Author's Note: Not much to say because of the nature of my initial posting. Again, reviews, critiques and the like all greatly appreciated!

Chapter 2: First Point

Perspective: Tidus

Reason No. 1 That My Life Sucks: My dad. Just my dad.

Upon learning who my dad is, most people would say that I'm bat-shit insane for saying such a thing. I mean, how can having the world's best Blitzball player of the past generation as a pop suck? I must live in some sort of luxurious mansion with shitloads of cash to throw around. I mean, how can being the son of a celebrity suck?

Believe me, it does. And it sucks really, really badly.

"Heh, finally up I see. Late as usual, aren't you?"

As much as I really, really wanted to sock the arrogant prick in the face, I held back. I still had bruises from the last time I had tried something so rash against him, after all. It was the third day of school and I was indeed running late. That didn't mean I'd give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right, though.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Think I'm going to drive you to school?" It's honestly like he tries to make me want to kill him (and believe me, I've thought about doing it). Every morning it's some bullshit about me running late or not eating enough, and every night…

You know what? I think we should just stick to mornings for the moment.

I grabbed my backpack as I walked to the door, only to hear the sound of my dad getting out of his chair as he approached me from behind.

"What? Not going to say goodbye to your old man? Really kid, you have some issues. Wake up late, no manners? Sometimes I wonder if you take after me at all."

I'm the same way. I really, really hope that I take after mom. At least she wasn't an asshole. At least she didn't look for every opportunity to make my life a living hell. Not like him.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"I hate you."

Dad simply grunted as he closed the door behind me. And thank God he did.

"Come on Selphie, you need to tell us about this tutor friend of yours! I mean, you haven't hung out with us for the past two days because of this guy!" By the time I joined up with my friends the first bell had already rung, marking ten minutes before classes started. At the moment everyone was outside the main building, the seven of us reunited as per usual.

"Who says it's a guy, Sora?" I couldn't help but laugh at the confused expression Sora made. He's a good guy, but I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a bit dense. Besides, he only had to pay attention to Selphie for a minute to figure out she was talking about a guy. Selphie doesn't go into super "kawaii" mode when talking about girls.

Also, what the heck is a "kawaii?" Some kind of kiwi?

Hey, Selphie's the one who uses the phrase, not me.

"Yo Tidus, you going to sign up today, right? I've decided that you, me and Riku are all making the team this year." Wakka clapped me on the shoulder as Riku nodded, both boys radiating an excitement that was sadly lost on me.

Don't get me wrong, I live, breathe and eat Blitzball (not literally). Hell, I'd say it's the one thing I'm actually pretty good at, all things considered. Hell, mom used to say that I was a fan even before I knew what dad did for a living.

It's just that, joining the school blitz team is a bit…complicated for me.

"You'll make it for sure, Tidus. I mean, sure no freshman has ever made the team before, but you? You're a natural Blitz Ace." Riku spoke the truth about how no freshman had ever made the team. Hell, even he and Wakka hadn't been able to make it onto the team, and they're both pretty damn good at the sport. Still, they had the advantage of being sophomores now, and that would count for something.

Me though? Hell, even if I could make the blitz team, who says I'd want to? Having to put up with him for an extra hour or two every day? No thanks!

"I think you should try out too, Tidus. I mean, you really are good." It isn't common for Namine to speak up, especially to me. I mean usually she ends up talking to Kairi, but me? This certainly was interesting.

"You think so, Nami?" Apparently I had made a mistake in calling her the nickname, for she blushed and turned away, her long blond hair now masking her eyes.

"Y-Yes. I've seen you guys practice before, and you're always amazing. And I know how passionate you are about blitzball. You always talk about making it pro someday, right? Well, couldn't this be the first step?"

Maybe I had underestimated Namine a bit. I mean, I always just thought her to be in her twin's shadow, but now that she was speaking, I found there was a lot of wisdom and truth in her words.

"You're right, Namine. Thanks." The young artist smiled before returning to the conversation about Selphie's tutor, a matter I really didn't care that much about.

I mean, why should I have to worry about Selphie's afterschool activities when I already have enough matters on my own plate?

Some people might say I'm a bit selfish for thinking something like that, but when you grow up around a dad like mine, you can't help but be a bit of an asshole at times.

Trust me, I hate it too.

"Alright. Sign me up, Wakka. We're going to kick some ass together, the three of us." A fist bump with my blitzing bros always made me feel a bit better, and this one was no different.

I'm just worried that no amount of fist bumps will make me feel better when I have to see him again.

"Alright Mr. Zanar, I want you to read your lines with a little more…enthusiasm this time. Honestly, I have to wonder about why some of you signed up for this class if you aren't going to take it seriously."

Hmm, I wonder why indeed.

"Look kid, I know you probably think that Drama is a class for pansies or something, but, well, actually I guess that's a bit appropriate for you then, huh? Besides, I've heard from a few of your teachers that you've been snapping a bit in class. Maybe some acting will let you work on that anger management of yours."

I hate you, dad. I hate you so much.

"Yeah, right." I can't say I'm a big fan of our Drama teacher. Always talking with an air of supremacy about himself and all the roles he's scored. Going on and on about how we need to step up our game. Seriously, it's the third day of classes.

Also, is that a feather sticking out of his head?

"No Luzzu, you can't do this. Operation Mi'hen can only end in disaster. Sin is far too great a force to deal with!" Hey, at least this time I tried to sound enthusiastic about my lines.

"I can't say I really have a choice, Gatta. The orders have been given and The Crusaders are to move out. I'm not letting you come this time though, kid." Ironic, considering that my partner for the scene was a good foot shorter than me.

"No! I'm going to fight! Sin took everything away from me! It's about time I get back at him!"

"Tidus, it's 'take my revenge,' not 'get back at him.' Honestly, this new lingo is ruining the art of theatre."

Thankfully I wasn't the one who had to speak up against our teacher's arrogance. Nope, 'Luzzu' got to do that.

"Bro, why the heck did you choose The Pilgrimage of all the plays we could rehearse? It's such a dark tale that just ends with everyone dead. Oh, sorry if I spoiled it everyone!"

Geez, thanks Zidane. Now I really want to keep going just to see my character killed.

Oh, and for the record, Zidane wasn't just being informal. He and Mr. Genome are brothers, or half-brothers or something like that. At least that's what Zidane keeps insisting.

"Death is but a natural part of the life cycle, Zidane. So many fear it while few come to accept it. The Pilgrimage is about coming to terms with death, both for the characters of the work along with the audience. But then again I suppose you were always into those garbage plays like I Want to Be Your Canary, weren't you."

"You take that back." Woah, apparently Zidane has a berserk button and it's…trash talking his favorite play? Well, different strokes for different folks I guess.

"Perhaps I will. If you finish the scene. Pick up where Mr. Zanar here screwed up." Great, because you couldn't just say left off.

"Right." Man, Zidane really must like this play or something. I've never seen him look so frustrated in my life, and I've known him for a good two years now. "Everything of mine is gone too, Gatta. My son, my wife, everything. But I'm not fighting to avenge them. I'm fighting so that they can rest easy knowing that the world they love, that he people they love are still alive. Even if I have to die to ensure that, I don't mind. My life isn't as important in the greater scheme of things."

"…I hate you, Luzzu…always leaving me behind…"

"I'm sorry kid. But if it helps, you've made me proud…when I found you, you were just a broken little boy who wanted to die. But look at you now: a man, and a mighty fine warrior at that. Your only problem is that temper of yours. Take that anger you have towards Sin, and turn it into something else."

"Hmm. Not bad. For a moment there I thought you were actually going to cry, Mr. Zanar. Alright, let's get the next scene going then. Krile, Faris, you're up."

I'm pretty sure that Mr. Genome could have chosen a better way to run class, especially considering how unfair it could be. The man just chooses a play and we spend all of class rehearsing. Minor roles only have to work for like, four minutes per class? Me and Zidane? Hell, we're up there almost all of class.

"You're not a bad actor, Tidus. Who'd have known that our rising Blitz champ can get so emotional when he wants to."

I couldn't help but smile at Zidane, the boy handing me a bottle of water as he reached for one of his own. Zidane's not a bad kid at all. Sure, he's a bit of a prankster at times, but then again, I've been known to play a prank or two every now and then myself.

"Well I can't compare to you."

"Only because you didn't grow up in an acting troupe. I've been honing my skills for over a decade, Tidus."

I guess he was right on that. Maybe I was a natural born actor or something? I guess that's the case. After all, I do have to act in front of all of my friends every day. I have to act like life is super peachy and that I'm totally hyped for everything I have to deal with.

Yeah, like life is easy for me.

"So, you're the new hotshot that I've been hearing all about, huh?"

I certainly can't say I was expecting to end up approached by the school's Blitz Captain during lunch, but then again, I can't say I really minded. I wanted to see the kind of guy I'd be dealing with.

"Yeah Zack, this is the guy I've been talkin' about, yah? I'm tellin' ya the kid's a prodigy." Wakka to the rescue as usual I suppose. He really wanted me on the team, didn't he? Well, not that I'd mind joining up if not for that one little detail…

"You know that no freshman has made the team before, right? I mean, not even Wakka, and I still remember being blown away with him during tryouts last year.

"Hah! If you think I'm good, wait till you see this guy in the water. A real champ!"

"So you've said, Wakka. And believe me, I trust you on that." The spiky black haired boy flashed us a smile as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Still, am I wrong in thinking that it's no coincidence that your friend's last name happens to be the coaches?"

If this turns into what I think it's going to, I swear-

"Yeah man. Tidus is the son of the coach. And just as good as blitzball as his old man, yah?"

"Hmph. Well, as long as the coach doesn't play favorites or anything, that's fine with me. I mean, kind of unfair for the others if he can just choose his son to be on the team. Hmm, I wonder how much of his talent is simply inherited-"

Okay, that does it. I am not dealing with this shit again.

"Tidus, where you goin' man? H-Hey look out!"

Geez Wakka, couldn't you have spoken a bit faster?

As the two of us crashed to the ground, the cafeteria went silent save the sound of a lunch tray clattering against the floor.

And after the calm of the silence came the laughter.

The girl who I had crashed into quickly picked herself up and started to run, not even giving me a chance to apologize to her. Even as I shook my head to get the shock of the crash out of my system, I was conscious enough to realize that only scraps of food remained on her tray, and there was no big mess in sight. That only meant-

Oh crap.

"Yo Tidus, you okay man?" Wakka and the others (thankfully) weren't laughing as they rushed over to me. Still, I couldn't give them much thought right now. There was something I had to do.

I scrambled to my feet and darted out of the cafeteria, quite thankful that my speed wasn't only limited to the blitz dome. The girl who had fled had only just passed through the door as I reached her.

"Hey, wait!"

The girl stopped, her shoulders trembling slightly as I took a few steps towards her.

Crap, I know what that shaking means.

"Hey…I'm really sorry about that. Trust me, it was a complete accident. I should have looked where I was going when I got up, I just got-"

"I-Its nothing." As the girl spun around, I found myself frankly…shocked by what I saw.

The first thing that caught my attention were her eyes. I mean, they were amazing. A green right eye and a blue left one. I had heard about heterochromia before, but never once had I seen it. And I always thought it was a defect, not something that was so…breathtaking.

Still, I couldn't help but feel terrible as a few tears trickled out from them.

As my eyes continued to study her body, I found the need to look away, and fast. Although the school uniform showed that she was quite…developed, the front of her skirt was now splattered with what looked to be Sheppard's Pie. Her blouse had several grease stains around her waist. The more I liked, the worse I felt.

"It's not nothing. I completely ruined your uniform. Plus I made a complete idiot of the two of us in front of practically the whole-"

"I'm glad."

I had to blink a few times to make sure I was seeing things correctly. Was the girl…smiling? It was a perfect smile, even if she didn't open her mouth as she smiled. It was both endearing, yet at the same time, sad.

"Why would you say that?" I couldn't hold the words back as I looked at the girl, one of her hands now running through her brown hair as she smiled.

"Because now I'll always be remembered here as the girl who got covered in food during her first week here. It might not be the best way for people to remember me by, but it's something, right?"

As much as I wanted to say something, I couldn't. Not after hearing that. I mean, she was right, but still, I couldn't help but feel-

"I-I'm sorry! Th-That sounded odd, didn't it?" Despite her apology, the girl was now…laughing? Despite the mess that covered her front, she was giggling, a hand resting over her mouth as she tried to hold back her laughter.

I don't understand how it happened, but the next thing I knew and I was laughing as well. I guess it must have been contagious or something.

"I-It's fine. Still, I'm sorry about what happened. W-we should find you some new clothes."

"Don't worry about that. I actually brought an extra pair of clothes today with me. I'll just tell my teachers about what happened to my uniform and everything should be alright."

"I guess…but at least let me buy you a new uniform. I mean, I don't know if those stains are going to come out that easily."

"Don't make it look like this was all your fault. I should have watched where I was going."

Who was this girl? She certainly wasn't like Selphie, Kairi or Namine, that was for sure. She seemed something unique entirely. Maybe I just needed to get to know more girls than those three.

Despite all that, the brunette before me just seemed so, well, special. And special in the best of ways.

"Then at least let me treat you to ice cream or something today, alright? I mean, I'm not going to stop feeling bad about it until I can make it up to you somehow."

She brought her hand to her chin as she cocked her head slightly to the side. Was this some kind of thinking pose? It certainly was, well, cute.

"Alright then. How about right after school for just a few minutes? We'll meet outside the main gate. I don't want to eat up all your time."

"Don't worry. The only thing you'll be eating up is some delicious ice cream." That got her to laugh for a few seconds at least. "I'm Tidus, by the way. Nice to meet you…I mean, our meeting could have been-"

"Our meeting was perfect, Tidus. Well, I suppose it was a little messy, but no real harm done. And I'm Yuna. It's a pleasure!" She called as she dashed away. I couldn't say I blamed her though. Having hot Sheppard's Pie spilt all over your skirt? That can't be comfortable.

Still, I can't say I felt very comfortable after our encounter. Whenever I closed my eyes, those eyes would gaze at me.

"Blitzball try-outs are this Saturday, as I'm sure all of you know. While I can't say I'm the biggest fan of the sport, I have been instructed to inform you that you are to sign up this afternoon right after school. Slots are fairly limited, so I'd get there quickly." Mr. Highwind paced back and forth even as my classmates and I performed our third set of twenty pushups. Talk about a hard driver.

"I should warn you all that no freshman has ever made the team in the history of this school. Of course, there's nothing wrong with breaking tradition." I nodded ever so slightly as I brought my chest a few centimeters away from the ground once again before pushing myself up. Several of my classmates had already given up, but not me. This was rough, but I've gone through a lot worse.

"Tidus man, is this really okay brudda? I mean, I know you want to get tougher, but this? Seems a bit extreme, yah?"

"For the last time, yes Wakka! We all know that this is the area where I need to improve the most. And I don't care about how painful it is going to be, I will be able to take more hits. Can't be a Blitz Ace otherwise."

My red-haired friend had sighed as he nodded, the two of us submerging beneath the ocean water as we faced one another. I was already bracing myself by the time he struck, Wakka nearly knocking the air out of me as he hit me hard.

Wakka turned around to face me again as I saw the uncertainty in his eyes. He didn't want to keep doing this. He didn't want to hurt me. But I didn't care. I nodded at him, beckoning forth. He'd come again, and again and again until I could take the pain better.

Hell, now that I think of it, maybe it explains why dad-

"Tidus." I looked up into the stern eyes of Mr. Highwind as he nodded. "Welcome back to the real world. Everyone else is taking five. You can do the same if you'd like. I only asked for three sets, not five."

"Oh, right." I quickly pushed myself back onto my feet as I stood, a boy named Hope tossing me a small towel that I had to thank him for. As I wiped the sweat of my brow, I realized that I was still being watched.

"Something wrong?"

"Not particularly. I was just thinking about you and this Saturday. Your dad says you aren't half bad at the sport."

"Bet he says I'm not half good at it either."

"I take it you and Jecht aren't on the best of terms then?"

"Yeah. You could say that."

"I'm sorry to hear it then."

"You know him, huh?"

"Tidus, the Phys Ed department does play a role in determining what sport teams get funding. Besides, Jecht and I go back a bit."

"You don't say." Huh, explains why he's a bit of a dick himself at times I suppose. Mr. Highwind seemed to catch on a bit as he dropped the subject, simply ordering us to do laps once everyone was rested. And then there were the chin ups.

Whatever. I'll take the pain as long as dad isn't involved.

"Damn, he was right about sign-ups…" Pretty much every slot on the entire sheet was filled as I stood before it after school, and already I could feel the pushing of others eager to try out behind me. Yeah, sorry guys, but as much as I hate my dad, the coverage I can get make it well worth it. Nami was really right about this. "There we go!" I said before quickly diving out of the way as several other boys desperately fought over the last two slots.

Although none of my friends were nowhere in sight, I had seen the names Riku Gibken and Wakka Orel on the list. Good thing they had managed to get slots early.

I wondered what I should do as I stood outside the athletic department. Wakka was probably with that Lu girl again (who he has yet to introduce me too) and Riku, well, Riku is probably with Sora and Kairi, as per usual. Can't say I blame him though. Those three have been together forever.

Wait a second, hadn't I agreed to meet someone?

"Oh shit!" I yelled as I raced down the hall, ignoring a girl's lecture about language as I moved. Getting spilt food all over her uniform was bad enough, but standing her up? I wasn't going to cause any more pain for Yuna.

Thankfully she was standing where we had agreed to meet when I arrived outside the main gate, only five minutes having passed since school had ended. "H-Hey! Sorry about that. Had to do something quick!"

"It's fine, Tidus. I haven't been waiting longer." There really was just something about Yuna's smile that touched me. Hell, it made me want to smile too. Until I realized what she was wearing.

"Umm, hey Yuna? Aren't you hot in all of that?" When Yuna had told me she had brought a change of clothes, I hadn't expected it to be a long sleeve shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Seriously, aside from her hands and head, I don't think she showed an inch of skin. "I mean, I know summer vacation just ended, but summer it's still pretty warm out?"

"Oh, you think so?" Good job, Tidus. Make the girl feel embarrassed. Still, part of me didn't mind as her cheeks darkened.

Well, the jerk part of me anyway.

"I usually dress like this I guess. It has sort of always been my way. Is there something wrong with it?"

"N-Not really. Pretend I didn't' say anything, okay? The last thing I should be doing is questioning your sense of fashion after ruining your uniform, right?" Even as I spoke, I had to wonder how much better Yuna might look when she wasn't hiding her body. She had looked amazing in that school uniform, but I guess she was forced to wear it. She's not uncomfortable about her weight or anything, is she?

"Tidus, please." The girl before me gently placed a hand on one of mine, her eyes peering deep within my own as I looked upon the differently colored orbs. "If what I'm wearing is strange for now, please tell me. It's just that, back from where I'm from this is normal for women, I guess you could say."

"H-Hey, let's talk as we walk, alright? I mean, we were going to grab ice cream, right?"

"Oh! You're right! I'm sorry, Tidus. I said that I wouldn't take up much of your time and here I am doing just that." She's too polite. Now I really was curious about where she was from and how she was raised.

"Don't worry about it. I can tackle my homework later. Let's just enjoy ourselves for a bit, right?" That got a nod from Yuna as I walked slightly ahead of her, the girl following behind me. I was going to take her to the west side of Twilight Town. After all, there's a nice little ice cream place by the sea there.

"So Yuna, about where you're from…"

"Oh, yes! I was born in Bevelle fifteen years ago." Bevelle, huh? No wonder she's so conservative with her clothes. Seriously, that whole city is focused on following the religion of Yevon and upholding some ancient rituals or something.

I didn't want to tell Yuna, but Bevelle is often the butt of many jokes that me and my friends have cracked before.

"Oh, that's cool. So, you're a follower of the Church of Yevon?"

"Not anymore."

I turned to look at Yuna, although right away I wished I hadn't. Her head was turned to the left, her discomfort visible as I watched her hair bounce with every step she took. I guess I had asked the wrong question.

"Please don't worry about it. Leaving the Church has allowed me to come here. I really like it here, actually. I mean, I can't say I've met many friend here yet, but-"

"What, I don't count? Thanks a lot Yuna."

"Ah! Tidus, that's not what I-"

"Just teasing you! Come on Yuna, let's get off the stuff about our pasts and focus on having a nice little afternoon together, alright?" After all, the last thing I wanted to discuss was my own background. Especially my family background.

Yuna smiled as she nodded, the girl's eyes focused on the gulls that soared over the nearby ocean. "You're right. Well, is there anything you'd like to know about me though?"

Over the next three minutes I learned quite a bit about the girl whose uniform I had ruined. Yuna's favorite food is Lobster Pasta, her favorite color is blue, she's had a stuffed Moogle since she was two that she still sleeps with at times (I knew Selphie and Kairi would be squeeing over how cute that sounds), she's never had a boyfriend before (oh?) and that when it comes to literature, her favorite is, of all things, The Pilgrimage.

"No kidding. We're doing that right now in Mr. Genome's class. I'm sure it's still early enough to transfer classes if you want."

"Oh! N-No thanks, Tidus. I'm not much of an actor or anything. I prefer reading or watching it."

"I understand. But umm, if you don't mind me asking, why The Pilgrimage? I mean, that's a bit dark, isn't it?"

"You're read it too?" Read it, had it spoiled to me, same thing I guess. I nodded at Yuna whose face suddenly lit up. "I know it's a bit dark, but I guess the message behind it, it really resonates with me, Tidus. The idea of dying to protect the ones you love, of trying to make the world a better place…when my parents died-"

Oh shit.

"Yuna, I'm so sorry. Please, pretend I didn't-"

"Please." It was Yuna who was asking me to stop now as she raised a hand ever so slightly. "When my parents died, I didn't know what I was going to do. I barely even got to start knowing mom before she vanished and dad…he told me to be a good girl one day and never came back."

"I'm sorry, Yuna…if it helps, my mom died-"

"Wh-Why would you say that helps! Tidus, I'm so sorry…" Yuna seemed heartbroken as I told her that I didn't have a mom. Sometimes, no, all the time, I really wish it was my father who had died.

Then again, she only died because of him in the first place.

"It's alright. She was a good woman. I'm sure your parents were good too."

Yuna offered only a nod as she looked away to face the ocean. "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure how they died. I'd always ask my dad why mom was never around anymore, but he'd only tell me that she had passed away. It took me sometime to figure out what that meant, and even then, my father never told me how she had died. And then he vanished too…"

"Wait, so you're an orphan now? Geez, Yuna…you've really had it rough, huh?"

"You could say that. But don't worry about me. I'm not alone. After all, I have my guardian with me?"

"A guardian?

"A legal guardian."

"Oh." Geez, and here I thought that Yuna was watched over by some big guy with a giant sword or something.

"His name is Auron. He's a bit soft-spoken, but when you get to know him he's pretty nice. He's watched over me since I lost my father ten years ago."

Auron…why was that name so familiar? I knew I had heard it from somewhere before.

"Oh, is this it?" I turned to look where Yuna was pointing as I nodded. The small ice cream parlor was as homely as ever as I held the door open for Yuna, the two of us ordering two Medium Cones (Yuna insisted on small, but I knew she just wanted to be nice. After all, I had spilt all of her lunch over her). Yuna got Chocolate while I got Rocky Road.

"Are you sure I can't pay at-"

"No way. I'm already the reason that you didn't get to eat the lunch you paid for. Actually, is there anything else you want? I pretty sure this doesn't cover-"

Yuna didn't need to say anything to respond to me. All she needed was to pout and I shut up.

Seriously, you try holding your own against that thing.

The two of us walked outside as we looked out across the ocean. I wondered if Yuna enjoyed the beach as much as I did. Then again, knowing Bevelle, girls there probably weren't allowed to even show their arms outside.

"My mother used to take me to the beach when I was very little. At least, that's what dad used to tell me."

"Oh? Really? I mean, I guess I was sort of under the impression that not a lot of people in Bevelle go to the beach-"

"That's right." I turned to look at Yuna, a small smile on her face even as she held back a sob. "Mom didn't really know about Yevon's traditions. She was an outsider. An Al Bhed, actually."

Well, that certainly explained Yuna's green eye.

"I guess that must have caused a lot of trouble for your family, huh? I'm pretty sure that Yevon is all about purity and all that, so having a woman from a minority group like that…sorry, I shouldn't be bashing on your-"

"It's alright. I've lost faith in Yevon myself." The two of us were silent for a moment before I heard some laughs from down near the beach.

Well, look who it is.

"Hey!" I yelled, Yuna startled by my sudden outburst as I waved down to my three friends. Sora, Riku and Kairi all turned to look at me, the trio also still in their school uniforms even as they raced down the seaside. I received several waves in return as they started towards the ramp that would lead up to where Yuna and I were.

"They're my friends. Come on, I'll introduce you."

"Is that really alright? I promised only to-"

"I hope you managed to sign up, Tidus. Slots were almost gone by the time I got there." Riku and I high fived as he reached me, both of us grinning at one another. Maybe it's the fact that we're both blitz fans, but I'd say I'm closer with him than I am with Sora and Kairi.

"Guys, this is Yuna. She's actually new here. You may remember her from lunch today." I'm not sure why I added the last part, but it certainly made Yuna blush a bit. Again, I wasn't really sure whether I should be happy or upset with myself.

"You really should have watched where you were going, Tidus." Kairi said as she shook a finger at me. "Hello Yuna, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kairi!"

"I'm Sora! And Mr. "I'm too cool to introduce myself here" is Riku!"

"Sora, I would have introduced myself if you would have waited a few seconds."

As Sora and Riku started to fight, I found Yuna giggling a bit. Seeing her happy like this really made me glad that I had shot out of my seat in anger. For a second, I even forgot what I was so angry about.

Oh yeah. Him. Like Always.

"So where are you from, Yuna?" Kairi was as friendly as ever, the girl clearly wanting to befriend Yuna. Not like I could blame her for that.

"I moved here from Bevelle last month."

"Bevelle? You mean crazy religion land?" As per usual, Sora just had to open his damn mouth.

"SORA! How rude can you possibly be!" Thankfully Kairi was the first to pounce on Sora before I had to, my spiky haired friend being forced to apologize to a rather understanding Yuna.

"It's alright. I understand that Bevelle is criticized by many people. Rightfully so in many cases."

"S-Still, sorry about that Yuna. That wasn't something I should have said." At least Sora had what it took to apologize, even if Kairi had to be the enforcer.

"Please don't worry about it, Sora-"

"Well, I think we should get going about now! Come sit with us at lunch tomorrow, Yuna. We'd all really like to know you more!" Kairi smiled as she dragged a protesting Sora along with her, Riku simply shrugging and giving us a "see you around" before following after his friends.

"Sorry, maybe that wasn't the-"

"I'm thankful, Tidus. I'm making new friends already it would seem. Your friends certainly are a colorful bunch, aren't they?"

"You've got that right. And tomorrow I'll introduce you to Wakka, Selphie and Namine. Those three couldn't be more different from one another!" I was a bit surprised to see how much I was smiling as I talked with this girl. Maybe Yuna's smiles really were contagious or something.

And the weirdest part was that I didn't have to fake it even once. When I smiled, it was genuine.

It's been a long time since that's ever happened.

"It's funny. I hear that I have a cousin named Rikku. But I'm pretty sure she's a girl."

"Wait, Riku is a girl's name too?" Oh man, I am not letting him live this one down.

"I guess so! Maybe the spelling is a bit different or something." Yuna said with a smile, gasping as she realized that her cone was starting to melt. She quickly licked up some of the dripping chocolate ice cream before I handed her a few napkins.

The two of us stood in silence as he worked on our cones, Yuna's eyes fixed to the ocean while I watched as my three friends vanished walked towards the beach's Tram Station.

"Umm, Tidus?"

"Yeah?"

"Riku said something about sign ups, didn't he? I-I don't mean to pry but-"

"It's nothing. I'm just trying out for the school's Blitz Team this Saturday."

"Oh, really? You play blitzball?"

I wanted to tell Yuna that I ate, slept and breathed blitzball, but then again, I didn't want to come off as a complete weirdo. "Yeah. I'm a big fan of the game. Been into it since I was little. Wait, do they have blitzball in Bevelle?"

Yuna shook her head as she looked at me. "No. But when I was little, one of my father's friends told me all about the game. He said to me that you play it in a stadium lit up with lights, the fans cheering wildly from all sides as the brave players struggle within a dome of water. He told me that it's not a game for the weak."

That last part sounds like something dad might say to me.

"That sounds about right. But really, you've never seen a game, Yuna? Not even on TV?"

"They don't have TVs in Bevelle. And I hear that the game isn't in season just yet." She was right about that, blitzball's season a bit strange in that it starts from mid November and goes until Mid June. I really wish I could say why that is. I don't know, maybe some tradition or something.

"If that's the case, then I can get you some tickets-"

"Wait, this Saturday!"

"Huh?"

"I'll come and cheer for you. That way you'll have a fan and I'll get to see how you play blitzball."

"W-Woah Yuna, I mean, that's not necessary or anything. I don't want to mess up any of your plans for the weekend or anything."

"I don't have any plans. Before today I didn't really have any friends to hang out with, but now I have you. And Riku will be there too, right? So I can spend time getting to know the two of you better."

I…didn't really have anything to say back to that. I mean, if Yuna didn't have anything better to do, who was I to deny her watching us try-out?

Besides, part of me wanted her to come. Part of me wanted to show her how to play the game.

"Alright then. If you're sure. Try-outs start at seven in the morning, so make sure to get up bright and early."

"My goodness, that early?" I realized I still wasn't used to Yuna's differently colored eyes as they widened at the news.

"Yeah. The blitz coach is kind of a dick like that." To think even saying that was downplaying the truth.

"I'm sure he has his reasons." I decided not to correct Yuna, knowing well that after the tryouts were done, the blitz coach was either going to go home and sleep or go out to a bar and stay there for the rest of the day.

"Maybe. Oh, quick Yuna! Eat it before it drips everywhere!" My new friend let out a cute gasp as she realized that her cone was leaking quite a bit, the girl quickly sucking on the very bottom to stop the leaking. A minute later and we had both finished our cones, Yuna wiping her face off with a napkin as she smiled.

"Thanks for treating me today, Tidus. I've always imagined that ice cream tasted good, but to have it myself-"

"Hold the phone. This was your first time eating ice cream too?"

Yuna simply smiled, although if the slight blush on her cheeks was any indication, then Sora really was right about Bevelle.

"Don't worry about it. I'd treat you after the try-outs on Saturday too, but it might be a bit early to go get ice cream. So, how about lunch?"

"I'm not letting you treat me again, Tidus. You've already done so much for me."

"Come on Yuna, it'll be fun. You know, just the two of us, maybe feasting on some tasty grilled cheeses or so? They have those in Bevelle, right?"

"…"

"…alright, that settles it. I'm taking you out to lunch then!" I didn't realize it when I said it, but I was pretty much asking her out on a date. Hopefully this one would be better than the last one I went on.

"Selphie, put down the cheese whiz right now! Y-you're going to drown your hot dog in it!"

"Muhahahahaha!"

"Selphie, I mean it! People are staring and everything! You can't possibly…wait, what are you doing with that? Selphie wait- AHHHH!"

Some days, I still swear that I still smell like cheese. And crappy, processed cheese at that.

"Thank you, Tidus. Today has been the most fun I've had in a long time."

Oddly enough, I felt the same way.

"Hey, no problem. It's the least I can do after I wrecked your uniform. Speaking of which…"

"No!" Yuna grabbed my hand before I could reach into my pocket as she shook her head. "You already paid for ice cream, and if you really insist on lunch Saturday, then I'm not letting you buy me anymore stuff. I can handle getting a new uniform."

It was only as I looked away from my pocket that I realized how close her face was to mine. I guess it dawned on her too, her cheeks starting to go red. The weird part was, I felt a bit heated in the face as well.

"S-Sorry." Even as she gave an un-needed apology she continued to look at me. Man, Yuna can be so…cute.

Hey Yuna, want to come over to my place? Yeah right, as if I have a decent place to show her.

"Oh, it's fine." I said, Yuna finally realizing that her hand was still on mine as she let go and took a step back. I realized that I hadn't been breathing as I felt air rush into my lungs a second later.

"Ah! I-I should get going. I've already kept you nearly two hours!" That caught my attention. Has it really already been that long? Checking my watch, I found it was indeed 4:17. It certainly hadn't felt that long to me.

"Are you sure? I mean, if you want-"

"No Tidus, you should get home and do your homework. I have some to do as well." Yuna said, the girl looking a bit perplexed now as she looked around.

I couldn't help but smile. "You don't know how to get home from here, do you?" The fact that Yuna's blush refused to fade away told me all I needed to know. "Come on. I'll tell you." I wasn't going to be the one keeping her, after all.

Another five minutes of walking saw us at the tram stop. "Alright, so if that's where you live just take the Tram two stops, get off and go down the first street on your right. That should get you there just fine."

"Thank you so much for everything today, Tidus. You've been such a big help to me."

"Hey, no problem. What are friends for, right? I'll see you at lunch tomorrow, right?"

"Okay!" With that last word, Yuna boarded the tram. Still, even as it started to move away, I saw Yuna waving at me with a smile.

I couldn't help but wave back.

"You're usually not this late getting back. Well, what kept you?"

Several options were immediately presented to me as I stepped into my house only to be greeted by my dad's voice. I could of course ignore him, but knew well what the consequences of that could lead to. I could always simply step back outside and come back in when he was either asleep or passed out. Or I can just tell him the truth.

Oddly enough, I went with the third option. And that's the one I rarely ever choose.

"I was showing a new girl around town, dad."

"Oh? Well, look at you, the chivalrous little knight." God I wanted to sock him in the face. "Heh, well as long as I don't end up a granddad too soon, then all's good." Really, really wanted to sock him in the face.

"Whatever." I closed the door to my room behind me and threw myself on my bed. I knew that I should have started my homework right then and there, but I had too much else on my mind at the time. The try-outs, Yuna, my dad, my friends.

Times like this really just made me want to scream. Then again, with my dad in the house, that's never a really good idea.

So I just shut my eyes, hoping that the darkness would help me clear my mind for a bit.

But I didn't see darkness. I just saw those two eyes. I saw the calming blue and deep green eyes that I had looked into so much that day. Only this time, I felt like I could see the hurt that lay behind them.

I don't know why, but I had to wonder if Yuna's hurting could compare with my own.

Chapter 3 Preview: Maybe I'm a Lion

"Come on and open up already! Otherwise you're getting the cuchi-cuchi treatment!"

Oh, God. He's pouting. He's actually pouting at me.

"I've heard of you before. You're the one he likes."