A/N: Yeah, its short. I know. But I switch characters here pretty quick and I

didn't want last chapter to run long. Don't worry. Chapter 10 will be up tonight

too.

TIDUS

Auron threw me a surprise party the night before my birthday. Guess him

going to all those blitzball practices with me finally paid off, cause he'd

managed to invite all my friends behind my back.

You might not believe it, but the old guy can throw a hell of a party.

Everyone was actually having a good time. Except maybe Auron, but you can't

always tell with him.

Halfway through the night, he came up to me. "I won't be at your game

tomorrow night."

"Huh? Why not?" It was pretty weird for him to miss a game.

"I have personal business to take care of. It can't wait."

"Oh. Will you be back for the play offs?" I wasn't to upset. It was only

my old man's memorial game anyway. The playoffs were next week.

"It is my plan."

"Oh, ok." It worked for me. "Are you leaving tonight or something?"

"As long as you won't be needing me. It can wait until morning if it

must." He actually looked like he thought I might need him for something

tonight.

"Nah, we'll be fine. Bryn's mom is hanging out with the old lady next

door if we need anything."

"Very well. I will see you when I return." He turned to go.

"Hey, Auron!" He turned back. "Have a good trip."

He nodded and walked to the door.

My friend Bryn walked over to me as Auron was leaving. "Where's the old

man going?" We all called him that. Not because he really was, but because he

could be such a stiff sometimes. From the guys on the team, it was a term of

affection.

"He's gotta go on some trip. Guess that's why the party was tonight."

"He's a cool guy, your old man." He didn't mean my dad.

"Yeah, he is."

He slapped my shoulder. "C'mon. Allya just got here with her cousins.

One of 'em's pretty cute."

"Sounds good." We waded back into the sea of the party.