What Lies Within
A Final Fantasy Fanfic
Disclaimer: I do not own FF or its characters. They belong to Square Enix.
Foreword: This is a unique fic, a rare pairing, set in between FFX and X-2. Reposted from my other account. I've not finished X-2, so please don't lecture me. Reviews are welcome.
Chapter One
Aftermath
One year after sin is defeated; the party has parted ways…
Wakka returned to Besaid, where he coaches Blitzball, Kimhari lives in Mount Gagazet, aiding travelers, Lulu returned to Besaid as well, teaching young girls in the subtle art of black magic. Rikku, along with Cid and Brother, have been helping in the reconstruction of Home, and Yuna, still recovering from Tidus' disappearance, lives in Kilika, where she releases her woes in song.
"Come on girls, one more time." The woman with long, black hair said, going once again over the steps to train a Moogle, always a helpful aid to a sorceress. "But Mistress Lulu, it's hard!" whined one of the girls, as her doll took two steps and then fell lifeless on the sand. "Practice, Practice, Practice, remember!" said Lulu, as she let her own Moogle down. The girls stared in surprise as the seemingly lifeless doll pranced around, spinning and turning. "Class dismissed!" the girls took their dolls and ran off, each to her own house in the village. Lulu sighed as she went to the beach and sat down, thinking. "You miss the group, ya?" Lulu turned, startled, to face the Besaid Aurochs' Coach, Wakka. She smiled and then turned her attention towards the sea.
"Auron was dead, and Tidus a dream. It still makes me wonder."
Wakka laughed as he sat down. "Some of these things, you can't explain. You know how that old man told us, 'And that, as they say, is that.' You should cheer up, Lu. Chappu, Tidus, and Auron wouldn't have wanted you sad, ya? Rikku, Kimhari, and Yuna are doing fine. And look at yourself! You're a hero to these girls. They've already begun making outfits like your old dress!"
Lulu had to laugh at this, for she had thrown her long, mournful, dress in favor of an Al Bhed fashion; She missed Rikku most of all, always perky and cheerful, like a child. "I think you're right, Wakka. Are the Aurochs going to win the cup this time?"
"Ya, I hope so, the Kilika Beasts are our targets this time."
"Give me something to smile about, please." Wakka nodded, touched her on the shoulder, and then left. She lay there for another hour or so, and then returned to her house.
As she got to her house, she turned on one of her recording spheres, it was a conversation between her and Rikku. Rikku always wanted to be like her, acting cool in the face of danger. Lulu always was seen like that, but inside, she was shivering. During the fight with Sin, she was death scared. But all throughout the pilgrimage, Rikku had made her feel better, always cheering her up, being the child Lulu wasn't. The sweet, high-pitched voice in contrast to Lulu's low, sensual one.
During her sleep, these thoughts troubled her. Rikku was everything she wanted to be. Rikku was her friend. Rikku promised to be there for her. Rikku. Rikku. Rikku! She woke up suddenly, sweating, and clutching her sheets, her heart beating furiously. "No…" she said to herself. She walked outside, hoping for some cool air to soothe her, but what she saw…and heard…nearly dropped her to her knees. In the skies, unmistakable by the pale moonlight, was Cid's Airship.