Disclaimer: No I don't own blah blah blah. If I did then blah blahblah.

Notes: I've been a way a while. I know his chapter's short, but I just wanted to get a piece out there to let you know they're not dead.

"Yuna." A familiar voice spoke her name and Yuna turned to face Paine. Despite her reasoning to travel to Bevelle, Yuna had to smile and she took in the sight of her friend. Paine had changed so much in seven years. She'd allowed her beautiful silver hair to grow out, and now wore it pulled up in a multitude of twists and braids that wound around atop her head. She'd shed her battle dress long ago and had taken up elegant robes that flattered much of her figure, as was becoming of a Senator.

The woman's smile was soft and welcoming. Her crimson eyes now held a depth and warmth, rather than a cold distant stare that Yuna had once been accustomed to. This Paine was different. This was the Paine that they had seen in the spheres from long ago. She was happy and carefree, giving no restrain to a laugh or so. This was the Paine that had been sleeping inside of the hard shell during the last battle to save Spira.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

"What brings you to Bevelle?"

They'd taken up seats in a small conference hall. Baralai rose to his feet.

"I will have a search party assembled at once." He stated. "She will be found." His eyes set on Yuna for a long moment before he moved towards the double doors near the end of the hall, and moved out the room.

"What can we do?" Rikku asked somberly.

Paine drew in a breath. "You said Vidina told you that Liya was being taken to Zanarkand. And you also say that Tidus accompanied Gippal and Brother there to survey the city."

"I sent word to Shinra to deliver to Brother." Rikku replied. "Lulu said she would stay in Besaid to help keep the village calm and keep her eyes open there. Wakka assembled the Aurochs and they've begun a search by sea to Luca. He said they would leave word with Dona in Kilika, then from there they'd head north towards Djose. They'll contact us from there."

"I think it would be best if a party was formed in Guadosalam that also move north. Cover more ground with two parties that way. They'd be able to make a clean sweep of the land." Paine straightened in her chair and leaned forward, setting her arms onto the wood table. "What about Bikanel?"

"I'll contact my father, and have him keep Home on the lookout. Nothing will get passed him. Especially knowing his grand-niece is in trouble." Rikku piped.

"I think from here, we should try to find Tidus and Gippal. See what…"

"Trust me, it's cool." A voice pushed at the door.

"I'm sorry sir, I'm under orders to…" The guard replied.

"Look, I don't give a damn about your orders." Another voice. "If you don't let me…"

A hard knock could be heard, followed by a thud – the sound of a body falling – and the door swung open. "Sorry man, I couldn't let you take the blame for that." It was Gippal. He sheathed a dagger in his belt and shrugged. "No big deal, they'll get over it."

Tidus threw his glance into the conference room and Yuna was at her feet within a breath's second.

"Gippal, what did…" Rikku frowned at him.

Gippal froze with a questioning look. His eyes glanced to the dagger he'd recently had his hand around. "Oh. Oh! No, I just knocked the poor guy out. He'll be fine."

Paine rolled her eyes and rose to her feet.

Yuna wrapped her arms around Tidus' neck and he pulled her close. She buried her face in the crook of his neck as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I want her in my arms." She whispered.

"I know, baby." He replied gently. "I know."

"Any word?" Rikku asked, hopeful.

"Nothing." Gippal replied. "We just jumped ship and got here as soon as Shinra gave us your message." He brushed his fingers across her check. She turned her face into his palm and closed her eyes as a sigh escaped her. She was frustrated, but was doing her best to keep the emotion suppressed. "We're going to find her."

"I'm ready to send…" Baralai paused in the doorway. His eyes met Gippal and then Tidus. He gave a slight nod of the head before continuing. "The party is ready. They're already on their way to Guadosalam. From there they'll pass through the Thunder Plains and move towards Zanarkand."

"For the better, I think everyone should get some rest." Paine said quietly. "Two parties are out searching for Liya, and soon most of Spira will know she's missing." She looked to Yuna. "They won't have many places to hide."

"Move." The voice was low and hollow.

The smaller figure turned and cast a glance at her shadowy captive. The cloak hid the man well, and the dark atmosphere of Macalania didn't help her vision any better. She frowned at him, but did as she was told.

He wasn't too pushy, and Liya tempted her bounds as she moved just ahead and stopped suddenly. Her captive raised his gaze to her, keeping her well within his sphere of control. Then he too paused as the child came to a halt.

She set her hand against one of the glimmering trees. Without warning a stream of several pyreflies erupted from the old tree. Her hand was encompassed by some sort of red glow and she pulled her hand back as her knees gave out beneath her.

The man took a hesitant step towards her, then froze.

"The woods…" Her voice said softly as she glanced about herself. "They really are dying." Her browns rose in a knit, and she almost looked pained. "Soon all of it, will only be a memory."

The city lights go out one by one.

Liya froze. She raised her head from the dying tree and glanced about her. Her eyes swept up towards the canopy of the woods, but there was nothing. Night had claimed the sky and the girl stared up at the stars for a long while.

The stars fade...then the horizon glows, almost like it's on fire.

She drew a quick breath and dropped her mismatched eyes to her captor. He stood silently in shadow, staring back at her. The man was unmoved by her actions or by anything she had perhaps heard.

Her footsteps were hesitant as she dropped her hands at her side, and moved towards the glowing path that would take them over the woods. She bit her lip back and sighed, throwing her eyes over her shoulder to watch the man slowly move after her. A pyrefly rose up before her, linger within her sight.

First in the sea, then it spreads to the sky, then to the whole city.

The voice was only a memory. Somewhere deep inside, she'd actually hope it to be her father's voice. Not a memory of it, but real. Here, in this place. Her spirits took a spiral turn down into the pit of her being.

She closed her eyes, drew in a breath, then slowly continued on their way.