Chapter Three: The Wedding and Wakka's News

Three weeks after Tidus proposed to Yuna, the plans were set for their wedding. The whole village was gathered around the fire the night before the wedding. Wakka called everyone's attention.

"Everyone, I have an announcement. Soon there will be a new member of the Village of Besaid. Lulu and I are expecting a baby. And I have great plans for the village. I was hoping that we could expand the village, build more houses, and grow more food. I know I'm not the leader of the village, but if we all agree, we could make this a better place. And now, I'd like to raise a toast to the soon-to be-married couple! To Yuna and Tidus!"

As was the customary toast in Spira, they all raised a wooden glass, drank and threw it into the fire. The burning wood symbolized the destruction of the old. The drink represented the birth of the new. Wakka and Tidus threw some dirt on the fire, symbolizing the quenching of the flames of the war against Sin. They had started this tradition in honor of Yuna's triumph over Sin. They sat for several hours talking, before each left one by one, returning to their individual homes. Only Tidus, Yuna, Wakka and Lull stayed talking. Tidus talked to everyone about the plans for the wedding tomorrow at midnight.

"The plans are set. The ceremony will be held in the cavern underneath Besaid Falls, at midnight tomorrow. There's just one problem. Me and Yuna have decided on a traditional Zanarkand wedding. We need her father there to walk her down the aisle. So Wakka, will you do it in Braska's place? It would mean a lot to her. And Lulu? Could you get Rikku and everyone else here by tomorrow?"

They both nodded and walked to their house, leaving Tidus and Yuna by the fire.

"According to tradition, I can't see you until the wedding. So I will see you tomorrow night."

He kissed her forehead and then her lips and walked into the shadows. He went to his special spot and trained before going to bed. Yuna walked to their house and went to bed.

The next morning, Kimahri, Rikku and Cid arrived at the island. Cid did not look very pleased, but he pulled Yuna aside and talked to her in a low voice.

"Yuna, I just want you to know that you are a grown woman and I can't stop you. If you ever need help with anything you come to me first, okay?"

Yuna smiled and hugged her uncle.

"I will. I promise. Thank you, Uncle Cid."

And so night fell and everyone made their way to Besaid Falls. Tidus had erected a water shield so no one would get soaked as they walked inside. He was standing there, very nervous, dressed in a black suit that he had found in Luca. Rikku was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Lulu.

"Wakka, are they here?"

Wakka shook his head and pointed to the door, as Yuna, Lulu and Rikku walked in. Yuna looked beautiful in a white dress and low blue heels. Rikku and Lulu followed close behind her as Wakka rose to take Yuna and walk her to Tidus. Tidus turned to face Yuna and smiled as she faced him, looking intently into her eyes. The pyreflies swarmed around them and took the form of Yuna's father, Lord Braska. Lord Braska smiled at his daughter and began the ceremony.

"Loved ones of these two, Tidus and Yuna, we are gathered for a very special ceremony that has not been performed in over a thousand years. The High Summoner who brought the Eternal Calm, and her most loyal guardian. In the name of the Lord, I bless these two. Tidus, you may begin your vows to Yuna."

Tidus took her hand in his and looked at her eyes as he spoke.

"Yuna, from the very first day that I met you, right here in Besaid, I was taken by your beauty. You were like an angel fallen from heaven. We journeyed throughout Spira, helping others and each other. We went through a lot. Seymour, Sin, Yunalesca. But we conquered all. Yuna, with this ring, I take you before all gathered here to be my wife and my eternal love."

He slid the silver ring on her finger, as Yuna began to speak to him.

"Tidus, from the first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew we were meant to be together. We've been through a lot. The Sinspawn, Sin, Vegnagun, and many more. My feelings were confirmed the moment we first kissed in the Macalania Woods, two years ago. I remember asking you, 'Stay with me until the end. Please?' And you shook your head and smiled, saying, 'Not until the end. Always.' Those words gave me the strength to continue after you disappeared. And now, here we are, two years later, getting married. I couldn't be happier with anyone else than you. With this ring, I take you before all gathered here to be my husband and my eternal love, for all eternity. I love you."

She slid the sapphire ring onto his finger as Braska continued.

"With these vows having been said, there is only one thing left to say. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tidus you may kiss the bride."

Tidus put an arm around her and dipped her low to the ground, kissing her deeply and passionately. Everyone cheered and smiled, yelling the traditional phrase.

"May your love last a thousand ages!"

Tidus swept her off her feet and carried her to the Celsius, which Brother and Cid had lent them for their honeymoon. They flew to their spot in Macalania Woods, and they kissed there, making love for the first time.

TO BE CONTINUED…