I release one chapter ever week, but that doesn't stop me from writing more than one chapter every week. What I'm trying to say is, I finished. I wrote all of FFX. So you don't need to worry about me giving up and stopping, because it's all done. It feels kind of weird; I've been writing the same book since December, and now I'm done. My family is spending this week working outside, and then I'll start writing my next book.
So, I'll keep releasing one chapter of FFX a week for now. It'll give me time to have a nice backlog of chapters for my next Fanfic before I start releasing it.
Enjoy this chapter! It's kind of long, I mean, like, really long, but I think it's a good one. This was right around the time when I started to really get into writing, so I think the quality increased.
Please leave a review!


Chapter Twenty

The next morning, the party picked up camp and continued through the woods. The farther they went, the thicker the forest became. They ran into a few fiends, but nothing they couldn't handle.
After traveling for about an hour, they reached a large gate-like cave entrance.
"Whoa," Tidus breathed. "What is that?"
"This is the entrance to Guadosalam," Lulu explained.
"You mean the city's… underground?" Tidus stared at the dark entrance.
"That's right," Yuna said with a nod. "This is the place where the Guado live, apart from the rest of the world."
"What are we waiting for?" Wakka asked. "Let's get moving. The Thunder Plains are just through here."
Tidus wondered what the "Thunder Plains" were, but he decided not to ask.
At Wakka's suggestion, the party continued on into the dark tunnel. Tidus noticed Rikku hanging back, looking uncomfortable.
"Are you alright?" he asked her.
"What? Oh, yeah," Rikku replied, still sounding put out. She hurried to catch up with the rest. After a few moments, Tidus followed. What's up with her?

Inside, Guadosalam wasn't nearly as dark as one would expect an underground city to be. Lanterns hung on the walls, painting the whole place with fiery light. The city was built seemingly out of earth, with many levels, all connected by arching pathways. Tidus guessed that those well-trodden paths were the massive roots of the trees overhead, whose boughs had covered the sky the night before.
An old-looking Guado with wind-blown green hair trotted up the path to meet the summoner's party as it entered.
"We have been expecting you, Lady Yuna," the old Guado said. "Welcome to Guadosalam. This way, my lady, this way."
"Me?" Yuna asked, looking thoroughly confused.
With no further explanation, the old Guado reached to grab Yuna's hand.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Wakka swatted away the Guado's hand, his anger clear on his face.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," the old Guado said with a bow. "I'm called Tromell Guado. I am in the direct service of our leader, the great Seymour Guado. Lord Seymour has very important business with Lady Yuna."
"Business with me?" Yuna look uncomfortable, even a little scared. "Whatever could it be, I wonder?"
"Please, come inside the manor," Tromell gestured toward a large house carved out of the city's earthen walls. "All will be explained. Of course, your friends are also welcome."
With that, Tromell started off down the pathway towards the house, leaving no room for argument.
"Twist our arms, why don't ya!" Rikku scoffed. Despite the inconvenience, the party had little choice but to follow. What's going on? Tidus thought. What is it that Seymour guy wants with Yuna?

Inside, Tidus tried not to goggle at how impressive the house was. Elaborate stairways curving up to the upper level, lanterns flickering in blue and green hues…
I should've guessed Seymour would have a fancy house.
Wakka and Lulu stood halfway up one staircase, examining a row of portraits. They almost seemed to glow, and Tidus wondered what the images were made of.
"These are the past leaders of the Guado," Lulu explained as Tidus approached.
"They all look the same!" Tidus commented, looking up and down the row of Guado faces.
"Maester Seymour doesn't look like them, though," Wakka said, pointing at the last portrait in the row.
"Don't you know?" Lulu turned to Wakka. "The last leader…" Lulu looked across to the other staircase, where another row of paintings hung.
"Maester Jyscal," Lulu continued, "wed a human woman. She was Seymour's mother."
"So, Seymour's half-Guado?" Tidus asked.
"That's right." Lulu nodded. "That is why he has been so successful in fostering relation between humans and Guado."
Tidus nodded, taking in this new information.
"Hey, why don't you go see how Yuna is," Wakka suggested. "She didn't look too good."
"Okay." Tidus looked across the room to where Yuna stood with Kimahri near the entrance. I guess I'll go see how Yuna is.

"Hey, Yuna, you okay?" Tidus asked, coming up to the young summoner.
"I'm fine," she answered firmly, not making eye contact. Tidus could see she was still troubled.
"Hey, don't let that Seymour guy get to you, alright?" Tidus said, trying to cheer her up. Before Yuna could reply, Kimahri spoke up.
"Kimahri not like Maester Seymour," the Ronso said gruffly.
"Ahh! Shhh!" Yuna gasped, looking around quickly.
Kimahri folded his furry blue arms over his chest. "Kimahri speak no more."
Yuna let out a nervous giggle, turning back to Tidus.
"I'm fine, really," she said. "I just wonder why he wants to see me…"
"If you say so," Tidus said with a sigh.
The door at the end of the hall swung open, catching the attention of all those waiting. Tromell entered the room, his face solemn.
"This way, please." Tromell gestured towards the door he had just emerged from. The scattered guardians all congregated around Yuna, keeping close as the group entered the inner rooms. Tidus could feel a sense of foreboding in the air. He couldn't think of any reason for the premonition, but something just didn't seem right…

Inside was a banquet hall, the table fully set and covered with food. Bright lights hung from the ceiling, and it seemed like a perfectly normal banquet. As far as Tidus could see, nothing nefarious was going on.
"I will go inform Lord Seymour," Tromell informed. "Please wait here."
Tromell disappeared through a door at the other end of the hall, leaving the party alone again. They dispersed around the room, waiting once more. Auron pulled Tidus aside, looking serious.
"Stay on your guard," he warned.
Tidus sighed. "Why? This guy's just a priest, right?"
"Those with power use that power," Auron said sternly. "Maesters have power."
"Wait…" Tidus tilted his head. "You sure you don't have something against Yevon?"
"I lived a long time in Zanarkand," Auron said with that dark chuckle of his.
"Ah-ha." Tidus nodded, knowing it wouldn't be wise to push any further.

Lulu stood by the table, looking over the food but not eating. Rikku was the only one of the party calm enough to eat.
"There's no temple here in Guadosalam, see?" she said as Tidus approached. Tidus let out a chuckle.
"What?" Lulu snapped, her long bangs swishing as she snapped her face towards him.
"I didn't even ask a question and you're explaining things," Tidus replied, clasping his hands behind his head.
"You'd rather I say nothing, then?" Lulu asked, looking grumpy as usual.
"No, no!" Tidus shook his head. "It's just… Maybe you finally believe I don't know anything about Spira. And maybe that means you believe me about Zanarkand, too?" Tidus grew less sure as he finished his sentence.
"Well…" Lulu turned her gaze from him and scanned the room, deep in thought.
"There are many things I do not know," she said after a few moments. "Your Zanarkand is one of those things. Still, be careful. You shouldn't tell other people."
"Yeah, I know," Tidus sighed. He sat back for a few moments and watched the ceiling, wondering how long Seymour was going to be. He just calls us in here and expects we'll wait all day for him. Who does that guy think he is?
Tidus' thoughts were interrupted as Tromell re-entered the room. Seymour wasn't with him.
"Truly, it is good to have guests again," Tromell said. "Since Lord Jyscal passed away, these halls have been too quiet."
Yuna walked up to Tromell, nodding.
"The death of Lord Jyscal was a great loss for all of Spira," she said.
Tidus leaned over to Wakka, who stood nearby. "Was this Maester Jyscal really such a great guy?"
"He brought the teachings of Yevon to the Guado," Wakka explained. "He was truly a great man."
"Truly a loss for us all," Tromell continued his lament. "But now a new leader, Lord Seymour, has come before us. Lord Seymour is the child of a Guado and a human. He will be the tie that binds our two races together."
The old Guado man looked as excited as Tidus had ever seen him. I guess they all think Seymour's great, too.
"But that is not all, I think," Tromell continued, spreading out his arms. "Lord Seymour… He will surely become the shining star that lights the way for all the peoples of Spira."
The door at the other end of the hall swung open, and Seymour stepped in.
"That is enough Tromell," he said to the old Guado. "Must I always endure such praise?"
Seymour turned to his guests, to Yuna in particular.
"Welcome!" he said, dropping in a prayer bow.
"You… wanted to see me?" Yuna asked, still looking nervous.
"Please, make yourselves at home," Seymour said in his soothing, silky voice. "There's no rush."
"Please, keep this short. Yuna must rush," Auron said sharply, clearly not wooed by Seymour's suave tones.
"Pardon me," Seymour said, his voice still soaked in courtesy. "It has been a long time since I had guests."
Seymour turned back to Yuna, making eye contact with the young summoner. "Lady Yuna, this way."

The room around the filled with light for a moment, then the flash faded into a scene Tidus hadn't seen for a long time. Below them, a great metropolis stretched out, aglow with lights. The vision swept over them, as though they were atop a flying platform swooping down into the city. The night sky above was full of pyreflies, dashing to and fro. Seymour stepped up behind Yuna, who stood with her mouth open.
"This sphere is a reconstruction created from the thoughts of the dead that wander the Farplane," Seymour explained.
Tidus could barely believe his eyes. It was just an illusion, but for a few moments he had thought he was home. The city, it was…
"Zanarkand!" Tidus gasped. It was all just as he remembered it.
"Correct," Seymour said. "Zanarkand… as it looked one thousand years ago. The great and wonderous machina city, Zanarkand."
Everybody looked around in wonder, save Auron and Kimahri. The Ronso stood with his arms folded, and Auron stood at the back of the group looking unimpressed. Lulu, Wakka, and Rikku looked around with wide eyes, taking in the sites that Tidus had known from his childhood. Seymour stood close behind Yuna, looking only at the young summoner.
"She once lived in this metropolis," Seymour said mysteriously. Yuna turned back to look at him.
"She, who?" she asked. Seymour didn't answer, turning his gaze from Yuna.
The vision swept farther into the city, entering a house. It came to halt, leaving the group standing inside a bedchamber. On the bed sat a woman with long, pale blue hair, who Tidus didn't recognize.
"Lady Yunalesca!" Yuna gasped.
"She was the first person to defeat Sin and save the world from its ravages," Seymour explained, then turned to Yuna. "And you have inherited her name."
"It was my father who named me," Yuna replied.
"Lord Braska was entrusting you with a great task," Seymour said. "He wanted you to face Sin, as Lady Yunalesca did. However, Lady Yunalesca did not save the world alone. To defeat Sin…" Seymour made a short prayer gesture before continuing, "it took an unbreakable bond of love, of the kind that binds two hearts for eternity."
A man dressed in heavy armor entered the room through the door, passing straight through Yuna and Seymour. Yunalesca stood up from her bed quickly and ran to meet him. The two embraced, and Yuna looked away. Seymour bent down to whisper in her ear, and Tidus couldn't hear the words he spoke. Whatever it was, it must have been controversial, because Yuna gasped and covered her mouth, eyes wide. Then the vision started to fade, vanishing entirely after a few moments.

With the vision gone, the group found themselves back in the banquet hall. Yuna broke away form Seymour and dashed towards the table, where she began to guzzle down a cup of water. Tidus felt very worried about whatever Seymour had said.
"Wow! Your face is beet red!" Rikku exclaimed as she and the others raced over to Yuna.
"You okay?" Tidus asked.
"I… ah…" Yuna tripped over her words for a moment, not meeting anyone's eyes. "He… he asked me to marry him!"
"You serious?" Tidus felt his eyes widening. What!? He… What's going on?
Tidus turned quickly to Seymour. "H-hey!"
Tidus couldn't gather his thoughts before Auron spoke up.
"You know what Yuna must do," Auron said sternly.
"Of course." Seymour nodded, his voice as cool as ever. "Lady Yuna- no, all summoners- are charged with bringing peace to Spira. But his means more than just defeating Sin. She must ease the suffering of all Spira. She must be a leader to the people." Seymour rested his eyes on Yuna, who didn't meet his gaze. "I proposed to Lady Yuna as a Maester of Yevon."
"Spira is no playhouse," Auron snapped, anger rising in his voice. "A moment's diversion may amuse an audience, but it changes nothing."
"Even so," Seymour replied, "the actors must play their parts."
Seymour turned from his discussion with Auron and approached Yuna.
"There's no need to answer right away," he said soothingly. "Please, think it over."
Yuna stammered for a moment, trying to say something.
"We will do so, then," Auron spoke for her. "We leave."
Seymour made a slight bow to Yuna. "Lady Yuna, I await your favorable reply."
The group turned to leave, but one last comment from Seymour stopped them.
"Why are you still here, sir?"
At first, Tidus had no idea what Seymour was talking about, but then Auron stopped short.
"I beg your pardon," Seymour said with a courtly bow. "We Guado are keen to the scent of the Farplane."
Tidus really had no idea what Seymour was talking about. The Farplane is where people go after a sending, right? And Auron smells like that? That doesn't make any sense. Then what's Seymour talking about? Well, there is one way to find out…
Tidus leaned over to Auron and took a big sniff. Auron responded by shoving him away and stomping off towards the door. Everyone followed tentatively.
But what was Seymour talking about? Just one more thing for me to worry about…

The party emerged from Seymour's house back into the dark streets of Guadosalam.
"Yuna, the high summoner's daughter. Seymour, the leader of the Guado." Lulu spoke, sounding thoughtful. "Married in the name of Yevon, overcoming the barriers of race. It would give Spira something cheery to talk about, for a change."
Wakka scoffed. "Sounds just like a passing daydream, like Auron says."
Tidus let out a groan. "Come on, let's just get on with the pilgrimage! I mean, marriage?"
Rikku let out a giggle and elbowed him. "Hmmm, jealous?"
"What? N-no way!" Tidus defended. How can she tease at a time like this?!
"We gotta defeat Sin!" Tidus continued. "Romance can wait!"
Rikku giggled again, but Tidus ignored her.
Wakka let out a sigh. "He sure picked a fine day to lay this one on us."
"Maybe it is a fine time," Yuna spoke up.
Tidus turned to her, eyes wide. "You serious?"
"If my getting married will help Spira… if it would make people happy…" Yuna looked down at the ground, seeming almost sad. "If I could do that for the people, maybe I should do what I can. I never imagined doing anything like this…"
Yuna shook her head, coming out of her daze. "But, I won't answer until I know what's right."
Tidus couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Seriously?"
"You could always just quit your pilgrimage and get married!" Rikku piped up, looking excited. Tidus couldn't help but stare at her. How can everyone take this so seriously?
"I will go on," Yuna said. "I'm sure that Lord Seymour will understand."
"Um, I guess so…" Rikku said, disappointed.
"I am a summoner!" Yuna said resolutely. "I must fight and defeat Sin!"
"Like Braska before you," Auron added somberly.
As everyone else talked, Tidus had to stop himself from shouting out loud. What is there to think about? Yuna can't get married!
"I'm going to the Farplane," Yuna said, turning towards one of the rising pathways. "I'm going to see my father and think on this."
"Go on," Lulu said. "We'll be right behind you."
Yuna nodded, and the group went farther into Guadosalam. Tidus kept wondering why none of the others ever asked Yuna, "Do you love Seymour?" "Do you even like him?"

The group headed up one of the many winding tree-root paths to a passageway above the main city. Tidus had a lot of questions about where they were going, but he waited to ask them. Everyone was quiet as they made their possession, almost solemn. Tidus let out a breath, wishing the tension form earlier would fade. But then again, Yuna getting married? Tidus wasn't sure things would be calm again until Yuna finally decided not to marry Seymour. Of course she'll say no. Yuna can't possibly say yes, can she?
The group rounded a corner and found themselves facing a long staircase, aglow with ethereal light. The light came from a massive membrane at the top of the staircase that rippled with a thousand tiny rainbows, with a few Guado guarding it. Tidus topped and stared at the spectacular sight for a few moments while the others continued. Hurrying up to join them, Tidus called out.
"Question! This Farplane…" Tidus paused a moment, gathering his thoughts. "When somebody dies, a summoner sends them to the Farplane, right? So their souls, or whatever they are, they go to the Farplane, right? But that's the Farplane we're going to, right? And Yuna's old man is there, too? Do dead people live there or something?"
An image materialized in Tidus mind of ghosts floating through dark empty space, and he shuddered.
"You're thinking those funny thoughts again, ya?" Wakka said, one eyebrow raised.
Tidus let out a nervous chuckle, and Lulu sighed.
"You'll see once we get there," Wakka said, not putting to rest Tidus' worries.
Yuna, Wakka, Lulu, and Kimahri walked up the staircase and disappeared through the membrane. Tidus turned to see Auron sitting against a railing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Aren't you coming?" Tidus asked.
"I do not belong there," Auron replied sternly.
"Ah-ha," Tidus said with a chuckle. "You're scared!"
"Searching the past to find the future…" Auron stared at the ground as he spoke. "This is all that is there. I need it not." Auron looked back up at Tidus. "You'd better be going."
Rikku, standing on the other side of the stairway, spoke up. "You're not really going to see the dead, more like your memories of them. People think of their relatives, and the pyreflies react to them. They take on the form of the dead person- an illusion, nothing else."
Tidus pondered this for a moment. Rikku was an Al Bhed, and it made sense she believed differently than the others. I guess what she says makes sense, but then, what's a sending?
"Well, have fun!" Rikku said with a wave, shaking Tidus from his musings.
"What, you're not going either, Rikku?" Tidus asked.
"I keep my memories inside," Rikku replied. "Memories are nice, but that's all they are." She sat down on the railing opposite Auron, looking just as solemn as he. Tidus sighed and left the two of them. He climbed up the staircase to the shining membrane. What is this thing?
Tidus tapped the surface a few times, and it rippled with colors. Everyone else is in there. I guess I should go join them…
Tidus sighed and shoved his way through the shimmering surface.

The journey through the membrane took no longer than any other step. In fact, Tidus didn't even feel anything different as he stepped through the portal and out into the Farplane.
The first thing he noticed was the smell. A strong, sweet, sugary scent filled the air, almost overpowering. The air was perfectly still, without even a hint of a breeze. Tidus now stood on a large platform made of red stone that seemed to float over a vivid, dreamlike landscape. Clouds teeming with pyreflies surrounded the platform, but through gaps Tidus could see flickers of fields and waterfalls.
"Wow…" Tidus' mouth hung open as he took in the sight. Once his astonishment had worn off, Tidus noticed the other members of his party. Kimahri stood by the gateway, arms folded and face solemn. Wakka stood near the edge, facing a semi-transparent image of a young man, floating just beyond the platform's edge. Lulu stood back a bit, but still watching.
And Yuna stood facing her parents. Braska looked just like the statue Tidus had seen in the temple at Besaid, dressed in a heavy robe, holding a staff. The Farplane was amazing, but Tidus couldn't stop thinking about Yuna. Her parents looked so happy together, it made him worry for the first time that seeing them would make Yuna really consider Seymour's proposal.

Tidus walked over to Wakka, trying to get a better look at the person he was talking to. It was a young man with red hair, and Tidus could see a resemblance to the face that stared back at him in the mirror.
"Yo, Chappu!" Wakka called, mixed emotions on his face. "I meant to come see you earlier, ya? Sorry!" Wakka bowed to the ghost-like figure. "I know you won't hold it against me." Wakka was silent for a moment before continuing.
"I gave up the game. I'm a guardian from here on, you know? This guy- he looks a lot like you- showed up. Travelling with him, I thought, maybe… you were still alive somehow, ya?" Wakka looked at the ground for a few moments. "But, then again, here you are on the Farplane. Guess your place is here."
Wakka let out a sigh. "So, how you been? Oh, that guy I just told you 'bout, I gave him your sword. He likes it."
"Huh?" Tidus looked down at the sword tied to his belt and rested a hand on its hilt. Yeah, Wakka; I won't forget what this sword means, or who's it was.

Tidus walked away from Wakka, leaving him with Chappu. He made his way over to Lulu, who also watched the ghostly form of the departed man.
"He is dead, and I am still alive," Lulu said, looking distant. "Coming here really makes that clear. I should focus more on what I have to do now." Lulu broke off with a chuckle.
She sighed. "I'm not even sure what I'm saying."
"Don't you mean that you should leave Chappu behind?" Tidus asked. "I'm sure he was a great guy, but there'll be others."
For a moment Tidus thought he'd been too harsh, but Lulu didn't get upset.
"That's a possibility," she said after a moment.
Tidus was relived she'd taken it the right way. Not only was she not getting mad at him, but it also meant he could help her.
"How about… Wakka?" he suggested.
"What, me? With Wakka?" Lulu looked like she would almost laugh.
"Yeah!" Tidus persisted. "You two get along great!"
"Getting along isn't enough," Lulu scoffed. "Not even close."
"Oh, sorry." Tidus rubbed the back of his head. "My mistake."
"You'd do well to remember that," Lulu said seriously. "Knowing a bit about woman might come in handy someday."
"Yeah, I'll remember that," Tidus replied.
"I won't be forgetting, either." Lulu turned her gaze back to the ghostly image of her lost love, floating just beyond the platform. She sighed and spoke, allowing genuine emotion to seep through her words.
"Goodbye, Chappu. You always said I looked grumpy, but those were the happiest days of my life."

Tidus left Lulu and finally went over to Yuna. She stood at the edge, watching her parents' vague images float just out of reach. Tidus sighed, figuring he had to ask her. He had to ask what she was going to do. She can't marry Seymour. She just can't.
"So… Yuna?" Tidus asked hesitantly as he came up beside her.
"I've decided," Yuna said firmly, not looking back.
"Oh? Really? That's good." Tidus was surprised she'd made up her mind so quick.
"I remember, when I was only seven years old, in Bevelle that day." Yuna's gaze drifted away staring at something beyond her parents and the unreal landscape, something in her own memory. "My father had defeated Sin, and the whole town was out in the streets. Everyone was laughing. They all seemed so happy. If I defeated Sin, that would make everyone happy…" Yuna trailed off, then turned her head to look at Tidus. "Wouldn't it?"
Tidus nodded, and Yuna looked away again.
"I must do what everyone wants," Yuna said. "Not just what I want."
"Let's go back!" Tidus exclaimed. "You gotta tell Seymour!" You gotta tell him "No."
"Before that," Yuna said, "call Sir Jecht. Give it a try."
"Huh?" Tidus frowned. The last thing I want is to see my old man.
"Don't worry," Yuna said with a smile. "He won't come."
Tidus tried hard not to think about his father, but that just made him think about him. Nothing happened.
"See, told you!" Yuna said, still smiling. Tidus tried not to look too forlorn. He isn't here because he's not dead. He's Sin.
"That means he's alive, you know?" A flicker of hope dashed over Yuna face. I guess she really wants to see him. But what if my old man really is Sin? What would I say to Yuna? To everybody in Spira? Why should I have to apologize for him, anyway?
Tidus clenched his teeth, his bitter emotions rising up.
"I'd rather never see him again," he spat.
Yuna good mood faded. "What makes you hate him so?" she asked.
Tidus tightened his hands into fists, the anger that came with his memories growing hot. "Everything he does just makes me so mad. It was his fault that me and my mother…"
Tidus cut off, his anger vanishing. In the space before him, just beyond the platform's edge, a ghostly figure appeared. She had short, sandy brown hair and blue eyes, and Tidus knew her face well.
"Mom?" he asked, eyes wide. "I-It's her!"
"She's very pretty," Yuna said quietly.
"But… wait…" Tidus stammered. "No one ever preformed a sending for her."
Yuna looked down. "She must've excepted death while she was still alive."
"Whoa there, that's my mother you're talking about," Tidus exclaimed.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Yuna said, genuinely contrite.
"It's okay," Tidus sighed. Really, that sounded like how his mother had died. She had just…
Something clicked in Tidus' head. Thinking back to the mind of the little seven-year-old boy he'd been, something suddenly made sense.
"Ah," Tidus said, letting out a breath. "I think I just figured something out."
"What?" Yuna asked.
Tidus hung his head, staring at the clouds below. "Why I hate my old man."

A memory surfaced in Tidus' mind. He was only six years old, standing below the balcony of their houseboat, playing around with a blitzball. He could see his mother and father leaning on the railing, talking about something. They didn't seem to notice that he was even there. Wondering what had stolen their attention so, he strained to make out their words.
"See?" Jecht was saying. "So I told him what I thought of him, right there!"
"Really?" Tidus' mother replied, her eyes wide.
"'Course!" Jecht said with a scoff.
Tidus' mother stared out at the sea over the railing. "I suppose, but…"
Tidus concluded in his six-year-old mind that this conversation was not more important than he was. The little boy standing below couldn't help but feel neglected.
"Mommy!" he called out, trying to get her attention. His father was never around, but when even his mother wouldn't notice him, it made him mad.
"Just a sec, dear," his mother called down absently, not even looking. Tidus clenched his teeth, deciding childishly that this neglection was his father's fault.

Tidus sighed and spilled his thoughts out to Yuna. "Whenever my old man was around, my mother wouldn't even look at me. Maybe that's when I started to resent him, even hate him… When he left us, Mom just lost her energy…."

More memories Tidus hadn't visited for a long time floated back up to the surface. It was a sunny day, and Tidus stood up of the upper deck of their houseboat, trying not to think of anything other than the sparkling sea waves and the cool salty breeze. It had been almost a year since his father had vanished, and Tidus and his mother were carrying on the best they could. A couple of months ago, a man named Auron had shown up in Zanarkand, and now he helped the struggling family. Tidus couldn't imagine why the strange man would care so much about them, but at seven years old, he didn't really care. Auron slept in their living room most nights now, with Mother getting weaker all the time. But Tidus didn't want to worry about that now.
The door creaked open, yanking the little boy from his dismal thoughts. He turned around to see Auron standing on the deck. The sea breeze whipped around his long red cloak and glinted off his dark sunglasses.
"Is she alright?" Auron asked. Tidus knew he was talking about his mother.
"Why should you care?" the little boy spat, turning back to the sea.
"If she dies, I wouldn't know what to do," Auron replied.
Tidus felt a jerk of panic. "Don't say Mom is gonna die!" he shouted.
"I apologize," Auron replied calmly. He turned and walked back inside, leaving the little boy on the balcony, staring over the sea.
That Auron guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Mom's not gonna die…

Tidus shook his head, trying to disperse the painful memories. Yuna still stood next to him, listening to him pour out his troubles.
"The old lady next door told me," Tidus started, "when a lovebird dies, the one left behind… It just gives up living so it can join its mate. It was just like that. I hated my old man even more. But, really, my old man…"
Tidus' brain was whirling with thoughts and memories. He hadn't seen his father since he was seven years old. Could it really be that his hatred was all born from his childish demand for attention? He'd hated his father for so long, he had never even questioned why. Jecht was just someone to be hated. And did I really just tell Yuna all that?
"Oh, man…" Tidus sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I must sound so stupid."
"I don't think so," Yuna said gently, but her condolence fell on deaf ears.
Tidus closed his eyes. "How embarrassing!"
Footsteps sounded as Wakka and Lulu approached the pair.
"Well? Need some more time?" Wakka asked.
"No." Yuna shook her head. "I'm ready."
Lulu noticed the tension in the air. "Did I miss something?" she asked.
Tidus let out a nervous laugh but said nothing. The group headed back towards the portal, where Kimahri stood. Tidus still couldn't keep his thoughts together.
If I really do meet my old man, what will I say to him? Oh, man. I just wish I could forget about all this. There's… no way he can be Sin.
But the more Tidus thought about it, the harder it was to deny.
Sin is Jecht.