Thanks to all those who review!

Anna: You are correct. Thanks for the review!

BlondePaine: Thanks, and if that's your guess, you're correct!

Anime-freak-4life: Rikku is involved in the plan that involved the kidnapping. But she is not being bad, in a sense. She does have reasons why. Thanks for the review!

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Collecting his thoughts in the back of the machina vehicle, Tidus kept his eyes closed and his mind opened.

So far, all that was known was that three people were missing. Yuna and Lulu had last been seen in Besaid, while Rikku had last been seen on Mt. Gagazet. There was also a probable connection to the disappearances.

Soon though, Tidus exited the vehicle, and found himself staring into the bustling town of Bevelle. It was as busy as ever, guards and citizens rushing around, bright colors everywhere.

It brought back a lot of memories, which reminded him of Yuna. He cringed in anger, wanting so much to find her. But he was here with the others because they needed more help.

Personally, Tidus didn't know Nooj or Baralai. He'd missed a lot in Spira while he was away, so to speak. Yuna had told him though, about the Youth League, and New Yevon. So he had some idea. But he had met Yuna's other companion, besides Rikku, on the Gullwings.

Paine, that's right, that was her name. Tidus remembered what she looked like and what she acted like. Seemingly broody and serious, as well as sarcastic and somewhat vigilant, Tidus knew little about her. They had talked, and from Yuna had told him, she had become much happier after VegnaGun had been defeated, and Paine had cleared her past of something.

Tidus walked with the others. He didn't know Gippal that well either, except that Yuna had said he was a little cocky, but a nice guy. He was the head of the Machine Faction, and she had also mentioned he had his eye on Rikku.

Of course, Tidus had not forgotten the powerful and quiet Kimahri, or the playful Wakka. They hadn't changed much from Tidus' prospective.

Finally, the group reached the doors into the Bevelle Temple, and was greeted by a few people who recognized them. Gippal entered first, looking around.

Tidus followed him, and noticed a woman coming down the steps.

Paine. But she looked different than the first time they had met.

Her hair was the same, but it was her outfit that was different. Instead of the mainly black outfit that she had worn before, now she had a dark purple top that folded over, leaving her shoulders bare. Matching gloves stretched up to her elbows, and she wore black pants and boots, but with a pale purple scarf or sash like material that wrapped around her waist and hung down to her knees. But that wasn't all that had changed.

The old broody and quiet Paine was gone, as this Paine came rushing down the steps, and threw her arms around Gippal. Gippal himself looked a little shocked.

"Are you feeling okay, Paine?" He asked playfully. Paine gave him a smirk backed away.

"I thought you would say that. It's Baralai's fault. He's been trying to make be, well, let's just say a "happier" person." Paine answered, a little more like herself with her cool tone and serious face.

Tidus looked passed them and noticed someone else coming down the steps.

From the description Yuna had given, Tidus guessed the man walking down the steps was Baralai. His short silver hair was slicked up. No surprise to Tidus, his outfit that Yuna had described had also changed. He now wore a sleeveless black jacket, baring his tanned arms. It was zipped up to the middle of his chest. He also wore short black gloves, black boots, and baggy dark green pants. There was still a blue bandana along his forehead.

"Hey, Baralai!" Gippal greeted enthusiastically. He roughly patted the other man on the back, and shook hands. "Sure has been a long time, Baralai."

"Yes it has. How are you and Rikku doing so far?" Baralai asked smoothly. Gippal turned a little red.

"Me and Rikku? What about you and Paine?!" Gippal added defensively. Paine, on hearing this, kicked Gippal in the back of his leg. "Hey!"

"Paine and I are still good friends. Although I am still trying to teach her to be a little nicer." Baralai replied, giving Paine a look. She on the other hand, just gave a sarcastic laugh.

Baralai's gaze moved from Paine to Tidus. And suddenly he looked alerted. Gippal, upon noticing this, quickly piped up.

"These are some of the Guardians that traveled with Yuna the first time she saved Spira." Gippal stated, putting emphasis on the word "first".

"Ah yes, you're the one she was looking for." Baralai suddenly realized, nodding at Tidus. Feeling that time was of the essence, Tidus moved towards Baralai.

"We've come to tell you of a problem. Yuna's been kidnapped, and one of her Guardians has disappeared."

"Rikku's also left to, she didn't say a word why." Gippal added after Tidus. "We need you guys to help us figure this whole thing out."

Baralai nodded his head the whole time.

"I have sensed some odd disturbance these days. Some people seem to be attacking strange, and there have been other things too. A thief just broke in last night and stole a valuable treasure. We weren't able to identify or capture the thief though."

"I'll go get Nooj and tell him. But I hope you don't mind if the boisterous blonde comes to. She's been tagging Nooj all the time. And I'm afraid to say he likes it." Paine suggested, referring to someone Tidus didn't know. Only Gippal seemed to know, who nodded his head.

Paine ascended the stairs, moving out of sight.

"I suggest we also ask the new Bevelle Guard Leader as well, he will be a great asset if we run into a tough battle. Follow me." Baralai nodded to a door through some mist. Tidus started to notice the fog in the temple.

Baralai moved to the door, and opened it, allowing Tidus to step first inside. There was a man inside, silent and looking the other direction. He was in the shadows, so Tidus couldn't see the man.

But as the figure noticed the entrance, he stood up, and moved into the light.

"What is it, Baralai?" Came a deep voice. Tidus suddenly jumped back in awe. Standing in front of him was a man he knew all so well.

It was Auron.

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A/N: So there goes Auron into the mix. Please review.