Chapter 3: My Little Gullwings
It seemed like a long time since she had visited them, but it wasn't. Yuna kept to her word, visiting on a yearly basis. Ten years had passed, and Yuna was making her ususual trip to the Farplane with family in tow to see her parents. Tidus, for the first time stood beside his wife as she paid her respects. He even brought his parents to mind to silently talk to them. It was quiet for a change; she hadn't experienced such peacefulness in a long time.
Towards the entrance of the floating island where the people of Spira came to pay their respects was a trio: one sitting on the ground, one sitting on a ball, and the other standing, all watching Yuna and Tidus.
"This is boring."
"Albhed don't even believe in this stuff."
"Shhh, you two."
The two youths looked up at the one who just spoke for a moment before groaning. The young man stood and picked up the blitz ball he'd been sitting on.
"Don't." Came the firm words of the blonde. The young man with bi-colored eyes stared at her trying to register the seriousness of the commanded, and after several seconds of contemplation tossed the ball in the air, bouncing it on his head. "What did I just say, Sky?"
"Come on Luna, lighten up will ya? Who knows how long mom and dad are gonna be." He whined.
"Doesn't matter, it's disrespectful." The eldest of Yuna's and Tidus' children countered, clearly starting to become angry with his blatant ignorance for the old ways.
The small girl sitting with her legs tucked under her and leaning slightly back on her hands watched as the two siblings fought. Nothing too out of the ordinary, she figured if they bickered almost anywhere why not here, too. The brunette rolled her ocean blue eyes, before ciphering through her pockets for some machina parts. She started to toy with a few pieces, before being reprimanded herself by Luna.
"Oh, come on sis. I don't want to even be here. Albhed never come here." She simply stated for the hundredth time. It had become her anthem, so to speak.
Luna gave her younger sister a hard glare, but Kairi seemed indifferent to it, as she only stared back with pleading eyes to be left alone.
In the mean time, Sky took this distraction to try and really get some air with the ball, still bouncing it on his head . . . until. "Uh-oh." Luna whipped her head in his direction to see him on all fours at the edge of the floating island peering over.
"You didn't?" She asked, very well knowing the answer already.
The two girls scurried over to their brother to peer over the edge as well, and into the bright orange-red-yellowish abyss, know as the Farplane. It didn't have to be said . . . Sky had lost the ball.
They all looked over to see if their parents had noticed, but fortunately seemed completely oblivious. "Phew." Sky breath.
"Your not out of the woods yet." Luna remarked, her green, swirled Albhed eyes narrowed. "I think they'll notice when you don't have a blitz ball anymore, especially since all you could do was toss it around before."
"Chill. I got a plan." Sky smirked.
"What?" Kairi asked. She always liked hearing her brother's plans. They were never unreasonable, but they were never successful, either.
"I'm gonna go back to Gaudosalm and just buy another ball then sneak back here. They'll never know the difference."
"I'll come." Kairi said, eager to leave, she'd rather do anything then be here.
Luna sighed, shaking her head in disbelief of what she was going to say. "I'll come, too." Her two younger siblings looked at her confused and surprised, she saw further reason to clarify, not wanting them to get the wrong impression. "I'm not going because I want to, but because I don't trust you two not to botch it up."
Sky shrugged and gestured his sisters to follow. They slowly crept away and back to Guadosalm without notice. Or so they thought.
Yuna giggled, as Tidus couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Some kids we got." He remarked in between gasps.
The High Summoner took this moment to talk about their kids to her parents as her husband continued to laugh, taking his own trip down memory lane. 'They are still a handful . . . all of them. Maybe even more so, since they've gotten older.' She began.
'Luna looks like a typical Albhed because of her green, swirled eyes; though, she is the very opposite. She isn't super religious, but if I had to put my finger on it, I would say she believes only in what she knows is proven. She has faith in the Faith, and some of the old traditions, such as visiting the dead. She loves to help others; she is constantly babysitting the youth of Besaid. But I don't see her staying home for much longer. She still acts more mature than what she is, but I can see the want to travel and adventure in her eyes. My first born is about to take flight and soar to all sorts of heights.'
"Hey Yuna." Tidus' voice interrupted.
"Hm?"
"I was think'in." He stopped staring out into the beautiful scenery. "What are we gonna do when they all leave?"
"I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. We still have two left." She giggled.
"I know." He said, kicking a pebble around.
"Just because Rekks invited Luna to go sphere hunting with him and his friends, doesn't mean she won't ever visit us." The retired sphere hunter told him, putting a hand on his shoulder, letting it drop to his waist where it stayed.
"Yeah. I'm just suffering from empty nest syndrome, I guess. I'm just curious when she's gonna tell us what her decision is." He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him more.
"It's a yes, and she's just scared to tell us. You know how attached she is to the island and us." She paused. "She may also be stalling for reasons of the heart." The Gullwing said, with a raise of her eyebrow. Tidus looked at his wife, stumped at what she meant, until moments later when it finally clicked.
"Oh." Tidus finally said. Boys and his daughters just wasn't something he really thought about. He'd go crazy if he thought too much on the fact they were of dating age, well, at least one of them was, but it wouldn't be long before Kairi started bringing boys home, too. But being the infamous guardian of the High Summoner, and killer blitz player did have its advantages when it came to intimidating the wondering eyes of the island boys, or any boys for that matter.
Yuna watched her husband snicker, staring of into space somewhere in his own little world. Somewhat curious about what was making the devious smile creep on his face, she decided she would probably never figure it out, and turned her attention back to her parents. 'Luna reminds me of me, but luckily instead of deciding on living, or sacrificing herself, her biggest worry is to venture, or not. She's dating a boy on the island, a blitz player, but I know she'll make the right decision.'
Yuna thought back to a time when her and her love had to face that same dilemma of what to do now that he was back. Certainly, she wasn't prepared to give up her life of sphere hunting. It worked out in the end, after a few "trial and error" months. Her sphere hunting, while he blitzed, but always making sure to make time to rest and see each other. Eventually though, to her delight and surprise one day, he showed up on the Celsius, asking if they needed another crew member. Blitz ball, the fame, the camaraderie of teammates ranked second. Ironic, that she felt the same way about sphere hunting, only he beat her to the punch.
' Sky just turned thirteen. He's treading the fine line between being a boy and being a man. He's confident, almost cocky. And looses everything, he'd probably loose his head if it weren't attached, very irresponsible. Our son just joined the blitz team, which Tidus and Wakka coach. None other than the Besaid Aurochs, the team to beat. Very different compared to little over twenty years ago. I can see that Tidus is sad sometimes due to the fact he couldn't wait to at least retire the year after Sky joined that way they could play one season together, but old injuries come back ten fold. But him and Sky play together anyway, just not professionally. He was so mad when Tidus refused to make him captain, even co-captain, but I understand his reasoning behind his decision. I just hope Sky does soon, too. Despite his gloating, he does have a very sweet, caring side, not like he would ever admit it. He's still trying to master The Magnificent Jecht Shot Mark 3, and Mark 2, which Tidus created, among others, leaving Sky to create Mark 1. Tidus is so proud of him. He says he wouldn't care if Sky didn't blitz, but I know that's a lie.'
The daughter of High Summoner Braska stopped to look at her guardian lost in his own thought. She wondered what he was thinking; sometimes he would just stare out at the ocean back in Besaid. She wondered if he was homesick, it wasn't unreasonable . . . or if it was something else.
'Kairi is only eleven, but so outgoing. She worries me the most. Not in a bad way, just that she gets into a lot. She has loved working with machina and rediscovering history through them ever since visiting Rikku and Gippal in Djose two summers ago. I envy her sometimes. Able to adopt the Albhed ways without being thought of as a hieratic. I wish I could have celebrated your heritage as she does. She put up quite the fight about coming here. I do hope though, that she'll see both sides as I have. But I have to admit she has a talent with old machina. Makes Cid smile. I think it's because she reminds him of you, at least a little.' Yuna concluded briefly, staring at the floating figure of her late mother.
The former sphere hunter jumped when she saw her husband staring at her. He kissed her like he did when they were first reunited after two years. She looked at him with a side ways glance. "What was that for?"
"What? I can't kiss my wife just because I feel like it?" He jested.
"No, it's not that, but you've been staring out into space, being unusually quite, it's just . . ."
"I realized that I'm ten years older than my old man was when he, and your old man died . . . and technically Auron, too." He said the last part with a small chuckle.
Yuna looked at him suspiciously, trying to figure out where he was going with this.
"It's a weird feeling that at this age my dad and your's had been gone for ten years already and you were getting ready for your pilgrimage. And Auron was starting is second. They all sacrificed themselves for Spira. And today we don't have to, we can enjoy watching our kids grow up, and have kids of their own, and their kids have kids."
"Yes. Thank Yevon."
"No." He paused, turning her towards him, so he could look her straight in the eyes. His hand firmly planted on her shoulders. "Thank you."
The tears that had been welling up now cascaded down her cheeks as she hugged him tightly. 'He's right. But I couldn't have done it alone. They all helped, especially him.' She took a shaky breath. "But you're the one that made it possible for me to do that. You saved me so I could see all that you do, along with everyone else. . . happiness and peace." Yuna muffled into his chest, some tears still gliding down her face.
Yuna's mind wondered to her friends now, a brief recap wouldn't hurt. She hoped that maybe the news would travel to their respective lost loved ones. 'Everyone is good. Rikku and Gippal are . . . busy. Their two sets of twins keep them on the feet. Ironic that Rikku is finally slowing down when now more than ever she needs that abundance of energy. Their two girls are as bubbly as Rikku, while their boys have the same listening habits as their father – none. They all take part in working with machina, but I believe their two teen girls are joining Luna on Rekks' sphere hunting journey. They probably are the ones that incited that Rekks invite her. Not like he faltered on waiting, I think he likes her. He's Albhed, not like that's a surprise since he's also from Djose.' She laughed, remembering the good carefree times she had with Rikku and Paine when they first started out, before the Vegnagun fiasco . . . and even after so.
'Baralai and Paine are good, too. They actually started something similar to the Crimson Squad, except they're more like Crusaders. Their two kids are doing fine. One's diplomat, while the other's a true sphere hunter, and quite the swordsman. He's journeying with Rekks, too. I wonder if Tidus realized how many boys are on this team that don't have girlfriends?' The High Summoner mused to herself before continuing. She glanced at the Zanarkand native quickly, smirking at his obliviousness to such things.
'Lulu and Wakka are as steady as a rock. Vindina is nothing but a younger version of Wakka. It's a good thing Wakka is over his not liking the Albhed because funny thing is, he is actually going out with a girl, who is Albhed, she lives on the island, part of those crusaders I was talking about earlier. But Wakka has no problem with it. Lane, their youngest, is her mother to a "T". And is a black mage prodigy. And Lukka, their middle son, is withdrawn like his mother, but a fierce blitzer. Sky says, he's one of the best tacklers they have, no one gets past him. Nooj and Leblanc are doing well with their two boys as well. Both rowdy and headstrong, but also determined. Everyone is busy, life never rests, and I couldn't be happier.' She thought, letting out a sigh, which got Tidus' attention. He brought her back in to his arms, holding her close. They had come so far. Much farther than ever expected when Sin was still around.
Sky peeked in and motioned for Luna and Kairi to follow taking their prior positions. They watched their parents carefully.
Tidus smirked; his devious smile hidden in Yuna's hair. "Show time." He whispered, causing Yuna to smile.
The High Summoner did the blessing gesture, while Tidus just saluted. They walked up to their kids who jumped into line, like they were going to be sent through a rigorous training course.
"Ready?" The Gullwing asked.
"Yup." Their son quickly answered.
Yuna watched her daughter look longingly at the spot her and her husband just were. "Luna, something wrong?"
"No mom." But Yuna knew she was just being polite.
"Luna, what is it? Something's bothering you?" The former sphere hunter prodded. Tidus turned to his eldest, thinking it was about the trip Rekks had invited her on.
"I just . . . I didn't pay my respects, that's all." She said, looking down at her feet. She had always made it a point to pay her respects every time they visited since that one time when she was seven.
"Well, go on." The High Summoner encouraged.
Luna paused to see if her brother or sister would show a sign of protest, but was pleasantly surprised to see they hadn't. She nodded, a smile appearing back on her face as she sauntered over to the edge of the plateau.
While Luna silently talked to her grandparents, seeking advice like her mother did on her pilgrimage, and still does now, her father took this opportunity to make his son sweat a little.
"Toss it son." Tidus told Sky.
The young man with bi-colored eyes raised his eyebrow in curiosity. Did is father just ask him to do something he was sure was sacrilegious?
His father beckoned him on, and Sky did as he was told. Kairi stood by her mother, who had her arm around her, both watching Sky and Tidus toss the ball silently. The youngest of the three kept tossing glances at her parents, confused by the sudden change in "rules".
The former and in-a-way current guardian to the High Summoner waited for the Besaid blitz player to get comfortable and let his guard down before striking.
He waited and waited; praying his daughter wouldn't get done anytime soon. His son smiled and let out a carefree laugh. It was time. Tidus caught the ball, but didn't toss it back to Sky's disappointment. Instead, the Zanarkand Abe examined the ball carefully. "You know there something different about this ball."
Sky's face turned pale automatically, while Kairi tensed up. "Ur syh." (Oh man) The Albhed youth mumbled under her breath.
"This isn't the same ball is it?" He asked bluntly, having had his fill of watching his son squirm.
The two younger siblings traded glances before Sky sighed in defeat. "No, it's not. I lost the ball you gave me. It's now somewhere in the Farplane and much like my social life I fear, it isn't going to return."
"Fryd? Yna oui caneuic? (What? Are you serious?) Kairi whined. The Gullwing looked down, crestfallen as well, since it was like punishing herself in the process, and nodded. Kairi huffed at the thought of being punished.
"How'd you know? The ball you gave me was new, too."
"Yeah, but mine didn't have the Guado team's blitz colors." Sky slapped himself on the head for making such an obvious error.
Kairi let out an infuriated growl. "Mycd desa E dnicd oui yht ouin "vimm bnuuv" bmyhc." (Last time I trust you and your "full proof" plans.)
"And now you wonder why I didn't make you captain?" Tidus interrupted, redirecting the conversation back to his son. "You aren't responsible enough yet. Captains need to be able to make swift decisions and realize that their decisions effect not just him, but also his team."
Sky nodded, this wasn't the first time he was told this, and he doubted it would be his last. Oddly enough though, it finally started to make sense why he hadn't been picked.
The former guardian noticed the glum, annoyed looked and felt while he was right, this way of trying to get through to his thick-headed son wasn't working the way he wanted. Tidus always kept himself in check, making sure not to adopt his father's parenting techniques, like not being supportive of his children. 'Maybe something more inspirational.' He thought. "I know you have a lot of talent, but you need to focus, son. You'll get there. I know you will." He added, placing a supportive hand on Sky's shoulder, his son's frown turning into a small grin. "But that doesn't mean you're not grounded." Tidus clarified, the youth's smile instantly fading.
"What's wrong?" Luna asked, having finished.
"We got busted." Kairi stated flatly. The eldest of Yuna's children let out long exaggerated groan.
Yuna and Tidus smiled at each other, before herding their kids back out.
On their way through the tunnel that led to the city of the Guadosalam, Luna got everyone's attention, thinking that it was now or never. "Mom, dad, everyone, I got something important to say. I know that you know that I was asked by Rekks to go sphere hunting with him and his friends." Vidina was never good at keeping secrets, and word traveled as fast as lightening through the village. She took a deep breath before continuing. "I decided to go. I love you all, even if some tend to get on my nerves." She said throwing her brother a sideways glance to only receive a chuckle as his response. "And I love the island, and everyone there, but . . . I really want to go and I think Souta will be okay with it, we've already talked about it. . . or at least I hope so . . . because I'm going either way." When Luna finished she looked to her parents to gauge their reactions.
"It's fine, hunny. We had expected it. Your dad and I were out adventuring at that age, it's time for you to spread your wings and take flight, and find your own path, too." Yuna spoke up, a warm smile adorning her face. "And don't worry about Souta, he'll be okay. If he really cares about you, he'll support your every move." Yuna added, looking toward her husband, who blushed slightly.
"Thanks." Luna brightened up. Yuna gave her eldest a hug, before Luna gave Tidus a hug and an already upset Kairi, who was sad to see her sister going too, even though Luna wasn't suppose to leave for another two weeks, giving herself ample time to be punished and still hang with friends. Maybe she could us leaving as a way to weasel out of the grounding if she tried.
'I can't believe how they've grown. Some are spreading their wings preparing to take off, others are just letting the breeze hit them in the face for now, and some are still waiting for their feathers to grow in. But soon all my gullwings are going to take off and soar, as this gullwing finally takes to sitting back with her mate for life on the branch her nest was built and watching. I can only hope Tidus and I raised them right. I guess we'll soon find out.'
-End chapter 3
A/N: Hope you all liked it. Please leave me a review. Thanks again for reading.