Chapter 1 - Lost in a Dream/Encounters
Happiness, a state of pure ecstacy; a form of emotional being that the people of Spira had never thought they would be able to feel. One thousand years it had been. For one thousand years the people had suffered and cowered under the evil shadow of Sin, the carrier of a greater evil, Yu-Yevon.
Then, in the blink of an eye and the flash of a million pyreflies, the evil vanished. Sin was vanquished by the efforts of the summoner Yuna from the isle of Besaid with the help of her guardians and a small band of Al Bhed. For the first time in a thousand years, the people of Spira were happy.
However, the happiness was only surface deep. Spira lost a large portion of itself in Yuna's action. The four maesters; Mika, Kelk, Kinoc, and Seymour were all lost in the conflict. But perhaps the largest lost came with the exposition of Yu-Yevon as the perpetuator of the conflict with Sin. With this shocking revelation, Spira entered into a spiral of turmoil. The government and the church collapsed in that large explosion of the Bevelle sky, leaving the empty void that the people struggled to fill. Originally, they struggled to rebuild and salvaged their shattered religion, offering the title of Maester to Yuna, the first such offering to a woman in Spira's history. Sadly, the High Summoner declined the offering, stating simply that "my heart isn't in it", and returned to the isle of Besaid to live quietly with her remaining guardians.
* * *
The waves brushed slowly against the quiet shores of Besaid Island. A single bird rested on the ruins of the ancient city that occupied the island over a thousand years into the past. In the waves floated the blue and white sphere with the symbol for Bliztball inscribed on it. A young boy wandered into the oceans to retrieve the ball. He splashed gallantly through the waves, carefree and naive of the world that had been built in blood for him two years earlier.
He was only a child at the time, but his mother had told him the stories. Told him how the monster would appear suddenly and devastate whole villages and towns. It mattered little to him now, the monster was gone, defeated by the efforts of a band he knew nothing of. The waves splashed against him as he reached out to grab the ball that floated before him. At first, it felt like a pinching on his leg, then a sharp pain. The boy turned aghast to see a fiend had gripped his leg in his hand. The boy shouted, screaming at the top of his lungs as the boy cried for help.
No one would come though, he knew. He had disobeyed mother and come to the beach alone. He cried as the fiend tossed his frail body high in the air. If only someone would come to his aide. He cried to Yevon, for his mother, for anybody to help him.
The boy looked up as the fiend leaped from the water. It was coming down on him, its claws outstretched and its fangs glistening in the afternoon sun. The boy closed his eyes, preparing for the imminent death that would follow.
"Hey kid!" someone shouted, "Look out!"
The boy didn't reply, but a large bang exploded above him. He opened his eyes to see the monster being hit with a Blitzball. Suddenly, a powerful arm reached around his chest and he started moving back to shore. The arm drug him onto shore and he lay flat on his back. Hovering over the boy was Wakka, the boy knew from the Besaid Aurochs Bliztball team.
"You okay, little brudda?" Wakka asked.
He tried to reply, but the words would not leave his throat. He tried to move his arms, but they would not answer him.
"You're pretty banged up, little brudda," Wakka hoisted the boy from the ground into his arms, "We better get you back to the village and let Yuna have a look at you, ok?"
* * *
Alone. That's how she felt. Alone in a world where the people were born anew with hope and a joy for the lives they led. Kneeling at the base of the Chamber of the Fayth, Yuna's outstretched hand rested calmly against the stone. It felt empty, empty like her soul. The Aeons were gone, along with him. The Fayth was useless, nothing but a monument from an era many were ready to forget.
"Kimarhi...," Yuna spoke to her silent companion, not sure of what to say next.
The Ronso guardian placed his hand on Yuna's shoulder, his comforting touch feeling warm against Yuna's cold skin.
"It has been two days," Kimarhi spoke in his own unique Ronso tone, "Kimarhi worried about Yuna."
"I know, Kimarhi," Yuna placed her forehead against the stone, "But I must pray for Yevon to return him here, to make him safe."
Inside, she felt the futility in her words. Yevon was a lost entity existing only in name and title in the Eternal Calm, it symbolized what she was chasing, a dream in the past. Behind her, she could here Kimarhi sigh.
"He is gone," Kimarhi muttered, "Yuna cannot change that, Kimarhi cannot change that. No one can change that."
A tear streaked down Yuna's face as he paused, seemingly working up the nerve to make the next statement.
"But....Kimarhi would wish he would return also. Kimarhi never met such an interesting human before."
Yuna stifled a small laugh as Kimarhi smiled a little behind her. She stood up and faced her longtime friend. He reached out both hands onto Yuna's shoulders and the former summoner rested her head against the beast's outstretched forearm.
"Thank you, Kimarhi," Yuna smiled, "You are a true friend."
* * *
"Wakka? What happened?" Lulu asked as he carried the child into the former crusaders lodge.
"He was attacked by a fiend in the water. His leg is pretty messed up. You better have a look at it," Wakka laid the child upon one of the beds in the lodge.
"I don't know anything about wounds and treatment," Lulu pressed a cloth that was lying on the bed onto the wound, "Though it looks pretty serious."
"I'll go get Yuna," Wakka started to the door, but paused as he reached the outside of the tent, "Oh."
"She's not out yet," Lulu replied, rubbing the boy's brow, a slight ice spell on her fingers to cool the boy's temperature.
"But it's been two days..."
"Who knows how long she'll be in there. She hasn't been the same since..."
"Oh," Wakka dropped his head, returning to the lodge, "I know, it's tough on all of us. But somehow, I know Yevon will deliver us an answer."
"Don't be ridiculous," Lulu retorted, "The whole premise behind Yevon was false, didn't you learn anything?"
"I'll believe what I wanna believe, ya!" Wakka shouted, "Don't tell me you're any different 'cause you got no feeling in your heart anymore."
"I never said that," Lulu replied, "I was merely stating that.....Yuna!"
Wakka looked behind him and saw Yuna standing at the entrance to the lodge with Kimarhi shadowing her as he always did.
"What is wrong?" Braska's daughter asked, "Oh my!"
Seeing the boy lying on the bed, Yuna rushed to his side. Although without the powers of her Aeons, Yuna still retained her strengths as a summoner. She placed her hand lightly on the boy's wound and an illuminating light spread from Yuna's fingertips. The boy's gash healed before Lulu's eyes, the wound disapperaing and replaced with fresh skin. The skin was pink, but completely healed. Yuna sighed before putting the cloth back over it.
"He shall be all right," Yuna muttered, her eyes not looking up to meet Lulu's.
"Thank you, Yuna," Lulu replied.
"I...I have to go....." Yun stood up and walked out of the tent.
Wakka started to follow her, but Kimarhi put his hand on the guardian's chest.
"Let Yuna go, Yuna needs to be alone."
* * *
Night fell on Besaid fairly quickly. The docks creaked softly under Yuna's step as she walked out to the spot she visited regularly over the past two years. She sighed, choking back the tears. Her fingers came up to her mouth and she slid them in her mouth, pressing them in the exact spot where he has shown her.
With a blow, the silence of the night was replaced with Yuna's whistle. It bounced across the waves as the slowly washed ashore. She looked upwards to the moon, whistling again.
'If we ever get seperated,' he had told her in Luca, 'Just whistle and I'll come running, promise!'
She cried more, her tears streaking down her face and dropping into the salty water.
Then why won't you come now?
* * *
In the village, the central fire burned as it had since Yuna had left on her pilgrimage two years ago. The two elders of the village sat by the fire, telling each other the most widely know story of the Eternal Calm. The elders laughed as they noticed a man enter through the gates of the village.
"Greeting stranger," the tallest elder stood up, "What can I do you for?"
"I have no time for you," the stranger glared at the two old men, "I am searching for Braska's daughter."
"Lady Yuna?" the second rose to her feet, "What business do you have with her?"
"It's none of your concern old timer," the stranger stood defiant, his resting softly on the hilt of his sword.
"Hey!" a younger voiced shouted from across the village, "Who do you think you are, ya? Coming in here and insulting the elders? You got no dignity or class?"
"Wakka I presume," the man turned to face him.
"Dat's right," Wakka crossed his arms, studying the stranger, "And who might you be?"
"I'm searching for Braska's daughter, this Lady Yuna," the stranger replied, "Where is she?"
"None of you business," Wakka noticed Kimarhi approaching the stranger from behind, his spear in hand and ready to pounce.
Kimarhi roared, striking down with the spear. In a flash of lightning, the stranger spun out of the way of the attack. He drew his sword from its sheath and sliced the spear in two pieces. Kimarhi stared at the two pieces of his broken staff before howling into the night sky. He tossed them aside and lunged at the man with his claws. The stranger leaped backwards, doing a somersault and landing a few yards away from Kimarhi. He spun around to come face to face with Lulu, her hand outstretched only a few inches from his face.
"One move and I will call the heavens down on you without mercy," she glared at him.
"I don't want trouble," the stranger asked, standing upright and surrendering the battle to the black mage, "I must speak with the High Summoner's daughter quickly."
"She left," Lulu stated, walking past the stranger to join Kimarhi and Wakka, "That's all we'll tell you."
"Recently?"
"I said, that's all," Lulu repeated herself, glaring at him, "Now leave this village."
"Not until I speak with Braska's daughter."
"Leave," Wakka stepped forward, his eyes squinted in anger, "Or by Yevon, we'll make you, ya?"
"Don't tell me the guardians of Braska's daughter still follow that defunct religion," the stranger laughed.
"You laugh at Yevon?" Wakka yelled, "Yevon's taught us a lot about ourselves, even if there was corruption, the teachings were pure."
"Sure, whatever you say."
"Just who are you, anyway?" Lulu asked, readying to defend herself or the others if he made a move.
"I'm a warrior, from Bevelle," the man bowed slightly, "The name is Felix."
"Bevelle, huh?" Lulu continued her questioning, "Are you part of New Yevon?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Felix shook his head, "I'm not a part of anything."
"Sounds fishy," Wakka added.
"Quiet, Wakka," Lulu ordered, "Why do you want to see the summoner?"
"I only wish a moment of her time, to speak with her."
"I don't know, Lu," Wakka took a step forward, "There's something funny about him."
"What is this?" Yuna's voice echoed from across the village. The group turned to see her standing clutching her staff, "What's going on?"
Kimarhi relaxed a little, returning to his usual statue stance while Wakka rubbed the back of his head and moved away from Felix. On the other hand, both Lulu and Felix moved towards Yuna.
"Lady Yuna," Lulu approached her long time friend, "This man wishes to speak with you, although I don't see it as such a good idea."
"Oh?" Yuna turned to face Felix, "I have stated repeatedly to your compatriots that I do not wish to join the New Yevon alliance."
"So I heard," Felix sneered, "I only wish a moment of your time."
"Lulu?"
"Only if I'm there," Lulu stepped between the two, "As a mediator."
"Fine," Felix sighed, rolling his shoulders under his cloak, "Shall we?"
He offered towards a nearby hut and stood as Yuna passed by him. Lulu followed behind the summoner, her eyes staring at Felix's two blue eyes.
He followed them into the tent, his movements cold and precise. He sat down on the crate next to the entrance while Lulu and Yuna sat on the bed.
"Make this quick," Lulu ordered.
"As you wish," Felix snickered, "High Summoner Yuna, I've come to Besaid to ask why have you turned your back on Spira?"
"You little!" Lulu shouted, "Come all this way to insult Yuna when you have no idea what she's been through!"
"On the contrary," Felix replied, his voice still calm, "I am versed in the summoner's journey two years ago. It is a subject that has brought great curiosity."
"Please," Yuna interjected meekly, "I owe him an answer, since he traveled from Bevelle to meet with me."
"If you wish, Yuna," Lulu relaxed a bit.
"I....," Yuna searched for the right words, "I don't know why I turned my back to Spira," Yuna clutched her fist at her chest, "At the time, I was happy for Spira, and what I had done for it, but my soul was gone. I did not feel happy. Everywhere I looked, there was happiness in people's faces, joy and excitement for what I had done, but I still didn't feel happy. So, I left Spira for Besaid. It seemed the right thing to do."
Her voice trailed off while Felix leaned back on the crate which he was sitting on.
"Fair enough," he sighed, "But would you have turned your back if he was still here?"
That question got both Lulu's and Yuna's complete attention.
"Him?" Yuna cringed at the sound of his 'name', hearing the reference to the man she thought was gone forever.
"Yes, I have come to present a proposal to you," Felix continued, "In Zanarkand lies the key to what New Yevon has dubbed, the Otherworld, the Zanarkand created by the fayth's dreams."
"It's impossible!" Lulu cried in outrage, "Don't toy with the summoner's emotions!"
"I'm not," Felix responed, "Though I've yet to go and see myself, I believe the summoner would benefit most from it."
"And why do you bring us this news?" Yuna asked, "Who sent you?"
"I've come of my own accord," Felix stood, "It's late. I'm leaving tomorrow for Kilika on the SS Liki. Come to the docks if you wish to journey to Zanarkand."
With that, he walked out of the tent, leaving the flaps covering the entrance to flap in the midnight breeze. Lulu sat speechless as Yuna stood and walked towards the exit. She watched as Felix passed Wakka and Kimarhi, not speaking a word to them.
"Lulu, do you think....?" Yuna asked her longtime guardian.
"I don't know, but he seems awfully sure of himself," Lulu replied from where she sat, "I don't trust him."
"I....sense something," Yuna spoke softly, "Something odd, yet familiar. Perhaps we can trust him?"
"The only way to be sure he's telling the truth would be to go to Zanarkand."
"Then we will go," Yuna spoke with the most determination in her voice that Lulu had heard in a long time, "To Zanarkand."
Happiness, a state of pure ecstacy; a form of emotional being that the people of Spira had never thought they would be able to feel. One thousand years it had been. For one thousand years the people had suffered and cowered under the evil shadow of Sin, the carrier of a greater evil, Yu-Yevon.
Then, in the blink of an eye and the flash of a million pyreflies, the evil vanished. Sin was vanquished by the efforts of the summoner Yuna from the isle of Besaid with the help of her guardians and a small band of Al Bhed. For the first time in a thousand years, the people of Spira were happy.
However, the happiness was only surface deep. Spira lost a large portion of itself in Yuna's action. The four maesters; Mika, Kelk, Kinoc, and Seymour were all lost in the conflict. But perhaps the largest lost came with the exposition of Yu-Yevon as the perpetuator of the conflict with Sin. With this shocking revelation, Spira entered into a spiral of turmoil. The government and the church collapsed in that large explosion of the Bevelle sky, leaving the empty void that the people struggled to fill. Originally, they struggled to rebuild and salvaged their shattered religion, offering the title of Maester to Yuna, the first such offering to a woman in Spira's history. Sadly, the High Summoner declined the offering, stating simply that "my heart isn't in it", and returned to the isle of Besaid to live quietly with her remaining guardians.
* * *
The waves brushed slowly against the quiet shores of Besaid Island. A single bird rested on the ruins of the ancient city that occupied the island over a thousand years into the past. In the waves floated the blue and white sphere with the symbol for Bliztball inscribed on it. A young boy wandered into the oceans to retrieve the ball. He splashed gallantly through the waves, carefree and naive of the world that had been built in blood for him two years earlier.
He was only a child at the time, but his mother had told him the stories. Told him how the monster would appear suddenly and devastate whole villages and towns. It mattered little to him now, the monster was gone, defeated by the efforts of a band he knew nothing of. The waves splashed against him as he reached out to grab the ball that floated before him. At first, it felt like a pinching on his leg, then a sharp pain. The boy turned aghast to see a fiend had gripped his leg in his hand. The boy shouted, screaming at the top of his lungs as the boy cried for help.
No one would come though, he knew. He had disobeyed mother and come to the beach alone. He cried as the fiend tossed his frail body high in the air. If only someone would come to his aide. He cried to Yevon, for his mother, for anybody to help him.
The boy looked up as the fiend leaped from the water. It was coming down on him, its claws outstretched and its fangs glistening in the afternoon sun. The boy closed his eyes, preparing for the imminent death that would follow.
"Hey kid!" someone shouted, "Look out!"
The boy didn't reply, but a large bang exploded above him. He opened his eyes to see the monster being hit with a Blitzball. Suddenly, a powerful arm reached around his chest and he started moving back to shore. The arm drug him onto shore and he lay flat on his back. Hovering over the boy was Wakka, the boy knew from the Besaid Aurochs Bliztball team.
"You okay, little brudda?" Wakka asked.
He tried to reply, but the words would not leave his throat. He tried to move his arms, but they would not answer him.
"You're pretty banged up, little brudda," Wakka hoisted the boy from the ground into his arms, "We better get you back to the village and let Yuna have a look at you, ok?"
* * *
Alone. That's how she felt. Alone in a world where the people were born anew with hope and a joy for the lives they led. Kneeling at the base of the Chamber of the Fayth, Yuna's outstretched hand rested calmly against the stone. It felt empty, empty like her soul. The Aeons were gone, along with him. The Fayth was useless, nothing but a monument from an era many were ready to forget.
"Kimarhi...," Yuna spoke to her silent companion, not sure of what to say next.
The Ronso guardian placed his hand on Yuna's shoulder, his comforting touch feeling warm against Yuna's cold skin.
"It has been two days," Kimarhi spoke in his own unique Ronso tone, "Kimarhi worried about Yuna."
"I know, Kimarhi," Yuna placed her forehead against the stone, "But I must pray for Yevon to return him here, to make him safe."
Inside, she felt the futility in her words. Yevon was a lost entity existing only in name and title in the Eternal Calm, it symbolized what she was chasing, a dream in the past. Behind her, she could here Kimarhi sigh.
"He is gone," Kimarhi muttered, "Yuna cannot change that, Kimarhi cannot change that. No one can change that."
A tear streaked down Yuna's face as he paused, seemingly working up the nerve to make the next statement.
"But....Kimarhi would wish he would return also. Kimarhi never met such an interesting human before."
Yuna stifled a small laugh as Kimarhi smiled a little behind her. She stood up and faced her longtime friend. He reached out both hands onto Yuna's shoulders and the former summoner rested her head against the beast's outstretched forearm.
"Thank you, Kimarhi," Yuna smiled, "You are a true friend."
* * *
"Wakka? What happened?" Lulu asked as he carried the child into the former crusaders lodge.
"He was attacked by a fiend in the water. His leg is pretty messed up. You better have a look at it," Wakka laid the child upon one of the beds in the lodge.
"I don't know anything about wounds and treatment," Lulu pressed a cloth that was lying on the bed onto the wound, "Though it looks pretty serious."
"I'll go get Yuna," Wakka started to the door, but paused as he reached the outside of the tent, "Oh."
"She's not out yet," Lulu replied, rubbing the boy's brow, a slight ice spell on her fingers to cool the boy's temperature.
"But it's been two days..."
"Who knows how long she'll be in there. She hasn't been the same since..."
"Oh," Wakka dropped his head, returning to the lodge, "I know, it's tough on all of us. But somehow, I know Yevon will deliver us an answer."
"Don't be ridiculous," Lulu retorted, "The whole premise behind Yevon was false, didn't you learn anything?"
"I'll believe what I wanna believe, ya!" Wakka shouted, "Don't tell me you're any different 'cause you got no feeling in your heart anymore."
"I never said that," Lulu replied, "I was merely stating that.....Yuna!"
Wakka looked behind him and saw Yuna standing at the entrance to the lodge with Kimarhi shadowing her as he always did.
"What is wrong?" Braska's daughter asked, "Oh my!"
Seeing the boy lying on the bed, Yuna rushed to his side. Although without the powers of her Aeons, Yuna still retained her strengths as a summoner. She placed her hand lightly on the boy's wound and an illuminating light spread from Yuna's fingertips. The boy's gash healed before Lulu's eyes, the wound disapperaing and replaced with fresh skin. The skin was pink, but completely healed. Yuna sighed before putting the cloth back over it.
"He shall be all right," Yuna muttered, her eyes not looking up to meet Lulu's.
"Thank you, Yuna," Lulu replied.
"I...I have to go....." Yun stood up and walked out of the tent.
Wakka started to follow her, but Kimarhi put his hand on the guardian's chest.
"Let Yuna go, Yuna needs to be alone."
* * *
Night fell on Besaid fairly quickly. The docks creaked softly under Yuna's step as she walked out to the spot she visited regularly over the past two years. She sighed, choking back the tears. Her fingers came up to her mouth and she slid them in her mouth, pressing them in the exact spot where he has shown her.
With a blow, the silence of the night was replaced with Yuna's whistle. It bounced across the waves as the slowly washed ashore. She looked upwards to the moon, whistling again.
'If we ever get seperated,' he had told her in Luca, 'Just whistle and I'll come running, promise!'
She cried more, her tears streaking down her face and dropping into the salty water.
Then why won't you come now?
* * *
In the village, the central fire burned as it had since Yuna had left on her pilgrimage two years ago. The two elders of the village sat by the fire, telling each other the most widely know story of the Eternal Calm. The elders laughed as they noticed a man enter through the gates of the village.
"Greeting stranger," the tallest elder stood up, "What can I do you for?"
"I have no time for you," the stranger glared at the two old men, "I am searching for Braska's daughter."
"Lady Yuna?" the second rose to her feet, "What business do you have with her?"
"It's none of your concern old timer," the stranger stood defiant, his resting softly on the hilt of his sword.
"Hey!" a younger voiced shouted from across the village, "Who do you think you are, ya? Coming in here and insulting the elders? You got no dignity or class?"
"Wakka I presume," the man turned to face him.
"Dat's right," Wakka crossed his arms, studying the stranger, "And who might you be?"
"I'm searching for Braska's daughter, this Lady Yuna," the stranger replied, "Where is she?"
"None of you business," Wakka noticed Kimarhi approaching the stranger from behind, his spear in hand and ready to pounce.
Kimarhi roared, striking down with the spear. In a flash of lightning, the stranger spun out of the way of the attack. He drew his sword from its sheath and sliced the spear in two pieces. Kimarhi stared at the two pieces of his broken staff before howling into the night sky. He tossed them aside and lunged at the man with his claws. The stranger leaped backwards, doing a somersault and landing a few yards away from Kimarhi. He spun around to come face to face with Lulu, her hand outstretched only a few inches from his face.
"One move and I will call the heavens down on you without mercy," she glared at him.
"I don't want trouble," the stranger asked, standing upright and surrendering the battle to the black mage, "I must speak with the High Summoner's daughter quickly."
"She left," Lulu stated, walking past the stranger to join Kimarhi and Wakka, "That's all we'll tell you."
"Recently?"
"I said, that's all," Lulu repeated herself, glaring at him, "Now leave this village."
"Not until I speak with Braska's daughter."
"Leave," Wakka stepped forward, his eyes squinted in anger, "Or by Yevon, we'll make you, ya?"
"Don't tell me the guardians of Braska's daughter still follow that defunct religion," the stranger laughed.
"You laugh at Yevon?" Wakka yelled, "Yevon's taught us a lot about ourselves, even if there was corruption, the teachings were pure."
"Sure, whatever you say."
"Just who are you, anyway?" Lulu asked, readying to defend herself or the others if he made a move.
"I'm a warrior, from Bevelle," the man bowed slightly, "The name is Felix."
"Bevelle, huh?" Lulu continued her questioning, "Are you part of New Yevon?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Felix shook his head, "I'm not a part of anything."
"Sounds fishy," Wakka added.
"Quiet, Wakka," Lulu ordered, "Why do you want to see the summoner?"
"I only wish a moment of her time, to speak with her."
"I don't know, Lu," Wakka took a step forward, "There's something funny about him."
"What is this?" Yuna's voice echoed from across the village. The group turned to see her standing clutching her staff, "What's going on?"
Kimarhi relaxed a little, returning to his usual statue stance while Wakka rubbed the back of his head and moved away from Felix. On the other hand, both Lulu and Felix moved towards Yuna.
"Lady Yuna," Lulu approached her long time friend, "This man wishes to speak with you, although I don't see it as such a good idea."
"Oh?" Yuna turned to face Felix, "I have stated repeatedly to your compatriots that I do not wish to join the New Yevon alliance."
"So I heard," Felix sneered, "I only wish a moment of your time."
"Lulu?"
"Only if I'm there," Lulu stepped between the two, "As a mediator."
"Fine," Felix sighed, rolling his shoulders under his cloak, "Shall we?"
He offered towards a nearby hut and stood as Yuna passed by him. Lulu followed behind the summoner, her eyes staring at Felix's two blue eyes.
He followed them into the tent, his movements cold and precise. He sat down on the crate next to the entrance while Lulu and Yuna sat on the bed.
"Make this quick," Lulu ordered.
"As you wish," Felix snickered, "High Summoner Yuna, I've come to Besaid to ask why have you turned your back on Spira?"
"You little!" Lulu shouted, "Come all this way to insult Yuna when you have no idea what she's been through!"
"On the contrary," Felix replied, his voice still calm, "I am versed in the summoner's journey two years ago. It is a subject that has brought great curiosity."
"Please," Yuna interjected meekly, "I owe him an answer, since he traveled from Bevelle to meet with me."
"If you wish, Yuna," Lulu relaxed a bit.
"I....," Yuna searched for the right words, "I don't know why I turned my back to Spira," Yuna clutched her fist at her chest, "At the time, I was happy for Spira, and what I had done for it, but my soul was gone. I did not feel happy. Everywhere I looked, there was happiness in people's faces, joy and excitement for what I had done, but I still didn't feel happy. So, I left Spira for Besaid. It seemed the right thing to do."
Her voice trailed off while Felix leaned back on the crate which he was sitting on.
"Fair enough," he sighed, "But would you have turned your back if he was still here?"
That question got both Lulu's and Yuna's complete attention.
"Him?" Yuna cringed at the sound of his 'name', hearing the reference to the man she thought was gone forever.
"Yes, I have come to present a proposal to you," Felix continued, "In Zanarkand lies the key to what New Yevon has dubbed, the Otherworld, the Zanarkand created by the fayth's dreams."
"It's impossible!" Lulu cried in outrage, "Don't toy with the summoner's emotions!"
"I'm not," Felix responed, "Though I've yet to go and see myself, I believe the summoner would benefit most from it."
"And why do you bring us this news?" Yuna asked, "Who sent you?"
"I've come of my own accord," Felix stood, "It's late. I'm leaving tomorrow for Kilika on the SS Liki. Come to the docks if you wish to journey to Zanarkand."
With that, he walked out of the tent, leaving the flaps covering the entrance to flap in the midnight breeze. Lulu sat speechless as Yuna stood and walked towards the exit. She watched as Felix passed Wakka and Kimarhi, not speaking a word to them.
"Lulu, do you think....?" Yuna asked her longtime guardian.
"I don't know, but he seems awfully sure of himself," Lulu replied from where she sat, "I don't trust him."
"I....sense something," Yuna spoke softly, "Something odd, yet familiar. Perhaps we can trust him?"
"The only way to be sure he's telling the truth would be to go to Zanarkand."
"Then we will go," Yuna spoke with the most determination in her voice that Lulu had heard in a long time, "To Zanarkand."
