FFX3.5

Summary:

After Tidus and Yuna get married they go live in the Celsius, they form a new sphere hunter team composed off: Rikku, Paine, Yuna, Tidus, Garik Ronso and Beclem. ShinRa joins Rin to found the "Energy Faction" where members will research ways to use the Farplane energy. The Gullwings II team plays blitzball in place of the Besaid Aurochs who are taking a year off. Later the Gullwings decide to look for Trema, the first leader of New Yevon, who disappeared mysteriously two years ago with a large cache of old spheres from Spira's past.

--- Year 2 AG, 2 weeks after FFX 2 ending – A new Gullwings II team is formed

After their wedding Yuna and Tidus retired to the Youth League lodge tent, which had been graciously vacated by the Aurochs for the bride and groom... They awoke late the next morning and after a healthy breakfast Yuna went to gossip and to show Lulu, Paine and Rikku her wedding gifts, while Tidus and Wakka went to the beach to play some blitzball with the Aurochs and some other players from Tidus time at the Blitzball League. That was Wakka's surprise for Tidus, he had invited Zazi Guado, Biggs, Nimrook and Irga Ronso for a blitz game, and the Aurochs had invited Beclem, the Youth League drill sergeant who had just spent months barking at them putting into shape to be Youth League soldiers. To everyone's surprise Beclem was recognized immediately by Nimrook and Biggs.

- "Hey what is Kyou doing here ? I thought he was retired. " asked Biggs to the Aurochs

- "Kyou ? His name is Beclem, he is the Youth League Master Sergeant assigned to protect Besaid" answered Keepa

- "No, no, that is Kyou without a doubt. I caught enough of his shots to recognize his double spin goal shot anywhere." said the goalie Nimrook pointing at Beclem who was practicing the shot that had awed the Aurochs a month ago.

- "Huh ? That is strange… Let's go ask him!" said Keepa

It turned out that Biggs and Nimrook were correct: Beclem was none other than Kyou, a free agent that had played only half of the blitz season two years ago, before having to retire due to serious injuries. A sheepish Beclem told them he had been at Operation Mi'hem when Sin attacked and had his leg broken in 3 places, ending his short blitz career without even completing a full season. Beclem had been embarrassed at such short career and like many others in Spira he had decided to reinvent himself after Sin's demise brought the Eternal Calm. He even had adopted a new name to shed all his past away.

- "But I guess I should get back to being Kyou, the failed blitz player, now that you have revealed my past" Beclem said sadly, resigned to being the butt of all blitzball jokes yet again.

- "Not by my account! In my book anyone has the right to start over, specially you who got injured through no fault of your own" said Tidus

- "The same goes for me! You are still Sergeant Beclem to me" said Wakka

- "Aye!" said the Aurochs and the other blitz players

- "Well, thanks… How about some blitz playing now ?" said Beclem relieved and eager to change the subject

Beclem was surprised at their acceptance of his wish to reinvent himself. He had been resigned to having failed to make friends at Besaid but now he wondered if he did fail. After all, they had invited him for Tidus surprise game, and now had accepted him in spite of his new name and short blitz career. Beclem suddenly realized that the Aurochs had seen through his "tough drill sergeant" ruse and had considered him a friend. He asked Datto about it and Datto told him that they all had respected his tough but fair ways and liked his dedication to keeping their home safe. Why wouldn't they befriend someone who fought so hard to protect their beloved island ? asked Datto.

With 7 Aurochs on hand Wakka had to join the newcomers so that Tidus could take his old place at the Aurochs for a 6-6 game in the crystal clear waters of Besaid's bay. Yuna, Lulu, Vidina and the girls were sitting on the top of the hill having a picnic and cheering for their friends. Tidus was a bit out of shape after his 2 year long hibernation so he had trouble making his Jecht shot on the first half and the score stayed tied zero-zero. In the second half Tidus managed to score 2 goals with it, after being goaded into trying again by Kyou / Beclem's one-zero score on the Aurochs with his highly athletic double spin goal shot that resembled Tidus infamous Jecht shot. The game ended two-one for the Aurochs and Tidus.

After the game and a hearty supper Tidus and Yuna left on the Celsius. Buddy dropped the couple at Macalania where Yuna and Tidus wanted to start their honeymoon.

--- Year 2 AG, 1 month after FFX 2 – At the Celsius, 2 new openings on the Gullwings team appear

When Yuna and Tidus came back from their honeymoon Yuna mentioned to the girls that Kimahri had just asked her and Tidus if they could take Garik, the hot headed young Ronso under their wing. Kimahri felt an adventure filled trip around Spira would be the perfect answer to cure Garik's heartache and loss at the fact that so few Ronso remained. The girls agreed to it immediately as they were very fond of Kimahri and liked the young Ronso too. By joining the Gullwings Garik would see and learn about other people in Spira and that would take his mind off the past. And after defeating him in battle to stop him from starting a war against the Guado the girls knew the large, bulky Ronso was a fierce warrior and an excellent addition to the Gullwings.

- "Perfect idea Yuna! It will be great to have a Ronso on our team again, they are so strong and calm!" said Rikku

- "Yep, that is what I thought when Kimahri suggested we take him on the Celsius" said Yuna

- "Ohh! That gives me a great idea! Why don't we add two more members to our team and make it the same we had on your pilgrimage Yunie ?" asked Rikku

Yuna and Tidus were very excited at the idea as it reminded them of Yuna's pilgrimage team: 7 members – Sir Auron, Yuna and Tidus, Lulu and Wakka, Rikku and Kimahri Ronso. But who to invite ? Rikku wanted to invite Gippal and Baralai but they were both busy with their own teams: the Al Bhed Machina faction and the New Yevon league. The same was true for Paine's favorite: Nooj the leader of the Youth League was pretty tied up too. The girls had just seen how confused the groups had gotten without their leaders and were not eager to see it again. Wakka and Lulu could not travel and battle with a newborn. Donna and Bartello had disappeared after their very public reunion at Kilika. Who else was good at battles and was available ?

- "I think we should stick to a team of 6, since it will be hard enough to find one additional member. Besides, we will never find a good enough substitute for Sir Auron." said Yuna

- "You have a point there. All that agree with a team of 6 say aye." said Paine and was answered by a chorus of "aye" from all present.

- "One more it is then. But who ?" asked Paine

- "How about Isaaru ? He is pretty good in battle, he almost made it into High Summoner. " asked Tidus, remembering their battles with the High Summoner candidate.

- "Nah.. He and his brothers are pretty busy protecting Bevelle." said Rikku

- "Can't his brothers stay at Bevelle under this new guy Baralai ?" asked Tidus

- "That would be bad. Isaaru was pretty lost after he found out there was no more Sin and he had a big fight with his brothers right after it. They reconciled just recently. I would hate to be the one to separate them" said Yuna

- "Oh riiight! You told me about his and Cid's misguided attempts to pay homage to Zanarkand by making it a tourist trap. I had forgotten that! Rikku, your dad is a number!" said Tidus laughing

- "Tell me about it! Just before you came back he wanted to force me Yuna and Paine to sit quietly at home having babies and waiting hand and foot for their husbands like the ladies did 200 years ago!" said Rikku with a face

- "What's so wrong about waiting hand and foot for a husb.." said Tidus teasing and got a mock slap from Yuna on his arm before hoe finished

- "Ouch! Hey! That is not how a proper lady treats her husband, Yuna! Do I have to call Cid here to give you a pep talk ?" asked Tidus laughing

- "Do that and I'll find Auron on the Farplane and make him give you one of his sermons" answered Yuna

- "Oh well, let's keep on thinking on our way to Mushroom Rock" said Tidus retreating

--- Year 2 AG, 1 month after FFX 2 – Youth League asks a favor

The Celsius landed on the bottom of Mushroom Rock the trail, where a quiet and sulky Sergeant Beclem waited and took them to their meeting with Meivn Nooj, the Youth League leader.

- "Thank you for coming. I called you here to discuss sphere hunting" Nooj said

- "As you are well aware, sphere hunting and the clues the old spheres give about Spira's hidden past have always been a concern of mine and of the League" he continued

- "Now that old spheres found by sphere hunters have warned us about Vegnagun and have helped us pinpoint it's location and the identity of it's pilot this concern has grown even more pressing."

- " I am sure that you agree with me that finding old spheres is vital to Spira's safety. After Sin / Yevon and Vegnagun, who knows what dangers lurk in Spira's past, ready to strike us when we least expect unleashed by greedy or misguided Spirans ?" said Nooj passionately

- "We agree. But what do you need from us ?" asked Rikku

- "Since you have found the most important spheres in the past it is in the League's interest to aid you as you are bound to find others. You are the best sphere hunting team in Spira" said Nooj ignoring her

- "Skip the flattery and cut to the chase, Nooj" said Paine impatiently

- "I know I can't convince you to join my League but perhaps I can make you see the wisdom of having someone from my team join yours " said Nooj going directly to the point as directed

- "What ? " said Yuna, Rikku and Paine surprised.

- "I have heard that you are adding a new team member. I was hoping you would agree to adding a second one . One of my elite officers, who could help you not hinder you in any way" said Nooj

- "And after helping us this elite officer would contact you and tell all we have been up to, right ?" said Rikku suspicious

- "So ? Will he / she tell me something you wouldn't tell me yourself ? Surely after our joint battle with Vegnagun you know and trust my dedication to protecting Spira" said Nooj calmly.

- "Hmmm… Maybe. But we have to discuss this among ourselves. Who did you have in mind ?" asked Paine.

- "Any of my senior officers has my unconditional trust. You can chose any of them: Yaibal, Beclem, Lucille, Elma, Maroda… Even I would join you if you wished so" answered Nooj looking at Paine intensely

- "No, not you, we have had enough tension in Spira with a leaderless Youth League to last us 5 decades, thank you" said Paine firmly

- "They have been conditioned by Yevon's teachings to follow, never lead... That is a problem I am trying to fix but it will take some time before I, Gippal and Baralai can leave in long missions." said Nooj unhappily. Being tied to the HQ drowning in a mountain of bureaucratic work was not his idea of fun.

- "Very well then. We will think about it and give you an answer soon" said Yuna and the girls took their leave.

--- Year 2 AG, 1 month after FFX 2 – Remembering Operation Mi'hem, Sir Jecht's unknown heroism

On his way down the hill Beclem meditated on the people from Besaid and their famous High Summoner he had just escorted. The crusty drill sergeant had been pain in the neck to Wakka and Yuna until very recently. After Bevelle's treachery was revealed Beclem, like many, had been angry at the church of Yevon and summoners in general. But Beclem hated Yuna in particular because he had seen her laughing happily in front of all the carnage of the aftermath of Operation Mi'hem. The memory of her actions in that day infuriated him every time he remembered it. But last week he had learned something that changed his mind about Yuna.

- "It seems High Summoner Yuna chooses when and who she saves. She saved none at Mi'hem" Beclem had said angrily to Commander Lucille

- "Huh ? What are you talking about ? She saved hundreds that day!" said Lucille who had been there.

- "When ? Where ? At the beach none were saved!" said Beclem

- "That was because she could not have stopped Sin at that time. No one could! Not without the final Aeon or the Airship cannons that got fixed only much later" answered Lucille

- "And she did save many who were on the Operation HQ at the top of Mushroom Rock, including myself!" continued Lucille

- "She may have saved some in the headquarters, but her behaviour was still shameful that day. I saw the High Summoner giggling like a schoolgirl while walking among the corpses of my squad!" Beclem answered darkly.

- "She did that under orders from the Maester" said Lucille

- "Huh ? How is that ?" asked Beclem puzzled

Commander Lucille proceeded to tell Beclem that she had personally witnessed Yuna and her team battling a large Sin Spawn monster, saving countless lives on top of Mushroom Rock and she had also seen how Yuna had being ordered to smile by Seymour, to avoid letting despair settle in on the survivors. A High Summoner had to always smile and look confident Lucille had heard Seymour tell Yuna and Lucille told it to Beclem. He was astonished. After Lucille's and Nooj's revelations Beclem was thankful that even before learning the truth he had relented a bit and toned down his insults, after seeing how Yuna, Wakka and her friends saved the Besaid temple from a Dark Aeon. Today a sheepish Beclem quietly took the High Summoner and her team directly to the observation deck to talk to Meivn Nooj, without uttering the stinging remarks he had been known to say to the Gullwings.

What Commander Lucille didn't know, as no one in Spira knew but the members of Yuna's escort during her pilgrimage, was that the key to their victory over Sin had been Jecht not Cid's airship. It was Jecht who had held the beast's fierce attacks until Yuna, Tidus and their team got inside Sin's tough outer shell, out of range from Sin's extremely powerful, city destroying cannons. No one in Spira could survive those, not even High Summoners. Summoners had barely time to summon the Final Aeon to pierce Sin's armor, before being vaporized by them. If it wasn't for the fact that Jecht had been inside Sin with a certain amount of control over the beast Yuna would have shared the fate of all the High Summoners for the past 1,000 years. No one but Yuna's team knew the place that Sir Jecht, Lord Braska's heroic famous guardian and Tidus father had been after Braska defeated Sin, and no one but her and her team learned of Jecht's much more heroic crucial role in defeating Sin forever.

--- Year 2 AG, 1 month after FFX 2 – Gullwings open trials to chose a new member

Back at the ship they discussed Nooj's request. The girls told Tidus that they did trust Nooj, and also Gippal and Baralai but they disliked the idea of taking in people every time one of them asked. Kimahri's request had been different. He had been Yuna's friend for years, Kimahri had practically raised her since she was 7. They just couldn't refuse a request from the Ronso leader. But what about Nooj's request ?

- "Well we were thinking of adding one more member to the Gullwings anyway. But it can't be Maroda, he is Isaaru's brother, we don't want to take him away from Isaaru's team at Bevelle" said Yuna

- "Lucille or Elma would be great but that would bring even more girls here" said Rikku thinking out loud

- "Who cares! Does any of them play blitzball ? Brother, Buddy and I were thinking of making a Gullwings team to compete on the league now that Garik is joining us, but we are short on one player" said Tidus

- "One of the candidates does, he is the masked bloke you met at Wakka's surprise game, the one the Aurochs invited" said Rikku with a grimace

- "Cool! Kyou.. Err.. Beclem, right ? He has a killer goal shot and he plays very well" said Tidus happily already thinking on having a killer Gullwings team for the next blitzball season

- "Yeah, but he has been kind of a jerk to Wakka and Yuna until recently" said Rikku pouting

- "Well he changed, didn't he ?" said Yuna always the forgiving High Summoner

- "But how good is he in battle ? We have recently battled Yaibal, Lucille and Elma on their League Tournament and I have to say Yaibal would need to level up a lot to keep up with us or Garik" said Paine, remembering their battle with the young Youth League Sergeant.

- "We could do some trials but from what you girls said there is just one candidate from Nooj that would work: Beclem" said Tidus, leaning towards the blitz ace.

- "If you are worried about Gippal and Baralai wanting to force their people on our team, we might as well get it all out in the open now. Why don't you ask them to send some candidates for a trial ?" piped in ShinRa

- "Great idea! Not bad for just a kid. All in favor say aye" Said Rikku excited and was answered by a chorus of "aye's".

Baralai declined their invitation saying he needed all his men to help defend Bevelle from the many fiends pouring out of the Via Infinito cloister. He also asked Maroda to be excluded, to which Yuna agreed immediately. Nooj's candidates would be 4: Yaibal, Lucille, Elma and Beclem. Gippal also sent 4 candidates: 3 men and Nhadala, the tough no nonsense Bikanel desert camp leader.

--- Year 2 AG, 2 months after FFX 2 – Gullwings Team Opening Trials

The Gullwings decided to do the trials at the hidden dungeon on the Calm Lands, away from prying eyes and a place where neither the Youth Leaguers nor the Al Bhed had the home field advantage. The dungeon was infested with tough fiends, including the fearsome and deadly Ultima weapon fiends so the Gullwings followed the candidates closely, allegedly to monitor their performance but in truth to keep the weaker candidates out of trouble. The youngest Al Bhed, Hurk was the first one to fall, followed by a hapless Elma who had the bad luck of facing 3 Ultima fiends in a row.

- "You can rest and try again, if you want. Three Ultimas would be too much for anyone" whispered Yuna to Elma

- "Oh that's OK Lady Yuna. It would be an honor to join your team but to tell you the truth I get awfully sick on airships. Nothing like riding a Chocobo with the wind in my face for me! " whispered Elma back making Yuna laugh at her mock sick face.

A heartbroken Yaibal was the next to fall, followed by Ringar, the second Al Bhed youngster. Lucille, Nhadala, Beclem and Nybi, a 19 year old Al Bhed whiz kid where the only ones able to clear the tough dungeon and moved on to the next step: The following day the 4 would battle the 3 female Gullwings and Tidus as a team, to see if they worked as well on a team as they did alone. To Tidus disappointment neither Nhadala nor Lucille played blitz and Nybi was a goalie just like Garik Ronso so he wouldn't help the Gullwings Team. Tidus decided to root for Kyou / Beclem. While the 3 girls consoled Yaibal, he went to talk to Beclem to find out why he had been so rude to Yuna and Wakka until recently.

- "Hey Sarge ? Getting ready to face us tomorrow ?" asked Tidus

- "Yes Sir" answered Beclem politely

- "Heh, call me Tidus. Everyone does. None of this Lord or Sir thing to me!" Tidus answered

- "Yes.. Tidus. You can call me Beclem too if you wish to" said Beclem

- "Now that we are on a first name basis can I ask why you pestered my friend Wakka and my Yuna so much ?" asked Tidus

- "Sir.. err.. Tidus.. " said Beclem embarrassed looking down

- "Relax man. Wakka and Yuna seem to have forgiven you so I will too. I just want to know why, that's all!" said Tidus

Beclem told Tidus about his experience at Mi'hem and about how he had learned only recently about the reasons Yuna had acted so oddly then. About Wakka, Beclem told Tidus that he "had been a Crusader, he hoped that, with Sin gone, life would change radically"(4) Indeed, with Sin gone Beclem had cast his past and his birth name aside and reinvented himself. He had been sorely disappointed at the famous guardian, who his friend Chappu had said so much about and who had helped bring the temples down. Beclem had expected Wakka to be the champion of helping Spira cast it's past submission to Yevon's church aside. Hence Beclem's altercation with Wakka on whether to burn the Besaid Temple or not were, in Beclem's view, justified: Not only he had no respect for old temples but also he was responsible for the safety of the village. "Finding out that Wakka didn't share his ideals was a tough blow" (4). Beclem also told Tidus that the sight of Wakka, a father to be, risking his neck for mere statues had made him blind with anger: Having been an orphan who had a hard life growing up in the Bevelle orphanage he could not stand the thought anyone, including Wakkas's baby, going through similar sad experiences thanks to what, in Beclem's view, amounted to silly antics to save a pile of rubble. Later he had been forced to admit that there was no need to burn the temple, when Yuna and her team easily cleaned it of all the fiends.

- "Well, I also got to admit that even I got mad at Yuna's giggling at Mi'hem. I was mad until Kimahri explained to me she was doing it under Seymour's orders" said Tidus with a grimace at the memory of the evil Maester

- "It seems I misjudged the High Summoner's motives and for that I am very sorry" said Beclem gravely

- "Yes and your blaming of Wakka for not living up to YOUR idea of him wasn't very fair also. Wakka is a terrific guy if you appreciate him for what he is, not for what he is not!" said Tidus hotly remembering how much Lulu had got in friend's case for the same reason two years ago.

- "I grant you that I may not have been fair to Wakka. But I will have to take your word for his qualities as it seems I will have little opportunity to meet him in the future. My assignment in Besaid has ended." said Beclem resigned

- "Heh ? Why do you think you are competing here today and I'm asking all this questions ? You will see a lot more of Wakka and Yuna if you join our team" Tidus answered

- "I am here under orders but I had assumed I had no chance as I was already disqualified based on my past behavior" said Beclem embarrassed.

- "Not true. Every one of the four finalists has an equal chance. Besides, Wakka and Yuna have forgiven you already and will do it even more after I tell them what you told me." Said Tidus

- "I thank you for your fairness Sir… errr.. guardian" said Beclem

- "No thanks needed. Go rest now and prepare for a thorough butt kicking tomorrow as we are fair but we will not hold back either. Ha Ha! You guys are dead meat!" said Tidus laughing defiantly

The trial battle took place in the morning, with Yuna, Tidus, Rikku and Paine winning as Tidus had predicted, but not as easily as he expected. Nhadala was extremely though to conquer with her high HP and excellent shielding, plus she healed her team non stop with her Alchemist stash. But Alchemist "Stash" spells were slow to cast so Tidus and Rikku with their auto Haste could hit twice in the time it took Nhadala to heal her party once. To the girls and Tidus surprise Beclem also had the Auto Haste skill and had some powerful blitzball attacks, while Lucille could cast some fierce black mage spells and Nybi had a powerful gunner suit and used "Trigger Happy" non stop on Yuna and Paine, trying to get them down with it's chained attacks. Luckily the young Al Bhed had no magic catnip or he would have succeeded in taking Yuna and Paine out of the battle. But without catnip even his chained attacks and Beclem's fast counter attacks were no match for Yuna's White Mage healing and Paine's Dark Knight shielding. The 4 candidates fought surprisingly well but lost the battle after Paine used a few Darkness spells and a Black Sky as the coup de grace. After Elma's refusal Paine wanted the remaining candidates to know why the Gullwings were considered the best battle team in Spira and why it was an honor to have the opportunity to join them.

- "Drunuikmo pidd gelgat po 3 kenmc! Fryd femm Gippal drehg ?" said Nybi in Al Bhed after the battle, worried at Gippal's reaction at his defeat at the hands of "3 girls"

- "Ra lyh'd cyo y drehk yc fa "kenmc" ryja zicd gelgat rec ufh puudea mycd suhdr!" answered Rikku telling Nybi of their victory over Gippal himself at the Den of Woe just a month ago.

- "Ouch! That "Meteor" spell you cast on us was something!" said Lucille, still sore at her cuts and burns from the flaming rocks which pelted her after Paine's "Black Sky" spell

- "Here, let me heal you" said Yuna worried, always the healer who hated to see someone in pain

- "Never mind. I'm better already. I should have expected it after the trouncing you girls gave me last month at the Youth League tournament" said Lucille grimacing

- "Yeah, I was crazy to think we could win after witnessing you 3 battle an Angra Mainyu and win last month!" said Nhadala frustrated

- "What about you Beclem ? You don't seem to be complaining much about your wounds and defeat" asked Paine curious

- "Win some, lose some. That's life... You guys fought better this time but as long as I'm still here I will get you Gullwings eventually" the drill sergeant said smiling while he dressed his wounds.

The girls thought that it was odd how the usually moody Beclem seemed to be the only one who was taking the defeat in stride so they asked Commander Lucille about it. Lucille told them that Beclem was the most cool headed and skilled warrior in the League but his relaxed behavior on the battle field, which the girls had just witnessed, didn't accompany him when away from the gym. His sulky attitude had kept him a Master Sergeant both in the Youth League and the Crusaders while many others got promoted ahead of him, in spite of his bravery at many real battles and his excellence at tournaments.

- "Well, I for one like his upbeat attitude. Thinking you can do something is half the battle to succeed at it" said Tidus who was also someone who tried to never let a defeat or low odds put him down

- "But his insulting of Yuna and Wakka gets on my nerves" said Paine

- "Oh that ? I talked with the guy yesterday. It seems that somehow he got convinced that Yuna was laughing at his dead comrades at Mi'hem" said Tidus

- "But I told him I was there and saw Seymour order Yuna to smile on that day. You should have had no more trouble from him!" said Lucille puzzled

- "We didn't, not after you set him straight 2 weeks ago" said Tidus

- "Seymour ordered Yuna to smile in front of all that carnage ? How awful!" said Paine

- "Oh yeah! High Summoners and their guardians were supposed to be always upbeat and to never let on how dire and hopeless the situation felt. They were supposed to be Spira's "hope" and smile in spite of all they faced and watched. Didn't you know that ?" asked Tidus

- "I didn't. I guess it worked very well then. I never realized that Summoners might have doubts and fears like the rest of us. I guess that was naive and foolish of me" said Paine

- "Well, you were not the only one to have superhuman expectations for Summoners, I can tell you that! Even today some folks think they can demand whatever they want of Yuna, after all she has done for Spira!" said Rikku angrily. People's habit of abusing Yuna's goodwill was her pet peeve.

At lunch the Celsius crew and the team started discussing the finalists. Nhadala was pretty good, but Rikku was an even stronger Alchemist than her, plus all 3 of the girls were also skilled in Al Bhed weapons and gunner / Trigger Happy battle techniques so both Nhadala and Nybi would be redundant in their team. Lucille's black mage skills were also outmatched by Paine and Yuna. That left Beclem's blitzball attacks, attacks which reminded them of Wakka's fighting style, a skill set that was very handy against flying monsters and that they didn't have yet on the Gullwings.

- "He is a good compliment to our team styles, he plays good blitzball and I like his self confidence. Why not chose him ?" asked Tidus

- "I vote yes. Perhaps we can help him shed the demons of his past just as we are going to try to help Garik" said Yuna who agreed with Tidus and also pitied the drill sergeant

- "I guess… My favorite is Nhadala but you two have a point, she may be redundant with Rikku on our team" said Paine

- "Nah.. Nhadala is to old! Why not Lucille, she is so hot with that red hair of hers.." said Brother wistfully

- "Shut up pervert! We are choosing a warrior not eye candy for you." Said Rikku hitting him with her bread roll

- "Heh ? Oh alright, I vote for the blitz ace then. Beclem and Tidus will be sweet in the attack of our Gullwings team!" said Brother nabbing Rikku's bread and eating it.

- "You stole my bread you big meanie!" said Rikku outraged

- "Barkeep, can you get more bread for my whiny little sister before she cries ?" said Brother laughing at Rikku and yelped as Rikku threw the salt shaker at him

- "Manners kids! We still have to decide. Who do you vote for Rikku ?" asked Paine

- "Hmm.. Not Lucille or Nhadala otherwise I will have too much trouble keeping this brother of mine in line. Nybi or Beclem then" said Rikku

- "Nybi is a bit too wet behind the ears for my taste. And he is also a dupe of your gunner skills. You girls outclass him seriously at Trigger Happy. Besides, isn't the blitzball guy also a master at gun combat ? He was the one who kept the Gunner's Gauntlet high score record at Besaid, wasn't him ?" asked Buddy

- "Yeah, until we wiped the floor with his record" said Rikku smugly

- "But Wakka told me he didn't rest until he beat our record. He holds the high score now" said Yuna

- "He does ? Interesting. I like having people who never give up in my team. I guess I can live with his cocky attitude if he leaves Yuna in peace. I vote Beclem too." said Paine

- "Well, until Rikku decides between him or Nybi it seems we have 4 and a half votes for the blitz guy. It seems to me he wins in spite of Rikku's doubts" said Tidus teasing Rikku

The Gullwings finished their lunch and went to the Celsius Deck tell the news to the finalists. Nybi was as expected very disappointed but to their surprise Lucille and Nhadala were not sad but relieved at the news that they were not chosen. Lucille and Nhadala confessed to Yuna that they had been very busy at a job they loved and had agreed to the trials because of their respect for the Gullwings and for the honor it was to be invited. But both women were very ambivalent at the prospect of leaving their job unfinished, at the Bikanel camp for Nhadala and at the Youth League training task force for Lucille. So their defeat was not sad and devastating as it had been for Yaibal or Nybi.

- "Relax kid. I told you Gippal himself had his butt kicked by me Yunie and Paine. He can't complain about you, you lasted more rounds then he did!" said Rikku from the top of her 17 year old experience calling the 19 year old a "kid".

- "Yes and as a finalist you can always join us in some missions in the future, cant he ?" said Yuna trying to soften the blow for the sad Al Bhed technician

- "Sure! And join us at blitzball practice. I will ask Gippal myself!" said Brother

- "No need Sir, I'll be fine" said a proud, less sad Nybi and asked to be excused to go back to his post at Djose Temple.

- "Sure, see you later Sir Nybi" said Brother and asked Buddy to drop the lad there.

Still at the deck, Beclem was astounded. He had never once been that lucky in his life. He was the one they chose ? How ? He was very happy he had won the honor but he was also very surprised that he got it. He knew he had done good at the trials but he had done good a trials and battles countless times in his life before! And before, in spite of excelling at combat his rewards for it never amounted to much. Always his so called "bad attitude" got in his way. Something always seemed to set his hot temper on fire and he blurted out words that got him on trouble.

After years stuck as sergeant at the crusaders he had tried changing careers to blitzball but in spite of his skill and efforts Sin had ended that career in less than 2 months. Would this new chance last longer ? Immersed in his thoughts Beclem took the ship's lift and joined the Gullwings at the Cabin for a commemorative dinner for the trial participants. Yaibal greeted him at the lift door enthusiastically

- "So you will get to travel in this awesome ship and fight side by side with Lady Yuna? You are a lucky dog !" said Yaibal

- "Huh... It seems this way... I guess all my bad luck all in the past had to be balanced by some exceptionally good luck eventually" said Beclem embarrassed still finding hard to believe on his victory.

- "Heh, just teasing man! You earned it , you fought very good. Luck had nothing to do with it." said Yaibal proud of having a Youth Leaguer, a friend of his, wining the trial

- "Whatever you say Yaibal"said Beclem still a bit dazed

- "Would you get a hold of yourself ? You have always been the best fighter on the league man. It's about time you got some recognition!" said Yaibal

- "Yes, but how long will this recognition last ? I know I'm bound to say something wrong sooner or later... I always do, don't I ?" said Beclem smiling sadly

- "Well, you can change, can't you ? I recommend keep your bad opinion of Lady Yuna to yourself, for starters..." said Yaibal

- "Oh, that ? That was a mistake. Commander Lucille told me how Maester Seymour Guado was to blame for what I saw at Mi'hem. I was very surprised that they still considered me for the team after all I said to Lady Yuna and Sir Wakka but Sir Tidus said that both of them forgave me" said Beclem

- "Yes we did. Water under the bridge. And so is this Sir and Lady business. Call me Yuna. You too Yaibal" answered Yuna appearing behind them coming out of the lift.

- "Lady.. Er.. Yuna, it has been an honor to try out for your team" said Yaibal happy that his cherished High Summoner was letting him call her by her first name.

They joined the other guests in the Cabin where barkeep and his "fianshee" had whipped up a feast and had a very fun dinner, where Yuna, Paine and Rikku treated them all by telling the details of their battle with Vegnagun, Shuyin and the Nooj and Gippal shadows that the girls had fought in the Den of Woe.

--- Year 2 AG, 3 months after FFX 2 – At the Celsius, 3 new additions to the Gullwings, a new Blitzball team appears in Spira

After Garik and Beclem put their affairs in order and packed they joined Yuna, Tidus, Rikku and Paine at the Celsius for a training excursion in the hidden dungeons of Spira: At Bikanel, at Mi'hem, at the Calm lands and at Bevelle's Via Infinito first 40 floors. While they were busy at the dungeons ShinRa constructed a challenging Tower to help the Gullwings team hone their battle skills. He called it hi "Last Mission" with the Gullwings since ShinRa now wished to dedicate himself to the research of Spira's energy source found in the Farplane. To do that ShinRa joined Rin to lead a newly founded "Energy Faction" where members would research ways to use the limitless Farplane energy to power machina that could benefit Spira and make it's citizens life easier and more comfortable. The people in Spira deserved it, after a millennia of back breaking manual work and carnage they had just endured at the hands of Sin and the Yevon church.

When the team got back they went to rest and relax in Besaid and got surprised by ShinRa's new Tower of Trials. After a week of loafing around on the gorgeous Besaid Beach everyone on the new Gullwings team was excited to try the challenges there. They decide to enter themselves as "Gullwings II battle Team" in ShinRa's challenges and the name stuck. The 6 person team would be known as Gullwings II from then on.

Brother and Tidus sign up the Gullwings for the blitzball tournaments and the Spira League. The team starts training in the crystal clear waters of Besaid. Pretty soon the team's skills are well known: Both Tidus and Beclem are very strong on tackles, fast swimmers and excellent scorers. Paine is also very fast and a good scorer but she is weaker on tackles. Brother, Garik and Buddy are impenetrable walls on defense and Brother can score, but not as good as Tidus and Beclem. Rikku and Yuna are weaker at tackles but can swim reasonably fast and are very good at receiving or issuing passes. Garik is the only good goalie of the lot. They decide to challenge the Aurochs for a match.

Tidus decides to start with caution on a 2 - 3 - 3 formation: Tidus and Beclem on the attack, Buddy, Paine, and Brother in mid field and Rikku and Yuna on defense, with Garik Ronso on the goal. This way they have a strong attack but a good defense also, with Paine, Rikku and Yuna being reinforced by two very strong defenders, while their goal is kept safe by Garik.

The Besaid Aurochs had been lagging on their training and the Gullwings victory is swift: 4 to zero with 3 goals from Tidus and one from Paine. After that sad performance Wakka asks the Aurochs if they want to retire or at least to take a break from the blitz league and gets met by an enthusiastic "yes" from all Aurochs. After 4 years of leading the league they are all exhausted and want some free time to enjoy the Eternal Calm. Wakka looks for Tidus and Yuna at their practice in the beach

- "Hey Tidus, Yuna ? I have a favor to ask.." says a sheepish Wakka to the couple

- "You want me to play on your team again Wakka ?" said Tidus remembering his first meeting with the Aurochs Captain

- "Huh.. It's a little more complicated than that. It seems Besaid has no team in the moment.." said Wakka

- "No team for Besaid ! That can't be Wakka!" said Yuna shocked

- " Well, the Aurochs have been training hard and playing well for the last 4 years without taking any time off to enjoy the Eternal Calm. They have asked for a year off and I don't think I can say no to them" said Wakka

- "You are right, you can't! Enough of exploiting your friends good nature, let them rest. Don't repeat with the Aurochs the mistake you did with Yunie" said Rikku pouting

- "Well yes, that is why I have to give them the time off, Rikku. I said that I can't say no, didn't I ?" answered Wakka annoyed

- "Hmph! It took you long enough to see "the light"! I'm glad you finally understand why saddling Yuna with all those silly meetings was wrong." answered Rikku a bit mollified

- "Yes I was wrong, can we move on now ?... Anyhow, we were wondering if you guys would represent Besaid in the next season" continued Wakka

- "Sure Wakka! We will talk to the team and give you an answer soon, but I doubt they will refuse" answered Yuna

The rest of the Gullwings agreed to compete in Besaid's name and decided to call their team the "Besaid Gullwings" team. They would be Besaid's entry in the upcoming season. Tidus, who had not played in a tournament for the past 2 years and Rikku and Yuna who had never played in a tournament before could hardly wait!

--- Year 2 AG, 5 months after FFX 2 -- Blitzball Season !

Beclem made his way to barkeep's where the rest of the Gullwings were having lunch, animatedly discussing their imminent blitz Tournament. Playing blitz again would be a delight, thought Beclem as he joined them.

In Luca Tidus, who was the "Besaid Gullwings" captain, decided to keep his 2-3-2 formation that had worked so well in their practices. Their first opponent was the Guado Glories team. As Tidus predicted Buddy and Brother were exhausted after their first match against the Guado, with him and Beclem only slightly less tired. Paine had good endurance, a good shot and was a fast swimmer but Buddy and Brother had been forced to work double protecting her from tackles as the girl was weak against them. Tidus scored at the last minute and the Gullwings moved to the next phase. Tidus was thankful the Al Bheds had eliminated the Ronso from the tournament, as the huge lions were fearsome in a tackle. The Ronso would have made mincemeat of the girls in the Gullwings team. Even him and the other men were no match for the huge Ronso in a tackle. But strength alone did not a blitzball champ made, the Ronso were not as fast and agile as the rest of the teams and had been without a title for 9 years in a row.

The Al Bhed team used their dizzying speed and excellent control of the ball to win matches but the Gullwings team also had 5 fast and agile players so their match was more balanced than what the Al Bhed were used to. The Al Bhed's surprise at the skill and speed of the new team was their downfall and the Gullwings team won by 3-0 with 2 goals from Beclem and a Jecht shot goal from Tidus.

Their luck continued on the finals, the Besaid Gullwings simply creamed the Luca team with a 4-0 win after 2 Jecht shots from Tidus got he Luca Goers so dizzy that their excellent defense broke up and Paine and Beclem scored 2 more goals easily. Tidus enjoyed the victory even more because of the sour face the Goers men had on them. The Goers girls had always been nice to Tidus, Wakka and the Aurochs but the conceited Luca Goers male players had been taunting and tormenting Wakka (and later Tidus) for years. Garik also thoroughly enjoyed teaching the Guado a lesson. Payback felt great, even if it was just on the blitzball arena!

Back at Besaid the Gullwings found out that the islanders had made a campfire party to commemorate yet another victory of Besaid. Tidus and Yuna left the party to walk alone under the stars reminiscing their times on the pilgrimage, while the rest joined Lulu, Wakka and the Aurochs to discuss the match.

- "Good show ? You guys rocked!" said Wakka and the Aurochs

- "Well we could have blocked the Goers a little better, perhaps even scored a 7-0 game if that miracle goalie Nimrook of theirs.." started Beclem modestly

- "The guy is amazing, isn't him ? They all are! Me and the boys had to sweat blood to get a win against those guys. At least before Tidus decided to use his Jecht shot.. Then it got easy" said Wakka

- "Well obviously that "kill 2 attackers and shove the goalie with ball and everything into the net" shot of his would win a game. One or two of those and the game is over." said Beclem.

- "Ouch! And how!" said Buddy and Brother, who had played against Tidus, Wakka and the Aurochs 2 and half years ago. Being on the receiving end of a Jecht shot smarted!

- "Wasn't Tidus in the team at Master Mika's commemorative tournament ? I know you guys got 1st place but I don't recall seeing that amazing shot until later in the season" asked Beclem puzzled

- "That's what I told you man. We had to sweat blood to win that final. Tidus was holding out on us to give some sphere time to yours truly" said Wakka, remembering how Tidus had kept the match tied until the end then had left the field pushing Wakka into his place, giving Wakka the opportunity to score the winning shot and the limelight for that first Tournament victory of the Aurochs long ago

- "He did that ?" said a surprised Beclem

- "Said it was my "moment" and that he didn't want to spoil it. The guy is amazing!" said Wakka

- "Tidus plays and fights like a warrior but is affable and easy going like a Ronso cub" said Garik grunting in appreciation

- "Yeah, and he and Yunie together are also cute like two Ronso cubs, aren't they ?" said Rikku sighing wistfully.

- "Down girl, cut the mushy romantic talk..." said Paine

- "Aww.. Romance is the best part!" said Rikku

- "No it is not, it is sappy and bo-ring!" said Paine making a face

- "It is enjoyable sometimes to talk about romance" said Lulu, a far cry from her old moody self now that she was married and had baby Vidina

- "Garik agrees with Paine. True warrior not talk like that" grunted Garik

- "Hey Wakka, Beclem, help me out here!" pleaded Rikku

- "I am not getting into THAT!" said Wakka laughing

Beclem also kept his mouth shut, still afraid of getting himself into trouble as he always seemed to do. Switching the subject, Wakka and the others then told Beclem, Garik and Paine how much they had missed their friend Tidus those two long years he had been away. The young man had been such a good friend during the pilgrimage and the blitz season! He played like a blitz star and had the looks of a blitz star but none of the arrogance one would expect from such a talented athlete. As a matter of fact, Tidus had been very down to earth and surprisingly sweet and loyal. As peppy as Rikku, but with much funnier jokes and amazing tales from Zanarkand, Tidus had never put on airs about himself, despite having immediately achieved stardom on the blitz league.

Tidus had also taken his kidnaping by Sin and the loss of his hometown in stride. Most people would have freaked out if they suddenly discovered themselves thrown 1,000 years in the future but not Tidus. In spite of all that happened to him, Tidus was able to play blitzball, to help on Yuna's pilgrimage, to battle Sin.. And how he and Yuna got along well with each other! Yuna's friends had been delighted at how happy the boy made their beloved Lady Yuna during her pilgrimage, and how fiercely protective he was of her. Good thing he had come back or Yuna would be sporting that haunting look her friends tried so hard to keep out of her face daily with their antics for two long years.. She had tried to fool her friends into thinking that she had moved past it but her longing sad looks to the places where they had been together betrayed her. Now that she and Tidus were together again, the shining glint of happiness in Yuna's eyes was a sight to behold.

--- Year 2 AG, 7 months after FFX 2 -- Gullwings II hunts for clues to Spira's past.

Meivn Nooj calls the Gullwings for a meeting tells the Gullwings II team that he is rather curious about the infamous cache of old spheres that New Yevon's founder Trema is supposed to have. But no one knows where Trema is. Nooj tells the Gullwings team that while hunting for clues on older spheres whereabouts Maroda and Isaaru's brother Pacce had found an intriguing new dungeon in Bevelle: Via Infinito. Rikku, Payne and Yuna laugh and tell Nooj they have already been there twice. They had never bothered to go past it's level 40 though. Suddenly the girls recall getting to it's 20th floor and seeing an unsent copy of Maester Kinoc dropping two Crimson Squad spheres on the floor, right before their battle with Vegnagun. Perhaps the higher floors would have older spheres Nooj speculates and the Gullwings II team decides to go check it out.

The Via Infinito dungeon is extremely hard but after their countless training sessions at ShinRa's tower the Gullwings II team is ready for it and crosses the first 80 floors in little more than 1 month. But then they hit a stop at level 80, where Chac, a very powerful basilisk keeps watch. The fiend is extremely fast and his petrifying eyes can pierce even the strongest anti-petrifying magic and charm items. They spend 3 full days trying to beat the powerful fiend to no avail. That is when the Gullwings decide to try using their new catnip tactics: Beclem and Rikku fight using their fast gunner trigger happy skills with almost 30 hits per turn, while sporting low life points to take advantage of catnip's 9,999 points damage per hit. Yuna stays as in her 15,000 HP heavily shielded Mascot DS while using White Mage healer skills to quickly cure the petrifying spells and the devastating attacks Chac lobs at them. They win the battle without a single team member down.

The team proceeds down to the next levels, battling deadly and devilish fast fiends such as Black Elemental, Elder Drakes, giant Tomberries, etc... Each level now takes almost a week to complete and each level is now an exhausting, difficult battle that drains the team. When the Gullwings finally reach level 95 they decide to take a well deserved break in Besaid, to gather energy to face the next levels...

Next: Meeting with Trema at the 100th floor and a stunning revelation follow on chapter 6 soon

Renmiri

---- Footnotes

(1) on sequels and a new Gullwings Team: I chose to make Yuna create a new Gullwings team, one very similar to the FFX team, just to show how a FFX 3 sequel without aliens or pirefly harvesting could be done: Tidus & Yuna, Rikku & Paine (replacing Lulu), Garik Ronso and Beclem replace Kimahri Ronso and Wakka. They form the Gulwings II, a new team of sphere hunters that travel around Spira on the Celsius. A series of stories or a new game could tell their adventures. Alternatively Brother, Buddy, Shuu or other blitz ace could be Wakka's replacement but I added Beclem here because I had written about him on another Fan Fiction

(2) If you like mushy romance go read my "Wedding Bells" story at this Fan Fiction site. It tells of a love affair between Beclem and Rikku during the FFX2 events. (Yeah I know, everyone wants her to date Gippal.. But go read it, it is not that bad ;-)