Hey guys…it's been awhile hasn't it? It seems no matter what I do I can never get a chapter out when I want to. I want to apologize for the agonizingly long wait. Thanks for being so patient!
While reviews aren't mandatory, all I ask is that if you're really interested in reading more, kindly tell me. I'm only mentioning this because I take so long putting out chapters, and I don't want to waste time writing more when everyone's lost interest.
And as an added bonus for those of you who have been supporting me for the longest time: I think you'll enjoy this chapter's ending.
Angel Wings
Chapter Fourteen: Manipulation
Why do you cry when you know how the story ends?
How can you laugh when you know that it hurts your friends?
We've all been there once, but you never left
This is me coming back to get you out to say goodbye, to make amends
I'm not leaving this place
Unless I'm leaving with you
'Cause you're the only person with a half decent heart here
And I know you will put it to use
Until it's gone, gone, gone
Gone, gone, gone
Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, yeah
Na, na, na...
And as you close your eyes for the big sleep
I hope you think of me, yeah
Na, na, na...
And if you go, I'll be gone
And you'll be left alone to live your life, as you please
But someday you'll agree that I was always meant for you
You were always meant for me and you will see...
----"The Big Sleep", Streetlight Manifesto
She was back in that embarrassing outfit, her clothes too revealing for her modest nature. Yuna watched as her other self ran along the beach Rikku following close behind. Though she seemed happy, Yuna was staggered by her raw, aching heart.
"We'll search for more spheres Yunie. You'll get your answers. Just stay strong, okay?" Yuna tried to smile at her cousin but couldn't quite pull it off. Tears glittered in her eyes like diamonds.
"I know, Rikku. I'll find out if it was…him...I can't live without him, you know?" Rikku looked at the High Summoner, worry in her eyes.
"Yuna…you need to stay strong." She bristled under her Cousin's hesitant words. Everyone, from Wakka to Lulu, and even Kimahri had been saying those exact words to her.
"I know I need to, Rikku! I wish everyone would stop giving me the same advice over and over! But you don't understand! Tidus is my life! I feel lost without him! I just…I want him back!"
"Yuna…it might not be possible to get Tidus back. He was just a dream, you know?"
Yuna's back stiffened and she walked away, pointedly ignoring her Cousin. "Well, then, I guess my life is over."
((&(&(&&(
Yuna gasped as she sat up, her cheek wet with tears. What was that? Was it another dream? Or had it been a glimpse of the future? She hoped it was just a dream, because if that's how she would have turned out…than she was ashamed of herself.
She was strong, and not flighty and weak. She prided herself on her iron will, her unshakeable resolve. Yes it had hurt when she realized Tidus was gone for good, and her heart had felt dead, but she would have gotten through the pain. She had been prepared to go through the rest of her life as half a person, her heart and soul incomplete without Tidus' bright, sunny smiles.
And her other self…as she liked to call that Yuna, she yelled at Rikku, her Cousin, and she was mean. No matter how much pain she was in, Yuna would never, ever take it out on anyone. Rikku meant well and Yuna was ashamed of herself even though her whole breakdown hadn't happen.
And she would make sure it never did. Because she was going to keep Tidus by her side, and prevent this weak Yuna from emerging.
(&((&((
The next time Yuna woke the sun was just beginning to rise. The clouds were tinted a light pink and a soft breeze blew Yuna's hair around her face. It was chilly and she shivered as she stood, rubbing her arms.
Kimahri walked over to her and she greeted him quietly. Everyone was awake and preparing breakfast. Tidus was already stuffing his face, oblivious to the withering look Lulu shot him. Wakka sat beside the Black Mage, huddled under a blanket.
"Good morning Yuna!" Tidus called cheerfully, and her heart melted. She sat down beside the Swordsman and smiled gratefully when he handed her a plate laden with food. Today was starting well.
Yuna finished her breakfast and giggled when Tidus pulled her up beside him. Auron strode over to her. She hadn't seen him this morning, and she wondered what the mysterious man had been up to.
"Are you ready to head out, Yuna?" Lulu asked. Yuna looked tired. There were dark circles under her eyes and her face was pale. Yuna had looked just as haggard after obtaining Valefor and Ifrit.
Yuna nodded, and her Guardians fell into step behind her, heading further down the path and away from Djose Temple.
(&((&(&((&(
"So just where are we going?" Tidus panted, wiping his forehead. Yuna stood beside her Swordsman, her eyes glued to his trim figure. Everyday it became harder and harder to resist Tidus. She felt herself falling deeper in love with him than during her previous Pilgrimage. Her heart literally beat for Tidus, and only him.
"We are on our way to Guadosalam, home of the Guados." Auron said, falling into step beside Tidus. "And from there, we cross the Thunder Plains into Macalania, and to the temple there."
"Watch out!" Tidus cried, shoving Yuna behind him, Lulu and Auron close behind. Yuna gasped, surprised, and just barely managed to keep herself from falling. Tidus and Auron drew their blades, readying themselves for the fight against fiends surrounding their Summoner
The insect fiend, a Bite Bug, poisoned Lulu. The Black Mage destroyed the bug with Fire, her Moogle twirling in the dirt. Auron easily defeated the Bunyip, his piercing Katana slicing through the fiend's armor. The purple Gandarewa was not so easily destroyed.
Lulu, suffering from poison, switched out with Wakka, the Blitzer seething with anger. A powerful Thunder spell drove Tidus to his knees, the fiend effortlessly dodging Tidus' sword. Auron cursed when the monster evaded his weapon.
"End this, Wakka," Auron ordered wearily. The orange haired Blitzer nodded and threw his ball with deadly accuracy and the three fighters sighed with relief. Yuna let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding when Tidus staggered to his knees, pale, but okay.
"Lu!" Wakka called, and Yuna turned, her hand pressed to her mouth. Lulu was as white as a ghost, panting, and her eyes were dazed. "Didn't you take an Antidote?!"
Lulu moaned in answer, and swooned, the Blitzer barely managing to wrap his arms around the young woman. Yuna rushed over and felt Lulu's forehead. It was warm with fever.
"What's wrong with her?" Tidus asked, kneeling beside his three friends, his eyes glued to Lulu's frail body.
"She failed to take an Antidote in time," Yuna explained, grabbing her staff and closing her eyes. "She's weak. Lulu probably thought she would be needed, and she waited too long. She'll be okay, though."
Lulu shimmered with the spell Esuna, and moaned as her eyes fluttered open. Her gaze locked with Wakka's, and Yuna turned away, wanting to give her friends privacy. It wasn't her place to intrude. Tidus followed as she walked away.
(&)())&)
Fifteen minutes later Yuna and her Guardians were on their way to the Moonflow. Lulu was doing better though she still looked slightly unsteady. Wakka hovered protectively by her side, ready to offer the Black Mage assistance if it she needed it. Lulu's face was stern when the Blitzer caught her as she stumbled, though her eyes were soft.
It took longer than it should have to make it to the Moonflow, partly because Lulu was still weak and needed to rest frequently, but also because Yuna herself was exhausted from gaining Ixion. When the small party arrived at the clear lake, Tidus gasped at the sight of the shimmering Pyreflies.
"Woah, amazing!" Tidus exclaimed as he tried to catch a Pyreflie in his gloved hand. Yuna's heart melted at Tidus' actions, her love for Tidus visible in her expressive eyes. She wanted nothing more than to close her arms around Tidus and never let him go.
"Should we spend the night here?" Wakka asked, rubbing the back of his neck self consciously. Lulu glared daggers at him. "Lu doesn't look so good."
Auron looked at Lulu and sighed. "It is up to both Yuna and Lulu. Let them decide."
"We should rest." Yuna said when she caught sight of Lulu's pale face. "Tomorrow at dawn we'll walk the rest of the way to Guadosalam."
Kimahri and Tidus collected wood for a fire while Yuna rifled through their knapsacks, looking for something to eat. She frowned when she saw how low their provisions were. There was hardly enough food for tonight's meal and it looked as if breakfast was going to be sparse and unsatisfying.
"We'll need to stock up on food when we arrive," Lulu said, voicing the Summoner's thoughts. "There is hardly enough for tonight."
Tidus and Kimahri dropped their loads of wood in the circle of rocks. The Swordsman sat beside Yuna, sighing happily as he cracked his back. The Black Mage lighted the wood with a quick Fire spell and soon their dinner was cooking over the flames.
The sun had set awhile ago and Yuna watched the stars twinkling like gems in the dark sky. She was full and her body felt like lead, but for the first time in a long while she felt content. She didn't want to think about tomorrow and what Guadosalam would bring; she didn't want to feel fear and anxiety about her dead husband.
She was alive and Tidus was here. No one had been killed by her husband's scheme. They had gotten away with no injures, which was nothing short of a miracle. And, of course, she had another chance to save her Swordsman. She wouldn't fail. She couldn't fail.
Yuna yawned and turned on her side, her eyes resting on Tidus' sleeping form. The blond haired man lay on his stomach, his face turned towards the Summoner's, his features relaxed. He looked so peaceful and content in his slumber, the lines of worry etched into his face gone. She wondered if it was worry over the Pilgrimage he was following her on that put them there, or something else.
"I love you Tidus," She whispered, her voice cracking. Her hand fluttered towards Tidus' face, falling short and resting on soft earth. "I'll keep you from fading, I promise."
Sleep didn't come for a long while.
(&(((&(&(&
Guadosalam. The home of the Guado was a curse in her mind. She didn't have anything against the Guado, not really. All of her anger and resentment lay with Maester Seymour. He had hurt not only her with his evil, but her Guardians as well, along with all of Spira. He had deceived so many before she killed him.
And now he was back. He was still at large in Spira, for he hadn't died yet. She exhaled sharply and gripped her staff in her hand, her nails digging into the smooth wood. Worry gnawed at her insides as images of red eyes and maniacal laughter echoed in her mind.
Yevon help her, she was in trouble. How was she going to stop someone as unstable as her ex husband? It was troublesome enough knowing what Seymour was to become, but having to deal with the Seymour she had killed? That was terrible.
How was she going to stop an entity that could possess his own body, influence those around him, and had power she could only dream of controlling? Sin was nothing compared to the threat the Maester held against everyone she held dear.
Do not worry Lady Summoner A voice Yuna recognized as the Fayth whispered in her mind. We will protect you. You are close to obtaining the full power the Aeons hold. It is a power Seymour cannot hope to ever possess. With us by your side, you have nothing to fear.
Maester Seymour tried to kill you once and the Fire Aeon Ifrit came to your aide. Should the Guado try to harm you again, we will be ready. You are Spira's savior, and ours as well, and we protect what is ours.
Calm spread through Yuna's body and she relaxed her tight grip on her staff. Seeing her Guardians far ahead of her, Yuna rushed to Tidus' side, her hand brushing his. A blush spread across her cheeks and she lowered her eyes shyly.
"Oh is that…" Tidus exclaimed. Yuna stared at Tidus waiting to see what Tidus was going to do. He took off running kicking dust up behind him as he sprinted down the dirt road. Yuna didn't hesitate; she took off after Tidus ignoring her Guardian's protests.
"Rikku!" Tidus called excitedly, waving his arms in the air. Worried Tidus might harm himself in his mad dash to her Cousin, Yuna grabbed Tidus' arm and pulled sharply. Tidus paused mid-step and looked at her curiously before smiling and settling into a walk.
"Hiya!" Rikku called energetically. Tidus smiled hugely.
"And who is this?" Lulu asked. Auron, Kimhari and Wakka spread around Yuna protectively, perceiving Rikku as a possible threat to their Summoner. Tidus shifted uneasily, falling silent.
Rikku continued waving oblivious to the danger she was in. Yuna could see the happiness and excitement shining in her Cousin's eyes, and she couldn't deny she felt the same way. She had missed Rikku's energy and commitment these last few days.
Tidus spoke unable to remain quiet any longer. "It's okay guys! This is Rikku! She's the one I told you about. She found and took care of me when I first ended up in Spira!"
"Oh is that so?" Wakka asked dubiously. Lulu smacked the back of the Blitzer's head. Wakka winced and massaged his head, edging away from the Black Mage.
"Yeah!" Rikku said, nodding her confirmation.
Yuna caught Auron's eye and he nodded his consent, lips twitching. "Rikku," she began, catching the Al-Behd by surprise. "I would like you to be my Guardian. Do you agree?"
Ignoring Lulu and Wakka's protests, she stared intently at her Cousin. Would Rikku disagree? Relief flooded her when Rikku nodded. The Al-Behd practically jumped up and down, unable to contain her jubilation.
It was done; she had all her Guardians. Now the journey to hunt Sin down could begin. She had taken another step forward; she was closer to finding that which she needed to save Tidus.
()&))))
Loathing so sharp it nearly chocked her flooded Yuna. Maester Seymour was beside her, his hot breath against her skin, his lips brushing her ear. His words fell on deaf ears. She didn't need to hear his marriage proposal; each word was burned into her memory, a part of her worst nightmare.
"I'll think about your proposal, your Excellency." Yuna whispered, flushing with anger. She was as stiff as a board, her lips set into a tight line. Her hands were clenched at her side, and it took all of her considerable control to keep from smacking the smug, arrogant look off of Seymour's face. She paled, however, when the now familiar red bled into Seymour's eyes and his features hardened.
Oh Yevon, not now, She thought, adrenaline racing through her body.
"High Summoner Yuna," Seymour said, his words dripping with acid. "You will marry me. Do not even pretend to consider it, my lady, for we both know what your answer will be."
Yuna laughed derisively. "I doubt it, Maester Seymour. I could never wed someone I loathe."
Seymour's face twisted with hatred. Yuna was unable to stop herself from taking a step backward. Self preservation had her taking her staff out, ready to Summon should the need arise. She was aware of Sir Auron's eyes burning into her back, and she wondered if he knew the trouble she was in.
"You will, my lady," Seymour said, his voice calm despite his turbulent emotions. "Because if you don't I will destroy your precious Swordsman. I can label Tidus as a traitor and have him executed. You would not be able to save him, My Lady; you cannot abandon your Pilgrimage, even for him. Your Guardians, staunch supporters they may be, would not support you."
Yuna paled, tears shimmering in her eyes like crystals. "You wouldn't."
Seymour leaned forward, pretending to whisper in her ear. "I would. I hate you with every fiber of my being. And when I marry you there will be no escape. I will kill you, Lady Yuna, and my revenge will be complete."
A tear rolled down her cheek. Her eyes blazed as she met Seymour's and he seemed startled by the steel in her gaze. "You will not kill me, Seymour. I will rid Spira of you once and for all. I concede to your wishes. I will marry you."
Her stomach churned and she bit her lip hard to keep from screaming. It seemed even her knowledge couldn't save her from marrying Seymour. She wouldn't be stopped though; marrying Seymour would be his mistake, not hers.
((&)(&(&((&(&
"Whoa, so this is the Farplane?!" Tidus cried his blue eyes wide with shock. Yuna walked past Lulu as the Black Mage explained the Farplane to the Swordsman. She thought of her parents, not because she needed to speak with them, but because talking with her mother and father would calm her down.
"Are you really going to marry him, Yuna?" Tidus asked. She nodded hesitantly. "Do you love him, though?"
Yuna shook her head, her brown hair concealing her expressive face. She felt no need to lie to Tidus. It was difficult for her to hide her dislike for the Maester, so it was only a matter of time until Tidus figured out her feelings for the Guado.
"Than why marry him? Is it really that important to make everyone happy?"
Yuna tilted her head, considering the Swordsman's question. This time around did she really need to do what everyone else wanted her to? She was surprised to find the answer was easy to find. Despite how personal her Pilgrimage had become the main purpose for her journey was to rid Spira of Sin, and bring joy to Spira's inhabitants.
"I must do what everyone wants, not just what I want." She started when Tidus brushed her brown hair away from her eyes tenderly. Her heart stopped beating for a second when she saw the intensity in his eyes as Tidus' warm hand cupped her cheek.
Her breath caught in her throat as Tidus tilted her face up. A shiver raced down her spine as Tidus leaned forward, his breath ghosting across her lips. She gasped as Tidus' lips touched hers, his tongue tracing her lips.
Heat spread through her body, her skin tingling. Kissing Tidus was just as amazing as she remembered, her knees buckling as Tidus' lips moved over hers. He bit her bottom lip gently and her mouth opened, her tongue twining with his.
Tidus' hands bunched in her hair as his tongue dueled with hers. Unable to stay still any longer, she grasped Tidus' shirt and pulled the Swordsman closer. She didn't want any space between them. She needed to get closer; she couldn't bear to be apart from her Tidus any longer.
Tidus ended the kiss and Yuna moaned from the loss. Tidus chuckled and brushed his lips against Yuna's once again before pulling back. She smiled, her heart in her eyes, and Tidus exhaled sharply.
Had she revealed too much? She thought, panicked. Yuna was reassured when Tidus kissed her forehead. Maybe she had been too eager to show her love, and while Tidus may not return her feelings, yet, he definitely cared deeply for her. Love was sure to follow, and she could wait. She would wait forever if she had to.
Tidus grabbed her hand and they turned towards the exit. They were met with Lulu's condemning eyes, Wakka's shock and Auron's anger. Dread swept through her, and Yuna knew she was in deep, deep trouble.
End of Chapter
Dear God! Ten pages! I usually only write four and a half pages! That's double my usual update. I really, really hope that makes up for the long delay and all of the waiting you guys had to do!
I really don't care that the kiss came so much earlier than in the game. This is my story and Yuna isn't holding anything back. She knows what she feels for Tidus and she is much more confident than in Final Fantasy X. In my mind a confident, self-assured Yuna would catch Tidus' attention earlier and cause his feelings to develop faster than in the game.
Random facts concerning this chapter:
-It took me three months to write this chapter. I'm not exaggerating. I edited this chapter to death. I would write three pages and than delete it and start over. I wrote the last six pages on 7/9/07 and finished at 10:49 PM
-While editing this chapter I realized I had forgotten to include Rikku meeting up with Yuna and her Guardians. I had to go back and include that. Oops. My bad.
-I had originally planned for Tidus and Yuna to kiss in the Thunder Planes after she told her Guardians she was going to accept Seymour's proposal. I scratched that idea when I looked through the strategy guide. I was like, 'Ooh, what about the Farplane? That's a much better setting!'
-I couldn't stop laughing while writing Tidus and Yuna's kiss. Shake It Off by Mariah Carey was playing while I was writing their kiss, and all I could picture was Mariah Carey kissing Tidus. I'm so weird.
Please review!