Chapter 18

Blitz Off (Part I)

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Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock

The clock endlessly announced its every movement as it dreadfully ticked away its seconds of nothingness. Funny how a necessity as insignificant as a clock had always been subconsciously overlooked by the human eye, and yet when needed the knowledge of time, ones eyes would automatically and immediately shift towards a clock. But who cares right? Who cares if it lacks acknowledgement? A clock is a clock… period. It's always going to be there when you look for it. It's always going to be right next to you when you need it… right?

Wrong.

One day, the batteries that claim to run if for life will ultimately lose the battle. Then when one needs to know the time, that 'one' is screwed. Just like that losing battle of cancer that plagued the fragile soul and body of Tidus' mother. Just the way the grandfather clock ticked away the slow agonizing ending moments of his savior's life. Funny how everything that seems to only be there for interior design suddenly looks like a pebble in a shoe.

Bloodshot cerulean eyes glared through half opened lids at the clock, mocking, screaming and announcing the day of the tournament's arrival.

12.01 am

Two days, thirty-eight phone calls, countless amount of alcohol, thirty hours and counting of some Mexican soap opera…. and no word from Jecht. That was an eye opener and probably the talk of the decade, Tidus had thought sarcastically. He merely brushed it off, coming to the conclusion that Jecht was also knocked out from booz… just like he was…almost. And yet even with the amount of alcohol running through his once anger filled veins, he was sober mentally… kind of. He knew clearly what had happened to get him suspended. He remembered those harsh bullshit coming out of that prick's now beat up mouth. But one thing rang clear in his recollection of the day, and that was the infuriated look on Auron's face and those words that came afterwards that had his ears ringing deafly.

Tidus sat on his ruffled bed, clad in nothing but a dirty worn out shirt and a pair of 100 cotton pants, equally as messed up. His hair was oily and lost his usual vibrant shine with ends sticking out in places where it shouldn't. His once clear eyes were now replaced with small red lines, displaying the effects of alcohol. His eyelids drooped over, begging for a much-needed sleep. And in his right hand, was a can of beer.

His room was dark, save for the colors illuminating itself from the screen to his room, the type that would have eyes stinging from the unwanted intensity.

His mind was a complete blank. He had no conscious thoughts whatsoever. He knew he was suspended. He guessed that Yuna would look at him with disgust. He understood he had let down almost the entire school if not all, and he had already figured out the damn manipulator in the Mexican soap opera.. yet nothing registered. Maybe it was the effects of alcohol consumption or maybe he merely wanted to stop thinking, but whatever it was, Tidus, the star player of the Zanarkand Abes, was a pathetic wreck.

And in less than eighteen hours, once the tournament starts at six, everyone else was going to know.

Too bad he didn't give a shit, or else he would've done something to ensure himself a spot at the tournament. Too bad.

The school was back to normal once Friday arrived. The banners were still up with all the other decorations, but the mood was of a normal average day. It wasn't quite gloomy, but it definitely wasn't a festive mood… like it should've been. Although talk of 'the' Tidus was inevitable, people dropped the subject slightly in fear that it would further upset the school spirit.

Even after all the hard work particular students put into the petitions, rumors showed that Auron did little to acknowledge it and merely put it in the recycle bin. Some people resorted to taking down Tidus' banners, and when they were asked with what they were doing; their reply simply meant that they found the banners a type of mockery that Tidus would no longer play.

The team, well, clearly they were the second after Tidus to be suffering the most. After all, they knew more of the incident than most people did and though they understood Tidus' actions, human instinct could not help but slightly blame Tidus for his lack of control. To say they were angry with Tidus was a definite no, but to describe their mixed emotions as disappointment was right on the spot.

Rikku, Yuna and Lulu. To put it simply, Lulu was fazed, but remained indifferent, Rikku was, well, Rikku, one moment pissed off at almost everything, the next sad and sympathetic towards Tidus.

And then there was Yuna. Yuna didn't know what exactly she was feeling. Sure, she felt bad for Tidus and like most, disappointed, but something else lingered within her. Sub-consciously somewhere deep down, the brunette had long figured that the mysterious emotion was guilt. However, like a coward, in order to avoid self-confrontation and admittance, she would continuously push back the feeling and the realization and then distract herself from her own conscience.

Naturally she would cringe at the thought that she had played such a huge factor in affecting Tidus' mood and behavior. Although it was not at all her intention to cause the negative attitude, everything reminded her of the incident that segregated them. Had she not been so biased and narrow-minded with what she saw, perhaps this whole incident could have been avoided. But maybe, just maybe, this whole thing happened for a reason. Perhaps like in movies, it was suppose to bring them closer by throwing obstacles after obstacles in the pair of "star crossed lovers'" path. Or maybe it was just the little girl buried in Yuna making up pathetic clichéd excuses up for herself. Yeah, most likely. That's the effect of teenage love films for ya.

"So you girls still going later?" Lulu asked as everyone around them made a haste exit to prepare for the night's event.

"I am, you know, for the sake of it. I don't think it's fair to just give up on the whole team because one person got suspended." Rikku voiced, but not with offense and then spoke with a happier tone, "and to cheer Wakka on! Right Yunie? "

Snapping out of her reverie, she replied distractedly, "I uh..Yeah."

3.30 pm… 2 and a half hours left before the long awaited tournament. Yuna sighed.

If his cell phone was right next to him at that moment of its continuous ringing, he would've aimlessly smashed it where ever the direction his arm aimed at. Luckily it wasn't, and therefore all Tidus did was further bury his head under his pillow and continued sleeping. His last can of alcohol was around midnight and thankfully or not for him, he was slowly yet gradually sobering up.

Sometime during his four hours of slumber, he had actually contemplated on getting up and taking a shower, but the thought never lasted long as he saw no point in doing so considering that all he was going to do was lie around and drown in his own self-pity.

With his head and left arm stuffed under countless pillows, his right arm resting next to his head, his legs tangled in his blanket and lying flat on his stomach, he soundlessly slept through the on going Mexican soapie. Had he not been so oblivious to his surroundings, he would've noticed that Jecht had walked in with a cordless phone, before leaving the room with a helpless sigh.

"Hello?"

"It's Jecht."

With a loud sigh and an exhausted rub between the eyes, Auron replied, "Look, if you're calling about the suspension of T-,"

"No you listen to me and you listen carefully Auron." The determination within the constantly drunk man caused Auron's eyes to widen slightly. He wasn't sure whether he should be happy that his long time friend was finally pulling himself together, or that he should feel unnerved and slightly guilty with his actions.

"Wakka has told me what happened." He spoke in a concluding tone as if expecting Auron to understand.

"And that does not change the fact that Tidus broke the rules. He of all should know better than getting into a fight right before the damn tournament. Do you honestly think I'm proud of what I did. I did what I had to. What kind of a damn coach would I be if I constantly bent the rules just for one player."

Holding the same amount of determination yet this time speaking in a more exhausted and calm note, Jecht spoke, "You're right. Tidus did break the rules. I am willingly to even put all the blame on him whether it be true or not. And yes, you had no choice but to suspend him, hell if it were me, I would've smacked some sense into that boy-,"

"Look Jecht," Auron spoke wearily, "the tournament starts in less than two hours and I am perfectly aware of my actions, I don't need recap-,"

"But," there was a pause, "you're also correct in saying that he of all should know better. So by saying that, which part makes you think that he would abuse the rule when he knew perfectly well what he was gambling with and knowing that if he lost, the impact would be far greater?"

Auron had no retort, so he continued.

"Did you care to even find out from other players or even Tidus himself why he was in a fight?"

"Regardless. He was in a fight period. I need not know why."

At this point, Jecht's temper flared, "That kid was talking about his mother for yevon's sake! Look, I may not have been the best father to Tidus but let me tell you this, even I do not speak ill of his mother no matter how drunk or pissed I am. People have their limits, and that little prick tested his, simply because Tidus was unfortunate enough to have his personal life broadcasted to the ever fucking watchful public ever since he was young! How is that fair? I knew that the media would be onto me like honey to bees, but I never expected them to harass my family too."

Now Auron was truly speechless.

Jecht had started to calm down already, "Wakka told me that Tidus had started walking away before that little bastard started him up again. That asshole obviously had the upper hand. It was a fucking trap. And you know what… I'm proud Tidus did what he did."

"And I believe it is you, not Tidus, who has let the whole team down. Tournaments come and go. I can't say that I'm proud that it took this incident for me to realize it, but the important thing is that I have. But not one's self respect, not one's dignity. They don't come and go. You either have it in you or you don't, and my boy has it in him. So let me tell you this Auron, it is your loss that Tidus is not playing. I don't think he could've handled the situation any better."

Just as Jecht had finished and was about to hang up without even informing Auron, he heard his friend speak up, "Wait."

Placing the phone next to his ear, he patiently waited.

There was a big sigh before he heard anything, "I'll take the suspension off him."

Before Jecht could thank or express his gratitude, Auron interrupted, "On a few conditions. One; he is to only play for half time and two; he'll be cleaning the gym until I can see my face on all the fucking equipment." Auron was obviously frustrated with the deal but nevertheless, he caved into Jecht's determination and his own sense of sympathy towards Tidus.

He smugly made his way to his son's room and practically slammed the door open only to be greeted with the stench of alcohol and odor. He paused with a bitter look on his face, and then slowly and subtly, his head dropped as he shook it and sighed, leaving the pathetic sight to engrave into his mind.

"You know what Auron," with the disappointment hanging heavily off every word he spoke, Auron already knew of the outcome, "if this tournament really means something to him, then it's up to himself to get it back."

With that, Auron was greeted with a subtle click and then the dial tone.

"We are not taking the car!"

"I am not walking!"

"Well then you stay put and Yunie and I will go! And whoever said we were walking?"

"Why can't we just drive there?" Seymour whined.

Rolling her green eye shadowed eyes, she answered, "If you hadn't taken so long with that hair of yours," and to emphasize her point, she pulled on a few strands, "we wouldn't be late! I've called the cab already so tough."

"RIKKU! It's 6 o'clock. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the game start at six THIRTY!"

"Ah, so the idiot can read time. Well, idiot, half an hour ago, I would've been sure that there would at least be a few parking spaces left, but by now, do you seriously thinking we'll find parking!"

"Pssh, whatever."

"Stupid. Okay the cab should be here in about two minutes and you're already ready," she said, pointing at Seymour "and I'm," she left her sentence unfinished as she glanced at herself in a mirror. She was clad in nothing but a yellow bikini, a skirt that reached her upper thighs and a flimsy scarf. Her hair was nicely braided and her make up nicely accentuated her features. All in all, she looked presentable despite the lack of clothing.

"Yunie!" she screeched as the taxi honked outside, "Come on! Taxi's here!"

"Coming!" The brunette called back.

Unlike her cousin, Yuna opted for the more humble yet attractive look. Her hair was tied up messily with her bangs hanging naturally around her face. She had dark blue jeans that made her legs look longer and thinner than usual and a tight white wife beater that brought out her curves nicely. Her make up was done lightly with a bit of mascara and eyeliner to bring out her eyes and light pink lip gloss giving her lips a more pouty and full look. Overall, she gave off the innocent type of sexy look.

With one last look in the mirror, Yuna ran out to the taxi, taking only her purse with her. As much as her heart ached that Tidus was no longer playing, she couldn't help but allow herself to feel a bit excited and giddy that she was all dressed up for this occasion, although at the back of her mind, disappointment clung heavily onto her knowing that Tidus wasn't there to witness it.

As the taxi driver was on his way, Yuna couldn't help but admire the bright lights of Zanarkand. A small smile played on her lips as she blissfully ignored the two child-like adults sitting mere inches away from her as she recalled the peaceful and the almost perfect moment between Tidus and herself. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks when the moment she bravely initiated the first kiss with Tidus entered her mind. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't deny the feelings of absolute giddiness and happiness to overwhelm her when she thought of that night.

Oblivious to her occupied mind, the taxi had arrived at their destination. "Yunie? Yunie!"

"Y-yeah?"

"We're here!"

Stepping out of the cab, Yuna's eyes and mouth widened comically. To say that she was astonished was an understatement. She was so dumbstruck that she was vaguely aware of Rikku's constant bouncing around in excitement. So her cousin had been correct, the entire parking lot was filled to the brim and it was obviously noted that many cars were parked illegally. Taxi after taxi filed in with girls like Rikku in their skimpy outfits jumpily hopped out of the cab whilst large groups of both male and female loudly made their approach to the stadium.

As countless security guards stood outside the entrance with their stern looks, teenagers on the other hand jumped around outside as if in trance to the booming music as it vibrated against every human ear. Families strolled along casually as their young offsprings giggled insanely.

As the three neared the entrance where tickets were checked, they were forced to rub up against each other's shoulders as the amount of people desperate to get in was rapidly increasing. Desperate and angry shout outs were heard like, 'Come on, keep the line moving!' or, 'Let us in!' The screen outside the stadium showed the already speedily filling up seats inside and caused people to panic.

As Yuna, Rikku and Seymour were literally pushed inside, their mouths dropped open in unison. If they had thought that the outside scene was overwhelming, then they had thought wrong. Inside the circular stadium already about three quarters of the seats were already taken. The thunderous music pumped through every vein of Yuna's entire being as she felt like her heart would jump out any second from the intense drumbeats. Banners of both teams and a few individual players were plastered around the whole place. Lights were moving in all directions as green lasers shone skywards, announcing the tournament to the entire Zanarkand public.

"COME ON YUNIE! LET'S GET SOME SEATS!"

All Yuna did was nod. She honestly couldn't scream that incredibly loud.

After two minutes of finding their seats, Rikku was back up on her feet again jumping in excitement as she caught sight of Lulu.

"Lulu! Up here!"

How Lulu heard her was completely beyond Yuna but thankfully she did, because the next moment, Lulu had planted herself next to Yuna in the remaining vacant seat in their section.

"YEVON! ISN'T THIS THE BEST?" Rikku squealed after giving Lulu and Seymour a brief introduction.

"YEAH!" This time, for some reason, Yuna attempted to scream from the adrenaline, although she was almost certain Rikku had not heard her and only relied on the movement of her lips. The atmosphere was truly incredible, it brought out feelings and characters from people and just for the time being, it helped people forget.

Suddenly the music's volume decreased slightly as an announcement was made, "Ten minutes until the tournament." And then the music was back up along with an uproar from the audience. To put it simply, people were seriously going crazy by now.

Yuna's smile was so broad she knew her jaw was going to be sore after tonight. However, her smile faltered noticeably once she heard a little boy behind yell to his mother innocently.

"I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE TIDUS!"

Her heart sunk to the very pit of her stomach. She turned around to look at the little boy and inwardly cringed from the look of pure glee and excitement in his green eyes. She jerked her body back to facing the now filling up sphere pool and endlessly chanted to herself, 'ignore it Yuna, just ignore it.' However, due to the increase of cheers, screams and everything she couldn't identify, her silent mantra went down the drain from the inability to hear even her own mind.

As if coming to a conclusion, she sub-consciously nodded and abruptly faced Rikku, "RIKKU, WOULD YOU KNOW WHERE COACH AURON WOULD BE?"

After a long few seconds of deciphering her cousin's words, she merely shrugged apologetically before pointing at Lulu.

"LULU DO YOU KNOW WHERE-," before she could finish, the raven haired beauty shook her head. Being the wise one and the sisterly one of the three, it was a matter of minutes before she knew Yuna would look for Auron. Yuna's expression turned into a confused one, wondering how Lulu answered her without knowing the question. It annoyed her slightly when the thought came into mind that perhaps, Lulu was simply uninterested and disregarding her.

That thought, however, did not last long as Lulu leaned into her and spoke loudly, "Why don't I just give you his address!"

Now Yuna was truly a deer caught in headlights. She immediately blushed crimson red. Why in the devil would she want Auron's address? She looked up to see her companion out right laughing. It shocked her beyond words. Lulu, being the poised young lady that she was, had never been seen to laugh so, so… uninhibited. It caused a little giggle to erupt from Yuna while at the same time knowing that the cause of this newfound behavior was due to the exhilarating atmosphere.

Lulu merely shook her head, reaching for her matching black purse. She quickly scribbled what looked like an address on a small white piece of paper before thrusting it into Yuna's palm. Blue and green eyes read the piece of paper until she finally realized what Lulu had meant before. She looked up at her older friend with a questioning gaze before Lulu returned it with a brief smile, and mouthed, 'Go!'

The music once again died down a notch as the commentator announced, "Ladies and Gentleman, would you please be seated as the tournament will commence in five minutes."

The rock music immediately pumped up, but this time, it was drowned out by the deafening, not to mention, piercing screams from the fan girls and fan boys. The four large plasma screens around the stadium were now counting down for the tournament's arrival.

Without further ado, Yuna quickly got up from her seat and without giving an explanation to Rikku or Seymour, she desperately pushed her way down the countless steps before shoving pass everyone that stood in her way. Upon reaching the entrance, she smiled in relief when she caught sight of numerous taxis. As much as she was in a hurry, it still shocked her to see the countless people that were yet to go into the stadium.

Running to the closest cab, she quickly jumped in, threw the piece of paper to the driver and hurriedly asked the driver to get her to that place.

"You have to hurry. It's urgent!"

"Okay okay sweetie, you don't have to scream."

But those words fell upon deaf ears as Yuna's ones were ringing numbly.

Once the taxi arrived at her desired destination, she quickly paid him and then sprinted out. Whilst running pass the grand white gates, she failed to acknowledge the impressive mansion that Tidus called home. In such a hurry, she went straight to banging her fists on the double doors until they became sore from the blunt impact.

Almost as soon as she stopped, the doors slammed open to reveal a pissed off looking maid.

"Is Tidus home?" she asked as tried to make her way in, only to be stopped by the plump maid.

"And you are?" a voice from behind the maid spoke up.

Yuna's eyes widened slightly before she collected herself and took a very brief moment to catch her breath.

"I'm sorry about that but I'm Yuna, a friend of Tidus'. I was wondering if he was home? It's urgent."

"I see, so you're Braska's daughter. I'm Jecht, Tidus' father."

Yuna had to keep herself from rolling her eyes, 'Well duh, who doesn't know you. I just didn't know you were his father.' The comment of him knowing her father went straight through her.

"So Auron sent you here to get Tidus did he? Didn't I say to him that it's up to Tidus himself." The last part was more of a mumble to himself but nevertheless, Yuna instantly caught on.

So does this mean Tidus was no longer suspended? She quickly shook her head. It doesn't matter anymore. It was a gamble in the beginning to come here in the first place. She would just have to take everything step by step from here onwards.

"Sir, if it's not a probl-,"

"His room is upstairs third door to the left." And with a polite smile from Yuna and a nod of acknowledgement from Jecht, Yuna made her way upstairs, only this time unlike before, she was becoming nervous and more hesitant.

'Pull yourself together. Just get in there and do what you have to already.'

With her newfound encouragement and courage, she marched her way towards the third door. Pausing for a brief second, she sucked in her breath before she firmly turned the doorknob.

What she saw didn't exactly come as a surprise, but somewhere inside of her, she had been hoping that she would not be met with this scene. Unknowingly she narrowed her eyes from the intense light coming from his plasma screen. Slowly she made her way deeper into what looked like a room that had just gone through a tornado before an earthquake hit it. As she neared the bed, she was finally convinced that the heap of blanket was undeniably Tidus.

Carefully and nervously, she gently pulled the pillow that was covering his head from his grasp to reveal a sleeping Tidus. His arm looked somewhat distorted from the position he was lying in but nonetheless, she ignored it and began softly nudging his left shoulder. Getting a lazy grunt from him was the only response. She quickly looked at her watch and instantly she was back into her panicky mode.

"Tidus." She said gently yet urgently.

Nothing.

Shaking him harder this time, she tried again, "Tidus."

Much to her relief, she received a more plausible response. "Go away." He replied sluggishly.

Definitely the alcohol, she thought to herself as she scanned the room filled with cans and bottles.

Running out of patience, she flipped Tidus onto his back and literally climbed on top of him with her bent legs straddling his hips and her hands firmly placed on both his shoulders. This time with a hell lot more force, she shook him until he would finally open his eyes.

"Tidus wake up now! Come on."

Being so desperate, she failed to realize the position she had placed herself in and simply continued to wake him.

Feeling himself being moved so drastically and feeling a sudden weight upon him, the Blitzball jock forcefully opened his eyes into slits. However, once his vision cleared, his cerulean eyes widened immediately. Was this a dream? It had to be. No way would he wake up with Yuna on top of him, like this, in this kind of position! This had to be a dream, a really hot dream, a dream he didn't mind not waking up from.

"Tidus! Stay with me here…"

"anything you want baby.."

"I need you to listen carefully…"

"I've missed you.."

"I want you to do what you have to do to get yourself ready okay?.."

"you are gorgeous…"

"Tidus?" from the far away look in his eyes, Yuna knew he had dazed out.

"Tidus!" finally snapping him from his own thoughts.

"Are you listening?" he merely nodded dumbly.

"Tidus, go get ready. You're going to the tournament." She said firmly.

This suddenly caused Tidus to acknowledge his hang over, wincing, he replied, "What's the point. I've been suspended." And then he turned his head, unable to look Yuna in the eyes. He didn't want to see her look at him with disgust. Yevon, he must look like the biggest loser at that moment. How could he ever expect Yuna to love him?

He felt a strong shake on the shoulders and automatically, he was drawn back to those eyes that he had grown to love and miss. "No. Listen to me Tidus. You are going and you will be playing."

He did not reply.

How long and how many times had he fantasized about Yuna, particularly with her in this position. But this was not how it was meant to turn out. He was supposed to also be happy and at the very least, clean, and she, she was suppose to be smiling down at him with the happiest expression. Not like this, not when he was a pathetic wreck and she, still looking as beautiful as ever if not more.

Yuna stared at him, long and hard, as if trying to make him understand her feelings that very moment. She was anything but disgusted with him. In fact, despite the fact that she was trying to convince him to play, she realized how painfully she had missed him. Looking at him now made her want to reach out to him and hug him, assuring him that she would always be there with him, through thick and thin.

"Tidus," she spoke with a gentle tone, "are you going or not?"

Still, he did not answer. He couldn't. He was suspended for Yevon's sake. What? Go there and get rejected in the face? No thanks.

Letting go of his shoulders, she reached for the back pockets of her jeans. Letting his curiosity get the better of him, his gaze once again fell upon the lady straddling his waist. It took every ounce of him to restrain himself from just grabbing her and kissing the life out of her.

Once her hands entered his vision again, the first thing he noticed was a small piece of paper.

Unfolding it four times, she shoved it in his face. Five words that he had not so long ago wrote to her. 'I'll do it for you.' He was surprised she had actually kept it AND brought it with her. He couldn't help but let his heart swell.

"What about this?" She asked seriously.

All he did was stare back at her never faltering gaze, but once again remained silent.

To say that Yuna's heart was crushed was an understatement. She should have known better. She had pushed him way too far and now, he didn't want anything to do with her. Yevon, who was she to just come barging into his life constantly. It was all her fault and she finally realized it. Too bad. Too late. She had just lost probably the best thing that had ever happened to her.

With a defeated nod, she slowly climbed off Tidus, making him immediately feel like something important was being ripped away from him. "Okay, I understand." Without looking at him, she left the room, along the way dropping the white piece of paper.

'Understand? Understand what? And why did Yuna look so sad? Crap, do something, anything!'

His mind screamed at him. He wanted to call after her, hell he wanted to chase after her and hold onto her and just make her understand that he would do anything for her…anything.