Disclaimer: All characters and features in this work of fiction are from the Final Fantasy game franchise which are owned by Square Enix (originally Square Co., Ltd.). This is purely a fan based story. Enjoy!

Chapter 01

What should have been a happy ending, a happily ever after, for Yuna and Tidus did not come to pass. Unfortunately, Yuna's story was not yet finished. Fate still had other plans in mind. She still had a few more adventures in store before she can finally find her happily ever after.

On a tranquil moonlit night of Besaid Island, Yuna sat on a cliff base staring endlessly into the darken horizon of the ocean. She was lost in thought wondering why had things turned out the way they have and where she had gone wrong. 'It wasn't supposed to be this way. We have been thru so much together. Why isn't it working out? Something must be wrong with me!' Where did things go wrong for her?

After all the obstacles Yuna had to face and conquer to be with Tidus, their relationship just wasn't working out. She went thru epic battles with ghosts from the past and Vegnagun. But that took time. With time comes change. She spent two long years without him. In that time, Yuna had grown and matured while Tidus was restored by the fayth as the same 17 years old boy she first met. During her journey, everyone she'd known commented on her significant change (Tidus himself said so when they were reunited). She had grown into woman and he remained a boy.

When Tidus retuned, Yuna was as happy as any girl, no, woman in love can be. Still, she failed to realize the kind of impact two years apart can have on a relationship. It didn't take her long to notice something wasn't right, at least with her. It was much later on when she finally accepted the harsh truth that her relationship with Tidus just wasn't the same as before he faded away. The real truth being, she was no longer in love with him. She was no longer the girl that first fell in love with Tidus on their first adventure together to defeat Sin. She had become a different person.

However, Yuna still had hope. She held onto the hope that maybe if she stayed by his side, she would eventually fall in love again. Why not? There was no reason why she couldn't find that same love again. Tidus was still very much in love with her. In the following months nothing changed for the better. In fact, it only made her feel worse about herself. The only real problem in the relationship was Yuna. She was forced to accept that hanging on to false hope was pointless, she will never love him the same way again unless she tried something different.

In this situation, any normal woman would end her relationship and move on with her life. But Yuna was not a normal woman. She would never give up on anything so easily, even her troubled relationship. That and something else prevented her from ending it and moving on. Fear. The reason Tidus was brought back to existence was in way of a gift to Yuna for saving Spira from its crisis with Vegnagun. She was afraid if she were to ever leave Tidus, he might fade away once more. But after spending an entire year with him in Besaid, much to Yuna's relief, she began to realize that her presence or feelings did not determine if he vanishes or not, but it is the fayth that does so. The fayth wouldn't deny Tidus his existence just because she wasn't enamored with him anymore.

Yuna sat on the cliff base reflecting on everything that had happened, trying to find any solutions to her problems. 'Will I ever love him the same way again?' The same question had plagued her for many months. 'With the way I've been feeling for a while now…probably not any time soon.' It was starting to dawn on her that it was time for a change. Continuing the current path won't lead anyway.

As lost as she was in thought, she failed to notice the silent footsteps approaching her. Tidus stopped a few feet behind her to look upon her with sadden eyes. 'Yuna. Why won't you talk to me?' He knew something had been troubling her for quite so time now, but she never shared it with him. As her lover, isn't he the one that is supposed to support her in her times of need? Whenever he tries offering any kind of help, she just gave him a fake smile and assured him that nothing was wrong. He knew her well enough to know something was wrong and that she was depressed. She was not as happy as she used to be.

Even while Tidus was left in the dark, he decided to take serious action for the woman he loved. "Yuna, we need to talk."

Yuna jumped slightly from the unexpected visit. "You surprised me. What's wrong?" She stood up and faced him.

"Yuna, we need to be honest with ourselves. We're having problems and its time we talk about it." He closed the small distance between them and placed both his hands on her shoulders. "Look, I know you're not happy so please don't try to deny it. I love you and I want to be there for you."

'Love…that's the whole problem.' Yuna's gaze was downcast. "Do we really have to talk about this?"

"Please. I just want to see you happy. You can't solve anything keeping it bottled up inside."

Yuna turned away from him, releasing her from his grasp. The time had finally come to confess what she had kept hidden from him. 'How can I possibly tell him without hurting him?' There was no avoiding it. "Yes, you're right. I haven't been happy in a long time. I'm not happy about the way things are between us and it's all because of me." She spoke in a low sad voice.

"Yuna." Before she could say anything else, Tidus called for her attention. 'I kind of knew that was the problem. Which is why I hope what I'm about to do is the right thing.' In his haste, Tidus decided to proceed with his plan. This was an instance in which he should have listened to more of what she had to say. When Yuna was facing him, he reached into a pocket to pull out a small objective. "I know things aren't great right now but I know we can accomplish anything as long as we're together. Even saving the world…again if we have to. Which is why…" He then bends down on one knee.

'?!' Yuna is shocked.

"I've been meaning to do this for a while now but never could find the right opportunity. Well… here I go." He opened his hand to reveal a diamond imbedded ring. "Yuna, you mean everything to me and I'm lost without you. Will you marry me?"

"…." Silence was the answer to his proposal. Yuna was completely blindsided. With the way things have been going in the relationship, this was the last thing she expected. Inside, she began to feel an overwhelming dread. Tears trickled down her cheeks as her knees buckled and fell to the ground.

"YUNA!" Tidus freaked and grabbed her by the shoulders before she completely fell over. "Are you are right?!

"…No." Yuna weakly whimper while shaking her head no.

"Are you ill? Do you need medical treatment?"

"No...you don't understand." Yuna looked at him with grieving eyes, knowing the pain she was about to inflict upon Tidus. "My answer is no. I can't marry you."

Tidus left go of her and stood, not believing what he was hearing. "Why?"

"I…" Yuna faltered. What she was about to say was probably the most difficult words she ever had to speak. "…Because…I…am not in love with you anymore!"

'No! Is this really happening?' Now it was Tidus who had trouble standing. The only things he could see or hear was his world falling apart. He turned and began walking away.

"Tidus!" Yuna called after him.

"I'm sorry Yuna but I have to be alone right now." He answered gently and continued on his way.

Yuna had done it. She had broken his heart. She had hurt someone very important to her. Fresh droplets rolled down her face but she could not let herself breakdown sobbing. What can she possibly do now? "I have to leave!" She declared to herself. Without a second thought, she got to her foot and went back her home in the village of Besaid. The first thing she did when she got back was active the CommSphere (Communication Sphere). It wasn't long until there was a response.

"Hello Yuna. I'm glad to see you." The image of Shinra appeared on the sphere.

"Me too. How is everyone doing?" She gave the boy a fake smile.

"We're all fine. Everything is the same since you left us, though we still do miss having you around."

"Actually, that's why I'm contacting you. I want to return to the Gullwings!" She had made up her mind, to leave Besaid and all the problems there behind. This had been a long time coming. In fact she should have done this much early. Staying with Tidus for as long as she did only made the situation worse. She had to leave for both their sakes. Remaining will only cause more heartache.

"Really? Great! The others will be happy to hear the news." Shinra was almost jumping for joy in his sit.

"Can you pick me up tomorrow or are you in the middle of a mission?"

"Don't worry. As soon as Brother hears the news, he'll steer the Celsius in your direction, mission or not."

Yuna had to laugh at that. She really did miss the antics of the Gullwings. "Thanks. I'll be waiting for you then. See you later." Yuna waved farewell.

"Bye." Shinra happily waved and then the image faded.

Yuna let out a slow breath. She was relieved Shinra didn't ask her why she suddenly wanted to join the Gullwings again. 'Now I just have to pack my things before Tidus returns home.' They moved in together shortly after his reappearance and were madly in love. 'I think I'll spend the night at Lulu and Waka's place.' Once she was done collecting her things she was out the door. Leaving her home broke her heart but it had to be done.

After explaining the situation to Lulu and Waka, they let her spend the night. It was hard for them to accept that Yuna was leaving but if she says it's for the best then they'll just have to trust her judgment as they always did. Lulu spent the night consoling Yuna about Tidus, that she isn't blame herself for what was happening. However she argued if she wasn't to blame than whom? At least they both agreed that the relationship needed some distance.

The following morning, Yuna stood alone by the shore waiting. The Celsius was due to arrive any minute. She felt bittersweet about it. A part of her was excited about adventuring with the Gullwings again and the other part was saddened about leaving her home and Tidus.

"YUNA!" Just as Yuna thought about him, Tidus appeared running and calling for her.

'I knew I had to face him before I left.' Yuna silently readied herself for the inevitable goodbye.

When Tidus reached her, he was almost hysterical. "What's going on here Yuna?! I got home lost night and found all your stuff gone and now I hear you're leaving Besaid. Look if this is about the proposal last night, we don't have to get married. We can just continue to live together. You don't have to leave!"

"Tidus…it's not about whether or not we get married. You've done nothing wrong. It's about me! I'm no good to you the way I am now. The proposal was like a wakeup call to how things really stand between us. So I decided I have to go."

"…So are you breaking up with me?" Tidus appeared that the life had been drained out of him.

"No! I am not breaking up with you. I still love you but…after what I said last night…" Yuna couldn't say it again.

'That you're not in love with me anymore.' He nodded understanding what she meant.

"You will always have a special place in my heart." She tried to console him. "I'm not giving up on us yet. But staying here any longer won't change how I feel. I have to try something else. So maybe some time apart will help me figure things out."

"I don't know what to say. This is all so sudden. Is there any way to make you stay?"

"No."

"Not even if I beg you to stay?"

"No."

"Then can I come with you?"

"Tidus!" Yuna was now becoming was frustrated.

Tidus let out a weak laugh seeing his attempt at humor was not having the desired effect. He had already accepted the inevitable after the first no. The woman was head strong. Once she made a decision she practically never changes her mind. One of the traits he loves about her. "I know, I know. I was just kidding." He lovingly embraced her. "If you really have to do this then I won't stand in your way and I'll support you in any way I can. Just know I will always love you and I'll be here waiting for your return."

Yuna was touched by his acceptation of her decision to leave so readily. 'What's wrong with me?! Why can't I return the same feelings to such a loving person?' She was about to embrace Tidus as well until she was interrupted by a roaring from the sky. (It appears Tidus' destiny in love will be ill-fated.)

"YUNA!" All of a sudden the Celsius appeared with an overly excited Brother shouting thru the loudspeaker. "I'M HERE!"

Tidus chuckled and let go Yuna from his embrace. "I see someone hasn't changed."

"Yeah." She had to laugh as well. She watched as the airship landed and the bay door opened to reveal the faces of her two best friends.

"Yunie!" Rikku happily ran towards her cousin. She was so caught up in her excitement that she ended up tackling Yuna to the ground.

'That had to hurt.' Tidus winced as if he felt her pain.

Yuna moaned and groaned as she struggled to her foot. "Rikku…I think you missed me a little too much"

"Ha ha…sorry." Once both were on their foot, they hugged each properly. "I'm so happy you're joining us again."

"Me too."

'I wish I could say the same thing.' Tidus bitterly thought.

Paine casually walked up to the pair. "Sorry Yuna. She escaped before I could grab her. I hope you're not hurt too bad." She was poking fun at her blond friend.

"Well my butt is a little sore but other than that I'm fine." The girls shared a laugh for the first time now that they've reunited. "I'm glad to see you Paine."

"Same here." Paine couldn't help revealing one of her rare smiles. She was genuinely happy to see the former summoner.

"Hey Tidus." The petite thief wrapped her arms and legs around him as she jumped into his waiting arming, laughing all the way.

"Hey Rikku." Luckily, Tidus braced himself in time for the impact. He laughed along with his first friend in Spira. Despite his happy façade, inside he was still suffering. 'It's a shame I have to see her again under these conditions.' Under other circumstances, he would have been equally as excited as her. She had always held a special place in his heart since he first came to this world.

'Each time I see those two together I can't help but wonder why Tidus didn't hookup with Rikku instead of Yuna.' Paine was silently observing the happy exchange between the two blonds. She noticed there was a natural chemistry there. When she saw Tidus looking her way, she causally waved at him. "Hey." Even though they're both close to Yuna, they themselves aren't very close friends. Because they haven't spent much time in each other company, she hasn't really opened up to him yet.

"Hey…" He returned the same greeting. The two blonds stared at her as if they were expecting something else.

"What?" Paine didn't like the looks she was getting.

Rikku placed both her hands on her hips. "Aren't you going to give him a hug?"

"Maybe next time." The warrior female kindly declined.

"I see you're still a big meanie." Tidus mimicked the same pose as Rikku.

"Hey! Quit stealing my lines you big meanie." Rikku playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"Last time I checked, you weren't the owner of that phrase." He couldn't hide the smirk of his lips.

"You're just making fun of us!" Rikku exclaimed.

"Guilty as charged." Tidus shrugged his shoulders.

Paine had to cut into their playful banter. "Excuse me. I would like to hear an apology." She was somewhat insulted.

The two of them stared at her again. A moment later they both broke out into loud hysterics.

"I'm being serious here…"

Yuna stand back watching them with a sad smile. 'I miss those days…' She was recollecting the times she was able to stand by his side and share in the honest, heartfelt laughter.

"YUNA!" A loud cry had caught everyone's attention. Brother had jumped on to shore and was running straight towards Yuna with arms wide open. As he was about to approach his target, a foot suddenly appeared on his path. Not noticing in time, he tripped and fell flat on his face. When he tried to get up, the same foot was placed on top of his head. Rikku then shifted weight on to her foot, forcing his face deeper into the sand. She always made sure that her brother's lecherous hands never touched their cousin.

"Well, this is our cue to leave. Let's get all your things aboard and lift off." The thief happily declared. This was the typical relationship between the two siblings so no one felt the need to say anything. The girls grabbed Yuna's belongings and carried them to the platform of the Celsius. Rikku quickly noticed something was strange when she set down what she was carrying in the cargo bay. There were only Yuna's things. She looked back and saw that Tidus had not followed them into the airship and remained on the shore. Whatever happy visage there was to him was now replaced by his true feelings of sadness. "What's wrong? Aren't you coming with us?"

"Sorry…not this time." His gaze was downcast, not yet willing to see the woman he loves leave.

"But…" Rikku was about to protest until she felt a gentle grasp on her shoulder.

"It's just me for now. So please…" Yuna urged her cousin not to make the situation more difficult.

"Okay." The blond thief understood the silent plea. She had been looking forward to adventuring with him again. She regretfully looked towards her friend. "Well it sucks that you're not coming with us so…we'll see you around."

"…"

'Something must have happened with Yunie.' Rikku noticed something was wrong when Tidus didn't respond.

Brother jumped to his feet, happy to hear the news. "Don't worry I will take good care of her." As he entered the Celsius, he intended to give his cousin a comforting hug but changed his mind and went on his way when he saw the threatening gaze of his little sister.

"Come on Rikku lets go." Paine sensed it was probably a good idea to leave Yuna alone. Wordlessly, Rikku followed her up to the bridge.

Yuna stood alone atop of the platform gazing upon the man she once loved but hoped to love again in the future. Tidus, knowing it was finally time, returned her gaze to look upon the woman he still loved. No words were exchanged. Everything that could be said had already been said. No more words were needed. The Celsius' engines fired up and the bay door begun to lift to a close. Just before the door shut completely, he gave her one last smirk and a meaningful wink. 'This is not the end.'

Yuna nodded showing she understood. The cargo bay was now sealed and the airship had taken to the skies. Yet, she remained rooted to the spot. A single tear ran down her face. She had done it at last. She had left the love of her life behind.

'Goodbye…'