It All Starts With The Dream

Yuna, Rikku and Paine had just defeated Vegnagun however Shuyin still remained. The girls had underestimated the heart broken spirit and found themselves on the verge of defeat. They were on the floor in pain, out of everything they have been through was this how it was going to end? Rikku and Paine were completely helpless in their current state and Yuna had started to crumble as well. She fell to her knees, her vision was blurry. All of her muscles ached and she couldn't hold herself up anymore, despite all of her efforts she fell from her knees to her stomach.

It looked like the end for Y.R.P until something happened, something no one expected. Green lights appeared before them and began spiralling around. Slowly the lights took shape, it was the shape of a person. It was a man, however he was different, he was there yet he wasn't there. This mystery man wore all black, he had leather gloves on, one arm was covered by a sleeve and the other was sleeveless, his hair was spiky and blonde. The thing that stood out the most was the faint blue glow coming from his eyes. With sword in hand the mystery man stood in front of the girls like a wall of iron. "And just what are you!?" Shuyin bellowed however the man remained quiet. He charged Shuyin and swung his sword left and right. Shuyin couldn't keep up with the incredible speed of the talented swordsman and eventually he made a mistake. The mystery man locked swords with him and moved his blade down to the handle of Shuyin's spinning it around as he did which caused Shuyin's sword to fly out of his hands. Mercilessly the warrior then slashed him across the chest, putting an end to the chaos.

Yuna's vision was still blurry however she could see the man approach her. Green lights spiralled him, the same ones that brought him here. She couldn't make out the face, although she could see the sadness in his eyes as well as the happiness. Just as her eyes began to close the man disappeared just as quickly as he appeared. With that her eyes closed and she passed out.

2 months later

How long had it been since then? Just over 2 years? It felt like it was only a few days ago when Yuna fought Yu Yevon together with her friends. Herself, Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, Rikku, Tidus, Auron and... him. Yuna had been searching for a sign of him ever since he left. After their fight with Vegnagun and after seeing that mysterious man defeat Shuyin, the fayth brought one of her friends back. They had brought back Tidus and while she was happy about this and happy for Rikku, she was still sad. It didn't seem fair that the fayth had brought back Tidus for Rikku after everything they had been through with Yuna. Light bounced off of her eye shaped locket from the window of the airship and caught her attention. She opened it and saw his face staring back at her and every time she saw it her eyes got watery. Why did he have to leave?

Since they defeated Sin and Vegnagun Lulu and Wakka had had a baby together. Little Vidina was so cute and although he caused the two of them trouble he always managed to melt their hearts. Kimahri had become Elder Ronso and lived on Mount Gagazet where all the surviving Ronso asked him for advice and guidance. Rikku had been adventuring along side Yuna as a sphere hunter, where they looked for spheres hidden all around Spira. One day Rikku found a sphere that had someone that looked like Tidus on it, which lead to her, Yuna and Paine looking for more spheres like that one. Eventually they found a sphere relating to Vegnagun which set them on a new quest. In the end after finding out the fayth had somehow returned they defeated Vegnagun and were rewarded by the fayth. Tidus had been brought back which made Rikku so happy. Tidus joined the girls as a part of the Gullwings and flies with them in the airship, which brings us up to date.

Recently the fight with Shuyin had been on Yuna's mind. Had she just seen an illusion? Or was that really who she thought it was that saved them from certain death? Yuna walked into the cockpit of the airship and spoke to Paine. "Hey, can I ask you something?" she asked and Paine nodded "Sure, what is it?". Yuna told her about the man that appeared and defeated Shuyin and asked "Did you see him?" which made Paine pause. She scratched her head as she tried to remember "I don't think I remember. That fight drained me out a lot, when we were in that state I couldn't have remembered anything. Sorry." she eventually said. Yuna was disappointed by this and said "It's not your fault. Where's Rikku? Maybe she remembers." "She's up on deck with Tidus."

As Yuna walked up on deck she saw Rikku and Tidus cuddling on the edge. They were so happy together which made Yuna feel sick. She wanted to feel like that too, she wanted her boyfriend back as well. The two of them noticed her as she approached them and stood up to meet her. "Hey Yunnie!" Rikku exclaimed buzzing with energy while Tidus said "What's up?" calming down the tone. Yuna didn't want to interupt them but this was something that couldn't wait "Hey guys. Rikku I wanted to ask you something. I didn't want to get in the way but this is something important." "Ask away!" Rikku responded to which Yuna nodded her head at. "Back when we fought Shuyin, do you remember seeing a man dressed in black save us?" Yuna asked her which got Rikku into a curious mood "I don't remember, I must've been out cold. But do you think it could've been..."

Silence fell upon the three as the memories flooded in. It had happened right here on this airship when he left them. It all happened so fast and there was so much Yuna wanted to say to him. At last the silence was broken by Tidus who said "You know that we'll do whatever we can to help you. After all you helped Rikku bring me back so it's only right that we help you get Clou-" before Rikku stepped on his foot. Rikku gave Tidus a look that gave to message not to say the name. It was too late anyway. While Yuna didn't show her sadness it was completely destroying her on the inside at the sound of that name. "You know Yuna, you look tired. Maybe you should get some rest, all you've been doing recently is work work work." Rikku suggested which Yuna took on board. They exchanged goodbyes and Yuna headed for the living quarters of the airship. As soon as her head touched the soft inviting pillow her mind went blank and she instantly fell asleep.

~!~

Green lights flashed and pyreflies were spiralling around in a dark abyss. Yuna didn't know where she was. Voices could be heard echoing in the abyss.

"What do you want from me? I'm leaving!"

"We require your assistance. It's in our best interest to hire a little muscle."

"Too bad, it's got nothing to do with me."

"You're all we have! Look, you're an ex-SOLDIER aren't you?"

"Yeah, in my head..."

Yuna's eyes darted open and she was breathing heavily. Sweat had formed around her forehead. Slowly she sat upright and tried to process what had just happened. Was that a dream? It was so intense and lifelike. What about those voices? Could that really have been him? She covered her face with her hands and let out a sigh. Shinra would know what to do. Shinra was a science wizkid, surely he had an answer to this mystery.

Yuna rose from her bed and mad her way to the cockpit. The sun beamed through the windows and nearly blinded Yuna when she walked in. While she didn't fall over (Thankfully), she did stumble a little before regaining her balance and making her way towards Shinra. "Hey Shinra!" Yuna said with enthusiasm which was met with a grunt. That was what everyone got recently. Shinra had been working on something big, something that would provide Spira with clean energy. Yuna didn't have a clue in the slightest how he was trying to do this, but he would have to hold on for a moment. "I was wondering whether you would help me with something?" she asked which made Shinra sigh and turn to face her "Go on." he grumbled. Yuna clasped her hands together and thanked him before telling him about her dream.

"That is strange, but the stranger something is the more interesting it becomes. Now what do you need my help with?" Shinra asked her to which she replied "Well, I think I know who one of the men are. I think it's him." "You mean the one from the other world?" "Yes exactly. I thought that maybe you would know whether this means that he could return." Yuna explained. Shinra paused for a moment while he thought. Finally he nodded "More data would be needed to collected to make a conclusion on your hypothesis. Fortunately there's a way to collect more data and we have all the right equipment to find this data. The dress sphere reacts to the emotions of it's previous wearer, however since that Lenne girl is now gone the dress sphere reacts to your emotions. Sometimes when the emotion is strong enough an image will be created, whether it be a person you are emotionally attached to or even an object. That image, whatever it may be, can only be of something that can exist on our world. Therefore if this person of yours appears he will be able to return."

"So it's like when I sang at the Thunder Plains then? All I have to do is sing about him and an image will appear." Yuna said with high hopes. Her mind was made up, she would hold another concert. Yuna told Rikku, Paine and Tidus about her idea and asked them to try and spread the word that the concert would be held at the stadium in Luca. While Rikku and Tidus agreed to help because they were happy to, Paine agreed to help but not because she was happy to rather because Yuna needed her help. Yuna couldn't say she wasn't surprised, after all Paine never knew... well you know.

!~!

Yuna's first stop was Besaid. It always made her happy visiting this place and not just because it was her home, but because of the people. She grew up in Besaid so the towns people didn't go crazy whenever they saw her. It was a place where she could relax and be herself and not have to worry about the way she acted or her appearance. "Heeeey!" a voice shouted from the village. Yuna instantly identified it as Wakka's voice. The big ginger man ran to her and gave her a big, squeezing hug. "Hi, Wakka!" Yuna said with a hint of laughter in her voice. "What brings ya back to Besaid?" he asked curiously which she replied "Well, I'm holding another concert and I'm just spreading the word around. I'll explain it all in more detail later when me you and Lulu can sit down." "Ok. I'll help you out, ya?"

!~!

That was just about everybody in the village. It was time to sit down and have a chat with Wakka and Lulu. "So you think this concert will help us find out if returning to Spira is an option for Clou-" Wakka said before being interrupted by Lulu stepping on his foot. Normally Yuna would laugh at how similar Tidus and Wakka were, but she just couldn't. Why did she get so emotional whenever his name was mentioned? She had never been like this about anything before. What was she going to do if he couldn't return? What was she going to do if his face did appear? This was something she had to get over and she wasn't going to achieve that by avoiding the name. "Sorry Yuna." Wakka apologised and Yuna shook her head "There's no need to be sorry. I need to stop getting so emotional and to do that I have to at least start by saying his name. To answer your question, yes. If an image of him is created... Cloud can return."

It was strange, saying Cloud's name didn't make her burst into tears as she thought it would. Perhaps the thought of saying his name would bring back all the pain and sadness from when he left is what made her think this. In fact saying his name did the exact opposite. Memories of laughter and happiness were brought to her mind, she remembered the good memories. Lake Macalania, the Calm Lands, Besaid, all of them. "Suppose the image of Cloud does appear, then what? How will you bring him back?" Lulu asked which was a good point that Yuna had already been thinking about. "Actually I thought that maybe those holes where the fayth used to be could connect our worlds. When we fought Vegnagun we were in another realm, so maybe one of the holes could lead us to Gaea." Yuna told them which seemed to be the only idea any of them had. Lulu still wasn't happy though "But which hole? It's too dangerous to just randomly pick one." she said. Once again Yuna had already given this some thought "I think I already know which one it is. Cloud was transported to Besaid first, so that must mean the hole in our temple connects to Gaea." she said which after a bit of thought Lulu agreed with. "Then I guess we'll see you at the concert. Tomorrow at Luca 19:00, right?" Lulu reconfirmed which Yuna nodded at.

!~!

It was the day of the concert and Yuna was both excited and nervous at the same time. Rikku managed to get the word to Kimahri who instantly agreed to come. Yuna and Kimahri had such a special connection, however it wasn't just that that made him agree to come. He and Cloud had developed quite a strong bond, so if there was any way of bringing him back Kimahri would be over the moon. The five of them stepped out of the airship and were immediately bombarded with people. "Please sign this!" "I love you so much!" "You're my idol!"

It was hard for the group to move around however the combined efforts of Kimahri and Paine got them to the stadium in one piece. "I'm sooo excited!" Rikku exclaimed while she jumped all over the place. Pretty much everyone was in a good mood. "This guy must've been pretty special for you all to be so happy." Paine said to which Rikku replied "Special!? Big C was more than just special! Isn't that right Yunnie!" which made Yuna giggle. "Cloud was something else. From everything to the way he spoke to the glow in his eyes, he was amazing." Yuna sighed "Not to mention he's probably the best person to have wielded a sword in the whole of existence!" Tidus declared which made Paine raise her eyebrow. "Hm. I beg to differ." she said which lead to Tidus defending Cloud. Eventually they reached an agreement that as soon as he returned Paine and Cloud would have a sword fight to determine who was the best.

The group had made their way to backstage where the crew would help Yuna set up. While Yuna was getting her make up done the others lounged around and told Pain about Cloud's adventures on Gaea. Eventually Wakka and Lulu showed up and once again Wakka's actions showed how much a like he and Tidus were as the process of Wakka defending Cloud as the best swordsman who ever lived occurred again. Everyone laughed and joked around which brought a sense of nostalgia. Yuna couldn't remember the last time everyone was together like this, but she knew she missed it. Maybe she should do concerts more often.

!~!

Yuna had performed nearly all of her songs now and still nothing had appeared. There was one song left, one last chance. As she began the song she put all of her emotion into her vocals. Her voice resonated through out the entire stadium and as the song went on the crowd only got louder. Lights flashed all around the stadium and everyone was mesmerised by the lyrics Yuna had written herself. The song reflected her relationship with Cloud and how she was dealing with the loss of his presence. Still there was nothing and she was on her final line of the song. Suddenly as she sang the first few words her dress sphere began to glow and react to her emotions. "I still run, I still swing open the door! I still think, you'll be there like before! Doesn't everybody out there know to never come round! Some things a heart won't listen to, I'm still holding out, for you!"

As Yuna sang her final elongated note pyreflies and green streams swirled around in the stadium. They moulded together and the more they moulded the brighter they got. When the lights began to dim, it was there. There was no doubt about it, that was Cloud. He was looking into the distance clutching a locket while standing on an overhanging cliff. It was the same locket Yuna had, Cloud had given it to her in the Calm Lands so they would never forget each other. At the time Yuna didn't understand why he did it, but after he left it didn't take a rocket scientist to understand. As the music faded so did the image of Cloud and when it was finally gone Yuna couldn't stop herself. She fell to her knees and let out tears. Despite the tears she was not sad, she was crying tears of joy. Cloud could return.

Yuna regained her composure and politely thanked everyone for coming then headed backstage. Upon entering she was tackled to the floor by Rikku who was beaming with excitement. "Big C can come back! I'm so happy right now!" she screamed and Yuna couldn't help but smile and giggle. They rolled around on the floor with joy and glee as did everybody else, everybody apart from Kimahri Lulu and Paine. They were too composed for this. Although Kimahri and Lulu both had big smiles on their faces which was a rare sight indeed. Paine also had a smile, though it was more of a 'I'm happy for you' type of smile.

When everyone settled down Yuna told them about her theory that the hole in Besaid connected Spira to Gaea. "I suggest we leave ASAP!" Rikku exclaimed which Tidus seconded. Everyone was getting too ahead of themselves and Lulu said "Hold on. We need to decide who can go." "Yeah me an' Lu have to take care of Vidina, so that counts us out." Wakka pointed out glumly. "Kimahri must also stay. Elder Ronso cannot be gone for too long. Ronso tribe need guidance." Kimahri said which left Yuna Rikku Paine and Tidus. There were no more comments which meant that was the final party. "Alright then, I suggest we head back to Besaid. You four can get some rest then head out on your journey, ya?" Wakka suggested which nobody argued with. Everyone was tired and Yuna had waited 2 years and 2 months for this, she could wait another day.

!~!

As Yuna lay there in her bed a smile crept on her face. All she could think about was seeing Cloud's face today. His face had a sad expression, almost depressing. While this was obviously a bad thing Yuna couldn't help but smile more. Cloud hadn't forgotten about her, he missed her just as much as she missed him. "Hey Yuna." Yuna was pulled out of her daydream. It was Paine which puzzled her. "Hi Paine! What's up?" Yuna asked to which Paine replied "Nothing, I just came to sleep. I guess with all that's happened today you forgot I was sleeping in your hut tonight.". How could Yuna forget!? "Oh! I'm sorry!" she apologised hastily however Paine told her not to worry about it.

Quickly Yuna set up a bed for Paine to sleep on. Paine jumped on the bed and lied down with her hands behind her head. "So this, Cloud guy, you two are serious?" Paine asked which Yuna found odd. Paine never really took an interest in things like this "Yeah, I guess we are. Why do you ask?" Yuna replied. Paine paused for a moment then said "It's just, everyone today got so happy when they saw him. I never really took an interest when you told me about him and I didn't know he meant this much to you, so I wanted to make up for that." which made Yuna smile.

After talking to Paine about Cloud for around 30 minutes they finally decided to get some rest. They had a big day ahead of them and they needed all the energy they could get.

"Jenova?"

"That's right Cloud. She's back."

"And she's the cause of this 'Mako Madness' you told me about?"

"Exactly."

"Why should I believe you? I have mako inside of me and I haven't been affected by it."

"That's something we are unable to tell you. If we could we would, but your blood has an anomaly in it. It's not the same as all of the other members of SOLDIER who have been bathed in mako."

"Always me, huh."

Yuna was awoken from her dream by Paine. She was shaking her and telling her to wake up. "Yuna! Finally. You could sleep through the apocalypse! We're ready to leave." Paine informed her as she handed Yuna some breakfast cooked by Lulu. Quickly Yuna ate the food, had a shower and met Tidus and Rikku with Paine at the temple. Wakka and Lulu were also waiting for them. "You stay safe out there young lady! Don't talk to anyone you don't know! And make sure-" Wakka was interrupted once again by the stomp of Lulu's foot "Just be careful Yuna." she said calmly. Lulu and Wakka gave her a hug and before she knew it Yuna was on her way with Paine Rikku and Tidus to Cloud's world, Gaea. "Everyone ready?" Yuna asked to which everyone nodded. After a double check that they had everything they needed the four of them jumped down the hole.

!~!

Rikku slowly opened her eyes. She was in a dark place. Buildings surrounded her and the air was musty. The air smelt awful. She had been to some Al Bhed factories before but none of them smelt as bad as this. Tidus was next to her who was slowly getting up, but Yuna and Paine were gone. "Where's Yunnie and Paine?" she asked Tidus who replied "I dunno. We were the only ones here." as he helped her up. They looked around and saw a sign in the distance. "7th Heaven" it read. "That place looks like a bar. If we go there maybe the bar tender will tell us where we are." Rikku suggested which Tidus agreed to.

As they walked to the bar the two of them saw a gang of men on the path. The gang saw the two and approached them. "Now where are we off to?" one said as the rest circled them. Tidus took a defensive stance and stepped in front of Rikku "Why don't you go somewhere else and leave us alone!" Tidus threatened with sword in hand. The gang member that spoke snapped his fingers and two of the men grabbed Tidus from behind. They were much too strong for Tidus too break free, he needed help. Rikku pulled out her daggers and threw one at one of the men holding him which slashed him across the eye. Just as she was about to throw a second she found a fist in her face. Rikku was knocked to the ground then the gang member kicked her in the stomach for good measurement. "Hey!" Rikku heard as two woman, one dressed in black the other wearing a purple belly top, ran towards them. In no time at all every single one of the gang member were knocked out cold on the ground. "Are you alrig-" the woman in black said before gasping. The one with the belly top then exclaimed "Hey, aren't they..." however Rikku didn't hear the rest as she passed out.

!~!

When Rikku woke up she was in a nice warm bed. As she sat up the room span. "Be careful, you took a pretty hard hit." Tidus said gently as he helped her sit upright. "Where are we?" she asked to which Tidus grinned "You'll never believe who saved us. It was Tifa and Yuffie! We're in Tifa's bar!"

Rikku's face lit up and she forgot about her dizziness. Instantly she got up and ran out of the room. She could hear voices down stairs and she zipped down like she was in a 100m sprint. Whizzing round the corner she saw three faces, Tifa, Yuffie and Marlene. "I can't believe it's really you guys!" Rikku exclaimed as she ran to them hugging them all tight. The three laughed with her and Tifa said "Cloud will be so happy that you are here!"

Rikku let them all go and asked "Where is Cloud?" "Denzel just went to get him, he should be back any moment now." Yuffie replied. Tidus had finally made it down the stairs and said "Thanks again for saving us. We thought we were goners!" Tifa simply smiled "That's all right. It's what we do. Anyway you two must be hungry, I made you some breakfast."

Rikku and Tidus scoffed down the food Tifa had made for them. Cloud didn't lie, her food was simply marvellous! Rikku put her dish into the 'dishwasher' as Tifa called it and when into the living room. She saw Marlene sitting on the couch and took a seat next to her. "Hi!" Rikku beamed and Marlene smiled and shyly said hi back. Rikku tried to make conversation with Marlene and slowly she began to open up. Soon enough the two were playing together and running around in the backyard.

As the two played they heard the front door open and close which made them exchange looks. They both ran back inside and found Denzel entering the bar. "Denzel!" Rikku proclaimed as she ran up to him and gave him a hug which made him turn red. "Denzel did you bring Cloud?" Tifa asked and Denzel shook his head just how Cloud would andsaid "No, he wasn't in the church, but I left a note for him." "Alright then, I'll try and give him a call. Why don't you go and play with Marlene and Rikku?"

!~!

Rikku had been waiting all day and Cloud still hadn't appeared, frankly she was getting frustrated. During dinner Rikku and Tidus got to know the others better and exchanged stories. There were quite a few laughs. To be honest Rikku didn't think she would find it this easy to be so comfortable around them so fast. After they had had dinner they headed for bed. With the obvious lack of rooms Rikku and Tidus were forced to sleep in Marlene and Denzel's room but she didn't mind.

Rikku was just worried about Yuna and Paine. Were they all right? Were they together? Did they have a place to stay? So many questions so many concerns. At least she and Tidus were all right. The only thing that would make things better would be the appearance of her blonde spiky haired friend, Cloud