Disclaimer: Don't own FFX

Chapter 1

Tidus looked out at where his Mom was speaking with one of the Coast Guard, not sure why he was there. His Dad wasn't home but when was he? He'd gone to sea training yesterday and was probably there again today, if he wasn't drunk in a bar somewhere. He slipped outside and moved close enough to hear without being seen.

"It's been nearly a day already."

"Perhaps you could go look for us?" he heard his Mom ask and he had a bad feeling.

"People are searching for him now," the guard assured her awkwardly.

"Thank you." She whispered but as soon as he was gone her hands covered her face her shoulders shaking and Tidus knew she was crying. There was only one reason for that….maybe his dad hadn't come back last night after he'd gone to sleep and then left really early. Maybe he had never come home from the sea.

Tidus stepped out from his hiding spot. "Is he missing?" he asked, and she lowered her hands.

"The coast guard is looking for him," she promised, face marred by tears and Tidus scoffed angrily.

"Who cares whether he comes back or not?"

"But he might die!"

"Fine, let him!" Tidus snapped, of course, his dad was all she ever cared about.

"Do you…Do you hate him so?" she asked in shock and he nodded. "If he dies, you'll never be able to tell him how much you hate him," she offered weakly and Tidus turned away, going inside to work on his lessons.

The search lasted three days before the Coast Guard gave up, six months later Jecht was declared dead and his Mom got sick. He tried to tell himself he didn't care…but he did. All Tidus could do was watch as his Mom stopped eating in her grief over Jecht, gradually growing weaker and weaker. Tidus tried to help and even got medical help, but the doctor said she had lost the will to live.

"Don't leave me Mom," he whispered in the darkness of the night, but she didn't listen and seven weeks later he stood alone on the deck as her body was committed to the sea.

"Are you Jecht's son?" An unfamiliar voice asked and Tidus turned to see a strangely dressed man on the dock.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"Auron. I…was a friend of Jecht."

Tidus snorted, angrily wiping away his tears.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Auron studied the boy before him, he did not look a lot like Jecht, but this was the houseboat his fellow Guardian had described on the journey. "Is your Mother here?" he asked, feeling awkward. Then again, he'd been feeling strange ever since he had died and refused to pass on to the Farplane, held by too many promises. The boy pointed out to see and Auron could just make out something beginning to sink…a body. Now what was he meant to do? He stepped onto the boat and made his way to the boys' side, carefully laying a hand on his shoulder, trying to offer comfort. He had not dealt with a lot of children as a monk and had not interacted with young Yuna all that much before they had left or when he had charged Kimahri with her protection. "I am sorry."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tidus just shrugged, everyone was sorry, that didn't change anything or being his Mom back. "Why are you here?" he wanted to lean into that hand but instead pulled away, moving to lean against the rail and look at the man. It was weird, he had one arm hidden in his coat, he'd thought he only had one arm at first glance.

"I promised Jecht I would watch over you."

"I don't need anyone," Tidus grumbled. All people did was ignore him or leave. They only ever cared about his stupid Dad. And why would his Dad care about someone looking after him when all he had ever down was make fun of him or put him down? He had the houseboat and the money his Dad had earnt playing Blitzball, he could look after himself.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Auron hesitated before nodding and retreating, for now. He could watch over him from a distance, let the boy grieve in peace for a time. He just hoped the Calm lasted long enough for him to grow to adulthood.

He found a place to stay and kept watch over Tidus as the weeks and then months passed. It was six months before he approached again and while the boy wasn't welcoming he also didn't demand he leave. He was no help with the boys' school work, but he did begin working with him on physical fitness. He simply did his exercises on deck and eventually Tidus began imitating him. It would make a good foundation for fighting but also Blitzball should the boy follow in his Father's footsteps. He did not understand Tidus' anger towards Jecht but he did not push on the topic.

Slowly, the years began to pass and Auron became a permanent fixture in Tidus' life, something disappearing for a month or two, but he always came back. Tidus was twelve when he noticed Auron's sword and showed interest so Auron fashioned him a staff since he was too small for Jecht's sword at the moment. He began teaching him the basics of actual fighting even as Tidus also began proper Blitzball training.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Come on Auron!" Tidus called with a grin as he pushed through the crowd. It was easier when Auron went first to push through but the man was walking too slow. The stadium was lit up and the game would start soon, the A-East Abes were playing and he wanted to see them. he wanted to play for them one day.

"There is no rush," Auron answered as he picked up the pace to ensure he didn't lose the fifteen-year-old in the crowd. He'd watched Tidus practice and had no doubt he would be playing in here within a few years…as long as they had that time. He did not wish to abandon him, but he needed to leave, to see how events in Spira were progressing. The peace in Zanarkand was addictive and it was always hard to leave but he needed to keep his skills sharp, so he left for a few weeks at a time several times a year. This time though he knew he would be leaving for longer, possibly years. He just hoped Tidus would be alright on his own.

They found their seats in the Stadium and sat to watch the match, Tidus cheering whenever the Abes made a goal or blocked the opposing team. By the time it was over he was exhausted and Auron chuckled as he steered the boy back home, making sure he got safely into bed. He could wait till morning to tell him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tidus sat on the deck with his legs hanging over the edge, staring out at the sea. Auron had been gone for five months now and he still wasn't used to being so alone. Yeah, he had classes, but they were done at home, alone, via computer. Over the years he'd learnt the houseboats systems inside and out so that he could maintain it on his own. He made sure to keep up with all of his training, not that he thought he'd ever need what Auron had taught him...then again there was the occasional attempted mugging and he knew he was small and young, considered an easy target.

The youngest a professional team would take on a player was sixteen so he had half a year to go before he could try out. He wanted to get by on his own talent and not his Old Man's name. So, he focused on his Blitzball training over everything else except maintaining his home, because his inheritance wouldn't last forever, and he didn't know when Auron would be back. His friend/guardian had promised to come back for him, something no one else had ever done. He really, really wanted to believe hm too.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tidus left the Sphere Pool, exhausted but exhilarated. He always felt like that when he was in the water, it was like he belonged when he was in the water. He felt at home and he knew he was able to hold his breath longer than most professional players, he'd always been good at it, how much better would he be once he learned the magic? He lined up with the other hopefuls as the coach began critiquing their performances. He wanted this more than anything and he knew he'd played well.

"Tidus!"

He stepped forward, heart in his throat.

"Welcome to the Abes," the coach smirked and Tidus grinned.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tidus left the team and began to wander the city, hands in his pockets, still in his uniform which he had personalised as was allowed. His once brown hair had lightened as he grew until it was blond which he had cut with spiky layers. He wore the logo of the Zanarkand Abes, as a silver pendant, and also printed on his right trouser-leg. He also wore one shorter and one longer trouser-leg, yellow and black shoes, a gauntlet on his left hand and a black glove on the other, a yellow jacket with a white hood, and a blue pauldron and armour over his left arm. The dark dungaree-type outfit he wore over his clothes was fastened with a black belt that had a metal chain. The armour was to help give some extra oomph to his tackles and to protect his dominant arm for throwing in the game. He knew the uniform made him look more like his Dad, but it couldn't be helped when they were both Blitzball players.

In three days it would be the Jecht Memorial Cup tournament finals. He was looking forward to facing the C-South Duggles, but he wasn't looking forward to all the fuss over his Old Man. He was gone, accept it and move on people. He wasn't a hero, he was a drunk and a nasty guy. He didn't miss him, he missed his Mom, he missed Auron…but he still hated Jecht. He was the reason Mom had died, like the love bird the old man had talked about she had gone to join her mate. He had hoped Auron would be back by now, what could he be doing to keep him away for so long? Where was he? He would come back, he'd promised.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Auron stood on a roof, watching the blonde-haired boy walking below, he had grown while he was gone. He hoped he had become strong in his absence because Sin would be coming within days. He saw an advertisement and chuckled, the Jecht Memorial Cup, there was no doubt that would be the day. Jecht would no doubt find it amusing. He was glad to be back, even briefly, to enjoy the last peace he would likely ever have. Should everything work out, he would be Sent at some point and he accepted it, as long as he succeeded in his mission. It was Tidus he feared for, he knew the Fayth were using him, wanted him to destroy Sin permanently and free them and if that happened, Tidus would die with them. he hadn't asked to be dragged into the battle with Sin, it was unfair to the boy he had half raised but there was no other way. Perhaps one day, Tidus would forgive them all for what was coming.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Listen to my story. This may be our last chance.

Tidus got up from the couch and looked out of the window, seeing the crowds around his houseboat. It was time. He shoved his shoes on and stretched out a bit before heading out, waving as he emerged, listening as they cheered and not noticing the hooded boy who appeared and slipped into the crowd. Tidus smiled as he walked onto the dock, a young woman wearing glasses and looking very nervous standing right at the edge.

"I've been a big fan of yours. From the very beginning!" she admitted, and he grinned.

"I won't let you down," he promised.

"Th-thanks! G-Good luck!" she called as he moved on.

He looked over the crowd, seeing a lot of kids and girls his age. He turned to find a boy in purple, his face hidden by a hood.

"The game tonight…It's very important," the boy stated and Tidus quickly moved on, that was one creepy kid!

He approached two girls maybe a year or two older than him and they grinned.

"Can I have your autograph?" the one in the pink top asked.

"Of course!" he pulled out a pen and signed the ball she held out to him.

"Good luck tonight!" her redheaded friend offered and Tidus smiled.

"Nothing to worry about! Oh, if I score a goal… I'll do this!" he raised his arms. "That will mean it was for you, okay?" he lowered his arms as they tittered. "What seat?"

"East block in the front row!"

"Fifth from the right! Can I see you after the game?"

"You bet!"

"Great! I know this great place…" she smirked and Tidus grinned, looked like he'd have a fun night out partying. "Be careful, okay?"

"Sure thing."

"Thank you for the autograph!" her friend in pink called.

"No problem!" he winked and moved on. He loved his fans and he always did his best to talk to them, not like Jecht who had ignored most of them. he ran into a group of three kids and bent down to be closer to their level.

"Can you sign this?" the kid wearing a bandana held up a ball.

"No prob!" he pulled his pen out again and then found the other two holding out balls as well.

"Please?"

"Alrighty," he quickly signed the second.

"Me too!"

Tidus laughed, "Take it easy."

"Your floating house… It's cool!" the second boy told him. "Can I see inside next time?"

He bandana kid giggled and grinned. "Thanks for the autograph! Get lots of goals, okay?"

"Hey, show me how to play! I want to be a Blitzer, too!"

"Well, gotta go! Cheer for me!" Tidus smiled at the three who exchanged a look.

"… two, three!" Bandana kid called and then they all sent him pleading looks.

"Teach us how to blitz!" they called in unison and Tidus laughed, reaching out to ruffle hair.

"Hey, I got a game to play!"

"Then teach us after!"

"Maybe tonight…um…well…" Tidus wasn't sure what to say.

"You can't tonight," a voice called.

Of course, he had a date tonight. "I mean…tomorrow."

"Promise?"

"Promise!" he flashed them a victory sign and they gave him the Blitzball victory sign in unison. He waved and turned to head for the stadium, not wanting to be late.

Soon he was walking along the highway only to stop as he saw a big image of Jecht on the opposite building. His Old Man moved, crossing his arms and Tidus snorted in disgust, shaking his head even as the audio came on.

"I was in a coffee shop, running away from home when I heard the news. Our hero, Jecht, gone. Vanished into thin air! My dad must have been his biggest fan. I knew how sad he'd be. Heck, we all were that day. "Zanar," I say to myself, "What are you thinking?" I went running straight back home. We sat up talking 'bout Jecht all night. My dad and I never talked so much. Whoa… Didn't mean to reminisce, folks. Anyway… Ten years later, the Jecht Memorial Cup tournament is today! The two teams that have won through to the finals are…of course, the Abes from A-East, and the Duggles from C-South. I know there's a lot of people out there today to see the star of the Abes! In just one year, he's become the team's number one player! He's Jecht's blood, and the new hope of Blitzball! What kind of super play will he show us today? Will we see his father's legendary shot? I don't think I'm the only one excited here, folks!"

Tidus turned away and kept walking. Even as the star player and the youngest on the professional teams… he was still in Jecht's shadow, still known as his son. The crowds began growing the closer he got, and he had to push his way through, excusing himself. He should have come earlier to avoid the crush, but he liked spending time with his fans. Eventually he made it inside and down to the Abes locker room. He stretched out, warming up and then headed into the waiting pool, relaxing against the side, body adjusting quickly to the cool water even a she began the deep breathing exercises. Finally, the signal was given, and he moved into position as the Sphere Pool formed above his head. He grinned at his teammates and then they were diving up and into the pool.

The game was fast and furious, both teams playing dirty and rough. Tidus smirked as he sent an opposing player out of the sphere and into the crowd, sending them wild and he flashed a thumbs up. They moved to set up his signature shot, needing one more goal to wing and he swam up, launching out of the pool and into the air, the ball emerging seconds later as he began rotating. He missed as his eyes widened in horror, seeing the massive wave headed right for the stadium. He reached out, trying to find a handhold as it began to crash over the stadium. He grabbed onto a support beam with one hand but even his glove wasn't giving enough grip and he struggled to bring his other hand up as the stadium shook. He saw the pool blow out, something exploding as people screamed. He almost had his other hand up when his grip slipped, and he plummeted with a scream until everything went black.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tidus rolled over and coughed up water, arms wrapped around his middle as his body screamed in pain. What had happened? The game…the wave…falling. He pushed himself up and then staggered to his feet, looking around in shock at the mess the stadium had become. He caught a flash of colour and turned, seeing the uniform of a teammate. He staggered over and then fell to his knees, sick at the sight of her body, crushed beneath rubble. He forced himself back up as screaming people ran by, knocking into him. He turned to follow them, adrenaline beginning to override the pain he saw someone up ahead, leaning against the rubble and then his jaw dropped. "Auron! What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you," he answered, turning to walk away.

"What are you talking about?" Tidus demanded, stumbling after him. He followed him onto the overpass, trying to keep him in sight as they moved against the fleeing crowds. Suddenly there was a flash and the world froze, going silent. He turned and there was the creepy kid again. "Huh?"

"It begins."

"Wha?" he didn't understand, what was happening?

"Don't cry," the boy warned before there was another flash and the world started up again.

"What the…?" he looked around, bewildered but then spotted Auron again and ran over. "Hey, wait!" he finally caught up, breathing hard, his rips aching and his hand still sore from hanging on. "Hey, not this way!"

"Look!" Auron looked up and Tidus followed his line of sight only to stare in horror at the strange bubble of water hanging above the city. It had to be the size of fifty sphere pools, at least. "We called it 'Sin'," Auron whispered and Tidus glanced at him, confused.

"'Sin'?" but there was no time for explanations as a tentacle punched through a building, small things falling form it to land on the road around them. Tidus batted at one, trying to get it to back off, only to fall down.

Auron removed a sword and held it out to him. "Take it," he urged and Tidus hesitantly took it, struggling with the weight. He'd never used a sword before, just a staff which was a lot lighter. "A gift from Jecht."

"My old man?" they never talked of him, not since they had first met.

"I hope you know how to use it," Auron warned and Tidus firmed up his stance, needing to prove himself to Auron. He took a deep breath and attacked, taking one out, grinning in triumph. "These ones don't matter. We cut through!" Auron told him and they began cutting down those in their way.

"Get out of my town!" Tidus snarled as he slashed and hacked at a tentacle. They ran on until they were back at the viewscreen which still showed a flickering image of Jecht. "What are you laughing at, old man?" he muttered, looking around Zanarkand was burning. "Auron! Let's get out of here!" if they could make it to the houseboat maybe they'd have a chance.

"We're expected."

"Huh?" but Auron didn't answer him, running ahead again, the opposite way to everyone else. The streets were falling quiet as they moved closer to 'Sin'. "Gimme a break, man!"

They were forced to stop as the biggest group of creatures yet surrounded them. at least they died easily enough, though the exploding into coloured lights was plain weird. "Hmph. This could be bad," Auron admitted, looking around. "That–knock it down!" he cut down a creature before pointing at a nearby damaged tanker.

"What?" was he crazy? Those things were flammable and volatile.

"Trust me. You'll see."

Tidus shook his head but darted over and began slamming his sword into it, leaping back as it began to fall, exploding and taking out most of their opponents.

"Go!"

The both ran as the explosion caused the road to begin to break apart and collapse. Auron easily leapt up and onto the far side. Tidus leapt as the road collapsed and caught far side, dangling by hands. "Auron! Auron!" he cried out, but he was ignored.

Auron looked up at Sin, "You are sure?" he asked and felt the answer. He reached down and hoisted Tidus up by his hood. "This is it. This is your story. It all begins here," he told him even as Tidus gripped his arm, eyes wide in terror, he felt bad about this but there was no other choice.

Tidus stared as Auron was drawn into light, screaming as he was pulled in too. Everything faded to black, no pain, no nothing but then a strange, dreamlike Zanarkand formed beneath him, A flaming Abes symbol hung behind a partial stadium and Tidus began to swim towards it.

"Hey!" a voice called. "HEY!"

"My…old man?" Tidus swam towards the fuzzy image of Jecht standing on platform. Jecht turned into Tidus as a child. Tidus was confused, thoughts whirling through his head…where was he...what was going on…he started feeling light-headed and then sleepy. Was he dreaming? He was alone. He wanted someone– anyone, beside him… so he didn't have to feel alone anymore.

TBC….