I'm actually really excited about this chapter... like, more than usual! You'll see why! So I hope it's good :D Let me know, k? As said b4, I own nothing! OMG, i was just writing a later chapter (i know, i should have been working on this one... sorry, but it'll pay off later!) and Lulu reminded me of the Wicked Witch of the West. I recently read Wicked (the story of the witch's life written by Gregory Macguire) and I loved it, more than the original Oz story. It really makes you wonder if Elphaba (the witch) is really evil, and its really well written. I definately changed my perspective on all the characters. If you haven't read it, READ IT NOW!! if you do, or if you already have, let me know what you thought, and if you agree with me or not. I would LOVE to hear from ALL of you guys. (message me though - unless you cant cause you don't have an account- i don't want all my comments to be about some other guy's story, hehe.) It would make me extremely happy! And you'll get something more than just a response from me - maybe. I dunno what though. maybe something like little previews and questions about what should happen. but we'll see...
I don't own Final Fantasy X OR Wicked - even though i wish i did - I'd be so rich! hehe!
Lulu and Chappu are now 15, Wakka's 17, and Yuna's 10. oh, and the grades are based on age rather than when they started. And when Lulu's going down the list, the is the one's she's marked as possibilities.

Chappu and I have finally turned 15. The long awaited moment is finally here, and while it's exciting, I find myself with relentless butterflies in my stomach. At the end of the year anyone who's 15 will be choosing what they wish to do the rest of their life. For us there will be optional day long classes to attend. For example, if you attended a class on sailing, that day would be spent covering what it's like, what you must do, ect. Most of this year, actually, will be pretty free, as there aren't very many classes. For me, the first week or so will be spent taking the classes, then the rest of the year is just deciding what I actually want to do. Just over a year ago, Wakka chose Blitzball, and will spend his school hours, and perhaps more, training. Though he already joined the Aurochs at 13, he still has to go through the training if he wants to graduate. He was pretty upset when he found that out, but all of our guy friends have to do the same thing, so he has people to train with.
I scan down the list again and mark any class I may be interested in.
-Basket maker
-Sailor/Fisherman
-Cloth weaver
-Guardian
-Summoner
-Harvester
-Blitzball Player
-Religious Leader
-Nurse/Doctor
Of course, there are other lower jobs that are assigned to people who don't go to any classes at all.

I lean back on my bed and turn my head to look at Chappu, who is currently seated on Yuna's bed while she's in class.
"You know, I really wish that you would go to more than just the blitz class." I tell him.
"But Lu, what's the point? I already know what I want to do."
"I think I do too, but you might find that you'd rather do something else."
"Oh, do tell."
"No. Like I said, I haven't decided."
"But anyway, what else would I do, become a Harvester?" He asks sarcastically.
I sigh. "Fine, if you come with me to all the classes I'm going to, then I'll let you do something of your choice to me, or I'll do something you want me to do. Deal?"
"Anything?" he questions, his voice layered with hope.
"Yeah." I reply and Chappu grins widely. "Oh, Yevon, what have I gotten myself into?"

And so the next day finds Chappu and I sitting in class listening to one of the really old monks rant about how important religious leaders are, and that by becoming one, you gain a lot of respect. It actually sounds quite boring. Apparently all you do is go over scriptures and teach. You have no real input on the dealings of Yevon unless you're the head priest or a Master. Like someone from Besaid is actually going to become a Master. And besides, only men can become Masters or head priests.

We meet up with Yuna and Wakka at dinner. They've saved us a table, like usual.
"So how was it, ya?" Wakka teases Chappu when we sit down.
"You are so lucky you only took the one on Blitzball." He replies, his mouth already full of food.
"Ewww. That's nasty!" I exclaim and push him a little when I see the partially chewed noodles.
"So why are you going, anyway?" Yuna questions.
"Well, LULU over here decided that I should try new things. So we made a deal that if I go to classes with her, she has to do something of my choice, or I get to do something to her."
Wakka lifts an eyebrow at that. As we finish dinner the silence is filled with small talk.
I'm the first one to finish. Standing up, I announce "I'm going to bed. Yuna, do you want me to leave the light on for you?" She shakes her head no. "Well, goodnight guys." I put my plate in the dirty bin and walk out of the dining area and into the hall that leads back to the girl rooms. Soon I hear running footsteps behind me, but I don't bother to stop. I'm almost to my room when Chappu catches up.
"Geez, Lu, you walk too fast."
"That's how I always walk."
"I know. You look grumpy. Is it because of how I answered Yuna's question, or because I talk while I'm still chewing my food?"
"I'm not upset." I promise him.
"Okay... but if you are, let me know, alright?" Chappu didn't seem convinced.
"Really, I'm not angry."
"Goodnight Lu."
"Goodnight. Be ready for basket making tomorrow morning." I remind him, and he groans, causing me to giggle."

"Whether or not you realize it, Basket making actually requires artistic talent. You must be able to see the pattern in your head before even picking up the reeds. I see many people that I have taught before who either have no artistic skill or," She pauses and turns to look straight at me before continuing. "they do but they don't enjoy using it."
I smile sarcastically back at her. Its not that I don't like art, but I like being able to do it on my free time. I hate being told to produce a work of art.
"If you fall under either category, feel free to leave now." A few people stand up, including Chappu and I. "If you're leaving now, don't come to Cloth Weaving, either. It's basically the same thing with different plant fibers."
Chappu is practically dancing with joy one we are out of the classroom. "Three down, one to go!" He exclaims excitedly. "What's left?"
"Guardian." I read off from the creased list. "Yuna should be off for Lunch. I'm going to go eat with her. Coming?" I ask over my shoulder as I begin to walk.
"Nope. I'm going to go see if I can find any of the guys." Many of 'the guys' will be training with Wakka, but there are still a few of them that are our age.

"Yuna!" I call down the hall when I see the back of her head. She turns and smiles at me while I catch up. "I'm going to eat with you, 'kay?"
"Of course." Together we get lunch and find an open table. Of course, everyone except me is around the age of ten, so even at 5'2, I tower over everyone. People my age seem slightly afraid to approach me, so I must be especially scary to all of them.
"Do I seem grumpy to you?" I question Yuna.
"I guess, sometimes. I mean, you don't smile all that often, and hearing you laugh is rare. Why do you ask?"
"Last night, Chappu asked me if i was mad at him. I wasn't, and I told him that, but he still said that I looked like I was."
"So, about Chappu..." Yuna begins.
"What about him?"
"He likes you." I remain silent. "And I suspect you like him."
"And so does every other girl our age." I point out truthfully. Of course they do. He's a better blitzball player than even his older brother and he's extremely good looking.
"But they don't catch his eye."
"Yuna, everyone other than you, Chappu, and Wakka are scared of me." I understand why, too. If I were anyone else, I'd be afraid of me. Around anyone other than my three friends, I show basically no emotions. And I stare people down. Not that I mind, really. I let them do whatever they feel like and they leave me alone. "I don't need them hating me too."
Kimarhi walks up beside us just then. "Kimarhi don't hate Lulu."
"Thanks Kimarhi. I'm glad." It still surprises me that Yuna was able to convince him to stay with her, and that he's still here, three years later. And I'm happy that he is. Though I don't really consider him a close friend, I know Yuna does and since I've gotten over the the height and sheer terror of talking to a ronso, I'd consider us those kind of friends that you wouldn't necessarily go to for long, knowing conversations with but that are far past acquaintances.
"Hey Kimarhi!" Yuna greets him.
"Yuna, Lulu do okay?" He asks in his simple form of Spirian.
"Of course." The younger girl replies.
"It's been a while, Kimarhi. How are you doing?" I ask the Ronso.
"Kimarhi good. Kimarhi been keeping fiend away from village."
"We appreciate it, Kimarhi. Thank you."
"Lulu no need to thank Kimarhi."
For a little while we catch up some more.
"Kimarhi just check on Yuna. Kimarhi should go."
"Okay Kimarhi. We'll see you later." I tell him, and Yuna gets up to give him a hug. Kimarhi spends most of his time in the lush forests of Besaid, but he comes to 'visit' often.
Then Kimarhi turns and leaves the dinning hall. Immediately Yuna brings up Chappu again. "You and Chappu would be so adorable together. I'm serious, so quit giving me that look."
"Hey Yuna?"
"Yes?"
"Don't you have class that you're supposed to be getting to?"
Her eyes grow wider. "Oh Yevon! Look, I literally have to run." She quickly stands and grabs her things before turning and running down the hall.
I take our plates and give them to the dish lady. Relived to be free of Yuna trying to get Chappu and I together, I make my way outside. I stand on the stairs, debating on how to spend the rest of the day. My long ebony hair is swept across my face by a sudden gust of wind. I know what I should be doing, but the issue is that I loath to do it. I sigh. Might as well get it over with, I can't put it off forever. So I follow the small path that leads along side the Temple. It winds its way along the back and down a steep hill. As I head down, my feet begin sliding down the rocky surface.
'What a stupid place for a house.' I think to myself as I carefully make my way down, trying not to lose my balance while I keep an eye out for fiends. All I have is a small knife from Chappu to defend myself with. Truth is, though, I love the small dwelling. I always try to convince myself that I hate it before I reach it because maybe then seeing it will always hurt less. And maybe it would, if only I could persuade myself to abhor it. Abruptly my house comes into sight. After my parents died, I inherited their house. This house. Legally, I could now live here if I were so inclined. Maybe someday I will move back, I've actually been considering it. Warily I pull back the thick heavy curtain that served as a door and make my way inside. Though everything is covered in a thick layer of dust, it's still in pretty good condition. Fiends had avoided the abandoned residence.
I'm hit with a wave of loneliness and I curse my pale, sensitive skin. Yuna too has fair skin, but she actually tans. I just burn, then I peel. So I'm forced to come here so I can make a salve that will block the sun's vicious rays. I go out back to the garden. The Veralo plant thrived in this particular spot only. It's rare to find it growing anywhere else on Besaid. Maybe thats why we lived here. My mother had the same problem with her skin. She was the one who taught me to make the lotion. Kneeling down, I cut of a few large handfuls and stuff the leaves into my bag before returning inside where I get a large flame going in the fire pit. Over the flame I place a small cauldron of water to boil. As I wait, I grind the leaves of the Veralo plant with my mother's mortar and pestle. Once the water begins to boil, I add in the Veralo. Now I wait. Just wait. As I stand there, I look above the mantle to find a painting. It's so covered in dust that you can't see anything but the frame, but I know what it is. It's a family portrait that my mother had done when I was two. My mother and father sat side by side as I sit on my mom's lap, reaching up and playing with her black hair. My mother and I would have looked a lot alike, especially now that I'm older. I wonder if she's watching over me now. I wonder if she'd be proud at who I've become thus far, and who I'm still becoming.
The slave begins to release a revolting smell, signaling that it's done cooking. Carefully I remove it from the heat and return outside, where I pick about ten flowers. These go into a pot of cold water. Slowly a pale blue liquid is released. Once the flow of color stops, I remove the flowers and pour the fluids into the now thickened slave and mix it together. After I transfer it to a small jar I am ready to go, but I have to see something first. I creep into my old room. I haven't been in here since the day my parents died. Everything is just the way I left it, eleven years ago. Its hard to believe it was that long ago. Something under my bed catches my eye and I pull it out. It's my old moogle doll. I took this thing everywhere when I was a little girl. Now it's in horrible condition. Not only is it filthy, he's missing both his eyes, stuffing is falling out his side, and his pom-pom is drooping. None the less, I put him into my messenger bag. Pulling back the covers on my bed, I find the sheets underneath to be clean, so I sit down and begin to reminisce on how it used to be, before Sin took my parents from me.

I don't know how long I sat there, but before I realize it, the sun is starting to set. Wakka, Chappu, and Yuna are probably worried out of their minds. I'm running as fast as I can through the underbrush, hoping that I can get back before nightfall. If I don't, I doubt I'll ever get back. Not only could I get terribly lost, I could easily be killed by a fiend. The sun is almost gone by now. My heart starts to beat faster in my fear. Finally I make it to the temple. As I come in sight from the stairs, Chappu runs over and embraces me tightly. Suddenly I feel so safe, like nothing can ever harm me as long as he's around.
"Oh, Lu. We were so scared. We thought something happened to you."
I wrap my arms around Chappu, silently wishing we actually were more than just friends. "I'm so sorry. I lost track of time, and..."
"Where were you?" He asks me. I notice that Yuna and Wakka are keeping their distance. So Wakka was in on this too.
"I was at my old house. I almost didn't think I was going to make it back!" All the emotions I had felt in the house, and from the fear of not returning, I begin to cry into Chappu's shoulder, despite my efforts not to.
"Oh, Lulu. I know it's hard. It's amazing that you've stayed so strong this far."
For a few minutes we just stand there while I try to control my sobs. Finally I re-gain control of myself. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to burst into tears like that."
"Hey, it's fine. Come on." Chappu grabs my hand and leads me to my room. By now Yuna and Wakka have gone to dinner. Chappu helps me into bed as I am still to much of a wreck to do it myself. "Are you hungry?" He asks me. I nod. " 'Kay. I'll be back soon."
After Chappu leaves I reach into my bag and take out the moogle. I hold the pitiful thing out in front of me before hug it to my chest, despite how dirty it is.
Chappu returns a short while later with a huge bowl of my favorite noodle soup and still-warm bread.
"Thanks."
"Don't worry about it. Is there anything else I can get you?" He questions.
"No, this is great. I really appreciate it."
"Very well, then, I'm going to go eat... unless you want me to stay."
"It's alright. Go have a good dinner with Yuna and Wakka. Let them know that I'll be okay by morning." I reassure him.
As he nods and leaves, I take a large bite of the delicious bread and begin on my soup. My thoughts keep returning to only one thing. Chappu. I find myself contemplating what it would be like to be dating him. I can still feel his arms around my waist. And I know it's cliche but it really was like I fit against him perfectly when he held me earlier tonight. And while he had his arms around me, everything felt so right, I don't think I've ever felt safer.
"Lulu!" Yuna bursts through the door and glomps me. "We were all so worried! Especially Chappu! He was scared out of his wits!" She exclaims breathlessly. "It was so adorable when you guys hugged!"
"I see where this is going." I reply, attempting to pry her off of me.
Eventually she gets up and sits facing me on her bed. "So, what was it like? Did you like it?" I open your mouth to protest but she continues on. "As your friend, I have a right to know. And I need to know if I should continue trying to get you two together, because if it didn't feel right, I don't want to waste my time."
"Fine. Yes, it was amazing. I felt so at ease, and so protected. But I think it proves that we can handle this on our own."
"I knew it! And you do still need me because you and I both know that you won't come out and tell him, and he is afraid to ask because he doesn't want to ruin your friendship by making things awkward."
Yuna continues to ramble on about Chappu and I and slowly I begin drifting off to sleep.
"mhhhm." I mumble to her so she thinks I'm still paying attention.
"So you agree!" Yuna declares exuberantly as I fall into the dark.

I'm awoken by a loud pounding. I lay there for a moment, expecting Yuna to get the door so when she doesn't, I open my eyes slightly. She's gone, so I must have slept in. I smile when I notice she took my bowl from last night.
"Lulu, It's Chappu, please open the door."
"You can come in." I call back and sit up to find that I'm wearing the same thing I wore yesterday.
"Good morning. Hey, if you don't hurry, we'll miss class."
"I'm surprised you woke me up." I would have expected that he would just have me sleep in so he wouldn't have to go.
"Yeah, but I figured you would call off our deal. So here I am. You ready to go?"
"Just give me a few minutes to change."
"I'll wait for you outside the door."

And so the rest of the day finds Chappu and I learning the aspects of being a guardian. And we learned about Sir Auron.
"Most common people believe that a guardian's job is much easier than that of the summoner's, but this is a misconception. Their job is at least as hard, if not harder, than the summoner's job is. A guardian not only has to be physically strong, but mentally and emotionally as well, and at all times. You see, to be a proficient guardian they must care about their summon, which is what makes their job so difficult. Everyday, they must watch the hardships that a summoner goes through on daily basis, and everyday, they bring their summoner closer to their inevitable death. And closer to their own probable death. Only one guardian has survived a pilgrimage. I know I taught all of you this in your earlier years. How many of you remember?" Father Laling queries. I'm delighted that he's the one teaching this class. He always was my favorite teacher. I raise my hand. "Yes, Lulu?"
"Sir Auron, Father." I answer formally, standing up as is custom.
"Sir Auron is correct. What can you tell me about him?"
"Well, Father, Sir Auron was part of the last pilgrimage that brought the calm. He guarded High Summoner Braska, along side another guardian, Sir Jecht. After High Summoner Braska defeated Sin, he disappeared for about a year and a half. No one knows where he went. And no one knows how he survived, it's been said that he doesn't know himself. I have also heard many rumors, Father." When answering a teachers question, you only speak to the teacher. Its almost as if the rest of the class is just listening in on a private conversation.
"Please, tell everything."
"People say that Sir Auron has gone missing before. I have been told that he disappeared for many years, though the exact length of time is a mystery, before High Summoner Braska's pilgrimage. Supposedly he reappeared just weeks before the pilgrimage, and around the same time that Sir Jecht was found, claiming he was from Zanarkand, but not our Zanarkand. A Zanarkand that hasn't existed for just under 1,000 years. They believe that this is more than just a coincidence. The other thing I've heard is that when he was first seen after High Summoner Braska defeated Sin, he had aged considerably. The only explanation anyone can come up with for this is that it was caused by all the stress and hardships he must have gone through as a guardian."
"Thank you Lulu. I taught you well." I sit down and Father Laling continues his lesson. "Like Lulu pointed out, Sir Auron has never revealed how he survived the ordeal, so until he does, a guardian must be prepared to die. Which brings me to my next point, the Code of the Guardian. 'Protect the summoner, even at the cost of your own life.' This is why you must care for your summoner. Otherwise, if the time comes, you won't be willing to give your life for theirs." For another few hours Father Laling continues to instruct us on 'the ways of the Guardian'. "If any of you are interested, please come talk to me about your training options for next fall. In order for you to actually be able to train as a guardian, though, you'll have to pass a series of intensive tests to prove that you can handle the task. We didn't used to do this, but there's been too many incompetent guardians in the past. Too many summoners with great potential lost because of them. You are all dismissed." We all stand up and file out of the door.
"Wow, Lu, you're actually considering this? It sounds really difficult."
"Yeah, I am."
"But why?"
"I want to get off this island, I want to see the world. But mostly, I don't want to be like other people. I can't imagine doing anything else."
"I guess you're right..."
"Besides, in a few years, Yuna is going to start her training. You do realize what she's going to choose, right?"
"Uh... no..."
I sigh. "I believe she wants to follow in her fathers foot steps and become a summoner."
"Oh, wow. So you plan on joining her on her pilgrimage?"
"Yeah. It's all I can do."
"Alright. If that's what you want, I can't object."
"Thanks, Chappu."
"Yeah. Hey, Wakka and Yuna are probably already at dinner. Should we go join them?"
"You go. I'm not very hungry. I might just grab something later."
"Are you alright? You haven't been eating much lately." Chappu asks, concern filling his voice. It makes me smile.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me. Besides, I've never really eaten much."
"I guess you're right. We'll, I'll catch you later."
"'Kay." I wait until he's out of sight before I turn and re-enter the classroom we were just in."
"Lulu. I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."
"But you were expecting me?"
Father Laling chuckles. "Lets just say that I wasn't surprised to find you in my class today."
"I see." I knew him well enough to know that I wasn't going to get anymore of an explanation than I had already been offered.
"So, are you here for the reason I think you're here for."
"That all depends on what you think I'm here for."
"Touche. Well then Lulu, why don't you tell me your reasons."
"I want to take the test."
"See, I was right."
I roll my eyes. " I guess so. About the test..." "Forget the test. I know you have it in you. Every day you prove that you're capable of this role. I know someone who's eager to teach you, if you're interested in Black Magic. She's just waiting for the word, and she'll be here."
"I would love to learn Black Magic. But one question. Why is she so willing to just drop everything, sail to a tiny island in the middle of the ocean, and teach me?"
"I think I'll let her answer that when she gets here. Would you like to start training right away, or wait until fall?"
"Um..." I am still in shock that some woman that I've never met is willing, no, excited, about traveling here from who knows where at the drop of a blitzball just to teach me. "now would be fine. If that's not too much trouble...'
"Okay. I'll send for her tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Yeah. 'Night."
Dazed, I walk back into the hallway, only to find Chappu standing there, waiting for me. "How'd it go?"
"Fine... Good... I think." I tell him the whole story as we walk down the hall.
"Wow." Chappu stops so, of course, I do too. "So, no more classes, right?"
"Right."
"So I've fulfilled my part of the deal, right?
"Yeah."
Chappu smiles, and I know I'm about to carry my part of the agreement. "Good."
Next thing I know, Chappu's lips are against mine. Liquid fire runs through me, but nonetheless I gasp in shock and my body goes completely tense against Chappu. Instantly he pulls away and steps back.
"Oh Yevon, Lu, I'm so sorry. I just thought..."
Pulling myself together, I smile somewhat flirtatiously up at him. "Don't apologize. It was actually quite pleasant."
"Re-really?"
"Yeah." I close the distance. "Goodnight Chappu." Standing on my toes I place a gentle kiss on his lips before turning and walking down the hall to my room, leaving him standing there, staring after me.

Woot! its finished. I know it took forever. I just haven't really been in a writing mood and it would have turned out to be crap if I had written anyway.

Comment, I'll love you forever