- Never forget the dreams that have faded or lost,
For to lose those, or to let go,
Is the same as to die... -
BLUE SEA
HEAVEN
Chapter 3
*****
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Yuna nodded to Lulu and Wakka, bowing slightly.
"Yes, I do. It's just something I have to do."
"But Yuna, can't this wait? I mean, the people need a leader now, ya?"
"I know, and that's why I asked you two to stay," she said. Behind her
were Rikku and Kimahri; he was holding a medium sized suitcase. "I'm sorry
it was so sudden, but I need to do this."
"Well, guess we can't say no, ya?"
"Very well, we shall handle things here in your absense." Lulu came up to
Yuna and hugged her softly. She returned the affection. "Take care of
yourself."
"I will, besides, I have Rikku and Kimahri with me."
"Yunie, the boat leaves in like 5 minutes."
Yuna let go of Lulu, turned and nodded. She gave Wakka a hug and left to
the Docks to catch her boat.
"Yuna! Be careful!" yelled Wakka at his friends. Preety soon, Yuna, Rikku
and Kimahri had sailed clear out of site, leaving them behind.
"Lu, you think..."
"I don't know," she responded as she held herself before the wind. "I believe
she is yet to comply her loss, and it will be much harder for her than for
anyone."
Wakka didn't answer. He usually never did, but now he had a reason to...
She was absolutely right.
*****
"So, what's the schedule?" Rikku asked as she sat on the railing of the
boat, as it slowly rocked from side to side.
Yuna smiled and looked at her, diverting her gaze from the endless blue.
"We'll reach Mushroom Rock in three days. We have to walk from there."
"Three days!? Aww man! I can't sit in this tub for another three days!"
Yuna giggled. Three days on a boat were a little bit of a boring prospect,
but it was the best she and Rikku could arrange in such short time.
"Well, no use complaining, I guess," Rikku said. "But seriously, what do
we do in the meantime?"
Yuna made a face and looked at the sea again.
"I know!" Rikku exclaimed as she jumped down, startling Yuna. She turned
to her cousin. "Yuna, fyo syoct ciehr myli Ec Pnit!"
Yuna blinked. "Huh?"
"I just said, it's time for you to learn some Al Bhed! You really have to get
in touch with your roots!"
Yuna laughed, covering her mouth. "I guess you're right, but how am I gonna
learn?"
"Well Duh! You happen to have the best translater in the business as your
cousin!"
"Ok! So, how do we start?"
"Well," she said slowing her pace. "The basics, I guess. First off, I have
to get those Primers we found."
Yuna seemed a bit surprised, but only for an instant. Those were the
primers Tidus had used to learn Al Bhed. "You brought them with you?"
"Yeah, thought we might need 'em. Be back in a sec!"
Rikku headed off in a hurry to the below deck rooms. Yuna sighed and
looked back at the ocean. It felt a little strange to start learning
Al Bhed, but it also felt right. She never had much contact with her
mother, so in a sense, it would bring her a little closer to understanding
that side of her.
And of course, him.
"I'll do my best," she told the wind as it threw her clothes around.
*****
"You are not serious?"
"I'm afraid I have to be. This is what Spira needs right now."
Wakka and Lulu sat in a small room with another man late at night,
arguing for the past hour.
"How many times must I say this!? NO! We refuse by all means!"
"I believe the final say is of Lady Yuna's..."
"Maybe it's Yuna's, but we're in charge while she's out, so we say no!"
said Wakka.
"We discovered the truth about the charade, and now you want US to keep
it going!? Have you no shame?"
"It is irrelevant what I believe, but the fact remains that this is Spira's
future here. Let me leave you with that thought for now. I trust you will
persuad Lady Yuna to do the right thing."
"There is no right in two wrongs," Lulu responded. "Which is exactly
what you wish to do."
*****
With a loud yawn, Rikku slowly and lazily rose from her bed and streched
mightily. She was up late from all her seasickness; even though she
was an experienced sailor, she never beat it.
"Yunie?" she called as she rubbed her eyes. Not getting a response, she
squinted until they focused and looked around the room. Light peeked
from under the door, but the room was still relatively dark.
"What time is it?" she asked as she began to dress. Once clothed, she
left the room, covering her eyes at the sunshine. She made her way up
to top deck, to the main cabin. The captain was the only one inside,
maneuvering the ship by himself.
"Good morning Miss Rikku!" the Captain greeted her.
"Morning," she responded. "What time is it?"
"It's a bit past noon. Slept in today huh?"
"Just enough to sleep well," she said as she assumed her usual cheery mood.
"Where's Yunie?"
"Oh. well, before I tell you, you should know that we will reach Mushroom
rock in about 10 hours."
"Already? But I thought it was gonna take another day!"
"It was, but we kept the Chocobos running all night, and the wind was in
our favor, so we made excellent time. We're letting them rest now, so
we'll resume voyage in about 2 hours."
"Great! But, where's Yunie?"
"Oh, I believe she said she was going to swim a bit."
"In these waters!?"
"Not to worry. The waters in this particular area are rather warm, and it
is a hot day." He turned and looked out the window. "Besides, she
wouldn't go out too far anyway. Her Ronso guardian is there, see?"
He pointed out. Rikku looked and saw Kimahri standing stoicly near the
boarding ramp, looking straight ahead.
"Thanks," she said as she left to find them.
"Yo Kimahri!" she greeted happily. "How's it going?"
"Good morning," he said without much emotion. She would've gotten mad,
but she was now used to his one word answers and lack of emotion; it was
just his way of being. "Where's Yunie?"
Kimahri spared a quick glance, and pointed out a bit to sea. Yuna was
swimming peacefully in the calm and crystaline waters, or at least what
Rikku was able to see; just her feet as she dove down.
"Yuna swim for while now."
"Well, I guess I'll go change to something wet-able."
"Rikku should not swim with Yuna."
Rikku looked at her guardian companion, not understanding why he had just
said what he said.
"Yuna swims to forget, even if she not know... Kimahri worried."
Rikku stared at him. It wasn't like kimahri to say he was worried just like
that. What was it that worried him anyway? Yuna seemed just fine.
*****
The sea was inviting, challenging, soothing; all the things she had come to
know of it was really a wonder. It was one of her favorite things when
she had been younger. She remembered her father teaching her how to swim,
showing her the right ways to conserve energy. She had the vaguest memory
of her mother swiming with her, but it was quite some work to simply
remember her face. Of course, she could always visit her in the farplane,
but memories were a little different than things you could see.
Yuna stopped in mid-stroke to admire the beauty that was the sun shinning,
illuminating the waters' surface from below. She could see how the
ripples distorted the image to their liking; it was kind of like they
were shapping it to how they saw the world. A personal view of beauty
to a world of deep secrets.
When her lungs finally betrayed her, she rose for air quickly. The world she
had grown to love and admire as a child was quickly left behind.
"Yunie!" she heard Rikku call her. She turned to the direction of the boat,
saw both Rikku and Kimahri, and waved as she bobbed from the water.
She began to swim towards them, slowly and meticulously, but a few feet
before the access ladder, she turned to face the morning sun again.
She finally climbed up, and greeted her friends.
Rikku had to raise an eyebrow at the site. She had never seen Yuna in a
bathing suit before. In fact, she had no idea, at least not to a point
to have ever thought about it, but Yuna was extremly beautiful. Great
curves, almost no body fat; in one instant, she felt a little jealous
of her.
"Good mo.., um, Ky- KYYT LYHRURK, Rikku."
"Good morning Yunie! You brushed up a bit on those primers!"
"Yes," she answered happily. She accepted a towel from kimahri, feeling
the effects of swimming at sea.
"You're up early," Rikku said cheerfully.
"Actually, you slept in a bit," she answered.
"Well, champions need their rest!"
(GROWL...)
Rikku blushed and grabbed her tummy as it demamded a little nourishment.
"Haha, sorry, but I guess I could use some lunch."
Yuna giggled. "Yes, I believe meal time is right now, in fact."
"Great! See you below!" She literally sprinted to the dinning area below
deck.
Yuna shook her head and smiled at kimahri. She decided to change before
lunch, so she went below to her cabin and changed, heading to the dinning
area afterward, where Rikku was literally devouring plate after plate.
*****
"We'll be there by morning, Lady Yuna. I apologise that it isn't sooner,
but the Chocobos were more tired than we thought, so we had that set-
back. I hope there isn't a problem?" the captain asked Yuna carefully.
"No, of course not. Don't worry," she responded light-heartilly. The
captain bowed and left, leaving Yuna looking directly at the golden
sunset. She sighed at the peace it had always brought her looking
at the sinking sun; ever since she was a small girl, getting over
the loss of her mother.
"Got a thought to share?" someone asked her. Yuna turned and saw Rikku
coming towards her. She didn't sit on the railing this time, instead
she leaned on it like Yuna was doing. "Nice, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful," she responded. "When my mother died, I remember
my father taking me to watch a sunset over at one of the docks. He told
me that whenever I missed my mother, I should look at the sunset; she'd
always be there, coming down from the sky to swim."
Rikku didn't answer at that; she didn't know what to say, so she just
nodded and said, "Wow."
"I- I guess it sounds crazy, but I still believe him."
"Yunie, did- uh, do you still remember your mother?"
Yuna thought for a moment, then brought one hand up to her mouth. "I,
sometimes, yes. It's hard, but I can still remember her teaching me how
to swim. Also, she and my father were always together; I really can't
remember being apart at any time."
"I wish I could remember mine," Rikku said. "She died in childbirth. I
only have a sphere recording of her, but, I really wish I remembered her
for real."
Yuna hugged Rikku by her shoulders. It was hard to live with only
memories of your loved ones, but sometimes there really wasn't a choice
in the matter.
*****
"Well, we have to let the chocobo's rest, so we'll be docked for three days.
Please remember that."
"Yes, we will," Yuna responded with a polite bow. They had finally docked at
Mushroom Rock, but they would have to walk the rest of the way; through
Djose Highroad and up to the Moonflow. It was almost a five hour hike,
but they would make it up relatively early.
"It's about an hour down to get to the Temple where you can rest, so please
be careful M'lady," the Captain advised from the boat to the shore where
they were.
"We don't need to be careful; we're the best guardians ever!" Rikku yelled.
Yuna laughed.
"Well you two, let's get going!"
With a smile lighting their faces(Save for Kimahri, who's smile was scarier
than nice), they began the treck over the Highroad, both kimahri and Rikku
looking ahead and all around for any possible fiend attacks, but it looked
like the fiend population had decreased some since Sin's defeat.
"Yo Yunie, how you doing?" Rikku volunteered at some point in the middle
of the Highroad.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason," she answered innocently. "Just wanted to know if you're
tired or anything. We can stop to rest at any time."
"No, we're making great time, so why rest?"
Rikku kept her pace a little in front of Yuna, with Kimahri bringing up
the rear. "Just to let you know. We can stop at anytime to eat or rest,
or, whatever. Just so you know, 'K?
"Yuna no want to stop when so close. Rikku have to follow," Kimahri
said in a low voice. Rikku raised her eyebrows and gave a shy and awkward
smile.
"Ok, Ok. So we'll keep moving," she said. She slowed down to match Yuna's
stride, walking with her hands behind her back and taking long steps.
Every once in a while she looked at Yuna's face, then back at the road,
then at her face, then at the road.
"Yuna, I just have to ask. Why um, why did you want to do this so soon?
I mean..." she said as she came to a complete stop.
Yuna took a few more steps before stopping herself. She lowered her head,
and for a moment her back gave away that she increased momentarily the
grip on the small bag she was carrying in front of her.
"Yunie?"
Yuna raised her head, turned and smiled, but said nothing. She began to walk
slowly, never flinching.
Rikku stood still, watching Yuna leave without an answer. It really wasn't
like her to do that. She then was pushed to a side, when Kimahri nudged
her to make way, as if he wouldn't walk other than in a straight line and
she was in the way.
The rest of the hike was left in complete silence.
*****
It was middle to late afternoon when they finally were leaving the forest
behind, and could see the afternoon sun over the summit path.
"Well, we're close," Rikku said. It was the first words uttered in hours.
"Yes," Yuna responded.
Rikku kept her eyes forward as they walked up. After a few more minutes,
they were even closer to the end of the path.
"OOOO, look!" Rikku shouted as she caught eye of a small firey object
up the path. "A pyrefly! Let's go!" She bolted up, running as fast as
she could up the hill. "Come on slowpokes! Hurry!" she shouted to Kimahri
and Yuna, whom had been left behind.
Yuna smiled and began to pick up her pace too...
"Yuna," Kimahri said.
Yuna stopped and turned to him. "Yes?"
Kimahri looked at her intensely. "Is Yuna sure of this?"
The question was a surprise to her, in a way she couldn't peg. "Yes, of
course I want to. now let's go," she said as she resumed walking. Kimahri
shook his head and began to walk too.
*****
After another ten minutes, they had finally reached the summit. The Moonflow
river was in plain site. Yuna's jaw almost dropped at the beauty. Pyreflies
rose from the Moon Lilies, like a bee from a flower. They floated in the air,
making a pattern of flight that almost seemed erratic, yet somehow alluring
and appealing. Rikku was already standing on a large rock on the waters
edge, admiring the view.
"It's beautiful," Rikku said. It really was a sea of stars.
Yuna had so many things to say, that she had no idea where to start. She
dropped her bag and walked to the edge of the river near Rikku. She let
her legs give under her, tired from the walk, and sat quietly as she
smiled.
"It's still a few hours until sundown, so I guess we should rest until then.
We should..." Yuna stopped short then, feeling something warm land on her
hand.
"Cool..." Rikku said as she stared at Yuna. A Pyrefly landed on her hand,
and didn't move, not even as she raised her hand to look at it closer.
Yuna smiled ear to ear as she admired this being. It really didn't have
any form, it was just like a light that didn't have a home. It was
something out of this world.
"Hi little guy," Yuna said softly not to scare it away. The pyrefly didn't
move for a while, but eventually, it took flight again as it joined
it's companions in flight.
"It's preety," Yuna said. "Now, we just wait for the sunset..."
"Yunie," Rikku said with an echo as she rose from her rock. "What's going
on?"
"Huh?" she said, then she realized what Rikku wanted to know. It couldn't
have been over 4:30 in the afternoon, but the sun was already setting in the
mountains, and very quickly to add. The really odd thing was that the more
the sun set, he brighter the lake became, as if it was fluorecent beam
of light, everlasting and endless.
"Awwwwsomeee," Rikku said as she admired the supernatural event taking
place right before her eyes. Magic was so common now-adays, and this was
something dimensions away from magic; it was mystical.
"....." was the only thing that left Yuna's lips. She looked at her
companions; Rikku was ecstatic, jumping up and down and trying to catch
the dancing lights before her like a child, Kimahri was as stoic as ever,
but years of knowing him had taught her how to figure him out; she knew
he was mesmerized, having never witnessed something like this. Suddenly,
she felt hot and tingly all over...
"Yunie..."
"Yuna..."
Yuna looked to them, but something far more interesting caught her full
attention. All over her, pyreflies were gathering, encircling her in a
cylinder of light and stars; as they spun around, they seemed to make
Yuna glow in the now completely dark sky. She tried to touch the lights,
finding them warm and pleasent in her palms as she began to slowly spin
around in circles, laughing softly and happily.
"Yunie..." Rikku said, seeing her cousin dance, enveloped in stars; she
couldn't help to be mesmerized at this. She tore her gaze to the lake, which
now shun like a sea of stars; a private Universe inside a world of
water, shinning as brightly as a thousand golden sunsets, different hues
of color adorned each part, creating a world of endless light.
Yuna stopped her spinning, still enloped by stars, and looked at the
private universe that had formed before her, seeing a site more wonderful
than she could have ever imagined.
"Pyreflies take the shape of the memories of those who have parted..."
said Rikku, astounded.
"Tidus..." Yuna said.
Indeed, it was the image of Tidus that stood in the middle of the lake,
summoned by the Pyreflies, motionless, and as handsome as she had thought
he was.
'....'
Rikku looked at Tidus in awe; she knew the dead could be seen in the
farplane, but here? She looked at Yuna; she looked like the day she and
Tidus had gone off into the woods... happy. Completely and utterly
happy. She began to walk towards him, taking an unvoiced invitation
to him.
Kimahri smiled as Yuna walked torwards her beloved. He was also happy
for her, even if it was only for a moment.
Yuna took small strides, concentrating on magic to walk on the surface of
the water, but she realized, that the more she concentrated, the more
she lost herself to this emotion, and realized that she didn't need
magic now; she was in it, a part of it.
'....'
The image of Tidus extended his hand to Yuna, whom only looked at it, afraid
of touching thin air. Slowly and cautiosly, she reached for him, feeling,
touching a dream that was real.
He was real.
He was as real as she remembered. She grasped his hand firmly as she looked
into his deeo, opaque blue eyes, eyes that any woman could drown in.
He smiled as he pulled her closer to him, grabbing her waist as the pyreflies
worked their magic of light.
"Tidus..." she moaned at him, feeling as if she was in heaven. She would
have said more, but he placed a finger on her lips. silencing; letting
her know that this moment was of no neccesity to words.
She placed her hands on his chest, savoring the feel of him; intoxicating
and irresistable. He smiled at her, a smile that meant everything.
She let herself rest on his chest and embraced him fully.
They began to dance in each others arms, as the pyreflies light grew more
and more intense every passing second.
If only a few seconds had past, they had felt like centuries to Rikku.
She felt so happy for Yuna. She wiped her eyes as tears her own began
to flow. She laughed at her own emotions, feeling ridiculous for
feeling so happy over something that didn't belong to her.
Yuna had never felt so happy; it was something more wonderful than she
had ever imagined. Being held by the one she loved, feeling safe, protected
and secure...
'....'
She looked into his eyes at his unspoken words, understanding fully what
he wanted to say. She closed her eyes as their faces grew inches closer,
and closer...
Rikku gulped as the sky grew brighter, for some reason, and the night quickly
went away.
"Tidus..." Yuna whispered as she felt a stir in the magic. She knew what was
coming, but chose to not let it affect her. She kept her eyes closed
and drew him near, not fearing, but afraid.
Tidus smiled as his figure diminished, faded away.
'....'
Yuna hugged with all her strength, but ended up hugging herself as Tidus'
figure left her arms. Wind seemed to come from nowhere, blowing her dress
and hair to one side. She dared not open her eyes, so a lone tear escaped
her. It fell directly into the water, not affected by the wind.
Rikku could clearly see as Yuna's tear touched the water. The instant
it did, the Pyreflies dispersed, making the sound they made. The lake turned
back to normal, as all the light left the depths. Tears began to flow from
her eyes as well.
Yuna knew that it had ended. It was over, but in the few minutes it lasted,
it felt as if an eternity had gone by.
She opened her eyes, letting the uncried tears be wisked away by the wind,
holding her hands close to her heart.
"Thank you," she whispered to the wind.
End of Chapter 3
A.N.
This isn't the end of the story, in case you were wondering. Plenty more to
come, so stick around.
'Till next time...
BlackDragon
For to lose those, or to let go,
Is the same as to die... -
BLUE SEA
HEAVEN
Chapter 3
*****
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Yuna nodded to Lulu and Wakka, bowing slightly.
"Yes, I do. It's just something I have to do."
"But Yuna, can't this wait? I mean, the people need a leader now, ya?"
"I know, and that's why I asked you two to stay," she said. Behind her
were Rikku and Kimahri; he was holding a medium sized suitcase. "I'm sorry
it was so sudden, but I need to do this."
"Well, guess we can't say no, ya?"
"Very well, we shall handle things here in your absense." Lulu came up to
Yuna and hugged her softly. She returned the affection. "Take care of
yourself."
"I will, besides, I have Rikku and Kimahri with me."
"Yunie, the boat leaves in like 5 minutes."
Yuna let go of Lulu, turned and nodded. She gave Wakka a hug and left to
the Docks to catch her boat.
"Yuna! Be careful!" yelled Wakka at his friends. Preety soon, Yuna, Rikku
and Kimahri had sailed clear out of site, leaving them behind.
"Lu, you think..."
"I don't know," she responded as she held herself before the wind. "I believe
she is yet to comply her loss, and it will be much harder for her than for
anyone."
Wakka didn't answer. He usually never did, but now he had a reason to...
She was absolutely right.
*****
"So, what's the schedule?" Rikku asked as she sat on the railing of the
boat, as it slowly rocked from side to side.
Yuna smiled and looked at her, diverting her gaze from the endless blue.
"We'll reach Mushroom Rock in three days. We have to walk from there."
"Three days!? Aww man! I can't sit in this tub for another three days!"
Yuna giggled. Three days on a boat were a little bit of a boring prospect,
but it was the best she and Rikku could arrange in such short time.
"Well, no use complaining, I guess," Rikku said. "But seriously, what do
we do in the meantime?"
Yuna made a face and looked at the sea again.
"I know!" Rikku exclaimed as she jumped down, startling Yuna. She turned
to her cousin. "Yuna, fyo syoct ciehr myli Ec Pnit!"
Yuna blinked. "Huh?"
"I just said, it's time for you to learn some Al Bhed! You really have to get
in touch with your roots!"
Yuna laughed, covering her mouth. "I guess you're right, but how am I gonna
learn?"
"Well Duh! You happen to have the best translater in the business as your
cousin!"
"Ok! So, how do we start?"
"Well," she said slowing her pace. "The basics, I guess. First off, I have
to get those Primers we found."
Yuna seemed a bit surprised, but only for an instant. Those were the
primers Tidus had used to learn Al Bhed. "You brought them with you?"
"Yeah, thought we might need 'em. Be back in a sec!"
Rikku headed off in a hurry to the below deck rooms. Yuna sighed and
looked back at the ocean. It felt a little strange to start learning
Al Bhed, but it also felt right. She never had much contact with her
mother, so in a sense, it would bring her a little closer to understanding
that side of her.
And of course, him.
"I'll do my best," she told the wind as it threw her clothes around.
*****
"You are not serious?"
"I'm afraid I have to be. This is what Spira needs right now."
Wakka and Lulu sat in a small room with another man late at night,
arguing for the past hour.
"How many times must I say this!? NO! We refuse by all means!"
"I believe the final say is of Lady Yuna's..."
"Maybe it's Yuna's, but we're in charge while she's out, so we say no!"
said Wakka.
"We discovered the truth about the charade, and now you want US to keep
it going!? Have you no shame?"
"It is irrelevant what I believe, but the fact remains that this is Spira's
future here. Let me leave you with that thought for now. I trust you will
persuad Lady Yuna to do the right thing."
"There is no right in two wrongs," Lulu responded. "Which is exactly
what you wish to do."
*****
With a loud yawn, Rikku slowly and lazily rose from her bed and streched
mightily. She was up late from all her seasickness; even though she
was an experienced sailor, she never beat it.
"Yunie?" she called as she rubbed her eyes. Not getting a response, she
squinted until they focused and looked around the room. Light peeked
from under the door, but the room was still relatively dark.
"What time is it?" she asked as she began to dress. Once clothed, she
left the room, covering her eyes at the sunshine. She made her way up
to top deck, to the main cabin. The captain was the only one inside,
maneuvering the ship by himself.
"Good morning Miss Rikku!" the Captain greeted her.
"Morning," she responded. "What time is it?"
"It's a bit past noon. Slept in today huh?"
"Just enough to sleep well," she said as she assumed her usual cheery mood.
"Where's Yunie?"
"Oh. well, before I tell you, you should know that we will reach Mushroom
rock in about 10 hours."
"Already? But I thought it was gonna take another day!"
"It was, but we kept the Chocobos running all night, and the wind was in
our favor, so we made excellent time. We're letting them rest now, so
we'll resume voyage in about 2 hours."
"Great! But, where's Yunie?"
"Oh, I believe she said she was going to swim a bit."
"In these waters!?"
"Not to worry. The waters in this particular area are rather warm, and it
is a hot day." He turned and looked out the window. "Besides, she
wouldn't go out too far anyway. Her Ronso guardian is there, see?"
He pointed out. Rikku looked and saw Kimahri standing stoicly near the
boarding ramp, looking straight ahead.
"Thanks," she said as she left to find them.
"Yo Kimahri!" she greeted happily. "How's it going?"
"Good morning," he said without much emotion. She would've gotten mad,
but she was now used to his one word answers and lack of emotion; it was
just his way of being. "Where's Yunie?"
Kimahri spared a quick glance, and pointed out a bit to sea. Yuna was
swimming peacefully in the calm and crystaline waters, or at least what
Rikku was able to see; just her feet as she dove down.
"Yuna swim for while now."
"Well, I guess I'll go change to something wet-able."
"Rikku should not swim with Yuna."
Rikku looked at her guardian companion, not understanding why he had just
said what he said.
"Yuna swims to forget, even if she not know... Kimahri worried."
Rikku stared at him. It wasn't like kimahri to say he was worried just like
that. What was it that worried him anyway? Yuna seemed just fine.
*****
The sea was inviting, challenging, soothing; all the things she had come to
know of it was really a wonder. It was one of her favorite things when
she had been younger. She remembered her father teaching her how to swim,
showing her the right ways to conserve energy. She had the vaguest memory
of her mother swiming with her, but it was quite some work to simply
remember her face. Of course, she could always visit her in the farplane,
but memories were a little different than things you could see.
Yuna stopped in mid-stroke to admire the beauty that was the sun shinning,
illuminating the waters' surface from below. She could see how the
ripples distorted the image to their liking; it was kind of like they
were shapping it to how they saw the world. A personal view of beauty
to a world of deep secrets.
When her lungs finally betrayed her, she rose for air quickly. The world she
had grown to love and admire as a child was quickly left behind.
"Yunie!" she heard Rikku call her. She turned to the direction of the boat,
saw both Rikku and Kimahri, and waved as she bobbed from the water.
She began to swim towards them, slowly and meticulously, but a few feet
before the access ladder, she turned to face the morning sun again.
She finally climbed up, and greeted her friends.
Rikku had to raise an eyebrow at the site. She had never seen Yuna in a
bathing suit before. In fact, she had no idea, at least not to a point
to have ever thought about it, but Yuna was extremly beautiful. Great
curves, almost no body fat; in one instant, she felt a little jealous
of her.
"Good mo.., um, Ky- KYYT LYHRURK, Rikku."
"Good morning Yunie! You brushed up a bit on those primers!"
"Yes," she answered happily. She accepted a towel from kimahri, feeling
the effects of swimming at sea.
"You're up early," Rikku said cheerfully.
"Actually, you slept in a bit," she answered.
"Well, champions need their rest!"
(GROWL...)
Rikku blushed and grabbed her tummy as it demamded a little nourishment.
"Haha, sorry, but I guess I could use some lunch."
Yuna giggled. "Yes, I believe meal time is right now, in fact."
"Great! See you below!" She literally sprinted to the dinning area below
deck.
Yuna shook her head and smiled at kimahri. She decided to change before
lunch, so she went below to her cabin and changed, heading to the dinning
area afterward, where Rikku was literally devouring plate after plate.
*****
"We'll be there by morning, Lady Yuna. I apologise that it isn't sooner,
but the Chocobos were more tired than we thought, so we had that set-
back. I hope there isn't a problem?" the captain asked Yuna carefully.
"No, of course not. Don't worry," she responded light-heartilly. The
captain bowed and left, leaving Yuna looking directly at the golden
sunset. She sighed at the peace it had always brought her looking
at the sinking sun; ever since she was a small girl, getting over
the loss of her mother.
"Got a thought to share?" someone asked her. Yuna turned and saw Rikku
coming towards her. She didn't sit on the railing this time, instead
she leaned on it like Yuna was doing. "Nice, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful," she responded. "When my mother died, I remember
my father taking me to watch a sunset over at one of the docks. He told
me that whenever I missed my mother, I should look at the sunset; she'd
always be there, coming down from the sky to swim."
Rikku didn't answer at that; she didn't know what to say, so she just
nodded and said, "Wow."
"I- I guess it sounds crazy, but I still believe him."
"Yunie, did- uh, do you still remember your mother?"
Yuna thought for a moment, then brought one hand up to her mouth. "I,
sometimes, yes. It's hard, but I can still remember her teaching me how
to swim. Also, she and my father were always together; I really can't
remember being apart at any time."
"I wish I could remember mine," Rikku said. "She died in childbirth. I
only have a sphere recording of her, but, I really wish I remembered her
for real."
Yuna hugged Rikku by her shoulders. It was hard to live with only
memories of your loved ones, but sometimes there really wasn't a choice
in the matter.
*****
"Well, we have to let the chocobo's rest, so we'll be docked for three days.
Please remember that."
"Yes, we will," Yuna responded with a polite bow. They had finally docked at
Mushroom Rock, but they would have to walk the rest of the way; through
Djose Highroad and up to the Moonflow. It was almost a five hour hike,
but they would make it up relatively early.
"It's about an hour down to get to the Temple where you can rest, so please
be careful M'lady," the Captain advised from the boat to the shore where
they were.
"We don't need to be careful; we're the best guardians ever!" Rikku yelled.
Yuna laughed.
"Well you two, let's get going!"
With a smile lighting their faces(Save for Kimahri, who's smile was scarier
than nice), they began the treck over the Highroad, both kimahri and Rikku
looking ahead and all around for any possible fiend attacks, but it looked
like the fiend population had decreased some since Sin's defeat.
"Yo Yunie, how you doing?" Rikku volunteered at some point in the middle
of the Highroad.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason," she answered innocently. "Just wanted to know if you're
tired or anything. We can stop to rest at any time."
"No, we're making great time, so why rest?"
Rikku kept her pace a little in front of Yuna, with Kimahri bringing up
the rear. "Just to let you know. We can stop at anytime to eat or rest,
or, whatever. Just so you know, 'K?
"Yuna no want to stop when so close. Rikku have to follow," Kimahri
said in a low voice. Rikku raised her eyebrows and gave a shy and awkward
smile.
"Ok, Ok. So we'll keep moving," she said. She slowed down to match Yuna's
stride, walking with her hands behind her back and taking long steps.
Every once in a while she looked at Yuna's face, then back at the road,
then at her face, then at the road.
"Yuna, I just have to ask. Why um, why did you want to do this so soon?
I mean..." she said as she came to a complete stop.
Yuna took a few more steps before stopping herself. She lowered her head,
and for a moment her back gave away that she increased momentarily the
grip on the small bag she was carrying in front of her.
"Yunie?"
Yuna raised her head, turned and smiled, but said nothing. She began to walk
slowly, never flinching.
Rikku stood still, watching Yuna leave without an answer. It really wasn't
like her to do that. She then was pushed to a side, when Kimahri nudged
her to make way, as if he wouldn't walk other than in a straight line and
she was in the way.
The rest of the hike was left in complete silence.
*****
It was middle to late afternoon when they finally were leaving the forest
behind, and could see the afternoon sun over the summit path.
"Well, we're close," Rikku said. It was the first words uttered in hours.
"Yes," Yuna responded.
Rikku kept her eyes forward as they walked up. After a few more minutes,
they were even closer to the end of the path.
"OOOO, look!" Rikku shouted as she caught eye of a small firey object
up the path. "A pyrefly! Let's go!" She bolted up, running as fast as
she could up the hill. "Come on slowpokes! Hurry!" she shouted to Kimahri
and Yuna, whom had been left behind.
Yuna smiled and began to pick up her pace too...
"Yuna," Kimahri said.
Yuna stopped and turned to him. "Yes?"
Kimahri looked at her intensely. "Is Yuna sure of this?"
The question was a surprise to her, in a way she couldn't peg. "Yes, of
course I want to. now let's go," she said as she resumed walking. Kimahri
shook his head and began to walk too.
*****
After another ten minutes, they had finally reached the summit. The Moonflow
river was in plain site. Yuna's jaw almost dropped at the beauty. Pyreflies
rose from the Moon Lilies, like a bee from a flower. They floated in the air,
making a pattern of flight that almost seemed erratic, yet somehow alluring
and appealing. Rikku was already standing on a large rock on the waters
edge, admiring the view.
"It's beautiful," Rikku said. It really was a sea of stars.
Yuna had so many things to say, that she had no idea where to start. She
dropped her bag and walked to the edge of the river near Rikku. She let
her legs give under her, tired from the walk, and sat quietly as she
smiled.
"It's still a few hours until sundown, so I guess we should rest until then.
We should..." Yuna stopped short then, feeling something warm land on her
hand.
"Cool..." Rikku said as she stared at Yuna. A Pyrefly landed on her hand,
and didn't move, not even as she raised her hand to look at it closer.
Yuna smiled ear to ear as she admired this being. It really didn't have
any form, it was just like a light that didn't have a home. It was
something out of this world.
"Hi little guy," Yuna said softly not to scare it away. The pyrefly didn't
move for a while, but eventually, it took flight again as it joined
it's companions in flight.
"It's preety," Yuna said. "Now, we just wait for the sunset..."
"Yunie," Rikku said with an echo as she rose from her rock. "What's going
on?"
"Huh?" she said, then she realized what Rikku wanted to know. It couldn't
have been over 4:30 in the afternoon, but the sun was already setting in the
mountains, and very quickly to add. The really odd thing was that the more
the sun set, he brighter the lake became, as if it was fluorecent beam
of light, everlasting and endless.
"Awwwwsomeee," Rikku said as she admired the supernatural event taking
place right before her eyes. Magic was so common now-adays, and this was
something dimensions away from magic; it was mystical.
"....." was the only thing that left Yuna's lips. She looked at her
companions; Rikku was ecstatic, jumping up and down and trying to catch
the dancing lights before her like a child, Kimahri was as stoic as ever,
but years of knowing him had taught her how to figure him out; she knew
he was mesmerized, having never witnessed something like this. Suddenly,
she felt hot and tingly all over...
"Yunie..."
"Yuna..."
Yuna looked to them, but something far more interesting caught her full
attention. All over her, pyreflies were gathering, encircling her in a
cylinder of light and stars; as they spun around, they seemed to make
Yuna glow in the now completely dark sky. She tried to touch the lights,
finding them warm and pleasent in her palms as she began to slowly spin
around in circles, laughing softly and happily.
"Yunie..." Rikku said, seeing her cousin dance, enveloped in stars; she
couldn't help to be mesmerized at this. She tore her gaze to the lake, which
now shun like a sea of stars; a private Universe inside a world of
water, shinning as brightly as a thousand golden sunsets, different hues
of color adorned each part, creating a world of endless light.
Yuna stopped her spinning, still enloped by stars, and looked at the
private universe that had formed before her, seeing a site more wonderful
than she could have ever imagined.
"Pyreflies take the shape of the memories of those who have parted..."
said Rikku, astounded.
"Tidus..." Yuna said.
Indeed, it was the image of Tidus that stood in the middle of the lake,
summoned by the Pyreflies, motionless, and as handsome as she had thought
he was.
'....'
Rikku looked at Tidus in awe; she knew the dead could be seen in the
farplane, but here? She looked at Yuna; she looked like the day she and
Tidus had gone off into the woods... happy. Completely and utterly
happy. She began to walk towards him, taking an unvoiced invitation
to him.
Kimahri smiled as Yuna walked torwards her beloved. He was also happy
for her, even if it was only for a moment.
Yuna took small strides, concentrating on magic to walk on the surface of
the water, but she realized, that the more she concentrated, the more
she lost herself to this emotion, and realized that she didn't need
magic now; she was in it, a part of it.
'....'
The image of Tidus extended his hand to Yuna, whom only looked at it, afraid
of touching thin air. Slowly and cautiosly, she reached for him, feeling,
touching a dream that was real.
He was real.
He was as real as she remembered. She grasped his hand firmly as she looked
into his deeo, opaque blue eyes, eyes that any woman could drown in.
He smiled as he pulled her closer to him, grabbing her waist as the pyreflies
worked their magic of light.
"Tidus..." she moaned at him, feeling as if she was in heaven. She would
have said more, but he placed a finger on her lips. silencing; letting
her know that this moment was of no neccesity to words.
She placed her hands on his chest, savoring the feel of him; intoxicating
and irresistable. He smiled at her, a smile that meant everything.
She let herself rest on his chest and embraced him fully.
They began to dance in each others arms, as the pyreflies light grew more
and more intense every passing second.
If only a few seconds had past, they had felt like centuries to Rikku.
She felt so happy for Yuna. She wiped her eyes as tears her own began
to flow. She laughed at her own emotions, feeling ridiculous for
feeling so happy over something that didn't belong to her.
Yuna had never felt so happy; it was something more wonderful than she
had ever imagined. Being held by the one she loved, feeling safe, protected
and secure...
'....'
She looked into his eyes at his unspoken words, understanding fully what
he wanted to say. She closed her eyes as their faces grew inches closer,
and closer...
Rikku gulped as the sky grew brighter, for some reason, and the night quickly
went away.
"Tidus..." Yuna whispered as she felt a stir in the magic. She knew what was
coming, but chose to not let it affect her. She kept her eyes closed
and drew him near, not fearing, but afraid.
Tidus smiled as his figure diminished, faded away.
'....'
Yuna hugged with all her strength, but ended up hugging herself as Tidus'
figure left her arms. Wind seemed to come from nowhere, blowing her dress
and hair to one side. She dared not open her eyes, so a lone tear escaped
her. It fell directly into the water, not affected by the wind.
Rikku could clearly see as Yuna's tear touched the water. The instant
it did, the Pyreflies dispersed, making the sound they made. The lake turned
back to normal, as all the light left the depths. Tears began to flow from
her eyes as well.
Yuna knew that it had ended. It was over, but in the few minutes it lasted,
it felt as if an eternity had gone by.
She opened her eyes, letting the uncried tears be wisked away by the wind,
holding her hands close to her heart.
"Thank you," she whispered to the wind.
End of Chapter 3
A.N.
This isn't the end of the story, in case you were wondering. Plenty more to
come, so stick around.
'Till next time...
BlackDragon
