HAPPY B-LATED B-DAY JND!!!

And Im sorry guys….again :(

Chapter 51

"Eh, what's goin' on here ya?" Wakka looked completely confused as he watched Lulu pull the tablecloth off the table. "If ya didn't like it-"

"There is blood on it," Lulu stated, she sent Tidus and Auron a pleasant look and walked off with the old tablecloth.

"Blood?" both Tidus and Auron asked Lulu's disappearing figure. Wakka followed her, question in his eyes. Auron and Tidus were a little more hesitant; it wasn't their home after all.

"Blood, ya?" Wakka asked a little more than nervous now. Why was Lulu so calm about this? Lulu nodded and Wakka followed her into their room where he stopped and watched as a frail looking Rikku lay on their bed. Yuna sat over the bed with a damp washcloth folded over the young Al Bhed's forehead.

"What's wrong with her?" Wakka asked in a caring manner, he was a little relieved it wasn't Lulu but that just made him feel even worse. He walked over to the bed. Lulu was busy prepping the table and she left again.

"She'll be fine," Yuna spoke softly.

"What happened?"

"Lulu believes she is undergoing some changes due to her training."

Wakka nodded.

"But these are just too drastic changes, I must admit I am a little worried."

"Well you can't let Sir Aur-"

Just then Auron and Tidus burst into the room followed by Lulu.

"What is the meaning of this?" Auron demanded once he was able to find his voice. Emotion just rushed him, coming from somewhere unknown. He was already by the bedside holding her small hand.

"It is what I assumed, her training has served her well-" Lulu said.

"Served her well?! Lulu, you must-"

"Hey!" Wakka tried to defend her once he noticed Auron getting a little upset with the complications of Black Magic. Everyone just kind of looked at him a little awkwardly. Wakka scratched the back of his head a little. "Uh...I mean Rikku is sleepin', brudda." Wakka motioned a hand at the sleeping Rikku. Auron nodded and though Lulu tried with all her might not to smirk a little, she couldn't really help it.

He's taking this a too little seriously too soon.

"She must undergo changes, Sir Auron, surely you knew this - Rikku did," Yuna put forth as she stood and walked over to Tidus.

"Yeah, Gramps," Tidus added.

Auron just nodded a little then focused his attention on his love. "How long?"

"Each Mage is different," Lulu said while casting a tiny sleep spell on Rikku, nothing too serious. She just needed the rest. Wakka tugged lightly on one of Lulu's braids signalling that he wanted to talk to her. "Excuse us."

The two exited the room.

"Did this happen to you, Yuna?" Tidus asked as he put his arm around her shoulder.

"No, not really."

"Well why not? Is it because white magic is…less violent than Black?"

"That may have something to do with it but, Tidus, I was already an apprentice Summoner then, my body was already trained."

Tidus nodded his head up and down letting his blond hair brush against Yuna's face lightly. "Oh."

"Come…"

"What, why?"

Yuna motioned toward Auron standing silently over the bed where Rikku lie. Tidus made a comical facial expression and Yuna giggled as she pulled him out of the room.

As soon as everyone left Auron knelt by the bed and checked Rikku's pulse for the tenth time, she looked so peaceful.

"You scare me so…but it is good to see you." He began to caress her cheek with the pad of his thumb.

---

"So what about dinner?" Wakka asked.

Lulu crossed her arms.

"What ya? I'm hungry, and she's going to be ok right? All better?"

Lulu exited reality for thought. It was indeed unusual that she would get so sick so quickly, the last day of training should be the worst, but she was only three fourths through hers. And the blood? Was it really necessary? Neither she nor Yuna ever bled. She agreed that she would look into it first thing in the morning. Wakka just waited for her response. "She is going to be ok, right, Lu?"

"I'm not certain."

"So…"

"I'm going to the Temple now, I cannot rest knowing she hurts."

"What? Lu, you don't feel responsible do you?" Lulu didn't answer him as she walked off. The truth was she did feel a little responsible, if it wasn't for her Rikku would be fine. Wakka sighed and grabbed his furry coat, it was really cold out at this time of night and he wasn't going to go shirtless again. He picked up a dinner roll then followed Lulu out of the hut.

"Where are you going?" Tidus asked as he watched Wakka fuss over Lulu a little.

"The Temple," Wakka said.

"Help yourselves with something to eat, and let me know if something happens," Lulu added.

Yuna nodded.

---

Auron sighed; it had been a half hour he had been by her side. He was worried, mainly because the problem was out of his hands. He couldn't fight away any fiends or stand in front of her to guard her. He leaned over the bed and kissed her cheek softly then got up and closed the door behind him.

"How is she?" Yuna asked. She and Tidus slowly ate in silence, it seemed that Rikku's upbeat absence affected everyone more than they would have guess, Auron too a took a seat.

"The same, where did Lulu go? I have to ask her something."

"She and Wakka went to the Temple, probably to look for something that would help." Tidus said.

Auron nodded. He would wait.

---

Wakka sneezed again. Who knew the Temple library could be so dusty? Lulu smirked a little behind the thick leather book she was reading. Wakka sat across from her sniffling.

"Find anything interesting?" Wakka asked. He was worn out with things to worry about yet that didn't stop him from caring more.

"Possibly," Lulu answered as she turned a page.

Wakka nodded. "That's good." Wakka nodded again. It didn't take long for him to nod off into a sleep. Only to wake up to sneeze, he sniffled a little more and looked at the chair across from his, where was Lulu? Quickly he rose to his feet and started looking. "Lu?"

"I'm here, Wakka," Lulu said from behind him.

Wakka whirled around. "Oh, where you run off to ya?"

"I…wasn't feeling too well."

Wakka stared at her a little deeper and nodded. "Oh….it's cause of this air ya?" He nodded again to himself. "You ok?"

"I am, and I think I'm done looking for now."

Lulu began to walk and Wakka followed. "Oh yeah, you find anything?"

"A little."

"You think little Rikku should stay with us, just for the night ya?"

Lulu nodded, that probably was a good idea. She felt Wakka wrap an arm around her bare shoulders as they walked. They finally made it to their hut when Wakka stopped her, pulled her close in an embrace and lightly kissed her on the cheek. Lulu looked a little confused as he pulled away and shrugged a little. She smiled and shook her head. "We gonna do fine, I know you've been thinkin'."

"Have I now?" Wakka shrugged a little. Ok, maybe he was just as nervous as she was.

"Heh, I guess me too, can't believe we getting married in less than two weeks ya?"

"Hm, and still so much to do."

"When are we going to Kilika?"

"If Rikku is well by morning-"

"C'mon, Lu, you need a break, you've been running around all week doing stuff."

Lulu nodded without her usual rebuttal. Wakka had actually been right she was tired. The wedding plans were taking forever and now this new distraction came along. She just hoped they would be ready in the time given. They entered the hut to find everyone in the living room talking.

"How is she?" Lulu asked Yuna as Wakka left her side to sit down.

"She was awake awhile ago, Sir Auron was with her..."

"Well where did he go?" Wakka asked while trying to stretch himself out on the sofa. He noticed Auron wasn't there.

"To put his things away at Rikku's, he should be back," Tidus said.

"Well we thought Rikku should stay here tonight ya? So Lu could keep an eye on her y'know."

"That's very thoughtful of you guys," Yuna said while standing "Um, Lulu, can we speak in private?"

Lulu looked a little worried. "Of course..." They exited the room into the kitchen leaving Tidus and Wakka fighting over couch space.

"Did you find anything of use?" Yuna asked once they were out of earshot to the boys.

"I might, but it is too soon to tell. This could just be a common cold spell."

"Possibly…will you let me know, I have a few suspicions myself?"

"Of course, but you need some rest, you seem tired."

"There's a lot on mind lately, I cannot hide it from you."

Lulu nodded. "We shall speak tomorrow." She smirked a little. "Wakka is running wedding errands tomorrow so I will have some time."

Yuna chuckled a little. "Ok then- what was that?" They just happen to hear a loud thud. Yuna and Lulu quickly made their way into the living room where Wakka and Tidus were wrestling on the floor.

Lulu crossed her arms. "Wakka!"

"Ah get off, get off!" Tidus squealed.

Wakka quickly scrambled to his feet when he noticed Lulu's glare. "Ay, just playin' around a little ya?"

Lulu watched him, she could feel herself getting angry, angrier than she would over something like that. Wakka took a step back he knew that look.

"What's going on out here?" came a small voice. Everyone stopped and turned to see Rikku rubbing her eyes. How had she broken the sleep spell? It hadn't been strong yet still, Lulu thought after shooting daggers at Wakka.

"Rikku? Hey!" Tidus walked over to her and pulled her into a clumsy tight embrace. "You're ok!"

"Not any more, you're choking me!" she squealed.

"Oh sorry, hey Auron is worried sick about you."

"Auron's here!" Her green swirls perked up considerably.

"Wait a minute, calm down, how are you feeling?" Lulu asked walking closer to the young Al Bhed.

"Uh fine? What happened, I don't remember anything."

"Not even dinner?" Yuna asked.

"Well I remember Lulu talking about how much she llloooovvveeeddd Wakka."

Wakka blushed a deep crimson and Lulu rolled her eyes. Yes, she was going to be ok.

It took the group a while to get Rikku to calm down and answer questions; she just seemed so full of life, much more than usual. Auron arrived quickly after and the two were stuck in a tight embrace for at least five minutes.

It was already late when everyone decided to get some rest. Yuna and Tidus were off to their hut and Rikku and Auron left shortly after cuddled very close together as they walked. Lulu got ready for bed silently. She had a lot on her mind and it seemed Wakka did as well.

"Lu?" Wakka asked quietly after taking off his headband and resting it on a nightstand. He wore an old gray shirt and his boxers.

"What?" Lulu asked quietly as she sat on the bed undoing her braids. She heard him sigh a little then felt him sit beside her.

"Can we talk about this?"

Lulu stopped, she looked up at him, she didn't want to talk about it. "Now?"

Wakka stumbled over his words. "Uh no- I mean- You wanna- Today has been- ya?"

Lulu smiled and continued her unbraiding. "Do you know what you have to do tomorrow?"

Wakka gave up. He supposed she wasn't ready. "Sure do ya?……" Wakka pulled out a list from the nightstand and started reading it. "Um….talk to Elder Novak….how did that get on here, Lu?"

"You two need to settle your differences," she stated calmly.

"What?! It's not like he's invited…is he?" He gave Lulu a look and dramatically threw himself back onto the bed. "I can't do this," he mumbled causing Lulu to laugh quietly.

"You are acting childish."

"No, I am not, Lu. He doesn't like me."

"Are you sure?"

"Ya."

"How do you know?"

"Well cause…he just doesn't."

"Wakka…"

"Lulu."

Lulu sighed loudly to stress her point. "He is invited and I believe it would put one thing to rest at least."

"Wakka sat up and sagged his shoulders a little. "I know…but what am I even gonna say to him, Lu?" Lulu shrugged and smiled at the terror on his face. "You don't even know and you want me to talk to him!?"

"I don't want any of that on my wedding day."

"Well even if I do say something you know its not going to change his mind about you being with me…he's old ya?"

"And what is your excuse for being so stubborn?"

"I'm Wakka."

"Very true, I don't know what I was thinking," Lulu stated sarcastically. Wakka smiled a little then frowned again. "What is his opinion anyway to me, hmm?"

"But, Lu, I'm not supposed to be the one ya?"

"But you are," Lulu stated calmly. "Promise me you will talk to him."

Wakka groaned. "Why you gotta do that ya?…fine…I promise…"

Lulu nodded as she finished the last braid. "I'm making myself scarce tomorrow, I have much to do and Rikku worries me." They both would be very busy the next following days.

"What do you think is wrong with her?"

"I dare not say, but Yuna must be thinking the same."

"Why do you say that ya?"

"It's really the only explanation for her behavior."

"Hm…ok, I've got blitz tomorrow too ya? I forgot to tell you."

"Again? Keep working them like that and you won't have a best man…by the way-"

"Already covered ya?" Wakka grinned. "Got a little tourney for who wants to be best man since I can't pick and all."

"Ah." Lulu shook her head. "Well we'll have to discuss everything on the way to Kilika then."

"Ooh the rings ya?" Lulu nodded. "Guess we better get some rest ya?" He took Lulu's left hand in his and leaned forward and pressed lips lightly against hers. "Was thinking something like that for our kiss ya?…or…" Wakka grinned as he leaned forward again and passionately kissed her. Lulu couldn't help but laugh a little. Her hands rested on his face.

"You think too much, Wakka."

Wakka smiled and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her under the covers. They fell asleep within seconds.

The Next Day - Noon

"She wants you to do what!?" Tidus exclaimed while throwing a Blitzball at an amazing speed at Wakka who cached it with ease. Practice was still very much underway and all ready Wakka was dreading the end of it.

"Ya, says we gotta settle our differences."

"Well she is right…I mean he is an elder, and plus-"

"I know I know, I just don't know what to say ya? The guy used to whip my butt when I was a kid, can't really-" Tidus began laughing. "Hey!"

"All respect gone out the window I guess." Tidus caught a Blitzball and stopped and put his hands over his head taking a quick breath. The technique made it easier for air to circulate through the body. "What's that guy got against you anyway?"

"You really wanna know ya?"

Tidus nodded.

"Well Lu was kinda like the kid he was supposed to look after when her folks died ya? He always liked Chappu more too, thought I was too unfit, ya? I don't know ya. Den when Lu wanted me to go with her to guard Father Zuke, he didn't approve… He also kinda blamed me about Yuna. Lulu was completely against her becoming a summoner, and I was too but I just kinda told her to do what she felt was right."

Tidus nodded. "So what are you gonna do?"

Wakka sighed then looked out to sea. "Well I love Lu, and I guess I just got to make him see that."

"Good luck, man," Tidus said sincerely.

"Thanks ya?"

---

"Tell me, what troubles you?" Lulu asked in her motherly voice. It brought a certain warmth to their conversation.

Yuna sighed. "Rikku…"

"So you have been thinking the same thing I assume?"

"Can that really happen to her?"

"Sadly yes."

"Does Sir Auron know?"

"No, I do not find it wise to tell him, we still do not know."

"How can we be sure?"

"Her rite," Yuna nodded. If Rikku were to become what was assumed, they needed to be prepared.

----

After practice Wakka told the Blitz team about his "best man" competitions.

"I love all of ya, that's why I can't choose. So, got a little challenge for ya. Whoever wins will be best man." Wakka stood with his arms crossed over his chest; feeling quite satisfied with his decision.

"Ay Cap'n, what we gotta do ya?" Keepa asked.

"Good questionm brudda, you gotta swim all the way to north port then back, first one here is best man." The team seemed excited and already men were stretching. North point was the point exactly between Kilika and Besaid. Only a power swimmer could get there and even he had to float back. "You boys ready?"

"You tell us this after practice, Cap'n?" Letty asked still panting from the early work out.

"Ah c'mon I went easy on you guys today no?"

"No!!" he got in response from the team which only made him chuckle.

"Ok ok, first thing tomorrow morning ya? Before the sun comes out." A sigh of relief was heard and Wakka only smiled. " No practice tomorrow though, Lu and I are going to Kilika."

"Eloping so soon, brudda?" Datto jested. Everyone laughed while Wakka blushed.

One everyone was off Wakka prepared himself for his talk with Elder Novak. He took a long swim and went home to get ready. Lulu wasn't there but he figured that was a good thing. He had only gotten a couple things on his list done and it was already 3.

He took a shower, shaved, even combed his hair a little and dressed in a Besaidan made shirt with a collar and long pants.

---

"Ah, Lulu , I'm fine I swear!"

"Just hold still ok?" Yuna said as she used Lancet, which she learned from Kimahri.

"What will this determine?" Auron asked as the three women stood in the small hut living room.

"Depending upon what two spells Yuna obtains we will be able to determine her spell ability," Lulu said while watching.

"Is the my rite?" Rikku asked.

"No, but if you stay still maybe I can get a read," Yuna finally sad.

Lancet was a lot harder than she had imagined. Kimahri made it look so easy. Finally Rikku complied and two white lights were seen simultaneously. Yuna stood there, in a still shock as she moved her hand away from Rikku. The room was quiet until Lulu couldn't take it anymore.

"What spells?"

"Null frost, and Blizzard," she whispered.

AN alright guys im not proud ok lol im actually quite sad that its taking me so long to update for you guys. But I have a good reason lol something amazing happened to me im getting all blushie just thinking about it, but anyway school is pretty tough stuff ok? lol But I promise I will try, especially with the story nearing the ending stages. Please review, wanna know what you all think of this chappy…. if anyone ever reads anymore ……sniffle…..

KathleenDee

P.S im making a deviant art thingy to show you guys my fan art, should be under KathleenDee :) let me know what u guys think! here is the linke minus spaces ht tp :/ /k at hl een de e.d ev ia nt ar t .c o m /

Just wanted to thank everyone who has ever been apart of the reviewing process you know who you are and are greatly appreciated