Shiva cuddled closer to her boyfriend and gave him a kiss on his furry muzzle.

Valefor turned her head to the two lovebirds (she hated that expression) and shouted: "Hey! Give it a break, you two. Shiva, why don't you go over to Ranma's and tell the others how we're going to proceed once we reach the summit?"

Shiva sighed and stood up from Ifrit's lap. "Sorry, lover," she said. "She's right, you know?"

Ifrit pouted. "Well, don't make it take too long, babe." He winked. She winked back.

Valefor angrily ruffled her feathers. She just didn't understand what Shiva saw in that arrogant brute. If she wasn't her best friend, she would have...

...well, she really wasn't sure what she would have done.

When Shiva walked past her, she hissed through her clenched beak: "Do you have to hang over your boy-toy all the time? Honestly, get a room, you two!"

Shiva shrugged. "It's not as there are separate rooms in Yuna's mind... and you know I can't resist his charm." She looked dreamily at the fire Aeon while he was chatting with Yojimbo.

Valefor shook her head. "Just WHAT do you see in him? I really wanna know..."

Shiva sighed again. "Well, he's big... and strong... and most important, he's HOT!"

Valefor just groaned.

----

Nodoka looked around Ranma's mind. "Well, it certainly is nice in here... but don't you think these walls are a little... plain? We just have to redecorate a little."

"And where do you think you can find decorations in here?" Fenrir wanted to know.

She shrugged. Leviathan chuckled. "Well, it's Ranma's mind... perhaps he just has to imagine a more colorful room."

Nodoka beamed. "An excellent idea, Leviathan-san! I have to ask him the next time I talk to him. Well, what should we do...? Some windows with red curtains, perhaps? And a nice carpet? Oh, I know..."

She went over to where Alexander's colossal form was resting. "You just have to get a new paintwork, my dear. All this grey doesn't do you justice."

"Alexander unit's abilities mainly lie in combat-moves. Alteration of body color is not possible."

"That won't be the problem," Nodoka decided. "All we need are some color pots and paint-brushes... I think the best color combination would be red, combined with a glorious white. You know, like that giant robot from that series... what name was it again..."

If Alexander weren't a robot, he would have sweat-dropped.

Suddenly, the beautiful figure of Shiva appeared in the room. "Hello, everyone," she said. "I just came over to talk to you about Bahamut's plan..."

Nodoka turned around. "OH! You must be one of Yuna's Aeons, right? How nice to finally see a fellow female Esper. Why, you certainly are a beauty, my dear."

Shiva blinked. "Um, thank you. Now, Bahamut wanted you to know that..."

She stopped herself as Nodoka was walking around her body and examined her with appreciative glances. "Why yes, you're certainly gorgeous. Did Yuna ever consider using your help in seducing my son?"

Shiva began blushing as far as that was possible for someone with blue skin. "Uh... no, not really..."

"Oh, what a shame. I'll bet that Ranma wouldn't be able to resist this figure. Look at this slim waist! This wide hips! And..." Her hands wandered upwards to give Shiva's breasts a quick fondle. "Look at this chest! A most delicious package for a manly man like my Ranma."

By now Shiva was afraid she'd just melt into the ground, the way she was blushing.

Leviathan and Fenrir exchanged a nervous glance. Ranma's mother certainly was weird...

----

Tidus couldn't believe his eyes. The summit of Mt. Gagazet was unlike ANYTHING he had seen before.

They had followed the rocky path up to this crater, which was filled with water. And around this crater... a big stone wall was surrounding the still waters. But it wasn't a normal wall.

It was entirely made out of stone bodies.

"What... what is this?" he asked. "What are they?"

Yuna stepped beside him. "They are... Fayths."

Ranma stared. "THAT many?"

In between the petrified bodies, the water was flowing down and into the crater. Some mysterious force was hanging in the air, everyone could feel it.

Yuna closed her eyes. "I can feel it... they are summoning something."

"What could it be?" Ranma pondered. "The Final Aeon? Sin?"

Yuna shook her head. "I believe it's something else... I've never felt anything like it before."

Rikku ran up to Aura and glared at her. "Hey, you know something, right? After all, you've been here before. So, spill the beans!"

Aura smiled. "Look not to others for knowledge. This is your journey, too."

"Yunie might die, you know?" Rikku reminded her.

Tidus shook his head. "No... Aura's right, Rikku... This is our... this is my story." And he put his hand on the wall of bodies. Next to him, Ranma did the same.

And suddenly, like it happened before, they found themselves in another place.

Ranma looked around. "What the...? Where are the others? Are we in Sin, again?"

Tidus looked around. "This... is the houseboat I've been living in... this is my home."

"Welcome home," a voice said.

They turned around. Behind them, they could see a boy with a purple vest and cap. It was Bahamut's fayth.

Tidus gasped. "Now I remember where I saw you before. You're that kid I saw that day in Zanarkand, when Sin appeared, right? I mean, right before he took me to Spira."

Bahamut nodded. "That's right!"

Ranma looked around and looked at the boat, the harbor, the water, and the skyline of Zanarkand. "So... this is the Zanarkand you're from?" he asked. "But why are we here?"

Suddenly, they could hear voices.

"What's gotten into you? Hey!" Wakka's voice called out.

"Wake up! Wake up!" That was Rikku.

"Ranma, this isn't the time for a nap." Akane sounded angry. "Get up!"

"Wait a second..." Tidus said. "This is a dream?"

"Precisely," Bahamut nodded.

"Oh, come on," Ranma groaned. "We don't have time to be sleeping."

"You're not entirely correct," said the fayth. "This is a dream, but not yours."

"Then whose is it?" He looked at the blonde blitzball player. "Tidus?"

Bahamut shook his head. "Not exactly. You see: Tidus is a dream as well."

"WHAT?" Tidus cried out in shock. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Long ago, there was a war..." Bahamut began.

"A war with machina, right?" Ranma guessed. "The one Shuyin and Lenne were in, right?"

Suddenly, Shuyin's spirit form appeared next to them. "That's right," he said. "A war between Zanarkand and Bevelle. Bevelle's machina assured their victory from the start. Spira had never seen such power. Vegnagun was the most powerful weapon, but there were many others. The summoners of Zanarkand didn't stand a chance. Zanarkand was doomed to oblivion. That's why I was so angry... I didn't want to lose Lenne..."

"That's why we tried to save it," Bahamut explained. "If only a memory."

The three boys looked at him with curious faces. "What did you do?" Tidus asked.

"It happened after Shuyin and Lenne had left for Bevelle. The remaining summoners and the townspeople that survived the war... They all became fayth. Fayth for the summoning."

"The summoning..." Ranma murmured. "You mean Sin?"

"No! I mean this place. A Zanarkand that never sleeps. The dreams of the fayth summoned the memories of this city. They summoned all the buildings, all the people who lived here."

Shuyin looked around. "So, it's like my old Zanarkand, right? How it was on the times of peace."

"Well, it is slightly different, but mostly, you are correct."

"I see it now," Tidus gasped and looked at Shuyin. "Every person of the town was just a memory... a memory of the people that once lived here for real. So that must mean... I'm a memory too... a memory of you!"

Shuyin was taken aback. He stared at the fayth. "Is... is that right? Is he... essentially me?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes!"

"But, wait a minute," Ranma interfered. "What would happen if you were to stop dreaming?"

Bahamut looked at the buildings. "The dream would disappear..."

And the houses of Zanarkand began vanishing, one after another.

"No!" Tidus shouted. "So what if I'm a dream. I like it here."

Bahamut sighed. "We've been dreaming so long... we're tired. Would you and your father... Would you let us rest? Both you and your father have been touched by Sin. Sin, the one whom all Spira - the spiral - revolves."

"What are you saying?" Tidus asked.

"You two are more than just dreams now. And not only because of Sin... also because of Shuyin."

Tidus looked at his counterpart. "What? Why?"

"Shuyin died... but his spirit, his essence... is now bound to your body, thanks to that dressphere. It makes you more real. Just a little more, and... maybe you are the one that will end our dreaming at last."

Ranma looked at the little boy. "You are Bahamut's fayth, right? Does that mean you are essentially an Esper... or are you the spirit of a summoner that already died?"

The fayth smiled. "I'm both, actually. After the summoners of Zanarkand went into their deep sleep, they merged with the Espers they summoned, and became Aeons. Some of us waited in the temples of Spira to help future summoners."

"If that's true..." Tidus said. "Then what about Sin?"

Suddenly, they heard once again the voices of their friends.

"Please! You have to wake up," Yuna shouted.

"Ranma-kun, open your eyes," Kasumi added.

Slowly, the image of the fayth and the houseboat faded. Ranma and Tidus found themselves back on the summit of Mt. Gagazet.

"What happened?" Wakka asked. "The two of you just zoned out there."

"Oh, it's nothing," Tidus chuckled nervously. "Nothing like a good nap."

Akane glared at Ranma. "You jerk! Don't make me worry like that any more, you hear?"

"You sure it was just a nap?" Nabiki pondered. "It was pretty weird, you know?"

"Of course it was just a nap," protested Tidus.

"Yeah," Ranma nodded. "Now we're awake, and we can continue our way. Let's go!"

Yuna looked at them and sighed. "You're poor liars..."

----

Lenne turned around, when Shuyin appeared next to her. "Shuyin," she shouted and hugged him. "Where have you been? You disappeared, all of a sudden."

"I'm sorry," Shuyin responded and gave her a small kiss. "But I had to discuss something important with Tidus and Ranma." And he told her the whole story of the dream of the fayth.

When he was finished, they were sitting next to each other, leaning against the wall of Kasumi's mind.

"When... the fayth told you that Tidus would become more real under your influence... weren't you afraid you would be lost in his soul?"

Shuyin smiled. "Not really. All that matters is that we're together. After this journey is over, we'll ask Yuna if she can send us to the farplane. There, we can rest in peace."

Lenne sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I guess you're right..."

----

The rocky path down the northern side of the mountain was long and narrow. The friends had to be careful not to go too close to the edge.

"Hey," Ranma asked Aura. "You were there when Braska got his Final Aeon, weren't you? Just how are we going to get it? Is there someone that gives it to us, or something like that?"

Aura sighed. "Lady Yunalesca..."

"She's alive?" Yuna said in amazement. Aura looked at her. "As alive as Seymour and Mika."

"I see..."

"Hey, can't we take a little break?" Rikku shouted from behind.

"We're almost there, anyway," Wakka said. "Best to hurry, ya?"

Rikku whined. "But... if we take another break... it means we have more time to think of a solution, you know?"

Yuna looked at her cousin. "Rikku..."

Rikku hugged Yuna. "I don't wanna lose you, Yunie. I just don't wanna..."

Yuna smiled. "Rikku, you're a good friend, but... all my life, I knew this moment would come. I just have to go down to Zanarkand. I have to..."

"Hey," Ranma said. "I thought we were clear: No one is going to die there, got it?"

Wakka shook his head. "Look, buddy, how are you going to prevent it? You want Sin to be gone and Yuna to be alive? Don't you think someone would have thought of another way of beating Sin before? There just is none, ya?"

Ranma glared at him. "That's just because everyone was sure of Yevon's teachings, right? And because Yevon said it would be the only way, right?"

Wakka got nervous. "Well, that could be, but..."

Ranma shook his head. "Let's just go. When we reach Zanarkand, we can take a break."

The others followed him. Only Akane hesitated when she saw something laying on the ground. It was a record sphere... did Yuna drop it while she was hugging Rikku?

Akane decided to have a look at it later.

----

The dead city of Zanarkand... Tidus felt a jolt of sorrow when he saw the ruined city laying in front of his eyes. No living soul was down there, just masses of pyreflies... and, therefore, also many fiends. It was their goal, the goal of the long, long journey. They finally made it, here Yuna would receive the Final Aeon.

And then? Would she die? Ranma seemed certain they would find another way. Tidus himself told Rikku that many times. Akane and her sisters just trusted in Ranma's words. Kimahri and Wakka seemed to have accepted Yuna's decision... but it looked like it wasn't easy for them either.

And Aura... well, she surely had changed from when she was here the first time. There were times she turned back into her cynical, mysterious self, then again, she fell into the role of a cheerful little girl.

And himself? He was just a dream, some sort of copy of Shuyin, that had turned into a whole new person itself.

Tidus sighed and sat down on a pile of rubble, while looking over the crumbled skyline of the dead city.

The others were just sitting around the campfire, who knows what they were thinking about...

Until Akane and Ranma came climbing up to Tidus and sat down next to him.

"Hey, Tidus," Akane said in a quiet voice. "Have a look at this." She showed him the record sphere she found on Gagazet.

"What's this?" Tidus asked in a curious voice.

"Yuna dropped it," Ranma said. "Akane found it, and she believes Yuna dropped it on purpose, so we could find it and watch it. I just played it back. We thought you might want to see it as well."

Tidus nodded. "All right. Let me have a look..."

And they switched the record on.

----

Yuna was sitting on a small grassy hill on Mi'ihen Highroad, just in front of the agency. She wore a small smile on her face while the sphere was recording.

"Everyone... I know that when I reach Zanarkand, and receive the Final Summoning, I most certainly will die. That's why I made this record for everyone of you. I want to say thank you, to everyone.

Sir Auron... Kimahri told me... when my father wanted me taken from Bevelle to Besaid... It was you who told Kimahri, right? I had always wanted to meet you someday. I am truly glad that I had that chance. Having you as a guardian was so great an honor that I don't know how to thank you. Perhaps if I defeat Sin, that will be my thanks to you. That's what I'll do. Yes. I will challenge Sin. I will defeat Sin. If you are all there watching this, then I guess Sin is already gone. And so am I, I suppose. Anyway, I just wanted to say: Sir Auron, I thank you.

Kimahri... Do you remember the first day we met? I was only seven. My father had defeated Sin, and all Bevelle was celebrating. Everyone was saying what a hero my father was. I was so happy. But when night came, it occurred to me. My father had defeated Sin and now he was dead. Now, I was all alone. I couldn't sleep, so I wandered into the town, away from the celebrating crowds. I stood on the bridge to Bevelle where my father and I had parted. Standing there, alone, I could see the fields where he had fought Sin. Then, you appeared, Kimahri. You said you were looking for the daughter of Braska, remember? At first, I was so scared. Until I realized what a gentle person you are. You weren't used to talking to children. When I told you that I was Braska's daughter... you said you would take me as far from Bevelle as you could. That it was the wish of a man facing death. I think... I cried then. Because that... that was when I knew my father was dead... and I would never see him again. You just held me, without saying a word. I cried after we got to Besaid, too. When you tried to go after leaving me in the care of the temple... I held onto you, crying, 'Don't go, don't go!' And you listened, Kimahri. You stayed. Kimahri, thank you. Thank you so much. And I've always liked your broken horn.

Wakka... I'll never forget my days spent with you, growing up in Besaid. We always played together, us, Lulu and Chappu. That's why I was always so happy, I think. And when you refused to let me become a summoner and I did it anyway... I'm sorry. I've always wanted to apologize. You know, when you tried to stop me then - really, I was happy. I could tell you really cared about me. You were like my big brother. No... I think you really were my big brother. What else... And I love watching you play blitzball.

Akane, Kasumi... you two are really special people. When the two of you appeared in our village, I somehow knew you weren't quite from this world. But when you heard about my pilgrimage, you instantly agreed to help me as a guardian, Akane, even if you knew that your friends were out there somewhere... That showed me your good heart. And Kasumi's cheerful nature always brought happiness to Besaid, and later, to our pilgrimage group. Thank you, both of you...

Ranma... my fellow summoner. I really was amazed when I learned about your abilities. You are a brave warrior as well as a summoner of Espers. Your fiancee told me of your previous adventures... it really was a surprise for me too see how you managed to get though all of this emotionally. I mean, having multiple fiancees, dozens of rivals that are out to defeat you, and such a weird father... I was really impressed you didn't went crazy." At that point, Yuna let out a small giggle. "As with Akane and Kasumi, I really hope that someday, you'll find a way of returning home.

I guess that leaves... the newest guardian: Tidus, star player of the Zanarkand Abes! You are... I am... Well, um... I'm glad... I'm glad that we met. We haven't even known each other that long, but... It's funny. So this is what it feels like. It's a much more wonderful feeling than anything I had ever imagined. Wonderful... but it hurts, sometimes. I wonder. I... I just want to say, thank you for everything. Maybe... maybe that's why it hurts. When I... When I think about us never being together again at all... I'm afraid. No, I shouldn't say that. I'll do that part over. Um..."

At that point of the record, Tidus' voice could be heard: "Watcha up to?" and the screen went blank.

----

Tidus sighed. "Well, I guess she really was serious about sacrificing herself by defeating Sin, huh?"

"Well, at least she was it back then," Akane said. "Maybe, in the meantime, she had changed her opinion. Perhaps Ranma convinced her.."

"Well, whatever she chooses to do... we all should support her and NOT let her die, right?" Ranma asked. The other two nodded.

Together, they climbed down the rubble and returned to the others.

While Ranma and Akane sat down, Tidus said: "Listen up, everyone... Listen to my story! This... may be our last chance."

----

After fighting their way through the fiends of Zanarkand, they finally stood before the impressive Yevon Dome, the center of Zanarkand.

Tidus looked up at the ruined building and sighed. 'This shows that mine and this Zanarkand really were different... the blitzball stadium was standing here in my hometown,' he thought.

The spirit of an elderly man walked up to them. "Welcome in Zanarkand, travellers. You have done well by coming this far. Now, I invite you to the chambers of Lady Yunalesca. From her, you will receive the Final Aeon."

"Finally," Ranma said. "It better is worth all the trouble we went through to get here."

The old man smiled. "I think you will find it favorable," he said. "Now, follow the Lady's trial, and she will grant you an audience..."

"Another trial," Tidus groaned. "I thought we left that behind at the last temple..."

Yuna chuckled. "Well, we just have to use our heads, right?"

Nabiki snorted. "Well, several people in this group will have a hard time with that..." And she glanced at Wakka and Ranma.

Akane smirked. "Well, how lucky we are that someone as smart as yourself is in our group, right sis? I bet you can solve the riddle as quickly as possible, can you?"

Nabiki took that as an attack on her pride, so she just huffed and went ahead. "Follow me, kids, and you'll learn something."

Kasumi giggled. "Well, I think this riddle will be solved within five minutes."

----

Even considering that Nabiki was busy satisfying her pride, it took them several tries until they solved the confusing puzzle in the main hall of the dome. Those flashing floor tiles nearly broke their brains apart. But when Ranma finally stepped on the final, correct tile (completely by accident, as Nabiki insisted), the circular platform in the middle of the room lit up, and was ready to take them down to the Chamber of the Fayth.

But when they arrived there...

"W-what?" Wakka shouted in surprise. "T-this statue is broken."

Yuna concentrated. "The fayth has left this statue a long time ago. But what does this mean? Is there no Final Aeon?"

Once again, the old man appeared before them. "This statue once contained the fayth of Lord Zaon, the groom of Lady Yunalesca. He was the one that gave his life to become the Final Aeon. But by now, his spirit is long gone... but do not worry. Lady Yunalesca is waiting for you in her chambers. She will bless you with the Final Summoning."

He disappeared.

"Well, about time," Ranma snorted and stormed into the next room. "The longer we wait, the more chances Sin has to destroy another town." The disaster of Kilika was still embedded in his mind.

"Ranma, w-wait," Yuna shouted. "We have to demonstrate the proper respect."

Ranma pouted. "Respect? Well, she has defeated Sin once, I admit... but I bet she didn't come up with a way of getting rid of him for good..."

"Mind your mouth now, ya?" Wakka shouted angrily. "If she thinks we're just a bunch of ruffians, she'll never give Yuna the Final Aeon."

Akane gave her fiance a small hug. "Calm down, Ranma. Whoever she is, she has the reason why we're here. And just because we had bad experiences with unsent people doesn't mean she has to be bad as well."

Ranma sighed. "Okay, you're right. I'll try to be patient."

"That's a good boy. And now, get in."

Ranma chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

----

The chamber was also in ruins, but is was much more well-preserved then the rest of the building. A red carpet was covering most of the floor, and a broad stairway lead up to an impressive double door.

And down those stairs came the spiritual form of Lady Yunalesca, wearing nothing more then she did in the recording of Seymour's sphere, back in Guadosalam.

She gave the assembled group a cool smile. "Welcome, travellers. I am Yunalesca. Welcome to Zanarkand. I congratulate you, summoner. You have completed your pilgrimage. I will now bestow upon you that which you seek. The Final Summoning... will be yours. Now, choose. You must choose the one whom I will change... to become the fayth for the Final Summoning. There must be a bond, between chosen and summoner, for that is what the Final Aeon embodies: the bond between husband and wife, mother and child, or between friends. If that bond is strong enough, its light will conquer Sin. A thousand years ago, I chose my husband Zaon as my fayth. Our bond was true, and I obtained the Final Aeon. There is nothing to fear. You will soon be freed of worry and pain. For once you call forth the Final Aeon, your life will end. Death is the ultimate and final liberation. Your father, Braska, chose this path."

The pyreflies within the room floated together and formed three figures... the figures of Braska, Jecht and Auron... a final record of this pilgrimage group, as it was facing the end of its journey.

----

"It is not too late," a much younger Auron just told Yuna's father. "Let us turn back."

Braska shook his head. "If I turn back, who will defeat Sin? Would you have some other summoner and his guardians go through this?"

Auron was taken aback. "But... my lord, there must be another way."

Jecht stepped forward. "This is the only way we got now! Fine. Make me the fayth. I've been doing some thinking. My dream is back in the other Zanarkand. I wanted to make that runt into a star blitz player. Show him the view from the top, you know. But now I know there's no way home for me. I'm never gonna see him again. My dream's never gonna come true. So make me the fayth. I'll fight Sin with you, Braska. Then maybe my life will have meaning, you know."

"Don't do this, Jecht," Auron protested. "If you live... there might be another way. We'll think of something, I know."

But Tidus' father shook his head. "Believe me, I thought this through. Besides... I ain't getting any younger, so I might as well make myself useful."

"Jecht," Braska said.

Jecht turned around with a smile. "What! You're not gonna try stop me, too?"

Braska shook his head. "Sorry! I mean... thank you."

"Braska still has to fight Sin, Auron," Jecht exclaimed. "Guard him well. Make sure he gets there." He turned towards the stairway. "Well, let's go!"

"Lord Braska! Jecht!" Auron shouted. They turned around.

Auron looked at them seriously. "Sin always comes back. It comes back after the Calm every time. The cycle will continue and your deaths will mean nothing."

"But there's always the chance that it won't come back this time," Braska said. "It's worth trying."

Jecht seemed to think about that, then he nodded. "I understand what you're saying, Auron. I'll find a way to break the cycle."

"You have a plan?" Auron asked uncertainly.

Jecht smiled and nodded. Together with Braska, he went up the stairs and vanished.

----

Aura angrily raised her sword and cut several times through the image of her male self. Finally, after it had vanished as well, she calmed down. "And the cycle went on," she said in a small voice.

Yuna looked around. Yunalesca was gone. "She will be waiting upstairs for me... She's waiting for my decision."

Tidus stepped forward. "Yuna, you know my opinion. I can't let you do this if it kills you."

"Same here," Ranma nodded. "Maybe the Final Aeon is no Esper, but perhaps I can use it anyways. And maybe it won't kill me, because I didn't went through your summoner training."

"It's worth a try," Akane agreed.

Wakka shook his head. "You're all crazy. You just want everything how you like it best? Guys, this is not how this world works, ya?"

"Do you hear something, Ranma?" Nabiki said while turning her head away from Wakka. "Because I thought I heard the opinion of someone that only clinged to one single way of thinking, without paying attention to the alternatives."

"Stop that," Akane angrily hissed at her sister.

"I decided," Yuna said with a determined voice. "I'm going to Lady Yunalesca. I want to ask her if there is another way. Maybe she knows something we don't know."

"Good idea," Ranma nodded, and so it was decided.

Together, they went up to talk to Yunalesca once more, but... will she really have another solution?