Everything I knew about the other two comrades confused me. One was perky, Al Bhed, and one to go for anything her mind was set to. The other was a more quiet, yet very determined woman. The both of them wouldn't understand what it was like. They wouldn't understand the pain I endured those months and months of recorving, about how I felt about being betrayed by one of our own. I guess I can't really say being around them wasn't entertaining, but you must admit, having a perky blonde Al Bhed running about asking questions about almost EVERYTHING and her cousin somewhat encouraging the behavior was quite annoying.

"Where we off to today Paine?" Rikku spun around on her right heeled boot and grinned. "We off to New Yevon to see Baralai? Eh? Eh!" She asked nudging her elbow into my arm.

"Quit that and no we aren't." I had gotten use to the physical contact with Rikku over the past few months, but sometimes I really regreted it.

"Aww...phooey." Rikku pouted her lips then perked up once more.

I shook my head and continued walking down the metallic hall of the airship. Rikku ran ahead of me and stood as patiently as she could in the elevator.

"C'mon, hurry up Paine!" I rolled my eyes as I entered the elevator. We headed up to the bridge.

The elevator stopped and opened it's door. Rikku ran ahead, yet again and I walked out looking to my left to see Buddy at the co-pilot's console, Shinra on my right experimenting like he always did and Brother in the driver's seat. He never really did anything to drive the Celsius but I guess you could give him his happiness of pretending.

"Paine!" Yuna greeted as I descended the stairs of the overlook. She smiled warmly at me and I somewhat returned the smile. "It's good to see you again!"

"Yes, it's nice to see you too Yuna." I said stopping myself before walking into Yuna's embrace. She froze understandingly and dropped her arms to her side.

"How long has it been now?" Yuna asked smiling. She seemed much more happier now that her true love Tidus had been returned to her. They'd been the happiest I'd ever seen and now they were engaged. Whoop-de-doo!

"6 months." I said shortly.

Rikku ran up beside Yuna and jumped for joy. "The gang's all back together! Yunie! Why'd you call us here anyways?"

"Oh, about that.." Yuna paused to recollect her thoughts. "I heard there was some fiends still lurking on the highroad to Bevelle. We've been asked by the Praetor to help exterminate them. They're paying a hefty fee." She added the last second and I shook my head.

Of all the things I needed to do, it sure wasn't returning to New Yevon and seeing him. I didn't want to face him. I sighed heavily.

"What's wrong Paine?" Yuna asked instantly, slowly moving closer to me. Oh boy, she's gathering for the kill..

"Nothing. Continue." She stopped briskly and stared. Yuna took a step back and continued her report.

"Now, he's expecting us there by tomorrow. I hope you guys have no plans?"

"Nothing! Home is almost complete so Pops is putting in the final touches. I'm not needed." Rikku exclaimed with an excited grin.

"I'm free." I said crossing my arms and putting my weight onto my right foot.

"Great! We leave tomorrow morning. Until then, let's all hang out at the bar." Yuna jumped for joy and clasped her hands together in happiness.