I am so sorry for my incredibly long hiatus! I have rewritten this chapter many many times, and I finally got it how I want it (I think). Well, I'm not turning back now! Oh, and I know that I've added a lot of suspense to my story, but that's the point. It keeps you hooked and entertained, does it not? Well, don't worry, it won't take me forever to finally get the secrets out. And reviewers, you know that I love you with all of my sad little heart, but I beg you, PLEASE DO NOT REVEAL THE PLOTS IN REVIEWS IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW THEM! If they are right, then you may spoil the story for everyone else. I'm not mad, really I'm not. It takes a lot more then something little like this to get me angry, and if I was, believe me, you would know . It's just that if everyone knows because someone told them, then no one will be interested or anything like that. And I really want my story to be interesting, I mean, what fanfiction writer doesn't, you know? Oh, and Yuna really hasn't forgiven Tidus or the three others. She was just confused as to why Tidus was curious and actually being civil to her, so don't worry. He'll have to do a lot more then that to gain her trust- Okay, now that that's covered it's…
POLL TIME!
No, I will not be writing polls every chapter, just for this one. I'm too lazy to think them up . But I saw something on a website, and I was wondering…
DO YOU GUYS LIKE THE LOVE STORIES BETWEEN THE MAIN CHARACTERS ON THE FF GAMES AND WOULD YOU LIKE SQUARESOFT TO CONTINUE WITH THEM IN THE FUTURE?
Just tell me in your reviews, and I will reveal why I asked this question on the next chapter. And, if you think you know why I'm asking this question, it's the same with the plot: Please don't say why!
Oh, and thank you, Angelz, for saying that you liked my penname! You guys are so sweet!
Disclaimer: I do not own, you do not sue.
YUNA POV
I lugged my backpack lazily Monday morning, three days after Halloween. I had had trouble sleeping the night before, so I was extremely tired, but I was glad that I had come early today. The school was practically empty, so I wouldn't have to deal with trying to make my way through the crowds. As I turned down the hallway to my locker, I saw Lulu waiting for me.
"Morning, Lulu," I said, smiling at her.
"Morning," she said without even looking up. I knew at that moment that something was not right.
"Hey, I've still got my earring in!" I said, trying to get her to look at me as I turned my head and lifted up my hair to reveal the beaded earring. I actually liked having an earring in, it made me feel adventurous for some reason. It was probably because I had never done anything that daring my whole life.
"Are you okay, Lulu?" I asked her while putting my things up. "You seem out of it. Are you still tired from Friday? I mean, we didn't even sleep that night, and we were like zombies at work!" I laughed.
When I saw that she didn't respond, I immediately stopped laughing and got really worried. Lulu had never acted like this before. She was always very calm and collected. What was up with her?
"Lulu?" I said. She didn't notice me, she just stood there, as still as a statue. "Lulu?" I yelled again. "LULU!"
Lulu jumped when I yelled. "Huh?"
"Oh, um..," My face got slightly red, being that you could've probably heard me yell from the other side of the school, but oh well. It had gotten her attention, after all.
"It's just that you're acting kinda weird. Is everything alright?" I tilted my head, looking at her curiously.
I could've sworn that I saw a panic flash across Lulu's face, before it was replaced by a smile. "Yes, don't worry, Yuna, everything's fine. I'm just sleepy."
I wasn't sure that I believed her, but I went along with it anyway.
"Oh, alright, just checking. Well, since we're early we can just go ahead and go to class to avoid the mad rush," I said, shutting my locker. Lulu nodded and we started off down the empty hallway. We walked in an awkward silence, and I kept looking at Lulu out of the corner of my eye. She kept on biting her lip nervously, as if she wanted to tell me something, but wasn't sure about it. I was just about to bring it up when she spoke.
"I met a guy this weekend."
I gasped, not believing my ears. "REALLY!" I said, and immediately began to spit out questions like those machines that shoot tennis balls at you in gym class. "Oh my gosh, Lulu, why didn't you tell me sooner? Okay, where and when did you meet him, what's his name, and what does he look like? I mean, it's been a long, long time since either of us has gone on a date…well, okay, I don't think either of us ever has, but still. Oh man, this is so cool!" I looked at Lulu with a huge smile plastered on my face, but it quickly disappeared when I saw that Lulu didn't look happy at all.
"Lulu, what's wrong? You should be jumping up and down right now!" I smiled weakly at her. "I mean, come on, you met a guy!"
Lulu made a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right, Yuna. I should be happy, shouldn't I?" she looked at me, and it seemed as if I had helped her feel a little bit better.
"That's right, Lulu! Now, when do I get to meet him?"
Lulu giggled. "I don't know. I'll make sure that you do, though. He's really great," she said as a day-dreamy look crossed her face.
I smiled. This was really what Lulu needed. She needed someone new; she needed a change from her usual run-of-the-mill lifestyle. It was what would definitely make her happier.
Lulu and I walked into our math classroom just as the halls were starting to fill up with students. We quickly took our seats and talked until all of the people had entered the room and the bell rang. Mr. Auron then reviewed with us for our test that we would be having the next day, and then assigned us the first lesson in the next chapter. When the bell rang, Lulu and I scurried out of the classroom.
After we had gotten to our lockers and exchanged our books, we bid each other good-bye and went to our different classes. As I walked toward my history class, I suddenly become slightly glum, knowing that I'd have to sit next to Tidus and Rikku. Yep, I had to sit next to Tidus now, too. The first day he came in for class (which wasn't until like three days later, might I add) and went to sit in a vacant seat in the back row, the kid who sat next to me, Luzzu Michelo, had been goofing off. So Mr. Maechen moved Luzzu to Tidus' seat, and Tidus to Luzzu's. I'm sure you can imagine how happy that made me.
I walked into the classroom with my head low, and quickly took my seat. I saw Tidus look at me out of the corner of my eye, and I quickly turned away from him. I didn't want to deal with him at all. Just being near him made my stomach go uneasy. I just wanted this class to be over so I could get on with my life.
In the meantime, I thought about strange way Lulu was acting. I couldn't believe that she had actually met a guy! She was so lucky. I would have done anything to have someone to care for me, to love me. It was then that I realized that I really did have a longing for someone special. I had never really noticed it before, but it was definitely there.
TIDUS POV
Right before the bell rang, I saw Yuna hurry into the classroom and into her seat, her head lowered. Was she too angry with me about Halloween to even lift her head up?
I felt my cheeks get slightly red, wishing that I had never come to her house on Friday. I shrugged and looked back towards the chalkboard, where Mr. Maechen was copying notes. Then, Mr. Maechen turned.
"Ms. Braska, I'm sure that the floor is incredibly interesting, but please pay attention," he said, obviously annoyed. Yuna's head shot up, her cheeks getting red. "Y-yes, sorry sir," she said. But once he turned back to the board, Yuna once again seemed to slip into her dream state. She seemed deep in thought about something, though I couldn't tell what.
"Alright, class!" Mr. Maechen said when we finally finished note-taking. "I have recently decided that you will be doing a partner project!" Some of the class groaned, and others yelled in approval. I saw several girls sneak me wishful glances, and I lowered my head. Usually, I would wink at them, or smile or something. But I was tired, and I didn't feel like dealing with some girl who would be all over me right now.
"Okay, class, settle down. I have already chosen the pairs, so listen until your name is called. You will have the rest of the week to work on the project in class, and then you will have to do it on your own time. Is that understood?" The class gave several nods and yeses. "Alright, now let's see…Michelo and Brethis will be partners…" Mr Maechen began, and two boys sitting in the first row gave each other high fives.
"And then we have Gatta and Yumen… Tuttle and Gaplardi…Basil and Normandy…"
Mr. Maechen seemed to take forever in announcing these pairs. I knew that I would probably be paired with one of the girls who were checking me out at the moment. That was how it always was. I didn't know if the teachers found it amusing that I would get an F on the project because instead of working I would be making out with the girls, or if it was just a coincidence. Finally I heard Maechen say my name.
"Monti and…" I sat up slightly, waiting to hear my partner's name.
"Braska," He said. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. I was partnered with…Yuna? Oh, well wasn't this just my day? This would be even worse then working with one of the other girls. She'd probably give me hell, considering the way she had been to me before.
I looked over to her to see her reaction. She obviously was NOT very happy about this pairing. Yuna had her fists clenched so tightly in her lap that her knuckles were turning white, and she had a strange look on her face that was hard to decipher. I sighed. I knew that this project would probably be tough, considering that we didn't even like talking with each other.
"Alright class, those are all of the pairings! You may get together with your partner and start planning out your project. Oh, which by the way is to write a summery of Al Bhed history that is at least eight pages long. It is due by Wednesday of next week. Good luck!"
Murmers swept through the class. "Al Bhed?" "Why would he have us to reports on those freaks?" "Oh my Yevon, old Mr. Maechen must've finally lost his marbles to make us look up stuff on those outcasts."
I looked over to Yuna to see that she had tears welling up in her eyes. I wondered why, but then remembered that Rikku said that she was probably Al Bhed because of her green eye.
Thinking of Rikku made me wonder if she had heard what the people had said. I looked over Yuna to see that Rikku's face was extremely red and she didn't look like her peppy self, but she desperately tried to hide it as her partner, Milana Tuttle, came over to sit by her. I sighed, and scooted my chair over to Yuna, who still had her head down. I wasn't sure how to begin to talk to her, so I just kinda winged it, hoping it would work and we could get this project over with as soon as possible.
"Um…hey," I said. She didn't respond, so I decided to try again. "Ugh…hey, Yuna," I said a little louder. She still didn't answer. Determined to get her to talk to me, I tilted my head until I could see her face more. "Um, are you okay?" I said. Oh yeah, that was a good question to ask her, being that she obviously didn't want to be with me at all.
She still didn't move. "Yuna?" I said. "We should probably start working. I mean, you obviously want to get this over with as much as I do, so…"
That finally made her sit up. "Where do you want to start?" I asked her. She simply shrugged. "Um…okay…ugh…why don't we look some up Al Bhed people in the social studies book?" I asked her. I knew that there was an incredibly small chapter on the Al Bhed in the book, and it might've not been much help, but it was worth a shot. Yuna nodded at my suggestion, took out her textbook, and started flipping through the pages.
Flip, flip, flip, flip…
I noticed that she hadn't even looked in the table of contents to see where the chapter was.
Flip, flip, flip, flip…
I sighed, wondering if she even knew what she was doing, and if she knew that it was incredibly annoying.
Flip, flip, flip, flip…
After she flipped through about fifty pages without stopping, I kind of figured that she wasn't really paying any attention to what she was doing, and I grabbed her hand in order to stop the flipping. "Yevon, do you even know where you're looking, Yuna?"
Yuna looked at me oddly, then jerked her hand out of mine. Yuna sighed, then took out a piece of paper and began writing. Wondering what she was doing, I leaned in a little so that I could see better.
Whether the Al Bhed is an actual race or just simply a religion has been widely disputed ever since it first began. Some argue that, since they are always referred to as Al Bhed, they are a race, since even the Yevonites are not always referred to as such. Others say…
"Hey, wait a minute, are you gonna let me in on this project or not?" I said, once I had realized that Yuna was actually writing our report. "And how do you know all of this, anyway? If you did then why did you start looking through the history book?" Yuna looked at me, then shrugged. I rolled my eyes. "Well, alright, working with you will be a ton of fun," I said, leaning back and putting my arms behind my head. I heard Yuna snort. I looked at her, annoyed. "What is it now, oh joyful one?" I asked sarcastically.
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just surprised you even planned on working at all!" Yuna said, not moving her eyes off of the paper.
I looked at her, and suddenly felt ashamed. She had expected me to do nothing this whole time. Yuna thought I was a lazy bum.
Granted, that was probably true. But, hey, it wasn't like I was doing nothing the whole time I was working with those other girls…
But, anyway, maybe I should actually try working on this project. I mean, maybe it'd be good for me, or something.
"Yuna, I plan on doing fifty percent of this project, and I hope you plan on doing the same," I said. I suddenly realized how much I had sounded like some adult business person. And I found it funny. So funny, actually, that it made me laugh.
Of course, I didn't laugh extremely loudly, but a couple people turned their heads to look at me. Yuna looked at me like I was an absolute nutcase.
"Ugh…sorry," I said quietly, lowering my head to hide my embarrassment. Then I heard a giggle. I looked up to see Yuna smiling while she continued writing the paper.
"Hey, what's so funny?" I asked her, crossing my arms.
"Oh, nothing," Yuna said. "It's just that you're a real weirdo."
I raised my eyebrows. "Is that so?" I asked her. Inside, I was kinda glad that she was actually talking to me, but I definitely wasn't showing it.
"Yes, it is so," Yuna said. Then, I heard the bell ring shrilly. Before I could say another word, she gathered up her books, and rushed out of the room.
"Ugh, okay, nice being partnered with you, too, Yuna," I said sarcastically as I scooted my chair back to my desk. I grabbed my books and headed out of the room.
"Hey, that looked like it went well."
I jumped, and saw that Rikku had been leaning against the wall outside of our classroom, waiting for me.
I sighed as we started walking towards our lockers. "Depends on your definition of 'well'," I said, running my hand through my hair.
Rikku shrugged. "But it seemed like it went okay, considering…" she looked at me to see my reaction.
"Yeah, yeah," I grumbled.
"You're blushing, Tidus," Rikku said, smiling mischievously.
My eyes got wide. No, I couldn't be blushing. Hell, I don't think I've ever blushed in my entire life. "Well, wouldn't you be kind of embarrassed if you found out someone was obsessed with you for years?" I quickly retorted, satisfied with my response.
Rikku's smile faded. "Tidus, there's a difference between obsession and love," she said quietly. Now, that was weird. I don't think Rikku had never said anything as serious as that in all the five years I'd been friends with her. My surprise must've shown, because Rikku started to explain.
"I…I read more of Yuna's journal, Tidus. I couldn't really help myself…" Rikku smiled softly. "But…what she wrote about you…in these past few years…is probably some of the most sincere, most romantic things I've ever read. I mean, I even got teary-eyed. You…you should consider yourself lucky. Most people never find a love as wonderful in their lives as Yuna's love for you was."
As I listened to Rikku's words, I suddenly felt…weird. I didn't know what it was, but Rikku's words…I don't know. Maybe Rikku was right. Maybe I should consider myself lucky. But…Yuna was just always such a strange girl…I mean, she could've felt that way for plenty of other guys before I started school with her. It probably wasn't just me at all…
"Well, I don't really think I should consider myself lucky. It's not like I liked her back or anything. Besides, she completely hates me now, so even if I did care it wouldn't matter," I said, crossing my arms.
"Oh, Tidus, why do you have to be so mean!" Rikku said in a pouty voice.
I gaped at her. "ME? I'm the mean one now? What about you, Rikku Gaplardi? You aren't exactly an angel, either!"
I instantly regretted what I had said when I saw Rikku avert her gaze to the ground, not saying a word. "Ugh…damn it, I'm sorry, Rikku, I didn't mean for it to come out like that…But it really doesn't make much sense why you're suddenly taking Yuna's side and everything…I mean after all of these years…"
"Don't worry about it!" Rikku cut me off, smiling once again. "Well, I'd better get to chemistry! Bye!" she waved to me, and was off.
I just stood there, confused. I sighed. "Women…" I murmured, making my way to the main entrance of the high school. I just didn't want to be in that hellhole anymore. Rikku had made me feel sort of crappy. Her words kept repeating in my head.
"…You should consider yourself lucky. Most people never find a love as wonderful in their lives as Yuna's love for you was."
I let my head droop. Thanks a ton, Rikku, I thought. You just made my day even better.
Right when I was about to walk out of the building, I heard a voice that made me stop dead in my tracks.
"And where might you be going, Mr. Monti?"
I turned around to see none other then my dad's best friend, Auron, standing there, a small smile placed on his lips.
"Anywhere but here, Auron," I said, once again running my hand through my hair.
"Hm, I can see that your day has not gone well," Auron said, scratching his chin. "Would you mind my asking what the problem is?"
Well, if Auron was willing to listen, then I guess I was willing to tell, since I couldn't really say it to anyone else. Plus, I knew he wouldn't tell anyone, not even my old man. Auron could tell when to keep a secret and when to let things out. And by the look on his face I could tell that he knew that I was serious. I sighed, and then began.
"Okay, well…at the beginning of the year, all of the sudden, Yuna Braska come back to school with a new and…well…I wouldn't exactly say improved temper…but a new temper all the same. She actually stood up to me and it was really weird. I decided that maybe because of this newfound flame of hers, Rikku, Dona, Barthello and I should just leave her alone for awhile, you know. But then, on that very same day…I found out that a couple of months ago that Yuna was…had had some feelings for me…in the past."
Auron stood there, waiting for me to continue. So I did.
"And…I felt really really weird about it and all, so I kind of tried to avoid her, which really wasn't a problem since she was pretty much avoiding me, too. But then today…" I took a short break to see if Auron was still listening. He was standing there a still as a statue, arms crossed, his foot tapping, waiting for me to go on.
"Today, Yuna and I got partnered for a history project," I sighed. I expected Auron to start laughing at me or something, but he simply said, "And what's the problem with that?"
I stared at Auron as though he had just proclaimed that he loved fluffy bunnies. "Have you been listening to anything that I just said!" I yelled. "I've been so freakin' mean to Yuna all these years just to find out that she liked me! Do you not see what I mean? And now, I'm partnered with her for a project, and she completely hates me, and when I say hates me I mean HATES me! And it makes no sense! That girl annoys the crap out of me! Yuna is the most confusing girl I've ever met in my entire life!"
I stopped, taking a deep breath. It felt good to have gotten it all out.
"Hm."
I looked up at Auron. "Well?"
"Well, Tidus," Auron began. "All that I can tell you is that Yuna is the most kind-hearted, strong, most caring person I've ever met in all of Spira. I had always figured that the man that she fell in love with would be a very fortunate man, indeed. But, I also figured that he would love her back. And I figured that he would be the kind of person who was polite, giving, and would cherish her more then his own life. But, as it turns out…" Auron crossed his arms. "The man she fell in love with was you. And, no offense, Tidus, but I personally don't think you fit the description I just gave very well at all. So, I don't see why you worry about this Yuna situation so much. I mean, I'm sure that many other girls besides Yuna have liked you in the past, right? So just do the project with her, and don't think about her old feelings."
Auron then started to leave, but then stopped and looked at me over his shoulder. "Oh, and one last thing. Whatever you do, do not fall in love with Yuna. You have no idea what kind of trouble you would be causing." Then he turned and left, leaving me speechless in the middle of the hallway.
Fall in love with her? Why would I do that?
YUNA POV
Lulu and I exited the school and started out way towards Opurson's. Today was Monday, which meant that we would be working until six thirty. When we got there, Gipple greeted us with his normal enthusiasm and Wakka with his normal grunt. I smiled at them both, then got to work.
Since it was the beginning of the week there weren't very many people out to eat, so it was fairly easy. Before I knew it, the workday had ended, and Lulu and I were free to go. But Lulu decided to stay late to help with the dishes, so I departed by myself, since I wanted to study hard for our math test tomorrow. It had always been harder for me to memorize the information for tests, and a lot easier for Lulu.
It was a beautiful evening. The leaves on the trees were starting to turn shades of orange, red, and brown, and there was a light breeze blowing some of them around, making the road to my house absolutely gorgeous. I was disappointed when I reached my house, knowing that I had to go inside to study.
When I went inside, I got myself a snack, and sat down on my couch, propping my math book open on my lap. After awhile, I could feel myself getting sleepy. I decided to take a short break. I lifted my feet up onto the couch, and rolled over onto my side. Then, I suddenly heard the television click on. I sat up and looked to see my foot sitting on the power button of the remote control. I sighed, picked it up, and was about to turn the TV off when the headline made me stop dead in my tracks.
"…This just in. A terrible tragedy has befallen Kilika Island. At approximately 6:49 PM tonight, Sin attacked the small island, killing two thirds of its inhabitants and damaging almost the entire island in a mere minute and twelve seconds."
I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening. Sin…attacked Kilika?
"No…it can't be…" I said quietly.
"…We have just received information that Summoner Isaaru is on his way to perform the sending. May Yevon be with us all tonight."
I shut the television off. I didn't want to look at it anymore. It was too horrible to bear.
But then I realized something. I had wanted to become a summoner ever since I was young. Even then I had realized…the circumstances. All I had cared about was protecting Spira, protecting its many people. This world had given so much to me, so I felt that I should give back to it.
And I had to free Spira from Sin. No matter what obstacle was thrown my way, I would have to overcome it. I couldn't let anything stand in my way. Not a thing.
Just then the phone rang, snapping me out of my trance. "Coming, coming," I sighed, getting up and running to the kitchen, picking up the phone from the hook.
"Hello, Yuna speaking."
"Hello, Yuna dear. This is Ms. Reing."
I smiled. "Hello, how are you doing?" Kalina Reing was a nice single mother who I would frequently babysit for. Her ten-year old daughter, Calli, was a real sweetheart. I adored her.
"Well, I'm alright, dear, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind babysitting Calli for me tomorrow right after you get off from school? I had an unexpected meeting come up at work, and I really can't miss it."
"Sure, Ms. Reing, no problem!" I said cheerily.
"Oh, wonderful, dear, thank you so much. I guess I will see you tomorrow then."
"Yes, tomorrow. Bye." I said, and hung up the phone. To tell the truth, I really didn't feel like babysitting that much, but I knew that I would be helping Ms. Reing very much. Plus, I knew that Calli would be happy to see me. I hadn't babysat her in quite a while, actually.
But for some reason, I was very afraid of going tomorrow. I didn't know why, but my stomach was currently doing backflips.
After a little bit of reassuring, I took a deep breath and walked back to the couch to resume my studying.
I was sure it was nothing. Nothing at all.
Well, there's the next chapter for you, after a long wait. Was it worth it? Well, I sure hope so. And, obviously, something fishy is going on with the whole babysitting thing. What is it, you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait, won't you? I have it planned out already, so I just have to put it on paper. I will desperately try not to take as long with the next chapter. DESPERATELY. Well, please review, and don't forget to answer the question I have posted at the top!
Inannalia