DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A WORK OF FAN-FICTION, NOTHING MORE. FINAL FANTASY X BELONGS TO SQUARE ENIX.

NEGOTIATION & PERSUASION

A Final Fantasy fan-fic

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Introduction

Everybody knows the version of the story when Yuna's guardians find out about Jyscal's sphere carrying the warning about Lord Seymour, following the story he is killed in Macalania temple.

This is the version in which the guardians remain ignorant of Jyscal's sphere, and she alone goes to bargain for Seymour to turn himself in and change his mind, in return for her hand in marriage.

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Guadosalam, in the banquet halls of the late Lord Jyscal. Enter Yuna and Lord Seymour, and standing a fair distance off her guardians. The Ronso Kimahri, the one from the past Tidus, Lulu the black mage, Wakka the blitzer, Rikku the Al Bhed and Sir Auron, the legendary guardian of high summoner Braska.

"Like Lady Yunaleska had her Lord Zaon, I wish to be at your side."

The azure-haired half-Guado, with his hands confidently behind his back leaned closer to Yuna's ear and continued to whisper in a husky voice, "I ask to be betrothed to you."

Yuna flinched, her eyes wide open at how sudden and forward the Maester was being, she blushed furiously unable to speak at all.

"... because I feel so much of myself in you. We are very much alike Yuna. Lastly, the reason of my proposal to you is because of the happiness it will bring to Spira."

She was standing too far away from her guardians for them to hear, they watched her, puzzled. She ran to them with her hands over her mouth. To them she looked as though she was sick, or running a high fever. Then she told her concerned guardians what was the matter. They gasped at the news, and threw shocked glances at the Maester, who was still there with his hands behind his back. He responded with a small bow and a slight smile. Tidus looked shocked, Kimahri showed it in the way his tail twitched agitatedly, Wakka had his mouth hanging open, Lulu was tight-lipped as she held Yuna by her arm and motioned for all to leave. Rikku was staring at Auron's apparent indifference.

Outside as they walked with her discussing what had just happened amongst themselves, she thought about his proposal to her. Did he really like her? No, he was doing it to make the people of Spira happy with gossip... even if it were just for a little while. Should she accept? She decided, as long as it does not stop her from continuing her pilgrimage. It did not matter if or not he really liked her, she was going to die anyway. It did not matter at all really, anything to make them happy. Yes, accept his proposal.

She liked him, but it all was gone after she found that sphere that fell from the ghost of Lord Jyscal at the entrance of the Farplane. In her room alone she played it. It was fuzzy and in bad shape, but the dialogue was perfectly intact, it could be heard through the white noise.

She did not know how to react to the horror, or how dangerous a situation she was in. Not wanting panic, she thought to handle all this herself. She would be independent for this once, not needing the protection or assistance of her guardians.

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"Lord Seymour, I have safely escorted Lady Yuna. Shall I bring her in my Lord?"

In the temple of Macalania, from the icy cloister came Seymour's curt reply of affirmation. Quivering more from nervousness than from the low temperature, stepped in Yuna. Her green and blue eyes down-cast as she greeted formally, "Good evening your Grace."

Before he replied, Seymour stood there for a moment staring at her and observing her shyness. Her white-sleeved hands were clutching her summoner's staff. Her knuckles were white. He narrowed his eyes as he came closer suspicious, "You're shivering my Lady, whatever is the matter? I can smell, that you're scared of me."

Yuna squeezed shut her eyes and opened them as she looked up into his. "I request that we be left in private for this conversation."

"Tromell. Leave us." Seymour said simply.

"As you wish my Lord." Bowed Tromell as he politely hurried away, his footsteps echoing off the hard and cold marble floor.

There, alone with no guardians to protect her she said without diplomacy or restraint, "I know you killed your own father, and that you wish death to all those on Spira once you have amassed enough power."

There in the silence that was almost unbearable, in the cloister of trials Seymour quickly hid his shock, turned his back on Yuna and apparently absent-mindedly traced his long fingers on the abundant ice lining the room.

"How is this related to my proposal to you?"

"If you can promise me you will do no harm to the people of Spira forever, and turn yourself in at Bevelle, I will give you my hand in marriage."

"If I refuse?" The half-Guado challenged.

"I will continue with my pilgrimage, and you will never see or hear from me again." Her voice although soft, was hard and serious.

For a long and uncomfortable moment Lord Seymour said nothing in response. Yuna quivered, imagining that he might suddenly snap and viciously attack her. He turned around slowly, "How did you know, did my father tell you at the Farplane?"

"I saw his sphere, how could you murder your own father? Don't you love -"

"Be quiet!" The Maester vented, covering his face and biting his sleeve. Facing her, he declared, "I hate my father. Even in death I still despise him so. I have never loved him. Do not ever talk about him again."

"Maester Seymour, do you accept my terms?"

Breathing heavily, he responded. "I do." By his infatuation he had been blinded by all else, he wanted her that much it felt as though nothing else was as important, even becoming Sin to save Spira. His expression softened as he came closer, uncomfortably closer to Yuna, and he completed his sentence. "On the condition that you discontinue your pilgrimage to attain the final aeon to defeat Sin and bring The Calm."

"But your grace!"

"Because if I let you give your life as a summoner, it conflicts with my promise to you to never harm Spira." He drew away from her and said, "You will see the pieces fit as they come. I leave you now to pray. Since I accept your terms you should not have anymore questions to ask me. You need not answer me right away, but I will know you have turned me down if you leave Macalania temple by tomorrow with your guardians." And promptly, he left the chamber.

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"So what are we gonna do now?" Asked Tidus, "Now that Yuna has quit her pilgrimage to marry that Maester guy?" He shuddered, shaking his head in sustained disbelief.

Wakka scratched his head. "I don't know, I think we should be happy ya?" He said uncertainly.

Kimahri stood in his usual stoic stance with his arms folded, and nodded.

"If it is her decision, then so be it." Agreed Sir Auron, taking a swig of alcohol. "But it's odd, she seemed so determined to complete her pilgrimage."

"I know Yuna though..." Lulu said slowly, "it can't be Lord Seymour who suggested that she quit. Because if it were, she would not have agreed to it - period."

Wakka looked at Lulu and nodded, "Mmm, just that it was kinda sudden and all ya?"

"How can this be happy?!" Retorted Tidus. He looked as though he was about to go manic at any moment.

He was the only one in the entire group that was uptight about the whole thing, the rest although confused, were rather content about it. Rikku was as happy as a clam, and even Lulu was wearing a rare smile. Wakka high-fived Kimahri, who surprisingly was sporting enough to hold out his paw in the air for Wakka. Auron was as usual silent and controlled, as though he was thinking.

"Have you all gone nuts? She's gonna be married to a stranger and be living with him!"

Everyone flatly ignored the blond teenager. Now was not the time to tell him the ultimate fate of a successful summoner.

"It sure was kind of Tromell to let us visit whenever we like!" Said Rikku, jumping about like corn popping.

Wakka cuffed Tidus, warning him to be quiet, and suggested that they return to Besaid to train with the Aurochs at that sunny island, with clear blue water and white sand to get his mind off things.

"I'm gonna go talk to Yuna!" Said the insistent Tidus, "I bet Seymour's got her under some kind of spell!"

The Ronso pushed him back. "Wedding in one week. Yuna surely stressed."

"I can't believe that you guys are taking this so easily! Kimahri, you said earlier that you didn't like him, do something man!"

The serious Ronso turned to face him, still with his arms folded and growled. "Is true Kimahri not like Maester Seymour. But is Yuna's decision, is Yuna's life. Must respect. Yuna not stupid, knows what she doing."

From the back, Auron chipped in, "True. Although she is young, she has her father's spirit and determination. She may have decided that staying with Seymour might make the people happier. I cannot say that I approve, but there is nothing I can do. She has made her choice."

"You guys are nuts!" Yelled Tidus, before the brotherly Wakka had him in a head-lock. "Ow, Wakka let go of me!"

"I guess we stay with her for the night, and tomorrow morning we go our separate ways huh?" Chirped Rikku, "Well, then we'll meet up with Yuna before her wedding. I'll be going home. What about you guys?"

Wakka, still holding Tidus in a playful head-lock replied, "Besaid with Lu, Mahri... and this clown here!"

Lulu turned to Auron, "What about you?"

"I have business to attend to." He said casually, adjusting his high collar.

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The next morning, just as the sun cast its orange rays on the sparkling snow-covered scenery, Yuna and her guardians walked out of the temple. In the distance a pair of blue eyes watched, disappointed. Ah. So she had decided to leave. His sad eyes followed her, and only her as she walked with her guardians only one lagged behind, the male blond teenager. Of course, he had hoped too much. Someone as pure and gentle as she was, could not have mutual feelings for someone as violent as himself.

The night was sleepless and turbulent for him, he was thinking too much of the result in the morning. In the distance he watched her jealously, she was laughing with that Al Bhed girl. He could feel his heart breaking, he fell in love with her the moment he first saw her at Luca and the image of her remained in his mind. No one had ever had that effect on him. He clenched his fists as he watched.

But sadness was gone when he saw his dear Yuna's guardians leave without her. He smiled, and went back into the temple to conduct his lessons with his Guado pupils, his heart light.

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Yuna, with her eyes closed sat praying before her meal in the round marble dining room of ancient Macalania temple. She had been praying for quite awhile now. Longer than she would, usually. Praying was always calming for her, when her mind could relax, and for a moment everything would still. She tried to stop herself from shivering, not only from the cold. She felt more alone than ever now.

She opened her eyes and looked up, startled to see Seymour sitting opposite her. She greeted him hastily and awkwardly.

"I shan't ever hurt you. I understand why you fear me so." He assumed, his gaze steady, "In contemporary society murder of any kind, let alone of one's own parent is frowned upon... deeply."

Yuna remained silent. She did not know how to respond to his blatant honesty, that was almost disgusting. But out of respect she continued to listen to his dialogue, in his docile tenor voice. She looked nervously at him. Staring at his veined face, elongated arms and massive hands. She blinked hard and looked away indefinite and unsure.

But unlike hers, his eyes never left her. She could almost feel her skin burning from his constant staring.

"Lady Yuna, after you are done will you grace me with your company, for a walk in the snow?"

She did not want to go, it was too cold, but she consented. Fearing that she might offend him.

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Macalania temple looked beautiful. Magically suspended with ice that never melted. Cool colours, whites and pale blues abounded. And beneath, was a wonderful view of the deep chasm. Softly the enchanting fayth could be heard singing.

"I hold my promise to you. Tomorrow," said Seymour, "I will turn myself into the court of Yevon for killing my father. You will be the witness and present the sphere you found."

"Thank you my Lord." Spoke Yuna softly, as she tread slowly in the snow with him, "For keeping to your words."

They stopped in the snow, bathing in the light shining in translucent rays from above. Seymour could smell her, why did she always smell different if she was aware of his presence? He cursed himself for being part-Guado. If he were human he would have been spared from smelling the other's emotions. He believed sometimes, in blissful ignorance.

Disguising his insecurity, he asked her point-blank. "Do you love Spira so much? That you will do anything for its happiness? Why?" His breath condensing on the cool air as he said.

She raised her cute face to him and replied without blinking her captivating eyes, "Yes, I do love Spira. Eversince, I could remember I have always hated to see anyone suffer. I want it to end. The dying and fear of Sin. It's terrible to me."

"So much so that although you clearly fear me, even are disgusted of me, for Spira's happiness and safety you are willing to be wed to me for the rest of your life? Why?"

"Although the people aren't perfect, I feel no one deserves excessive suffering. I know I can't stop all of the pain, but the people, no matter how sinful do not deserve to live in the shadow and terror of something as unnatural... and as evil as Sin."

With his hands at his side, for once Seymour kept quiet. His mind was in a blur. One thing stayed clear though, she was to be admired. She was even more disciplined and determined than him! It was humbling. He tried to smell her, then gave up. Finally he looked up, and said, "Please do not speak to me as though I hate Spira... I do not. The cold must be uncomfortable for you. I will ask for Tromell to take you back to Guadosalam before nightfall. You will see me tomorrow morning."

Yuna wondered what did he mean by that. If he did not hate Spira and people, why did he want to destroy it?

As the snow flakes fell, he walked her back into the warmth of the temple, snow crunching under their feet as they went.

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End Of Chapter One