Two years ago Nooj was my captain and he sailed me into rougher waters than I'd ever braved. Barely 16, plucked right out of school, and with so much less experience of the world than I thought I'd gained by then, I assumed I knew everything. Well, I've been disillusioned since, Rikku—you know the story—so I guess you understand too how hard it's been for me to accept a new captain, a new navigator, a new… engineer. I relied on the guys because that was natural for me then. But all this has taken some work.
…And yet… looking at you, so bright and happy, ready to solve this new mystery, I find myself thinking that it must be worth it—to hold on this time, where before we'd all been separated so easily. Well…
It's too rare a thing for me to fall in love like this to just let it go.
Rikku, you are my engineer now. You hold in your hands the only wrench that can turn the timeworn, rusted cogs of my heart, and I know now that you are the only one who can wield it. That's why I called you here—you and Yuna. I'm not ready to tell you yet, but that's why I can't let this group split up. I need you to keep turning those cogs until they're strong enough to turn on their own. Until I can bring myself to say it out loud:
I love you.
When we reach the top of this tower you'll realize that there's nothing there—the room at the top is empty and this has all been an elaborate hoax. But maybe …if you squint… you'll catch my meaning.
Maybe this time, instead of running away, we'll just find another tower.
Because we'll get there eventually. If we only find a way to stay together, soon enough you'll break through the final cloister of my heart, and I know there's something in there… I've been feeling it growing stronger since the moment we met.
So, with Yuna as your navigator, seek and ye shall find, my engineer, and when we're done, I'll fly you safely home.
I promise this time.
Let me be your captain.