The Village: Season Two

[Liamane]

Naomi's face brightened as the group passed through a series of trees and proceeded into a large clearing. The young woman turned to Kohana, and her smiled broadened before she pointed toward the huge building that lay before them. "Kohana," the mage said with a tinge of enthusiasm, "this is the Academy."

The child's eyes lit up with excitement after catching sight of the large brick building in which she was to attend. The Academy was, literally, just as long as the long streets of the Riyona village, and it was nearly four times as wide as her house. The school towered high and reached to the heavens above, and its shadow extended into the courtyard before it. Trees grew in various places around the clearing, giving the large building a certain feeling of harmony with nature. Close to the building, a large pond was bathed in the sun's rays, the surface shimmered with radiant light. The entire sight was incredibly enchanting.

Once again, Naomi turned to Kohana, and she gently placed her hand upon the girl's shoulder. "So, what do you think?" the woman said to her young friend, she then looked to the others. "Want to get a closer look?"

[Siani]

"I haven't been here in years." Miyo thought as she took in every detail of the Academy. "I suppose that this is best for Kohana."

"This has been here all this time?" Kikyo asked curiously. "I never would have thought something as big as this would be here. But then again this is a big village."

[Liamane]

Naomi nodded before looking to Kikyo. "It's been around for years," the woman explained, her eyes darted to the building once again. "Only the finest children in Riyona, such as Kohana here, are asked to attend. It's rather prestigious, if you will."

She tapped the young girl on the shoulder before nudging to the building. "If you like the outside, wait until you see the inside," she whispered, her eyes glistened. "Want to check it out?"

[Siani]

"Sure!" Kohana said with excitement. "I would like that very much."

"I'll stay out here for a while." Miyo replied calmly as everyone when into the building. "I'll be in a little bit."

"You sure?" Naomi said. "There's many changes from when you last came here."

"I'm sure." Miyo replied. "I won't be long."

[Liamane]

Naomi frowned, her eyes were fixed upon Miyo as both curiosity and worry loomed about her. Since Vincent's departure, both Miyo and Kohana were left devastated by the Turk's actions, and they both seemed to be drained of their joyous emotions. The soon-to-be teacher nodded after a moment, realizing that her friend needed a moment's peace. "Right," she murmured, her voice was just audible. "As for the rest of you, please, follow me this way."

Before proceeding into the large Academy, Naomi shared eye contact with Miyo for a split second; she immediately noticed the hint of sadness in her blueish gray eyes. Turning toward the building once again, the woman sighed, and she took a step into the school. "Alright, come on," she muttered, showing off a small smile. Even though a feeling of depression was present in the air, Naomi couldn't help but feel eager to show off the campus.

[Beebs]

Tidus followed the group Naomi lead, happy to see his love so enthusiastic about something. She had been so down lately about anything to do with the academy or its secrets, but apparently the atmosphere of the school cheered her right up. Tidus was ecstatic as well. Truth be told, he was quite eager to see what all the fuss was about. The building didn't seem as amazing to Tidus as it did to the others, compared to the fantastic structures of his home, Zanarkand, but the thought of everything that went on in the school and the wonders held within it were enough to make him excited to view it for himself.

Tidus continued with the group, looking ahead of him at the back of Jiro. "It's been a while since we've spent time together," Tidus thought to himself. Over the past month, Tidus and Jiro didn't hang out as much as they did before that. He and Kikyo were together much more as well. Tidus assumed they were supporting each other, so they could return that same comfort to Miyo whenever she needed it. It was both sweet and generous, in Tidus's eyes. He decided to catch up to Jiro and see how he was doing.

After racing forward enough to be walking beside him, Tidus playfully tapped Jiro's shoulder, making the young man turn his head. Tidus grinned and said, "Hey, what's up?"

[Liamane]

Proceeding forth into town, Vincent and Skye, a picture of bliss, continued their stroll in the streets among the thinning crowd of people. With their fingers laced in one another's, the two were truly a romantic sight to gaze upon. The Turk's eyes caught a noticeably vivid object which was surrounded by the ordinarily dull images around the area. The flower he had found, which was colored a light red, protruded from a vendor's stand in the street; a quick plot developed in Vincent's head. With a swift movement of his wrist, the man grasped the flower as he passed it by. He gave a sly smile while looking to his love, she sported a similar expression on her face.

The moment seemed incredibly nostalgic as the Turk placed the delicate flower in Skye's hair, her silent sign of gratitude was evident in her blushing cheeks. "Thank you, Vincent," she said in a soft voice. Her fingers gave a quick squeeze on the man's hand.

"Of course," he replied, a broadened smile accompanied his words. Within the moment, Vincent's lips brushed against his beloved's cheek as he graced her with a kiss. His eyes then focused on the sky above them. Although he seemed partially lost in the moment, the man couldn't shake off the image of a fully blossomed flower that greatly resembled a spider in his head.

[Siani]

"I thought I'll never be back here." Miyo thought as she looked around the area. "Things really have changed here; everything looks so unfamiliar to me."

As the sun touched her skin, Miyo looked up at the clear blue skies and sighed slowly. "If only I could show you this place Vincent." the woman said softly, watching the clouds move past the village. Looking at her surroundings once more before going inside, Miyo took in a deep breath. "This place feels the same." Miyo thought. "I first stepped into this building when I was young but it still feels the same as before."

[Liamane]

Dune looked about the large room; his eyes were certain to scan each hooded face. Each pedestal was occupied by a cloaked figure, and everyone, save for one, was present. The right hand man nodded before looking to his leader, seated in the highest pedestal; his hidden eyes were narrow in a glare. "Sir, may we proceed?" the mage asked, he already knew the answer.

The head figure, who removed his hood, darted his gaze to Dune. "Indeed," Takun replied rubbing his bearded chin. His chilling eyes then moved to each of the other members. He spoke again, his voice was shrill. "Let's begin."

[Siani]

"Nothing much." Jiro replied as they continued forward with the others. "This place is pretty interesting from the other parts of this village. "I never seen anything like it before."

"I know what you mean." Tidus stated placing his hands behind his head giving a cheerful grin. "It's different but it's nothing compared to home."

"How was it like in your world?" Jiro asked curiously. "This place is just a small part of this world. Even I don't know what's completely out there."

"Well that's a long story but how about we catch up after this little tour?" Tidus said. "I'd be happy to tell you more."

[Liamane]

As the minutes passed and the midday sun continued to beat down upon the streets of Riyona, Rian, determined to find his sister, maneuvered his way through the thinning crowd. Alert as can be, his keen eyes searched the area throughly; he was certain to look precisely. To his delight, he caught sight of Skye with Vincent, the couple was entangled in a romantic moment. The man approached them with a smile. "There you two are!" he exclaimed, his true, mysterious identity was hidden behind his charmingly warm face. "Having fun?"

Vincent replied with a smile. "Rian," he stated, holding Skye close. "Good to see you. We're doing fine, thanks." The young woman beside him nodded in agreement.

"Wonderful!" he interjected, his smile widened. The young man looked about the surrounding area once again before looking to the Turk once again. "Would you two care to join me for lunch? It's on me."

Skye exchanged a quick look with her love. "Sounds like a plan, brother," she answered, her smile was an enchanting sight.

"Very well," Rian said. He turned around in the other direction, and he looked over his shoulder to motion the couple to follow him. "Right, this way." Without a question, Vincent and Skye walked behind the young man, the thought of lunch sounded pleasant.

[Siani]

"Wow, this place really has changed." Miyo said as she looked around the inside of the Academy. "My first visit here was very different. At that time everything was so.. plain."

The woman stopped and looked at the amazing details placed around the main hall. "I'm sure Kohana is in love this place." Miyo thought as she continued walking. "I wonder where the others are right now."

[Liamane]

"You seem distracted again," Skye told the red-eyed man that sat beside her. Groggily, Vincent turned his head to his love, and he offered a small smile. Rian, who sat across from the couple at the table, raised a curious brow to his sister's remark. His mouth twisted into a smirk.

"Is something wrong, Vincent?" the young man asked, he took a utensil into his hand. "Is something, perhaps, on your mind?"

The Turk raised his head and looked to his beloved before switching his attention to her brother. "I'm... anxious to eat, that's all," he responded, he blinked. His eyes suddenly widened to the growl his stomach emitted as it also awaited the meal. He clenched his stomach in reply, and he darted his eyes from Rian to Skye. "I'm sorry. Like I said, I'm rather hungry."

Rian's face produced a smile before letting out a laugh. "Ah, it's only human nature," he said to the man, his utensil was still clenched in his hands. "No need for apologies! Besides, our orders will be ready momentarily." Vincent lowered his eyes and nodded. He hated the fact that he continued to lie, especially to the people that he called 'family'.

[Beebs]

Jiro nodded at Tidus' suggestion, and the two continued to walk. Tidus wished there was a way to help relieve everyone of their tension, so things could start really getting back to how they used to be. He knew that there was the possibility that Vincent wouldn't be coming back; it was a grim one, but a possibility none the less. He hated it, but he felt that soon everyone would have to face that. So why not enjoy the time of hope they had left? "Hey, here's an idea," Tidus began, turning his head to face Jiro once again, while still walking, "What if I finally teach you how to Blitz?"

[Siani]

"That would be awesome." Jiro said. "You wanna start tomorrow?"

"That's cool." Tidus replied with a grin. "You'll be learning from the best."

"Hey Naomi." Kohana said as she pulled woman's hand over to a specific spot. " What is this?"

[Liamane]

Once their meals arrived, Skye, Rian, and Vincent harmoniously began to eat their lunches. Silence overtook the trio as they ate. "So, Vincent," Rian chirped, breaking the long silence, "have you been looking for a profession lately? I mean, since you and Skye are living together, you'll need to support her, no?"

The Turk swallowed a mouthful of food before responding. "You're right," he replied, he wiped his lower lip. "I haven't been looking for a job as diligently as I should, but regardless, I have an idea."

"Excellent," the young man across from him shot back. "Sounds like a plan then." Skye's love nodded before a smile crossed his face.

[Beebs]

Dune nodded, "Very well, so far my efforts to find the location of the target by tapping into the girl's mind have proven useless. She doesn't know where he is." He paused, reluctant to press on. He sighed, continuing, "However, it seems she has been in contact with the princess, along with Rian." A man in the right-most chair flinched at the sound of the name Dune spoke. Dune continued to speak, "It's very well possible that Skye knows the whereabouts of Vincent. I know this goes along with Axel's theory, but finding her could be the key to finding him."

Takun furiously interrupted, adding, "Are you suggesting that Skye is involved in all of this?? That's absurd!! Do you dare challenge the morals of my daughter?!

"No, not at all sir." Dune nervously replied, "I just think perhaps she has met him during her travels and has yet to realize it. He doesn't seem to be upfront about who she truly is, so she couldn't be blamed for overlooking him; especially with her foolish brother burdening her travels. "

"Ah yes, and what about Rian?" a woman at the far left interjected, "What should we do about him?"

"Leave him be." Dune answered, "He's useless to us, no efforts should be taken to return him. We should focus on finding her highness."

"Are you quite sure about that Dune?" The man at right questioned, "I mean, you all seem to be underestimating the prince."

"Do not be ignorant, young one," Takun said, "Rian has proven on numerous occasions just how incompetent he is. But if you feel the need to take this upon yourself, by all means waste your time. I believe we can spare you. After all, it shouldn't be too difficult to track down my honored daughter."

"Fine," the man said with a tone of annoyance, "And what about her?" He pointed to the fifth figure in the room.

Dune paused, then stated, "She has her own work ahead of her...now, if there's no further concerns, may our meeting be called to an end?"

Takun tapped his fingers together, replying, "Yes, however, I think it best we hold off on our plans for now. If the subject becomes even slightly suspicious, it could be the end of our efforts. We shall wait until time has passed for his guard to be down before we pursue our plans further."

Dune sighed, then finally said, "Agreed. Those of you who have other minor assignments may leave to do them now."

As a few of the members began to leave, Dune sat back down in his seat. He turned to Takun and said, "I'm sure Skye is fine."

[Liamane]

Once paying the bill and departing from the restaurant, the trio proceeded to the streets once again where the evening began to take hold of the sky. Looking up toward the sun, whose colors began to turn a dim orange, Rian smiled before looking to Skye and Vincent, their hands failed to leave each other's. "Gorgeous, isn't it?" he asked, his eyes darted back to the heavens. His smile broadened as the brilliant colors reflected in his eyes. "It restores a sense of hope in one's self, no?"

Vincent Valentine nodded, his eyes lowered to Skye; she reflected the sun's rays and appeared to him as a picture of sheer bliss. He smiled and drew her closer to his body. "Yeah, gorgeous," he replied slowly, looking to Skye. "Beautiful..."

Rian turned his attention to his sister and her love, and a sneaky smile came across the young man's face. "I can clearly see that you two wish to be alone," he stated, darting his eyes about. "Perhaps we should head back to the house then."

Skye smirked and gazed at the red-eyed man standing beside her. "Sounds like a plan, brother," the woman responded, touching the side of Vincent's face. "Come, let's go home."

[Beebs]

Naomi looked towards the spot where Kohana was pointing. "Hm..." she curiously said, "I'm not sure." She knelt down to the grassy area in the inner courtyard where the group was stationed where a broken crystal sat. She cautiously reached out to it. Tidus stood behind her in case something happened when she made contact. She slowly grasped it in her hand and raised it up to her eye level. "There's a symbol etched in the center," she announced, "It says 'Endless.' I wonder what that means."

"Maybe you can have it examined somewhere," Kikyo suggested. Naomi nodded, concealing the item in her bag. She continued to lead the group forward and into the main hall of the massive school. "Well, I now formally introduce you to Riyona Academy!"

[Liamane]

Rian walked ahead of his sister and Vincent, his eyes were restless and intense as they scanned the area intently. Finally, he turned around to face the two, their hands were still locked. "My apologies," he said with a soft voice, he displayed a calm smile,"but this is where I take my leave. I have some errands to attend to. Please, excuse me." The couple nodded before the young man walked in the opposite direction, leaving the two alone once again.

"Now that we're alone," Vincent began with a smile, "would you care to do something, my love?" Skye seductively smiled in reply as she brought his face close to hers. Within the moment, the Turk found his lips locked with the woman's; his arms wrapped around her waist as he felt her tongue brush against his.

After separating from their kiss, Skye smiled broadly while her hands were placed upon her hips. "Well, I wanted to do that first," she replied, the man was still in a small daze. The woman let out a quick chortle before kissing him gently once more. "Come on; let's do something while the evening is young."