We made it to Macalania Woods with no problems, although you could see that Auron was more protective of Rikku. It was almost night by the time we got to the entrance, so we ended up making camp. Even though time was of the essence more now than ever, we couldn't over exhaust ourselves. Or everything would be lost.
When the sun rose the next morning, we took the starlight path that was almost a straight shot to the travel agency next to the thawing lake. When we were close, I had pulled out my staff and was ready. Everyone saw this, and readied themselves for battle. Sora took a position next to me and readied a fire spell. As we entered the area, we could see some Al Bhed scattered on the ground and crying from the travel agency. Sora and I ran to the middle of the chaos while the fighters surrounded us.
We handled the first couple rounds well, but soon I could tell Sora was getting low on Mana. I handed him a Ether, and pulled out my daggers. I had kept them handy just in case. I joined the fighters to give Sora a chance to recover. Soon Sora was healing everyone, and drinking tons of Mana potions. I was worried about that, but didn't have time to stop it. When the final fiend fell, Sora almost collapsed but Zaon ran and grabbed him. I told Rikku to go tell the Al Bhed that it was safe while I ran to Sora and picked him up. Yuna was right beside me.
The Al Bhed were so thankful that they offered us a warm place to stay while Sora recovered. That's when Yuna decided. Zaon, Auron, and I would stay with Sora while they moved on to the Calm Lands. Auron looked at me when he heard that.
"I trust Auron with my boys. And as much as I hate this, I am here to protect and guide my daughter. I have to trust Auron, so I will be joining you girls." I stood with my head held high. " Plus Auron and I would never be able to face Braska if anything ever happened to any of you three. So Auron can help Sora with Zaon's help, and I will help Yuna. I will keep my promise to my husband!" Auron nodded, and told me that he will call when Sora had recovered. I handed him my com so no matter where I was, he could reach me. Yuna looked upset, but I wrapped my arms around her and told her that Sora was strong. And that she needed to be just as strong.
By this time, O'aka had come and paid the Al Bhed for his debts from the money I paid for all the items I bought off of him. He told us that he would also help Sora, as he walked inside. I knew that even if I wasn't there, Sora would be protected and recover with all the love and care surrounding him.
That's when Yuna found out that the Calm Lands problem was getting worse. We boarded the airship and was dropped off in a matter of give minutes. I knew what was happening better than anyone so in that five minutes, I explained what we had to do. When we landed, I headed straight in with Yuna next to me. It took about twenty minutes to gather everyone that was still in the cave, then another five to receive the gifts we were given as thanks.
We needed the cores that would open the way to the chamber of the fayth. And we got them as gifts, so we headed back to back of the cave to activate the warp pad. We fully activated the pad, then got ready. Yojimbo awaited us.
I stayed as healer, while the girls attacked with all their might. We were used to Auron and the boys fighting with us, so this battle was harder than normal. And after an hour, we prevailed and Yojimbo fell. We warped to the first room-like place in the cave, and exited.
The roar of cheering surrounded us, the minute we were bathed in sunlight. Yuna, as the High Summoner, was immediately surrounded. After a few minutes, Yuna looked uncomfortable. So I did what anyone would do. I raised my staff, and cast a powerful lightning spell behind everyone.
"I believe High Summoner Yuna has other people to save. So unfortunately, we must take our leave. We do hope you understand that she cares for all of Spira's people and that the longer she is here, the more people are put in danger." I told everyone as they all looked at me. Yuna smiled at me and started apologizing that she had to go. The people stepped back, and let her pass. I knew there was only a little time left, and still so much to do.
We made it to the airship, and then I told Yuna that we had to help Kimahri next. Yuna was on board the minute I mentioned Kimahri. Rikku and Paine looked confused. So I explained.
"Every time we visited Mt. Gagazet, a Ronso named Garik has been pushing for war with the guado. He feels like they, as a people, need to be wiped out. Adults and children alike. We have to stop him. Rikku, it would be like what happened to Home. But there would be no airship to save anyone. Garik is blinded by hatred, and doesn't realize that those that were children during Seymour's reign had no say or choice. If we don't stop him, that hate will grow. And who knows if he will start blaming others after all the guado are gone." I said. "And this is like what seemed to happen one thousand years ago...when Sin was born. A people faced with total annihilation and were desperate. Do we really want Garik to bring another Sin?"
Yuna looked shocked, while Rikku and Paine looked ashamed. When they looked at me again, I could see resolve in their eyes.