As we landed on Mt. Gagazet, Kimahri was there and you could tell he was upset. I nudged Yuna to talk to him.
"Kimahri, we know it has been tough on you. Yuna wants to help Kimahri. Please let Yuna help." Yuna told him speaking like he does. Kimahri smiled hearing Yuna talk like him. But he still thought he should handle it.
"Yuna's will is strong. As strong as Mt. Gagazet's tallest peaks. Rose believes in Yuna. So should Kimahri." I smiled as I copied Yuna. The rest of the Ronso smiled at me. I pounded Kimahri's chest as I passed him, and then he handed Yuna a sphere. She thanked him, and told him that she would get Garik to see reason.
"Kimahri hope so. For Ronso future." Kimahri gently smiled. He saw that Yuna had grown stronger. Since the transport pads had been disabled by Garik, we climbed. We were about halfway up the mountain when Yuna got a com from Auron. She immediately handed me her com.
"Rose, Sora is awake but weak. He wants to talk to you. Can you talk to him?" Auron asked. I told him to put him on the com.
"Mom? I am sorry that I wasn't strong enough. I am so sorry. And I am sorry that I can't be there to protect my sister. Do you think dad will forgive me?" His voice was weak, and it broke my heart. And by the look on Yuna's face, the same feeling was in her heart.
"Sora, you gave your everything to protect those you care about not even caring about yourself. Your father was the same way. I think that he would be proud that you care so much that you put yourself on the line for those people. And I also think he would shake his head and say that you take too much after him." I told him. We were almost there by this time, so I told Yuna to say something before we had to cut the com.
" Sora. My brother. Twice in my life you have given your all to protect me. I want you to focus on getting better so that when this is all over, we can play on the beaches of Besaid. Is that okay?" Yuna told him. You could hear the love she had for her brother in her voice. "Zaon can come too!"
We could hear Auron and Zaon chuckling in the background, but Sora agreed and told us to be safe. And that he would see us soon. Then he cut the com.
"I kinda wish he was my brother. My own brother is kinda a pain." Rikku commented. That is when Yuna told her that he was her cousin, so that would have to do. I could see Garik ahead, and so could the others.
As we approached him, we started talking to him. Words were said, but he still wanted war. I then told him that we would settle this the way the Ronso did. If we win a fight, he backs down. If he did, we wouldn't stop him. He agreed immediately.
As we fought, I couldn't help missing my boys and their strengths. But after and hour and a half, Garik was defeated. As we brought him to his knees he asked us about the Ronso future.
"Ronso will be saved. But only by Kimahri's lead. Kimahri has seen the world, and even in the darkest of days he thought of the Ronso. When the Guado killed many Ronso after the Calm started, Kimahri fought to protect the young Ronso. Protecting the Ronso future. While other Ronso we're fighting for glory, he was protecting the future of his people. Kimahri is wise. Kimahri is strong. Kimahri helped High Summoner Yuna defeat Sin for good. Can you say the same?" I told him. At my words, Garik bowed his head. He knew I was right.
When the last devoted to Seymour Guado attacked the Ronso on Mt. Gagazet, many Ronso rushed to fight them. But Kimahri knew his people, and knew they would leave the children unprotected. When the boys and I got here to help, the fight was over and Kimahri was all beat up. The fighting had gotten close to where the young Ronso were, and Kimahri had protected them. Those kids didn't get a scratch because of Kimahri. It took days just to heal him, and that's not counting the other survivors. And Kimahri's first question after waking up healed was "Are pups okay?". That's when the youngsters found out that their guardian was awake. And boy did they swarm around him.
"You were one of the Ronso I healed after the fight, correct? Did you even think about the pups during the fight? Or did you think of glory? Ronso pups will be the future, but not if you lead them to war. And those Guado that are left, didn't follow Seymour willingly or were too young to understand. Just like Ronso pups. They left their homes, because they believe they as a people failed. Instead of war, bring peace. Fight for Spira, and bright future with Ronso." I finished. That is when Kimahri showed up.
"Kimahri know Garik not bad. Garik just not see future of Ronso. Kimahri will teach." Kimahri did turn to us and smiled. "Kimahri thanks Yuna and others. Kimahri proud of Kimahri's friends." We all hugged him, then called the com Auron had so that Kimahri could talk to the boys. Garik watched us, and after a minute I walked over to him.
"Kimahri has faced so much. But he knows that the Ronso future is tied with the other races. One falls, others will follow. So he connects the Ronso with humans and other races so Ronso can be strong. Give him a chance to show you the future." I told him, helping him to his feet with a smile.
"Garik not know humans were strong despite small statue. Garik will learn. Garik promise." He told me. And I told him sacred Mt. Gagazet heard him promise. That is when I noticed that Kimahri was looking at me.