Chapter Twenty-Nine

[owlmoose]

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Chapter Twenty-NineAquelev had been prepared for almost anything, given the nature of this particular house call, but it was still a bit of a shock to part the trees and see Paine, her arms covered with scrapes and bruises, calmly sitting on a tree stump and honing her blade. The ugliest wound was a bite mark that marred the left side of her neck where it met her shoulder. She looked up at the sound of his footfalls and smiled. "Hey."

"You look even more beat up than he does," Aquelev said as he approached, sparkling with barely contained amusement. Paine set aside the sword, and he crouched beside her, examining the bite more closely. "What the hell happened? And don't you dare try to tell me a fiend got you, unless that fiend walks on two legs, and one of them is made of metal."

A chortle escaped her, and he rocked back on his heels and winked. "As your physician, I need to know what caused these injuries before I can treat them." She rolled her eyes, and he started to laugh. "Aw, c'mon. Please?"

As Paine looked at the healer, she suddenly realized that, after her, he was probably the person who cared the most about Nooj, and would be the most interested to know of the change in him. "All right," she said. "But you probably shouldn't let on that I told you. Let him come to you with the news first."

Aquelev perked up. "News?"

She leaned toward him and grabbed both his hands, squeezing tightly. "Yes. Yesterday, on the battlefield, and again last night, Nooj said..." Her throat started to tighten, choked by the overwhelming power of her happiness. She swallowed, then continued speaking past the lump that she could not quite clear. "Nooj promised to live. For me. He's not a Deathseeker anymore."

"He..." The Al Bhed's green eyes widened until they were nearly round, and his mouth hung slightly open. "I... I don't believe... really?" Paine nodded, and Aquelev lurched forward, gathering her into a crushing hug. She sucked in her breath as he hit the sore spots, and he quickly released her, sheepish. "Sorry, that was pretty thoughtless. I'm just... Paine. I'm so glad for you! For both of you."

"So am I," she replied softly. They smiled at each other for a moment, and then Aquelev pulled a tincture from his pack. He poured the liquid over a square of cloth and began cleaning the bite. She gasped and winced, but he did not stop his attentions.

"Sorry," he said, matter-of-fact now. "This is pretty deep, I need to clean it first. So. The bites. And the scratches. I've seen to Nooj already, you know; looks like you gave as good as you got." He grinned, and Paine flushed. "I guess it's not so surprising. Back in his Crusader days, he..."

Paine raised her eyebrows as the healer's words stopped abruptly. "He what?" she asked when an answer was not forthcoming.

Aquelev set aside the bottle and laid his hands on her either side of her neck, quietly chanting the words of a spell. Healing energy flowed from him and into Paine, and she felt the skin mending, there and then farther down as he ran his hands down both arms, smoothing out every bruise and cut, including a couple from the battle with Sin that the lesser healer in the tent had missed. When he was finished, all the pain except the mild throbbing in her head was gone. He stared into the distance and shrugged.

"Nooj... had a bit of a reputation. For being rough. With the women he... with his companions." He ducked his head, then met Paine's eyes. "Good thing you're strong. And I don't mean physically, although that helps. No matter what he says, it'll take some work to bring him back into the land of the living. You haven't chosen an easy man to love, you know."

"I know." Her lips quirked into a smile. "It's worth it."

His eyes warmed. "I know that, too." They grinned shyly at one another for a few seconds more, and then Aquelev dropped back into healer mode. "Okay. Show me where else it hurts."

-X-
It was very late when Nooj walked into the center encampment. Only a few soldiers were eating and bragging about their exploits, exchanging the traditional lies of the day after battle. The ones who noticed him stood and saluted as he passed by and he absently returned their respect.

Nooj cleared his throat at the flap of Auron's tent. "May I come in, sir?"

The older man looked up from the maps he had filched from Julien's desk and smiled. "Of course. What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to have a few words in private, sir." He slipped inside but approached no further, standing as straight as the cadet he had been not long ago.

"I'm at your service. Sit down."

"I'll stand, sir." Nooj paused as though to gather either his words or his courage or perhaps both. "You are aware of my feelings for your niece? Sir, there is a major battle approaching and I may not survive it. Because of your, your ... situation, you are almost certain to do so. Therefore, I am taking the liberty to ask if you will make sure my estate goes to Paine in the event ..."

Auron took pity on him and filled in the rest of the sentence. "That you fall in battle?"

"Yes sir." With a rush, the younger man continued. "I inherited a modest sum from my parents and that together with my pay during my service in the Crusaders and my share of the treasure captured during that time has amounted to a sizeable ... ah, sum."

Auron remained quiet and listening.

"It is deposited in the Warriors' Bank in Luca." Nooj reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a slip of paper. "Here is the account number and the password. I want Paine to have it if..."

Auron looked carefully at the man before him. Nooj had matured in the time since they had met. He seemed older and somehow at the same time less burdened, more serene. "So it's like that, is it?" he asked with interest.

"Yes sir." From the tone Auron realized there would be neither apology nor explanation. Nooj had said what he had come to say and that was all.

As he lifted the flap in order to leave the tent, Nooj paused and spoke over his shoulder. "I intend to give the troops the morning to complete their preparations for moving out to link up with the other part of the army. As I see it, there is no rush and I would rather have them rested and ready than marching just to meet an arbitrary deadline." He left without waiting for an answer.

With a brief chuckle, Auron made a mental note. It would appear that the commander in title had become the commander in truth. Always good to have your judgment confirmed. Nooj had grown into his role, just as Auron had expected he would. If only he could trust the young man to abandon his search for death permanently. Nooj would make a fine leader in the new Spira. And a worthy partner for Paine.

But his niece and his home would just have to take their chances. He would be leaving them regardless, probably soon. Auron leaned back with a sigh, looking up at the roof of the tent. Even with this rest, they should be rejoining the army at Bevelle within the day. Given the impending arrival of the Al Bhed and the inside help they would receive from Baralai, he thought that Bevelle would likely be quick to fall. Then he would take Yuna and the others to deal with Sin. Dealing with Yevon had been necessary, but in a way it had also been a distraction from his true purpose. Battling Sin yesterday had been a stark reminder of that.

Auron let his mind drift back to the battle. Everyone under his watchful eye had performed admirably. Tidus, especially, had shown a great deal of improvement. But what had really caught his attention was that trick of Yuna and Dona's, summoning together. As far as he knew, no one had ever tried or heard of such a thing before. He allowed himself to wonder what kind of aeon might be called by a dozen summoners chained together, especially if they could all tap into the power of Bahamut. Would it rival the strength of the Final Aeon? Could it be a match for Sin? But then, even if Sin could be defeated in such a manner, Bahamut's fayth might become the next Sin. Yuna's life might be saved, but the cycle would continue, and possibly at the cost of Bahamut, or whichever aeon was chosen. It was an idea that bore consideration, but...

No. Auron shook his head. He had seen Bahamut in action, and he had witnessed the calling of a Final Aeon. No matter how much power was put behind the former, it could not come even close to approaching the latter's might. They would have to find another way.

"Sir Auron?" He looked up to see the tent flap sweep open to admit Lulu, carrying two mugs of tea and a very full breakfast plate. "Have you eaten?"

"I have not," he answered. "Thank you." He took the offered drink in one hand and a biscuit in the other.

She settled down on the ground, plate in her lap. "So. Shall we discuss our next move?"

"Indeed." Auron laid the map out on the ground between them, and they quickly became engrossed in plotting and planning.

-X-
Nooj had just exited Sir Auron's tent when he heard himself hailed by a familiar voice.

"Wait up a minute, will you, commander?" Aquelev bustled up and caught at his friend's sleeve. "I want to check you out and report on ..."

Nooj hastily dragged the healer away from the bustling breakfast area and into a more private spot. "Keep your mouth shut. Have you eaten?"

"No..."

"Give me a minute to send out some instructions to the troops, then let's get some food and we can talk, if you have to. She all right?" The last was spoken in an undertone with an expression of concern.

"Yeah. Fine. Ok, run your errand and then let's get something to eat. I'm hungry. Unlike you, I've been working this morning."

A little while later, the pair were settled down to refueling in a little clearing not far from the path, in a spot where well-worn stones offered surfaces to serve as tables and chairs. They ate in silence until the plates were mostly cleaned and the mugs of tea had been refilled by Aquelev.

"I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything when I met you earlier. You seem to be sitting all right and I don't see any more bruises or scrapes." The Al Bhed cast an appraising eye over the other man.

"No. You did your usual thorough job. By this time, you probably know my body better than I do. Did you have any trouble finding Paine?"

"No, I followed your directions and there she was. By Yojimbo's mask, Nooj, you've got to go easier on your ... companions. She's ok, but you left a lot of your claiming marks on her."

Nooj looked past his friend and into the distance. "She's more than a companion, you must recognize that. And it was a mutually agreed--" He paused, unable to think exactly how to define the night before and its activities.

Aquelev shook his head. "I'll never understand some things about you, Nooj. You've been a puzzle to me since I met you. Yes, Paine had no complaints. In fact she seemed oddly happy in spite of her injuries. No -- don't get up. She's all right; everything's healed. When I left her she was as content as I've ever seen her."

"Do you know why?" Nooj peered at him.

"How do you expect me to answer a question like that? You know I owe my patients their confidentiality."

"You weren't always a healer. When we first met you were a diplomat and a merchant representative." The taller man raised an eyebrow.

"Diplomats keep their mouths shut too, you remember."

"I do. I also remember you had a knack for getting whatever information you wanted out of whoever you talked to. Including me."

Aquelev leaned forward, his chin on the fist of the arm braced on his knee. "Is there something you would like to tell me, commander?" His swirling pupils were mesmerizing in the intensity of their gaze.

Nooj laughed shortly, balanced between exasperation and amusement. "All right, you wheedler. One thing about you, you're not a gossip. I -- I have changed my mind about something."

Aquelev had the good sense to hold his tongue while Nooj hesitated. After a period of silence, the Warrior continued. "I'm not Taydrcaagan ... not as long as Paine lives. I promised her. Gave my oath." He stopped speaking with an abruptness as though the statement had fallen to the guillotine.

Aquelev waited for a few beats before answering, "I can only say I am relieved and very glad to hear this. It was one of those things I had a hard time understanding and worried about. No wonder your lady was happy this morning. All those who know you would be."

The other man moved suddenly. "This is not for others to know. I trusted you, now don't make me regret it. And this is only for Paine's life span. If she falls in the battle to come, so will I. You understand that?"

"Of course. That is how I thought it to be."

-X-
The rush to prepare to move out was interrupted by the sound of an echoing voice and cheers moving across the camp. The soldiers clearing the breakfast debris as well as those packing various supplies paused to hear what was being proclaimed. Across the area, the chatter and the complaining was interrupted by the chanted words of a military messenger, as into the bustle strode a young man. "Listen up, all of you!" the young herald called out. "Nooj, our commander has decreed that this morning will be a time of continued rest and preparation. The army will not move out to meet the other half until further notice. Use the time well." He grinned and trotted toward the next group. His progress was easily marked by the cheers which greeted his announcement.

Alone in the throng, Squab let out an audible groan of disappointment. Ferata glanced at him quizzically. "What, you don't want a bit of extra R and R?"

"No, I mean, yeah, it'll be nice to get a breather. Just, I was looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the army."

Ferata looked closely at his friend and then hooted with laughter. "Meeting up with Lucil you mean!"

Squab took great interest in a spot of ground. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't. Well, your intentions aside," Ferata nudged Squab with his shoulder as the other man flushed, "I think this rest is a good idea. Look around you; these troops have been through a lot the last few days. Some of them really need the break." He paused, thinking for a space. "I'm going to tell you something, Squab. While there were only nine killed and nobody hurt too badly physically, there are a lot of people -- mostly young recruits -- who just broke inside. All available healers are gathering to try to put them back together so they will be fit to fight the next time. We were going to make the rounds on the road, but this rest will make our task easier. Anyway, I've got to go join them."

Squab furrowed his brow. "I didn't know that. How many?"

"I don't know yet. But I've got to help so will you take over as Quartermaster for the rest of the day? I don't know anybody else to ask."

"Sure. Glad to do it. The other part of the army can wait. ... And so can I." He grinned a little sheepishly and with a backward wave of his hand, headed toward the center of the camp.

-X-
The warrior monks from Djose who had followed Kal into the rebel army had kept themselves apart to a degree, unwilling to fully integrate into the force as a whole. It was not a conscious choice, just reflective of their inability to accept any leader other than the one they knew and trusted.

However, the battle with Sin had made a change in their thinking. For the first time, they had felt themselves to be a part of something big and powerful and greater than their own concerns.

"That Sinspawn's not as tough as I heard. Like cutting grass, like it was at the ford."

"Yeah, Tepil, I saw you hacking away like a farmer. You got to learn it's a sword, not a plow." His friend, Xaq, punched him in the arm.

"You know what? That crippled kid's not a bad commander." A third chimed in.

"Watch it, Marp, don't call him that. He may be young but he's no kid. And he got those wounds fighting Sin. What sort of balls does it take to lose all that and go back and fight the same monster again? I say he's a man, a better man than most of us."

Marp nodded slowly. "You're right, Xaq. He sure put everybody in the right place and kept them there. If he hadn't taken charge, we'd all be turning into fiends right now."

"Maybe not all of us, but enough. Problem is, I feel like I'm being disloyal to Kal when I follow Nooj."

Tepil looked up with genuine surprise. "Why? Didn't you see Kal follow the orders Nooj gave before the battle? And I -- with my own two eyes -- saw them join up together to kill Julien at the gate of the temple. We're on the same side and Kal's soldiering along with all the others."

"They really teamed up?"

"Yep, Kal shot an arrow through Julien's gizzard and Nooj pinched his head right off."

"I'd heard about the head. Pinched right off, eh? With that hand of his?" Marp looked sharply at his friends.

"Yeah, neat as all get out. And Kal did what Nooj told him to when Sin came. I saw them talking together too, just as friendly as you and me."

"Well, he's kept us alive and a fighting force so far so he can't be too bad a commander. I'm going to go see if I can make friends with one of those Crusader women. Some of them are worth cultivating if you know what I mean. Want to come?"

"Naw, I think I'll take another nap."

With an affectionate, totally obscene comment, Marp wandered off toward the supply tent, leaving his two comrades to gossip and drowse.

-X-
The sun was high in the sky when the order finally came to move out. Crusaders, warrior monks, and hangers-on gathered up together along the road. Nooj watched with some satisfaction as the contingent which had fought so well and bravely formed up and prepared to start the short march which would lead to reunion with the larger portion of his army. His army! It was his; he was the overall commander and, now, since he had decided to live, he could make plans for a future as a general or a political leader or anything else he chose. He could follow Sir Auron's advice with no holding back.

Paine and he ... Where was Paine? He had last seen her across the clearing just before lunch. He had not had time to eat and so had not gone to her, expecting to meet a little later. He had thought she would come to him. Had she wandered off and got into trouble? His heart lurched and a band tightened about his forehead at the thought. Where was she? He turned around to scan the groups clustering into their natural divisions. She was tall for a woman and should be easily spotted, he thought. He did not see her but he did find another old friend.

"Ferata, have you seen Paine?"

"No, sir, not since lunch. Want me to go hunt her down?"

"No. That won't be necessary; she'll turn up." Nooj nervously resumed his search. A moment later, he felt a pull on his sleeve.

"I know where she is. I'll go get her." Without waiting for permission, Aquelev hied off and soon disappeared, surfacing a few moments later with Paine in tow.

"Were you looking for me?" She waved Aquelev off, seeing the storms gathering on the brow of her lover.

"Where in Woe were you? Didn't you know I would worry?" He snarled quietly, not wanting to make a spectacle before so many curious eyes.

She responded in a similar tone, a false smile fixed on her face. "Listen here, Nooj. I love you and I believe you love me, but I have my own things to do and can't be at your hand every minute. I would have joined you before the march started. You just have to learn to trust me." She moved a step closer and looked directly and deeply into his gaze.

He grasped her shoulder and pulled her even nearer. "I worry. You are my reason to be and I need to make sure you're all right. Did Aquelev take care of your hurts?"

"You know he did. He must have told you. And stop changing the subject. You can't protect me from everything. Look, you know what kind of woman I am. You didn't fall in love with a weak, frightened girl. I'm a Warrior, just like you. All right, maybe I'm not the strategist you are, but I can hold my own in battle. You should realize that by now. Don't forget, I had your back while we fought Sin."

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. "I don't forget. I will never forget. Paine, let me be your guardian when you can bear it. I need to feel you need me."

She would have kissed him were they not in the midst of the mob. Instead, she lightly ran her fingers down his arm, then covered the hand that gripped her shoulder, her touch promising more to come at their next moment of privacy. "Don't be silly. Of course I need you. But really, would you even want me if I were frail and helpless?"

Out-argued, he shook his head and muttered, "Just don't do anything foolish and let me know if you're going to be away for a long time."

She sighed. "I'll be just as sensible as you are and I'll keep in touch when I can. Will that do?"

He had no alternative than to agree. She was right, as usual, but he could not help worrying. It was his nature.

Paine saw the reluctant resignation in his eyes as he nodded, and she lightly squeezed the hand she held. "I worry about you too, you know. Maybe we can call it even." Satisfied to have finally coaxed a smile from him, she smiled back. "C'mon, Captain, let's get this army moving."

-X-
The distance to Bevelle was short; within only a few hours, the squadrons that had been sent to deal with Macalania had encountered the outskirts of the full army's encampment. The first sentry sent the first runner into the center of camp, and the messenger shouted the news all the way: "The Commander and the Summoner have returned! Macalania has fallen! Complete victory will soon be ours!" Every head around every campfire looked up at the announcement, and every shoulder straightened in anticipation when it was followed by the approaching soldiers, Nooj and Paine at the front, Yuna and her entourage right behind.

A few steps further back, Squab felt a thrill of excitement as though a small furry animal was turning an exercise wheel inside his chest. He strained to see over the heads of the troops as they neared the encampment which marked the location of Lucil's command. He was looking for a flash of fiery hair amongst the dark masses. When he did not see it, visions of disaster flooded his mind.

"Ferata, do you see Lucil anywhere? I thought she'd be out in front to meet us. Does it look like they've had trouble?"

Ferata patted his old friend on the back. "No, I don't see her yet but she may be in the command tent waiting for Nooj and Sir Auron to come to her."

"No. She's not that arrogant. She'd be out waiting for them. Something's happened to her."

"Don't start borrowing trouble. She's just out of sight. Wait 'til we get nearer to start worrying." The healer spoke in a practiced, soothing voice. "Want me to cast a little calming spell?"

Squab stared at the other with horror and did not deign to answer. Instead he began loping toward the camp, passing the orderly ranks of his fellows. Over to one side, he spotted a small hill and ran up to gain a clearer line of sight.

There! There in the semi-circular clearing before the first tents! She was standing in a group of her lieutenants, almost hidden by the superior height of several of them. Her hair blazed like a signal flare and once he had identified her, Squab wondered how he could ever have missed seeing her.

Under his breath, he murmured to himself, "Lucil."

-X-
"Lucil!" Nooj's voice rang out, echoing the name Squab had only murmured. The captain turned around and raised her hand in an enthusiastic wave, as she broke from the group that surrounded her and strode across the camp, meeting her commanding officer halfway.

"Commander!" She saluted crisply and brought her heels together as she came to a stop before him. "It is a great relief to see you alive and well, sir!"

"And you as well," Nooj replied, returning the salute. "How did you fare, at the gates of Bevelle?" His gaze flicked up as he indicated the city walls with a jut of his chin.

"No major incidents, sir," she said. "A few skirmishes with Bevelle's warrior monks, when we first arrived and then again when they received word that Macalania Temple was under siege -- they attempted to send reinforcements, which we repelled. And yourself?"

Nooj began to walk to the command tent, and Lucil fell into step beside him. "We have succeeded in our mission. Lady Yuna gained her aeon, and we hold the temple. Plus, we had two strokes of luck. First, we have added another summoner to our ranks, the Lady Dona. You will meet her soon; she and her guardian will be a significant asset to our forces. Secondly, Maester Seymour was within Macalania Temple. We defeated him, and he is now dead."

"That is good news." Lucil opened the tent flap for Nooj, and she followed him in, Kal, Auron, and Squab right behind. "How many lost?"

"Surprisingly few," Nooj responded as he settled onto a stool. "Especially given that we had a skirmish with Sin yesterday afternoon."

"Sin!" Lucil gasped, pausing in her attempt to sit. "How did you beat it back?"

Nooj smiled grimly. "I am not entirely certain. Who knows why Sin decides to retreat on a given day?" He shrugged. "Regardless, we got away lightly. Among the three battles we fought, we lost a little over a dozen out of our fifty. How did you fare in that regard?"

"Only about 20 dead and a few more seriously wounded. And our ranks grow every day, sir, as Crusaders who were stationed elsewhere come to fight with us."

"Good." Nooj tapped his cane. "Tell me, are there any seasoned officers among them?"

Lucil thought, then nodded. "Yes sir, several. Why do you ask?"

Nooj bowed his head briefly. "One of the men lost was Captain Beclem."

"Oh!" Lucil snapped to attention, looking around the tent, finally registering that one of their number was missing. "Oh no." She shook her head sadly. "A terrible loss."

"Indeed." Nooj raised his eyes to her. "He died protecting the summoners from Sinspawn, a noble end if ever there was one, but we will feel his absence keenly." The regret in his voice was echoed in the faces around the tent as the council fell into a moment of silence for their fallen comrade.

Once an appropriate amount of time had passed, Lucil sighed. "Well. As I say, there are a few officers from among the new arrivals who would do quite well on the council."

"Good. Have a recommendation for me by tomorrow at breakfast." Lucil saluted in acknowledgment as Nooj continued. "So. We are all here, save one contingent. Tomorrow the Al Bhed should join us, and as soon as they arrive we should be ready to move on Bevelle. How shall we proceed?"

-X-
Gippal stood by the ship's rail. He could see a shadowy line on the horizon and squeezed his single eye to try to shape it into the shore of the mainland. He thought he could smell the sweet dusty fragrance of trees and soil if he concentrated hard enough.

The deck was swarming with Al Bhed, both male and female. They were behaving in the usual manner - singing bawdy songs and improvising games of skill and agility. A pair were wrestling in a circle of on-lookers who were busily placing bets and arguing about what would constitute a win. It felt to Gippal like home.

"Bet you're glad I was back when you showed up, huh?" The high-pitched voice at his elbow completed the illusion.

"Yeah, I guess so. Why were you there anyway? Cid get fed up with you?"

Rikku punched him in the ribs, dancing out of reach as he swung to catch her sun-bleached ponytail. "What would you know about it, you outlander?"

Gippal stuck out a foot, tripped the girl and grabbed her by the arm as she stumbled. "What're you calling me? Want me to drop you overboard, Cid's girl? Let the barnacles slice you up?"

"You don't have the nerve," she sneered, breaking away. "We going straight to Bevelle?"

"Yeah. The army should be there in a day or so. Yuna's with us, did I tell you?"

"No. But some of the others did. You're not the greatest at keeping secrets. She all right?"

Gippal wondered if the girls were friends as well as cousins. "Last I saw, she was fine. You plan to be a guardian?"

"If she'll let me. When do we get there?" Patience was not one of Rikku's virtues.

"Sometime tomorrow, I hope. Does that thing on the horizon look closer?"

"You think that's the coast?" She peered from under her hand, her entire body bouncing with excitement.

"I hope it is." Gippal threw a brotherly arm around her shoulders and they stared out to sea together.

( Next chapter)