This is it, guys. This is the end. I must say, I'm gonna miss this little buddy. It's like...by putting up this last chapter, its completely over, ya know? That is kinda sad. But, I'm sorta writing a sequel-ish thing right now. I haven't decided if I'm gonna post it yet, because I'm not really sure where it's gonna go, but this one'll be Paine-centric. Doesn't have a name yet or anything, so I guess the only way you'll really know is if you watch my profile. Doesn't that sound riveting? Yeah. I know. Okay...this is it. Here we go...

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"Hey, we're over Gagazet." Buddy said, over the intercom. "Tidus, lets not have a repeat of last time, please."

"You guys won't ever let me forget that, will you?" he grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"No, probably not." Auron said.

Paine laughed.

They walked over to the hatch, where Rikku shot some hook shots into the side of the mountain.

"This is always fun." Tidus grinned.

"Are you serious? It's nerve wrecking!" Wakka said.

"Not really." Tidus said, giving him a blank look.

Wakka shook his head and jumped down one of the ropes, sliding to the cliff.

Rikku and Auron followed after him. Then Paine and Lulu.

"You ready for this?" Tidus asked Yuna.

"I've done it before." she said.

"Really? Where?"

"Bevelle."

He jumped onto one and began sliding down. The other one swung out at him as Yuna jumped onto it. He flipped over it and landed again, then slid onto the mountain side.

"Well, I nearly fell off the frickin' mountain again." he groaned.

"Sorry." Yuna said, smiling innocently.

"You'll feel bad when I die." he groaned.

"For a little bit." she laughed.

He glared at her.

"Ever since I've been back you've been mean to me and you've harassed me. I'm not talking to you anymore." he said.

"Hey Tidus." Yuna said.

He looked away from her.

"Can I have five gil?" she asked.

He burst into laughter. Rikku and Yuna laughed too, but everyone else looked confused.

"I missed something, ya?" Wakka asked.

"It's an inside joke." Tidus laughed.

"How did Rikku get on the inside?" Wakka asked.

"Rikku was there when it happened." Rikku said.

"Can we move?" Auron snapped.

They all looked at him, somewhat shocked, but not really surprised at the same time.

"What's the matter with you, jeez." Tidus said.

Auron put his other hand on the hilt of his sword, then ran forward and smashed it down. There was a shriek and Tidus turned just in time to see a drake bursting into pyreflies. There were two coyotes, an ice flan, two evil eyes, and another drake.

"Is it just me or is this an abnormally large group?" Tidus asked.

"Its not just you." Yuna said, pulling out her gun.

"Why are they all together like this?" Lulu asked.

"Maybe it has something to do with the Fayth?" Paine said.

Tidus ran forward and smashed his sword into a coyote. It yelped and rolled away, bursting into pyreflies. Yuna shot the other one down before he got to it.

Wakka threw World Champion up at one of the evil eyes, while Rikku sliced at the other one with her twin blades.

"Burn." Lulu said, as the Flan caught fire, shrieked and melted into itself.

"I've always wondered how they got into the groups they did anyway." Tidus said, as Paine took out the other Drake in a single swipe.

"Well, that was fun." Auron sighed.

"Lets just…keep moving." Tidus said.

"Hold on." Yuna said. She dug through her side pouch for a moment before drawing out a golden bracelet.

"Oh, good thinking, Yunie!" Rikku said.

"Am I the only one confused?" Tidus asked.

"It's a charm bracelet. It keeps the fiends away." she said.

"Oh." Tidus said. They continued to walk, and sure enough they met no fiends.

"Hey! Wait a sec!" Rikku said.

They stopped and looked at the young Al Bhed. She jumped into the water and dived down.

"Is she crazy? She'll freeze to death." Tidus groaned.

"What is she doing?" Paine asked.

Rikku came back up and pulled herself up. She shivered dangerously, but she looked rather pleased with herself. Auron shook his head at her, pulling off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders. She smiled at him gratefully.

"A sphere." she grinned, holding up a bright green sphere.

"Leave it to Rikku." Paine groaned, shaking her head.

"I'm curious." she said.

"Now? You want to watch it now?"

"Yes." she said, hitting the play button.

A crowd of cheering people in a Blitzball dome. There is a man standing on the opposite side, a blitzball under one arm. There is a sudden flash of light and the man leaned back, shielding his eyes. Water began pouring in, shaping a ball. There was an orange netting surrounding it. The man jumped into the pool and the rest of the team stepped up, jumping in after him.

'This can't be. Can it? It doesn't make sense…this shouldn't be here. Not at all. It shouldn't exist.' Tidus thought.

"I can't believe we got these tickets! This is amazing. The Abes vs. The Duggles, this has to be the most anticipated game of the year, and we got tickets!" said a red haired girl, now on the screen.

"I know! We'll remember this forever."

The camera swivels back to the game just and zooms in on a woman in the water, spinning , her braids in an arch around her head, then throwing the ball to her team mate. It closes in closer as the man from before swims forward and slams into the man who caught the ball. The man went flying through the sphere. The ball flew off to the side as the man crosses his arms in triumph at the player now in the stands.

Rikku hit the sphere's pause and looked up, rolling it back to stop on the man's face. It was hard to see because the water is over his face, but she gasps all the same.

"Isn't that…"

"Tidus?" Yuna said, looking closer at the sphere.

Tidus rubbed the back of his head. "My last game with the Abes." he said.

"You're amazing! Knocking that guy into the stands was a cheap shot, though." Wakka said.

"It wasn't against the rules." Tidus grinned.

Rikku started the sphere again.

"Did you see that?" the camera was on the red haired woman again.

"That was amazing. That's Jecht's kid. He's the star player now. That team wouldn't be half as good without him. But, what do you expect, he is Jecht's blood."

"You're missing the whole game!" the woman exclaimed.

"Oh, right." the man said, turning the camera back to the sphere pool. He hit it right as Tidus was starting to do his shot. He hit the ball up and shot out of the pool after it. He did a flip and was about to hit the ball when a look of shock crossed his face. There was a loud scream as the sphere pool collapsed. Then, rays of light flashed by. More screams. The sphere camera dropped to the ground and the sphere went black.

Tidus felt a knot in his stomach. He remembered that. Everyone else was silent.

"What happened?" Wakka asked.

"Sin. Sin happened." Tidus said.

"Oh." Wakka said.

"What happened after that?" Rikku asked.

"Rikku…don't…"

"No…it's all right." he said.

"Well, you saw the sphere pool collapse. I'm sure all my friends died when that happened." His stomach sank again. All his friends in Zanarkand. He'd forgotten about them.

"I managed to grab a ledge and hold on for a few moments, but I fell. Very much like the cliff thing." he realized.

"I must have passed out, but when I woke up I was laying on the ground and Auron was standing near the entrance, just cool as can be. Like there wasn't a giant whale thing destroying the land under our feet." He went on, recalling running along the highway before the sinspawn stopped them.

"Yup. That is the first time I used a sword. The best training ever." he scoffed.

"Just be glad I gave you a sword." Auron grumbled.

"What did he say?" Rikku asked.

"His exact words were, "Here, a gift from Jecht. I hope you know how to use it." and he shoved a sword into my hand." Tidus laughed.

"Well, after that, the road shot up and I was hanging on the edge…again. I do that a lot. But anyway…I'm dangling there and Auron's just watching me. Didn't offer to help or anything. Then he looked up at Sin and he says, "Are you sure?" Then he just says, "This is it. This is your story." then he reached down and lifted me up by the front of my shirt one handed. I had to admit that was pretty impressive. Then he said, "It begins now." Then…I woke up in Baaj, nearly got eaten by a giant fish. I managed to escape that. I found refuge in the temple. Then, I got attacked again. Quite honestly, I was going to lose. Then this Al Bhed girl came out of nowhere and helped me." he said, grinning at Rikku.

"It was nothing." she grinned.

"Of course it was nothing. She knocked me out after words and her and brother made me work on the ship." he said.

"Rikku!" Yuna said.

"Tidus! You weren't supposed to tell them that part!" Rikku said.

"Okay, to her credit she did bring me food and translate stuff for Me." he said.

"But she still knocked me out and forced slave labor on Me." he laughed.

"Then, there was a whirlpool, I fell in and ended up in Besaid. You know the story from there." he said.

Tidus realized they had continued to walk as he told his story. They'd made it to the hot springs.

"Wow, that was fast." he said.

The spring was empty once again and Yuna ran over top the wall where they'd found the secret entrance. She felt around for the rock that triggered the wall, and after a moment the wall swung forward.

The group was silent as they walked down the long tunnel. The only sound came from the crackling fire floating alongside Lulu.

"It's like the never ending tunnel!" Rikku whined.

"We're almost there." Yuna said.

"What? How do you know?" Rikku whined.

"I just do." Yuna sighed.

She was right. Not even ten minutes later they came to the end of the tunnel. Lulu activated the glyph again and Yuna pressed her hand to it. The wall crumbled apart and they stepped into the temple. The door still glowed brightly through the dirty room. Yuna ran across the floor and up the steps.

"Finally." she sighed, inserting each of the spheres into their respected places. The door glowed and a pulse was sent through the room. Each recess lit up, each playing little notes. By the time it was done, the hymn of the Fayth was distinct from it.

"Whoa!" Wakka and Rikku yelped.

The spheres seemed to melt into the doorway, then it just disappeared. She turned and grinned at them.

"I am so ready to go home!" she said.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Wakka said as they walked up the stairs after her. The group walked down a set of stairs and to a lift.

"Do you think it still works?" Yuna asked.

"Remember what happened last time you said that about a lift?" Paine asked.

"It worked!" Yuna said, indignantly.

They stepped onto the lift, Paine reluctantly, but it went down smoothly. The lift stopped in an empty room.

"Now what?" Rikku asked.

"Try summoning Yuna." Lulu said.

Yuna nodded and pulled out her garment grid. She activated her summoners sphere and once again looked like she was two years younger. She twirled Nirvana in her hands and summoned Valefor. The Aeon came, and as soon as it did, it let out a shrieking cry. It slumped down and instantly dismissed itself.

"What happened?" Wakka asked.

"I don't know." Yuna admitted.

"Look!" Lulu said, pointing the far wall. The Besaid temple symbol lit up on the wall.

"Keep doing that, Yuna." Lulu said.

Yuna nodded and summoned one Aeon after the next, watching them slump and dismiss themselves. Finally, when the wall glowed with all their symbols, it crumbled apart. The walked through and there it was. The Chamber of the Fayth.

"Finally." Yuna groaned.

"Lets go." she said, to her friends.

They trouped up the stairs and waited for the petals to move aside. They sprang apart and they entered the chamber. Inside was not the gentle Hymn of the Fayth like normal. Instead there was a loud high pitched screeching.

"WHAT IS THAT?" Wakka yelled.

"I THINK IT'S THE FAYTH!" Yuna yelled back.

"MAKE IT STOP!" Tidus yelled.

"I DON'T KNOW HOW!" she yelled back.

She clamped her eyes shut and Tidus felt her cooling magic rush past him. A few seconds later the screeching slowed and quieted. Yuna knelt in front of the stone and did the prayer. A Fayth appeared above the stone. It was pretty terrifying. She stood there, her dress was dirty, worn, ragged, and ripped. She looked as if she had been attacked. There were nail marks down her face and around her eyes, as if she'd been trying to claw her eyes out. Her brown hair was also soaked in blood and it was matted and messy. Blood was everywhere. She was crying and looking pitiful, her eyes wide and sad.

"Summoner?" she asked, her voice raspy and weary.

"Yes. I am a summoner." Yuna said, stepping forward.

"I…I did not mean to hurt them…It hurts…so much…" the Fayth sobbed.

"It is okay. I am going to send you now. I will send you to the Farplane." Yuna said.

The Fayth lunged forward and grabbed onto her.

"Yuna!" Tidus and Wakka yelled, stepping forward quickly.

"It's okay." Yuna said. She stroked the Fayth's matted hair.

The Fayth had buried her face into Yuna's skirt and was sobbing uncontrollably.

The Fayth sobbed into her hands as Yuna gently pulled herself away. She summoned up all the Aeons at once and began to dance. She began the sending. The distressed look disappeared from the Fayth's face and she seemed to calm. Yuna moved faster. The Aeons began to disappear, one by one. The pyreflies filled the air. Just as it had happened two years ago. A giant smile broke through on the Fayths face. She began to fade away.

"Thank you summoner." she whispered, then she was gone.

There was a sob from behind. Tidus turned to see Rikku clinging to Auron, crying. He stroked her hair, looking distressed. Auron was fading away with the pyreflies once again. Yuna did not stop her dance, but Tidus could see the tears glittering on her cheeks. It was the second time she had to send this man. Her friend. The second time she had to send the Aeons that had fought by her side so many times. Before he could no longer touch anything, Auron leaned down and kissed Rikku. Tears still streamed down her cheeks when he pulled away. He looked at Paine.

"Be good." he said, his voice fading in and out.

He disappeared in a burst of pyreflies. Rikku let out a sob. Surprisingly, it was Paine who moved forward to comfort the young Al Bhed. She hugged her. The pyreflies were swirling around Yuna as she danced. Tidus felt a sudden pulling sensation. It was a very familiar feeling. His heart sunk. It couldn't be. This wasn't supposed to happen. Even as he thought that, he saw the first pyrefly shoot up. Lulu gasped slightly as Wakka cursed. Yuna stopped dancing.

"Keep going Yuna." Tidus said, trying his best to sound fine, even though he was absolutely terrified.

"No…I can't." she said.

"Yuna…" he said.

"Thank you again, Lady Yuna."

Bahamut stood in front of them.

"What is this?" Yuna asked, pointing to Tidus.

Bahamut turned and looked at Tidus.

"I thought you were staying."

"Yeah. Don't really have the choice." Tidus said.

"We are not pulling against you." the Fayth said.

"Then what is happening?" he said.

"I do not know..." he said, then disappeared.

"What do we do?" Yuna said.

"You need something that connects you to Spira. What connects you to this place? You use that and it will keep you here. A strong emotion."

Tidus stared into Yuna's bi-colored eyes. She smiled falteringly. He approached her quietly. His arms had begun to flicker lightly. He saw the fear in her eyes and he knew his own was shining through. He took her in his arms carefully, remembering what had happened last time far too well. She looked up at him, her eyes somewhat doubtful.

"Believe in him, Yuna."

She blinked slowly and leaned up to kiss him, her fingers tightening on his clothing as if holding on to him would keep him from disappearing. Their lips met and he felt the pulling slow. She was crying. He could feel it. He tightened his grip around her. He would not go. He refused to leave her again. She was too precious to him. He felt a dead weight drop on him and he stumbled a bit. Tidus looked at his arms. No glowing, no pyreflies. He was safe.

"You're…still here?" she asked, as though he was just an illusion.

He smiled and nodded. There was a sigh of relief from his friends. The pyreflies stopped spinning.

"Yuna." Lulu said.

"You must finish."

"Oh…right." Yuna said. She took her staff in front of her and began to finish off the dance. She spun Nirvana and the pyreflies shot off through the air. They began their journey back to the Farplane. Rikku buried her face in Paine's chest and sobbed. It wasn't like her to cry that much. Tidus felt bad for her. She'd lost her love again. It made him feel guilty for still being there.

"Come on Rikku, let's go home." Yuna said.

They walked in complete silence once again. The only sound came from Rikku's sobs.

Celsius

"So, where are we going first?" Buddy asked.

"I want to go to Bevelle. I have some unfinished business to take care of." Paine said.

"Does it have anything to do with a certain praetor?" Yuna asked.

Paine glared at her.

"I will take that as a yes." she said.

Paine rolled her eyes and left the bridge.

"Okay. After Bevelle we set course to Besaid?" Buddy asked.

"Yes." Yuna said.

"Where are you going Rikku? Or are you staying here?" there was no answer.

"Rikku?"

"She's not in here. She said something about the deck." Wakka said.

"The deck?" Tidus asked.

"Yeah."

Tidus ran up the stairs quickly.

She wouldn't…would she?

He waited impatiently for the lift to rise to the deck. Rikku stood to the side of the ship, dangerously close to the edge. She still wore Auron's coat and it flapped crazily behind her.

"Rikku!" he yelled, running forward and pulling her away.

"Tidus! Stop it. Let me go." she sobbed.

"Do you really think this will help?" he asked.

"If I get to be with him." she argued.

He hugged her, even though she fought against him.

"Please, Rikku. He wanted you to live on. He still does. I don't imagine he'd be too pleased to see you in the Farplane." he said.

Rikku seemed to see some sense in these words.

"You think?" she asked.

"I do." he said.

"I'm…sorry." she said. She began to sob, clutching onto his shirt and burying her face in his chest.

"Come on now, let's get inside." Tidus said.

He led her into the Celsius and took her down to the cabin.

"I shouldn't be crying like this. I knew what was coming, but I still had to go and convince myself he could stay somehow. I figured if the Fayth could send you back to stay, then he could stay too. I'm so stupid." she muttered.

"Oh, come on Rikku…"

"Please don't pity me. Just…leave me alone for now?" she asked.

"Okay." Tidus agreed, standing up and leaving the young girl alone.

"Is she okay?" Yuna asked as soon as he entered.

"She's not now, but she will be. Nothing holds her down for long." Tidus said.

Rikku

She watched Tidus leave the room and threw herself down on her bed with a sigh.

It's not fair.

Of course it wasn't fair. Life wasn't fair. She'd learned that at a young age. Everyone she loved died.

Great, I must be some sort of curse.

She buried her face in her arms, instantly getting his scent through the jacket he had left behind. She stood up and began going through her drawers, pulling things out and packing them up in her bag.

I'm going Home.

She needed Home right now. She needed to be somewhere were she could be with her people and not think about him too much. She pulled open her top drawer and there was an envelope there. She knew she had not put it there. She gasped at the neat handwriting on the front of it. That was Auron's writing, she was sure of it. She picked it up, her hand quivering. She dropped back onto the bed and opened it slowly. She had no idea why she did that, probably for the dramatics. She broke the seal neatly and pulled out a sheet of paper.

Rikku,

I know that this is hard on you. I know that when you find this letter I will be gone. I will be back on the Farplane. But keep in mind, my little Thief; I will keep you in my thoughts always. I'm sorry that I have to leave you, but I must beg of you. Don't do anything that you (or I) will regret. Do not be angry at the world for it's unfairness. Things always happen for a reason. I know that to be true. When you are in need of me, you know exactly where to find me. Though I cannot speak to you, I can hear your every word. You speak and I will listen. Just as it has always been. I wish you a long, wonderful life full of laughter and fun, even if it includes moving on without me. I will wait for you in the Farplane, but for your sake, I hope it is a long time until we meet again. E muja oui.

Auron

She read the letter through three times before setting it down on the seat beside her.

"I will see you again." she said, softly.

With that new thought in her head, she let a smile shine through. He would wait for her. Forever. She would wait as well. Until she could see him again.

Bevelle, Paine

My Yevon, I must be insane.

Paine waved to the Celsius as it flew away. She could see her friends on the deck, waving back. She began to walk away, toward the entrance to New Yevon head quarters.

You've got to be crazy. Just turn around and leave.

No, you have to do this. It will drive you crazy if you don't.

Apparently I'm already crazy because I'm doing this in the first place.

Fair point. But you have to try. Look what happened to Rikku and Auron. They only admitted their love for each other after he died.

He was dead when he met her.

That is so not the point! You will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't do this now.

Can't I do it later?

So are you just gonna hang out in Bevelle until you pluck up the courage to do it?

Well…it's possible.

Just get it over with, you coward. The longer you hold out, the longer you will drive yourself crazy.

I am not driving myself crazy!

You're talking to yourself, aren't you?

Touché.

"Um…is the praetor free?" she asked one of the monks in the temple.

"What business do you have with the praetor, miss?" he asked.

"Baralai is an old friend of mine." she said.

"Hold on." he said.

He left the room.

Oh my Yevon, here is your chance, run for it!

Don't you move!

This is crazy! I can't do this.

You can

I can't!

Yes!

No!

Yes!

No!

Yes!

No!

Yes!

N….

"The praetor will see you, if you'll follow Me." the monk said.

She followed him, her brain screaming at her to run, but her body wouldn't listen.

It seemed to take forever to reach his office, but finally she did. Her heart was beating like a rabbit's.

Run!! Run, run, run!

The monk knocked on the door, then walked away. She froze. Why did he knock for her? She could have run!

"Come in." came Baralai's voice. His voice made her heart freeze. She loved his voice, his looks, the air of calmness he always had about him, everything about that man she loved, but that was what terrified her. The fact that he could have so much power over her just by smiling that amazing smile.

Too late to turn back now.

She opened the door and stepped in.

"Paine!" he said, looking surprised.

He was sitting behind his desk, but he wasn't actually doing anything. He was leaning back in his chair, his arms behind his head. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked at him.

"For what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked, standing up.

She loved the way he spoke. Always so meticulously.

"Um…"

Oh, very smooth Paine.

He looked at her, confusion showing in his features.

"I…"

Say something! Anything.

"I…was around…just wanted to say hi."

Oh, right. That's believable.

"Oh." he said.

Great. Now it's all awkward.

"Did you finish saving the world again?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. It's all done." she said.

"But you are not with the Gullwings?"

"No…I am done. I found what I was looking for."

"Ah…like what?" he asked.

Okay…now what? Bring up the thing with Shuyin? Yes, fond memories for him, I'm sure.

She shrugged. She could feel her barriers flying up.

"I should go…sorry for wasting your time." she mumbled.

"No, you can come anytime." he said.

He looked somewhat disappointed. He turned back toward his desk. A sudden crazy feeling came over her.

"Baralai." she said, grabbing his shoulder.

He turned to her and she kissed him. Just like that. She didn't say anything at all. She just kissed him.

Stupid move. Why did you do that?

Shut up! You might as well take the chance.

He's going to kill me!

But he didn't pull away from her. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. It was amazing. He wasn't objecting, he was pushing her on!

See? Told you.

She didn't even bother arguing back with the annoying voice in her head. The feeling of him pressed against her made her heart want to explode. They pulled away at the same time, as if on some sort of agreement.

"Wow." Baralai said.

Paine nodded.

"Baralai." she said, still breathing hard. "I love you."

He smiled, looking quite pleased.

"How long?"

"Since the Crimson squad…since we first met." she said.

She remembered when they had first met. When she had first seen him. He had been very quiet and to himself in the beginning, just as she had been. But she remembered just watching him for a few minutes. The way his dark eyes shifted over the group. How he had stood quietly, studying them, as if testing their trust worthiness. He had watched Gippal longest, a look of distrust on his face. Baralai had always been big on religion. In the end they had all become very close friends. That was one of the Crimson Spheres that had not been found, thank Yevon. It was mostly focused on him. That would have been difficult to explain.

He smiled. Her heart skipped a beat.

Yevon, that smile!

That smile was so…there wasn't even a word to describe it. Perfect was a word that came to mind, but that did him injustice. It was a mix of a small smirk and a genuine smile. It always lit up his face and made his eyes glitter. He didn't smile much, but when he did. Oh.

"Then we've wasted a lot of time." he said.

"What?" she asked. He couldn't mean…

"Ever since I first saw you…wow." he said, again.

"You mean…all that time?" she wanted to slam her head into a wall. Of course, she would have never admitted it to him anyway.

He nodded.

"Oh, Yevon." she muttered.

He leaned against his desk and ran a hand through his hair. She watched him, nearly breathless. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. Now that he was leaning she looked down on him instead of up. She placed her hands on the desk on either side of him, trapping him between her arms and pressed her lips to his. He reacted instantly, bringing his hands up to rest on her waist and pushing back as fiercely as she did. She moved a few paces back as he stood, not breaking contact with her. He backed her against the wall and placed a hand on either side of her. She moved her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him, as close as she could get.

Well, who'd have guessed 'lai had a controlling side?

"Hey 'lai…whoa, Paine!"

There was only one person that voice could belong to. Paine pulled away from Baralai, breathing hard. They both turned their heads to the doorway to see Gippal, not moving away from each other.

"Didn't see that one coming…although I should have." he said, as if he hadn't just come in and ruined the best moment of her life time.

"Gippal, how many times have I told you to knock?" Baralai sighed, straightening up and walking back behind his desk.

"Well, sorry. I didn't expect to see you swapping spit with Dr. P." he said.

"Gippal, if you value your life you will shut up." Paine said.

"Sorry to interrupt, Dr. P, but I am here for business, not pleasure." he winked.

"Well, that's good, because you wouldn't get it from Me." she said.

"That's cold, Dr. P." Gippal sighed.

"This seriously just made my day. Wait until Nooj finds out." Gippal laughed.

"You live quite an boring life if this is the most exciting thing you've seen." Paine grumbled.

"What is this business you are apparently here on?" Baralai asked.

"Jeez, 'lai. If I didn't know any better I'd say you didn't want me here." Gippal laughed.

Paine sighed and drew her sword, pressing it to the back of his neck.

"Tell your news." she said.

"Paine." Baralai said, warningly.

"Listen to him, Paine." Gippal said.

"I could take you." Paine said.

"Baralai wouldn't let you hurt me." he said, sounding confident.

"I could take him, too." she said.

"Come on, I was joking. You know…haha?" he said, worry leaking into his voice.

"You don't sound so tough, Gip. Why is that?" she said.

"Paine…please. Don't kill him yet. I probably need to hear what he has to say." Baralai sighed, looking stressed. It was this more then anything that made her pull her sword away from his neck.

Paine resheathed her sword and leaned against the wall.

This was going to be a long "meeting".

Besaid, two months later

Yuna stood in one of the rooms off to the side in the temple. Her stomach was churning.

"You'll be fine." Lulu assured her.

"How do you know? Why am I doubting this so much? What if that means it's a mistake?"

"I know because I felt the same way. Everyone has this last moment of doubt." Lulu assured her.

"Besides Yunie. You look gorgeous." Rikku said.

"You think?" Yuna asked.

"We've been working on you for the last two hours, you better." Paine smiled.

Yuna giggled.

She stared into the mirror. Her heart skipped a beat. She looked beautiful, but the last time she'd worn something like this….

No! Don't think about that! This is completely different.

Her hair was pulled up on top of her head and her braid was wrapped around it. It looked amazing. The sleeveless white gown clung to her in all the right places and went down to the ground. It was nice and simple, just the way she liked it. It had been her mother's. She wore white heeled boots under it. A white veil rested on her head, and hung over her face and all the way to the ground. Her dress had a long train on it. She wore a silver heart shaped locket around her neck, borrowed from Rikku. To match was a new silver bracelet on her wrist.

"Okay…so you have something old, something new, something borrowed…but what about something blue?" Rikku asked, studying her.

"I'm wearing blue underwear." Yuna giggled.

Lulu and Paine burst into laughter.

"It's almost time Yuna." Lulu said suddenly. Lulu was her Maid of Honor and Rikku and Paine were bridesmaids. They wore matching lavender dresses. She felt like she was going to throw up. She fell into line behind Rikku, Paine, and Lulu, accepting her bouquet form Lulu. The three of them left the room, leaving Yuna to stand by herself. Kimahri approached her.

"Yuna look beautiful." Kimahri said.

"Thank you, Kimahri." she said.

She had asked him to give her away, in place of her father.

The bridal march began to play and she and Kimahri began to walk in stride toward the front. Tidus gave her a small grin and instantly she knew she was doing the right thing. She loved him. Nothing would change that. They reached the front and Kimahri lifted her veil and stepped back. Yuna handed her bouquet to Lulu once more and Tidus took her hands in his. Wakka, Tidus's best man, grinned at her. She smiled. She then stared into Tidus's eyes and got lost. Baralai began to speak. He had graciously agreed to marry them. She listened to him until it was time for the vows, then all her attention turned to Tidus. He lifted the ring and placed it on the tip of her finger.

"Yuna…I remember what I thought the very first time I saw you. It was here in this temple. I remember watching you come out of the Chamber of the Fayth and thinking, "Wow. She is so beautiful." It was the most amazing thing ever. I had thought all summoners were men."

There was laughter.

"You are always so determined, so serious, but you always know what to do to make me laugh. With everything we've been through together, I'd think you'd have left me by now."

More laughter.

"But you're still here for me, even when I couldn't be there for you. I love you and I am so ready to spend forever with you." he said, sliding the ring onto her finger. She knew that her eyes were watering.

"I'm supposed to beat that?" she asked.

There was more laughter and she smiled.

"Tidus, I too remember the first time I saw you. Outside the Chamber of the Fayth. I remember thinking, "who is this man?" You didn't know me…and you weren't supposed to be in there, but you came down to me anyway. That was the beginning of everything. Through my pilgrimage, you always knew exactly how to cheer me up. Our journey was full of laughter. No matter what happened, what mistakes I happened to make along the way, you stood by me. I will be eternally grateful for that. Even after I lost you for that time, you encouraged me to go on. You are the reason for my existence and I love you." she said. The tears had fallen and she was smiling. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would burst. This was the beginning of the rest of forever. She pushed the ring onto his finger.

"Under my power of the law of Yevon I now pronounce you man and wife." Baralai announced.

"You may kiss the bride."

Tidus grinned and pulled her into a deep kiss. There was applause and cheering from everyone in the temple and it rang in her ears. She'd done it. They were eternally together now. They broke apart and she laughed, hugging him.

"We did it." she said, into his ear.

"You bet we did." he replied.

The temple went silent as twelve Fayth appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Valefor, Ifrit, Ixion, Shiva, Bahamut, Anima, Yojimbo, The Magus Sisters, Jecht, and a younger Fayth, not much older then fifteen by the looks of it. She wore a simple white dress, and her chestnut brown hair hung down, framing her pretty face. Yuna realized that it was the Fayth of Gagazet. The Hymn of the Fayth filled the temple as the girl and Bahamut walked up the stairs toward the new couple.

"We have come to wish you luck, Lady Yuna, Sir Tidus." Bahamut said.

"And to assure you, whenever you require the magic of the Fayth, call on us. We will do what we are able." the girl said.

"Thank you." Yuna said, bowing.

"We owe you our thanks, Lady Yuna." Bahamut said.

One by one, the Fayth began to fade slowly, until only Jecht stood there.

"Nice wedding." he grinned.

"I can't stay, but I have a message. Braska and Auron say congratulations and good luck. If he messes with you Yuna, just call on the Fayth. I'll jack him up for you." Jecht grinned, before he faded away. The temple was quiet for another moment as the Hymn faded, then the room erupted in noise again. They walked down the steps, hand in hand to meet their friends.

"Aww, Yunie! It was so beautiful!" Rikku gushed, hugging her cousin.

"You, my friend, have just sold your soul." Wakka laughed.

Lulu elbowed him while Tidus laughed.

"If there was any one I would choose to sell it to, it would be her."

There were so many people, all around her and congratulating her.

"Come on, now. Everybody outside." someone called over the noise. Tidus wrapped an arm around her waist and they followed the crowd of people out. There were giant tables outside, and a giant dance floor had been set up. Music played from somewhere. The sun shone brightly and there was no wind. It was a perfect day. Yuna had a feeling she would have felt that way if it was raining. They took their seats at the table up in the front. Lulu and Wakka sat to Tidus's left and Paine and Baralai sat to Yuna's right. Rikku sat next to Lulu and Gippal sat next to Baralai. Rikku had said she didn't want anyone get the idea that she was in a couple with that 'ynnukyhd sayhea' (arrogant meanie). Yuna knew that she was trying to keep faithful to Auron and didn't argue with her. After dinner and the toasts, the music was turned up.

"This first dance is for the bride and groom." someone said.

They stood up and moved to the dance floor. A soft, sweet melody began to play and they danced.

"Now we just need some rain." Yuna giggled.

"No, this is good." Tidus said.

There were flashes and sphere cameras rolling on the sides. Yuna leaned her head against his chest.

"I love you." she said.

"I love you, too." he replied.

"Our newest adventure is beginning." she said.

"Yeah. The rest of our lives." he said.

"Always." she said.

He laughed lightly.

"Right." he said.

The song ended and they stopped dancing, but didn't step away from each other.

There was cheering, and clapping, a couple whistles and a few calls of, "Kiss her!" That was mostly by the Aurochs and Wakka.

"Should we?" he asked.

"Why not?" Yuna asked.

He laughed and put a hand on her back. She put her arms around his neck. Some how she knew what was coming, He dipped her back and kissed her deeply. There was some more cheering and some catcalls. He set her back up right and she laughed. They left the floor, laughing as the music started up again and more people went to dance. Tidus pulled up his chair next to Wakka and Yuna sat on his lap, leaning her head against his chest.

"Not going to dance?" she asked.

"Are you serious?" Wakka asked.

"You won't?" she said.

"Nah, besides, it's entertaining to watch." he said.

They looked out to the dancers and had to laugh. Rikku was dancing with Shinra, Paine and Baralai were looking at each other like no one else existed, Gippal and one of the village girls were dancing. They could tell by her blush that Gippal was trying to sweet talk her. That was only three of the insane things going on out there.

"It is pretty amusing up here." Yuna giggled.

There was a shout of, "Heads up!"

Yuna looked out to see a blitzball zooming toward them. Tidus threw his arm up and caught it easily, throwing it back to them.

"Watch it!" he yelled.

"Sorry!"

"I swear they try to hit Me." he groaned.

"It would have hit me." Yuna said.

"Yeah, but I'm amazing and I stopped It." he grinned.

She snorted, shaking her head.

"Amazing, huh?"

"You know it." he grinned.

"Right."

She stood and pulled him up with her. They set off toward the people milling around and dancing.

"Yunie, dance with me!" Rikku exclaimed, grabbing at her cousin's arm.

Yuna glanced at Tidus.

"Go ahead." he laughed.

She grinned and joined her cousin. They had fun, just dancing and messing around.

"Hey, you doing okay?" Yuna asked her cousin.

"I'm getting better. Day by day, you know?" she said.

"Yeah. I know." Yuna said.

"It's times like this when I really miss him." she sighed.

Her green eyes showed sadness for a moment, but it was quickly covered up by excitement.

"Come on, Yunie! This is your day. Lets not get all mopey!" she giggled.

The two began to dance again, laughing and having a good time. Yuna couldn't stop smiling.

"So, you're a married woman now. How does it feel?" Gippal said, sliding his arm over her shoulder.

"The same as it did when I wasn't married. It hasn't really settled in yet." Yuna said.

"Aww, I was hoping for an elaborate story." he sighed.

"Sorry." Yuna giggled.

"Yuna, love!" A voice called from across the way. Gippal's eye widened.

"I'm out." he said, quickly.

"I'll come too!" Rikku said, following him.

"Guys!" she called after them.

They left me alone with Leblanc? That's just mean.

"Hello, Love." Leblanc said.

"Hello." Yuna said, trying her best to be polite.

"That was such a nice ceremony. I do hope Noojie and I can have a wedding like that." she gushed.

"Oh, he asked you?" Yuna asked. Nooj didn't seem like someone who would want to get married.

"Well, not yet. I keep dropping hints. He'll pick them up soon I hope." she sighed.

"I'll keep my fingers crossed." Yuna said.

"Thank you, Love." Leblanc said, then strutted away.

Yuna gave a violent shudder. Tidus came over to her, laughing.

"Enjoyed the show?" she asked, feigning anger.

"Yeah, actually I did." he said.

"You're rude." she said, turning away from him.

He laughed.

"Funny, Yuna." he said.

She still didn't turn around.

"I didn't want to do this," he said. "Well, actually I do but…" he trailed of, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck lightly. She couldn't help but stretch out her neck to give him easier access.

"See?" he whispered, still planting kisses on her neck.

"Tidus." she giggled.

"Nope, you asked for it." he said, hitting the sensitive spot on her neck.

She had to admit, she was enjoying it. The problem was that the entire village could see it.

"Okay! You win." she giggled.

He finally pulled away from her.

"I'll get you later." he said.

She shook her head at him and watched him walk away. This was it. This was her ending. The perfect ending.

Rikku

70 years later

Rikku held tightly onto Yuna's hand. Her cousin was crying softly.

"Hey, hey." Rikku said softly, patting her cousin's hand.

"It's my time now." she said.

The years had changed her. She was no longer the bouncy girl she had once been. She was a tired old woman and it was time for her to rest.

"Not yet, I should go before you." Yuna said softly.

"No, Yunie. Spira still needs you." she smiled.

Her words were coming out in soft gasps now. She could feel her breathing slowing and it was growing darker.

"I need you, Rikku. You can't leave me, too." Yuna said, softly.

"You'll be fine Yunie. You've still got Paine…and Leblanc." she said the later with a tired laugh.

"But this means I'm going to be the last of the Final Pilgrimage." Yuna said.

"As you should be. We guardians are supposed to go before you, anyway, right?" she said.

"But Rikku…"

"Don't feel bad for me. The pain will stop. I'm going to be with Auron again." she said, softly.

Yuna nodded, tears flooding her eyes.

"I love you, Yunie." she said.

In the next moment she felt a light, flying sensation. She looked down and watched the last of the pyreflies float up from her body.

The years have not been nice to you, girl.

She hugged Yuna once more, then gave in to the pulling sensation in her chest. She watched as she sped over Spira, taking in all those sights for the last time. Spira wasn't what it had been when she was young. The Machina cities had been rebuilt. Zanarkand had been rebuilt as well, with Tidus's instruction, of course. That's where she had been. She watched all the scenery fly by, seeing her memories of those places. So many memories. She caught sight of the Moonflow. That was where they had first met. Then into Guadosalam. Many of the Guado turned as she passed them. Of course they could sense her. She moved up the ramp and past the Guado guard.

"Good luck." the guard said.

She passed by him and floated up the steps, then into the Farplane. She stood on the calling stone for a moment, then looked around her. She stepped to the edge of the calling stone and watched the dancing pyreflies. She wanted to follow them into that beautiful valley so much. She stepped off the edge of the calling stone and fell. She didn't land hard, but gracefully on her feet. She felt…more agile. Stronger. She brought her hands to her face and felt it. It was smooth. She looked down at herself. She was seventeen again. Her hair was pure blonde again, not streaked with gray. She moved through the flowered fields for a few minutes until she saw a blitzball flying in her direction. She ducked out of the way, marveling her quickness. She hadn't been able to move like that in years.

"Oh, sorry bout that!" a familiar voice called.

"Wakka?" she asked, looking up.

"Rikku?" he said, coming toward her.

"Yeah."

"Wow! I'd say I was glad to see you, but that's a bit mean." he laughed.

She smiled and hugged him.

"Do you know why we're young again?"

"No idea, but I sure ain't complainin'." he said.

"Wakka?" she heard another voice call.

"Tidus?" she asked Wakka.

He nodded.

She ran in the direction of his voice and found him a few seconds later. She threw her arms around him in a hug.

"Rikku!" he said.

"Hi." she grinned.

"Yuna's not here?" he asked.

"No." she said.

He looked a mix of disappointed and relieved.

"Well, it's good to see you…under the circumstances I mean." he said.

"I don't mind. I feel better then I've felt in years." she said.

"Hey, Ti?"

"Yeah."

"Where is Auron?" she asked.

"Oh right." he nodded. "Follow me."

Rikku followed him through the flowered fields and she filled him and Wakka in on what they had missed in Spira in the last few years.

They finally reached a hut and Tidus knocked on the door sharply.

"Who is it?" she heard Auron's gruff voice call. She hadn't heard that voice in so many years; she had long forgotten the sound. As the memory rushed back to her, she wanted to cry.

"It's me. I have a surprise for you." Tidus called.

There was a loud sigh.

"Trust me, you'll like this one." Wakka called.

There were heavy footsteps at the door. Tidus and Wakka quickly stepped out of view. The door swung open and Auron stood there, looking the same as he had the last time she had seen him, seventy years before. He stood there in shock for a moment before she moved forward and caught his lips against her own.

"I've missed you." she said softly, hugging him when she pulled away, resting her head against his chest.

"As I have you." he said.

Rikku felt truly at peace for the first time in seventy years. Now that she was here, they could really be together for eternity. Just like it was meant to be.