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SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Eight: Thieves and Princes

For what seemed like an eternity all he could see was darkness, and all he could feel was a throbbing pain in his head. He wasn’t really sure where he was, he could have been a number of different places, and not many of them were appealing to him. He wasn’t even sure why he was in this much pain, but he was sure that whatever it was hadn’t been an over-all pleasant experience.

Slowly as he opened his eyes to mere slits, the blurs started to take the shape of recognizable objects. He could see a table, the outlines of a window. He was sitting on something soft.

“I think he’s wakin’ up!” said a familiar voice.

“Yeah... I think so,” said another.

“I wish he would hurry up,” a feminine voice whined, “I’m worried. We still don’t know where she is!”

He opened his eyes at the words. Who is she, he thought for a moment. Where the hell am I, who were those people? It was just then that it all came back to him, hitting him like a blitzball to the head. Oh Yevon... Yuna.

“Ti,” said the voice of Rikku, “What happened?”

He cranked his neck over to the direction with the voice, “Where am I? Where’s Yuna?” He saw Rikku, Chappu, and Gippal standing near him.

Rikku’s face twisted with irritation, “We’re at Gippal’s, but what happened! We found you lying in the middle of the village in the Calm Lands. Where did Yunie go! What have you done with her?” Her hands were gesturing and shaking up and down with impatience, her voice rising in volume with every word.

“Rikku,” said Gippal placing a hand on her shoulder, “Chill out it’s obvious he’s a little confused.”

“Hey Ti...” said Chappu coming around and sitting beside him, “Do you remember anything that happened? All we know is that you and Yuna were gone when we got up this morning. We weren’t worried at first but then... it started to get dark out and... when we came looking for you two, all we found was you lying in the middle of the village... out cold, with a black eye and no Yuna!”

Tidus sighed, it had all come back to him but he had a feeling that Rikku was going to attack him for losing her cousin to that freak with the mohawk. “Well... uhhh...” he stumbled.

Rikku ran up and grabbed Tidus’ shirt shaking him, “Tell us damnit!”

Tidus looked straight into Rikku’s face, sighed and related the whole event. Everything from when they left in the morning, to when that jerk’s fist connected with his face. Rikku’s expression made him feel a little uneasy. She was staring down at the ground, not looking as worried as he thought she should have. He looked around, Chappu looked horrified but Gippal’s back was too him, and his head was bent down.

“What’s going on guys?” Tidus asked. He got no response. They knew something... and they weren’t telling him. “Gippal, Rikku... what’s this all about? You guys know something don’t you! Who was he? Where’s Yuna.”

Rikku bit her lip visibly, but made no comment. This time it was Tidus’ turn to grab her arms and start shaking her, “Tell me Rikku! Who was that guy?”

“He is my brother.” Rikku said finally after a moment.

Tidus was in complete shock, “What?”

Rikku drew in her breath and let it out slowly, she raised her head to level with his. “That man, the one who hit you... he’s my brother. I... I know where they took her but... Yuna didn’t want me to tell you this, okay? But you deserve to know, especially after this.”

His eyes darkened... “Yuna didn’t want me to know what...” he said dangerously.

“Rikku...” Gippal warned.

“I have to Gippal... Yunie... she’d understand.” Rikku turned her head back to Tidus; his hands were still clenched onto her arms. “There’s something you need to know... about Yunie. She’s not who you think she is.”

“What do you mean...” he said slowly. What was she talking about?

“Yunie she’s... she’s the daughter of Lord Braska. The leader of Bevelle... she didn’t want you to know... she wanted to be treated normal I guess.”

As soon as the words had left Rikku’s mouth Tidus’ eyes had gone wide. Yuna. Yuna is Braska’s daughter. He couldn’t believe this, it wasn’t true. He didn’t believe it. Why would Rikku lie to him though? Oh Yevon... he thought, why are you doing this to me? He could feel small tears burning in the corners of his eyes. This new and terrible information would make it utterly impossible for them to be together. Why hadn’t Yuna trusted him? She didn’t know he was from Zanarkand, why didn’t she tell him. Was I the only one... who didn’t know, he thought. He was starting to get angry. He tried to hold himself back but he started taking out his frustration on Rikku. He still had his hands on her shoulders and he began shaking her, “Tell me why!” he shouted, “Why were you hiding it! Why didn’t I know?”

“Hey Ti... take it easy man,” said Gippal starting to move towards Rikku.

Tidus let go of her and stood up, ignoring the pain that it caused in his head. He walked towards the door, his hands rolled into fists at his side. Gippal stepped in front of the door, blocking his way out. “Ti... I think you got to calm down. Where are you goin’?”

Tidus just glared at him “Get the hell out of my way.”

Gippal looked to Chappu who nodded for Gippal to let him go, it was obvious Tidus needed some time to think things over, that was the only way that he was going to calm down. “Wakka went to get tickets for us to go home early tomorrow morning, and for you to go back to z... uhh... so just come back after awhile okay?”

Tidus didn’t say anything and walked out the door of Gippal’s house into the streets of Bevelle. He just needed to walk. To think and to understand what the hell was really going on.

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From the beginning of the conversation Yuna had tears in her eyes; they had been there ever since Brother had knocked Tidus in the face. Now with her father standing in front of her yelling at her about running away she couldn’t stop.

“That was completely irresponsible Yuna, do you have any idea what could have happened to you, or what you put me through running away like that!” Braska yelled, placing a hand over his forehead.

“I...” Yuna began, but was interrupted.

“I’m not finished Yuna!” He yelled.

They were in his office; he was sitting across from her in his desk. To his right was Auron, and to his left was Kinoc. She wished that neither of them were there, but it seemed they operated as a single unit. At least she liked Auron, not as much could be said for Kinoc. She had been immediately dragged into the room by Brother when they had got back home. She had managed to convince him to leave Tidus in the calm lands... she didn’t know what would happen to him but anything was better than being in Bevelle, that presented a whole new danger for him. Internally she kicked herself, he was probably so confused wherever he was, and she had been just about to tell him too! All of a sudden a fist came smashing down on the desk in front of her and this jolted her out of her thoughts, “Damnit Yuna you are going to listen to me.”

Her eyes went wide staring at her angry father waiting for him to continue. “What got into your pretty little head to run away? I have always treated you well, and with love. You have no idea the grief you have caused me and others. I dare say Lulu was worried sick over you! Now answer for yourself!”

“Father...” she started, and then stopped herself, trying to calm down. She was still a little jittery from being carried away by Brother. “Father, maybe you have always treated me well, maybe all your actions have been guided by love... but it doesn’t make those actions right.”

“What are you talking about Yuna?”

She stared back at him and lowered her head, “This marriage you are so intent on having take place, you may consider it an act of love, but I don’t. To me it is an act of slavery. I don’t love Seymour and I can guarantee you that I never will. So you enforcing this marriage is as if you are selling me to him, because I can’t even begin to describe how unwilling a participant I am.”

“Is that so?” a slithery voice said from behind her. She immediately whipped around in her seat and stood to see the form of a tall blue haired man staring at her with a quizzical expression on his face, “Such a shame Milady Yuna that you feel that way.”

Yuna felt her hands ball up into fists, “What is he doing here father.”

“Lord Seymour wanted to make sure that you were alright,” Braska said matter-of-factly, obviously not fazed by anything Yuna had just been saying, “He was worried how you would fare on your own.”

Seymour moved towards her and bowed, “It is my greatest pleasure to see that you are unharmed my lady.”

Yuna felt a knot twist in her stomach, something about the way he called her ‘my lady’ made it sound less like an honorary title, and more like a possession. She turned back to her father, still standing. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Of course my dear and you should know that your happiness is what I desire most in life. That is why I am speeding up your wedding to Seymour. I know of no other person who could take care of you both emotionally and financially as well as he could.”

Had Yuna’s mouth not been attached to the rest of her face, it would have fallen off. Her father had not listened to a single word she had said. “Hurry up the wedding... what? Why!” she managed to spit out.

It was Seymour who answered her, “Do not be angry at your father my lady, it was my request that the wedding plans be sped up, once you get used to the idea, I am sure that we will grow to love each other, as I have the utmost adoration and respect for you.”

“If you respected me, you would respectively accept my decline of your marriage proposal!” she yelled.

“Alas, I’m sorry to say it is not you who chooses to say yes or no, but your father acts in your best interest in that regard. I promise I will take care of you, my beautiful bride.”

Yuna was fuming, she could think of nothing to retaliate with. She resolved in her mind that the battle was lost... but this war was far from over.

Braska stepped in between them, and turned to Seymour, “The wedding is set for 6 months. I entrust my only daughter to you Lord Seymour, I know you will treat her well.”

This almost send Yuna over the edge, they were talking about her as if she wasn’t even there! “Father, I think I need to be excused to my room.” She said, trying desperately to find a way out.

Braska looked at her and nodded and then shifted his gaze towards Auron. “Sir Auron will escort you back. And young lady...” his voice became dangerously low, “I will have no more of this ‘running away’ business, is that clear?”

Yuna made no sound; she just hung her head in acknowledgement. She opened the door to his office and waited for Auron to follow. Once they were out of ear shot of her father Auron spoke, “He really is doing this to try and make your future secure Yuna.”

“I don’t care,” she said still fuming with anger, “I never wanted this. I don’t understand why this has to happen now”

Auron’s eyes were concealed under his usual sunglasses when he spoke, “Nevertheless, your father has his reasons for the timing.”

They had reached her room, “What do you mean Auron?”

He didn’t respond except to say, “I bid you goodnight Lady Yuna. Rest well.” At that he turned and walked away. Yuna stood and watched him leave for a moment before turning to go into her room.

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The light was starting to fade from the sky, and one by one the lights of homes and shops turned on. Tidus was fairly sure that he was lost but at the moment he couldn’t care less. At first he’s been shocked, and then that had transitioned into anger. But when he found himself thinking through the situation, he couldn‘t help but feel guilt. He couldn’t be angry at Yuna if he himself had done the exact same thing. He had lied, or rather withheld important information about himself. He wished he hadn’t overreacted to Rikku and Gippal... but most of all he just wanted to see Yuna again. It felt as if he had lost the only chance he ever had with her, if only they could have talked more, maybe he would know where to find her. It was too dangerous to go to the Palace, but it wasn’t like he knew where that was anyway.
He saw a bench on the sidewalk and decided to lay down it. As he lay there looking up at the stars, his head was full of Yuna, and all the things he wished he’d said.

“I want to meet again...” he said to the stars, “... meet again and start over.”

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Yuna stood on her balcony staring out at the night. She was thinking about Tidus, and had the strange feeling that he was thinking about her... wherever he was. She hoped he was safe, and that the others had found him. Her stomach twisted, wondering if Rikku or Gippal had told him the truth... she hoped his thoughts towards her weren’t angry, or bitter.

“I’m sorry...” she whispered to him across the distance.

“Did you say something Yuna?” asked Lulu stepping out onto the balcony with her.

Yuna didn’t turn but she said to her friend, “Lulu... do you think it would be alright if I go see Rikku for a few minutes, if I promise to come back?”

“I don’t know Yuna; I could get in big trouble if I let you leave.”

Yuna hung her head, “Please Lulu... I need to let them know I’m okay. I promise I’ll return tonight.”

“Alright,” Lulu said, “but I’m holding you to that promise.”

Yuna nodded and turned to walk off the balcony, “Thank you Lulu.”

“Go do what you need to.” She said.

Yuna nodded again and left grabbing a hooded coat on her way out.

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“I’m goin’ to go talk to him, ya?”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea Wakka, he’s been in that room ever since he got back. I don’t think that he wants to be bothered,” said Gippal placing a hand on Wakka’s shoulder.

“But Gippal, someone needs to talk to him,” said Chappu, “I have never seen him like this!”

“Maybe he does need to talk... but I don’t think it should be any of us.”

“I think there is only one person that he wants to talk to... and that’s Yunie,” said Rikku who was flopped down on the couch. Tidus had come home two hours ago and had proceeded to shut himself out on the balcony. He wouldn’t answer anyone except to tell them to go away. Everybody was pretty well out of ideas as to what to do. Then the doorbell chimed.

“I’ll get it,” said Gippal walking through the kitchen to the front door. Rikku got up and followed him out. When he opened the door a hooded figure stepped inside.

Rikku gasped as the figure removed her hood, “Yunie!”

“Yuna!” said Gippal astonished.

“Yunie, what are you doing here?”

“Are they still here,” Yuna asked.

Gippal and Rikku looked at each other for a moment, and then they looked back at Yuna. It was Rikku who spoke, “Yeah, they are still here... they have to leave tomorrow morning early.”

Yuna nodded her head, and walked passed them into the room containing Wakka and Chappu. She expected to see Tidus there too but he wasn’t. She looked all around the room.

“He’s on the balcony,” said Chappu gaining him a glare from Wakka. “I think he’s been waiting for you.”

“Thanks Chappu” she said and headed towards the hallway and down to the door that opened to the balcony. She knocked on the door and said, “Hello? It’s me Yuna.”

She heard the lock on the balcony unlatch and she opened the door. Tidus was standing bent over the railing, he was looking at her with an odd expression on his face, he didn’t look angry, but he didn’t look sad either. He also had one nasty black eye. She reached out her hand and touched just above it. “That looks like it hurts.” She said to break the ice a little.

“It looks worse than it is.” he said.

She let her hand drop, something was wrong. “Is everything okay?”

He turned his face away from her to look at the skyline again. “Yuna... they...” he started, “They told me. Everything.”

She sighed lowering her head, it was as she thought. “Everything?” she asked, just to make sure.

He turned to stare directly into her eyes and simply nodded.

She felt as if an arrow had pierced through her. “Well... so then, you know. Are you angry?” she asked, she hoped that he wasn’t.

“No” he said to her relief, “I was... at first. But then I realized that I couldn’t be angry. There’s something you don’t know about me either Yuna.”

At last, he was going to tell her. She waited for him to continue. He turned away from her before he started speaking again, “I... well you see... I’m not what you think I am Yuna.”

Yuna could tell this was hard for him to say so she decided to intervene. “I know Tidus.” She said.

“No but you don’t, you...” Tidus turned his head so fast she thought it was going to fall off, “What did you say?” he asked wide eyed.

She stared into his eyes, “I said: I know Tidus.”

“But my name...” he said, “How do you... When?”

“I’ve known since almost the beginning.” She admitted.

“You never said anything,” he said, still astounded, “You knew, and you let me kiss you. Why?”

“Because I didn’t care what you are,” she said, “And I still don’t.” Yuna moved towards him slowly and wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging on to him. “Do you want to know why?” she asked.

“Yes,” he whispered, bringing his arms to encircle her, he hadn’t expected it to go like this... but he wasn’t about to complain.

“Because I already know who you are, beyond titles, and countries, beyond boarders, and differences.” She said, he felt a wet spot form on his shirt where her head was resting, she must be crying. “You’re the boy who stole my heart away.”

Tidus couldn’t hold himself back any longer he took his hand and lifted up her head, bringing his down to meet it. Their lips touched and emotions collided. He moved his hand to once again pull her in closer to him, never separating their kiss.

Yuna closed her eyes, shutting out the tears that kept falling. He was kissing her and it was the best feeling she could have ever described. When at last they broke for a breath, Tidus stepped back from her for a moment, “Yuna, there are some things that I need to say...”

She looked up at him, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her coat. Tidus ran a hand through her hair, and stared down at her. “Ever since I met you, I have felt consumed by a feeling that has been burrowing itself in my soul. I can barely think straight when I’m around you, but I never want us to be apart. Knowing who your father is doesn’t change what my feelings are towards you, because you’re still the same girl I was standing here with the first night we met. I have to leave tomorrow morning, but I also have to know that I will see you again... will I?”

“Yes, you will.”

“When? Where?”

“The Macalania Spring... a week from tomorrow, at four o’clock, if you come, I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll be there,” he said, pulling her close to him in an embrace, “I promise.”

She hung tightly to his body, her arms wrapped around his waist, and his around her shoulders. She would be there waiting for him, no matter what or whotried to stop her, she would overcome it, for him.

A thought popped into her head, that she dare not say aloud, but she screamed it inside of her heart, I think I love you.

Description
SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Eight: Thieves and Princes

For what seemed like an eternity all he could see was darkness, and all he could feel was a throbbing pain in his head. He wasn’t really sure where he was, he could have been a number of different places, and not many of them were appealing to him. He wasn’t even sure why he was in this much pain, but he was sure that whatever it was hadn’t been an over-all pleasant experience.

Slowly as he opened his eyes to mere slits, the blurs started to take the shape of recognizable objects. He could see a table, the outlines of a window. He was sitting on something soft.

“I think he’s wakin’ up!” said a familiar voice.

“Yeah... I think so,” said another.

“I wish he would hurry up,” a feminine voice whined, “I’m worried. We still don’t know where she is!”

He opened his eyes at the words. Who is she, he thought for a moment. Where the hell am I, who were those people? It was just then that it all came back to him, hitting him like a blitzball to the head. Oh Yevon... Yuna.

“Ti,” said the voice of Rikku, “What happened?”

He cranked his neck over to the direction with the voice, “Where am I? Where’s Yuna?” He saw Rikku, Chappu, and Gippal standing near him.

Rikku’s face twisted with irritation, “We’re at Gippal’s, but what happened! We found you lying in the middle of the village in the Calm Lands. Where did Yunie go! What have you done with her?” Her hands were gesturing and shaking up and down with impatience, her voice rising in volume with every word.

“Rikku,” said Gippal placing a hand on her shoulder, “Chill out it’s obvious he’s a little confused.”

“Hey Ti...” said Chappu coming around and sitting beside him, “Do you remember anything that happened? All we know is that you and Yuna were gone when we got up this morning. We weren’t worried at first but then... it started to get dark out and... when we came looking for you two, all we found was you lying in the middle of the village... out cold, with a black eye and no Yuna!”

Tidus sighed, it had all come back to him but he had a feeling that Rikku was going to attack him for losing her cousin to that freak with the mohawk. “Well... uhhh...” he stumbled.

Rikku ran up and grabbed Tidus’ shirt shaking him, “Tell us damnit!”

Tidus looked straight into Rikku’s face, sighed and related the whole event. Everything from when they left in the morning, to when that jerk’s fist connected with his face. Rikku’s expression made him feel a little uneasy. She was staring down at the ground, not looking as worried as he thought she should have. He looked around, Chappu looked horrified but Gippal’s back was too him, and his head was bent down.

“What’s going on guys?” Tidus asked. He got no response. They knew something... and they weren’t telling him. “Gippal, Rikku... what’s this all about? You guys know something don’t you! Who was he? Where’s Yuna.”

Rikku bit her lip visibly, but made no comment. This time it was Tidus’ turn to grab her arms and start shaking her, “Tell me Rikku! Who was that guy?”

“He is my brother.” Rikku said finally after a moment.

Tidus was in complete shock, “What?”

Rikku drew in her breath and let it out slowly, she raised her head to level with his. “That man, the one who hit you... he’s my brother. I... I know where they took her but... Yuna didn’t want me to tell you this, okay? But you deserve to know, especially after this.”

His eyes darkened... “Yuna didn’t want me to know what...” he said dangerously.

“Rikku...” Gippal warned.

“I have to Gippal... Yunie... she’d understand.” Rikku turned her head back to Tidus; his hands were still clenched onto her arms. “There’s something you need to know... about Yunie. She’s not who you think she is.”

“What do you mean...” he said slowly. What was she talking about?

“Yunie she’s... she’s the daughter of Lord Braska. The leader of Bevelle... she didn’t want you to know... she wanted to be treated normal I guess.”

As soon as the words had left Rikku’s mouth Tidus’ eyes had gone wide. Yuna. Yuna is Braska’s daughter. He couldn’t believe this, it wasn’t true. He didn’t believe it. Why would Rikku lie to him though? Oh Yevon... he thought, why are you doing this to me? He could feel small tears burning in the corners of his eyes. This new and terrible information would make it utterly impossible for them to be together. Why hadn’t Yuna trusted him? She didn’t know he was from Zanarkand, why didn’t she tell him. Was I the only one... who didn’t know, he thought. He was starting to get angry. He tried to hold himself back but he started taking out his frustration on Rikku. He still had his hands on her shoulders and he began shaking her, “Tell me why!” he shouted, “Why were you hiding it! Why didn’t I know?”

“Hey Ti... take it easy man,” said Gippal starting to move towards Rikku.

Tidus let go of her and stood up, ignoring the pain that it caused in his head. He walked towards the door, his hands rolled into fists at his side. Gippal stepped in front of the door, blocking his way out. “Ti... I think you got to calm down. Where are you goin’?”

Tidus just glared at him “Get the hell out of my way.”

Gippal looked to Chappu who nodded for Gippal to let him go, it was obvious Tidus needed some time to think things over, that was the only way that he was going to calm down. “Wakka went to get tickets for us to go home early tomorrow morning, and for you to go back to z... uhh... so just come back after awhile okay?”

Tidus didn’t say anything and walked out the door of Gippal’s house into the streets of Bevelle. He just needed to walk. To think and to understand what the hell was really going on.

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From the beginning of the conversation Yuna had tears in her eyes; they had been there ever since Brother had knocked Tidus in the face. Now with her father standing in front of her yelling at her about running away she couldn’t stop.

“That was completely irresponsible Yuna, do you have any idea what could have happened to you, or what you put me through running away like that!” Braska yelled, placing a hand over his forehead.

“I...” Yuna began, but was interrupted.

“I’m not finished Yuna!” He yelled.

They were in his office; he was sitting across from her in his desk. To his right was Auron, and to his left was Kinoc. She wished that neither of them were there, but it seemed they operated as a single unit. At least she liked Auron, not as much could be said for Kinoc. She had been immediately dragged into the room by Brother when they had got back home. She had managed to convince him to leave Tidus in the calm lands... she didn’t know what would happen to him but anything was better than being in Bevelle, that presented a whole new danger for him. Internally she kicked herself, he was probably so confused wherever he was, and she had been just about to tell him too! All of a sudden a fist came smashing down on the desk in front of her and this jolted her out of her thoughts, “Damnit Yuna you are going to listen to me.”

Her eyes went wide staring at her angry father waiting for him to continue. “What got into your pretty little head to run away? I have always treated you well, and with love. You have no idea the grief you have caused me and others. I dare say Lulu was worried sick over you! Now answer for yourself!”

“Father...” she started, and then stopped herself, trying to calm down. She was still a little jittery from being carried away by Brother. “Father, maybe you have always treated me well, maybe all your actions have been guided by love... but it doesn’t make those actions right.”

“What are you talking about Yuna?”

She stared back at him and lowered her head, “This marriage you are so intent on having take place, you may consider it an act of love, but I don’t. To me it is an act of slavery. I don’t love Seymour and I can guarantee you that I never will. So you enforcing this marriage is as if you are selling me to him, because I can’t even begin to describe how unwilling a participant I am.”

“Is that so?” a slithery voice said from behind her. She immediately whipped around in her seat and stood to see the form of a tall blue haired man staring at her with a quizzical expression on his face, “Such a shame Milady Yuna that you feel that way.”

Yuna felt her hands ball up into fists, “What is he doing here father.”

“Lord Seymour wanted to make sure that you were alright,” Braska said matter-of-factly, obviously not fazed by anything Yuna had just been saying, “He was worried how you would fare on your own.”

Seymour moved towards her and bowed, “It is my greatest pleasure to see that you are unharmed my lady.”

Yuna felt a knot twist in her stomach, something about the way he called her ‘my lady’ made it sound less like an honorary title, and more like a possession. She turned back to her father, still standing. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Of course my dear and you should know that your happiness is what I desire most in life. That is why I am speeding up your wedding to Seymour. I know of no other person who could take care of you both emotionally and financially as well as he could.”

Had Yuna’s mouth not been attached to the rest of her face, it would have fallen off. Her father had not listened to a single word she had said. “Hurry up the wedding... what? Why!” she managed to spit out.

It was Seymour who answered her, “Do not be angry at your father my lady, it was my request that the wedding plans be sped up, once you get used to the idea, I am sure that we will grow to love each other, as I have the utmost adoration and respect for you.”

“If you respected me, you would respectively accept my decline of your marriage proposal!” she yelled.

“Alas, I’m sorry to say it is not you who chooses to say yes or no, but your father acts in your best interest in that regard. I promise I will take care of you, my beautiful bride.”

Yuna was fuming, she could think of nothing to retaliate with. She resolved in her mind that the battle was lost... but this war was far from over.

Braska stepped in between them, and turned to Seymour, “The wedding is set for 6 months. I entrust my only daughter to you Lord Seymour, I know you will treat her well.”

This almost send Yuna over the edge, they were talking about her as if she wasn’t even there! “Father, I think I need to be excused to my room.” She said, trying desperately to find a way out.

Braska looked at her and nodded and then shifted his gaze towards Auron. “Sir Auron will escort you back. And young lady...” his voice became dangerously low, “I will have no more of this ‘running away’ business, is that clear?”

Yuna made no sound; she just hung her head in acknowledgement. She opened the door to his office and waited for Auron to follow. Once they were out of ear shot of her father Auron spoke, “He really is doing this to try and make your future secure Yuna.”

“I don’t care,” she said still fuming with anger, “I never wanted this. I don’t understand why this has to happen now”

Auron’s eyes were concealed under his usual sunglasses when he spoke, “Nevertheless, your father has his reasons for the timing.”

They had reached her room, “What do you mean Auron?”

He didn’t respond except to say, “I bid you goodnight Lady Yuna. Rest well.” At that he turned and walked away. Yuna stood and watched him leave for a moment before turning to go into her room.

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The light was starting to fade from the sky, and one by one the lights of homes and shops turned on. Tidus was fairly sure that he was lost but at the moment he couldn’t care less. At first he’s been shocked, and then that had transitioned into anger. But when he found himself thinking through the situation, he couldn‘t help but feel guilt. He couldn’t be angry at Yuna if he himself had done the exact same thing. He had lied, or rather withheld important information about himself. He wished he hadn’t overreacted to Rikku and Gippal... but most of all he just wanted to see Yuna again. It felt as if he had lost the only chance he ever had with her, if only they could have talked more, maybe he would know where to find her. It was too dangerous to go to the Palace, but it wasn’t like he knew where that was anyway.
He saw a bench on the sidewalk and decided to lay down it. As he lay there looking up at the stars, his head was full of Yuna, and all the things he wished he’d said.

“I want to meet again...” he said to the stars, “... meet again and start over.”

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Yuna stood on her balcony staring out at the night. She was thinking about Tidus, and had the strange feeling that he was thinking about her... wherever he was. She hoped he was safe, and that the others had found him. Her stomach twisted, wondering if Rikku or Gippal had told him the truth... she hoped his thoughts towards her weren’t angry, or bitter.

“I’m sorry...” she whispered to him across the distance.

“Did you say something Yuna?” asked Lulu stepping out onto the balcony with her.

Yuna didn’t turn but she said to her friend, “Lulu... do you think it would be alright if I go see Rikku for a few minutes, if I promise to come back?”

“I don’t know Yuna; I could get in big trouble if I let you leave.”

Yuna hung her head, “Please Lulu... I need to let them know I’m okay. I promise I’ll return tonight.”

“Alright,” Lulu said, “but I’m holding you to that promise.”

Yuna nodded and turned to walk off the balcony, “Thank you Lulu.”

“Go do what you need to.” She said.

Yuna nodded again and left grabbing a hooded coat on her way out.

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“I’m goin’ to go talk to him, ya?”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea Wakka, he’s been in that room ever since he got back. I don’t think that he wants to be bothered,” said Gippal placing a hand on Wakka’s shoulder.

“But Gippal, someone needs to talk to him,” said Chappu, “I have never seen him like this!”

“Maybe he does need to talk... but I don’t think it should be any of us.”

“I think there is only one person that he wants to talk to... and that’s Yunie,” said Rikku who was flopped down on the couch. Tidus had come home two hours ago and had proceeded to shut himself out on the balcony. He wouldn’t answer anyone except to tell them to go away. Everybody was pretty well out of ideas as to what to do. Then the doorbell chimed.

“I’ll get it,” said Gippal walking through the kitchen to the front door. Rikku got up and followed him out. When he opened the door a hooded figure stepped inside.

Rikku gasped as the figure removed her hood, “Yunie!”

“Yuna!” said Gippal astonished.

“Yunie, what are you doing here?”

“Are they still here,” Yuna asked.

Gippal and Rikku looked at each other for a moment, and then they looked back at Yuna. It was Rikku who spoke, “Yeah, they are still here... they have to leave tomorrow morning early.”

Yuna nodded her head, and walked passed them into the room containing Wakka and Chappu. She expected to see Tidus there too but he wasn’t. She looked all around the room.

“He’s on the balcony,” said Chappu gaining him a glare from Wakka. “I think he’s been waiting for you.”

“Thanks Chappu” she said and headed towards the hallway and down to the door that opened to the balcony. She knocked on the door and said, “Hello? It’s me Yuna.”

She heard the lock on the balcony unlatch and she opened the door. Tidus was standing bent over the railing, he was looking at her with an odd expression on his face, he didn’t look angry, but he didn’t look sad either. He also had one nasty black eye. She reached out her hand and touched just above it. “That looks like it hurts.” She said to break the ice a little.

“It looks worse than it is.” he said.

She let her hand drop, something was wrong. “Is everything okay?”

He turned his face away from her to look at the skyline again. “Yuna... they...” he started, “They told me. Everything.”

She sighed lowering her head, it was as she thought. “Everything?” she asked, just to make sure.

He turned to stare directly into her eyes and simply nodded.

She felt as if an arrow had pierced through her. “Well... so then, you know. Are you angry?” she asked, she hoped that he wasn’t.

“No” he said to her relief, “I was... at first. But then I realized that I couldn’t be angry. There’s something you don’t know about me either Yuna.”

At last, he was going to tell her. She waited for him to continue. He turned away from her before he started speaking again, “I... well you see... I’m not what you think I am Yuna.”

Yuna could tell this was hard for him to say so she decided to intervene. “I know Tidus.” She said.

“No but you don’t, you...” Tidus turned his head so fast she thought it was going to fall off, “What did you say?” he asked wide eyed.

She stared into his eyes, “I said: I know Tidus.”

“But my name...” he said, “How do you... When?”

“I’ve known since almost the beginning.” She admitted.

“You never said anything,” he said, still astounded, “You knew, and you let me kiss you. Why?”

“Because I didn’t care what you are,” she said, “And I still don’t.” Yuna moved towards him slowly and wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging on to him. “Do you want to know why?” she asked.

“Yes,” he whispered, bringing his arms to encircle her, he hadn’t expected it to go like this... but he wasn’t about to complain.

“Because I already know who you are, beyond titles, and countries, beyond boarders, and differences.” She said, he felt a wet spot form on his shirt where her head was resting, she must be crying. “You’re the boy who stole my heart away.”

Tidus couldn’t hold himself back any longer he took his hand and lifted up her head, bringing his down to meet it. Their lips touched and emotions collided. He moved his hand to once again pull her in closer to him, never separating their kiss.

Yuna closed her eyes, shutting out the tears that kept falling. He was kissing her and it was the best feeling she could have ever described. When at last they broke for a breath, Tidus stepped back from her for a moment, “Yuna, there are some things that I need to say...”

She looked up at him, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her coat. Tidus ran a hand through her hair, and stared down at her. “Ever since I met you, I have felt consumed by a feeling that has been burrowing itself in my soul. I can barely think straight when I’m around you, but I never want us to be apart. Knowing who your father is doesn’t change what my feelings are towards you, because you’re still the same girl I was standing here with the first night we met. I have to leave tomorrow morning, but I also have to know that I will see you again... will I?”

“Yes, you will.”

“When? Where?”

“The Macalania Spring... a week from tomorrow, at four o’clock, if you come, I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll be there,” he said, pulling her close to him in an embrace, “I promise.”

She hung tightly to his body, her arms wrapped around his waist, and his around her shoulders. She would be there waiting for him, no matter what or whotried to stop her, she would overcome it, for him.

A thought popped into her head, that she dare not say aloud, but she screamed it inside of her heart, I think I love you.