Disclaimer: Not mine

The pairing poll gave some interesting results. Still not fully decided which I will use. Harry is very old, he's had a few partners over the years, some female, some male, they are in the past and won't affect the pairing in the story once I pick it.

Chapter 3

Harry hung back as the ship docked, eyes scanning the wreckage of the waterside town, it looked very bad. He could feel the Death that hovered over the place, how many had died in the attack?

As soon as the boat was secure Yuna rushed down to the dock, her Guardians hurrying after her but Tidus glanced back at where Harry still stood, unsure who to go with. Harry saw him and offered a sad smile before disembarking as well.

"Greetings! I am the summoner Yuna. I have come from the temple in Besaid," Yuna quickly introduced herself to those on the dock.

"M'lady Summoner!" The Innkeeper was relieved to see her, she was needed desperately after the attack.

"If there is no other summoner here, please allow me to perform the sending."

"Thanks be to ye!" he offered in relief, they had no Summoner

"Our loved ones… We feared they would become fiends!" his wife almost swooned in relief and he steadied her.

"Please, take me to them," Yuna asked, and they led her away, Lulu and Kimahri following to protect her.

"We'll go see what we can do to help in town," Wakka told the team as he looked at the damage. The Aurochs quickly followed him.

Harry walked along the dock, taking in the damage, until he found some children. With a soft smile he moved to help them, Tidus watching until the teen joined in. They soon had the building safe enough that it would not cave in on the children while ensuring they had shelter. Harry subtly wove magic into the home to ensure its protection. The children were orphans now, just like him, and he would do what he could to make sure they were safe. Finally, the sun began to set, and Harry led Tidus to where the people were gathering.

"Uh, what's a "sending"? Are we going somewhere?" Tidus whispered to Harry but Lulu overheard and scoffed.

"You truly are clueless. Are you sure it's just your memory that's the problem?" she demanded before shaking her head.

"The dead need guidance. Filled with grief over their own death, they refuse to face their fate. They yearn to live on and resent those still alive. In the end, they envy the living and eventually envy turns to hatred. If these souls remain in Spira, they become fiends that prey on the living. Sad, isn't it?" Harry answered Tidus, he'd seen a lot of sending's in his time, especially during the war. Even he did not know what had changed to make such things necessary, but it had happened when Earth became Spira. Something had fundamentally changed in the planet, there were no more ghosts as he had known them at school, instead there were fiends and unsent.

"The sending takes them to the Farplane, where they may rest in peace," Lulu offered.

"Summoners do this?" Tidus asked in surprise and Harry nodded, he knew that in the Dream there had been no sending, no fiends.

They fell silent as Yuna literally walked on water, walking out amongst the dead before she began to dance. Tidus' jaw dropped as he watched in awe, not fully understanding what he was seeing. The water beneath her feet suddenly surged up, lifting her above the sea as Pyreflies began filling the air. Yuna danced and danced until finally the water lowered and the lights faded away. She made her way back onto the deck, obviously tired, and the villagers surrounded her, offering their quiet thanks.

"It must be tough, being a summoner," Tidus whispered as he watched.

"Yuna chose her own path. She knew from the beginning what it meant. All we can do is protect her along the way. Until the end."

"Until the…end?" Tidus looked at Lulu who refused to look at him. "What's the end?" he demanded, and Harry glanced sadly at Yuna before slipping away to go back to work.

Yuna looked up, eyes seeking Lulu who nodded slightly to Yuna, then threw hands in the air with a huff and walked away. "Until she defeats Sin," she called back to him.

"Oh."

Lulu hugged Yuna, smiling softly at the younger woman.

"I hope…I hope I did okay."

"You did very well! They've reached the Farplane by now. But… " she gently stoked light brown hair, "no tears next time, hm?" she led Yuna from the dock and to the inn, she needed to rest after that plus the battle on the ferry.

Tidus wandered away, finding Harry helping repair the dock and he moved to work with him until it became too dark to work and they headed to the inn to join the others.

Harry lay on the bed, hearing Tidus and Wakka as they slept nearby. He didn't need sleep yet and even if he did, he was too lost in thought and memory. Kilika meant Ifrit, it meant seeing him again, if he went into the Temple with them. It had been so long and yet it still hurt. Aiden had been…he had been such a wonderful person, with a fiery temper, figured he'd end up the summon tied to fire. Watching hum become a Fayth had been heartbreaking, but he had been dying anyway. He had done it to stay in the world, to still have the chance to be there for Harry. It hadn't worked out so well, his stone being moved to Kilika by Bevelle during the war in an effort to cut them off from Ifrit. Harry had managed to get several summoners to the island, right under Bevelle's nose but then he had slept. Aiden had known it would happen one day, but had he lived Harry would have held off until after he died of old age. So much pain and suffering could be laid at the feet of Bevelle and they appeared to have not improved during his absence. Morning could not come soon enough and as the sun rose Harry slipped away to get back to work.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

When Tidus woke he found himself alone in the room and quickly secured his blades before heading out to find everyone. He stepped back as Datto nearly ran him over.

"Hey! You awake? Cap'n Wakka's waitin' for you!" his teammate called and Tidus waved in acknowledgement. He began to wander since Datto hadn't said where Wakka actually was. He came across an old man trying to lift some debris and moved to help.

The man smiled sadly at him for the help. "Our loved ones made it to the Farplane with Lady Yuna's help. We are truly grateful for Yevon's blessing. I'm sure my grandchildren made it to the Farplane in peace," he whispered in grief and Tidus forced a grin.

"Of course, they are," he promised and patted the man on the shoulder before moving on. He finally spotted Wakka and headed over.

"Ah, there you are!" Wakka grinned at him before turning serious. "Besaid Aurochs! Huddle!" the team quickly moved to surround him. "On to the temple, where we pray for victory!" the Aurochs cheered and ran off. "High Summoner Ohalland used to live in the Kilika temple here. Yep, Lord Ohalland was once a great Blitzer, you know?" Wakka explained to Tidus as they walked.

"Wakka…"

"Hm?"

"Praying for victory's all good…but is this right?"

"Something wrong with enjoying Blitzball?" Wakka demanded.

"Is this really the time?" Tidus tried, it just felt silly to worry about a game when people had died.

"This is the only time! The players fight with all their strength; the fans cheer for their favourite team. They forget pain, suffering… Only the game matters! That's why blitz has been around for so long. Least that's what I think," Wakka shrugged.

'Whatever you say," Tidus sighed.

"Let's play…and win! Right?"

"Right!"

"Temples beyond the jungle there. Let's go!" Wakka grinned and pulled Tidus along for a bit, making the boy laugh.

"Harry!" Tidus called as he spotted the other male, blinking as he realised Harry was shirtless as he worked in the sun, revealing skin marred by scars.

Harry waved at the two and then grabbed his shirt, slipping it back on as he scrambled up from where he'd been working on some supports. "Hey, heading for the Temple?"

"Yeah, to pray for victory and Yuna will be praying to gain Ifrit," Wakka answered.

Harry scooped up his coat and weapons. "Lead on," he offered.

"You're coming?" Tidus asked in relief and Harry nodded.

"It seems right to offer prays for the departed."

They walked off the dock and towards the jungle, Wakka pulling ahead as they saw the others. "What's up?" he called to the group.

"Yuna's saying, she wants you with us," Lulu answered, looking at Tidus and Harry.

"Huh?"

"I want to ask you both to be my guardians," Yuna answered softly, nervous they would say no. She knew Tidus better than Harry but something about the man made her feel safe. She'd seen the way he hadn't even hesitated when Tidus went overboard and the way he had fought on the ferry had been incredible.

"Yuna! What? This is no times for jokes, ya? He may be a Blitzball whiz kid, but up against fiends, he's a newbie," Wakka argued. It was harder to think of a reason against Harry since he appeared a stronger mage than Lulu and had helped them. "You barely know either of them."

Yuna's smile faded. "Not a guardian, then…I just want them nearby."

"Wha?!" Wakka demanded.

"What? What do you mean?" Tidus looked between them, confused.

"It's just that, well…" Yuna trailed off, cheeks a little pink.

"I am honoured," Harry smiled gently at her. "But your guardians are right, now is not the time. I will remain if that is what you want. I am sure Tidus will too." He would stay because they were kids, because it shouldn't be up to them to stop Sin, because he wanted to free his friend….and because they were growing on him.

"We're all going to the temple anyway. Can't this wait till later?" Lulu asked.

Yuna smiled and nodded. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…"

"There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm just not really sure what's going on," Tidus assured her and they set off into the jungle, following the pathways. They came across a really nasty plant fiend and that allowed Kimahri to learn a new attack which was good. Other than that, all of the fiends were smaller and easily defeated. They eventually emerged to find a stone staircase winding up the mountain.

"O-ho! These stone steps have a history, you know? Yep, Lord Ohalland trained here at his peak," Wakka grinned at Tidus and the waiting Aurochs, making them chuckle.

"A race, huh?" Tidus looked up the stairs even as the team agreed. "Think you can beat me?" he taunted playfully, and they lined up.

"Yuna, if you would," Wakka called.

Yuna raised her arm. "Ready?" she dropped her arm and ran ahead, giggling

"Hey! Hey!" Wakka took off after her.

"Ah! Huh? Hey!" Tidus shook his head and ran after them, leaving the others to watch, Lulu shaking her head, but Harry grinned and took off after them, making sure not to run too fast.

Harry caught up to Tidus and grinned at him only for them both to stop as they team ran past them, back down the stairs.

"Look out!" Datto yelled as he passed.

"Everyone quick, Sinspawn!" Wakka yelled down to them and they ran to find him and Yuna facing it. Harry and Tidus drew swords and began hacking away.

"It's hard as rock! My sword's no good!" Tidus called only to see that Harry wasn't having the same trouble, his blade sinking into the skin, not easily, but at least it worked. Lulu appeared and began hurling spells to no real affect.

"Yuna, summon," Harry called, and Yuna nodded, stepping back to summon Valefor. The bird-like Aeon made relatively quick work of the Sinspawn.

"Yeesh!" Tidus leant tiredly on his sword.

"Sorry about that! Hoped to break you in a little slower," Wakka offered, worried about the kid.

"Being a guardian's tiring!"

"You handled yourself pretty well. You got talent."

"Nah," Tidus denied. "So, what are these "sinspawn" anyway?"

"Fiends. They fall from Sin's body, and are left behind in its wake," Lulu answered him, heading for the stairs to continue.

"Leave 'em alone, and Sin comes back for 'em. You gotta be quick!" Wakka added as they all began the climb. "So, uh…they got fiends in Zanarkand, too?"

"Just a few. It's a big deal when one shows up, though." He'd never seen one before Sin's attack and he'd never known people could turn into them after dying. "Hey! Since when have you believed me about Zanarkand, anyway?"

"I been thinking. Maybe people Sin gets to don't die. Maybe Sin carries 'em through time. Like a thousand years through time. And then one day, maybe they just pop back, see?" Wakka answered and Harry smiled softly, if only.

Lulu shook her head. "Amazing. Simply amazing."

"Hm?"

"You make up one theory after another, refusing to face the simple truth. Sin didn't take Chappu anywhere. Sin crushed him and left him on the Djose shore! Your brother won't just pop back. Oh, and one more thing. No matter how much you want it, no one can take Chappu's place. No one can replace Sir Jecht, for that matter. And there's no replacement for Lord Braska, either. It's pointless to think about it, and sad," she snapped before storming off, Yuna quickly following her.

Wakka sat on the rail to the stairs. "I…I could never be what Chappu was." he smashed his fist down on the stone. "Well, stuff happens. Best not to worry."

"Everyone is an individual and the world is better for it. Even without Sin, death is a fact of living. Grieve for those who have died but don't let it consume you," Harry offered, pulling Wakka back to his feet, gently. They closer they got to the Temple the more Harry wanted to turn and run but he kept going. He grinned as he spotted the runes, he'd carved into the stone so long ago, ensuring the Temple could not be demolished or the stone removed or even destroyed. It had been all he could do to protect his love. He moved past Wakka and Tidus, ignoring the exiting Blitzball players, as he stepped into the Temple for the first time in centuries. He could feel the Hymn of the Fayth, the power the Temple held, and he could feel Aiden. "Hello love," he whispered, letting his magic stir and mix with that of the Temple, feeling Aiden's joy at his presence. He looked up as a woman emerged from the cloister and moved over to where Yuna stood with her guardian, Wakka and Tidus finally entering and joining them.

"A summoner, are you?" The woman asked, looking Yuna over and Harry immediately didn't like her attitude.

"My name is Yuna– from the Isle of Besaid."

"Dona," she offered. "So, you're High Summoner Braska's daughter. That's quite a name to live up to. My, my, my…And all these people are your guardians? My, what a rabble! As I recall, Lord Braska had only two guardians. Quality over quantity, my dear. Whatever were you thinking? I have need of only one guardian. Right, Barthello?" she looked to her guardian who nodded.

"I only have as many guardians as there are people I can trust. I trust them all with my life! To have so many guardians is a joy, and an honour! Even more so than being my father's daughter. Of course, I would never think of questioning your ways, either. So, Lady Dona, I ask of you: please leave us in peace," Yuna stood tall before the older woman.

"You do what you want. Barthello, we're leaving."

Yuna sagged in relief and Harry shot her a proud grin.

Tidus frowned in thought. A guardian was someone a summoner could rely on. Someone she could trust with her life. He wondered, did Yuna feel that way about him? He looked up to see her clasp her hands shyly and smile at him. What was she smiling about? He followed them into a small room.

"The Fayth is below. Let's do it!" Wakka grinned and got on the lift.

"The "Fayth"?" Tidus asked in confusion.

"But first, the Cloister of Trials. Kimahri? Wakka? Ready?" Lulu looked at them and they nodded.

"Strength, everyone!" Yuna smiled softly and they all moved onto the lift except Harry, and then Kimahri pushed Tidus off.

"Wha? Hey, what gives?"

"You're not a guardian yet," Lulu answered, pleased Harry knew better.

"Um… We'll be back as soon as we can, okay?" Yuna promised as the lift began to descend.

"Oh, sure! Soon like "tomorrow" soon, I bet!" he grumbled, and Harry chuckled.

"Relax, they'll keep her safe," Harry offered as he lounged against the wall only to straighten as Dona and Barthello entered.

"Where's Yuna?" she asked and Tidus indicated the lift.

"Then why are you here?"

"Hey, I'm not a guardian, so I'm not supposed to go in, right?"

"Hmmm. Not a guardian, you say?" she smirked and Barthello moved towards Tidus only for Harry to get between them, sword at the larger males throat.

"Is this behaviour becoming of a Summoner and her guardian? You seem more of a bully to me. How about you be on your way?" he offered, and they hesitated before backing away.

"You dare attack a guardian?" Donna demanded and Harry shrugged.

"I protect my friends, no matter who attacks. You have the aeon, so leave or be made to leave," he warned, feeling the heat of flames pooling in his free hand, feeling Aiden's anger and it was obvious Donna felt it too, shocking her.

"Come Barthello," she called, and they left.

Harry glanced at the lift and sighed, feeling Aiden's plea. "Come on,"

"But…"

"You're with me, that makes it okay," Harry answered and Tidus frowned but followed him. Harry walked through the trials as if they weren't there, Tidus on his heels, and they finally made it to the room before the Chamber of the Fayth.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Wakka facepalmed.

"It was Harry's idea!"

"Yuna will be the one to suffer the consequences!" Lulu snapped at the dark-haired man who approached the chamber and gently touched the door. They all watched in shock and disbelief as it opened, giving him access.

"Uh… What consequences?" Tidus asked as the door shut behind Harry.

"She could be excommunicated!" Wakka exclaimed, how was this possible?

"So, what's in there anyway?" Tidus was worried for Harry and Yuna but Harry could handle himself, he'd keep her safe.

"The Fayth, remember?"

"Oh yeah, that thing. Right."

"The Fayth are people who gave their lives to battle Sin. Yevon took their souls, willingly given from their still-living bodies," Lulu expanded, seeing his incomprehension.

"Huh?"

"Now they live forever, trapped in statues. But when a summoner beckons, the souls of the Fayth emerge once again. That's what we call an aeon."

"All that in this room? S-So what's Yuna doing in there?"

"She prays with all her heart for a way to defeat Sin."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry walked towards where Yuna knelt in prayer as a young man floated before her. Aiden looked up and smiled, holding out his hand and Harry took it. Yuna lifted her head and stared in awe at the sight. "Aiden…."

'I am not angry Harry. This was my choice.'

Yuna frowned in confusion, the Aeon knew Harry? How? Was he a Summoner too?

'I have missed you,' Aiden gently brushed a few dark strands off Harry's face.

"I've missed you too," Harry whispered.

'You travel with her?'

"Yes. Percival explained some," Harry offered, and Aiden nodded.

'I will grant her my power,' Aiden glanced at Yuna and smiled. 'Listen to Harry, he will protect you,' he stepped away from Harry and moved towards her, granting her Ifrit. 'Will you finally agree?' he asked Harry once it was done.

Harry hesitated, he wasn't a Summoner, had never wanted to do so. Aiden smiled sadly at him and nodded, fading away.

'I will always love you Harry. Be happy.'

Harry nodded and then helped Yuna up and out of the room.

TBC…

Was tempted to have Harry say yes but how painful would that be for him? Events will change more as it progresses.