Yuffie decided to eat only a sandwich for breakfast, despite that her stomach was rebelling at the thought. But it really couldn't be helped: they'd all be traveling over the ocean again, and the last thing she wanted is throwing up all over the place. She decided to eat a lot after reaching their destination.
Tidus frowned when he saw her meager meal, and decided to eat a sandwich as well. He knew about her motion sickness, and he certainly wouldn't enjoy his own breakfast simply because he doesn't have one (the waiter was giving them an evil look, though, most likely thinking they were being cheap). Leon was nowhere to be found when they both woke up, and they've both concluded that he had finally left.
"Without even saying goodbye." Tidus said, disgruntled.
"Well…" Yuffie shrugged, paying the bill but not leaving a tip for the obnoxious waiter. "Let's get going."
-----
"What do you mean there are no turtles?!" Tidus shouted.
The poor moogle just bowed its small head in regret. "Kuppo. The animals fled during the night. The Gi were more violent lately, their negative energies scared them off to the ocean. We're still trying to get them as of now."
Yuffie placed a hand on Tidus' shoulder calming him somewhat. "Hey, there's another way."
Tidus threw a look at her, she looked more apprehensive but brave as well, when he said. "A ship?"
"Yeah." Yuffie agreed. "A ship." The giant turtles, though slow, can travel faster than a boat, since the ship passes other ports for the other passengers. Yuffie personally hated that sort of transportation, but for them to reach Besaid in time they need to ride it.
She made a mental note to buy a tranquilizer back in town.
-----
Tidus looked at her worriedly as Yuffie swallowed her tranquilizer pill despite her empty stomach. "That's not healthy." He warned her. They were now in their private cabin, and it didn't help that the ship was rocking harder than usual. They'd heard rumors from the other passengers that a storm was brewing up, but with luck they may reach Besaid before it reaches in the area.
"You ain't my dad. So shut your piehole." She snapped nastily. Normally Tidus would take offense. But he knew her long enough that she was really unwell, she was babbling now, and she has no control of her temper. "I'll just sleep for awhile, if you don't mind."
"Sure…" Tidus said as Yuffie plopped on the bed, "I'll let you know once we get to port."
"…"
"Yu."
"Yeah."
Tidus took a deep breath. He had decided to butt in for her own sake. "You really should have something to eat, at least."
"I'll be fine, Ti." Her muffled voice replied. "You just worry about how you would congratulate Yuna once we get there, alright."
He shook his head, sometimes he can't understand her way of thinking. "If Yuna's here right now, she'd be worried about you as well. What's wrong? You're not sleeping well lately… don't pretend I didn't notice." He added with that authorative tone he got from his dad. Even though he'd hate to admit it.
"I don't know." And she was telling the truth, she had always thought that as one grows older, the past becomes blurry. But each new year the dreams had become clearer and more vivid it was terrifying. "And I can't tell you, Ti."
"Why not?"
"You won't understand."
"What the hell won't I understand?!" he almost screamed at her, finally losing it. "I'm not gonna stand around and watch you get wasted!"
"…"
"I'm gonna get soup. And I'll force feed it to you, even if you choke on it!" Tidus stood up, stomped on the floor, and closed the door with such force that their things on the table jumped. "You're very sweet," Yuffie belatedly said out loud. But she knew that Tidus always wore his heart on his sleeve… and that he was honestly very upset at her… one of his rare moments.
"Damn you, Ti, I'm eighteen years old." Yuffie muttered, relenting as she sat on the bed. "Stop treating me like a baby." But his fears were well founded, she had to admit. And she was too stubborn to admit any weakness in her part.
What's wrong with me? She wondered, feeling very afraid and alone all of a sudden. Am I going to suffer like this for the rest of my life? She had fought against those dreams for seven years now, was she finally losing to it?
Just when she was ironically relishing her newfound angst, the wooden door of their room shattered, and she heard a strange growl emanating from it. As well as horrified screams from the people outside. A Gi wyvern was on the floor, staring at Yuffie with its big empty eyes.
Still under the influence of the drug. Yuffie was staring at the whole thing in a detached manner when someone jerked her from the bed before the wyvern crashed into it where she used to be sitting, destroying the bed in the process.
"Are you crazy?! What are you doing?" Her rescuer, who was actually Leon shouted, holding her arm tightly. He stopped though, when Yuffie's slacked body sank to the floor, completely unaware of the danger she was in. "Yuffie!"
She didn't know she and Leon were now on a first name basis, but she was too weary to make any snide remarks regarding that. "I'm… not myself… right now…" she managed to find the strength to apologize, the tranquilizer was now at its full effect. "Sorry…" Leon was forced to stand his ground, his weapon at hand, slashing to any monster that got too close to them.
"Yu!!!" Tidus' voice shouted out in the commotion. He was now fighting off the same monsters in an attempt to allow the non-combatants to flee to the hull of this ship. "Where are you? Answer me!"
"She's with me!" Leon shouted back, surprising him as well by that knowledge. "I could use some help here!"
"Damn!" Tidus snapped as he jumped back as the undead wolf nearby the door snapped it jaws where his feet should have been. But he managed to decapitate the monster as he rolled into the room in one smooth motion. Now the hunter becomes the hunted…Tidus and Leon cornered the wyvern and attacked it from both sides. The small room did not allow it to move and make anymore damage… or escape.
"This is embarrassing…" Yuffie managed to grin as Tidus knelt down beside her as soon the monster fell on the floor, the body disappearing along with its negative energy.
Tidus gave a tentative smile. "Yu…"
"I'm not hurt…" Yuffie assured him, wishing the effect of the medicine would fade away… but it will take hours before it would. That was why she took it so early. Though she didn't realize that it was THAT potent as the person from the item store claimed it to be. The tranquilizers from Besaid were pretty tame compared to that product. And as she drifted off to sleep, she can hear Leon and Tidus, who were now arguing with each other.
-----
Tidus could not believe the first words Leon told him as soon as Yuffie dozed off. Who the hell does he think he is, anyway?
He was on his way to the kitchen when he saw the creatures appearing from nowhere and began attacking left and right, killing the unfortunates who happened in the way. It was so sudden and unexpected. They were unprepared of the Gi creatures appearing in broad daylight. While the few Singers who were on board began their Song of Protection, Tidus made a mad dash towards their cabin without waiting for their defensive properties, knowing that Yuffie was in no condition to fight.
"How could you leave her alone like that?" Leon was enraged, as if the attack of these monsters were somehow his fault. "She could have been killed."
He was rubbing salt on the wound. Tidus doesn't need to be reminded by this stranger. "Ease off, man!" he snarled. "I came here as soon as I could! I don't remember you being her freaking bodyguard!"
"If you are one, you're doing a terrible job on it!" It struck a cord. Tidus knew that try as he might, he was scared to be Yuna's protector… scared that he may not defend her from something beyond his control. With a rage he never knew he had, he punched Leon with all his might, taking a grim satisfaction that the other man staggered back.
But Leon's calm expression only made him feel worse, even as the older man left the room without a word.
-----
The people were so scared at what happened that morning that it took all the crew of the ship to calm them down and to prevent them to break out in panic… it was not an easy task. The Singers slowly walked along the corridors, their voices resonating, requesting the spirits to guide the people who recently died to the Farplane and not to be corrupted. As well as reinforcing the barriers now surrounding the ship.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help." Yuffie said, she was now lying on Tidus' bed, as her own was now reduced to splinters. Her friend offered to sit on the floor for the rest of the journey.
Tidus waved it off, trying to fight off his own depression. "You were sick. It's not your fault." He assured her.
She wasn't convinced.
"We'll be in Besaid by the afternoon." Tidus said. "So get some rest so you'd look healthy enough for Yuna."
"What about Leon?"
Tidus frowned. That's unexpected. "What about him?" he asked.
"I heard the two of you shouting… what happened?"
"Just comparing our sword techniques and debating which was better." He replied lightly.
"Your face tells me it's something else."
Tidus felt karma crashing in… now he knew what Yuffie felt when he echoed her words. "You won't understand."
"I see…" Yuffie said, as she stared at the ceiling. "For what it's worth, though… I think you'd make a great protector for Yuna. Don't let him weigh you down."
He startled, "You heard?"
"I may be seasick… but last I looked, I'm a ninja," Yuffie smiled in spite of herself. "I can't help it. I was hoping you'd tell me though…"
"It's just as well… but thanks." Tidus felt a great weight was just lifted from his shoulders. "What will I do without you, Yu…?"
"I wish I know, Ti."
-----
Yuffie insisted to walk without help. She somehow found the strength of pace on her two feet… it was apparent that she was really grateful she was off that blasted ship. She and Tidus tried not to look at the bodies as they were ambling their way out, the people they left behind, friends and family, were covering them in a white cloth, and preparing to bury them in the island. They had a long way to go, and they could not afford to bring the corpses along. The captain would also need to inquire for more Singers… his experience that morning had greatly rattled him.
The first people they recognized upon reaching the port was Lulu and Wakka. The older man literally ran out from the crowd and hugged the two with each arm, almost knocking them all overboard into the water.
"Oh, thank Yevon!" He was crying, "I heard the two of you were in that ship when it happened. I'm so glad you're safe."
The blonde and the brunette stared at each other in puzzlement how he knew that when Lulu intervened, pointing at Leon who was also standing at the sidelines. "He came to us and told the news. That's why we're here to pick you up." Yuffie felt her eyebrows lifting, as well as Tidus' frown directed at the man.
But Lulu continued. "Well, let's get going. You three must be tired…"
"Three?" Tidus interrupted her, "You mean Leon's coming too?"
"Yes. Didn't you know?" Lulu, said, surprised…"He's a proxy sent from Queen Yunalesca's court in the Mainland…"
-----
"Strange he never told us anything." Tidus said for the umpteenth time. Though he was upset by their surprise guest, he was glad to see Yuffie recovered from the trip so they could have a decent conversation. The sound of excitement and anticipation of the people outside can be heard from their room in Tidus' house, preparing for tonight's festivities.
"Maybe Lady Yunalesca just doesn't want people flocking proxies if they found out. Remember Sir Auron when he visited here last year?" Yuffie reminded him. "So many people came, they had to get other Singers from the nearby islands to make a bigger barrier that night?"
Tidus nodded reluctantly. "Actually, I was hoping Auron would come, I have so much to ask him about a lot of things."
They were both silent.
"So, what're you thinking?" Tidus asked.
Yuffie hesitated. "Leon bothers me. Sure he helped us so many times I'd forget to count… but… I still don't trust him…I feel like he was keeping something from me."
"I thought you never met him?"
"I know," Yuffie shook her head. She never told him that it was Wakka who actually gave her suspicions in the first place. When he finally gave a look-over at the new guy he took the time to take her aside to point out his own fears. Leon's oddly shaped sword… or at least the hilt of it.
"It reminded me of the forbidden weapons I've heard from the stories." Wakka said, "A 'gun'."
Those metal things that wounded and killed so many people during the war. But she had seen Leon used his weapon… he was wielding it as a sword. "He never used it as a gun, so it's probably just an ornament…"
"I can't tell Lulu… she doesn't usually agree with me on such a small detail." Wakka said, sighing. In his opinion Lulu should take him seriously sometimes, even though it was her job to be one. "But even the people from the Mainland didn't use those kinds of things… even as ornaments. Can you keep an eye on him? Until Yuna's been accepted."
"You'd think he'd do something to Yuna?"
"I'm just being cautious." Wakka said. "It wouldn't hurt if I ask you to keep an eye on him tonight?"
She shrugged, "He's a good looking man. I won't mind at all."
Wakka was frowning, not in the mood for a joke. "I'm serious, Yuffie. Please."
A sigh. "Fine. I'll tail him… but can I eat something first?"
Switching her attention back to Tidus she continued, "There's nothing we can do for now. Have you seen Yuna?"
Tidus looked deflated as soon as she said it, "No… there's so many people going to her place… I couldn't see her."
"Lulu told me she sang as soon as she went out… she gave the Song of Healing for the kids. The elders were very impressed, she managed to do it so early…" She stopped when Tidus was now glaring at her, clearly upset he missed the experience. "But we're here to see her formally sing for tonight! There's no worry!" she said cheerfully, slapping his back in the process.
Normally her slap in the back would have literally made him charge up… "Yeah, no worries…"
"Yuffie?" Lulu's head poke in their room. "I'm sent here by Yuna… she wants you to see her."
She and Tidus glanced at each other. Singers were the most important people in the village… next to the village elder and the herbalist. Even if Yuffie was reluctant to go, it was customary to come whenever the Songstress summons her. Yuffie looked at Tidus, who even now wished he'd come with her. "See ya! It'll be a quick chat."
"Say congratulations for me."
"Sure will."
-----
"Wow…" Yuffie breathed, sitting in Yuna's rather attractive room as the new songstress stood up from her seat at the edge of the bed and giving her a warm embrace. As soon as they disengaged, Yuffie could not help looking at Yuna's clothes signifying to the world of her class as Singer. Purple suits her very well. "It looks great on you!" she said, and meant it.
"It feels kind of strange though…" Yuna said, casting her eyes down modestly. "I'm not sure if I'm up to it."
That's not something the ninja expected for her to say after all those months of her training to finally achieve her dream." Isn't it a little too late to be thinking of that?" Yuffie asked bluntly, she widened her eyes realizing her mistake as she quickly clapped her hand over her mouth, before she could say any swear words. Yuffie and Tidus made it a habit not to swear in front of Yuna growing up.
Yuna did not mind at the least. "My father and Tidus' father became very famous after they won the war for us, even after they died. People assume I can do just as well… I mean I am his daughter. But I couldn't help but wonder if I could do just as well as he did…" She said. She looked up at Yuffie, hoping for her to say something inspirational… but the other girl looked at her quizzically, waiting for her to continue. Seeing that she was supposed to say something, Yuffie found herself studying her foot in great interest… although she was just as close to Yuna as she is to Tidus, when it comes to the heart, it was Yuna who usually knows the right words, the right way to make their troubles seem nothing. It felt awkward in her case, and for once she had no words to say.
"I'm sorry. I don't understand…" Yuffie said lamely. Yuna looked more downcast so she quickly. "It's because I don't have parents, so I never knew what it feels to live up to their expectations."
Yuna smiled in embarrassment, "I forgot. I'm so sorry… you've been with us so long I almost thought you'd been part of the family."
In a way, they were. But Yuffie continued the conversation feeling she should make up for the blunder. "You're not alone though…Tidus feels the same way."
"What?"
"He'll kill me for saying this. But you should have seen how nervous he was getting for the past two days. He kept thinking that he may not be a very good guardian to you."
Now Yuna frowned, "But he's a very good swordsman. He's personally trained with Sir Auron himself. I know he's a capable guardian."
"Say that to him when you meet. I keep telling him that but it doesn't cheer him up." Yuffie said. "And with him by your side, you'll make a great Songstress. You may not be as famous as your dad… but who knows, maybe in your own way you'll be just as great."
"Actually," Yuna said quietly. "I'd prefer you'd be at my side as well… with Tidus, too."
Yuffie looked on in shock as Yuna knelt down in front of her. "Hey! What are you doing?" she said, stopping her from doing it as she knelt down, forcing Yuna to sit upright.
Yuna was laughing, apparently pleased to see her so upset. "Just as I told you. I want you to be my guardian."
Great. No one turns down a singer's request…even if it means having their shoes fixed. "Did Tidus put you up to this?" she asked her accusingly.
"No, please don't be upset at him… It's my selfish wish."
"But what about Kimhari?"
"You weren't here a couple of days ago. Kimhari left, his father recently died, he has to attend the funeral and assume leadership in the Ronso tribe. He formally declined to accompany me as guardian… so as you can see, I'm in a bind."
It made sense, Yuffie assumed that the Ronso was simply hanging around quietly during the excitement of the festivities. It never struck her that he was actually missing.
"I know I can order you to accompany me." Yuna said, holding Yuffie's hands. "But I want you to join us in your own free will. I want to go to the Mainland with my two closest friends… that is all."
Yuffie sighed. Songstress or not, she had always doted on Yuna… but surrendering her own plans for this was no small thing, "I'll think about it."
Yuna squeezed her hands. "Thank you."
-----
"Ti!" Yuffie said, surprising him and made him drop his load, a bundle of sticks and wood, to his left foot. He hissed in pain as he glared at his friend who was not sympathizing with the pain she unwittingly made. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you think? I'm collecting firewood for tonight."
"This is stupid and you know it. First off we had enough firewood that can last for four days already in the village. Secondly, you're supposed to be resting for tomorrow and finally, why are you hiding in the middle of a forest that I had to track you when I wanted to talk to you?"
He got her there. Tidus dropped the rest of the bundle. "It's just that… you know…" he said, scratching the back of his head.
"No, I don't know. Elaborate."
By Yevon's breath Yuffie is such a dictator sometimes. "I've heard from Wakka Kimhari bailed out on the last moment. And that Leon would accompany us to meet Lady Yunalesca in the Mainland. Anyway, the short of it was even though you have your plans, I really wish you'd come along."
"It's not because I don't like to be with you, Ti…" Yuffie said quietly. "I've been in the Mainland, remember? And I can tell you for a fact that the person I'm searching for is not there."
Tidus never knew whom she was searching for… more secrets that his friend will never tell him. "That only tells you that person isn't there back then. You've gotta be more optimistic."
Yuffie smiled in spite of herself. "That's my line."
"Yu… I know you once you make up your mind, you do something impulsively. But I'd like to think I'd rather be there doing that stupid stunt with you than imagining it in the road."
"You really think I can be of help, Ti?" Tidus was disoriented to see her use that tone of voice, he never saw her look so awkward and uncertain.
"Of course!" Tidus said with pure conviction, "And I'm sure Yuna, Lulu, Wakka and Kimhari would think so too."
Yuffie laughed, feeling slightly better. "Well, if you guys are that desperate… sure. I wouldn't mind to go with you." Tidus gave a large yell of victory, threw his arms around his friend and literally twirled around together in such a dizzying manner Yuffie almost threw up her lunch. She gave Tidus an evil look for that, then chases after him carrying a stick
"That's a good thing, ya?" Wakka asked Lulu as they watched the kids running. The two of them were at the edge of the forest, both at the same mind to ask Yuffie accompany Yuna as well. It was a great relief for both of them that Tidus managed to convince her.
His stoic soon to be wife managed to give a small smile, "Yes, it is."
-----
The festivities that night went off without a hitch. And the villagers shouted in happiness as Yuna sang alone and created the barrier large enough to protect the whole village. The bonfires seemed to burn brighter. And the overall atmosphere around them felt more relaxed, and wonderful.
"She's gifted. Just like her dad." Yuffie said. She and Leon were sitting further away from where everyone else "His own spirit force must have added on her own and aiding her."
"Spirit force?" Leon asked her. Though Yuffie kept her promise to Wakka and stayed close to his side, the older man didn't seem to mind her company at all.
"It's been said all of us are imbued with spirit force… energy that makes us move and feel and think for ourselves. Once in a blue moon, there are individuals who were born with a greater spirit energy than the usual ones. They're the people who can use magic freely at will. Singers are different… they have the power to move spirits by using their voices…they can ask the spirits from the earth and the wind to help us, and lots of things."
"You certainly knew a lot."
"My… last home, my foster mother there, a very kind lady. She told me a lot of things. I have to admit though I never really understood most of them."
Leon grew quiet. "What happened to her?"
Whatever happens, even if our thoughts disappear… it's the memory that always counts, Yuffie looked away, "She died."
Leon expected her to cry, but he was inwardly surprised that she didn't as she stared back at the celebration. From her vantage point, she could see Yuna and Tidus walking side by side, and it seems they were both laughing. Apparently they both had done a good talk and managed to lay their own fears to rest.
If only she could do the same thing too.
------
Author's Notes: Ok, next chapter was Wakka and Lulu's marriage… Whee! I really liked that odd pair in X. I'm glad it went a step further in X-2 (though I disapprove making Yuna OOC like that ).
