Chapter 10: E Tu

The next morning Cana was sitting on a rock near the edge of the village watching the sun rise. She smiled as she felt a warm hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Vid. He took a seat on the rock and threw an arm around her.

"Whatca doin up so early?" smiled Vid

"Just thinking about everything that's happened." Replied Cana

"It has been an exciting couple a days."

"I've also been thinking over things, family, friends. Ever since we first came here it seems like so much has changed."

"Thins hardly stay da same."

"I guess, I mean look at Rekks. He still seems like his old self but you can defiantly tell there is a change. Even Rose and Zialas have warmed up to him after all this time. I wonder if we have changed……..I feel like there is something…….I don't know."

Vid shifted uneasily.

"Look Cana dere's something want ta tell ya."

"What?"

"I…….."

Vid sighed, he just couldn't find in him to pop the question.

"Don't worry bout anythin we'll get through dis. If anythin we've all changed for da best, found out new thins about ourselves and become better for it."

"Are you keeping something from me?"

"What? No….no.. Course not."

"Lately I feel like there's this barrier between us and we haven't been connecting like we used to. It may just be all the stress going around because of everything but I feel like you're holding something back."

"Cana I love ya, I….times are hard on everyone. Don't worry too much."

"Whatever."

Cana sighed then stormed off back into the village. Vid lowered his head in shame.

"I'm such a loser. I shoulda just asked her insteada just wimping out like dat." Mumbled Vid

"I could have told you that." Remarked Rekks

Vid looked up to see Rekks sitting on a nearby tower.

"How long have ya been up dere?"

"Long enough to see you totally burnout with my sister. She poured her heart out to you and you…..you acted like an idiot."

"I know."

"You just have to ask her, just put it out there. Let her know about that ring you've been lugging around in your pocket this whole time. If you want to marry her you have to let her know."

Vid groaned as he laid back on the rock. He looked up at the clear blue sky and soaked in the sunshine.

"Who made ya an authority on relationships anyways?" chuckled Vid

"No one. I was just born with that title." Joked Rekks

A few hours later everyone had gathered near the cemetery to bury the people who died in the latest attack one the village. When the service had ended everyone filled out of the cemetery Kurosawa lingered behind starring at the grave of his former assistant. Tev, Shay and Rose stood nearby watching him mourn.

"Sucks don't it." Remarked Tev

"What?" asked Rose

"Having someone you knew so well be killed by some slimeball. Yul's going to pay." Stated Tev

"Let's not focus on that. Repairing the village and making sure we are ready for Yul's real attack is our highest priority." Stated Shay

"You got that right. When he comes we're going to make him pay for every single life lost because of him." Said Tev

"Calm down, we have time. Don't get yourself worked up too much. I think after what happened everyone needs a break. Something to take their minds off of what happened." Stated Rose

"Let's not make it too long. There's a lot of work to be done on this place and I don't think Yul's going to give us some extra time." Replied Shay

"Fair enough." Answered Rose

"Hey how bout a party? A big celebration." Smiled Tev

"I don't think so." Retorted Shay

"Wait a second. Maybe it's not such a bad idea. A short little celebration may be just what this village needs to bring its spirit back up. Nothing too big, something a long the lines of a bonfire. Something simple." Smiled Rose

"I don't know." Replied Shay

"Come on honey, its been nothing but work and tragedy since we got here. Even the people who died would have a agreed that we need a break. All work and no play, right?" smiled Tev

"Okay then." Smiled Shay

"Great! Now let's plan this thing out. We need good food, awesome music, and what else?" asked Tev

"You taking a chill pill." Laughed Rose

Meanwhile Can was sitting on the main bridge of the Celsius all by herself starring out the window at the sky. As she heard the sounds of footsteps behind her she turned around to see her brother. Rekks took a seat next to his sister and smiled at her.

"How you feeling." He asked

"I don't know. With everything that's happened. Our powers, Yul,….Vid."

"Forget all that. We'll get through the powers thing, it's a rocky road, but it isn't anything we can't handle. As for Yul, let me worry about him. The only thing you should worry about is you and Vid. For now at least."

"It's interesting to here you say that."

"Yeah, well Vid's my best friend and you're my sister. And, you guys are happy together. I can respect that. Let me explain something, Vid is…..well he's an idiot."

"What a compliment."

"Well I'm one too. All our lives I've been the wild one and Vid's been kinda out there too. You've always been the grounded one, kept things in order. I appreciate that, so does he."

"Then why doesn't he come out and say it?"

"When have you ever know him to just come out and say something. He loves you anyone can see it."

"Then what is he hiding?"

"You know I can't tell you that. What I am going to tell you is that he does love you, he loves you more than anything. He wants to tell you something, something big about the both of you and the reason he can't tell you is because he loves you. He doesn't know how to find the right words."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh come on think about it."

"Wait, he's not thinking about….."

"Bingo, he wants to pop the big question. Now tell me the truth, if he did ask would you say yes?"

Cana thought about it.

"Of course."

"Knowing you, you're not the type to wait for someone else to ask you something. Maybe you should be more proactive."

Rekks smiled at his sister. She got up and gave him a big hug, he wrapped his arms around her and returned it.

"Since when did you become so wise?" she joked

"I'm not wise, I just told you my best friend's personal secret that he told me not to tell anyone, then told you to ask her to marry you first to take the pressure off of him. I'm really devious."

"Well whatever you are you're the best brother ever."

"Thanks."

Later that night the entire village had assembled a huge feast accompanied by a tremendous bonfire. People gathered to celebrate their survival of yet another attack on the village, to remember those lost in the fights before, and most importantly to garner hope for a more peaceful future. Rekks was sitting on a rock near the edge of the village. Across from him Zialas continued to train as the moon rose high into the sky.

"Come on take a break, of everyone here you need a break most of all." Smiled Rekks

"I no rest." Remarked Zialas

"Don't consider it rest then, consider it a tactical recharging of your batteries."

"If I go will you leave me alone?"

"Maybe, fifty-fifty chance."

"Better than nothing."

The two of them headed into the village and joined in the celebrations. As soon as Zialas approached the smaller children ran over to him and began jumping around him tugging at his blue fur. Zialas obviously displeased prepared to roar loudly, when he heard Rekks chuckle. Zialas looked down at the smiling children and reluctantly agreed to play with them.

Cana handed her brother a plate of food. Rekks accepted the plate and began to eat away as he scanned the crowd. Noticeably there was someone missing.

"Hey where's Rose?" asked Rekks

"Oh, see decided to take watch so that some of the others could come and celebrate." Replied Cana

Rose sat on top of one of the watch towers starring out into the vast desert. She hear the sound of someone heading up the ladder and turned to see Rekks holding a picnic basket. He sat down right next to her and offered her a drink.

"And what's all this about?" she smiled

"Just thought you could use some company. Everyone else is living it up, but here you are, offering up our own time to relax to give some to others. Very noble." Chuckled Rekks

Rekks offered her a plate of food. She blushed slightly as she accepted. Rekks grabbed his own plate at they sat there for a while starring up at the starry sky. Rose reached into her bag next to her and pulled out a box handing it to Rekks.

"Here this is for you." She smiled

Rekks opened the box to see his mother's Al Bhed hand guns looking in better condition than when he had lost them in his fight with Yul.

"Where did you find these?" he asked

"During the restoration of the village a couple of workers found them. I decided I'd fix them up before handing them back."

Rekks leaned over and gave Rose a big hug before pulling away slowly. He looked down at the guns in his hands expecting them one last time before placing them back in the box.

"Thanks, Thank you so much. It really means a lot tome. I felt like such a bone headed loser when I lost these and now….."

"You're welcome. It's the least I could have done for a friend. Cana told me how those guns were important to your family and suggested I fix them up."

Rekks chuckled to himself as he placed the box in the picnic basket then pulled out a blanket. He handed it to Rose, who wrapped it around herself.

"I thought you'd be kinda cold out here."

"Thank you."

They remained silent for a little while longer, before Rekks decided to break the quiet.

"So you probably know everything about me by now." He joked

"Practically." She joked back

"Then why don't you tell me about yourself? I bet your life's plenty interesting."

"Not as interesting as a professional Blitzballer/ thrill seeker/ hero for hire."

"Well I'm interested just the same."

"Ok then. I was born in Bevelle, raised by both my parents. They were great and loving. My mom was a bit on the strict side, but she was only trying to help. At an early age I developed a love for archeology."

"Archeology, why?"

"I've always been fascinated with Spira's past. I guess it came from hearing all the stories of my parent's adventures and even the tales of your parents. Exposing al the secrets of the past. I just hoped that I could find something amazing as well."

"Sounds great, to have aspirations like that. Everything I've done in my life I sort of fell into. I could Blitz like a pro ever since I was 8 and things kinda went from there."

"What about all those adventures you, Vid and Tev always talk about?"

"Those, We're a pretty restless bunch always getting ourselves into some sort of trouble. And even sometimes we took on jobs as "freelance heroes" doing all sorts of crazy things. Remind me to tell you the story about the Pirate captain and the orphanage one day. But tell me more about you."

"Like what?"

"I don't know….what makes you tick? Your favorite food, color, book,…….the kind of guys you like?"

"Are you serious?"

"Okay so maybe you don't have to tell me everything. But I would like to know more about you."

"Why?"

"Because we're friends."

"Friends?"

"Yeah in all this time I've think we've grown close enough. I generally care about you."

The two of them looked away avoiding each other's gaze. Rose blushed as she moved her hand closer to Rekks'.

"I care about you too. At first I thought you were this pig headed, screwball, who acts before he thinks."

"And….?"

"Well I later realized that even though you may be a screwball, you generally try to do good. You have a lot heart."

"You do too, ever since we've been here you have not stopped caring about the people of this village. Even when you had a chance to relax tonight, you gave it up so that someone else could have a break. Not many people are that caring."

The two of them leaned closer together. Rose smiled at Rekks.

"You know I've always considered myself a pretty passionate guy." Rekks remarked

"Shut up." Smiled Rose

The two of them leaned in further locking lips. Rekks gently lowered Rose onto the blanket as he slipped his jacket off.

"If anyone attacks now I'll be severely pissed off." Chuckled Rekks as he kissed Rose again

Meanwhile back at the celebration, Vid was sitting away from the others. He was holding the ring case in his hands starring at the ring. He was lost in though trying to sum up all his courage. Vid saw Cana walking toward him holding some cups. He quickly pocketed the ring and tried to remain calm. She smiled and sat down next to him handing him a drink. He smiled back at her and accepted.

"What're thinking about?" asked Cana

"Nothing." Replied Vid as he turned away from Cana

Cana slumped her head and sighed.

"Cana I….I…" Vid sighed

"Vid will you marry me?" Cana blurted out

Vid almost tumbled over when he heard what she said. Quickly he tried to recover himself and give her an answer.

"Yes, yes a course. In fact I was gonna…" still at a loss for words he pulled out the ring and showed it to her

Cana smiled at him, placing a finger on his mouth. He quieted down and smiled back.

"I know. Rekks told be."

"I'm gonna kill em."

"Shhh. I know he shouldn't have told me, but I'm glad he did. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And if you're too chicken to ask, then I thought maybe I should do it."

"I ain't chicken, I just couldn't find da right words. Wid all that's gone on, I just felt now wasn't da time. You already had enough ta worry about."

"Who's worrying, We have so many wonderful people to rely on that I finally realize there's nothing to worry about. We'll get through this."

"So I guess my answer is…yes."

Cana and Vid leaned in to kiss each other.

"Guess that's one more reason not to die." Laughed Vid

Cana chuckled then moved closer to Vid allowing him to wrap his arms around her. A few yards away Zialas was sitting near the bonfire. His eyes glanced up to take a peek at the smiling couple. He heard someone sigh then turned his head to see Mr. Kurosawa sit down next to him.

"Nice isn't it?" mused Kurosawa

"What?" replied Zialas

"That even in this harsh desert, after such tragedy, and in the face of a looming threat, something as simple as love can still flourish."

"Attachment serve no purpose in battle."

"I don't believe that. The feelings we have for people no matter it's love or friendship lend us certain strengths. You've gotten to know everyone over these past weeks. Surely you feel something about them, have an opinion at least?"

"Those two, the red hair, Vid, he act ridiculous, but good heart. The girl, strong willed, reasonable."

"What about the others?"

"Can not stand Tev, but can respect his spirit. The wife, she defiantly smarter, level headed. Rose is compassionate. Rekks….."

"What about Rekks."

"No can understand such irrational person. But he honorable warrior, cares lot's of friends."

"I bet they all consider you their friend. In just a few weeks, Yul will return more powerful than ever, probably angrier too. When that day comes we might need something more than skill and raw power. A little faith in those around you can go along way. Connections, attachments, friendship, love, binds us all together. It will help us to survive."

"Ridiculous."

"Maybe, but don't you feel like something is different since you came here. Just think about it."

Kurosawa stood up and walked away. Zialas sat there for a little while longer before grabbing his spear and heading off. He looked up at the full moon and thought about what Kurosawa said as he walked away from the camp fire. He lowered his head and calmly returned to his place by the fire.

On of the small children from earlier approached him. Zialas picked up a cup nearby and filled it with some water then handed it to the boy. The boy smiled and sat down by the Ronso.

The next morning Rekks awoke feeling something warm lying on his bare chest. His eyes fluttered open to see Rose's naked form lying down on top of him. He pulled up the blanket over her shoulders and relaxed. Rose stirred slightly before waking up. She moved herself into a sitting position clutching the blanket around her as she searched for her clothes.

"We should probably hurry, the next watch will be here soon." She stated as she tossed him his vest

"About last night." Rekks started

Rose cut him off by leaning in and kissing him full on the lips.

"Last night was amazing, but we should go before we get caught with our pants down….no pun intended." She replied

"So where do we stand right now, was this a one time thing?" asked Rekks

"What do you want it to be? I know how feel, but I'd like to hear your opinion."

"If we live through this, I defiantly wouldn't mind seeing where this relationship goes. I really care about you."

"Well then let's hope we live. Because I'd like to see where we end up as well."

When they finished getting dressed they climbed down the lookout tower to find Tev sitting on a chair by the ladder eating an apple.

"Everyone knows." Chuckled Tev

"Knows what?" replied Rekks as he tried to stay composed

I had the next watch about…two hours ago. I thought you two could use the sleep. Everyone knows." Smiled Tev

"Why you…." Laughed Rekks as he bolted toward

Tev shot up and ran off as Rekks chased after him. Rose laughed as she sneaked off away from the scene.

Yul sat by a fire a great distance away from the village, he looked over the flute in his hand then placed it at his lips to play a song. He stopped for a second to look up at the clear blue sky and smile slightly. As he closed his eyes he could momentarily feel himself transform into the man he once was. The black haired musician, open his eyes once more his hair shifting back to white his eyes focusing on the fire.

"Everything will end." Stated Yul as he continued to play

To be continued...

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, The next chapter the day has come. Send all your reviews, thoughts, questions, suggestions, etc. I love getting feedback and hearing from you guys. Next: Chapter 11: The Music Man