Attention returning readers : please reread chapter 2 because I added a little something! I was originally going to include it in this chapter, but I decided it would fit better there.

Chapter 3 : Yuna's Thoughts

Yuna awoke at the inn, and after a stretch and a yawn, arose to get ready for the day ahead of her. When she realized exactly what the task at hand was, she sat back down on the bed, putting her face in her hands. Why did Tidus have to run off like that? And what's happened to Rikku? She had spent hours lying awake last night, pondering these thoughts. She had felt so torn yesterday when Tidus asked her to come with him to rescue Rikku. Thirty-five percent of her was so tired and just wanted to rest like everybody else. At the same time, sixty-five percent of her was screaming how important Rikku was to her. Even though she knew what the right thing to do was, she let everybody get the best of her again. I must do what everyone wants, not just what I want, she reminded herself again. She lived by these words when she resolved to marry Seymour, and she knew she had to stay true to her words even now.

A knock on the door sounded, shaking Yuna out of her thoughts. "Come in!"

Lulu entered, looking concerned. "Have you rested enough, Yuna? Or do you need more time?"

"I'm fine, Lulu. I'll be out soon. I just need a moment to gather my things together."

"Alright Yuna. We'll be outside, just come out whenever you're ready." Lulu left, gently closing the door behind her.

Sighing, Yuna put on her shoes and began hoping against hope that Rikku was still alive. She felt so …guilty. Ever since she joined the pilgrimage, Rikku (along with Tidus) had spent day after day trying to think of a way to save her life. And now the roles were switched; it was Rikku in danger, and who knows where Tidus had gone. Somehow, she felt responsible. If only I didn't listen to Auron and Lulu…

She stepped outside, where everyone was waiting patiently. "We better leave now; we should get an early start since we don't have any idea where they are." Everyone else nodded in agreement except for Auron.

"Yuna, are you sure about this? If you go looking for Rikku, it's highly likely that your life will be put it danger. And that could lead to even bigger problems. Besides, you don't think Tidus can handle himself? Sure, he's still an amateur, but he's not the crybaby he used to be."

"I'm sorry, Sir Auron, but I can't go on with my pilgrimage knowing that two of my closest friends might be hurt, or even dead. I know my duty as a summoner is to continue with my journey, but I value my friends more than anything else. And my uncle Cid would never forgive me, since it's my fault that Rikku has to come on this journey, and if anything were to happen to his daughter, well…"

"Very well. As you wish. Everyone, be on guard at all times. We head for Macalania." Auron turned and led the way, everyone else following closely.

After about forty-five minutes, the group reached the edge of Macalania Forest. Stopping for a short break at the sphere globe, Yuna sat down under a nearby tree, left alone with her thoughts. Why does everything have to happen to me? Killing Seymour…the trial…being hated by all of Spira…and now losing my cousin and…you, Tidus. After that night in the lake, you never spoke of it again…why? I know we can't consider ourselves a couple, but you're more than just a friend to me…

Frustrated and confused, Yuna kicked the dirt and saw Wakka heading towards her. She did her best to look nonchalant, which was a breeze considering all the practice she had with smiling and laughing. "Yes, Wakka?"

"Sir Auron says we're leaving now. You're ready, ya?"

"Yes, I'm ready." Yuna stood up, brushing the dirt off her skirt.

"Then let's go find them, ya? I've got to find my star player, and don't tell her, but I was starting to get kinda fond of Rikku…"

And the group started off again. With each step she took, Yuna got more and more afraid. They should be here, right? I'm positive I saw Bahamut fly this way. Why haven't we found them yet! What if they're…no! I can't think like that! Quickening her pace with a newfound determination, a single thought ran through Yuna's mind over and over again. I must save them. I must save them…

Yuna and company were able to make much better time than Tidus, considering there were five of them, including Auron, who pretty much hacked through every fiend in sight. In less than an hour, they reached the boundary between Macalania Forest and the Thunder Plains.

Yuna felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as they exited the forest. Where are they! There was no trace of them at all in Macalania…where could they be?

Lulu noticed the anxiety on Yuna's face, and put an arm around her shoulders. "Yuna, don't worry. We've only been looking for about an hour. Don't give up hope yet. We've still got plenty of places to look."

"You're right Lulu… thank you." Blinking back tears, Yuna continued down the path to the Thunder Plains. Tidus … you promised me you'd always be with me. And Rikku … oh, Cid would never forgive me …