Together Then (Part III)
Disclaimer: Whatever you may read here.guess what.it's all MINE!!! That is of course for all characters from any product directly or indirectly related to Squaresoft including but not limited too..oh what the heck, I am no lawyer, you can figure out what belongs to who, I only write the stories!
Warning: This contains a few spoilers, so unless if you have not finished the game yet, you may get a few early surprises. Oh and if you find anything different with this story and the actual story from the game.well that was my doing, please don't be too harsh.
(I never knew true fear until the day I had to open that door.I never want to think of what would have happened.if I hadn't)
The door opened automatically, as did all the rest, but the room was
so off from the norm of every other room aboard the airship. It
wasn't the four white beds that stood opposite each other, neatly
folded sheets and a table beside each one, he had seen things similar
back home in Zanarkand.
It was not the machine that resembled a life support system, beeping
away with the pulse of the person attached to the other end, he had
seen that too. It was the simple fact that the room was so dark and
that the lights did not go on with his entering the room that threw
him off guard.
Tidus slowly approached the bed where Lulu lay. He was already
feeling nauseous from the mere fact that he was here, and that someone
he cared for was in this position, it was too familiar to him, but he
was determined to be there for her, if she needed him or not.
He watched as Lulu lay there, still and yet so peaceful, just
the same as she looked when she was. It looked as if she intended on
sleeping forever.
"Lulu, I'm sorry, it should be me that's in that bed right now, I'm
sorry.that I-I couldn't save you." It Was all he could get out as he
felt a flush of anger spread across him.
He swung around and angrily hit the wall, but he quickly realized that
his being angry would not help the situation at all.
He pulled a seat next to her and sat there, waiting for a sign from
her, anything to tell if she would come back. Rikku said that they
had done everything they could to make her comfortable, now it was up
to Lulu, if she really wanted to come back, then she would.
Sitting there, he thought of all that they had been through up to this
point, even though she had seemed cold, he knew that was her way of
protecting herself, she had obviously been hurt before and she did not
want that again.
He felt the time pass quickly and before he knew it, night had fallen,
but he still planned to stay at her side, ever vigil.
He started talking to her, telling her of how much he enjoyed being
around all of his new friends and of the moment he first met them and
how he thought of Lulu as a stuck up brat, but now he knew better.
"I-I only wished I knew more about you.you never really did talk much
about yourself.why?" Tidus shook his head as he leaned back in the
chair, he was so far in thought he almost missed her answer.
"Because you never asked, that's why" "Huh?" He came to and nearly fell out of his chair. "If you're wondering, I asked Rikku to turn the lights off for me, I like it dark."
"Hey, how ya feelin'" He finally managed.
"Hmm.still a bit sore.I-I am glad that you weren't hurt.were you?"
"I'm fine.but.I just couldn't stop thinking about that last moment
before Omega.you just seemed so calm, not a worry at all.why?"
Lulu rolled over to face the wall. She did not know what to say, and
for a moment it truly bothered her.
"I-I never thought about it, what would happen if I were to die.from
the day I agreed to put an end to Sin, I realized that it could cost
me my life, and I was willing to accept that."
Tidus listened, hoping to learn more as to what made her the way that she is.
"After losing first my parents and then Chappu, I realized that there
was nothing left for me to hold on to, and that if it meant peace for
everyone else, then my life I would give in a moments notice, with no
regrets.now do you understand?"
He only sighed and looked out the window, it hurt hearing those
things, and he felt that such a beautiful woman like her to have given
up on life was a fate most cruel.
"Well.you know, we're all in this together, and none of us are going
to die, I promise you that!"
She sat up and looked him in the eyes, he almost stepped back by the
look of seriousness in her eyes, he had only seen that look a few
times prior, and it put him on edge.
"And how do you plan on doing that.what makes you think that you can
stop Sin and not lose anyone of us, even yourself?"
"I-I just know it that's why.we can do it.I can do it." He replied,
but his confidence seemed a bit off.
"That is another thing I meant to ask you. Ever since you and Auron
spoke a while back before the crusaders fell to Sin, you have been
more determined than ever to defeat Sin, and yet, it seems as if you
are not."
Tidus only shivered as he felt her gaze going right through him (So
she had been watching me the whole time, she noticed.but should I tell
her.can I tell her?)
"If you don't want to say then.I understand, it's just that.I too
would like to know a little more about you.you are still quite a
mystery to me.and that I find most intriguing" She relaxed her gaze at
him and he felt a bit more at ease.
He sighed (Oh, what the hell) "Sin.he.he's my father, Auron told me,
and I didn't believe him, I didn't want to believe him, but over time
I saw and.I know it's him.he's waiting for me, waiting for me to end
his suffering."
He sat back in his chair and looked out another window, he wanted to cry.
"I-I'm sorry.I should not have pried like that.please, forgive me.I
was only concerned."
"Hey, don't sweat it, my old man chose this, no one forced it on him."
He replied as he turned to face the window.
"How can you be so cold to him, he is your father still, no matter
what he has become?" She shot back in an angered tone.
"Hey, you don't know him like I do.you don't know what he did to me
and."
His anger returned, but before it got out of control, Tidus made it a
point to leave, before anything else was said.
He got up from his chair, angered and was about to walk out of the
room.
"Tidus wait." She tried to stop him, and succeeded, he really didn't
want to leave, not like this, but they both said some rather cutting
words.now it was time to try again. He stopped at the door and turned
to face her.
"I take it you didn't just come here to leave so soon.you've got
something you want to talk about.am I right?" She spoke as she lay
back in bed, trying to regain her composure.
With a sigh, Tidus walked back and took his seat next to her bed. He
looked her in the eyes and then turned away, he just did not know what
to say.
Lulu looked at him, staring off into space, she wondered what would he
do when this was all over, so she asked him.
"When this is all over, what will you do then?"
"I-that was what I had wanted to talk to you about"
"Oh, well, what is it?"
"I found out something from Auron.you won't believe it though"
"Try me, after all that we have seen."
"...He.he told me that this was not a dream.that it is real and when
this is over, that I can go back home.for real.and.that I don't have
to go alone."
Lulu sat and listened to it all, and for a moment, a wave of shock
came over the last part.
"Why are you telling me all this anyway, it's not like you to be so
open to anyone except Yuna...why me?"
Tidus sighed and thought this over for a moment (Should I tell her.can
I tell her? Not like I have much left to lose.what the heck)
"The truth is.lately.I've been.having some mixed feelings.about a lot
of things, including you. I really do want to bring someone back with
me.but I just don't know who.but if I should.would you.well."
Lulu felt an even greater shock at this "But.what about Yuna.you two
seem almost inseparable.I-I don't understand, why me?"
He moved his chair a little closer to her "Because.like I said, I just
don't know for sure, I guess.I just wanted to know how you felt.guess
that was kind of dumb of me."
"No.you just wanted to know.rather then to go on without knowing what
might have been.but are you really sure that you would want me to come
back.I can sometimes be a bit difficult to deal with, you should know
this."
"Yeah, I kind of figured that.but, I guess I kind of like that about
you, it's so different from what I've been around. Back in Zanarkand,
everyone was always so quick to try and get close, but it was only
because I was a Blitzball Player, not because of who I was.at least
you can see past that."
Lulu smiled, it was one of the kindest and honest things that she had
heard since.
A tear fell from her eye as she tried as quickly to cover it.
"I'm sorry.I didn't mean to say something to hurt you.did I?"
"No.I.it's just that it has been sometime since anyone has spoken to
me like this.thank you." She replied as she took his hand and held it
tight.
Tidus felt his heart pump a bit faster, but he was happy to have made
this much progress.
"So, where do we go from here?" He asked.
"Let's just take it one step at a time, we still have a bit of a ways
to go.and a lot can happen between now and then."
Tidus nodded, she certainly was a few steps ahead of him, but it
didn't bother him too much. No matter what though, they would be in
it, together.
"Just one thing I need to ask of you?" She turned to him.
"What's that?
"Just stay here with me, at least until the sunrises.I.haven't seen
the sun rise in a long time, and it is something best shared with
someone.close."
And so they did just that, as the sun rose, a new day was beginning,
where that day would take them, no one could really tell, but they
didn't seem to mind.
It was over. It was done. Sin had fallen. Together, Tidus and his
friends had accomplished what no other summoner had been able to do in
over a millennium, stop the cycle, and end Spiras' suffering.
First Sin who proved to be nothing more than a shell, a husk of armor
if you will.
Then Seymour, who maddened by his desire to be the next Sin, fell
victim to his own pain and let it be the cause of his ruination.
Then Jecht, who wanted to give Tidus his one chance to let his son
show how great he hated him, and how much greater he truly did love
his son, by giving him the chance to learn more in life then any one
person could learn in several lifetimes. It made no difference to
Jecht now what happened, he made the choice to be the final Aeon and
in doing so brought about his own demise, and he left with no regrets.
And finally, the source behind all the madness, Yu Yevon. For so
long, revered as the one true source of faith and hope, now exposed
for the source of deception he truly was, his demise would not be
missed.
With all the pieces of the puzzle complete, now there was one last
thing to do, and this by far would be the most difficult choice for
Tidus, and the most difficult to accept by the others.
Aboard the airship, the crew gathered together, for what they knew
would be the last time for at least one of them.but they never
expected that it would be for two instead.
Tidus simply looked off into the distance, the world was safe, his
father was gone, and now it was time for him to go.but one last thing.
He turned to the others, their eyes fixed intently on him, some not
knowing what would become of him.only a few knew what could possibly
happen next.
Wakka approached him first "Hey.it was good ya.I'm-"I'm gonna miss
you."
But before he could go to hug him for what he though would be the last
time, Tidus shook his head. Wakka stopped and looked confused.
"I-I'm sorry, but there is something I need to tell you, all of you.
I really am going home, and this is no dream.I am real.and.I'm not
going alone.sorry for not telling you all sooner, but.I see now that
knowing that would have made things a bit more difficult."
Wakka Rikku and Kimhari were struck with awe as this hit them. Only
Lulu and Yuna looked unphased, they knew this already, and they waited
for what would come next.
Tidus first went to Wakka; he stretched out his hand to shake his.
"Hey, it was good, I won't forget you, and make sure you don't forget
me, and keep that trophy of ours shiny okay?"
Wakka tried his best not to cry as he simply hugged Tidus as hard as
he would his own brother, as far as he was concerned, that was exactly
what Tidus would always be to him...no matter what.
"Ya, I take good care of it, it'll always remind me of you, and what
you showed me about believing.you take care of yourself."
Tidus slowly next went to Kimhari. The proud warrior stood tall and
met Tidus eye to eye.
"Kimhari is sad to see you go.you are mighty warrior, mightier than
greatest Ronso warrior, Kimhari honored to fight by your side.Kimhari
never forget you."
Tidus new better than to expect a hug from the mighty Ronso, but he
did manage a shake from him.
He next went to Rikku. The youngest of the group, she proved herself
to have such spirit in spite of all that she had lost, it pained Tidus
to say goodbye to her.
Before he could say a word, she put a finger to his lips and whispered
in his ear.
"Please, don't say good bye.they always make me sad, because I don't
know when the next time will be hello. I-I really am gonna miss you.I
guess this also means that you're not taking me with you?"
He almost wanted to say yes, but his look gave her the answer she was
wanting not to receive.
"Humph, big meanie, I wanted to see Zanarkand, and all the machina
too, these ones here are all old." Rikku spoke as she put on a playful
little spat; it was her way of trying to stay positive in a moment
that would hurt her always.
"Hey, you got your old man, and your brother, and you can finally have
a home, this time wherever you want.make sure you never lost it!"
"Right, lots of work ahead.but.you take care.please"
He nodded and turned.
(If I could've.) He thought, but.
He left her and went to Yuna, this was going to be a tough one, but he
had made up his mind, and now it was time to fess up.
Before he could say a word, Yuna raised a hand and spoke first.
"Before you say anything.I-I wanted to thank you, not just for but,
but for all of Spira.you did what no one else could do.you saved us
from Sin, but more importantly, you saved us from ourselves.thank
you."
She tried desperately to maintain some composure, but even she could
not hold back the tears.by the look on his face she could already tell
what was going to come next.
Without waiting, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him and
held on for all that she had, not wanting to let him go.
"Tidus.I.well, you already know.so what now?" She whispered in his
ear.
She was not the only one who wanted to cry, but he held it back, took
a deep breath and spoke.
"I'll never forget you, no matter what.just promise me the same, that
you'll always remember me too."
"Always.no matter what.I promise," She said as the tears welled up and
broke lose.
She let go and ran off to Kimhari who held her in the embrace of a
caring guardian, he nodded to Tidus, his assurance that they would all
do their best to help her from here on out.
Tidus felt a moment of pain, of grief for his decision, but he was
sure this was the right choice.
He made his way finally to Lulu, she was standing there, having taken
in all that had just happened, and she still could not believe it.
That out of all the ones, he was going to chose her.
"Lulu, I guess you know by now.what I'm going to ask.if you don't want
to.I'll understand, but.I really do want you to come back with me."
"I.I don't have anything here to hold on to anymore, my family is
gone, Chappu is gone, and Yuna, well, she's all grown up, and she
doesn't need someone nagging her anymore and now Sin is gone."
She looked over al the others, who too were in shock over his choice,
but she noticed Wakka smiling in approval, and finally even Rikku too
gave her nod to go for it.
Eventually, she turned to Yuna, who pulled her face from Kimahris'
chest to show that the tears were nearly spent, but she too gave a
slight nod. Little did Tidus know, but they had spoken about this
earlier, before the final battle, and they both realized what was at
stake, but they both wanted the best for the other, but it still
pained her to see Yuna that way.
"Yes.I will go with you.I have a feeling though that the real
adventure has just begun"
She spoke as she walked to the edge of the airship to wait for him.
Tidus was confused by this last remark, but quickly made his way to
her side. He looked over to the others one last time and waved to
them. Taking her hand, they both leaped off the edge into the
recently opened portal leading back home to Zanarkand, the one Tidus
would always refer to as home.
With that, the others slowly made their way back to the bridge. Yuna
was the last to go, but she accepted his decision.
"Please, don't forget me." And she too joined the others back on the
bridge, as they headed off into the distant sunset.
"You know.she is right though."
"Hmm."
"There adventure.it is only just beginning"
"So it would seem.but, I think they can manage."
End of phase one, to be continued.that all depends on you the reader,
does this story merit a continuation, or should it be left at this?
Disclaimer: Whatever you may read here.guess what.it's all MINE!!! That is of course for all characters from any product directly or indirectly related to Squaresoft including but not limited too..oh what the heck, I am no lawyer, you can figure out what belongs to who, I only write the stories!
Warning: This contains a few spoilers, so unless if you have not finished the game yet, you may get a few early surprises. Oh and if you find anything different with this story and the actual story from the game.well that was my doing, please don't be too harsh.
(I never knew true fear until the day I had to open that door.I never want to think of what would have happened.if I hadn't)
The door opened automatically, as did all the rest, but the room was
so off from the norm of every other room aboard the airship. It
wasn't the four white beds that stood opposite each other, neatly
folded sheets and a table beside each one, he had seen things similar
back home in Zanarkand.
It was not the machine that resembled a life support system, beeping
away with the pulse of the person attached to the other end, he had
seen that too. It was the simple fact that the room was so dark and
that the lights did not go on with his entering the room that threw
him off guard.
Tidus slowly approached the bed where Lulu lay. He was already
feeling nauseous from the mere fact that he was here, and that someone
he cared for was in this position, it was too familiar to him, but he
was determined to be there for her, if she needed him or not.
He watched as Lulu lay there, still and yet so peaceful, just
the same as she looked when she was. It looked as if she intended on
sleeping forever.
"Lulu, I'm sorry, it should be me that's in that bed right now, I'm
sorry.that I-I couldn't save you." It Was all he could get out as he
felt a flush of anger spread across him.
He swung around and angrily hit the wall, but he quickly realized that
his being angry would not help the situation at all.
He pulled a seat next to her and sat there, waiting for a sign from
her, anything to tell if she would come back. Rikku said that they
had done everything they could to make her comfortable, now it was up
to Lulu, if she really wanted to come back, then she would.
Sitting there, he thought of all that they had been through up to this
point, even though she had seemed cold, he knew that was her way of
protecting herself, she had obviously been hurt before and she did not
want that again.
He felt the time pass quickly and before he knew it, night had fallen,
but he still planned to stay at her side, ever vigil.
He started talking to her, telling her of how much he enjoyed being
around all of his new friends and of the moment he first met them and
how he thought of Lulu as a stuck up brat, but now he knew better.
"I-I only wished I knew more about you.you never really did talk much
about yourself.why?" Tidus shook his head as he leaned back in the
chair, he was so far in thought he almost missed her answer.
"Because you never asked, that's why" "Huh?" He came to and nearly fell out of his chair. "If you're wondering, I asked Rikku to turn the lights off for me, I like it dark."
"Hey, how ya feelin'" He finally managed.
"Hmm.still a bit sore.I-I am glad that you weren't hurt.were you?"
"I'm fine.but.I just couldn't stop thinking about that last moment
before Omega.you just seemed so calm, not a worry at all.why?"
Lulu rolled over to face the wall. She did not know what to say, and
for a moment it truly bothered her.
"I-I never thought about it, what would happen if I were to die.from
the day I agreed to put an end to Sin, I realized that it could cost
me my life, and I was willing to accept that."
Tidus listened, hoping to learn more as to what made her the way that she is.
"After losing first my parents and then Chappu, I realized that there
was nothing left for me to hold on to, and that if it meant peace for
everyone else, then my life I would give in a moments notice, with no
regrets.now do you understand?"
He only sighed and looked out the window, it hurt hearing those
things, and he felt that such a beautiful woman like her to have given
up on life was a fate most cruel.
"Well.you know, we're all in this together, and none of us are going
to die, I promise you that!"
She sat up and looked him in the eyes, he almost stepped back by the
look of seriousness in her eyes, he had only seen that look a few
times prior, and it put him on edge.
"And how do you plan on doing that.what makes you think that you can
stop Sin and not lose anyone of us, even yourself?"
"I-I just know it that's why.we can do it.I can do it." He replied,
but his confidence seemed a bit off.
"That is another thing I meant to ask you. Ever since you and Auron
spoke a while back before the crusaders fell to Sin, you have been
more determined than ever to defeat Sin, and yet, it seems as if you
are not."
Tidus only shivered as he felt her gaze going right through him (So
she had been watching me the whole time, she noticed.but should I tell
her.can I tell her?)
"If you don't want to say then.I understand, it's just that.I too
would like to know a little more about you.you are still quite a
mystery to me.and that I find most intriguing" She relaxed her gaze at
him and he felt a bit more at ease.
He sighed (Oh, what the hell) "Sin.he.he's my father, Auron told me,
and I didn't believe him, I didn't want to believe him, but over time
I saw and.I know it's him.he's waiting for me, waiting for me to end
his suffering."
He sat back in his chair and looked out another window, he wanted to cry.
"I-I'm sorry.I should not have pried like that.please, forgive me.I
was only concerned."
"Hey, don't sweat it, my old man chose this, no one forced it on him."
He replied as he turned to face the window.
"How can you be so cold to him, he is your father still, no matter
what he has become?" She shot back in an angered tone.
"Hey, you don't know him like I do.you don't know what he did to me
and."
His anger returned, but before it got out of control, Tidus made it a
point to leave, before anything else was said.
He got up from his chair, angered and was about to walk out of the
room.
"Tidus wait." She tried to stop him, and succeeded, he really didn't
want to leave, not like this, but they both said some rather cutting
words.now it was time to try again. He stopped at the door and turned
to face her.
"I take it you didn't just come here to leave so soon.you've got
something you want to talk about.am I right?" She spoke as she lay
back in bed, trying to regain her composure.
With a sigh, Tidus walked back and took his seat next to her bed. He
looked her in the eyes and then turned away, he just did not know what
to say.
Lulu looked at him, staring off into space, she wondered what would he
do when this was all over, so she asked him.
"When this is all over, what will you do then?"
"I-that was what I had wanted to talk to you about"
"Oh, well, what is it?"
"I found out something from Auron.you won't believe it though"
"Try me, after all that we have seen."
"...He.he told me that this was not a dream.that it is real and when
this is over, that I can go back home.for real.and.that I don't have
to go alone."
Lulu sat and listened to it all, and for a moment, a wave of shock
came over the last part.
"Why are you telling me all this anyway, it's not like you to be so
open to anyone except Yuna...why me?"
Tidus sighed and thought this over for a moment (Should I tell her.can
I tell her? Not like I have much left to lose.what the heck)
"The truth is.lately.I've been.having some mixed feelings.about a lot
of things, including you. I really do want to bring someone back with
me.but I just don't know who.but if I should.would you.well."
Lulu felt an even greater shock at this "But.what about Yuna.you two
seem almost inseparable.I-I don't understand, why me?"
He moved his chair a little closer to her "Because.like I said, I just
don't know for sure, I guess.I just wanted to know how you felt.guess
that was kind of dumb of me."
"No.you just wanted to know.rather then to go on without knowing what
might have been.but are you really sure that you would want me to come
back.I can sometimes be a bit difficult to deal with, you should know
this."
"Yeah, I kind of figured that.but, I guess I kind of like that about
you, it's so different from what I've been around. Back in Zanarkand,
everyone was always so quick to try and get close, but it was only
because I was a Blitzball Player, not because of who I was.at least
you can see past that."
Lulu smiled, it was one of the kindest and honest things that she had
heard since.
A tear fell from her eye as she tried as quickly to cover it.
"I'm sorry.I didn't mean to say something to hurt you.did I?"
"No.I.it's just that it has been sometime since anyone has spoken to
me like this.thank you." She replied as she took his hand and held it
tight.
Tidus felt his heart pump a bit faster, but he was happy to have made
this much progress.
"So, where do we go from here?" He asked.
"Let's just take it one step at a time, we still have a bit of a ways
to go.and a lot can happen between now and then."
Tidus nodded, she certainly was a few steps ahead of him, but it
didn't bother him too much. No matter what though, they would be in
it, together.
"Just one thing I need to ask of you?" She turned to him.
"What's that?
"Just stay here with me, at least until the sunrises.I.haven't seen
the sun rise in a long time, and it is something best shared with
someone.close."
And so they did just that, as the sun rose, a new day was beginning,
where that day would take them, no one could really tell, but they
didn't seem to mind.
It was over. It was done. Sin had fallen. Together, Tidus and his
friends had accomplished what no other summoner had been able to do in
over a millennium, stop the cycle, and end Spiras' suffering.
First Sin who proved to be nothing more than a shell, a husk of armor
if you will.
Then Seymour, who maddened by his desire to be the next Sin, fell
victim to his own pain and let it be the cause of his ruination.
Then Jecht, who wanted to give Tidus his one chance to let his son
show how great he hated him, and how much greater he truly did love
his son, by giving him the chance to learn more in life then any one
person could learn in several lifetimes. It made no difference to
Jecht now what happened, he made the choice to be the final Aeon and
in doing so brought about his own demise, and he left with no regrets.
And finally, the source behind all the madness, Yu Yevon. For so
long, revered as the one true source of faith and hope, now exposed
for the source of deception he truly was, his demise would not be
missed.
With all the pieces of the puzzle complete, now there was one last
thing to do, and this by far would be the most difficult choice for
Tidus, and the most difficult to accept by the others.
Aboard the airship, the crew gathered together, for what they knew
would be the last time for at least one of them.but they never
expected that it would be for two instead.
Tidus simply looked off into the distance, the world was safe, his
father was gone, and now it was time for him to go.but one last thing.
He turned to the others, their eyes fixed intently on him, some not
knowing what would become of him.only a few knew what could possibly
happen next.
Wakka approached him first "Hey.it was good ya.I'm-"I'm gonna miss
you."
But before he could go to hug him for what he though would be the last
time, Tidus shook his head. Wakka stopped and looked confused.
"I-I'm sorry, but there is something I need to tell you, all of you.
I really am going home, and this is no dream.I am real.and.I'm not
going alone.sorry for not telling you all sooner, but.I see now that
knowing that would have made things a bit more difficult."
Wakka Rikku and Kimhari were struck with awe as this hit them. Only
Lulu and Yuna looked unphased, they knew this already, and they waited
for what would come next.
Tidus first went to Wakka; he stretched out his hand to shake his.
"Hey, it was good, I won't forget you, and make sure you don't forget
me, and keep that trophy of ours shiny okay?"
Wakka tried his best not to cry as he simply hugged Tidus as hard as
he would his own brother, as far as he was concerned, that was exactly
what Tidus would always be to him...no matter what.
"Ya, I take good care of it, it'll always remind me of you, and what
you showed me about believing.you take care of yourself."
Tidus slowly next went to Kimhari. The proud warrior stood tall and
met Tidus eye to eye.
"Kimhari is sad to see you go.you are mighty warrior, mightier than
greatest Ronso warrior, Kimhari honored to fight by your side.Kimhari
never forget you."
Tidus new better than to expect a hug from the mighty Ronso, but he
did manage a shake from him.
He next went to Rikku. The youngest of the group, she proved herself
to have such spirit in spite of all that she had lost, it pained Tidus
to say goodbye to her.
Before he could say a word, she put a finger to his lips and whispered
in his ear.
"Please, don't say good bye.they always make me sad, because I don't
know when the next time will be hello. I-I really am gonna miss you.I
guess this also means that you're not taking me with you?"
He almost wanted to say yes, but his look gave her the answer she was
wanting not to receive.
"Humph, big meanie, I wanted to see Zanarkand, and all the machina
too, these ones here are all old." Rikku spoke as she put on a playful
little spat; it was her way of trying to stay positive in a moment
that would hurt her always.
"Hey, you got your old man, and your brother, and you can finally have
a home, this time wherever you want.make sure you never lost it!"
"Right, lots of work ahead.but.you take care.please"
He nodded and turned.
(If I could've.) He thought, but.
He left her and went to Yuna, this was going to be a tough one, but he
had made up his mind, and now it was time to fess up.
Before he could say a word, Yuna raised a hand and spoke first.
"Before you say anything.I-I wanted to thank you, not just for but,
but for all of Spira.you did what no one else could do.you saved us
from Sin, but more importantly, you saved us from ourselves.thank
you."
She tried desperately to maintain some composure, but even she could
not hold back the tears.by the look on his face she could already tell
what was going to come next.
Without waiting, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him and
held on for all that she had, not wanting to let him go.
"Tidus.I.well, you already know.so what now?" She whispered in his
ear.
She was not the only one who wanted to cry, but he held it back, took
a deep breath and spoke.
"I'll never forget you, no matter what.just promise me the same, that
you'll always remember me too."
"Always.no matter what.I promise," She said as the tears welled up and
broke lose.
She let go and ran off to Kimhari who held her in the embrace of a
caring guardian, he nodded to Tidus, his assurance that they would all
do their best to help her from here on out.
Tidus felt a moment of pain, of grief for his decision, but he was
sure this was the right choice.
He made his way finally to Lulu, she was standing there, having taken
in all that had just happened, and she still could not believe it.
That out of all the ones, he was going to chose her.
"Lulu, I guess you know by now.what I'm going to ask.if you don't want
to.I'll understand, but.I really do want you to come back with me."
"I.I don't have anything here to hold on to anymore, my family is
gone, Chappu is gone, and Yuna, well, she's all grown up, and she
doesn't need someone nagging her anymore and now Sin is gone."
She looked over al the others, who too were in shock over his choice,
but she noticed Wakka smiling in approval, and finally even Rikku too
gave her nod to go for it.
Eventually, she turned to Yuna, who pulled her face from Kimahris'
chest to show that the tears were nearly spent, but she too gave a
slight nod. Little did Tidus know, but they had spoken about this
earlier, before the final battle, and they both realized what was at
stake, but they both wanted the best for the other, but it still
pained her to see Yuna that way.
"Yes.I will go with you.I have a feeling though that the real
adventure has just begun"
She spoke as she walked to the edge of the airship to wait for him.
Tidus was confused by this last remark, but quickly made his way to
her side. He looked over to the others one last time and waved to
them. Taking her hand, they both leaped off the edge into the
recently opened portal leading back home to Zanarkand, the one Tidus
would always refer to as home.
With that, the others slowly made their way back to the bridge. Yuna
was the last to go, but she accepted his decision.
"Please, don't forget me." And she too joined the others back on the
bridge, as they headed off into the distant sunset.
"You know.she is right though."
"Hmm."
"There adventure.it is only just beginning"
"So it would seem.but, I think they can manage."
End of phase one, to be continued.that all depends on you the reader,
does this story merit a continuation, or should it be left at this?
