Chapter 16 – Trouble in Paradise
Buddy grumbled at the sphere monitor, shaking his head, "It seems no matter what I do, they're never going to stop bickering."
"Such illogic is so irritating," replied Shinra, sharing in Buddy's contempt.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," continued Buddy. "You'd think they would just get over each other."
"Or themselves for that matter."
Buddy chuckled, "Yeah, for real. At least they could stop projecting about it every stinkin' day. It's not like we don't know."
Shinra nodded. "There can't be anyone in Spira anymore who doesn't know."
"It's the talk of the town," Yuna chimed in, leaning her back against the console beside Shinra. "Or all of Spira I guess."
The door to the bridge swooshed open, and Paine entered. "What's up, guys?"
"I wish something was," complained Buddy, scoffing at the sphere monitor. "I'm tired of hearing about New Yevon and the Youth League."
Paine cracked a smile and stood against the wall, her arms folded. "I think we all do. There's nothing we can do about it."
"I'm sure Yuna would disagree," said Shinra, half-teasingly.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Paine laughed, getting an angry look from Yuna.
"Hey, hey!" shooed Buddy. "They're actually saying something important for a change."
An image of Shelinda appeared on the screen. Behind her wasn't the typical backdrop of the bustling city of Luca. She was in Besaid, with the temple behind her in the distance. A stiff breeze ruffled her clothing and hair around. A handful of villagers milled about in the background.
She held up a microphone to her mouth. "This breaking news just in. It seems there have been a large number of fiends in Besaid. Sources tell us that these fiends have been emanating from the local temple."
On cue, in the distance came two dog-like fiends from the temple. They growled at some villagers who rushed for cover. Three shots rang out, and the fiends keeled over dead.
"As you've just witnessed, these fiends have been ravaging the village for the last two days. The Youth League has dispatched some personnel to aid in the fighting. Their leader, Beclem, is here with us for an exclusive interview."
A tall man, dressed in a red tunic with a tailored purple jacket came onto the screen. Everyone on the Celsius giggled at his funny-looking metal bird helmet.
"Yes, the great Youth League has dispatched me to protect the village of Besaid. We want nothing less than to exterminate this very horrid fiend dilemma," he spoke with a broad, stern voice.
More shrieks rang out from behind them, and Beclem rushed off out of view. The camera quickly swiveled over to Shelinda, who frantically tried to regain control of the narrative.
"Oh my! The fiends just keep pouring out of the temple. When will they be stopped? More on this breaking news story, after this," she reported, being cut off by some impending commercials.
Buddy turned around to Paine. "Man, that's really weird. Fiends coming out of the temple? First Kilika, and now Besaid."
"Doesn't something sound a little wrong with that?" remarked Paine, brushing a hand through her silvery hair.
"Well, it certainly isn't good," chuckled Shinra, his head perched over the back of his chair.
A beeping sound flickered from Buddy's console. He quickly sped over to it, answering a sphere call. The transmission was fuzzy at first, then became more clear.
"Hello? Am I comin' in alright?" asked a bumbling voice.
Buddy grinned. "Yo Wakka! Yeah, I can hear you fine now."
"Whew! I'm glad I got this here thing working, brudda," he sighed in relief. "There's a big problem going down in Besaid."
"Yeah, we just heard about it over the sphere network. What's this about fiends pouring out of the temple?"
Wakka explained, "I dunno, it started just a couple of days ago. I got up early in the morning, and I noticed a fiend roaming around the temple. I stopped it no problem, but then, three more came out of the temple's entrance."
"Man, that's crazy," Buddy proclaimed in surprise. "I even hear that the Youth League is in on this situation."
A loud scoff blasted from the speaker. "Oh man, don't get me started on that jerk, Beclem!"
"I take it you're not a big fan of his," Buddy snickered.
"He thinks just because he's from the Youth League, that he can take charge anytime he wants. Who needs them politickin' in Besaid, ya?"
"Is there anything we can do?" questioned Paine, who had just walked over to Buddy's console.
"Wow, you want to lend your support to someone?" he gasped.
"Quit the sarcasm," she grumbled. "Besides, I might as well ask for Yuna, because we all know she'll want to help as soon as she hears about this."
Both Buddy and Wakka belted out laughs in tandem, each realizing the truth in Paine's words. Crossing her eyebrows, Yuna stomped over to Buddy and Paine. She gave Paine a playful shove to move her out of the way.
"Don't listen to Paine. Of course, we'd all want to help," Yuna proclaimed.
"Why don't we get everyone up here before we go making any decisions," Buddy suggested.
Shinra called for Brother and Rikku to come up to the bridge. Brother fumbled in first, still chewing a mouth full of food. Rikku arrived shortly behind him, a bowl of food still in her hand.
"What's going on everyone?" Brother asked, spitting out little bits of chewed food.
Rikku leaned forward and pointed a finger towards Shinra. "Yeah, what's up? It better be good for interrupting my lunch."
"Hey, that's some harsh talk comin' from a ditsy Al Bhed girl like yourself, eh," teased Wakka over the CommSphere.
Rikku ran over to the speaker, gazing at it wildly. "Huh? Is that you, Wakka?"
"It sure is, Rikku. Ya know, I'm kinda glad to be hearing your voices again. It sure has been a while."
"I guess it has. Sorry for not staying in touch better," apologized Yuna.
"Ah, don't worry about it. You got better things to do than to fret over us," Wakka replied.
"Ahem—" interrupted Buddy. "Let's not get off track. Wakka called us up because Besaid is having a fiend problem."
"What's wrong Wakka? Getting too fat and lazy to handle a couple of fiends?" Rikku teased, smiling idiotically at the sphere.
"Hey! That's not it at all. This is serious, ya? We got fiends running out of the temple left and right."
"Out of the temple?" burst Yuna in bewilderment. "I don't understand. How's that possible?"
Buddy shrugged. "We saw it from the sphere network. There has been a whole slew of fiends coming out of the temple the past few days, just like in Kilika."
"That's right," continued Wakka. "A whole bunch of them. The Aurochs and I were fighting them off for a while, but it just seems to be getting worse and worse. Then those lousy Youth Leaguers started sticking their noses into it."
"We should go and help," stated Yuna bluntly.
"See," Paine grinned, jabbing Buddy in the side. "I told you she would say that."
"Ugh, yeah. We figured that would be the situation. For a small fee, we'd be more than happy to be of assistance."
"Hey, what do you mean a small fee?" blurted Wakka.
Brother sneered at him. "We're sphere hunters, everything has a cost. Now, we're just the, um, Friendly Neighboring Gullwings!"
"That's a good one!" cheered Rikku, thrusting her arm into the air.
"Okay then, it's decided. Hang tight Wakka, as the Friendly Neighboring Gullwings will be assisting you soon!" exclaimed an over-exuberant Brother, flapping his arms around like a bird.
"Friendly Neighboring Gullwings?" shuttered Paine. "Why do we still let him stay on this ship?"
Brother scoffed. "Because it's my ship!"
Buddy jumped into his seat and set an immediate course for Besaid Island. They were already flying near the vicinity of Besaid, so the journey would only take a short time. It approached dusk when the Gullwings touched down on the beach. Wakka stood, hands firmly against his hips, waiting for their arrival. He jogged over to greet them.
"How ya doing there potbelly!" yelled Rikku to him.
"Now is that any way to treat an elder?" he clamored back, laughing.
Yuna walked right up to him, immediately throwing her arms around him. It had been quite a while since she'd seen him last. Although not sharing Rikku's teasing sentiment, she had to agree that Wakka had put on a pound or two. The fresh, salty air of Besaid filled her lungs. Yuna had forgotten had comfortable the sandy beaches and gently swaying palm trees made her feel. This truly was her home.
"The village is pretty quiet now. Fiends don't seem to come out as much after dark. At least we get some peace and quiet," explained Wakka, leading the Gullwings back to Besaid Village.
"That's good. It also gives us some time to figure out what's going on here," said Paine.
"Mmm, but first, you'll come and eat. Plus, we need to figure out where you'll be sleeping." Wakka shrugged.
"I guess those idiots from the Youth League are hogging all the extra room," snarled Rikku, imagining herself sleeping under a tree.
Wakka clenched his hand together in a fist. "You're telling me! All they do is come and take over. Just because they shoot a couple of fiends, they think they own the place."
"Well," laughed Yuna lightly. "Now that we're here, I hope we can solve your problem."
"That's what I like to hear. But first, Lu will want to see you. She's missed you a lot." Wakka smiled.
Rikku bounced up next to Wakka. "Oh yeah, shouldn't Lulu be having the baby soon?"
"Yeah, that's right. I guess it's coming any day now."
"Wow, no kidding. Are you sure you're ready to be a father, tubby?"
Wakka flicked Rikku in the ear. "Hey now, I may not be in top shape, but that's got nothing to do with being a good father. Still, I'm nervous about it. What if I'm no good?"
"I guess it is a big responsibility, but I know you'll be a wonderful father," stated Yuna, twinkling her pearly smile at Wakka.
"Thanks, Yuna. But it still doesn't make me feel any better about it."
Reaching the crest of the large hill before the village, the Gullwings were finally able to see the small, yet serene place where Yuna had grown up and become a summoner. Yuna smiled, gazing at the small hovels she adored so deeply. Just as she described, it was cozy and tranquil. A few villagers approached the group, instantly recognizing Yuna from the rest of the Gullwings. She waved cheerfully to them, as it had been some time since she visited last. Inhaling deeply, she filled her lungs with the sweet, tropical air of the island. Aside from the recent fiend outbreak, all seemed to be calm there.
Nightfall began to shade over them. A flurry of colors spanned the sky—a colorful canvas painted with yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, and blues. The sun hovered over the distance of the ocean, getting ready to bid the world goodnight. Only a handful of fluffy, gray clouds drifted across the sky. A gentle breeze continued to caress her skin.
From one of the small hovels emerged Lulu, carefully journeying out to greet the Gullwings. Both Yuna and Rikku hugged her in parallel. Rikku rubbed her hand across Lulu's bulging belly, getting it smacked away in the process. She flashed her typical goofy grin, making Yuna giggle. Lulu shook her head, commenting that some things never changed.
"It seems you girls have been having quite the fun little adventure," she stated, eying Yuna up approvingly.
Yuna nodded in response. "Well, it hasn't all been fun, but it's all certainly been exciting."
"I'm glad to hear. I've been worrying about you."
"There's no need to do that," replied Yuna. "You have enough on your plate to handle, or should I say in your stomach."
Lulu smirked. "I suppose you're right. There's still some time before this little child comes out, though."
Rikku scratched her head in confusion. "Huh? But Wakka said you were gonna give birth any day now."
Lulu glimmered a smile while shaking her head. 'Wakka is just a little excited, that's all. He's still not sure what to make of being a father yet."
"Oh, I'm sure he'll do alright, or he'll have a nervous breakdown," joked Rikku, poking Lulu in the belly again.
"Don't be so hard on him," Lulu scolded, swatting Rikku's hand once more. "He'll be just fine. Now then, let's go get you something to eat."
"Yippee!" shouted Rikku in joy, followed by a sharp rumble from her tummy.
In the center of the village, burned a large, crackling fire. Many of the villagers surrounded it, preparing a large number of delicious foods. The Aurochs were carving up meat left and right. An elderly villager stirred a pot of stew. A trio of children sliced up vegetables. The girls were humbled by the sight, not to mention the smell. Buddy and Shinra looked at each other, their tongues practically hanging out of their mouths. Least of all, Brother trampled over like a starving animal, ready to strike the first rack of meat he could paw over. Without notice, a tall man in a bird helmet slipped in front of him.
"Hey mister, I was here first!" growled Brother.
The man scoured back, "Hmph! Warriors eat first, freaks eat second."
A dark fire sparked in Brother's eyes. "Fryd tet oui zicd cyo! Lusa rana oui pent-vylat cuh uv y—"
"Hey, back off, Beclem!" bellowed Wakka, shoving Beclem backward.
"Big words for a second-rate blitzball player," cackled Beclem, who was about to stand down.
Now it was Wakka who became infuriated. "Excuse me! You wanna fight? I'll beat you into the ground!"
"As if you had the strength," he snarled. "You're not half the man your brother was."
Both he and Wakka were suddenly jarred by a deafening gunshot. The hunk of meat Beclem held on his plate splintered into chunks flying all over his face. He wiped off his helmet and glared over to see Yuna pointing her pistol directly at him. Her facial expressed all that needed to be understood.
"I don't know who you are, or what your problem is, but I will not have you stand there and insult my friends!" she yelled, peering hellishly at him.
For a moment, he stood frozen, still startled by the abrupt disintegration of his dinner. He scoffed and stammered away to the building the Youth League soldiers bunked at.
"Wo-ho Yuna! I'd never expect you to do something like that!" stated Wakka, his eyes wide.
"Sorry about the mess," she whimpered apologetically.
Wakka shook his head and replied with approval, "Forget it! With brass like that, nothing in Spira better get in your way."
Lulu shook her head, covering her face with the palm of her hand; however, the Gullwings crew certainly agreed with Wakka. Seeing Yuna taking names made Rikku happy. She always enjoyed a crazy-angry Yunie.
"Hey, there just might be hope for you yet, Yuna," commented Paine, patting Yuna on the back.
Her face turned flush, embarrassed by her sudden outburst. Her aggressive moment was something more akin for Paine and Rikku to do. Perhaps she had changed, if just a little, then when she last set foot in Besaid.
Beyond the incident, the rest of the dinner went without a flaw. The girls enjoyed the rich and delicious food cooked by the villagers. Buddy and Brother told stories of the days when they salvaged old machina parts in the desert of Bikanel. Shinra attempted to explain the advantage of pre-calculating shot trajectories to the Aurochs, although they hadn't a clue as to what he was talking about.
With night upon them, the villagers parted ways. Rikku and Paine slumped on the floor of Wakka and Lulu's house, snuggling up in a pair of sleeping bags. Brother, Buddy, and Shinra stayed in the local shopkeeper's place.
Yuna strolled alongside Lulu, enjoying a long conversation she wished to have with Lulu for too long a time. Lulu had always been her adviser of sorts. She looked up to her as a big sister, even now. Lulu delighted in talking with Yuna more than she would ever let onto. The cool, night air drifted freely across Yuna's face. Stars twinkled in the clear sky. The bluish tint cast over the land shrouded the village from sight. This gave Yuna a calming sense of privacy. There was much on her mind she had been dying to discuss with somebody.
"How has your adventure been going so far?" asked Lulu, conveying the obvious question.
"Good, I suppose," replied Yuna concisely, not sure how to answer her.
Lulu put her hand on Yuna's shoulder. "You don't seem too sure of yourself."
"It's not that I'm not happy," sighed Yuna, gazing at the ground. "It's just that I'm getting anxious."
"That's understandable. You want the chance to see Tidus again. Anyone would feel the same way in your shoes."
"I know. But, I also see the problems that are building up all over Spira. That's kind of been bothering me, too," spoke Yuna in a softer voice.
Lulu sat down on a large rock. The sound of the waterfall echoed in the background. She looked intently at Yuna, pausing to collect her thoughts.
"Yuna, you have to let go of worrying about the problems of others. I understand you like to help people, and I know it makes you feel good. Just don't lose sight of your own goals."
With a deep sigh, Yuna nodded. "Sometimes, I just can't help myself. I worked so hard, and sacrificed so much, to save Spira. I can't let it all go to waste."
Lulu rubbed her fingers against her cheek. "You gave Spira a miraculous gift by defeating Sin. Now it's up to everyone in Spira to make use of your gift."
Folding her arms tightly against her chest, Yuna gazed up at the sky. "You're right. Maybe that's not all I'm fretting over."
"Is something else bothering you?"
Yuna frowned. "I'm not sure if this whole adventure is going to solve anything for me."
Lulu's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Yuna paused a moment to blow out a long sigh. "Well, I have no idea if I can get Tidus back or not. In reality, I have no more idea now than when I started. There's no path, no destination. It's like I'm running around in circles. The only thing I uncover is the frailty of the Eternal Calm I helped create."
"I see your point," agreed Lulu apprehensively. "As you found out earlier, there's a lot of tension between many factions in Spira. Most notably the Youth League and New Yevon."
"Right," Yuna said sharply, "It's getting worse by the day."
Lulu frowned slightly. "My suggestion is to just keep doing what you're doing. Always remember what's most important to you. You left Besaid to find Tidus. Therefore, getting him back into your arms should be your number one priority."
"If that's even possible, and I don't have an answer for that. Which is why I'm so uncertain. It bothers me every single day. Each time we find a sphere that isn't the key to him, I lose a little bit of hope."
Lulu sighed, feeling the anxiety exuding from her words. "I don't need to tell you this, but nothing in life worth chasing after is easy or certain. Remember how much doubt we all had when you started your pilgrimage? The only thing you can do is treasure whatever hope you have and hold on to it tightly."
"Yes, but—"
"No buts! Stand firm with your desires," interrupted Lulu. "Help others along the way if you can, but don't become overwhelmed by aiding all of Spira. You've already saved Spira once. Doing it again is far too much to ask for. Spira may just have to save itself."
Yuna relaxed and put her arms behind her back. "You're right, Lulu. As tough as that is, it's what I have to do. From everybody I've met on this little escapade, I've certainly had a lot of fun. Once I can get over my self-doubt, I'll be stronger."
Lulu looked at Yuna with favor. "I believe you're already well on your way to that. It seems without me around, you've begun to spread your wings."
Yuna chuckled at Lulu's peculiar metaphor. She treasured the great truth she found in Lulu's words. As always, talking to Lulu gave her much comfort. Yuna smiled, and then yawned, stretching her arms out into the air. Lulu laughed and suggested they'd better get back, or else Yuna might end up passing out in the middle of the wilderness. Patting Yuna on the head, Lulu smiled to herself.
Yuna entered Lulu's hovel and laid down next to Paine and Rikku. The faint sounds of Wakka's snoring made her laugh inwardly. Closing her eyes, she reflected upon what Lulu had told her. Becoming stronger, believing in herself, focusing on her desires—perhaps she had a longer journey to change herself than she realized. Then again, she didn't want to lose who she was either. An uncertain future still hung over her, prodding at her in her dreams. All she knew, was that she would reunite with her love one day. With his face in her mind, she lulled off to a peaceful slumber. She had fiends to bust tomorrow.