The Village: Season Two

[Siani]

Miyo stood in the same position replaying Dune's words in her head along with all the memories she have been focusing on most of the day. Confused more than ever, all of the woman's emotions seem to fight their way out and tears ran down her face as she lowered her head and stared at the ground she stood on. The woman fell to her knees and took a deep sigh. "I haven't even given any thought of what you're saying and maybe...maybe he is happy." Miyo sobbed softly as more tears ran down her face. "I just...don't want to give up until I know how he really feels."

After a brief moment, Miyo wiped her eyes and looked up at the sky as a small breeze passed by. "No one wants to be lonely forever, right?" she said with a small calming smile as she looked over to Dune with a depressing expression on her face. "Dune, I understand a little of what you're saying. We desire a companion so much that it's hard to give them away when we finally love them with all of our heart. It's hard to pull yourself together and really evaluate the situation trying not to give up altogether."

[Liamane]

Vincent gave a quick sigh under his breath, his fingers were laced with Skye's. With the young woman gently pulling him along in the crowded streets of Riyona, the Turk's head seemed to wonder off yet again as the image of the woman appeared and reappeared in his head endlessly. Questions flooded into his mind. "Who is she?" he thought to himself, his eyes darted to his beloved. The man looked away in embarrassment. "Why am I even thinking of her? Skye is everything I could have ever asked for. I need no one else but her in my life to be content."

---

Silent once again, Dune stared intently at the ground below him. His mind penetrated Miyo's once again, and he failed to seek any knowledge that would aid his search. Standing up straight, the man looked over to the woman. His glare was constant and chilling; there was no sign of warmth on his face. "If you truly think this 'empowering feeling' is eternal, think again," he muttered, taking a single step toward Miyo. "Your emotions will simply get in the way of everything, and they will govern your thoughts and actions."

Turning his back to the woman, the mage's eyes thinned and he drew in an inaudible breath. "Did you expect that if you keep hoping and waiting, your lover would just return like that?" Dune continued, his voice was sharp. "Do you really think love is going to help you get anywhere? If anything at all, it will just get in the way of everything."

[Siani]

"I see now." Miyo said with a grin. "How alone you must feel right now, Dune. It seems like we are in a similar position?"

The woman stood up and brushed off her clothing before walking up Dune and giving him a gentle, yet almost fierce, look. "Love is a powerful emotion." Miyo said with seriousness in her voice. "It takes a lot of will-power to be patient but for every bad day, there's always a good day as well. You have to keep believing."

_______________________________________

"Are you done looking at stuff now?" Jiro asked as he took a seat. "We've been out here all day and you've got your stuff. Where's Miyo?"

"She's been looking for some old woman." Kikyo replied as she sat down beside the young man. "I wonder if she's found her yet."

"Well I hope she didn't go far. We need to head back soon." Jiro said as he looked ahead and noticed a familiar body with long dark hair. "Is that....who I think that is?"

"Who?" Kikyo asked as looked at the direction Jiro was looking at. After a second she noticed the tall, dark-haired male standing with his back toward them. "It can't be him.... can't it?"

[Beebs]

"Then why do I feel like I've violated one of the people I'm closest to?", Naomi asked, the sad expression on her face growing with every blink, "It's not fair for her...she should have a choice."

"But she does," Tidus added quickly, "They can't force her to do anything...can they?"

Naomi frowned, pausing, before replying, "You'd be surprised what they're truly capable of."

Tidus mirrored his love's face, full of doubt. He turned his head to face Kohana, then back at Naomi, and asked, "What is it she would have to go through?"

Naomi began to tear up, answering, "That's the thing...I'm really not sure. It could just be basic learning like what I had to do, which is no easy task, but for Kohana and the power the supposedly has...I really don't know. All of this would be so much easier if I knew all of the facts...and not just about Kohana, but about what's coming. I feel so ignorant."

Tidus mimicked her frown, adding, "You aren't ignorant; far from it. You know so many things that most people couldn't imagine. You shouldn't feel like you hold any blame in this. It's not your fault that the Academy choose to be selfish and keep so many things a secret. And look around, it's not just you. This whole world is in the dark; everyone...yet when I look at you, all I see is light."

[Liamane]

Dune darted his eyes toward the woman, a fierce energy loomed in them. He crossed his arms and firmly brought them to his chest as he drew in a soft mouthful of air. Once again, he pursued and penetrated her mind, and he attempted to filter her thoughts in an attempt to find the information he needed. He shut his eyes and lost his grip on her thoughts. To his disappointment, the information needed wasn’t present in the archives of her mind. The man’s eyes shot open, and with sheer intensity, he fixed his attention to the young woman’s face.

“You are... of no use to me,” he snapped in a low mutter, thinning his eyes. “I suggest that you give up while you’re still partially sane. You do realize that all this hoping will contribute to nothing useful. You will simply drown in your bottomless emotions.”

Slowly, the mage lowered his hands from his chest, and he extended his left arm showing off his limp hand with his five fingers dangling. He raised his hand unhurriedly to the side of his head, and his index finger came to life as it pointed to his temple. “I will be certain to remember this encounter, Miyo,” Dune continued, his voice lingered on each word. “However... I do not believe you can say the same.” Suddenly, the man’s eyes greatly sharpened, and his mind transferred into hers. Bit by bit, he detached and erased the memories of their encounter; the moment seemed to be a distant, elapsed reminiscence now.

Studying her eyes carefully, the young woman appeared to be a daze, and her mentality seemed to be miles away. Satisfied with his work, the man snapped his fingers, and adjacent to the wall, a dark portal swiftly appeared. The mage stepped toward the entrance of another dimension, but he darted his eyes to Miyo once more. “Farewell,” he hissed, thinning his glare. Walking through the portal, the man’s body disappeared, and he left his former target alone in the middle of the alley.

[Siani]

"Hurry before we miss him!" Kikyo said as she rushed through the crowd. She grabbed her sweetheart by the hand dragging him along. "All this time and he was right in front of us!"

"Kikyo, slow down. We don't know if that's him yet." Jiro replied as he stopped her from moving any further. The young man looked back over to the male that was a few feet away and studied his movements and body language. As the couple moved in closer to the man, squezing through the crowd, the male with his back facing them, turned around with a large basket of cloths in his hands laughing with the merchant in front of him. "That's not Vincent." Kikyo said disapointed. "He looks completely different from him."

"Yeah and I bet Vincent doesn't laugh like it hurts either." Jiro chuckled. "Looks like that man is going to have a heart attack."

Rolling her eyes and gving a depressing sigh, Kikyo looked toward a small opening between two shops and saw Miyo alone in an alley. "Miyo!" the young priestess shouted as she walked up to the woman who seemed to be in a confused state. "Why are you alone here? Did you find who you were looking for?"

"Uh....what?" Miyo replied slowly as she tried to gather her thoughts. "I'm not sure why I'm in this alley. Who was I looking for?"

"The old woman you were talking about earlier." Jiro asked with a raised brow. "Are you feeling well?"

"Actually, I'm not sure of what to think. My thoughts are so jumbled and I can't remember anything I did today."

"Well maybe you need to sit down." Kikyo said feeling the woman's forehead. "We'll go get something before we leave here ok?"

[Beebs]

Tears of mixed emotions slowly streamed down Naomi's face. She knew much how Tidus truly loved her, even if someone else was somehow responsible; but she didn't care anymore. She knew that all that mattered was what they had together now, and what they had was love. She pulled herself together as much as she could, replying, "I guess...that since I'm teaching there, I might have some say in what goes on...I could even help Kohana if it gets too intense." She looked at the girl in the yard again, continuing, "Miyo and Kohana are the closest thing I've had to a family since my father died. I couldn't bare losing them too because of this...Miyo would never forgive me if she knew."

Tidus gave a loving smile, adding, "Who knows, sometimes people you love can surprise you."

Naomi returned the smile, feeling somewhat better in all of this. She continued to look at Kohana and the sadness that surrounded the fragile, young girl, calmly saying, "I wish there was some way to cheer her up...maybe if she saw the Academy, she might feel better about it..."

Tidus understood, suggesting, "Well, maybe we can take her to the square, meet up with the rest, and go look afterwards."

Naomi smiled once again, which was a rare treat for Tidus to see lately, and said, "That sounds like a lovely idea."

[Liamane]

Rian smiled as the afternoon's sunlight basked upon his face. The man sat upon the bench that his sister and his lover were previously seated. Rays of warm light shone brightly from the heavens, and the young mage closed his eyes as he found himself in a peaceful state of mind. Nature always fascinated Takun's son, for he always felt as though he had a fixed place among the eternal beauty of the land. Rian often used the scenery of the Riyona Village to escape the chaotic mess that had ensued over the course of the past month. He let out a sigh while his eyes opened to bustling scene of the crowds passing him by in the streets. He sighed, his eyes lowered, and he placed his hands behind his head. Looking toward the sky once more, his smile broadened as hopes of the coming horizon filled his mind.

---

Skye, on the other hand, fanned herself feverishly with a folding fan that she stashed into her sleeve. She hated, no, loathed, the sun and its wretched heat that it cast down upon the earth below. The young woman clung her lover's arm while they browsed through the street, and her free hand swayed back and forth as she lavishly fanned herself. She rolled her eyes, her vision darting about, and she looked up to her lover standing beside her. "It's hot, Vincent," she complained, letting out a groan. "Let's get out of the sun. I'm starting to get a headache."

Giving a small smile, the Turk nodded and looked forward into the mass of people before him. "Of course," he replied in a gentle tone. He looked farther ahead in search of an appropriate place to avoid the rays of the summer sun above them. Tugging on her hand, the man switched his gaze to his beloved, and he offered her a wink. "Come on, let's go this way." With a reassuring grin, Vincent Valentine took his love by the hand and led her through the streets ahead.

[Siani]

"I'm fine really." Miyo stated as she took the cup of water from Kikyo. "It's been a while since I've been out of the house. Don't worry, ok? "

"We have to worry about you, Miyo." Kikyo said as she sat down with Miyo and Jiro. "Especially since you don't remember what you did today."

"Well I guess..." Miyo replied with a sigh. "But I'm really glad that I got out of house. Thanks you two for taking me out here."

"No problem." Jiro said sitting back in his chair. "You look better too."

"Maybe I'll feel even more better if I wasn't so congested with this crowd around, but if it wasn't for you two, then I'll be stuck in the house." Miyo said looking around the busy streets. "I would have been inside waiting for Vincent. I'm letting my emotions get in the way of everything and letting them dictate my thoughts and actions."

"What are you trying to say Miyo?" Kikyo asked curiously.

"I love Vincent, and I'll keep waiting for him, " Miyo answered with a small smile. "...but I have to make the most of it while I'll wait. I can't continue to be depressed when there's important things to be done."

[Liamane]

The man looked behind him to ensure that his grasp on his lover was firm. Vincent gave a smile while he gazed into Skye's face, and he lightly squeezed her hand for reassurance. The young woman raised a brow as her beloved's grin turned into a mischievous smirk. She gave an uncertain smile in reply. "Vincent," she asked, he gently yet relentlessly pulled her along, "where are we going? All I want to do is avoid this accursed sun. It seems as though you're taking me to the other side of the world!"

The Turk stopped among the thinning crowd, and he turned his attention to Skye. "I think you're over exaggerating," he said, a quick laugh escaped his lips. He then brought her to his body, and he placed his arms around her before gracing her forehead with a gentle kiss. "Don't worry, it's not much farther ahead. Trust me. Alright, my love?" Without another word, she switched her gaze to his captivating red eyes, and the young woman slowly nodded in response. The man beamed.

Instead of taking her hand, Vincent kept his arm around her waist and he proceeded to walk in the streets with his love next to his side. The woman's small smile evolved into a grin. She was certain to keep her body close to his, a sense of unity grew between them. Placing one foot in front of the other, the two finally came across the Turk's set destination. "Well," he began to speak with a smirk crossed his face, "here we are."

[Beebs]

Tidus smiled. "Well then, why don't get a move on?"

Naomi nodded. She wasn't used to being truly cared for until she met Tidus. His presence made such an impact on her little world. She loved having someone to care for too; although, she didn't feel like she was doing a very good job. She felt as if she put so much weight on Tidus' shoulders with her problems. Lately everything in their conversations seemed to revolve around the Academy. To Naomi, it seemed very selfish. She wanted to know more about Tidus and to actually know what is on his mind. It wasn't as if his mind was a closed book, but Naomi felt like she never made his opening up welcome. She was determined to change this. "But still," She though to herself, "Kohana should be our main concern."

Naomi got up from her seat and slowly walked towards Kohana. When she reached the young girl, who was now sitting cross-legged in the grass, playing with a dandelion, she tapped her on the shoulder. Kohana turned around, with the same slightly blank expression on her face, looking at Naomi.

Naomi softly asked, "Kohana, Tidus and I were thinking that we could surprise the others by meeting up with them in town. Afterwards, if you like, we could visit the Academy so you can see what it will be like. How does that sound?"

Kohana's face light up as she replied, "Really?! That sounds really fun!!"

Naomi was both glad and surprised to see Kohana so happy. She continued, "Well then, let's go!"

She called over to Tidus, he came over to the girls, wrapping his arm around his love's waist, as they all began to head towards their destination.

[Siani]

"Miyo!" Kohana shouted through the crowd. "Miyo over here!"

"Kohana!" Miyo stated as she gave a bright smile and a loving hug to her younger sister who rushed up to the woman. She looked to the distance and saw Naomi and Tidus coming toward them. "Decided to come here today?"

"Yes. We wanted to surprise you all." Kohana said with a grin. "What's been going on here? You look like you feel better. I was sad that you weren't like yourself."

"Jeez, thanks." Miyo stated with a laugh. As each person greeted each other, the group bought some food for the evening and gather around the table enjoying the festivities. "Seems safer here doesn't it?" Naomi asked randomly. Everyone turned to her and nodded in agreement. "Well we all know why." Jiro replied as he sighed a little. "It was all our efforts to save this place."

"Will our efforts bring Vincent back?" Kohana asked with sadness in her voice. "I want to see him again before I go to the Academy."

"Kohana it'll be ok." Tidus said kindly. "Naomi will be there with you and we'll help you get settled with everything. Vincent will come back soon. Everyone's bond is strong and we're all connected to him."

"That's right Kohana." Kikyo added with a nod. "Even with our smallest efforts, they'll add up and we'll find him soon enough."

[Liamane]

Skye's eyes lit up as she gazed at the sight before her. The large water fountain, in which the Turk had brought himself and his lover to, reflected the shimmering light from the noon sun upon the water. The structure itself stood twice as tall as the woman's partner, and it was nearly four times as wide as it was high. She then looked to her beloved and offered him a smile. "Oh, Vincent," she said, nodding and grinning simultaneously, the image of her face could captivate any man. "It's lovely. It truly is!"

Vincent Valentine beamed in reply to his lover's face. He took her hand and led her to the edge of the water that fell from the top of the fountain. "Lovely, yes," the man responded, taking a seat near the edge of the water and motioning for his love to join him. He looked up into her face and gave a gentle smile. "But it's not nearly as lovely or beautiful as you are."

Skye bit her lower lip and widened her irresistible smile while sitting next to the handsome man. She fluttered her eyelashes several times before turning her head away to savor his words. As her vision became fixed on something other than him, the Turk cocked a sneaky smile as he dipped his fingers into the water, raised his hand and flicked a few droplets of water at the woman. She turned her head sharply, and her face had an almost bewildered nature to it. Skye blinked twice before showing another sign of expression. Finally, a smile began to grow on her face. After a second, the woman let out a small laugh. "You little sneak," she uttered after an ounce of silence.

Slipping his arms around her, the man playfully sneered and brought Skye close to his body. He released a breathy chuckle as he held his beloved tightly in his arms. "I know I am," Vincent whispered softly into her ear. His passionate eyes concentrated on his lover, and he kissed the nape of her neck several times. Another chuckle escaped his lips. "Regardless," he continued, he drew in a breath, "do you still love me?"

The woman's eye shut as she fell silent for a long moment, her mind called for a hint of thought. She opened her eyes and sported a seductive smirk. "Naturally," Skye answered, playing with each syllable's sound. "Do you love me?"

Vincent rested his chin upon his love's shoulder, a smile blossomed. "Of course," he assured almost immediately. To much of her delight, Skye nodded. That was exactly what she wanted to hear.

[Beebs]

Dune apprehensively approached the Altar of the Circuit, although he displayed no emotion. Dune rarely, if ever, let anyone know what he was feeling or thinking. This kept him at a distance from everyone, which was both good and bad. As the chamber to the council hall opened, he stepped through the dark corridor and into the large room, where 6 high seats awaited those who sat him them. He realized that he was the first to arrive. This didn't come as a shock to him. He was always punctual, a quality that wasn't appreciated by some of his brethren.

Dune heard footsteps approaching behind him. He turned around to see a cloaked figure standing in wait. He stepped out of the way, allowing the mysterious person to pass him and take their position in the center-most throne. Dune stood before the figure, at a distance, kneeling to show sign of loyalty and respect. He came up from his position and continued to stand in wait for the rest of the group to arrive.

[Liamane]

Above the streets of Riyona, a dark figure stood tall, his keen eyes carefully scanned the area. Failing to see his target in his immediate gaze, he sighed and lowered his head. Several of his bangs covered the right side of his face, concealing his eye, and the spiked, raven hair atop of his head stood unchanging to the chosen angle of his head, defying gravity. His green eyes were piercingly cunning and thin as they concentrated on the roof top's shingle.

He blinked only once before pulling his hood over his head, concealing all of his identity except for his revealed chin and faded smirk. The man drew in a sharp breath while looking up once again, gaining a calm, yet daunting appearance. "And so it begins," he muttered under his breath, his voice was deep and youthful. He quickly snapped his fingers, and a dark portal emerged from the thin air. Before stepping into the black abyss, his eyes darted to the streets once again, and yet again, his target was not in view. Without another action, the cloaked figure stepped into the portal. The meeting was ready to begin shortly.

((BB NOTE: Um...who is this? PM me.))

[Siani]

"When do you start school anyway?" Miyo asked Kohana as she glanced toward Naomi then back at the child. "It should be in a few weeks right?"

"I start in the fall," Kohana stated as she finished her food. "I don't know where it is or anything."

"Well why don't we go pass it on the way home?" Miyo asked. "I would like to know more about it."

"That sounds like a plan," Naomi stated as she looked over to the young child. She nodded and gave her a smile. "After all, I did promise Kohana that I would show her the Academy, right?" Miyo's younger sister nodded and responded with a grin. "Come on, everyone, follow me."

[Liamane]

Rian shuddered as an unexpected gush of wind passed him, his mildly spiked hair blew about in its direction. A strange feeling loomed about him, his gaze wildly darted about while the odd presence he had sensed seemed to disappear. His intense eyes thinned, and a frown appeared on his face before he managed to settle down. On the outside, he seemed calm, a bit uneasy at the most, but on the inside, he was ridden with rising tension and anxiety. He knew, without a doubt, that the Circuit was advancing on himself, Skye and Vincent. The young man clenched his fists, the sun continued to beat down upon his sitting form, and thoughts of the gathering force raced in his mind. He rose to his feet and looked about the streets before he proceed forth in search of his sister and her newfound lover.

[Siani]

As the group proceeded toward the Academy, they began to socialize and talk amongst one another. Kikyo, on the other hand, remained silent and was deep in thought. "I'm not sure what all this powerful energy was today, but it seem to flow around the market like a strong wind," the priestess thought. "In the mix of all the aura, it almost seems as though I sensed Vincent..."

"Are you okay, Kikyo?" Jiro said softly, lightly grabbing the young woman's hand pulling her close. The couple that were walking behind the whole group slowed down a little. "I know it's been a long day."

"I'm fine," Kikyo replied with a grin. "I was just thinking a little. I felt a lot of mixed energies flowing around the market today. A little of Vincent's too."

"So you're not the only one I see," Jiro stated, he blinked once. "I felt the same way too."

"Do you think it's trouble?"

"Well, I say we wait it out," Jiro answered reluctantly. "We'll have to prepare for anything that comes. I know we need to find Vincent though. I know it seems strange, but it feels as though something is coming. Whatever it is, it can't be anything good, that's for sure."

[Beebs]

Naomi continued heading forward, suddenly realizing she was guiding the group. The was used to following others, so she felt slightly out of place. Tidus put his hand on her shoulder, showing that he knew how she felt. This simple act of affection comforted Naomi, helping her ease forward. She saw a marked tree and knew were she was. She stopped where she stood and turned back to the rest, signaling for them to halt, announcing, "We're almost there!" A smile appeared on Kohana's face, showing off the excitement growing inside her.

[Liamane]

As the portal emptied out into the large chamber, the cloaked figure, who was perched upon the Riyona rooftops just moments ago, took a step and proceeded toward the series of large pedestals. Dune stood before him, and a dark figure sat in the highest pedestal; he was hunched over in thought. The young man smirked as he passed his elder, devious thoughts loomed in his head. Dune's eyes intensified and narrowed, and they stared the young man down. "I can read your thoughts, remember?" the man uttered, his deep voice was piercingly cold. "There's nothing you can hide from me."

The figure stopped and chewed his tongue for a moment before he turned around to face his terrifying companion. "Fine," he answered, raising and lowering his shoulders in a shrug. He sharply pointed to his brain. "Then, I suppose, you know that there's not much going on in here, right?" The shadow let out a chortle as he snapped his fingers. A dark aura consumed him, and he was brought to one of the six pedestals, he sat down comfortably.

"They're coming," he continued, playfully, as he leaned his head against his fist. "Look sharp, Duney boy." The man looked sharply at the young man, and he let out a sharp breath. Dune's desire to strangle the young man increased with every moment.