Chapter Two - To Zanarkand
Crickets chirped aschill of the damp, pre-dawn air covered the sleepy village of Besaid. Not another sound could be heard. The party celebrating the return of the man who had been one of their beloved summoner's guardians. More than two years ago when he had first washed up on the shore, he created quite a stir in the village. When he had violated the rules of the temple, many of the villagers looked on in disgust. However, since that time so much had changed. The villagers seemed to welcome him back with open arms. They were thrilled to have Tidus and Yuna back.
In a modest hut somewhere in the small village, Yuna had been asleep for quite some time. The young woman was lying on her side curled into a fetal position. The blanket was pulled over her shoulders for warmth and comfort. Although she had gotten used to relying on a thick blanket for this purpose, there was something else in the bed to provide that for her. It was unusual for Yuna to sleep so close to someone, much less a man. Even though they had journeyed together two years ago, and often found themselves sleeping nearby each other, they had never been so close. This night, Tidus was curled beside her, with one arm wrapped around her waist. Their legs were entangled under the blanket. They had only been sleeping for four hours when Yuna awoke with a start.
At first, she was unaware of her surroundings. She had become accustomed to sleeping on the Celsius. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light, she realized that she was sleeping in her own home in Besaid. Beside her, she felt someone holding her. She remembered the events of the past day as she stroked the arm that was wrapped around her. She had never gotten a chance to touch his bare hands two years prior. His skin was smooth and warm. She could feel his legs around hers. She realized he was also barefoot. This was something else she had never experience. For a moment, she wondered if he was ticklish. She gently rubbed her feet against his, taking in the sensation.
Yuna lied there beside him lost in her thoughts for quite some time. However, she was growing thirsty. She gently moved herself to the edge of the bed, trying her best not to wake him. She then stumbled to the other side of the hut and found a clay container of water that Wakka had left there before they had retired for the night. She took a few long sips from it and sat it down back on the table. She couldn't see, and she knocked it too the floor, making a loud noise.
"Mmmmn?" Tidus groaned. "...are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just spilled some water. I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to wake you!" Yuna apologized as she approached the bed. She sat down at the edge and faced him.
"C'mere." Tidus pulled her closer. "I'm cold."
Yuna fell beside him giggling as he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a gentle affectionate kiss on her forehead, before burring his face into her hair. Yuna could feel his warm breath on her neck. It was a comforting and relaxing.
"When do you want to leave?" Yuna asked.
"I want to sleep in!" Tidus groaned. "You know, we never had the chance to sleep in before. We were always in a hurry. I wanna sleep in this time!"
"Okay." Yuna giggled. "There's no rush!" She snuggled as closely as possible, taking in his scent and warmth. "I'm still a little tired."
"But before that... I want to do this." Tidus smirked as he rolled on top of her, pulling the blankets over them. Yuna stared at him in bemusement.
"What?" Yuna giggled.
"This." He whispered, parting the space between them with a passionate kiss, deeper and more fevered than the others preceding it. Yuna wrapped her arms around his shoulders, running her hands through his golden strands as they brushed across her skin. His lounge glided across her lips and gums, coming in contact with hers. She flicked her lounge against his, exploring its unusual texture. The passion of their kisses increased as he began to trail his lips down her neck, ending at her collarbone.
"Yuna." Tidus paused. "What's this hood for?"
"I.. uh... don't know." Yuna paused, bewildered as to why he had stopped so abruptly for such a question.
"Well, why are you wearing it then?" He asked, gently tugging at it.
"Well, why do you wear a hood?" Yuna tilted her head, still flushed from his touch.
"I donno either."
The two were silent for a few seconds, before Tidus burst into laughter with a snort, followed by Yuna. It had been a long time since they had both laughed so hard together. Tidus remembered that even though Yuna longed for laughter on her pilgrimage, he was the only one who was truly laughing most of the time. However, now they were laughing together, with no hindrances or serious undertones. When the laughter subsided, he gazed at her smiling.
"You really have changed, you know? He said as his eyes met hers. "You even laugh differently now."
"I think that's because you showed me how to." Yuna responded, touching his face with her bandaged hand.
Tidus and Yuna gazed into each other's eyes for quite some time. Tidus finally broke eye contact by returning his gaze to her hood. He stroked her collarbone gently with his fingertips, which caused Yuna to shiver slightly. He placed his fingers over her necklace. He examined the tiny flowers adorning it.
"You still wear this?" He questioned.
"Yes. I've never really taken it off since I was a child. It was my mother's necklace."
"Oh. I always thought you just really liked flowers or something."
"Yes, I do..." She trailed off into thought. "I guess that's why I wanted so many flowers on my clothes when I was a Summoner. My mother really liked them. Even though I'm not a Summoner anymore, I still keep it with me... in remembrance of her."
Tidus smiled, leaving a lingering kiss on her cheek.
"Your mom was really pretty... at least what I saw of her that time on the farplane." He said. "You take after her, you know?"
"Really?" Yuna inquired.
"You're beautiful." He whispered as he stroked her hair. "I never had the chance to say that before."
"Thank you." Yuna smiled. "And you're very handsome." She chuckled softly as she spoke.
"Maybe I just never said it because I never really understood. I guess being on the Farplane for so long has changed me too."
The two of them remained silent for some time. Yuna still lied on her back under his torso. She embraced him gently, reaching behind his neck and stroking the heavy chain around it. The young couple were emerged in their own thoughts. After a few moments, Tidus rolled to his side, resting his head on Yuna's shoulder before letting a yawn escape his lips. Yuna pulled the blankets over them in response as she settled herself into the bed.
"It'll be morning soon." She spoke softly, reaching for his hand. Tidus squeezed hers gently in response. Moments passed as the couple feel asleep once more, securely wrapped in each other's arms.
The sun rose as the chilly darkness retreated to other corners of Spira. The sleepy village awoke to it's daily routines. Villagers began to mill about, taking care of their morning chores. The craftsman headed to the several huts where they would spend the majority of their day weaving beautiful tapestries, Besaid's prime export. The sun made it's way across the sky, reaching it's highest point in the sky.
"Yo! Wake up sleepy heads!" A deep voice, thick with a Besadian accent called from behind the tapestry covering the door. "It's almost noon, ya?"
"Should someone go in?" An bubbly higher-pitched voice spoke. "What if they're... uh... You know?"
A long pause followed. "In that case, maybe you should go." A deeper, yet feminine voice said.
"Hey!" The first woman shouted, as she tumbled through the doorway, letting a grunt escape her as she tumbled to the floor. "Awww! Hey guys, come look!"
The tapestry was pulled back as Wakka and Paine stepped through the door, laying their eyes upon the sleeping couple on the bed.
"You know, It it were two years ago, I wouldda..." Wakka started.
"You would've what!" Tidus spoke, waking Yuna from her slumber. He looked down at her as she stirred in his arms.
"What is it?" She asked.
"The peanut gallery came to wake us." Tidus groaned.
"Oh no! What time is it?" Yuna pulled herself up with a start.
"It's noon." Wakka answered her.
"We were wondering when you wanted to leave... cause brother's getting impatient." Rikku stated with one hand on her hip.
"Somehow, I don't think that's the only thing Brother is getting anxious about." Paine muttered.
"Well, let's get ready to go then." Yuna said, as she sat on the edge of the bed reaching for her accessories which lay on the floor under her, Tidus following suite.
Wakka, Lulu, and a handful of other villagers stood on the shore as four began walking towards the airship waiting in the shallow waters. Yuna turned around a final time, waving.
"I won't be gone long, I promise!" Yuna called to them.
"We'll be back as soon as we can!" Tidus cheered enthusiastically.
"Make sure you bring her back in one piece, ya?" Wakka shouted in response.
"Don't worry about us, you've got a family to care for!" Rikku called over her shoulder.
With that, they headed up the loading dock, boarding the ship. Yuna turned, waving to her friends below as the large hatch closed. Rikku bounded up the stairs towards the elevator, Paine following casually behind. When the hatch closed completely, Yuna turned to Tidus who had been standing beside her. "Come on! I'll show you around the ship!" Tidus nodded, and they headed towards the elevator. Rikku and Paine had since made their way to the cockpit, leaving the couple behind. "I guess I should probably introduce you to everyone first!" Yuna pressed the button for the cockpit. With a jerk, the elevator took it's course. A moment later, the door opened, allowing them to exit.
"Yuuuuunnaaaa!" A voice carrying a thick Al Bhed accent called. "Where to now?"
"To Zanarkand!" Yuna exclaimed.
"Zanarkand?" Brother asked, turning around. "Why do we go-" He stopped mid sentence, as he made eye contact with a familiar blonde man standing beside Yuna.
"You remember Brother, right?" Yuna asked.
"Yeah... uh... How ya doin?" Tidus waved cheerfully, happy to see Rikku's brother again.
The Al Bhed was silent. His facial expression turning from one of delight to surprize, to some kind of combination of anger and disappointment.
"Uh oh." Rikku ran towards the nearest chair, ducking behind it.
"You!" Brother shouted. "I thought we stop you! Why have you returned!"
Tidus glanced at Yuna with a look of confusion.
"Speak Shuyin!" Brother shook his fist at him from across the room.
"You idiot." Rikku shouted. "That isn't Shuyin!"
"It is not him?" Brother turned towards his sister.
"No!" She exclaimed. "Remember about three years ago, the guy we found at temple ruins. The one who helped us excavate the airship? Remember when we fought Sin? He was one of Yunie's guardians!"
"Umm..." Tidus spoke up. "Yuna you guard. Remember?"
A few seconds passed, as the realization hit him. He instantly fell on his knees wailing and shouting in Al Bhed. Although it had been two years, Tidus remembered the language well, as he had become very fluent in it during Yuna's pilgrimage. Tidus pulled Yuna aside by her arm.
"Is there something I need to know?" He questioned.
"Well, Brother has kind of... taken a liking to me." Yuna responded, glancing at the floor. "I just didn't have the heart to tell him..."
"But... that means you're his..." Tidus began.
"For centuries, the Al Bhed had to stay within their people since everyone looked down upon them. I guess for them it's okay."
"Oh. That explains it then... sort of." Tidus scratched his head as he watched the spectacle that lay before him.
"Well, I guess I'll show you the rest of the ship.until he calms down." She took motioned for Tidus to follow her, as she walked towards the elevator. Even after the door had closed and they made their way to the residential area of the Celsius. Brother's cries could still be heard.
"Geez, what's his problem?" Tidus groaned. Yuna shook her head in frustration.
It had been several minutes, Yuna had introduced Tidus to Cali and Barkeep. Yuna was engrossed in conversation with Cali and Tidus about some of the events that had taken place. Suddenly, Buddy broke through the speaker, Brother could still be heard in the background.
"Yuna! We're headed for Zanarkand. We should arrive there before sundown."
"Thanks Buddy!" Yuna exclaimed.
"No problem." He responded. "I'd try to stay clear of this part of the ship for now."
Hours had passed, Rikku and Paine had joined Yuna and Tidus for several hours. For some time, they sat at the bar, engaged in conversation. Paine, being the more introverted member of the Gullwings quietly took in much of the conversation while sipping a drink. Rikku would occasionally bounce around childishly while embellishing bits of conversation. From time to time, Tidus would gaze at Yuna, or shoot her a wide-eyed grin. Although none of the other women brought it into conversation, Yuna was clearly the happiest they had ever seen. Her eyes shone with a new radiance. This was a radiance that Rikku had only seen briefly in her cousin's eyes just before they had defeated Sin. The dream had returned, and with him, he brought Yuna back to life. For that, Rikku was thankful.
"We'll be at Zanarkand in about ten minutes!" Buddy's voice rang through he speakers, breaking the conversation. Yuna nodded at Tidus, and the couple made their way toward the elevator. They waited silently in anticipation for the hatch to open upon their arrival. Soon enough, Buddy broke through the speaker once again to announce their arrival.
"Zanarkand, pyreflies, ancient ruins, and tourist attractions, watch your step!"
The hatch opened. Daylight spread through the room as the couple walked into the open.
It was silent, save the sound of footsteps against the dusty road that lay before them. Everything was engulfed in golden light as the sun lowered on the jagged horizon. Instantly memories overwhelmed Tidus as they approached the former campsite. He made his way up the rocky incline where he had once stood overlooking the city where he had once called home.
"Listen to my story. It may be our last chance."
The two stood in silence for quite some time. Yuna understood why he needed to come here. She stood nearby quietly, allowing him time to think and take everything in. She watched him as he stood, starring out over the sea and ruined buildings. She remembered two years ago, as they sat around the campfire reliving their journey through stories. The very scent of the dusty air brought back the feeling of apprehension she had once felt before reaching the temple later that night. Although it was only a little more that two years prior, it felt like lifetimes ago. She could only wonder what he was thinking at this moment. Even though Tidus was just as optimistic and cheerful has he had always been, she saw a dramatic change in him. Perhaps being on the farplane for two years did effect him. She remembered before she left the Farplane after the battle with Shuyin and Vegnagun. She could feel his presence. Somehow, the words "goodbye" were not enough when it came to him. Somehow, some way, she felt they were connected eternally. There were no other words she felt more appropriate for their partings than "I love you". Yet now, that he was here before her, without the threat of parting, she wondered if she could find it in her to say it again.
"I got a theory." Tidus spoke, breaking the long silence. "I think the Fayth gathered up my thoughts and put 'em together to bring me back." His eyes were focused on the brilliant sky before them. "Maybe... Something like that."
Yuna looked at him, lost in her own thoughts.
"Or maybe..." He spoke again softy, sadness apparent in his voice. "I'm still a dream."
"Wait!" Yuna approached him, her expression full of worry. "So you'll disappear?"
He turned to Yuna, pausing as he looked at her. In the dimming light, Yuna could see the uncertainty in his eyes.
"Cherish me, Yuna." He said. "And I'll cherish you. All right?" His voice was no longer uncertain, but full of determination. "We gotta stay together. That's what we have to do." He turned his back to her, looking out at the horizon once again.
Yuna, relieved, ran up to Tidus, embracing him from behind. She pressed her cheek into his back as he placed his hands over her's.
"Is that what the Fayth told you?" She asked.
Tidus chuckled. "Nah. But I like it." The couple laughed, just before Yuna pushed him from behind with a grunt. Tidus yelped at he fell into the water below with a loud splash. "That's not cherishing!" He cried in confusion.
Yuna looked down at him, smiling. "You didn't disappear." The relief was evident in her voice. Tidus looked at his hands, upon noticing that they were still there, he held them up to Yuna grinning. Yuna nodded in response with a smile.
"Time really does change things." Yuna thought. "Two years ago, I had my two minutes and forty-one seconds and a pudgy Wakka. Now I have more than I could have ever dreamed or hoped for. I have you."
Author's Notes: Sorry for taking so long getting this second chapter up! I was busy working on my Yuna costume, an anime convention, work, a busy social life and everything else. I hope I'll be able to get other chapters up quickly. The dialouge from the perfect ending is from Thank you so much for the reviews and response sofar! I really appreciate it!
Revision Notes:
8/5/05: Fixed a few spelling and grammatical errors.