Chapter 4
"They told me I could take as much time to think about it as I needed." Yuna traced the colorful design on the blanket that was spread out near the Highroad travel agency. She wasn't much interested in the delectable food that was laid out before her. She turned her head and gazed toward the sea. A gull soared through the breeze and over the horizon. Not even a picnic on an afternoon as peaceful as this could ease her mind.
"Well, I definitely wasn't expecting this," Buddy replied before crunching through a piece of fruit.
"I think Yunie would make a great leader!" Rikku replied as she yanked a grape off a stem. She tossed it high over her head and it landed gracefully in her mouth. "Not saying that I want you to do it," She told her cousin. "Think of the Gullwings!"
Yes, her sphere hunting days would be over, and possibly the rest of her young life. She had only gotten use to her new found freedom. She had shed her robes for a halter-top; traded in her staff for a pair of handguns. These past few months had been the time of her life. She looked to her left to see Tidus sitting cross legged beside her, chewing on a piece of meat. He returned her gaze with a smile and nod. Finally she was reunited with her faded friend, after years of searching. They could finally start their life together. Was she willing to give all that up for Spira?
Yuna swiveled her fork in a pile of noodles.
But Spira was her home. And she was born with a purpose. She knew the sacrifice she would make when she became a summoner. She had always been willing to make that sacrifice. But she defeated Sin. And Vegnagun. So now she had to do what ever it takes to continue to protect Spira.
"Talk about pressure," Paine said. "Dictating all of Spira and taking reasonability for the world. Personally, I think that's the last thing you need."
Yuna nodded, as if to agree. Paine was right. But Yuna was never one to think about what she needed, or what was best for her.
"What do you think?" she asked Tidus quietly. He turned to her, and forced out an encouraging grin.
"I thi-,"
But just as he was about to speak, the airship opened, and Brother came running up the path.
"Uh oh," Buddy sighed. "Here we go."
"Oh! There she is!" Brother sang. "The Great High Summoner Empress Yuna!" He bumped into Tidus, knocking him over, so he could grovel and kiss Yuna scuffed boots.
"Hey!" Tidus said. "Knock it off!"
Startled and, Yuna sprang to her feet. "Brother, please..."
He stopped, and looked up at the Yuna he adored so much. She didn't try to hide her embarrassment or the blush in her cheeks. He felt silly, and sorry for the disturbance.
Just as he was about to get up and apologize, an Al-Bed shoe kicked him in square in the head.
"Owww!" Brother squalled out in pain, holding onto his head with both hands and twisting his neck from side to side.
"You idiot," Rikku scolded. "Can't you see Yuna was trying to think! Give her some space once in a while!" She dragged him by the ear toward the Celcius. "I hope you finished cleaning up that mess you made in the cabin..." her voice trailed off.
Everyone just stared quietly, picking at food.
After a long silence, Buddy sighed.
"I better go make sure that those two don't kill each other."
Paine got up headed toward the travel agency. She looked back at the couple sitting on the blanket. As she flipped a piece of silver hair out of her eyes she replied dryly, "I need to cool off."
Yuna was almost to pre-occupied in her own thoughts to notice something a little off about Paine. She shoved the idea away and reminded herself to talk about it later.
Relaxed, Tidus sat back down and began to fiddle his fork with some potatoes on his plate. He picked up a pile and shoved it in his mouth, savoring the garlic flavor. Who knows where they picked up that Hypello but he sure could cook. With a smile on his face he turned to Yuna.
Obviously not hungry, her plate was pushed aside, and she sat deep in thought hugging her knees. The delicious feast almost made him forget where he was and what had just happened. But even in this confusing time he still wanted to remain encouraging. Tidus pushed his own plate aside.
"Do what ever you want, Yuna," he said.
"Huh?" she blinked, coming out of her trance. She too, had almost forgotten where she was. "Do what?"
"You asked me what I thought," Tidus reminded her. "I think you've done enough for Spira. Do what makes you happy." He took her hand. "You don't owe them anything."
She smiled. "I knew you would say that."
"You know I'm right too," he said, giving her shoulder a slight nudge.
"No," Yuna sighed. "I don't know." She let out deep breath and cradled her head on her Tidus's shoulder. "All I know, is that when I became a summoner I made a vow to serve Spira in what ever way I could." She paused. "Whether that meant dying, getting married, defeating Sin, sphere hunting, or becoming a leader. I am a leader of Spira."
Remaining quiet, Tidus looked down at her snuggled on his shoulder. How could someone so old in mind look so young? The wind washed over her face pulling her hair. A tiny tear leaked through her closed green eye and down her warm cheek. He knew that this was not what she wanted.
"But Yuna," he comforted her, "You're not a summoner anymore. Look at you."
She giggled. He was right. Her new clothes weren't exactly priestess worthy, and she hadn't performed a sending in years. People only referred to her as a summoner because she was the only living one that defeated Sin.
"There's that smile I adore," Tidus grinned.
Yuna threw her arms around him, almost knocking him over. "Thank you...for reminding me."
"No prob," Tidus replied, proud of the fact that he cheered her up. He hugged her tighter.
Suddenly Yuna gasped.
"Oh, no!" Panic laced her voice.
"What? What is it?" Tidus pulled away from her to see her eyes gazing intently behind him.
"Shelinda..." Yuna whispered. "with a microphone."
Braking away from his embrace, she stepped back and brushed herself off. "Run."
Tidus spun around to see the familiar face smile and wave. The green robed reporter was trekking up the Highroad, microphone in hand. A camera man followed closely behind
her. "Lady Yuna!" she cried, quickening her pace. She was only a few yards away.
"Too late," Tidus frowned. "You already made eye contact."
"Lady Yuna!" she called, huffing and puffing up the hill. "It's so good to see you."
"Hi there, Shelinda," Yuna replied, pretending to be a little excited that she was being interviewed, yet again.
"We just heard the news," she exclaimed. "It's amazing, tell us Lady Yuna, how do you feel about this opportunity?"
Word travels fast in Spira, Tidus thought. The boy tried not to wince from the sound of her annoying voice. He began to seriously consider grabbing Yuna and making a run for it.
"Well," Yuna began shyly, "Of course it is a great honor but I"-
"And tell us," Shelinda cut off, "When will take the position?"
Tidus glanced to his right. The travel agency wasn't to far away. If they ran in there and locked the door...
"I haven't yet decided what to do," Yuna answered. Shelinda looked confused. "But I will do what ever is best for Spira," she added.
Shelinda smiled and spoke into her microphone. "Well, there you have it, ladies and gentleman. Lady Yuna's very own thought's and idea's on becoming the Empress..."
Her voice trailed off.
"Hey Yuna..." Tidus whispered when he thought they were off camera.
"And You!" Shelinda cried turning around holding her microphone to Tidus. "Are you the man the High Summoner has been searching for?"
"Uhhh..." he seemed to be at a loss for words, being caught off guard and all. He took his hand and scratched the back of his head, looking to Yuna for what he should do. He knew she didn't really want to talk about him yet. But that seemed hopeless.
Yuna gave him a quick approving nod, as if to say, why not.
"Um, I guess...you could say that," he said. Shelinda looked intrigued.
"Please, tell us more," she encouraged.
With her head down, Yuna sighed. Can't we just get out of here?
The travel agency was buzzing with people this particular afternoon. It seemed like every one in Spira had the same picnic idea the Gullwings had. The shop was selling snacks and supplies like crazy. But the air in there was still filled with cooler air and less tension.
Paine sat alone at a table by the window counting her sphere break coins. When she glanced up she could see the "Empress Yuna interview" being filmed live outside. She chucked to herself, finding humor in the situation. But she still couldn't push down the feeling of jealously and fear.
Sure, the Gullwings were a little silly and sometimes full of aggravations, but they were the best things that ever happened to her. Paine recollected the fond memories of all the adventures and laughs.
But with Tidus here now, how would that change? Would they run off and get married? Would Yuna quit the Gullwings? And now with her becoming the Empress, it seemed inevitable. She sighed.
At least she had a plan...
Suddenly the doors to the travel agency burst open.
"Fiends!" A frightened woman cried, catching her breath. "Heading up the high road!"
People everywhere stopped silent and still in fear.
"What kind?" Paine jumped up, ready to fight.
"Large birds of some kind. There must be a hundred." The woman said, seeming almost relived at the sight of Paine, a gullwing.
"We'll take care of it," she said, drawing her sword.