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SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Four: Masquerade

“I can’t believe it’s been a week and we still haven’t thought of anything!” Yuna exclaimed, not bothering to hide her exasperation.

Rikku sighed, “I know, I know... but it was only a week, what could we have possibly done! Maybe you will find your match tonight. I mean it’s not impossible, right?”

Yuna stared at her cousin and then rolled her eyes, “No, nothing is impossible, but it is highly unlikely.”

They were sitting in Yuna’s room, putting off getting ready for the party. It started in four hours, and a lot of work needed to be done. She didn’t even want to think about it though, that meant she would have to think about what came after the party. She shivered at the thought. A room full of people her father admired would mean a room full of possible suitors, which would mean life-long imprisonment for Yuna. At least in her mind it felt that way.

Rikku threw her arms up in the air, “I give up then!”

“Don’t say that Rikku,” Yuna said, “You’re the only one on my side!”

“I’m sorry Yunie, I just wish there was something more we could do.”

“I guess we have to wait a see what tonight brings,” Yuna said with a wince. She had a feeling things weren’t going to go very well.

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“Whoa,” Tidus said in amazement looking up at the bleached white towers and buildings of Bevelle. It was one of the most refined cities he had ever seen. The sun was shining down on them, making the city glow, reflecting off of the buildings.
“Pretty fancy place ya?” said Wakka.

“Enough about the architecture,” Chappu added with more than a little disdain, "Where’s the hoards of women! I was promised hoards!”

“Soon enough,” Tidus replied, “Soon enough Chappu.”

Chappu just nodded and muttered something under his breath about Gippal being a liar.

They made their way through Bevelle, trying to find the small café where they had set to meet Gippal, and his friends Baralai, and Buddy. The people of the city were friendly enough, and gave them clear directions to where it was they were headed. Tidus silently wondered how friendly they would be if they really knew who he was. He didn’t even know why Bevelle and Zanarkand were at war. It had just been something that had always seemed a fact, and he never questioned it. But standing here in this beautiful city, he wondered, and then wondered at his never wondering before. But that was a whole long string of wondering that he really didn’t want to get into. It was vacation time, not time to be pondering philosophical issues and getting his mind all rattled. Fun was to be had, and he would be doing the taking.

Finally they had found the spot. It was a very small hypello owned establishment. There weren’t many people in there, it was late afternoon, and everyone was likely getting ready for the big party. The few patrons that were present were eating a small meal together, save for one man. In one of the corner booths there was a man with long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, he was sitting by himself and nursing a drink of something that looked like it could down a Marlboro. Poor guy, thought Tidus, he looked like he was having a rough day, no, more like a rough life. His thoughts were disrupted however by loud voices entering the café. In through the door strode three men. The first had long blonde hair which seemed to stand up on end and a patch over one eye. The second’s hair was platinum blonde and hung slightly in spots over a blue bandana, he had a friendly expression on his face and a presence that suggested a gentleness of spirit. The third was dark-skinned, with blonde hair and wore a set of goggles, which seemed odd to Tidus since he was neither underwater or anywhere where he needed to protect his eyes.

“Hey!” shouted the man with the eye-patch. “Wakka, Chappu, I’m glad you got my message. Just wouldn’t have been a party without the infamous ‘Besaid Brothers’.”

“Hey you know me Gippal, I wouldn’t miss a party,” said Chappu, and then he added, “But what about the...”

“...hoards of women?” finished Gippal. “Oh no worries my friend, they’re coming!”

This brightened Chappu’s expression and he gave a wink to Tidus. “I hope you don’t mind that we brought along an old friend, he stopped by the day we got your message.”

“Hey not a problem,” Gippal extended a hand towards Tidus, “The names Gippal, this is Baralai”, he said pointing to the fair-haired one, “and Buddy” to the other.

“His name is Ti--” Chappu started but received a elbow in the back by Wakka warning him that Tidus was undercover, and his name could get them all into trouble. “--land. Tiland.” He finished, and then winced at the horrible name he had just given his friend.

Tidus just gave him an evil look and then took Gippal’s outstretched hand, “Just call me Ti.”

Gippal smiled and nodded not catching what had just transpired between the three friends. “Why don’t we head back to my place, my girlfriend said she’d drop by with our official invitations.”

“Girlfriend,” Wakka asked with a smirk, “And who would that be?” knowing well enough who it was.

Gippal slightly reddened in colour and then walked out of the door, motioning for them all to come.

They stepped out onto the street and followed the curves of the road that lead to where Gippal was taking them. As they were walking Tidus fell back a little and in-step with Chappu. He gave him a slightly evil eye and said in sarcastic tone, “Tiland?”

Chappu gave him his most innocent look, “Hey I was on the spot. You know my brain stops working when I get nervous.”

Tidus swung an arm around his shoulder and said, “Oh Chappu that would require that your brain ever worked.” He then ducked as a fist came his way.

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“Yunie,” whined a voice from outside the bathroom door. “Are you ready YET? You know I have to go meet Gippal and his friends with the invitations. I want to see your outfit first so we don’t wear the same thing!”
“Umm,” replied Yuna in a slightly embarrassed voice, “I don’t know, I feel so self-conscious in this.”

“Yunie,” whined the voice again, “It’s only me!”

Yuna sighed, resting her hand on the doorknob, “Alright,” she said, “But you’re not allowed to laugh!” She turned the handle and opened the door, walking out into her room. She had her eyes clenched shut not wanting to see Rikku’s expression.

There was silence for a moment when finally Rikku spoke, “Wow Yunie,” she said, “You look gorgeous! What are you worried about.”

Yuna opened her eyes and walked over to the mirror. She stared at her reflection and said, “I don’t know, I just feel a little... too extravagant maybe? I don’t want to be the center of attention.” She turned away from the mirror, and said to herself, “Especially not tonight.”

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Gippal’s house was of a moderate size, there was nothing especially grandiose about it, but it wasn’t a hole in the wall either.
“Ahh,” he exclaimed, “Here we are. You guys can start getting ready for the party. I think it’s only two hours until people are allowed to enter.”

“Sounds good,” replied Wakka. “I brought three masks for Chappu, Ti, and I.”

“Good stuff. We have enough too.”

“GIPPAL!” yelled an energetic, feminine voice on its way to find them.

“IN HERE,” he yelled back equally as loud. “Good, Rikku’s here.” He told the rest of the guys.

“Wouldn’t have guessed,” Muttered either Baralai or Buddy, Tidus couldn’t tell which had said it.

The door to the room they were standing in opened, and through it came a girl with long blonde hair, and the accustomed swirl-green eyes of the al-bhed. “Hey baby,” she said sweetly to Gippal. She stared at the new friends who were in the room, her eyes resting on Tidus for a moment, trying to see if she knew him. Tidus noticed and gave an outstretched hand, “Hey, I’m Ti, a friend of Wakka and Chappu’s.” he said to her.

She smiled and took it, “Nice to meet you, I’m Rikku!”

He returned her smile, shaking her hand. She seemed like a nice girl.

“So Rikku,” Wakka’s voice broke through the air, “You remember our invitations?”

Rikku nodded and dug into a pouch that was tied to her side. She produced five invitations, and handed them out respectively to Gippal, Baralai, Buddy, Chappu, and Tidus. After they were handed out she turned to Wakka and shrugged with an evil expression on her face, “I guess that’s it, it’s too bad that you won’t be able to make it.” She then made a mock-sad face.

Wakka became indignant, “Gimme the invitation, ya!”

Rikku put her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out at him before saying, “Uh-uh, no meanies allowed!”

It amused Tidus how much this Rikku girl was irritating Wakka. He didn’t think he had ever seen his friend so aggravated with someone; he was usually a pretty laid-back kind of guy.

Gippal too seemed amused by their antics but finally said, “Awe common Rikku, give the poor man his invitation so we can get ready to go!”

Rikku turned and smiled serenely in Gippal’s direction, “I don’t have one for him sweetie, he and Chappu are on one invitation!” She then winked evilly again at Wakka, who threw his hands up in the air at the frustration. “So,” she asked them all, “Did you guys remember to bring your costumes?”

Gippal, Baralai, and Buddy nodded while, Chappu, Wakka, and Tidus looked blankly at Rikku. “Costumes?” they asked in unison.

Rikku smiled cheerfully, “Don’t have any? That’s alright! I always come prepared!” She then ran back outside, returning a few minutes later dragging a bag full of costumes. “Take your pick!”

Chappu quickly went for the pirate costume and left to get changed, Wakka scanned the costumes for a long time, not knowing what to get, and Tidus grabbed a costume that resembled a silver knight. With it he grabbed a silver mask, to match it better than the one he had brought.

Gippal, Baralai, and Buddy were dressed as princes and Rikku had changed into a fairy princess outfit, complete with wings, wand, and a crown.

Now they all waited on Wakka, who after much prodding, and whining, decided to go as a Blitzball player. Which he did play a little of, but had never went pro.

“Everyone ready,” Rikku asked. They all nodded and she smiled wrapping her arm around Gippal’s.

He grinned and pointed forward with his plastic sword, “Let’s go!”

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“Yuna,” Lulu called, searching through the chambers that served as Yuna’s rooms. She hadn’t seen her for the past hour, and she was starting to get worried since, well the party had already started to attract guests. Braska had been asking for Yuna but, despite Lulu’s best efforts, she couldn’t find the girl. She imagined it was because she didn’t want to be found at the moment. Never-the-less Lulu had to continue, otherwise Braska would get upset, and she actually liked her job. “Yuna,” she called again, “Where are you! There are some very important people your father wants you to meet. Lord Seymour has traveled all the way from Guadosalam just to be here tonight! Lord Braska is counting on you to help him host the party, the whole of Bevelle needs you to be there tonight!”
This at last produced some results. The doors leading to the balcony opened and Yuna walked through them. She looked at Lulu and sighed, trying her best to look not as miserable as she felt.

“Fine,” she said with a slightly bitter tone, “Let’s not keep the people waiting any longer.”

They exited Yuna’s rooms and made their way down the hallways to the main ballroom. Along the way Yuna felt something growing in the pit of her stomach. Tonight would be a night that would change her life and she knew it. She had not forgotten her fathers order, but what was she supposed to do, it didn’t leave her with many options. You don’t find your life-long love in a week of searching. It just doesn’t happen like that. It’s not as if she was the resident expert on the subject, but she knew it in her heart. Love wasn’t planned, it just... happened.

They were getting closer now, and she started hesitating in her steps just as they approached the door. A few feet away she flew out her hand and grabbed Lulu’s arm. “I don’t want to do this Lulu.” She said firmly.

“I know dear, I know,” Lulu replied, “but it’s not as if there is anything you can do to change the situation. You are who you are Yuna, and with your station come responsibilities to your father, and to the people who you are an authority over. They want to see you happy, but they also want to see you safe.”

Yuna stared into her eyes, “And does that safety come before my happiness?”

“...if it must.”

Yuna turned back to the door; she closed her eyes, taking in a breath, possibly her last as her own free moral agent. After a moment she opened them again, and started taking her first steps forward, her first steps toward the future that she never chose for herself.

When she entered the room, it was filling steadily with people. Costumes and masks filled the room, she didn’t see any faces that she knew, with the exception of her father who was waving her over to him. She gathered up the sides of her dress and walked over to the other side of the room where he was standing. This wasn’t the easiest of tasks, due to the fact she was almost crushed a few times by the over-exuberant guests.

She finally made her way there and made a short bow to her father. She couldn’t bring herself to smile. That would take effort, and would take desire. She had neither. If she was going to be traded, and bought, she wasn’t going to do it with a false sense of happiness surrounding her.

Braska smiled at her and bowed back, and then took her hand, “You look lovely Yuna.” He said to her, obviously not aware of her emotional state. Well either not aware, or not interested. “I have some people I want you to meet.”

I bet you do, Yuna thought to herself but just nodded and followed him, he was still holding onto her hand. As if she would run away if he didn’t, and needless to say, she probably would have been very tempted to.

They walked into a group of several important looking men. Some of them she knew as her father’s advisor’s and aids, like Kinoc, and Mika. Her Uncle Cid, was with them as well, and looked about as comfortable as she felt. She could always commiserate some with Cid but, ultimately she knew he agreed with her father on the marriage issue.

With them was someone she did not recognize by sight, but knew immediately by reputation. Lord Seymour. He was tall, as most Guado are but, he did not look entirely like one. She knew this was because he was only half Guado. His mother had been a human woman, and the genes softened his looks from that of the harsher Guado. He looked to be about seven years older than Yuna, and he wasn’t completely unattractive, but knowing what her father’s probable plans were for the young Lord of the Guado and herself, made her feel sick.

He smiled at her and said, “Lady Yuna, your father’s descriptions of your beauty hardly compare with the reality that I see before me.”

Inwardly she cringed but, put on a placating smile, just so as not to offend him. “Thank you Lord Seymour.” She said as she gave a small formal bow.

He just looked at her, with a very odd expression on his face and said, “I hope you wouldn’t find it a burden to save a dance for me...”

Before she got a chance to respond her father piped in and said, “Oh I’m sure she’d love to Seymour .”

She tried her best to avoid glaring at Braska, she could answer for herself thank you very much! This was fast becoming a very aggravating situation, and she was beginning to feel trapped. She needed to get out of there, but what could she do? Suddenly and idea hit her. She knew one place the men couldn’t follow.

“I need to excuse myself father,” she said to Braska in a very sweet voice, “I’ll return soon.”

He gave her a look, but seemed to get the point of where she was going and nodded his approval.

She quickly curtsied to each of the men before leaving, but just as she was turning Seymour grabbed her hand. She turned back to look at him and he was smiling at her. This was most uncomfortable. “I hope that our dance will not be to delayed.” He said moving his face to her hand to brush his lips against the skin there. UGH she thought, Who does this guy think that he is! She just smiled in a way that would appear girlish and friendly-like. Inwardly she was just glad that where she was going had anti-bacterial soap.

She made her way through the crowds, feeling a hundred different emotions assaulting her all at once. None of them were good ones. She felt so trapped, like a lamb being led to its slaughter. She had nothing against marriage, she believed in its romance and beauty, and the possibility of two people loving each other forever... but it wasn’t supposed to happen this way. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. The faster she got to the bathroom the better. It wouldn’t do any good for anyone to see this and report it back to her father, he had spies everywhere.

Once she had finished in the bathroom, and had finished scrubbing the hand that Seymour had kissed, she came out. She looked around first, to see if anyone had seen her escape. Once it had been confirmed that no one saw, she decided to go off by herself. If her father was making the decision for her anyways, she was starting not to care if he got angry at her. She didn’t want to go back to where he was. She thought she would take a little walk, and then maybe look for Rikku and Gippal.

She smiled as she looked to her left; on the wall was a massive fish-tank. It was fairly large, and had many different kinds of tropical looking fish inside of it. There were lights illuminating it, making it glow with a blue aura. It actually replaced where that part of the wall was, so it showed right through to the hallway that was just outside of the ballroom. She loved to watch the fish swim, they were so diverse, and had so many colours to them. It was odd but, just looking at them, and how peaceful they were, was starting to make her even feel a little better herself. She was following one of the fish in its trip around the tank, it swam deep to the bottom, and she crouched down to see where it had gone. Instead of seeing a fish however, she was greeted with an eye, as blue as the water itself.

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The ballroom of the Bevelle palace was probably the most beautiful room that Tidus had ever seen. He was in awe. It was filled almost completely with people and with masks, swirling shapes and colour that danced across the room, and beckoned him to join them. He turned to everyone that he had just come in with, to see Rikku and Gippal sneaking off together. Buddy and Baralai saw people that they knew and went over to say hello. Wakka was standing to his side in the same amount of awe as he was, so of course was Chappu, but his awe had more to do with the level of estrogen in the room, than with the place itself.
“Now THIS is what I’m talking about!” Chappu said loudly to be heard over the noise of the people and of the music. He then adopted the pirate accent he had been practicing on the way over, “Yar, points me ‘twards the booty.” At that he was gone, plastic sword in hand, off to womanize.

“Sometimes, I think our parent’s got the wrong kid, ya?” said Wakka with amusement in his voice.

“Maybe, but life wouldn’t be as exciting without Chappu there.” Tidus laughed.

“Even so,” said Wakka, “I think I best keep an eye on him ya? Make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble.” Just as he was turning to leave he looked back at Tidus and said, “You too brudda, I don’t wanna have to be the one who tell’s Shuyin you got killed by a Bevellian mob for stealin’ some hot shot’s girlfriend!”

Tidus pointed at himself and pretended innocence, “Who? Me?” he looked around exaggeratedly before winking at Wakka and giving him a thumb’s up. “No worries here, I’ll be good. I promise.”

Once Wakka had left Tidus decided to scout the place out. The ballroom was packed with beautiful women, accompanied by important looking men. For the most part people looked stuffy and stuck up but, Tidus just assumed that was because the wine wasn’t flowing as freely yet. Off to the side of the room there was a more inviting group of people but, even though he was at a party, he didn’t feel the urge to socialize just yet. His mask was starting to irritate him, but he knew he couldn’t take it off, at least not in a room full of people. He was walking around, taking everything in, smiling at people, thinking about this night, and before he knew it... he was lost. Somehow he had managed to get shuffled by the moving people into some kind of corridor. He lifted a hand and scratched his head.

“Where am I?” he said to himself. Finally his irritation with the mask got the better of him and he slipped it off. “No one will see me here, and I’ll just put it back on when I find my way back to the party.” He wondered why he was explaining things to himself, but decided that it was because he was so used to having to explain his conduct to Shuyin and Lenne.

The hallways were large, and dimly lit. It felt like being in a maze, but he wasn’t panicked yet. It was actually kind of pretty here. A little up ahead he saw blue light emanating from the wall. Curious as to what it was he went to go examine it. When he got closer he saw that it was a large fish tank embedded in the wall. There were so many different kinds of fish swimming around. It amazed him, so much even that he didn’t notice that on the other side of the fish tank it showed through to the party room. There was one fish in particular he was intrigued by, it was blue with green stripes and had rested itself at the bottom of the tank, nestled within the rocks. He crouched down to get a better look at it. The fish suddenly swam away as if it was afraid of something, and he could see to the other side, what he saw on that other side was a bright green eye. Tidus jumped up in surprise, and so did the owner of that mysterious eye.

Suddenly Tidus found himself face to face with an angel; a brown haired, blue and green eyed angel. He felt as if all of his breath had been sucked away. The girl on the other side of the tank blushed slightly at his continuous stare but he couldn’t help himself. Even if her costume hadn’t been of an angel, he knew that he would have seen her as one anyway. He felt a grin start to spread across his lips, and saw the corners of her lips lift up in a smile that mirrored his.

Yuna stood up straight as soon as she saw the eye. The person also stood up, it was a boy dressed as a knight. He was about her age with shaggy blonde hair, and the bluest of eyes. He was staring at her, and she felt herself start to blush. Why was she blushing! It wasn’t like her to get so bashful around people. She thought about it for a moment, maybe it was because she knew she was staring back. She saw a grin spread across his face and she knew she started blushing more, but she couldn’t turn away from him, they’re eyes were locked. His smile just served to make him better looking, and she felt her knees going slightly weak. Who was he? Why had she never seen him before? She smiled back.

He couldn’t explain why this girl was transfixing him. He’d seen beautiful girls before and kept his cool, but there was something about her, something deeper than just a pretty face. She was wearing a white gown, with spaghetti straps. She had small feather wings that were attached to the dress. He knew he must have looked like an idiot to her, staring so much but, there wasn’t anything he could do. This girl had him hooked. All of a sudden he saw a hand grab onto the angel’s arm. The person who was attached to that arm grimaced at the girl said something and started dragging her away. No, he thought, she couldn’t leave! He needed to find a way back to the ballroom. As the girl was being dragged away, she kept turning around and flashing her beautiful yet bashful smile at him. He knew that this was his cue to run after her.

Yuna felt a hand grab onto her arm. “Yuna!” said a familiar voice, “Your father has been looking everywhere for you! What am I going to do with you?”

“Sorry Lulu,” Yuna mumbled not really paying attention. She still had eye contact with the handsome knight. Then she felt Lulu start dragging her away, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to know who this boy was! As she was being directed she kept turning her head to see if he was there still, or if he had just been some kind of glorious apparition that her mind created. He was there every time, a sense of urgency apparent on his face.

Tidus gave the angel one last smile and then darted off, trying to find the entrance back into the ballroom. It wasn’t far down the same corridor, and he leapt through the doors with impressive speed. He forgot that he did not still have his mask on, all his mind was concerned with was that girl. He fought his way across the dance floor that was littered with people. He saw her wings and followed them, when he finally got close enough he stopped to see her in the arms of a strange looking blue-haired man. Her eyes however, found him, and that’s where they stayed.

When she finally regained her ability to speak she demanded of Lulu to tell her what was going on.

“Your father wanted me to remind you of your promised dance with Lord Seymour.”

Yuna groaned slightly, but kept a look out for the young knight pursuing her. She was suddenly jolted out of her thoughts what she felt someone take her hand.

“My lady, would you now deny me a dance,” said Seymour bowing and again kissing her hand.

Yuna did not know what to say, she knew she had to. They began to dance, her eyes searching the crowd still until they centered themselves on a pair of deep blue eyes. At the connection she felt herself blush slightly and she could not hold back a smile. She saw him return this smile and she felt like flying. There was one problem however; she couldn’t let Seymour notice she wasn’t paying any attention to him. She thought he was saying something and just for a moment tore her eyes away to make some kind of nod in agreement to whatever he said. Her eyes fluttered back to the blonde. He was now resting against a pillar, watching her. If it had been anyone else she was sure she would have flipped out and thought they were stalking her, but he was different, and she didn’t know why.

He smiled, watching her glide across the floor. He almost felt dory for her partner who she obviously wasn’t paying any attention to. Tidus was continuously being astounded by this angel’s beauty. He leaned against a pillar near where the couple danced. Waiting until he could ask her to dance. He’d heard from Lenne’s songs about love at first sight, but he had never bought any of it. It was all a ploy, an attraction, and he had been involved in that many times. He always said he didn’t believe that love was real; it was just a prolonged attraction. But this night all his theories had been blown away. This unnamed angel had awaked something in him. He needed to know her.

The song ended and everyone clapped for the singer, who bowed up on stage and then began preparing for the next song. As Yuna was clapping she felt a soft touch on her arm. She turned quickly to see him smiling at her, a suggestion in his eyes. She smiled back and quickly looked around to make sure notice wasn’t taken. She then followed him to another, less populated part of the dance floor. She felt him reluctantly let go of her arm, she knew it was reluctant because she could feel it linger a few seconds. His posture straightened up and he gave her a formal bow. This made her wonder if he really knew who she was.

“Lady Angel,” he said when he resumed standing, “Shall you give the pleasure of this dance to such a lowly knight as I?”

She giggled slightly as he stretched out a hand towards her. She took it without hesitation and curtsied, “Good sir knight, it would be my honor.” She said, playing his game.

With that he tightened his hold on her hand and moved in closer to her. He placed a hand on her waist and they began to dance. Throughout the dance, neither said very much, Tidus was content to just stare into her mysterious bi-coloured eyes all night long.

Yuna felt as if she was dancing on air. This mysterious knight, whoever he was, certainly knew how to dance. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her, and she knew she was blushing. He was gorgeous, she had never before said that word in relation to guy, but with him, it seemed to fit.

The song ended much too quickly for both of them. Tidus was about to say something along the lines of introducing himself when he felt a yank on his shirt. He turned around to see Wakka looking around in a panicked state.

“We gotta get outta here; Chappu’s drunk as they come, ya! I need you to help me get him back to Gippal’s.”

Tidus sighed, “Wakka, can’t you see I’m a little pre-occupied.”

“Not no more, ya?”

Tidus turned around to where the angel was, to see her being led away by the same dark-haired woman as before. She gave him an apologetic glance, as she was rushed off. His eyes followed her up to the top of the large staircase. There he saw the other woman leave her.

It irritated Yuna to no end that Lulu kept coming and dragging her off like that. She didn’t care if her father wanted to see her, as far as she was concerned he could go to... well... somewhere not very nice for the duration of the party. She hated that she had to walk off from the blonde haired knight, he had looked so confused. She could still see him in the crowd, he was staring at her, while his friend (she guessed) led him off by the arm, much in the way Lulu had led her away.

“Who are you...” she said to him, as if he could hear her.

A different but recognizable voice, coming from the shadows behind her answered “His name is Tidus, and he is the son of Jecht, leader of Zanarkand.”

Description
SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Four: Masquerade

“I can’t believe it’s been a week and we still haven’t thought of anything!” Yuna exclaimed, not bothering to hide her exasperation.

Rikku sighed, “I know, I know... but it was only a week, what could we have possibly done! Maybe you will find your match tonight. I mean it’s not impossible, right?”

Yuna stared at her cousin and then rolled her eyes, “No, nothing is impossible, but it is highly unlikely.”

They were sitting in Yuna’s room, putting off getting ready for the party. It started in four hours, and a lot of work needed to be done. She didn’t even want to think about it though, that meant she would have to think about what came after the party. She shivered at the thought. A room full of people her father admired would mean a room full of possible suitors, which would mean life-long imprisonment for Yuna. At least in her mind it felt that way.

Rikku threw her arms up in the air, “I give up then!”

“Don’t say that Rikku,” Yuna said, “You’re the only one on my side!”

“I’m sorry Yunie, I just wish there was something more we could do.”

“I guess we have to wait a see what tonight brings,” Yuna said with a wince. She had a feeling things weren’t going to go very well.

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“Whoa,” Tidus said in amazement looking up at the bleached white towers and buildings of Bevelle. It was one of the most refined cities he had ever seen. The sun was shining down on them, making the city glow, reflecting off of the buildings.
“Pretty fancy place ya?” said Wakka.

“Enough about the architecture,” Chappu added with more than a little disdain, "Where’s the hoards of women! I was promised hoards!”

“Soon enough,” Tidus replied, “Soon enough Chappu.”

Chappu just nodded and muttered something under his breath about Gippal being a liar.

They made their way through Bevelle, trying to find the small café where they had set to meet Gippal, and his friends Baralai, and Buddy. The people of the city were friendly enough, and gave them clear directions to where it was they were headed. Tidus silently wondered how friendly they would be if they really knew who he was. He didn’t even know why Bevelle and Zanarkand were at war. It had just been something that had always seemed a fact, and he never questioned it. But standing here in this beautiful city, he wondered, and then wondered at his never wondering before. But that was a whole long string of wondering that he really didn’t want to get into. It was vacation time, not time to be pondering philosophical issues and getting his mind all rattled. Fun was to be had, and he would be doing the taking.

Finally they had found the spot. It was a very small hypello owned establishment. There weren’t many people in there, it was late afternoon, and everyone was likely getting ready for the big party. The few patrons that were present were eating a small meal together, save for one man. In one of the corner booths there was a man with long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, he was sitting by himself and nursing a drink of something that looked like it could down a Marlboro. Poor guy, thought Tidus, he looked like he was having a rough day, no, more like a rough life. His thoughts were disrupted however by loud voices entering the café. In through the door strode three men. The first had long blonde hair which seemed to stand up on end and a patch over one eye. The second’s hair was platinum blonde and hung slightly in spots over a blue bandana, he had a friendly expression on his face and a presence that suggested a gentleness of spirit. The third was dark-skinned, with blonde hair and wore a set of goggles, which seemed odd to Tidus since he was neither underwater or anywhere where he needed to protect his eyes.

“Hey!” shouted the man with the eye-patch. “Wakka, Chappu, I’m glad you got my message. Just wouldn’t have been a party without the infamous ‘Besaid Brothers’.”

“Hey you know me Gippal, I wouldn’t miss a party,” said Chappu, and then he added, “But what about the...”

“...hoards of women?” finished Gippal. “Oh no worries my friend, they’re coming!”

This brightened Chappu’s expression and he gave a wink to Tidus. “I hope you don’t mind that we brought along an old friend, he stopped by the day we got your message.”

“Hey not a problem,” Gippal extended a hand towards Tidus, “The names Gippal, this is Baralai”, he said pointing to the fair-haired one, “and Buddy” to the other.

“His name is Ti--” Chappu started but received a elbow in the back by Wakka warning him that Tidus was undercover, and his name could get them all into trouble. “--land. Tiland.” He finished, and then winced at the horrible name he had just given his friend.

Tidus just gave him an evil look and then took Gippal’s outstretched hand, “Just call me Ti.”

Gippal smiled and nodded not catching what had just transpired between the three friends. “Why don’t we head back to my place, my girlfriend said she’d drop by with our official invitations.”

“Girlfriend,” Wakka asked with a smirk, “And who would that be?” knowing well enough who it was.

Gippal slightly reddened in colour and then walked out of the door, motioning for them all to come.

They stepped out onto the street and followed the curves of the road that lead to where Gippal was taking them. As they were walking Tidus fell back a little and in-step with Chappu. He gave him a slightly evil eye and said in sarcastic tone, “Tiland?”

Chappu gave him his most innocent look, “Hey I was on the spot. You know my brain stops working when I get nervous.”

Tidus swung an arm around his shoulder and said, “Oh Chappu that would require that your brain ever worked.” He then ducked as a fist came his way.

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

“Yunie,” whined a voice from outside the bathroom door. “Are you ready YET? You know I have to go meet Gippal and his friends with the invitations. I want to see your outfit first so we don’t wear the same thing!”
“Umm,” replied Yuna in a slightly embarrassed voice, “I don’t know, I feel so self-conscious in this.”

“Yunie,” whined the voice again, “It’s only me!”

Yuna sighed, resting her hand on the doorknob, “Alright,” she said, “But you’re not allowed to laugh!” She turned the handle and opened the door, walking out into her room. She had her eyes clenched shut not wanting to see Rikku’s expression.

There was silence for a moment when finally Rikku spoke, “Wow Yunie,” she said, “You look gorgeous! What are you worried about.”

Yuna opened her eyes and walked over to the mirror. She stared at her reflection and said, “I don’t know, I just feel a little... too extravagant maybe? I don’t want to be the center of attention.” She turned away from the mirror, and said to herself, “Especially not tonight.”

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

Gippal’s house was of a moderate size, there was nothing especially grandiose about it, but it wasn’t a hole in the wall either.
“Ahh,” he exclaimed, “Here we are. You guys can start getting ready for the party. I think it’s only two hours until people are allowed to enter.”

“Sounds good,” replied Wakka. “I brought three masks for Chappu, Ti, and I.”

“Good stuff. We have enough too.”

“GIPPAL!” yelled an energetic, feminine voice on its way to find them.

“IN HERE,” he yelled back equally as loud. “Good, Rikku’s here.” He told the rest of the guys.

“Wouldn’t have guessed,” Muttered either Baralai or Buddy, Tidus couldn’t tell which had said it.

The door to the room they were standing in opened, and through it came a girl with long blonde hair, and the accustomed swirl-green eyes of the al-bhed. “Hey baby,” she said sweetly to Gippal. She stared at the new friends who were in the room, her eyes resting on Tidus for a moment, trying to see if she knew him. Tidus noticed and gave an outstretched hand, “Hey, I’m Ti, a friend of Wakka and Chappu’s.” he said to her.

She smiled and took it, “Nice to meet you, I’m Rikku!”

He returned her smile, shaking her hand. She seemed like a nice girl.

“So Rikku,” Wakka’s voice broke through the air, “You remember our invitations?”

Rikku nodded and dug into a pouch that was tied to her side. She produced five invitations, and handed them out respectively to Gippal, Baralai, Buddy, Chappu, and Tidus. After they were handed out she turned to Wakka and shrugged with an evil expression on her face, “I guess that’s it, it’s too bad that you won’t be able to make it.” She then made a mock-sad face.

Wakka became indignant, “Gimme the invitation, ya!”

Rikku put her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out at him before saying, “Uh-uh, no meanies allowed!”

It amused Tidus how much this Rikku girl was irritating Wakka. He didn’t think he had ever seen his friend so aggravated with someone; he was usually a pretty laid-back kind of guy.

Gippal too seemed amused by their antics but finally said, “Awe common Rikku, give the poor man his invitation so we can get ready to go!”

Rikku turned and smiled serenely in Gippal’s direction, “I don’t have one for him sweetie, he and Chappu are on one invitation!” She then winked evilly again at Wakka, who threw his hands up in the air at the frustration. “So,” she asked them all, “Did you guys remember to bring your costumes?”

Gippal, Baralai, and Buddy nodded while, Chappu, Wakka, and Tidus looked blankly at Rikku. “Costumes?” they asked in unison.

Rikku smiled cheerfully, “Don’t have any? That’s alright! I always come prepared!” She then ran back outside, returning a few minutes later dragging a bag full of costumes. “Take your pick!”

Chappu quickly went for the pirate costume and left to get changed, Wakka scanned the costumes for a long time, not knowing what to get, and Tidus grabbed a costume that resembled a silver knight. With it he grabbed a silver mask, to match it better than the one he had brought.

Gippal, Baralai, and Buddy were dressed as princes and Rikku had changed into a fairy princess outfit, complete with wings, wand, and a crown.

Now they all waited on Wakka, who after much prodding, and whining, decided to go as a Blitzball player. Which he did play a little of, but had never went pro.

“Everyone ready,” Rikku asked. They all nodded and she smiled wrapping her arm around Gippal’s.

He grinned and pointed forward with his plastic sword, “Let’s go!”

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

“Yuna,” Lulu called, searching through the chambers that served as Yuna’s rooms. She hadn’t seen her for the past hour, and she was starting to get worried since, well the party had already started to attract guests. Braska had been asking for Yuna but, despite Lulu’s best efforts, she couldn’t find the girl. She imagined it was because she didn’t want to be found at the moment. Never-the-less Lulu had to continue, otherwise Braska would get upset, and she actually liked her job. “Yuna,” she called again, “Where are you! There are some very important people your father wants you to meet. Lord Seymour has traveled all the way from Guadosalam just to be here tonight! Lord Braska is counting on you to help him host the party, the whole of Bevelle needs you to be there tonight!”
This at last produced some results. The doors leading to the balcony opened and Yuna walked through them. She looked at Lulu and sighed, trying her best to look not as miserable as she felt.

“Fine,” she said with a slightly bitter tone, “Let’s not keep the people waiting any longer.”

They exited Yuna’s rooms and made their way down the hallways to the main ballroom. Along the way Yuna felt something growing in the pit of her stomach. Tonight would be a night that would change her life and she knew it. She had not forgotten her fathers order, but what was she supposed to do, it didn’t leave her with many options. You don’t find your life-long love in a week of searching. It just doesn’t happen like that. It’s not as if she was the resident expert on the subject, but she knew it in her heart. Love wasn’t planned, it just... happened.

They were getting closer now, and she started hesitating in her steps just as they approached the door. A few feet away she flew out her hand and grabbed Lulu’s arm. “I don’t want to do this Lulu.” She said firmly.

“I know dear, I know,” Lulu replied, “but it’s not as if there is anything you can do to change the situation. You are who you are Yuna, and with your station come responsibilities to your father, and to the people who you are an authority over. They want to see you happy, but they also want to see you safe.”

Yuna stared into her eyes, “And does that safety come before my happiness?”

“...if it must.”

Yuna turned back to the door; she closed her eyes, taking in a breath, possibly her last as her own free moral agent. After a moment she opened them again, and started taking her first steps forward, her first steps toward the future that she never chose for herself.

When she entered the room, it was filling steadily with people. Costumes and masks filled the room, she didn’t see any faces that she knew, with the exception of her father who was waving her over to him. She gathered up the sides of her dress and walked over to the other side of the room where he was standing. This wasn’t the easiest of tasks, due to the fact she was almost crushed a few times by the over-exuberant guests.

She finally made her way there and made a short bow to her father. She couldn’t bring herself to smile. That would take effort, and would take desire. She had neither. If she was going to be traded, and bought, she wasn’t going to do it with a false sense of happiness surrounding her.

Braska smiled at her and bowed back, and then took her hand, “You look lovely Yuna.” He said to her, obviously not aware of her emotional state. Well either not aware, or not interested. “I have some people I want you to meet.”

I bet you do, Yuna thought to herself but just nodded and followed him, he was still holding onto her hand. As if she would run away if he didn’t, and needless to say, she probably would have been very tempted to.

They walked into a group of several important looking men. Some of them she knew as her father’s advisor’s and aids, like Kinoc, and Mika. Her Uncle Cid, was with them as well, and looked about as comfortable as she felt. She could always commiserate some with Cid but, ultimately she knew he agreed with her father on the marriage issue.

With them was someone she did not recognize by sight, but knew immediately by reputation. Lord Seymour. He was tall, as most Guado are but, he did not look entirely like one. She knew this was because he was only half Guado. His mother had been a human woman, and the genes softened his looks from that of the harsher Guado. He looked to be about seven years older than Yuna, and he wasn’t completely unattractive, but knowing what her father’s probable plans were for the young Lord of the Guado and herself, made her feel sick.

He smiled at her and said, “Lady Yuna, your father’s descriptions of your beauty hardly compare with the reality that I see before me.”

Inwardly she cringed but, put on a placating smile, just so as not to offend him. “Thank you Lord Seymour.” She said as she gave a small formal bow.

He just looked at her, with a very odd expression on his face and said, “I hope you wouldn’t find it a burden to save a dance for me...”

Before she got a chance to respond her father piped in and said, “Oh I’m sure she’d love to Seymour .”

She tried her best to avoid glaring at Braska, she could answer for herself thank you very much! This was fast becoming a very aggravating situation, and she was beginning to feel trapped. She needed to get out of there, but what could she do? Suddenly and idea hit her. She knew one place the men couldn’t follow.

“I need to excuse myself father,” she said to Braska in a very sweet voice, “I’ll return soon.”

He gave her a look, but seemed to get the point of where she was going and nodded his approval.

She quickly curtsied to each of the men before leaving, but just as she was turning Seymour grabbed her hand. She turned back to look at him and he was smiling at her. This was most uncomfortable. “I hope that our dance will not be to delayed.” He said moving his face to her hand to brush his lips against the skin there. UGH she thought, Who does this guy think that he is! She just smiled in a way that would appear girlish and friendly-like. Inwardly she was just glad that where she was going had anti-bacterial soap.

She made her way through the crowds, feeling a hundred different emotions assaulting her all at once. None of them were good ones. She felt so trapped, like a lamb being led to its slaughter. She had nothing against marriage, she believed in its romance and beauty, and the possibility of two people loving each other forever... but it wasn’t supposed to happen this way. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. The faster she got to the bathroom the better. It wouldn’t do any good for anyone to see this and report it back to her father, he had spies everywhere.

Once she had finished in the bathroom, and had finished scrubbing the hand that Seymour had kissed, she came out. She looked around first, to see if anyone had seen her escape. Once it had been confirmed that no one saw, she decided to go off by herself. If her father was making the decision for her anyways, she was starting not to care if he got angry at her. She didn’t want to go back to where he was. She thought she would take a little walk, and then maybe look for Rikku and Gippal.

She smiled as she looked to her left; on the wall was a massive fish-tank. It was fairly large, and had many different kinds of tropical looking fish inside of it. There were lights illuminating it, making it glow with a blue aura. It actually replaced where that part of the wall was, so it showed right through to the hallway that was just outside of the ballroom. She loved to watch the fish swim, they were so diverse, and had so many colours to them. It was odd but, just looking at them, and how peaceful they were, was starting to make her even feel a little better herself. She was following one of the fish in its trip around the tank, it swam deep to the bottom, and she crouched down to see where it had gone. Instead of seeing a fish however, she was greeted with an eye, as blue as the water itself.

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

The ballroom of the Bevelle palace was probably the most beautiful room that Tidus had ever seen. He was in awe. It was filled almost completely with people and with masks, swirling shapes and colour that danced across the room, and beckoned him to join them. He turned to everyone that he had just come in with, to see Rikku and Gippal sneaking off together. Buddy and Baralai saw people that they knew and went over to say hello. Wakka was standing to his side in the same amount of awe as he was, so of course was Chappu, but his awe had more to do with the level of estrogen in the room, than with the place itself.
“Now THIS is what I’m talking about!” Chappu said loudly to be heard over the noise of the people and of the music. He then adopted the pirate accent he had been practicing on the way over, “Yar, points me ‘twards the booty.” At that he was gone, plastic sword in hand, off to womanize.

“Sometimes, I think our parent’s got the wrong kid, ya?” said Wakka with amusement in his voice.

“Maybe, but life wouldn’t be as exciting without Chappu there.” Tidus laughed.

“Even so,” said Wakka, “I think I best keep an eye on him ya? Make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble.” Just as he was turning to leave he looked back at Tidus and said, “You too brudda, I don’t wanna have to be the one who tell’s Shuyin you got killed by a Bevellian mob for stealin’ some hot shot’s girlfriend!”

Tidus pointed at himself and pretended innocence, “Who? Me?” he looked around exaggeratedly before winking at Wakka and giving him a thumb’s up. “No worries here, I’ll be good. I promise.”

Once Wakka had left Tidus decided to scout the place out. The ballroom was packed with beautiful women, accompanied by important looking men. For the most part people looked stuffy and stuck up but, Tidus just assumed that was because the wine wasn’t flowing as freely yet. Off to the side of the room there was a more inviting group of people but, even though he was at a party, he didn’t feel the urge to socialize just yet. His mask was starting to irritate him, but he knew he couldn’t take it off, at least not in a room full of people. He was walking around, taking everything in, smiling at people, thinking about this night, and before he knew it... he was lost. Somehow he had managed to get shuffled by the moving people into some kind of corridor. He lifted a hand and scratched his head.

“Where am I?” he said to himself. Finally his irritation with the mask got the better of him and he slipped it off. “No one will see me here, and I’ll just put it back on when I find my way back to the party.” He wondered why he was explaining things to himself, but decided that it was because he was so used to having to explain his conduct to Shuyin and Lenne.

The hallways were large, and dimly lit. It felt like being in a maze, but he wasn’t panicked yet. It was actually kind of pretty here. A little up ahead he saw blue light emanating from the wall. Curious as to what it was he went to go examine it. When he got closer he saw that it was a large fish tank embedded in the wall. There were so many different kinds of fish swimming around. It amazed him, so much even that he didn’t notice that on the other side of the fish tank it showed through to the party room. There was one fish in particular he was intrigued by, it was blue with green stripes and had rested itself at the bottom of the tank, nestled within the rocks. He crouched down to get a better look at it. The fish suddenly swam away as if it was afraid of something, and he could see to the other side, what he saw on that other side was a bright green eye. Tidus jumped up in surprise, and so did the owner of that mysterious eye.

Suddenly Tidus found himself face to face with an angel; a brown haired, blue and green eyed angel. He felt as if all of his breath had been sucked away. The girl on the other side of the tank blushed slightly at his continuous stare but he couldn’t help himself. Even if her costume hadn’t been of an angel, he knew that he would have seen her as one anyway. He felt a grin start to spread across his lips, and saw the corners of her lips lift up in a smile that mirrored his.

Yuna stood up straight as soon as she saw the eye. The person also stood up, it was a boy dressed as a knight. He was about her age with shaggy blonde hair, and the bluest of eyes. He was staring at her, and she felt herself start to blush. Why was she blushing! It wasn’t like her to get so bashful around people. She thought about it for a moment, maybe it was because she knew she was staring back. She saw a grin spread across his face and she knew she started blushing more, but she couldn’t turn away from him, they’re eyes were locked. His smile just served to make him better looking, and she felt her knees going slightly weak. Who was he? Why had she never seen him before? She smiled back.

He couldn’t explain why this girl was transfixing him. He’d seen beautiful girls before and kept his cool, but there was something about her, something deeper than just a pretty face. She was wearing a white gown, with spaghetti straps. She had small feather wings that were attached to the dress. He knew he must have looked like an idiot to her, staring so much but, there wasn’t anything he could do. This girl had him hooked. All of a sudden he saw a hand grab onto the angel’s arm. The person who was attached to that arm grimaced at the girl said something and started dragging her away. No, he thought, she couldn’t leave! He needed to find a way back to the ballroom. As the girl was being dragged away, she kept turning around and flashing her beautiful yet bashful smile at him. He knew that this was his cue to run after her.

Yuna felt a hand grab onto her arm. “Yuna!” said a familiar voice, “Your father has been looking everywhere for you! What am I going to do with you?”

“Sorry Lulu,” Yuna mumbled not really paying attention. She still had eye contact with the handsome knight. Then she felt Lulu start dragging her away, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to know who this boy was! As she was being directed she kept turning her head to see if he was there still, or if he had just been some kind of glorious apparition that her mind created. He was there every time, a sense of urgency apparent on his face.

Tidus gave the angel one last smile and then darted off, trying to find the entrance back into the ballroom. It wasn’t far down the same corridor, and he leapt through the doors with impressive speed. He forgot that he did not still have his mask on, all his mind was concerned with was that girl. He fought his way across the dance floor that was littered with people. He saw her wings and followed them, when he finally got close enough he stopped to see her in the arms of a strange looking blue-haired man. Her eyes however, found him, and that’s where they stayed.

When she finally regained her ability to speak she demanded of Lulu to tell her what was going on.

“Your father wanted me to remind you of your promised dance with Lord Seymour.”

Yuna groaned slightly, but kept a look out for the young knight pursuing her. She was suddenly jolted out of her thoughts what she felt someone take her hand.

“My lady, would you now deny me a dance,” said Seymour bowing and again kissing her hand.

Yuna did not know what to say, she knew she had to. They began to dance, her eyes searching the crowd still until they centered themselves on a pair of deep blue eyes. At the connection she felt herself blush slightly and she could not hold back a smile. She saw him return this smile and she felt like flying. There was one problem however; she couldn’t let Seymour notice she wasn’t paying any attention to him. She thought he was saying something and just for a moment tore her eyes away to make some kind of nod in agreement to whatever he said. Her eyes fluttered back to the blonde. He was now resting against a pillar, watching her. If it had been anyone else she was sure she would have flipped out and thought they were stalking her, but he was different, and she didn’t know why.

He smiled, watching her glide across the floor. He almost felt dory for her partner who she obviously wasn’t paying any attention to. Tidus was continuously being astounded by this angel’s beauty. He leaned against a pillar near where the couple danced. Waiting until he could ask her to dance. He’d heard from Lenne’s songs about love at first sight, but he had never bought any of it. It was all a ploy, an attraction, and he had been involved in that many times. He always said he didn’t believe that love was real; it was just a prolonged attraction. But this night all his theories had been blown away. This unnamed angel had awaked something in him. He needed to know her.

The song ended and everyone clapped for the singer, who bowed up on stage and then began preparing for the next song. As Yuna was clapping she felt a soft touch on her arm. She turned quickly to see him smiling at her, a suggestion in his eyes. She smiled back and quickly looked around to make sure notice wasn’t taken. She then followed him to another, less populated part of the dance floor. She felt him reluctantly let go of her arm, she knew it was reluctant because she could feel it linger a few seconds. His posture straightened up and he gave her a formal bow. This made her wonder if he really knew who she was.

“Lady Angel,” he said when he resumed standing, “Shall you give the pleasure of this dance to such a lowly knight as I?”

She giggled slightly as he stretched out a hand towards her. She took it without hesitation and curtsied, “Good sir knight, it would be my honor.” She said, playing his game.

With that he tightened his hold on her hand and moved in closer to her. He placed a hand on her waist and they began to dance. Throughout the dance, neither said very much, Tidus was content to just stare into her mysterious bi-coloured eyes all night long.

Yuna felt as if she was dancing on air. This mysterious knight, whoever he was, certainly knew how to dance. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her, and she knew she was blushing. He was gorgeous, she had never before said that word in relation to guy, but with him, it seemed to fit.

The song ended much too quickly for both of them. Tidus was about to say something along the lines of introducing himself when he felt a yank on his shirt. He turned around to see Wakka looking around in a panicked state.

“We gotta get outta here; Chappu’s drunk as they come, ya! I need you to help me get him back to Gippal’s.”

Tidus sighed, “Wakka, can’t you see I’m a little pre-occupied.”

“Not no more, ya?”

Tidus turned around to where the angel was, to see her being led away by the same dark-haired woman as before. She gave him an apologetic glance, as she was rushed off. His eyes followed her up to the top of the large staircase. There he saw the other woman leave her.

It irritated Yuna to no end that Lulu kept coming and dragging her off like that. She didn’t care if her father wanted to see her, as far as she was concerned he could go to... well... somewhere not very nice for the duration of the party. She hated that she had to walk off from the blonde haired knight, he had looked so confused. She could still see him in the crowd, he was staring at her, while his friend (she guessed) led him off by the arm, much in the way Lulu had led her away.

“Who are you...” she said to him, as if he could hear her.

A different but recognizable voice, coming from the shadows behind her answered “His name is Tidus, and he is the son of Jecht, leader of Zanarkand.”