Wow hi...Is anyone still out there? So, I believe this update is two years late? Um..no xcuse really, writer's block, personal problems, and high school. But I've recently begun replaying FFX and my inspiration returned so I'm back! I don't know if any of my old readers are still members on this site, but I'd love to hear from you all again and hey new readers too! The more the merrier (as Wakka would say, ya?). Anyway, please read review and enjoy and I'll see you guys next chapter.

-Fuzz

Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.

Tidus grunted as the stick Kaemon was wielding slammed into his thigh. He limped to the side and swung a messy blow at Kaemon's head; missing, he was thrown to the ground as the assassin barreled into his chest. The air left his lungs as he connected with the forest floor and stars danced in front of his eyes.

"C'mon, you were doing a lot better this morning," Kaemon taunted while offering Tidus his hand. Tidus took it, "That was before I'd been beaten senseless for three hours."

The blonde shook his head and steadied himself. They had been evading Seymour's forces for the better part of three days with little rest; and whenever it did become safe to stop, Tidus was drilled in swordplay.

"Can't we take a break?" Tidus asked.

"We are taking a break," Kaemon retorted, before lunging forward and swinging his makeshift sword at Tidus' head. Tidus' frenzied block was weak and his weapon was wrenched from his grip. Kaemon placed the tip of his sword under Tidus' chin, indicating a death blow, "Match."

Tidus collapsed, groaning loudly as he fell back against the mossy ground.

"Don't get that outfit I gave you dirty Tidus," Kaemon berated. "It's fine leather."

Tidus sat up and examined his new black outfit. His blitzball uniform had been little more than rags after nearly a week of trekking through the Spiran wilderness with Yuna. Kaemon had been kind enough to offer him a spare uniform. It was well-crafted, Tidus had to admit, but he could not forget that it had been created by the assassins-specifically, the assassins of the Black Lung Syndicate, the ones who had killed his family on Besaid as well as Kaemon's younger brother, Cale. Remembering the merciless acts of the Syndicate refueled Tidus' desire to be trained to fight. Feeling refreshed, he took up his stick and leapt into an offensive stance. Kaemon's eyes flashed. Although he was still the kind-hearted soul that Cale had described to Tidus, the dark assassins guild nonetheless had managed to imbue the lust for battle in the young boy's heart.

Both men were prepared to strike when a hooded figure leapt from the trees and landed between them.

"Time to go," the figure said as it removed it's hood, releasing a tumble of short brown hair. Yuna gazed at the two men before her, urgency flashing in her bi-colored eyes.

"Did you see them?" Kaemon asked, referring to the assassins that Yuna had been on the lookout for.

"No," She replied. "But I've no doubt that they are not far behind. Grab your things, we need to keep moving."

With that she turned and began dashing through the forest. As Kaemon and Tidus scurried to grab their weapons and packs, Tidus couldn't help feeling vaguely irritated.

How long are we going to keep running?

Ever since Kaemon had helped them escape Seymour's clutches, they had been fleeing from his forces. But Tidus was learning to fight, and as his hate for Seymour grew, he was becoming desperate to put his new skills into action. As he followed Kaemon and Yuna through the forest, his mind turned to marvel at how much his body had changed in two short weeks. He no longer found it difficult to tear through dense terrain. The soles of his feet and the knuckles on his hands had hardened making it easier to run for longer distances and easier to throw more powerful punches. But even as he admired his newfound skills, he felt disheartened at the fact that they would again be running for the better part of the day, as well as most of the night.

When will we fight back?

"I don't need to stop!" Tidus complained as Kaemon helped to support his weight. Night was falling and they had still not managed to escape the deep maze of the forest. Their situation had not been helped by the fact that Tidus had wrenched his ankle while running across the thick forest debris.

"Yes you do," Yuna countered. "We don't know how badly you are injured right now. It would be best not to do anything that could make it worse."

Tidus grumbled but he was covertly grateful for the break. He did not, however, look forward to spending another frosty late winter night on the cold, hard ground. Suddenly, Yuna stopped. Kaemon, who was unwaveringly fixated on carrying the bulk of Tidus' weight nearly sent both himself and the injured blonde crashing straight into her. Fortunately, he righted himself—with inches to spare.

"What is it?" Kaemon whispered. Yuna was straining to see in the gathering gloom, "A small village up ahead, I think."

"Would it be safe to stop there?"

"I'm not sure…Unless Seymour has somehow beaten us here I do not believe they've had many interactions with the likes of us. In any case we are strangers and our very presence—"

"Oh, come on!" Tidus interrupted, soured by not being included in the assessment. "Let's just go and ask for help! Normal people do that, Yuna…"

She gave him a bemused glance, but nodded and Kaemon helped Tidus limp towards the town.

The pain in Tidus' ankle had become excruciating by the time they reached the small village. It consisted of about ten log houses spread in a U shape around a large central fire pit. Torches burned by each house and Tidus could see the shadows of people moving within the tiny windows that dotted each building. At the head of the 'U' was a large stone building that entirely dwarfed the others. But that was not the most astounding part of the structure. Around the peak, there were rocks and boulders, each one floating in midair. Large bolts of blue lightning cracked between the building and the hovering stones. Tidus gaped in awe.

"Strange to see a temple nestled in a village in the woods," Kaemon muttered. Tidus looked at him, "That's a temple?"

Growing up in Zanarkand, Tidus had never been a part of the religious movement that had swept the rest of Spira and the relics and practices of the Yevonites were something completely foreign to him.

"Indeed," Kaemon answered. "Lucky thing too, hopefully we'll find some acolytes that can heal your ankle."

The word 'alcolytes' sparked a memory in Tidus of something he had learned about the followers of Yevon. Magic? He thought, both awed and terrified at the prospect.

As the trio marched slowly towards the temple there was a shouted, "Halt!"

Out of the darkness came a hulking man, carrying a large torch. He had a thick brown beard and dark eyes that hid underneath his heavily furrowed brow, "Halt! Who are you? Why have you come to Djose?"

Yuna stepped forward, "One of our companions is injured. We have come here seeking aid and shelter for the night."

The man towered over Yuna, his gaze hard and unyielding, "No stranger is permitted to enter the temple at Djose."

Tidus watched Yuna's gaze turn fierce, "I was under the impression that the temples were built as holy sanctuaries for any Spiran in need."

The burly man drew closer, his teeth bared in a snarl, "You've no right to question the laws of our village, rogue. For all I know you're just another one of those hired swords that have been running around here lately."

Yuna and the man were nose and nose, the shadows of the torchlight dancing across their faces when Kaemon interrupted, "Please sir, we are not in league with the assassins you speak of. In fact, we are fleeing from them as we speak."

The man whirled on Kaemon his voice booming throughout the village, "Then you must leave at once! I will not make our village a target for the sake's of scoundrels!"

Kaemon flinched, but Yuna remained adamant, "For a village of holy men, your black hearts precede you!"

"Do NOT think to insu—"

"STOP!" Tidus shouted, surprising even himself as the clearing fell quiet. Swallowing his nervousness, he pointed with his chin to the surrounding houses where the villagers had gathered at their windows and doorways, their fear apparent in their shining eyes. "Please. We don't mean to stay longer than one night. We lost the assassins on our way through the woods; they shouldn't have been able to follow us here. Please, we need help."

The man looked long and hard at Tidus. Finally, after what seemed like ages, he beckoned for two men to come forward. They helped to lift Tidus and shuffled him towards the temple. The large man followed closely behind, as did Kaemon, but Yuna fell back and lingered by the doors of the temple. Tidus was in too much pain to wonder why.

As they entered the temple, Tidus was once again awed by the ornate decoration. The temple was built around an enormous circular room, encircled by large statues. The statues, he realized, were effigys of men, and a few women, each one lavishly dressed in robes and holding staffs that twisted and curved in fantastic patterns.

"Summoners," Kaemon whispered reverently before Tidus had a chance to ask about the statues. He vaguely remembered having heard about the masters of magic and spirits when word of the Movement of Yevon had reached Zanarkand.

"Aye," their bearded subjugator responded. "The temple is our offering to the great spiritual leaders of our time. Even now, they watch over us from the Farplane, and the power of their magic can still be felt here."

The two men carrying Tidus took him to a room on the far side of the temple. Inside was a small cot, dwarfed in significance by the heaps of books, scrolls, and shining treasures that were littered about the room. The two men set him down on the cot and scurried from the room, seemingly in search of a magic user that would heal Tidus' ankle. Tidus stared around at the adornments that glittered on the walls. He was overwhelmed by how many tomes lay about on the floor, as well as on the shiny wooden bookcases.

"This is amazing."

The bearded man grunted approvingly, "Glad to hear that event the likes of you can appreciate the glory of Yevon."

There was a sound of shuffling fabric and then a young man in blue and green robes appeared in the doorway. Without so much as a word he crossed the room and knelt in front of Tidus, examining his twisted ankle with long, graceful fingers. Tidus opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when suddenly the man's hands began to glow white. The light grew brighter until it filled Tidus' vision then, in the next moment the glow disappeared, along with the pain in Tidus' ankle.

Amazed, he stood and twisted his foot around, jumping lightly to test its strength.

"Thank you!" he exclaimed, bowing slightly to the young magic user. The boy nodded and slipped out of the room without a word. Tidus looked excitedly at Kaemon, hoping that he was just as impressed, but Kaemon was staring at the bearded man, his gaze suddenly probing.

Their host seemed unfazed by Kaemon's leer and instead said, "You three may stay here for the night, but understand that I'll be posting guards outside the door. You'd have to be fools to try anything…."

With that he turned and sped out the door, slamming it shut, but not before Kaemon slipped quickly out behind him. Tidus was left alone in the ornate room, his head swimming with questions. He fell back onto the cot, suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.

I should follow Kaemon, he thought as darkness overtook him.

It was pitch dark inside the room, when he awoke. Although he could barely see his own hands in front of his face, he gathered that he was alone. He stood, concerned for the whereabouts of his friends, and tripped over the many books piled on the floor. Cursing, he inched towards the door; it creaked loudly as it opened. He flinched, waiting to be reamed by the guards that had been promised outside his door, but they were not there. Bewildered, but not at all ungrateful, he got to his feet and tip toed out of the temple and into the cool night air. The moon was full and shone brightly onto the houses; the shingled rooftops glinting like a sharpened knife edge.

Tidus gazed around the clearing; there was no sign of Kaemon or Yuna. He frowned; and for a fleeting moment wondered if they had left him derelict. But just as soon as the thought arrived, he pushed it out of his head. Yuna would have certainly entertained the idea, but Kaemon was more reasonable than she was. He strode a ways around the temple, once again examining the detailed craftsmanship. The floating rocks still soared overheard, the blue lightning silently flashing between them. As he rounded the temple he discovered another figure. It was a tall man wearing a robe with large bowed sleeves. Atop his head was a helmet, or what Tidus thought looked almost like a crown. His face was serene, his kind eyes set deep in a regal face. But Tidus thought the tranquil face looked almost miserable, as if the powerful man had lived through great hardships- ones that had succeeded in breaking him.

"His name was Braska. High Summoner Braska."

Tidus whirled around; startled until he realized that it was Yuna who had slipped out of the shadows of the temple to join him. Her bi-colored gaze riveted on the tall statue.

"High Summoner? Does that mean he was the best one?" Tidus asked, puzzled by the terminology.

Suddenly Yuna did something has surprised Tidus, she laughed. He looked at her, wondering if he had mistaken the small noise that had come from her, but the moon was illuminating her small smile, "He was hardly the 'best one'. In fact," she paused, "some might consider him weak."

Tidus looked up at the statue; the shadows from the moonlight made it appear as if it were frowning.

"But," Yuna continued. "He was a man who discovered Seymour's treachery and the birth of the Black Lung Syndicate. He dedicated himself, in secret, to finding a way of exposing Seymour to the measter's council without his knowledge."

"Did Seymour kill him?" Tidus asked.

Yuna studied the effigy for a moment more and then let her gaze fall, "No. Not Seymour."

Tidus had a sinking feeling that it must've been one of Seymour's merciless assassins. He scoffed; of course the treacherous wretch would never stain his own filthy hands with innocent blood.

Tidus met Yuna's gaze, but was unable to discern what she was thinking. They were silent for a long while simply looking at each other; each one trying to unravel the other. Finally Yuna spoke, "You should remain here when we leave in the morning."

Tidus felt his heart skip a beat, "What? Why?"

"What do you mean why?"

"Because I want to come with you," Tidus said steadily, rubbing the back of his neck as blood slowly rushed to his face.

Yuna's gaze turned steely and she scoffed, "Then you are a fool."

Tidus felt something snap in him when she said that. A fire was ignited in his spirit, his determination unappeasable. As she turned to leave he reached out and grabbed her wrist. She twisted in his grasp, but he held her tightly his blue eyes boring into her own.

"No, I'm not. I'm not an idiot. I know what I've gotten myself into; I understand what the stakes are. But I'm not about to walk away from this. This man, this monster….he took me away from my home, he destroyed my family, everything I've known is gone. All I have now is the will to take him down and make him pay for what he did." Tidus released her, his breath coming in shaky gasps, "I'm going with you."

And suddenly he saw something in Yuna's face change. A sense of revere—or maybe it was sympathy; he couldn't tell—came over her features. Slowly, she nodded. Tidus returned the gesture and, for the first time (with a hint of satisfaction), he stalked off into the shadows leaving Yuna the one baffled and confused.

"So, you say you're not with the assassins….Then who are you?" The burly man asked as he handed Kaemon a cup of tea. Kaemon smirked at the generous offering; it didn't seem to coincide with the man's hostile inquiry. Nonetheless, he accepted the tea graciously.

"Considering I know as little about you, as you do about me, I don't think it's fair of you to ask that question," Kaemon answered. The man looked at him, his thin lips twitching into a smile. Kaemon thought the man's face looked familiar, but before he could place it, the man laughed loudly, "Cocky bastard, aint'cha?" He stepped forward, coming closer until his face filled Kaemon's vision. "But you're wrong kid. I know exactly who you are."

Kaemon swallowed, feeling his prior sense of control slipping away. The man's woody smell was making it impossible to breathe. His dark gaze bored into Kaemon's own, paralyzing him.

"You're an assassin," he whispered. "You're with Seymour and his men."

Kaemon felt himself reaching instinctively for his knife belt, until he recalled that the man had confiscated upon entering his hut. The large figure smirked, his eyes flickering knowingly to Kaemon's groping hand. How did he know?

"You've got death in your eyes. I can see the innocent blood running off your hands." The man stopped and stood back, gazing at Kaemon evenly. Kaemon felt cold and hot at the same time, his mouth was cotton-dry.

"If you knew, then why did you agree to shelter us?" was all Kaemon could think to ask. He desperately wished he still had his knives.

"Cause I also know you're on the run," the man answered. The large man fell silent for a long while. Kaemon could see the muscles in his jaw working slowly as he thought.

"I know because I was once, too," the man answered, finally. "I worked for Seymour. I was a monster, a murderer of the innocent."

The two men stared at each other, their muscles tensed, ready to spring at each other's throats.

"Why?"

The man relaxed and crossed his arms, studying Kaemon, "Thought I had to be. Spira has fallen on hard times. My family was barren, living in the streets; I went looking for a post…I found Seymour. He promised me riches….justice."

Kaemon saw the man's dark eyes grow cloudy with tears and he looked away, embarrassed.

"I didn't get my justice….I got a soul full of sin and no way to repent for it."

"Why tell me this?" Kaemon retorted. "Why not kill me now, while you still have the chance?"

The large man suddenly fell very silent. His breathing was labored and Kaemon saw his eyes turn glassy. Finally he forced himself to meet Kaemon's accusing glare, " 'Cause I never thought I'd se you follow in my footsteps Kaemon."

Kaemon staggered backward as the realization of who this man was hit him with the force like that of a rampaging fiend. Suddenly the dark heavy brows that shadowed the man's dull brown eyes seemed exceptionally similar to that of his own. The thin lips and defined jaw line echoed what Kaemon saw in his own reflection. This man was his—

"Father…"

Tidus' resentment had finally settled by the time he wandered back into the heart of the village. He glanced around at the quiet buildings, the light that had been dancing in the windows earlier, had all but disappeared hours ago-except for the one cabin nearest to the temple. Tidus could see shadows moving against the light inside of the house. Feeling too restless to return to his dark room in the temple (as well as wondering whether or not that that was the hut that Kaemon had stolen into), he found himself following his feet obediently as they walked towards the cabin. When he reached the door, he hesitated. He put his ear to the door and listened, but no noise could be heard from inside that cabin. He swallowed, his blood pounding in his ears, and knocked softly on the door. At first, there was no response, but finally the aged wooden door swung open slowly

Tidus stepped inside grateful to see that Kaemon was, in fact, inside the hut as well. But something was wrong. Tidus took in Kaemon's rigid posture. Beads of sweat dotted his brow and his brown eyes were large, darting back and forth between Tidus and the large man that had first—welcomed—them to the village. Tidus looked at their host, his expression was much calmer, but even his fists were clenched as he turned his attention to Tidus, "What do you want boy?"

Tidus, unconsciously drew himself up in a feeble attempt to appear larger than he was, "I—er…Well, I wanted to thank you for allowing my friends and I to stay the night, uhh.."

"Rahnan," the hulking man finished. "You will be gone by the morning, right?"

"Uh..right!" Tidus nearly yelped, glancing pleadingly at Kaemon; but he was still gaping wide eyed at Rahnan.

"Good," Rahnan said, staring at Tidus. There was an expansive silence, until Tidus finally realized that Rahnan was expecting him to excuse himself.

"Uhh, well…I guess I'll go get some sleep..Let's go Kae…"

"How could you?" Kaemon suddenly burst. Tidus nearly jumped out of his skin, he stumbled backwards and Kaemon leapt forward grabbing at Rahnan's neck. "How could you?"

Rahnan, Tidus realized, was startled by Kaemon's sudden outburst as well and he fell back against the wall as the assassin began beating at his chest with all of his might.

"It's because of you!" he shouted, his knuckles cracking loudly as he smashed his fist into Rahnan's ribs. "It's because you left! I didn't know what to do! How was I supposed to know how to protect them?"

Tidus couldn't help but stare in absolute shock as the scene unfolded before him. Rahnan did not move to defend himself; however, Kaemon's blows seemed to be having little effect. Still, he stood lamely in front of Kaemon accepting the punches and flinching slightly as each one connected, pain glistening in his eyes. Finally Tidus started into action. He ran forward and grabbed Kaemon's shoulders, but he shook Tidus off easily. As he reached forward to grab his friend again Rahnan stopped him, "No! He needs…Let him finish."

Tidus stared at Rahnan, absolutely baffled. Kaemon had tears streaming down his blotched, ruddy cheeks. He was shaking with emotion but he did not move to attack Rahnan again.

"How could you expect that of me?" Kaemon shouted, his voice becoming raw. "It's because of you that mom gave up…It's…It's because of you they killed Cale! He's dead because of you!"

Tidus couldn't help but exclaim as he witnessed Kaemon's accusations. This man was Kaemon and Cale's father. This was the man who had abandoned their family.

"I know it won't help to tell you why," Rahnan's voice was thick with pain. "But I left to find a better life for you three."

"Bullshit!" Kaemon shouted. "You aren't some noble hero! You abandoned us because you were too much of a coward to die in the streets with us! You let us fend for ourselves while you found an escape!"

Rahnan said nothing but kept his gaze trained on his feet. Tidus stood silently near the door. When Kaemon spoke next, his voice was much quieter, "You told me that I have the blood of innocents on my hands…But at least I don't bear the blood of my family."

He graced his father with one last poisonous glare and then rushed past Tidus and out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Tidus felt his shoulders sag as the grief and agony that permeated the room began to settle into a heavy silence. Rahnan was broken, his whole body flaccid and weak. And as Tidus stood wordlessly, gazing at the man who had abandoned his sons, he could not help but see the ragged form of Jecht standing before him.