A Warriors Soul
By: Jackie Almasy

Jackie: Well I must certainly say that this chapter took me awhile to
write ><....very big writers block!!
Tidus: *appears* Can I ask you something?
Jackie: ......Sure....I guess.
Tidus: How come it takes you so darn long to finish these chapters?!
You make your readers wait so long for you to get off your lazy ass to
write and you make us characters pay for it too!!
Jackie: O.O.....Blame the writers block!!
Tidus: You always have writers block!!!
Yuna: Yeah its not fair!!! You took so long for Tidus and me to be
reunited!!! This chapter had better be good!!!
Jackie: Well folks.....><....as you can see besides the characters
threatening me I do hope you enjoy this chapter, Reunions, Swords, And Oh
So Much More.
Rikku: What kind of title name is that?! * suddenly ducks as I throw my
plushies at her*

Disclaimer: Well.... does it look like I own FFX? *pulls out my wallet
and a moth flies out* ><....Nope!!! So please don’t sue me!!!
****************************************************************************
Chapter 10
Reunions, Swords and Oh So Much More....

      The night sky shimmered radiantly over the hot dry desert of
Bikanel as Rikku slowly walked down the hill of hot and burning sand. Even
in the cold and deadness of night here in this abandoned wasteland, the
sand here still scorched and burned the skin of its victims. Such a
bitter and cold wasteland but yet....this was the Al Bhed’s only
home....this was Rikku’s only home.

Rikku slowly stopped walking as she felt a cold wind rush past her,
making her loose blonde hair wave in the wind. The wind seemed to beckon
her, to call her....but....to where? Closing her spiral green eyes,
Rikku moved her face up toward the heavenly sight above her and let out a
deep breath.

“ Why is this happening to us? Haven’t we suffered enough pain from the
rejection of others? Gods of Spira....please let us live in peace....”
Rikku whispered hoarsely as she felt her warm breath roll over her lips
and lift off into the never ending night. Slowly opening her eyes she
watched her breath rise into the air and then disappear like it had
never been there before.

Moving her eyes along the starry heavens Rikku’s eyes followed the
patterns and....hidden paths of the stars. Forming into unusual shapes and
images, the stars seemed....to want to tell stories...and tales. Tales
of heroes, tales of tragic and never ending loves, tales....of
just....extraordinary things. Things, worthy of joining the forever celestial
lights.

As Rikku slowly moved her eyes heavens she slowly blinked them, smiled
and lowered her head back to the desert land and looked around. There
was still so much work to do but....she had to get back to Yuna,
Yuna....she just had a feeling that something was going to happen...but...what
is the question.

Feeling the cool but brief breeze stop hitting her Rikku let out a loud
sigh and then moved her attention foreword to the sea of tents. As if
not knowing it, she was already entering legion of tents. Slowly
slinking her way in between them she passed through many with small lit lights
inside. Looking at the thin fabric of the tents, Rikku eyes slowly
softened as she saw the shadow figure of a young women, carrying a child in
her arms.

“ Cathy.....” Rikku heard herself whisper softly as she watched the
shadow walk back and forth between the space of the tent. As if everything
went dead silent, a small hum entered the air. The beautiful tone of
Cathy’s voice left her small area and was as if lifted into the scorching
air, and was welcomed into the ears of her listeners.

Nomn ryz la cuddci yri....
Hush now my little one....

Wxh U, axoh koehtuer ert bhydisdyh el niri....
For I, your guardian and protector am here....

Ty ryd wieh, mnecc eczeam pi niri....
Do not fear, I shall always be here....

Mciib biesiwocca ayo mnecc....
Sleep peacefully you shall....

Wxh e znyci riz wodohi ezeudm ayo....
For a whole new future awaits you....

Vomd piayrt dni jyhujyr, U mnecc zued wyh ayo....
Just beyond the horizon, I shall wait for you....

My cid dni mdehm kouti ayo, la cuddci yri....
So let the stars guide you, my little one....

My zi lea pi dykidnih wyhifih....
So we may be together forever....

Wyhifih....
Forever....

Rikku stood there.....speechless and soothed at the familiar lullaby.
Closing her eyes Rikku finished listening to it as she felt her eyelids
force themselves open to see Cathy’s figure bend down to put the small
child into her bed. Seeing her pull the small blanket over the girl,
she heard her whisper something.

“ Sleep peaceful Kathryn. I’ll be here if you need anything.” Cathy
said softly as she kissed her daughters forehead and Rikku strained her
ears to here the rest of the conversation.

“ Good night Mom.” Kathryn said weakly as she felt her mother’s hand
run gently through her head and gently rub her neck. Getting comfortable
in the bed, Cathy continued to hum gently to her daughter and finally
she stopped, knowing she was asleep.

“ Vynr.....zned el U kyurk dy ty zudnyod ayo.....” Cathy spoke softly
as her head bent down slowly and strands of her hair fell in front of
her face. Rikku’s eyes saddened as she slowly lifted her head from the
soft but somewhat rough fabric as she did nothing.....but breathe. Hidden
emotions and feared memories came rushing back into Rikku’s mind as her
breathing started to speed up.

“ John.....” Rikku whispered slowly as a memory, a haunting memory,
came rushing back from Rikku’s past.

* 14 Years Ago*


     A young, five year old Rikku slowly laughed out loud as her mother
smiled a warm smile and followed her. Rikku let out a amused laugh and
looked curiously at the machina part in front of her. Reaching her
small and fragile hands out to touch the mysterious thing in front of her,
Rikku explored the texture of the metal object in front of her.

“ Rikku, you are just the curious little thing.” Rikku’s mother, Aeryn,
said softly as she smiled and her bright green eyes beamed with joy and
happiness.  Bending down to her knees, Aeryn watched her young daughter
begin to explore the machina.

Letting out a amused laugh Rikku moved her hands to the edge of the
machina part. Feeling something pointy she moved her hand downward then
suddenly cut her small hand on the sharp blades. Letting out a cry Rikku
fell to the scorching sand and let the tears fall down her face.

Immediately rushing to her daughter’s side, Aeryn knelt down fast and
looked at the long cut on her daughters palm. The cut ran from the
beginning of her index finger to the start of her palm as Aeryn quickly
reached into her pocket and pulled out a thick cloth. Quickly dabbing it on
Rikku’s hand over and over, the cloth soaked up the staining blood.

“ Rikku, its ok!” Aeryn tried desperately to reassure Rikku, as her
wails started to dim but they were still there. Still letting the tears
fall, Aeryn wrapped the cloth around Rikku’s small and frail hand as she
picked Rikku and supported her with the side of her waist. Using her
free hand to get into pocket, she let out a annoyed and frustrated sigh
as she rummaged through it.

“ Come on! I know its in here!” Aeryn said as she let out a angry rush
and then felt her finger wrap around a small bottle. Smiling in
victory, Aeryn pulled out the a small purple colored bottle and put the top up
to her mouth. Biting off the top and spiting it to the ground, she
quickly held up the bottle to Rikku.

“ Here Rikku, this will make you feel better honey.” Aeryn said softly
as she saw Rikku’s sad and worried eyes meet up with hers. Aeryn smiled
softly and quickly kissed her daughters forehead as Rikku’s eyes turned
happy and she looked at the bottle curiously.

“ Rikku drink it please.” Aeryn said to young Rikku as she slowly
brought the bottle to Rikku’s lips and the young child drank it. After
finishing Aeryn put the bottle on a small work table near her as she looked
around for someone near........ No one.

“ Damn it....” Aeryn cursed under her breath, making sure her daughter
didn’t hear it as she bent down and put Rikku on her feet. Getting down
to her level, Aeryn smiled as she pushed some bangs away from Rikku’s
face and looked at her hand.

“ Let’s see if its better now....” Aeryn said soothingly as she
carefully removed the bloody and stained cloth and looked at her palm. Slowly,
as if like magic, the cut slowly healed up and then disappeared, as if
the injury had never been made. Smiling, Aeryn looked at Rikku’s face
as she let out a small squeal of joy and smiled.

“ You never cease to amuse me!” Aeryn said as she grinned and then, her
gaze turned from happy to shocked. Hearing a low growl in the wind,
Aeryn’s senses were screaming at her. Screaming for her to run, that
something....was coming.

“ Rikku, honey, come on!” Aeryn said quickly as she picked up Rikku,
put her close to her shoulder and turned in the direction of Home.
Running as fast as she could, her small cloak flew behind her, swiftly and
mystically as she felt something go wrong. Turning her look over her
shoulder she gasped as a large Zu appeared over the towering hills of sand.
The mighty and deadly bird slowly began beating its enormous wings and
as they beat downward, the sand rose from the ground and spun in a
tornado like form. Aeryn let out a scared scream and ran as fast as she
could toward the upcoming view of Home.

“ Help!!” Aeryn screamed as loud as she could as Rikku clutched herself
to her mother and started crying cries of terror. The large Zu let out
terrifying cry of anger and hatred as Aeryn again looked over her
shoulder. The Zu was closing in fast and her life....and even worse....her
daughters....was in jeopardy.

Making her legs run as fast as they could and more, Aeryn felt her
blood throb in her legs as her heart raced with fear and terror. Rikku’s
cries of fear filled Aeryn’s ears as she kept on running, feeling the
wind and force of the sand hit her back. She was almost there, almost!!
Just a few more steps and Rikku and she would be safe in their Home, she
had to make it, she just had to!

As Aeryn started seeing the entrance way into Home her spirits and
hopes lifted of surviving, then she lost her balance and started falling,
falling.....falling. Time....seemed to stop ever so slowly passed,
making her movements pass slowly. Her green eyes widened slowly as she saw
the hot ground fast approaching, the thing she feared of
happening.....happened. She had fallen and now....she made herself...and her child
vulnerable.

The world around her spun fast and fast as she rolled down the hill of
sand, at a speed she wasn’t sure. Feeling herself flung into the air,
Aeryn hit the desert ground hard and then a stabbing pain flew through
her body. Screaming a scream of pain she felt a cold and machina piece
enter her back and cut through her flesh as if it was tissue paper.

Her scream pierced through the hot dry air as she hit the bottom of the
hill and came to a complete stop. Agonizing pain and torture came at
Aeryn like a bad of bricks hitting her head. Arching her back in pain she
felt sand seep into her wounds, making her feel even more torture.
Closing her eyes and clutching her hands together she tried to push the
pain out of her mind, out of her body.

A loud wail entered her ears as she gasped and opened her eyes to see
Rikku crying on the sand with new wounds and cuts on her arms and face.
Realizing that Rikku needed medical attention immediately and had to be
safe, Aeryn forced herself up to her knees as her skull and back
thundered in pain.

Wincing in pain, Aeryn forced her gaze at the top of the hill as the Zu
started approaching injured Rikku. His blazing eyes showed evil and
hatred as it glowed a inferno red. Panic seized her senses and thoughts as
she forced her wounded body to cope with the pain and force it to move
in ways it wasn’t capable of.

“ Rikku!!!” Aeryn yelled as she ran to her child and reached her hands
out. Feeling her hands wrap around the injured body of her daughter she
pulled Rikku tight to her chest and felt something run onto her hands.
Blood.... Again terror seized her emotions, making her fear that this
would be the end. Forcing herself up again she looked painfully at the
Al Bhed Home entrance.

“ Somebody!!” Aeryn yelled as a large shadow slowly loomed over Aeryn.
Letting out a shocked gasp, she turned around to see the Zu right over
her, ready to strike......ready....to kill. Fear clearly showed in her
eyes as she feared this would be the end. Looking at the deadly sharp
claws on the Zu, she knew that they could rip almost everything apart
easily as if it was paper.

The Zu let out a cry of anger and readied to strike, ready to kill the
person below it. Aeryn closed her eyes and clutched Rikku close to her,
in hopes of protecting her child. At least....if Rikku could
survive....then she didn’t care what happened to her. The Zu then charged down
and Aeryn....prepared for the worst. Again time seemed to slow down as
Aeryn prepared herself for more pain and possibly....death.....then.....

BOOM!!!

A loud explosion came out of no where as Aeryn felt a rush of wind and
sand hit her back. Quickly looked up too see what had happened, she saw
the Zu lose its balance and nearly fall to the ground, as she gasped at
the horrifying sight. On the Zu’s side was a large and very open wound,
the Zu was nearly missing half of its side. Blood dripped endlessly
from the open wound and stained the sand not....a red color but....a black
color.

“ Aeryn!!!” a voice near her called as she looked up to see her two
best friends, Cathy and John. Cathy ran toward Aeryn as she saw her hair
flow in the wind. Cathy’s eyes were blazing with fear and hatred, hatred
towards the Zu obviously but...was there a hint of....confusion? Aeryn
didn’t know, she was too scared, shocked and preoccupied with the
safety of Rikku.

“ Cathy, get Aeryn and Rikku out of here and too Cid!” John said as his
wild blonde hair flew over his spiral blue eyes. Cathy’s eyes locked
onto his as she nodded and turned to Aeryn, helping her to her knee’s she
grabbed Rikku with one arm and held her to her chest. Using the other
arm to put around Aeryn’s waist, she helped supported her and slowly
they walked over to the entrance.

Aeryn’s vision slowly became blurry as she moaned and realized what had
happened. The amount of blood loss was great and getting bigger by the
second. Her head throbbed, her wounds stung and felt like acid, and
Aeryn knew....that she was probably going to die but....at least....Rikku
was safe.

John quickly turned to the injured Zu and watched it. The Zu cried out
in pain then looked deadly at John. Eyes starting to flare a hell red
color the Zu let out another cry as John bit his lower lip then pulled
out his Al Bhed gun. Starting to fire at the Zu, it struck countless
times, making more and more wounds. The Zu endured the wounds over and
over, baring the pain but letting the anger rise.

“ Die damn you!!” John yelled as he continued to fire, his body being
flung back a but with every fire of the gun. Feeling the force in his
chest, John winced a little as pain started to appear from the blow
force. Reaching his other hand into a pocket he felt his hand wrap around a
key item to defeat this Zu....a Krysta.

“ This ice item should do it....but I only have one...and only one shot
at it.” John’s mind said to himself as he pulled out the item. Holding
tightly with his fingers, they clutched to the item. Suddenly throwing
the item with force at the Zu, it struck the one weakness....its open
wound. Crying out it in pain, the Zu fell to the ground with a loud thud
and a tremor that shook the ground.

The large bird slowly let its head fall to the ground as its eyes
started slowly dilating and then....stillness. A haunting silence crept over
the hot desert as nothing was heard but the wind’s whistle and John’s
hard breathing. His blonde hair waved over wild eyes as he slowly took a
step forward, gun ready in hand. Step by step he slowly walked towards
the supposedly dead Zu as he neared the head of it.

Narrowing his eyes, John slowly stopped a few steps away from the Zu’s
head. Looking dead into the dilated eyes, John slowly bent down and
wondered if it was truly dead. Slowly sighing John proceeded to get up
when all of a sudden the Zu’s eyes flared as its head raised suddenly.
John’s eyes widened in surprise in as the Zu’s eyes of evil met his. True
fear entered John’s mind as he locked his eyes dead with the Zu’s, and
he realized....that this...was probably...the end.

“ Cathy....please....forgive me....” John heard himself think and
then.....the Zu came down. Cathy was rushing towards the entrance, her
breathing sharp, her muscles hurt, and her heart feared. As she reached the
exit she heard a horrifying scream of pain and torture as her worst
fears came true. Her eyes watered as she saw....the scene that would
change her life....forever.

John’s face showed torture and pain as the Zu’s beak kept digging into
his chest. Blood seeped through his clothes and onto the Zu’s beak as
continued ripping through his chest. John let out a horrible scream as
his eyes started watering. Cathy felt emotions run through her veins,
sadness, depression, anger, hatred and....revenge.

“ NO!!!” Cathy’s voice screamed as she felt herself reach behind her
back and pulled out her gun. Taking it in both hands, time seemed to slow
as she held it foreword with both hands and commenced firing. Aiming
right at the head, Cathy kept shooting and shooting with hatred running
through her, tears staining her face and eyes as they continued to fall.

The Zu again cried out in pain and started feeling bullet after bullet
enter its skull and finally....the head fell to the ground again and
stopped breathing. Cathy.....just stood there, gun in hand and smoke
rising from the muzzle. Realization dawned on her as she dropped the gun
and ran to John, as she cried her eyes out at the sight. A large wound
had been inflected on the heart and lung area, and was bleeding
endlessly.

Falling to her knee’s, Cathy put a hand behind John’s head and
supported him on her knees, her hair falling over her eyes as crystal tears
blinded her vision. John, weakly, opened his eyes and saw Cathy looking
down at him, with fear plastered on her face.

“ Cathy.....” John whispered slowly as Cathy shook her head.

“ Don’t talk...you’ll be fine. I’ll get the best healer in Spira John,
just please, don’t leave me!” Cathy heard herself say with a hoarse
voice. John smiled weakly as he raised a hand to her face and gently set
it on her cheek.

“ Hey, take care of the baby ok?” John whispered with a smile as
Cathy’s eyes opened wide and she nodded.

“ The baby will be fine, your going to be there John! Your going to see
your baby born, your going to hold them in your arms! You hear me John,
your going to live!” Cathy demanded as John merely smiled....and shook
his head.

“ Cathy....I’m sorry...I...uh...I wont be here...to see it.” John said
slowly as his breathing slowly began to disperse. Cathy eyes widened in
horror as she realized....he wad going to die...no matter what she did.
More tears of pain fell down her face as she bent her head foreword and
pressed her forehead against his. Feeling his gentle hand touch her
cheek again Cathy opened her watery eyes to see his just inches from hers.

“ U’cc eczeqm pi zudn ayo....” John whispered softly as he felt Cathy’s
tears fall and hit his hand.

“ U’cc rifih mdyb cyfurk ayo.....rifih.....” Cathy said back softly as
she felt John slowly cover his lips with hers. For a moment, love
seemed to heal all their problems as Cathy slowly kissed back and
then....she felt John’s hand fall from her cheek and hit the ground.

“ John....John!!! Damn it John, open your eyes!!” Cathy said as sadness
over took her and she looked at John’s face. He....was dead. Feeling
fresh tears fall from her eyes, Cathy slowly let out a small wince of
pain and closed John’s eyes with her hands. Letting her head fall to his
chest, Cathy hid her face and started crying, her body shaking with
emotions....as her cries were lost in the wind.

*End of Memory*

  Rikku slowly blinked her eyes as she saw the light in Cathy’s tent
slowly dim then go out, leaving them in a blanket of darkness. Rikku felt
her eyes water a little as she felt her hand slowly loved toward her
arm. Wrapping her fingers around the sleeve of her shirt, Rikku slowly
pulled it up to mid way up her arm and then stopped. On her arm was a
long scar that bare the mark and tragedy of that horrible day.

“ Rest in peace John.....please...rest in peace.” Rikku said slowly as
her gaze flew to the heavens and a shooting star flew by, reflecting in
her eyes filled with indescribable feelings.

                                                                       
~*~*~*~*~

      Dark clouds slowly started to make their way across the starry
heavens as thunder rolled in the distance. As the calm breeze that was
blowing the blades of grass over the Calm Lands started to end, a fierce
wind started to pick up and blow across the land. As the wind started
blowing the moonlight that lit up the land with a silvery glow started
disappearing as the clouds covered the moon, making the land seep into
what seemed like a infinite darkness.

     As the dark clouds flew across the sky, the thunder started
rumbling a mighty roar and lightening flashed every now and then, signaling
that rain was most certain to come. On the Calm Lands the Al Bhed rest
stop was all dark and peaceful, signaling that people were asleep except
one room. Inside a small room with a bed, small desk and small bathroom
Yuna sat on the bed, reading a small book.

“ And they lived happily ever after....” Yuna said slowly as she closed
the book and just sat there, looking at the floor. This book had always
been a favorite of hers as a child, the hero and heroine met, went off
on a grand adventure then ends with them getting married and kissing.
Daring adventures, perilous fights, sinister villains,
and.....everlasting love. Yuna closed her eyes and sighed.

“ Much like my life....” she whispered slowly as she stood up and
walked to the bookshelf on the other side of the room. Her eyes fell center
on the hole in the style of listed books as she raised her hand to put
the book back along with the other ones. Making sure it was lined up
with the others, Yuna slowly let her hand fall to her side as she turned
back toward the small bed.

Walking up to it, she stopped at the foot of it and looked out the
window. Seeing the moon fully disappear behind the black clouds, Yuna
walked to the window and looked outside. Droplets of water started hitting
the window and then falling down it, to the ground as thunder rumbled
and again lightning flashed but not struck.

“ I hope Sir Auron is ok.....” Yuna heard herself mutter as she felt
something enter her mind. Tidus.....what had happened to him these last
year? Had....the fayth done something or....was her father? Was he back
for good or....Yuna shook her head at the other thought. She didn’t
want to face the other option, Tidus would stay this time...she would make
sure of it.

Feeling her legs turn to the doorway, Yuna extended her delicate hand
out to the brass doorknob and turned it slowly. Pushing the door open,
Yuna stuck her head out the doorway and looked at the dark hall. The
hall way was dark and quiet as a small light dimmed in the middle of the
long passage. Looking down the right toward the entrance of the hall,
she saw that that room was also had a dim light and she could see the Al
Bhed clerk fast asleep on the small couch.

“ Looks like I’m the only one up...but I need to talk to Tidus.” Yuna
said to herself as she looked down to the left and saw a number of
doors, biting her lip she quietly walked out the door and shut it behind
her. Hearing her boots softly click against the marble floor Yuna slowly
made her way down the decorated hall. Looking at the fashionable
wallpaper and paintings she knew that this was Bevelle’s fashion.

“ Now lets see....which one was Tidus’s room again...” Yuna whispered
slowly as she passed three doors then suddenly stopped at a certain
door. Raising her knuckle slowly she hesitated and bit her lip. What if
this wasn’t the right person? She didn’t want to cause trouble in the
middle of the night but...she had so many questions to ask Tidus
about...his return and what had happened, though she really knew that she yearned
for him, just to be in his arms. Gathering up all the courage she had,
Yuna lightly knocked on the door but loud enough to be heard.

   Waiting for a minute or so, Yuna slowly tapped on the door again
with her knuckles as she strained her ears to hear inside. Hearing
shuffling and some groans of anger, she bit her lip and feared that she had
disturbed someone she didn’t know. Looking at the door handle it slowly
turned and the door opened enough to see Tidus rubbing his eyes a little
and then opening them.

“ Yeah, what do you want?” Tidus spoke slowly as he opened his eyes to
see Yuna standing there, with a apologetic look on her face. Snapping
himself awake that instant Tidus shook his head a little and opened the
door more, looking at Yuna with worried features.

“ Yuna, what’s wrong?” Tidus asked in a gentle tone as Yuna sighed and
closed her eyes. She had woken him up and he was probably very
exhausted. Opening her eyes again she locked her them with his.

“ I’m sorry to bother you this late in the night Tidus....your probably
very exhausted. I’ll leave you alone to get some sleep...” Yuna
whispered as she turned to leave but felt Tidus’s bare hand gently but quickly
clutch hers as she stopped dead in her tracks. Almost melting at his
touch, Yuna’s breath stopped that instant as she slowly turned around to
see Tidus’s expression still worried.

“ It’s ok, you never bother me. I got enough sleep, is there something
wrong?” Tidus asked slowly as Yuna finally nodded and gathered up her
voice, if she had any left.

“ I...need to talk to you about something and I just can’t wait till
tomorrow....” Yuna said as she felt so guilty and selfish at that point.
Feeling herself look down Tidus, not letting go of her hand used his
other one to open the door to his room and he walked inside, tugging her
along.

Yuna entered his room as it looked much the same as hers as she felt
his grip loosen until her hand separated from his. Watching him walk down
to his bed he sat on it and looked up at her. His gentle blue eyes
caught hers as she saw him motion for her to sit next to him. Feeling her
legs oblige, she walked to the bed’s edge and then lower herself onto
it, feeling the softness of it.

“ What is it Yuna?” Tidus asked with a small smile on his face as Yuna
closed her eyes and let out a small sigh, it was time to talk.

“ Tidus...I was wondering....what happened to you after...the day....”
Yuna said with a tone of pain in her voice. Tidus looked at Yuna with
gentle eyes as he moved his hand to hers again and gripped it tight.
That day...what seemed like a eternity ago....was a day that changed them
forever. The few moments were so painful and dreadful....the thought of
never seeing each other again...of never feeling each other in their
arms....was a painful experience.

“ Ok...I’ll start from the beginning....” Tidus replied slowly as Yuna
moved her eyes up to his face as she watched and listened carefully.

“ The last thing I remember before this...was waking up in a small bed,
beaten and hurt. My back had been injured and I had several injuries
over my body,” Tidus began as he felt Yuna’s grip tighten a little on his
hand from worry.

“ Then I remember the room door opening and a women coming through it,”
Tidus continued as Yuna had a questionable look on her face.

“ A woman?” Yuna’s voice replied.

Tidus nodded, “ The women’s name was Ryanna. She was a young women who
had found on a beach near Mt. Gagazet, she took me back to her house
and cared for me...for a whole year...while supposedly...I was in a
coma.” Yuna’s features relaxed a little as she continued to listen.

“ I don’t remember much before that at all...but I knew from the minute
I woke up....that I was determined to find my way back to you....even
if it took me my whole life and beyond. So...I slowly began recovering
though one night....I had a dream,” Tidus said slowly then he continued.

“ I...the dream....was not a usual dream. In it...I saw just
wastelands....and....felt in the air what seemed like despair and agony.
Then....the Fayth of Bahamut came....the child one. He....explained to me
that...this new evil was appearing and well...that they needed Auron, my old
man, and me to come back and help protect it,” Tidus paused.

“ I wasn’t about to have you hurt again....by having you....and me
reunite...and then be separated. I couldn’t stand to see you hurt
again....I just couldn’t handle it then...the Fayth told me that....I was back
in the world of Spira....for good this time and that’s when he healed
me.....” Tidus ended slowly.

“ So....I started my way down Mt. Gagazet after that and on the way I
found Auron and Jecht, and well...here we are...” Tidus wrapped up as
his eyes fell upon Yuna’s. They were so full of emotions as they
glittered in the faint light, sparkling with love.

“ Tidus....” Yuna spoke softly as she gently raised her other hand and
gently rested it on his cheek. Almost on contact, Tidus’s hand flew to
hers as he pressed it with his, closing his eyes on her satin touch.
Breathing in slowly, Tidus opened his eyes again to see Yuna look at him.

“ I’m sorry...you had to go through that. After you left...my heart and
soul just started disappearing without you...” Yuna began as Tidus
listened slowly, his own essence starting to cry.

“ Then after I had a dream too....my mother came to me. My
mother....told me about the evil too and told me that my soul was alive....that
you...were alive....so I instantly went out looking for you....I just
knew...that you were alive....because as I neared the Calm Lands....I just
felt warm inside for some reason....” Yuna tried to finish but she felt
herself weaken with emotion.

“ Yuna....” Tidus whispered as he slowly moved his arms around her
small body and he felt Yuna just fall dead into his arms, pressing herself
as close to him as she possibly could. Feeling that she was in a
uncomfortable position, Tidus slowly moved backwards onto the bed, laying
fully on it with Yuna resting her head on his chest.

“ And then....I found you again.....” Yuna slowly finished as she
looked up at his warm eyes and....he smiled. Slowly bending his head down,
he gently lowered his lips down to hers. Yuna immediately surrendered
into the kiss, as she felt herself kiss back with all the bent up passion
inside.

Slowly separating Tidus kissed her gently once more then raised a bare
hand to her cheek and gently stroked it. No words....had to be
exchanged between the two young adults, just the look they gave each
other...was enough. Letting out a tired sigh Yuna slowly felt her head drop back
to his shoulder as Tidus slowly stroked her hair gently. Feeling her
breathing slowly calm down, he knew that she had fallen asleep.

“ Never again Yuna....never again...shall I leave you....” Tidus
whispered slowly as he slowly felt himself drift off for the first time....a
peaceful sleep.

                                                                     
~*~*~*~*~

      Reandra slowly started walking forward on the wooden dock as her
black boots clicked. Her brown eyes were locked dead on Auron’s as she
finally stopped a few steps away from Auron. The wind started blowing
slowly as it made her and Auron’s clothes rustle, no words....were
exchanged for a minute.

They just stood there....silent....and lull...that lasted for what
seemed like forever. Thoughts of the past and beyond were rushing through
Auron’s mind as standing right before him....was the women he had never
forgotten all those years ago. She was now....a full grown women,
beautiful and mysterious.

Her face was now sleek and young looking though he knew that she was in
her thirty’s as well. Her eyes were still the same, deep, focused and
intense....intense with emotions. Focusing his attention down, his eyes
fell upon a small scar running from the bottom of her eye down to the
middle of her cheek. That scar....was from that day when she was
attacked....

Her upper body and waist were hidden by her black clothing and swaying
cloak but attached to her belt....was a long and slender blade. The
blade....why did it ring a bell to him? It seemed so familiar but...then
again....it seemed just a...distant memory.

“ After all these years.....” Auron heard Reandra’s voice slowly
whisper as she opened her brown eyes as hers met Auron’s almost scarlet ones.
The instant their eyes met Reandra felt her heart stop that very
moment... She knew...that her feelings were still as strong...maybe even
stronger... Even though...it had been so long, Reandra’s heart could never
forget...the one person who hadn’t ever left it.

The memory of their separation all those years ago made her heart ache
and her mind...question wither this was real or not. Reandra slowly
closed her eyes as she felt them water, though she forced it back. What if
this was another dream....that she was sure to wake up from....leaving
her....to think that she was destined to be alone....

Slowly feeling a rough hand come up and touch the side of her face,
Reandra’s eyes flashed open to see Auron right in front of her and looking
straight into her eyes again. Their breathing...was sharp and rugged as
Reandra slowly closed her eyes and  slowly lowered her head to his
shoulder, as she felt herself just collapse into his figure.

Feeling his strong and safe arms wrap around her instantly, Reandra
rested her head on his black armor as she just shook with emotion. Auron,
couldn’t believe this moment either. Here he was....standing at the
place they had separated those years ago....and now...finally....he had
the women he loved back in his arms. Tightening his grip, Auron brought
her even closer as he felt her hands clutch harder to his neck.

“ Auron.....” Reandra whispered hoarsely as her voice was still too
caught up with emotions she hadn’t felt in a long time rise. Her voice
wanted to respond, oh how she just wanted to never let him
go....now....that had finally found him again.

Auron gently shushed her as he just continued to hold her, for
now....this was just too perfect to end. The feeling...of finally holding her
again...was almost unbearable too ever let go. Feeling her...and himself
shake with the realization....that this was real....that this wasn’t a
dream of yearning for each other....felt so right.

As the wind slowly began to start blowing, rain started falling on
them, beginning to soak them. Reandra or Auron....didn’t care....as they
didn’t know....that they were being watched. A pair of flaring red eyes
watched from a distance as a low hiss and what seemed like a growl enter
the air, and carried slowly in the wind.

Reandra....stopped dead in her tracks as her senses started shouting to
her that something was wrong....something...wasn’t right. Slowly lifted
her head from Auron’s chest she looked over his shoulder at the large
Bevelle Harbor and looked around. Darkness had almost consumed
everything in the harbor as the last hint of dusk was on the horizon, giving off
a enchanting glow in the distance.

“ Is....the evil here?” Reandra heard herself ask as she gasped,
there....in the shadows...lurked something....something horrible and of pure
hatred...and it was coming this way. Looking quickly at Auron, Reandra
on instinct quickly separated from him as Malchus jumped out of the
shadows and commenced a battle.

“ Die you humans!!” Malchus hissed as Reandra drew her blade, bringing
it to a rest before her.  She breathed heavily, as she glared at the
demonic menace, a few yards away. Malchus sneered madly at Reandra as he
slowly brought his hands to the sword on his halt and drew it. They
stood there...silent as Auron grabbed out his Murasame and rushed to go
protect Reandra but was interfered by Malchus.

“ You I shall deal with later!” Malchus said as he held out his hand,
as a small white ring appeared and suddenly wound around Auron’s neck,
flinging him into a tree and holding him there, completely frozen and
slowly choking him. Reandra’s eyes widened in horror as she saw that act
done to him, her anger flared. Not now...not when that had finally just
found each other...she wasn’t going to let anyone hurt him now...and
not ever again.

The sweat beaded down her brow in rivulets, mixing with the drizzle of
rain pouring down from the dark, cloudy skies above. The rain....kept
on falling and falling as she turned to the waiting demon, her face
hidden in the shadows as she glared at him.

The sounds of the wildlife around them escalated, as if anticipation of
the fight, the sounds hidden in the trees around them. Then, just as
suddenly, the sounds quelled...They clashed in a wave of heat and
fury...blade clashing against fire...

“ You think your a match for me?!” Malchus screamed in hatred as he
kept striking and striking, blow after blow at Reandra as she miraculously
blocked each one, but being flown back from the impact of each strike. 
Malchus unleashed a torrent of flame at Reandra, which she deflected
with her sword. 

 The steaming bits of flame sizzled on her blade, forcing her to
squint, as she brought the sword up above her head, striking at Malchus.
Flinging it downward in attempt to make the final blow but Malchus blocked
it and then flared his eyes again. Extending his hand out, he felt his
long talons force themselves out as he then raised it above his head.
Being caught off guard, Reandra tried to move in time but didn’t as she
felt the long talons scrape across the top of her chest.

Letting out a small scream of shock, Reandra jumped back to cover the
wound with her hand. Breathing heavily, Reandra lifted her hand to see
blood clearly showing in the darkness....and that’s when...she felt it.
A flicker....an unknown flicker of hatred and violence seemed to burst
into flames.

Grabbing the handle of her sword, Reandra let out a rush of anger and
charged at the demonic beast. Catching Malchus off guard on this, he
barely blocked blow after blow as they kept coming at a almost what seemed
like a lightning speed. Sparks of metal flew, making it flicker light
about as she continuously kept on striking and striking, the flame of
hatred inside of her growing fiercer by the minute.

Feeling a rush of energy from no where she slashed upward and cut
Malchus off guard, cutting him on the chest. Hearing a cry of sudden pain
and shock, Malchus fell to his knee’s and his eyes flared, then....he
grinned.

“ You think I’m that easy to get rid of?! I’ll show you.....” Malchus
couldn’t finish the sentence as he was cut off by a fast flash of
lightning and he saw Reandra’s face. His eyes widened at the sight of the
women in front of him, sword in hand, soaked to the bone from the rain as
he saw the flame of hatred in her.

“ You.....” Malchus growled as he snickered then felt his hand clutched
at the sword. Slowly sheathing it, he put his sword away and stood up,
grinning at the sight of Reandra.

“ We will...meet again....” Malchus said as he disappeared into
nothing, leaving Reandra to stand in the rain alone. Hearing a loud thud, she
quickly turned to see Auron fall to the ground and coughing.
Immediately dropping her sword she ran to him and suddenly felt...a absence of 
the energy. Feeling terribly weak, Reandra fell to her knees and just
stared at the ground as she felt herself shake.

Never....had she felt such hatred run through her veins and
blood....and it seemed....so natural though. As if....she had felt it
before...but.....that couldn’t be....could it?

“ What’s happening to me?” Reandra whispered to herself as she let the
rain hit her back but also....a sense of warmth came over her as she
felt Auron’s arms wound around and for now...she knew.....that nothing
else matter....but Auron.
****************************************************************
Oh my god!!! I finally finished it!!! YAY!!!!! So....what did you think
of this chapter?? Stupid or good?? Too long or too short?? I need
opinions and thank you sooooo much for being patient for this chapter!!!