I had a blast writing this chapter. As I said last chapter, I have discovered a love for writing blitzball games. Not just that, but this whole chapter has such significance for both Tidus' and Wakka's characters. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it!
Read and enjoy, and please do leave a review!


Chapter Eleven

"We won!" Tidus cried jubilantly, pumping a fist in the air. Kimahri, Yuna, Lulu, and Tidus were all standing just beyond dock four, watching the tail end of the blitzball game on the screen where they'd seen it earlier. They could see Wakka floating in the sphere, and Tidus was a bit worried, but he was sure the Aurochs' victory would be worth it for Wakka.
"We did it! We're in the finals!" Yuna was just as excited as Tidus. Even just after escaping from the Al Bhed, Yuna could cheer for the Aurochs' victory. I guess blitzball really is a big deal to the people of Spira.
"Not the most… graceful win," Lulu sighed, shaking her head. "If it was Chappu, he'd still be standing."
That was the first time Tidus had heard Lulu bring up the subject of Wakka's late brother. Her face was critical, but beneath it was a glaze of pain. Tidus couldn't help but wonder once more exactly who Chappu was, and what his connection to Lulu was.
"Hey, aren't you being just a little unfair?" Tidus asked Lulu.
"Excuse me?" she snarled in reply.
Tidus nearly winced at her harshness. He wasn't sure exactly what to say, but he had to reply somehow.
"I know I could never take Chappu's place. You're the one who told Wakka that, right, Lulu?" Tidus started uncertainly, not really thinking out his words. "And I don't think Wakka would every try to take Chappu's pl-"
"You don't want to finish that sentence," Lulu snapped, eyes ablaze. Tidus stopped abruptly and raised his hands defensively. He didn't know the reason, but he knew it would be dangerous to persist.
"Um, let's go see how Wakka is," Yuna piped up, seeming uncomfortable at interrupting. Lulu nodded and started off wordlessly. Yuna glanced apologetically at Tidus before following. Tidus fell in beside Kimahri at the rear of the group.
"I wonder who Chappu was," Tidus thought out loud. "I wonder why talking about him gets Lulu so mad."
Tidus glanced up at Kimahri, who showed no sign of having heard him. Since the confrontation with the other Ronsos in the café, Tidus knew they could talk. So that meant could talk. Or maybe he really couldn't. Maybe Kimahri had been in some tragic accident that rendered him unable to speak.
Even though he never answered back, Tidus felt better after talking to Kimahri. Maybe it was because he never answered that Tidus found spilling his thoughts to the silent Ronso so refreshing. Tidus smiled as he thought about all the new friends he'd made. He still longed to go home, but, if he really thought about it, Tidus was almost glad for this wild misadventure he'd been thrown into.

Wakka had his eye closed, drawing breath after breath into his aching lungs. He lay on the bench in the Aurochs' locker room, still clutching a blitzball under one arm. His sides and ribs were horribly sore from the pounding the Al Bhed Psyches had given him. I should have expected that from those Al Bhed…
"Sure you're alright, Cap'n?" Datto's voice pulled Wakka out of his haze of pain. Wakka forced his eyes open to see his team crowding around him.
"The game starts in a few minutes." It was Letty who spoke next. "You sure you're okay?"
"We're playing the Goers, too," another Aurochs player, Jassu, said with a defeated sigh.
Wakka squeezed his eyes shut again. Come on, Wakka, your team needs you. You got a tournament to win.
Wakka strained as he pulled himself into a sitting position. I've got to do this. I have to. I have to. I…
Wakka felt a groan escape his lips as he collapsed back onto the bench, the blitzball slipping from his grip. No! I've got to do this!
The Aurochs spun around as the door opened. Standing in the doorway was Tidus, with Yuna, Lulu, and Kimahri behind him. The ball rolled over the floor, and Tidus stopped it with his foot.
"Miss me?" Tidus wore a big grin as he tossed the blitzball over to Datto. Wakka let out a sigh of relief. Yuna really was safe, and Tidus would be there to play with the Aurochs against the Goers.
"Lady Yuna!" Datto exclaimed.
"Are you okay?" it was Letty who asked.
"All this because of me," Yuna looked down at the ground, looking very contrite.
"I'm sorry!" she gave a deep bow. "I'm so sorry!"
Now that his relief was passed, Wakka felt a mite of frustration. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, this time staying arrect.
"How could you let some Al Bhed kidnap you?" he snapped at Yuna.
"Hey, let it go, okay?" Tidus quickly defended. Wakka was surprised to see him being so protective of the young summoner. Maybe he really would be a good guardian.
Wakka also realize he was being a little unfair to his charge.
"Don't go near any more Al Bhed, okay?" he sighed. "They're trouble."
Wakka didn't listen for a response. He just leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes again. It would be a little while until the Aurochs played the Goers, and he wanted to be able to stand to see them off.

"This is it! Time for the Aurochs to beat the Goers!" Tidus was practically bouncing with anticipation as he, Yuna, Lulu, and Kimahri left the Aurochs' locker room.
"Don't get your hopes up too much," Lulu cautioned, her voice hard.
"But we will win!" Tidus grinned. "Half of playing blitzball is confidence. As long as we believe we can win, we will!"
Lulu sighed and shook her head, holding on hand to her forehead. Without another word, she walked away. Kimahri followed.
"We're going to get some seats to watch the game," Yuna explained, starting off after the others. "We need to hurry before their all sold out." She glanced ahead at where Lulu and Kimahri rounded the corner. She looked back at Tidus with a smile. "Uh, good luck!"
"Thanks!" Tidus called back with a wave as Yuna disappeared around the corner. "See you after!"
There was a moment of silence as Tidus stood there in the hallway. Well then, he thought with a smile. Let's blitz!

Wakka was glad he had mustered the strength to stand. The Aurochs and Tidus all stood around him in the locker room, ready for the final game.
"Alright!" Wakka could almost feel some energy returning. At least his injuries weren't that bad.
"I got something to tell you, boys," Wakka swept his gaze over the Aurochs. He knew they wouldn't be thrilled by this news, but it had to be said. "After this game… I'm retiring. I promised myself this would be my last tournament. Win or lose, I'm quitting blitzball." As Wakka had expected, the Aurochs' faces drooped. But Wakka couldn't leave a room in melancholy for long.
"But you know," he continued, smiling wide, "Since we're here, we might as well win!"
The Aurochs let out a cheer, smiling again. Wakka's grin grew, too. He'd spent a decade with this team, and he knew all these people like brothers. Datto, Letty, Jassu, Botta, Keepa…
But Yuna needed him. Wakka knew that, and he knew he needed to go with her. So, this was it. The Aurochs' last game with Wakka as coach. Win or lose, he intended for this game to be a good one.
A worried question from Botta caught Wakka's attention. "A-am I on the bench?"
"I'm warming the bench," Wakka announced. This was his last game, and he dearly wanted to play, but Wakka knew that he couldn't in his condition. Maybe with a little more rest he could have, but…
"He's taking my place," Wakka walked up to Tidus and put his hands on the young blitzer's shoulders. Tidus was short and only came up to Wakka's chin, but he knew he could blitz like no one else. Wakka lingered there for a moment before spinning back to face the team.
"Alright, boys!" he cheered. "Let's win this one! Let's make the Goers goners!"
"Let's blitz!" Tidus joined in. Wakka could see how much Tidus was looking forward to this. Poor boy. The only thing he really remembers is blitz. No wonder the thought of playing it makes him so happy.
The Aurochs cheered one more time before filing out the door, Tidus tailing behind. Wakka sucked in a breath, closing his eyes. He was starting to feel better, so maybe he would be able to sub in at halftime.
Maybe.

A creaking sound brought Wakka out of his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked up to see the locker room door slowly swinging open. In the doorway stood a woman in a dark dress, her inky black flowing down her back in intricate braids. Her bangs were combed to one side, covering one of her amber, almost red, eyes. It was someone he'd known for a very long time. Lulu.
There was a moment of silence as Lulu walked up to him before she spoke.
"I saw you floating there," she said quietly. "On the sphere."
"Hey, you weren't supposed to see that," Wakka stammered. He'd used all his recovered strength pumping up the Aurochs; he hadn't been expecting to talk with Lulu so soon.
Then his strength gave out. Wakka's tired body revolted from his control, and he crumpled forward. Lulu caught him. She took a sharp intake of breath, and Wakka could tell she hadn't been expecting him to be so weary. He was frustrated that she had come in at that moment, when he couldn't even stand to greet her.
Lulu took in a deep breath, and Wakka felt her arms tighten around him. The warmth in her voice brought a little strength back to Wakka's tired body.
"You really gave it your all, didn't you?"

Just outside the locker room, the Aurochs huddled, ready to head out to the stadium above them. Tidus couldn't wait to get back into the blitzball sphere. It's just been too long!
"Alright boys!" Tidus called out, thrusting his hand into the center on the huddle. The Aurochs extended their hands to, and Tidus could feel anticipation crackling like lightning in the air.
"What are we gonna do?"
"WIN!" the Aurochs cheered in reply. Then Botta spoke up, and the three short words he added to that response rang with truth and filled the blitz team with determination like nothing else.
"For Cap'n Wakka!"

Wakka was a bit frustrated he couldn't stand on his own, but the gnawing ache in his side made that unnegotiable. In the Aurochs' locker room, Wakka stood leaning on Lulu, listening to the live broadcast of the blitzball game above.
"This is t folks!" an announcer called out. "In just a few minutes, the championship game!"
You go, boys, Wakka thought weakly. Show those Goers who's boss.
Despite his annoyance at his state, Wakka was grateful for Lulu's assistance. Without her help, he couldn't have gotten close enough to read the words he'd written on the locker room wall all those years ago. So many years, he'd played for the Aurochs. He'd played with his brother, Chappu, and with all the others. So much time…
And that was what made those time-faded words scrawled on the wall so true.
My best memories are here.
~ Wakka, Captain of the Besaid Aurochs

I can't believe it! I'm back! Blitzball!
Tidus could barely contain his excitement as the Aurochs floated in the center of the sphere, ready to start the game. The screaming crowds, the splash of water filling the blitzball sphere- if Tidus just closed his eyes, he could imagine that he was back in Zanarkand, ready to start a match with the Abes.
But somehow this seemed even better. Tidus wasn't just playing to win. He was playing to win for Wakka. Playing to win for all his new friends who were counting on him. He wouldn't lose.
"But who could have imagined…" an announcer's voice penetrated the blitzball sphere. "A championship game between these two teams? Our legendary Luca Goers going against… the horrendously ill-fated Besaid Aurochs.
"This looks like history in the making, Bobba," the second announcer commented. Tidus grinned.
Oh, yeah, this'll be history, alright.
Just ahead in the blitzball sphere, the Goers floated, their lead player in the front. The two teams faced off, Tidus leading the Aurochs. Time to get serious.
The Goers captain swam up to Tidus, extending his hand for a shake. Sometimes the opposing teams would shake hands, showing that there were no hard feelings, and that it was just a game. But somehow, Tidus didn't see the Goers as that kind of team. Still, he reached out his hand tentatively.
Thwack! Tidus barely managed to jerk his face out of the way as the Goers captain's handshake changing into a punch. Tidus leaped backward, frowning fiercely at the Goers captain, who wore a smug grin. No one could talk underwater, otherwise Tidus was sure there'd be some serious trash talking.
"They're already going at it, folks!" the announcer called. "The Goers are taunting the Aurochs!"
The Goers captain looked like he was laughing, his smirk growing. Tidus through back cocky grin of his own. Oh, we're not going down that easily, Goers.
Tidus looked back over his shoulder at the Aurochs, giving them a thumbs up and his best Wakka grin. Let's go, boys; it's time to blitz!

Bang! A sharp sound rang through the water as a blitzball was launched from the bottom of the sphere pool. Tidus was tense, ready to blitz. He was in the front as main shooter, with Letty and Datto on the sides. Botta and Jassu were covering defense, and Keepa was in the goal. It's time to go!
Tidus leaped forward and grabbed the ball before the Goers captain had time to react. However, the opposing player showed no mercy, lunging for Tidus before he even had full control of the ball. Tidus flipped around, using his feet to deflect the opponent's attack. Water rushed in his ears, and at that moment, Tidus realized just how much he had missed blitzball. He wasn't sure he would feel more elated if he suddenly appeared in the streets of Zanarkand.
But he couldn't let those thoughts distract him now. Tidus quicky jerked to the left, dodging around the Goers player and thrusting out into open water, his advisory in close pursuit. The Goers were a good team, for all their flaws, and two others quickly found their way into Tidus' path. One dived straight for him, not wasting a moment. Tidus jerked downward, letting the first player fly over his head, and the second one started to lunge for him. Tidus looked up sharply and spotted Letty a short ways downfield, wide open. Not waiting for the other attack to land, Tidus hurled the ball towards Letty.
Tidus didn't get a chance to see whether his pass was caught or not, because the Goers player made hard contact with his side. Tidus didn't resist the blow and let it propel him backward. Realizing that Tidus no longer had the ball, the three players who had cornered him quickly took off after Letty. Tidus swam towards the left side of the sphere, trying to spot Letty. He found his teammate just in time to see a Goers player swipe the ball from him. Argh! And so close to the goal, too.
Tidus moved to intercept the Goer with the ball. They weren't getting to the Aurochs goal so easily.
Even as Tidus dived in his way, the Goers player didn't stop. He just slammed into Tidus full force. The impact hurt, but Tidus didn't care. He quickly fumbled for the ball, all while trying to keep the squirming blitzer in his arms. Calm down, won't you?
But this Goer was doing a good job. He was writhing like a snake. Just keeping a grip around the man's body was nearly impossible, much less grabbing the ball from him. Then, he went completely limb. It startled Tidus, and he relaxed his grip just a little, but enough. The Goers player shot away from him with lightning speed, leaving Tidus dizzy from the force of his departure.
But there was no time to wait. Tidus had to catch that guy. He could pay no heed to pain, only swim on as fast as his body would allow.
Jassu and Botta moved to intercept the flying Goers player, but only Jassu made it in time. He slammed into the opposing player, but couldn't stop him or get a grip on the ball. Tidus was gaining, but he wasn't fast enough. It's up to Keepa now.
The Goers player wasted no time dropping to ball to his feet and sending a solid shot towards the Aurochs goal. Tidus couldn't help but think what a perfect shot it was, aimed towards the lower corner. Keepa looked unsteady, but he did his best. He flipped over, reaching for the ball with his hands. It was a good effort, but not good enough. The ball landed firmly in the goal, and the crowds went wild.
"What a great play!" the announcer cheered. "The Goers score first!"
The first goal doesn't decide the victor, Tidus reminded himself. We just have to keep trying!

"And it's halftime!"
Wakka pulled in a breath at the commentator's announcement. Lulu had left a while before, saying she had to find Yuna in the seats at the stadium. Wakka had listened to the broadcast of the game from the locker room, feeling his strength growing all the while. The Aurochs had managed to tie the game, 1-1, near the end of the half. They were hanging on, their determination the only thing that gave them a chance.
A creaking caught Wakka's attention, and he looked up to see six soaking blitzball players strolling into the locker room, Tidus at their lead. The young man was beaming brighter than the sun. Good to see him so perky.
"Hey, Wakka!" Tidus called out, still grinning. "We've got it tied! We're so gonna win this game!"
"That's the spirit!" Wakka smiled back. He stood up from the bench, relived that he no longer felt dizzy. He walked over the Aurochs, managing not to slip on the water pooling on the floor.
"You want to sub in, Cap'n?" Datto asked, cocking his head.
"No, I'm still a bit banged up," Wakka answered quickly. Maybe if halftime had been a few minutes later, but…
"Aurochs, huddle!" Wakka commanded, and the team quickly grouped into a circle.
"Zone defense, boys!" Wakka instructed. "Stop those Goers!"
"Cap'n!" the Aurochs replied in one accord.
"What about me?" Tidus asked, his eyes bright and eager.
Wakka grinned. "Just get the ball and shoot like crazy!"
"Goers are goin' down!" Datto called out, causing the Aurochs to cheer.
"Shoot like crazy!" Tidus called out with a grin. The Aurochs cheered again. Wakka couldn't help but smile even wider. This game was theirs.
"Alright, Aurochs!" he announced, pulling out of the circle. "Hustle!"
With a murmur of affirmations, the Aurochs filed out of the locker, headed back to the stadium.
You go, boys. Make me proud.

Second half. It is on!
Tidus was grinning wide as he dived for the ball at the start of the second half. This time, he and the Goers player both got their hands on it, and a tug-of-war ensued. Tidus yanked on the ball as hard as he could, thinking about Wakka and the Aurochs and the need to win this game. He thought about how Yuna was sitting somewhere in the stands with Lulu and Kimahri, believing that the Aurochs would win this game. Everyone expected it, it was what Tidus had promised, and he was going to deliver. With one last tug, he ripped the ball from the Goer's hands.
Tidus dodged to the right this time, then back to the left, to throw off his pursuer. He managed to get into the open without a Goer in sight. Hah! This is a piece of cake!
Tidus managed to outrun one Goers player and soon had a clear shot for the goal. Shoot like crazy time! Tidus tossed the ball upward and swam towards it, ready to do his signature shot. He was about to kick when one of the Goers came up behind him, diving between Tidus' foot and the ball. He got a solid kick for his effort, but it stopped Tidus from getting that goal. These guys sure know how to blitz, that's for sure, he thought with a frown. This is going to be a long half.

"The Aurochs' spirits are fading quickly! Are they going down without a fight?"
Tidus scowled at the announcer's words. You don't have to rub it in.
It was true. The Aurochs were getting tired, and the Goers seemed to have limitless energy. Tidus had gotten close to a goal several times, but something would break down and he'd be stopped. There were only three minutes left in the game, and the score was still 1-1. At least we've managed to keep the Goers at bay.
But even that was too close for comfort. The Goers had nearly gotten several goals, more than Tidus. Things aren't going well.
"The fans are getting impatient!" the commentator continued. "They're calling for some action!"
I'm trying, here! Tidus was hanging up in the Goers side on the field, waiting for a pass. The Goers had the ball now, and their player was facing off with Datto and Jassu.
Another cry from the commentator caught Tidus' attention.
"The crowds seem to be calling for Wakka, folks!"
That was what the Aurochs needed. They need their captain. Tidus knew it.
Besides, Wakka deserves to play in his last game.
Still, Tidus let out a sigh. He'd really enjoyed getting back n the sphere. But he knew what he had to do.
Tidus drifted down towards the bottom of the pool where the airlock was.
"Say… Where is that player going?" the commentator called out, but Tidus didn't really care. "He's leaving the sphere pool! He may be injured!"
Ignoring the announcer, Tidus continued his decent. He had to go get Wakka. If he was to be honest, Tidus did feel a bit left out, but… he knew it was really the Aurochs and Wakka's show.

Wakka paced back and forth in the locker room, listening closely to the broadcast. The Aurochs were holding their own, but they weren't gaining any ground. It seemed like the Goers might score soon.
Come on, boys, you got this!

"Wakka!"
Wakka wheeled around as the door to the locker opened. In the doorway stood Tidus, water dripping from his clothes and hair.
"Tidus? What are you doing in here?" Wakka exclaimed. "We need you out there!"
"No, they need you out there," Wakka didn't understand Tidus' reply at first.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, frowning. "Let's just face it, you're a better blitzer than me."
"Yeah, but you're the captain, Wakka," Tidus clasped his hands behind his head as he spoke. "The Aurochs would have enough spirit to finish this game without you. I'm just a newbie. You guys need to finish this game together."
"But…" Wakka trailed off, seeing the resolution in Tidus' eyes. "Alright," Wakka relented. "I'll go. You sure you don't want to play?"
"This is your last game, Wakka!" Tidus said with a grin. "You get out there and show the Goers who's boss!"
"Well," Wakka felt a grin of his own appearing, "if you insist! Thanks, brudda!"
"No problem!" Tidus waved a hand dismissively. "Now get out there and blitz!"
Wakka grinned at Tidus and, without another word, strode out of the locker towards the stadium.
This is it! My last time to blitz! Watch out, Goers!

The rush of water around his ears, the muffled cry of the crowds, the Aurochs all around him- Wakka sure would miss blitzball when this game was over.
"I wonder what's happening?" an announcer's voice came dimly through the water. "The crowd is going wild!"
"Ah!" he cried after a moment's pause. "It's Wakka! He's back on the field and ready to go! The Aurochs seem glad to have him back!"
Wakka had never felt more energized. All the aches had fled his body and he was so ready to blitz.
This is my last game, and it's gonna be a good one!

Wakka shot passed a Goers player, the goal just beyond. The Aurochs, though weary, had played astoundingly, keeping the game tied. The game was close to being over, thought Wakka wasn't sure exactly how close. He just knew he had to get this goal.
Win or lose, this is my last game. But win or lose, I'm glad I got to play. Thanks, Tidus.
At that moment, when Wakka kicked the ball towards the goal, he didn't really care if it landed or not. The Aurochs had the rest of the season to prove themselves, and Wakka had played a good game with his team one last time.
Thwack! The ball landed beyond the goalie and securely in the goal. For a moment, Wakka couldn't believe it. Then, the timer rang, signaling that the game was over.
We won? We won!
"Unbelievable!" the announcer cheered along with the crowds. "The Aurochs win, folks! This is one for the record books!"
Wakka laughed out loud, even if it made no sound under water. He had played his final game with the Aurochs and won.