AN: Every chapter of MV has now been revised, edited and updated to close plot holes, fix orthographic errors, clean up battle scenes and in some cases improve or add new dialogue. The editing process took roughly three months and I think the end result was well worth it; hopefully all plot discrepancies from the 8-year story pause have been dealt with by now. Sorry for the delay this caused in new chapter updates!

37: A Fond Farewell

It was very late in the afternoon before Braska managed to extract himself from the hustle and bustle around the stadium. Auron was, of course, right behind him, and in a foul mood.

"I can't believe we wasted so much time on this," Auron said disgustedly.

"At least they fed us," Braska pointed out.

"I wouldn't have called that food. And I wouldn't have called that concert music, either," Auron replied as he stomped down the road. "My ears are still ringing."

"You mean the Revivalists? They were…" Braska searched for an appropriate description. "...compelling."

"You think death metal is compelling," Auron repeated, coming to a stop.

"I was trying to be complimentary," Braska protested. "They certainly put their heart into the performance. It was emotional."

"Yes. I felt very angry as I was forced to watch it," Auron agreed.

A small smile flitted over Braska's face as he began strolling down the road once more. "You know, you looked much more compelled by Rikku's performance." Auron adjusted his sunglasses, but said nothing. Braska's smile widened. "Oh? You didn't enjoy her declaration of intent? I would think you had much to look forward to."

Auron masked his embarrassment with frustration. "We can't be certain that piece was created for me."

Braska sent him a look of disbelief.

"...Fine. It was a bold statement."

"That is all you can say?" Braska's eyebrows went up.

After a long moment, Auron let out an exasperated sigh. "I appreciated it. Are you satisfied?" He grumbled as the other man laughed at him. "Honestly, that whole incident reeks of Jecht. I'll pry the story out of them later."

Braska only laughed harder at that. "Leave Jecht alone. I believe you'll be busy enough prying Rikku for information."

"I'm glad you find this so amusing," Auron muttered. "You didn't seem to be as moved by her second performance as everyone else." He hesitated. "Were you… similarly unaffected by her first solo?"

Braska's laughter died and a contemplative look passed over his face. "No, that one did reach me."

"What did you see?" Auron asked.

Footsteps slowing, Braska looked to the sky, lit in brilliant hues of orange and gold from the setting sun. "I saw people who were precious to me. Many familiar faces, even friends who are still with me now." He smiled at Auron. "But also those who have passed before me."

"Then you saw something similar to what I did," Auron said, brow furrowed. "It was… painful. I don't understand why she chose that song." Catching himself, he frowned. "My apologies. Listen to me, complaining like a petulant child, when you've lost more than any of us." He made a sharp noise of discontent.

Braska regarded Auron. "It's fine, my friend. Memories are bittersweet things to hold onto. Allowing yourself to feel that pain will give you the power to move beyond them."

Confusion flickered across Auron's face. "Why would you say that?"

"It's not about wanting to prod old wounds to see if they still bleed," Braska replied. "In fact, if I had the power to turn back time, change history and obliterate the sorrows that shaped me, I would be sorely tempted to."

"But, would you?"

Braska chuckled and resumed walking. "If I erased my sorrows, then what would become of my joy? Would it be as great? Would I even recognize the experience of true happiness? I've found that you can't have one without the other."

Auron trailed after the other man towards the docks. "And you believe that's what Rikku was trying to tell us?"

"No." Braska studied the ground. "I think it is something she is finally beginning to understand. Though I admit I prefer to dwell on the effects of her second song. I enjoyed that one much more."

Auron barked out a laugh. "Sometimes I wonder if Jecht is the bad influence, or if you've always been this morally subversive."

"Some secrets should never be revealed."

They shared a companionable grin. "It's been too long since I've seen you this happy," Auron said. "You thrive in this atmosphere. I still don't understand why you chose to remain with Yuna in Bevelle."

"Because, Auron, as much as the Church does not wish to have me, I have need of it." Braska paused, taking in their surroundings. "But, wouldn't it be wonderful if Bevelle could be even a little bit like this? People coming together, regardless of their creed or race, to celebrate as a part of something greater. If only that draw could be Yevon, rather than Blitzball."

"Yevon is too discerning for this audience, my lord."

Braska shrugged. "The demands of the Church are created by man and man will always be fallible. Yevon could be so much more than what the Church has made of it."

"Him," Auron corrected.

"It," Braska replied firmly. "Yevon is a belief, Auron. Once, perhaps, Yevon was a summoner who walked among us, a man like you and me. Well. More like me, obviously," he added with a hint of mischief. "But the Yevon that Spira worships today has no bearing or relation to that man."

"Hnn," Auron said, as they restarted their stroll through the docks. "You sound almost like the Al Bhed."

"Is it any wonder? They're the ones who showed me the Church's limitations. Why are only the priests permitted to study history? Where did the Teachings actually come from? Is machina truly the curse that created Sin? No one has any real answers." Braska sighed. "Maybe the Church is wrong about these things, but we are simply no longer allowed to ask."

"If you think that," Auron replied, "then how can you continue the Pilgrimage? Can revenge alone drive you that far?"

"I would call it love, not vengeance."

Auron walked in silence for a few moments. "As you say, my lord."

Braska grimaced. "Auron, wait." He stepped up to the other man. "I hate it when you distance yourself from me like that. We're in Luca. Can't you loosen up for once?"

Auron faced him, his expression stony. "When will you stop lying to yourself? You set your path because of this so-called love for Raenn, but you left your daughter behind to be raised by the wolves of Bevelle. You openly tell me that you reject the Teachings, yet you still walk the path of a summoner. And you wonder why I'm confused!"

Braska's face was pinched. "You're confused because you're finally starting to ask the questions you never thought to before. But you are mistaken about me." He looked away. "Leaving Yuna behind was the most difficult thing I have ever done. I know what this will do to her if I succeed. And yet still I must try."

"Why?" Auron's question was laced with pain. And then, softer. "Why you?"

They lingered at the edge of the water, listening to the lap of the waves splashing against the stone. The excitement of the day was winding to a close, and the number of people on the streets was dwindling. A rare moment of peace and quiet descended over the docks.

Braska tilted his head to the side and let his eyes slide shut. "Do you remember this, Auron? The first time we came here together."

Auron stilled. "I do. We were both different men."

"Yes," Braska sighed. "I, too, was restless then. Yevon was still a rigid icon for me. I was so certain I was right." He opened his eyes and studied the movement of the water below. "When Raenn died, I lost the last of my blind faith, but I never lost the vision that it left behind of a united Spira – one free of sorrow, free of the fear of Sin, and one that could work together for a common good: each other." He turned to Auron. "To me, Yevon can still be that banner we gather under. It is an idea, a goal to work toward. An idea can change, Auron, even if the Church cannot."

"They should have excommunicated you when they had the chance," Auron said after a moment. "Is that why you think it has to be you? Not just for Raenn?"

Braska nodded. "You weren't entirely wrong before. The anger and the pain are still there; they still lick at my heels and drive me forward. But Sin can't be defeated by hatred alone. If anything, I believe hatred is what created Sin. Perhaps love is what can destroy it.

"To think, the love of a Yevonite and an Al Bhed might bring Sin to its knees. Now that is an idea worth pursuing. Imagine the legacy I would leave to Yuna. It would be greater than my own death."

Auron snorted. "You really believe the Church wouldn't rewrite history to paint your death in their colors?"

"That's why I have you, isn't it?" A startled look crossed Auron's face. Braska grinned. "I trust you'll carry on with whatever I manage to start. You are the strategist, after all."

"My lord," Auron managed, still looking shell-shocked.

Braska clapped Auron on the back. "Enough of these maudlin thoughts. What say we find Jecht and Rikku and congratulate them on their game? We've kept them waiting for long enough, I would think."

Recovering, Auron scowled. "And whose fault would that be? You're the celebrity now."

"And you are the one who engineered that," Braska countered. "Besides, wasn't a large part of our delay that detour into the city you insisted upon taking? What business did you have at that bank anyway?"

Auron coughed into his sleeve. "Look. Isn't that Jecht?" Fishing the sphere out of his coat, he turned it on. "I should make a record of the Hero of Luca. It'll be a keepsake for Yuna." He strode away.

"Subtlety is not your strength, my friend," Braska murmured under his breath, snickering.

" 'ey, Auron!" Jecht called out, waving. "Did ya get that last match?"

"Yeah," Auron replied. "But I don't understand why you wanted me to. Didn't you say you have Blitzball in your Zanarkand?"

Jecht rolled his eyes. "Not a sportsman, are ya?"

Thinking about the continuous broadcast of Bobba and Jimba that they'd been subjected to for the past few hours, Auron grimaced. "Thankfully, no."

Braska caught up to them, eyes still gleaming with amusement. "Working on your form?" he greeted, nodding at Jecht.

Scoffing, Jecht looked down his nose at Braska. "My form don't need no work. I'm the great Jecht!" He struck a heroic blitzing pose.

"Really," replied Braska, smile widening. "Tell that to your Hypello friend."

"Yeah, yeah. Tio was pretty good. But it was still my idea!" Jecht turned away, scratching at his chin. "Actually, this one… it's for my kid." The last was said a little too quickly as he walked away.

Concerned, Braska followed after the other man. "Your son plays Blitzball?"

Jecht's shoulders rose and fell, though he still refused to face them. "Yeah, and he wants to beat his old man bad. Once, I told him to give it up. He didn't speak to me for a week." He let out a rough laugh, his shoulders hitching again. "Wonder what he's doing now. I hope he got bigger and put on some muscle." He stepped further away.

A look of understanding passed over Braska's face.

Curiosity piqued, Auron turned the sphere towards Jecht. He froze when he heard the hiccup, followed by a soft wheeze. "Jecht?" Auron asked, surprised.

Jecht whirled around, his face red and eyes suspiciously bright. " 'ey, what's the big idea! Stop shooting!"

"Hnn," Auron muttered, shutting the sphere off. "My apologies. I didn't mean to intrude on your… moment."

Scrubbing at his face, Jecht let out another loud, clogged sniff. "Damn," he grumbled. "Second time in one day. Leave a man some pride, will ya?"

Braska cleared his throat. "It has been an interesting day for all of us. Where's Rikku?"

Sniffing again, Jecht gestured at the docked ship behind him. "She's on the Pualu. Hidin' away from the rest of Luca."

"Then what are you doing out here alone?" Auron asked with mild disapproval. "After the stunts you two pulled today, I'd think you would know by now to stick together and lay low."

"Oi, she's the one who kicked me out! I was just deliverin' our goodbyes to the team." He grinned at Braska. "You got the support of the Fangs, B."

"Bee?" Braska repeated, looking less than thrilled.

"Oh, yeah!" Jecht punched an eager fist into the air. "They're dedicatin' the rest of the tournament to Team BARJ! Even got Tio to stick around for a few more games with 'em!"

"Team Barge," said Braska faintly. "That sounds…"

"Awesome!" Jecht yelled.

"Terrible," Auron growled.

"... like a seafood delicacy being sold by a street vendor," Braska finished. "Why don't we forgo your team nickname for the time being?"

Jecht shrugged. "Alright, B. Your loss. BARJ just has a nice, easy ring to it, ya know?"

"No," Braska said firmly. "I really do not. I do hope you relayed our gratitude to the Ronso Fangs, however."

" 'Course!" Jecht answered, joining them as they boarded the ship. "I always got both of my teammates' backs!"

"Proud of your newest Blitzball creation?" Auron asked with some amusement.

"What can I say? I got the touch!" Jecht cackled, hands on his hips. "The Fangs are gonna take the cup, mark my words. Just you wait an' see when we get back here after this Pilgrimage is over! I told ya, there's gonna be parades!"

Braska's steps slowed. "Yes," he said, looking back towards the brightly colored city which pulsed with energy and excitement. "A celebration of life when this Pilgrimage ends. I think I would enjoy that very much." He stooped low and bowed in prayer. "You have my thanks, people of Luca."

.x.x.x.

Rikku mumbled as someone poked her in the side. "Ngg… go away! I'm still sleeping!" She turned her face into her pillow and stubbornly tried to ignore the next prod, which was less gentle.

"Paine..." she groaned, blinking one bleary eye open and taking in Auron sitting next to her.

He frowned. "I can't be hurting you." Another poke. "You're not that delicate. And you're in my bed."

Rikku rubbed her eyes and sat up with a yawn. "I was tired and it was there," she complained, feeling like a zombie. "How long has it been?"

"We've already set sail from Luca," Auron told her. "The journey will last overnight. We should arrive in Kilika in the morning."

Stretching her arms overhead, Rikku pushed herself to the edge of the bed. "I'm glad to be gone after all those reporters, but I think I'm still going to miss Luca a little." She picked at a fingernail sadly. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to the Fangs."

"Jecht said your goodbyes for you," Auron assured. He hadn't moved, and Rikku took the opportunity to lean against him and rest her head on his shoulder.

"So, are you mad at me?" she asked.

"I saw the sphere broadcast," Auron told her. "You weren't completely to blame. Jecht has no brain-to-mouth filter whatsoever."

Noticing that the room was empty, she smirked. "Is he already floating face-down in the water then?"

Auron chuckled. "He and Braska are both topside, enjoying the view. I think Jecht is demonstrating the Mark III for the crew. It's his preferred method of trying to keep me away."

Rikku giggled and turned her face into Auron's neck. "And what about me?"

"What about you?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her. "Do you wish to be punished?"

She blinked. "Well, when you say it like that…" She ran a finger down his bicep.

"I heard every word you sang," Auron murmured, lowering his head. His lips quirked upwards. "That wasn't the way I imagined gaining favor in Luca, but you likely made many people very happy today."

Feeling bold, Rikku reached up and curled her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. "I wanted to make you happy," she admitted. "The rest was just an accident."

Auron turned his head and kissed her hand. "You love me," he said plainly.

Rikku sucked in her breath. "I do," she answered. Then she stared at him, a challenge. "What'cha gonna do about it?"

Auron leaned in, his lips hovering over her mouth. "Take advantage," he answered, before sealing them against her own.

"Mmm," she moaned. This is a good idea. No, this is a really great idea. Her arms wandered on their own, wrapping around Auron and pulling him closer as she leaned backwards onto the bed. To her delighted surprise, he allowed himself to fall on top of her. His mouth chased hers with growing hunger.

His roving hands were definitely onto something, at least. They trailed paths across her bare torso, igniting nerve endings under her skin she hadn't realized she even had. Rikku flushed and squirmed underneath him, eliciting a grunt from her partner.

Auron pulled away reluctantly. "If you don't stop wriggling, this may develop into something we both regret," he warned.

"Remind me again why that would be a bad thing?" Rikku shimmied a little more to drive her point home, inhaling sharply when she felt the success of her efforts.

"You may enjoy performing for audiences, but I am a private man," Auron scolded, extracting himself from her grip. He gave her a heated glare as he sat up, adjusting himself. "The sun has not even fully set. I came to fetch you to rejoin the others. They'll be serving dinner soon on the deck, and Braska wishes to see you."

"Killjoy," she muttered. "I'll get your pants off sometime, you know."

Auron smirked. "I'll be on my guard," he replied. His eyes softened and he tucked an unruly strand of hair away from her face. "There's no hurry, Rikku. This is simply another step in our journey."

Rikku made a face, sitting up and checking to make sure nothing was more exposed than usual. "Tell that to my lady bits," she grumbled.

"Your blunt humor will be the death of me," Auron replied in a pained voice as he helped her to her feet. Pulling her in, he pressed her body tightly against his own. "Do not mistake my restraint for a lack of interest," he added in a low voice.

"Gotcha," Rikku breathed, staggering a little when he released her.

He caught her hand and pulled her towards the door.

"You're a cruel, cruel man," she told him as her heart rate recovered.

Auron directed an amused look over his shoulder as he led her through the ship. "I'm cruel? You're the one who tried to seduce me in front of the entirety of Luca." He smirked. "You're welcome to try that song again when we're alone."

Giggling, Rikku followed him up the stairs to the deck of the Pualu. She gasped – the last rays of the sun were setting fire to the ocean. A few stars were already visible, twinkling overhead between the billowing sails. "This is beautiful!" she gushed, dropping Auron's hand to run towards the railings.

The Pualu was a standard Spiran transport ship, although perhaps a bit more luxurious than what Yuna had travelled on during their time together. It was a far cry from the industrial barges used by the Al Bhed for deep sea exploration. Everything was so bright and colorful; it was almost as if a piece of Luca had broken off of the docks and floated away with them.

"I love it!" she shouted, spinning to face Auron.

"Rikku!" Braska called her over; he, Jecht, and several other passengers were standing by a small grill mounted to the deck. Freshly caught fish sizzled on it, sending a tantalizing aroma into the air. Jecht munched on one, stopping only to give her a wave with his half-eaten meal.

"There you are," Braska said, smiling as he handed her a charred fish. "When we returned to the room, you were already sleeping soundly. It would have been a pity to wake you."

"Who wouldn't be tired?" she replied. "A concert right after a Blitzball game, sheesh!" She grabbed the meal and bit into it. Then she hopped up and down and screeched, waving her hand at her mouth. "Hot – hot – hot!"

"Crybaby," Jecht teased before taking a large, demonstrative bite out of his own fish.

"So he says. His yell was louder than yours when he first tried it," Braska laughed, handing off another stick to Auron. "Well. I hope everyone enjoyed their time in Luca?"

Licking her lips, she blushed. "Sorry about that unexpected publicity stunt," she told Braska. "I really wasn't planning it, but Jecht opened his big mouth and – "

" 'Ey, it all worked out in the end," Jecht complained. "You can blame me for the success if ya want, though."

"Jecht is correct. Do not worry, Rikku, we all enjoyed the performance. You made quite an impression on Auron." Braska smiled with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "What kept you for so long? Did you get lost along your way to our cabin?"

Auron put an arm around Rikku, grabbing her hip almost possessively. "I was having an appetizer."

She frowned as the two men stared at each other. It wasn't exactly hostile, but there was a hint of tension between them, almost as though Auron was trying to tell the summoner to back off.

Turning, she pushed Auron's hand off of her hip and gave him a small frown. "I'm not your pawn," she murmured. "Don't use me like that."

Auron stared at her, then nodded. "Sorry," he said stiffly. "I assumed things were changing between us."

She grabbed Auron's coat and tugged him away from Braska's observant gaze. Once they were out of earshot, she turned on her heel to face him. "Just because I wanna jump your bones doesn't mean you can parade me around like a prize chocobo," she hissed. "I chose you, Auron. Isn't that enough for your pride?"

Auron rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I was not trying to use you," he muttered. "I see the way Braska looks at you still. You are not his."

Rikku narrowed her eyes. "I'm not yours either," she shot back. "I'm my own person, Auron. So are you. Settle this thing without using me as bait!"

Auron glared. "The only thing between Braska and I is you, Rikku."

A throat cleared behind them. Auron and Rikku both flinched, surprised at Braska's silent approach.

"I should be the one to offer the apology," he told them. "I have offended you, Auron, and caused this disagreement. Please accept my sincere regret. I will stop needling the both of you about your relationship." Then he bowed deeply.

Caught off guard by Braska's admission, Auron was slow to react. Rikku helped him along by nudging his ankle with her boot, prompting him to bow in return.

When Braska rose, he focused on Rikku. "I truly am sorry." He looked resigned, before his expression melted into its usual pleasant facade. "Please, do not isolate yourselves here. I will make myself scarce, so you can enjoy the gathering the crew put together." He swept away, smiling, and started to greet the other passengers.

Auron stared at the polished wood of the deck, sighed in frustration, and crossed his arms. "This is why I hate romantic involvements. It breeds pointless emotions, like jealousy."

She frowned. "Hey! It's not all pointless. Just because there are bumpy parts doesn't mean the ride isn't worth it." She mirrored his pose. "The first time I fell in love, I convinced myself everything had to be perfect. That idea ruined me for everyone else after he died." She dropped her head, thinking of Auron's older self and all of the time she wasted pining after him.

"I forget sometimes that, young as you are, you still have more experience in this than I," he admitted quietly, meeting her eyes. "You've loved before and had your heart broken, just as Braska has. You are both, in a sense, my superiors."

"Hah! You think I'm your superior? Well then, drop your pants!"

"I'm trying to be serious here," he scolded her, rolling his eyes.

"See?" She grinned ruefully. "It doesn't work like that. Having experience doesn't give me some kind of edge here, you know? Besides, what makes you think Braska's situation can even compare with mine? He had a family before Raenn died. I was just a stupid teenager hung up on a guy who didn't even notice me."

"I didn't realize – " Auron started, but Rikku continued before he could finish.

"It's not like there's some formula you can follow to make things all neat and safe anyway. That sure would be great though, wouldn't it? If we could map out our feelings and make a guided tour for falling in love without any heartbreak?" Raising her palm, she walked two fingers across it. "If it was that easy, I'd write in a detour to avoid hurting Braska."

Auron huffed a laugh. "I suppose it was bound to happen. I thought I could resist you and spare us all this headache, but you're very persistent."

"Of course! You got a heart, I'll steal it!" She twirled around once, then took Auron by the hands. "Letting myself fall in love with you made me realize it doesn't have to be perfect this time. Maybe it never really is. But I think it's worth all the trouble in the end." She looked up at him earnestly. "We'll find a way to handle Braska's feelings. Alright?"

Auron squeezed her hands. "All right," he told her, then leaned in for a kiss.

"Ahh!" a withered voice said when they drew apart. "How refreshing to see the couples of today celebrating the glory of love! Oh, to be young again."

She jumped, then blinked. Wait, I know that hat! "Gramps?" she exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.

The stooped old man in the ornate travelling robes adjusted his spectacles and peered at her. "Yes, young lady? Have we met before?"

Smiling broadly, Rikku reached out and grabbed his hand, pumping it up and down. "Yeah, though I bet you don't remember it!"

"Rikku!" Auron said sharply.

"Oh, it's quite all right, young man. Your companion is correct. Old Maechen has far too many memories to keep them contained in this head of mine. Perhaps you'd like me to share a few stories?"

"It's kind of you to offer," Auron hedged, eyeing the doddering old man with a hint of impatience. "But – "

Rikku elbowed Auron in the stomach. "Of course we'd love to listen to you!"

Maechen had always been a sweetheart to Yuna and the rest of them; his stories had helped them understand Sin, the great Machina War, and later, Shuyin and Lenne. His words even helped them face down Vegnagun. She could feel the Songstress sphere warming in agreement; Lenne and Maechen shared a friendship that technically spanned a thousand years.

"Tell us a story, please!" she begged.

"Well, well! It's not often that those I meet are so eager to hear my words!" Maechen stroked his beard, obviously pleased, and cleared his throat. "I am on a journey, studying the history of our world, Spira, seeking its stories and secrets…"

As he droned on, Auron began to look bored, and Rikku remembered why she always let Yuna do the talking, if possible. Maechen really liked the sound of his own voice. She wondered if he'd been a Blitzball reporter when he was young.

Jecht wandered by and stopped behind Maechen. He cocked his head to listen, but after a few moments, his eyes grew glassy. Shaking himself, he smirked and formed his hand into a beak, parroting Maechen's words. Auron eyed Jecht and very casually drew a thumb over his throat.

"Did you have something to add?" Maechen peered at Auron.

"Ah." Auron quickly converted his movement into a long, drawn-out scratch. "No, I just thought I felt the irritation of a biting fly. Please, carry on." He smiled rigidly past Maechen at Jecht, who was miming I'm so scared! right back.

"Don't mind him! I'm listening to every word, Maechen," she answered, which was partially true. The cadence of his storytelling voice was very relaxing. It synced with the rise and fall of the passing waves, creating a pleasant tune of white noise.

"I suspected you would be, young lady. We have just reached the history of Al Bhed after all."

"Ooh," Jecht said, joining them by stepping into Maechen's line of sight. "Now this I wanna hear! Tell us all of Blondie's secrets, old man!"

She rolled her eyes. "They're not my secrets. This is the history of my people! Right, Maechen?"

The old man squinted, hand on his chin. "Indeed. You've the bearing of the Pollendina clan, miss. Always well regarded among their fellows, they've managed to retain the ruling hierarchy of the Al Bhed for generations now. They do say only the best and brightest are produced from that line. Are you by chance a relation?"

"Pollenwhat?" Jecht asked, his face scrunching.

"Pollendina." Braska approached, bowing respectfully to the old man. "That was Raenn's family," he supplied. "Good to see you again, Maechen."

"Oh!" Jecht grinned. "So you mean Blondie here's a royal Pollen Diva?"

"Pollendina," Rikku corrected. "Nobody cares about the old clan names anymore though. We intermarried so much it all got too messy to keep track of years and years ago! Almost everyone's part Pollendina nowadays." She snorted, thinking of Brother. "Best and brightest, huh? You sure about that, Gramps?"

"It's true," Braska protested. "The bloodlines may have thinned, but I was married to one of their clan. Her intelligence shone as brightly as the stars in the sky. It was her mind I first fell in love with." He looked at Rikku and smiled. "That seems to run in their family."

Maechen saved Rikku from another awkward moment by continuing to chatter on, oblivious. "Of course it would! Your people are an engineered race after all, bred and created for exactly that purpose."

"Wait, what?" Any sort of tension between Braska and Auron was ignored as Rikku focused completely on Maechen. "Engineered? We're not engineered!"

"Oh, yes, my child," Maechen chuckled, missing the expression of shock splayed over Rikku's face. "The Bedohls were originally clones of proper humans, created over a thousand years ago. That was why they could not use magic, you see. Instead, they were trained to excel at wielding machina." He stroked his beard. "One might say your people were the first living machina ever created! Truly a marvel of ancient Zanarkand!"

Jecht's head whipped over to Rikku. "We made you? I didn't ever see no androids back in my Zanarkand!"

Braska, looking nonplussed, interrupted him. "How do you know this to be true, sir? Nothing you describe was ever recorded in the histories I studied."

Rikku shushed them both with her hands. "He's a scholar. Trust me, this guy knows his stuff. We've met before!"

Maechen scratched his head. "Really? I can't seem to remember…"

"You wouldn't, Gramps." Rikku tapped her foot impatiently. "Tell me more about the Bedohl!"

Pleased at her interest, Maechen eagerly recounted his tale. "Little remains of the original clones in the tribes of the people we know as the Al Bhed. The Bedohl were simply soulless husks, with none of the emotion or empathy shown by other sentient beings. Your eyes and unique hair color are most likely the last remnants of that time so long ago. I wonder what Alb would say were he to see you now, thriving as an independent race."

Despite his encouraging words, Rikku felt sick to her stomach. Clones. We're all really blonde, green-eyed clones. Engineered to be smart. She didn't doubt for a minute that Maechen was telling the truth – he always did. His soul was driven by the need to record and preserve Spira's history, even its unsavory moments. If anyone knew the truth about her people, it'd be him.

"Aww, c'mon, don't be so down, Blondie. S'not like you're anything like them bed rolls anymore, right?"

Fury flooded her. "You think this is a joke? Are you laughing it up now?" she said, raising her eyes to meet Jecht's.

A look of hurt passed over his face. " 'ey now," he told her, folding his arms. "Don't look at me like that. I didn't do this! Sometimes the truth sucks. Ya just gotta learn to deal with it, right?"

Momentarily stunned, she felt her anger fading. After all, she'd dropped a much bigger bomb on Jecht's head.

Auron squeezed her arm. "Rikku. You don't even know that it's true."

The pity wall from her friends was crushing her. She winced as she forced herself to do what she was apparently bred to do – think this one through. Clenching her hands, Rikku dug deeper. "Who's this Alb person you're talking about?"

"Why, Alb was the geneticist of course! You might say he is the god of your people; he invented your race." Maechen paused, thinking. "Al Bhed is a corruption of Alb's name and the Bedohl which he created. I assume it was easier for those in Zanarkand to ridicule the clones by their new title."

"It's an insult?" Rikku said in a small voice. "Our people were named as a… a joke?"

"Oh, it was no joking matter," Maechen replied. "The Bedohl managed to become so powerful that they had to be kept under surveillance at all times. It's speculated that their power was actually the catalyst for the Machina War."

"So, we caused the Great Machina War too, huh?" Rikku sunk to her knees, her feet splayed to her sides. "Wow," she said after a moment. "That's… something."

"Something" wasn't the half of it, but it was all she could bring herself to say. So, that's why our hair and eyes never change? Why we're so good with machina? We were created this way?

"Rikku?" Auron called.

She ignored him. We didn't even ask to be created! How did we become such a threat to Zanarkand? They turned to Sin in the end just to fight us? All the death and destruction… that's our fault?

She clenched her hands, breathing deeply. No. We were forced into this world and then into the war. The Al Bhed never had any control over our destinies from the beginning! We didn't start anything!

An itching sensation started behind her eyes, and she could feel the warm flush of anger crawling up her neck. So, why are we blamed for everything? She scowled. No matter what Maechen says, Yu Yevon created Sin! It's not our fault!

"Ah. I seem to have troubled you, young lady." Maechen's apologetic voice interrupted her whirling thoughts. "That was never my intent."

What did you think would happen, Gramps? She dug her nails in deeper, but said nothing.

Braska broke the awkward silence. "You said the Bedohl were a race of clones unable to use magic?" he asked Maechen.

The old man nodded. "Indeed, it is as much a legacy of the Bedohl as their unique coloring."

A broad smile lit Braska's face. He turned to Rikku. "This is wonderful news!"

Jecht snorted. "What's so wonderful 'bout it? You tryin' to rub salt in the wound?"

Auron bent over Rikku and gently grasped her shoulders. "Rikku," he said. "You can use magic, even without your belt."

"Don't you see?" Braska told her with excitement.

Maechen didn't, by his look of surprise. "Truly?" He fiddled with his spectacles, inspecting her with new interest. "You can harness the power of magic, young lady?"

Confused by the sudden attention, she nodded. "Yeah… a friend of mine once said she thought I had some talent. She taught me a few spells. I can't do much more than low level parlor tricks, though." To demonstrate, she held up a hand and snapped her fingers together. A tiny flame danced to life on her fingertip, and she held it up for Maechen to see. "Nothing like what real mages can do when they get serious."

Her pathetic flame was still more than enough to cause Maechen to clap his hands together in excitement. "Amazing! Truly amazing! Humor an old man and show me another!"

Bemused, she snapped her fingers again. This time she focused on making a small spark of electricity. At Maechen's eager look, she snapped her fingers a few more times, generating enough static charge to lift her hair.

"You gotta teach me that trick!" Jecht told her.

Braska's smile broadened. Auron helped her to her feet with a thoughtful look on his face.

Maechen was trembling with excitement. "And once more!" he begged.

"You want a show? I guess I can try." Frowning, Rikku focused on the spell, mouthing the arcane words as she gestured. Completely ignoring her garment grid, she pulled the magic out naturally, sweat beading on her forehead. With a shout she sent the most powerful Blizzard spell she could conjure sailing over the water. It hit the ocean with a splash, freezing the tops of the waves for a few seconds and creating a small crystal explosion that disappeared again immediately.

Rikku sighed in disappointment. "That sucked." I've seen Lulu do worse to Wakka after he accidentally ruined one of her dolls. She set his entire Blitzball trading card collection on fire with a snap of her fingers! She glanced back and did a double-take at the look on Maechen's face. "Why are you so excited? So I can cast a few useless spells! What does that prove?"

If possible, Maechen quivered even more. "Why, it proves that you are a ray of hope for Spira! The first Al Bhed I have ever witnessed harnessing magic! After all these long years, a sign of change appears!" A few tears sprung to his eyes.

Braska patted Rikku on the shoulder. "Your people are Bedohl no longer. You have learned to adapt – to grow and become a true part of Spira, just like the rest of us. You needn't let the past define who you are."

"Perhaps the end of Sin's thousand year reign is also drawing near," Maechen agreed. "If your people have evolved this far, then what more could be possible?"

She looked at her hand, overwhelmed. "You got all that from a few elemental spells? Don't you think that's pushing it?"

"Why not reach for the stars?" Braska answered her. "Sometimes you may manage to catch one."

He was right, she realized. Didn't I just say it to Auron? I'm my own person. "Stars, huh? Well, I already caught two, didn't I? They bought us a nice time at the Glitzball!" She'd already done so much without knowing her people's past – the new information didn't have to change anything. The Al Bhed excelled at adapting, surviving, and flourishing – even under the most extreme conditions. It doesn't matter where we came from; we live as we want now.

Grinning, Rikku gave a surprised Maechen a tight hug. "Thanks, Gramps! That was a pretty good story after all. You always pull through when we need you!"

Maechen chuckled, returning the embrace. "It was a pleasure, my dear. Truly." As she stepped away, his smile dropped.

"Did I squeeze you too hard?" Rikku asked with worry.

Maechen turned towards the ocean, a troubled look on his face. "Oh," he said simply. "We have a visitor."

"What?" Auron spun, eyes narrowing as he peered out over the darkened water in confusion.

"No," Braska breathed, paling. "Not here. Not now." Then his face hardened. "Auron! Warn the captain of – "

It was right about then that they felt it – the sweep of nausea that always heralded trouble.

"Holy shit," Jecht cursed, scrambling towards the cabins. "I'm gettin' the weapons! Rikku, you stay with Braska!"

Auron was already off, his red coat flying behind him, directing the helpless civilians below deck and shouting warnings at the crew.

Maechen and Braska stood beside her, watching in dismay. The waves boiled and erupted off the port bow, exposing the tip of a giant fin for a brief moment. Even that was enough to elicit screams and panic from the other passengers.

"SIN!"

Sin dove, and the massive wave its fin generated rocked the boat violently.

She grabbed Braska as they went flying; Maechen sailed beyond them, unable to find purchase. They all hit the railing hard, but she managed to catch it with one hand and bend her torso around it. Braska scrabbled for a grip, his waterlogged robes slick against the polished metal. Maechen, already weakened, slipped as the ship lurched when Sin rammed it again. He flew overboard, an expression of horror on his face.

"Gramps!" she screamed as he disappeared below the surface of the churning ocean. He's already dead. He'll be fine, she told herself, but couldn't quite stifle her panic.

The ship careened through the ocean like a staggering drunk, before righting itself into a less precarious tilt.

"Rikku!" Braska managed, steadying his footing. "I need my staff!"

"Jecht and Auron are on it!" she shouted. "It's too dangerous to run after them with the ship like this! They'll come to us!"

"I don't think it's attacking the ship," Braska told her urgently. "Sin is going for Kilika or Luca. We must do something!" He trailed off, spotting Jecht as he re-emerged onto the deck. "There!"

Rikku wrapped tight fingers around Braska's wrist before he could take off without her. "You hang on to me no matter what!" she ordered. "If Sin pushes the boat again you'll be a goner in those robes!"

Braska gave her a quick nod, and together they raced across the deck.

"Here!" Jecht tossed the Godhand at Rikku. She caught it and released Braska, slamming the weapon onto her wrist with a minute sigh of relief. At her side, Braska was gripping his staff and trying to dance despite the rolling of the ship.

"You gotta be crazy, man!" Jecht stopped him. "You can't go into Rapture here!" He scowled and pointed at Rikku. "Keep 'im from doin' anythin' stupid. Knock 'im out if you have to," he said shortly. "I need to get Auron his sword."

"I won't stand here uselessly!" Braska spat, clutching his staff as Jecht darted away. He swung out his arm to begin summoning.

Rikku parried, shoving the staff down with a sharp clang. "Don't even think it!" she hissed, meeting his glare. "We're trying to keep you alive!"

"And I'm trying to – " Braska's angry words cut off as a shadow loomed over them. Looking up, Rikku saw the giant, rippling hide of Sin rising out of the water – right next to the edge of the boat.

"You were wrong about the target," Rikku squeaked, eyes widening in terror. The ship groaned, wood protesting as the portside of the deck rapidly rose. She grabbed Braska's arm and dragged him towards the central mast. The angle was already high enough to make the last few steps almost too difficult to manage. Leaping, she caught a loose rope from the sail and tried to lash it around his wrist.

"You first," Braska yelled, pushing the rope towards her as the floor continued to tilt under their feet.

"No time!" Rikku screamed as the deck rose too sharply for their footing to continue to hold. She clutched onto the rope as her feet slid backwards, and somehow forced her hand with the death-grip around Braska's wrist towards it. "Hold on!"

They were jerked into the air, and pieces of broken wood – and even a few sailors – went flying past them. Where are Auron and Jecht? Braska's weight pulled painfully at her arm.

"I can't…"

She watched Braska's fingers slip against the slick rope in his one-handed grip. "Let go of your staff!" she shouted.

He shook his head, face white, and out of desperation Rikku swung her legs out, trying to catch his torso. "Let it go!" she screamed again, even as he slipped through her leg-lock.

Braska fell, mouth open in surprise, and landed in the water in a bright splash of color. His robes billowed around him like a flower closing its petals to the night, and then he was gone, sinking below the depths.

Panicked, her eyes flitted around the deck, looking for the safest way to reach the water. She spotted Auron and Jecht on the bridge with the captain as she searched – each hanging onto whatever was bolted down. From the looks on their faces, they'd seen Braska's fall. Auron's expression was grim, and he gave her the tiniest of nods.

I love you, she thought as she took a deep breath. Then she let go of the rope and flipped herself, turning her fall into a dive.

"But the Al Bhed can do magic!" I hear you guys saying. After all, Brother electrocuted Rikku with a Thunder spell when she was young. It doesn't really matter as long as Bro wasn't casting in front of Maechen, who still didn't know the Al Bhed could wield magic at that point.

… although it would be hilarious if BROTHER was the first Al Bhed able to wield magic, wouldn't it? ;)