She remembered the first time she met Seymour Guado when she was twelve, she and Tidus were watching over the kids and were spending the lazy afternoon at the beach when that white boat came from the vast ocean. He seemed quiet, shy even, as he followed his mother meekly as they emerged from the port to the village. They never managed to coach him to play with them, as he seemed more interested in books than in anything else, as well as a wary reserve they could not identify… it was through Kimhari that they found out that Seymour and Yuna were betrothed.

They were stunned when they heard that word, and then it took Yuffie and Tidus the whole day pestering Wakka and Lulu to explain to them what it meant. Finally a fed up Wakka was forced to say that it was a fancy way of telling them that Yuna and Seymour were engaged to be married someday when they were old enough to do so. Tidus then spent the duration of Seymour's visit being terribly miserable, and Yuffie really felt sorry for him.

But she also remembered two years later at the age of fourteen when she saw Seymour visited Yuna for the last time alone, they found out later that his mother had recently died. This time, whatever shy energy that Seymour has was gone, replaced by an irrational dislike to him instead…Yuffie felt that he seemed to be giving off very bad vibes, and she did not like the way he was staring at Yuna so strangely. She was not the only one who shared that sentiment: Lulu, Wakka and Kimhari made sure Seymour and Yuna were not left alone, and Tidus would see to it to glare at him when the chance gave him the opportunity to do so.

They heard recent news from Yuna that Seymour now holds an important official title in Yunalesca's court, and that he was also the Head Mage like his mother before him. But that impressive feat did not lessen Yuffie's dread towards the man… and strangely, or not, enough, Yuna seemed to share that sentiment as well. She was most uncomfortable on the subject regarding her fiancée, and out of kindness they both decided not to talk about it until she was ready to breach into the subject.

"I can't believe we're going to spend a holiday holed up in a room." Yuffie complained for the nth time as she bit her sandwich. It was night time now; Leon had left the building for reasons unknown and Yuna retired for the night, now in deep meditation.

"Well, what choice do we have?" Tidus said, but Yuffie could see he was hugely disappointed and she knew the reason. There was a materia hunting contest being held that afternoon, but wanting to maintain a low profile, they were forced not to join in the activities, even though they were severely tempted to have a chance to test their skills as well as the offer of a rather large prize munny.

"Point taken." Yuffie said, "The last thing Yuna wanted right now is to have that man follow her around again."

Tidus clenched his sandwich, but his voice was in admirable restraint as he muttered "Yeah…"

"As if she never had her own problems to begin with…"

"Yeah…"

But Tidus felt a strange sensation from the bottom of his stomach that something was amiss. He always followed his instincts, but this time he couldn't figure it out somehow.

"It'll just be another day," Yuffie assured him, mistaking her assumption on his furrowed brow being upset over Seymour. "Then we'll continue our way as usual…"

Tidus forced himself a smile. There was no need to have both of them getting worried over nothing. "…You're right." He replied.


Seymour finished reading his book before he turned his attention to the silent woman who was standing before him in the seclusion of a private suite. "Are you certain that Lady Yuna is in the city?"

"Yes, sir." The local songstress replied, "I detected her spirit energy quite weakly, but I can pinpoint it just as you have instructed me." He learned from his research that an experienced Singer can somehow manipulate his own spirit energy to fool anyone who was specifically looking for him. But Yuna was not an experienced Singer, and despite her obvious intention of having her spirit energy blend in among the people, she was still able to somehow stand out from the rest.

But then again in his eyes, Yuna was always extraordinary.

"Thank you for your help." Seymour replied courteously, turning his attention to the merriment of the people below and inwardly wondered in amusement why his own fiancée was hiding from him.


That early morning finally came, and upon reaching the first floor from her room she saw her two friends, from her perspective she saw the songstress sitting in a chair, her hands demurely over her lap with Tidus standing beside her, seeming they were talking to someone from the other side of the room. Yuffie was wondering why Yuna looked so nervous so early in the day when she saw Tidus' tight-lipped expression.

Then she saw him standing from his chair, saw the familiar silver hair and long flowing robes.

"Then I will wait for you this evening in my hotel," Seymour concluded. "Of course with your guardians as well. Enjoy the festivities, Lady Yuna."

"Thank you." Yuna managed to say as Seymour left the room without sparing Yuffie a glance as though she had not entered the room. His security men he was with were wearing the familiar blue uniform of the Royal Guard was following him closely behind.

Yuffie raised an eyebrow and looked at her friends. "So, what's all that about?"

"Somehow Seymour knew we were staying here," Yuna was saying in a disappointed tone as though it was her fault. But her voice brightened up a bit as she added, "Well, he never really talk about our engagement as I feared. But he offered us a ride that will take us straight to Yunalesca's capital."

"I don't know." Yuffie said, "Those dragons he's favoring recently doesn't look safe for me."

"Yu, you say that to all flying creatures you ride in." Tidus pointed out, smiling in spite of himself.

Yuffie shrugged, refusing to agree on that assessment. "Whatever." She said as she continued her conversation with the songstress, "So you just go ahead and say yes?"

"Of course, I don't have a good reason to say no… but look at it this way: the sooner the Queen accepts me as an official singer, the sooner I can return home and assume my proper responsibilities…"

"But that will make Seymour press your marriage even more." Yuffie pointed out.

"I know." Yuna said… "But I just realized how dangerous Spira has become; the further we go from Besaid, the more likelihood all of you are going to get hurt."

"We already knew the risks." Tidus protested. "Don't worry, we can handle it!" But his cheerful demeanor dampened when Yuna looked at him with her mismatched eyes, and asked him quietly, the words and thoughts of his past still echoing in her memory, "Are you certain of that?"

And for once, Tidus couldn't reply.

"Are you saying we're incapable?" Yuffie demanded, getting angry for the both of them. Yuna looked at her friend, scandalized at what she just said.

"I'm not saying that!" the songstress protested.

"Then you have to get used to us getting hurt." Yuffie said grimly, "That's part of the job. End of discussion."

"But…"

"She's right, Yuna." Tidus said quietly, laying a hand on her shoulder, "Trust us."

Yuna looked slightly rebellious, then deflated as she nodded; "I'm sorry…" she began.

"Don't be," Tidus replied kindly. "You were just being worried for our sakes. I appreciate that." Yuffie nodded, not trusting her own mouth for any comments.

But one thing made her say something, "Hey, where's Leon?"


The man in question had just silently left the wall he was leaning on and overhearing Yuna's conversation with Seymour as well as her acceptance to accompany him to Yunalesca's capital. He swore under his breath that this unexpected turn of events would throw off his plans in the long run.

It can't be helped, they'll have to move in now, and take action. Mentally he contacted the other party to prepare themselves, as he began to take stock on the steps he was going to make.


Yuffie was muttering in annoyance, the afternoon heat was unforgiving, and that the streets were full of people were not helping much either. Even though Leon was technically the leader of their little group, she doesn't remember her signing in to be his lackey.

It was decided that she and Tidus would be the ones getting supplies in preparation for their journey. And the shops were so full of people she realized it had taken her longer than what she expected in a shopping spree.

When she got back, her arms full of bottles of healing potions, it struck her that the modest hotel they were staying in looked a little quiet.

She corrected herself upon closer inspection, it WAS quiet. A warning signal went off in her head, as she rushed into the room, and saw the still forms of a couple of Seymour's Royal Guards. "What the…?"

"Yu!" Tidus shouted desperately from inside the lobby. "These people are carrying those metal pipes! LOOK OUT!"

He didn't have to bother. Yuffie heard a loud explosion and managed to duck out of the way as the attack made a hole on the wall. She saw Tidus crouched on the ground, holding his sword tightly, in a wall adjacent to hers.

"They came out of nowhere and killed those guards!" Tidus shouted. "I just came here as well."

"What about Leon and Yuna!" She shouted back.

"Fighting them off, obviously!" Tidus answered, "And we should be there as well helping out. Plans?"

They both shrank back as the attackers were opening fire in full abandon, apparently discouraging them from getting any closer. Yuffie racked her brain for a good plan. She looked at her Shiva materia, and an idea was forming…

The gun wielding attackers looked on in dumb amazement as a beautiful blue woman appeared out of nowhere, extended her right arm, and blasted them with an ice cold blast, knocking them off their feet. Tidus and Yuffie rushed in, the effect of Tidus' haste spell was at its fullest capability. They put those who were still standing out of commission as they rushed into the stairs leading to the second floor where Yuna's room was located.

They were surprised, though, that they found no resistance in the second floor as they expected. And as Tidus' spell wore off, Yuffie finally allowed herself to fall on the ground with a loud thud.

When Tidus ran to her side in concern, the ninja waved him away as she forced herself to sit up. "The summon is taking a lot out of me." She gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Here." she tossed the red materia to Tidus. "I can't use it again in my level, but you can still use it if you handle it. Hurry!"

Knowing that she will follow as soon as she recovers a bit, Tidus rushed to the door and opened it… to find Yuna's room empty. Upon making sure that it was indeed vacated, he ran back to Yuffie, "Leon must have taken her somewhere safe."

Yuffie tried to stand, but her legs still wouldn't let her as Tidus lean over to assist her. "Well, we need to find them then. Those guys down there would have reinforcements."

"They already have," A calm voice said. In reflex, Tidus looked over his shoulder as a blunt object quickly struck him at his temple and immediately making him to land on the ground, unconscious as Yuffie looked on in stunned amazement. She was still staring in shock as Leon shouldered his weapon, flanked by the gun wielding people they just fought. "You're coming with us." He said flatly. "And peacefully. I wouldn't want to knock you out the same way he did."

"…Leon…" Yuffie whispered, still couldn't come in terms with this betrayal, "Why?"

"I have my reasons," Leon said. "I don't expect you to understand."

"Oh? I understand everything."

"Then this will be a short trip then." Leon said as the two gun wielders carry Tidus' stiff form from both sides as another person helped Yuffie to stand, but his weapon was armed and ready as it pointed to her.

"And Yuna?"

"She will be fine." He replied, still not looking at her as he touched his earring, as if contacting someone.

"And you weren't a proxy from Sir Auron and Queen Yunalesca?"

"Yes, and no." was the vague reply.

"And what are you going to do to her? Why are you taking Yuna!" Yuffie shouted, still couldn't understand why she felt so hurt to be betrayed by Leon's actions.

This time, Leon stared back at her quietly, "Saving her life." He answered simply. "You should thank me."


Seymour frowned as the wingless creature the Corrupted Ones created were now in the sky. He didn't have to read the report on what just happened. He already knew Lady Yuna was taken from him and was in that ship.

Seething, he ordered his men to ride their dragons and give chase. He was not informed of any activities from the Outside; he made a note to punish the cretin who was responsible for this blunder.

"Keep an eye on them." Leon ordered Biggs as he placed Tidus' Brotherhood and Yuffie's pouch of shuriken into a chest while the prisoners were led into a cell, where Yuna was waiting for them.

She ran forward to help Yuffie carry Tidus, who was now conscious and massaging his temple. "Damn him, he didn't even hold back." He muttered.

"Are you alright?" Yuffie asked the songstress. Her friend nodded. "What happened?"

"Leon told me he's in league of the Corrupted Ones basically," Yuffie answered sarcastically as Yuna began to sing to heal Tidus' injuries. The ninja felt the ship moving and knew they were somehow in mid-air. That certainly didn't suit so well with her.

Then a blast and the ship made a violent shake in its aftermath. Now that doesn't certainly sit well with her even further. "OH, GAWD!" she shouted, suddenly realizing what this sensation is.

Airsickness.


"Your old man is going to personally kill you for this." The captain warned Leon as the rest of the bridge were compensating the damage the fire-breathing dragons just inflicted. "He hasn't given his permission for this operation."

"I take full responsibility, Cid." Leon replied grimly. "All you concentrate about right now is to have us out of the barrier."

"Though you are a crazy && as he was too," Cid added wryly as he complied. After all, this was the reason why he was in this mission as well. Speed was of the essence here and now. Unfortunately, the attack seemed to cause damage on the rudder, causing more difficulties for the helmsman.

Wedge's voice filled the bridge. "The Spiran soldiers are landing in the ship!"

"Get ready for battle!" Leon ordered, "I'll be coming to help you out." He squeezed Cid's shoulder, "I'll leave this in your hands."

"Heh, just make sure you guys go back inside after 15 minutes! Go #& 'em." Leon patted his shoulder again, and rushed out from the bridge.


"AAAAAAAAHHH!" Yuffie was screaming hysterically, clutching her head between her two hands as the ship began to rock again violently.

"Yuffie!" Tidus shouted as he knelt by her side. "Be calm! Get a grip of yourself!"

"I can't! This ship is making me sick! It's making me crazy! AAAAHHH!" she was shaking so hard it was terrible to watch. Yuffie was struggling so hard against Tidus' effort not to have her panic and hurt herself. In desperation Yuna looked at the guard, "Please help us!" she shouted.

Seeing the other girl was screaming so hard, Biggs automatically thought that she was in serious trouble, immediately opening the door without hesitation and ran to her side, "Anything wrong?" he asked in obvious concern.

"Nothing much," Tidus replied matter-of-factly as he punched the man at the cheek with all his might knocking him unconscious. Yuna looked at them in shock as Tidus helped a still shaking Yuffie to stand.

"That was an act!"

"Well, I haven't seen Yuffie shout so much like that on in an aerial transportation." Tidus explained. "So I immediately knew she was faking it."

"Oh yeah?" Yuffie retorted, but she was still shaking, "I may soon be if we don't get off this damn ship."

"Point taken." Tidus had opened the chest containing their weapons. "Let's get to the dragons before anyone finds out we escaped. Seymour shouldn't be as bad than being here."

"Yeah," Yuffie said, although she didn't sound convinced.

Saving her life, Leon had told her regarding Yuna… what did he mean by that?

It doesn't matter. It's her duty to keep Yuna safe, and being in the open sky in a ship with dragons attacking it was certainly not safe in her opinion. The trio ran, Tidus keeping the lead and her guarding the rear, as fast as they could and hoping that this hallway would lead them outside.

Tidus' amazing luck seemed to hold, for as soon as he kicked the door open, they found themselves in the wide open area of the ship, the strong winds messing their hair and whipped their clothes into a frenzy, and unfortunately making running towards the nearest Spiran soldier a foolish idea.

"Hold hands tight!" Tidus shouted as the three of them inched towards the open area, holding hands, as they could see that even though the dragons were making things difficult for Yuna's kidnappers, it seemed the people of this ship were much better in hand to hand combat… they could see Seymour's soldier fell on the ground by a trio of fighters… led by Leon.

The three of them released hands, struggling for balance, and all reached for their weapons.

Leon was glaring at them, "I don't want to hurt you." He said.

Tidus gingerly touched his face, "Funny. I don't seem to get that impression." He replied sarcastically.

"But if this is the only way to keep you on this ship, then I'll be your opponent." Leon said, bringing up his weapon.

"Don't underestimate him, Ti…" Yuffie warned.

"No kidding?" Her friend retorted. But he was holding his sword tightly, mentally preparing himself to this battle.

But a fight between former allies might not come to pass at all. One of the riderless dragons, driven by pain from its wounds and lack of supervision, attacked at the nearest group of people it saw…

And that was Yuna's group.

"Look out!" Yuffie shouted as she threw her shuriken at the dragon's head, forcing it to flinch back and allowing Tidus to jump away towards a safe distance.

Tidus was torn, if they're going to fight the mad dragon, they'll expose their backs to Leon…

"What are you doing?" Leon shouted, running to his side and attacked the dragon with a swing from his weapon. The dragon roared but continued its assault by breathing fire…

Yuffie stared… "Damn!" she shouted, as she pushed Yuna away from the flames. Tidus and Leon staggered back, defending themselves against the flames that immediately disappeared, but it was a devastating attack… they could still feel their bodies responding painfully to that.

Still, Tidus and Leon lashed out as soon as the giant lizard halted to catch its breath. Leon stabbed right through its heart with all his strength while Tidus sliced its neck.

With a last cry, the dragon fell forward.

Yuna began to sing, allowing them to heal, as Tidus stared at Leon. "Who's side are you really on?" he demanded.

Leon took a deep breath. "It doesn't look it, but I'm at your side the whole time."

Yuna was about to say something when something shook. And suddenly the ship tilted to an almost vertical position.

Leon cursed, he had already ordered his people to go inside, and had completely forgotten their own safety because of the dragon. But the other three were unprepared by this, lost their balance and fell.

Tidus managed to grab Yuna's arm and was reaching out blindly with his free hand for anything to hold onto. Then he felt cold metal objects against his skin, and he looked up in surprise to see Yuffie's shurikens embedded onto the floor of the ship, with his sleeve pinned with it.

"Yu!" Tidus shouted, looking around for his friend.

"Ti!" Yuffie's voice sounded faint from below. Yuna was about to look down when Yuffie shouted, "Don't look down, Yuna! Just keep your hold onto Tidus!"

Yuffie wondered what the hell she was talking about; here she was clinging on the railway now, fighting off her airsickness and her fear of the danger they were in. Could there be any way to get this situation any worse?

As though fate had a terrible sense of humor, the railway which anchors her to the ship gave way; she was too shocked to even manage a gasp.

She was looking at Tidus and Yuna, wondering if they just realized that she was falling… and in a morbid way, she was slightly surprised that she wasn't as terrified as she thought she should be. Shouldn't I be screaming my lungs out?

But she didn't… she was staring at the sky, at the clouds, at the disappearing ship and wonder if her number was finally up, and that she'll see them again…

Without talking to Big Sis at all. This sucked.

Then that moment of time was over, and she felt herself falling, felt the wind against her back as she plummeted, in an almost daze she was wondering if it would be slow and painful, or fast and painless when she felt something grab her.

It snapped her out of her daze as she saw someone holding her fast against his chest.

She recognized him immediately. Leon? She thought, and for this, she found herself crying. But it was not fear, or anything of the sort at all…her mind could not even form any thoughts why the hell he just jumped off the ship for her when their chances of survival were slim. But her tears fell regardless…

She took comfort that she won't be going alone. And that it would be this person who had literally threw his life for her touched her heart completely.

Still, she shut her eyes tight when the foliage of the trees meet them.


It hurts like hell…

But somehow, the branches of the trees had somehow broken their fall, but that doesn't make the landing any easier. Even as she struggled for consciousness, she still felt she had broken a few bones from this… and from Leon's look, he apparently had it worse. It also didn't help he took the landing first, and pillowing her body from the ground. She could see blood was dripping on his face.

"Leon…" Yuffie called out weakly. Leon groaned, giving her a brief feeling of relief, but his eyes were closed…

Suddenly scared, Yuffie concentrated what was left of her strength to hold his arm. "Don't die." She begged… even as she heard the flapping of wings from the air, even as she knew that the Seymour's people had found them, she tried again, this time making her voice sound firm.

"Don't die." She said…

Even as she lost all coherent thought, she seemed to dimly recall that Leon gave a slight nod.

And that, for her, was enough.