The First Cut Is The Deepest

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N: As I promised, another swift update. Things are starting to get pretty intense, and it only gets better from here on out. Enjoy! :)

"The balance of power has shifted."

"Sir?"

Rising out of his throne, Mika folded his hands inside his robes, "Someone has interrupted our plans. Sound the gong."

The lone guard nodded hesitantly, but did as he was told. Picking up a padded stick, he struck the gong three times and stood silent. Within a matter of seconds, the room was filled with guards kneeling at the feet of Lord Mika. Behind the rows, stood the head of the guard.

Bowing respectfully, the man raised his head, "Your excellency?"

"Evacuate the city immediately. Every woman and child is to flee Divina."

"What about the men, sir?"

"Rally the men and steel them with any available weapon we have in our arsenal. After, prepare my escort – we march on Abaddon at first light."

Standing in utter disbelief, the man questioned his orders, "My lord, forgive me but, what of Lady Yuna? She's still in the wind..."

Nodding once, Mika continued, "Send for Lady Yuna's betrothed. No better time than the present for him to retrieve her and keep her safe."

"Very well, Lord Mika."

"They're not here," Rikku whined as the group searched the last nook at the Great Rift, "We just wasted precious time!"

"That's not true, Cid's girl," Gippal smirked, "We found out they're not here. So technically, we're one step closer to finding them."

Folding her arms across her chest and pointing her nose in the air, Rikku simply 'hmphed' his logic.

Standing among the field, Braska casted his eyes to the sky, seemingly lost in thought. The gray clouds moved slowly, taking on a funnel form. Crouching down, he picked up a handful of soil and straightened up again. Opening up his palm, the earth blew it gently back into the atmosphere.

"You know something, don't you?" Lulu asked softly, watching from a distance.

It was then that everyone turned to watch Braska's every move.

"I may know of a way we can find them," he paused and looked back up to the sky, "But I can't promise it'll work."

"No one is looking for promises – just the two of them." Auron answered gruffly.

"Whatcha thinkin' Braska?" Jecht squinted with curiosity.

"Lulu?"

As Braska spoke her name, Lulu approached him from behind, "I think I know what you need me to do."

Wakka stepped forward to protest, but caught a nod from Lulu that it was ok.

"You know her better than anyone," Braska smiled, "I think you should be the one to do it."

"Do what?" Wakka asked.

"I'm going to attempt to summon her back here with us."

Paine shifted her weight around, "But what about Tidus? Don't you need them both?"

Lulu and Braska looked at each other and then back to the ground, avoiding everyone's gaze.

"I don't like those faces, ya? And...if you don't know where they are, how can you teleport to them?"

"Because I'm not going to teleport them, Wakka. I'm going to try and send my soul to her."

Wakka's eyes grew wide with fear, "You couldn't possibly...but that means!"

"Yes, I know what it means, but I'm willing to do this for her." Lulu snapped.

"Would someone please explain to me what the hell is going on?" Nooj sighed.

Braska turned to the group and inhaled, "I am going to preform a forbidden ritual called a sending. What it basically means, is that I am going to send Lulu's soul out of her body and hope it reaches Yuna. If and when it does, Lulu can communicate with Yuna and help her back to us."

"But without a soul," Auron grunted, "Lulu's physical body will not be alive – she has to essentially die to use it."

"Correct," Lulu nodded, "I'm more connected with Yuna than anyone here, so my soul should be able to reach her."

"I keep hearing words like: hope, if, and should!" Wakka growled, "No way should you stick your neck out like this, Lu! There's gotta be another way, ya?"

"We have no time," Lulu smiled with a heavy heart, "Braska, if you would?"

He nodded as the last of the earth drifted from his palm. Lulu backed away and waved her right hand outward to reveal a staff. Braska reflected the same graceful movements, holding his own staff. When the wind shifted just right, Lulu folded her dress under her knees and knelt to the ground, placing her staff in front of her – upon touching the ground, it secured a white glowing orb around her.

"Somebody stop them!" Wakka yelled out.

The rest exchanged looks, but never budged. Wakka watched in horror as Braska circled Lulu with his staff in his right hand, level with the ground. Lulu bowed at the waist with her arms cupped at her chest.

"Stop it, ya! You're killing her!"

Storming past everyone, Wakka was determined to save her. But Auron caught his arm tightly, refusing to let him. Lulu's head raised slightly – her scarlet eyes catching Wakka's. As Braska stopped behind her and twirled his staff, she felt her energy leaving her. Fighting tears, she gave one of her illusive smiles and nodded.

As Braska stopped twirling his staff, he pointed it directly at Lulu's back. Eerie cries could be heard leaving the orb, and Lulu's hands fell to the ground beneath her. Taking one last glance at the witnesses, she drew her last breath and fell to the ground lifeless while her soul slipped from the protective encasement and flew away.

"No!" Wakka screamed as he shoved past Auron.

"Wakka, you can't!" Braska grunted as he fell to his knees in exhaustion.

Wakka reached out for Lulu, but as he took hold of the orb, an explosion ensued. He was thrown back with such force that it winded him. Jecht walked over solemnly and helped him off the ground.

"The wall cannot be breached," Braska supplied, "Within it, Lulu's physical form will be preserved for a limited time. As the time reaches closer to the end, it will start to fade – until it gives completely."

"And if that happens," Paine hung her head, "She's gone for good."

Braska somberly nodded just once.

Tidus' POV:

My eyes fluttered open slowly, but they were met with a bright light.

"Ow," I grunted, bringing my hands to my eyes.

"Sorry," Yuna whispered as sweat trickled down her face, "I was just healing your wound."

"It's ok," I chuckled and raised up on my elbows, "You're not hurt are you?"

She turned from me and shook her head. I sat up and looked at my left arm, noticing how there was no scar left from the cut I made.

"Your cut was much deeper than mine," Yuna whispered as she lowered her head, "Why?"

I shrugged my shoulders and wrapped my arms around my knees, "I didn't wanna hurt you more than that thing was, I guess."

Yuna turned to face me again, "It was quick thinking on your part."

I felt heat rising to my cheeks, "I just remember people pinching themselves when they thought they were dreaming. I figured something like that would help. Speaking of which..."

I looked down to see her necklace still clutched in my hand.

"Sorry. I kinda...um...well...broke it."

She slowly reached over and took it from me, examining it in her own hand. As I looked at her face, it surprised me.

"It's ok. It wasn't anything important to begin with." she replied emotionless and stuffed it harshly into the fold of her dress, "Now we have to find a way back to our friends."

"Where are we anyway?" I asked, standing and helping Yuna do the same.

"I can't say for sure."

"You're the one who brought us here, remember? How did you do that anyway?"

"I...don't know, really."

"You don't know where we are? Or you don't know how you brought us here?"

Yuna lowered her head in shame, "Both."

"How is that even possible?" I squinted, scratching the back of my head, "You mean you have no idea? None at all?"

"I...remember you embracing me, and then I said 'you're safe now', but after that," she paused, struggling to recall, "Someone spoke to me."

"What did they say?" I asked as I shuffled over to her.

Her eyes met mine, "It was like...she spoke to me inside my head – telling me everything was going to be ok, and that she would keep us safe. The whole ordeal, was like an out of body experience."

"How do you mean?"

"Tidus, I watched us both teleport, but it wasn't me doing it. I had no control over my own body."

"Did you see anyone?"

"No, it was just us. The next thing I know, I woke up in the dark – the dream state."

"Yeah, I'd like to know how we got there, too." I mumbled, "Well, we can think about all that after we get back. Can you teleport us back to the others?"

Yuna spun around with her eyes widened with fear, "No, I can't."

"What do you mean you can't? Didn't you do it once before?"

"I told you," she wrung her hands, "I didn't do it."

I stared at her, and she at me. There was a long pause, and finally I shook my head.

"No. There is no way I'm gonna be stuck here in this place! Is there anything you can do?"

"I..." she whispered, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have trusted her."

Yuna's POV:

My eyes stung with hot tears threatening to fall. My body was exhausted from all the spells I had used, and my head ached with everything that had gone on. Tidus placed his hand on my shoulder, and I instinctively reacted to it, falling into his chest.

"It's ok," he said, "We'll figure out something. Don't give up now."

"I'm not giving up," I forced myself to say, "I just need a minute to think."

"I'm afraid I can't let that happen." a cold voice echoed in the distance.

Raising my head over Tidus' shoulder, a woman came into view. She stood there, seeming very upset at the sight of me. Tidus spun around at the sound of her voice, and I watched both of them. They knew each other, and each of them were surprised in their own way. But why?

"Give her to me, Tidus."

Tidus said nothing. Instead, he pushed me behind him.

"I said give her to me!" the woman shrieked.

"Like hell I will," Tidus challenged, "You have no business with her."

"Oh, but I do," she exhaled as she laughed, "And I'll go through you if I have to."

"You won't have to," another voice chuckled, "Yuna is coming with me."

The sound of his voice caused my eyes to slam shut and I clutched Tidus' shirt tighter. I knew who was behind me – and I knew despite everything Tidus would do to keep me safe, he was going to win. He always did.

"You always did know how to ruin the moment, Seymour." the woman sighed, "But this time, I have the upper hand."

"You're seriously mistaken, Morana. I shall be escorting my future bride back to Divinia where she belongs – safe and sound."

"She's not going anywhere with either of you!" Tidus spat out as she clutched me tighter to his back, "And what do you mean 'future bride'?"

"Yuna?"

"Stay away from me, Seymour," I warned.

"Or what? You've become mighty brave in your time away from Divinia. I can't help but to think it's because of this...young man, who, might I add, has been trained to escort you to your death."

Tidus' POV:

Her breath became labored and hot between my shoulder blades. I could feel the anger seeping from her and into me. Just who the hell did this Seymour think he was?

"You're lying..." Yuna whispered.

"Am I?" Seymour questioned, looking over at Morana.

She smirked, "Not intentionally, but hey, whatever works."

"Yuna," I whispered, "I have no idea what they're talking about. You know that's not who I am."

"I grow tired of your games!" Seymour yawned as he extended his hand.

Before I had time to react, a lighting spell was heading straight for us. The only thing I had time to do, was shield Yuna – to protect her – but to my surprise, it never landed. It was reflected back at Seymour and Morana. I didn't have to turn to know Yuna had been behind that move.

"Neither one of you will touch us," Yuna commanded as she stepped in front of me, staff in hand.

"How dare you step to defend him!" Morana cried out, "You and you're glorified magic don't stand a chance!"

"I don't belong to either of you," Yuna spoke, "I care not why you sought me out, but if you think I'll go quietly-"

"Oh you'll go quietly," Morana huffed as she took a step forward, "You're life ends here!"

As Morana lunged at Yuna, Seymour rushed in and grabbed Yuna by the wrist. So in turn, I grabbed Morana and placed the tip of my sword to her back.

"If you even so much as breathe the wrong way," I spat through clinched teeth, "I will personally see to it that it'll be your last."

"We're running out of time, and all any of you can do is sit here!" Wakka shouted as he banged his hand into the ground.

"What would you have us do?" Baralai asked, "Until she's made contact with Yuna, our hands are tied."

"What happens when she does make contact?" Rikku inquired.

"Well," Baralai rose and approached the fading dome over Lulu's body, "Braska will attempt to locate her soul. Once he has, Braska will have to preform what's called the desending , in which he calls the soul back to the body."

"Oh," Rikku swirled her fingers around in a patch of grass, "How is it that you know so much about it anyway?"

Baralai chuckled and cleared his throat, "I like to read."

As the rest of the camp settled down, Wakka looked to Braska, who was intently staring at Lulu. The barrier had given way considerably, giving off just a faint light.

"How much longer do you think she's got?"

Sighing, Braska turned to Wakka, "It's hard to tell. Let us hope she finds Yuna," his eyes averted back to Lulu just as the barrier dimmed some more, "And soon."

Yuna's POV:

His nails dug into my wrists, and his grip tightened. So much so, that I was starting to lose feeling in my fingers. Bringing my free hand to Seymour's throat, I squeezed as hard as I could in hopes that I could do something – anything – to loosen his hold so that I could free myself. With his free hand, he grabbed my other wrist and squeezed even harder than he had before.

I struggled with all I had, but slowly, I began to sink to the ground, and at his mercy. Looking over at Tidus, I watched as he held her there – sword in hand, pointing in the small of her back. He was whispering something into her ear, and she seemed...hurt. Not physically, but emotionally.

"My, my," Seymour effortlessly whispered in my ear with amusement, "Is that jealously I see in your eyes, Lady Yuna?"

The putrid stench of him made me sick to my stomach. When I finally fell to my knees, I knew that I had lost this one. Tidus was more worried about Morana than he was me, so here I was – losing to the one man I hate with every fiber of my being. When he sensed that he had won, Seymour snaked his arm around to my front and slipped his cold, clammy fingers inside the folds of my dress and grasped something.

"Don't you dare!" I cried out, bucking against him, "I do not belong to you!"

"I beg to differ," he chuckled as he revealed the necklace I had discarded earlier and dangled it in front of me, "You have no choice now, Yuna."

Tidus' POV:

"I was doing this for you, Tidus. I never meant to hurt you." Morana pleaded softly.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied, "What did you want with her?"

"I was saving her. But now it's too late –"

"You weren't saving her," I fumed, pressing the blade harder into her back, "You were going to kill her!"

"I swear to you, I was trying to make this easier! Please, you have to believe me!"

"Don't you dare!" Yuna screamed, "I don't belong to you!"

"It's either going to be you or me," Morana exhaled, "I tried to take your place so it would be less painful. Now it's too late – he'll never forgive me."

I closed my eyes and shook my head, "You're not making any sense, Morana!"

"I love you, Tidus. I always have, and I always will – even if you never loved me back."

Before I could say anything else, Morana freed herself from my dropped guard. Turning to face me, she wrapped one arm around my neck, grabbed my wrist and shoved my sword straight into her abdomen. And for good measure, she twisted it swiftly.

I just...stood there, unable to believe what just happened. Morana held on tight to me for a few seconds, but as she stood there dying in my arms, I felt a tear drip onto my neck. Her body slacked, and I caught her mid drop, laying her to the ground. She looked up at me, took her last breath, and smiled before slipping off into the afterlife.

"Tidus!"

Everything that happened after hearing Yuna's voice, seemed to play itself out slowly. I turned my head and watched Yuna try to jump at me with Seymour holding her tightly around the waist. He gave a crooked smile, pointed his fingers at me like a gun, and released a spell in my direction. Now, I don't know if it was because of Morana's final confession, or Yuna's desperation, but I just couldn't seem to move myself – I was frozen in place. Yuna's tears glided relentlessly down both of her cheeks, and all I could do was watch helplessly.

"Look!" Paine shouted as she jumped from the ground and rushed over to Lulu's side.

Everyone turned around at watched as the barrier around her body began to pulsate. Each time, the light changed colors, until it brightened into a spectrum.

"What's going on?" Wakka asked, stepping ahead of everyone.

"She's made contact," Baralai smiled, "I'm not even believing this. It actually worked."

"Something's wrong," Braska knelt down, "The aura is hostile."

"Do something!" Jecht hollered, "You're the one magical one!"

"That may be true, but I can't do anything until it stabilizes. Both Lulu and I could lose our lives in the process."

"You can stuff that for a bunch of chocobo's!" Wakka became infuriated, "I'm not waiting around anymore!"

Without a second thought, he ran right into the barrier, knelt down and rolled Lulu over onto her back. Her skin was cold as ice, and her lips failed to yield the deep violet they used to. Though she was virtually lifeless, her eyebrows were knitted together in a worrisome state.

"You come back to me, you hear!" he shook her, "Get Yuna and Tidus, and get back into your damned body where you belong!"

Yuna's POV:

There was no noise when it happened. Everything was absolutely still and silent – time had frozen. Though it had, everyone in that room could still acknowledge what was happening. Inches before the spell connected with Tidus, a wall of fire appeared between the two, melting the barrage of ice. Once the steam cleared, an apparition of Lulu stood, and time resumed it's toll.

Seymour snarled and hurled another spell at her, but a strategically placed reflect spell barred it from touching her, causing him to burn his hand and free me in the process. Dropping to the ground, I scrambled behind Lulu and next to Tidus. We both rose to our feet, staring him down.

"I suggest you leave," I sneered at him, "You've lost this one."

"Go ahead and bask in your good fortune," he grunted, trying to conceal his pain, "Until next we meet, Lady Yuna."

In the blink of an eye, he vanished.

Letting go of Tidus, I slowly approached the waning vision of Lulu.

"Please tell me you didn't," I choked back a sob.

Tidus' POV:

"Didn't what?" I asked, walking behind Yuna.

"Lulu," she exhaled, "She used the sending."

"What's a sending?"

Yuna looked at me with her green and blue eyes, swollen and red from crying, "She sent a vision of herself to find us and bring us back."

"So...that isn't her?"

"No. It's her soul."

"But if that's her soul..."

"Her body is dead." Yuna fell to her knees, sobbing.

"Yuna, you have to teleport back..."

Yuna looked up at the etheral Lulu in disbelief, "You know I can't. I don't know how."

"You know the spell, you just need to preform it. I can't get back unless you do."

Yuna looked back at me, seeming unsure of herself.

"You can do it, I know you can." I reassured her as I helped her back on her feet.

"I'll try," she nodded to the both of us.

Yuna's POV:

I had to think back. When we teleported, Tidus and I were locked in an embrace. So, recalling everything, I walked up to him and slipped my hands around him and up his back. He returned the gesture – almost too easily.

"I have to do this exactly as I recall it," I mentioned.

Tidus pulled me closer and let his lips graze my ear as he whispered, "I trust you, Yuna."

Closing my eyes, and slowing my breathing, I pictured where we had been. Flashes of the fray and corpses flooded my memories, and I clung tighter to Tidus. Once the memory was brightly emblazoned, I formulated the text in my head.

I pray deep within, send us back to where it began...