The Village: Season Two

[Siani]

"Watching the sunset of course!" Kohana said with a little pout. "Let's hurry before it goes all the way down."

"Of course!" Kikyo said with a small laugh to hide her embarrassment of forgetting so quickly. "We can cut through the flower fields and see the Moonshines."

[Beebs]

"Sounds like a plan," Tidus softly said, grasping Naomi's hand warmly with his own, "Y'know, those flowers sound pretty romantic if you ask me." Naomi looked into her love's eyes and blushed, turning her head away. She couldn't help but giggle a little after Tidus' gesture. She finally built up the courage to respond, looking back and smiling, "Yeah, it kinda does." Tidus returned her expression and placed a light kiss on her lips. Soon after he wrapped his arm around her waist and the two began to head forward, now in the middle of the party of friends.

Naomi happily sighed, pushing any doubts about the girl from her dreams aside, and thought to herself, "I'm so lucky to have found Tidus. I hope he knows how strongly I feel for him. Maybe tonight we could--"

The mage's thoughts were interrupted by Kohana, who rushed up to Naomi and pulled on her skirt, asking, "Naaaaaomi, have you seen the Moonshines before??"

Naomi blushed again, shaking her head of clouded thoughts and replied, "Of course silly, I work in a flower shop, remember?"

"Oh right," Kohana said in a cheery tone, "I forgot." The young girl ran ahead of the two, catching up with her sister.

Tidus looked lovingly at Naomi, and added, "Hey, y'know, technically you work at the Academy now."

Naomi smiled and looked back, responding, "I guess you're right. Huh, feels a little funny saying that."

The two chuckled a little, and Tidus continued, "Hey, I have a question for you. Would you consider me...your boyfriend?"

Naomi, a little surprised by his question, paused and responded, "Well...yeah, of course. We love each other, right? Then that makes you my boyfriend, and me your girlfriend."

Tidus grinned and answered, "Yeah...you're right; you're really right!" The man hugged his girlfriend tighter and the two made their way with the rest of the group.

((*sings* And I’m in, so totally wrapped up, emotionally attracted, so physically active, so recklessly I need you, so desperately sure as the sky is blue; Baby I love you. xDDDDD))

[Liamane]

Looking at Kikyo walking beside him, Jiro placed his hands behind his head and he felt his face blush with color. He smiled gently and fixed his attention to another object out of his embarrassment. Without a doubt, he was still madly in love with the priestess. He lowered his two arms, and he reached for the woman's hand to place it in his own. In reply, Kikyo turned to look at her beau, a parallel smile grew upon her face as well.

"What I said before... it wasn't true," he uttered in a soft, low voice. The priestess raised a curious brow. "I do care about whatever you give your attention to. Understand, Kikyo, I really care about you. You're more than my best friend, you're just... so important to me." His voice trailed off and his face became beet red.

The woman smiled broadly, and her lips met with his. She smiled and nudged her shoulder against his. "I feel the same way," the priestess replied. Kikyo's grin widened, and she allowed her true emotions to shine through. "You're my everything, Jiro. I can't imagine what my life would be like without you..."

[Beebs]

Miyo smiled back at the two couples, each walking hand in hand. She returned her gaze ahead of her, with her younger sister still walking beside her, rambling on about nothing in particular. Miyo's content expression soon turned dismal, as she felt a slight jealousy of the joy each of her friends experienced. "So, I sure hope the welcoming dinner goes well. How 'bout you Miyo?"

"Hm?" Miyo asked, directing her attention to Kohana, "Sorry, I was wrapped up in thought."

"That's okay," Kohana replied in a kind tone, "I was just wondering what you thought about us going to the welcoming dinner."

"Oh, well, I'm sure it will be wonderful," She replied, lovingly smiling at the young girl, "Muzu always seemed to enjoy them, from what he used to tell me."

Kohana gave a fake smile, uncertain of how she should feel about Miyo's comment. After all, Kohana was very young when their brother abruptly left, so she had no recollection of him. Soon, however, her outlook transformed as the group reached the top of a grassy hill. Scattered across the land before them was a vast number of flowers, each a slightly greenish-white color. Unnoticeable by the eye during sunlit hours, each one held a marvelous beauty which could only be unlocked during the night. Across the field of flowers, where the broken family sat many moons ago, the sun was beginning to set.

Kohana's face beamed as she turned around to face the rest of the group, announcing, "We're here everyone!"

[Liamane]

Staring up into the twilight sky above, Vincent Valentine smiled broadly as he and his love settled themselves in the tall grass of the meadow outside of town. The man thoroughly took in the incredible sight, and his intense, red eyes managed to spot several stars that were beginning to appear in the increasingly dark sky. "This moment... I'll never forget it, Skye," the Turk announced proudly while the sun began to grow dim with each passing moment. Nodding in agreement, the woman grinned, and her hand reached Vincent's face; he promptly responded by kissing her palm. "I promise..."

[Beebs]

Skye smiled lovingly at the turk, enchanted by his passionate words. Embarrassed, the woman's face became flushed with color. She had never been loved so intensely before and to be honest, she was rather enjoying it. "Let's go home, Vincent Valentine," she softly said to her companion, tugging lightly forward on his hand.

"Yeah," the man responded, an expression similar to Skye's upon his face. The two began forward along the walkway, and soon began approaching a field of dim flowers, which seemed to be embedded on a grassy hill that held the last of the sun's light.

"It's so beautiful," Miyo said aloud, turning back to face Naomi, "This was a wonderful idea."

Naomi looked at her boyfriend, then back at Miyo, and responded, "Yeah, I think it was. I'm so glad we came."

"The moonshines will be just as wonderful, I'm sure of it!" Kohana added excitingly, giggling and widely smiling at the sight before them.

Vincent stopped in place, noticing the last of the sunset. He turned to Skye and starred into her eyes, thinking they were so kind and pure. He turned back to see the sunset once again, noticing a group of people on the hill, who's appearance was blinded by the bright light. Skye urged forward, pausing when she noticed Vincent was frozen in his tracks, struggling to see the group across the way. "Something wrong, love?"

"Hm?" Vincent answered, facing the woman once again, "Oh, it's nothing. Let's go, my love."

As the two began out of sight, they caught Kohana's sight. Noticing their position, the young girl squinted to make out their details. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the man's jet black hair. Just as they were out of range, the girl shouted, "Vincent! It's Vincent!!"

She rushed into the field of flowers towards the two, her eyes glistening in joy. She stumbled on a rock, crashing to the soft ground below. Kohana clutched her knee, wincing in pain.

Miyo gasped and called out to her, "Kohana! I'm coming!!" bolting out into the field after her young sister. She arrived at the young girl's spot in the mass of flower blooms, kneeling and noticing a scrape on Kohana's leg. She carefully observed the wound and added, "Kohana, are you alright? What were you doing?" She looked at her sister's face which was now streaming with tears of sorrow. Her face now full of concern and close to tears itself from the one glimpse of her sister's sadness, Miyo asked, "Kohana?"

[Liamane]

((1000th post!!!! ;D))

The young girl's eyes lowered, and tears continued to pour. "I saw him," she told her sister, her voice weak. Her stream of tears splashed upon the ground. "I saw Vincent, Miyo. I swear! He was right there, and then he left. I know it was him, I just know it. It was really him!"

Gently placing her hand on the child's shoulder, the woman lifted Kohana's chin, and she then looked directly at her teary face; a parallel sadness loomed in Miyo's eyes. "Kohana, I highly doubt that was Vincent," she assured her sister; uncertainty was present in her voice. Before she could speak again, the girl blurted out a quick retort.

"No, it was him!" the child interjected with a sob, tightly shutting her eyes and more tears flooded. Compelled to ease her, the older sister wiped away the heartache that fell from her face. "It's not fair, Miyo! Why did he leave us? Wasn't he happy with you and me?"

Moisture began to collect in the woman's eyes, and she remained silent for a brief moment as she attempted to find words of consolidation. "I'm sure he was," she responded in a whisper; her voice was ridden with grief. She turned her attention to the increasingly bright Moonshines for a moment before looking to Kohana once again. "Yes, I know he was happy with us."

[Liamane]

"But why?" the child questioned, she continued to weep uncontrollably. "If he was so happy, why'd he go? ...I-I miss him, Miyo! I want him to come and live with us again, just like before! I want everything to go back to normal!" Kohana's eyes then opened, and she looked to her sister who, like her, had tears streaming on her face.

The others, standing a few meters away, grew progressively worried for their two friends; the conversation between them was a mystery. Naomi, feeling the urge to comfort her friends, stepped forward to proceed to walk over to them. She was stopped by Tidus as his hand grasped her, and he replied by shaking his head. Feeling useless, Jiro and Kikyo sat themselves in the field and they watched their friends speak to each other in their time of mourning.

The older sister began to recall memories of the Turk, and sadness took over her mind. She reached out to embrace her sister, and the child promptly replied by doing the same. "I don't know, Kohana," Miyo uttered, holding her sister close to her. "I'm not sure of anything now. But I... I know that no matter what, you and I will always have each other, and that's all that really matters. It's always been the two of us, and that will never change."

Upon completion of her words, the sun had set, and the moon blossomed in the sky. The stars glistened in the heavens, and on the earth, the luminescent Moonshines were at their brightest. As the two sisters wept under the light of the florescent moon, Vincent Valentine and his new love continued to walk home, blissfully unaware of the events occurring in Riyona's lands.

[Beebs]

Naomi watched the seen curiously, concerned for what might be going on with the two sisters. She looked down at the ground solemnly, hoping her friends were alright, when she noticed something in her back pocket. She reached in and pulled the crystal from earlier, revealing that it was now illuminated in a color similar to the glow of the moonshines, only slightly more blue. Naomi's eyes widened, as she was a little stunned and confused, an carefully observed the symbol etched in the center. It now read 'eternity.'

"What's happening?" Kikyo asked, noticing the crystal as well, "Why is it lit up?"

"I don't know," the mage replied, her expression morphing into one of concern, "Maybe it has something to do with night and day. I'll be sure to get it examined next time I'm at the Academy."

She placed the crystal back in her pocket, turning to Tidus who was gesturing for their group to look in the field. Miyo and Kohana began to depart from their grasp on one another. They each stood up and wiped the tears from their eyes. They turned to face the group and began to head towards them.

When they arrived, Naomi greeted, "Hey, are you two alright?"

"Yeah...we're fine," Miyo said, a little embarrassed, yet still glad that she and her sister got everything out in the open, "We just needed to talk, that's all."

[Siani]

"Don't forget we're all here for you two." Kikyo said with a warm smile. "Just as you helped us, we are here to help too."

"Thanks a lot." Miyo said looking at all the people that she cared so much for. Feeling all the blissful energy flowing around, the woman couldn't help but produce a smile as well. "I....I mean we appreciate you all." she stated. "You know, Moonshines also bring lots of luck to those with strong positive aura as well."

"So maybe with all this luck we'll find Vincent right?" Jiro asked.

"Of course we'll find him!" Kohana shouted quickly before blushing from embarrassment. "I just saw him with someone too."

[Liamane]

Becoming rather confused, Kikyo raised a brow out of curiosity. “What?” she asked; disbelief was written upon her face. “You saw Vincent?”

With a large smile, the young girl nodded with enthusiasm. “Yeah! I know it was him, too!” she exclaimed before looking to her older sister. Miyo then sported a small smile, but doubt lingered in her mind.

Noticing her suspicion, the priestess looked to the two sisters, and she shot a glance to Jiro who, like Miyo, grew indecisive of the child’s words. “Are you sure it was really Vincent, Kohana?” Naomi questioned the girl. She felt Tidus’ grasp on her hand tighten ever so slightly. “Do you know who he was with?”

[Beebs]

An expression of uncertainty filled the young girl's delicate face. Her eyes clenched tightly as she tried to replay the events in her head. The longer she thought about it, the more she became unconvinced that her would-be-brother was actually there. She pictured distinctive black hair that could only belong to Vincent, she assured herself. She struggled to recreate the edge of a thin, blurred figure from her vantage point, walking just ahead of the supposed Turk, but her efforts proved false.

Finally, Kohana frowned and stared pensively at the dirt path her small feet stood upon, answering, "I can't remember; I'm sorry." The frail girl forcefully clenched both hands against the left side of her chest, emotionally continuing, "But I know, right here, that it was Vincent. He's still in the village and we're going to find him!"

[Liamane]

Showing off a smile, Miyo quickly wiped away a tear developing in her eye, and she then placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "That's right," the woman replied assuringly, knowing her promise wasn't for certain. Nevertheless, the faith that she had clung to for so long was still present, and she wasn't willing to give up so easily. "We'll find Vincent, alright. He'll be back with us soon enough, Kohana." The child's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, and she responded with a parallel grin.

"So," Jiro interjected calmly, looking out at the field of Moonshines in all of their majesty, "these are the flowers, right? The Moonshines?"

Nodding, Kohana's smile broadened; her gaze switched to the illuminating field of flowers. "Yeah, aren't they pretty?" she asked her friend with a soft voice, light reflecting on her eyes. "It's always fun to look at 'em."

[Beebs]

"They really are a sight," Naomi replied, clinging on to her boyfriend even tighter, "But we really should be heading home, shouldn't we? It's getting pretty late."

"Naomi's right," Kikyo added, turning her attention to the former Fuwa Clan spy, "I'm pretty tired and I'd like to make the trip before I--all of us become anymore exhausted."

"Yeah, I'm getting kind of hungry too," Jiro interjected, clenching his growling stomach.

"You eat way too much! You're gonna get really fat you know!" Kohana said with a giggle, hiding herself from the playfully angry young man behind her older sister.

Miyo chuckled in response, regaining her composure and responding, "Yeah, you all are right. We should be on our way."

[Liamane]

Upon arrival to their apartment, Skye sat herself on the bed; her eyes intently watched Vincent as he removed his shirt in the dark. His intense red eyes stared into hers in reply, and the man found his way to the bed using the light of the moon that flooded their bedroom. "My my, we certainly had a long day," she announced, her eyes reflected the passionate light of the moon.

Vincent nodded in response, and a smirk crossed his face. "I'm tired," he stated with a gentle tone, his hand reached the side of her face. "Don't you agree?"

[Liamane]

"Just a bit," she uttered innocently. A sudden, bold action struck her as she added, "I'm also restless." An amorous feeling overtook Vincent as he planted a most desirable kiss upon his love's lips, and she gradually leaned backward until she was laying on the bed; their lips were still latched together. Parting, the Turk adoringly gazed at his beloved. He touched her forehead with his own, and he quickly grabbed the woman's hand as her grasp found their way to his lower half.

"Skye," he whispered softly, "I'm tired. Not tonight." His seductive smile had turned into a serious frown.

Letting out a quick scowl, the Turk's lover sat up and shot a sour glance to her dear; discontentment was written upon her face. "I know, I was simply teasing," she retorted with a dry look. "Come on now, don't be be ridiculous, Vincent." She kissed his lips once more before climbing under the covers of the bed, and she gradually began to fall into a world of dreams. The man followed suit as he pulled the comforter over his body and he rolled to his side. The image of the full moon was at its peak beauty, and a strange, looming feeling from within prevented his slumber.

[Beebs]

"Vincent?" Skye asked in a soft, exhausted voice, her eyes still closed as she rolled her head onto the Turk's chest.

"What is it?" Vincent answered, slightly surprised by the warmth of his love's skin on his. He shifted in the bed to allow her presence.

The woman pursed her lips lightly, her eyes still closed. "Do you love me?" She replied in a more distraught tone, readjusting her head's position to suit her comforts.

"Of course, you know I do," the man replied, gazing curiously at the woman's blue hair, wondering what she could possibly be thinking, "Why do you keep asking me?"

"I just thought," Skye began with a yawning, almost inaudible voice, as she slowly began drifting into a deep slumber, "Maybe your feeling for her--"

The daughter of the Circuit began to snore and Vincent lightly shook her, hoping for her to regain her composure. "Skye? Skye? Feelings for who?" the man questioned, receiving no response. Vincent frowned, lifting his supposed love off of him and letting her rest on the other side of the couple's bed. Staring at the ceiling above, the Turk lied back down with a sigh and wondered, "I wonder what she could have meant..." Soon enough, Vincent finally fell to sleep.

[Beebs]

Meanwhile, as the group arrived back home, Miyo looked at the house and smiled. Truth be told, she was glad to be back as well. The day's events had really taken a toll on her and she wanted nothing more than to sleep. She couldn't contain her exhaustion anymore and let out a yawn, which caught the attention of the others.

Jiro couldn't help but follow suit and yawn himself, which cause Kikyo to giggle lightly at the young man. The former spy looked to her and playfully asked, "What's so funny?"

Her laughter halting, the Priestess replied, "You; you are, Jiro."

"Me?" Jiro curiously responded, pointing to himself. "How am I funny?"

"Everything you do makes fills me with laughter; it's a good thing," Kikyo answered, cheerfully smiling at the young man.

Jiro returned the grin and wrapped his arm around the young woman's shoulder, pulling her in close, "Well, I'm glad ya think so."

Miyo smiled at the scene, still feeling a little jealous of everyone's happiness. "Vincent," she though, turning her head down, "Were you really at the flower field tonight? Are you really still here?"

[Liamane]

Rubbing her eyes, Kohana attempted to fight off the conquering slumber that began to take over her. Miyo, who noticed her sister's increased drowsiness, placed a hand on the child's shoulder as she nudged toward the house. "Come on, it's time for bed," the older sibling insisted with a smile. Nodding and not daring to defy the woman for once, the children trudged inside of the house.

As she emitted a groan of weariness, Jiro unexpectedly picked the child up, and he proceeded to carry her to her bedroom. "I've gotcha, Kohana," he said softly in an assuring manner. Closing her eyes and feeling at ease, the young girl began to fall asleep on the teenager's shoulder as he carried her to her room.

Kikyo looked to Miyo; her face was basked in the light of the full moon, and sadness was present in the young woman's eyes. No doubt that these were the scars of Vincent's sudden departure, and the news that Kohana had to offer her earlier did not help the situation. "I think rest is best for all of us," the priestess said to her friend, offering a small smile of affirmation. "Come on, it's getting considerably late, Miyo. Everyone needs sleep, even you."

Heaving out a sigh, the woman looked to the bright stars in the heavens, and after a moment of utter silence, Miyo entered her home and walked to her bedroom; she was ridden with silence. Kikyo also headed in the direction her sleeping quarters as Jiro emerged from the child's bedroom, and offering a glance to Naomi and Tidus who still in the living room, he quickly muttered, "Have fun, you two." With a devious smirk upon his face, the teenager snickered as he followed his love to bed, and everyone, save for the couple in the living room, soon fell asleep.

[Beebs]

"Goodnight," Tidus said lovingly, kissing his girlfriend softly on the lips.

Left slightly stunned by the man's gentle embrace, Naomi blushed in delight. As the two slowly parted, the blond-haired Blitzer blissfully stared into his love's eyes. He soon turned around and began to head in the direction of his room, oblivious to the passion looming throughout the room. Naomi, eager to keep the man's attention, nervously considered her next move.

Finally, she mustered up the courage to blurt out, "Wait!" The mage's face soon flushed with embarrassment as she thought to herself, "Great...real smooth. I guess I have no choice but to go on from here..."

Tidus turned around, both kindly and curiously looking back at the young woman, and he asked, "What is it?"

"Would you," the apprehensive girl began, slightly biting his bottom lip, "like to stay with me?"

Tidus paused and turned around, looking curiously at the young woman, and asked, "What do you--oh...OH....you mean...?"

Naomi looked solemnly at the floor, unsure if what she was suggesting was a good idea or not. She carefully pondered for a big, before finally looking back up and answering, "Yeah, I mean."

"You sure?" Tidus questioned, making sure their was no uncertainty or confusion between the two.

Naomi's kind smile soon turned into a smirk, and she answered with a tiny hint of seduction, "Yeah, I've never been more sure of anything. Well, I was probably more sure that I loved my parents, or that I could become a Magen, or that--"

"Stop talking," The man from Zanarkand interrupted, grinning as he walked over and scooped Naomi up in his arms.

The mage giggled in response, surprised that the man performed such an assertive gesture. Tidus leaned in, with the girl still in his arms, and placed a kiss on her lips again with much more passion than before. After their lips separated, the two gazed into each others eyes intensely. For a brief moment, they each knew how the other felt; full of love, anticipation, and desire. For once, neither cared about the mysterious person that always seemed to create a distance between them. For once, what they faced tomorrow didn't matter. For once, everything was right.

Tidus carefully carried the girl through the room's threshold with a smile on his face and Naomi reached out to close the door behind them.