Ukyo was leaning against the archway between Mi'ihen Highroad and Djose Highroad. She was in a good mood. That morning, she managed to beat that grumpy soldier Beclem... and got promoted to sergeant. The captain really was impressed by her fighting skills.
Well, that also meant she had to take over Beclem's job of guarding the gate, but she didn't mind.
At the moment, Luzzu and Gatta were approaching, leading a chocobo that was pulling another cart.
"Luzzu and Gatta reporting," the red-headed soldier from Besaid said while saluting. Gatta copied his actions instantly.
Ukyo smiled at them. "Let me take a look, then..." She carefully spied through the cloth that was covering the big cage.
Angry growling sounds from the imprisoned Sinspawn were the response.
"Okay, sugar," she cheerfully told Luzzu. "Go on through!"
"Thanks, ma'am," he replied, while guiding the chocobo through the gate.
Ukyo smiled. 'Ma'am!' She certainly liked that title.
Before following his friend, Gatta turned around and waved at a small travelling group that was approaching. "Show me how to blitz sometime," he shouted, then left.
Ukyo's mood even improved more when she recognized the travelling group.
"Hey, you guys," she greeted them when her friends reached the gate. "How's it doing?"
"Great, Ucchan," Ranma replied. "Um, whats with the gate? Can't we pass through here?"
Ukyo shook her head. "I'm sorry, Ranchan... The captain told me to only let other crusaders pass until our operation is complete."
"But we have to," Yuna protested. "The Temple of Djose is on the other side of the Djose Highroad. Can't you make an exception?"
Ukyo sighed heavily. "Look, I'm really sorry, but... it was my decision to join the crusaders, see...? So I have to follow the orders of my superiors."
"Hey Ucchan, we're old friends, right?" Ranma said. "If we sneak through here silently, your bosses won't even notice us... we'll be careful. What d'ya say?"
Ukyo smirked. "Nice try, Ranchan. But you know I can't do that. If command finds out, I'll be in major trouble."
"Dang it," Ranma muttered angrily.
Yuna sighed. "Looks like we have to wait until the crusaders have finished their operation, huh?"
"Hey, you're not the only ones that I had to reject," Ukyo commented. She pointed to the summoner Dona with her guardian Barthello, who was heavily arguing with another crusader next to the gate.
Tidus snickered. "I guess it had been kinda satisfactory for you sending her away, was it?"
Ukyo giggled. "You can say that again, sugar!"
----
Goba Guado was hastening through the bushes. Well, the Coeurls failed, but at least he managed to turn the Alpha Fiend into an effective spy.
When he saw the person he wanted to meet, he slowed down and carefully stuck his head out of the scrubs. "Ssshhh. Maester Seymour, sir..."
The young maester of Yevon and his bodyguards stopped when they heard his voice.
"Goba, I hope you have good news..."
"Of course, mylord," the round servant assured him. "They managed to defeat the fiends I set in their way, but I could give the Alpha Fiend its orders. The next time I'll talk to it, we certainly will get a lot of useful information..."
Seymour smiled. "Good, Goba! I'd say you just redeemed yourself. Keep up the good work, and perhaps I'll think of some kind of reward..."
Goba's eyes glittered greedily while he bowed again and again. "Thank you, sir... I won't fail you..."
"You better not," Seymour replied coldly. "If you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with a certain female summoner..." He grinned maliciously while marching onward, followed by his guards.
Goba vanished back into the scrubs.
----
Yuna just turned around when she saw someone approaching. "Oh," she gasped when she recognized the maester.
The others saw the Guado as well. Seymour and his bodyguards walked towards them.
Yuna greeted him with the Yevon prayer: A circular motion with the arms, cupped hands and a bow.
"So, we meet again, Lady Yuna," Seymour said in a charismatic voice.
"Y-yes..." Yuna replied nervously.
Seymour took a closer look at her face. "You look troubled. Is there anything I can do?"
Yuna uncertainly looked over to the closed gate.
Seymour nodded. "I see." He calmly walked over to Ukyo.
Ukyo seemed to be as nervous as Yuna.
"M-maester Seymour, welcome! The... the command center is this way, if you please..."
"Hold, I have a request," Seymour interrupted the stuttering okonomiyaki chef.
"O-of course, sir," Ukyo stood at attention.
Seymour gestured towards the pilgrimage group. "I need to have Lady Yuna and her guardians let through to the command center."
"But... but Maester Seymour, can I... I mean... certainly, sir!"
He smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility."
Ukyo nodded nervously. 'Well, that's good to hear,' she thought.
Seymour turned around to face Yuna. "It is done," he simply said.
"Thank you, your grace!" Yuna bowed again.
The Guado followed their master through the gate.
Ukyo chuckled. "Well, looks like you can get through after all..."
Ranma grinned. "Nervous around authority, eh, Ucchan?" he mocked.
"Sh... shut up," she angrily growled.
"Yuna, it's time to go," Auron said to Yuna, who still was bowing her head.
"Oh! Right!" She went ahead.
Tidus didn't seem to like Seymour one bit. "Who does he think he is?" he angrily muttered.
"He's a maester," Wakka replied. "Better get used to it, ya?"
They followed Yuna while Ukyo was letting them pass.
See other episodes by Shritistrang
(Posted Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:58)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.