Chapter 52

Wakka cleared his throat. He could feel a small bead of sweat begin to form as he stepped into the Temple. It looked very busy inside; women gathering things and carrying them in and out of the main hall, it was probably for his own wedding. He sighed a little, neither he nor Lulu were showing much interest in planning but he supposed that's why he loved her. She wasn't as fussy as most women, she was different, special. The thought of her only pushed him further into the Temple. He had to find Elder Novak and get the talk over with, maybe then he could go into the main hall and get some more things on his list complete.

"Boy." Wakka turned around; he couldn't believe he still answered to that, it angered him. It was time he started acting like the man Lulu needed.

"I'm gonna be married in less than two weeks ya? You still callin' me that, sir?" Wakka stepped toward Elder Novak and surreptitiously tried to fix his clothing.

Elder Novak looked a little surprised at his question; it wasn't like Wakka to challenge anyone. "Well what do you propose I call someone with less life experience than me of the male gender ya?"

"My mum named me Wakka for a reason ya?"

Elder Novak brought a wrinkly hand to his chin and stroked it as if the idea of calling Wakka by his name was to be pondered. "Wakka, I wanna know what you are doing here, hm?"

"I wanted to talk to you, sir."

"What about ya?"

"Lu…"

Elder Novak began to walk and Wakka followed. "You mean Lulu?"

"Yea dat's what I said, Lu."

"I believe her mother named her Lulu for a reason ya?"

Wakka could feel himself tense up, what was with this guy? No need to ask, Wakka knew what. "She likes it when I call her Lu, she even told me. But I didn't come here to talk about her name, I wanted to talk about her."

"She's not pregnant is she?"

"Wha- h- no ya, she's not!" Wakka blushed furiously.

"Then..?"

"I wanted you to know I love her, a lot ya?" Wakka sighed. "She's the only person in the world for me, and I know you don't like me as much as Chappu..." Elder Novak made a grunting noise that was proof enough for Wakka's suspicions. "But I'm marrying her, and I'm gonna make her happy, happier than he did." It stayed quiet for a while as they walked through the Cloisters and into the Elders offices, Elder Novak sat down in his chair and turned the back to Wakka.

"She seems troubled."

"Wha'?"

"Your Lu, as you call her..at least now I know it is not because of you." Wakka stood there for a little while. He knew why Lulu was troubled; they had a lot going on all at once. "You may go."

"Thank you, sir," Wakka said as he left, he wasn't sure if they settled their differences like Lulu would have wanted but he did know they found some kind of solid ground to stand on: they both cared for her dearly. Elder Novak seemed tired though; maybe he was troubled about something bigger than them? Wakka didn't know. He put a hand through his hair and messed it up a little as he pulled out his list and headed for the main hall. It was time to start doing things his way instead of everyone else's

--

"Tell me what's going on!" Auron demanded. He had pulled Lulu aside after she and Yuna nearly fainted out of shock.

"Do you recall a woman named Bellanay?"

"Of Lockna, yes when I was a boy I heard the story, but I don't see how this can even relate to Rikku."

"She dabbled in both arts, White and Black. Yuna has just obtained two opposite spells, they would counter act, null, void see."

Auron thought for a second. "I see…but how?"

"We are not certain, I have been teaching her nothing but the dark arts for fear of this very situation. It may be fatal."

Auron wasn't hearing it, his face stiffened and he could feel his body go into defense mode. "You say it as if you have already tried everything."

"No I haven't, I thought maybe you would like to know what's going on! We wouldn't need the discussion if you were around to notice!" Lulu was already hot with anger.

Yuna and Rikku sat on the couch quietly, very much like children listening to their parents argue in the other room.

"Ahem…." Rikku coughed quietly. They could hear the two exchange words back and forth; Auron defending his role as a warrior monk, Lulu testing his supposed love for Rikku. "Um, Yunie?"

"Yes, Rikku?"

"What's the big deal, I mean won't that mean I can cast more stuff."

"It's a lot more complicated than that Rikku, have you ever heard of Bellanay?"

"No…" Yuna looked a little surprised, who hadn't heard that story?

"Bellanay of the lost city of Lockna?"

"Nope, what's her deal?"

Yuna chuckled a little. "Well it seems we have some time so I'll tell you most of it." Rikku moved a little closer to Yuna almost cuddling her older cousin for story time. Yuna couldn't help but feel a pang of pain and fear. She was like her sister not her cousin, she didn't want to lose her.

--

"Dude!" Wakka whirled around from talking to the town baker when he heard Tidus call.

"Yo brudda…what's up ya?"

"Nothin', kinda bored really, Yuna is at Rikku's place. Wanna go see what's going on?"

"You worried about her to eh?"

"Yeah, c'mon. Maybe we can bring em some grub, Kurbys?"

Wakka smiled at the prospect of some food. He had barely eaten the night before and had only had fruit for breakfast. But the list in his hand began to weigh more than usual. "Meh, I gotta finish up a couple of things here first ya? Lu'll let me have it if I don't."

Tidus chuckled. "Need some help?"

By the time the two had completed everything on the list Wakka was starving. He promised to meet Tidus at Kurby's shortly after he went home to change into something a little more relaxing. It was getting dark and the sudden realization that he hadn't talked to Lulu all day weighed heavily on his mind as he briskly walked home. He had to tell her about his talk with Novak.

"Lu?…Lulu, you in here?" He walked into their room and smiled. She was fast asleep curled up with her hair still in braids. She wasn't even covered up. Wakka leaned down and kissed her cheek lingeringly. He crawled up behind her on their bed and sighed.

"Wakka?"

"Hey, Lu," he whispered back, matching her light tone. "How ya sleep?"

"Fine I suppose, how did everything go?"

"I'm not sure ya? He doesn't like me calling you Lu."

"What?" she asked in her still sleepy tone. Wakka chuckled, he supposed she was tired, they would talk about it later.

"Nothing…" It wasn't long before Wakka fell asleep next to her in his clothes from earlier, he had completely forgotten about meeting Tidus until he woke up to Lulu getting out of bed and even then he was too tired to do anything. Wakka fought to hold onto her but she as gone. He rolled over onto his back and fell asleep again.

--

Lulu slid out of bed despite Wakka's humorous efforts to get her to stay. According to her readings, Rikku should be monitored throughout the night; it was the only way to make sure that her transformation was controlled. She stepped out into the cool night air and started her trek toward Rikku's hut. Auron was already awake and waiting for her. They had discussed monitoring things after their little fight and Lulu was able to get Auron to see how concerned she was for Rikku.

"She is sleeping…"

"Good," Lulu nodded and Auron walked off with his sword. He would never admit that he was an insomniac. Two Pilgrimages could do that to you, Lulu knew.

She walked into the small hut and looked around. She hadn't changed it too drastically since Yuna moved out. Still coping probably, Lulu thought while she made her way into Rikku's room, and was surprised to see Rikku sitting up in bed flipping through a gossip magazine called Spira Weekly.

"They really have a bad shot of Yunie in here…"

"Rikku, what are you doing awake…it's way past—"

"I can't sleep, Lulu, and Auron wouldn't leave me alone till I went to sleep, I had to say something…"

"Rikku…"

"I feel fine…just not sleepy, yet, you ever feel like that?" Lulu sighed and rested her spell book down, she supposed she wouldn't be getting any reading done. She walked over to the side of the bed and sat down.

"You shouldn't be reading that nonsense."

Rikku smiled giddily and turned to a page. "Well I don't know, maybe, but there are some good parts."

"Like?"

"They've got everyone in here, me, Auron, Tidus, Yuna, you and Wakka…reading about Dona is always fun."

Lulu chuckled a little then stopped. "Wakka and I?"

"Well yeah, this is an old issue from the hotel party, here I'll read it."

Rikku read on and Lulu listened on half intently, she was growing tired but not Rikku, Rikku was just full of energy, not like her normal upbeat energy either, it was a little scary.

"Rikku, are you not in the least bit tired?"

"No…why?"

"I am worried about you, even I am falling asleep here, and I must wake early to go to--"

"Kilika!! Oh my goodness, Lulu, I am so sorry."

"It's fine, I don't think I will go anyway."

"What?! You have to go, you and Wakka planned this out way before I got sick, why wouldn't you go?"

"Rikku, your condition is very rare, if something were to happen while I was away—"

"Nothing will happen, but you gotta go, that would just slow down the wedding production and I don't want that to be my fault."

"Rikku, it is no one's fault, and I will not risk your health for—"

"-your happiness."

Lulu sighed.

"Please go, I'll probably still be sleeping when you come back." Rikku grabbed Lulu's arm with a convincing look in her eyes.

Much to her dismay Lulu agreed. "Fine, Rikku, we'll be back as soon as we are done with our errands but you must promise to tell Yuna if anything is wrong."

"I promise."

The Next Morning

"Wakka…"

"…mmm?"

"Wakka, you have to wake up now."

"Mhm…" Lulu stood over the bed with her hands on her hips watching her fiancé roll around. "…Luuuu, five more minutes…ya?"

"Wakka, you still have to change out of those clothes, I don't know what prompted you to wear them to sleep."

"…"

Lulu raised her hand readying a water spell when all of a sudden Wakka began to sit up. He was beginning to sense these things now, Wakka rubbed his face sleepily and looked over to Lulu.

"What?"

"Uh-uh-mm- nothing?" Wakka tore his line of view away from her and looked back at her. Was it possible for something like that to get bigger? Wakka turned his head again and looked down at his hands.

Lulu shook her head and left the room. Why had he been acting so strange?

Wakka quickly got out of bed when she left and started getting ready. They had a lot to do that day. He wasn't ready for any of it but Lulu couldn't know that. He quickly made his way into the kitchen and sat at the small table where Lulu sat with her tea.

"How'd you fall asleep like that?" Wakka asked as he buttered his thick slice of bread.

"I was reading."

Wakka nodded. He couldn't help but feel distance starting to grow between them. He didn't like it at all. "Is everything ready for today?"

"Yes, the morning boat docks shortly, so we must leave within five minutes." Wakka nodded and Lulu chuckled a little as he started to eat quickly. "You may take you breakfast on board with you if you like."

Wakka smiled, little crumbs of bread falling from his mouth. "I'll finish in time."

They finished breakfast and finally left their hut for the beach. The early morning air was crisp and soft on their faces as they walked north. Wakka reached out a little and grabbed Lulu's hand. Lulu looked up at him and tightened her grip just a little.

"Only a couple more days ya?"

Lulu chuckled. "More than only a couple Wakka…are you nervous?"

"Yeah, I hope I'm a good husband, Lu."

"You will be."

"I never really paid any mind to what I'm supposed to do ya?" He looked down at Lulu. "You got it easy," he laughed.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Cooking and cleaning? Sounds easy to me."

She put her hands on her hips playfully. "And who says I'm going to be doing all the cleaning?"

He grinned apologetically. "Still, just being Lu? Definitely easy."

Lulu shook her head softly from side to side. "It's not so easy being me, Wakka."

Wakka shrugged a little. "You're right, being perfect has gotta be hard. How bout I cook and clean then?" This made Lulu smile just a little.

"You tend to burn things…" he trailed off with a smirk on her face.

"Dat was only once ya!"

"One time too many."

Wakka sighed loudly and Lulu laughed. They made it to the docks in time and boarded the ship. Wakka left to order a room for the return trip, something told him they would need some rest.

Lulu stood near the railing leaning over and looking out to sea. Her thoughts blurred and was only brought into focus when she felt an arm around her shoulder. Wakka just looked at her, as she looked out onto the ocean. Lulu eventually turned to look at him.

"What is wrong?" She watched him inquisitively, his face a mixture of things.

Wakka put out his hand and caressed her face softly. "Nothing, Lu."

"You don't seem yourself, you haven't for a little while now, I can't help but thin-"

"No, I've just been thinking ya?" His hand was still caressing her face. He loved the way he soft skin felt on his rough hands. She turned her body so it was facing him. Their faces were very close now and Wakka merely kissed her lightly then looked out onto the water.

"What am I supposed make of this?" Lulu asked, she really didn't mean to say it aloud but she supposed it work better because then Wakka could see her mute frustration with everything going on. Wakka turned and looked at her. He rested his forehead against hers and Lulu couldn't help but feel caught into one of his gazes again.

"No, I just don't wanna fail you, or-" Lulu nodded; he didn't need to finish. Wakka lifted his head and pulled her against him and rested his chin on her head.

"You won't."

And that was all he needed to know that he wouldn't.

Hours Later

Wakka sat across from Lulu with both hands in his hair staring at a sheet of paper, Lulu wore an amused grin. "I can't believe I forgot."

"Wakka, its fine…"

"Uugghh."

Lulu laughed. "We got up early, no?"

"Yeah…"

"And did we see anyone on the main road or at the beach?"

"….No."

"So…"

"Maybe they forgot too…no they wouldn't forget, Lu…"

"Wakka, calm down, they'll understand."

Wakka nodded, he needed to stop worrying about that. "Ok." He picked up the paper in front of him. They were working on wedding guests while the boat neared Kilika. "...uhh...You think we got everyone?" Wakka asked going over the list again and again.

"Yes."

"Mm, ok if you think so..."

---

"Lady Lulu and Sir Wakka!" someone called while the two got off the ship. Wakka leaned over to Lulu as they walked over.

"Do we know this guy?" Lulu shrugged, and they both smiled as they approached.

"Surely you remember me?" Wakka looked to Lulu who smiled and nodded.

"It's nice to see you again." The man's face lit up.

"Ah I knew you would, who could ever forget old friends, how fare you?"

"Well, and you?"

Wakka watched on, Lulu was a pro at figuring out people's names; it was only a matter of time. Its not like they didn't want to remember it, however the Pilgrimage made remembering names that more difficult with everyone who helped them.

"Ah I am fine, I heard the rumors of wedding, I just had to see for myself." Lulu lifted her left hand Wakka couldn't help but smile at it. "So it is all true then? And does he not speak anymore, a woman's love could do that."

Lulu turned to Wakka. "Uh…"

"So they were right, poor young man hasn't got his head on straight since the engagement."

"Oh Wakka, has had the problem for a while." Lulu smiled and the man laughed. It was only then that Wakka recognized the man as the Beasts head coach.

"Dat's only cause she's been around for a while, brudda."

Lulu blushed a little. Is that his excuse?

After promising to stop by before they left Lulu and Wakka made their way along the dock that was Kilika port. They stopped at jewelers store and went to separate counters as they ordered the other's wedding band.

"Something…nice," Wakka whispered as he did a head motion to Lulu across the room.

---

"Something…durable, he tends to get into things," Lulu said in a hushed tone as she spoke with the woman across the counter.

---

"No that's not really Lu…do you have any plus magic, or defense?"

---

"His size?...let me see the biggest one you have."

---

"I don't really have a price range…ooh let me see those…"

---

"No that is way to small…and cliché."

Wakka was still deciding on two rings when Lulu finished and began to walk toward him.

"Ay, no cheating ya!"

"Well then I'll wait outside then."

"Good, go," Wakka spat playfully.

Lulu raised an eyebrow and smirked then left. "You're worse than Rikku," Lulu mused as Wakka came out.

He chuckled a little. "All for you, Lu."

"Eww."

"Ah quit it ya? Y'know you love it."

"No."

"Yeah?" Wakka said while putting an arm around her shoulder only to have it shrugged away by Lulu, it only made him laugh. "Ouch." By now the sun was high in the sky and the small port was bustling. Open markets with fresh fish and fruit from the forest were opened and the rich aroma of lunch being prepared was starting to break Wakka down.

"No."

"But Lu-"

"I said no, Wakka."

"Why not."

"Because we still have so much to do."

"Well…ten minutes ya? It'll only take ten minutes."

"No, I know it won't."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I know you."

"See…then that means you should know that if I'm beggin'-"

"Your like a child I swear."

"Well…"

Wakka stopped walking and soon enough they were seated in a port side family owned restaurant eating fish and chips. Wakka happily ate quickly until Lulu told him that people were staring and that he should take human size bites. He nodded quickly and picked up one fry at a time. Lulu smiled and began to eat her potato salad when she stopped mid chew.

"See told you it wouldn't take—Lu?" Lulu was turning a light pink and moving her fork around her plate looking for something. Wakka stared on a bit confused. "What's wrong ya?" She coughed a little and held up something on her fork. A fried mushroom the size of a dime. Wakka's face went straight to horror and Lulu's only got redder as she held her hand to her mouth. Wakka got up quickly and Lulu followed.

"Excuse me, Sir Wak—" a waiter walked up to him thinking he was just planning on leaving without paying.

"Move brudda or be moved."

Lulu gave him a surprised look.

"Sir, I don't think—" Wakka pushed past him as he guided Lulu toward the exit, he was on borrowed time now. The man whirled Wakka around and Wakka was about to give him a few choice words when he heard someone yell out something.

"Lady Lulu!" Wakka turned around to see Lulu clutching a chair and holding her throat. He rushed over to her side and picked her up but her eyes were already closed.

---

Wakka sat alone with his hands in hair mumbling in the small Kilika hospital waiting room. Tears old and new stained his face and he couldn't live with himself anymore. He couldn't believe he let this happen to her. He was usually on top of those types of things, he was too concerned with himself, he was being selfish. He felt an arm on his shoulder.

"Leave me alone ya?"

"Sir Wakka—" Wakka looked up to see a doctor wearing a very concerned look.

"Did you see her?"

"Yes…why are you out here?"

"It's all my fault that this happened…"

"No it's not—"

"You weren't there ya, how would you know!"

"Whoa, Sir Wakka, relax, the important thing is that she is ok now, a little sore throat but—"

"She…she…" Wakka felt a tear well up in him. The man patted his shoulder. "It all happened so fast…" Just then a nurse burst into the room and locked her gaze upon Wakka.

"Your fiancée says if you don't get in here now the wedding is off," a little grin played at her lips. Wakka quickly stood and followed the woman, he didn't think now was the time to be making jokes.

He entered the room and felt his heart sink to his stomach when he saw Lulu lying in bed, her throat a rosy color, but her eyes were open and that beautiful red hue they held seemed to brighten up just as he walked in the room.

"I'll leave you two alone," the nurse said as she left the room.

"I see the prospect of calling off the wedding got you moving," Lulu mused.

"That's not funny, Lu."

"Stop it, Wakka, you are only making this more than it is."

"You could have left me, then I would have had no choice but to call off the wedding." Lulu stayed quiet as Wakka made his way over to the bed. Lulu moved over a little and Wakka sat on the side. He touched the side of her face near her throat.

"You didn't do this," she said softly. Wakka looked at her. "Don't you even dare, Wakka."

"But, Lu--"

"I'm ok…" She touched his hand with hers and moved it to her midsection. "I'm ok." She repeated. Wakka looked down at her and leaned in to lightly claim her lips. He felt relieved as she kissed him back with equal pressure. He was definitely paying that restaurant a visit before they left though.

AN: Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, review please, they always make my day, and since mid-terms are coming up, im gonna need them. :)

KathleenDee