Chapter I
The Hospital
Will he be ...alright?
Rikku shut the stark white door behind her as she turned toward the voice. She let the question linger for a moment, examining the waiting room. Like the rest of the hospital, it was white with similar toned furniture. The was an elderly woman in one chair, her eyes not far from crying. Behind the counter sat a heavy-set woman, looking tired and even slightly sad. A scene like this was not uncommon in a hospital, from what Rikku had experienced.
Kimahri was standing in the far corner, unmoving and silent. One could mistake him for a statue.
She looked back down at her odd eyed cousin. She nodded slightly, not wanting to involve the other women.
Yuna smiled and looked relieved, but still curious. She open her mouth to speak, but Rikku silenced her.
We'll talk about it later, Yunie. Rikku whispered. My brother needs his rest. Besides.... She trailed off and let a finger drift toward the old woman, who was now in tears.
Yuna slowly moved a hand to her mouth as her eyes grew rueful. She stood cautiously and moved toward the woman like a photographer approaching an elk.
I'm sorry, She said, rather randomly. The woman looked up and her eyes became wide.
High Summoner Yuna! She spoke hoarsely, with maybe a hint of fear. M'lady, I...
Yuna sighed and shook her head. Please, ma'am. Just Yuna. Yuna lowered herself to the chair beside her. Are you feeling alright?
The woman wiped some moisture from her eyes and smiled. Her smile was pained and unnatural. I'm fine, Hi-Yuna. I should not be of your concern.
Rikku shifted uneasily still standing near the door. She decided to let Yuna do what she wanted too. Rikku didn't need to interfere.
I will be concerned with whom I want... Yuna said firmly. She softened her voice and put a hand on the woman shoulder. And the people of Spira are always my concern.
The woman nodded and looked down. I'm sorry, It's just.... She exhaled suddenly and wiped her eyes. Its my husband....
Yuna nodded but remained silent.
The healers said there was not much they could do... She let out a sob and buried her face in her hands. He's dead, Lady Yuna! He's gone!
It will be okay.... Yuna said slowly, carefully choosing her words. A though a person's life may.... fade away, what they did, and how you feel about them will never change...
The woman stopped sobbing and turned her full attention to Yuna. Rikku looked her way as well. Yuna was doing it again... She always addressed Tidus' disappearance vaguely. Never actually admitting that she was heartbroken. Rikku admired her for that. She was strong.
Even so, you must move on... Yuna continued. If he looked at you from the Farplane, wouldn't you want him to be proud? He would want you to live and be happy, you know...
The woman remained motionless for many moments. With a large sweep, she took Yuna in her arms. She was sobbing again.
When she released, she spoke again. You're absolutely right, M'lady. You have my greatest thanks.
You're welcome.
The door swung open, causing Rikku to leap back in surprise. A man in white attire stepped into view. He turned toward Rikku with concern etched on his face.
He said. I think you should see your brother now...
Yuna stood up in a flash. Is anything wrong?
The doctor shook his head. No, he's fine. It's just... The doctor paused, searching for the right words. He's speaking in Al Bhed, quite hysterically, but some of his words startle me....
Huh? How so...? Rikku asked.
He keeps talking of Yevon... and of High Summoner Yuna...
Rikku frowned. Lead the way, doc. He nodded and took her into the other room.
Yuna sat down again, even more concerned. No one spoke of Yevon much anymore, especially not the Al Bhed. It seemed an odd time to talk of any of that, anyway...
A voice sounded from outside. Yuna jumped at the familiarity of it.
The front door swung open, sending a gale of air about the room. Into the room stepped none other than Wakka. He let a wide smile cross his face as he waved to Yuna.
She smiled as he walked over. Why hello, Wakka. What are you doing in Luca?
He shrugged. Heard something was up with Rikku's brother, ya? Wanted to see if he was okay. That's all.
Wakka lies. The gruff voice came from the corner. Kimahri's piercing eyes looked at the Besaid man with mirth. He said bluntly.
Okay, fine. Wakka admitted and scratched the back of his head. So the season just started, and Brother's on the team, ya? But I still wanna know what happened.
Yuna sighed and looked to the door that Brother lay beyond. An accident with machina. He was hunting for fiends on Kilika when he shot himself in the foot.... I think...
Ooh, harsh. Wakka mused with little concern. He better be able to shoot, he's the star player since Tidus ditched us! Ha-ha!
Wakka laughed, throwing back his head. A little too late, he stopped and looked at Yuna. Umm, sorry bout that. I'm just not thinking clearly, ya know.
You never are, Wakka. Lulu scolded from the doorway. Wakka spun around and put up his arm in defense.
Whoa! Lu, didn't know you followed me. He laughed and put down his arm. You're so sneaky, like a vampire, ya?
He started to laugh again, but was interrupted by the opening of the door. Rikku stepped out. Her eyes scanned over everyone in the room.
Is Brother okay? Yuna asked once more.
He's fine, Rikku retorted. He won't be able to play Blitzball this season, but he's fine.
Then why the long face, hm? Lulu shifted her weight, causing a chorus of rattles from her many belts.
It's probably a confusion spell from a fiend, but... She trailed off into silence.
We're listening. Lulu supplied.
Rikku took a deep breath. He said he was attacked by a man.
Weird, but why the get-up? Wakka asked, crossing his arms.
The man said something about Yevon. She paused and looked straight at Yuna. And he told Yuna to...beware.
