The Village: Season Two

[Beebs]

Jiro scowled at the amused, fair-haired man. "Come on, let's get a move on," Tidus suggested with a chuckle.

In a huff, the teen leaned over to the ground and carefully sat the sword down beside him. He picked up a skinny, but heavy, brown twig and he soon thrust his arm forward and released it at the Blitzer. It hit Tidus in the back of the head with a thump.

"Hey, watch it!" Tidus grumbled, shooting an irritated glare at Jiro.

"A stick can be pretty damn effective, wouldn't ya say?" the former spy retorted, sticking his tongue out at the Zanarkandian.

Tidus's face remained blank for a moment before he finally smiled, replying with a laugh, "Okay, okay, you win. Your sword really is badass, man."

"You're damn right it is," Jiro said with a grin. "And since when do you say 'badass', you badass?"

Tidus chuckled and answered, "I guess you've been rubbing off on me Jiro."

"Don't say that like it's a bad thing," Jiro responded. "Come on, I want to beat you already so we can go pick up the girls.

[Liamane]

"Right, gotcha," Tidus responded, nodding in agreement. He shot a quick glance to his younger friend, and he buried his hands into his pockets before letting out a chortle.

Raising an unamused brow, Jiro inquired, "What's so funny? Wipe that damn smirk off of your face. It's making me sick."

The man grinned, and his laughter continued to ensue. "I can't help it," he continued, placing his hands behind his head. He sneered upon looking to the former spy, continuing, "I'm plotting."

The teenager frowned. "And what are you plotting?" he questioned, gripping his new possession tightly.

It was unlike Tidus to sport such a devious nature, but since paling with Jiro, the man had, strangely, taken on several of his friend's attributes. With the battlefield in sight, the Blitzer uttered boldly, "I'm plotting your inevitable doom!"

[Beebs]

"Oh you wish, poser," Jiro retorted, cockily grinning back at his friend. He slyly turned his attention to the field ahead and continued, "So...last one there's a rotten steak!"

"Rotten steak?" Tidus questioned curiously, before Jiro bolted towards the battlefield, leaving the stunned man behind. "No fair, cheater!" He chased after the teenager in front of him.

Jiro gave a sneer as he ran ahead, shouting back between breaths," Hey, all's far in love--well, not love...but all's fair in war--even though this isn't really a war so much as a duel...oh forget it!"

Tidus clenched his teeth tight as he forced himself towards Jiro. He soon began to gain ground on the former spy. He grinned and charged forward. "Better watch out, bub, 'cause I'm coming up!"

[Beebs]

Jiro's eyes widened at the sight and he struggled ahead with all his might, as well. "Good luck, tortoise!"

The men were soon engaged in a fierce feat of speed, both trudging towards the makeshift finish line. The blond man was soon neck-and-neck with his counterpart, much to the teen's dismay.

"But you forget," Tidus panted, now slightly in front of Jiro, "the tortoise wins...the race!"

Tidus soon dove forward in a huff, collapsing onto soft grass of the clearing. Jiro followed suit, plummeting beside him on the ground.

"Of course the tortoise wins the race," Jiro heaved. "I was predicting your inevitable victory. You are, after all, a hell of a lot faster than me. But I, on the other hand, am an expert swordsman."

Tidus smirked, rolling onto his side. "Well then, mister expert, let's get this duel going, shall we?"

"Er, okay," the former spy anxiously responded.

[Liamane]

Standing upon his two feet, Tidus rose; his eyes revealed a diabolical glint that began to intimidate his younger counterpart. Crossing his arms, he sneered as he watched the teenager scramble to his feet, and he clung tightly to his sword.

"So, are you ready, Jiro?" the Blitzer asked, drawing his sword from his back. The blue blade glistened in the summer sunlight, and taking a step backward, Tidus entered a battle stance with the intent of victory. "C'mon, let's go."

"Whoa, whoa, wait a second!" the former spy exclaimed, flinging his hands in the air and waving his sword about. "I have to... inspect this place first. Who knows what you could have done to it!"

Rapidly sprinting about the battlefield, the teen brought a hand to his brow, and he scrupulously scanned the surrounding area, ensuring that he used each of his senses keenly. He was brought to his hands and knees as his search continued upon the ground. Jiro inspected each object with quick precision, hastily dashing to each alien object in his pace. With his serious demeanor gone, Tidus tried to hold back his buildup of laughter.

Clearing his throat, Jiro nodded, placing a hand under his chin, announcing, "Alright, I suppose everything's fine then. I sense no devious actions here. You're off the hook, man."

[Beebs]

"Good to know," Tidus said with a smirk, shaking his head and breathing out a small laugh. "So, if there aren't any more preparations--"

Tidus's words were cut off by the sound of a man clearing his throat. The duo looked to the south side of the field where the noise originated to find Nahhan, the weapons merchant, standing awkwardly with his hands behind his back.

"It would seem I, uh, found a clearing in my schedule to, um, come observe this little...well, you know," the man said nervously, bearing a toothy grin which he quickly retracted. "I was invited, yes? I could have sworn I was. I can leave if--"

"Nonsense, of course you're supposed to be here!" Jiro said cheerfully, walking up beside Nahhan and patting him firmly on the back. "Don't get too many invitations, do ya?"

"Well, not quite," Nahhan answered with a strange chuckle, "I imagine not many people think of a seedy sword salesman as good company." He lowered his head.

"Ah, come on, you're not seedy; you gave me this great deal, after all," Jiro said in the same manner, attempting to cheer up Nahha, and turned his head to face a suspicious Tidus, "Any friend of Elizabeth is a friend of ours, right Tidus?"

"Uh, sure," Tidus said uncertainly, raising a brow. "Elizabeth?"

"My prized weapon, a'course," Jiro stated in a matter-of-fact tone, raising his head in a dignified matter. He raised the sword high in the air and his whole body began to wobble slightly, due to the weight.

"You named your 'manly-man' sword Elizabeth?" Tidus replied, unable to contain his laughter, which, to his pleasant surprise, was accompanied by Nahhan's own. "Maybe this guy's not so bad," Tidus thought, though still not quite convinced that the merchant was completely trustworthy.

[Beebs]

"You're just jealous," Jiro said, flustered, putting his hands on his hips after sheathing Elizabeth, "Besides, what kind of a name is 'Brotherhood' anyway?"

"Uh, a good one," Tidus said with a chuckle. He shot an amused glance towards Nahhan, trying his best to be hospitable towards Jiro's new friend.

Nahhan exposed his crooked teeth once again when he grinned, emitting a devious sort of noise that was supposed to be laughter. Jiro began to stomp around and mumble to himself and the other two simply shook their heads. Nahhan and Tidus ungainly turned away from each other.

"So, are we doing this or not?" Tidus asked smarmily, glancing over at the teen who continued to huffily march around the area.

"You betcha!" Jiro said, stopping his tracks and facing the others once again. He stuck his tongue out at the Blitzer and continued, "Right here, right now, you're going down!"

[Liamane]

Tidus nodded and smirked in delight as his hands tightly clenched the grip of Brotherhood, and the heightening fire of battle raged throughout his being.

"Alright, draw your sword, kid," the man stated; his blue eyes shimmered as tension began to rise. Once more, he entered a position of attack. He loosely twirled his dependable sword, ensuring that it would be exceptionally maneuverable during his duel.

Emitting a low growl, Jiro drew forth his weapon, and he extended it toward his opponent as he prominently pointed toward him. "That's man to you," his words cut off as he thought of a word to call his friend before replying, his eyes thinning, "mister."

Silence consumed the scene as Nahhan's eyes darted from each of the opponents. The mental duel ensued as both Tidus and Jiro stared intently at one another, ready to attack and commence their battle.

[Liamane]

The pleasing aroma of tea filled the entire house as steam rose from the kettle and evanesced into the air as Kikyo poured a taste for her elderly friend, Rose. Offering a usual gentle expression, the old woman produced a grateful smile upon her face; her many wrinkles arose with her grin.

"Why, thank you, dear," she uttered before drinking a mouthful of the hot tea. A content sigh followed as she set her warm beverage down upon the wooden table at which she and her younger companion enjoyed their weekly sessions of conversation.

The priestess, now pouring tea for herself, nodded in appreciation. "Of course," she replied, giving the old woman a lighthearted smile.

[Liamane]

For the past month, the young woman had dedicated several hours a week to Rose, a lonely aged woman who she had met in the village square. As she had later explained, the senior was a former priestess, just as Kikyo was, and she, ironically, was the precedent of Arnia, the current shrine keeper.

The elderly woman's house was filled to the brim with antiques and an array of fortunes from distant countries beyond the watchful eye of Riyona. Shards of luminous glass dangled from the ceiling, and dozens of small, prized possessions were untouched upon a series of shelves on the wall. The house itself, as she constantly told Kikyo, was one of the first in Riyona, and her family descended from the first generation of settlers to arrive in the village. Rose was truly a living legacy.

The aged woman's withered hands clung to her cup once again as she brought the drink to her mouth. Clearing her throat and donning her constant smile, she inquired, her voice soft, "So, what shall I tell you about today, my friend?"

[Beebs]

"Well, I don't know," Kikyo replied, breathing softly on her tea to cool it. She took a slow sip. "Your stories are always so interesting. I'm sure anything you've yet to share would be wonderful."

"Well then," Rose added warmly, bearing a kind smile, "Since we're not very picky today, perhaps I'll share with you more about my time as Riyona's shrine keeper."

"That sounds lovely," Kikyo said, sitting her cup down on its saucer. She placed her hands in her lap and offered her ear.

"Now, where should I begin?" Rose asked rhetorically. Her attention drifted up to the ceiling for a moment and she set down her tea as well. She paused to collect from her brain fantastic stories and past experiences to tell to the young woman.

Finally, Rose's eyes flinched as she remembered an event engraved in her mind. "Perhaps the great forest fire of 690."

[Beebs]

"Oh my, that sounds awful," Kikyo replied, astonished. She stared down at the floor uncertainly for a bit, her eyes darting in wonderment.

"Yes, well, no need for unpleasant stories like that, dear," Rose responded with an uneasy smile. Her expression held the same nervousness as Kikyo's. "Perhaps something else."

"No," Kikyo interjected, nodding softly, "I'd like to hear, if you don't mind."

Rose smiled weakly and bobbed her head in agreement. "Very well then. As I've told you before, shrine keepers are chosen at birth. They study until they are 15, the age when they are assigned to the current shrine keeper who must train them until they are 18, when they take over and the former keeper retires.

"I must admit, I wasn't the most avid student during my youth; I didn't appreciate my life being predestined. The keeper before me, Hope, was very hard on me, for good purpose, of course. The day before my induction into the shrine, she was convinced I wasn't ready for the duty; she was prepared to spend another 18 years as shrine keeper, if fate required it. Needless to say, I felt I was a failure."

Rose paused, sadness looming in her eyes. Kikyo smiled softly and placed her hand on Rose's, who took in a deep breath and continued, "But then, something happened that I consider both a blessing and a terrible curse. A demon invaded the village that day, one who had a vendetta against Riyona; to this day even I'm not sure what that vendetta was. What I do know is that this demon was born of fire. Obviously it was not welcome in a forest, of all places. Demons rarely understand reason, though, and it trudged its way into the shrine's home.

"Although she was powerful, Hope stood no chance against the powerful creature and was quickly immobilized. Naturally, I felt it my duty to step in...and I did."

[Beebs]

"The demon had already set parts of the forest ablaze, which made the task at hand so much more difficult," Rose said solemnly.

"Oh no," Kikyo mumbled. "Well, you made it out of course, but from the way you make the situation sound, it seems so--"

"Impossible, yes," Rose said with a forced smile. "But I managed, somehow...listen to me, blabbering on like it's still a mystery. You'd think at my age I'd have no need for secrets, but unfortunately things haven't changed in this village since my time as a keeper. You see, I used a forbidden magic to defeat the monster and put out the fire, one that is reserved for keepers of the shrine only; the essence of Riyona. At that time I believed the power could be used any time the shrine was significantly threatened, but I was gravely mistaken.

"You see, this magic not only used the essence of Riyona, but the essence of his shrine keeper as well...which meant Hope was to die, at my hand."

A silence loomed about the living room for a moment, and Rose took a sip of her tea, before she continued hesitantly, "The power was successful in killing the demon and putting out the fire, along with exhausting Hope's spirit. Now I was all that was left; the shrine was my duty to keep. For many years after, I felt very guilty for what I had done, so much that I ended up be responsible for the theft of a series of scrolls from the shrine. Strangely enough, after all that had happened in my life I still felt like a failure.

"But one night, during my dreams, Hope appeared to me and assured me that there was little else I could've done. She said it was an act that displayed I would be dedicated as shrine keeper. And then Riyona appeared as well, saying that I would be responsible for training a very important guardian of the shrine. The very next day, the current shrine keeper, Arnia, was born.

"That sign opened my eyes to the truth. From then on I was completely dedicated to my work. And I like to think that my story ended happily ever after."

[Liamane]

Smiling broadly, Kikyo was drenched in awe as she sat across the table from the older woman. Captivated by her tale, the priestess finally uttered, lost for words, "That's... incredible. I... I've never heard of such a story."

Emitting a soft chuckle, Rose took to her drink before placing it on the table and setting her hands in her lap. "Goodness, it's a mere story I have to offer," she whispered, teeming with zeal. The old woman let out a relaxed sigh, and suddenly, she brought her index finger into the air, injected, "True story, though!"

Replying with a gentle laugh, the young woman smiled as she stated, "It's a rare gift to possess such a powerful form of energy like that. You must be quite... revered for the ability to use incredible magic."

Rose released a long sigh, and her wrinkles drooped upon her face. "I used to be," she muttered, taking her lukewarm beverage into her hands. "Now..." she chortled before continuing, "now, I'm no more than a disclaimed legend."

[Liamane]

Ridden with confusion, Kikyo raised a brow. "What do you mean by that, Rose?" she questioned; the priestess shot a quick glance to her empty tea cup. She had indulged herself in plenty of the old woman's kind gesture.

The senior looked to her friend with sadness residing in her gentle green eyes. She managed to show off a smile, hesitant smile as she began, "Usually, one does not speak of such matters, but judging by your stories, you're obviously not of this village. I suppose, seeing that you're not of this place, it would be a wise warning." Leaning closer, Kikyo attentively listened to the elder's words.

"You see," she began, clasping her shriveled hands together, "a series of events occurred quite some time ago. Those who can perform the arts of the Old... They are called 'Magens', and they were accused of defying the will of Riyona. Struggle ensued for some time until the rest of the village saw them as monsters. And so, magic was then banned in the village. I haven't used any sort of my abilities since that decree, and I intend not to break it anytime soon. Understand, Kikyo, if you wish to, at least, start a life in Riyona, it's best to stay as normal as possible. Avoid any affairs at all costs, my friend."

[Beebs]

"Now that you mention, it does make quite a bit of sense," Kikyo stated slowly, taking in all of what Rose had provided her. She developed an expression of shocked relief, as if all of the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place. "It would explain why Naomi is so secretive, and why the trio from my early days here, Eana, Gil, and Mini were on the run. So, does this mean Arnia is a magen too?"

"Somewhat, yes," Rose answered, nodding her head slightly. She took the final sip of tea and gave a soft, delighted moan. "We keepers are not formally trained in the art, but I did teach the girl all I know."

"From what my friend Miyo has told me, Arnia's not the most pleasant person," Kikyo added with a short laugh. She too had finished her tea, and began to collect the empty china when standing from her seat. She carried their dishes into the kitchen without hesitation.

"Thank you, dear," Rose called, giving a relieved sigh, "I suppose one could say that about the poor dear...she tends to cling far too tightly to those around her. But you must understand that she and I are very much alike. She too did not wish for the life that was given to her, but during my last visit to the shrine, I feel she's quite grown into the the duty."

[Beebs]

"And when was that?" Kikyo questioned, reentering the room and sitting across from the elderly woman once again.

"Oh my, just recently actually; three days or so," Rose responded. She gripped her cane beside her and began to stand.

"I didn't realize," Kikyo responded, aiding the woman up. "My friends haven't seen her in...over a month and a half, I'd say."

"She does keep to herself," Rose said, making her way over to her bookcase to peruse her afternoon reading. "Except when she has a fellow around." The woman smirked.

Kikyo's mouth gaped open slightly and she inquired, "From the impression I received, she didn't seem very forthcoming in that area."

"Yes, well, everyone has a story," Rose said with a knowing smile, pulling out a book titled, 'The Atharta Affair.' She carefully moved towards the room's window and observed outside of it closely. "My, I suppose half the day has already passed. You'd best be getting back to your friends now, Kikyo."

"You're right," the priestess said with a smile. "Thank you for allowing me. I've had a wonderful time."

"Out with this 'allowing' business, you know you're welcome here anytime," Rose said warmly, steadily making her way towards the front door. "Why, I've become quite dependent on our appointments. I'll see you next week, dear."

"I'm looking forward to it," Kikyo replied kindly, following the elderly woman to the exit. "Enjoy your reading."

Rose nodded, unexpectedly being caught by a deep, growling yawn. She put her hand to her mouth and blushed slightly. "Well, I might not make it that far. Better get my bookmark now."

The duo softly chuckled simultaneously and bowed to one another. Kikyo left the home and waved back after walking a bit. Looking up at the sun, she thought, "Perhaps I should just make my way to the Academy." She nodded and headed forward towards her destination.

[Siani]

The many birds chirped as Kohana and her mentor, Naomi, traveled toward the academy in silence.

"Naomi?" the young girl asked, breaking the everlasting quiet. "Since I've never used my... powers before, will it be hard to control them?"

Naomi smiled warmly, taken a little surprised by the question.

"Well, it's not easy when you begin. It takes a lot of focus," Naomi explained. "But practice makes perfect and I know that you'll do great. You'll be learning from the best, most of which even taught me."

"Oh, okay," Kohana said with doubt.

Looking down, she saw a group of aqua colored flowers and noticed that one in particular was withered, while the rest bloomed. Naomi observed it too and her eyes lit up as she thought of an idea.

"How about I show you a little of what I was taught? You know I work at the flower shop, right?"

"Oh yeah! You have the best flowers!" Kohana replied with excitement. "What am I going to learn?"

"Just a quick, but powerful spell that I use at the shop from time to time," Naomi answered. "See that wilting flower? With a pinch of magic, it can be revived."

"Really??" Kohana asked bewilderedly, moving in to obtain a closer look. "How?"

Smiling, Naomi took the young girl's hand in her own and placed it a few inches above the plant. She began,"Alright Kohana, I'm going to do this with you. Don't be alarmed, but you'll experience a warm energy flowing within your body. It'll feel a little alien at first, but you'll get used to it. Just relax, focus, and picture what you want to happen with the flower. Imagine its vivid blooms opening to greet the day's sun, can you see it in your head? Now concentrate, just imagine it."

Naomi's voice trailed off and Kohana squinted her eyes shut intently. The young girl began to feel a strange sensation rushing throughout her body and releasing from her hands. It was one of the most powerful and exhilarating feelings Miyo's sister had ever experienced. Sensing the flower's rejuvenate begin, the young girl smiled and continued to focus.

"Very good," Naomi said, watching carefully.

The flower began to regain it's blue color and the petals began to unfold; soon, it looked as if it had never withered. The end of the petals turned into a light pink color, standing out from the other flowers.

"Amazing," Naomi thought to herself. "I barely even needed to use my powers to aid her. To think, this is her very first time using magic. What the Academy has said about the magical essence within her must be true."

[Liamane]

Looking down, the child stared in wonder at her two small hands. Her mouth gaped open as both surprise and astonishment took over her being. She shot a wide-eyed glance to Naomi, questioning, "Did... I just do that?"

Kohana gazed once more at the flower she had revived just moments ago, and kneeling down to closely observe it, a huge grin developed upon her face as an unparalleled delight was clearly evident.

Lowering herself to the girl's level, Naomi placed a reassuring hand upon her young friend's shoulder; a smile instantly blossomed. "That's right," the soon-to-be teacher replied, offering her pupil an iota of confidence. "You really are a magen, Kohana. There's no doubt that you'll be truly skilled at the Academy."

Kohana smiled broadly before lowering her vision to the rejuvenated plant. With a sudden string of thoughts arising in the child's mind, she frowned, and her older friend caught on almost instantaneously.

"Naomi?" the girl questioned, her voice low and ridden with sorrow. "If I can bring back a flower, can any magens actually bring back... people?"

[Beebs]

Naomi sat completely still, keeping her eyes transfixed on the flower the duo had revived together. Kohana continued to stare at the older Magen, waiting patiently for an answer. The awkward silence continued to grow between the two, until Kohana finally sighed and flopped backwards onto the ground, playing with the petals of a nearby flower.

After a few moments, the young girl slowly looked up at Naomi and questioned, "Why did the petals on the one we healed change color?"

Naomi continued to glare at the flower, thinning her eyes in unease, and she soon answered nervously, "W-well, the magic we used left an imprint in the flower. When you use magic to heal, a part of it stays within the source it was used on. It provides a unique energy that allows the subject to continue to heal."

"Oh," Kohana simply said, continuing to twirl the flower in her hand. "That's pretty confusing."

"Yeah," Naomi solemnly responded, lowering her head in uncertainty.

The uncomfortable silence continued to exist between the two. It soon became unbearable, and Naomi broke it by asking, "Kohana... why did you want to know if we can bring back humans?"

The young girl halted her movements, lowering her eyes to the ground below. Her lips quivered slightly and her hand trembled as she placed the flower she had been holding on the ground. She noted the petals of each flower, amazed at how influential magic could be. Finally, she answered, "I thought maybe... my parents..."

"Oh Kohana," Naomi said with concern, her eyes swelling with tears. She placed a hand on the girl's back to comfort her, gently massaging and fighting the urge to cry. She continued, "We can't... bring humans back. It's against nature."

"But why?" Kohana said curiously, desperation present in her voice. She too held back her tears. "We can do it to the flower... it has a lot more to do with nature than we do."

"Kohana," Naomi began to explain, pondering her speech carefully in her mind, "Magic is a part of nature, something that is, and will forever be, a piece of the world. Nature gives life directly to the flower... the magic can be used to bring it back safely from death, leaving only a small mark of beauty. The concept is the same for humans, only much more grim."

"What do you mean?" Kohana asked, clearly not grasping the words as well as Naomi did.

"When magic is used to heal a dead human, it does work, but not purely," the woman explained. "A mark of the magic is left there too, but this one... burns at the person, instead of healing them. The magic residue enters the place where the person's lost soul once resided... causing the body to behave in a horrifying manner. This being without a true soul, although having the appearance and memories of the person the body once belonged to, is no longer human. They become...a demon."