Sorry for the long delay. Life has been very challenging for me lately, so updates on this story won't be as frequent as they were in the past. But I'm going to shoot for once a month. I don't intend to abandon this project. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Chapter 9: Through the Rift

Morning came, and I was feeling a lot better than I had the night before. I let out a yawn, sparking Tidus to tighten his arm around my waist as we remained spooned together in what had become our bed. My terrifying encounter the other night still plagued my mind. And I was surprised I hadn't experienced any night terrors because of it.

Feeling quite content in my beloved's arms, I chose to remain in bed for a while longer, mulling over the events following my rescue.

I'd been chattering non-stop until Tidus had gotten me out of that soaked nightie, dried me off with a towel, and wrapped me in a fluffy blanket he'd retrieved from the closet.

After easing me down onto the mattress, he'd quickly toweled off and threw on a dry pair of shorts then hurried over into the other room to fetch me a change of clothes.

Auron, for obvious reasons, had kept his distance and stood guard on the upper level while Tidus tended to me. It was comforting to know we weren't alone on that boat anymore. And I suppose I'd felt that way because of how shaken I'd been. I came so close to death. Too close…

Once Tidus had helped me change into a fresh nightdress and had gotten me situated in bed, he'd immediately called Doctor Gale, who'd arrived in a timely fashion to conduct a thorough examination, along with some tests.

Thankfully, I'd only suffered a mild case of hypothermia and our unborn child had miraculously appeared to be unscathed from the whole ordeal, according to what the doctor had observed from my results. But the odd-shaped fingermarks left on my neck instigated a slew of questions I hadn't been prepared for.

Auron, however, had come to my rescue once again, this time offering a suitable answer to her interrogation...

"She was attacked by a fiend in the water. Tidus informed me how she has a tendency to sleepwalk. So, that would explain why she was out there and had fallen overboard."

"A fiend, you say?"

"Uncommon—I know. Luckily, I've had experience fighting a few, and dispatched of it quickly."

"Then it's a good thing you were close by. Sleepwalking could be very dangerous for someone in your condition, Yuna. I'm gonna prescribe you something for that and have it sent over to the potion store immediately."

I'm not sure why I hadn't thought of that explanation. Fiend's were rare in Zanarkand, but not unheard of. Regardless, I was glad Auron had thought of it,and managed to satisfy Doctor Gale's curiosity with the added lie of a sleepwalking disorder.

When Doctor Gale had finally left, Auron had insisted upon staying the night to keep watch for anything else that might try to attack me…or Tidus for that matter. He'd even suggested staying indefinitely until we uncovered what'd actually been behind my attack, much to Tidus' chagrin.

After being on his own for well over a year, I could understand my lover's reaction. But our safety was more important than him being inconvenienced by what must've felt like a parent moving back in to supervise. And I'd expressed as much to him…

"Auron's instincts are invaluable. Tonight should've proven that to you. Having him stay with us for a while may not be such a bad idea, considering what'd just happened."

"Yeah, I get it. It's just… privacy, y'know?"

"I'm sure Auron will give us our space when we need it, and not expect us to sleep with the door open."

"Mmm… I guess you're right. Alright, fine. He can stay in the room across the hall then. We'll just have to move the rest of your things over to this one tomorrow."

And so, I'd succeeded in convincing him on the matter.

Honestly, I felt more at ease with Auron being there. If he hadn't returned the other night…well, I didn't want to think about what would've happened anymore.

"Mmm… You awake?" Tidus mumbled into my hair.

"Mhm…"

"Are you feeling any better?"

Turning in his arms to face him, I smiled and confirmed with a nod. "I am."

"You really had me worried, y'know?"

"Doctor Gale assured us the baby and I were going to be okay."

"Before that, I mean—when I went after you in the ocean. I didn't say it last night but… Those waters were so damn dark." His brow creased at the chilling memory. "I could barely make anything out. And I wasn't sure how long you'd been in there. My heart felt like it was gonna burst outta my chest, y'know? I was so afraid—afraid I wouldn't get to you in time."

"But you did. You… You saved my life."

"Yeah, well… I guess we have Auron to thank for that. I wouldn't have known you went overboard otherwise." Tidus released a troubled sigh then affectionately stroked my cheek. "You really have no idea what that could've been that attacked you?"

"No… I've never encountered anything like it before."

"Y'know…maybe it's not such a good idea for you to go with Auron through that rift tonight."

His reaction wasn't at all surprising. Tidus was overprotective at times. And I anticipated he'd have some reluctance on this matter now.

"I understand your concern. Really, I do. It's just… We don't have a lot of time before…"

"Yeah, I get that but… What if that thing isn't really dead and it comes after you again—or something else like it?"

"Auron will be with me this time."

"Auron can't swim worth shit," he argued. "Why else do you think he got me outta bed last night? He knew I was the only one who could go after you in those waters. Yeah, I'm not so sure about this plan anymore. I don't wantcha going without me, Yuna."

Convincing him to stay behind was going to be a challenge now. But nevertheless, I had to try. I couldn't risk his life—or in this case; his very existence.

"I suppose you could follow us out to sea," I mentioned in a measured tone. "But you can't cross through the rift." I then shot him a stern look of warning. "You have to promise me you won't follow us into Spira."

Tidus' frown deepened. "You're really that worried something will happen to me, aren't ya?"

"Yes, and I have a good reason to be. Shinra has not only messed with time, but with Spira's life-force. Everything is so uncertain right now. There are so many risks involved with everything we do at this point. Please, trust me on this," I pleaded, trailing my fingers down his chest in persuasion. "I'll agree to you following us out to the rift in case something attacks again. But I won't agree to you accompanying us through it, especially when it could..." Voice cracking, I swallowed hard then forced myself to continue, "When it could lead to us being apart…forever."

Tidus heaved a conceding sigh, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear then issued a tight smile. "Okay, I promise. I won't follow you through that damn rift."

"Thank you."

"I still don't like this plan you've hatched with Auron though."

"I understand. But it's the best chance we have…at finding a way for me to return home."

"Yeah, I guess." Those bright, loving eyes suddenly dulled at the prospect. And I understood why. Even though he knew it was necessary—and hopefully only temporary—Tidus didn't want to think about us being apart. He wanted this fantasy we'd been living for the past two weeks to continue…forever. "We should probably get up before Auron tries to make us breakfast." A faint smile touched his lips. "He's not exactly chef material if y'know what I mean?"

And I couldn't help but giggle, remembering how he'd scorched our food at camp a few times during my pilgrimage, prompting Lulu to take over cooking our meals.

"I'm guessing you've had his charred cuisine before?"

"Mm…" I continued to giggle. "It was during the pilgrimage."

"Great…" he replied, tone dripping with sarcasm. "More stuff to look forward to." Tidus then gave his head a shake and released a soft chuckle. "C'mon, we'd better get a move on or we'll be eating crispy eggs and pancakes before long."

"Right, I'll go first."

Throwing off the covers, I climbed out of bed and hurried into the bathroom to start my daily routine. Once I emptied my bladder and brushed my teeth, I stripped down and entered the shower.

The warm water was a welcome relief from the cold, merciless depths of the ocean I'd found myself in the night before. But that hadn't stopped me from flinching the second the water had hit my skin, still slightly traumatized by my unexpected encounter from less than eight hours ago.

After a few calming breaths, I squeezed the liquid soap into my palms and began to lather it all over my body, allowing the bright, citrus scent to fill my senses and ease my nerves. The last thing I needed was to develop a phobia of water, considering how I was staying on a houseboat surrounded by it.

Just as I finally relaxed enough to where I could enjoy an invigorating shower, a loud clunk came from behind, causing me to gasp and whirl around.

"Whoa—hey, it's just me." Tidus shut the glass door then slid his arms around my waist, sporting that famous grin I adored. "I kinda figured we'd save time this way."

Releasing a trembling breath, I glided my hands up his shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. "You… You startled me."

"Yeah, I can see that. You okay?"

"Mhm…" This wasn't the first time I'd showered with Tidus. But it was the first time I'd done so with his younger counterpart in Dream Zanarkand. And from the mischievous gleam in his eye, I sensed there was more on his mind than just scrubbing off yesterday's grime. "Auron's in the room across the hall, you know."

Tidus chuckled and stepped in front of me, swiping the bottle of liquid soap off the rack then squeezing some into the palm of his hand. "Yeah, and our bedroom door's locked." Lathering his body, he glanced over at me and lifted an inquisitive brow. "You worried he'll barge in on us or something? You weren't too worried about that last night when you were convincing me to have him move back in."

"I…" Honestly, I didn't know what to say. It was comforting knowing Auron was staying with us for the time being, and yet, awkward at the same time. "No, I know he wouldn't do something like that."

"He wouldn't," Tidus confirmed. "Besides, the door's locked, remember?"

"Mm…"

A sultry smile crept across his lips just then, gaze raking over my wet, soapy body. "Turn around and I'll scrub your back for ya."

Somehow I sensed his gesture would lead to more than just a simple cleaning. But I'd adhered to it anyway, turning to face the fogged up shower door, and allowing Tidus to lather my back in long, sweeping strokes. His hands didn't stop there though. They wandered down to my backside in the same purposeful motion, surprisingly focused on their hygienic task.

But that hadn't lasted long.

Once Tidus was finished, he gripped my hips and pulled me close, leaving a seductive kiss on the nape of my neck.

"Mmm…" I purred, relishing in the delightful sensation of his mouth on my skin. His hands then slowly slid up to cup my breasts and gave them a playful squeeze. "Y-you're…misbehaving."

"Nah… I'm just giving you a thorough cleaning." Nibbling on my earlobe, he glided a hand down past my tummy and slipped it between my thighs, extracting a pleasurable gasp from my lips. "You want a thorough cleaning, dontcha?" he whispered seductively into my ear, sending a tingling jolt down my spine. "Or do you want me to stop?"

This man could render me powerless by his husky voice alone, never mind his touch. And by now, he knew as much. Between his fingers working my center and his hand kneading my breast, I was beginning to quickly unravel.

"Mmm…" I continued to purr, arching my back against his chest. "Don't… Don't stop."

Pressing his erection against my backside, Tidus gently nipped at the flesh on my neck then whirled me around to claim my lips in a fierce kiss that left me breathless.

Everything got a bit hazy after that. There was a flurry of swift motions. One of which was Tidus hoisting me up. My legs instinctively coiled around his waist, hands tangling in his wet, moppy hair. He then leaned me against the cool tile of the wall, crashed his lips against mine once again, and buried himself deep inside me.

So much for getting ready in a hurry. I wasn't complaining though. The moment Tidus had set foot into that shower, I had a feeling this would be the result. Our hormones had been raging off the charts. He was in his sexual prime. And I suppose I was at the frisky stage of my pregnancy. Auron staying there with us, obviously, wasn't going to be a deterrent either. Not that I'd suspected it would.

Breaking the kiss, Tidus rested his forehead against mine, our breaths mingling in soft, pleasurable sighs. Those gorgeous eyes held my gaze and seemed to gleam with each meaningful thrust.

I suppose this was one way of expelling any negativity associated with water. Things always seemed to get rather steamy between us when we were in it together. And this time was no exception.

Stealing a tender kiss between sighs, Tidus murmured, "I love you." He then proceeded to leave a gentle nip on my bottom lip followed by a series of hungry kisses down my neck.

The water from the showerhead continued to rain down upon us, washing the suds off our skin and drowning out my erotic whimpers. Tidus was effortlessly seductive. He knew how to be a serious lover. And it was a little strange, considering how goofy and playful he could be. But that's what I loved about this man. There was a depth to him that other's just couldn't see. He was just so…

"Amazing! Ahh… You feel…amazing!"

An affectionate chuckle sputtered out of him. "Amazing huh?"

I can't believe I'd actually said that. But I didn't care. At this point, I was lucky I could form any words at all.

Tightening his grip on my hips, Tidus filled me deeper, his thrusts steadily growing more aggressive.

"Ah… Mmm…" My hands once again made a home in his hair, tugging mercilessly on the damp, flaxen strands. "Feels… So good..." Eyes slipping shut, I threw my head back against the tiled wall and moaned, "Sooogooood…"

Tidus smothered my lips with a fiery kiss, silencing my moans and capturing them into his delicious mouth.

That titillating pressure was rapidly approaching its peak. His name came in a breathless sigh, spurring him to drive his hips harder into me.

From how my beloved's eyes were squeezed shut, mouth slightly agape, he was close to that blissful edge. And I couldn't help but want to add to his pleasure in some way. So, I began to contract my muscles around him to the rhythm of his thrusts.

"Omigah…" he groaned, struggling to keep his voice low. "Mmm… That feels… Ahh… So damn good."

Those pleasurable spasms finally erupted at my center, and everything unraveled into a blissful blur.

"Omigosh… Ah!" I clamped my muscles down, milking Tidus for all he was worth as I quivered from the intensity of my release.

"Holy fu—arghh!" Stifling a feral groan against my neck, Tidus slammed his hips into me a few more times then slumped against my frame with a contented sigh.

We stayed like that for a few moments, our breaths escaping in soft pants as we recovered from what had been one of the best shower encounters I'd ever had with this man.

"Mmm…" I purred. "That… That was worth a charred breakfast."

"Sure was," Tidus agreed with a chuckle. "But don't worry." He drew back to peer into my eyes. "The smoke detectors haven't gone off yet. So, that means we still got time to stop Auron from picking up a spatula." Unhooking my ankles from around his hips, Tidus carefully set me down and grabbed the bottle of liquid soap, brandishing that charming smile I fell in love with on my pilgrimage. "Whaddaya say we finish getting cleaned up, huh?" He then leaned in to press a soft kiss to my lips. "I dunno about you, but I could really go for an omelette right about now."

Actually, I was hungry enough to eat a whole Zu. The absence of queasiness that morning was a welcome relief that I doubted would last the entire day.

Of course that only made me think about our child and the importance of what I was about to do later that evening, leaving me more determined than ever to find a way home.

Don't worry my little one, I thought, running a loving hand over my abdomen. I won't let you or your daddy down. We'll have a life together somehow. I promise.

When Tidus and I finally emerged fully dressed from the bedroom, we were greeted by a blend of rich and savory aromas in the hall.

"No way!" Tidus barked a laugh. "That smells way too good to be anything Auron cooked." Grabbing me by the hand, my beloved tugged me over to the stairs and up the steps to the main level with the kind of eagerness a child would have on their birthday, just before opening gifts. "He must've ordered in."

"You'd be correct," Auron answered, sitting at the dining table with a spread of breakfast goodies laid out in front. "And if you two had taken any longer, I would've had to consume every last ounce of it."

"Oh man…" Eyes huge, Tidus hurried over to the table, gaze sliding over all the delicious breakfast items. "Look at all this stuff, Yuna! There's waffles, crepes, omelettes, bacon, a fruit bowl…" He then glanced up at Auron and gave him a knowing grin. "You ordered from The Golden Crepe, didn't you?"

"It's still your favorite breakfast spot, I see."

"Hell yeah!" Pulling out a chair, Tidus joined me as I took a seat across from Auron, eyes trained on a plastic cup with a straw poking out. "Is that their new smoothie?" he asked, reaching for the thick, violet-colored beverage.

Auron snatched the cup up before Tidus could claim it then handed it over to me. "This is for Yuna. I got us coffee."

Seeming a little disappointed, my beloved kinked his lips to the side then returned his attention back to all the food in front—a slow smile now sweeping across his face.

"Thanks Auron. But you didn't have to do this, y'know?"

"Would you rather I had cooked?"

"No!" we both cried in unison, drawing a brief chuckle out of my former guardian.

"I cooked a few times on your pilgrimage, I take it?"

"You…tried your best."

"I see. Braska had always done the cooking on our travels."

"My father!?" I asked, surprised, filling my plate with a little bit of everything.

"Yes." Pausing to take a swig of coffee, Auron elaborated, "He insisted upon it. Jecht and I never understood why."

"Maybe," Tidus began, between bites of omelette, "maybe he wanted the food to be edible."

I skewered my beloved with a glance, earning a nervous laugh.

"C'mon Yuna, it's not some big secret. Auron knows he can't cook—that's why he ordered breakfast."

"My lack of culinary skills are the least of our concerns at the moment," Auron broke in, an edge of urgency infecting his tone. "Now that you're feeling better," he tossed a solemn look my way, "we need to discuss what happened last night."

Dropping his fork, Tidus released a long, aggravated groan. "Can't this wait until after we eat?"

"No, it's fine," I insisted, laying a calming hand on my lover's lap. "We can discuss it now."

"Are you sure?" Tidus persisted.

"Mhm… I can't ignore what happened. I can't ignore what I saw…"

"What did you see?" Auron inquired, shoveling a forkful of bacon and waffles into his mouth.

"In the water, you mean?"

"That too," he paused, dabbing his lips with a napkin. "But, right now, I'm more curious as to what made you venture outside in the middle of the night."

Well, that answer would certainly raise a few questions for the man I loved. But I suppose it wouldn't do any harm. It wouldn't lead to him learning about his existence…at least I hoped it wouldn't.

"I, um… I woke from a bad dream to find…" With a deep breath, I continued, "To find a pyrefly floating around the room."

Auron abandoned his meal and leaned back in his seat, seeming slightly disturbed. "A single pyrefly?"

"Yes," I confirmed, taking a sip of my smoothie. "It… It waited for me in the hallway and led me outside, using the water as a sphere to show me something…horrifying."

"What's a pyrefly?" Tidus jumped in, clearly confused from the frown on his face.

"The essence of what had once been a living person or creature," I went on to explain. "When a fiend is killed or when a person dies, their body transforms into them. And they appear as small, colorful streams of light."

"So, they're kinda like the person's spirit or soul?"

"In a sense—yes," Auron interjected.

"So wait…" Tidus' eyes widened at me in disbelief. "Are you saying there was a ghost in our room last night?"

"Um… You could say that, I suppose."

"Yuna," the urgency in my former guardian's voice, demanded my attention once more, "what exactly did it show you in the water?"

"Something so awful that it would make what Yevon had done to us look like a form of mercy. It was a vision of Lady Yunalesca. She was in the Farplane, absorbing everything into her body—the entirety of the Farplane, actually, and all of Spira as well. It… It's like she was consuming the very life-force of our planet, destroying…everything."

"Are you certain it was Lady Yunalesca who you saw?" Auron sounded concerned, which had me even more worried. "You'd mentioned the other day that we'd vanquished her on your pilgrimage after rejecting the final summoning."

"It's true," I assured. "We defeated her inside the dome."

"Hey, what's the Farplane and who's this Yunalesca chick?" Tidus interrupted, glancing at me in question. "You named after her or something?"

"Oh, um… Yes, unfortunately. There was a time where having such a name would be known as a great honor. But after we learned the truth about her and her father, Yu Yevon—"

"No way!" Mouth gaped open in shock, Tidus drew back, stunned by what I'd revealed. "That crazy summoner who conjured Sin—that's her old man!?"

"Mhm…" I confirmed with a nod. "And the Farplane is where the souls of the departed go to rest in Spira. Summoners are tasked with sending the souls of the dead there before they can turn into fiends."

"Why would they turn into fiends?"

"Because some envy the living and refuse to move on. Not everyone accepts their death in the end. But there are some who do and go willingly."

Auron shifted uncomfortably in his seat then rather nervously cleared his throat. "Yunalesca must've put up quite a fight in order to avoid being sent by you."

"There was no need for a sending," I explained with a slow sweep of my head. "She accepted her death."

Posture stiffening, Auron's eyes adhered to mine, wide and unblinking for several moments. "You didn't sendher?"

"No. She dissolved into pyreflies immediately after. So, she must've accepted her death."

"Where was I?"

Okay, now I was beginning to get a little alarmed by how he was reacting to this.

"You…were there with the rest of us."

"Reveling in the satisfaction of my revenge, no doubt," he muttered, before glancing back up at me, expression slightly marred with a rare sense of regret. "Yunaleasa would've never accepted her own death. She was too proud and too driven. Forgive me, Yuna. But in the future, I failed you at that point in time."

My stomach plummeted at his confession and my blood chilled. If Lady Yunalesca hadn't accepted her death, and she was anything remotely close to what Shuyin had been, then that would mean…that vision in the water could actually become a reality.

"If what you say is true then Spira could be in grave danger. But how would she obtain such power? She was literally absorbing all of Spira into her being."

"My guess would be an energy source we know little about."

"Farplane energy," I mumbled in disbelief.

"Looks like your friend isn't the only one after it."

"But how would she even know about it?"

"Wait a minute," Tidus chimed in, abandoning his meal. "So this chick is dead, but isn't dead?"

"She's an unsent," Auron clarified. "Someone who never accepted death and refused to go to the Farplane. They typically grow to resent the living and eventually turn into fiends. But there are a few who remain in a corporeal state with a rational mind, often due to a strong conviction or a mission they feel the need to complete."

"Lady Yunalesca was an unsent when we fought her," I added, gaze shifting to Tidus, who seemed completely dumbfounded, blinking with his mouth slightly agape. "She's been dead for over a thousand years."

"Okay, lemme get this straight. So, this crazy chick who's been dead for a millennia, never actually died and went to this Farplane on your pilgrimage. Instead, she's been wandering around somewhere this whole time plotting to destroy Spira?"

"That's what the pyrefly showed me in the water." The mysterious pyrefly which just happened to materialize into a featureless being that'd tried to kill me. "But why…? Why attempt to end my life after warning me of such a future?"

"Maybe you pose a threat to their plans," Auron suggested. "The only one connected to Yunalesca here in Zanarkand would be her father."

"Yevon!?" I gasped. "Do you suppose he may have had something to do with my attack?"

"Yevon was rumored to be the most powerful summoner who lived. Spira even revered him as a god. It would be foolish of us to ignore the possibility."

"But destroying Spira in its entirety wouldn't benefit Yevon in any way," I argued. "It doesn't make sense. That'd never been his goal."

"Whoa—hang on a sec." Leaning back in his seat, Tidus folded his arms and shot us a skeptical glance. "Are you saying that crazy summoner is here—in Zanarkand!?"

Auron lowered his gaze to the styrofoam cup he was holding in his hand as though he were unsure how to answer. "That's one way of looking at it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Sensing Tidus' growing agitation, I gave his thigh a calming pat. "It's complicated."

But that answer only added fuel to the fire. And I should've known it would.

"Yeah, I get that a lot from you when you're hiding something."

"Tidus…"

Pushing back his seat, Tidus stood and began to pace, rubbing the back of his neck from the tension that'd quickly formed. "Y'know… None of this makes any sense. This Yevon guy can be here and in Spira, summoning this monster Sin!? I'm assuming he's an unsent, too?" His face creased in mild aggravation. "And how come Auron can travel between here and Spira?" Stopping next to where Auron sat at the table, he folded his arms and scrutinized the legendary guardian with a glare. "What makes you so special? According to Yuna, if I go through that rift I'll probably end up in another realm. But you and this Yevon guy have free rein to go wherever!? I don't get it!"

My heart leapt into my throat. Tidus was quickly piecing things together. And I couldn't allow that to happen.

"We already discussed this last night."

"No, we didn't," he retorted, pitching me a sharp glance. "You told me what you're afraid will happen if I go with you and why. We never discussed how Auron can travel back-and-forth from Zanarkand to Spira."

"Yuna, it's okay," Auron broke in, standing from the table to address my beloved. "I'll show you why."

"Show me?" Brow dipped low, Tidus curiously watched as Auron took a knee and touched his forehead.

"My memories."

Pyrelies formed around my former guardian, revealing his big secret and showing Tidus the moment Lady Yunalesca had struck him down, ending his life.

Staggering back a step, Tidus swallowed hard and shook his head in disbelief. "Y-you're dead?"

"An unsent, yes," Auron confirmed, returning to his feet. "One who has a promise to fulfill."

Throwing me a stunned glance, Tidus cocked his head to the side and uttered, "Didya know about this?"

"Yes... I learned of it at the very end of my pilgrimage. Not every unsent is dangerous or malicious though. Sir Auron made a promise to your father—to watch over you until…"

"Until what?" Tidus pressed, eyes narrowing into that scrutinizing slit that made me uneasy.

"Until you fulfill your destiny," Auron offered out of turn, drawing Tidus' attention and earning a confused frown.

"My…destiny?"

The moment Auron mentioned that word, my pulse elevated into a rapid, pounding rate, and I began to feel a little lightheaded. I knew my former guardian wouldn't betray my trust, but he was giving the man I loved too much information to work with.

Adjusting those low-sitting spectacles, Auron returned to his seat at the table and tossed me a guarded look, which I took as my cue to elaborate on the matter.

"You and your father… You were chosen to do what no one else had been able to accomplish—defeating Yu Yevon and ending Spira's cycle of death."

"Chosen by who?"

At this point, I wasn't sure how to proceed. The truth about his origins weren't far from the answer I'd be all but forced to give. It goes to show even legendary guardians make mistakes sometimes. And now, I had to find a way to navigate through these dangerous waters and avoid drowning.

"Remember those powerful entities I'd mentioned to you the other day?"

"Yeah…"

"They're called the fayth. And they're the ones responsible for bringing you and your father to Spira."

Tidus' frown only deepened. "Why? Why us? My old man didn't change a thing and he ended up dying there. What makes me so special? Why did it have to be me!?"

Both Auron and I remained silent, our eyes briefly meeting in a worried exchange. But neither of us dared to speak. And I suspected it was for the same reason—afraid of revealing anything more that could lead to Tidus learning he was a dream…or that his father was now Sin.

"I don't get any of this. What are these fayth anyway? Are they realm lords or something?"

And this is where I felt I had no choice but to lie. "Yes—yes, they are."

"So what—they just use whoever they want as pawns?"

"That's not true," I refuted. "There's more to it than that."

"Well, I'm all ears, Yuna."

"We're losing focus on the problem at hand," Auron interjected, voice stern and unwavering. "In case you've forgotten, we're less than three weeks out from Sin attacking Zanarkand. And we have an even bigger problem now with whoever had been behind the attack on Yuna. If it is Yevon who's after her then that won't be the last summon he sends our way. We need to be vigilant and stay on point."

"It makes sense now—what I fought in the water. That shadowy being was actually a type of summon. Like a very weak version of Sin." It still didn't make any sense to me though—why Yevon would want to destroy Spira. He wanted to keep his dream alive. If there was no Spira then Dream Zanarkand wouldn't exist. We were missing something here. I was sure of it. "We need to find a way to stop that vision I saw from coming to fruition. Otherwise, it's the end of everything."

"I believe what you saw was only a glimpse into the future—events that may or may not happen. If Yunalesca plans to become all powerful, then you must stand in her way somehow. Just you being here in Zanarkand has the potential to change future events. And that would explain why Yevon intended to have you killed. A father's loyalty to his child is unmatched, especially if that child promises to fulfill a long-awaited desire if they become powerful enough."

Pondering his claim for a moment, I'd finally come to a frightening conclusion.

"That means something has already changed to make it possible for her—something hopefully not…permanent."

"Then the question we need to ask ourselves is what?"

Seeming to have settled down a bit from earlier, Tidus returned to his seat next to me at the table and rubbed his chin in thought. "But if Yuna finds a way home, and the future isn't altered in any way, then this whole Yevon and Yunalesca problem would just go away, right?"

"That would be my guess. But we can't know for certain."

"Great…" Tidus huffed, slumping in his seat.

"Regardless, we need to secure a sample of that Farplane energy if we intend to find a way home for Yuna." Gaze flitted over to me, Auron added, "And maybe while you're there, you can try calling upon the fayth. They should be made aware of these series of events."

"I already planned to do so," I assured with a nod.

"Then it's settled. We leave for Spira tonight. I'll prepare one of the dinghy's to be lowered into the water later this evening."

"Make that both of them." Tidus' voice was calm, expression resolute as he addressed the legendary guardian. "Yuna agreed that I could come along—in case something else attacks. And just as long as I don't pass through the rift."

"Is that a promise you can keep?"

The two men traded an intense look that I found rather unsettling.

"For Yuna, I will."

"Well then, let's hurry and finish breakfast. That way we can start your first sparring session."

"Sparring?" Tidus echoed, surprised. "You mean, you're gonna teach me how to fight fiends?"

"If we do happen to run into anything you'll need to be prepared. And if anything else tries to attack Yuna—two guardians are better than one."

His face lit up like a little boy at his first carnival. "Do I get to use your katana?"

"You'll be using your own sword. One I've been holding onto for a long time—a gift from Jecht."

"My old man!?"

"We'll see how well you can use it."

Toying with his fork, Tidus bit back a smirk. "So, I guess I won't have to hold back then, since there's zero chance of me inflicting a fatal wound on ya."

"Tidus!" I chided.

"What?" He innocently shrugged. "You guys just laid this on me a few minutes ago. I'm still trying to adjust to the idea that...that…"

"That I'm an unsent?" Auron offered.

"Yeah…that."

"Does it bother you?"

"I dunno…" Tidus nervously scratched his head, searching for an answer. "A little, I guess. But just because I don't understand how all of this is possible. It's confusing, y'know?"

"I understand. But rest assured—Yuna's safety is my top priority at the moment. And I promise to do everything I can to ensure you two have a future together."

More rare sentiment from my former guardian. And judging from Tidus' relieved smile, it was much appreciated.

"Thanks Auron."

"Now, let's finish eating," he announced, grabbing the utensils he'd neatly set onto his plate earlier. "There's no time to waste."

The food had cooled a little too much by that point and for some reason tasted bitter on my tongue. Maybe it had to do with all we'd discussed. But I just couldn't shake this horrible feeling that I was somehow being goaded into a trap.

Nightfall had arrived, bringing a cool breeze with dark billowing clouds against the moonlit sky.

I stood on the deck of the houseboat, rubbing my arms for warmth, while I watched my lover and my former guardian lower the dinghies into the water. Soon, I'd be in Spira again at a time where I'd been preparing for a journey to my death—a stark contrast to the woman I was now. I was risking everything in order to live and have the life I'd always wanted. It's strange how things change. And I had to wonder how the young woman training to be a summoner would view the woman she'd become today.

"It's time," Auron called. "Do you have everything?"

Unzipping the utility pouch I had around my waist, I peered inside to see both the module and a specially crafted vial Tidus had purchased that afternoon from an alchemist he knew over in A-East. According to his source, the vial was capable of holding some of the most potent substances and energy known to man. Hopefully Farplane energy would be one of them.

"All good and ready to go!" I confirmed, zipping up the pouch.

Tidus then approached me with the red and silver sword Auron had given him earlier, sheathed at his side, and I couldn't help but smile. He'd learned quickly how to use it, fighting a seasoned warrior like Auron. That man of mine had always been very skilled at wielding a blade. It was almost as though it were in his blood.

"So, you're really gonna do this, huh?"

"I have to."

"I know…" Those worried eyes lifted to meet mine, and I could see the torment swirling in them. "I wantcha to be careful, okay?"

"I will."

Leaning in, he wrapped his arms around me in a loving embrace and buried his face into my hair. "I love you, Yuna. I dunno what I'd do if I lost you."

"I'll only be gone a few hours."

"Mmm… I hope you're right." Tidus drew back and fixed me a stern look. "Because if you're not back before dawn, I'm going in after ya."

My muscles tensed. "That… That's not what we agreed to."

"Well, whaddaya expect me to do? Dawn is a long ways away. If you're not back before then I'm gonna assume something went wrong and that you're in trouble."

"Auron will be with me."

"Not in this Farplane, he won't. If he goes in there, he won't be coming back, am I right?"

"I don't need anyone to accompany me into the Farplane. I've been there numerous times already. Trust me, I'll be fine."

"I wanna believe you."

"Then why don't you?"

Releasing a dejected sigh, Tidus searched my eyes and issued a weak smile. "Because we both know you're still keeping something from me."

It was truly remarkable how well my fiancé's younger counterpart had grown to know me so well in such a short period of time. And because of that, keeping this secret from him was going to be nothing short of a challenge.

"Tidus…"

"You don't have to say anything," he interrupted, face crumpling into pained expression. "I mean, it's obvious you don't trust me with whatever it is you're-"

"That's not fair—and you know it," I protested, mouth gaped open in offense. "I'm… I'm trying to protect you."

"Yeah, well, I'm trying to do the same. I'm trying to protect you and our kid."

"Are you two finished yet?" Auron called from where he sat in one of the dinghies—an annoyed frown deeply entrenched on his face. "Time is of the essence."

"Yeah, yeah, we're comin', okay?"

Just as Tidus went to head toward his dinghy, I latched onto his wrist, and he stopped dead in his tracks, gaze shifting to mine in question.

"I know I haven't given you much reason to trust me since I arrived here. I've lied and kept a lot of things secret from you. But I never intended to hurt you by doing so. I wasn't trying to betray you. All I've ever wanted was to keep you safe. You mean everything to me. Everything…"

For once, Tidus remained silent, responding only with an understanding nod.

"And I know I haven't earned it, but… I'm asking for your trust. Please, trust me. Trust that I can handle myself there. Trust that I'll return to you when I say I will."

Tidus pressed his lips into a thin line of concern. "So, at what point should I start freaking out if you don't return—tomorrow?" He shrugged. "A week from now—what?"

"If I'm not able to make it back by dawn, I'll have Auron return to give you an update on how much longer I might be."

"And if you're in trouble? How's that gonna work?"

Well, that was a scenario I hadn't thought through. I doubt it would happen though. "I'll… I'll have him return before then, regardless. If he hasn't heard from me, he'll tell you."

"Oh, well that's just great. I'll get to hear you're in trouble, but be expected to just stay here and do squat about it?" His face scrunched into an unforgiving frown. "Are you serious, right now!?"

"I can't have you doing anything rash!" I snapped. "I need you to think clearly here. Even if something did happen to me—and I'm not saying it will and I don't believe it will—but if it did, you'd be the only one who can change things in the future. You'd know to keep me from going anywhere near that time machine. You'd be our only hope."

"I don't like this. The risk isn't worth the reward."

"How can you say that?"

"If you run into yourself there—"

"That won't happen!" I tried to assure him. "The rift leads to Baaj Temple, which is nowhere near where I'm living in Spira at this time. I need you to trust me on this, please."

"Even if the chances of that happening are next to zilch, there's still a chance something could happen to you in this Farplane. And Auron won't be there to help you."

Unfortunately, my patience for this man's stubbornness had run out. "No matter what happens, I need you to promise me you won't cross through that rift. If you do—all could be lost."

"Yeaahh… I'm really not liking the sound of all this. In one breath, you're asking me to trust you—that you'll be fine. And in the next, you're preparing me for the worst. How do you expect me to react?"

"You two!" Auron called once again, tone low and stern from what I assumed was his patience wearing thin. "We need to leave now!"

"Tidus, please..." Fingers still firmly wrapped around his wrist, I held his uncertain gaze, feeling a well of anxiety rising inside my chest. "Promise me. Promise me you won't go through that rift."

"Dammit Yuna…"

"Please…"

"Fine," he conceded with a long-winded sigh. "I promise, okay?"

I had some doubts about his response being sincere, but I knew it was the best I was going to get from him at that point. "Thank you."

"Yeah… Let's go before Auron's head explodes."

Finally releasing my grip on Tidus' wrist, I watched him head over to the empty dinghy bobbing beside the one where Auron was already situated inside, impatiently waiting for me.

Once Tidus climbed into the small boat and began to untie the rope holding it to the docks, I hurried over to the dinghy Auron was in and accepted his hand as I steadily climbed aboard. I then mimicked Tidus' actions with the rope, untying it from the docks, before finally taking a seat on the sturdy, metal surface.

"Are you ready?" Auron asked, grabbing a hold of the ores.

"I suppose."

"You sound like you're having second thoughts." Leaning forward, my former guardian lifted the ores out of the water then began to row us out to sea and toward that odd rippling wall that would lead us into Spira. "Are you not optimistic about what lies ahead?"

I stole a tender glance over at the man I loved, who was busy rowing to keep his dinghy in stride with ours. The silvery glow of the full moon was pale against his tanned skin and made his flaxen wisps look almost platinum in the light. He was so…perfect. And as cliché as it sounds, a real dream come true.

"I'm concerned, that's all. I've learned that things rarely go the way we want them to. And I suppose I'm just preparing myself for such an outcome."

"I see... There's an old saying, 'you can live three weeks without food, three to five days without water, but not one second without hope.' When I realized Jecht and your father's sacrifice wouldn't stop Spira's cycle of death—rage took over and all hope I had was lost. I made a foolish mistake not long after. And I paid for it with my life. It wasn't until years later, when I watched Tidus grow into a young man, that hope returned to me. Hope that he would succeed where we couldn't."

"And he did. He helped to rid Spira of Sin forever." I heaved a troubled sigh and looked away. "But now that's all in jeopardy of being undone."

"The moral of the story was lost to you then."

"Hm…?"

"Never lose hope."

Brushing off Auron's pep talk wasn't like me at all. I must've seemed so ungrateful. "I'm sorry… You're right. I shouldn't lose hope."

"Hmph… I can see why you two are so drawn to each other. Tidus' boundless optimism remedies your constant negativity. And your strong convictions fueled by reason, grounds Tidus' impulsive and reckless nature. You two are a perfect fit. But you're both stubborn like your father's were."

Breathing a laugh at my former guardian's insight, I tilted my head to the side and offered up a slight smile. "Imagine what our children will be like."

"If you're lucky it'll skip a generation. Otherwise invest in hair dye—you'll go gray prematurely."

I gave a soft chuckle and shook my head—something that didn't normally happen when engaging in a conversation with Auron. It was strange… But I could sense he was really trying to lift my spirits. This was a side to Auron I hadn't seen on my pilgrimage—one I welcomed wholeheartedly.

"Hey!" Tidus called. "What're you guys talking about over there?"

"Your obsession with superhero underwear," Auron answered in a factual tone, earning an unmistakable glower from the man I loved.

"What!? I haven't worn—what kinda lies you telling her Auron!?"

The stunned look on his face was priceless, and I couldn't help erupting with laughter, especially since I knew what Auron had mentioned to be true. It was one of the embarrassing things my fiancé had confessed to me when he'd had a little too much to drink on his twentieth birthday.

"Auron!" Tidus growled, drawing a slight chuckle out of the legendary guardian.

Our light-hearted moment was cut short though when we were bathed in the bright, aqua lights of the mysterious aurora shimmering above.

"We're here," Auron announced, dropping the ores to address me further. "Once we're across, we'll dock on the eastern side and enter the temple from a niche located near the top. Stay close and don't wander off. This isn't your pilgrimage. Fiends are the least of our problems. The longer we stay in Spira, the more dangerous this becomes. I'm enacting the code of a guardian. You're now in my care. And I intend to bring you back in one piece."

I'd heard everything Auron had said, and I was grateful, but I couldn't stop staring at the rippling wall ahead of us with a feeling of dread. Spira was on the other side. I was on the other side, training to become a summoner in Besaid. This was such a huge risk, just like Tidus had mentioned. I had to take it though. There was no other choice, really.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," I confirmed with a nod. "Let's go!"

"No—wait!" Just as Auron resumed rowing the dinghy, Tidus leaned over in his, almost falling out of it as a result, and reached out to me. "Yuna!"

I leaned over the side, grabbed his hand, and offered him a reassuring smile. "I love you. Be strong. And don't worry."

Seeming distraught all of a sudden, Tidus tightened his grip, those brilliant blue eyes glossing over with emotion. "Promise me that this isn't good-bye."

"It isn't. I promise."

His dinghy began to move along with ours, drifting toward the rift, and thwarting me into a panic.

"Tidus, let go! You have to let go!"

"I'll bring her back," Auron promised. "You have my word."

"You'd better, Auron. She's the only thing that makes sense to me. I need her…"

The grip he had on my hand loosened, our fingertips grazing the other's palm as we drifted out of reach.

"I love you, Yuna." His voice carried in the wind and headed straight for my heart. "I'll be waiting for you…always."

Tears sprang to my eyes and a prickly sensation began to settle over me. My lover and his boat grew more distant by the second, until his gorgeous face along with those moonlit waters vanished, only to be replaced by a dark, lonely sea I'd travelled too many times to count.

Spira…

Turning in my seat, I spotted the ornate stone of the famous sunken temple just ahead, complete with several pyreflies floating around the top, giving the area an ominous glow.

"Are you ready for the challenges ahead?"

I gave Auron a sure nod. But the truth was—I hadn't the foggiest idea of what I was about to face.

All I needed to do was locate this energy source, obtain a sample in the vial I'd brought along, then try to find a way to successfully call upon the fayth. And on top of all that, somehow manage to accomplish all of the above on a time limit, or risk having Tidus do something impulsive that could potentially end his existence and destroy the future.

Right… I thought, slouching forward. What could possibly go wrong?