I woke to the sun's rays the next day. My head hurt a lot, and then I remembered all the crying I had done the day before. I remembered just a few hours ago, I received news my friend committed suicide. The one person in the world that seemed to as if he didn't even know what sadness was. He was gone and it felt so unreal. I yawned looking around soon realizing; I was in Squall's room at Laguna's place. It took me a second to remember i'd ask to come here. I couldn't stand being in the dorm a moment longer. I didn't even wake anyone either, I was afraid I would fall apart again. I simply left a note stating I would be back later.

Some friend I am.

Hopefully they won't be angry seeing that I abandoned them at such a tragic moment. Hopefully, this one thing was just so like 'Squall' to do. Trying not to think so much, I checked the clock on the stand. It was past noon and I knew I had class in less than an hour. I had to get up, go to the campus, and make it through the day. Being in this place just got all the more harder. Not just because one of the first friends I made died. Not just that, Squall was still missing, and according to Jecht...there could be a killer here. I don't want to believe it, but Tidus' killing himself is far fetched.

Would I really rather a murderer than what could be the truth?

As I got dressed I heard banging from above. Putting my jacket on, I found the source coming from the attic. Following the cloud of dusting descending the antic I found Laguna, sitting with his legs cross, and arms deep in a box.

"What the heck are you doing Laguna?"

"Oh sorry Squally, I was just doing a bit of digging and found some of Raine's old stuff. I was just gonna bring it down and look through it." He sighs passing me a box.

"What made you want to do this all of a sudden?"

"Well, there was a story on last night and well. It reminded me of Raine a bit."

"What story was this?"

"I really don't know but it had to do with Mako mushrooms. It'll be coming on again like in like ten minutes."

I nod and bring the box over to the table looking through it. It's mostly filled with old papers, clipped newspaper articles and a few thin journals. The newspapers were no importance to me, so I just put those neatly in a pile. The journal's looked more promising. Perhaps something in them will get my mind off all this. The first was old and definitely looked like it was used daily. It was a year book from a kindergarten.

I was afraid to see Raine's picture, so I skipped it. The second was a dark blue with yellowed pages. It was my uncle's journal, mostly full of doodles of weapons and aircrafts. I chuckle to myself seeing the childish drawings. I pull out a few more photos and newspapers before emptying the box. As I gently gather the items to put then back another journal falls out. After ensuring the rest of the items were safe, I pick up the newer looking journal. Flipping the cover over, I furrow my eyebrows seeing Squall's name.

Wait, this can't be the journal I'm after is it? Could it be Laguna put it away and Squall forgot?

"What's wrong Squall-ball?"

"Nothing, I just found an old journal of mine...don't call me that please."

Laguna pushes me toward my room and sits down with me. "You got it Squally bear! Well, what are you waiting for? Open that baby up!" He exclaims excitedly.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and huff. "These...are personal memories."

"Yup, so let's check them out!"

"Let me read yours and you're on."

Laguna shrugs and pulls his out. "deal."

"Let me read yours in front of Ifana and we have a deal."

Without any words Laguna stands up leaving with his tongue out. Not trusting my sneaky relative, I follow him to the door. After making sure it's locked I sit down on the floor. In an instant I have the journal open to the first entry. The faded ink barely legible on the pages, but I manage to read it.

April 08, 2013

I'm really looking forward to this spring break. Me and Rinoa already decided to go to costa la del. Reno, Axel and Shuyin are bringing their friends too. But really I hope she likes me, this girl could be the one!

Huh, maybe I'm treating this Rinoa all wrong. It seems Squall actually likes her a lot.

April 13, 2013

I hate this place already, too many people. It reeks of beer and who knows what else. But Shuyin and the others like it. I guess I'll hold it out for them. But the good news is Seifer came along.

Pfft, Seifer is the good news? Guess I'm not the only one who is easily persuaded. Whatever...Reno and Axel were taking about two years ago, but I don't see-wait.

April 15, 2013

I almost didn't put this in my entries. Alas, here I am doing it anyway. I saw Shuyin kissing Rinoa. I mean he was supposed to be my best friend! How could he do that to me? Well it doesn't matter; I kissed his girlfriend Yuna in front of him. He has the audacity to look hurt when I give him a taste of his own medicine. The jokes on me, Rinoa dumped me for Seifer. I mean yeah...I know he liked Rinoa too but still. So you'd think losing a friend would end my terrible vacation? Not at all! In fact, it got better toward the end. I mean Seifer talks to me, but not Shuyin, why would I dare think that. Anyway, these three new spikey haired guys were transferred to Garden. The oldest of them is a guy named Cloud. Although he's pretty cute, I wouldn't admit that to anyone. Roxas is pretty cool too he's the youngest. He instantly became a social butterfly. It was easy to tell he'd get along with Yuffie, Zidane, Bartz and Sophie. I think I could go insane with their antics. I've never heard gossip travel so fast since they came.

I second that, Roxas knows how to get around...wait that sounds wrong.

April 20, 2013

Riku just waltz's up and kisses, my Cloud! I wish I gave him the slap Cloud and Roxas did. I could only sit there in anger with Sora. Sora looked angry at Cloud more so then Riku. I guess that makes sense though. Sora has been so shy around Riku, I think maybe it's a crush. The good news is; I finally got to talk to Cloud myself…Well to apologize for Riku. He asked me if I was free after class, from the blush on his face, I could tell he liked me. Before I knew it, I was kissing him. Not just the kiss blew me away either. It was so surreal to find someone with so much in common. So to think he feels the same way too. Take that Heartily.

He...he kissed Cloud?

April 27, 2013

Rinoa broke up with Seifer, I can't believe she asked me back out. I told her yeah, right in front of Seifer. It only a bit of fun payback, that's what I thought. Yeah it was really funny, but it made more bad news, because Cloud was also there. A few seconds later, I broke up with her and the hall went into chaos. Thanks to Yuffie and Roxas the whole campus knows. So, when I went to explain to Cloud I have no interest in Rinoa. He slapped me and told his cousin of all people! Now Seifer's always there never letting it die, even after I apologized, even after he claimed he forgave me. I just wanted a bit of payback, not this again. I don't think Seifer and I will ever be on good terms again.

Squall and Seifer were really friends?

Everything I just learned shed some light for me. But it also left many, many questions unanswered. Like, why Shuyin did that? What happened between Yuffie and Roxas? Why Rinoa did what she did? Seifer knows Squall has a crush on Cloud. Why didn't he expose that? He could have easily won the election with that alone. I wanted to read more but I couldn't hide the fact that I kept thinking of Tidus. I was becoming a desperate man, and I really need those Sinclair twins to shed light on this. Suddenly a headache was forming.

Maybe when I clear my head I'll talk to them.

I flip to the next page to see the year change and I shut the journal and put it back in the box. I didn't want to go too far without getting answers to the first year of Squall's drama. That and I feared what memories of Raine he would share. As I sat in silence; the silence that brought more sadness than peace. I've never felt my concentration slip the way it did today. It created way more fear than safety. I knew I had to stay strong during this whole thing…which is why I feel so weak. Thankfully that deafening silence was broken. I heard the TV turn on; and then a reporter going on about Tidus's cause of death. Laguna had the T.V. blasting as he usually did.

Thank you Laguna!

I bolt out of the attic and head downstairs turning the TV up. Sadly I'd missed everything. With a soft sigh, as I clicked the screen off.

"I was watching that." My uncle whines.

"Oh, sorry I forgot you were here. Want me to turn it back on?" I ask.

"Nah, I got the main part, I just wanted to see the sexy anchor is all."

I whipped my head toward him. "Wait, you heard everything? Do you know what Tidus's cause of death was?"

"Oh, his name is Tidus? I thought his name was Shuyin."

"Nope, they just look alike."

"Phew, I was mad as hell, well I still am. I thought he was that bestie you hung with. Well this 'Tidus' they say it was a murder-suicide."

I narrow my eyes walking closer. "Murder...? Are you sure about that?"

"His mother was hung, even though she had passed long before that. I'm guessing he thought it would look like a suicide that way." Laguna hugs Raine's journal and looks at me." But guilt must've eaten away at him. That boy...He took Mako Mushrooms, or at least they were in his system."

"Mako mushrooms? Those can't even make it past the border! What was he high on them?"

Laguna put the paper he had in his hand down. "It sounded like he took enough to kill himself. But I don't believe that Squall."

"He loved his mother...why would he kill her and himself?"

"Just look at that picture of that kid, He looks way to happy to just…end it all. I think it was a double homicide. It's just too familiar."

I cock my head to the side watching my uncle. "Why do you say that?" I ask.

"It's nothing; anyway, I heard they're having the burial today. The father wanted a funeral private and all."

"Zack told us it would be on Saturday! It's still the weekday, What about friends? He can't do this!"

"He can..." Laguna mumbles. "We did, remember?"

I shut my mouth at that like and looked ahead. That's right Squall and Laguna haven't even told "Leon" and my parents. They haven't told a soul about Raine. I think it's time I try and convince my uncle it's time, but not now. Not while I'm also living a lie. We had breakfast Laguna talked the whole time. Secretly I was happy about that. I didn't want to endure the silence any longer. Even if it were nonsense, silly riff raff, even if it were just another breathe. It's better than the silence I once craved.

It stayed like this for the rest of the meal. Then we went on that familiar drive to Garden. The ride felt so much quicker than it had. In truth, I wanted to nothing more to stay at Laguna's in that room, but I didn't want to be alone. I had never felt so selfish in my life, but being here at Garden, It will be just like high school. I was back to the Leon who just wanted everyone to disappear. The judgmental stares, soft whispering of gossip, and the memories I can't push away. Soon a wave of relief came over me. The pressure suddenly vanished as the van stopped and the engine dies.

We're here…

To my surprise Riku was waiting at the bus docks with Noctis and Cloud. Before I could get out, Riku opens the door and jumps in with the other two. Laguna merely re-starts the car and drives off.

"What's going on?" I ask in confusedly.

I feel two arms suddenly above my head, hugging my seat. "We called your uncle to pick us up, we're going to that funeral!" Riku declares.

"My uncles, helping us get to the funeral?"

Laguna hits the steering wheel and grins. "Damn right I am!"

I rub my temples while squeezing my eyes shut. "Wait...we can't all just be absent the same day. Seifer will rat us out, or Lighting will have our heads. That and Zack isn't here either." I ramble.

"Don't worry about it, Noctis here, already talked to Light." Noctis nods as Riku continues. "And Cloud took care of Seifer too. As for Zack he left at midnight, he told us to meet him there."

The car stayed quiet with the exception of Riku and Laguna's stories. Noctis continued to give Cloud the occasional glance of concern. Cloud has been holding his stomach and groaning a lot. If I remembered from Tifa's stories he had a bad case of motion sickness. I watch on in the rearview mirror, envy slowly consuming me. Even in this moment of mourning, guilt, and loss. How could my heart manage to allow such feelings to blind me? Noctis is comforting Cloud, nothing more. It's what I kept telling myself over and over. But I know how he feels, how my brother feels, hell how most of the damn college does.

As much as I hated to admit it, I wasn't jealous of Noctis' feelings for Cloud. Not at the moment at least. I was jealous of the comfort, the promises, the liberation of worries and woes. I was just as broken, just as torn apart, and probably even more scared. However, I'm not allowed to feel such a way. I can never be as worried, be as desperate, nor scared. I can't be terrified at such events. That wasn't Squall at all; he was brave, strong and a leader. Even at a time like this, even when a leader wants to fall apart; he can't. Not when I have Riku depending on me, not when Noctis is trying to stay positive, not...when Cloud is watching me.

I rub the scar on my nose and stare out the window. "Everything's gonna be alright." I declare.

Just like that, everything got a little better. Their smiles seem to restore the faith I have in myself. I knew it was a lie, but did they as well? Could they really see through my little act? Even if they knew it was a lie, why pretend not to notice? I had a Partial answer, if even an epiphany. Maybe because it was something we could grab on and run with. Hope, A little hope never hurt anyone. That's what I thought as I stared out at the ever changing scenery. Soon Laguna's hyper speeding slowed down and we all gape to the scenery outside.

So this is where Tidus is from?

Cloud was the first to get out of the car, and then Riku, Noctis and I. For a Four hour drive it was worth it. It was like a movie or something. Nothing I had ever been used too. Big electric signs, buildings so big you'd hurt your neck looking up. Vendors were everywhere, people crowed the streets, and technology was definitely this town's motto. Laguna gave a mock salute, as he informed me to call when we were ready to go back. We all thank him for the ride and take in the steely and smoky air from the city. Noctis easily found a sign waving us over.

"Welcome to Zandarkand, I wonder if I said that right." I mumble.

"It sounded right to me, better than I could do." Riku grins looking around in Awe. "This place is like the future or something; I'd go broke living here."

Cloud waves us over to a building and points at the huge billboard. A picture of Tidus alongside some other young guys flashes. I feel a sting in my heart seeing that bright smile and carefree expression. At the bottom of the billboard, a sincere message dedicated to Tidus and his family. The screen flashes again showing a young Jecht and beautiful young woman. The young woman was holding a child, most likely Tidus. I smile at the happy display. Noctis pulls us over to a nearby park like area and points at a huge sphere. Inside was a life size holographic image of Tidus, Jecht and his mother.

While Riku and the other continued to look around in admiration. I did a quick search of this place on my phone. It was definitely on of the most expensive places to live. Their law enforcement was top notch, they are topped ranked in world next to Eos when it comes to entertainment. I put the phone away when Riku points to a freaking life sized statue of Tidus.

"He's pretty popular here huh?" He states slowly.

"He was the star Biltzball player ya, nobody could lay a finger on the kid." A man gloats. "You name a team, this kid beat em ya! Same goes for that thick headed dad of his. Jecht and Tidus are superstars here ya."

We turned to find the source of the voice. Once we did my eyes went wide. It was Lulu's orange haired husband siting on a bench. We awkwardly walked over to him. I should've known I'd see him again, after all he seemed as passionate about as Tidus.

"They're superstars? I would've never thought with Jecht being a teacher!" Noctis exclaims.

"Tidus was on the Biltzball team but never once did they mention him being a superstar player. Heck, Tidus wasn't even that poplar at garden." Riku adds.

The orange haired man sat on the ground inviting us to crowd around. Seeing as this guy was harmless and just as shaken as us, we at least decided to listen. As he continued to fill us in, we soon found ourselves sitting around him. There was something familiar about the man, but I couldn't place it. I ignored the feeling and listened in to the others story. I found out Jecht retired from Blitz years ago. That and Tidus went to Garden with the sole purpose of learning. Can't be a superstar with no education right? Even I know Garden University was a no brainer. It was an easy University to get into and the classes weren't that hard. If anything it was just an odd place to be.

Maybe escaping the city life?

Apparently, his mother didn't like the idea of her son being so far. She has already dealt with ten years of Jecht disappearing for weeks and months. She didn't want to deal with only seeing her child when break would allow. I hadn't even raised an eyebrow when I heard him say Tidus agreed with that. He loved his mother, in fact, he talked about all the time. Jecht enrolled him anyway. This was the start of his marital downfall; the teacher couldn't take the arguing, so he proposed a divorce. That made things worse; Tidus hated him for making his mother so miserable. Jecht knew Tidus couldn't last in a real prestigious college, and Tidus knew that. Tidus made a deal with Jecht that if he graduates, he'd have to be the husband his mother always wanted; because she still loved him. Deep down Jecht loved her still too. This is why in the end they both ended up at Garden.

It was for Tidus' education and Jecht to watch over him, like a real dad. For the chance that maybe their family could be a family again. Of course, that didn't make up for the ten year gap. Watching over him at least made him feel more like a father. Jecht used to get so excited when he brought me Tidus' report card. Wakka told us, Jecht really put his all into becoming a better man and father. So I could imagine why this made Tidus' so mad. I could see it from the moment I saw Jecht, with Tidus and Zack. Tidus, he hated that the man could change his ways. He hated him for making the right choices, so late. He loathed his father for caring so much for him. I could see through that act easy. The fact is; Tidus may have loved his father more than his mother. For as many times as he brought up his mother, he'd bring Jecht up ten times more than that.

To think this whole time, that was a show, and he was rooting Jecht to change himself into a loving husband and father.

"I'm talking too much ya, I gotta get going, gonna be late ya." He yawned as he stood.

"Wait, who are you?" I ask.

"I hope you're not serious ya, I'm your AP teach, Wakka. I knew you had that stare off in the distance look sometimes."

"You're a teach-teacher?! Why are you here?" Riku stutters.

"Uh yeah I am, friend of the family ya. Don't worry, I know you all hung out with Tidus, he told me. I'm his god bro after all ya." he rubs his neck and smiles. "Thanks for doing that ya, he really liked you guys, especially you Leonhart."

"I wish I could have thanked him more for being mine."

"I'm not really supposed to do this or Jecht would have my head." Wakka gives me a piece of paper and retreats. "See you all there ya?"

I nod as everyone crowds around me and the paper. It was the location and time of the funeral. I mentally debated on just catching up with Wakka and following, but I knew that we had plenty of time. We all headed into the town, getting an eyeful of the scenery. I hadn't seen such a lively city before, and a proud one at that. As we headed toward the side of the road. A couple of Guardians were heading off mumbling things about Tidus's case. Unlike Balamb, which had SeeD. Here in Zandarkand their law force were the Guardians. From what I read online, they are overprotective to the point of rudeness when it comes to their city. I pinch the bridge of my nose already knowing what was next.

"Let's follow them, maybe we can find out more about this." Riku suddenly suggests.

Why did I have to be right?

"I think we know as much as they do. The police wouldn't hold evidence and details back." I sigh.

Cloud steps between us and bites his lower lip. "I agree with Riku...It's just, I don't believe that Squall. It's just too familiar."

Deja vu much?

"I want to go too Squall." Noctis adds.

I nod instantly receiving smiles from the trio. "We can do a bit of investigating, and then we should find Zack."

"But we need to be off before those guys pull a Houdini on us." Noctis grumps.

We weren't on foot for long. The officers got into their vehicles and we 'borrowed' two bicycles from a shop nearby. I was slightly blushing from the fact that Cloud was on my handle bar. Luckily it was easy to distract myself with following the car. I also had front row seat to Noctis getting on Riku's nerves. Riku was showing off his less then safe actions on the handlebar. As fate would have it Riku fell off right when we stopped. I could'nt help but laugh at the poor guy. I felt more relaxed in this moment then I had since I got Garden.

"Noctis, what the hell man? You're trying to kill me! Ugh, you made me look so uncool in front of Cloud." The silver haired young man exclaims.

Noctis shrugs kicking the bike stand out. "You were warned plenty of times, don't blame me for fate. Hey, Cloud do you need help down?" Noctis asks suddenly locked onto the blonde.

He nods with a blush and in a split second he hops off the bike to help him. I roll my eyes as they stare a small smile. Still holding the bike, I kick the stand up and let it go. Not even a few steps toward the house, Cloud steps back with eyes full of fear. Even though that fear was indeed fear it his eyes, it seemed as if they were glowing, or reacting to something. If even for a moment, I'd never seen anything like that, and it scared me. I froze unsure of what to do. I could only watch as Noctis gathered the blonde into his arms. I could only hear his low murmur of 'Mako' or something. I look around trying to find what caused that reaction, but there was nothing.

As if on cue the sirens start to sound and we duck watching the cars zoom by. Soon we were alone and Cloud calmed down. Despite our constant worries; he claimed he was alright. It was Noctis' a look of relief and a quick nod that made me lead on. Although I was quite bitter he decided to lock hands with the blonde. Riku seemed to share my shame annoyance to my displeasure.

Way to make everything awkward Noctis.

Our jaws dropped as we actually got close to the house or better yet mansion. Its Victorian style was wrapped in yellow crossing tape. We ignored the warning on the tape, ducking under and headed into the opened house. It was beautiful inside, but the smell of old blood made us gag. We searched for a good thirty minutes on and off, but found nothing. As we all gathered together to leave, I stopped. Or at least, something made me stop. I felt something leading me to the upstairs. Despite the others protests, I followed this feeling. Letting it lead me to what I assumed was Tidus's room. Blitzball items were littered everywhere, along with family photos. As I walked closer to a picture which resembled the family on the display. The floorboard creeked and I jumped slightly. With an annoyed sigh, I kneel down pressing on it. To my surprise, a piece moves, and I pull it up. A single red diary lay in the small compartment.

This diary thing isn't as rare as I thought.

I panic a bit hearing rushing footsteps. My only thought was pulling the diary out and putting it in my messenger bag. Which I did, along with putting the floorboard back and standing up. Right on cue Riku enters the room and begs me to get going. When we are out of the house, I greedily suck in the fresh air with the others. With hands on my knees and my head hanging down I sigh.

"Geez Leonhart and I thought you wanted to be in law enforcement." Riku jokes.

"Did I mention not field work? It smells something fierce in There. "

Noctis stares at into the windows of the house. "Blood isn't going to smell like roses."

"Riku, Noctis, Squall, we should get going. I think the Guardians are on their way back." Cloud informs pointing to vehicles in the distance.

Instead of grabbing the bikes, we run through the path behind the mansion. I point out a more wooded path. The smaller plants and twigs were flat and scattered. That and the dirt looked uneven as if someone were...

"Guys, over here, I think something or someone was taken this way."

Noctis inspects the scene and nods. "He's right; something was dragged off the path. Let's go then shall we?"

Cloud steps in front of us and shakes his head. "We have to tell the Guardians, there's no telling what evidence we could ruin going through ourselves."

We all agree seeing as even the Guardians missed this path. We all turn away from crime scene, but I get that strange feeling again. Quickly looking around, my eyes lock in on an object shimmering in the suns light. I look to the others seeing they are still moving and quickly lean down and pocket it. Despite our claim to leave, we didn't. As Cloud stated, the Guardians were back, and none too happy to see us.

"Can't you boys read?! You are in serious trouble you hear? You could be arrested for trespassing!" The man in charge yells.

"We're new in this town; we only came to attend the funeral!" Riku argues.

"So you decide to come to the crime scene?! I should have you all arrested for trespassing! Hang on, do you boys know something? It's mightly suspicious you coming here. Talk!" He barks.

I decide to play dumb and step ahead holding the paper Wakka gave me. I put a finger on the address to send well wishes at the man and he snatches it. I could only emphasize that this was the address we saw and we were not missing our friends funeral. After a few second he returns it and points left. He informs us that while the paper indeed had Tidus's address on it, which I knew. The actual funeral was a few blocks away at the address a few lines down. He shakes his head already frustrated he has no leads in his case. To our dismay Cloud stays back to talk. After a few seconds, he calls us, and a few of his team members back, to verify the location we found.

If we can find it.

With a bit of difficultly, we find the area, and the police send us on our way. That is after getting our information and giving his. The lead detective wasn't all that bad, a little stressed, but a good guy overall. He even personally took us to the funeral location and ushered us to the door. The man was happy because of the new lead, so he wanted to tell Jecht the news. Jecht wasn't even a bit happy seeing us. The moment he opened the door for us, it was slammed in our faces. Feeling a bit ticked off, I knock again, and he opens it all the way this time walking toward me.

Jecht sucks in a quick breath and growls a bit. "What the hell do you boys want? Don't you have class today, in fact I KNOW you do. Buzz off; I already told the last one, I don't want any fuckin' spectators!" He grits out.

"We aren't spectators, we're his friends!" Cloud argues surprising me.

"You're his friends? Friends ha! If you're his friend so tough...why didn't you stop him? What was so wrong he had to kill himself...kill Laurie? Why?!" Jecht screams as he falls to pieces.

Auron appears from the house looking only at Jecht. "You know it isn't their fault Jecht nor is it yours. There's more to this and you have to give the investigation crew time-"

"I gave them enough time, they've had plenty!"

"This is why I'm here to update you. Thanks to these young men here, we've found our case has taken a whole new direction. We have homicides on our hands." The detective informs him.

"Like...someone murdered my wife and son?! Not a murder suicide? Oh Shiva I'm so happy." He yells confusing us.

"Why is that better?" I ask.

Jecht looks at me with tear filled eyes. "I knew Tidus would never do anything like that to his mother. I felt sick to my stomach even believing it a bit. That's why when I find this bastard who took my family away...I'll make him feel my pain, then kill him myself." Jecht declares.

"Even though I feel as strongly about this as you Jecht. That's premeditated murder, which if you didn't know, that's against the law. "The detective clears his throat and steps forward. "And, I can't let you do that."

"Then you better find whoever it is first. You boys...thank you, come in, Tidus is waiting."

"Me too right?"

Zack appears from the side of the house and we all smile. "Of course, Tidus would annoy me from the afterlife if I didn't Zackary. Why the hell are you half covered in dust boy?" Jecht asks taking in Zack's appearance.

"I was gonna get in there one way or another. The chimney sounded like a good idea. Then I found out it was narrow, and I climbed down."

"I would laugh my ass off at that if the circumstances were different Zack. Alright, get your butts in there, before I change my mind."

"Where were you Zack?" Noctis asks.

"I was waiting at the main entrance; I didn't see you guys so I went ahead. Yuna dropped her paper so…I took it. I almost thought Jecht wouldn't let us see Tidus." He finishes softly.

"Get in or I'll make you!" Jecht growls.

We didn't even spare a glance Jecht as we head into the house. An image of Tidus and his mother was displayed in the living room. The lit candles flame light danced across our faces as we met with a few others. The teacher we previously met was sitting in silence on the couch. Auron was emotionlessly leaning against the door frame. A few people I had never met were in the room as well. Mostly all adults excluding the young woman leaning over the casket. We ducked back a bit seeing Lulu walk up to this 'Yuna' and leading her to another room.

Luckily she didn't see us and we quickly made our way to the casket. It was closed of course; I was a bit relieved to see that. Secretly I was scared and on the verge of tears myself. Despite my stoic appearance, I was falling to pieces. We each took turns saying our goodbyes to Tidus and back away so that Auron can do the same. The room was filled with so much emotion and sobs. Yet about the same time there was a painful deafening silence. A gentle knock from the door alerts Jecht and he rushes over. An accepting smile marring his face as he let what looked like a young teen wearing religious clothes in. He looked eerily familiar, but I couldn't place it. He kept staring at me emotionless, and then out of the blue, he began speaking about Laurie and Tidus. Nearly an hour later, he finished and all the men grabbed the caskets. My hand began to sweat, not from the weight, but the simple fact that; I knew what was inside.

I was nervous again; I had never done or seen anything like this before. I didn't really think much of death, because It never happened to someone I knew, I didn't have to experience this with Raine. But as far as the world knows, Squall did. Even on the path we walked which was nearly twenty minutes, it only seemed like five. I didn't want to do this to Tidus, not his mother, not anyone. I didn't want this to be real, but it was, and there was nothing I could do about it. The once empty sidewalks were packed with people following us to the burial site. Rain drowned out the cries that once filled the air, as mother and son were lowered into the earth below. Zack wept loudly unable to hold his tears any longer. Cloud made his way over trying to console the man. I abandoned my spot next to Riku and Noctis to stand by Jecht. I shake a bit pulling out the shimmering item, handing it to him. His tears subsided as he grabs the seemingly glowing necklace and clears his throat.

"This is our family crest; did Tidus give this to you?"

"No...I found it where we found that path. I know I wasn't supposed to touch anything but it felt like I had too."

"Here." Jecht thrusts the item back in my hands. "If you found it, Tidus probably meant for you to have it."

"Like he wants me to find the person?"

"Ha, that's my job kid, you stick to the books."

"Is it true you and Auron are quitting?"

"No, I think the person we're looking for is right at that school, but before that. There's something I have to get for Tidus' the crystal cup. He's been after that thing since he started here."

I nod to Jecht as the sky starts to clear. "I'll bring that Blitz cup to Garden on my life."

Leave it to Tidus to even have Blitz talk going even on this day.

The pain was no longer visable on people's faces. The sad tears everyone shed were more of happy cries. It seemed as If Tidus was making us smile one more time. Everyone started to leave eventually, including Auron and Jecht. As I watched Riku and Noctis kid around, I caught a glimpse of the priest again. He was watching me, as if waiting for me to do something. As I thought back on it, It was the same look he was giving me since he showed up. He put his cross up to his face still staring at me, it felt weird. Not as if he were judging me, more like he were choosing me.

When I contemplated talking to the blonde priest. Wakka offered us a ride, and just like that; the man was gone again. Although I wanted to find him again. I didn't want to miss a free ride to take us four hour drive back to Garden. Going with Wakka It was a bonus, seeing as Cloud didn't want to throw his insides up thanks to my uncles crazy driving, we accepted. So I didn't have to call Laguna, well other than telling him to go home. I felt a bit happier once everything was over. The light that embraced us after the rain felt so warm. Tidus was definitely trying to tell me something.

Don't worry Tidus, I'll find your killer. We'll all find whoever did this to you.

Although the whole ride I wanted to pull out Tidus's diary, I resisted the urge. I wanted to show Zack, but there was this strange feeling not to. Most likely because Zack was still angry about Tidus's death. Bringing up my brothers diary would be selfish. That's what I kept telling myself. Even when we got back to the dorm. I got the same feeling around Noctis as well. So, I kept the diary hidden with the crest. I just wanted to relax a bit, after all this drama, I could only think to relax just a bit.

Life at garden was depressing now. Probably because it had only been a few days since the funeral. Even with Zack tried to go back was back to his happy self. Noctis was trying to still tease me, but you can't fake happiness. Even so, that doesn't mean you can't try for the sake of everyone else. So coming out in another of Laguna's famous; why do you have these boxers! Really can brighten up the day, even if it is at my expense. Cloud comes to over dorm when we don't have class. It's nice that he's not angry anymore, I like spending time with him. I mean sure we aren't doing THAT, I don't even know how to do it, but Leon wouldn't have it any other way. Plus after that steamy make out session from before.

I think he might really like me...a lot.

What am I saying, he's totally into Squall NOT Leon. Maybe he's really not into Squall so much either, Noctis has been making a few moves on Cloud and then some. He didn't exactly back off when Noctis kissed him either. Zack says compared to me, Noctis is like a prince and I'm just a pauper. I maybe a pauper but, even Zack can't deny Squall is a prince too. So it's only right that If I want Cloud to stay liking Squall, I have to do something right? He likes Cloud after all. It's for Squall, not matter how this stupid heart of mine wants it. This is my brother's story, I can't just come in and take it. Even though I've been kinda avoiding my whole task of helping Squall.

But it is his fault for taking all these stupid classes and being a model student, prick.

I'm going to find my brother, I'm going to get justice for Tidus, then I'll take Cloud fair and square. Well, I'm a pauper after all, it's his fault I got a taste of this life right?