Author: Well well well, what have we here? Can it be?! Another fanfiction by Dumber then a Moogle ass! Oh happy day! ::dances around excitedly::
Sephiroth: ::shakes his head in embarassment and leaves::
Author: I got this really good idea for a story. A X-2 story! Yayness! In this fic the game is over and Vegnagun is destroyed, but Yuna hasn't found Tidus yet. (Oh darn) I hope you guys check it out and enjoy. Or not enjoy. That's your choice.
Nooj: Somehow I feel unwanted here, and yet.......I don't care.
Author: Well maybe if you didn't wear tight red spandex and got a haircut then more people would like you. ::shudders:: Ewwww. Spandex.
Nooj: ::shrugs:: Well, I'm off to try and kill myself. See ya. ::leaves::
LeBlanc: ::runs into fic out of breath:: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOOJIE WOOJIE COME BACK! I'VE BEEN CHASING YOU ALL DAY!!!!!!!!!!
Nooj: ::runs::
Author: Anyway..........yah. Enjoy the chapter. That's right! It's an order. lol. Read and tell me what you think. If enough people review then I'll continue posting chapters. If not then I'll just write it for fun and none of you suckers will ever find out anything that happens! Mwahahahaha! Not that you care or anything. So, yuppers. Time for you to read! :D
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Yuna wandered among the plant-covered path, tassel swishing side to side. This was the first vacation away from everyone that she had ever taken. Since sin was defeated and Tidus had disappeared she'd felt empty, kind of like a part of her had been lost with all the familiar things that were gone. Now that New Yevon, the Machine Faction, and the Youth League were working together, there was really no need for her help. She didn't have anything to keep her mind busy and distracted.
One of things she missed most the aeons. They had always been her friends and comforts in the most trying times of her pilgrimage. Now they were gone. A wisp of a dream long ago. Leaning back against a tree, she looked up at the sky. The weather was always beautiful on the Mihen Highroad. A lone tear ran down her cheek as a flood of memories poured through her mind. Happy smiles, encouraging words, a secret kiss......... Why couldn't she let him go?! Let these memories fade away?
Paine had thought a vacation would do her good, but it only seemed to give her more time to dwell on her problems. A sigh escaped her lips and she frowned at the ground. "Snap out of it!" she spoke out loud to herself. Feeling ready to set out again, she pushed herself forward from the tree and continued to down the path. She smiled and skipped a little, practicing spinning her guns in a fancy style along her fingertips. She was focused so intently on her gun slinging that she didn't see the person in front of her until it was too late.
Crashing into the unsuspecting victim, she fell, crushing them underneath her. As she scrambled off them, apologizing prettily, she was greeted by a familiar kind smile. "Pardon me, Lady Yuna. I should have been watching where I was walking." Yuna felt her face go red as the young silver-haired man stood and bowed to her, apologizing as well.
"No! It was really all my fault!" she insisted.
Baralai shrugged. "If you say so Lady Yuna," he spoke in his usual soft tone. He glanced around, eyes searching for the rest of her team. "What business brings you out here?" he inquired politely.
Yuna smiled. "I'm taking some time off from sphere hunting and just finding myself. Being lazy, some people call it."
"Sounds like a much deserved break to me," Baralai smiled, "would the Lady Yuna wish a friend to keep her company for a short while?"
Yuna shrugged and nodded at the same time. "That would be great, but since when do praetors have free time?"
"Since a certain wonderful young woman helped unite Spira and destroyed all the problems that would've taken up a praetor's time." Baralai's eyes twinkled as he spoke. Yuna laughed and sat in the soft grass next to the winding dirt path.
"You don't mind if I sit do you? I've been walking all day."
"Not at all," Baralai said, shaking his head, "in fact, I think I'll join you." The young praetor stretched out on his back, next to Yuna, and folded his hands underneath his head.
"I was just thinking," Yuna sighed, "about how different things have become."
"You don't seem too happy about those changes Lady Yuna," Baralai observed, turning his head towards her.
"Please," Yuna smiled, "just Yuna. Lady Yuna has always sounded so formal. And yes, some things have come to pass that I wish I could've prevented."
"Yuna.......," Baralai spoke, testing the way that sounded, "if I may be so bold as to ask, which things have you found troubling you?"
Yuna hugged her knees nervously. "Someone very dear to me disappeared with Sin." Baralai nodded with understanding and sat up a little, placing a comforting hand on her back.
"A lot of things happen that we regret. However, if we continue to regret then we often miss the new opportunities that present themselves right before our eyes."
"Hmmmm?" Yuna asked, slightly confused. Baralai's eyes shifted to the branches above them.
"Paine once told me something a friend told her. Memories are nice, but that's all they are. Memories. If we obsess over events we can't change then we never have a chance to change the things here. Now. For the greater good, so to speak. Our regrets will build up over time until we can't stand it any longer and life becomes dark and depressing."
Yuna mulled over his words in her mind. "I see what you mean." The pair fell silent and Yuna fidgeted with her braid awkwardly.
"So...........," Baralai uttered, "I was wondering........would you do me a favor?"
Yuna smiled. "I'll do my best." Baralai cleared his throat.
"Well.............we have a new girl that joined New Yevon and she's going to need to learn all about becoming a praetor." Yuna raised an eyebrow and nodded for him to continue. "Do you think you could assist me temporarily and maybe teach her about sphere hunting?"
"Why can't you just teach her everything yourself?" Yuna asked, "it would make more sense, wouldn't it?" Baralai's cheeks reddened slightly.
"It would, but she seems to have grown quite......fond of me......and she's distracted from her lessons when I'm around."
"Just tell her that things can never be that way so you that you don't lead her on and hurt her. Explain that you don't have feelings for her." Baralai turned his face away from her as it blushed even more red. "Or do you?" Yuna smiled.
"Perhaps," he smiled, looking embarrassed, "it is not something I should be feeling as a praetor, but I confess, our feelings are mutual. That is why we apart as much as possible."
"Why?" Yuna exclaimed, "I think that's great!"
"Yes, but a man's willpower is only so strong and until she learns more in her studies I don't think they would let her become a leader........."
"You have big plans huh?" Yuna grinned teasingly. She didn't think Baralai's face could get any redder, but apparently she was wrong.
"I may have plans, but she is not yet aware of them. So was so upset when she found out I left Bevelle. I didn't even say goodbye........," Baralai sighed and rolled onto his side, facing Yuna. "I've pleaded my case. Do you think you can help me?"
"I'd be happy to!" Yuna grinned, glad to have something to distract her from her memories. Baralai sat fully up and leaned his elbows on his knees.
"That's such a relief. You have no idea how grateful I am to you Lady Yu-.....I mean....Yuna."
"It's no problem," Yuna beamed happily, "it's not like I had anything else to do."
Baralai thought for a moment and then stood up, looking excited. "Why don't I take you back to Bevelle with me today? You could stay in one of our guest rooms and live with us for awhile. I was just on my way back to airship. Today was our last day out here."
Yuna giggled as his unusual behavior. "I guess. Yah. I'll come with you."
"All right," Baralai nodded, "it's settled. Tell you what, I'll head back to my airship and come pick you up on the way. Is that fine with you?"
Yuna nodded, not really caring whether she had to walk with him or not. "I'm all for anything."
"As you wish," Baralai smiled, "I will be back shortly."
Yuna watched his retreating back until he disappeared from her view. It was funny how she had just been wishing for something different to do and she walked into an opportunity.
(A/N: Pardon the pun :P I know it was pathetic. lol. Yes. That was a pun. You know. Yuna walked into Baralai......he had an opportunity for her.......so yah. Ha. Haha. Hahaha. Ha. cough looks around awkwardly Yah. Back to the fic.)
After waiting for twenty minutes Yuna decided to get up since her lower region was going numb. Pacing slowly along the edge of the grass, she glanced up every one and awhile to see if Baralai was back. When she looked up again, she noticed a familiar person further up the path. He had spiky blonde hair, a cocky grin, bright blue eyes and everything about him was like........it was........
Yuna ran up the path and flung herself on him, kissing him desperately. "IT'S YOU! I FOUND YOU!" She couldn't stop crying and kissing him. Eventually she noticed he was trying to say something and she let the guy come up for air. Gazing down into his face she frowned. Why was he looking at her like that? What was wrong?
"Um..........hi?" the guy said, sounding afraid, "do I know you miss?" Yuna pulled back so fast she fell on her butt.
"What? But you're........NO!" The guy stood and raised his eyebrows.
"I'm what?"
"You're not him," she said, so heartbroken she couldn't even cry. She had just jumped a complete stranger. The poor guy hadn't done anything except for look almost identical to Tidus. Why didn't she make sure first?! WHY?!
He smiled, more then a little embarrassed. "I'll be whoever you want me to be little lady."
Little lady? He didn't know who she was. She had assumed everyone knew who Yuna was. Her face was burning with embarrassment as she stood and looked at the ground. "I am so sorry," she said, apologizing, "I don't normally, you know, fling myself on people, it's just. I thought you were..........him." She started to cry again. This time with sadness.
The guy looked around awkwardly and patted her shoulder. "Hey. Hey. Come on now. Don't cry miss. It'll be all right. Will you stop crying if I let you kiss me more?"
Yuna looked up in surprise and through her tears she could see his teasing smile and twinkling eyes. Gods, they were so alike. She sniffed, wiping tears away. She had to stop making a spectacle of herself in public.
"I-I'll be fine. Thank you. I'm just-I apologize for.........yah....sorry," she stuttered.
"You still haven't told me your name," the man smiled, trying to relieve her of her embarrassment.
"I'm Yuna," Yuna said softly, wishing her face wasn't still so red. Her face was tearstained and her cheeks were puffy. She was a mess.
"Yuna! What a coincidence! The praetor sent me to fetch someone of that exact name."
"He did?"
"He sure did," the man smiled, "and it looks like we got more then we bargained for."
"Why didn't Baralai come to get me himself?" Yuna asked, a little suspiciously.
The man shrugged, reminding her again of Tidus. "He was helping the crew with some engine problems. He's one of our best repair guys. He'd never admit it though. The praetor's such a shy, humble person that he'd never take any credit for himself. He said that he didn't wish to keep you waiting, so he sent me to bring you back to the airship."
Yuna still looked a little uncertain and the guy patted her shoulder again, seemingly afraid to try anything else. "Trust me. I'll take good care of you." He smacked his hand to his head suddenly. "How stupid of me. My name's Matthew." He offered Yuna a hand and she shook it lightly.
"Well, Yuna, shall we head to the airship?" Yuna nodded and ran a little to catch up with Matthew as he started up the path. She couldn't help, but steal glances at him as they walked. The likeness was creepy. She wondered if she was going crazy and maybe her mind was just making him look that way. She wanted so desperately to find Tidus, so maybe she was hallucinating that she actually did. Still........he was cute.
Matthew caught her staring and she looked away quickly, the blush creeping back into her cheeks. After an awkward walk, Yuna saw a dark blue airship in the clearing before them. Matthew watched with an amused smile as Yuna broke into a run and entered the airship ahead of him.
He stopped for a minute, letting his forced smile fade. Her eyes had been so full of pain. Who had she thought he was? Whoever it was, was one damn lucky guy. Those kisses had been incredible. That brought a smile back to his face. What a pervert he was, thinking about someone he had just met like this. He jogged over to the airship, spotting Baralai and Yuna talking.
"I'm glad to see you managed to find us all right. Matthew did guide you, did he not?"
Yuna nodded quickly, seeing the Tidus clone enter the bridge. "Yes, he was the one who lead me here."
"Then you two have met," Baralai smiled, "good. He's one of my new guards. I'd trust him with my life. He was lucky enough to be rejected from the Crimson Squad before Operation Mihen. He's been closed up in a small island town for quite a few years now."
"We have met," Matthew grinned, winking at Yuna, "and I look forward to our next meeting already."
Yuna shot a glare in his direction. She hated the cocky look on his face. That look was meant to come from one person and one person only. It was like he had stolen Tidus' features. Looking at him made her feel a sharp pain in her chest.
Baralai looked between the two with confusion on his face. "Well, Yuna. If you feel you are ready, then we'll head back to Bevelle. Is that all right with you?"
Her head jerked in his direction and she smiled brightly. "Let's go!" She quickly followed Baralai to the front of the ship, not giving Matthew a chance to say anything else. He looked like he wanted to apologize and she didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore. Even his voice was like........him.
Baralai told the pilot to head home and the man smiled and nodded. That was one thing she noticed about the way Baralai lead. He didn't act like the people's superior. He treated them like friends. He offered her a seat that she gratefully accepted. Matthew sat to the side of her and she pointedly ignored him the entire ride. He didn't say anything to her for fear of offending her further. She was so gorgeous. He had never seen a woman this beautiful in his life. Maybe once they were back in Bevelle and she had a chance to know him, he'd ask her to dinner. Maybe.
He'd never been very good with woman. Everything he said seemed to piss them off. "We're here," Baralai smiled, looking like a little boy who'd just gotten candy. He fidgeted nervously as the airship came to a stop and the hatch opened. Yuna stood, smiling tightly at Matthew and followed the eager Baralai outside. A girl in long flowing robes was running towards the ship. Her sparkling emerald eyes were full of anger and joy at the same time. Coming to a dead stop in front of Baralai, she stared at him for a few seconds, then slapped him.
He raised a hand to his cheek in shock. "Natasha, I-I'm sorr-" His words were cut off as she jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, kissing the place on his cheek where she had slapped him. Yuna giggled and gave the two some room. Baralai stroked the girl's hair as she clung to him, burying her face in his chest.
He seemed to realize that others were gathering as well and quickly released the girl from his arms and bowed to her in the formal manner. "It's a pleasure to see you again Lady Natasha. I've missed everyone greatly." Yuna liked the way he said 'everyone' so it seemed as though he was including all his followers when really she knew it directed at Natasha. She could see why Baralai liked her. She was practically glowing with happiness at his return. Now, that is.
Baralai smiled at the surrounding group. "I just want everyone to know that I am extremely grateful for everyone's patience at my long absence. I won't be traveling anytime soon, so none of you need to worry. I've found what I was looking for and your praetor's back for good." Everyone clapped and cheered and Baralai blushed at their reverence. Baralai motioned for Yuna and Matthew to follow him and the crowd went back to their business once the three started up the long path to Bevelle's entrance. Natasha fell into step with Baralai and every couple steps she'd glance at him, like she was making sure he was still there.
They came to a part of Bevelle Yuna had never explored and Baralai led them into what appeared to be a large meeting room. As soon as the door was shut Natasha glared at Baralai.
"How could you?! You left me here and didn't even tell me you were leaving! I was so worried! What if something had happened to you?! What if-" Baralai hugged her, muffling her angry ranting.
"I'm fine. Nothing happened. I'm back aren't I? Besides, if I had told you I was leaving you would've insisted on coming along. No one knows that you're........more favored them most in my eyes........ If they found out then we'd both be in trouble. You had to stay here and study for your exams. You know that."
Natasha sighed in defeat and leaned against him, becoming engulfed in his cloak. Yuna smiled and sighed, wishing she didn't long for Tidus so much whenever she saw someone else in love. Natasha released Baralai, hearing Yuna's sigh and turned to acknowledge the other two people in the room. "Hello," she spoke shyly, a touch of curiosity in her voice.
"I recognize Matt, but who is this new young woman you've brought us?" Natasha whispered to Baralai.
He stepped forward, towards Yuna. "This is Yuna. She's a good friend of mine."
Natasha's eyes widened. "As in, Lady Yuna? High Summoner Yuna?" Yuna nodded and smiled.
"Yep. But now I'm Gullwing Yuna, sphere hunter."
"Wow! I'm so pleased to meet you." Natasha shook Yuna's hand heartily.
Baralai put a shy hand on Natasha's shoulder. "She'll be helping you with your lessons."
"Really?! That's great! I'd be so honored to be taught by Lady Yuna!" Yuna smiled at the young woman's excitement.
"I'm not that great," she scoffed, "I'm sure you know much more about all the Yevon stuff then I ever will."
"Never the less, I'm still honored," Natasha smile shyly. Yuna felt a warm glow fill her and realized that it had been a while since anyone appreciated her like this young lady.
"Well I'm already looking forward to our times together," Yuna said sincerely. Natasha practically beamed with happiness and Baralai smiled fondly at her.
"Well, Lady Natasha. I think it's time you got back to your work," Baralai spoke softly. Natasha whipped around and put her hands on her hips in a defiant gesture.
"What do you mean get back to work?! You just got here. Am I not entitled to spend a little time with you?"
Her face fell sadly and Baralai quickly hugged her. "Come now. You know I don't mean it like that. We can get together later. For now it would be best if you finished up your lessons for today. I'll arrange some time for tomorrow for us to study and later in the afternoon Lady Yuna can begin your lessons. If that all right with her, that is."
"Of course," Yuna smiled.
"All right," Natasha muttered. Yuna watched the girl walk away and wondered if she just imagined the evil grin on her face. What was she up to? Disobeying Baralai most likely. That thought brought a smile to her face.
"Would you like to see your room now Yuna?" Baralai asked.
"Lead the way."
Matthew followed behind the pair, occasionally glancing around. It had become a habit of his to be on constant watch since he became a guard for the praetor. He didn't even notice himself doing it anymore. The funny thing was that if anything looked suspicious he noticed right away which made it seem like saying he unconsciously watched everything was wrong. He did pay attention. He was confusing himself again.
Shaking his head, Matthew focused on Yuna and Baralai's conversation.
"Are you sure your feeling better now?"
"Yes Baralai. Honestly. You're worse then my father was. I'm a big girl, I think I can tell whether or not I'm feeling upset or tired."
"I meant no offense."
Yuna sighed and smiled at Baralai panic stricken face.
"No. No, it's all right. I'm just a little tense I guess."
"I knew it!"
Yuna laughed and shook her head. "How much further?" she asked, looking around for a familiar sight.
"Not too far. We should be there in a couple minutes. We should have taken a lift. It's much faster that way."
"I prefer to walk," Yuna said truthfully. Matthew made a mental note to ask her on a walk sometime.
The two fell silent and Matthew came up beside Yuna, matching her pace. "So Yuna, what's your story? I mean, how did you get to where you are today? Not everyone travels on the Mihen Highroad alone."
"We're here," Baralai interrupted quickly, seeing the down fallen look on Yuna's face from that question. Matthew gave Baralai a funny look and opened his mouth to say something. Baralai shot him a look that shut him up. What was wrong?
Baralai bowed to Yuna and gestured to the door beside them. "Your quarters are right through here. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask. I'll be back in my room as well. I have some loose ends to tie up that I left unfinished when I went on my journey."
Yuna smiled gratefully. "Thanks Baralai. I guess I'll see you both later," she smiled looking at Baralai, then Matthew. Both men nodded and said their good-byes. Yuna went inside and shut the door behind her. She leaned against it with a sigh and wondered faintly what she had gotten herself into.
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Author: Yay! Wow that was a pretty long chapter if I do say so myself. This fanfiction is one that I made more for myself then anyone else. Yuna discovers secrets about the past that aren't revealed in the game and the Tidus-look-a -like may have more in common with with the pretty boy loser (Sorry I'm not a big Tidus fan. Who the hell jumps off a ship and leaves the ones they love to suffer?! Prick.) then he ever knew. Mwahahahaha. Maybe there is a plot. ::eyes shift back and forth:: And what are Baralai's big plans for Natasha? I guess you won't know unless you review so I can post the next chapter. :P
Baralai: ::looks around:: Hey where am I?
Author: ::cackles evilly:: You're mine now!
Baralai: ::shrugs:: All right. I bow to your will.
Author: Really?! ::huggles Baralai:: Yay! You're the first character that hasn't rejected me!
Baralai: ::smiles:: Sucker. ::whacks author with annoying stick thingy that he fights with in the den of woe::
Author: Hey!
Baralai: ::runs for his life::
Author: I'll see you all next chapter. Please review! :D ::growls angrily and chases after Baralai with a steal pipe::