Yuna ascends.

I'm going to finish this fic y'all. It's time. I've had the chapters written for the longest and I just need to put them out there.

Thank you for the follows/reviews.

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

Not Mine

The Coronation

A little under forty-five minutes after Yuna had stepped outside she heard the sound of a boat and knew with certainty that Shelinda had arrived. The boat pulled up to shore and a ramp extended from it so that the two of them, Shelinda and Issaru - could depart onto the soft sand that lead up to Yuna's home. As Shelinda stepped onto the shore Yuna was reminded of what a force of nature she could be. Her green dress flowed out behind her but she looked as if she was ready to go to war. Her data pad was out and she was already scrolling through it. Finally she reached the house on the shore, and before Yuna could even great her to say hi - was speaking instructions quickly and rapidly, "I just got a call from Elma and Lucil. They are only a few minutes out from my boat and should be here within five minutes or so." She tapped her data pad and scrolled, "Did you check your pad this morning? There has been a minor schedule change - you will be changing into your coronation gown at the Temple of Valefor instead of at the Capitol Building."

She looked up and Yuna smiled at her, "Hello Shelinda." She walked over to hug her, "And yes I did."

Originally Yuna had hired Shelinda for two reasons - she was loyal and she had a good memory. Above all Yuna valued loyalty and kindness in those she let be closest to her, but the idea of having someone who had such good recall as Shelinda had been too much to pass up. Somehow Shelinda had blossomed under the job and now Yuna knew she couldn't do it without her, "Oh." Shelinda said as she stepped out of the hug, "Well. Good. With that settled, press and their odd watcher machina will be here soon as well. We have only given two real people access to you, everyone else will have to use their watchers to record data and take video. Television rights were sold to Spira News Now, but in order to pacify those who use data pads and comm streams we have also given rights to Communications Association and Spira Buzz. Please try to ignore the watcher machina that will be buzzing around overhead while we walk to to both Valefor's Temple and the Capitol Building. I have asked them to fly high enough that conversation is filtered out so you can talk about whatever you want."

As Shelinda continued to rattle off instructions a second boat pulled into the sand and Lucil climbed out followed by both Elma, and Nhadala who clearly hadn't wanted to leave her wife's side, "Yo!" Nhadala called out.

"The cavalry finally arrives." Shelinda said excitedly.

"Late, but fashionably so." Lucil smiled as she reached the group near the house, "Had to make a quick stop at Rikku's boat to grab this." She twirled the gun she was holding and then stuck it in a hoster.

"Show off." Elma said, but there was laughter in her voice, "Where do you want us?" She said more seriously.

"Elma, in front. Lucil and Nhadala in the back I think. Yuna, Tidus, and I will make up the middle. Press will likely go between all three groups. Our rides should be getting here…"

A squak was heard and everyone turned to see a smiling and waving face, "Chocobos don't really like boats so it took me awhile to get em all rangled." Clasko said.

"She didn't say anything about riding Chocobo." Tidus said to Yuna which caused her to let out a small laugh.

Everyone turned to look at her and Yuna waved them off, "Sorry, sorry. I'm excited to ride them, they look well trained and it will be better than walking." In her mind she hushed Tidus, it wouldn't do to laugh the whole way up to the temple.

Finally after getting the Chocobos saddled, the press arrived. Gilly's short sharp red-haircut glinting in the sun as she climbed onto her own Chocobo. Once seated she took a good number of pictures of Yuna who now sat on her own, and the other members of their small cavalry. A member from Spira Buzz, a skinnier younger man than Gilly's much older 40 took pictures of what he could when Gilly was not hogging all the space. Yuna tried her best to look regal or dignified but thought she might be failing. As she contemplated this Tidus rode up to her, "Don't sweat the small stuff. They choose you right? They should be able to see all sides of you."

At that Yuna let out a sharp laugh and knew that he was right. She had been so worried about projecting an image she had forgotten. She made a note to not forget again. If people didn't like what they saw well too bad. A flash went off as she laughed and she wondered if that picture would make it into whatever five page spread the photo-takers were planning. As she contemplated this Shelinda cleared her throat, "Okay. I just got word that people have started arriving, and if we leave now we will arrive last. So, we're off! Please remember that as soon as we start heading up the hill the watcher machina will start to record." As she spoke she jostled the reins on her Chocobo and their small party started to move.

Casting one last glance behind her Yuna watched her house fade into the distance. Between now, and tonight movers would be working to transfer things to her new home. For the many years she had lived in it, it had been a good home. She would miss it, but now was not the time to mourn that which was behind her. Turning forward she looked up the winding road in front of her and remembered what she had told Rin of spirals and of Spira, of the world around them and how it shifted and changed - how this path was just one step in her spiral. Closing her eyes a light blossomed from her chest and crested into the sky, as it did a cry could be heard, "Was that necessary?" Elma asked staring up at Valefor who now flew above them.

"Yes." Yuna said, "Absolutely. I could hear her, inside of me. She wanted to be part of the festivities."

Lights went off around her as more photos were taken of the Aeon that now flew in the sky. Two of the watchers zeroed in on it as well, broadcasting what Yuna had done to the whole of Spira. As they continued up the path to the temple the Aeon came to fly beside Yuna and she stopped to pet it's beak. Gilly somehow found a way to slide up to her as she was doing so and smiled, "So why the Aeon?"

"She was my first. I thought - if we were going to her temple best to let her out."

"Aeons have gender?" Gilly asked a bit perturbed.

"A good friend of mine, Baralai asked that of me once. But yes, they do. They have emotions like us too. They do the summoners job, but sometimes they don't like it. Anima hated working for Seymour for example. He was a cruel man who only used her to hurt people and she didn't like that."

"You're very close to them." The man from Spira Buzz had found a way to get close to her as well, and Tidus looked upset at being pushed away from her.

"Don't worry too much about it." She told Tidus and saw him visibly relax, "Because of the mandate I set with the church I'll be the last one to use them. I feel a fullness when they are with me, they draw courage from me but I draw courage from them as well."

It was hard for her to really explain what they meant to her without explaining what Tidus meant to her as well. What the two of them meant to each other, how he was her anchor and rock how emotion flowed between them and how the Aeons played such a huge part in that. How the two of them were not fully complete without the Aeons. How they filled a hole in her soul that she hadn't known was empty until it had been made whole. But the reporters didn't want to hear that, the reporters didn't want to know that Sin and Yu Yevon was sat just a few feet away from them. That sort of information would only serve to scare them. Simple platitudes were easier, "How romantic Emissary Yuna." Gilly said.

"Thank you." Yuna answered.

But she wasn't really paying attention. Instead she was looking across them at Tidus, their eyes locked. They were not saying anything but emotions passed between them, indescribable in their intensity and in how quickly they changed from love, to joy, to wonder. A tap on her shoulder made Yuna finally break their held gaze and Nhadala smiled at her, "We're almost there. I figured I should put an end to the… you know."

At her words Yuna nodded, "Good call."

The gates of Besaid Village came into view and slowly opened. As they did all the press members who lined the sides of the small main street begun to take pictures. In front of her the main temple loomed and in front of it, above the slope that lead to the large awning a number of chairs had been set up. In them Yuna could see a good number of her friends and guardians, who had already arrived before them. She didn't doubt that they had also had to go through this parade of cameras. As her Chocobo walked down the path she could hear press speaking into their recording devices, "Finally her Emissary arrives. She is currently dressed in her customary cloth, around her neck she wears the shroud she will hand off to whomever she names the next head of the church. The Church has been rather tight lipped about that little secret but names have been flying around from Summoner Dona to lesser known Ronso. But only time will tell."

Above them Valefor circled, showing off for the cameras a few times before coming to rest atop her temple. Upon landing she let out a loud cry of excitement. It was a bit of a spectacle but everyone in the small village seemed to love it. While Valefor made herself comfortable Yuna and her escort's Chocobos reached the top of the stone titled ramp. Their Chocobos stopped just beyond the chairs where a microphone with a thin stand had been set up. In front of the microphone stood Bok, wearing the robes that were customary for the head of the temple of which the priest had been assigned. Lucil climbed off her own Chocobo and then helped Yuna down from hers. Once Yuna was on solid ground she walked over to Bok and shook his hand firmly, "Good to see you. I'm glad you accepted my request to make opening remarks."

"I am glad you chose me Emissary."

"We have known each other for over nine years now Bok and you have done nothing but good work. I would have no one else." She smiled.

When they were done talking Yuna joined the rest of her escort behind the microphone, waving to the people seated as she did so. She didn't expect them to wave back but was not surprised when neither Rikku or Naimi could help themselves. Having been warmed by that the rest of the crowd slowly quieted as Bok walked up to the microphone to talk, "I will be reading from the journal of Vida, the young girl who would go on to become Valefor. As such it's a holy text in our temple. While she was only twelve when she died to become one with the spirits and one with our Holy Binding we here who study at the temple of Valefor often find wisdom in the words of those who are younger than us - and can see through innocent eyes." He opened the book and cleared his throat, "Today I turn eleven. Summer is in the air and I can feel the spring of winter slowly melting away. Mother says that when summer comes, we will go into the jungle to harvest fruit to sell at market. She says that this will be the first year that I am old enough to go with her. The forest is deep and holds many deadly creatures, but that I must not be afraid. That I must go forward without fear. She also says that if I am to see something bigger and more terrifying than myself - that I must run to her, and that she will protect me. It's not very interesting. I want to run and jump and collect sea shells. Summer means fun, flowers as they open up. Summer is exciting and full of cute dresses. I want to wear a cherry blossom in my hair and live freely, dance freely."

He closed the book, "When someone joins the church of Valefor we ask them why they chose us. After all our fayth is one of the youngest, and unlike Ixon who is honorable or Shiva who is charitable people feel as if we offer less. Not even the younger Bahamut, known for his wisdom is as small as we are. And we as a church are okay with this. However we find that there is truth to be found in our tenant of freedom, of going forth without fear. And being the church that housed and groomed the Emissary Yuna we have never been prouder of her, of the woman who embraced our tenants wholly and with an open heart. But as in all things one who is free must be able to move on, and embrace the future. And so it is not with a heavy heart that we release her into the world and accept the new head of church." When he finished he performed the bow before introducing Yuna, "And now her Emissary will speak a few words before announcing who will take her place."

Walking up to where Bok was standing Yuna bowed to him, and then took up her place at the microphone, "Before I begin to speak on the person I have chosen, and this is mostly for the press - we, my counsel and I have decided to change the title of the Head of the Church. After me, some of them may be ex-summoners but none of them will be a summoner in the way that I am - so the title of High Master Summoner may lead to some confusion. For that purpose from this day on - I alone will hold on to the title of High Master Summoner, and the title of the Head of the Church will be known as the High Vicar. Therefore the person I choose will be the first High Vicar of Spira, first of their name." Yuna paused to give the press time to write down what she had said in their notes.

"That having been said - the person I have chosen is a close friend, who while I have not leaned on for advice I have leaned on for friendship. When I met him I was a bit put off by his open manner and exaggerated way of talking about everything. However the more I got to know him, the more I came to understand that he had the same passion and drive for Aeons and Fayth that I did. Even when we were on opposite sides during my often hushed and glossed over time in exile. We fought a grand total of once, and in that time I could see that while he did not know the truth of who he worked for he was a man of great honor who would always fight for what he believed in. When Spira was under attack by Vegnagun he did not have Aeons to hide behind nor do the fighting for him. Yet he still stepped up to help in whatever way he could - he believed in peace above all, and was willing to be made a turncoat of New Yevon to do so. Because of this he earned my respect both as a person and as a man of the cloth. I believe he will serve you well, as he has served as my friend for many years. Therefore I am naming ex-summoner Issaru as the first High Vicar of the Spirian Church."

Claps went out among the press as Issaru came up to stand across from Yuna. The two of them hugged and Yuna felt in that moment a transference of self and power - as if in that hug she was giving something of herself away. But after a small moment of meditation she concluded that this was how it was supposed to feel. She would not lose the title of High Master Summoner, but after being the Head of the Church for so long it was strange to know the responsibility was no longer her own. As they separated Yuna let that part of her past go, let it float off from her as if it was a flower floating in the wind, "Congratulations." She told him.

"I have known about this for months Emissary. I am just glad to have it done." He told her.

Taking the shroud off her neck she hung it around his and then bowed to him, "The stage is now yours High Vicar."

Returning to the space behind the microphone Yuna looked on as Issaru begun to talk. He promised to carry on the legacy that Yuna had left behind and to further the goals she had set out before him. As his speech continued Yuna reached out and squeezed Shelinda's hand, as there were tears running down her cheeks, "I'm very proud of him. Of the both of you."

Shelinda sniffled and then nodded at her, "Thank you. Thank you so much."

When Issaru was done talking they were all ushered into the temple. Before she joined them Yuna recalled Valefor and the Aeon faded from the top of the temple. Inside more congratulations were exchanged and small bags with quick snacks were given out. Yuna had about five minutes to eat one of the energy bars in her bag, and then she was ushered into one of the side rooms to change into the gown that Tidus had brought her. Bok had already implored the help of two of the temple priestesses and the two women helped dress her as she ate the apple she found in her food bag, "It's a beautiful gown." One of them said.

"Thank you." Yuna smiled at her, "Tidus picked it out for me."

At that the two women looked surprised, "I didn't know he was capable of such things."

"What do you mean?" Yuna asked.

"All the stories say he's a good fighter, and powerful athletically but beyond that they don't say much. There was this article a few days ago, asking if he was the right person for you - we've seen him make you smile Emissary so we knew the article didn't know what it was talking about, but sometimes there are whispers."

That sort of though had not crossed Yuna's mind in all her years of knowing Tidus and working for Spira as she did. But hearing it now for the first time she was forced to give it weight. It would explain Tidus's odd mood for the past few days as well. He had been moody, and trying to hide it from her. She had decided to let it go uncommented because Tidus was always very good at picking himself up off the ground and finding the sun in a day that was all clouds. Still, she knew he still stung a little bit from her turning down his proposal all those years ago. This article must have brought those feelings back to the forefront, "Thank you for letting me know." She told the woman tying her obi.

She and Tidus would absolutely have to talk after this, and she would have to think about what to tell him. What she said would have to be meaningful and not just a quick and easy band-aid for a problem that had perhaps been going on longer that she had assumed. The door back into the main entrance of the temple was pushed open for her and the whole room went silent, finally Naimi spoke, "You look like something out of a fairy-tale."

"Thank you Naimi."

The dress felt heavy on her, it was more fabric than she was used to wearing but it was no heavier than the Dark Knight armor. Despite this - something about the dress felt precious to her, perhaps it was because it was something that Tidus had picked out for her. But not only picked out, but had crafted by hand. In one present he had shown he knew her best above everyone, above anything, "I'm ready." She said.

As soon as the words were out of her mouth Shelinda begun talking, "Alright. Protective detail will be both in the back and in the front - however since the company is larger please try not to bunch. We don't need single file, but bunching will make it hard for security to walk between us. Everyone can file together in any order however Yuna must be last so that she can enter the Capitol building last. There will be more Chocobos outside, they are all themed with each of you in mind and it should be rather easy to figure out which ones belong to which person." She clapped one more time, "Okay. Let's go."

Slowly they all filed out onto the patio. When Yuna finally appeared she could hear the crowd quiet, their reaction matching the reaction her friends had inside the temple. Lucil helped her up onto her Chocobo, which had been changed into a plated set of purple armor that glinted under the sun. Then, once again their parade begun to move. Yuna brought up the rear with Tidus right next to her. In front of her Rikku, Auron, and Naimi - with Rikku looking back to check on her every so often. Further down the line more of her companions, until one reached the very front where she could just make out Lulu and Nooj talking in hushed voices, "You really are beautiful in that." Tidus told her.

"You flatter me." She said back.

"I mean it. You have a glow about you."

"Pregnancy?" Yuna joked but her face was deadpan.

"I hope you're joking."

At Tidus's panicked look she burst out laughing. For now she had no want or desire to have children. Who knew what kind of offspring she and Tidus could make after all. Or if they could even create any. For now Tidus was content with his own daughter, and Yuna was content with her as well. Yuna's family was large and vast, and it fulfilled her wholy, "I was." She smiled at him.

"Well that's good." Tidus said.

A Chocobo bumped between them and Paine's sharp eyes stared at them, "Thinking about replacing me?"

"Never." Tidus told her.

"Just had to come back and check." She smirked at Rikku who had turned around to look at them again, "I told you they were not replacing me."

"I just said that they were talking about babies. You were the one who jumped to conclusions." Rikku shot back.

"You said, and I quote - Yuna is talking about pregnancy. And I'm not saying, what if, but what if." Paine told her.

"What if could mean any number of things!" Rikku complained.

"You did infer though." Auron told her sternly.

"Whose side are you on?" Rikku asked.

"Not yours." Naimi answered rather cheekily.

As their mirth filled the line they turned the corner and down onto the beach. The sight there left her silent. The wharf that lead to the city was packed with people. Some of them were sitting legs over the edge, dangling above the water. Others had brought chairs, and some had just opted to stand. Banners lined the wharf, and then the street of the city - all the way down to the Capitol Building. The streets in the city were also full to bursting with people and as Yuna looked out over them a sense of amazement filled her. All these people were here to see her, all of them come to watch.

Crowds were not new to her. But she was used to stadiums, to lectures. This felt different - more like a celebration and a party. Balloons floated in the air and watchers zoomed all over the place. Vendors had parked themselves all over the city's main street and were selling to people who had come to see her in this moment. Somewhere in the crowd a whoop of joy went up as they realized that she had arrived. Slowly her Chocobo plodded to the beach where once again she was helped off her bird. In front of them about four boats sat in the water, rocking gently.

Nooj, Lulu, Gippal, and Baralai got into that boat with Elma. The next boat was filled by Shelinda, Issaru, Kimahari, Kelk, Nuvy, Pacce, and Maroda. As they got in Yuna could hear Nuvy comment to Kimahri on the overwhelming size of the crowd. The third boat was filled with Rikku, Auron, Naimi, and their family members. Clasko, despite his fears of combat had been chosen as their protective detail and Rikku was ribbing him as they got in.

Finally the last boat was inhabited by herself, Tidus, Paine, Lucil, and Nhadala. Once they were all firmly settled inside their boats took off at a moderate pace down the channel. As they did so the crowds got even louder and the cheering, increased ten fold. As they floated past Yuna did her best to smile and wave to each and everyone of them as best she could. Each smile of hers was met with a smile. Each wave met with a wave. Sometimes she would catch one of the people she waved to, turning to their friend and tugging on their arm as if to say "look what just happened to me." The whole thing was a bit of a rush.

And the rush didn't let up as they were driven down the street in their carriages either. Each time Yuna turned and smiled people smiled back and it strengthened and solidified Yuna's spirit. By the time they were at the Capitol Building her resolve was stronger than ever, a fire lit under her that she had not expected. While people spoke, Baralai, Gippal, Lulu, and Nooj giving their farewell speeches and children sang her fortitude only grew. Finally Isaaru was speaking - introducing her and the crowd was cheering as she stepped up to the platform. The roar dimmed and then Yuna begun to speak.

"I came here yesterday." She begun, "I came here to see what it would feel like to stare at all of you and understand what it meant. What it would mean to lead Spira, to hold the fate of a place that I love so dearly in my hands. But I found, standing on this very balcony without the context of a large crowd, without the context of the faces of Spira - that I was left without knowing. Without understanding. And I resolved that when I came here today I would find out exactly what it meant. Well I know what it means now. I've seen your smiling faces, heard your applause, cheers, hopes, and dreams. Ten years ago we started out on a new journey to find out what peace meant to us, but discovered a bump along the way. That bump was Vegnagun and our own fear of the unknown, of a life without an enemy to unite us. But with our own strength and passion, and yes - resolve. We overcame. We fought back and made a promise that we would not be afraid of peace, that we would not be afraid of the unknown and the shadow that Sin had left in its wake. In the eight years since Vegnagun's defeat we have kept that promise. Cities have grown, people have flourished, and Spira is better for it. That is the power of our resolve. Of all of you working together in unity."

"I will not let that resolve go to waste." Yuna continued, "I will not let this world that you have made with your own hands, this city, this Spira disappear into nothingness. I refuse to let us become who we were before. And I will continue to refuse until there is nothing left to refuse against. We have come so far, and still have so much growing to do. We are a people of revelation, and I will not let us become stagnant. We must continue to push forward. Just look what we have accomplished when we refuse to settle.

Al Bhed and those who are not Al Bhed, have found peace with each other thanks to the leadership of those who came before me. Because of them I no longer have to hide who am, I can walk with both eyes open and people do not stare and do not judge. I would like to think my mother, and my father would be proud. To know that their daughter, finally got to grow up in a world where she is no longer ashamed. Where people who are like her no longer have to fear what it means that they have desert weathered skin, and bright green eyes the color of leaves touched by sunlight. Where, if they were still alive today - my parents might not be judged by their union but instead met with cheers and celebration.

However Al Bhed are not the only the only ones we need to make peace with. Sin has come and gone and so must our own judgement. One of the promises I want to make, as I take the position of Emissary is that I will do everything in my power to end the conflict and misunderstanding between the Guado and our own government. War turns even the kindest of people against each other and I will not let the Guado suffer from their own history and our own history. Crushed under the weight of our shared corrupt leadership. We cannot claim to have a bright future until it is a bright future for everyone - regardless of where we come from. When faced with Vegnagun eight years ago I had the chance to meet and speak with Tromell Guado, I got to hold his hands and see his regret. I am done with regret, we are done with regret. Spira is better than that, we must be better than that.

I spoke recently about our new Spira - one that goes upward forever, one where we are always changing - always striving to do the very best that we can. Full of joy, and laughter, and harmony. That is the Spira I promise to give to you - that is the Spira I resolve to give to you. One where no matter your race, or your creed, or beliefs, you are free to become the finest person you can be. One where no one has to walk down the street and hide their eyes or hide who they are. One where no matter who you are, be it an Idol or an Emissary, an Al Bhed or a Guado, a Mechanic or a Priest, you are loved to the best of your being - and you know you are cherished. That is the Spira I resolve us to be."

When she was done Isaaru came up to her holding a stone plaque with her regent symbol on it. However the symbol on the plaque had been enchanted, so as to become a glyph when she poured her magic into it, "As the new Head Vicar of the Church it is my duty and honor to give you your first glyph. Upon its activation you will be sworn into the position and seat as Spira's first Emissary - do you accept?"

"I do." She told him.

"Then touch your glyph and let us know the truth of you." He said.

Yuna laid her hand on the carved smooth stone and for a moment nothing happened. Then the glyph begun to glow and a spectrum of colors crested up from it and into the sky. As the glyph activated Yuna felt a tug on her magic, on her soul - the place where she kept the fayth spirits hidden. Suddenly, without her bidding and without her say so the fayth spirits burst from her. The orbs of golden light flying into the sky from her chest from where they had left. There was a gasp as all her Aeons settled around her, those who could not fly finding purchase on the roof and those that could fly - hovering above her in the sky.

Then, without warning Yuna felt another tug at her soul. One she recognized, and for a moment brought her fear. Though her face did not show it. In that moment it felt as if she was transported to the day of Tidus's transformation into Sin. As if her soul was fighting to leave her body and descend into the farplane. But a moment later Tidus's own soul was reaching out and grounding her, filling her body with power unimaginable and vast. Together their power grew, and grew until it had no place to go and escaped her body in one large explosion of white light. The whole process left her dizzy but the sound of the crowd crying out in awe and pointing above her, caused her look skyward.

Above her a floated a womanly figure wearing a short, beautiful soft green toga. She had one long golden braid that reached her feet, where the very end was tied together with a round green gem. Delicate yet powerful cream bird wings sprang from her back. The end of the feathers colored light blue. Purple ribbons wrapped around the bottom of her legs. In her hands she held a gold and jade harp, and as Yuna stared into the woman's deep purple eyes she knew without a doubt what she was looking at and it left her breathless. An Aeon, born without sacrifice - born of living fayth, "I name you Siren." Yuna said aloud.

As she spoke the Aeon begun to play, a melody of serenity and determination. Soft, like a breeze that would not be redirected from its path. And in that moment all Yuna could do was listen, as she was serenaded by her own Aeon.

A/N:

Siren is an a summon from other FF games. I choose Siren because she had been in more than one game, and I found her design pleasing and one that easily fit in within the world of FFX/X-2. I generally envision her to look closest to her Final Fantasy VIII design.

I'm very proud of Yuna's speech. The other speeches I've written for her I've had things from the game to crib off of, and this was the first one I really didn't. I think it turned out ok.

Only two more chapters to go.