I'll post when Raine comes back out.

[Biran]

'Woah!' Brian quickly flew away to dodge the bullet and nestled on top of a different statue. 'What was that? It didn't seem like magic...'

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: Riiight...and the guns are only weak because if they were all real-life-like, battles that involved guns would be over before they started (same with swordsand all that)...plus, in cinemas they kill with one bullet, and I"m pretty sure we're using more logic in this RP...

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: So would you prefer I have one hit kills on anything? Because I'm going to keep shooting till he hits the fake bird.

[Stover]

(Once again, I must ask you why you're shooting so blatently and puposelessly when you yourself said that we must keep all machina hidden, lest we anger the world.)

[Forever Zero]

OOC: ...So IHMN's Char is a gun nut that shoots everything he can when he isn't hiding his guns apparently. Otherwise, why would he bother shooting a bird while they wwait for Raine to come out?

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: I don't prefer anything, but my guy isn't gunna unload into a wolf for no damage...if he shoots it in the leg, he can't use it, if he shoots it in the head, its dead, ya know, normal gun rules...and yah, just keep shooting at the bird, nobody can see or hear you, and they'll probably attribute the sounds to the trials, so your safe three levels underground...

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: He is bored, there is some poor bird who is some how stuck underground, no one who doesn't know he was machina is there. So he is safe to take them out, he is bored, and he assumes the bird will starve to death.

IC:
Rei took another shot at the bird.

OOC: He's not a gun nut and will shoot ever possible.

[Squishy Cheeks]

"STOP THAT!!!" Mitsu yelled. "You're going to make us all deaf if you keep that up."

[Biran]

'Aaah!' thought Brian, dodging another bullet. 'What is this guy's problem?'

[Stover]

"Certainly there are things more productive you can do other than shooting at a bird. I mean...what did the bird ever do to you? Did it insult your momma? Did it look at you funny? No! It just sat there....

"...I had a point, but I lost it. Carry on."

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: The fact that a bird is dodging bullets is annoying me... Note that Rei's bullets are not meant to kill, since he is the status alignment character of the group.

IC:
"It's not that loud, so stop whining. And would you rather let the bird stay down here and starve to death?" Rei asked, taking another shot at the bird.

[Biran]

OOC: Birds are pretty quick and also this bird has a human brain.

Quickly trying to fly out the way, this time the bullet came too fast. It hit Brian in the wing, and he plummetted to the ground. He quickly changed back into his human form before hitting the ground. "Picking on a poor innocent bird!" he said, clutching his shoulder.

[Stover]

"Nice job, Slick."

[Technal]

OOC: Since ya'll didn't like the gun blade so much I'll change it to a black short sword which looks like a flame. It has red markings that resmble an outline of bahaumet on each side of the blade.
BIC:
Zeke wasn't paying attention to Rei shooting at the bird. He understood his need to shoot things he just wished it was at something more harmful. Zeke sat in a trance like state meditating on Spira's streamline. He was attempting to reach inner peace which he direly needed. Then another memory flooded his mind. What are you gonna do Ezekiel said his father. You gonna study black magic and wield a sword all for nothing. It's not nothing if it brings the calm to Spira Zeke said. Right then how is your family supposed to live on if you die out there chasing some silly fantasy is dad yelled. I dont....I....I don't know. Zeke's eyes opened why were his memories coming back to him like this. He shook his head and kept meditating.

[Squishy Cheeks]

Mitsu hated the waiting rooms. He'd been to all of them with his brother. He remembered the calm lands 11 years earlier when he had lost all that remained of his family near the scar. <I'm not going to lose this summoner too. I'm stronger now.> He clenched the grip of his massive warhammer tighter.

[Mr. Viewtiful]

Drake was sitting down on a bench, patiently waiting for Raine to end her trial. He was slightly bored, but he knew these things take time, and he had time to spare.

He turned his head toward the man who was a bird just seconds ago. "So...why did you come down here?" He asked.

[Biran]

"Do you have any idea how boring my life is?" replied Brian. "I was hoping for some excitement, that's all." Still clutching his shoulder, he muttered under his breath, "The nerve of some people!"

[Mr. Viewtiful]

"I hear ya. Back when I was living with the Ronso, it was tough. You get used to it, though. Don't mind him," Drake said as he nodded his head towards Rei. "He thought you were an innocent woodland creature, and would rather die quickly than starve to death in here. But, then again, you aren't an ordinary bird. Look on the bright side," Drake said as he grinned, "You could have been shot in the head."

[Biran]

"You got a point," replied Brian, grinning back. "Being in the body of an animal a quarter of your life really changes you perspective of things. I bet if more people have had experiances like I have, we would finally atone for our vanity and get rid of Sin."

[Mr. Viewtiful]

"True, true. So, what's your name? Mine is Drake." He said as he got up, resting his halberd against the wall, and offered a hand (intending a handshake) to the morpher.

[Biran]

OOC: In FFX, the people who believe in Yevon just use a special bow thing, I'm not sure how to explain it. Oh well, I'm not 100% sure if they use handshakes or not so whatever.
"Brian, nice to meet you." He put his hand and shook with Drake. "Living with Ronso? You must have been at Mt. Gagazet. What was it like?"

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: Arms in front, one hand on top palm down, other hand below palm up. Then a bow/curtsy thing with a head bow.

[Mr. Viewtiful]

I just set myself up for this one, didn't I? Well, since I didn't play FFX, please excuse me if I'm vague/unaccurate.

"Well, it was tough, but it was worth it. You see, my father is a dragoon and ex-guardian, as well. I wanted to train to be a dragoon as well, so he told me to live with the Ronso, as they would teach me how a dragoon's fighting style. I'm sure he would have taught me himself, but my father is a bit old to do that..." Drake shrugged. "Yeah, the Ronso teach well, you just gotta know how to treat 'em the right way. When I got back from my decade of living with them, my father said they went easy on me because they respected him so much."

"And how did you learn to transform into a bird like that? It looks pretty hard." Drake asked.

[Biran]

"No, actually it isn't," said Brian. "All you have to do is concentrate on an animal, let's say... Oh, why not something like a cat? Ok, then just concentrate hard, and presto!" As he said the last word he quickly morphed into a leopard. Quickly changing back, he said, "Err, not quite what I was hoping for, I'm still getting used to it."

[Mr. Viewtiful]

Drake laughed when Brian changed into a leopard instead of a little kitty-cat. "That's pretty cool, man. I have a few little tricks I can do, too, but this really isn't the right place." He said, looking at the enclosed space they were currently in.

Yeah, if I tried jumping in here, I'd hit my head on the cieling...or perhaps bust through into a higher floor. That wouldn't be pleasant...

[Biran]

Brian looked over at the closed door to the Chamber of Fayth. "Wow, I didn't know it took so long for the summoners in there. Might as well get comfy." He leaned against the wall, waiting for Raine to be finished.

[Squishy Cheeks]

(ooc: The Ronso going easy on somebody? You are either a liar or so inept they took pity on you.)

"Will you guys just shut up, I'm tired of all you guys whining." Mitsu said. His blood red eyes flashed with anger.

[Tenjin Matsukaru]

OOC: YAY BORED ARGOTH!

Argoth ambled into the bar at five minutes before midday. He hopped behind the bar and waited for the lunchtime rush to come through. The bar owner (OOC: whom I shall address as Matham from now on because writing 'the bar owner' takes too damn long) paced up to Argoth "LATE AGAIN?! This has got to be the very last time!!!" Argoth pointed at the clock "I'm five minutes early, so stop trying to crawl down my throat every time I arrive, GOT IT?" Matham cowered a bit. Having an 6'8 , severly irrate dark knight bellowing at you tends to be somewhat frightening. Matham managed to stutter out a response "y...y...y...okay Argoth, w...w...what ever you say buddy"

[CelesJessa]

Raine finally entered the Chamber of the Fayth. Nervous as to what would happen there. Raine stepped at the foot of the giant figure on the ground... Some sort of bird. Raine got on her knees and bowed down low in reverence, praying to the Fayth, and to Yevon.

Welcome child.

Raine's eye widened in surprise as she was distracted from her prayers... Realizing it was the Fayth speaking to her, she bent her head in prayer once again.

Child, for many years have we been dreaming... yet never able to sleep. The fate of Spira, the people of Zanarkind rest within the Fayth... rest within me.

Raine continued to listen, trying to understand the Fayth's cryptic words.

In Spira, the only way to win, is to lose... and even then, Spira still is haunted by this curse. So many summoners and their guardians have given their lives, and yet, nothing changes... Sin still returns even after it's defeated. Why child, are you willing to give your life for such an impractical cause? That's the way it has been, and that's the way it always will be until the dream ends.

"I...." Raine thought for a moment of how she should answer the Fayth's question, "Any time that that Spira can be without Sin, weither it be one hundred years, or two years, is worth it. If I can cause even ten years of peace in Spira... then... Then it's worth it." She didn't mention the fact that somehow she was hoping there was another way to defeat Sin forever... Wishful thinking; Summoners had been fighting Sin for far too many years for nobody to have figured out how to stop it, all she could hope to do is resore some peace and hope to the people of Spira. "If I can give Spira even a little hope, then it's worth it."

For awhile... there was no more speaking. From either one of them, <Is that it? Did I...> Her heart sunk, <...Did I fail?> She shook her head in disbelief. Just as she was starting to doubt herself, the voice filled her head again.

Very well Summoner. I besow upon you my powers. Use them to bring peace to Spira once again.

At that moment, Raine felt a rush of power, it was as if another spirit had been added to hers. It was amazing.... yet.... very overwhelming.


After a long time, Raine finally exited the room, relieved to see her Guardians again. She was shaking, not knowing if it was from fatigue or the new power inside of her, but she slowly started to make her way down the stairs to her guardians.


Hearing the door open Ripel turned around and smiled as he saw the new Summoner emerge from within the deeper portions of the temple.

"From the look on your face I'm going to assume that you passed. Congratulations!"

Still smiling he continued. "Remember, this was but the first step for your pilgrimage as a summoner, and you'll face much harder tests, one of them happening pretty soon.

"However, let's forget about that for the moment, and celebrate tonight, for soon the Calm shall once again come."

(OOC: Ecurt wanted me to post that for him if he wasn't on when I posted this post...)


IC:
Raine smiled and was about to reply to him, when her head started spinning. Afraid she would pass out if she stayed standing, she quickly sunk to one knee at the top of the stairs.

[Squishy Cheeks]

http://www.xenoetone.com/media/1024/valefor1024.jpg

Mitsu was the first one over to her. He steadied her and put her arm around his shoulder. He helped her to her feet.

[Stover]

"Wow, I feel so small now, what with a friggin shapeshifter, a gun maniac, and a summoner..." Jason began practicing flourishes with his sais. "I mean...I feel so useless...no magic, no guns, no high-jumping...just these...sais." He balenced the sais so the points were on his palms. "Oh well, I guess that'll have to do." He walked over to Raine, "Need some help?"

[Mr. Viewtiful]

What I ment was that Drake had a very hard time, but his father said they were only goin easy, much to Drake's dismay. His almost exact words after hearing that: "You're kidding...right?"

Drake couldn't help but smile. She succeeded. That's good to hear.

"Congradulations!" Drake said as she entered the room where her guardians were waiting. I'd be more enthusiastic, but there are enough people ready to tackle her in joy. I'll wait. He thought as he chuckled to himself.

[Biran]

Brian quickly morphed into a small lizard and hid behind a statue; he didn't want to cause any alarm in such a joyful moment. 'Congratulations,' he thought.

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

Zita stumbled through the door of the bar, glad that the lights were dim. He stumbled up to the counter, then looked over the massive 6'8 bartender.

"Uh...you wouldn't happen to know where the hell I am wouldya? See, I was on a boat goin to Besaid or some other hickwater town, then Sin came, then I blacked out, and now I'm here...I just wanne get my bearings, and maybe a drink."

(OOC: There, now two characters can be waiting for the main group...)

[Rhuhael]

The guado still waited outside the temple in the midday sun. The preists were beginning to get suspiscious of his being there. He could hear them whispering. Figures in black that stayed at the doors of churches were generally not taken to very kindly.

Do I care what those fools think? I was once one but that I saw the futileness of this foolish venture. This one thing the Al Behd actually got right. They speak funny but that doesn't make a whit of difference in the end now does it?

So the girl had finally arrived eh? That's fine enough. Apparently she had somehow gotten through the first test.

Well I guess I should offer some of my services at some point. She could be useful... not that I couldn't just tail them.

[Technal]

Zeke conagulated her and went to where the lizard was sitting. "Hey buddy. I'll give you a ride out ok" he said picking up the lizard/man and setting him on his shoulders. Zeke held his sword waiting for every one to finish celebrating. "Well 1 down a bit more to go" he chirped like it was an easy thing to do.

[Forever Zero]

Dezil had moved into the temple into the open reception area, the area with all the statues. He went he to reflect often on the goals of the summoners, and his job, on theirs, and on life in Spira in general. He was leaning against one of the shorter statues, looking up at the past summoners, and becoming lost in thought.

[Biran]

OOC: Technal, my character was hiding behind a statue so I'm not quite sure how you can suddenly find him... Oh well.

Brian quickly morphed into a small bird and flew off of Zeke's shoulder. He didn't really feel comfortable with someone picking him up while he was about 1/100th of their size.

[Stover]

(He's got mad eyesight)

"You know, I really wish I could do that. It might come in use once in a while..."

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: We're still inside the room just before the Trails for the summoner...

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: Well some of you stepped out, there are no statues in that room...and why does he keep changing into a bird inside?

[Rhuhael]

ooc: srry I thought that some people were out and just kinda assumed that the rest had arrived. I'll cut it out.

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: Well she did collapse, I would think they would carry her out...now Celes, please tell me the whole *gotta be another way* thing was one time only, because Tidus was the only one to ever question the whole deal...

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: She came out of the room the summoner only goes in. We are in that room just outside of that room.

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: No, Ripel congratulated her, then she collapsed at the foot of the stairs...

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Hmm, I just realized, that even if we win the RP, Celes' Char is going to end up dead, unless we do something different, but not something that can truy defeat Sin, since Sin isn't defeated by any other means until after the events in this RP... I'm interested in what is going to happen now...

[Stover]

(Does it really matter?)

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: The stairs between those two rooms. It never said we went back through the trails, so I assumed we are still in the waiting room. (That, and no one was mentioning anyone else put the party members)

[Mr. Viewtiful]

Good point, FZ. n00b question: does only the summoner that summons the final Aeon die, or any summoner currently on his/her pilgrimage to do the same? Because some NPC summoner might defeat Sin instead of Raine...just something to consider, if the former is correct.

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Good point, and only the one summoner that casts the final summon dies to the best of my knowledge.

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: Only the summoner who completes the pilgramige, although one of her guardians sacrifices his/her life to be the summon.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: And then they become Sin. So it's even worse for one of us.

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: Tryin to make as non-spoiler as possible...and we probably won't go that far...

[Mr. Viewtiful]

Sorry, I'm just having a hard time getting this. I guess I should swipe my buddy's PS2 and beat the game myself :D

I'll delete my above post to get rid of spoilers, but is that really how it works?

[Bite the Wax Tadpole]

OOC: It tis, but the third step takes about a decade, and then it happens again and again...thus the problem...in FFX, it gets all solved though.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: New chapter. Party with the besaiders. don't forget to pet the dog.