star_kingdom | 012 ☼ Action for Maleficent

[It's her, but it isn't her. She's different. Her mismatched eyes, which made her stand out to Tidus so much, are yellow. He doesn't care though. He's worried, hesitant, but so glad to see her. She ducks her head as he reaches out.]

Are you really here...? Then what's wrong? Is it our world? I'll find a way to restore Spira Yuna, no-- we'll find a way. We'll get everyone back and then--

"You forgot about me, didn't you? You left me there, in the Darkness. Alone. You could have done something, why haven't you?"

[He stumbles back at her words, cringing. He keeps his voice level enough. There's just a slight hint of panic.]

I've been trying. I haven't given up. There isn't one second where I haven't been trying to think of a way to look for you.

"Oh, now we both know you're lying. You forget sometimes. You like your life here. You're afraid, aren't you? If you find a way, you'll have to go back. We both know what happens to summoners. So instead you've let me disappear so that you can continue to live."

[He freezes, speaking in a near whisper, the pain and guilt loud enough.]

That's not true...

["Yuna" tilts her head, speaking sweetly, reassuring him. She takes both his hands.]

"There's still one option you haven't tried. If it's not true, will you try it? We both know you'd stop at nothing before. You're strong, Tidus. If anyone can handle it, it's you. Besides, I'll be here to help with the burden. Join Maleficent Tidus, and open your heart to Darkness...please. For Spira. For all of us. I don't want to go back there."

[There's a long silence. Eventually, Tidus raises his head, eyes moist with tears. He gives her a shaky smile.]

I'll do it.

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[In a wisp of darkness and green flame, Maleficent appears, drifting towards Tidus without missing a beat. She looks quite satisfied. This was not her original plan, but it's certainly working in her favor thus far. This boy, she could use him.

With a mock comforting smile, she stops mere footsteps away.]

A very wise choice. You see, she sees the truth. Only I can help you, Spira... Yuna. The power to save her is what you want, is it not? I can grant it to you, dear boy.

[He squeezes "Yuna"'s shoulder protectively, pressing her closer to him. He looks up at Maleficent warily, face slightly streaked with tears. Whatever doubts he has don't matter if it's to save Yuna. His jaw tightens, but he nods, seeming to recover his confidence.]

What do I have to do?

First, I need you to do something for me, to prove your loyalty and your strength. I cannot help you if you are not strong.

Tell me, Tidus. Are you strong enough?

Yes. Whatever it is, I'll do it. I can handle anything.

Good.

[There's a slippery smile on her face for just a moment, as she steps over to him and his precious "Yuna".]

I need you to retrieve something for me. A grimoire. Something that is rightfully mine and was taken from me. [She's lying, of course, but Tidus doesn't need to know that.] It is in Merlin's possession, no doubt locked away from curious hands. It will be no easy task to obtain it.

Right. A grimoire. [He furrows his brows, revealing his question before voicing it.] What does a grimoire look like? And where can I find Merlin?

Merlin is the old man living in Radiant Garden. You may have visited his home without realizing. As I recall, the Restoration Committee often uses his home for their meetings. [Yes, yes, she is fully aware of your connection to them.

In regards to the other question, she swirls her fingers around the orb atop her staff, creating an image of the grimoire.] This is what you are looking for.

Oh, that place?

No problem. You won't even have to wait long. Since I've been there before, he'll probably trust me. [That last sentence leaves him with a slightly bitter feeling, but he tries to ignore it. He's tried everything else. They left him with no other options.]

[Just as she'd hoped. This... alliance could prove to be very fruitful.]

I will be waiting. [She glides backwards again.] All you need to do is call for me. I am always listening.

[And with that, she will vanish-- and "Yuna" will vanish with her.]

012 ☼ Action for Maleficent

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