Bartz's Story

Firion's wounds were healed in less than no time by the ever-competent Yuna, and before they even left the Pandemonium, Firion was walking steadily again. Beyond the gateways of the Pandemonium, the Warrior of Light suggested they take a short break.

As the group rested on the rocky hills around the Pandemonium, the Warrior of Light went off to search for Shantotto. He gave a short message to Lightning, Kain and Golbez before he left, saying that it was time for Shantotto, as well as Gabranth to join them, requesting Golbez to bring back Gabranth.

While waiting for their return, Bartz, Tidus and Zidane sat apart from the other warriors, busying themselves by doodling random images on the soil. When Bartz drew an image of a gigantic bird, Zidane turned to him and asked, "Hey, that thing you drew... Where did you saw it?"

"Not sure," Bartz said, frowning, "It kept appearing in my dreams."

Zidane too frowned at his answer. "Hmmm… I swear it looks familiar…"

"Big, yellow and carries people around?" Tidus piped in, turning his head to view Bartz's drawing from the correct angle.

"You know them too?!" Bartz asked Tidus and Zidane in surprise.

"I wouldn't say 'knew'," Zidane said shaking his head, "Not when I cannot recall them properly. It's like déjà vu."

"Maybe you're just reminded of Cloud's head," Tidus told Zidane, and he and Bartz both burst out laughing. Zidane stole a glance a Cloud's spiky yellow head and he too started rolling on the ground in a fit of laughter.

The image of a gigantic yellow bird as a substitute for Cloud's hair kept them laughing until at last Bartz said, "It's frustrating… Not knowing even its name. It's like forgetting an old friend."

"We're nearing our goal, remember?" Tidus said, drying his eyes which were wet with tears of laughter. "That means we'll remember everything soon."

Bartz grinned in appreciation and said, "It's been really fun with everyone. Being able to go home is kinda bittersweet."

"Yeah," Zidane agreed, "But I kinda wish that Kuja's here too." he added with a hint of bitterness as he looked at Cecil. "He's not all bad. And above all, he's my brother."

"Well he's not truly dead," Bartz said, trying to cheer Zidane up, "Once the war has ended, he may be sent home with you."

Zidane smiled at his best friend and jokingly said, "Well it's not just Kuja I'm worried about… The war is ending and I still haven't got a girl!"

…

Cecil's Story

Cecil was talking to Kain when Golbez returned with an armor-clad man and a red-caped swordsman, both of whom Cecil have never met. As Golbez approached them, Kain greeted the armor-clad man with a courteous nod before giving him and Golbez a questioning look on their unfamiliar companion.

"Let me introduce you to Gabranth first, Cecil." Golbez said as he gestured towards the armor-clad man, who gave a small nod. "This here," Golbez continued, "is Gilgamesh. Gabranth found him. He's an outsider who came from the Rift. He-"

But Gilgamesh had caught side of Bartz and, with a squeal of delight, ran off towards him.

"How long I've waited for this, Bartz!" He said, halting just behind him.

Bartz turned back to greet the gigantic red-mantled figure. Confusedly, he asked, "Do I know you?"

"Wha-what!? How can you forget me? It's me, Gilgamesh. You owe me a duel, remember?" Gilgamesh said frantically, apparently receiving a rather serious shock by Bartz's lack of memory of him.

But before Bartz could say anything, Gabranth had approached them. He placed one hand on Gilgamesh's shoulder and spoke in a warning tone, "Haven't I told you? Until the war is over, you can't get your duel. Bartz would never remember you as long as the war rages."

Gilgamesh's shoulders drooped at Gabranth's warning and obediently followed him back to where Cecil, Kain and Golbez were waiting, leaving Bartz gaping in bewilderment.

"We'll just have to wait for the Warrior's return," Golbez said. With that, Kain, Gabranth and Gilgamesh all scattered to do their own preparations, but Cecil remained behind with Golbez.

"But, Brother! Why have you left all of us in the dark before this? Why can't you at least tell me? Don't you trust me?!" Cecil cried out. All the bottled feelings and questions he had ever since Golbez requested Firion and Tidus to pass a message to Kain poured out at last.

"Cecil…" Golbez said slowly, "It's not that we don't trust you. But you're too kind to be involved in schemes."

"If it's for the end of the war, don't you think I want to fight for it?" Cecil retorted.

"You would," Golbez replied, "And that's exactly why. All our plans thus far had involved risking even Terra and Cloud's life, those two who weren't in on the plan at first. Could you have held back knowing that they were in danger?"

Cecil was dumbfounded. He wanted to say that he could for everyone's sake, but he knew he could not. He clenched his fists, knowing that his brother was right and he was bitter about it.

"Don't look so bitter," Golbez said, consoling him, "It's your strength, not a weakness."

As Golbez walked off, his last words rang repeatedly in Cecil's head. 'It's your strength, not a weakness.' Even if Golbez was trying to console him, his words gave him no assurance.

If it truly was my strength, why couldn't I contribute anything thus far?