Many of the guests and villagers rose late the next day. Only the clergy and the most determined villagers could be seen on the beach as early as the morning sun shone, clearing up the aftermath of the party. As the morning went on and afternoon came, the guests arose and the tents came down, the tables, chairs, remains of the bonfires, eating utensils, bits of food and forgotten mugs were cleared away. The Al Bhed were the first to depart that day, having withdrew their party by midday and their ship had been seen heading south to the southern isle by late afternoon. Others left throughout the day, mostly on the S.S Liki. The captain, (who had incapacitated himself with most of his crew the day before) looked worse for wear but declared himself fit for duty and had little sympathy for any of his crew who were suffering from the after effects of their intoxication. The ship set sail from Besaid under the burning heat of the late afternoon sun and was at maximum capacity carrying many suffering guests who were not looking forward to the inevitably seasickness that awaited them.

"You ought to go quietly, and you ought to go soon." Belgemine had said to Yuna that morning. Yuna had woke around midday to find Belgemine sat at her armchair and sipping tea (to detoxify herself, no doubt) and looking out at the sea from the window.
"Yes," Yuna agreed. "I know now what I must do. I will tell the others that we must make our preparations to leave. Although I don't think it will be today as many of the guests are taking the boat and I don't wish to draw too much attention."
"Indeed that is a wise decision," agreed Belgemine. "You should leave by the end of next week, I say. That should give you more than enough time to ready yourself for the journey ahead. Remember, make for the Al Bhed agency in Luca."
"One other thing, Lulu stopped by. She was no doubt very anxious about why you did not return last night, or this morning. I explained briefly to her that O'aka has left you Coral Hill. She was as confused as you were but I told her nothing more on the subject, that is up to you." Belgemine drained her mug and made for the door. "Now I must make my leave at once. Remember everything I told you, be wary and let me impress on you once more, do not use the ring!"
"At once!" cried Yuna. "But I thought you would be staying for at least a week! I was looking forward to it.."
"I did mean to, Yuna," Belgemine said, reasuringly. "However this long overdue revelation has changed everything for the both of us, I fear. There are still questions that need answering, and I must now seek the counsel and advice of people more knowledgeable in some matters than I. Hopefully I will be able to meet you in Luca by the time of the tournament, If not then the ancient house of Yocun will offer you safe refuge whilst you plan further."
Belgemine left by mid afternoon but how she left the island without using the S.S Liki was beyond Yuna. Belgemine was Belgemine and she had her ways, Yuna had concluded.

By the following day, nobody would have guessed that Besaid had just hosted the largest party in its recent history. The golden sands of Besaids shores had been removed of all signs of disturbance and the village had returned to the same relaxed, sleepy demeanor it had been known for in its many years.

Yuna spent the next couple of days mostly within the temple, carefully packing items she thought she would need for the journey and planning her itinerary. The nuns had pressed a generous amount of potions on her, for her guardians and herself. She had not forgotten what Belgemine had said, about a need to depart as soon as possible and it played constantly on her mind and found herself gazing often at the old maps in the temple library. Her guardians were ready to depart at a moments notice.

Lulu, who was incredibly pragmatic, had been packed and ready since the eve of the party. She had long, braided black hair and pins to keep it in place. Lulu was foreign in appearance, as she had a pale complexion which was not at all native to the southern isles. Her choice of garments was a long, black robe with a low cut bust which was lined with fur. The robe was decorated with floral patterns on the sleeves and the lower torso. The bottom of her robe consisted of countless belts and buckles which if removed, would have left her legs completely exposed. The villagers had become used to her unusual appearance although she still managed to instill fear and suspicion into some islanders who did not know her. She was the most cautious and prepared member of the party. She had a serious demeanor and came across as rather cold but her attitude towards Yuna (and in some cases, Wakka) was maternal. She did not underestimate anything and had good instincts which she used to root out deception and became wary of people with intentions that she did not trust. Lulu was a skillful practitioner of black magic and had a strong knowledge of the elements. Her use of this magic had not come without a price. When she was a young child, her mother had been treated suspiciously due to her knowledge of black magic. Practicing elemental magic was a knowledge that was readily given to summoners but not to ordinary folk. Some of the older villagers had whispered and accused her of being a heathen and a witch. When her mother and father was killed by Sin during her childhood, the village tried to subdue her and prevent her from learning about her mothers past. The attempts had failed and since her later childhood the temple had taught her the elemental arts, in the hope that she would walk the summoners path. Instead she chose to use her abilities to guard, rather than to summon, which was still met with the approval of the temple. Her faith in the temple was true, and many on the island acknowledged her great piety and respect for the temple.

Wakka was also prepared, and had been spending the past two days overseeing the Aurochs training and helping out in the village. Wakka was considered to be the islands chief authority on carpentry and construction. There was nobody in the village who could construct or repair a hut or a fishing boat better than Wakka. He was also relied on to cut down trees for the village when they were in dire need of wood, and it was widely believed that he was the most skillful with an axe on the entire island. His axe was hand crafted, as he enjoyed crafting tools. He had crafted it when he had come of age, it was a long tool that could also double as a weapon. It required two arms to wield, and two strong arms to wield with any strength, which Wakka had. He was a well built young man who was stocky, with broad shoulders and chest and an athletic build. His skin was tanned and he had a cheerful, full face with slightly chiseled features. He had red hair which was styled in a long cowlick with a blue headband to keep it in place and wore the yellow blitzball kit of the Besaid Aurochs. He had been an excellent blitzball player, one of the best on the team in fact, and second only to his brother Chappu (who had died a year previously fighting Sin on the Djose shore).

The villagers were curious about when Yuna and her guardians would be departing, as they had thought she would be departing with the guests on the day following the party. She had hoped to leave with the guests originally, in the hope of avoiding painful farewells. Although many did not complain that they were blessed by her company a little bit longer, it felt like the pain was being drawn out. However indecisive Yuna was, she would have to decide soon as they had to make it to Luca in time for the opening tournament of the blitz season, and they had pressing matters on Kilika first which may take several days. The truth was Yuna was reluctant to leave. She was in love with Besaid. It's clear, turquoise coral reefs and its sandy shores that appeared to be made from the finest golden grains. She spent a long time wandering the island (with Kimhari, who insisted on guarding her) and taking in the landscape. She had always found Besaid beautiful, but it was only now that she was going to be leaving that she truly became aware of its beauty. Yuna looked in awe at the tall palm trees laden with the finest, tropical fruits; coconuts, bananas, melons, oranges and the rare acai berry (which could only be found on Besaid). The cliffs of the island were all covered with such green vegetation and plants of the most exotic colours and the cliffs were surrounded by the clear blue of the ocean. Besaid had always been very warm due to its tropical climate but this year was a particular hot summer and the light from the burning sun was intense, which made the island appear all the more bright and colourful. The sands sparkled like bright lights and all the bright purples, blues, pinks, yellows, reds and greens of Besaids plant life shone like a spectacle. Yuna had been too immersed to realize where she had been walking, she soon realized she had taken a narrow path to the peak of one of the smaller cliffs on the island. She cautiously edged closer to the edge which spurred Kimhari to stand close at her side and place his hand firmly on her shoulder so that she did not fall. She gazed across the great island and allowed the inevitable tears to stream down her face.

That evening, the S.S Liki docked. Yuna knew that they had waited long enough and informed Kimhari, Lulu and Wakka that they would be departing for Kilika early the next morning. Tidus was to come too, she told them. Yuna had forgotten to mention this as it had already been decided that he would be accompanying them to Luca due to the tournament, which had been decided by Wakka with great enthusiasm. However, she now explained Belgemines wish for Tidus to accompany them for the entire duration of the journey. This was met with skeptical reactions from both Lulu and Wakka (Kimhari remained silent and impartial).
"The boy? But why?" demanded Lulu.
"Yuna, I mean I know Belgemines gotta have her reasons ya? But Tidus, he's a newbie." said Wakka.
"Belgemine wants him nearby." Yuna said, in attempted diplomacy.
"Wha?" cried Wakka, with a scrunched up face.
Lulu sighed. "Belgemine is wise, she knows and sees things that we sometimes fail to understand. If she says the boy is to come with us then I see no choice but to do as she advises." said Lulu, in a matter-of-factly way. "Where is the boy now?" she added, looking at Wakka.
"He's with the boys, practicing."
"Fine. Why don't you tell him later? Yuna and I will go to the temple to go over our inventory." And with that, Lulu turned and stalked off towards the temple without another word and Yuna gave Wakka an apologetic look before hurrying after her.

When the burning, red sun had finally descended and night had fell, the Aurochs and Tidus returned to the village. Wakka was still classed as an honorary member of sorts (in fact they still called him "cap'n") and practiced with them regularly. They had practiced all evening until it had become so dark that they could hardly see the ball. Tidus was staying over at the crusaders lodge and decided to head straight to sleep.
Wakka decided that he would stay up a little while longer to get some supper from his hut on the other side of the village. His hut was small and circular shaped, with a thatched roof. Inside it had space for his bed, a small eating area and storage for all his tools, clothing and a couple of blitzballs. He ate a quick supper of left over rice and heavily salted, grilled chocobo. When he left his hut to return to the crusaders lodge to retire for the night he encountered Lulu by the summoners circle in the centre of the village.
"Wakka, we need to talk." She did not say it sternly, or coldly and yet there was a slight edge to her voice that Wakka had grown accustomed to and could anticipate when there was going to be a particularly uncomfortable conversation.
"Hey Lu, what's up?"
"What's up? I'll tell you what is up Wakka! The boy! Why did you bring him here?"
"I didn't bring him!" said Wakka, indignantly. "He was washed up here! Yevon teaches us to help those in need, what would you have done, Lu?"
"Help him, fine." Lulu conceded. "But why did you befriend him? You've done more than enough for him, you've taken him in, you've been there for him, you've let him stay in your hut with you, you've introduced him to the team and now Yuna wants him with us!" she seethed, emphasising Yuna's name.
"Well, Belgemine wants him with us, ya?" he said hopefully, trying to escape Lulu's harsh treatment.
"And what do you think?" shot Lulu.
"Well..If Belgemine and Yuna want him with us, they must have their reasons." Wakka concluded.
Lulu scoffed. "And you're reasons have nothing to do with what he looks like?" said Lulu, sarcastically.
Wakka had diverted his attention to the ground. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Lu."
Lulu had ran out of patience. "You know exactly what you're doing and you know exactly what he looks like!" she managed, through gritted teeth. She stopped for a moment and looked at Wakka, his head was hung sadly, his shoulders slumped. When she spoke again she spoke in a more delicate tone. "He's dead, okay? Dead! I was surprised, too, the first time I saw him. But no matter what he looks like, he isn't Chappu. You shouldn't have brought him here in the first place!" Her impatience with Wakka was returning quickly.
"Yeah, but...he needed our help!" Wakka squirmed.
"Excuses again?"
"Yeah, but..." he pleaded.
Lulus patience snapped. "That's it. No more. Enough, Wakka!" she said it firmly, wheeled around and stormed off towards the temple, where she would be spending the night.
Wakka sulked slowly towards the crusaders lodge where he found Tidus stood at the door with his arms folded and a bemused look on his face.
"Sca-ary!" he said. "So, who's Chappu?"
Wakka made his way into the sleeping quarters and Tidus followed suit. When they had both sat down, he spoke. "My little brother, Chappu. He looked like you."
"He's dead?"
"He was with the Crusaders when they fought Sin last year. He didn't make it." Wakka looked down, sadly. His eyes briefly appeared red. "I first heard on the day of the tournament."
"Oh, so that's why." Tidus nodded thoughtfully, understanding.
"I became a guardian to fight Sin, ya?" Wakka explained.
"Revenge, then?"
"That was the idea. But...I was more worried about a stupid game than avenging my brother. Well, from now on, I'm a guardian full-time. And you'll be coming along too, ya?"
"Don't worry." Tidus nodded. "I mean, I owe you a lot. You really helped me out, you know? What I mean is...thanks, Wakka." he stooded and stretched out his hand in gratitute to him.
Wakka began to stretch out his hand but thought better of it and waved Tidus' hand away. "Heh. Stop, you're embarassing me!" he laughed. "Anyways brudda, we gotta get some sleep, ya?" and without another word, he lay down on the bed and fell into a deep slumber.

The following morning the village arose to a bright, yellow morning sun, shining low through the village. The guardians had gathered in the centre of the village. A few villagers had awoken to join them and they were greeted with red, blotchy eyes. Yuna had yet to join them, and Lulu was waiting patiently with folded arms. When Tidus stepped out of the crusaders lodge he was greeted by a mocking Wakka. "Hey! Sleepyhead! Something I want to give you." he grinned, sheepishly. He revealed an elegant long sword. The blade looked as if it contained the ocean itself as the appearance of water flowed within. Its tip was sharp and its end had a hook, in the shape of an anchor. The grip was simple, yet long and had no hand guard and a long red ribbon at the bottom, and it had a decorated hilt. Wakka handed the sword to Tidus, who was in awe of what was being offered to him.
"Whoa! You're giving this...to me?"
"Yeah, use it well!" said Wakka, who appeared to take pleasure from Tidus' reaction.
Tidus grabbed the sword and stared in wonder at it. He wielded the sword, impressed by its balance and its sturdiness, although in truth he had very little experience who swords and could not offer an expert opinion on such matters.
"That's the sword you gave Chappu." Lulu said, chillingly.
Wakka gave her a reproachful look. "Well, he never used it." he said, as if that settled it. "Where's Yuna?"
"We're taking the same boat as Yuna, right? Why do we gotta wait here?" interjected Tidus.
"Yuna came to this village ten years ago, when the last Calm started." Wakka explained.
"The Calm?"
"Since then, she's been like a little sister to me and Lulu. But she had the talent...she became an apprentice. Now, today, she leaves as a summoner." he continued.
"This is our journey...We should leave together." said Lulu, who cast a disapproving look at Tidus.
As Tidus was preparing to make a come back, the party heard the temple doors open. Yuna came struggling out with what appeared to be a large suitcase of luggage, which was clearly too heavy for her to manage.
"You really don't need all that luggage." Lulu called.
Yuna already looked tired. She'd broke a sweat and her hair had become messy and slightly tangled. "Ah...they're really not my things." she explained earnestly. "They're gifts for the temples we're to visit."
"This isn't a vacation, Yuna." said Wakka, gently.
"I guess...I guess you're right." she agreed. She left the suitcase and walked down to the centre of the village to join the rest of the party.
"Okay! Off we go!" declared Wakka, as he patted Yuna gently on the back.
Lulu turned to Tidus with a slight smirk on her face. "Seeing as you're not a guardian, you can manage the luggage." she turned her back on him and made her way out of the village.
Tidus gave her an irritated look before glumly picking up the large backpack full of gear, and slumped it onto his shoulders.
"Hey it won't be so bad, ya?" said Wakka as he grabbed the second pack and threw it around his back. "Toughen you up, brudda!" he laughed loudly and followed Lulu.
"Hey! Aren't we going the wrong way, the dock is the other way!" Tidus called, as the party headed up the hill.
"But the village statue is up this way!" he called back.
Tidus turned to Yuna, who had not said a word, and was taking in the village.
"You ready?"
Yuna looked at him and nodded. She praised yevon and bowed in the direction of the temple, turned to Tidus and smiled, before making her way up the hill with the others.
Tidus struggling up the hill to join the others and found them praying next to a stone pillar. Yuna was looking out at the village and the beach, the S.S Liki could be seen at the docks.
"Let's get going, guys!" Tidus puffed.
"We're going to wait." said Wakka, solemnly.
Lulu walked over to Yuna and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Take your time." she said, soothingly.
"What's going on?" asked Tidus.
"It's an ancient custom. People leaving the island pray here for a safe trip. Chappu didn't pray that day. Said he'd miss his boat." Wakka explained."
Wakka knelt down and began praying. Tidus considered joining him but thought better of it. If he knelt down with the weight he was carrying on his back he felt he would surely buckle and face difficulty getting up again. He resigned himself to watching the unusual custom, whilst struggling to maintain his balance.
"That should do it!" declared Wakka. He got up and brushed the dust off of his overalls. "Are you ready?" he asked Yuna.
"Mm." she nodded. As the party turned to head back down the hill a monstrous snarl was heard from the cliff above. They looked up and and saw a gigantic creature. It was feline like in facial features with a broken horn on its head, yet humanoid in physique, and its entire body was covered in blue fur. The monster was broad and muscular. The scarce clothing it wore were tribal in appearance and it wielded a gigantic halberd that had many notches on the staff and the blade, indicating it had seen many battles. It leapt down onto the ground and roared at Tidus. It brandished its weapon at him and swung with momentous force. Tidus dodged it, barely, and stumbled over due to the weight he was carrying. He struggled to maintain his balance and wielded his sword. He swung for the beast with his sword arm but found he was slow and sluggish, he lost balance again and he could not keep pace. The beast swung for him again and he quickly wielded his sword with both hands and was able to block it. The force of the swing threw him back yet he was able to successfully parry two more blows. He found himself in a desperate struggle to survive. The heat of the sun was intensifying as it rose higher into the sky and Tidus was sweaty and gasping for breath, his heart drumming loudly. He gasped as another great swing came his way, he ducked and attempted to counter, but failed as the creature thrust a gigantic paw, into his kneecap and forced him to buckle. The paw had sharp claws which had scraped across his skin causing it to bleed. He looked up at the beast which brandished its large teeth at him and wielded its weapon so that the tip of the blade was at his throat. A fierce look of triumph could be seen in its eyes.
"That's enough!" Wakka said, firmly.
The beast relented and walked away, shaking its head.
Tidus gasped for air, drenched in sweat. "What's with that guy?" he demanded, panting.
"Kimahri Ronso, of the Ronso tribe. He's learned the fiends' way of fighting." said Lulu, with a smirk.
"That's not what I meant!" Tidus said, irritably.
"He's another of Yuna's guardians." said Wakka, helping Tidus to his feet.
"Huh?"
Yuna looked at him and laughed apologetically. "Sometimes we don't understand him either. Kimahri doesn't talk much anyway. But he has protected me since I was a child!"
"Ah." he said, lamely.
Yuna looked down at Tidus's bloody knees. "Here, let me help you with that." she smiled, kindly. She opened up a small back that rested on her hip and withdrew some bandages and a small pot. Yuna knelt down next to Tidus and unscrewed the container. It contained a greenish looking paste, with ground up herbs and other plant extracts. Yuna rubbed the paste into the wound with a slight protest from Tidus, who found that it stung sharply. She wrapped a bandage around the wound, tightly. When the wound was covere sufficiently she pressed her hands gently against his knee and began to breath slow, deep breaths. Tidus's pain began to subside and he looked at Yuna, in awe. After a moment she unravelled the bandage to reveal smooth, clean skin. "That should do it." she said, uncertainly.
"Wow!" exclaimed Tidus, looking at his healed knee. "How did you do that?"
"All nuns and apprentices learn healing at the temple, summoners need to be highly proficient at it." she said shyly, as she swayed from side to side slightly, her hands clasped together below her torso.
They made their way back down the hill and through the village. The village was still empty, which was unusual as the villagers woke early. The group worked their way down the path towards the docks and along beach front. What they saw next startled them. The whole village was waiting at the docks, many were cheering and sobbing, and some were doing both simultaneously. Some of the elders had created a large banner and weaved the words 'GOOD LUCK LADY YUNA' onto it. The villages children all ran up to her and started hugging her, some wishing her luck and others grabbing hold of her legs pleading her desperately not to leave. The men simply stood there, attempting to look dignified despite their obvious attempts to fight back tears. The temples clergy all stood bowing to her with the grace of Yevon. Yuna looked tearful and overwhelmed as she was greeted by such a reception.
An elderly woman in purple clothing approaching her and embraced her. "I knew this time would come someday, I knew. Please take care of yourself, Lady Yuna."
"May Yevon's blessings be with our summoner on her pilgrimage!" declared a priest.
"Lady Yuna! Don't forget me, okay?" cried a young boy. "I'll be good while you're gone! I promise!"
"We'll miss you Lady Yuna! Come back soon, ya? Where are you going on that big boat?" sobbed a girl.
Yuna did not know what to say, and she found she had little voice to say anything, even if she knew, so she resorted to nodding and bowing instead. They stepped onto the boat and turned to face the crowd. A member of the crew on deck went to give word to the captain that the summoners party had arrived and that they were clear to set sail. As the ship began to set out she managed to say "Goodbye." although she feared it had barely been audible beyond the deck.