Proverbial Revitalization

Written by Whimsical Symphony

Summary: AU. Yuna is a Sender, an apprentice of Summoner Belgemine, in the city of Bevelle. She is the daughter of the famous Summoner Braska, and thus, knows very well, Spira's ruler, Grand Maester Mika. Upon hearing a diplomat long ago speak of Zanarkand, its temptations, how wonderful it is, she gains an interest, an obsession, an infatuation with the city, and would very much like to see it with her own eyes. She's curious of this city which is so very different from her own, from top to bottom, from the culture itself, to the people and their personalities, all the way to Blitzball, which she so desperately wants to see in the stadium all lit up at night. Maester Mika goes annually to encourage the Blitzball players who compete for the international championship, and decides to take Yuna along with him this time. Yuna is elated, and goes on the journey with Braska, Belgemine, and Maester Mika, and while seeing all the sights that Zanarkand has to offer, meets people who will change her left entirely. Yuna/Tidus

I have been browsing the FFX fandom, and am sad that there are a lack of new Yuna/Tidus stories, even though their story was a complete masterpiece. This writing style is more reminiscent of my Original fiction writing, and might be an acquired taste. It lacks the simplicity that was in my previous fanfiction (which I am still working on, if you are wondering). In any case, through my jolt of inspiration, this story was born. I hope you all enjoy, and tell me your thoughts on the story. Any kind of comments are welcome, and I always attempt to answer back. Constructive Criticism is also appreciated.

Chapter 1 – The Sender

The girl looked over the white marble fenced ledge to what lay beyond her own hometown. But, then she realized it was nothing. Nothing but the endless clouds which drifted across the blue sky and accumulated like mist did close to the falls. The clouds made her hometown look saintly, blessed, and the endless blue sea which surrounded it added a godlike presence to the city. Even more so near the tallest structure in the city, so high that it touched the clouds, coexisted with them. The city of Bevelle, was what most people in the world would refer to as the Heart of Spira, centre of the culture of Yevon, filled with priests of the highest order, Maesters and Summoners. It was home to the Grand Maester of Yevon, Maester Mika, who with a calm hand, ruled over Spira's pious society, all with the belief of Yevon. And, it was also the home of Yuna's own father, the kind Summoner Braska, a powerful man, a doting father, and the person whom Yuna loved most in the world. Her affection for him would not be beaten out by her affection for other people. A section of her heart, no, perhaps her entire heart was reserved for her father.

"Yuna, it's time for your training. Where have you run off to now?" It was a voice that Yuna always loved to hear, yet all the same, she enjoyed hiding from the owner to deceive her. The one thing lacking with Bevelle was that there wasn't much fun at all. Bevelle was in no shortage of all of the things Yuna did love, all except the fun and enjoyment she always heard of from diplomats of other cities who came to visit.

"Yuna, did you know?" she remembered one saying. "I was in Zanarkand last. The buildings are so different from here in Bevelle. They reach high into the sky, so much so it could make one dizzy if they try to see the top." Yuna looked at the old, bearded man with eyes of wonder. "Even when for us, late at night, we all turn our lights off and sleep, the city of Zanarkand doesn't. The city doesn't sleep at all. They all play the sport of Blitzball, and watch with wide eyes, the games going on in the stadium all lit up at night."

That's when her avid fascination with Zanarkand started, she remembered. Her fascination with the sport of Blitzball she knew nothing about, the strange customs of these people who never slept. While they walked around humbly garbed in priests robes from head to toe, those in Zanarkand wore different clothes, ones that showed they had gall, even. Yuna wanted to see that stadium at night, with all the players, hearing the spectators cheering, feeling the cool wind on her skin, teasing it gently. It seemed like a new life.

The one who called her was a woman by the name of Belgemine, an older lady dressed in green garbs. Her smile was comforting, and had been ever since Yuna had met her as a little girl. This woman was Yuna's instructor on the art of summoning and sending, as her own father didn't have time to teach her sufficiently. The woman herself had suffered a severe injury, so could no longer perform the art of summoning and sending to the people, but nonetheless, she remained equivalent to nobility in Bevelle due to her past actions. Her willingness to teach Yuna only reinforced that.

"Come now, so you were hiding near the Palace of St. Bevelle again, hmm?" Belgemine chuckled. "I know it's because you want to go from here to Zanarkand presumably, correct?"

"I can't hide it from you, can I?" Yuna smiled, shyly. "You know me too well."

Belgemine shook her head. "Only because you're a poor liar, Yuna." The girl flushed red. Her father always said the same thing, that she had no talent when it came to the art of fibbing. The older lady smiled, her eyes creasing at the outer corners, her happiness clearly showing. "Now, come Yuna. We should get some of the lesson done. Grand Maester Mika also has a present for you today."

"What could it be?" Yuna asked, clearly baffled. "Grand Maester Mika is always so busy. I haven't talked with him in a long time." She followed Belgemine away from the Palace of St. Bevelle. Her feet touched the cool tile of the flooring as she walked.

"You'll see, Yuna. Impatience is unbecoming of a future Summoner." Belgemine chuckled and ruffled the hair on her head, leaving it disarrayed, tousled, every which way. "It's news for you and your father. Myself as well, though I have heard it already."

"I'm sorry," Yuna said, bowing. Though, she smiled. She was curious about what Grand Maester Mika had to say to her and her father. Belgemine said it would be good news, a present, though what that entailed, she didn't know. It let her anxiety melt away though, dissolve, evaporate like water did when the sun was scorching hot. Grand Maester Mika had always been an unpredictable person from day one though, so perhaps Belgemine was wrong.

"Apologizing so much is also unbecoming, Yuna," Belgemine chastised. "What would your father say?" Belgemine thought on it for a moment. She chuckled then. "He would probably apologize as well. After all, you did get that trait from him."

"A little." Yuna smiled too. Together they left the Palace of St. Bevelle to the Temple of Yevon, wherein they would pray, for Yuna to be stronger, to become a better person, for Yevon to properly guide her. All the while Yuna thought about what Grand Maester Mika had to tell them, and then kept it out of mind. It would be best to concentrate on the task at hand, her father had always told her.

"Pray, Yuna," Belgemine told her softly, as they knelt in the temple in front of the statue of Lady Yunalesca, the first person to become a Summoner, the strongest Summoner, truly a woman who needed to be respected, even after death. Yuna herself wasn't there yet, for she was only a Sender. Senders were those on the path of becoming a Summoner. Belgemine had always told her that becoming a Sender had required talent, and thus, so did becoming a Summoner. Being a Sender was a terribly sorrowful duty, one that made Yuna feel hollow inside, yet grief stricken all at the same time. When she wanted to cry, she did not.

Being a Sender was the duty of sending those who died, their spirits, to the Farplane where they belonged so that they would not become unsent, for those who were unsent, often became fiends. It was always emotionally draining to, when she was dancing, sending those souls away, to hear their loved ones weeping, crying, and seeing them unable to support themselves. What sorrow they must have felt for their loved ones to disappear like that, for them to be suddenly gone, whether from sickness or accident.

"Belgemine, I hope to become a Summoner one day," she said softly, hands clasped in front of her, eyes closed as she prayed more, cleared her mind of all distractions.

"One day, Yuna, one day," Belgemine had said, and then for the rest of the time spent at the Temple of Yevon, all was silent, the air around them was tranquil.

"What?" Yuna had said, shocked. No, she felt so many things, not just shocked. The emotions inside her were in turmoil, though she didn't know if that was good or not. The news she had just heard had been joyous, about as much so as seeing a bud finally become a flower, or a caterpillar become a butterfly. But, she didn't know what to think, what to feel, even if she did feel happy, content, ecstatic. And before she knew what she was doing, she had run directly into her father's arms. Lord Braska knew what to expect from his daughter though, and kept his arms open for her, and then when she stood embracing him, he held her tight to him. "Really?" She looked up at him, questioning, then turned her gaze toward Grand Maester Mika.

Braska stood tall, handsome, garbed in his priests robes of red, which looked like petals of as flower, and made him look just as graceful. His headdress was grand, noble looking even. His eyes always held warmth in them, and he was always comforting. Maester Mika, as opposed to Braska's youthful appearance, was elderly, frail, but looked lord-like all the same, despite his beard of snow, and the wrinkles embedded deep into his skin in a design akin to an aged tree, wise and old.

"Yes, Yuna," Maester Mika said, his tone slow, deliberate, meaningful. "You know of the Blitzball games which happen each and every day in Zanarkand, of the tournament which happens annually. You know how I go there each year to bless the Blitzball athletes? As they give such joy to the people of Spira, it is only correct that I encourage such fine athletes." He paused for a moment, gauging her reaction, her wide eyed look full of curiosity, but all excitement. "I have decided to take you along with me this year, for the time a month before the tournament, the month during the competition, and for the celebrations for the month after. This will be a trip for you, Summoner Braska, and Summoner Belgemine. I think it is time that you learn about the confidence needed to become a Summoner. I also believe you can continue your training with Summoner Belgemine there. You are far too shy." He smiled at her then. "And, I know that you very much wanted to see Zankarkand and Blitzball."

Braska felt joy for his own daughter, that she would be able to see places outside of Bevelle, to see new customs, new people, to see how other people do things and celebrate. Yuna, already in her late teen years, was far too naïve for her age, though that was because she grew up in such isolation. He was glad of her innocence though, the kind, saintly, childlike aura she seemed to exude: no one couldn't notice it. She had always been an overly selfless child. The females in Zanarkand, or rather, anywhere in Spira, none of them acted like Yuna, never. She was one of a kind, truly. "Aren't you happy, Yuna?" He smiled at her then, a small, soft smile.

"Of course, father," she replied with her own smile back. Detaching herself from her father, from his arms, she turned toward Grand Maester Mika and bowed low, and with her hands, created the gesture for the prayer of Yevon. "Thank you, Grand Maester Mika, for your kind words and consideration of my wishes. Praise be to Yevon." She ensured that she rose with purpose.

Maester Mika smiled, and although he didn't bow to her, he did create the gesture of Yevon for her. "Praise be to Yevon, Yuna." He let silence fill the room for the moment before continuing. "You will pack tonight. We will need to depart tomorrow. Summoner Belgemine already knows of this as well."

"Thank you for your kindness, Grand Maester Mika," Braska stated. "It means much to me that Yuna is allowed to see such places outside of Bevelle. It will prove to be an invaluable experience for her." He placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"It will prove to be a well needed experience," Maester Mika agreed. He turned to them again then, with a smile. "Go, you are dismissed. Be prepared for tomorrow at six in the morning. We will leave by ship."

Yuna hadn't remembered any day in which she had felt as content as this day.

"Hurry, Yuna," Belgemine called to the young girl. "Your Father is already waiting at the dock for you. What on earth are you doing?"

Lord Braska had left earlier, as he had his duties to fulfil for work earlier on, so he trusted Yuna to meet him there at the departing time. Belgemine, however, was a bit frustrated, as she was tasked with keeping Yuna on schedule. The young lady had still not exited her room, and instead was holed up in there doing god knows what.

"Coming!" called Yuna. She dressed in her traditional attire, snowy white sleeves, modest and long skirt, and quickly made her way down the stairs of her own home to meet Belgemine at the entrance. She pulled a suitcase behind her, large and bulky. It was difficult, of course, due to its weight, but Yuna did not falter.

Belgemine watched her come down the stairs with the suitcase in shock. "What is the need for that, Yuna?"

"They're for the Blitz captains we are to meet. Maester Mika said they were fine athletes who bring joy to Spira, so that would mean they deserve presents as well, right?" Yuna explained. "I would very much like to give them these…"

"I'm sure they would be satisfied with just your blessing, Yuna," Belgemine answered. And, it was true. Any Blitzball player would be honoured to receive a blessing from Maester Mika, and Lord Braska, so what was to say that they would hate a blessing from Lord Braska's daughter. "There's no need to carry that with you, it's not a pleasure cruise we're going on, even if it may seem like it. You will enjoy Blitzball without handing out gifts, hmm?" Belgemine looked awfully amused. "It's an extra burden to carry that along."

"I suppose you're right," Yuna stated. Leaving one suitcase behind, running up to her room and grabbing the one for just her clothes, she followed Belgemine out the main door, looking forward to meeting her father at the dock, and Maester Mika, and setting off to Zanarkand, the land which never sleeps.

They were on the ship then, sailing toward Zanarkand for hours now. The captain had said they were getting close, and then, Yuna felt her heart pounding, adrenaline flowing through her veins. An erratic heartbeat that suited her excitement to see the Blitzball, the tall skyscrapers, the wonderful dizziness she would feel while looking up high into the sky, and never truly seeing where the buildings would end. She imagined herself in the Blitzball stadium, all lit up at night, cheering more and more, until she couldn't possibly cheer anymore. While she felt the wind blow onto her face from the sea, she imagined all of this, still not quite believing that she was heading off to Zanarkand, the one place she wanted to be all this time.

And then, the ship released a loud honk, ear piercing, and when Yuna looked in the distance, she realized it was because they were near Zanarkand. Her heartbeat, the one pounding so quickly just moments before, had stopped, and all the air had left her lungs. She gasped. Zanarkand was utterly breathtaking, and this was just the edge of the metropolis.

"Yuna, it's beautiful, isn't it?" Braska said, looking to Zanarkand as well. "I have only been here once myself. It's very different than Bevelle, but beautiful in its own way."

"I'm happy," Yuna said simply, "to be able to see all of this. I want to see the Blitz stadium, the fans cheering. I want to see all of that."

"You will get to see it all." Braska smiled softly. "Don't worry. You will be right beside myself and Maester Mika as he meets the Blitzball captains, the star players, everyone."

Yuna answered her father with silence, but a smile, just a smile.

When they got off of the ship, the first thing Yuna noticed was the number of people on the streets. While Bevelle wasn't crowded at all, and all the air around it was tranquil, Zanarkand was the opposite. Couples walked the streets hand in hand, street performers attracted large, bustling crowds, children ran along with their parents, and groups of friends would chat animatedly to one another as they walked distractedly through the streets. All would follow one another, mostly unconsciously. Not an inch of cement walkway was left, all of them covered by the feet of people, always moving, rhythmic and enchanting. Yuna had never seen anything like it. In Bevelle, people would walk calmly, slowly, always with grace. In Zanarkand, they walked casually, not with that inert grace, and quickly too, never once falling behind. They moved as one, a unit, perhaps.

The buildings were as large as described, towering far above the reach of her naked eye. Billboards lined them, advertisements of products like cosmetics, new films, and of Blitzball. Advertisements of the tournament were there, but also of their own team, 'The Zanarkand Abes' to garner support for their home team. The lights were bright, even though it was night. It truly seemed like a city of dreams, she duly noted, like if she would just turn away, not mesmerized like she was, for a simple moment, all of the scenery around her would fade away, like it never existed in the first place, evaporate like water.

"It's beautiful," she said aloud, her mouth agape.

Belgemine patted her shoulder, thoroughly amused, her father was as well. "Come now, Yuna. We don't want you to get lost amongst all the people here. Keep close, hmm?"

Yuna flushed, embarrassed, before taking the woman's advice and following her closely like a shadow did to its respective owner.

"Belgemine is correct, Yuna. We wouldn't want to lose you here. The crowds in Zanarkand definitely need some getting used to." It was Braska who spoke then, reinforcing Belgemine's words.

Then, the crowds gathered even further around them, as Maester Mika walked alongside them. Guards, special unit, from Bevelle held them back. Maester Mika truly was famous everywhere, and Yuna noted, her father as well. People looked at them in awe, at Maester Mika and Lord Braska, in awe. The blended voices, grew louder, more cheerful, and she realized they were calling for them, cheering for Lord Braska, and for Maester Mika.

The crowds got too big then, for the guards to handle, much too big, so they enclosed the space around Maester Mika, protecting him, and around Lord Braska. But, this was done much too late, for even though Yuna's hands were wrapped around Belgemine's tightly, her soft skin touching her own, out of fear, she was separated from them. The crowd had pulled them a part, and she had no idea where they could be. She craned her neck around, attempting to see past the people, to spot her father, Belgemine, and Maester Mika, but to no avail, as the people pushed her further and further back, nonchalantly, almost unnoticing of her form drifting through the bodies, being shoved around painfully.

"Look over there, it's Maester Mika!" a female voice had shouted.

"And Summoner Braska," a male shouted.

Yuna had only wished she could see what they were seeing, so that she would be able to join her father and their group again, but it was a hopeless wish with her current predicament.

Yuna winced in pain as the pushing and shoving stopped, as the crowd got further and further away. She dusted her skirt off with her hands, and then the snowy white sleeves of her top. She looked around then, promising to herself that she would not cry for her father like some child, but attempt to find a solution. Even if she was trapped in a new city without any one she knew, all by herself, it was the pride of a summoner she was risking if she cried. Belgemine would be disappointed with her if she did, her father though, would just attempt to console her.

Belgemine had her suitcase, at least, so she knew that it had not gotten lost. And, she knew where they were headed off too. They were going to the Blitzball stadium to watch the demo games, to meet some of the players. Oh, how envious she was at the moment. She would need to find her own way there, to find where the stadium was.

She willed herself to walk, and walked as quickly as a Zanarkand native, after the direction the crowd had disappeared unto. She watched the sights around her, which were now a little intimidating considering she didn't know anyone. The forms of the buildings seemed almost imposing because of her loneliness. A large metropolis like this definitely had that skill of making a person feel as such.

The further she went down the streets, the more unsure she became about whether or not she was heading off to the right direction. So engrossed in her thoughts, was she, that she crashed into a body, and landed painfully on the hard cement floor.

When she looked up, the first thing she noticed were the crowd of females around, glowering at her menacingly.

"She did that on purpose, didn't she?" on whispered to her friend.

"Just to catch his attention, it seems," another stated, brusquely. She brushed her red hair out of her eyes with increasing frustration.

There were so many, she noticed. She couldn't see the end of them, and when she looked up, she assumed why. She had bumped into a boy with perfectly sun kissed skin, charmingly and boyishly messy, bright blonde hair, and the deepest eyes of blue. His attire was strange, mostly yellow and black, and must have been for an athlete. He held a Blitzball in his black gloved hands, as he stared at her curiously.

"Are you okay?" he asked, holding out his hand for her to take. He grinned then, after looking at her clothes. "You definitely aren't from around you, are you?"

His voice was like honeyed tea, soft, summery, and utterly comforting. For some reason, Yuna no longer felt like she would be left in this large city all alone, and that she would never find her father.

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