A/N: Starting next chapter (which I hope to get put up tonight, too) I will be

writing from Tidus' POV. I'll be alternating from one POV to the other from

there out. I'll make a notation at the begining of each chapter letting you know

who's narrating it.

THE SIXTH VERSION OF DISCLAIMER: Don't own 'em. Not making money off 'em. Just

playing around with them in my twisted imagination. If you wanna archive me, ask

first!
My story was not a short one, and the boy came home in the middle of it.

He didn't believe much of my well constructed lie about Jecht's life in my

world, but his mother seemed to hang on my every word. I think that the waiting,

and not knowing, had been driving her mad.

I told her a very modified version of how Braska had recruited Jecht the

year before we left on our pilgrimage. I omitted any reference to Sin or the

Final Summoning. I was determined to give them some kind of closure, even if I

had to throw my honor away to do it.

I told them that Jecht had died protecting a village that was being

attacked by fiends.

Tidus didn't believe a word of it.

I was glad.
Jecht's wife died that spring.

Not a physical death, but one of the mind and heart. Her loss became too

much and she just…stopped living. I think it would have been easier on us if she

had died a physical death.

I had taken Tidus to his blitzball game that afternoon--she'd had

shopping and housework to do. Besides that, she didn't like going to the games.

Tidus and I understood. There was too much of Jecht there for her. That

didn't matter to the boy, though. The game was in him, and we gladly let it

carry him away. It helped him forget how much he had grown to hate his father.

Tidus' team had won that day--their tenth straight--and he was jubilant.

I must admit, his enthusiasm had infected me as well, and I wore a smile myself.

We discussed a celebratory dinner--for just the three of us. I hadn't felt this

carefree--or happy--since long before Zanarkand.

The smiles fell from our faces when we walked in the door.

"MOM!" Tidus screamed, running to her side.

She was sitting in the center of the room, a large box next to her, and

photographs spread over the floor. Clutched in her hand was a picture of Jecht

holding an infant and smiling hugely.

If not for the even rise and fall of her chest, I would have thought

she'd died while we were away.

I watched the boy cry over his mother, and I felt my heart break. I'd

only known him for a few short months and already he was like my child. Mentally

I cursed Jecht for ever asking this of me.

I wasn't ready to raise his son alone.

Tidus didn't play in the championship game that season. We were too busy

arranging proper care for his mother to make the last two games.

I was surprised that the people of Zanarkand would even provide care for

their mentally infirm, but provide they did. Even down to communal living

structures with on-site healers for them. It was expensive, but Tidus could

afford it. His father had left them very well off.

I was even more surprised to learn that Jecht's wife had given me legal

authority over Jecht's estate and Tidus in the event that something happened to

her. After all, she'd only know me for a few months. But apparently, my

connection to Jecht and his faith in me were enough for her.

I hoped that confidence would be proven out.