First Meetings [Cloud]

[Yuna]

When was the last time she had been here?

Yuna stood within the Chamber of the Fayth, though she could no longer hear her lovely voice. Her first Aeon, and the one that had been her favorite. She had avoided any links to her past if she could, but with Spira once more on the brink of danger, how could she? This was where she had trained to be a Summoner, and where she had acquired her first Aeon. The High Summoner had almost raised her hands into the prayer of Yevon, but she had caught herself. Habits did die hard at times, and she had so very many of them. That was not why she was here, though. It seemed no matter how hard she tried, the members of Non Serviam still looked to her as the leader.

It was rather bothersome at times.

Yuna was hardly a leader, at least she thought. She had tried to talk everyone out of it, but she had been pushed into it with no choice. The High Summoner stood as the symbol for everything that opposed Yevon, but she did not want to be looked at as that way. She wanted her privacy, to not constantly pine after a certain someone, and to be stared at everywhere she went. Yuna knew it would be inevitable, but with her Pilgrimage weighing upon her mind, and not expecting to live, she had never really thought about what would come after defeating Sin. There were so many things she had not considered, and now it did not really seem to matter. Whether Yuna liked it or not, she had a job to do. She had never turned down anyone that needed her help, and she probably would never start to.

That was why she was here. The Chamber of Fayth was private, secluded, and comfortable for her. She was meeting someone from Non Serviam, though she did not know for what reason. Yuna had agreed to meet him here, and she merely occupied herself with her own thoughts. It was enough for now.

[Cloud Strife]

The only thing that Cloud could think of that could describe his feelings was the single word. Nervous. He'd never felt nervous before. It was a perculiar feeling. He wasn't even sure why he was feeling quite like this. But he was. He was finally meeting the legendary Commander Yuna, in person, not simply acknowledging from afar. It was a momentous occassion for him, as was meeting any superior. He'd even gone to the lengths of donning the armour he had been given to mark his ascension to Knight-Marshal. Now, he was meeting Yuna to get his position confirmed, so to speak.

The armour he wore was well fitted, but he still felt uncomfortable in it. Made from the lightest material that they could possibly find that reflected his status, namely Mythril, he still felt weighed down with it. He preferred being able to move without fighting against the weight of armour, which strictly, he did not need. But he assumed that in true open warfare, the benefits of wearing this armour were not strictly for his own personal protection, but to settle the nerves of those under his command. That their leader was safe. Such concern almost made him smile, but he quickly quelled it as he entered the chamber to which he had been directed.

The chamber was discreetly elegant. The Chamber of Fayth, apparently the very place where Yuna had trained as a Summoner. In some ways, the two were alike. Two members of Yevon, having turned against their old faith, embracing the new. It was a mark of defiance as much as anything, but someone needed to stand up from that side. Evidently, he and Yuna were two such people. He stopped when he saw her, head snapping forward, his helmet braced against his chest plate. The dull light of the torches that burned on the chamber walls reflected with a mirror-like sheen off of every aspect if his armour. If people couldn't see him now, then people never would.

His breathing almost stopped, snapping into old Crusader habit. He had learnt how to breathe in such a way that it would appear that he wasn't. It was a useful skill on the few occassions he'd had to be on parade. He was motionless for a moment, before speaking out, loud, clear, with every hint of his tone humble.

M'lady. Am I interrupting anything?

His face was set in an expressionless visage, as if simply cut out of stone. Another drill habit from his Crusader days. Don't look like you are human. Look like a statue. The Grand Maester seemed to like her best soldiers to seem inanimate. He never fully understood why. He wondered whether this was a trait amonst all leaders...

[Yuna]

Yuna snapped herself from her thoughts, sensing a presence.

Glancing over her shoulder, the High Summoner almost let out an exasperated sigh. Really, Cloud did not need to wear that ridiculous armor in her presence. Why did everyone have to try and impress her? Yuna simply wanted others to be themselves, and to feel comfortable within her presence. All of this extra care to wear such heavy armor was hardly what she wanted. Yuna turned to face him, and she managed a small smile to appear upon her lips. Was it so hard to ask, though? Could not everyone just view her as simply Yuna, and the High Summoner? There were times when the title had been very useful, but now was not the time. Shaking off her thoughts, Yuna focused on calming herself first.

Taking a deep breath, she managed a warmer smile.

Her head tilted when she saw how completely still he went. Yuna knew he had once been a Crusader, but to see him go so still had been a little odd. His next words sent a hint of annoyance through her. Had she not told everyone to just call her by her name? Yuna nearly sighed in exasperation, but she knew he had not meant any harm. Cloud was only showing her respect, and she could not blame him for that. "Please, as I've asked before, just call me Yuna," she replied with a smile. His blank expression was a little creepy as well. If she had to command these Non Serviams, she was requesting everyone just to be themselves. All of this time taken to dress and act so respectful in her presence did not mean much to her, but no matter how many times she said so, her words were ignored.

"And there is no need to look so still. Really, I'm like anyone else!" The High Summoner felt so exasperated and tired at this point, but she hid it well. Yuna still managed her warm smile, and she knew it would just take time for Cloud to be comfortable around her. He had been trained to show respect to his leaders, and so had she in a way. Now was not the time to think so heavily upon old habits, though. There was a purpose to this meeting, and she had to wonder what it was. Holding back a laugh, she looked up at Cloud warmly.

"There was something you needed?"

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud relaxed slightly at the words he heard, but he remained formal. The small smile she gave him denoted she was definately not the type to appreciate formality. It was refreshing, but he was unsure as to how to conduct himself. While he allowed himself the liberty of moving a little more than previously, his breathing was still shallow.

I must have missed the request. My apologies m... Yuna.

He caught himself just before he uttered the words, repressing a smile, but his eyes glinted warmly. She seemed to be repressing annoyance, which considering how often she evidently had to remind people to refer to her by her name. He stretched slightly.

I came to get your approval, should you wish to give it, to my promotion to Knight-Marshal. It demands that I wear the mark of office, at least for this once, much as I do detest it.

He shuffled slightly, the armour restricting his movements, despite the craftsmanship evident in their design. He had to force back so much of his former training, just to look at her.

I'm sorry about the formality. My previous occupation forced the regimen upon me. It is rather difficult to shake something so deeply set into my psyche. You must understand what I mean, at least to some extent.

Cloud looked directly at her, his eyes glimmering lightly. He was struggling to maintain the contact, but if she insisted, he would relent, he knew it. Whether out of courtesy or command, he would relax, he was sure of it, but it was still an unusual feeling.

[Yuna]

Yuna merely smiled kindly.

Formalities had always made her uncomfortable, despite the fact that she was formal herself. It was hard to break out of those habits that had been enforced into her memory from childhood. She had lived the past decade within Besaid, but she had spent much of her early childhood in Bevelle. The Priests and Nuns had raised her to be polite and formal whenever she first met another, and it was only recently that she had managed to leave that side of her behind. Not that Yuna was rude, quite the opposite, but she was no longer quite as shy and naive. "Please, no apologies are needed," she replied gently. Yuna just wished everyone could be comfortable within her presence.

Her approval?

Blue and green eyes widened a fraction, and she clasped her hands together tightly. Oh, right, she remembered hearing about his promotion, but Yuna still wished that Non-Serviam did not look to her as their leader. She realized that her wish would not be granted any time soon, so she could only deal with the situation as it was now. "You have my approval, so you don't have to stay in all the armor anymore," she replied, a small laugh escaping her. Her expression was warm and kind, that same smile on her lips, though always tinged with a hint of sadness. The High Summoner had not been seen to be truly happy in quite sometime, but that was beyond the point.

"I understand what you mean perfectly. My own ideals and beliefs were hard to shake off when I parted from Yevon," Yuna admitted softly. He seemed to be uncomfortable, and she hardly wanted to push him against what he thought was best. Taking a small step forward, she reached out and placed her hand upon his shoulder. Lips curling into a light smile, she hoped to reassure him. "If you are uncomfortable with being informal around me, then I won't push you." Removing her hand from his shoulder, Yuna took a small step back. No need to push Cloud into something he was not comfortable with.

[Cloud Strife]

He nodded. He was glad. Very much so. He hated this armour. It was so... Stuffy... It was the best craftsmanship one could be offered, each plate was individually fitted to his person, but still... It made hiim feel heavy. He wished he could take it off now, but it would be rather awkward, as well as highly difficult to carry back.

I will make my utmost efforts Yuna. I may slip into it, however, so I guess you could just remind me gently if I do.

He smiled back, respectfully, but with a hint of happiness. It was nice in a way to be able to talk to someone who reminded him somewhat of his old life. Things seemed so much simpler back then. Get told what to do. Do it. Be rewarded for doing it well. No politics, no ethics. Only orders.

This was where you acquired your first Aeon.

It wasn't really a question. More of a statement. He couldn't really think of a lot to say. But once he'd said it, other topics seemed to flow into his head. So many questions. All of them to do with Yevon. Why had she left? Was it as difficult for her as it was for him? When had she made the leap? He wasn't quite sure why he wanted to ask them. It just seemed she would be someone he could relate to, in a loose fashion.

I remember the first time I was put into battle. It seems like something that would be comparable to this. I will never forget that day. The sheer thrill of it. The unyielding sense of fear, and dread. I'm not quite sure the same applies to the acquisition of an Aeon, but it can't be far off. I'm sorry if it seems forward, but, what was it like?

[/color]

[Yuna]

That was all Yuna could ask for~!

Trying was what really mattered, and whether or not someone failed, if they had given all that had to give, then that was what was truly important. He seemed much more comfortable now, as much as Cloud could be with that ridiculous armor on. Yuna merely looked to the empty Chamber before her, and she began to hum lightly. The Hymn that had once resonated so strongly within this holy place, but it had not disappeared. A sort of emptiness filled her at the thought, but sacrifices had been made to protect Spira. The Aeons, the Summoner, and him. Pushing that though away, Yuna glanced back to Cloud.

"Yes, it was," Yuna answered lightly. Was her curious about her early life, when she had first started out as a Summoner? Many people were, but she would not mind telling Cloud some things of her past. The first time she had summoned Valefor had been thrilling. The energy she had felt coursing through her, the instant connect she had formed with the Aeon. Valefor had been her favorite among all of the Aeons she had acquired, simply because it had been her first, and one who had saved her on more than one occasion. Thinking of her lost friends nearly sent tears to her eyes, and the High Summoner turned away from Cloud. Such weakness she hated to show to anyone.

"It was one of the most happy moments in my life. When you summon your first Aeon, you have an instant connection, and there's really no words to describe it," Yuna spoke after a moment. A sweet smile crossed her lips, and she very nearly wished to lose herself within her memories. To more happy times, despite what she had been traveling for to defeat. Happiness was something she sorely missed, but Yuna knew she had to continue on with her life.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded, noticing how she turned away. He was no master at reading people, but he could tell that the High Summoner was plagued by the worst kind of ailment. Sadness. It seemed it wasn't just he who felt the sharp sting of loss. It was a distinct feeling. Quite unlike any other. No other feeling stayed with you as long, or as poignantly. He closed his eyes, fighting back memories of his own. While he knew they were as much a part of him as his body was, it was not a pleasant memory.

I figured as much. I guess it's one of those feelings you never forget. Your first experience in that field. How can you ever forget it?

He stepped lightly, very slightly closer. He realised now that this whole thing was to an extent thrown upon her. While yes, she had demonstrated herself as somewhat of a saviour, she'd never asked to be the heroine. Never asked to be the leader. It was odd to think it to Cloud, ever leader he'd ever met had fully enjoyed the privileges granted by such a vaunted position.

What troubles you Yuna? You're on edge. I can see it. You're quite unlike anyone else in such a position I've met. I think it's better for us that you are as you are.

He was getting used to this in a way. His tone was still formal, but only because that was generally how he spoke. He wasn't generally an emotional person, until you pushed him hard enough. It made him somewhat prickly as a person. Not that he minded much. He'd never been particularly sociable, even as a child. A fact of life he classed it as.

[Yuna]

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

How silly she was being, especially in front of someone she barely knew. Yuna was becoming worse as the days passed, and even she worried for herself. Not that she was depressed, but she seemed to become more solemn and distracted. Memories would plague her mind, and she would allow herself to become lost within her past. How long would she allow this to happen to herself? Yuna had to move on from him, but how could she? Some things were easier said than done. Closing her eyes, she felt those familiar tears begin to form. Why did she continue to allow herself to feel this way?

The High Summoner felt so vulnerable.

Yuna opened her eyes slowly, and she managed to hold the tears back. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed Cloud had moved a little closer to her. She knew she could trust him. Perhaps not with her most personal trouble, but she could sense his good character. That he was only concerned, and that he wished to help. Yuna smiled gently, with so much burden and memories burdening her, it was nearly tangible to be seen through her eyes. "I'm not really even sure some days. It feels like a part of me is gone," she admitted softly. It was very true, ever since Tidus has faded.

A part of her heart had been left with him.

Yuna looked away, trying to pull herself back together. She had to be strong for everyone, and what leader always allowed herself to succumb to her memories and past regrets? If she continued down this road, she would lose herself completely. Yuna knew everyone was already worried about her, and now she was only giving them more reasons to. "I'll be fine, really," she replied as strongly as she could. That was what she had to be for her friends and family. Strong and happy.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded solemnly. Such was life sometimes. People ripped from you, without so much as a word of protest being permitted. It left holes in your heart, and sadness in your mind. Loss was a terrible thing.

I understand. Until recently, I didn't really have much of a purpose. I was in freefall. Unable to change direction, unable to see where I was headed. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm always open. Perhaps it will make me be less the 'obedient subject' you seem to wish me to stop being.

He smiled softly, taking another step toward her, the smile fading away, into a somewhat knowing expression, as she turned to look away. He knew to an extent what she was going through. Both of them had been the survivor, easy to look to after a great calamity as a hero. Neither had wanted it. But it was thrust upon them.

Just don't bottle it up. That's all I can say. I know, I've been there. It's self destructive. You musn't ever let yourself blame your actions on you, if you are at all, nor must you ever try to repress what you feel. It will only serve to make the feelings more poignant.

It was odd telling someone about feelings. He rarely expressed them himself. But then, Cloud was Cloud. He was a lot more open than he used to be. Which wasn't hard, he never used to speak unless spoken to. Never had anything, so much as a grimace upon his face. He was, and probably always would be, a soldier. And this one was a tough nut to crack.