Alright, here it is! And with a little help I can honestly say I am
very pleased about this chapter. Thank you Ari for convincing me to start
in on it right away and to my sweet Wandered who was willing to play my
temporary editor, I owe you a great amount of thanks. You picked out where
I needed what and did a fantastic job of it. To the rest of you who
reviewed, thank you so much. You're the reason this story turned out longer
then I previously intended and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I
enjoyed writing it. And now read on for the conclusion of "Forever Silent"
Disclaimer: I own nothing of FFX. The one who does though is a freakin' genius if I do say so myself! The only things belonging to me are Kenzi, Bree and Sierra.
*~* An End To It All *~*
"Wh-what?" Kenzi stared up at Wakka, taken aback by the words that had fallen like dead weight from his mouth. "You're an Al Bhed." She couldn't have heard him right. Please, for the love of Spira, say she had heard wrong! Blank amber eyes stared back at her, lacking any of the emotions she was so used to seeing. She felt numb. "I-," she tried to speak past the painful lump that had formed in her throat. Burning tears filled her eyes, spilling over her pale cheeks and blurring her vision. Then, in one swift and agonizing moment, her heart shattered.
~You are mine now child.~
Evil laughter filled her ears. The sound was deafening, like waves rushing around her. She had to go. She had to get out of there now. Through the blinding pain she managed to stumble to her feet. She refused to look at Wakka. She couldn't. The pain was too much. Once out the door she ran for her life as if Sin itself was chasing at her heals. Tears coursed down her cheeks, the world she thought she had know, the one she thought was safe, collapsing all around her. It hurt to think, it hurt to breath. God it hurt so much. She felt like she was dying inside.
~Oh don't worry my dear,~ the evil hissed mockingly. ~You'll be dead soon enough.~
Kenzi released a desperate cry of denial, choking on a heartbreaking sob. She ran faster, pushing herself, her bare feet kicking up tufts of sand. Someone yelled for her. Rikku. She ignored it. She didn't have time; it wasn't on her side right now. Nothing was.
Rikku watched Kenzi as she disappeared down a path that lead to the Aurochs practice area of the beach. "That was strange," she murmured quietly to Jassu who stood next to her, thinking the same thing as he scratched absently at one tattooed arm.
"You think we should go after her?"
Rikku stared off into the distance, not answering him right away. Along the horizon black angry looking clouds were gathering, moving swiftly towards the island almost as if..they had a purpose. The fresh sea breeze was tainted. Although faint, Rikku could still sense it. An apprehensive chill seized her body. Something was terribly, terribly wrong.
"Been a while since the last storm. You're not gonna freak out again, are ya?" Jassu lightly joked.
Rikku frowned, unable to shake the feeling of imminent disaster. "Jassu," she started uncertainly. Terrified green eyes watched the clouds as they moved faster and faster, folding over each other as they swallowed the clear blue skies mercilessly. Suddenly Kenzi's tragic story came rushing back to her in its entirety, each word emphasized to startling clarity. "Oh no. Jassu, we have to get to Wakka!"
Without questioning the frantic words of his girlfriend he followed as she took off at a dead run for Wakka's hut, not bothering to call out a warning as they came barreling in through the thick cloth door. Wakka glanced up from his spot on the bed, slight surprise registering in his otherwise bleak gaze. He hadn't moved since Kenzi had left.
"Wakka," Rikku cried in a panic stricken voice, crouching in front of him. "What happened?"
The tall Auroch shook hi head slowly. He looked sad, so sad.
"Wakka please." She gripped his larger hands in her own. "This is really important. Tell me what happened."
"Kenzi." He paused, swallowing hard. "I..I had a dream that...she killed Chappu."
"That's impossible Wakka," Rikku said firmly. "First of all Kenzi could never do something like that and you know it. Second..she was at Home..with me..when your brother died. Sin killed him Wakka. What you had was a nightmare. That's all."
The red headed man went deathly pale. "With you-."
"Yes. She didn't even leave Home until months after I had."
"Oh god." He was going to be sick. How could he do that to her? How could he let a dream make him doubt her loyalty and more importantly her love? "She...she told me she loved me."
Sickening dread filled the pit of Rikku's stomach. "And you didn't-."
Wakka looked up at her, his expression one of complete helplessness. "No."
"We gotta find her. Now!" Jassu said, already out the door. "Rikku, which path did she take?"
"The one that goes down to where you guys practice."
Wakka stared at the two as if they had just lost their minds. Why were they reacting like this? He stood, following them outside. "Jeez, you guys are actin' like you're the ones that hurt her. What's the deal?"
"Wakka, you don't understand. We have to find Kenzi right now. She's in danger." Rikku grabbed his hand, yanking him along with resolve.
"Danger? What are you talking about?!" He was starting to get irritated. He was already confused and they were only making it worse by not telling him what was going on. He planted his feet firmly and Rikku let out a startled yelp as she fell back against him. "Tell me what's going on Rikku."
The tiny Al Bhed shook her head frantically. "There's no time Wakka. We have to get to her before-."
"Before what!? I ain't movin' one step until someone tells me what the hell is going on!"
Jassu stepped forward, placing a hand on his captain's broad shoulder. "Wakka, Kenzi's has this somethin' inside of her. When she was wanderin' she came across this..this thing. Whatever it was possessed her body. It's in there now, feedin' off her emotions. Kenzi told us that as long as she had control she was fine. It couldn't do anything. But if she lost control..it would use her to destroy Spira."
Wakka could only stare at Jassu in complete shock. There was something living inside Kenzi? Was that even possible?
"Please Wakka." Jassu's dark gaze was pleading. "We have to get to her."
Finally the truth hit home and Wakka knew fear like he had never known before. Kenzi was in danger, and it was his fault. He had to do something. Without a word he started in the direction of the beach, his blood pounding in his ears.
Rikku and Jassu followed him, calling out to their friends for help as they passed their huts. Thinking another Valaha had come to the island, they immediately joined the growing crowd as it quickly made it's way for the beach. Botta, Datto and Keepa fell in behind Jassu, listening the older man as he called for inhabitants of the village to stay inside and hide their children. "What's goin' on guys?" Botta asked. "Another fiend?"
"No," Jassu replied deadpan. "Kenzi's in trouble."
No more needed to be said then that. In silence the group hurried to their fallen teammate. Seconds later Yuna and Tidus also joined, knowing in their guts that something horrible was about to happen. Above them the clouds churned in deadly circles and stillness settled over the island. If only they knew what they were up against.
Kenzi stumbled, falling to the sandy ground. A sob broke from her lips as her body slammed into the earth. She felt like she was on fire. Pin pricks of heat stabbed at her flesh. She was crying in earnest now, knowing with deep certainty that her life was quickly coming to an end. Hers and the rest of Spira's. There was nothing she could do to stop it.
The evil within her laughed, squeezing icy fingers around her heart. Kenzi screamed in pain, struggling to her hands and knees. She had to get away. She had to find away to keep the evil from her friends. It was the least she could do for them.
"KENZI WAIT!!"
"R-Rikku?" She lifted her tired gaze to where her friend stood, a mass of people behind her. Oh god, it was all of them. Her team, Tidus and Yuna, Letty and his wife, Bree. Even Wakka stood there, his horrified gaze locked on her. "No," she chocked. "Please, you have to get away."
Rikku came running down the slope, sliding to her knees in the sand before Kenzi. Small hands gripped her shoulders and Kenzi cried out as pain wracked her body.
"It's okay Kenzi, we're here now. We wont let this thing hurt you," she murmured urgently.
Kenzi shook her head. "He's already hurting me. Please Rikku," she gasped as another spasm of pain shot through her. "Get...them out of here. Get as far away as you can before he comes."
Rikku's eyes narrowed. "No! I'm not leaving you here Kenzi. Not like this."
"Then kill me. Kill me before he kills you all Rikku!" she screamed, desperate to be free of the pain. Desperate to save the fate of Spira. "It's the only way. He'll use me and he'll destroy everything."
A thud sounded next to them and Kenzi felt herself being pulled up by strong hands. "You ain't goin' no where legs. Not while I'm here. That thing is gonna have to go through me if he wants you."
Kenzi tried to pull herself free. "JASSU NO! Don't you understand? He's going to kill you all! Kill me before he gets free and Spira will have a chance," she screamed brokenly. "Please Jassu..."
"No. You said yourself that you don't want to die," he murmured close to her ear. "Remember?"
"I..I don't. God I don't...but it's too late Jassu." As soon as the whispered words passed her lips blazing pain consumed her. Kenzi was jerked backwards, her body sprawling on the white sands.
Wakka was frozen. He watched in horror as the woman he loved was picked up by an unseen force and thrown hard against a wall of rocks. She cried out, the sound tearing at his heart. "Kenzi!" He yelled. Then he was moving forward, running across the beach to where her crippled, bleeding body lay. He had to get her. He had to save her. If she died..he wouldn't be able to go on.
Before he could get to her, Kenzi released a tormented scream. Her body arched, lifting from the ground and dark red/gray smoke started pouring from her skin, surrounding her. Lightning split the sky, the thunder drowning out the tormented moans of the Al Bhed as she struggled to fight the thing inhabiting her. The smoke, swirling in thick waved left Kenzi, moving several yards away where it sat waiting, giving those who were foolish enough to stay and protect the helpless woman one last chance to escape.
Collapsing on the ground beside Kenzi, Wakka pulled her limp body into his arms. "Kenzi," he whispered hoarsely, brushing damp strands of hair away from her pale face. "Kenz...come on hun, pull out of this." He begged for all he was worth, his heart breaking painfully with every silent minute that passed. Tears filled his amber eyes, spilling onto Kenzi's bare shoulder. "Come on Kenzi. Please don't leave me."
"Wakka?"
His head snapped up and he stared into her weary gray eyes. "Kenzi." He held her close, refusing to let her go. "I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinkin'," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I...I didn't mean it Kenzi...none of it. I had this nightmare and...and I wasn't thinkin' straight." He pulled away, keeping one arm wrapped under her shoulders as he lifted the other, brushing blunt fingertips over her jawbone. "I love you Kenzi. I love you so much."
With what strength she had left, Kenzi wrapped her arms around Wakka's neck, clinging to him. Tears ran in scalding rivers down her face. "I love you too," she whispered but already she could feel the cold closing in on her. Invisible fingers moved up her arms chilling her skin. More grabbed at her ankles. Shivering, she leaned back in his embrace, knowing her time was up. She cradled his handsome face between her hands and pressed her lips against his, tasting the salty tears he had cried for her. "Oh sweetie..Wakka, it's too late." She hung her head in defeat as the icy fingers gripped her arms and legs. "It's too late."
Wakka gasped as she was ripped from his arms and drug back into the swirling clouds of red. "NO!" he yelled, jumping to his feet. Arms were immediately around him, holding him back. "Let me go!" he demanded furiously. "Kenzi!"
"Wakka, cool it!" Tidus said, trying to keep the enraged man from doing anything irrational and possibly fatal.
Holding one of Wakka's arms, Jassu nodded. "Tidus is right. Lets just wait for this thing to show itself, ya?"
Smooth laughter, reeking of distain filled the air as the smoke began to billow into a large pillar and drift over the agitated waters of the sea. Slowly a form started to take shape. Long arms with tapered elegant fingers, a body cloaked in what appeared to be some sort of robe, and the face of a man, his evil smirk and cold eyes holding nothing but hatred. Outrageous blue hair spiked up and fell in two ridiculous looking pigtails over his shoulder as another shorter strand swept his brow, complimenting the dark veins that spread over the mans forehead.
"Oh you have GOT to be kidding me!" Tidus groaned, being the only who would possibly make such a careless statement. "How many times do we have to kill this jerk off!?"
"Ahh, the star player of the Zanarkand Abes! I see you haven't changed at all. Pity." Seymour's eyes narrowed as he stared down at the group of Kenzi's protectors. "Are you looking for this?" he asked, lifting an arm in front of his chest. Billowing fabric from his robes concealed his chest for a brief second, and then moved away revealing to them all Kenzi. She hung from what appeared to be silver metallic claws that protruded from Seymour's massive shoulders. The claws had pierced her flesh and blood ran down her arms. Her head hung, strawberry blond hair falling in waves over her face.
Wakka's blood ran cold. "Oh god," he whispered in horror. Not Kenzi, not his Kenzi. He had to do something. He had to save her!
Seymour laughed cruelly, shaking his head. "Oh god? You bring about the death of Spira and that's all you can say you bumbling fool?" He turned his gaze to Kenzi, bringing a hand up and brushing it over her side in a sickening caress. Kenzi moaned, trying to pull away. "So this is who you gave your heart to? Who you watched for years with such longing? And this is the one who so easily tore your poor heart in two? Can you actually still love such a pathetic human being..one who lets a ridiculous nightmare decide his fate?"
Although the effort was almost too much, Kenzi raised her eyes, meeting and holding Wakka's gaze. "Yes," she whispered.
"Hmm...so be it then."
"Leave her alone!" Wakka screamed, desperation and anger feeding his adrenaline.
Seymour only laughed harder. Lifting his hand he formed a bright ball of electric blue energy, draining Kenzi to fuel his own selfish needs. A guttural scream tore from her lips. No, no...this wasn't happening. "Stop," she sobbed, watching Seymour take aim at Datto. "No! Datto run!"
Wakka heard Kenzi's cry and reached over, grabbing Datto's arm and yanking him away just as the blast crashed into the earth where the young man had once stood. This was insane! Seymour had to be stopped but how could they possibly destroy him without hurting Kenzi? Tidus suddenly appeared next to him, wielding the Brotherhood that Wakka had given him so long ago. "She'll come out alive Wakka," he assured him, his blue eyes narrowing in determination. "We'll make sure of it."
Yuna stepped up on his other side, holding her staff in front of her. "Yes," she stated simply. Rikku appeared next to the Summoner, her arms adorned with vicious looking claws. Behind them Wakka could feel his team position themselves for battle.
Casually observing his foes, Seymour allowed a mocking smile to curve his lips. "Do what you must to stop me," he said calmly, "but know this. My pain will only bring your darling Al Bhed closer to her death."
Wakka glared at the Guado, feeling hatred boiling in his veins. He would pay for what he had done to Kenzi. He would pay for the suffering she had been put through. He would make sure of it. There had to be some way of defeating him, once and for all. But what? Suddenly it all became very clear. Kenzi. Kenzi was the reason Seymour was alive right now. He had used her body to rebuild himself. Without her...he was nothing.
"Capn'," Botta murmured behind him.
Wakka turned his head slightly to the side, never taking his eyes of Seymour. "Ya?"
"Here." The red headed guard placed something in Wakka's hand. Lifting it, Wakka grinned maliciously. The World Champion. It sat in his hand like and old friend, assuring him victory. But only if-.
"KENZI!" he yelled. Her gaze met his and his heart seized painfully. Her eyes, once alive with love and warmth stared back at him, lifeless. 'It's okay hun,' he promised silently. 'We'll get you out of there.' He raised the World Champion in front of him, charging it with a multi-elemental attack. If he was going to hit Seymour, he had to hit him with everything he had. "He's nothing without you," he said with absolute certainty, knowing she could clearly hear him. Lowering his voice so that only those around him could hear, Wakka began issuing instructions for the attack. "Tidus, Rikku..keep him distracted. Go for the face and the arms but stay clear of Kenzi. Anybody else feel free to join. Just keep his attention off Kenzi."
The words penetrated the thick fog clogging Kenzi's mind. He was nothing without her. Her eyes went wide as she watched Wakka charge a blitzball with a deadly attack. He was going to use it against Seymour. With her, there was a chance the demented Guado would actually survive...but without her he was as good as dead. Energy surged through her along with renewed hope. She began struggling against the sharp bonds that held her, pulling despite the pain that exploded inside her as the blades inched deeper into her arms.
Seymour laughed manically. "You would actually destroy the one you love just to get to me? Ah Guardian, you were always the fool of the group." He continued to laugh, dodging attacks as they came, countering in an uninterested fashion.
When Kenzi saw her friends move back from Wakka, ceasing their attacks and allowing him room, her movements became frantic. He was going on pure faith. Faith that she would be able to pull herself free before the attack hit.
Seymour's devious smile suddenly disappeared when he felt Kenzi start to yank violently against her binds. "Wh-what are you doing? NO!" he shouted, fury burning in his eyes.
The ball went up, coming back down in slow motion and with one swift kick it came right for her and the Guado. Kenzi screamed, pulling as hard as she possibly could. Everything fell into silence save for the distinct slicing noise as Kenzi plummeted into oblivion.
The massive explosion shook the island, bending the trees back on their roots, forcing a massive wave of water back into the fathomless sea, blowing up sand from the shore. Those standing on the beach went to their knees, lifting their arms in an attempt to protect themselves. As the dust cleared, so did the clouds, retreating to the horizon in which they had come from. A silence hung over the island. The sun cast its rays of dusk onto the land. Pink hues turned to deep violet and stars slowly winked to life.
Standing at the shore, the tide washing in a hushed caress over his feet, Wakka stared out over the waters, his eye searching...searching for her, the woman who had shown him how to live again. His Kenzi. But the only thing to greet him was the endless silence. She was gone and he was empty.
Tidus turned from his friend, the first man to ever give him a kind word when he had washed up on Besaid. He felt his pain as if it were his own, deep and burning. His gaze sought out Yuna. The Summoner stood, silent tears of grief staining her cheeks. "Yuna," he whispered, crossing the sand and enveloping her trembling figure in his arms. "You have to send him Yuna. And..you have to give her peace," he said, almost choking on the words. He knew Kenzi and Yuna had been close and he knew it would take Yuna a long time to get over the loss..but even the deep sorrow couldn't stop her from performing the task at hand.
Yuna closed her eyes, her brows drawing together as she tried to suppress the sobs clogging her throat. When they opened again, the multi colored orbs were filled with purpose. She moved forward. All around her was grief, it was the only she could see. Jassu and Rikku clinging to each other as they shared the sorrow of their loss, Botta standing so still, tears glistening on his face, Datto and Keepa, both sitting on the ground with their heads hung, shoulders trembling with silent crying. Grief. So poignant, so raw...so unnecessary. If only things could have been different.
The soft padding of her feet over the calm waters carried to Wakka. Empty eyes watched Yuna as she began to dance. Pyerflies rose drifted up, glittering in the darkness of the oncoming night. He remembered how Kenzi had said they looked so happy. He sank to his knees with a pitiful sob, burying his face in his hands. His massive shoulder shook as he cried. This pain would never stop. He would never again feel the kind of wholeness he felt when Kenzi was with him.
Yuna finished dancing. She walked into Tidus' arms and they sadly motioned for the rest to go with them, leaving their Captain behind to mourn in peace.
Wakka dug a hand into the sand, wishing he could bring her back. He wasn't able to tell her how much he needed her. "I'm so sorry Kenz..so sorry," he murmured, his voice catching.
"Oh Wakka," a feminine voice whispered to him, filling his ears with the memory of her touch. "Don't be sorry Wakka. Please don't be sorry."
He lifted his head slowly, afraid to believe what he had heard. Her voice had been so clear, almost as if she were actually there. And she was. He watched her walk from the water, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Kenzi-." Wakka stumbled to his feet.
She smiled weakly and nodded. "Yeah. I made it," she murmured.
Wakka ran through the water to her, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist and holding her as close as cried immodestly on her shoulder. Her musical watery laughter filled his ears and his heart, returning the warmth he thought he had lost. "I'm never lettin' you go again," he whispered into her hair.
"Is that a promise?"
He chuckled, tears of joy replacing the ones of sorrow. "Oh yeah, that's a promise." He pulled away from her, cradling the side of her face in one hand. Her beautiful gray eyes sparkled with tears but they could not outshine the love so clearly written in their depths. "Kenzi..I love you."
"I love you too Wakka," she murmured, raising up on her tiptoes and rubbing her nose against his. He smiled down at her. "It feels so good to be able to say that. It's been so long since I was able to openly admit my feelings."
"You can tell me you love me whenever you want to, ya?"
Kenzi laughed softly. "I will Wakka." Her gaze flickered to her arms and she winced. "I think we should go find Yuna."
Confused, Wakka glanced at the arm she had draped over his shoulder. "Shit Kenz, why didn't you say something?" he yelped, seeing the large lacerations from the claws that had held her captive.
"I was going to," she said a bit breathlessly. She slumped against him. Now that the initial joy of living had passed she was once again able to feel how the loss of blood was affecting her. "But I wanted to say hi first."
With a short bark of laugher, Wakka lifted her in his strong arms and quickly carried her back to the village. Coming up a hill he caught sight of the others walking a ways ahead of them. "Yuna! Hold up," he called, "I could use a little help here!"
Shocked to hear the note of joy in Wakka's voice, Yuna turned and her jaw dropped. "Oh my! Kenzi!"
"What?!" Rikku shrieked, also whipping around. "KENZI!!!"
She started running to where the happy couple was, Kenzi cradled safely in Wakka's arms and smiling at her friends. "Gotta be faster then that Rikku!" Botta shouted as he passed her, kicking up sand and laughing. Of course where Botta was Keepa and Datto were not far behind. The swarmed around their Captain and his girlfriend, all talking at once.
"Whoa guys. Let her get healed first," Wakka scolded lightly, understanding their joy at seeing the Al Bhed they had become so close to still alive.
Yuna smiled as she stepped forward, picking up one of Kenzi's hands and placing a light kiss on it. Tears still clung to her flushed cheeks, proof of her sadness for what she thought she had lost. "I'm so happy that you're okay. Let's get you fixed up, shall we?"
"It would be much appreciated Lady Yuna," Kenzi teased, wrinkling her pert nose. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed, allowing Yuna to cast a cura over her arms. Although they didn't close up, the wound healed enough and the bleeding stopped. Kenzi breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much Yuna." She looked around at the group of happy people surrounding her. "Thank you all. Knowing that you were all so willing to protect me-."
"Come on legs," Botta muttered, blushing slightly. "You know we'd do anything for ya."
Kenzi smiled, her stormy eyes softening. "I know. I would do the same for any of you."
Allowing Wakka to momentarily set her on her feet, she tearfully gave each of her friends a hug. But the time she was returned to her ever watchful boyfriend she was exhausted. He picked her up once again, secretly pleased by how easily her body fit in his arms and with an apologetic smile to the group surrounding them said, "Hope you guys don't mind but I'm gonna take her back to our place so she can rest."
"Rest my ass," Botta quipped lightly, drawing laughter from the tired crowd. He winked at Kenzi and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry legs, couldn't resist."
"That's alright Botta." She yawned, laying her head on Wakka's shoulder. "Saw it comin' a mile away."
Chuckling, Wakka turned in the direction of home, wanting to get Kenzi to bed where she could sleep off the horrors of the afternoon.
"Wakka...wait," a voice called out, stopping him.
Lulu was walking down the hill they had just come from, her gaze guarded, her belt adorned skirts making soft clinking noises as approached them. She shot a hasty, uncomfortable look at Kenzi before stopping in front of them. Kenzi ignored it. She was still angry that the woman had stooped low enough to insult her puppy.
"What is it Lu?" Wakka asked, impatience evident in his tone.
"I-." Her shoulders slumped and a pained sigh escaped her dark lips. "I owe you both an apology."
"For what?"
Lulu cast an uneasy glance at the group behind her. "I saw what happened on the beach. I saw what Seymour did and...and I heard the reason why. I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be sorry," Kenzi said hesitantly. "You're not the one who put that thing in me."
"No. But had I knows the danger before-."
Wakka's eyes narrowed suspiciously and his grip around Kenzi tightened in an unconscious gesture of protection. "Before what?"
Shamefully hanging her head, the black mage spoke in a muted voice. "The Valaha, the nightmares..that was me."
Kenzi and Wakka's jaws dropped simultaneously. "You?!" Wakka questioned, not able to believe that Lulu was capable of such a thing. "You brought a Valaha here? You have me that nightmare?" His voice rose along with his anger as he spoke. "You made me doubt the only woman who actually cares about me?"
Lulu winced, his harsh words accurately hitting their mark. "I'm sorry," she tried again, but to no avail.
"How could you do that Lu?"
"I don't know Wakka," she cried passionately, her calm demeanor shattering violently. "I was angry! Angry at you for running to..to her!" She glared accusingly at Kenzi but the Al Bhed only arched a sardonic brow as if to say, "Go on. I know you've got more then that."
"I was angry that you wasted absolutely no time in replacing me. You were so happy with her yet all we ever did was fight."
"And who's fault is that?!" he demanded, furious with her for attacking Kenzi.
A hand brushed his shoulder and he looked down into the stormy eyes of the woman in his arms. Her gaze was pleading and suddenly the anger drained away, leaving in its place a deep fatigue. He was tired of fighting with Lulu, tired of her negative views and he was beyond tired of being the target of her constant anger. Being the one she blamed everything on. "You know what Lu? I'm through with this. What you did was wrong. You endangered innocent lives and for what? A relationship that you ended yourself. I'm sure you realize how stupid that was so I'm not even going to get into this with you. I'm finished."
Lulu stared at him for a moment, then seeing no point to staying around much longer to endure his rejection she turned to leave. Kenzi, however, had not gotten to say much of anything and she most certainly wanted to. She wiggled free of Wakka's arms and after making sure she could walk without stumbling to her knees she pulled her shoulders back and fixed an impassive look on her face. "Lulu?"
The black mage turned slowly, lifting her chin slightly as she faced Kenzi.
Seeing the movement and knowing it was one that was meant to set her in her place, Kenzi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she walked up to the older woman, staring at her fearlessly. "I'm sorry if you're unhappy because you lost the man you love. And I'm sorry that seeing Wakka with someone who makes him happy makes you angry...but you're not the only one who lost Chappu. Wakka lost him too. And instead of being jealous, maybe you should try being happy that he found someone who will help him deal with that pain and maybe...maybe you should find a way to deal with it too."
"I-," the dark haired woman started to say, surprised that Kenzi had so easily exposed the truth behind her anger. Wakka was happy, he was moving on and Lulu was angry because she couldn't. Loosing Chappu had hurt so much. She had thought that being with Wakka would make that pain easier but it had only made it worse for both of them. No matter how hard they had wanted to get over Chappu's death, they couldn't do it together. And now Wakka has found a way...and she was left behind to deal with her lovers death on her own.
Kenzi placed a hand on Lulu's shoulder, her gray eyes softening with sympathy as she stared up at the confused woman. "I know it's hard, especially when you have no one to help you through your pain. But you have to find a way or you'll never be truly happy."
Dark eyes filling with tears, Lulu nodded solemnly. "You are right," she whispered, trying valiantly to keep rein of her emotions. "Kenzi, I'm sorry for what I did. It was childish of me and extremely dangerous. Can you...can you forgive me?"
"Yes," Kenzi answered with a small nod. "But only if you take back what you said about my puppy." She grinned ruefully, hoping to lighten the somber mood of the black mage.
A quirk of the lips was the only response she received, but it was enough for the moment. "I take back what I said about your puppy. Although small, he will be an amazing guard dog some day." She sighed and straightened her shoulders, knowing in her heart that it was time to take her leave of this place and the memories it held. "I will go to the Farplane and see Chappu one last time. Then, Kenzi...I'll take the advice you have given me. Hopefully it will work."
"I wish you luck then," Kenzi murmured, offering the older woman a friendly smile.
She didn't return it but then again Kenzi hadn't expected her to. The black-garbed mage only gave a brief incline of her head, and then walked away, returning to her hut. Breathing a sigh of relief Kenzi returned to Wakka's side and held out her arms in a pitifully feeble gesture. "You can pick me up again."
Wakka chuckled softly, happy to oblige her request. Their group of friends had already retreated to their huts for the evening, each of them emotionally and physically exhausted. Starting back to their own home with trudging steps Wakka looked down at the beautiful creation dozing in his arms. Strands of her silky hair blew lightly across her brow and a satisfied smile played at her lips. "How did you do that Kenz?" he asked, curious to hear how the leggy Al Bhed had swayed Lulu in a matter minutes when he hadn't even been able to do it in years.
Kenzi yawned, turning her head into his chest as her smile widened. "I just told here what she was trying to hide from herself." Stormy eyes opened to gaze up at him, understanding and sympathy written in their depths. "I think she'll be okay now. She was very unhappy, Wakka. Maybe now that she realizes that she'll find a way to be happy."
"We can hope hun," he murmured, using his shoulder to push the heavy cloth door of his hut aside. Excited yapping filled the room as Jack leapt from the bed and scurried across the room, ears perked up in awareness. Wakka set Kenzi down and watched on with quiet delight as she picked up the tiny puppy and flopped back on the bed, laughing up at the wiggling animal. "Oh my little Zack. Mama was so afraid she wouldn't be able to come back to you," she whispered, placing the black and white bundle on her chest and allowing him to nuzzle her neck, cheeks and underneath her chin. It was an enchanting scene, one that warmed Wakka's heart and made him vision Kenzi doing much the same to their children.
Going to the bed, he laid down next to her on his side, propping himself up on his elbow. Kenzi set Zack aside. The little mongrel circled once, twice, then deciding he had a pretty good spot, curled into a little ball next to Kenzi's side and heaved a great breath. Laughing, Kenzi turned her full attention on Wakka, her gray/blue eyes staring up at him with such love and compassion that a lump of emotion rose in his throat. He never knew it was possible to love someone so much. "Kenz, I wanted to ask you something," he said softly.
She took his hand in hers, entwining their fingers. "You can ask me anything Wakka."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Kenzi looked down at their hands as a slight frown puckered her brow. "Because if I told you I thought you would feel obligated to return whatever feelings I had for you. That's not what I wanted." She turned her gaze back to meet his. "I wanted your love unconditionally. I didn't want to force you to feel anything for me."
Smiling, Wakka leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. He had to resist the urge to kiss her. He still had one question he wanted to ask before getting sidetracked in the passion she always seemed to effortlessly ignite in him. "You got my love now Kenz. Unconditional..and forever." Seeing the joyful tears collect in her eyes he chose to go on quickly before he lost complete control and started lazy, zealous love to her right then and there. "Another thing. Seymour said somethin'. Somethin' about you watchin' me for years. What did he mean?"
An embarrassed flush stained her cheeks and she ducked her head, trying to hide from his imploring eyes. "It's nothing...really."
"Kenz." Using his fingers he tilted her chin up and smiled down into her beautiful face. "You can tell me."
"Okay," she said after a long moment of silence. "When...when I was sixteen I went to my first Blitzball tournament in Luca. I went there to watch my brother. But then I saw you. I...I'd never seen someone so handsome in my entire life. When the game was done I went to search for you. I'm not really sure what I would have said...I just wanted to see you. You were on the docks, arguing with a young man. I think it was...your brother. After that day I couldn't get you out of my mind. Every day I thought about you and I would go to every Blitzball game and tournament in hopes of seeing you there. I...I guess." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she finished her admission. "I fell for you. I know it sounds ridiculous but I really did. When Tidus recruited me I was so excited. I was finally going to be able to meet you. So...now you know what he meant."
Wakka stared at her in astonishment, his heart filling with love so strong that it almost hurt. She had really felt that way about him for that long? She must have been so strong..seeing him and Lulu together and still keeping such control of her emotions. She was..amazing. "Kenz," he whispered, his admiration for her growing by the second. He pulled her into his arms, placing gentle kisses over the sleek column of her neck. "God, I love ya Kenzi."
Kenzi smiled, feeling a joy she had never known fill her being, erasing every fear, every niggling remainder of doubt until all she could feel was the love that pulsated through her with such intensity that it brought tears to her eyes. "Oh Wakka..I love you too. I love you so much."
He leaned back, giving her a rakish grin, one she knew all too well and welcomed all the more. "Care to show me how much?" He asked pulling her body on top of his so that her legs straddled him. She smiled down at him, her hair falling around her face, her cheeks flushed with desire. "Now that I don't have to try so hard to be silent about it," she mused, running her hands slowly up his bare chest. "I think I'll spent the rest of my life showing you just how much."
Disclaimer: I own nothing of FFX. The one who does though is a freakin' genius if I do say so myself! The only things belonging to me are Kenzi, Bree and Sierra.
*~* An End To It All *~*
"Wh-what?" Kenzi stared up at Wakka, taken aback by the words that had fallen like dead weight from his mouth. "You're an Al Bhed." She couldn't have heard him right. Please, for the love of Spira, say she had heard wrong! Blank amber eyes stared back at her, lacking any of the emotions she was so used to seeing. She felt numb. "I-," she tried to speak past the painful lump that had formed in her throat. Burning tears filled her eyes, spilling over her pale cheeks and blurring her vision. Then, in one swift and agonizing moment, her heart shattered.
~You are mine now child.~
Evil laughter filled her ears. The sound was deafening, like waves rushing around her. She had to go. She had to get out of there now. Through the blinding pain she managed to stumble to her feet. She refused to look at Wakka. She couldn't. The pain was too much. Once out the door she ran for her life as if Sin itself was chasing at her heals. Tears coursed down her cheeks, the world she thought she had know, the one she thought was safe, collapsing all around her. It hurt to think, it hurt to breath. God it hurt so much. She felt like she was dying inside.
~Oh don't worry my dear,~ the evil hissed mockingly. ~You'll be dead soon enough.~
Kenzi released a desperate cry of denial, choking on a heartbreaking sob. She ran faster, pushing herself, her bare feet kicking up tufts of sand. Someone yelled for her. Rikku. She ignored it. She didn't have time; it wasn't on her side right now. Nothing was.
Rikku watched Kenzi as she disappeared down a path that lead to the Aurochs practice area of the beach. "That was strange," she murmured quietly to Jassu who stood next to her, thinking the same thing as he scratched absently at one tattooed arm.
"You think we should go after her?"
Rikku stared off into the distance, not answering him right away. Along the horizon black angry looking clouds were gathering, moving swiftly towards the island almost as if..they had a purpose. The fresh sea breeze was tainted. Although faint, Rikku could still sense it. An apprehensive chill seized her body. Something was terribly, terribly wrong.
"Been a while since the last storm. You're not gonna freak out again, are ya?" Jassu lightly joked.
Rikku frowned, unable to shake the feeling of imminent disaster. "Jassu," she started uncertainly. Terrified green eyes watched the clouds as they moved faster and faster, folding over each other as they swallowed the clear blue skies mercilessly. Suddenly Kenzi's tragic story came rushing back to her in its entirety, each word emphasized to startling clarity. "Oh no. Jassu, we have to get to Wakka!"
Without questioning the frantic words of his girlfriend he followed as she took off at a dead run for Wakka's hut, not bothering to call out a warning as they came barreling in through the thick cloth door. Wakka glanced up from his spot on the bed, slight surprise registering in his otherwise bleak gaze. He hadn't moved since Kenzi had left.
"Wakka," Rikku cried in a panic stricken voice, crouching in front of him. "What happened?"
The tall Auroch shook hi head slowly. He looked sad, so sad.
"Wakka please." She gripped his larger hands in her own. "This is really important. Tell me what happened."
"Kenzi." He paused, swallowing hard. "I..I had a dream that...she killed Chappu."
"That's impossible Wakka," Rikku said firmly. "First of all Kenzi could never do something like that and you know it. Second..she was at Home..with me..when your brother died. Sin killed him Wakka. What you had was a nightmare. That's all."
The red headed man went deathly pale. "With you-."
"Yes. She didn't even leave Home until months after I had."
"Oh god." He was going to be sick. How could he do that to her? How could he let a dream make him doubt her loyalty and more importantly her love? "She...she told me she loved me."
Sickening dread filled the pit of Rikku's stomach. "And you didn't-."
Wakka looked up at her, his expression one of complete helplessness. "No."
"We gotta find her. Now!" Jassu said, already out the door. "Rikku, which path did she take?"
"The one that goes down to where you guys practice."
Wakka stared at the two as if they had just lost their minds. Why were they reacting like this? He stood, following them outside. "Jeez, you guys are actin' like you're the ones that hurt her. What's the deal?"
"Wakka, you don't understand. We have to find Kenzi right now. She's in danger." Rikku grabbed his hand, yanking him along with resolve.
"Danger? What are you talking about?!" He was starting to get irritated. He was already confused and they were only making it worse by not telling him what was going on. He planted his feet firmly and Rikku let out a startled yelp as she fell back against him. "Tell me what's going on Rikku."
The tiny Al Bhed shook her head frantically. "There's no time Wakka. We have to get to her before-."
"Before what!? I ain't movin' one step until someone tells me what the hell is going on!"
Jassu stepped forward, placing a hand on his captain's broad shoulder. "Wakka, Kenzi's has this somethin' inside of her. When she was wanderin' she came across this..this thing. Whatever it was possessed her body. It's in there now, feedin' off her emotions. Kenzi told us that as long as she had control she was fine. It couldn't do anything. But if she lost control..it would use her to destroy Spira."
Wakka could only stare at Jassu in complete shock. There was something living inside Kenzi? Was that even possible?
"Please Wakka." Jassu's dark gaze was pleading. "We have to get to her."
Finally the truth hit home and Wakka knew fear like he had never known before. Kenzi was in danger, and it was his fault. He had to do something. Without a word he started in the direction of the beach, his blood pounding in his ears.
Rikku and Jassu followed him, calling out to their friends for help as they passed their huts. Thinking another Valaha had come to the island, they immediately joined the growing crowd as it quickly made it's way for the beach. Botta, Datto and Keepa fell in behind Jassu, listening the older man as he called for inhabitants of the village to stay inside and hide their children. "What's goin' on guys?" Botta asked. "Another fiend?"
"No," Jassu replied deadpan. "Kenzi's in trouble."
No more needed to be said then that. In silence the group hurried to their fallen teammate. Seconds later Yuna and Tidus also joined, knowing in their guts that something horrible was about to happen. Above them the clouds churned in deadly circles and stillness settled over the island. If only they knew what they were up against.
Kenzi stumbled, falling to the sandy ground. A sob broke from her lips as her body slammed into the earth. She felt like she was on fire. Pin pricks of heat stabbed at her flesh. She was crying in earnest now, knowing with deep certainty that her life was quickly coming to an end. Hers and the rest of Spira's. There was nothing she could do to stop it.
The evil within her laughed, squeezing icy fingers around her heart. Kenzi screamed in pain, struggling to her hands and knees. She had to get away. She had to find away to keep the evil from her friends. It was the least she could do for them.
"KENZI WAIT!!"
"R-Rikku?" She lifted her tired gaze to where her friend stood, a mass of people behind her. Oh god, it was all of them. Her team, Tidus and Yuna, Letty and his wife, Bree. Even Wakka stood there, his horrified gaze locked on her. "No," she chocked. "Please, you have to get away."
Rikku came running down the slope, sliding to her knees in the sand before Kenzi. Small hands gripped her shoulders and Kenzi cried out as pain wracked her body.
"It's okay Kenzi, we're here now. We wont let this thing hurt you," she murmured urgently.
Kenzi shook her head. "He's already hurting me. Please Rikku," she gasped as another spasm of pain shot through her. "Get...them out of here. Get as far away as you can before he comes."
Rikku's eyes narrowed. "No! I'm not leaving you here Kenzi. Not like this."
"Then kill me. Kill me before he kills you all Rikku!" she screamed, desperate to be free of the pain. Desperate to save the fate of Spira. "It's the only way. He'll use me and he'll destroy everything."
A thud sounded next to them and Kenzi felt herself being pulled up by strong hands. "You ain't goin' no where legs. Not while I'm here. That thing is gonna have to go through me if he wants you."
Kenzi tried to pull herself free. "JASSU NO! Don't you understand? He's going to kill you all! Kill me before he gets free and Spira will have a chance," she screamed brokenly. "Please Jassu..."
"No. You said yourself that you don't want to die," he murmured close to her ear. "Remember?"
"I..I don't. God I don't...but it's too late Jassu." As soon as the whispered words passed her lips blazing pain consumed her. Kenzi was jerked backwards, her body sprawling on the white sands.
Wakka was frozen. He watched in horror as the woman he loved was picked up by an unseen force and thrown hard against a wall of rocks. She cried out, the sound tearing at his heart. "Kenzi!" He yelled. Then he was moving forward, running across the beach to where her crippled, bleeding body lay. He had to get her. He had to save her. If she died..he wouldn't be able to go on.
Before he could get to her, Kenzi released a tormented scream. Her body arched, lifting from the ground and dark red/gray smoke started pouring from her skin, surrounding her. Lightning split the sky, the thunder drowning out the tormented moans of the Al Bhed as she struggled to fight the thing inhabiting her. The smoke, swirling in thick waved left Kenzi, moving several yards away where it sat waiting, giving those who were foolish enough to stay and protect the helpless woman one last chance to escape.
Collapsing on the ground beside Kenzi, Wakka pulled her limp body into his arms. "Kenzi," he whispered hoarsely, brushing damp strands of hair away from her pale face. "Kenz...come on hun, pull out of this." He begged for all he was worth, his heart breaking painfully with every silent minute that passed. Tears filled his amber eyes, spilling onto Kenzi's bare shoulder. "Come on Kenzi. Please don't leave me."
"Wakka?"
His head snapped up and he stared into her weary gray eyes. "Kenzi." He held her close, refusing to let her go. "I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinkin'," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I...I didn't mean it Kenzi...none of it. I had this nightmare and...and I wasn't thinkin' straight." He pulled away, keeping one arm wrapped under her shoulders as he lifted the other, brushing blunt fingertips over her jawbone. "I love you Kenzi. I love you so much."
With what strength she had left, Kenzi wrapped her arms around Wakka's neck, clinging to him. Tears ran in scalding rivers down her face. "I love you too," she whispered but already she could feel the cold closing in on her. Invisible fingers moved up her arms chilling her skin. More grabbed at her ankles. Shivering, she leaned back in his embrace, knowing her time was up. She cradled his handsome face between her hands and pressed her lips against his, tasting the salty tears he had cried for her. "Oh sweetie..Wakka, it's too late." She hung her head in defeat as the icy fingers gripped her arms and legs. "It's too late."
Wakka gasped as she was ripped from his arms and drug back into the swirling clouds of red. "NO!" he yelled, jumping to his feet. Arms were immediately around him, holding him back. "Let me go!" he demanded furiously. "Kenzi!"
"Wakka, cool it!" Tidus said, trying to keep the enraged man from doing anything irrational and possibly fatal.
Holding one of Wakka's arms, Jassu nodded. "Tidus is right. Lets just wait for this thing to show itself, ya?"
Smooth laughter, reeking of distain filled the air as the smoke began to billow into a large pillar and drift over the agitated waters of the sea. Slowly a form started to take shape. Long arms with tapered elegant fingers, a body cloaked in what appeared to be some sort of robe, and the face of a man, his evil smirk and cold eyes holding nothing but hatred. Outrageous blue hair spiked up and fell in two ridiculous looking pigtails over his shoulder as another shorter strand swept his brow, complimenting the dark veins that spread over the mans forehead.
"Oh you have GOT to be kidding me!" Tidus groaned, being the only who would possibly make such a careless statement. "How many times do we have to kill this jerk off!?"
"Ahh, the star player of the Zanarkand Abes! I see you haven't changed at all. Pity." Seymour's eyes narrowed as he stared down at the group of Kenzi's protectors. "Are you looking for this?" he asked, lifting an arm in front of his chest. Billowing fabric from his robes concealed his chest for a brief second, and then moved away revealing to them all Kenzi. She hung from what appeared to be silver metallic claws that protruded from Seymour's massive shoulders. The claws had pierced her flesh and blood ran down her arms. Her head hung, strawberry blond hair falling in waves over her face.
Wakka's blood ran cold. "Oh god," he whispered in horror. Not Kenzi, not his Kenzi. He had to do something. He had to save her!
Seymour laughed cruelly, shaking his head. "Oh god? You bring about the death of Spira and that's all you can say you bumbling fool?" He turned his gaze to Kenzi, bringing a hand up and brushing it over her side in a sickening caress. Kenzi moaned, trying to pull away. "So this is who you gave your heart to? Who you watched for years with such longing? And this is the one who so easily tore your poor heart in two? Can you actually still love such a pathetic human being..one who lets a ridiculous nightmare decide his fate?"
Although the effort was almost too much, Kenzi raised her eyes, meeting and holding Wakka's gaze. "Yes," she whispered.
"Hmm...so be it then."
"Leave her alone!" Wakka screamed, desperation and anger feeding his adrenaline.
Seymour only laughed harder. Lifting his hand he formed a bright ball of electric blue energy, draining Kenzi to fuel his own selfish needs. A guttural scream tore from her lips. No, no...this wasn't happening. "Stop," she sobbed, watching Seymour take aim at Datto. "No! Datto run!"
Wakka heard Kenzi's cry and reached over, grabbing Datto's arm and yanking him away just as the blast crashed into the earth where the young man had once stood. This was insane! Seymour had to be stopped but how could they possibly destroy him without hurting Kenzi? Tidus suddenly appeared next to him, wielding the Brotherhood that Wakka had given him so long ago. "She'll come out alive Wakka," he assured him, his blue eyes narrowing in determination. "We'll make sure of it."
Yuna stepped up on his other side, holding her staff in front of her. "Yes," she stated simply. Rikku appeared next to the Summoner, her arms adorned with vicious looking claws. Behind them Wakka could feel his team position themselves for battle.
Casually observing his foes, Seymour allowed a mocking smile to curve his lips. "Do what you must to stop me," he said calmly, "but know this. My pain will only bring your darling Al Bhed closer to her death."
Wakka glared at the Guado, feeling hatred boiling in his veins. He would pay for what he had done to Kenzi. He would pay for the suffering she had been put through. He would make sure of it. There had to be some way of defeating him, once and for all. But what? Suddenly it all became very clear. Kenzi. Kenzi was the reason Seymour was alive right now. He had used her body to rebuild himself. Without her...he was nothing.
"Capn'," Botta murmured behind him.
Wakka turned his head slightly to the side, never taking his eyes of Seymour. "Ya?"
"Here." The red headed guard placed something in Wakka's hand. Lifting it, Wakka grinned maliciously. The World Champion. It sat in his hand like and old friend, assuring him victory. But only if-.
"KENZI!" he yelled. Her gaze met his and his heart seized painfully. Her eyes, once alive with love and warmth stared back at him, lifeless. 'It's okay hun,' he promised silently. 'We'll get you out of there.' He raised the World Champion in front of him, charging it with a multi-elemental attack. If he was going to hit Seymour, he had to hit him with everything he had. "He's nothing without you," he said with absolute certainty, knowing she could clearly hear him. Lowering his voice so that only those around him could hear, Wakka began issuing instructions for the attack. "Tidus, Rikku..keep him distracted. Go for the face and the arms but stay clear of Kenzi. Anybody else feel free to join. Just keep his attention off Kenzi."
The words penetrated the thick fog clogging Kenzi's mind. He was nothing without her. Her eyes went wide as she watched Wakka charge a blitzball with a deadly attack. He was going to use it against Seymour. With her, there was a chance the demented Guado would actually survive...but without her he was as good as dead. Energy surged through her along with renewed hope. She began struggling against the sharp bonds that held her, pulling despite the pain that exploded inside her as the blades inched deeper into her arms.
Seymour laughed manically. "You would actually destroy the one you love just to get to me? Ah Guardian, you were always the fool of the group." He continued to laugh, dodging attacks as they came, countering in an uninterested fashion.
When Kenzi saw her friends move back from Wakka, ceasing their attacks and allowing him room, her movements became frantic. He was going on pure faith. Faith that she would be able to pull herself free before the attack hit.
Seymour's devious smile suddenly disappeared when he felt Kenzi start to yank violently against her binds. "Wh-what are you doing? NO!" he shouted, fury burning in his eyes.
The ball went up, coming back down in slow motion and with one swift kick it came right for her and the Guado. Kenzi screamed, pulling as hard as she possibly could. Everything fell into silence save for the distinct slicing noise as Kenzi plummeted into oblivion.
The massive explosion shook the island, bending the trees back on their roots, forcing a massive wave of water back into the fathomless sea, blowing up sand from the shore. Those standing on the beach went to their knees, lifting their arms in an attempt to protect themselves. As the dust cleared, so did the clouds, retreating to the horizon in which they had come from. A silence hung over the island. The sun cast its rays of dusk onto the land. Pink hues turned to deep violet and stars slowly winked to life.
Standing at the shore, the tide washing in a hushed caress over his feet, Wakka stared out over the waters, his eye searching...searching for her, the woman who had shown him how to live again. His Kenzi. But the only thing to greet him was the endless silence. She was gone and he was empty.
Tidus turned from his friend, the first man to ever give him a kind word when he had washed up on Besaid. He felt his pain as if it were his own, deep and burning. His gaze sought out Yuna. The Summoner stood, silent tears of grief staining her cheeks. "Yuna," he whispered, crossing the sand and enveloping her trembling figure in his arms. "You have to send him Yuna. And..you have to give her peace," he said, almost choking on the words. He knew Kenzi and Yuna had been close and he knew it would take Yuna a long time to get over the loss..but even the deep sorrow couldn't stop her from performing the task at hand.
Yuna closed her eyes, her brows drawing together as she tried to suppress the sobs clogging her throat. When they opened again, the multi colored orbs were filled with purpose. She moved forward. All around her was grief, it was the only she could see. Jassu and Rikku clinging to each other as they shared the sorrow of their loss, Botta standing so still, tears glistening on his face, Datto and Keepa, both sitting on the ground with their heads hung, shoulders trembling with silent crying. Grief. So poignant, so raw...so unnecessary. If only things could have been different.
The soft padding of her feet over the calm waters carried to Wakka. Empty eyes watched Yuna as she began to dance. Pyerflies rose drifted up, glittering in the darkness of the oncoming night. He remembered how Kenzi had said they looked so happy. He sank to his knees with a pitiful sob, burying his face in his hands. His massive shoulder shook as he cried. This pain would never stop. He would never again feel the kind of wholeness he felt when Kenzi was with him.
Yuna finished dancing. She walked into Tidus' arms and they sadly motioned for the rest to go with them, leaving their Captain behind to mourn in peace.
Wakka dug a hand into the sand, wishing he could bring her back. He wasn't able to tell her how much he needed her. "I'm so sorry Kenz..so sorry," he murmured, his voice catching.
"Oh Wakka," a feminine voice whispered to him, filling his ears with the memory of her touch. "Don't be sorry Wakka. Please don't be sorry."
He lifted his head slowly, afraid to believe what he had heard. Her voice had been so clear, almost as if she were actually there. And she was. He watched her walk from the water, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Kenzi-." Wakka stumbled to his feet.
She smiled weakly and nodded. "Yeah. I made it," she murmured.
Wakka ran through the water to her, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist and holding her as close as cried immodestly on her shoulder. Her musical watery laughter filled his ears and his heart, returning the warmth he thought he had lost. "I'm never lettin' you go again," he whispered into her hair.
"Is that a promise?"
He chuckled, tears of joy replacing the ones of sorrow. "Oh yeah, that's a promise." He pulled away from her, cradling the side of her face in one hand. Her beautiful gray eyes sparkled with tears but they could not outshine the love so clearly written in their depths. "Kenzi..I love you."
"I love you too Wakka," she murmured, raising up on her tiptoes and rubbing her nose against his. He smiled down at her. "It feels so good to be able to say that. It's been so long since I was able to openly admit my feelings."
"You can tell me you love me whenever you want to, ya?"
Kenzi laughed softly. "I will Wakka." Her gaze flickered to her arms and she winced. "I think we should go find Yuna."
Confused, Wakka glanced at the arm she had draped over his shoulder. "Shit Kenz, why didn't you say something?" he yelped, seeing the large lacerations from the claws that had held her captive.
"I was going to," she said a bit breathlessly. She slumped against him. Now that the initial joy of living had passed she was once again able to feel how the loss of blood was affecting her. "But I wanted to say hi first."
With a short bark of laugher, Wakka lifted her in his strong arms and quickly carried her back to the village. Coming up a hill he caught sight of the others walking a ways ahead of them. "Yuna! Hold up," he called, "I could use a little help here!"
Shocked to hear the note of joy in Wakka's voice, Yuna turned and her jaw dropped. "Oh my! Kenzi!"
"What?!" Rikku shrieked, also whipping around. "KENZI!!!"
She started running to where the happy couple was, Kenzi cradled safely in Wakka's arms and smiling at her friends. "Gotta be faster then that Rikku!" Botta shouted as he passed her, kicking up sand and laughing. Of course where Botta was Keepa and Datto were not far behind. The swarmed around their Captain and his girlfriend, all talking at once.
"Whoa guys. Let her get healed first," Wakka scolded lightly, understanding their joy at seeing the Al Bhed they had become so close to still alive.
Yuna smiled as she stepped forward, picking up one of Kenzi's hands and placing a light kiss on it. Tears still clung to her flushed cheeks, proof of her sadness for what she thought she had lost. "I'm so happy that you're okay. Let's get you fixed up, shall we?"
"It would be much appreciated Lady Yuna," Kenzi teased, wrinkling her pert nose. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed, allowing Yuna to cast a cura over her arms. Although they didn't close up, the wound healed enough and the bleeding stopped. Kenzi breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much Yuna." She looked around at the group of happy people surrounding her. "Thank you all. Knowing that you were all so willing to protect me-."
"Come on legs," Botta muttered, blushing slightly. "You know we'd do anything for ya."
Kenzi smiled, her stormy eyes softening. "I know. I would do the same for any of you."
Allowing Wakka to momentarily set her on her feet, she tearfully gave each of her friends a hug. But the time she was returned to her ever watchful boyfriend she was exhausted. He picked her up once again, secretly pleased by how easily her body fit in his arms and with an apologetic smile to the group surrounding them said, "Hope you guys don't mind but I'm gonna take her back to our place so she can rest."
"Rest my ass," Botta quipped lightly, drawing laughter from the tired crowd. He winked at Kenzi and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry legs, couldn't resist."
"That's alright Botta." She yawned, laying her head on Wakka's shoulder. "Saw it comin' a mile away."
Chuckling, Wakka turned in the direction of home, wanting to get Kenzi to bed where she could sleep off the horrors of the afternoon.
"Wakka...wait," a voice called out, stopping him.
Lulu was walking down the hill they had just come from, her gaze guarded, her belt adorned skirts making soft clinking noises as approached them. She shot a hasty, uncomfortable look at Kenzi before stopping in front of them. Kenzi ignored it. She was still angry that the woman had stooped low enough to insult her puppy.
"What is it Lu?" Wakka asked, impatience evident in his tone.
"I-." Her shoulders slumped and a pained sigh escaped her dark lips. "I owe you both an apology."
"For what?"
Lulu cast an uneasy glance at the group behind her. "I saw what happened on the beach. I saw what Seymour did and...and I heard the reason why. I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be sorry," Kenzi said hesitantly. "You're not the one who put that thing in me."
"No. But had I knows the danger before-."
Wakka's eyes narrowed suspiciously and his grip around Kenzi tightened in an unconscious gesture of protection. "Before what?"
Shamefully hanging her head, the black mage spoke in a muted voice. "The Valaha, the nightmares..that was me."
Kenzi and Wakka's jaws dropped simultaneously. "You?!" Wakka questioned, not able to believe that Lulu was capable of such a thing. "You brought a Valaha here? You have me that nightmare?" His voice rose along with his anger as he spoke. "You made me doubt the only woman who actually cares about me?"
Lulu winced, his harsh words accurately hitting their mark. "I'm sorry," she tried again, but to no avail.
"How could you do that Lu?"
"I don't know Wakka," she cried passionately, her calm demeanor shattering violently. "I was angry! Angry at you for running to..to her!" She glared accusingly at Kenzi but the Al Bhed only arched a sardonic brow as if to say, "Go on. I know you've got more then that."
"I was angry that you wasted absolutely no time in replacing me. You were so happy with her yet all we ever did was fight."
"And who's fault is that?!" he demanded, furious with her for attacking Kenzi.
A hand brushed his shoulder and he looked down into the stormy eyes of the woman in his arms. Her gaze was pleading and suddenly the anger drained away, leaving in its place a deep fatigue. He was tired of fighting with Lulu, tired of her negative views and he was beyond tired of being the target of her constant anger. Being the one she blamed everything on. "You know what Lu? I'm through with this. What you did was wrong. You endangered innocent lives and for what? A relationship that you ended yourself. I'm sure you realize how stupid that was so I'm not even going to get into this with you. I'm finished."
Lulu stared at him for a moment, then seeing no point to staying around much longer to endure his rejection she turned to leave. Kenzi, however, had not gotten to say much of anything and she most certainly wanted to. She wiggled free of Wakka's arms and after making sure she could walk without stumbling to her knees she pulled her shoulders back and fixed an impassive look on her face. "Lulu?"
The black mage turned slowly, lifting her chin slightly as she faced Kenzi.
Seeing the movement and knowing it was one that was meant to set her in her place, Kenzi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she walked up to the older woman, staring at her fearlessly. "I'm sorry if you're unhappy because you lost the man you love. And I'm sorry that seeing Wakka with someone who makes him happy makes you angry...but you're not the only one who lost Chappu. Wakka lost him too. And instead of being jealous, maybe you should try being happy that he found someone who will help him deal with that pain and maybe...maybe you should find a way to deal with it too."
"I-," the dark haired woman started to say, surprised that Kenzi had so easily exposed the truth behind her anger. Wakka was happy, he was moving on and Lulu was angry because she couldn't. Loosing Chappu had hurt so much. She had thought that being with Wakka would make that pain easier but it had only made it worse for both of them. No matter how hard they had wanted to get over Chappu's death, they couldn't do it together. And now Wakka has found a way...and she was left behind to deal with her lovers death on her own.
Kenzi placed a hand on Lulu's shoulder, her gray eyes softening with sympathy as she stared up at the confused woman. "I know it's hard, especially when you have no one to help you through your pain. But you have to find a way or you'll never be truly happy."
Dark eyes filling with tears, Lulu nodded solemnly. "You are right," she whispered, trying valiantly to keep rein of her emotions. "Kenzi, I'm sorry for what I did. It was childish of me and extremely dangerous. Can you...can you forgive me?"
"Yes," Kenzi answered with a small nod. "But only if you take back what you said about my puppy." She grinned ruefully, hoping to lighten the somber mood of the black mage.
A quirk of the lips was the only response she received, but it was enough for the moment. "I take back what I said about your puppy. Although small, he will be an amazing guard dog some day." She sighed and straightened her shoulders, knowing in her heart that it was time to take her leave of this place and the memories it held. "I will go to the Farplane and see Chappu one last time. Then, Kenzi...I'll take the advice you have given me. Hopefully it will work."
"I wish you luck then," Kenzi murmured, offering the older woman a friendly smile.
She didn't return it but then again Kenzi hadn't expected her to. The black-garbed mage only gave a brief incline of her head, and then walked away, returning to her hut. Breathing a sigh of relief Kenzi returned to Wakka's side and held out her arms in a pitifully feeble gesture. "You can pick me up again."
Wakka chuckled softly, happy to oblige her request. Their group of friends had already retreated to their huts for the evening, each of them emotionally and physically exhausted. Starting back to their own home with trudging steps Wakka looked down at the beautiful creation dozing in his arms. Strands of her silky hair blew lightly across her brow and a satisfied smile played at her lips. "How did you do that Kenz?" he asked, curious to hear how the leggy Al Bhed had swayed Lulu in a matter minutes when he hadn't even been able to do it in years.
Kenzi yawned, turning her head into his chest as her smile widened. "I just told here what she was trying to hide from herself." Stormy eyes opened to gaze up at him, understanding and sympathy written in their depths. "I think she'll be okay now. She was very unhappy, Wakka. Maybe now that she realizes that she'll find a way to be happy."
"We can hope hun," he murmured, using his shoulder to push the heavy cloth door of his hut aside. Excited yapping filled the room as Jack leapt from the bed and scurried across the room, ears perked up in awareness. Wakka set Kenzi down and watched on with quiet delight as she picked up the tiny puppy and flopped back on the bed, laughing up at the wiggling animal. "Oh my little Zack. Mama was so afraid she wouldn't be able to come back to you," she whispered, placing the black and white bundle on her chest and allowing him to nuzzle her neck, cheeks and underneath her chin. It was an enchanting scene, one that warmed Wakka's heart and made him vision Kenzi doing much the same to their children.
Going to the bed, he laid down next to her on his side, propping himself up on his elbow. Kenzi set Zack aside. The little mongrel circled once, twice, then deciding he had a pretty good spot, curled into a little ball next to Kenzi's side and heaved a great breath. Laughing, Kenzi turned her full attention on Wakka, her gray/blue eyes staring up at him with such love and compassion that a lump of emotion rose in his throat. He never knew it was possible to love someone so much. "Kenz, I wanted to ask you something," he said softly.
She took his hand in hers, entwining their fingers. "You can ask me anything Wakka."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Kenzi looked down at their hands as a slight frown puckered her brow. "Because if I told you I thought you would feel obligated to return whatever feelings I had for you. That's not what I wanted." She turned her gaze back to meet his. "I wanted your love unconditionally. I didn't want to force you to feel anything for me."
Smiling, Wakka leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. He had to resist the urge to kiss her. He still had one question he wanted to ask before getting sidetracked in the passion she always seemed to effortlessly ignite in him. "You got my love now Kenz. Unconditional..and forever." Seeing the joyful tears collect in her eyes he chose to go on quickly before he lost complete control and started lazy, zealous love to her right then and there. "Another thing. Seymour said somethin'. Somethin' about you watchin' me for years. What did he mean?"
An embarrassed flush stained her cheeks and she ducked her head, trying to hide from his imploring eyes. "It's nothing...really."
"Kenz." Using his fingers he tilted her chin up and smiled down into her beautiful face. "You can tell me."
"Okay," she said after a long moment of silence. "When...when I was sixteen I went to my first Blitzball tournament in Luca. I went there to watch my brother. But then I saw you. I...I'd never seen someone so handsome in my entire life. When the game was done I went to search for you. I'm not really sure what I would have said...I just wanted to see you. You were on the docks, arguing with a young man. I think it was...your brother. After that day I couldn't get you out of my mind. Every day I thought about you and I would go to every Blitzball game and tournament in hopes of seeing you there. I...I guess." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she finished her admission. "I fell for you. I know it sounds ridiculous but I really did. When Tidus recruited me I was so excited. I was finally going to be able to meet you. So...now you know what he meant."
Wakka stared at her in astonishment, his heart filling with love so strong that it almost hurt. She had really felt that way about him for that long? She must have been so strong..seeing him and Lulu together and still keeping such control of her emotions. She was..amazing. "Kenz," he whispered, his admiration for her growing by the second. He pulled her into his arms, placing gentle kisses over the sleek column of her neck. "God, I love ya Kenzi."
Kenzi smiled, feeling a joy she had never known fill her being, erasing every fear, every niggling remainder of doubt until all she could feel was the love that pulsated through her with such intensity that it brought tears to her eyes. "Oh Wakka..I love you too. I love you so much."
He leaned back, giving her a rakish grin, one she knew all too well and welcomed all the more. "Care to show me how much?" He asked pulling her body on top of his so that her legs straddled him. She smiled down at him, her hair falling around her face, her cheeks flushed with desire. "Now that I don't have to try so hard to be silent about it," she mused, running her hands slowly up his bare chest. "I think I'll spent the rest of my life showing you just how much."
