Still in Luca. This was the chapter where I learned that while I despised playing blitzball in the video game, I love writing it! Yeah, I actually have a great big backlog of unreleased chapters, so looking back on the writing of this chapter, it seems like so long ago. The part I'm in the process of writing is crossing the Moonflow. During the writing Operation Mi'ihen, I really took a step forward in my bond with these characters. After I cross the Moonflow, then it's on to Guadosalam, then Macalania, then...
Well, for the sake of those who may not have played the game, I won't spoil any more. Read and enjoy, and please leave a review. (please?)


Chapter Ten

Tidus hurried out of the locker room to find Yuna surrounded by people. Several reporters with sphere cameras were among them, all trying to get the best shot of Braska's daughter.
"I'm sorry," Yuna voiced to the crowd as she tried to get to the other side. "Please let me through."
Tidus, being less polite, shoved his way through the surge of people to reach Yuna. He could see where she had just made it to the other side and was out on the sunlit street. As Tidus broke through and sprinted over to her, she smiled.
"Let's go," she said with a quick nod.
Tidus chuckled, glancing back at the crowd. "You're really famous."
Yuna laughed shyly, then glanced out over the streets ahead. She took a few paces forward, still looking out at the city.
"I hope we don't get separated," she said, sounding a little nervous.
"Yuna!" Tidus called out. He quickly put to fingers in his mouth and whistled through them, generating a sharp, high note.
Yuna nearly jumped in fright. "What was that?" she asked, still seeming startled.
Tidus chuckled. "In Zanarkand, we do this to cheer on blitz players." He whistled again, and Yuna watched with wide eyes.
"You try it, too!" Tidus encouraged. "Put your fingers in you mouth like… this." Tidus pushed his fingers in his mouth to demonstrate.
"Like… this?" Yuna furrowed her brow as she tried to get her fingers in.
"Uh-uh," Tidus shook his head and leaned over she could see better. "Like this. Then, you just blow."
Yuna blew a few breaths through her fingers, making a pitiful puffing sound.
"It's not working," she said with a frown.
"Practice!" Tidus encouraged with a grin.
Yuna smiled back, her odd eyes bright. "Okay."
"Hey, use that if we get separated. Then I'll come running, okay?" Tidus promised. "Well, I guess we should just stick together then, until you can do it."
Yuna nodded, still smiling brightly. "Yes, sir!"

Tidus and Yuna were hurried down the bright streets of Luca, moving at a quick pace. Tidus made sure to follow Yuna, since she seemed to know exactly where they were going. As they moved, he again marveled at the streets of Luca. Had he come here straight from Zanarkand, he would have thought it just a small town, but after spending so much time in tiny villages, he could almost call Lua a city.
"Whoa! This is a pretty big town!" Tidus commented out loud.
"Luca is the second largest city in Spira," Yuna explained, looking back over her shoulder.
"I thought every town in was little," Tidus replied with a chuckle, "you know, like Besaid and Kilika."
"Town's don't usually get bigger than that," Yuna's face grew somber as she spoke. "Because when a lot of people start to gather…"
"Sin?" Tidus finished her thought.
Yuna nodded, her eyes distant.
"What about Luca?" Tidus asked, trying to break the melancholy. "It's safe here?"
"It's not any different, "Yuna answered, "but the stadium is here. The Crusaders fight to protect it with all their strength."
"They protect the stadium?" Tidus was a bit stunned by that.
"Blitzball's really the only entertainment that we have," Yuna sighed. "Spira's a little short on fun these days."
"Whoa!" Tidus let out a gusty breath. "Talk about pressure."
Yuna let out a laugh, and Tidus was glad to see her face lighten. "That's right!" she said with a smile.
Yuna suddenly stopped beside a tall fountain. Several people sat around it or on its rim, talking and looking generally cheery. In the background, several small businesses lay in neat rows. The shopkeepers all looked bright, no doubt bringing in extra revenue from all the tourists who had come for the blitzball tournament.
"Is Zanarkand like this, too?" Yuna asked, a dreamy look in her eyes.
"Hmmm…" Tidus took a moment to recall his hometown. It was sad that he had to think before he could envision the great skyscrapers rising into the night sky, all aglow.
"Well, there are more buildings," he described. "All tall ones and cramped together."
"Oh!" Yuna threw back her head and stared, eyes wide, as if, too, could see the skyscrapers Tidus remembered so clearly.
"They must be so tall!" she continued. "Don't you ever get dizzy?"
Tidus couldn't help but laugh at that. I suppose Yuna would feel that way, growing up in Besaid.
Then, again, that pounding wave of homesickness crashed over Tidus, and his laughter faded. He didn't want to think about Zanarkand, not now. He didn't want to feel homesick when he had such good friends in this strange new world. But he couldn't help it. Zanarkand was his home, and he wanted nothing more than a way back there.
Then he saw Yuna. She stood there, looking a little worried. Tidus threw her a little smile, trying to reassure the young summoner that he was alright. Yuna smiled back.
"Let's go find Sir Auron!"

Tidus pushed through the café doors ahead of Yuna and looked around expectantly. Yuna had been positive that this was the café, but as Tidus looked around, he saw no one out of the ordinary.
"Auron's not here," he said with a sigh.
"Hmmm…" Yuna looked out as well and seemed to come to the same conclusion. "Let's go talk to people," she suggested.
"Alright," Tidus nodded. As he and Yuna parted ways, Tidus spotted Kimahri entering behind them. I guess he was trailing us the whole time…
Tidus shook his head. No time for that! I need to find Auron!

Tidus sighed. Nobody knew anything about a guy named Auron. After asking for who knows how long, he'd come up empty. Now he was pacing back and forth over the café floor, pondering what to do next.
Tidus didn't get very far in his thoughts before he was interrupted by a series of gasps. Tidus quickly looked up to see the last thing he expected.
Two Ronso, cat-men like Kimahri, stood in the café, their heads nearly scraping the ceiling. In front of them was Kimahri, who Tidus had considered the tallest person he knew until now. These two Ronso towered over even Kimahri, looking down on him with mocking expressions.
"Why not talk, Kimahri?" one of the Ronso, one with brown hair, said, giving Kimahri a shove. "Not see Yenke for ten years!" The brown-haired Ronso's speech was crude, but at least proved to Tidus that they could talk.
"Say something!" the Ronso, Yenke, continued. "Kimahri forget Yenke? Forget Biran?"
"Leave Kimahri, Yenke," the second Ronso, Biran, scoffed. "Kimahri is small Ronso. Kimahri so small can't see Yenke and Biran's faces."
Yenke let out a laugh so deep and loud that it frightened Tidus. He had moved closer to the three Ronsos so he could hear better.
"Kimahri forget Ronso friends?" Yenke asked, cocking his head. "We taught you much at time of horn-molt! Biran taught Kimahri to be strong Ronso."
"Maybe taught too much," Biran added with a scoff.
Tidus wasn't sure what Kimahri's relation to these two Ronso was, but he guessed they weren't friends. Kimahri stood and faced them, as silent and stony as ever. Seeing anyone, even Kimahri, being pushed around got on Tidus' nerves. He had to do or say something.
"Take 'em on!" Tidus encouraged Kimahri. He was quite satisfied to see Kimahri drop into his fighting stance and take a swipe at Yenke, just as the other Ronso let out a guffaw. The blow hit Yenke square in the jaw, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The crowds of people in the café let out a gasp.
"Take it outside!" someone called from behind the counter. "The tournament's starting, you hear?"
"The game!" Tidus snapped his gaze to the screen hanging over the tables and gasped as he saw the image of the blitzball stadium. The massive glass sphere was already filling with water, surrounded by cheering crowds.
Oh, no! I'm late!
"Today, on this glorious day, players from all over Spira have assembled here to participate in this great contest of bravery, skill, and strength," Tidus heard the delicate voice of Maester Mika over the speakers as the screen changed to show a view of the Maester in a box overlooking the stadium. Maester Seymour stood beside him, towering over the old man.
"All of these fine teams, equally renowned, deserve to win the to win the cup today," Maester Mika continued. "Such is the nature of this contest. Let us, the spectators, play our role accordingly: let us sing to the glory of the winners, and applaud equally the valor of the defeated."
Wow, Tidus thought, this Maester guy sure knows how to hook a crowd.
"Contestants, may Yevon be with you," Mika closed, spreading his arms in a prayer gesture to the crowds.
Tidus stood there in the café, his blood running cold. I missed it! The game's already started!
Shaking off his disappointment, Tidus turned to look for Yuna. If they left now, they should be able to make it back for halftime. But looking around the café, Tidus couldn't see Yuna anywhere. Oh, no…
Tidus quickly turned back to Kimahri, who was still squaring off with the other two Ronsos.
"Kimahri!" Tidus called, his voice urgent. "Yuna's gone!"
Kimahri looked up sharply, his focus breaking long enough for Biran to punch him in the side. However, Kimahri took no heed of the blow, instead hurrying straight for the exit. Tidus followed him, his worry growing by the moment. Where could she have gone?

"Where in Spira have you been?" Just outside the cafe, Lulu met Tidus and Kimahri with a less than happy greeting. Before Tidus had a chance to respond, Lulu continued, her voice a mixture of anger and worry.
"Yuna's been kidnapped by the Al Bhed Psyches. In exchange for her safe return, they want the Aurochs to lose."
"What?!" Tidus couldn't believe his ears. He could imagine really dedicated blitzers doing that against a high-level team like the Goers, but the Aurochs? They were the worst team in the league! Of course, Tidus had declared that they would be champions, but he didn't think his speech was that convincing.
"If they're only blitzball players, I doubt they'd do anything drastic," Lulu said, her teeth clenched. "But we shouldn't take chances. Let's go get her."
"I'm going too!" Tidus exclaimed. "This will be no problem! They're telling the Aurochs to throw the game, as if they need to! I mean, how good can a team be?"
"Wakka said the same thing," Lulu said, still tense. "He'll take care of the game. We should go get Yuna. The Al Bhed boat is in dock four."
Tidus nodded, and Kimahri started off immediately. Lulu followed the Ronso, and Tidus took up the rear. Kimahri moved fast, and he and Lulu had to jog to keep up.
We're coming, Yuna.

Tidus, Lulu, and Kimahri rushed past dock two, still going as fast as they could. The sea-side streets were nearly clear, since everyone was either in the stadium or somewhere else, watching the tournament. This sprinting was nothing compared to playing a blitzball game, and Tidus felt like his energy was growing the more he ran, and the closer he got the rescuing Yuna. A thought occurred to Tidus, that this was what being a guardian meant. Risking life and limb and everything else to keep your summoner safe. It meant throwing everything you have into that one purpose to protect the summoner, to keep her out of harm's way. Never more than in that moment did Tidus feel like he really should accept Yuna's offer and become her guardian, because then, nothing mattered more than bringing Yuna back safely.
Just outside dock four, Lulu came to an abrupt stop. Tidus and Kimahri skidded to a halt, and Tidus spotted what Lulu had seen. On the side of a building, a sphere screen was showing live footage of the Aurochs-Psyches game.
"The Aurochs are keeping the score tied with some excellent defense, folks!" the blitzball announcer Bobba called over the speaker. Tidus felt a rush of pride over the Aurochs' performance. I knew they could do it!
The screen focused in on Wakka, who was carrying the ball, swimming as fast as he could for the Psyches' goal. Tidus almost winced as a Psyches player slammed into Wakka full force, swiping the ball from his hands. Another Psyches player dived through the water, crashing against Wakka from the other side. Tidus felt his anger grow at that; it was against the rules to tackle another player when they didn't have the ball, not to mention just unsportsmanlike. Tidus wondered if the Psyches blackmailed the referees, too.
"Ow! He'll feel that one in the morning!" Bobba announced again.
"Ah! But the referee doesn't call the fowl!" the second announcer, Jimma, commented. "Wakka's taking a real beating out there."
When the Al Bhed had finally stopped pummeling Wakka, the Aurochs' coach just floated there limply in the water.
"Still in there!" Tidus encouraged, as if his friend could hear him.
Lulu let out a sigh and shook her head. "He won't last. Wakka's always like that."
"Ouch," Tidus rubbed the back of his head.
"Let's go," Lulu said sharply, starting off towards the boat docked at dock four. Kimahri was already ahead of her, and Tidus followed them.
Hang in there, Wakka, Tidus thought. I'll get Yuna. You just win us that match!

"There!" Tidus pointed to the Al Bhed ship that was just starting to pull out of the dock. Everyone could see it, but Tidus felt better saying something.
"Let's go," Lulu said, her voice hard. She wasn't thinking of anything other than getting Yuna back.
Not waiting for anything else, Kimahri sprang over the railings of the departing ship and landed on the other side. Lulu leaped without hesitation, surprisingly agile. Tidus was only a few moments behind. He hit the railing hard but didn't stop to catch his breath, scrambling quickly over the side.
Though only a very short ways away from the dock, the boat ground to a halt. Tidus wondered what was going on.
"Why are we stopping?" Tidus asked, looking around the boat for any Al Bhed.
"Let's hope Yuna is responsible for that," Lulu answered, and Tidus could see worry blooming on her face.
A creaking sound came from across the deck, and Tidus saw the door to below slide open. Yuna walked out, unharmed, her face glowing in the sunlight. Tidus noticed an Al Bhed guard slumped beside her, unconscious.
Before even Kimahri could react, Lulu rushed over across the deck with all the swiftness of a worried sister and flung her arms around Yuna. She squeezed the summoner tight before raising one hand to stroke her hair.
"I hope you hurt them," Lulu said, smiling for the first time Tidus could remember.
"A little," Yuna admitted, looking a bit mischievous. Tidus glance again at the unconscious guard lying against the door frame. I guess Yuna can be pretty tough when she wants to.
Tidus pulled his gaze away from Yuna and Lulu and looked around the Al Bhed ship. It was similar to the one Rikku and the others had, but not the same.
"What is it?" It took Tidus a few moments to realize that Yuna's question had been aimed at him.
"Oh, there were these Al Bhed who saved my life when I first came to Spira," Tidus explained. "They took me on their ship, even gave me food. I was kinda hoping this was the same ship, but…" Tidus let worry come into his voice. "It's not. I wonder if they're all gone."
"What happened?" Yuna asked, suddenly seeming worried. Yuna's face always seemed to reflect the emotions of those with her. It was a kind of empathy Tidus had never seen in Zanarkand.
"Sin came up near us," he said in answer to Yuna's question. "I made it out okay, but I don't know what happened to their ship."
"Um, was there anyone named Cid on that ship?" Yuna asked tentatively.
"I don't know," Tidus said, wondering why she was so uncomfortable. "They were all speaking that Al Bhed langue."
As Tidus spoke, Yuna's face fell. "I see," she answered in disappointment.
"So who's Cid?" Tidus asked.
"He's my uncle," Yuna explained, still looking uneasy, "but I've never actually met him."
"Wait. So that means you're an Al Bhed, too, Yuna?" Tidus was a bit surprised at that.
"On my mother's side, yes," Yuna still spoke slowly, seeming unsure. "Cid is my mother's brother. He became distant after my mother married. But she told me to seeking him out if I ever needed help."
Tidus hadn't expected this revelation about Yuna's lineage, but it didn't change anything. He did, however, understand Yuna's concern for the Al Bhed ship.
"You're worried he was…?" Tidus trailed off. It was a big assumption, and he didn't need to make Yuna worry any more.
"Don't tell Wakka about Yuna's lineage," Lulu said gravely. Tidus had nearly forgotten she was there.
"The thing about Wakka," Lulu continued. "He never had much love for the Al Bhed."
That comment stirred a memory in Tidus' mind, when Rikku had asked if he was an "Al Bhed-hater." Thinking about Wakka brought another thought to the front of Tidus' mind. The game! Wakka still thinks Yuna's in danger!
"Whoa! I gotta tell Wakka!" Tidus nearly leaped off the ground as he exclaimed.
"I thought I told you not to tell Wakka!" Lulu shouted, infuriated. She was still thinking of Yuna's heritage.
"The game!" Yuna seemed to have realized what Tidus was thinking.
"Oh!" Lulu exclaimed. Not waiting a moment longer, she took up a spell-casting position a bright light wreathed around her. In only a few moments, she launched a bolt of lightning into the sky, and it exploded, sending a pulse of light over the city.
Hold on Wakka! Tidus thought. Just hold on!

Water muffled nearly any noise. The only sound loud enough to permeate through the blitzball sphere was the faint roaring of the crowds and the muffled sound of the commentators. That was one thing Wakka liked about blitzball; in this quiet atmosphere, he could stay calm and think. He could be alert to the movement of water as another player approached, and he could keep an eye out for Lulu's signal. He was so tired, and inch of his body hurt. The Psyches were a good team, but they couldn't beat a guardian fighting for his summoner. The game was almost over, and the scores were still tied, 2-2. Wakka played hard, but always kept one eye on the horizon, watching for the signal.
There! Just above the line of rooftops, Wakka spotted a flash of light, Lulu's signal. Yuna's safe.
Wakka felt a last rush of strength at that thought. Alright then, Aurochs! Let's show these blackmailers who's boss!
Though he couldn't say those words out loud, Wakka made a signal with his hands that the rest of the team would recognize. They all knew Yuna was safe now, and it was time to put this game behind them.
"Thirty seconds left!" an announcer's voice was just barely audible throughout the blitz sphere. "The Aurochs are launching an all-out offensive!"
Wakka blocked out the sound of the commentator and focused on the game. Letty had the ball and was swimming around the far side of the stadium, several Psyches closing in on him. He had to pass soon.
Wakka plunged forward, cutting through the Psyche's defense. Now, only one AL Bhed swam between him and the goal. Whipping around, Wakka saw Letty throw the ball, right towards him. Letty's pass was a good one, flying between the Psyches players and hitting its target perfectly. Wakka caught the flying blitzball and held it close. He knew from experience that if those Al Bhed caught him, he'd be in for another beating, so he swam as quick as he could towards the goal.
Almost there, almost there…
One more shot to win the game. The timer was ticking down, only three seconds left. Wakka dodged around the last Psyches player, dropped the ball to his feet, and gave it a solid kick towards the goal.
Water has a lot of drag, so a blitzer really had to kick hard to get a shot past the goalie. Luckily, Wakka had a lot of practice. He floated there, watching his shot fly towards the Al Bhed in the strangely peaceful silence of the stadium. Wakka was already holding his breath, but if hadn't been, he would have started then, watching the ball fly closer, closer.
"Goooaaal!" Wakka couldn't block out the commentator's loud cry this time. "Unbelievable! The Aurochs win the match 3-2!"
It made it? Wakka could barely believe it. We won! The Besaid Aurochs won! We did it!
Then all his adrenaline drained away. Wakka had used a lot of air during that last shot, and he was looking forward to taking a fresh breath. He was looking forward to lying in a bed. Unable to hold himself up anymore, Wakka leaned back, letting the water hold him up while he summoned the strength to get out of the pool.