Silver Wings 2: 1000 Confessions

[redharry123]

Originally Posted by Noezel7

i know i'm new to post but i read both of your stories but only recently. they were both beautifully writen. you really brought out the personalities of these characters and what they truley felt. i'm also glad you added the love scenes since some stories try put end up making them sound perverted, while you made them sound so romanitc. also i lilke how you connected characters and events so nicely, i mean there really wasn't any kind of assumtion made that we new these events. all in all your stories are great and i will be waiting patiently for your next chappy!

o.o...*blinks*....*glomps Noezel7* I LOVE YOU! IN FACT, I LOVE EVERYONE! GROUP HUG! *huggles everyone* you makeing writing so much fun! you guys are the reasons why i write and post *sniffles* i promised myself i wasnt going to cry *wipes eyes*


Chapter Five: In The Still of the Night

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~

After the initial shock of finding a human skull, Yuna was sickened to realize that there were two more within close proximity. One of the skulls had a bullet hole through the forehead. It was obvious at least one of them had been murdered. Had the rest of them suffered the same fate? It had been too dark to search for the remainder of the body parts and none of the crew particularly wanted to continue that feat. Rikku insisted that they all leave before Tidus realized they were gone and everyone agreed. It would be for the best. Besides, they could find a way to get a DNA match on the skulls. The rest of the skeletons were not needed.

Tidus was safely tucked under the covers sound asleep when the group returned to the former Youth League headquarters tired and dirty, while carrying three human skulls. It was almost as if he had never left, had it not been for the dirt that trimmed the lower cuff of his shorts. The blitzer was lost in his dreams as Yuna padded around the guest room to his shorts which were flung haphazardly over the bed frame. She thumbed her finger over the dirt and frowned. Just what was going on with him?

“Did you want to stay for the night, love?” LeBlanc whispered from the doorway. Yuna walked toward her and the two closed the guestroom door quietly behind them as they made their way into the foyer, “All of you can if you want. It’s been a rough day, love.”

Yuna laughed a little, “You can say that again.” LeBlanc smiled at Yuna and for the first time the former summoner felt like she had found a friend in LeBlanc rather then a competitor. Although the two women were as different as night and day, it was during this time of worry that Yuna saw a compassionate side of LeBlanc that she never knew existed. It was really comforting. Smiling at the tall blonde before her, Yuna said, “Staying would be great. I’m actually really tired.”

“I thought you would be,” LeBlanc admitted with a grin, “Everybody else was so they are all getting settled in their rooms.” She cast a glance toward the door to Tidus’s guestroom and asked, “Did you want to stay in there with him or did you want another room?”

Yuna shrugged, “I probably should stay with him. I don’t want him to get suspicious just in case he is up to something.” She frowned and cast her glance downward, “I just hope that my fears aren’t realized.”

“What fears would that be, love?”

Yuna shook her head, “It’s nothing.” She replied, “I’ll be going to sleep now.” Turning and reentering the room, Yuna shut the door behind her before she had to explain herself to LeBlanc. She had been having an uneasy feeling about Tidus since he had said he was hearing voices, but now…

She didn’t want to put words to her fears. She would rather just pretend that nothing was wrong until there was concrete proof that there was.

Stripping to her underwear, Yuna crawled under the sheets next to Tidus and lay on her left side watching his chest rise and fall with every breath. He was in such a deep slumber that she had a hard time believing that less than an hour ago he’d been in the Cave of Woe looking for, of all things, a skull. The dirt on his pants, however, didn’t lie. He had been there. The question now, was why. A blue eye opened, followed by the other and Tidus slowly came into consciousness. He squirmed beneath the sheets until he rolled over to face her, “Hello, beautiful.” He said.

“Sleep well?” Yuna asked. Part of her silently prayed that he’d tell her the truth, but the rest of her knew that was a crazy wish and one that would never come true.

Tidus nodded, “Actually I did. I feel pretty good.” His eyes trailed down to the floor where he noted her clothes in their piles. With a grin, he said, “Am I to assume that you might be half-naked under those sheets?”

Yuna giggled and pulled the sheets closer to her. This was the Tidus she fell in love with. He was playful and fun. He was romantic and passionate. The man that was cursing at the door to the Cave of Woe was so drastically different. He seemed angry. He seemed like…

Shuyin.

Yuna pushed that horrid thought away quickly and focused back on Tidus who had managed to slip a hand behind her while she was thinking and was making fast work unclasping her bra, “And just what do you think you’re doing?” Yuna teased as she felt his hands on the elastic of her panties.

“I am seducing you. Got a problem with that?” he asked just as he moved his lips softly against her neck and down further and further.

Yuna sighed heavily and let her eyes close, “No, not at all.” She whispered.

--------------------.

A knock at Rikku’s door startled the blonde Al Bhed as she struggled into the t-shirt she was going to sleep in. Straightening her braids, Rikku skipped to the door and opened it. Her heart jumped into her throat for a moment and Rikku couldn’t form words.

It was Gippal.

Clad in just his low-slung slacks, the handsome Al Bhed’s muscular chest was clearly visible. Rikku stood staring at him for much longer then she wanted to and was only shaken back to reality at the realization that he was grinning his cocky grin. She frowned, “What do you want?”

“You.” Gippal replied, “But we’ll discuss that later.” Rikku stammered a flustered reply as Gippal forced his way past her and into the room. He turned back to her and his eyes wandered the full length of her as he noted the t-shirt she was sleeping in which exposed quite a bit of leg. Although she was more covered then she normally was in her daily clothes, there was something about her in an oversized men’s shirt that aroused him. Then he frowned. He knew that shirt, “Isn’t that Baralai’s shirt?”

Rikku nodded, “Yeah, he said I could sleep in it since he was wearing another one underneath it.”

“What? You two are sharing clothes now?!” Gippal bit off. Groaning and throwing his hands in the air, he spat, “Are you interested in him or something?”

“What’s it to you if I am?” Rikku demanded, “You’re the one that never tried to get in touch with me when you went off to save the world!”

Gippal groaned. He knew Rikku was right. He hadn’t tried to speak with her or to keep in touch. He had screwed up and he knew that, but he wasn’t about to admit that to her. He shook his head, “Never mind about that for now.” He said, “I just wanted to see if you knew where Shinra was. He’s a smartie and I thought he might be able to do the DNA analysis we need.”

“He’s probably with Pop at the new location of Home. They started the rebuilding about a week ago.”

Gippal nodded, “I had forgotten about that,” he crossed the room toward Rikku. With the dim light in the room, she looked even more beautiful and the two stared into each others eyes for several moments before Gippal whispered, “You’re really beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Rikku said with a blush. Gippal never complimented her and now he had done so twice in the last 24 hours. It had to be a new record or something. Rikku vaguely wondered if this was a trend that would continue but all thought left her head when his lips came upon hers in a kiss that set her whole being on fire.

It seemed like forever before his lips left her own. Rikku could form coherent words before he lifted her in his strong arms and crossed over to the bed. His green eyes seemed to bore holes right through her, and she barely realized he had set her down upon the bed, before he turned to leave. Her feelings ranged from relief to disappointment in those moments. She didn't want him to go, but she didn’t want him to stay either. In a moment he was to the door, and, just as quickly as he’d shown up, he was gone with just Rikku’s pounding heart to signify that he’d been there at all.

--------------.

The dim light from the refrigerator gave the entire kitchen a light glow as Paine stared into the chilly abyss trying to figure out if she did indeed want something to eat. The stoic female couldn’t sleep so she had wandered out of the guest room she was to stay in and out into the kitchen hoping to find sustenance.

It was strange for her to be in the same building with the three men she’d tried so desperately to avoid after the Crimson Squad massacre. It was infinitely stranger to be in the home of the leader of the aforementioned squad. Things between herself and Nooj have been uncomfortable since her 16th birthday that the crew had celebrated on a ship bound for Luca. It was after that night that Paine swore never to drink again. Beer and a ‘friendly’ atmosphere caused people to do things they wouldn’t be proud of in the morning. Nooj and Paine had done those things…`twice.

“Can’t sleep?”

Paine spun around, dropping the water bottle she had gripped in her hand. Water splashed all over the floor and Nooj was beside her in a moment to help her clean the soaking mess. Their hands touched briefly as they wiped up the mess and their eyes connected. Paine felt her heart skip a beat. Although he was practically engaged to LeBlanc and had been even back during their tryst, she still loved him. She would always love him.

His eyes seemed to expect some sort of response from her and she nodded, “I’m not tired.”

“Neither am I.” he replied with a weak smile. Tense was the mildest of terms that could be used to describe the feelings between them now. It was odd to have her under his roof, so close and yet so far away. He loved LeBlanc and had since he had met her almost 10 years before, but part of him longed for Paine in a way that he’d never longed for anyone. He didn’t understand it. He didn’t think he ever would.

“Noojie!!” came LeBlanc’s voice down the hall, “Noojie!!”

Nooj and Paine climbed to their feet and separated on the linoleum floor. Paine nodded curtly to him, “I should be going.”

“Yeah.” Nooj agreed, “I think that’d be best.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Nooj watched with a heavy heart as Paine walked out of the back kitchen entrance just as LeBlanc came in from the front. He felt her hands snake around his waist as she whispered, “And what are you doing out here, love?”

“Just getting a drink.” He replied.

LeBlanc rose on her toes and placed a soft kiss on the nape of his neck, “Well, why don’t you come to bed. I’m lonely, love.”

“Okay, LeBlanc.” Nooj said as he began to follow her out of the kitchen. Casting one last glance over his shoulder to the door Paine had used, Nooj let out a silent sigh and continued behind LeBlanc.

------------------.

Baralai barely slept a wink at all the entire night. He couldn’t stop his racing mind from thinking about Rikku. It wasn’t like him to become so focused on one thing that everything else took a backseat. Rising from his bed a little after seven, Baralai pulled his pants and shirt on and padded silently to Rikku’s bedroom. He hoped that the Al Bhed was awake and when he saw dim light coming from under her door he knew she was. Knocking softly, he waited for some response from the female in the room. It came moments later, “Who is it?”

“It’s Baralai,” he replied, “Can I come in for a minute?”

“Sure.”

At her okay, Baralai silently slid the door open and stepped into her bedroom. Rikku was sitting cross legged on her bed with her back to him. The shirt he’d lent her was covering her long legs like a blanket as she watched the sunrise from her window. Sitting down next to her, Baralai asked, “So how are you this morning?”

Rikku shrugged. She had been unable to sleep thanks to the shocking kiss Gippal had given her. All she could think about was his lips and how much she wanted to taste more of his mouth. Her heart started to pound just thinking about where last night could have led had he not left. Falling backward onto the bed, she looked up at Baralai, “Have you ever been with a girl?”

Baralai’s surprise at the question was obvious when his brown eyes widened and he choked on the air he’d breathed in, “Wh…what?!”

“Have you ever had sex?” Rikku repeated, sitting up again to face him, “I know you were a priest and that was, you know, forbidden. But, did you do it before?”

Baralai, after getting over his immediate shock, fell backward on the bed with Rikku following suit, “First of all,” he said, “it wasn’t exactly forbidden. You could as long as you were married, but that’s beside the point.”

“Yes it is.” Rikku said with a giggle, “Now are you going to answer my question or not?”

“Yes.”

Rikku’s smirk vanished after a few seconds of holding it. Cocking an eyebrow, the blonde female rolled over onto her side, “Yes what?”

“Yes, I have.” Baralai replied.

Rikku frowned and allowed herself to fall back again, “I was afraid you were going to say that.” She admitted with a sigh, “I really hoped you were going to say no, though.”

“Why?”

“So that I wouldn’t be the only virgin on the entire airship,” she replied. Rikku forced herself to rise from the bed as she walked over to the window and gazed out. Without thinking, Rikku lifted the nightshirt she had borrowed from Baralai over her head. Baralai took in his breath quickly as he realized with shock that Rikku was only wearing panties under that oversized t-shirt. With her back to him, he could make out ever curve in her body as she let the shirt drop to the floor. He found himself wondering what it would be like to trace his lips over that soft skin before Rikku’s leaning to reach her bikini from the floor caught his attention. She put it on with ease before turning back to face Baralai, “Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt.” She said with a smile as she handed it back to him.

Baralai fought the blush that was forming on his features due to his tightening pants and he quickly bunched the shirt up and placed it on his lap, “Sure thing.” He replied.

Rikku sat down next to him to put on her skirt and arm bands before saying to him, “Is there something wrong with me? I mean, I’ve saved the world twice but I’ve never had sex. What does that mean?!”

“It means you’ve saved the world twice but you’ve never had sex.” Baralai replied simply, “There’s nothing wrong with you, Rikku.”

She grinned at him and kissed his cheek, “Thanks.” She said as she stood and slipped her shoes on, “We should go and see if everybody else is up yet.”

Baralai nodded and followed the – once again – perky female out of her room, trying with all his might to keep his eyes ahead of him instead of on her backside.

------------------.

Tidus slowly crawled out of the bed but as soon as his feet hit the floor he felt Yuna’s hand on his back, “Where are you going?” she asked sleepily.

“I was going to take a shower.” Tidus said, “It’s early. Go back to sleep.”

Yuna rose from the bed after him, letting the blankets fall from her naked form. He smiled at her, pulling her body close to him in a warm and passionate embrace. Separating reluctantly, Tidus reached for his shorts which were still hanging on the bedframe. He frowned a little because he couldn’t remember having put them there, but he didn’t worry about it too much when he saw Yuna laying back down on the bed and replacing the blankets over herself, “Going back to sleep?” he asked.

“Yep.” She replied, rolling onto her side with a sigh.

Tidus grinned like an idiot and gripped his shorts in his left hand and his shirt in his right. Sleeping over hadn’t been the original plan so Tidus hadn’t brought any extra clothes with him when the group had set out, not that that had ever bothered him before. Tidus was the kind of guy who only changed clothes when there were holes in them.

Pulling the bathroom door closed behind him, he threw the clothes on the floor and turned the shower on hot before stepping under the spray. Being given a second chance at life was something Tidus was never going to take for granted. Even the littlest pleasures – like showering – had a whole new feeling to them. He let the soap lather over his muscular body before rinsing and stepping gingerly out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Hi.”

Tidus laughed and ran his hands through his soaking hair, “I thought you were going back to sleep.” He said to Yuna who had joined him in the bathroom.

“I changed my mind.” The ex-summoner replied as she handed him his clothes.

Tidus let the towel drop from his waist and stood in all his glory while Yuna silently appraised him. With her grin of approval, Tidus slipped his shirt over his head then his boxers over his feet. As he went to slip his shorts on, he noticed some dirt staining the cuff and he frowned. Where had that come from? He thumbed the stain for a moment before looking at Yuna, “Where did this dirt come from?”

She felt herself go pale. He hadn’t really asked her that, right? It was just like before when he led them to that house and then didn’t know where he was. What was going on?!

“Yuna?” Tidus asked again, “Do you know where I got this dirt on my pants from?”

[Noezel7]

*stares at the page in disbelief* This.....is.....simply(excuse the spelling).....spellbownding!!!! i can't believe you can keep up the quality of the story telling through out the entire story!! i am very proud to be able to say that i have read this piece of work!*runs over to RH and glomps her* And anyone who says otherwise is a bakka!!!!

Oh and i got to be first to post. Yeah!!!!

[anime_keitostyle]

how do you do it? you never fail to create an atmosphere of pure literary bliss. i constantly lose myself in the story, seeing all the characters and jumping right into the story with them. it's quite a good feeling, actually, and is the mark of a truly talented writer. keep up the amazing work, rh! *joins noezel in glomping and huggling rh*

[Noezel7]

its a heck of a lot better than my fan fic

[SoRaBhK_dUdE]

*yawn* Nice chapter!! And I'm not very enthuseastic because I just woke up. WOOO new fan! And I can't think of anything else to say but... GREAT CHAPTER!!!

[redharry123]

*glomps everyone* I LOVE YOU! *cries*

This chapter reintroduces Shinra, the Al Bhed whiz kid, (hence the title of “I Know Everything”). This chapter will also introduce the main conflict in the story involving the person controlling Tidus (and I’m sure most of you realize who that is.) The Gippal/Rikku/Baralai love triangle will have a twist occur late chapter 8 and conclude in chapter 9 which will change this entire sub-plot. I’m informing you readers of this now because the next two chapters will have some important pieces of information and dialog that will come into play when this twist occurs. Also, there are conversations between Tidus and the “man inside his head”. The man’s dialog is in italics.

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~

SILVER WINGS 2: 1000 CONFESSIONS


Chapter Six: I Know Everything

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~

She had sworn it was from when he had passed out in Zanarkand, but somehow Tidus knew that wasn’t true. There was something Yuna wasn’t telling him, but he couldn’t figure out what it was. He had followed behind his friends as they boarded the Celsius after bidding farewell to Nooj and LeBlanc who had decided to stay behind.

Their next destination was the Al Bhed sanctuary, Home, which had been destroyed during Yuna’s pilgrimage. Gippal had told him they were going there for supplies and men to help rebuild Zanarkand, but Tidus didn’t believe that either. Home needed their men to rebuild it. There was another reason they were going there and it had to do with the strange bag that Paine refused to let go of.

Ever since that morning, none of his friends – including Yuna – had been able to look him straight in the eyes for more than a moment or two. It was almost as if they were…afraid of him. Even if they weren’t, it was obvious that something had changed within the last 24 hours. There was huddled whispering during their ride to Home that he wasn’t included in. If he came too near, they split apart like condemned prisoners that were guiltily plotting an escape. That was the main reason Tidus had decided to take in the air on the top of the ship which was where he was standing when the remnants of Home first came into view.

Home had been situated in the middle of Bikanel Desert but was destroyed a little over two years before by the Guado after Tidus and his friends had killed Lord Seymour Guado who subsequently became an unsent. Just thinking about his confusing past with Yuna gave Tidus a headache as the ship lowered. His head hammered and Tidus felt suddenly dizzy as Brother practically crashed the ship into the sand.

“Find the dressphere…” a menacing – but not a totally unfamiliar – voice whispered.



Tidus spun around as the headache suddenly disappeared a quickly as it had come on. It wasn’t like the previous times he had heard that voice ringing in his ears. This time it was like the voice was speaking to him and not around him.

Find the dressphere? What the hell was a dressphere?

“Tidus…ask the one called Buddy…I must know more about her dressphere…”



Now he was definitely losing his mind. Tidus smacked himself hard across the face as if that would help remove the crazy voice from his head. Whoever this voice belonged to, the person knew his name.

Ask Buddy, huh? Tidus thought for a moment and then decided to do it. What was the harm? Besides, maybe it would get the deranged voice to leave him alone.

---------------------.

Yuna was grateful that Tidus hadn’t joined them. She saw him standing on the Celsius’ roof as she, Rikku, Paine, Gippal, and Baralai made their way toward the building Cid had set up to house the Al Bhed during the reconstruction. Gippal figured that Shinra would probably be in there and so Yuna followed him, keeping a wary eye on the bag Paine clutched which contained the skulls. Her fear of learning who those skulls belonged to was overshadowed only by her fervent desire to help Tidus. Something was wrong with him, and Yuna was determined to figure out what it was, no matter the cost.

The short, stout Al Bhed child was wearing his usual tan uniform with face guard. Shinra was sitting cross legged on the floor as soon as they entered the tiny building. Where most children his age would be playing with dolls, Shinra was instead fixing a broken comsphere.

“Hi Shinra.” Yuna said to the child.

Shinra spun around and Yuna could see his excitement although his mask covered his features. The child jumped to his feet and ran to her, wrapping his tiny arms around her waist in a tight hug that Yuna returned. This little boy had earned a special place in her heart during her journey to get Tidus back. He had helped her so many times then and she hoped so much that he could help her now.

“How are you, Shinra?” she asked.

The child replied, “I’m great, Yuna. So why are all of you here?”

Paine lifted the bag slightly and then motioned with her head to a side room, “Can we go in there to talk. It’s a private matter.”

Nodding his agreement, the Al Bhed child led the group into the side room which was apparently one where Cid held his meetings with his crew. There was a large wooden table in the middle lined with 10 identical chairs and a screen which spheres could be played upon. Rikku entered the room last and closed the door behind herself before taking a seat between Baralai and Gippal with Yuna on Gippal’s left and Paine on Baralai’s right. Shinra sat across from all five and crossed his hands on the table in front of him, “So what is in the bag, Paine?”

The stoic warrior lifted the bag onto the table and carefully dumped the contents in front of Shinra, “We found them in the Cave of Woe.”

The child gripped one in his hands and gazed at it slowly, taking in every feature upon it. His eyes then caressed the others, paying close attention to the bullet hole in the skull to his right. He looked at Yuna, “What do you need to know about them?”

“Anything.” Yuna replied, “Who they were, what happened to them. Whatever you can tell us.”

Shinra scratched his tiny chin thoughtfully. He pointed to skull in the middle, “That is a female. I can tell you that much right now.” He said. His finger then went to the bullet hole in the skull to the left, “That was made by a machina weapon. Most likely Bevelle brand since it has been only within the last several years that machina weapons – known more commonly as guns – were manufactured by any other place.”

“What about that skull?” Gippal asked, pointing to the one that had been most plaguing to the group since they had discovered it. It was the one Tidus was crawling extremely close to.

Shinra tilted his head sideways to get a better look at the human cranium, “I’m not sure about that one. That’ll take some research if you want to know what happened to him.”

“But it is a man?” Yuna asked.

“Most probably,” replied Shinra, “I can’t be 100% positive without running a DNA scan, but I’m pretty certain it belonged to a man.”

Rikku scratched her head through her long blonde braids as she said, “Could you run the scan for all of them and let us know everything you can about these people. Maybe then we can figure out how they got in the cave in the first place.”

“I can do that,” Shinra said. Looking at Baralai he replied, “I’m going to need your help to get into Bevelle’s classified files. They have they so well protected that it’s impossible without the right override codes.”

Baralai nodded, “I’ll give you a hand,” he agreed, “but why Bevelle’s files? Why not look in others as well?”

“The Cave of Woe was under Bevelle jurisdiction until about 10 years ago. These skulls are much older then 10 years so I’d bet my comspheres that these people were either from Bevelle or had a connection somehow.” He lifted the skulls one by one off of the table and placed them back into the bag that Paine had handed him, “Besides, Bevelle’s records would also have some records from Zanarkand since they were allied. I could kill two fiends that way.”

Yuna’s breath caught in her throat. Zanarkand meant…Shuyin. Running a trembling hand through her brown hair, Yuna asked, “Do you think that one of these skulls might belong to a former Zanarkand resident?”

Shinra shrugged, “I won’t know until I do some research, but I wouldn’t be surprised. I figure these skulls are probably from back during the war.”

“Then…” Rikku’s eyes connected with the female skull as Shinra placed it in the bag, “Then that girl skull could be Lenne’s?”

Shinra laughed a little and shook his head, “No. There’s no way its Lenne’s.”

“How do you know that?” asked Gippal skeptically.

“According to my research on Lenne, her body was sent back to her comrades on the front. She was buried at the base of Gagazet on the Nagi side. Relatively near the gorge where Yojimbo was housed.”

Yuna shivered. They had probably walked right over Lenne’s body during her pilgrimage and hadn’t even realized it. She frowned more, “What about Shuyin’s body?”

The silence that ensued told Yuna her answer, but even still when Shinra voiced it she wasn’t prepared, “His body was never found.”

-----------------------.

It was quiet on the bridge by the time Tidus had left the roof of the Celsius and made his way down there. Although he had wanted to join Yuna, something – maybe the voice in his head – made him think that speaking to Buddy about the dressphere was more important.

It was only himself and Buddy in the room when Tidus walked through the door. Brother was in the engine room recalibrating something or another. Tidus hadn’t paid much attention when Brother had told him in his broken English. He had been too distracted by the voice in his head.

The tanned Al Bhed was standing to the far right of the Celsius in what Yuna had called ‘Shinra’s Spot’. The gadgets and gizmos that the Al Bhed child had left behind were obviously causing Buddy some problems as he cursed in his native language at a large, round object he held in his hands.

“That’s it. Ask him!”



“Hey there, Buddy.” Tidus said, trying to act as normal as possible.

“Hi Tidus.” Buddy replied, “They’re all at Home if you’re looking for Yuna.”

Tidus shook his head, “Actually, I was looking for you.” He said. Somehow that line felt like a lie to Tidus. He hadn’t really wanted to look for Buddy but had somehow felt compelled to do so.

Buddy seemed surprised at Tidus’ admission and placed the object on the chair next to him, “What about?”

“I wanted to ask you about…dresspheres.”

“Dresspheres?” Buddy repeated, confused, “What about them?”

“Ask him how they work.”



Tidus grimaced slightly. Who was this guy? Why did he want to know about the dresspheres? What the hell was wrong with him?!

“Tidus? What about the dresspheres?”

“Oh.” Tidus said as he snapped back to reality, “I was just wondering how they work.”

Buddy lifted the object from the chair, “Well, this is Yuna’s songstress sphere. I’ll use it to explain.”

“That’s it…”



Buddy didn’t seem to notice Tidus’ discomfort as he continued, “It holds the essence of the person the sphere is based on. It usually contains their abilities which the person using the sphere can gain when they use it. That’s how Yuna became such a fantastic singer when she used this.”

Tidus couldn’t understand what the man in his head wanted to know this information for. It was downright boring.

“Yuna’s use of this particular sphere is actually what gave us a glimpse into the lives of Lenne and Shuyin and how we ended up ultimately getting you back.”

“How did that happen?” Tidus asked, not at the voice’s urging but at his own. He was a bit interested in understanding how that ball helped him get his life back.

Buddy shrugged, “We’re not completely sure why, but Lenne’s memories took Yuna over. She sorta became Lenne for a while.”

“Ask him how it works…”


Tidus wished that he could shut the voice up or tell him where to go, but for some reason he felt compelled to listen to the instructions, “How does it work?”

“Well,” Buddy began, pointing to a tiny, glowing object inside of the sphere, “That little diamond is actually the sphere itself. That is what powers this object. Shinra is the one that took to putting the protective plastic shell over it. If someone just used that diamond piece, we’re not sure what the result could ultimately be. We do know, however, that it would be a heck of a lot more powerful then it is with the cover.”

“Interesting…” the voice whispered, “This will be very helpful. Say goodbye to him, Tidus, and go back to the roof.”

Doing just as the voice instructed, Tidus excused himself and went back to the roof still not understanding just why.

--------------------.

Although Shinra hadn’t been able to answer many questions, he had agreed to keep the skulls and do research on them. With more questions then when they had arrived, the group wandered out of the side house and into the heat of the midday sun on Bikanel Island.

“We should probably get the supplies or else Tidus will wonder what the hell we were up to.” Gippal said as he hooked his fingers into his belt buckle and gave Rikku a lopsided grin.

The blonde laughed, “You still have that thing?!” she asked incredulously as her eyes focused on the black leather belt that was wrapped around Gippal’s lean waist. She had given that belt to him for his 16th birthday, almost 6 months before he had gone to join the Crimson Squad. She was certain he would have gotten rid of it, but he hadn’t and she wasn’t quite sure what to think.

“I like the belt. Besides, it keeps my pants from falling down.” Gippal said with a smirk. Winking at Rikku, he turned to Yuna, “I’m going to round up some help to get the supplies and men we’ll need.”

“I’ll come with you.” Yuna said, “I need to keep busy.”

“Sounds good. Paine, you wanna come?” Gippal asked. The stoic female nodded curtly and fell in line beside Gippal. The handsome Al Bhed saw Baralai standing a bit too close to Rikku for his liking but stifled his frown of distain. Baralai didn’t stand a chance with Rikku. She would never want to be with someone so…boring. He gave them a tense smile, “I guess we’ll see you guys back at the ship.”

“I guess so.” Baralai replied.

Part of Rikku wanted to run after Gippal as he and her two friends vanished into the sun-drenched sand of Bikanel, but she forced herself to stay in place until he was no longer visible. She felt the power of Baralai’s gaze on her but she momentarily ignored it as she started the mile long trek back to the Celsius. Brother had been unable to land any closer due to the huge sand dunes that the Al Bhed had constructed to act as a barrier to invaders.

The sand crunched under her sandled feet and for several feet neither blonde said a word to the other until Baralai’s deep voice broke the silence, “Are you okay?” he asked her.

Rikku nodded, “Sure, why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’ve just been unusually quiet. I thought you were angry at me.”

She stopped and turned to look at him. He had slowed and was a few feet behind her. With her eyes squinting toward him, she asked, “Why would I be mad at you?”

“I don’t know.”

“Trust me,” she said, “I’m not mad at you. I’m more mad at myself then anything.”

“Why are you mad at yourself?”

Rikku wished she could have taken the words back. She didn’t want to get into how Gippal’s kiss had made her feel. She didn’t want to explain to Baralai what she felt for the handsome Al Bhed, but then she thought differently. Baralai was her friend. He was Gippal’s friend. He’d understand. Sighing, Rikku said, “I just hate that I can’t get over this stupid Gippal thing.”

“Gippal thing?” Baralai asked tentatively, afraid of the answer.

“I loved him so much when we were younger. It broke my heart when he left and didn’t even try to contact me.” She said, “We weren’t even really together, but it felt like we were in my heart. Every time he looked at me, my heartbeat got faster. You know what that’s like?”

Baralai nodded. He knew exactly what that was like.

“I’m mad at myself because I still love him.” She said and Baralai was certain that she had plunged her weapons into his skin. He knew that she had feelings for Gippal, but he hadn’t realized just how deeply they ran. For the first time, Baralai realized the hopeless situation he was in. Once again – as it had been with Paine and Nooj – Baralai was the odd man out. The girl he wanted didn’t even notice him and instead spent her entire time with him lamenting about her affections for the other man.

His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as Baralai struggled to remain composed. He didn’t want Rikku to see how upset and angry he was. If he hoped to stand even the tiniest of chances, he had to remain calm. With a forced smile, Baralai said, “I’m surprised to hear you say that. You two fight all the time.”

“We’ve always been like that.” Rikku said with a grin, “That’s the source of our passion, I guess. We’re both incredibly stubborn and incredibly strong-willed. We’re willing to do anything to get what we want. That’s why we butt heads all the time.”

“Well that’s not a very good thing to base a relationship on. It wouldn’t be very stable.” Baralai stated.

Rikku smiled at him and playfully punched his shoulder, “Well duh!” she said with a laugh. She tugged softly on Baralai’s soft, blonde hair and said, “You’re such a good friend, Baralai. Thanks.”

Friend…

Once again, Baralai was the friend.

As he watched the female ahead of him saunter up the bridge into the airship, he dug his fingers into the palm of his hands until they drew tiny droplets of blood.

----------------------.

Tidus watched as Rikku and Baralai climbed back onto the Celsius and he made a move to go down and greet them, but found himself unable to control his limbs. He was frozen in place on the roof of the Celsius.

“Thanks for finding out about the dressphere, Tidus.” The voice whispered again.

“Who are you?!” Tidus shrieked. His voice being the only aspect of his body that he could control. His mind willed his arms and legs to move but it didn’t work. Something was wrong and Tidus was terrified.

“Uh…uh…uh.” the voice hissed, “I’m in charge now and I don’t want you to go anywhere.”


“Who are you? What do you want with me?”

The voice replied, “You know who I am, Tidus. You’ve glimpsed enough of my life to realize who I am.”


Tidus could barely think straight. His mind was moving a mile a minute as he tried to figure out who this voice belonged to and – more importantly – where it was coming from. He knew who this person was? How was that even possible? He had seen his person’s life? The light dawned brightly on Tidus as he uttered, “Shuyin…?”

“Good.” Shuyin replied, “I was beginning to think the fayth had made you into a moron.”

“Where are you? What do you want with me?”

Shuyin laughed haughtily, “Maybe they did make you a moron after all. Honestly, Tidus. You’re asking me where I am? My voice is ringing in your ears and you still think that I’m standing somewhere nearby.”



“So you’re inside of my body?” Tidus suddenly realized, “You’re possessing me like you did Baralai!”

“If I was possessing you, then you would have realized it by now.” Shuyin replied, “No, Tidus, I’m not possessing you.”

Tidus didn’t know what was going. If Shuyin wasn’t possessing him, then just what the hell was going on. Why was he so helpless here in his own body? Tidus tried again with all his strength to move but couldn’t, “What do you want with me?” he begged, trying not to let the fear show in his voice.

“My life was stolen from me, Tidus. I’m here to steal it back.”

“But…but…you’re supposed to be in the Farplane with your girlfriend. Yuna saw you!!”

Shuyin scoffed, “Never buy into ‘supposed to’, Tidus. I was also ‘supposed to’ live happily ever after with Lenne 1000 years ago but that didn’t happen.”



“But Yuna saw you and Lenne go off together!”

“I thought I was with Lenne too.” Shuyin replied, “I wouldn’t have left if I had known that she was still on Spira and the one I was with was just a mirage.” Shuyin laughed louder and the sound rung in Tidus’ ears, “But Yuna’s wish to have you back gave me the perfect opportunity to come back and have another chance with her.”


“What?!” Tidus’ ears perked at the mere thought that Yuna might be in some sort of danger. Summoning his strength, Tidus managed to take a step toward the door that led back to the ship. He’d die again before he let Shuyin hurt Yuna.

“My, my, my. Impressive.” Shuyin remarked, “You’re stronger then I thought, but I’m always going to be stronger then you Tidus. That’s what happens when a dream fights against the real form.” With a laugh ringing out loud and clear, Shuyin hissed, “It’s all over Tidus. It’s only a matter of time until you don’t even exist anymore, but until then I’ll be taking full control. Sleep tight, dream of the fayth.”


Even with his eyes open, darkness began to cover over Tidus and, try as he might, he couldn’t find the light. He thought he vaguely heard Shuyin’s evil laugh as darkness closed around him.

[SoRaBhK_dUdE]

WOOOO chapter!! Soooo long though. But I like it. Waiting next chapter.

[Noezel7]

once again you have impressed me. hope you keep up the quality. i'll be sitting here, munching on cotton candy, waiting for your next chapter.
*thinks about what she had just said*
ok maybe i won't be sitting since i'm hyped up on sugar.
*runs madly around the room until running face first into a wall*
o_o

[anime_keitostyle]

wow, this is getting pretty intense. shuyin taking over tidus's body/mind thing going on...he has so much anger. I LOVE IT!!!!! the whole chappy, not just the shuyin thing. AND, i like the long chappys. it makes me feel like i'm getting my full money's worth. well, maybe not money, but you get the idea.

[Noezel7]

Need....a......new......chappy!
*starts to think of evil things to do while she waits*
MMMMMUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHAAAA
-_-

[FlyingTomato1]

Yay!On of the Greatist fanfic evers!Post soon!=D

[Noezel7]

i just got done rewatching all the cutscenes from ff x-2 and wow i can't believe how much sense your stories make of those cutscenes! are you really tetsuya nomura trying to clear up some storyline issues with that game!
HA I FOUND YOU OUT SO TO KEEP ME FROM TELLING OTHER PEOPLE GIVE ME KINGOM HEARTS 2 NOW!
*starts to run around madly at the sad theory she just came up with*
i really have to stop eating sugar. ^_^

[redharry123]

YES! I AM NOMURA! MUAHAHAHAHAH! (psh, i wish. cause then i could play kh2....*sniffles* so close and yet so far)

Anyway, as all of you probably realize, Shuyin has completely taken over Tidus now. Shuyin is going to pretend to be Tidus for most of the story and, although the others notice his strange behavior, they don’t think it’s any stranger then the way he had been acting. This chapter will follow Shuyin and his plans as well as Baralai.



Chapter Seven: One More Last Chance



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In the week that followed, no one had noticed that Shuyin was not in complete control of Tidus’ body. In fact, they were all so busy focusing on getting supplies and men that it was far too easy for Shuyin to formulate his plans without interruption. That particular morning, Shuyin lay on his side as the sun came in from the large bay windows behind the bed on which he slept. Sunshine on his skin was a simple pleasure he would never take for granted again. He felt a hand running softly over his back and for a moment he thought it was Lenne until he rolled over and saw Yuna’s eyes gazing lovingly at him.

Correction, she was staring at Tidus.

Shuyin was greatly relieved she had assumed he was asleep when she had joined him in the bed the night before – as had been custom for the entire week. The sleeping arrangements were something that he hadn’t considered when he decided to completely take over Tidus’ body in order to complete his plans. He hadn’t even considered how long he might have to pretend to be the man she was in love with before his plans were finalized. However, he would have to think about these things now. He couldn’t give Tidus control again because now the dream of the fayth knew too much. He couldn’t risk letting Tidus spill the beans to Yuna.

“Good morning,” Yuna whispered as she snuggled closer to Shuyin’s bare chest. He felt himself tense and forced himself to calm. It had been 1000 years since a woman had pressed her body against his like this and he wasn’t used to it. However, as Yuna snaked her arms around him, Shuyin let himself smile a little. She felt just like Lenne in his arms and if he didn’t know better, he could have closed his eyes and let himself believe that his beautiful Lenne was in his arms again.

He ran a hand lazily through her hair and whispered, “Good morning.”

Technically Lenne was in his arms again. Shuyin was shocked when he reached the Farplane to discover that the female he believed was Lenne was actually an apparition that had come from the songstress dressphere. His Lennie was still in Spira. His Lennie was Yuna, the same little bitch that had destroyed his attempt to annihilate Spira. However, Shuyin was now grateful for that. He had no idea at that time that Yuna was Lenne and by annihilating Spira, he would have murdered Lenne. He was grateful to Yuna for stopping him.

The songstress dressphere that was the main focus of his new plan held Lenne’s memories and feelings so when Yuna used it; she was given a glimpse into her life with Shuyin 1000 years before. However, she didn’t realize what she was seeing. This was a good thing for Shuyin. This meant that Yuna wouldn’t be onto his plan until it had already been carried out.

Yuna slowly extracted herself from Shuyin’s arms and stood up, strolling slowly toward the chair where she had deposited her clothes the night before. Shuyin grinned to himself as he noted her black panties and bra which was all she had worn to bed. He could definitely get used to this view. As she slipped her hot pants on, she turned to him, “I’ve got to go with Gippal, Baralai, Paine and Rikku this morning to finish rounding up the supplies and men we’ll need. Did you want to come with us?”

Shuyin shook his head, “I’ve got my own errand to run.” He replied with a wink. He had decided the night before that it would be best for him to make Yuna think he was working on a surprise for her. Well, technically it was a surprise, just not one that she would particularly like.

“What kind of errand?” Yuna asked with a smile as she hooked her side skirt over the shorts.

“It’s a secret.” Shuyin replied in a hushed tone. When Yuna’s eyes shone with excitement, she really reminded him of Lenne and as the former summoner crawled closer to him on the bed, Shuyin gently kissed her lips. Everything about her – even her kiss – was so different from Lenne and yet so similar at the same time. Shuyin didn’t know what to think or say as he distanced himself from her. She seemed disappointed that it ended with a perfunctory kiss, but that was all Shuyin could bring himself to do. She didn’t love him and he didn’t love her. He was pretending to be her boyfriend for the time being and she was reminding him of his girlfriend. The sudden desire he had to flip her beneath him was based solely on that.

Yuna smiled at him as she slid across the bed and let her feet slam against the floor in her knee-high boots, “I’ve got to get going.” She said, “You sure you don’t want to come along?”

“I’m sure.” Shuyin replied.

“Okay,” Yuna said with a shrug, “I’ll see you later.”

“See you later.”

With the beautiful brunette casting one more look over her shoulder at him, Shuyin counted to twenty before climbing out of the bed and pulling Tidus’ clothes on. Tiptoeing silently down the stairs, he managed to sneak past Barkeep without the blue alien noticing. His next move was to make sure that YRP and their two blonde companions had actually left already.

The bridge was silent when Shuyin arrived and he saw out the front window that all five of his companions as well as Brother and Buddy were making their way toward Home’s main building.

Excellent…

Making his way to ‘Shinra’s Spot’, Shuyin was thrilled to see that Buddy hadn’t moved Yuna’s songstress dressphere from its spot on the chair. Lifting the plastic ball, Shuyin gently broke the two halves apart and gazed down at the diamond. It was the perfect size for Shuyin’s plans. Removing the diamond from its perch, Shuyin slipped it into his pocket and closed the sphere again, replacing it on the chair.

Next stop…Home’s marketplace.

------------------.

“I’ve finished researching those skulls for you.” Shinra said. Baralai was really surprised that the Al Bhed child had finished so quickly, but he noted that no one else seemed shocked and he realized that quick work must have been this child’s trademark.

“What have you discovered?” Yuna asked.

Shinra placed a finger over the sieve like opening to his mask and made a “shh” noise, “Let’s discuss it in the conference room.” He said.

Suddenly Baralai got a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Just the way Shinra said “Let’s discuss it in the conference room.” made him think that the little child had discovered something that they weren’t going to be too thrilled about. Following behind Rikku and the others, Baralai noted the way Rikku held close to Gippal’s side as they walked into the conference room and he frowned. There had to be something he could do to make her forget about Gippal.

The conference room looked pretty much the same as it had a week before except for the fact that there were several spheres sitting on the table ready to be played against the screen. Shinra had also lined the skulls up facing the direction that Baralai and his friends would be sitting.

The child had definitely found something.

“Have a seat,” Shinra said, “and we’ll begin.”

Rikku sat with Yuna on her right but when Baralai made to sit in the chair on her left, Gippal snuck in and plopped himself down next to the perky blonde with a confident smirk directed at Baralai. Rikku didn’t seem to notice and went about asking Gippal why he wasn’t wearing his belt. With a frown, Baralai sat down next to Paine, farthest away from Gippal, and decided to sit and stew. There had to be a way to get Rikku to forget about Gippal. There just had to be.

Shinra walked to the other side of the table directly opposite the group and lifted the first skull. His finger went over the bullet hole and he said, “I will start by introducing you all to President Reiber Ackmard of Bevelle.”

“The president of Bevelle??” Yuna repeated, confused.

“Yes,” Shinra replied, “Official records state that he and his daughter left Bevelle during the war with Zanarkand, but…” his fingers played at the bullet hole again, “I suppose he didn’t make it too far.”

Rikku shuddered, “He was murdered...” she scooted a little closer to Gippal and asked, “Well who killed him?”

“Well, no one even knew he was murdered until just now.” Shinra replied, “However my money is on a man named Benedict Cyton. He was Ackmard’s general and he became president after Ackmard and his daughter vanished.”

Yuna’s eyes focused on the female skull that was next in the line that Shinra had set up. Pointing to it, she asked, “Is that his daughter?”

Nodding, Shinra lifted the skull in his hands, “Yes. Let me now introduce to you, President Ackmard’s daughter, Allyn.”

A silence went through the room and Baralai was sure that the world had stopped. The look on Yuna’s face was one of a stunned person. Rikku was the only one that moved and it was to put a hand on Yuna’s shoulder. With a tremble in her voice, Yuna whispered, “Did you say…Allyn?”

“Yes.” Shinra said simply, “Do you know that name?”

“You could say that.” Yuna answered and at Shinra’s inquisitive look, she explained about Tidus calling LeBlanc by that name. Her shaking hands couldn’t be stilled even as Rikku and Paine each grabbed one to hold them down. With tears forming in her duel colored eyes, she asked, “What does it mean?”

Shinra sighed as he pointed to the final skull, “I think it connects to this skull somehow, although I’m still not who this skull belongs to.”

“But I thought you said you were finished researching.” Said Gippal.

“I’ve done as much as I can with this skull.” Shinra replied, “He’s not in any of Bevelle’s files and the Zanarkand files are incomplete at best. I do, however, have a good idea of who he is.”

Yuna’s voice squeaked as she spoke, “Who is he?”

Climbing down from the chair on which he was perched, Shinra pulled the screen behind him down to the floor and then climbed back onto the chair to reach for the middle sphere, “I found this while I was searching old newspaper records. Bevelle had a very interesting article and picture that I think tells us who this man was.” He stopped short of starting the sphere to look at Yuna, “Are you sure you want to see this. It might upset you.”

Yuna nodded, “I want to see it.”

Shinra pressed the button and an old newspaper article flashed on the screen. Quickly shifting the sphere, only the headline was visible as he read it aloud, “Allyn Ackmard and boyfriend celebrate Zanarkand Abes blitzball victory over the Zanarkand Duggles.”

Baralai felt a tightening in his stomach. Somehow he knew what would happen when Shinra raised the screen so that the picture would be visible, but when it actually happened he wasn’t ready.

Allyn Ackmard was a beautiful girl who looked to be about 16 in the picture. Although her blonde hair was longer, there was a definite resemblance to LeBlanc. Her eyes dance in the picture as she smiled with her head leaning affectionately upon her boyfriend, Zanarkand Abes star…Shuyin.

Shinra sighed and read the photo’s byline, “Allyn Ackmard and boyfriend Shuyin Bacohl celebrate at Irvine’s Tavern after he led his team to victory over the Duggles.”

“NO!” Yuna shouted suddenly, ripping her hands away from Paine and Rikku to pound them repeatedly against the wooden table, “NO! NO! NO!”

“Yunie! Stop!” shrieked Rikku as she grabbed her cousin and forced her to sit down. Yuna’s breath came out in ragged sobs as Rikku gingerly rubbed her back. Baralai could understand Yuna’s upset and anger. Everyone knew that Tidus was acting strangely, but to suddenly realize that their greatest fear as to the reason was true….

Baralai let his mind wander to the strange behavior Tidus had been emitting since his return to life. One minute he seemed fine and the next he seemed completely crazy. However, Baralai believed Rikku when she said she didn’t think he was possessed. His behavior would have been much different if that had been the case and as Baralai’s eyes caressed the skull now identified as Shuyin’s, Baralai formed the question that had been bothering him since they had followed Tidus, “Why would Tidus go to the Cave of Woe looking for a skull? It doesn’t make sense.”

“The same reason,” Gippal said with a smirk, “that you suddenly think you’re a lady’s man.”

Baralai was suddenly on his feet and storming over to Gippal who also rose to his feet, “Do you have something to say to me?”

“Yeah, actually I do.”

“Then say it!”

Gippal leaned closer to Baralai until his breath was hot on his face, “I find the way you pant around her disgusting. You’re pathetic.”

“I’m pathetic!” Baralai said, incredulously, “What about you and you’re little ‘look at my belt’ action. That was truly pathetic.”

“Well at least I don’t pant after something that I don’t stand a chance with.”

Baralai narrowed his eyes at Gippal and the blonde Al Bhed did the same with his good eye. Neither said a word to the other as both let their barbs sink in. Finally, Baralai hissed, “I don’t pant, my friend. Panting is for dogs and that is exactly what you are…a dog.”

The fist came out of nowhere and Baralai couldn’t duck in time before Gippal’s fist came crashing into his cheek, spinning him around with the force of the blow. Although the embarrassment of being knocked off his feet in front of Rikku wasn’t something Baralai particularly wanted, the sudden realization that she was by his side on the floor to see if he was okay made it perfect.

“Gippal!” shrieked Rikku as she tentatively ran a finger over Baralai’s cheek, “You’re such an idiot!”

“He had it coming, Rikku!” hissed Gippal back at her.

Rikku shot Gippal an angry glare, “You’re just lucky that I’m too nice to give you a well deserved ass kicking.”

Gippal threw his hands in the air in an exasperated move, “I’m so sick of this, Rikku. Are you interested in him or not?”

“What’s it to you if I am?!” she shrieked back.

Gippal glared first at Rikku and then at Baralai before he leaned closer to the blonde man and hissed, “Stay away from her or you’ll regret it.”

------------------.

“How’s this setting, sir?” the jeweler asked Shuyin as he lifted the diamond which was now mounted upon a solid gold ring.

Shuyin grinned and accepted the ring the jeweler handed him, “This is perfect.” He stated as he looked at the glittering jewel. Buddy had said that without the plastic covering the power of the jewel was unknown and Shuyin hoped that it would do exactly what he needed it to do.

“Well Sir Tidus, I’m confident that Yuna will say yes.” The jeweler said, “Good luck.”

Shuyin shot the jeweler a tense smile and quickly turned to walk away. He kept forgetting that he appeared as Tidus to everyone. He also frowned at the thought that the portly man thought he was going to propose to Yuna. The only person Shuyin wanted to propose to was Lenne, and this ring was his only way.

It was a mile walk back to the ship and it was one that Shuyin was very deliberate in executing. He didn’t want anyone to know that he was back at the ship. He needed to get into the ship without others noticing for fear they’d find the ring upon his person. No one could know about the ring until he was ready.

Luck was with him that day and when he reentered the ship everyone was gone. Buddy had left a note saying that he and Brother had gone to Home and wouldn’t be back until late. Shuyin also knew that Yuna and her crew wouldn’t be back until that evening which gave Shuyin plenty of time to plan his next move.

Casually strolling into the crew quarters, Shuyin was pleasantly surprised to find that Barkeep had also left the premises which meant that he was completely alone. He climbed the stairs two at a time and then sat down on the nearest bed to gaze at the ring again. It would fit Lenne’s …. correction, Yuna’s finger perfectly. Everything was going according to plan.

-------------------.

Baralai couldn’t believe that he was on an Al Bhed airship flying to the Cave of Woe when he should have been spending time with Rikku, milking the punch for all it was worth. He just couldn’t fight the feeling that Tidus hadn’t been looking for skulls and needed to find out what he really had been looking for. He had lied to the three females, saying he was going to look for Gippal. They had believed it and gone off to finish hunting for supplies.

The ride was bumpy, but short, and before Baralai knew it he was back at Mushroom Rock Road looking down the precipice that contained the cave. He sighed. He needed to do this, not only for Rikku but for Spira as well. Finding out what Tidus was up to was the most important thing right now.

The door to the cave was still ajar from their last visit which was a mere two weeks before, although it seemed so much longer. Baralai shoved the door open a few more feet with his shoulder and stepped into the cave. The stagnant air filled his throat first and he almost turned to leave, but forced himself to stay. This was important. He couldn’t back out. Traveling slowly to the back of the cave where Tidus had crawled about looking for “it”, Baralai dropped to his knees as well and felt around in the dark secretly praying not to discover any more skulls. Memories of the massacre of the Crimson Squad flashed through his mind and he forced himself to breath steadily. Being in the Cave of Woe wasn’t exactly his idea of a nice way to spend the afternoon. He knew he had to hurry since the Al Bhed pilot was impatiently waiting in the airship, but he also knew that if he rushed he could miss what he was looking for…

He gasped. His hand brushed something cold in the dark. Steadying himself, Baralai brushed his hand casually in the opposite direction and brushed the cold object again. He gripped it in his hand. There was a large object and it had a chain connected to it. Unsteadily standing, Baralai ran into the light that shone from a hole in the roof of the cave and held the object beneath it.

It was a locket in the shape of the Zanarkand Abes’ symbol. Tentatively opening the locket, he frowned and realized that his worst fears – everyone’s worst fears – were true. Inside was a picture, yellowed with age. It showed a beautiful girl sitting with a smile on her face while her boyfriend had his arm over her shoulder protectively.

The boyfriend was Shuyin.

Filled with a new kind of urgency, Baralai slipped the locket into his pocket and rushed from the cave and back toward the airship. He needed to get back. He had been right. Tidus…no, Shuyin hadn’t been looking for skulls. He had been looking for the locket. The only question that remained now was, if Shuyin was the one in the cave then…where was Tidus?

The landing back at Home was bumpy and Baralai didn’t even thank the pilot as he rushed from the ship and fairly flew back to the Celsius. Due to the setting sun, Baralai could see Tidus’ outline in the crew quarters as the blonde paced back and forth seemingly talking to himself. He then noted that the trio of females were coming over one of the sand dunes carrying three separate bags. Gauging their progress and the lack of Gippal nearby, he assumed that they still thought he was with Gippal and were taking their time. Baralai’s eyes went back up to the Celsius’ window and he gripped the locket in his hand. Making sure that the girls didn’t see him as he climbed onboard the airship, Baralai entered and made his way back toward the crew quarters.

This was Shuyin’s last chance to destroy Spira and it was Baralai’s last chance to make Rikku notice him. Gripping the necklace harder, Baralai smiled to himself as he came upon the door.

He knew just whose chance ended here.




~~~~~~
the evil homework has taken over most of my time! ACK! >.< so um, i'll post another chapt since i feel guilty for not postin in awhile:D

[redharry123]

oopsy! didnt mean to double post the same chappy! my bad =)

[Noezel7]

wow you never stop amazing me with the way you use words. its beautiful and i'm glad you posted a new chappy. i was starting to get worried since some people just let an unfinished fan fic die. i hate that and i'm glad your not one of those kind of people!

Edit: Yeah I'm number one again and I think I'm the number one fan of this fan fic!!!!