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All Final fantasy characters and locations are the exclusive property of Square Enix and do not belong to me.

Every thing else is me and my friends.

CH.** 12 THE PATH OF SIN: VALEFOR**

Six months. A lot can happen in that amount of time. It is enough time to build a house, build a relationship, or heal a serious wound. In the dark recesses of Xiedie's castle though that time has been used to strip one poor girl of all her dignity and pride. However Xiedie still had found no way to undo what one ninja had done. No matter how she looked at the situation there was no way to remove the girl's soul from her body with out rendering it completely useless.

"Tell me again what you're trying to do?"

Xiedie heaved a deep sigh as she gathered as much patience as she could to deal with John Onikages stupidity.

"I am trying to remove her soul so I can use her bodies' special ability, so we can move forward with our operation. However it seems young Xavier Lofbrah has not only hidden her soul deep in the recesses of her mind, he has also made it impossible for me to remove it even if I do find it."

John looked at her funny for a few seconds.

"No I meant why do you want to remove her soul, just take over her mind like you did those SeeDs."

"Because you twit she has a stronger will than those buffoons. She will never help me. So I have no choice but to remove her soul, and place mine in her body temporarily."

Xiedie was about to go back to her work when Sephiroth came busting through the door. Xiedie knew something was up, Sephiroth never came to this room unless invited and he always knocked.

"Well Sepie looks to be in about as good of a mood as you."

Both Xiedie and Sephiroth glares shut him up.

"What is it Sephiroth, I am in no mood for you to be picking up Johns bad habits."

Sephiroth sniffed at her.

"Hardly, I might have the answer to your problem. However if you don't want to hear, and wish me to go back to my training till you need me to save your ass again I will, and I'll take my answer with me."

Xiedie knew that Sephiroth was dangerously smart, unlike john, so he might actually have a legitimate answer for her.

"Ok let's hear what you have to say Sephiroth."

Sephiroth dug into his pocket and produced a black choker. He immediately handed it to Xiedie as if it were the foulest thing in the world. Xiedie took the choker and was at once intrigued and confused at the same time. Affixed to the choker was a clear Matieria ball, and sticking out the back of it through the choker was a crystal spike about the size of a small nail made of the same material.

"Ok, what is it Sephiroth?"

"You put that around her neck, and as soon as the spike penetrates her neck it will draw her soul out into the Matieria. The spike will stay in her neck as thus keeping her soul in her body and not rending the body useless."

Xiedie looked down at the Matieria again. At this point she was willing to try any thing. Carefully she approached her child holding the ball so that Shyri could plainly see the spike.

"No, no, no, no, no. Please don't do this to me any more."

"Will you willingly help me than."

"I will never help you achieve your goals. It is stuff like that has made my life hell."

"Than you leave me no choice child, because you see every thing that has happened to you is nothing compared to what would have happened had I had you from the beginning?"

Xiedie didn't give the girl time to respond she just wrapped the choker around her neck. As she cinched it shut the spike entered Shyri's neck.

Shyri's soul rending scream could be heard through out Xiedies castle. Xiedie, Sephiroth, and Onikage watched in morbid fascination as Shyri's life blood filled the Matieria. All at once Shyri fell silent and the Matieria started to glow. Xiedie circled her daughter checking her over to make sure that the body still was use full. Looking in to the girls vacant dead eyes, she was satisfied.

Xiedie started to work her dark ritual with a sick and twisted smile on her face.

SPIRA

Xavier sat bolt up right out of a dead sleep. Something terrible had just happened, and it shouldn't have.

"What is it "X"?" Rikku asked from where she had been asleep next to Xavier.

Xavier's heart hurt, both physically and metaphorically. He suddenly felt like going to the temple.

"I don't know." He said getting out of bed

"Where are you going?"

"I need a little air. I'll be back in a bit"

As Xavier walked out into the garden he had grown behind Rikku's house, to cuss out Gods that weren't listening any more, Rikku rolled back over. Neither would ever see the tears the other shed that night.

GARDEN

Eric Masters's heart hurt. He knew what had happened not more than five minutes ago in a place he could never enter. He also heard every sorrow, hate filled word Xavier had screamed at an alter he could never visit. Xiedie had finally gotten her hands on what she wanted; now he had to wait to see what she was going to do with it. The tears of a God fell silently on to the ground as he continued to stare out into the great beyond of the night sky.

A FEW HOURS LATTER

Drake left the bathroom not entirely sure that the hot shower he had just taken had helped or not. Every day now for six months he had gotten up at the crack of dawn to go over every form he had ever learned. He did this for hours on end till it was time for breakfast. He would than join the rest of the team at the little café in the quad.

He could tell he wasn't the only one that had working themselves in to the ground. Hell if any of them was getting any kind of decent sleep he couldn't tell. He knew that "Clip" had taken it upon himself to lock himself in the medical lab working on his super potion. "Z" had thrown her self into learning every thing her parents could teach her. When she still wasn't satisfied she started working out in the training center from the crack of dawn till the small hours of the night. He was not sure what "Tech" had been up to he was constantly locked in the air ship hanger doing only god knows what.

He was sure Ashlin hadn't left his shop since they got back. And Ava and Drew were hardly ever seen out side of class. His team was ready to break, and he wasn't sure how to stop it.

MED LAB

Clip had learned a long time ago to ignore the burning in his eyes from keeping them open for too long while looking in to a microscope. He was close to discovering the final thing that would make his supper potion work. He could feel it, right down to the depths of his soul.

With careful precision clip took a special syringe and injected a clear fluid into the mix that was already on the glass plate. He watched intently as it mixed with the green liquid that was already there. He watched as the two liquids danced about each other trying to coincide with one another.

Hesitantly the two liquids met in the middle. The reaction was instantaneous and disastrous. With a flash the liquids detonated sending shards of glass every where. Exasperated Clip stood up from his work area and grabbed his coat. He had enough for one morning, and it was time to meet the others in the quad.

TRAINING** CENTER**

With a sound like rolling thunder the T-rexaur fell to the ground dead. "Z" stood there still in her battle stance waiting for any others to decide that they wanted to attack her. As she stood there, clothes shredded and lungs burning, she silently condemned her self for not knowing the damn thing had been there. Finally satisfied that nothing else was going to attack her "Z" took stock of her situation. Her pants had bloody gashes all over them, and both her shirt and fish net were all but gone effectively leaving her in her sports bra.

Looking at her watch she decided that if she hurried she would be able to heal, shower, and change before she had to meet the others in the quad.

As she started to leave she took one last glance over her shoulder. Heaving a deep sigh "Z" punched a tree shattering its base. She didn't take any notice as the considerably large tree fell on top of another T-rexaur that thought it could sneak up on her.

GARADGE

Ashlin looked upon the mess he had made while training completely unsatisfied. He knew that the training was important for what lay ahead. But he was getting tired of just sitting around. He had trained and practiced till he thought his body was going to give out. Than he would train some more. Much like the Dinchts he had created his own style of fighting. His style was confusing to watch and hard to fight against. Tifa had once told him it looked like he was break dancing. She wasn't to far off. He had taken the basics from several dance styles and fighting styles, than hybrid them together to create a style that was intended to create continual motion and confuse his opponents.

So far his style was nearly flawless. There were only a few who could stand up to it, and only one that could out right see through it. But even Xavier couldn't keep up with it.

Ashlin started to go through his self made set of moves as he kicked, punched, and slashed at debris effectively cleaning up his training/work area. Any thing that was worth keeping was sent into one corner with a set of spin kicks. Things to be discarded went to another with a flurry of punches and slashes. What was left was stuff he had to sort through to see if he could use at a latter date.

Mako flashed in his eyes as a little timer went off on the laptop that had been borrowed to him. His anger quickly faded when he realized it was time to go to the quad. Taking one last look at the mess he decided that he would spend the rest of his day designing a new bike. Satisfied with that idea Ashlin left for breakfast. Designing a new bike would be fun, because you never know when you could use a kick ass bike.

AIRSHIP HANGER

"Tech" patiently waited for the diagnostics to get done running on the new airship. The damn thing was six months old and still hadn't been named. He had also spent the last six months making sure the damn thing was still working right. Lord only knew what those four had done to his precious airship. Thank fully though he couldn't find any thing wrong with the air ship.

Looking out the cockpit window "Tech" observed the little machina cleaning up the mess he had made this morning. Random bits of machina laid every where. By the end of the day they would be back together and reprogrammed with today's data.

"Tech" heaved a sigh as he got up to go. Training was good, however fighting dummies wasn't the same as fighting real enemies. The dummies would stop if they beat you, the bad guys would just kill you.

A SHORT TIME LATER

Breakfast did little to change any ones mood. If anything it darkened it. No one had any thing to say that was constructive. So they had sat in absolute silence just eating. The fragile silence had been broken by Ava asking when they were going to get their shit together and get back to fighting Xiedie. Drake had only hung his head at Avas stinging words.

None of them were ready to fight what lie ahead and they all knew it. How ever all of them felt that if they sat around doing nothing they might as well just hand the world over on a silver platter.

"So Drake what are we going to do. I mean seriously we have the run of the school, almost every one is gone for the summer." "Z" said taking her tray to the counter to be cleaned.

"I was thinking that tomorrow since every one is so antsy that we'll go to the Wyvern Cliffs and train against some of the mobs out that way."

Every one gave this a serious thought.

Ashlin pushed his untouched bowl of rice away.

"What time are we leaving?"

Drake stared into the endless depths of his cup of coffee, not hearing a word that had been said. It took Ashlin asking a second time for him to snap back to reality.

"I'll talk to headmaster Leonheart as soon as I can. Every one, be ready for an early morning departure."

With that said Drake pushed away from the table and down the rest of his coffee. He could barely feel the warmth of the coffee as it made its way into the abyss of his stomach. Drake didn't bother saying good-bye as he left "Angel wings" the little café built for the heroes of the war, and upper class men. Quickly Drake took three running strides and was air born.

XIEDIES** CASTLE**

If a mirror could lie, the one in Xiedies bed chamber would have. It would have shown the queen of darkness how truly foul she was. Instead it showed Shyri prancing around in absolute glee as she tried on one skimpy outfit after another, each one more slinky and revealing than the last. Of course Shyri wasn't exactly in control of her own body at the moment, though on some level of awareness she knew.

Xiedie loved it. Her daughter's body was so young, energetic, and full of potential. Looking at her self in her daughter's body she ran a hand over every inch of it. She exalted in every shudder as her hands ran over every soft curve of the young kittsune girls body. For as hard of a life as the girl had lived she had somehow managed to keep her skin silky smooth, and her fur supple to the touch. No doubt for Odin's hero. For the briefest of moments she debated having John or Sephiroth come to her bed chambers and take her daughters innocence's, again more than likely saved for Odin's champion.

Xiedie viciously made the body dig its own claws into its own chest right between the bosoms and violently tear down wards to about mid rift. She looked into the mirror again with a sick smile at the site of her daughter's blood on her hands. She watched in sick fascination as her blood flowed freely from the wounds.

With a wave of her hands though the wounds were healed with barely a trace. It was time to get to work. Choosing a nearly see through pants and shirt set Xiedie got dressed, Spira was calling to her.

GARDEN

Drake walked silently along the path to the dueling grounds. The talk with headmaster Leonheart had gone better than expected. Leonheart actually jumped at the idea of them going to train at the cliffs. He had gone to the dueling grounds to practice jumping. It was wide open and only used for dueling. Not many had used it lately though.

Drake wasn't paying attention to where he was going, but then again neither was Emmy. With an audible thud the two SeeDs collided. Drake looked up to see Emmy on the ground holding her head.

"Emmy, what are you doing up here?" Drake said not knowing what to else to say.

"Drake! I... I um... I..."

With that Emmy Leonheart ran down the path as fast as she could. Drake could've sworn he saw an envelope in her hands as she fled down the path. Shrugging to him self, not knowing what to make of the chance encounter with Emmy. He was still lost in thought as he crested the hill to the dueling grounds.

"You are about as stealthy as a Tremor ram, Drake Gryphonis."

Drakes head snapped up. There standing at the opposite end of the dueling grounds was Dami'tu with his back to him.

"Dami'tu, how did you get out of your cell?"

Dami'tu turned to face Drake, his cape billowing just enough for him to catch a glimpse of Blood Sword.

"I made a deal with Squall Leonheart."

Drake slowly moved his hand to his spear.

"And what would that be?"

With blinding speed Dami'tu's' right hand shot to his left shoulder and removed the cape in one fluid motion. Drake took all of heart beat to notice that Dami'tu was in a red and black set of armor, and already getting down into a fighting stance. Drake instantly pulled his spear. As if in slow motion he watched as Dami'tu's demon arm reached up pulling Blood Sword, and charging in the same motion. Drake barely had enough time to bring his spear up to block. He was used to blocking great swords, but the weight of Blood Sword was almost unbearable.

"I am to get you ready for what you have to do."

Drake pivoted his stance sending Blood sword crashing to the ground pinning it with his spear, but Dami'tu didn't stager.

"I have working knowledge of what you are going up against."

Drake went to elbow Dami'tu in the face; however Dami'tu was already under the swing and punching Drake in the guts. Drake watched as Dami'tu dislodged Blood Sword with one hand and spun it around like it was a wooden sword. Drake came to the sudden undeniable conclusion that Dami'tu was unbelievably strong. A new strategy formed in his head.

"And what would that be?"

Instead of responding right away Dami'tu rushed Drake again. Drake jumped high sending his spear at the exposed back of his opponent. With blinding speed though Dami'tu whipped around smacking drakes spear out of mid-flight with Blood Sword, and casted a low level fire spell in Drakes direction.

"I know what my mother is planning."

He didn't give Drake the opportunity to land and pick up his spear. He just caught Drake by the leg and hurled him to the ground. Drake hit the ground with such force that pebbles went flying in every direction.

"But you can't even stand up to me..."

Drake rolled away as Blood Sword came crashing down where his head had been a split second earlier.

"...so why should I tell you?"

Drake kicked to his feet.

"Oh I might surprise you Damn-it-all."

"Name calling is not going to help you."

With that Drake yanked on his retrieval cable to bring his spear to his hands. In mid-flight it hit Dami'tu in the back. It wasn't a hard hit, but enough to throw off Dami'tu enough for Drake to charge in and attack. It wasn't his best offensive ever but it was better than nothing. All at once Dami'tu dropped his right shoulder and tried to gore Drake with his shoulder spike. Drake side-stepped at the last second and lunged with his spear at Dami'tu's demon arm.

The attack had the desired effect Dami'tu dropped Blood Sword. Instead of grabbing the injured arm though, He grabbed Drake by a horn and head-butted him. Drake back peddled instantly, blood gushing from his nose. Unlike his own horns that went straight up, Dami'tu's curled back around his head and came up by his ears.

Dami'tu snatched up Blood Sword in his human hand faster than Drake could blink.

"Well done Drake Gryphonis. I commend you for trying to disable my ability to wield Blood Sword. However letting Blood Sword get near blood was nearly fatal. I doubt you are Xavier Lofbrah and could have tranced to fight me in a blood rage."

Drake took a second to straighten his nose. He almost passed out from the pain of resetting it.

"I don't need to be Xavier to beat you. Good always triumphs over evil."

Dami'tu rushed Drake wielding Blood sword as proficiently in his human hand as he had in his demon one. Drake had not expected that.

"Were this a child's story, and were I evil that might be true."

Drake managed to put his boot in Dami'tu's guts forcing him back.

"You were helping Xiedie, how can you say you're not evil."

Dami'tu rained blows on Drake like he was as fresh as rain. Drake could hardly keep up.

"I was being controlled by my mother, as are your class mates and their team leader."

Drake could feel his back starting to burn. For six months he had tried to force his wings to work. He always failed though.

"You still allowed her to take Shyri, and because of that we have lost a friend."

With out knowing how or why an energy spear formed in Drakes hand. With blinding speed Drake charged Dami'tu with both spears.

"Finishing technique, Dragoon Dance!"

As he had with Tiamat, he went through every form he had ever learned. It was Dami'tu's turn to dodge and weave, and take hits. With a final Head-butt Dami'tu went sprawling, and Drakes wraith spear vanished. However Drake was not done. His back was on fire as he crouched down. More loose gravel went flying as Drake jumped. This time however when he reached the peak of his jump and the wraith wings appeared, they did not send him higher. Instead he hovered there.

"Dragoon of the first order limit break. STEAL RAIN!"

As the spear left Drakes hand it immediately split into thousands of wraith spears. Each one hit Dami'tu with terminal velocity. As Drake plummeted back to the ground, the wraith wings folded back into his back. grabbing the spear by the end, he yanked it out of the ground.

"There, now am I worthy of your precious information?"

Dami'tu picked himself up off the ground.

"Yes, you have defeated me fairly and with honor."

Drake slung his spear on to his back. He decided it best to keep his distance as Dami'tu hefted Blood Sword like it was a twig and slung it over his shoulder.

"So what is this information, and how do you have it?"

"When my mother was in my head controlling me in Vana'diel, I could see inside hers. I caught a brief glimpse of what she plans to do."

Drake couldn't believe what he was hearing. If Dami'tu was telling the truth they might actually be able to get the drop on Xiedie.

"What are her plans Dami'tu?"

Dami'tu had made his way over to where his cape had landed. Drake watched as he wrapped it around his shoulders taking care to thread the horn on his right shoulder through a hole. Drake noticed for the first time that Dami'tu's cape hid his demon features. When he turned around all but his demon eyes and horns were covered. Slowly Dami'tu locked his gaze with Drakes.

"Sin"

HEADMASTER LEONHEARTS OFFICE

"No doubt by this point Dami'tu has given his information to Drake."

Eric Masters heard Squalls words, though honestly he didn't know what Squall was expecting. On one level Eric felt that the chatter was unnecessary and that Squall was only talking to hear him self speak. On the other though Eric knew that Squall was just breaking the uneasy silence that had befallen the office since Dami'tu had told them of Xieide's plans.

"If you think about it, it is a perfect plan. She is bringing back one of the most notorious monsters ever and destroying the Avatars at the same time."

Eric looked at Squall.

"And she is doing it in a place I can't enter."

Squall sighed deeply.

"Let me ask you something?"

"I don't know if they can do it with out Xavier."

"You know it is rude to answer a question before it is asked."

"Fine, next question than because you always ask two when your asking me."

"Really, I never noticed that."

"Yeah, you do."

"Any way, how much faith do we put into the reports that we have got from the lady Yuna?"

"It is not whether or not that she is telling the truth of Xavier's progress. But whether or not he is ready or willing to join the fight again."

With that Eric plopped down on the love seat.

Squall retrieved a set of coffee cups he had received from Tidus and Yuna some time ago, and poured some coffee for himself and the distraught thunder god.

"I no longer think it is a matter of if he is ready to rejoin the fight or not. The fight is going to him." Squall said handing Eric a cup.

"I don't know how well he will be able to handle fighting his enemy in his loves body."

Squall sat down at his desk not sure of what needed doing any more.

"It is time to send them Eric, and maybe just maybe they might be able to bring Xavier back to the fight."

Eric stopped looking into his cup and downed the contents in one shot. Getting up Eric placed the cup on Squall desk and headed for the balcony.

"I hope your right old friend, cause this fight is about to become a hole lot harder than it should've been"

With that Eric Masters stepped out onto the balcony and retrieved his pack of cigarettes.

XIEDIES CASTEL

Sephiroth watched as Xiedie in the kitsune girls body worked tirelessly over her cauldron. He found it rather cliché when she did her rituals in this way. But than again he wasn't a sorceress so who was he to judge. He would just sit there silently waiting for her next command. It bothered him to no end that he had been reduced to a body guard, he knew he was meant for something more. He just couldn't remember what that something was. It also bothered him how obsessed with this Sin thing she had become. How was it so important if it was defeated?

"You look troubled Sephiroth, what is the matter?"

He also didn't like her new voice. He had heard the Kitsune girls real voice, and he felt it sounded some how dirty being used to say Xiedies words.

"Dose the notion of Sin bother you so much?"

Sephiroth looked up at Xiedie.

"Why should it? If it was so easily defeated so many times, why should I worry about it?"

"Your face says other wise Sephiroth."

Sephiroth decided not to dignify her with an answer. He may not be able to remember what it was he was meant to do, but he would be damned if he let him self to be so easily manipulated by this vile Necromancer who would so willingly use her own children the way that she was.

"Or perhaps it is that I am calling forth the Heartless and the Nobodies to help us on this part of our purpose."

Sephiroth felt like retching. Both the heartless and the nobodies were retched creatures. They were nothing more than abominations that were a mockery of life.

"I do not see the point of bringing them into your little game so early. Johns Mi'ihen should be enough. And since we will be in Spira they will be right at hand."

"Unfortunately I will have no further use for John Onikage or his Mi'ihen all too soon."

"I'm not sure I follow you or want to for that matter."

"To bring back Sin I will need a willing sacrifice. John has always followed my orders without question. He has always been nothing more than a little puppet on a little string."

Sephiroth sat in silence watching her chant and stir.

"You may speak Sephiroth, I know you want too."

"You are right; he has followed your every order to the letter. How ever in doing so he as inadvertently created your greatest adversary."

"Quite on the contrary, Odin created Xavier Lofbrah."

"That may be true, however. If he had not invaded Vana'diel on your order and destroyed that village Xavier would have been already dead."

Xiedie continued to stir in silence. Sephiroth decided to push further.

"Also had he not try to invade Centra Xavier would not have ended up in Spira, than Midgar, than Alexandria, than Vana'diel, and finally back in Centra. If you haven't notice the past heroes of these lands have not raised up against you, yet there strongest people's abilities and tactics are there to stop you, because Xavier Lofbrah went everywhere in his travels and accumulated that knowledge. And that knowledge has stopped or hindered you at every encounter."

Xiedie stopped stirring and glared at Sephiroth.

"Are you trying to make a point Sephiroth or are you trying to upset me?"

Sephiroth decided it was time to be else where, and got up to leave. Before he exited the chamber though he spoke one least time.

"I'm just saying, My Mistress, that you need to start being more careful. Young Lofbrah will eventually rejoin the fight, and he is going to want that girl back."

With that Sephiroth left Xiedie to her dark thoughts and rituals.

SPIRA, BESAID ISLAND

Their order to leave for Spira had left Drake with very little time. He would have loved to have gone to The Wyvern Cliffs to ask his mother his questions in person. His telecom conversation was less than satisfying to say the least. She couldn't tell him what it was the spell was supposed to do, just that it was working. It was up to Drake him self to figure out exactly what it did and why.

So now here he stood on the out skirts of Besaid in the early morning with the rest of Team X-treme, not entirely sure of what it was he was here to do. First things first he needed to make contact with the lady Yuna and find out exactly what it was that Xiedie needed to do to resurrect Sin.

"Well "Tech" you first."

With out further prompting "Tech" shouldered his bag and started towards the village.

Drake let the rest of the team pass him before he started moving himself. He wasn't the only one at the back of the row though; "Z" had hung back as well.

"Why are we here Drake?"

"I really don't know. I think we came here to gain some insight about how Xiedie might try to resurrect Sin."

"Why doesn't she just use her magic to do it?"

"I really don't know."

They made the rest of the short trip in silence. Drake wasn't to sure if he should have been surprised to find Lady Yuna in the temple or not. Apparently the greetings were over between "Tech" and her though.

"Drake, what an unexpected surprise."

"I was not intending to be back so soon."

"Yes I know, Rakeios has told me every thing. I must contemplate this turn of events."

Drake bowed deeply to the former high summoner.

"Take as much time as you need, Lady Yuna."

"Drake, there is no need to be so formal all the time."

Drake cracked a roguish smile.

"Your right there isn't, it is just a force of habit."

Team X-treme stood there unsure of what they should be doing.

"I have an idea Drake. Why don't you guys put your stuff in the lodge and head down to the beach while I work this out."

Drake just shrugged.

THE BEACH

It hadn't taken long for every one to store their stuff at the lodge and meet back in the middle of town. As a group they made their way down to the beach. Every one seamed to be enjoying themselves as the atmosphere took on an almost holiday type feeling.

"Hey guys do you hear that?" "Z" asked almost out of the blue.

Every one stopped for a second to listen to what she had pointed out. It took a bit cause at first all they could hear was the ambient sounds of nature over laid with the sounds of the surf washing up on the beach. Than it hit them, it was the very familiar sound of music. And not just any music but the sound track that Xavier used when he was doing forms. Every one bolted to the beach.

Every one came to a short stop right at the mouth of the beach. Glancing around the corner of the rock face they found the source of the music. It was Xavier's P.D.A attached to speakers. Every one looked further up the beach, and sure enough there was Xavier and Rikku going through a very familiar form.

They watched in amazement as they went through the Dincht family form flawlessly. Every kick and punch timed perfectly with the music. They watched as every potentially fatal move was gracefully linked together into an almost flawless ballet of death. It was a very simple, yet effective form, and it was taught to every one who went through the mandatory self-defense class. It was the base of every move in the Dincht style of martial arts.

All at once Drake and "Z" removed there shoes, and Drake his shirt. Both went out onto the beach several yards behind Xavier and Rikku and flawlessly picked up the form right in the middle. In tandem the four friends continued to through the form with slow grace. It didn't take long for the rest to join in. Tech and Ashlin having never done the form before found it difficult to follow along. But it didn't take long for them to figure it out and fall into tandem with the rest. Clip having never done the form before and not really being a martial artist did the best he could to follow along. Ava and Drew stumbled along with him. However when the form was done every one ended in the same neutral position.

Xavier continued to look out to sea. Every one waited to see what he would do even Rikku was giving him side long glances. Heaving a deep sigh He finally spoke.

"It is nice to see that you have at least kept in shape, and remember the basics taught to the most of you in your first few years. How ever I hope not all of you are here to see if I'll come back."

Drake shrugged, and leapt. Ashlin didn't even shrug he just charged Xavier. They both converged on Xavier at the same moment. All they attacked though was a log.

"How ever your speed has decreased."

Every one looked to where Ashlin and Drake had stood with the rest. Every one was stunned to say the least.

"No brother you have just gotten faster."

Xavier Lifted an eye brow at the both of them, he managed to look almost amused. Xavier cocked his head to the side, and disappeared. He reappeared between Drake and Ashlin.

"And attacking me is still not going to give you a different answer."

No one was surprised by Xavier's actions.

"And why is it that you think we are here?"

Xavier wandered over to his P.D.A.

"You're here to get me to come back."

"Well that's part of the reason, but not the primary reason."

Xavier once again arched an eyebrow at his team mates.

"So what is the primary reason than for you guys to here than?"

"Xiedie has come to Spira to resurrect Sin."

Xavier stopped dead in his tracks, Rikku passed out.

SOME TIME LATTER

Xavier closed the door behind him as he exited the back of Rikku's house into his garden. He gave his friends a once over before he sat down in a hanging chair. At some point apparently some time while he was attending to Rikku, Lady Yuna and Tidus had joined Team X-treme.

"So what exactly is going on?"

No one was in a hurry to answer Xavier. They just sat there giving shifty glances to one another in the failing light. It was Drake who finally spoke.

"In your absence we have continued to fight Xiedie and her hoard. A short time ago they attacked the Wyvern Cliffs killing many and releasing the notorious dragon, Tiamat. From there they went to Winhill and leveled the area. We defeated Tiamat and discovered what happened to Team John. We spent many long months preparing for the eventual next move from her. During one of my training sessions I was confronted by Dami'tu, who told me that Xiedie is after Sin."

Xavier removed his goggles and rubbed his eyes.

"Let me get this straight. Head Master Leonheart sent you guys here on something that Dami'tu said?" disbelief hung from Xavier's words.

"He was being controlled like so many of Xiedies victims."

"Right."

Xavier looked away from his team and stared right at Yuna.

"And what are your thoughts on this?"

Yuna took her time to answer, picking and choosing her words carefully.

"In order for her to bring back Sin she would have to first bring back the Faiths. She would than have to find a _willing_sacrifice to be the final Faith for Sin itself. As well as bring back Yu-Yevin some how."

"Oh is that all. Good thing you destroyed the Faiths, and Yu-Yevin."

Tidus spoke up at this.

"If she is able to resurrect people and mobs, than there is no reason that she can't bring back the Faiths or Yu-Yevin."

Xavier heaved a sigh.

"And what exactly do you want me to do about it?"

"We want you back Xavier." "Z" blurted out from where she had sat quietly.

Every one looked at her in surprise. Not so much from the fact that she had spoken, but from sudden bluntness that she had spoken.

"And what is it you think I can do "Z"? What grand power do you think I poses that would help you guys stop her from doing exactly what she wants. Cause so far I have blindly done exactly what she wanted me to do and stepped willingly into every trap she has set."

"YOU ARE OUR LEADER! WE FOLLOWED YOU IN TO EVERY SITUATION AND EVERY TRAP, AND WE HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF THEM, STOPPING HER EVERY TIME!"

"AND HOW LONG BEFORE OUR LUCK RUNS OUT? HOW LONG BEFORE I FUCK UP AND ONE OF YOU ENDS UP DEAD?"

Neither one remembered standing, nor getting into each others face.

"You selfish bastard." "Z" said almost under her breath.

"YES I AM A BASTARD. I AM THE BASTARD CHILD OF YOUR GOD, SENT HERE TO BE HIS CHAMPION. I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS. I DIDN'T ASK TO BE THE ONE TO FINISH WHAT HE COULDN'T. I DIDN'T ASK TO WATCH NOT ONE, BUT TWO OF MY HOMES BURN TO THE GROUND BECAUSE OF HIS FAULTS. I DIDN'T ASK TO SPEND THE MAJORITY OF MY LIFE WANDERING ING THE WORLD IN CONSTANT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PAIN. I DIDN'T ASK TO BE TORTURED DAY AND NIGHT BY THE THOUGHT THAT THE LOVE OF MY LIFE MIGHT BE DEAD AND I WAS SEARCHING IN VAIN FOR NOTHING. DID I ASK FOR ANY OF THAT YOU SPOILED, PAMPERED BRAT?"

Xavier all at once found himself flat on his back looking at the sky. He didn't have to touch his lip to know that it was busted open, or that "Z" had punched him squarely in the mouth.

"Get out of my house, all of you."

Every one stood and started to file out of the garden. The last one to exit was Ashlin who just stood there at the door looking at the fallen soul that had once been his dearest friend, his greatest rival, and brother.

"None of us can claim to have gone through what you have experienced. Of all of us I am more than likely the only one to have a remote clue of how you must feel. But even so, every one is doing there best. Even "Z" for as spoiled and pampered as she is, is doing her best."

"What's your point, Ashlin?"

"My point is this, Xavier. If your going to continue to stay here and hide from your responsibilities, weather you want them or not. You might as well just stay right there, flat on your back."

With out another word Ashlin turned on his heals and left Xavier to his thoughts. On his way out though he left a package on the table. Latter on Rikku would discover the package and wonder why there was a black shoe box on the table.

WELL AFTER NIGHT FALL

Xavier sat cross-legged on the beach watching the waves roll in and out. He took a few deep breaths and then hurled himself into the astral plane. Xavier found it deeply disturbing how much the place looked like the far plain. Some how though it all seemed rather fitting.

"ERIC! ERIC MASTERS SHOW YOUR SELF!"

He waited a few moments.

"ODIN I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME, AND I KNOW YOU CAN ENTER THIS PLACE AS WELL AS THIS REALM AS LONG AS YOU DON'T USE YOUR POWERS!"

"And yet you know almost nothing."

Xavier spun around and came almost face to face with Eric Masters.

"So educate me."

"You know it has been a long time since I was this upset."

"Oh it is good to know your upset, because I am down right pissed off."

The two men stood there glaring holes into each other.

"I hope you didn't call me hear just to upset me?"

"No, like I said I want to be educated."

Eric violently turned his head from Xavier. Xavier watched as Eric violently tore a cigarette from the inner pocket of his trench coat.

"So what is it exactly you want to know?"

"Every thing."

"You couldn't be more vague."

It was Xavier's turn to violently turn his head away and light a cigarette.

"Fine, I want you to start at the beginning and tell me exactly why we are at this point."

Eric made his way to the edge of the clearing and sat on a rock.

"This story starts roughly five millennia ago."

Xavier could tell this was going to take a while so he sat down as well.

"At that time I was still alive and was a very promising Red mage in the service of my king. I bet you can't guess what my specialty was. Any way I eventually met and fell in love with a young maiden named Xiadra. Her beauty was with out compare. And she had this fiery attitude that just made her that much more appealing."

Eric paused to toss his smoke aside.

"We were madly in love with each other. Every one told me though that I should leave her and find some one else. But I was very strong-willed in my youth and wouldn't listen to any one. We were eventually married. It was the single happiest moment of my life."

Eric pulled another smoke and lit it. Xavier was waiting though to see why this story was upsetting him so much though.

"As the stories usually go I was called away to fight for my King. Xiadra begged me not to go. She said we should just leave those lands and find somewhere else to live. Some where we could live in peace. But I wouldn't have any of it. My King needed me, and I was eager to be on the front lines smoating his enemies in his name. So I left."

Eric's eyes lost focus as he got lost in his past.

"I will remember my home-coming for as long as I am condemned to exist. I returned not to a heroes welcome but to the site of the kingdom burning to the ground. Every where I turned the dead were killing people and adding them to their numbers. I cut a bloody path to the castle where I hoped to find the King. Instead I found my wife, sitting on the throne. The king's head stuck to the top of her staff."

Eric tossed the finished smoke and continued.

"My wife looked at me, and with pleading eyes told me her story. She revealed to me that her real name was Xiedie, and she was the last student of the most notorious necromancer to have ever lived. She told me she had killed her master and was only looking to live a normal life when she had found me. But I would hear none of it. My rage consumed me as I fought my wife. In the end I won. However as I looked down the length of my blade at her waiting for me to kill her, I found that I still loved her very deeply. I could not kill her. So I let her go. For that act I found my self facing her punishment.

I was ordered by a special tribunal to serve a very vial king, since I had let my wife not only live but escape custody. I endured thirty years of that tyrant Kings rule. Year after year I was no better than a slave and like a slave I had to do my masters bidding. After thirty years of murdering for him I could no longer take it and killed him, but not before he condemned me to an eternal life as an Avatar.

I was still a slave but now I was a slave to any yahoo who could summon. There were those I enjoyed serving and there were those that I wouldn't answer the call of. I saw many lands, I also saw many deaths. I eventually saw my wife again, but she was no longer beautiful, she was old withered and cruel. She had not aged well. I was forced to do battle with my wife for a second time, and for a second time I was unable to kill her when I had her at my mercy. On that day she vowed revenge against me and all Avatars. It wasn't long after that I became a more powerful Avatar.

Several millennia would pass before I would see my wife again. When I did though she had managed to regain her youth, beauty, and vitality. When we met this time she had started a war with her undead legions that threatened to engulf the world. It was a long and violent war; none of the underhanded tactics she is using now were used. A lot of Avatars were killed, never to be summoned again. Once again I found my self with my wife at the opposite end of my sword, and once again I was unable to kill her. However I was unwilling to just let her go again. So I locked her away in a magic prison and hurled it deep into the under world. It was at this time that I became the god of all Avatars, for Xiedie had killed the previous one."

Xavier waved Eric to a stop.

"Wait, wait how does Lady Scarlet know this story too if it happened so long ago?"

"The lady Scarlet knows because she is the last of a special line of dragons. This last war happened about a millennia and a half ago. Scarlet was there on the front lines with me. She was about the age that her daughter is now. I also think she was smitten with me too, but who knows. We have been good friends ever since."

"Ok, what ever. Continue the story."

"About forty years ago Xiedie started to move again, and some how got out of her prison. That is when she started to do all her under handed dealings, choosing a more subtle way of manipulating people and events. I felt her begin to work and can only assume those first fifteen years developing the dark mist and every thing it can do.

When she started making her children is when I started to interfere. You know four of the five that survived."

"I do?" Xavier interrupted.

"I know Shyri and Dami'tu are but who are the other two I know and the one I don't?"

"The four you know are Drake Gryphonis, Ava Rei, Shyri, and Dami'tu. The one you don't know is Dominic Rei, Ava's twin brother."

Xavier almost couldn't believe what he had just heard. He almost refused to believe Drake was one of Xiedies children, where as it explained a lot about Ava in some weird way.

"I can almost hear your thoughts Xavier and I will explain in a second. She manipulated the conception and births of more than four hundred thousand people."

Eric got a very sickened expression look on his face as he continued.

"I killed all but five of her children in one way shape or form. I either interfered in their conception, there births, or befell some fatal tragedy on them.

It was at this time that I also decided that she was going to make a definite move with or without her children, and I knew that my own weaknesses would prevent me from killing her. However I could no longer let her wreak havoc on the world so with out the knowledge of the Avatars that served under me I altered the conception of you.

You were going to be born any way; I just made sure you were born with what I needed. I chose your parents because they were relatively unknown in a land that no one except the Avatars knew existed."

Xavier wanted to say something at this point but found he couldn't so Eric pushed ahead.

"Xiedie must have figured out what I was doing and influenced a very young John Onikage to destroy your village. You and your cousin ended up in Centra. You know the rest from there.

Now as for Xiedies children. Drake was born in confinement, Xiedies henchmen had taken over Wyvern cliffs while Scarlet was off training her daughter. They came back to it occupied and set to work reclaiming it. Drake was born to one of Scarlet's most trusted human advisers and her most loyal Dragoon knight. That's why Drake is half Dragoon, because his father was. Drake's father died protecting his mother. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him. I will not go into any details about it. Drake will just have to tell you himself.

The reason Drake is not evil though is because he was taught to love. He was raised to be honorable and a champion of those who can't fend for themselves. He has worked really hard to over come his inner hatred, and to live with the adversity he faces every day of his life. Not human, not Dragon, not even Dragoon. But because he was raised with love instead of hate he was able to become what he is today. What Xiedie intended him for, I don't know. I can only assume it has something to do with summoning.

Ava and her twin brother Dominic Rei were born in Alexandria, to be more specific the Black Mage woods. There parents were more than content to hide there for they were the last descendents of a clan of black mages that had mastered the blackest of the black magic's. Not because they were evil spells, they were just very complex, and very hard to learn.

The black mist found its way into Spira and claimed Ava's father. He did not become evil right away, but he did pass the evilness of the mist to his children. When the children were about two is when he became evil and tried to take the children to Xiedie. There parents fought. I don't know who won. Ava was discovered wandering around the Macalania woods by Drew's parents. As for Dominic Rei, I have no clue where he ended up. He is still alive though.

Dami'tu's story I don't know, and if you want to hear Shyri's you had best get your ass in gear and save her. I don't know what my wife has in mind for her. How ever I do know that she has taken over Shyri's body to use it for her evil deeds."

Xavier just shook his head. "What makes you think I am ready? What is it about me that make every one think that this is my war and I am destined to win it or the world ends?"

"Because even though I did not interfere with or direct your life, I did create you for the sole purpose of fighting this war. Yes you have led a life of discomfort and suffering, but knowing what you know now can you honestly say that the world would be better under Xiedies control."

Xavier hung his head. "I don't want to lose any one else."

"Than you best get up off your ass and start protecting your friends. That is the only way you're going to keep them alive."

Eric reached into his coat and pulled out a little black cloth pouch.

"Here this should help you."

Xavier dumped the contents of the pouch into his hand. He found in his hand a gold ring with an intricate design on it. He knew what it was; he had tried to make one himself.

"I know the scroll you have been studying, and I know you need curtain materials you can't get in Spira. That's the ring. You know how to use it all ready."

Eric stood up off his rock and took a look around.

"Well I think it is time you got going, you have a decision to make and I think Xiedie is about to make it for you."

Xavier gave Eric a funny look as he got to his feet.

"How so?"

"Something is happening in Besaid now, you need to get going."

Xavier all at once found himself back in his body. Standing up he became aware of the heavy smell of smoke in the air. Turning in the direction of the village Xavier could see the smoke filling the night sky. Xavier ran as fast as he could back to the village.

BESAID** VILLAGE**

The attack had started an hour ago. From no where countless Heartless had started boiling out of the temple. Thankfully Drake and Ashlin had not gone to bed yet. It didn't take long for the rest of Team X-treme to join in the fight, or for that matter Yuna, Tidus, Wakka, and Lulu.

"Well this was unexpected."

"Really Drake what makes you say that, you knew she was going to attack the temples."

A swing of Drakes spear found five Heartless dead.

"Normally she uses Onikage's Mi'ihen solders. I didn't think she would bring in Heartless."

"Maybe she got bored."

A pile of Heartless went up like a geyser as Ashlin cleared a path to Drake and Tidus.

"Want to know what I think?"

"Yes Ashlin please, tell us what you think."

"Finishing technique, MAKO ESSENCE"

Ashlins sword technique cleared a nice neat path to the temple. The Heartless temporarily stopped attacking.

"I think that Xiedie is not looking for a willing sacrifice for the final summon. She already has one, and she no longer will need his army. I'm sure we will run into them from time to time. However we will not see too much more of John Onikage."

Drake looked to the temple, but Tidus said what every one was thinking.

"She is starting her pilgrimage to collect the faiths."

Every one gathered in front of the temple. Drake found "Z" at his elbow.

"We're going in aren't we?"

"Yeah, we have no real choice."

Team X-treme looked at the temple not knowing what to do. Finally Drake stepped forward.

"Well this aint getting the job done."

Pulling a cloth from his belt Ashlin wiped Heartless goop from Kuroaki.

"No, standing here doing nothing is just giving her more time to get the faith in side."

Tech strolled up next to them tightening his gloves.

"I always wanted to go on a pilgrimage."

"This could be interesting."

"You kidding me Drew? This is an opportunity of a life time. These temples have been closed down since the defeat of Vagnagun."

"Settle down "Z" your giving me tooth decay."

"Oh stuff it Ava. You're excited about this too. Admit it."

"I will admit that seeing the magic contained with in the temples will be...... mildly entertaining."

Every one gave Ava a funny look.

Drake looked to Ashlin.

"Was she being serious or a smart-ass?"

"I couldn't tell either."

"What ever lets just get going."

As one Team X-treme made there way into the temple.

MEANWHILE

Xavier's journey from the beach had been any thing but easy. Unlike the town he had to deal with Nobodies. It wasn't till he got with in sight of town that he encountered Heartless. He knew what was going on as soon as he entered town. The defenders were killing the last of the Heartless and heavily guarding the entrance to the temple. With a heavy heart Xavier entered Rikku's house.

"You're leaving aren't you?"

Xavier hung his head as he closed the door.

"She is on the move, and has started here. My team needs me, and I need to see this through to the end. If only to finally bring peace to my life."

Rikku slid the box Ashlin had left across the table.

"Ashlin left this for you. I don't know what this is, but I can assume that you do, and it is something important."

Carefully Xavier brought the box to him self. Biting his thumb Xavier drew a leaf symbol on the cover. It wasn't to long ago that he had been fiercely proud of that symbol. However now as the lid started to open he knew that the place no longer existed, and he never intended to go back to them.

"What is it?"

"You know the outfit I ware?"

"Yeah."

"Well that outfit is a prototype for this outfit."

"What's so special about it that Ashlin was holding it for you?"

"Me and Ashlin created "War outfits" a long time ago for emergency uses. They enhanced our natural abilities and what not."

"Oh... so what does you're's do?"

"It increases my ability to draw Chakra, Manna, and Mako. It increases my power output."

Xavier picked up the box and headed for the bedroom. As carefully as he could he laid the outfit out on the bed. He had no doubt the thing still fit him; he made it when he was already done growing. He just hoped it still worked right.

When the door to the bed room opened Rikku was speechless. Xavier had never looked so determined in all his life. His war out fit was a site to be hold in its self. She couldn't place what the black material of the pants was made of and the cords that crisscrossed the red marital on the out side of the legs looked like it was flowing with power. As he moved forward to the table to gather his pouch of holding the buckles on the legs barely made a noise.

Silently she watched as he slung his pack over his right shoulder, the three wide straps coming to the center of his chest in a big metal ring. The shoulder trap hid the scar on his shoulder perfectly. Reaching into the box Xavier removed two bark brown bracers; each one came up to his elbows. Finally he removed a heavy, dark purple cloth and slung it over his left hip, tying it at his right hip.

"You look good Xavier."

"Thank you" he replied in a tone just above a whisper.

"Your not coming back to me, are you?"

The words were out before she had a chance to think about them.

"I don't know?"

She pushed a head not knowing what else to do or say.

"Did you ever love me Xavier, or am I just another name on the long list of names that you have loved and left?"

"I might have once, I don't really know. And there never was a list. For as flirtatious as I am, you are the only one that can claim you got me. I will never forget that."

"But you don't still love me."

Xavier didn't answer, he couldn't. He just hung his head and looked at the floor.

Rikku slid her knives across the table.

"Do me a favor Xavier. Take these into battle with you, and promise me that you will never forget me. Ever..."

Xavier walked around the table and pulled Rikku close. Carefully she wrapped her delicate arms around him as well.

"I promise I will never forget you."

With that Xavier turned and left taking the knives with him. Rikku sank to the floor and cried like she never had before.

At the foot of the temple stairs Xavier ran into Tidus and Yuna.

"So you are returning to the fight?"

"Yes... I have no choice Yuna."

"Why?"

"What dose it matter?"

"It matters greatly. If you are fighting for the wrong reason you might as well turn around and go back to Rikku."

"Fine. Xiedie is going to push forward with or with out me there. My team is good, but how can I continue to expect them to fight a battle I myself am unwilling too."

"And?"

"And... she still has my friend. I will not stop until I have her back. And when I get her back I am never letting her out of my sight."

"Does Rikku know you aren't coming back to her?"

"Yes... at least I think she does."

The three of them stood there looking at the temple.

"Things aren't going to be the same ever again are they?"

"No Xavier, I imagine they never will be."

Xavier went to move on the temple when Tidus grabbed his arm.

"You're forgetting something "X"."

With that Tidus handed Xavier his Gunblade case.

"That won't do me any good, it is still broken."

"Rikku brought it to us a couple of months ago, and we fixed it for you."

Xavier set the case down and opened it. In stead of seeing his normal Gunblade Xavier found himself looking at Brotherhood attached to the gun Handel. Slowly Xavier ran his hand down the length of the cold blue metal of the blade. When his hand had run over the cylinder and hammer it came to a stop on the handle it self. Gripping it firmly he pulled the new Gunblade from the case and gave it a few swings. It was surprisingly lighter than his original blade and twice as sharp.

"Your old blade was to badly damage to be repaired so we had it replaced with Brotherhood. Think of it as a reminder of where you have come from and how far you have to go yet. Let it also remind you that you are always welcomed here with us, your family."

Carefully Xavier opened up the cylinder and loaded it with the special Gunblade ammo. Snapping it shut, he tucked it in his belt on his right hip right under the pouch of holding.

"Thank you for every thing. I promise I will make every thing right."

With that Xavier took off into the temple.

Yuna leaned into Tidus, who happily wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Should have we told him about Rikku's condition?"

"No, it would have distracted him from what he needs to do."

CHAMBER OF THE FAITH

The Heartless had been nothing, a walk in the woods compared to what had awaited them in the temple. Nobodies were faster, stronger, and more coördinated. The fight to the chamber of the faith and been long and trying. Finally though they made it to the chamber.

"So, uh Tech how do we open the door?"

Every one looked to "Tech" who just scratched his head.

"I don't really know."

Drake shook his head and approached the extravagantly carved door. Taking his summoning circle in his hand he prayed on the door. With a flourish the door parted. Shrugging Drake just entered, not knowing what else to do Team X-treme followed him in. Once inside though they came to a dead stop. In the middle of the chamber standing over the Valefor rune that was carved into the floor was a little. She looked to be no more than nine or ten years old, draped in flowing robes, face buried in her hands weeping her heart out. Every one just stared at her dumb founded. Finally "Z" made the first move.

"What's the matter sweety?" "Z" said crouching down to the girl's level.

"She brought me back to life... I was dead... I should still be dead..." the girl sobbed.

"I know honey."

"She took... She took my heart... She took my soul!"

"Z" scrambled back as fast as she could. All at once the little girl started screaming. She all the sudden turned very grey and started transforming into a nightmare of her former self.

"KIIIIIILLLLLL MEEEEEEEE! PLEASEEEEEEE!"

Valefor in all her evil glory took flight, and locked her evil dead eyes on Team X-treme. Valefor attacked.

THE PATH OF RETURN

Something was coming they knew that much. Theirs was not to think, theirs was to kill. They were good at their job, this time their job was to heard the living towards the chamber, and that is what they did. But this one, this one they were to kill. The Nobodies knew what to do, and they were ready to do it. All at once the target was behind them. Before any could react they all went down in a straight line. Not a single Nobody was alive when they hit the ground.

He had no time to think, thought was for a coördinated attack. Now was the time to act. If he was to succeed he needed to trust his instincts. Right now his instincts told him to put more speed into his step, and start his technique.

Xavier had become death, and death was coming fast for Valefor.

CHAMBER OF THE FAITH

With a burst of energy Drake and Ashlin hit the ground. They had been the last two standing. Despite their best efforts, Valefor had just been too much. Drake knew that they weren't ready; he knew something had been missing. But even if they had a year they wouldn't have been ready. Drake looked up at his impending doom.

Valefor looked down at the people that had come to her chamber. She had hoped they would kill her, but they couldn't.

"Kill them now my pet."

Valefor had no choice but to obey. Rising higher into the air Valefor began to gather her breath weapon for one final attack.

All at once there was a disturbance out in the antechamber. With out warning a dozen warriors came bursting through the door. They all looked the same though.

Xavier and his clones attacked without mercy. They had only stopped long enough to grab weapons from the rest of the team. The attack was over before it had started, now was the time to try his new technique. Doing the necessary hand sings Xavier activated the ring and absorbed his clones effectively multiplying his power by the number of clones.

With his power multiplied by twelve Xavier rushed in on the stunned Valefor.

"Weapon Skill: STRIKE PURPLE LIGHTENING!"

Valefor didn't know what hit her as she was bounced around the room.

"Sword Technique: OMNI-SLASH!"

With each mini explosion that hit her, Valefor felt over joyed. This one was going to send her back to the Far Plane.

Spinning around Xavier gathered his strength and golf hit Valefor into the air. Sparing only enough time to quickly pick up Kuroaki at his feet Xavier leapt after Valefor. Xavier crossed his arms over his chest, gathering more energy as he approached the possessed avatar. They locked gazes for the briefest of moments. Xavier could tell instantly he was doing this poor creature an immense favor by killing it.

_"Kill me... PLEASE!"_Xavier all at once heard in the back of his head.

"I will bring an end to your suffering."

"LIMIT BREAK: FATAL X!"

Xavier released all his pent-up energy into the two swords. With blinding speed Xavier brought the two swords across Valefor in a devastating cross slash. Valefor crashed to the ground and immediately started to revert back to her Faith.

As soon as Xavier landed he tucked his gun blade back into his belt and dropped Kuroaki. Shaking his hand to get feeling back into it Xavier remembered Kuroaki didn't like being handled by any one but Ashlin.

Xavier faced the little girl who was once again sobbing in the middle of the room. The fight was over, but there was still one grisly task left to do, and he really didn't want to do it. As he approached the seal of the Faith and the little girl, Xavier activated a mega-potion and tossed it over his shoulder. Xavier looked down at the sobbing girl and truly felt sorry for her. Xavier dropped to his knees and held his arms open. With out prompting the little girl ran into Xavier's waiting arms.

"Hush now, it will all be over soon. Shhhh, no body blames you for your action Valefor." Xavier said hardly above a whisper.

"Please kill me warrior. I'm tired and want to go home."

With hardly a flick of his wrist Xavier had one of his knives in hand. With a second flick the knife was hilt deep in the Faiths back. The little girl barely let out a gasp as the blade pierced her heart.

"I'm so sorry little one, I promise you will be avenged."

"Thank you... Xavier Lofbrah."

Xavier gently laid her little body over her seal and watched as she dissolved into energy and floated away back to the Far Plane.

There was nothing left to do or say here. Standing up Xavier found his team behind him. He didn't give them a chance to say any thing he just left them standing there in the chamber.

"What was that all about?" "Z" asked dusting her self off.

"How should I know? You know how he gets when he is in one of his moods." Drake said tucking his spear away.

"Yep closes up like a damn clam. Best to let him work it off." Ashlin responded wiping Kuroaki down with a cloth.

THE BEACH

Xavier had managed to make his way down to the beach with out running into Tidus, Yuna, or Rikku. The last thing he wanted was to have to tell them what he had done in the chamber. He didn't even bother relaxing or sitting this time. With two deep breaths he had centered himself and hurled his consciousness into the astral plane. He wasn't surprised to find him self standing in a dark void this time.

"XIEDIE YOU BITCH! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE! NOW!"

"Such fowl language Xavier, and to think you kissed these lips with that mouth."

Xavier spun around to face the queen of darkness and wasn't the least bit surprised to see that it was Shyri standing before him.

"Honestly Lofbrah I don't see what my daughter or husband see in you. Your are foul mouthed, rude, uncultured, a male slut, and not very pleasant to look at."

"You're a fine one to talk. That was a very dirty deed you did down there bitch."

"Language Lofbrah, I will not ask you again to be civil. I will just leave and take my daughter with me."

"You can't hide from me forever. I will catch up to you, and reclaim her."

"We will see Xavier."

"What did you do to the poor Avatar?"

"I took her heart, and her soul. I didn't need all of her to bring Yu-Yevin or Sin back."

Xavier glared at the queen of darkness.

"One day I am going to enjoy making you eat every word you have ever spoken to me."

"Again we will see Xavier Lofbrah."

All at once Xavier found himself back on the beach.

"So did you miss me?"

"Oh terribly, I missed that uncanny ability that you have to know who exactly is standing behind you."

"Interestingly enough Drake you all have a very unique smell to you."

"Oh really do tell."

Xavier turned to look at his friend and smiled.

"Well "Z" smells like perspiration, hotdogs, and lilacs."

"Lilacs?"

"They're her favorite flowers. Don't know why though there not pink. Ashlin smells like Mako and motor oil. Clip smells like holly water and gunpowder. Tech smells like chlorine and grease. Ava smells like paint and paper, and Drew smells like flowers and energy cells."

"And what about me?"

"You smell like Dragons, and the open sky."

"Huh. So what's next?" Drake said lighting a cigarette and offering one to Xavier.

"Next we go back to town, get some sleep. Tomorrow morning we talk to Lady Yuna and find out where the next stop in a pilgrimage is."

"Sounds like a plan. Nice outfit by the way."

"You like it, made it my self."

Xavier and Drake turned there backs on the ocean and made there way back to the village.

THE VILLAGE LODGE

Ashlin knew damn well what was in the black box on his bed, and if Xavier truly had his on already than he to would need to put his on. That was the agreement, if one had it on the other would too. But he was unsure if he was ready to handle that much of a Mako flow on a regular basis. Pulling Kuroaki out of its sheath Ashlin looked long and hard into the blade.

"Are we really ready for this kind of a commitment my old friend?"

He didn't expect the sword to answer him, but he knew damn well if it could it would have told him that it was one the last remaining paths left to redemption. Heaving a deep sigh Ashlin sliced his thumb open on the edge of Kuroaki. In his own blood he drew the roman number two on the cover of the box. With a hiss the lid opened and revealed Ashlins own war outfit. There was no backing out now. He was committed to the fight till its bitter end. Ashlin Kuroaki, the last student of a nameless Samurai master, apprentice to Sephiroth felt in the depths of his soul that the end was coming sooner than he would like it too. And the price of there victory might be too high for any one of them to pay.