Yuna spends her last day as High Master Summoner with the people who mean the most to her.

Thank you for the follows/reviews.

italics = denotes thought or memory (for the most part)

Not Mine

Bestowals - 1 Day Until the Coronation

- Time -

Yuna woke to sun streaming through the window. She blinked a few times and then rolled over to look at the empty space beside her. It was cold when she put her hand over it, and she sighed. Today was early morning practice, so realistically she shouldn't have been upset. But today was the last day of the rest of her life and she had hoped just a little, that Tidus would be there. Nonetheless, she didn't begrudge him his need to practice - just wished he had put it off a little bit. Tidus had been distant with her the past few days and yesterday had been the first day things had seemed comparatively normal between them again. Whatever he had been going through he had clearly been able to overcome. Or he had at least worked through his issues enough the point where he was comfortable with her. Yuna wondered what it had been but didn't think to pry. He would tell her when the time came. He always did.

As consciousness blossomed through her she noticed that her comm was blinking red, implying that a message had been left. Reaching out she smacked the top of sphere. A moment later the image of Shelinda appeared. The image bowed and began speaking, "Good Morning Lady Yuna. This is a recording, so please let it play all the way through." At that Yuna laughed, "Today is the morning before tomorrow, which is your coronation. After thinking it through I have decided to give you the gift of freedom. Please do whatever it is you wish today. Sleep, go swimming, enjoy time with Tidus." At that the woman on the comm coughed into a fisted hand clearly not comfortable talking about that particular topic, "I know it's going to be hard but if I see you in the office to do paperwork I will kick you right out! So that's my message for you today. Thank you."

The form of Shelinda faded and Yuna smiled at the empty space, "Thank you Shelinda."

A knock on her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts, "It's Elma My Lady. I'll be around to ferry you wherever you want to go."

Hearing Elma's voice should have been a surprise but then Shelinda wouldn't have been able to let go of the reigns that tightly. Standing up Yuna stretched and then shook out her sleep. It was time to see what the day offered her.

- Joy -

Halfway into Yuna's first cup of coffee there was a knock on the front door and Elma stood up to answer it. There was a beat of silence and then, "Well I'll be."

A moment later both Lucil and Nhadala walked into Yuna's kitchen. Both of them were glowing and Lucil had a tan that made her skin look beautiful. Working in the sun on the deck of a boat had done her some good it seemed, "You're back!" Yuna exclaimed and then looked down, "And married? I thought the two of you were going to have a big wedding."

At that Nhadala laughed, "We were. But a few days ago we ended up almost drowning during a flood in of one of the undersea buildings we were exploring and decided we didn't want to wait. We were married last night. You are officially the first people, other than our crew to know."

"Congratulations! I bet it was beautiful. Even as a small ceremony." Yuna said.

"I named my first mate Captain for a day, and he performed the rites. We decorated the ship's hull with small lights, and the chef for the mess-hall cooked a delicious but simple meal. At the end of it I broke open my private liquor stash. And we partied late into the night." Nhadala told Yuna.

"That really does sound lovely. And honestly perfect for the two of you. Much more so than the elaborate ceremony you were planning." Standing up she walked over to the coffee machine and busied herself with refilling her cup and setting the pot up for a fresh batch, "Would you like some?"

"That's okay." Lucil said, "We can't stay very long. We have to check into our inn soon, your house was on the way so we figured we would stop by."

"I'm glad ya did." Elma said, "It's been awhile Captain."

"You're the Captain now Elma. I'm just Nhadala's partner who oftentimes can be found saving her from flood ins." Lucil praised her old charge.

At that Elma flushed bright red, "Thank you."

As the two women caught up Yuna finished with her coffee and returned to the table, watching the two of them. Elma seemed to so happy to see the woman who had acted as her mentor and best friend for so many years. Lucil too seemed happy to answer and share any question or story that Elma asked her. As Yuna sat down Nhadala turned to look at her, "Ah that reminds me. The real reason we came here."

As she spoke Nhadala pulled out a wooden box and sat it on the table in front of Yuna. Yuna looked at it for a moment before drawing it to her and pulling back on the lid to slide it off. Inside the box was quartered off into four sections, with each square holding different teas. She smelled each one and smiled at the scents, "The light yellow one is Cactus Honey Tea, an Al Bhed specialty." Lucil explained. "The one with the purple hints is my favorite Razzberry Tea now made right in the Calm Lands at their Spiran famous market. The smokey one is Frosted Peak a type of Oolong that the Ronso make, known for it's bold flavors. They claim only those who have daring taste buds drink it but Kimahri told me you'd had it before and had not spit it out. So I took the chance of giving it to you. The last one is a general tropical fruit blend, made from Besaid's more well know fruits and if Lulu is not a liar - your favorite."

Bringing the box of tea over to the counter Yuna turned off the coffee pot and turned on the tea kettle, "You have to stay now and at least enjoy a cup." She told them.

"Alright." Nhadala said, "One cup."

"But just the one." Lucil cautioned softly.

- Comfort -

Having seen both Nhadala and Lucil off Yuna turned to Elma, "Let's go for a walk on the beach."

Her bodyguard nodded and that was how the two of them ended up strolling down the beach. The sand shifted under the soles of her sandals, not too warm but not too cool either. Besaid was a bit cooler than Kilika, despite both islands being tropical. No one was quite sure why that was, but that was just how it shook out. Both of them had warm waters to be sure but the sand on Kilika was known for being hot enough to burn the soles of people's feet in their more intense seasons. This among many other reasons, was why Yuna loved Besaid best of the two islands. Loved it the most out of all of Spira.

More and more often the people of the island were starting to call it the Island of Miracles. And Yuna, who had lived here all her many years could understand the draw when it came to the new moniker. In its continued long life the island had been sleepy, content with going from day to day without care. After all, there was little there for Sin to attack and if they kept under the radar the large behemoth never saw fit to darken their doorway. So life became easy, simple, and peaceful. One woke up, went to the temple to pray and then went about their jobs. Many of the people who lived on the island before it had became a huge city partook in fishing and fruit production. It had been a simple sort of life.

Then Braska had visited and blessed their little home. This visit had the far reaching consequences of Yuna settling there eventually, and like her father she could not sit still. To go from having one well known High Summoner to two in such a short period of time was unthinkable for the island. Even more unthinkable was that the Summoner they had seen grow from a child to an adult would bring about the Eternal Calm. But Yuna had, and then she'd settled the head of the Church on their doorstep. As Yuna had grown so had the island, and soon enough the tiny island had blossomed into a growing and prosperous community.

Yuna's own island given miracle had been a little different, which is how Paine found her - staring out into the the surf, "Oh." Yuna said as Paine walked up the beach towards her.

"I thought I might find you here. When we heard you were going to have the day off you taking a morning stroll seemed the only logical conclusion."

"Does everyone know that I'm not working today?" Yuna asked.

"Not everyone. Just everyone that matters."

In Paine speak everyone that mattered meant everyone in their small group of friends. Although now that Yuna thought about it her group of friends and acquaintances had grown so large over the past few years that she wasn't sure if she could call the number of them small anymore, "Are you here to give me a gift as well?" Yuna questioned her friend.

"Yes." Paine told her.

So this was to be the theme of her day, Yuna thought. Upon this realization Yuna decided that she was excited to see who she ran into. Both to see how the encounters would enfold, and what they would give her. So far the first two presents had been very different in scope. Despite this they all had one shared meaning as sentimental gifts that obviously had deep associations between Yuna and the person giving the gift. Nonetheless that didn't change one very important fact, "You don't have to." Yuna told Paine.

"I want to." Paine replied before digging around in her bag, "Here."

She handed Yuna an amulet with an engraving that matched the charm on necklace that she normally wore, and Yuna stared down at it a little confused. It wasn't something she would have normally bought for herself but she knew Paine wouldn't have given it to her without good reason, "What is…" She trailed off not sure how to ask just what she had been given without coming off as rude.

"It's the symbol of the Valkyrie. Dad knows what it is. Anyway, you can place it anywhere in your new home and it's supposed to ward off evil. I carved it myself since all our symbols have to be hand-carved, it took a while."

Turning the amulet around her in hands Yuna realized how much effort Paine must have put into making it. Paine wasn't know for being an artist or good with metal work, but she had clearly wanted to make this for Yuna. And the symbol was carved well, the edges buffed smooth. Yuna was impressed with how beautiful it looked. Thinking about how nice it was, Yuna could picture Paine struggling over if she should make it at all. While Paine had never denied who she was, she also knew that above all Paine wanted to be known beyond her many titles. To make something so symbolic must have been very emotional for her, "Thank you." She said honestly.

"I… I wanted to give you something good from that half of me. Something that wasn't just a scar across your belly."

"Paine -" Yuna sighed, "That scar saved my life and helped me find courage in the darkest part of my life. I love it. But, I love this gift as well." She paused to give Paine time to digest what she had said, "I'm going to hug you now."

Before Paine could say anything Yuna reached forward and drew her friend into a quick hug. It only lasted a short period of time but Yuna put all of the feelings that she could into it. When she drew back Paine tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and coughed, "Anyway, father might not like that symbol for the first few days, since it will dredge up memories of one of his many deaths but eventually he'll come around to it. Put it somewhere even if he complains."

"Will do."

Having said her piece Paine turned away from Yuna and continued down the beach. As she walked away Yuna could tell that she seemed lighter for what had happened. It wouldn't change who Paine was, but their conversation had been a good one and for that Yuna was glad. A moment later Yuna came to a decision, "Wait I'll come with you!" She told Paine.

She rushed down the beach after Paine's retreating back, Elma giving chase as Yuna slowly faded from her view..

- Prosperity -

The walk on the beach eventually turned into a stroll to New Zanarkand and both Paine and Yuna parted at the wharves. While Yuna wanted to follow Paine into the city using the main road she knew it was folly. Instead, a hidden waterway had been built near but not next to the wharf for more official state travel. For the past year it had allowed Yuna to slip into the city relatively undetected. When the city was being built using boats to ferry the leader into and out of the city had been the decided method, only because of how well boats had been used both by Baralai and Yuna in sneaking in and out of Bevelle.

Once they were in the boat Elma handed Yuna her head scarf and Yuna tied it around her face. It wasn't the perfect disguise, anyone who knew what to look for would instantly recognize her - but those who just gave her a passing glance wouldn't know any better. As their boat sailed around the city, wind played with the tail end of the scarf and it danced behind Yuna - twisting and turning in the wind. Finally after a short ride that couldn't have been longer than fifteen minutes their boat came to dock behind the Capitol Building.

Elma got out first and offered her hand to Yuna, Yuna accepted graciously and climbed out of the boat looking at the large building in front of her. Unlike the steel that made up the old Capitol building of Bevelle, the Capitol Building of New Zanarkand was a large wooden building painted soft white. It was boxy in nature, with many outward facing balconies and windows that doubled as doors to maximize light. The whole building was about four stories tall. On both sides two small two-story wings jutted out like open arms awaiting a hug. The roof was painted gold and sloped upward before plateauing out, the top of the roof displaying many banners. In the middle of the main building on the 3rd floor was a large balcony. A banner had been hung from it with a symbol on it that resembled the top of Yuna's main staff Nirvana. A gold and pink phoenix and butterfly hybrid, wings spread with a halo for a crown, "Sorry I need to go in and check on something." She told Elma.

"But -" Elma protested, she knew that if Shelinda found out that Yuna was anywhere in the Capitol building she'd never hear the end of it.

"Just a second." Yuna promised and then was walking forward with purpose before Elma could stop her.

Yuna entered from the back door and walked across the marble tiles to the machina lift that was centered in middle of the entryway. With little fanfare she took the lift to the third floor. Today the building was relatively empty, save a few people rushing around to install proper security for the coronation the next day. As Yuna walked past them a few turned to stare but most of them, having seen her before didn't react in any significant sort of way. Not paying them any mind, Yuna made her way along the third floor balcony to the front middle most room, and opened the door. Inside was rather sparse - a large meeting table was in the middle of the room, and couches lined the wall. Other than a red opulent carpet on the floor there was little of note, "Can you wait in here?" She asked Elma.

"I would feel safer if -"

"Please?" Yuna interrupted her.

"Just the once." Elma acquiesced.

Pushing open the doors to the balcony Yuna was greeted by the sight of the long main street that stretched all the way from the Capitol Building to the wharves. From here she could see where her old office was, tucked away to the right of her in the garden district of New Zanarkand. Standing where she was felt so surreal. As if she was floating above everything, able to see all that she loved and everything she wanted to protect. Tomorrow she was sure it would feel even stranger, because tomorrow it would be real. She had come up here wanting to know how it felt, how it might feel to look out over New Zanarkand - but now she knew there was no way to know until the actual event. A voice clearing behind her make her sigh, "Elma I told you -"

"I think I might have to disappoint you there."

Without turning around Yuna knew who was speaking. When the owner of the voice came to stand beside her, she was not surprised, "Hi Lulu."

"I heard whisper that you were here so I had to come and see for myself. I thought you were not supposed to be working today." She admonished, but her voice was fond.

"I'm not here to work I just - I wanted to know what it felt like. To stand on this balcony."

"And what does it feel like?"

"Like I'll find out tomorrow," Yuna walked forward the foot or so it took to reach the balcony and leaned forward on the wooden railing. Lulu joined her, "I can't believe it's time." She continued.

As the days had begun to inch closer and closer to the coronation date everything had started to feel more and more like a waking dream. That Yuna would be able to pinch herself and suddenly she would wake up and the whole thing wouldn't be real. She would be back in Sin's dreamscape, fighting Tidus. Or she would open her eyes inside the summoning circle of the Final Aeon, on fire and dying from the choices she had made - Tidus no longer powerful enough to save her. Something like that was possible after all, hadn't there been a whole world based on dreams? Wasn't that where Tidus had come from? But everyday she woke up, and everyday she slowly came to the realization that she hadn't been transported elsewhere, that the world around her was still active and thriving. Tomorrow she would be, by her own resolution and her own decisions - Emissary of Spira, "You'll do fine." Lulu said, "When all's said and done you've already been the leader of Spira for a few months now. And even before, when we were too busy fighting over Vegnagun it was not Meyvn Lulu or even Praetor Baralai who stood up to lead - it was you Yuna."

"Lulu." Yuna turned her head to look at her friend.

"I mean it." Lulu continued, "I'm cynical at best, angry at worst. But I know you Yuna and you're going to do a wonderful job."

As she said this she dug out a small item from the pocket of her pants. When she pulled it out it was a small golden five gil piece with a hole drilled into it. Tied to the piece of gil, and looped through the hole was a flat red rope made of many smaller threads. Yuna recognized it instantly. Sometimes when Lulu didn't think anyone was looking she would take the coin out and clasp it between her hands, praying. As Lulu had long ago given up on the churches, and tenants, and gods Yuna wondered who it was that Lulu prayed to. Who she called upon for guidance, "Wha -"

"It was my sister's good luck charm. For all that did us. But I want you to have it. Maybe it will give you more luck than it gave her."

"Lulu I can't -"

"You can. And you will. I tried giving you Wakka's journal and you refused, at least let me give you this. Ginnem would be happy to know I had given it to you."

Yuna was startled when Lulu grabbed her hand, holding it palm up between them. Afraid to tear her hands away for fear of showing disrespect Yuna watched as Lulu put the charm on her palm and then closed her fingers around it. They stood there for a moment, Lulu's hands around Yuna's and then Yuna tightened her fist accepting the gift and all its many meanings. She would not let gift like this go to waste. Lulu, by stepping down had already entrusted her with the future of Spira and her own. This gift was different, this gift was Lulu trusting her with her turbulent and melancholic past. To keep those memories and to not dismiss them or cast them aside. So, Yuna with all her heart would safeguard this for Lulu. Would give Spira a future where less and less people would have to face what Lulu had gone through. No matter what.

A/N: This chapter started out as one, and very quickly got out of hand, but that's writing and honestly what can you do? So now it's three chapters and makes up the whole of the last day.