Yuna buried her face in the young man's shoulder to shield her eyes from the shards of glass. Their shadowed bodies fell soundlessly from the broken window, the wind whistling in their ears. She had not been expecting his drastic move, but she knew better than to protest. This man was risking everything in trying to help her. She felt her pulse racing wildly as the two of them hit the soft grass, and she rolled to a gradual stop next to him.
In a flash he was up on his feet and yanked her up by her arms.
"Come on," he whispered, leading her into the surrounding jungle. Yuna swallowed and gripped his hand tightly, throwing fearful glances over her shoulder. The adrenaline coursing through her was almost overwhelming, but her heart ached with guilt. She knew how much danger this young man had put himself in for her sake, without even knowing why. She wanted to apologize and explain everything to him, but now was not the time. Soon that other soldier would come to his senses and report that the two of them had run off.
They would not stop hunting her until Seymour had her again.
'My father did not sacrifice himself for me only to have me die for a monster,' she thought grimly, pumping her legs skilfully to keep up with her fast-paced companion.
She had been surprised to see him staring at her during the ceremony. She had even felt his eyes on her back when she was not facing him. There was no denying that he was beautiful to behold. Full sensuous lips, proud nose, clear blue eyes, dark gold hair . . . all of it designed to weaken knees, no doubt. Yuna caught herself glancing down briefly to inspect his toned bronze body. He was a trained athlete, all right. She could detect the rippling muscles on his graceful form, and she felt a wave of certainty descend on her. For some reason, she knew she was safe with him.
No, begged. She had begged him to help her. Again came the feeling of guilt. How could she place so much responsibility on an innocent stranger? What had he done to deserve this task? She had no right do put him through such a trial . . . and yet he had accepted, after some hesitation. He had agreed to it. No doubt he was only interested in hearing about his mother, but some instinct told Yuna that she had stirred something inside of him. Perhaps she really had convinced him of the temple's foul play.
The gloom of the tropical forest blurred by as the two of them ran silently together. Yuna dodged low-hanging vines and branches, leaping over fallen logs or stones in her way. Tidus did the same next to her, moving with as much agility as any trained soldier could, but careful to match his speed with hers. The smell of moist vegetation and fruit was sweet, and the air was humid and warm. Insects clicked and chirruped here and there. Had the situation not been so demanding, Yuna would have enjoyed a peaceful stroll in this area.
"Where are we going?" she panted, ducking her head as a bat darted past. They had been running for over three minutes now. He pulled her off down a narrow path, so that she was forced to move closer to him to avoid crashing into the line of trees. She could feel this heat warming the flesh on her arm.
"My house first," he replied shortly, sounding faintly out of breath as well, but only slightly. "I have preparations to make."
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They reached the residential area moments later. They stopped just on the edge of the forest, making sure no one was outside to see them. Then, keeping to the shadows, Tidus pulled Yuna around a few circular huts until they reached a small one at the very end. Once or twice they had to stop and hide while someone ambled past, oblivious to the two fugitives nearby.
Yuna frowned. Yes, the two of them were fugitives now; at least they would be when the word spread that she had escaped with the help of a Yevonite Warrior.
Tidus hurried into his hut, with Yuna following closely behind, and immediately walked into the small kitchen. He pulled a sack out from under the counter and began filling it with rations, moving swiftly. When it was stuffed to its full capacity, he placed it on the floor near the door and strode into the back room. Yuna stopped in the middle of the entrance and looked around. It was a modest abode, kept neat and plain. There were very few personal touches made, and there were even fewer luxuries to be seen. She guessed Tidus probably had to get water from the village pump, rather than have it provided already in the house.
Minutes later, Tidus emerged with a magnificent blue sword strapped to his back and a new outfit to camouflage his order. He wore a dark brown leather jerkin and brown traveling pants, as well as black boots.
Her eyes fell to what lay in his hands. He tossed something light to her from across the room and she caught it deftly.
"It was my mother's," he said coldly. "I have no use for it. You might as well wear it now and disguise yourself."
Yuna looked down in her hands and saw a dark red travelling dress, slightly worn and faded, but clean and in good condition. Nodding, she began to walk towards back room. She froze when she came next to him and looked up at him solemnly.
"Before I forget . . . I want to thank you. I don't quite know how deep you've gotten yourself into this mess, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate it," she said, resting her hand on his shoulder. He stared at her with an unreadable expression. She saw his eyes flicker down and then up, inspecting her briefly.
"I'll give you as much gil as you desire when all of this is over," she offered tentatively. He shrugged and looked away.
"I have no need for gil, my lady," he said simply. Yuna thought for a moment.
"Well, I insist that you take a horse, or perhaps cattle, from-"
"You really don't have to, Lady Yuna," he interrupted.
She licked her lips and lowered her gaze. Then, when she was moderately satisfied that she would not regret it later, she slowly raised her hands and began to untie the strings that held her bodice closed. Her eyes were still down on the ground, and her fingers trembled slightly.
"Then . . . perhaps there is another way I can reward you," she said quietly, lifting her gaze back to his. Those azure eyes locked onto hers intensely as the material slowly parted more and more.
Part of her was terrified. Did she truly want to become a mere plaything in bed for a young man she didn't even know? Yet, on the other hand . . . a part of her wanted him, thirsted for him. He was the first truly handsome man she had ever seen, when she was old enough to feel real longing for such a thing. He made her feel safe, yet he had spoken only a few words to her in the short time she had met him.
Tidus took a step towards her, so that he was less than an arm's length away from her. His hand came up and cupped the side of her face gently, and he stared at her keenly, as if searching her thoughts. His face came closer to his and Yuna watched through half-closed lids as his breath became warm on her lips.
He stopped, then, when Yuna felt that she could take no more of this teasing agony. He dropped his hand from her face and backed away a few feet.
"Change quickly," he muttered, looking slightly flustered with himself. "We don't have much time before Datto wakes up and raises the alarm."
Yuna suddenly felt very foolish. She sighed quietly through her nostrils and pulled the strings tight to close her gown. Then she brushed past the uncomfortable man and into the back room to change clothes.
When she came out a few minutes later, dressed in her new outfit, Tidus was standing rigidly nearby. She paused and stared at him questioningly. His back was turned to her, and he seemed to be staring at something across the room. Her gaze fell to the front door, and gasped.
A massive shadow stood within the doorframe, blocking the only escape. Yuna could vaguely make out a shade of orange red in the silhouette. She went and stood next to Tidus, clutching his arm.
"Wakka . . ." Tidus murmured. The shape moved forward into the hut, and from the candle on the table, Yuna saw the second Yevonite Warrior staring at Tidus as if he was some sort of demon ghost.
"Tidus, brudda . . . is it true what's happenin'?" the giant man breathed. "Did ya really kidnap the lady Yuna?"
So Datto had already awakened and spread the news.
"Sir Wakka," Yuna cut in, recognizing the their apparent friendship. "I can assure you this is not his fault. I beg you not to blame him for what I have caused."
"My lady . . . with all due respect . . . are you outta your freakin' mind?" Wakka demanded, a look of panic growing on his features.
"Wakka, we don't have time for this," Tidus said urgently. "Please trust me on this one. I don't care what you tell the temple when they come looking for me, but you have to believe me when I say we're doing the right thing."
Yuna glanced sharply at him, and tried to hide a small pleased smile. She liked the fact that he had so much faith in her when she hadn't even explained anything. Wakka, still not looking completely convinced, shuffled uncomfortably from foot to foot.
"Whatever you do, don't get yourself involved in this. You're my best friend, and I don't want you getting hurt," Tidus continued, moving towards his large friend. "The warriors know you're close to me. Pretend you haven't seen us, okay? Please?"
Wakka hesitated for a long time. He looked from Tidus to Yuna and back again, and then licked his lips.
"All right," he sighed, slapping his huge hand on his friend's shoulder. "I trust you. I'll cover for you, ya? Just be careful, little brudda. Whatever it is you two are plannin', I know it's for the best. Good luck, ya hear?" he advised.
Tidus grinned and embraced him fondly, and then moved past him. He reached down to grab their supplies and jogged out the door. Yuna curtseyed gratefully to Wakka and followed Tidus out of the hut.
Again, the two of them were forced to cut through the jungles.
"We need to get to the docks," Tidus whispered to her as they jogged through the thick mass of trees. "I doubt they'll let us on after this whole incident, so we have to sneak aboard without anyone seeing us. Once we get on, I want you to tell me everything. If I buy your story, I'll take you wherever it is you need to go."
"And if you don't?" Yuna queried, leaping gracefully over a fallen log. Tidus was silent for a moment.
"Then I drag you back here for the final Sending, whether you like it or not," he said darkly. Yuna chose not to reply.
It would be dawn in less than two hours. Tidus and Yuna finally reached the shore, where the harbour was located. Keeping themselves hidden just behind the tree line, they made their way around to the back of the port, where the cargo was usually loaded.
"In there," Yuna murmured, tapping Tidus' arm and pointing to a large wooden crate. He stared at it for a moment, and then walked over to investigate it. Yuna kept watch, making sure no one was around to see them. A cool ocean breeze lifted off the waves and toyed with her hair and clothes, filling her lungs with salty air. She closed her eyes briefly, revelling in the feeling. How long would it be before she would be safe enough to enjoy such simple pleasures as this? How long would it be for Tidus?
Tidus lifted up the lid carefully and peered inside the wooden crate. Yuna glanced down over his shoulder and saw that the box contained only some material that was to be shipped off to a tailor. They transferred as much as they could into some other crates so that they would have room before Tidus nodded with approval and climbed inside. He moved over to make sure there was enough room for Yuna's body as well. She slid down and nestled next to him, bowing her head as he closed the lid over them.
"They'll be loading the cargo soon," Tidus whispered, his breath heating the side of Yuna's neck.
She nodded once and tried to focus on something other than the fact that their bodies were dangerously close to each other. His inner thigh was pressed right against the small of her back, and his arms could not be placed anywhere other than slightly around her, for there was no room at his sides or behind him.
"Gabba, come help me with this box," a rough voice barked outside. Tidus and Yuna both stiffened and held their breaths as the cargo gave a violent lurch.
"Yikes, when did this thing get so heavy? You there, boy, come lend us a hand, ya?" a second voice commanded. Footsteps approached, and a new set of hands gripped the box. The sudden motion caused Yuna to loose her balance and fall against Tidus' broad chest.
On instinct, he used one arm to grab her and hold her, keeping her still against him.
"Don't move," he breathed, his lips pressed right against her ear. Yuna felt dizzy being so close to him, but she didn't even dare to respond. She had a horrible image of the three men suddenly dropping the crate and having the lid pop off to reveal the two of them crouching inside.
"Did ya hear about the lady Yuna and dat Yevonite Warrior, Tidus?" the third young adolescent voice grunted.
"Ya, didn't he kidnap her or somethin'?" the first voice wheezed. The crate tilted, signalling that they were being carried up a ramp. Yuna's heart leapt into her throat and she felt Tidus' arm tighten around her. They were on the ship!
"Nah, I heard dey was havin' an affair and they ran off together," the second voice said with a pant of exertion. "Yevon's beard, this crate is doin' poorly on my back, ya?"
"Will you three quit gossipin' and get the rest of the cargo loaded?" a fourth domineering voice said sharply. The other three muttered quick 'Yes sir' and dropped the crate roughly. Yuna bit back a gasp of pain as the box thudded sharply on the floor, making her bump her head against the side. Tidus shushed her softly, and the two of them waited breathlessly as the loaders moved down the ramp to get the other boxes.
An immense amount of time passed before a heavy silence fell over the airship's cargo chamber. Slowly, Tidus pushed the lid open and peeked around in the darkness. The door was closed, outside they could hear the anchors being lifted.
"Okay . . . I think we're in the clear now," the young man said to her, still careful to keep his voice down. He climbed out and graciously assisted Yuna out of the crate. The two of them stretched and arched their backs, ridding themselves of muscle cramps.
"Now," Tidus said abruptly, sitting down cross-legged in the dark. "I want some answers."
Yuna sighed and sat down in front of him.
"All right," she said quietly. "I'll tell you everything.
"It . . . it came to my attention only weeks ago. To prepare for an exam, I snuck into the temple library to study some scrolls I had found about white magic. While I was there, I heard footsteps and ducked out of sight. If a priest caught me out of bed at that hour, I would be punished and humiliated in front of the other children living in the temple. I watched from behind a corner as one of the senior parsons walked to a shelf across the room. He pulled out an envelope hidden between the books on the top row – one that is forbidden to students, because it's where the priests keep records of illegal or cursed spells. He pulled out some parchments and flipped through them before pulling out a single sheet. I watched him write something down on the bottom of the parchment before putting it back in the envelope, and returning it to its hiding place. When he left, I went and grabbed the envelope and looked through the papers. All I found were names and family histories. I pulled out the last sheet, where the ink was still fresh from the priest's quill. On it I found the names of the ten people chosen for the Children of light ceremony. I . . . I saw my father's name at the top of the list, and mine newly written at the bottom. Next to the names were family trees dating back at least one hundred years, as well as a record of all those with white magic abilities. That's how I knew of your mother. I saw her name on the record, and yours as well as your father's next to it," she explained gently, before continuing.
"The next night, I prepared to go and ask the priest the meaning of it all, but the high cleric called me into his quarters after dinner. He had been dying for long time, but his condition was even worse when I walked in to see him.
" 'Child', he said, 'an old man must confess his deepest, darkest sins before passing into the next life, especially to the person he has wronged the most. I tell you this now because you are dear to me, and also because I am a coward who fears for his soul. Your father was my best student, and I owe it to his daughter to tell the truth.'
"I asked what troubled him, and he began to cry. 'I have stood by a horrible lie for the last ten years, stood silently as innocent people were tortured and murdered,' he wept. He told me that white mages were hand picked every year and delivered to Sin as sacrifices.
"I tried to get clearer answers out of him, but he was rambling near the end, desperate to unload his secrets in time to meet Yevon. Before he died, he told me not to trust Lord Seymour. He told me that Seymour is planning to resurrect Sin for his own devices, but to do so he needs one final sacrifice. I was supposed to be that sacrifice. My father was the first person Seymour delivered." Her eyes darkened. "He was a summoner before becoming a Maester."
She stopped and looked up at Tidus' expression, for she had been staring at her hands in her lap throughout her entire speech. Shock is not even the best word to describe the look on his face. It was drained of any colour, and his piercing blue eyes were wide with disbelief. His jaws opened and closed repeatedly, but no sound came out.
Yuna recognized the expression. He was having a hard time accepting the blow she had just delivered to his entire belief system. She felt her heart constrict, fearing he would not believe her and take her back to the temple.
"I can't . . . this . . . I . . ." Tidus stammered. Yuna reached forward and clasped his hand in her own.
"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry that you have to face this, I truly am. But you must believe me. I would never lie about such a thing."
He was so quiet, taking in this information, that for a moment Yuna wondered if he had fainted from shock. When at last he spoke, his voice and hollow.
"I believe you," he said calmly. Yuna sighed with relief. "I don't know why I do . . . maybe you are lying. But your eyes . . . I think they are sincere."
Yuna smiled softly, touched at his trust in her. But his attitude disturbed her. He sounded as if a piece of his heart had been broken off, and it could never be mended.
"Where am I taking you?" he asked suddenly.
"Bevelle," Yuna answered. "I'm going to the temple where Sin's sacrifices are held to get to the bottom of this. Will you help me?"
He nodded slowly, not even bothering to question her theory. His eyes were so lost, that Yuna ached at the sight of him. He resembled a child lost in a crowd, cut off from his mother and desperately searching for her again. Did he really have so much faith in her? Did he really believe she could prove Seymour's foul play?
"This airship is heading to Luca," Tidus said tonelessly. "Once we get there, we'll buy horses and more supplies."
Yuna nodded in agreement. "Thank you," she said. "I can't tell you how much this means to me-"
"If," he cut in sharply, holding up his hand to silence her, "I find out you really are lying to me about this whole thing, then I will make you suffer for it. Do you understand, Lady Yuna?"
"Yes," she replied, swallowing. "I understand."
"Good. Get some sleep now," Tidus said, leaning back against a wooden crate. "We have a few hours left to go."