DYLAN, with the ruling month of MARCH

"You sure about this, Dylan?"

Dylan turned around and looked at Tidus, who was staring at her concernedly. He meant well, she could tell, but this was still something she needed to do.

"Absolutely," she replied, facing forward again. "Brother, how much longer?"

"Just keep your pants on, sister, ya?" the blonde replied impatiently. Dylan rolled her eyes, a cross between amused and annoyed.

"It won't be the same as going to the Farplane," Tidus continued, walking up to Dylan's side. "I just hope you realize that. I'm not trying to talk you out of it or anything-"

"Look, I know." Dylan lowered her eyes, and Tidus' face fell. He knew this was something she wanted to do. And he agreed; she should get closure. It had been long enough. But honestly speaking, he wasn't sure if she was really ready for this.

"I know it won't be the same as seeing them in real life, or even on the Farplane," Dylan continued, lifting her eyes again. "But I'd just be running from the truth if I didn't go."

"I…guess I understand that," Tidus agreed, nodding. He knew he couldn't stop her; Dylan always saw things through to the end. That was what made her special.

"Thanks." Dylan looked up at the blonde, smiling. But behind the smile, he could clearly see the sadness in her eyes.

It's been five years, he thought, smiling back.

}{}{}{

Dylan clearly remembered the entrance of this place, this little cave. It was hardly noticeable in the darkness of the Thunder Plains, but she still knew it well. As much as she had tried to block it out of her memory, she couldn't help but remember.

Taking a deep breath, Dylan ran a hand through her soaking wet curls. She had no intention of turning back, but still, getting started and taking that first step forward was proving to be a challenge. It would be easier to forget this place even existed, but Dylan did not want to live like that.

I wouldn't be doing them any favors, she thought, nodding to herself. Taking another deep breath, she stepped forward and slowly entered the cave. It was hard to see, but there was some dim lighting, as well as occasional flashes of brightness from the lightning outside. Pursing her lips, Dylan continued forward without any further hesitation.

The memorials were just as she had left them.

Five years ago, Dylan had come here after saving Spira and welcoming Tidus back. At that time, the rubble was incredible, and the ground had been stained with blood. Those stains were cleaned up now, and the rocks were moved around. But the two headstones were unchanged.

"Hey guys," Dylan said, kneeling in front of the memorials. The one on her left was decorated with pink and purple, while the one on her right was blue and black. "It's been a while… I'm sorry."

Bowing her head, Dylan exhaled, her shoulders shaking. Yes…it had been five years since both Trisha and Emi had died. Their strength was preserved in a sphere, but their memories rested with Dylan alone.

"I know you're not mad," she continued, looking at the memorials with a small smile. "I know you must understand. None of us ever wanted this. Even when we were pissed at each other… But…it is what it is. I've…come to accept it. It's all right now. I've gotten over it."

Dylan straightened up, realizing that despite her positive words, her face was a grimace. Shaking her head, she tried again.

"One day we'll all be together again, for real. I'm looking forward to it. But I am alive, and you two aren't. Still, I wanted to come here at least one more time."

For whose sake? Dylan wondered, falling silent. For theirs?

"No, it's not for you guys, actually," she realized, a bitter smirk on her face. "It's for my own sake. To you, I must look pretty funny. Running around collecting spheres, performing like I used to-but deep down I'm just as stubborn as usual. More than anything, I wanted to prove to myself that I can move on with or without you both at my side, that it didn't matter. But I'm so stupid-of course it matters."

Dylan's voice broke, and in response, her tears finally fell free. She lowered her head again, letting the tears drop onto her lap.

"And it hurts," she confessed through her sobs. "It hurts a lot. But…isn't that selfish of me? If I'm hurting, then you two must be also. I would never want to hurt you, either of you, ever again…"

Bending over at her waist, Dylan wrapped her arms around her body. A quiet scream escaped her throat; it still hurt. She hadn't really gotten over either of their deaths; she had never had the chance until now. As much as it hurt, she knew she needed this time. Better now than later, better now than never.

"Please…" she whispered at last, slowly regaining control of her breathing. "…until the day for me to die comes, wait for me. But until then, I…have better things to do than grovel."

Sitting upright, Dylan wiped her eyes and cheeks, her strength slowly returning.

"I have a life to live. I won't dare waste it; it's too precious." A smile crossed her lips as she looked upon the gravestones. Though neither of their bodies were buried here, it was more than fitting that they were together. "I know that there's a gap here for me, but I'm not ready yet. I'll keep fighting until the end. I know that's what you guys would want."

Dylan pushed herself to her feet, looking at the memorials one last time.

"I don't want regrets," she said to herself. "I've made enough as it is. So, please, watch over me from wherever you are. Emi, Trisha…I love you both so much. That will never change."

Her gaze lingered on the graves for a moment, but she realized that there would be no response. For once, she was all right with that.

Turning around, Dylan walked out of the cave and back to the Celsius. Upon stepping inside, she felt someone run to hug her, nearly knocking her over.

"Rikku…" Dylan murmured, smiling at the blonde.

"I figured you might need a big hug," she replied, squeezing Dylan tightly.

"I did…thank you."

As Dylan hugged her back, she closed her eyes. Very clearly in her head, she could see the faces of Emi and Trisha staring back. They were smiling, and soon Dylan was, too.

Yeah, that's right, she realized. I still have to be here. I have people who love me here, too, and people who really need me. I'm not alone, and I never will be. It's all right to miss you, or to want to see you again, but don't worry. I refuse to linger on it anymore. Goodbye, Emi. Goodbye, Trisha.

Dylan opened her eyes, tears clinging to her bottom lashes. Blinking them away, she released her grip on Rikku, who finally let go.

"You're strong," she told the brunette. "Maybe the strongest person I know."

"Nah, that's not true," Dylan replied, shrugging a bit. "I have people to rely on, that's all."

"Am I one of them?" Dylan nodded, and the blonde's face brightened. "I won't let you down, don't worry!"

Saluting, Rikku ran off, passing Tidus on her way out. A smile appeared on his face at Rikku's actions, then brightened when he saw Dylan standing there.

"You OK?" he asked, taking her small hands and swinging her arms. She nodded, smiling. "Good. Wouldn't expect any less from you."

"Thanks," she murmured, her smile growing into a grin. "I won't be coming back here."

"Really? Why not?" Tidus released Dylan's hands, and she sighed, tilting her head as she looked him in the eye.

"Don't I have better things to do than live in the past?"

"Then why are you a sphere hunter still?" he teased her. Pouting, Dylan smacked him on the arm, and he grimaced. "Kidding, kidding! I know what you mean. I think it's the right decision. It's hard, but…yeah. It's the right decision."

"That's why I made it," Dylan said, laughing.

"Aw, c'mon, don't act like that," Tidus groaned as she turned her back to face out of the window. "You're starting to sound like Brother."

Dylan just laughed again, peering out at the Thunder Plains as the ship slowly ascended above the endless storm. Finally, she felt at peace, and despite her losses, her heart felt whole once again.