(no subject)
Fandom: Glee
Title: To Zanarkand
Rating: Eventual R
Pairing: Kurt/Blaine, Finn/Rachel, Jeff/Nick
Spoilers: None that I'm aware of. We'll see.
Author's Note: Decided to write this on a whim. It took me a while to hammer out certain details, but I think I've got it all down now. So, without further ado, please enjoy my Glee/FFX crossover.
Kurt Hummel stood before the mirror in the small hut adjusting his clothing. He wanted to look his best as he prepared for the biggest moment of his life. He'd wanted to do this ever since his mother, Elizabeth, had left to guard High Summoner Lady Jean Sylvester alongside the Summoner's sister, Sue, who had been a Warrior Monk. High Summoner Lady Jean and his mother had both died, and it was unclear where Lady Sue had disappeared to.
He straightened his dark violet bolero jacket, fixing his mother's red hair ribbon around his bicep as though tying a tourniquet. "I go to the temple today, Mom. I hope you'll be proud."
His father, Burt, poked his head into the room, seeing his son preparing. He smiled sadly. "She is. I'm sure of it." He crossed the room, pulling Kurt into his arms. "This is a big day." Burt wished the best for his son. He knew the boy was headstrong and would do anything he put his mind to. Still, a small selfish light hoped that the Fayth would deny Kurt. He'd already lost his wife. Did he really have to lose his only remaining relative? He kept this thought to himself. Burt didn't want to send Kurt to the temple having doubts. "Go. Blaine, Finn, and Mercedes are waiting. Carole and I will be there to see your first summoning."
Kurt squeezed his father. "I love you, Dad."
"Love you too, kid."
---
As Kurt jogged toward the temple, he took everything in. Besaid was a quiet little town. Seagulls flew overhead, squawking noisily. It seemed like the skies had always been blue. He knew there'd been monsoons, but every fond memory was of golden sun, golden sand, and sparkling waters. The people in the town square, bustling about. He would miss this.
Mercedes, Blaine, and Finn were chatting on the stairs in front of the temple, waiting for him. The three turned to smile at him. "You ready, boo?" The dark-skinned girl chuckled warmly.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
Blaine gave Kurt's shoulder an encouraging squeeze. The boy had moved to Besaid from Luca a couple years back, and he and the aspiring summoner hit it off immediately. Where Mercedes was Kurt's best female friend, Blaine was definitely his best male friend. When Kurt had told them all that he was going to become an apprentice summoner, Mercedes and Finn had been apprehensive. Blaine was enthusiastic, exclaiming his pride for the boy. Kurt suspected he didn't know just what this entailed, but he was unwilling to divulge the details to him. Let him be blissfully unaware for the time being.
The quartet slowly sidled into the temple, the cavernous sanctuary causing the few voices to echo raucously. A priest strode over to them. "Sir Kurt, Lady Mercedes, Sir Finn, Sir Blaine." He acknowledged all of them, performing Yevon's Prayer. The four returned the action, "Father Shura."
Shura nodded, "Are you ready to face the Cloister?"
"Yes, Father Shura." Kurt bowed.
"Then go up those stairs." Shura motioned to the only staircase in the room, positioned between statues of High Summoner Lady Gaga and High Summoner Lady Jean.
Sparing a glance at the intricately carved statue of his mother's summoner, Kurt steeled his resolve and ascended the stairs, his Guardians in tow. Placing a well-manicured hand on the shield blocking the entrance to the Trials, Kurt silently willed it away, the first test on the road to becoming a Summoner. A tell-tale click and a grinding of metal against stone later, and the shield had retreated into the wall. A sense of relief fell over Kurt and his Guardians, the first trial overcome.
The Cloister itself was unremarkable, a rather straightforward path, touching glyphs and placing spheres into slots. At the end, there was an elevator, which the four clambered onto. A female voice was singing the Hymn of the Fayth in a smooth alto. Kurt cast a cursory glance back at his friends who nodded encouragingly. With a final resolute nod, Kurt ascended the stairs to the Chamber of the Fayth, praying before the shielded door. The shield lifted, the feathery curtains parted and Kurt was granted access to the chamber.
Once inside, the fledgling summoner knelt before the Fayth, offering up a prayer and a silent plea for her services. A spirit materialized above the domed glass protecting the statue. It was a young woman donning a Crusader's Captain's uniform. Through her visor, Kurt could see that she had gorgeous purple eyes. "Young man, why do you call me?"
"I wish to become a summoner." Kurt bowed his head reverently.
The woman continued. "For what purpose do you follow this end?"
"I wish to make the people of Spira happy, if only momentarily."
"Do you seek glory?" The specter's voice grew, if possible, even sharper.
Kurt shook his head, "No. Glory only comes to those who deserve it. Only time will tell if I am worthy of that honor."
The spirit nodded. "Very well. You are young and inexperienced, but I see something in you that gives me hope. I shall grant you my services, young summoner."
Kurt's head shot up, barely daring to hope. The woman smiled. "I am Calliope Valefor, the Fayth of Churning Winds. What shall you call me when I am summoned?"
Without hesitation, Kurt replied, "Valefor. It is your name after all."
Valefor smiled, devolving into pyreflies which proceeded to bury themselves into Kurt's subconscious. The youth's eyes rolled back in his head as he passed out. Kurt lay there for two hours before the last vestiges of wooziness disappeared. Getting shakily to his feet, the newly made summoner staggered to the door, smiling weakly when he saw the faces of his Guardians.
Breathlessly, he said, "I've done it. I've become a summoner."
Finn must have seen the fatigue on Kurt's face, because as soon as he teetered, his stepbrother was hurtling up the stairs to catch him. "I've got you."
Mercedes and Blaine climbed the stairs, smiling down at Kurt and offering their own congratulations. Kurt moved to get up, steadied by Finn, and the quartet moved to the elevator.
"Ready for your first exhibition?" Blaine asked.
Kurt nodded, unsheathing his two swords, named together as Brotherhood (They'd been a present to Kurt and Finn when Kurt had announced his intent of becoming a summoner with Finn as his guardian. Finn declined, saying he couldn't use a sword, so he gave his to Kurt.), as they exited the ornate archway. The new summoner stepped into the center of the town square, throwing his arms to the side, swords pointed to the sky. A shining glyph appeared under his feet, energy rippling along the lines of the intricate design. Beams of light shot up into the bright blue sky, piercing the clouds. Valefor descended from them, wings unfurled.
Her head was silver, shaped almost like a spearhead. A mane of red feathers cascaded down her neck. Her giant wings were flesh colored, leathery appendages, but somehow still elegant in their gentle undulations. She had two bent legs with sharp talons, colored a deep violet, as was her tail. Golden rings hung around her neck, and they jingled melodically with every movement.
Bright applause filled the square as Valefor twirled up into the sky. She spun her long tied back mane, forming a glyph in front of her. Quickly, she fired a large beam of energy into the glyph, which then separated the beam into multiple rays similar to a prism. The rays exploded in air, fireworks blooming against the warm tropical air.
Valefor landed next to her summoner, allowing Kurt to gently stroke her mane. Again, the Besaidites cheered for the youth. He patted the side of her neck, dismissing her. Kurt glanced around the crowd, meeting his father's proud gaze.
Mercedes, Blaine, and Finn rushed over to Kurt, hugging him in congratulations. Burt and Carole approached them as well, hugging each of the four in turn. Burt squeezed Kurt tightly, "I am so proud of you son. I love you."
"I love you too, Dad." The unsaid 'I'll miss you' hung in the air between them, the words almost tangible.
"The boat leaves soon." Burt commented, trying to cut the tension. "Are you all prepared?"
Kurt nodded, patting his sheathed swords and the small pack holding his curative items. Mercedes tightened the straps on her gloves. Blaine motioned to the small spear strapped to his back. Finn nodded, glancing back at the sack with his Blitzball and his traveling uniform. He was currently dressed in the Aurochs uniform. He'd be playing his final tournament in a few days time.
"Let's walk down then." Carole smiled.
---
The trip through the beaten pathways to the beach was long and too short at the same time. Kurt was looking around in each direction, soaking in every sight. Before they reached the beach, the summoner stopped, eyes closed and focusing on something.
Mercedes and Finn smiled sadly, nodding as they realized what was going on. Blaine smiled too, oblivious to what was going on. After a moment, he piped up, "The boat'll be leaving soon."
Burt and Finn shot him a look, but said nothing. Kurt nodded, stepping onto the shimmering sand. "Let's go. The longer we wait, the longer we'll be traveling."
Mercedes hooked arms with the summoner, strolling across the beach to the pier with him, greeting and bidding farewell to the gathered villagers. Tearful children, who Kurt frequently watched over while their parents were off doing their respective jobs, and the villagers who'd helped Burt take care of him before Carole came along all came to say goodbye.
Blaine glanced at Finn, confusion plain on his face. "If we do our jobs right, they'll see him again. Why are they all so sad?"
Pain flickered across Finn's face before the taller boy walked off toward the pier. Blaine quickly took off after him, deciding to ask again some other time.
Carole and Burt boarded the ship, as they were headed for Luca. Finn had announced that he'd no longer be playing Blitzball after this tournament, so both parents had resolved to take the trip to the sprawling city. Mercedes followed them on, climbing up to the upper deck and resting on a lounge chair. Finn took off toward the cabin, wanting to rest before they reached Kilika. Blaine was about to board when he noticed Kurt still staring wistfully at the beach. "Kurt?"
The summoner turned a dazzling smile at the dark-haired boy. "I'm coming." Blaine offered him his hand, and taking it, Kurt joined him on the bow of the ship.
---
So, what'd you think?
Title: To Zanarkand
Rating: Eventual R
Pairing: Kurt/Blaine, Finn/Rachel, Jeff/Nick
Spoilers: None that I'm aware of. We'll see.
Author's Note: Decided to write this on a whim. It took me a while to hammer out certain details, but I think I've got it all down now. So, without further ado, please enjoy my Glee/FFX crossover.
Kurt Hummel stood before the mirror in the small hut adjusting his clothing. He wanted to look his best as he prepared for the biggest moment of his life. He'd wanted to do this ever since his mother, Elizabeth, had left to guard High Summoner Lady Jean Sylvester alongside the Summoner's sister, Sue, who had been a Warrior Monk. High Summoner Lady Jean and his mother had both died, and it was unclear where Lady Sue had disappeared to.
He straightened his dark violet bolero jacket, fixing his mother's red hair ribbon around his bicep as though tying a tourniquet. "I go to the temple today, Mom. I hope you'll be proud."
His father, Burt, poked his head into the room, seeing his son preparing. He smiled sadly. "She is. I'm sure of it." He crossed the room, pulling Kurt into his arms. "This is a big day." Burt wished the best for his son. He knew the boy was headstrong and would do anything he put his mind to. Still, a small selfish light hoped that the Fayth would deny Kurt. He'd already lost his wife. Did he really have to lose his only remaining relative? He kept this thought to himself. Burt didn't want to send Kurt to the temple having doubts. "Go. Blaine, Finn, and Mercedes are waiting. Carole and I will be there to see your first summoning."
Kurt squeezed his father. "I love you, Dad."
"Love you too, kid."
---
As Kurt jogged toward the temple, he took everything in. Besaid was a quiet little town. Seagulls flew overhead, squawking noisily. It seemed like the skies had always been blue. He knew there'd been monsoons, but every fond memory was of golden sun, golden sand, and sparkling waters. The people in the town square, bustling about. He would miss this.
Mercedes, Blaine, and Finn were chatting on the stairs in front of the temple, waiting for him. The three turned to smile at him. "You ready, boo?" The dark-skinned girl chuckled warmly.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
Blaine gave Kurt's shoulder an encouraging squeeze. The boy had moved to Besaid from Luca a couple years back, and he and the aspiring summoner hit it off immediately. Where Mercedes was Kurt's best female friend, Blaine was definitely his best male friend. When Kurt had told them all that he was going to become an apprentice summoner, Mercedes and Finn had been apprehensive. Blaine was enthusiastic, exclaiming his pride for the boy. Kurt suspected he didn't know just what this entailed, but he was unwilling to divulge the details to him. Let him be blissfully unaware for the time being.
The quartet slowly sidled into the temple, the cavernous sanctuary causing the few voices to echo raucously. A priest strode over to them. "Sir Kurt, Lady Mercedes, Sir Finn, Sir Blaine." He acknowledged all of them, performing Yevon's Prayer. The four returned the action, "Father Shura."
Shura nodded, "Are you ready to face the Cloister?"
"Yes, Father Shura." Kurt bowed.
"Then go up those stairs." Shura motioned to the only staircase in the room, positioned between statues of High Summoner Lady Gaga and High Summoner Lady Jean.
Sparing a glance at the intricately carved statue of his mother's summoner, Kurt steeled his resolve and ascended the stairs, his Guardians in tow. Placing a well-manicured hand on the shield blocking the entrance to the Trials, Kurt silently willed it away, the first test on the road to becoming a Summoner. A tell-tale click and a grinding of metal against stone later, and the shield had retreated into the wall. A sense of relief fell over Kurt and his Guardians, the first trial overcome.
The Cloister itself was unremarkable, a rather straightforward path, touching glyphs and placing spheres into slots. At the end, there was an elevator, which the four clambered onto. A female voice was singing the Hymn of the Fayth in a smooth alto. Kurt cast a cursory glance back at his friends who nodded encouragingly. With a final resolute nod, Kurt ascended the stairs to the Chamber of the Fayth, praying before the shielded door. The shield lifted, the feathery curtains parted and Kurt was granted access to the chamber.
Once inside, the fledgling summoner knelt before the Fayth, offering up a prayer and a silent plea for her services. A spirit materialized above the domed glass protecting the statue. It was a young woman donning a Crusader's Captain's uniform. Through her visor, Kurt could see that she had gorgeous purple eyes. "Young man, why do you call me?"
"I wish to become a summoner." Kurt bowed his head reverently.
The woman continued. "For what purpose do you follow this end?"
"I wish to make the people of Spira happy, if only momentarily."
"Do you seek glory?" The specter's voice grew, if possible, even sharper.
Kurt shook his head, "No. Glory only comes to those who deserve it. Only time will tell if I am worthy of that honor."
The spirit nodded. "Very well. You are young and inexperienced, but I see something in you that gives me hope. I shall grant you my services, young summoner."
Kurt's head shot up, barely daring to hope. The woman smiled. "I am Calliope Valefor, the Fayth of Churning Winds. What shall you call me when I am summoned?"
Without hesitation, Kurt replied, "Valefor. It is your name after all."
Valefor smiled, devolving into pyreflies which proceeded to bury themselves into Kurt's subconscious. The youth's eyes rolled back in his head as he passed out. Kurt lay there for two hours before the last vestiges of wooziness disappeared. Getting shakily to his feet, the newly made summoner staggered to the door, smiling weakly when he saw the faces of his Guardians.
Breathlessly, he said, "I've done it. I've become a summoner."
Finn must have seen the fatigue on Kurt's face, because as soon as he teetered, his stepbrother was hurtling up the stairs to catch him. "I've got you."
Mercedes and Blaine climbed the stairs, smiling down at Kurt and offering their own congratulations. Kurt moved to get up, steadied by Finn, and the quartet moved to the elevator.
"Ready for your first exhibition?" Blaine asked.
Kurt nodded, unsheathing his two swords, named together as Brotherhood (They'd been a present to Kurt and Finn when Kurt had announced his intent of becoming a summoner with Finn as his guardian. Finn declined, saying he couldn't use a sword, so he gave his to Kurt.), as they exited the ornate archway. The new summoner stepped into the center of the town square, throwing his arms to the side, swords pointed to the sky. A shining glyph appeared under his feet, energy rippling along the lines of the intricate design. Beams of light shot up into the bright blue sky, piercing the clouds. Valefor descended from them, wings unfurled.
Her head was silver, shaped almost like a spearhead. A mane of red feathers cascaded down her neck. Her giant wings were flesh colored, leathery appendages, but somehow still elegant in their gentle undulations. She had two bent legs with sharp talons, colored a deep violet, as was her tail. Golden rings hung around her neck, and they jingled melodically with every movement.
Bright applause filled the square as Valefor twirled up into the sky. She spun her long tied back mane, forming a glyph in front of her. Quickly, she fired a large beam of energy into the glyph, which then separated the beam into multiple rays similar to a prism. The rays exploded in air, fireworks blooming against the warm tropical air.
Valefor landed next to her summoner, allowing Kurt to gently stroke her mane. Again, the Besaidites cheered for the youth. He patted the side of her neck, dismissing her. Kurt glanced around the crowd, meeting his father's proud gaze.
Mercedes, Blaine, and Finn rushed over to Kurt, hugging him in congratulations. Burt and Carole approached them as well, hugging each of the four in turn. Burt squeezed Kurt tightly, "I am so proud of you son. I love you."
"I love you too, Dad." The unsaid 'I'll miss you' hung in the air between them, the words almost tangible.
"The boat leaves soon." Burt commented, trying to cut the tension. "Are you all prepared?"
Kurt nodded, patting his sheathed swords and the small pack holding his curative items. Mercedes tightened the straps on her gloves. Blaine motioned to the small spear strapped to his back. Finn nodded, glancing back at the sack with his Blitzball and his traveling uniform. He was currently dressed in the Aurochs uniform. He'd be playing his final tournament in a few days time.
"Let's walk down then." Carole smiled.
---
The trip through the beaten pathways to the beach was long and too short at the same time. Kurt was looking around in each direction, soaking in every sight. Before they reached the beach, the summoner stopped, eyes closed and focusing on something.
Mercedes and Finn smiled sadly, nodding as they realized what was going on. Blaine smiled too, oblivious to what was going on. After a moment, he piped up, "The boat'll be leaving soon."
Burt and Finn shot him a look, but said nothing. Kurt nodded, stepping onto the shimmering sand. "Let's go. The longer we wait, the longer we'll be traveling."
Mercedes hooked arms with the summoner, strolling across the beach to the pier with him, greeting and bidding farewell to the gathered villagers. Tearful children, who Kurt frequently watched over while their parents were off doing their respective jobs, and the villagers who'd helped Burt take care of him before Carole came along all came to say goodbye.
Blaine glanced at Finn, confusion plain on his face. "If we do our jobs right, they'll see him again. Why are they all so sad?"
Pain flickered across Finn's face before the taller boy walked off toward the pier. Blaine quickly took off after him, deciding to ask again some other time.
Carole and Burt boarded the ship, as they were headed for Luca. Finn had announced that he'd no longer be playing Blitzball after this tournament, so both parents had resolved to take the trip to the sprawling city. Mercedes followed them on, climbing up to the upper deck and resting on a lounge chair. Finn took off toward the cabin, wanting to rest before they reached Kilika. Blaine was about to board when he noticed Kurt still staring wistfully at the beach. "Kurt?"
The summoner turned a dazzling smile at the dark-haired boy. "I'm coming." Blaine offered him his hand, and taking it, Kurt joined him on the bow of the ship.
---
So, what'd you think?