The Fantasy Games (Final Fantasy Fanfiction)

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Real Enemy

Storm clouds began to gather in the skies of the virtual gaming field, no doubt Rufus had ordered the Turks to shake it up a bit and create some sort of hardship for the tributes. Thunder boomed through the sky, following a flash of lightning that ripped through the clouds. As if on cue the rain began to fall, lightly at first but then growing heavier until it was nearly on the level of that of a monsoon.

Cloud cursed loudly beside Yuna as the muddy forest floor became slippery and almost lethal to walk on. She couldn't deny that she had a sudden urge to curse as well but stopped herself when she felt a sudden tingle in her spine. She froze in her step, ignoring the rain that was making her hair flatten and stick to the sides of her face. Her eyes wandered around as she kept her spiritual senses open, trying to reach into her soul to ask advice of the fayth.

A hand was suddenly on her arm causing her to gasp and look up at Cloud. His spikes were drooping slightly as his piercing mako eyes searched her face. At first he looked slightly agitated but as he saw the dazed look in her eyes, his expression turned to one of concern.

"What is it?" He asked, though he sounded unsure of his own question.

She didn't answer immediately, her eyes held his but she wasn't really seeing him, she was searching. She hadn't imagined the sudden spike of power she'd felt in the air around her, she knew it was here somewhere and there were only a few places in the world where one could sense such power.

"There's..." She trailed off as she sensed it again, a stronger tingle running up her spines. Her head snapped to the right, towards a thick part of the forest and without another word, she grabbed Cloud's hand and bolted.

"Yuna!" He exclaimed, but he didn't stop her, instead he ran with her, pulling up beside her due to his speed. His footing slipped a few times however hers seemed to never fail as she made a sharp turn, coming up to a dead end.

A few feet in front of them stood a giant rock, jutting out from the forest floor. Vines and ivy covered it along with patches of moss. The spiritual presence was strongest around it as Yuna gently strode up toward it, pushing away the plants to expose its hard surface.

"Yuna?" Cloud suddenly grabbed her shoulder and turned her towards him, making her look directly at him. "What is going on?"

"I think..." She paused, her eyes flickering back towards the rock. "I think I found shelter."

She moved away from him, pushing back the vines however they kept moving back into place. After a minute of frustration, Cloud unsheathed his sword and hacked away at the greenery, letting it fall to the ground at their feet.

They both paused, simply looking at the uncovered rock surface as Cloud's eyes went wide and hope fluttered within Yuna's heart.

"What is that?" Cloud asked, nodding towards the markings on the damp surface of the wall.

"The symbol of Yevon," Yuna breathed out happily, her tone full of disbelief yet hope. She stretched out her hand, placing it in the centre of the eye-like piece of the symbol. The wings sprouting from it were so well-carved along with the twirled line in between them. She never thought she would see such a symbol again.

She turned around to Cloud, whose sword was still in hand and quicker than a scared chocobo; she ran her palm over its tip, drawing a thin line of blood. The SOLDIER made a noise of both protest and surprise in his throat however she ignored it, turning back to the symbol and placing her bleeding palm on the centre of it.

"I am the summoner Yuna, from the Isle of Besaid, Sector Ten," she announced. "Please, grant us access to your chamber."

The symbol glowed beneath her hand and before she knew it Cloud had pulled her back, his arms wrapping around her waist protectively. The surface of the rock fell away, revealing long petal-like curtains and dim lights leading down a stony stairs.