Final Fantasy X: The True Adventure

[Maha1930]

Listen to my story, this may be our last chance....


Tidus, a boy of the age of Seventeen galavanted up the steps, brushing his clothes off and tidying his uniform. The uniform was that of his Blitzball team’s the Zanarkand Abes. The uniform consisted of black suspenders and shorts. Which one leg was embroided with a “J” for Jecht. The right leg of his shorts for some reason was longer than the other, and he wore a yellow hoodie underneath his uniform, with the chest unzipped to expose his toned abs. A silver chain with another similar “J” attached to it, complimented his outfit. As did his bleach blonde hair and tan skin.

Tonight was the night. Ten years it had been since the passing of his father, Jecht. Tidus fist clenched of the very mention of his name, he hated his dad, what he was, what he did. What he put his mom and him through-

“No,” Tidus spoke to himself, shaking the thought out of his head. “Focus. Tonight’s your night, not his.” Putting on a confident facade, he made his way through his room and onto the body of the boat that was his home. He could see fans waving at the very end of the bow and he rushed to go and greet them. Two attractive girls begun smiling and winking at him.

“Can I have your autograph?” The brunette one said.
“Of course,” Tidus replied spelling out the words, “T-i-d-u-s,” on the Blitzball’s bumpy surface.
“Good luck tonight!” The red-headed said, cheering him on.
“Nothing to worry about!” Tidus replied smoothly spinning the blitzball he just signed on the tip of his finger and handing it back at the girl. “Oh, if I score I goal I’ll, uh, do this!” He mimicked what he would do by throwing up his arms. “That would mean it was for you, ok?” The girls giggled, clapping their hands. “What seat?”

“East block in the front row!” The brunette one said.
“Fifth from the right!” The red-headed one finished.

“Got it!” Tidus replied and just as he turned to greet more fans he seemed to be bombarded by three kids shoving blitzballs in his face.

“Can you sign this?” One of them said.

“No prob!” replied Tidus. He knew it was never a good idea to leave his humble adobe without his trusty pen, even though it was a pain to sign them, he never really got tired of the thrill he felt after he gave back his signature. Just the look on their faces made him feel like he not only was pursuing blitzball to better himself, but the fans seemed just as to devoted to him as he was to the sport.

“Please!” Another kid held up a blitzball to be autographed.

“Alrighty,” Tidus gladly replied.

“Me too!” Another replied.

“Hey, take it easy!” Tidus replied, getting a tad bit annoyed by how much attention he was actually receiving.

After he was done singing the blitzballs, Tidus addressed the crowd before he had to leave for the stadium. “Well, gotta go. Cheer for me!”

Then, all three children shouted at him in unison. “Two, three.....Teach us how to Blitz!”

“Hey, I gotta game to play,” Tidus replied shrugging the offer off.

“Then, teach us after!” One of the kids proposed.

Tidus thought for a moment scratching the back of his head. “Maybe tonight? Um...well...” His thoughts trailed off.

“You can’t tonight.”

But he then remembered that he was busy after the game anyways, if anything, he would have to fit the kids into his schedule tomorrow. “I mean tomorrow.”

“Promise?” The one who had asked him had looked so longingly at him that he just couldn’t say no.

“Promise!” He replied holding up his fist at them, smiling. They then put down their blitzballs and outstretching their arms, brought them full-circle into an even tinier circle formed by their two hands parallel to each other, then they bowed. This was the universal sign in blitzball that meaning “Victory.” He smiled warmly again at the kids and waved at his fans, jumping on his speedboat and heading towards the city center, which housed the stadium and the sphere pool.

He could feel the salt on the ocean’s waves catch on his skin, worming their way into his nose. It was a fine, crisp smell that he had loved ever since he was a little boy. Living out on his family’s boat-house, taught him to have a fondness of the ocean, for it can be your best friend somedays, while being your nemesis on other ones. Tidus couldn’t wait to play this tournament. It was his time to shine now, on the day of the anniversary of his father’s death. Here, he could prove himself and become famous all on his own, without the help of his father to get there. He just wished that the people he cared about most were here to enjoy this moment with him.

“Well, can’t worry about that now,” he said to himself. “I just have to tough it out tonight and give it my all. Maybe Auron will be in the stands! I actually haven’t seen him in awhile, I hope he comes.” The speedboat jutted along, entering a narrow canal where Tidus docked the boat and hopped off. The crowds seemed to be culminating at the entrance to the stadium and he had ten minutes until he needed to be there for the start of the match, so, he thought he would take a short, leisurely walk down the bridge that went straight through to the stadium and many other parts of Zanarkand. As he walked onward he looked up at one of the buildings overlooking the bridge nearby, a holographic representation of his father, Jecht, appeared on the screen. It was to honor the Jecht Memorial Cup today. His calm, peaceful walk had just been ruined at the very sight of his father’s smug mug.

When he reached the stadium he begun breaking through the crowd, squirming his way to the entrance of the stadium. “Make way! Make way!” He pushed and bumped his way through the masses that seemed to be multiplying the second. “Coming through, sorry!” He began stepping on toes and elbowing people, but he couldn’t help it, they just wouldn’t seem to let him through. “Hey!” He yelled. “I-I’m gonna be late!”

And he finally broke free of the crowd, regaining his balance and composure at the entrance. He then turned around and faced the crowd, waving and smiling proudly and headed off into the stadium. Looking around the locker rooms once he go inside, he realized that everyone had already proceeded to get ready to dive into the sphere. It was Tidus’s night to be the first. He made his way up a rather large staircase through a door in the locker room and there he sat, on the bench which was filled with water. He sat down, putting his head back. “This is the life,” he said. Not wanting any of this to go away. He liked the fame and fortune, and of course the attention. Put not like politicians and men and women of power do. Oh no, no, no, no. Tidus was different than that, he liked the fame for a different reason. To prove that he, could be better than his father, and somehow become even more famous be his own methods. And not be Jecht’s.

Not wasting any time, a bright light shined in the center of the stadium and Tidus opened his eyes. It was time, the sphere was activating.

“Let’s do this,” Tidus said standing up. The doors to the stadium sparked alive and unlocked. Fans poured into the stadium, cheering Tidus on as he stepped up to ready himself to be the first to dive into the sphere. They were facing the Duggles from C-South tonight. A vicious opponent indeed, but Tidus felt in his gut that him and the Zanarkand Abes could beat them, no sweat.

Tidus watched as the light he had seen got brighter, gathering electricity in the center of the stadium, gathering in energy, but shrinking in size until it was the size of a blitzball itself. Then, it erupted, gaining in mass and size, forming the giant ball of water that made the sport of blitzball possible. It was called, “The Sphere Pool.” And the water that constructed the pool was no ordinary water, for as you see, the players couldn’t hold their breath for a whole ten minutes, never mind a whole game which could last hours on end. So, there was devised a way to construct oxygenated water, that could still maintain the properties of regular of water, yet give the players air to breath. Of course it would fill their lungs with water, but as soon as the liquid made contact with the players lungs, it would turn gaseous and give them the oxygen necessary to continue. The Sphere Pool, was suspended in mid-air in a circular shape by rotating rings, so that onlookers could watch the match.

Tidus snatched up his Blitzball and jumped straight into the pool, feeling the water envelop his entire body. He loved nothing more than the exhilaration of moving around the pool, twisting and twirling, passing and catching, he lived for this sport. The other players soon followed, his team diving in and forming defense and offense behind him, and the Duggles doing the same. The bell sounded from outside, signaling kick-off. Tidus, and the team captain of the Duggles, Maourdor, knelled on special platforms that appeared only for kick-off, dissolving into the pool once it had commenced to give the players more room to play. Tidus looked into the eyes of Maourdor and thought, “Tch, this’ll be an easy win.” A blitzball then appeared in the center and shot into the pool, the two captains lunged after it, Tidus gripping it’s bumpy surface and passing it to one of his teammates before Maourdor tackled him from behind, wrestling him for the ball which he then realized Tidus had passed on. Letting go of him, Tidus swam opposite his teammate Bartley, Bartley then threw the ball to Tidus.

Unbeknownst to Tidus, his friend Auron would be at the match tonight, but not to watch his friend play. As the match was just starting to commenced, Auron casually walked out onto a ledge of one of the skyscrapers near the stadium. A middle-aged man with a care-free attitude. He had jet black hair with just a streak of grayish-white. He wore a large red overcoat over a worn, black chest plate, and always stuffed his left arm into it’s corresponding sleeve, as if he was using it as a sling for a broken arm. Even though, his arm worked perfectly, so it seemed to be just an odd habit that he had picked up over the years. Also, he always seemed to wear sunglasses despite the weather, which did a good job at drawing the attention away from the scar over his right eye which seemed completely unresponsive. And the bottom half of his face was almost always completely masked by the rather large collar attached to the top of his coat. Which proved difficult to read his expressions, even though they were usually unimportant.
He turned around once he had reached the edge and raised his hand up. A big mass was emerging from the ocean, it looked like it was forming a giant bubble, almost, if not bigger than the sphere pool, rising up and out of the sea.

As Bartley tossed the ball to Tidus, it got intercepted by a girl with long braided hair and goggles. She spun around, getting ready to shoot the ball. Seeing this, Tidus charged at the girl, ramming into her and knocking her out of the sphere pool and into the crowd. And with a dignified nod of his head, the crowd cheered even louder.

Auron was now venturing along the same path along the bridge, as Tidus had only a short while ago. The creature was advancing out of the water and engulfing the city in it’s wake. Buildings seemed to disappear into it’s mass, and it seemed to be...following Auron.

One of the guys scored for the Duggles and high-fived a female teammate. Tidus then looked over at the scoreboard. They were losing by only one point, if he could make this next shot count they could win the match for sure. Tidus prepared for his signature shot, gathering his momentum by sinking down to the bottom the sphere pool. He could hear the crowd cheer even louder as they anticipated what he would do next. He then kicked back, shooting himself up and out of the top. Since he was the player holding the ball, he let it loose just as he broke the surface of the sphere so as it would soar up alongside him. He bent his neck downwards, rotating his body in a 90 degree rotation, gearing up his right leg to kick the ball back down and into the pool. It was then that he spotted it. He could see not too far of in the distance a great big ball of water, but it was nothing unlike the sphere pool, and something was coming towards him from the ball itself.

Tidus gasped as several bolts of energy flew by him, hitting the stands behind him and rendering the sphere pool useless. The pool’s integrity collapsed and the stands around him roared up in flames. Tidus reached out for a nearby ledge as gravity was pulling his body back down. He looked down at the chaos ensuing below and gripped the ledge even tighter, but the water form the sphere pool was not helping his gloves grip the slippery texture and he could feel himself starting to slip. Another energy blast hit the stadium causing the ledge Tidus was gripping to shake, which made him lose his grip completely, sending him cascading downwards towards the depths below.

Tidus could hear screams of people as he regained consciousness, he opened his eyes looking around. He had landed ironically enough, right outside the entrance to the stadium. He get up after much deliberation from his muscles and dusted the dust off of him from the crumbling stadium. The wreckage of his once beloved place was everywhere, people were screaming, vaulting over rumble and pushing people out of the way. The city had gone into chaos, and whatever was happening, Tidus wanted to know what the hell was going on. He scanned the area nearby and spotted a man in a red overcoat not to distant from him, a feeling of shock overcame Tidus ran up to the man.

“A-Auron?” He asked addressing them man who was casually leaning up against a large boulder. “What are you doing here?”

“I was waiting for you,” Auron replied walking off towards the bridge past the stadium.

“What are you talking about?” Tidus replied to him, confused. But he didn’t have time to finish asking questions and tailed off after the strange man.

Tidus ran after Auron, trying to catch up to him but he seemed to disappear. Looking around all he could see was people running in the opposite direction from where he was going. He then spotted a small child, shrouded in a purple robe and casually walked up to him, thinking he got lost, or separated from his family or something. He then realized, everything had stopped around him. The destruction, the people...everything.
“It begins,” the child spoke.

“Huh?” Tidus replied.

“Don’t cry,” the child spoke again. Tidus walked up to him and then he suddenly vanished and time seemed to returned to normal.

“What the-?” Tidus looked around again, seeing where the kid had run off to but then he spotted Auron in the distance. “Hey! Wait!” He called running after him.

“Hey! Not this way!” Tidus yelled at Auron once he had caught up with him.

“Look,” Auron replied.

Tidus stumbled back as he looked up. What he saw was the same big water sphere, but it was suspended in the sky. He could make out glowing orbs, and some mass that seemed to be moving inside. Surely there was a reason this gigantic creature was here, in Zanarkand.

“We called it, “Sin”,” Auron replied.

“Sin?” Tidus responded, clearly confused. But before there was time to explain, a creature erupted from the sphere suspended in the sky, plunging into a nearby building. It looked like a giant, glowing form of sea creature and it seemed to be shooting out tiny pods that were headed straight towards where the two men were. Tiny, glowing pods suddenly littered the bridge, hatching into greed, winged creatures with tiny claw and teeth. Three of them charged at Tidus and he swatted them away, falling on his backside in the process.

Auron withdrew a pink longword and handed it to Tidus, “Take it.”

Tidus wrapped his hands around the hilt of the sword standing up and holding it, which was a mistake to do with one hand since it fell back down.

“A gift from Jecht,” said Auron as Tidus fought with the sword to balance it in his two hands.

“My old man?” Tidus replied and taking the sword, swung it at the creatures who backed away, but not before he fell on his butt one more time.

“I hope you know how to use it,” Auron said condescendingly.

Tidus grunted a reply, nodding his head and he held the sword out in his right hand, while using the left to balance the weight of it out.

“These one’s don’t matter!” Auron shouted. “We cut through!”
The creature in front of Tidus advanced on him but Tidus jumped to the side, striking the creature in the center of it’s body, cutting in two. The creature than disappeared into tiny balls of light that dissipated into the air. Another creature attacked, firing needles towards Auron, he used both hands and with a quick motion raised his Katana to cover his body and deflect the needles which hit the blade, and clattered to the ground. Auron then swung his massive blade, cutting deep into the creature that had attacked him, and the creature disappeared into tiny balls of light as well. More creatures were coming out of their pods but the path in front of the two men were clear so they charged through, until four more pods barred their path. The creatures emerged and without hesitating the two men in unison struck down their blades into two of the creatures, killing them. Auron then sliced the wing off the one nearest him, then plunged his blade into it’s mouth. Tidus, jumped up into the air, sinking his blade into the core of the creature. The two disappeared into balls of light and the path again was clear.
The two men ran up the bridge as it inclined upward, pods now littering the vacant space behind them.  

[Maha1930]

Then, as the men were advancing across the bridge they felt a rumble underneath their feet and walked up to see another one of those giant sea creature looking monsters ahead of them. It had many little tentacles dancing off of it’s sickly looking body, with one large, thick tentacle in the center. Tidus and Auron charged at the creature, which retaliated by materializing a black orb in front of it, which released a wave of energy that passed through them. Tidus’s stomach lurched and leaned on his sword, regaining his strength.

“Careful,” Auron said helping him back up, “Here, use this.” Auron handed him a small blue vial which Tidus drank, slurping down the whole bottle down to the last drop.

“That was good I feel great! What was that?” Tidus asked tossing the bottle on the ground.

“Potion,” Auron replied smoothly and took a defensive stance not to far from Tidus. Before the tentacle creature could attack again, four of the other creatures appeared, simply out of nowhere alongside it, releasing themselves from pods situated into the bridge next to the monster.

“Get outta my town!” Tidus yelled at the monsters waving his sword about, itching for more action.

“Some can’t wait to die!” Auron replied back. He smirked, surveying the monsters surrounding their master, “Perfect,” he thought. He crouched down onto the ground, gaining momentum and leaped into the air, pointing his sword towards the ground, which sliced it’s way into the bridge’s structure, sending tiny little waves of energy into each creature, which in turn erupted into tiny balls of light. That is, except for the bigger one. A few of it’s tentacles however, dissipated into balls of light.
“Hmph, so we cut the tentacles and the master falls,” Auron exclaimed. “How poetic.”

Tidus swung his blade at the creature, cutting deep into it’s blueish-greenish' flesh, spilling out black ooze. Auron then swung his Katana, cutting even deeper, the cuts from the blades, slice by slice, reacted in two tentacles to disappeared. The men continued their assault until the last, thick tentacle remained.

Auron sheathed his sword. “Tidus, would you like to do the honors?” And without a single reply, Tidus lunged at the creature, somersaulting, and slamming his blade down, ripping all the way through the creature’s fragile frame, and sending the creature exploding into tiny balls of light. Tidus laughed, waving his sword around, eager for more.

“Not bad,” Auron thought to himself. “Needs more discipline though if he plans to accomplish what is ahead. What Jecht needs him to do for him.” He turned back to Tidus waving him to follow. “This way!”

They ran further up the bridge, Tidus turned his head to see the same billboard of his dad that had ruined his night earlier. “What are you laughing at old man?” Auron stopped in front of him for some odd reason and even though it was certainly a thrill fighting all these creatures, he wanted to get out of here and escape to safer ground. “Auron! Let’s get out of here!”

But the man simply replied, “We’re expected.”

“Huh?” Tidus replied, simply bewildered as Auron ran off again. “Gimme a break man!” said Tidus tailing after him again. More pods littered their path, not only in front of them this time, but also behind them as well. There were no means of escape this time, the two of them drew their swords ready to fight. Tidus swung his sword at the nearest creature, which counterattack with several needles it shot out of it’s mouth, sticking into Tidus’s arm. “Yeowch!” He screamed.

“I said careful!” Auron yelled back at him, admist fighting his own squadron of winged enemies.
“Hmph, this could be bad,” he thought to himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he then spotted a fuel tanker, dangling off the side of the bridge, with it’s core hydraulic unit exposed. If they could hit the unit, it would cause the tanker to shut down, and the momentum should carry it off the bridge and cascading below. “Boom,” Auron said.

“That!” Auron shouted pointing at the tanker. “Knock it down!”

“What?” Tidus replied as he could barely himself breath as his sword sliced into each enemy.
“Trust me,” he replied. “You’ll see.” He then took on the role of keeping the creatures at bay as Tidus sliced the core unit, causing it to shutdown and the tanker fell off the side of the bridge. Exactly as Auron had anticipated. Tidus then looked at Auron and shrugged since nothing had happened. Then, the bridge’s structure in front of them exploded, starting to sink, and burning all the creatures that barred their path.

“Go!” Auron instructed and the two of them then jumped their way onto the sinking platform, jumping and hopping over little explosions as the bridge’s structure as a whole was ripped to shreds by the chemical reaction of the igniting fuel. Auron was too fast for Tidus to keep up and as he reached the point where he had to jump to the next portion of bridge, he just barely made it, grasping onto the bridge’s edge, as the piece he was just on, fell below. He looked up and saw Auron just standing over him.

“Auron!” He shouted at the top of his lungs. He could see the giant bubble mass floating overhead, opening some kind of vortex, causing the bridge he was clinging onto and surrounding buildings to start to gravitate towards it’s center. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He didn’t want to die, he didn’t want this to be the end. “Auron!” He shouted again. Wishing that his friend would save him from this calamity that had befallen him, this nonsense.

Auron looked up at the vortex, peeing into it’s very depths. “You are sure?” Addressing the monstrosity above them like it was a regular human being. He leaned down, pulling up the struggling Tidus and held him up as they both were suddenly lifted off of their feet, being sucked into the vortex. “This is it. This is your story. It all begins here.” Auron said and as soon as he was finished Tidus saw his head and body stretch and disappear in a flash into the vortex. Then he too, felt his body being ripped apart and sucked into the vortex. Tidus screamed as his very being was ripped apart in mere seconds.  

[Maha1930]

Katsu woke up in a cold sweat, panting. “Why are my dreams so odd of late?” He asked himself once he could breath normally. He had odd dreams before, but never like this. Of Zanarkand, a city destroyed a thousand years ago. That was now used as a final destination for summoners to acquire the final aeon and defeat sin, and bringing the calm to Spira once more. “But, those people,” he thought. “Tidus and Auron. I felt like I was...there..fighting alongside them, and even feeling their pain as Sin sucked them into it’s bowels. But....why? What does all this mean?” He sat there, scratching his head, looking out of his hut and out at the sunny village of Besaid. “Oh s**t!” He screamed hopping out of bed and grabbing his uniform, struggling with his boots to allow his feet to enter them. What did he did know however, was that he was late for his daily Blitzball practice with the Aurochs....again.
Katsu bustled his way through the village, trying his hardest not to bump into people as he made sure he had everything with him as he ran out of the village. “Crap!” He screamed stopping to stomp his foot on the dirt but then started running again. “I forgot my Blitzball! Wakka’s gonna kill me!” He made his way up the hill overlooking the village, under the old ruins that had AlBhed writing on them, over the bridge onlooking the waterfall and stopped, finally able to catch his breath as he reached the beach where the Aurochs were already practicing. He peeked around the bend and spying Wakka with his back to him, slyly tip-toed out from his hiding spot and along the beach, trying to reach the other players before Wakka noticed.

“You’re late. Again.” Wakka’s voice made him jump. Apparently he wasn’t sly enough to sneak past Wakka. “That’s strike three, ya?”

“I know, Wakka! But I-” Katsu started to plead his case but Wakka turned around and smiled, which took Katsu by surprise. “I thought he would be furious,” he thought to himself.

“Hey, Katsu come tournament time, as long as we do our best, nothing really matters. Except...” He walked over to Katsu grabbing him in a head lock and giving him a noogie.

“Ow! Hey! Wakka cut it out!” Katsu yelled, breaking free of the stronger man’s grip.

“But you were late, ya? And you know what that means, Aurochs!” He called the rest of the team over, forming a circle around Katsu. “You got to show us what you’ve been practicing to the rest of the team. Those are the rules.”

Katsu gulped looking at everywhere staring at him. It wasn’t his fault he was a late sleeper, it was these damn weird dreams. He had already missed three practices this week. He knew that if he kept missing them that Wakka would eventually throw him off the team, and he couldn’t afford that. The Aurochs were like his family. He didn’t have any parent’s. Few kids did in Besaid after Sin’s last attack 17 years ago. Katsu was 1 when it happened, so he couldn’t even remember his parents at all. Wakka’s parent’s were among the fallen as well, but he was 6 at the time. But he barely remembers them either. “At least he has some memories,” Katsu thought. You would think he was used to this routine by now, you were late to one of the practices, you were put on the spot, and if you couldn’t do any impressing moves, you were there by yourself, practicing on the beach until sundown, or until Wakka came and got you. That is, if he remembered.
This was Katsu’s first official year with the Aurochs after Wakka asked him to join after last season was over. Katsu was more than delighted to be a part of the team, he loved Blitzball, and also had maybe just a had little crush on the Auroch’s captain. Since you had to be 18, this was his first official year competing in the tournament, the other players were three of fours older than him, Wakka, 23, being the oldest of the team.
The tousled bleach blonde hair of the boy blew in the breeze as the players stared him down. “Okay, Katsu,” he coached himself. “You can do this, you can impress Wakka and still stay on the team! I just have to do one move! One!” Wakka threw him a Blitzball and he caught it.

“Show me.”

“Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap!” Katsu screamed in his head. He started breathing slowly, inhaling and exhaling, to calm himself. He then gathered all his energy, and threw the ball up in the air then closed his eyes. “This is it,” he told himself. “This is your time to shine. All eyes are on you.” And he jumped up, doing a somersault in the air and kicked the ball with his right foot. It rocketed off the beach and into the ocean, hitting some blonde creature floating in the water.

“Whoa!” Everyone shouted as Katsu landed back on his feet, smirking.

“Yo, Brudda,” Wakka exclaimed, “I think you hit someone.”

“What?” Katsu replied confused and the rest of the group stared out into the ocean. The blonde creature Katsu had hit with the ball, was a boy.

“Hey!” Wakka screamed out to the boy who seemed to be conscious. “You okay?”

“Hey!” They could hear the blonde scream back then he disappeared, the dove out of the water smacking the blitzball back at the the team, the ball souring over them and out of sight, in the same manner Katsu had just done, but apparently more powerful and stylish than Katsu’s because everywhere was muttering how, “amazing it was.” Wakka was even impressed.

“Whoa!” Wakka shouted, smiling at the blonde as he came ashore.

“You have go to be kidding me!” Katsu shouted in his head stomping his foot on the ground and turning around, utterly ticked-off. “That was like the same move i just did! Maybe it had a little more oomph, but still..”

Wakka walked up to the boy, asking him to show him the move one more time which sent Katsu over the edge, he refused to even look at the boy as he came ashore. After he did the move another time Wakka asked, “You no amateur, who you play for?”

“The Zanarkand Abes!” The boy shouted, making everyone uneasy except Katsu, he found that rather odd, considering he just had a dream about a boy who played for the Abes.

“I-uh, got to close to sin, the toxin, my head’s a little fuzzy-like,” the boy replied back before anyone could say anything.

“What’s your name?” Katsu asked, his back still towards him.
“Tidus,” they boy replied and a wave of shock shot through Katsu. He whipped around, finally facing the boy. It was the boy in his dream, down to the very silver “J” necklace dangling above his chest. Katsu's face flushed pure white.

Wakka walked over to Katsu, waving his hand in front of his face,” Yo, Brudda, you okay?”

“Y-yeah,” Katsu stammered. “I just feel a little sick, I’m gonna go head back to the village and take a nap or something.”

“Okay,” Wakka replied going back to questioning Tidus.

Katsu walked away, shaking his head and heading back to the town, waving hi to Luzzu and Gatta as he passed them. “What is going on with me? A dream turning real? This is too weird. I really do need a nap.”  

[Maha1930]

After a long nap Katsu awoke to people arguing outside his hut, still rubbing his eyes he made his way outside and saw the temple priest arguing with Wakka.

“But it’s been nearly, three days already,” the priest said arguing with Wakka.

“We can’t interfere it’s a rule!” He replied. The priest seemed taken back at his statement and was at a loss for words so he left, leaving Wakka and heading back towards the temple.

“What’s up?” Katsu asked Wakka as he finished rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, yawning a bit.

“Yuna’s been in there with Lu and Kimarhi for a whole day, but we can’t interfere, it’s a rule you know that.”

“What!” Katsu exclaimed, “I didn’t realize Yuna has been in there a whole day! And you’re not gonna do anything about it?”

“I told you, it’s against the rules!” Wakka shot back. “I’m gonna go talk to the head priest again, he left with a head of steam,” he said walking away form Katsu and towards the temple.

“Wa-” But it was no use calling after him. “Yuna’s like a sister to him, rules or no rules, he could at least show a little concern.” Katsu thought. “I’ve known her all my life, heck, I’d go in and get her.” “Idiot,” Katsu said out loud just as Tidus walked out of Wakka’s hut.

“Who’s an idiot?” Tidus asked, also yawning.

“Oh, uh, Wakka, Yuna’s been in the temple a whole day, and still hasn’t come out.”

“What!” Tidus’s mouth dropped in shock. “We should go she if she’s alright!”

“I know, but Wakka’s going on and on about how it would be against the rules.”

“What rules?” Tidus said running towards the temple but stopping to call back to Katsu. “Come on!”

Katsu tailed behind him, following him into the temple. “Why does he have to be the good guy?” Katsu thought. “It was my idea first.” They walked in and Wakka was arguing with the priest again.

“Is something wrong?” Tidus asked Wakka as the priest seemed fed up with talking to the red head and walked away from him.

“The summoner hasn’t returned from the trial yet. Well apprentice summoner really. There’s a room in there called the cloister of trials, beyond is where the apprentice summoner prays. If the prayer is heard, the apprentice becomes a full-fledged summoner, remember?” He replied.

“So...someone is in there somewhere, and they haven’t come back out right? That’s what I got out of what you and Katsu both told me.” Tidus replied trying to fit the pieces of the story together to understand it more clearly. “Right, I got it.”


“Is it particularly dangerous in there?” Tidus asked.

“Sometimes, yes.” Wakka replied.

“Why don’t you go in and help?” Tidus replied.

Katsu sighed, poking Wakka in the chest, “Exactly what I was wondering,” he said folding his arms.

“There’s already guardian’s in there, besides it’s forbidden.” But Tidus started making his way up the stairs into the cloister.

He turned back round to Wakka and Katsu as the priest came back over. “Hey, but what if something happens? What if the summoner...dies?”

“The precepts must be obeyed!” The head priest shouted.

“Like I care!” Tidus shouted back opening the door to the cloister. “Yo, Katsu, you coming? You wanted to see if Yuna was okay too right?”
The priest and Wakka shot dirty glances at Katsu all of a sudden. “Great,” he thought. “This idiot is making me look as dumb as him, but I do wanna know if Yuna’s okay. Even if it is disobeying Yevon.” “Yeah,” Katsu replied, heading in behind Tidus. He turned back, mouthing, “Sorry Wakka,” as he closed the doors to the trials.

As soon as Katsu closed the doors to the trials Tidus exclaimed. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea afterall.” He was staring at a strange glyph on the wall, scratching his head.

“Oh god,” Katsu exclaimed, “You’re hopeless, I’ve never been in here before either, but I can infer that you would probably have touch the glyph?” Tidus turned back to him, with a look of utter confusion on his face and Katsu sighed, grabbing Tidus’s hand and forcing it onto the glyph which glowed and another glyph appeared on the wall next to them that was barring their path. “Don’t strain yourself,” Katsu laughed, taunting Tidus, I’ll touch this one.” He touched the glyph, which like the previous one glowed, but this glyph’s reaction was different. The entire wall, rose up, and into the ceiling, revealing a staircase leading down to a sphere, with yet another glyph on the wall. This one, different. Tidus ran past Katsu eager to touch the glyph again, which he did, and nothing happened.

“I think you have to pick up the sphere in the recess, genius.” Katsu replied laughing.

“Oh, whoops,” Tidus replied and he grabbed the sphere, holding it in his hand, three different glyphs appeared on the wall. “Ah! What did I just do! You told me to pick it up!”

“Calm down!” Katsu said grabbing the sphere from him. He pointed at the first glyph, happy to give the newbie a history lesson in art of Yevon faith. “Well, each temple has glyph spheres that are used to open various doors by guardians to reach the cloister, which is where the summoner prays. He pointed at the next glyph which looked like a funky symbol. “This one, is a sphere unique to this temple, called a Besaid sphere, and this one,” he pointed to the last glyph, “this is a destruction sphere. If you put the sphere in somewhere I’ve heard you can find hidden treasure and what-not.”

“Okay, I think I get it.” Tidus replied. “But, which sphere is the one you’re holding?”

Katsu smiled, “A glyph sphere. Now, see that door down the stairs?” Katsu tapped Tidus’s shoulder, pointing down the stairs at the door with a sphere-shaped recess in the center. “Go take this sphere, and insert it in the door.”

“Are you sure?” Tidus asked uneasy.

Katsu gave him a nudge. “Just do it! Man I’m not even a guardian and I know how to get through a cloister.” Tidus meandered his way down the stairs, reluctantly putting the sphere in the door, jumping back when the door split in two, and opened up into a new pathway. “Okay,” Katsu said patting Tidus on the back, “I think we’re just about finished! I hope.” They walked past the door, Katsu grabbing the sphere back out of the door’s recess and popping it into a recess Tidus had found on a nearby wall. Once the wall moved up like the previous wall had done, Tidus moved in, examining the sphere, taking it.

“I think it’s a destruction sphere,” he exclaimed.

“Sweet!” Katsu yelped. “I’ve always wanted to use one of those.

“You mean you’ve never been in here before?” Tidus asked.

“Nope,” Katsu said shaking his head. “Only guardians and summoners are allowed in here.”

“Right,” Tidus replied, “Smiley weakly.” Seeming to remember that they were both in big trouble.

“Well, let’s keep going,” Katsu said. And they walked further turning a corner where there was a pedestal on the left wall, and glowing symbols on the right.

“Should I put the sphere in the pedestal?” Tidus asked.

“No wait,” Katsu replied examining the lettering on the walls.

“What does it say?” Tidus asked squinting.

“No clue,” Katsu chuckled. “But I’m guessing since that’s the symbol of Yevon,” he pointed at an odd looking symbol that looked like a creature with one eye and two wings, “we press it.” And Katsu touched the writing which disappeared and revealed a hidden room with another sphere, it’s energy flowing in little streams across the walls. “I’ll take this!” Katsu grabbed the sphere and the energy went back into the little contraption. “Besaid sphere, I’m gathering we put this in the pedestal, since this is the Besaid Temple.”

“So...what should I do with this one?” Tidus asked holding up the destruction sphere.

“Place it in that recess I just took the Besaid one out of.” Tidus walked over and placed the sphere inside the recess. A single stream of light danced across the wall and out of the room. “Was something supposed to hap-” but before Tidus could finish the boys jumped at the sudden explosion they just heard close-by.

“You have your answer!” Katsu replied laughing. They both walked out of the room, peaking around another corner. There was a wall, with a gaping hole in the middle of it, inside was a redwood treasure chest, embroided with gold markings on it.

“Sweet!” Tidus yelled running to the chest and opening it up. Once he opened it, a strange glyph glowed for a second then disappeared. “Katsu what was that?”

“No idea,” Katsu shrugged. “What’s in the chest?”

Tidus pulled out a metallic blue rod, with a heavy metal ball, decorated with tassels and carvings at the end of it. “Uhh, a staff?”

Katsu laughed. “That’s lame, it’s a weapon for the summoner. So, I guess we’ll just have to give it to Yuna when we get to the cloister. Here, lemme hang onto it for ya.” Katsu took the staff and in exchange handed the Besaid sphere to Tidus, “Now go place that in the pedestal.” They went back to the pedestal and Tidus did as instructed, once he did so, the wall the pedestal was imbedded in, just simply vanished. What was in the room they uncovered was a red platform with a square indent in the center.

“I think we have to move the pedestal over onto the platform,” Tidus said to Katsu.

“Good job,” Katsu said patting Tidus on the back, “you’re catching on quick. Do you want me to help?”

“No, I got it.” Tidus replied pushing the pedestal into place on the platform, which then sunk into the platform’s base. They heard clicking sound like someone unlocking a door. “I think I did it!” Tidus jumped up on the platform smiling proudly. “Thanks Katsu, I really could not have gotten through this funky maze without you!”

“No problem,” Katsu replied stepping onto the platform with Tidus. “This place is weird, and you can only carry one sphere at a time.”

“Why?” Tidus asked perplexed.

“Don’t know,” Katsu replied, “some stupid rule someone made up, makes the whole damn thing even more obnoxious.”

“Hey!” Wakka appeared running after the two boys. “What’s gotten into you guys? Hey, it’s okay, only summoners, apprentice summoners, and guardians can enter through here, it’s a tradition very important.”

“We know, Wakka,” Katsu replied groaning.

“So, what does that make you?” Tidus asked wondering.

“Me? I’m a guardian.” He replied.

“A guardian?” Tidus asked.

“Summoners go on a pilgrimage to pray at every temple in spira, guardians protect them. The guardians are in there now, one of them’s got a short fuse, and who knows what the other one’s thinking. Well, now that we’ve come this far, might as well go all the way.”

“Excuse you,” Katsu interject, “me and Tidus completed the trials,” but Wakka was already walking to the door and opening it and they all proceeded into the cloister.
The cloister was a rather large room with strange markings on the walls, there was big staircase that led to a special room it seemed.

“That’s where Yuna is,” Katsu pointed to the room atop the stairs, showing Tidus.

A woman dressed in a gray dress, with fur lining the top of it, complete with a corresponding black corset and belts, lining the the front of her dress rose up from her resting place at the bottom of the stairs.

“And here comes Lulu,” Katsu whispered to Tidus stifling a laugh. Wakka and him both knew how testy she was.

“What are you doing here? Didn’t think we’d be able to handle it?” She said walking over to the boys, putting her hands on her hips when she reached Wakka.

“See?” Wakka said nudging Tidus, “Told you she get’s mad easy.”

“Hey Lu,” Katsu said trying to look as innocent as ever smiling weakly. She replied by giving him a stern glare that seemed to peer through to his very soul and he stepped back, shuddering.

“Is the summoner alright,” Tidus asked addressing Lulu.

She gasped, “Who...are you?”

Katsu spotted Kimarhi guarding the entrance to the steps, Katsu waved at him but he simply turned away. “He’s always so rude,” he thought to himself.

The door atop the stairs suddenly opened, letting a ray of white light into the cloister, A young girl with short brown hair, stumbled out. She had on a white robe, with a blue dress adorned with silver stars. A big yellow bow, with a vine design ran across her waist. And once she reached the top stair she began to fall face-forward, down the steps. Before any of the others could react, Kimarhi hopped into action, catching Yuna, and helping her up. She then spoke to the rest of the group, entirely drained of all her remaining energy.

“I’ve done it, I’ve become...a summoner.”  

[Maha1930]

Tidus and Katsu followed the rest of the guardians out of the temple, following Yuna to the center of the village. All the townsfolk were gathering round to watch what she was about to do.

“Oh, Yuna!” Katsu exclaimed, realizing he still had the staff that Tidus and him had uncovered in the temple. “Take this, a present from me and Tidus, we found it in the temple.” She bowed, taking it and handing Lulu her old staff that she had just taken out.

Then Yuna spoke. “Katsu?”

“Yes?” He replied turning back to Yuna.

“Who’s Tidus?” She asked.

“This guy right here,” he said grabbing Tidus by the arm and shoving him in front of Yuna. “He’s the one that got me in trouble by disobeying the precepts.”

“Hey!” Tidus said pushing Katsu back, “you didn’t have to come along! You wanted to see if Yuna was alright too!”

Katsu placed a single finger on his lips. Saying “Shh!” very loudly and sarcastically. “Don’t tell her!”

Yuna giggled. “Too late. Thank you Katsu, and thank you...Tidus.”

“Your welcome, Yuna.” He replied with a broad smile spread across his face. Katsu could see him blushing as Yuna turned back around to get ready and he rolled his eyes, walking back to where Wakka was. “So, what’s she getting ready for anyways?” Tidus asked Wakka and Katsu.

“The summoning.” they said in unison.

“The...summoning?” Tidus asked. “Of...what?”

“Just wait till you see it!” Wakka replied very enthusiastically all of a sudden.

“I can’t wait to see it either!” Katsu said jumping up and down. But his actions were ignored by Wakka who seemed completely preoccupied with Tidus.

“When you’re ready Yuna!” Wakka called to her.

“Okay.” She replied. She held up her staff, waving it around her head then held it off to the side. A circle of light appeared beneath her and four distinct bolts of light shot out of the circle and into the sky creating a wave of light to erupt in the clouds above. Then a glimmer of light appeared in the distance and a giant winged creature shot thorough the clouds spreading it’s wings when it reached the ground in order to make a soft landing in front of Yuna.

“Whoa!” Katsu shouted. “Yuna, that was....amazing!”

She smiled, lightly patting the creature on the head. It had great big wings, with horns at the top and bottom, it’s face was white, with tiny red eyes and a small beak. It’s neck was littered with crimson feathers attached to it’s tiny frame, which housed a massive blue tail and big blue feet. Wakka and Lulu ran up to Yuna, congratulating her on her first ever summoning.

“What is that thing?” Tidus asked nudging Katsu.

“It’s called an Aeon, when a summoner prays to the fayth at each temple, she receives a new Aeon that will help her and that she can call in combat.” He replied. “We should leave them alone for now, Yuna’s had a rough day.” Katsu turned to leave for the crusader’s lodge but stopped, realizing Tidus wasn’t tailing behind him. “Yo, Tidus you coming?”

“I’ve already talked to Luzzu and Gatta-” but before he could finish Wakka called him over again. Katsu gave Tidus a friendly wave goodbye then headed into the lodge, rolling his eyes again. This time in frustration. “Yo, Luzzu,” Katsu asked with an irritated tone to his voice, “My order come in from Luca yet?”

“Yeah..” Luzzu replied in a somewhat peculiar tone, not sure what Katsu was upset about, and not wanting to upset him even further. He handed him a package and Katsu sat down at the table near the door and unwrapped it. His eyes lit up forgetting everything else as soon as he saw his order inside. “That’s the right one, right?”

“Y-yeah,” Katsu replied, simply ecstatic that his order had come in.. In front of him were two compact machina weapons. More specifically, they were two hand-held pistols. Both had a glossy red finish, with a silver, metallic strip running down the middle, complimented by a silver handle and trigger. “Thank you Luzzu!” He said holding up one of the guns stroking it against his cheek. He had waited so long to get his hands on one of these weapons. Even though they were against the teachings, Katsu always did have a fondness for the AlBhed, despite Wakka’s harsh opinions about them. He unwrapped the package more and there was his belt, complete with two side holsters for each gun. The holsters each had an intricate design on them that resembled what appeared to be two aeons, one on each holster. Katsu clipped the belt on, loaded the guns both with an ammo clip and holstered the weapons.
Katsu turned to Luzzu asking him one more question about the weapons before he left. “And these the special ammo clips I ordered as well?”

Luzzu nodded. “Yup, AlBhed alchemy clips, you’re guaranteed to never run out of ammo. It’s a work of genius if you ask me. Some famous guy named Cid made-'em I believe.”

“Well anyways, thanks Luzzu,” Katsu smiled warmly at him and left the lodge, walking back to his hut. “Might as well take a nap,” he said yawning. “I’m really bushed. I’m not used to this much excitement. I’m sure I’ll wake up in time for the party later tonight to commemorate Yuna before she heads off to Kilika.”  

[Maha1930]

Sure enough Katsu could hear talking outside his hut and the reflection of a fire dancing around. He slipped his shoes on and ventured outside. The Aurochs were chanting, “Victory! Victory! Victory!” At the top of their lungs so Katsu went over to see what was going on. “Hey guys, what are you chanting victory for?” He asked chuckling as they settled down.

“Katsu, Tidus here said our goal this year in the cup is victory! He seems to know what he’s talking about, didn’t you see his moves at the beach?” Wakka said grabbing Tidus in a headlock and giving him a noogie.

“Yeah,” Katsu said glumly. “I did.”

“Katsu, you okay?” Tidus asked after he broke free of Wakka’s grip

“Oh yeah, I’m fine,” Katsu said putting on a fake smile. “So, victory huh? What brought on this?”

“Well,” Tidus started but seemed embarrassed. “It was the motto for the Zanarkand Abes.”

“Yo, you on about that crazy stuff again?” Wakka nudged him jokingly.

“Sorry,” Tidus said scratching his head.

“Hey, Wakka,” Katsu said defensively. “Don’t make the boy feel worse okay? He’s had a rough day, and he is kinda slow so give him a break will ya?”

“Hey!” Tidus yelled back at Katsu, making everyone laugh, including Tidus. “Not funny,” he said after, still trying not to laugh himself.

Yuna was talking to the nice elderly couple of the village and Katsu watched as Tidus walked over to Yuna, apologizing for disobeying the teachings earlier. The couple started calling him a heathen. And Katsu couldn’t help but laugh to himself, “I thought they were always nice people.”

“So, tomorrow then?” Yuna said to Tidus which caught Katsu’s attention.

“Tomorrow?” Tidus replied.

“We’re going on the same boat, aren’t we?” she replied. Katsu’s mouth dropped, apparently he didn’t realize that when Wakka meant their goal is victory, that Tidus was along for the ride to make it happen. That meant he was going on the boat with them, leaving tomorrow, for Luca. This kid seemed to be worming his way into Katsu’s life, inch by inch, and he didn’t really care for it. It’s not like he was a threat, Tidus didn’t even seem to know where he was.

Tidus replied, “Oh, right tomorrow.” And walked back over to Wakka exchanging a few words and then walking over to the Crusader’s lodge. Katsu followed. He walked in quietly, creeping up behind Tidus as he just slipped in under the sheets of one of the beds and pushed him. Tidus jumped, rolling off of the bed and making a loud thud onto the floor. Katsu doubled over laughing.

“Hey, what’s going on in here, ya?” Wakka came bustling in.

“It’s fine,” Katsu said regaining composure, “I just scared Tidus a little, that’s all.”

“That’s all!” Tidus’s yell was muffled by the sheets as he stood back up, tearing them off, his hair looking like a bird’s nest.

“Just, be careful,” Wakka said starting to leave.

“Don’t worry, I won’t injure our “star player,” Katsu joked using air quotes and Wakka shot him a dirty glare before leaving. “Jeez,” Katsu said as Tidus lay back down on the bed, “what is up with everyone giving me dirty glances today!” He plopped down across from Tidus letting out a big long sigh.

“Tell me about it,” Tidus replied. “I feel like I’m a toddler again, no one believes half of what I’m saying, people just think I’m this head-case who almost got eaten by sin. I wish I did have.”

“Don’t say that,” Katsu said. “I know it’s hard, but, I think you’ll pull thotough it.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Tidus replied. “Hey, how come you believe me?”

“Huh?” Katsu asked.

“Well, you don’t seem to be treating me like an outsider like everybody else is.” He replied, smiling.

“Well,” Katsu started but stopped for a second thinking. “Well I can’t exactly tell him, “Oh I dreamed about you, that’s why I’m being nice to you.” He thought to himself.
“Well,” he started again, “I kind of understand what you’re going through. Anyways, what i’m trying to say is-”

“Thanks,” Tidus replied before Katsu could finish and both of the smiled warmly at each other.

“Oh!” Katsu said just thinking of something. “I heard you’re going on the boat with us tomorrow?”

“Wait, you’re coming too?” Tidus asked.

“Yeah, I am part of the Aurochs’s thank you very much.” He said tapping Tidus lightly with his foot.

“I didn’t realize!” Tidus replied. “Sweet! We can be together!” His face then flushed bright red. “I uh, meant that I..”

Katsu laughed, “I knew what you meant, and don’t worry, you’re not my type anyways.”

Tidus smiled. “Oh, so you’re..”

Katsu nodded. “Yes, I’m gay, you can say the word you know, it’s not contagious.”

“No!” Tidus replied defensively, “I didn’t mean it like that, I just...” he sighed. “I’m just digging an even deeper hole for myself aren’t I?”

“Yup,” Katsu replied laughing. “It’s fine.”

“I meant that, I had lots of gay friends back in Zanarkand. I just didn’t know if it was like against that Yevon thing or something.”

“Hmm,” Katsu thought. “Well it really isn’t against Yevon, but you just don’t see a lot of couples around. It’s kinda depressing.”

“So, who do you like?” Tidus asked suddenly interrogating him.

Katsu laughed, getting up to leave. “Ha ha. Nice try Tidus.”

“Aw, come on!” Tidus called after him.

“See ya tomorrow!” Katsu said jokingly as he walked out of the lodge. Lulu and Wakka seemed to be arguing about something however so he immediately turned back around and into the lodge.

Tidus rolled over in his bed. “Changed your mind?” He laughed.

“Shh!” Katsu said putting his finger over his lips. “Wakka and Lulu and arguing,” he whispered.

“Really?” Tidus asked springing to life and tip-toeing slowly over to Katsu so they could listen through the cloth entrance to the lodge.

“He does look a lot like Chappu,” they could hear Lulu say. “I was surprised too, the first time I saw him. But now matter what he looks like, he isn’t Chappu. You shouldn’t have brought him here in the first place!”

“Yeah, but, he needed our help,” Wakka said wholeheartedly.

“Excuses, again?” Lulu replied coldly, crossing her arms.

“Yeah but-” Wakka started to reply.

“That’s it, no more,” Lulu replied sternly. “Enough Wakka!”

“Oh, crap” Tidus whispered to Katsu.

“Get back to bed!” Katsu whispered to Tidus, “I think I hear Wakka coming!”

The two boys vaulted into two nearby beds, pulling the sheets over themselves. They heard Wakka come in from under the sheets, slamming his foot against the wall. “Yeowch!” He yelped, rubbing his foot. Tidus and Katsu peeked out at him from under their sheets and he stopped rubbing his foot and spoke. “I know you guys are awake, so I’m gathering you heard what just happened.” Katsu and Tidus reluctantly pulled their sheets off, revealing their not-so-good hiding spots.

“Yeah,” Katsu replied solemnly. “We heard. Sorry Wakka.”

“Who’s Chappu?” Tidus asked all of a sudden and Katsu threw a pillow at him, whacking him in the face. Tidus yelped, rubbing his nose.

“No, it’s okay Katsu,” Wakka replied. “Chappu was my little brother, he looked like you

“He’s, dead?,” Tidus reluctantly asked.

“He was working with the crusaders when they....fought sin last year, ya? He didn’t make it. I first heard on the day of the tournament.”

“Oh, so that’s why,” Tidus replied understanding.

“That was definitely the reason Wakka lost last year. It all took us by surprise.” Katsu said to himself.

“I became a guardian to fight sin, ya?” Wakka said.

“Revenge, then?” Tidus asked him.

“That was the idea, but now I’m worried about a stupid game now, more than avenging my brother. Well, after the next tournament, I’ll be a guardian full time. I know it kinda looks like I’m using you...but I’m not.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Tidus replied. “I owe you a lot. You really, helped me out. What I mean is....thanks, Wakka.”

“Stop,” Wakka laughed. “You’re embarrassing me!”

“Ugh,” Katsu thought. “Here we go again. And he fell back, sinking into the bed.” It was a bit more comfortable than his own and as Wakka left and Tidus snuggled up into his own covers, Katsu decided to sleep here for the night.  

[Maha1930]

Katsu awoke to Tidus poking him in the side. “Katsu! We gotta go!”

“What?” Katsu asked rolling over in his bed, still half-asleep.

“The boat to Kilika! We’re gonna be late!”

“Oh crap!” Katsu shouted, realizing what Tidus was talking about. He tore off his sheets, running out of the lodge, across the center of town, bumping into Lulu as he made his way into his hut to gather his equipment. He realized that he was still dressed in his Auroch overalls and decided he would be more comfortable in his white dress shirt and gray pants. He unbuttoned his white shirt, exposing his chest, rolling up the sleeves, as he did with his pants. He wanted to be comfortable, not simmering in the heat. He then clipped on his belt, checking that each machina gun had the safety on, so he wouldn’t accidentally shoot someone in the face. He stuffed his uniform into a tiny backpack and slid the pack onto his back and finished by putting on his favorite gray boots.
“Ready!” Katsu said ecstatically waving at Wakka, Lulu and Tidus who seemed to be staring at him in a weird fashion. “What?” Katsu asked them. “Did I forget my pants or something?” He looked down. Nope, they were definitely on.

“Wakka just asked me why you were still here,” Tidus replied. “I guess you were supposed to leave with the Aurochs to get on the boat first.”

“Oh crap.” Katsu said. “He had woken up late again.

“No worries,” Wakka said. “We’ll protect you and Yuna.” He laughed.
“Thanks, but I can protect myself,” Katsu replied unholstering one of his gun, flashing it at the group, and spinning in around in his hand before re-holstering it.

Wakka’s face went cold. “Are those...machina weapons?”

Katsu gulped. He forgot, showing or bringing up anything to Wakka about the Al Bhed was like dangling meat in front of a bear. You were just asking to get smacked. He had to come up with a good excuse and quickly. Lulu mouthed, “Say no.” But she wasn’t helping Katsu knew he had to say no, but in a manner that Wakka could just shrug off.
“Well, I ordered these from Luzzu, and he assured me, that they were manufactured in Bevelle and that they are completely Yevon friendly. They don’t look Al Bhed...do they?” He was putting the pressure entirely back on Wakka now since Lulu and Tidus turned back to him.

Wakka shrugged, “I guess not. Oh yeah, there was something I wanted to give you,” Wakka said addressing Tidus and taking out a blue long-sword, that had tiny bubbles moving around inside of it.

“Whoa!” Tidus exclaimed. “You’re giving this to me?

“Use it well,” he replied.

“That’s the sword you gave Chappu,” Lulu said.

“Well, he never used it.” Wakka replied. “Where’s Yuna?” Wakka asked everyone.

“We’re taking the same boat as Yuna,” Tidus said. “So, why do we have to wait here?”

“Yuna came to this village ten years ago, when the last calm started.

“Calm?” Tidus asked.

“Since then,” Wakka continued, “She’s been like a little sister to me and Lulu. But she became an apprentice. Now, today, she leaves as a Summoner.”

“This is our journey,” Lulu said. “We should leave together.”

Katsu jumped as he heard a thud. He turned and saw Yuna struggling to pick up a giant suitcase.

“You really don’t need all that luggage,” Lulu called out to her.

“Uh, their not really my things,” she replied. “Their gifts, for the temples we’re to visit.”

“This isn’t a vacation, Yuna.” Wakka replied.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Yuna replied joining the group in the center of the small village.

“Okay! Off we go!” Wakka shouted walking towards the entrance to leave the village, followed by Tidus and Lulu. Katsu stayed behind as Yuna stopped, turning back around to the temple and praying. Katsu walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder which he held onto tightly.

“I know, Yuna,” he said warmly to her. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Thank you, Katsu. Thank you for understanding, now let’s go. I’m already holding up the other’s and my pilgrimage’s only just started!” She said laughing, pulling him along towards the entrance where the others had just left, catching up with them.
The group made their way out of the village, climbing up the hill heading towards the beach.

“Oh no,” Wakka said spying a bird coming out of nowhere and attacking the ground in front of Wakka. “Lu, Yuna, Tidus, stay back. This is my kinda customer!” He took out his blitzball getting ready to strike the creature.

“Way to forget about me,” Katsu replied coldly standing next to Wakka and taking out his machina guns. “Watch this.” He rose both arms, firing both weapons, causing the bird to explode into tiny balls of light on impact.

“Tch, I could have done that,” Wakka replied, trying to act all cool.

“Yeah, sure,” Katsu laughed, re-holstering his machina weapons. The group proceeded further until another fiend came running around the bend up the hill, a wolf creature this time.

“Man,” Tidus said, “Where do these things come from.”

“Unsent fiends,” Lulu said. “Souls of the departed that have turned.”

“Oh, man,” Tidus replied.

“Yo, brudda,” Wakka shouted at Tidus, “why don’t you try out that sword I gave you?”

Tidus gladly grabbed the sword from the spot that it was attached at his waist, lunging at the creature and striking it with great force. The wolf disappeared into balls of light and Tidus cheered.

“Don’t get too cocky,” Katsu said to him as the boy put away his sword.

“Oh, like you weren’t just awhile ago?” He said jokingly and they laughed, making their way up the rest of the hill. Wakka stopped everyone as they reached an old stone statue. And he bent down to pray.

“It’s a an ancient custom,” Wakka said assuming Tidus was just about to ask what he was up to. Which he was. “People pray here before leaving for a safe trip. Chappu, didn’t pray that day. Said he’d miss his boat.” Tidus just watched as Wakka finished, standing up. “That should do it.” And the rest of them stood up after they were finished praying as well. Katsu looked out past the cliff and Tidus stood next to him.

“Sad, huh?” Katsu said. “Yuna won’t be back here.”

“Sure she will,” Tidus replied. “After she beats Sin right?”

“Right,” Katsu said with an undertone of remorse. He remembered that Tidus didn’t know what would happen to Yuna once she faced Sin. “Aw, crap.” Katsu said realizing that everyone had gone ahead. “Why do I keep getting stuck baby sitting you?” He said jokingly. Tidus laughed just shrugging his shoulders and they left the cliff’s edge and ran to catch up. Tidus began examining the ruins ahead as they passed under them.

“What’s that?” Tidus asked examine a stone with some writing on it.

“Al Bhed writing,” Katsu replied. “I think it’s coordinates of some kind.”

“You understand Al Bhed?” Tidus asked fascinated.

Katsu nodded. “Well, a little bit. I know the basic letters and words. I studied it when I was a child, I was always so fascinated by their language and customs. Even though everytime Wakka caught me reading something like that I just blamed it on Luzzu, since the crusaders deal with the Al Bhed. It made sense, so Wakka never caught on. He’s kinda think-headed sometimes. Lulu and Yuna aren’t that stupid, but at least they’re friendly towards anything Al Bhed.

“That’s so cool!” Tidus exclaimed. Katsu laughed and they continued onwards.

“Damn, they walk fast, they must have already passed here. I guess we’re not getting hired as full-time guardians huh?” Katsu joked. Then they heard a great big growl and a blue creature appeared, landing on the ground on all fours in front of them, punching the ground with his fist.

“Hey, Kimarhi.” Katsu said waving awkwardly at the beast. But he shrugged off his hello, taking out his lance and lunged at Tidus. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Katsu yelled pushing Tidus out of the way and dodging Kimarhi’s attack as well. “What’s gotten into you Kimarhi?! But Tidus drew his sword, lunging at the Ronso which he guarded by holding his lance, pushing the blade off, growling at tidus once again.
“Kimarhi, chill,” Katsu said unholstering one of his guns which Kimarhi saw and stopped attacking Tidus altogether. “Thank you,” Katsu said breathing a sigh of relief and re-holstering his gun again. Yuna and the others run to their aid.

“That’s enough!” Wakka shouted and Kimarhi just shook his head, heading past the group, towards the beach.

“What’s with that guy!” Tidus asked putting his sword away and wiping the sweat off his brow.

“Kimarhi Ronso,” Lulu answered. “Of the Ronso tribe. He’s learned the fiends way of fighting.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Tidus replied.

“He’s another one of Yuna’s guardian’s,” Wakka added.

Yuna laughed. “Sometimes we don’t understand him either, Kimarhi doesn’t talk that much anyways.” She said shrugging her shoulders. “But, he had protected me, since I was a child.” Tidus nodded, somewhat understanding what Yuna meant and the group proceeded past the ruins, reaching the waterfall. As they crossed the bridge under the waterfall Katsu could feel the droplets of water sprinkling onto his face. He loved that feeling, often stopping here when he wasn’t late for his daily Blitzball practices. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the sensation, that was until he heard Tidus yelp. He opened his eyes and a mass of water shot out of the waterfall and onto the bridge, materializing into a rather large blob of water that not only moved on it’s own accord but had eyes and a mouth. It slowly started advancing towards the party.

“I got this one!” Tidus yelled, lunging at it and plunging his sword into it’s gooey skin. His sword suddenly got stuck and begun fighting with the creature, just so he could reclaim his sword back. The creature glowed a big ball of water appeared over Tidus’s head, falling on him, soaking him to the bone. “Ah!” He shouted jumping back, his sword still stuck in the creatures head.

Lulu sighed, shaking her head. “Clueless aren’t you? Good thing I’m here.”

“Only magic can beat that thing,” Wakka said reprimanding TIdus. Lulu stepped in front of Tidus just as the creature glowed again, her bangle glowed and she deflecting it’s magic, showering the creature with it’s own water that it had generated. She rose her arm into the air, taking out a rather odd stuffed animal and thrust her arm downward. A dark cloud suddenly materialized over the blue blob, striking it dead with a swift thunder jolt. It dematerialized into balls of light and Tidus walked over, reclaiming his sword on the ground.

“You should dry yourself off,” Lulu laughed passing by Tidus and stuffing her doll back into her corset. Tidus gave her an odd stare as everyone else walked past.

“Hey,” Tidus said stopping Katsu. “How much can that lady fit in her dress?”

“You do not wanna know that answer to that question,” Katsu finished walking by and Tidus just shook his head, then caught up with the rest of the group. They crossed the bridge and rounded a bend, Katsu could smell the salty air of the ocean. They were definitely close to the beach now. He was just about ready to jump up in the air and say, “We made it!” But his prayers were ignored as another fiend appeared, this time taking the form of a giant, hideous looking beige bird creature. It looked like Yuna’s Aeon’s ugly twin brother. Really, ugly twin brother.

“Yuna,” Lulu said. “Show us what your training has taught you!”

Yuna nodded then shouted, “Come! Valefor!”and summoned her Aeon like before, it shot down through the sky sinking it’s talons into the other creature’s head, squashing it like a grapefruit.

“Whoa, go Yuna!” Tidus cheered on and she laughed, waving her staff, making the Aeon fly back into the sky in a flash.

“We’re almost there,” Wakka told everyone as they made their way past the down and down another hill. The smell of salt became even more potent and the ground turned to sand. They had finally, reached the beach. The boat is docked a little ways. Katsu stopped near the water, taking in the great ocean breeze. It was his last time on Besaid for awhile too, with the tournament and all. But, at least he could come back.

Yuna laughed, racing to the dock followed by the rest of the group. Lulu doubled back, walking over to Katsu as he looked out at the ocean. “It’s nice isn’t it?” She said to him.

“Yuna she, can’t come back here.”

“No,” Lulu said shaking her head. “But I’m sure with you here, she’d enjoy the boat ride to Kilika even more.” She said, trying to sound cheerful.

Katsu laughed. “Lulu, this doesn’t sound like you, why are you being so nice?”

“Would you rather I not?” She replied sternly.

“No, no. Please, by nice,” he said giggling and nudging Lulu and she nudged him back.

“You know, by the way you handled yourself back there, you’d make a good guardian someday,” she said sounding hopeful.

“Thanks, Lu.” Katsu said smiling. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”

“Wakka seemed to notice too,” she said chuckling.

“Now what’s that supposed to mean?” Katsu asked folding his arms. “Is it that obvious?” He asked, now uncrossing his arms.

She nodded. “Well, to me it is. Can’t say for Wakka.”

“I figured.” Katsu replied. “But, you and Wakka...ya know,” he started but Lulu laughed out loud.

“Me? With Wakka? Oh Katsu, you are too funny.” She then retained her normal, rather serious composure. “But in all honesty, don’t give up. I think you might have a chance.”

“You mean you think Wakka and me might...?” Katsu asked sounding hope full.

She shrugged her shoulders, starting to walk to the dock. “I know Wakka better than anyone, if you nudge him in the right direction, Wakka’s bound to follow.”

Katsu jumped up and down for joy, running to catch up with Lulu. “Thanks,” he said and embraced her. She blinked several times, not knowing how to react, then embraced him, patting his head with her hand and let go.

“You’re welcome, but don’t let my words go to your head. Remember, keep your eyes on the blitzball's in the tournament, and off of the one’s in Wakka’s pants,” she sneered.

“Lulu!” Katsu yelled at her, but they both looked each other and laughed heading onto the dock and making their way onto the boat. Yuna waved to the crying townsfolk as the boat’s turbines started up and the boat started pulling away form the Besaid shoreline.

“Off to Kilika!” Katsu shouted, smiling cheerfully. He couldn’t wait, he’d never been to Kilika before.  

[Maha1930]

“This is so, boring!” Katsu groaned to himself, looking out at the ocean. Kilika wasn’t that far away from Besaid, maybe only several hours or so, but they had been on the boat for all of thirty-five minutes, and Katsu was already bored out of his mind. He stood up, stretched, and walked to the front of the boat. Yuna and Tidus were talking about something and he really didn’t care, because he saw that Wakka was leaning up against one of the posts that supported the second floor, alone. Katsu slyly walked past him, leaning up against the other side of the pole. “So, uh Wakka.” Katsu face-palmed himself in his head. He may have acted quite cool just now, but the words that just came out of his mouth just blew his cover.

“Ya?” Wakka replied.

Katsu sighed. There was no sense pretending to be something he wasn’t so he just said the first thing that came to his mind. “The wind, it’s..uh...nice.” Then everything fell silent. But after a moment Katsu started to laugh along with Wakka.

“What was that, Brudda?” He laughed. “Sounded like you were coming onto me or something.”

Katsu immediately stopped laughing, once he heard what Wakka had just said. “Oh, no, I was...uh...only joking around,” he replied trying to cover up his rather bad flirtation methods.

“Hey, no sweat. But if I was, ever, going to play for the other Blitzball team, it had better be a good reason, ya?” He replied poking Katsu in the side.

Katsu tilted his head in confusion, not even reacting to the poke. “Wait, what is that supposed to mean?” He asked coldly turning to face Wakka, this question taking Wakka completely off-guard.

“I..uh, well...” Wakka scratched his head trying to come up with just even a little reason to coincide with Katsu’s demanding question. But he just sighed, admitting defeat. “Just forget it, ya?”

Katsu shifted his weight off of the pole, walking past Wakka towards the back of the boat. “Fine.” But Wakka stopped Katsu, grabbing him by the shoulder just as he went past.

“Yo, Katsu, why you getting so upset all of a sudden?”

Without turning around Katsu replied, “Go ask Lulu,” trying to continue walking away, but Wakka maintained a firm grip on him.

“Go ask Lu? Wait, what she got to do with this? I don’t even know why you’re getting so upset!” Katsu whipped around to face him. Wakka was a bit taller than himself so he always felt a bit intimidated talking to him, even though Wakka seemed oblivious to his height’s power over him. But not this time, Katsu stood on his tip-toes, so that his eyes were at the same height as Wakka’s.

“You really are an idiot, Wakka.” Katsu replied, grabbing the man’s neck with his hand and pushing his head in towards his own. Planting a nice soft kiss on the older man’s, rugged, chapped, pink lips. Then he released his grip, pulling his face away and turned to leave. Wakka just stood there in the same position, reaching his hand up to touch his lips, not knowing what to say to the boy next as Katsu walked away.

“Yo, Katsu!” Wakka called after him and Katsu turned around, “I, uh-” he started but couldn’t finish his sentence because the boat started suddenly shaking as if they had hit something. The collision caused Wakka and Katsu both to slide to the left side of the boat, slamming into the railing. Katsu looked out at the sea which was tossing and turning like he had never seen before. A large creature appeared on the opposite side of the boat, breaking out of the water and showering the boat with a large wave. Katsu could feel his body being lifted up by the force of the wave, tossing him overboard, but his hand caught something as he fell, and his body was left dangling right over the edge of the boat. He looked up and saw Wakka, grasping his hand. He then lifted him up and back onto the boat. Katsu smiled weakly at the man but before he could say a simple, “Thank you,” The boat jostled again and they made their way to the front of the boat where everyone else was gathered.

“Sin!” A man shouted as the creature’s whole body was visible and it slammed down into the water again, showering the boat with another wave. Two men ran to the two harpoons stationed at the front of the boat as one of Sin’s fins appeared not to far away as the creature headed back down into the water.

“What are you doing?!” Wakka shouted at them. “Stick in a harpoon in it, and we’ll all get dragged under!”

“Sin is going for Kilika, we’ve gotta distract it!” One of the men shouted.

“Our family’s our in Kilika,” the other man replied, turning to Yuna who was standing next to him, in Kimarhi’s protective grasp as to not fall overboard. “Forgive us Lady Summoner!” He said pleading to Yuna. She nodded and he turned back to man the harpoon.

“Wait!” Wakka shouted as the two men fired the harpoons, but it was too late for him to do anything about it.

“Oh, boy,” Katsu finished as the harpoons made their way over the waves, plunging firmly into Sin’s fin. Each harpoon made the boat jerk forward as the slack on the wire’s tightened. As Sin’s body shifted in the water, it’s tail emerged, slamming down on the water, sending another wave, bigger than the previous one towards the boat. Katsu, Wakka and Tidus all grabbed hold of a nearby box to support their weight as the wave passed over them.

“Watch out!” Lulu shouted at everyone as three pods flew off Sin’s scale and stuck into the wooden surface of the boat.

Tidus recognized these creatures as they emerged. They were the same ones that he had fought back in Zanarkand with Auron. “Get off out boat!” He screamed at them, taking out his sword. Kimarhi let go of Yuna, taking out a lance, and swung his lance at one of the creatures, instantly killing it. Another one of the creatures charged at Tidus, slicing his left arm. He screamed, falling back. Yuna waved her staff in the air, and in an instant Tidus’s wound was mended. “Whoa,” was all he could muster, standing back up and taking revenge on the creature that had just hurt him.

Only one of creature’s remained now and Katsu sneered at it, withdrawing his machina weapons and firing the gun in his right hand. The bullet landed right in-between the creature’s three eyes, killing it. He cheered as all three of the creatures dispersed into balls of light, but his joy was overshadowed, as another wave of three pods sunk into the same place as the one’s before them. “What the?”

“There’s no end to these guys!” Wakka exclaimed.

“The fin!” Lulu shouted to everyone. “We have to attack the fin!”

“But how?” Tidus replied back. “We can’t reach that far!”

Lulu laughed, “But me and Wakka can. You four fend these creatures off, while Wakka and I get rid of the fin.”

“Hey!” Katsu yelled. “Aren’t you forgetting about me?” He eyed Lulu but she seemed confused.

“Yo, Lu. Katsu’s right, he has two ranged weapons, we can get rid of the fin more efficiently with him. Even though, he is technically not a guardian.”

“You’re right,” Lulu replied and the three of them moved to the very front of the boat, past Yuna, Kimarhi, and Tidus who were taking apart the pod creatures. Piece by piece.

Katsu fired both his weapons, the bullets shot out of them simultaneously, sailing towards the fin, but losing their velocity just before they hit. “What!” Katsu screamed. “My guns won’t reach!”

“Hmm,” Lulu said, scratching her head. “I have an idea.” She walked behind Katsu, reaching her arms around his back and placing both her hands on his.

“Lulu, what are you doing?” He asked very much confused.

“If I imbue your bullets with magic, they should be able to reach Sin’s fin, while doing even more extensive damage to it’s surface than they would have by themselves.”

“Should?” Katsu replied, not exactly convinced by Lulu’s testimonial.

“Would you rather look like a fool in front of Wakka?” Lulu whispered in his ear.

“Okay!” Katsu shouted. “Let’s do this!”

Lulu smiled. “Okay, after I cast my spell, it will pass through my body and into yours, I will direct it into your hands. What you need to do, is direct the energy it into your guns.”

“How?” he asked.

“Simple, just by imagining it. Once you feel the power in your hand, you fire. Got it?”

“I think so,” he replied, trying to convince himself that he understood.

“Okay,” Lulu said closing her eyes. Her hair began flowing in the breeze as the clouds above them began to blacken, a single lighting bolt shot down and into her body, which she then released the energy from, into Katsu’s. He could feel the energy coursing through him, it was almost unbearable. He closed his eyes, imagining the energy going into his hands. It was much harder than Lulu said it would be for he could feel the energy already starting to dissipate. He focused harder and could feel a little tingle in both hands, opening his eyes and pulling the trigger’s on both guns. Electricity shot out of both tiny weapons, soaring along with each bullet like two small comets. The bullets pierced the flesh of Sin’s fin, while the added energy ripped through it, forming a large hole in it’s wake.

“Whoa.” Katsu said, completely stunned at what the two of them had just accomplished together.

The fin tugged on the harpoons, ripping them off of the boat. The boat, now free from Sin, was now like a surf board in the water, gliding along the remaining waves. From what the group could see amongst the turbulence, the fin was gone. But another wave was coming towards them, and fast. Lulu grabbed Katsu’s arm, pulling him away from the bow of the boat, and hustling towards one of the support poles for the second floor of the boat, as did the rest of the party. The wave collided with the boat, hitting everything and everyone with extreme force. After that, boat rocked back and forth for awhile, as the waves begun to settle down and return to their normal amount of minimal turbulence.

Katsu breathed a sigh of relief, plopping himself down on one of the nearby crates that hadn’t been tossed overboard. “That was some fight.” He said looking up at everyone. But something seemed a little off. “Hey, are we..” Katsu jumped off the crate at once realizing. “Oh no! Tidus!”

“What?” Wakka replied.

“Tidus is gone! He must have gotten thrown overboard!” Katsu shouted back. Wakka’s eye’s widened and he ran to the front of the boat along with Katsu, jumping overboard and into the ocean below. They swam, down, under the boat, searching for any sign of their new friend. Wakka waved to Katsu as he spotted a body floating in the water, motionless. Wakka rustled for something in his pocket, a potion. Katsu helped Wakka administer the potion by swimming behind Tidus and lifting his head up, so Wakka could easily administer the drink, by plopping it into Tidus’s mouth. The magic drink seemed to be working as Tidus slowly, regained consciousness. Katsu then spotted a creature swimming towards them, frantically pointing at Wakka to turn around. It was giant squid-like looking creature accompanied by two little pod creatures on each side.


“A Sinspawn,” Katsu said, groaning in his head. “Just, great.” He helped Tidus regain his balance in the water and the three men took out their weapons. Katsu fired his guns at the creature, but the bullets simply floated out of the gun. He had forgotten that they weren’t fighting under normal circumstances, there just simply wasn’t enough friction in the water to carry the bullets, causing them to become ineffective.

“Just great,” he thought. “I can’t be helpful in this battle without Lulu’s magic either!” Then as if his body was responded to his thoughts, his hands tingled, just as they had when Lulu’s magic had coursed through him a short while ago. He could still feel the magic within his body the more he thought about it, so he pointed his guns at the Squid again, and just as it was gearing up to slap Katsu with one of it’s tentacle’s he fired. This time, two huge electricity bolts, each carried by a bullet, shot out from his guns, ripping through the creature and sending the remaining bolts of electricity coursing through the tiny pods accompanied by it. They all dissipated into balls of light and Katsu swam twirling through the water, simply ecstatic that he had defeated the creature, all on his own. The three men then swam towards the boat, grabbing onto netting Lulu had managed to throw across the side, letting them back on.

Katsu shook the water off of his body like a dog, showering everyone. “Sorry,” he laughed scratching his head. But everyone just looked at each other and then laughed, (excluding Kimarhi that is) they were just happy that everyone was now safe. The boat was about half an hour away from Kilika now, and there was still no sign of Sin. Katsu galloped up the stairs to the second level of the boat that was overlooking the deck. Lulu was looking out at the sea, enjoying the light breeze flowing through her braided locks of hair. “You did brilliant back there,” she said, as Katsu joined her.

“Ya think?” He said, excited that she had complimented him.

She nodded. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t think you would be able to handle the power of the magic.”

Katsu was silent for a moment. “Yeah, me neither.....Lulu?”

“Yes?”

“When me and Wakka went to bring back Tidus, we...ran into a Sinspawn.”

“You’re not hurt are you?” She replied giving him a once-over for any wounds.

“No. It was just that, I...defeated it.” He replied sounding glum.

She chuckled. “Then why do you sound so sad?”

“Well, I used that spell that we used together to defeat it.”

She turned back around, staring out at the sea again. “Hmm...strange.”

“What?” He asked, slightly worried.

“Well, that spell I used with you, should have only lasted that one time. But you know as well as I do, that anyone can use a sphere imbued with a certain type of magic and learn that spell.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t-” Katsu started to say.

“No, I never gave you a sphere,” Lulu finished. “Katsu? Were your parent’s magic-users by any chance?”

“Can’t remember them, you know that Lulu.” He replied.

“Oh, right,” she said shaking her head. “I knew that. I...can’t remember them that well either.”

“What would that have to do with me anyways?” Katsu replied.

“If your parents were magic-users, that would explain why you could learn magic, without the use of a sphere. Natural born magic-users, can learn magic by seeing it, or in this case, absorbing it. My body sending the magic into yours, must have...activated something, in order for you to absorb and conjure the spell on your own.”

“Wow,” Katsu replied. “You’re making it sound like I’m some kind of fiend.”

She shook her head. “Not at all, I’ve just...never encountered this sort of situation before. You’re a peculiar one Katsu, even with reasoning, it still doesn’t make that much sense to me.”

Katsu laughed. “Thanks, Lulu. Maybe now you can teach me other forms of magic.”

She smiled. “Let’s just dock in Kilika first, I feel that Yuna may have to perform a sending.”

“Oh,” Katsu said as he looked out, “right.” They had finally arrived at Kilika. Or what was left of Kilika, that is. Sin apparently wasn’t done with it’s rampage after they had encountered it earlier, taking it’s remaining hatred out on the villagers. Wreckage was floating about everywhere, and Katsu and Lulu made their way down to the lower level to re-join the rest of the group. Yuna was kneeling over Tidus who was still re-cooperating.

“I will defeat Sin...I must defeat Sin.” She said as they all looked out at what remained of Kilika village.

Once the boat docked Yuna headed off first, bowing towards a man and a woman who had come to greet them.

“Greetings,” she spoke. “I am summoner Yuna, I have come from the temple of Besaid. If there is no other summoner here, please allow me to perform the sending.”

“Thanks, be to ye,” the man replied.

“Our loved ones, we feared they would become fiends!” The woman replied almost on the verge of tears. Yuna bowed again starting to walk with them, accompanied by Lulu and Kimarhi.

“We gotta see, what we can do in town,” Wakka said to Katsu and Tidus and waved the Auroch's on, taking off in the opposite direction.

“Aren’t you supposed to follow them?” Tidus asked Katsu.

“Nah,” Katsu replied as they walked towards where Yuna, Kimarhi and Lulu were. He knew that by kissing him, Katsu had made things even more incredibly awkward between himself and Wakka and even though they had gotten along well in the heat of battle, he just couldn’t see himself being able to work with him to help the Auroch’s repair the village right now. “I’d, much rather watch the sending. Never seen one before,” he replied, trying to sound cheerful.

“What’s a sending?” He asked Katsu as they caught up with Yuna. The villagers that had survived the brutal attack stood around Lulu, Kimarhi and the boys, watching Yuna took out her staff. “What’s a sending?” Tidus asked again not getting a reply from Katsu. “Are we going somewhere?”

Lulu sighed. “You truly are clueless, are you sure it’s just your memory that’s the problem?” Katsu laughed at her cold attitude towards Tidus.

“That’s how she acts with everyone she doesn’t know,” he said, laughing to himself. “Even though she still acts that way towards me sometimes...”


“The dead need guidance,” Lulu said speaking to Tidus again. “Filled with grief over their own death, they refuse to face their fate. They yearn to live on, and resent those, still alive. You see, they envy the living. And in time that envy turns to anger, even hate. Should these souls remain in Spira, they become fiends, that prey on the living. Sad, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Katsu replied, folding his arms. It never really hit him before Lulu explained it like that, now he wondered if he could slip away and help the Auroch’s repair the village. But the thought of seeing Wakka, turned him off to the idea completely.

“The sending, takes them to the Farplane, where they may rest in peace.” Lulu finished explaining.

“Summoner’s do this?” Tidus asked.

She nodded as Yuna made her way into the water, her magic, allowing her feet to walk on the surface without falling in. The caskets filled with the dead were littered below. She twirled her staff around her body, over her head, causing the water underneath her to spring to life, lifting her up above the dead. The spirits of the dead flowed out of their caskets, merging with the water that was suspending Yuna above. Katsu could see the villagers start to weep as their loved ones were being sent to the Farplane. Yuna danced and danced, and more and more souls emerged, aiding Yuna in her dance, and then drifting away. Yuna looked absolutely stunning as the spirits danced around her and the water suspended her in the air like a statue. Tidus simply couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Katsu smiled noticing this, and continued to watch as Yuna stopped twirling her staff and held it to her chest. The remaining spirits drifted away. The sending...was complete.

Yuna made her way back onto the wooden walkway to join the others.

“It must be tough,” Tidus spoke as Yuna comforted the villagers who were still in tears, “being a summoner.”

“Yuna chose her own path, she knew from the beginning what it meant. All we can do is protect her along the way. Until, the end.” Lulu replied.

“Until, The end? What’s the end?” Tidus asked, and the rest of the villagers turned to stare at him.

Lulu sighed, shaking her head. “Until, she defeats Sin.”

“Oh,” Tidus replied, seeming to understand.

“Good cover Lulu,” Katsu thought as Lulu walked over to Yuna.

“I hope, I...did okay?” Yuna asked, yearning for Lulu’s approval.

Lulu smiled warmly at her. “You did very well. They’ve reached the Farplane by now, but, no tears next time? Hmm?” She said embracing Yuna.  

[Maha1930]

Yuna had gone off with Lulu to see what they could do in town and Katsu just lay in on one of the wooden walkways, tossing a blitzball up in the air, catching it, then repeating the process. He was again, bored. He knew he should probably be in the center of town helping the Auroch’s but he was just drained of all energy. It had been a long day. He scooted his body so that his head was able to dangle over the water and he kicked off the walkway with his feet, plunging into the cool water below. He just closed his eyes, outstretching his limbs and just floated there in the water. Turning his head he could see the goldenrod colored sky as the sun went into hiding as it’s sister came out to play. It was beautiful, he just wanted to enjoy the little pleasures like these, little pleasures without Sin looming around. He didn’t want anymore destruction, no more sendings for Yuna.
A droplet of water rolled down his cheek that was not from the surrounding ocean. “When will all of this stop?” Katsu thought as he shed even more tears. He heard the boards of the boardwalk start to squeak and he quickly wiped away his tears, even though by doing so he just went his face even more. He began laughing at his ridiculous logic.

“What’s so funny?” He looked up and the pointy red-headed man came into his view once again. An image he had dreaded surfacing again.

“Oh, nothing.” Katsu replied closing his eyes again. “Maybe if I ignore him he’ll go away,” he thought. But his hypothesis proved to be wrong as a large splash made even more water splash onto Katsu. “Hey!” He yelled opening his eyes. Wakka broke through the surface of the water, the one pointy piece of his hair now wilting with the added moisture. He smiled showing his pearly white teeth and lay on his back, stretching his arms and legs out like Katsu. “I didn’t say you could join me,” Katsu said coldly, hoping this would send Wakka on his way.

“I didn’t ask,” Wakka replied with the same snappy attitude. Katsu was surprised by this, he had never actually heard Wakka irritated before, he always seemed maintained his usual goofy, funny composure. But, even Lulu sometimes broke through of her hard exterior, revealing her soft side. “So, are we going to talk about what happened?”

It was the one thing Katsu did not want to discuss further and Wakka knew it. “Nothing happened.” he replied, trying to shrug him off.

“Katsu!” Wakka snapped back, splashing Katsu.

“What?” Katsu snapped back, closing his eyes again. He so did not want to talk about this right now.

“You are being ridiculous, I thought we were friends, ya?” Wakka replied sounding upset all of a sudden. Katsu’s stomach sunk. He didn’t want Wakka to feel bad, that was the last thing on his agenda. “I guess what I’m trying to say is...that, well, I’m sorry if I offended you.”

“How?” Katsu replied.

“When I said, well, you know...when I said that if I were to play for the other blitzball team, it better be for a good reason ya? I knew you played for the Luca goers, but I didn’t mean to score a goal and rain on your parade.”

“Wait, why do I have to be the evil opposing team in this crappy metaphor?” Katsu replied now staring at Wakka who was floating next to him.

“Hey!” Wakka snapped back turning to look at Katsu. “It was a crappy metaphor!”

“Yeah it was,” Katsu said back giving him an over-exaggerated smile. Wakka opened his mouth to say something but they just started cracking up. Once they had both calmed down Katsu asked Wakka something.

“So, Wakka. What would the good reason have to be?” Katsu gave Wakka a sly smile, he had trapped him, now he had to answer the question.

“I..uh...meant that-” he stammered trying his best to formulate a sentence to explain his reasoning. “I meant that...”

“I didn’t think it was a hard question Wakka,” Katsu replied reaching up and grabbing hold of the boardwalk. But Wakka grabbed his arm before he could lift himself back up.

“It isn’t, I meant that it had better be a good reason. That reason being, that he better deserve it.”

“Deserve what?” Katsu replied confused.

“Deserve me.” Wakka replied.

“Oh, that’s comforting,” Katsu replied coldly, trying to free himself of Wakka.

“No, you misunderstand me,” he continued shaking his head. “I meant that he has to be deserving of me, as much as I have to be deserving of him.”

“And how does one become “deserving of you?” Katsu said mimicking Wakka.

“By this,” Wakka pulled Katsu closer to him, pushing his golden hair out of his eyes. He held the boy’s face between his hand staring into his cool, blue eyes before leaning in to plant a kiss on his soft lips. The stumble on the older man’s face tickled Katsu as he pulled away. Katsu immediately grabbed Wakka’s face, pressing his lips against his own, interlocking and Katsu leaned forward, the weight of their bodies causing them to melt into the cool water below. The force of the water made the effort of meeting lips ever more difficult, but the effect that it produced was breathtaking. They broke free from each other and floated to the surface, laughing and splashing each other.

“I see you two are having a fun time,” Lulu spoke raising an eyebrow as she addressed the two of them. “I was just coming to find both of you to tell you to get some rest for the adventure tomorrow.”

“Oh, yeah, right Lu,” Wakka laughed scratching the back of his head.

“That means now.” She replied coldly and Wakka swam to the boardwalk, slipping out of the water.

“Come on Katsu,” Wakka said waving the boy to follow.

“He’ll catch up to you in a sec,” Lulu replied shooing Wakka away. He gave her an odd look and walked towards the only inn still intact not to far away.

“What’s up?” Katsu asked swimming over to the edge of the boardwalk staring up at Lulu. She smiled, taking on a whole different personality entirely.

“I see he’s come around?” She said ruffling his hair. “Just don’t get too carried away, you hear?” Her charming tone turning slightly reprimanding.

“Yes, ma’am!” Katsu replied sarcastically saluting her. She laughed and began to walk away. “Lulu?” Katsu called after her and she turned around.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks, for..caring about me.” He said smiling warmly at her.

“No sweat,” she replied. “Sometimes I feel as if you’re...the..little brother I never had.” She then turned and walked away. Katsu didn’t know what to say as he slipped out of the water, rolling over onto the boardwalk, and lifting himself up. It was more than nice what Lulu had said about him and he sort of felt the same way about her. Even though she could be cross with him at times, he did look up to her as a big sister, giving him advice when he needed it and reprimanding him where he thought he didn’t.

“Thanks, Lulu,” he replied aloud to himself and he headed off to the inn. The innkeeper had a rather cheery disposition despite the circumstances and she greeted Katsu warmly.

“Welcome guardian!”

“Oh,” Katsu smiled weakly scratching his head. “I’m not..uh..guardian.”

“Oh,” she replied slightly shocked. “My mistake, but you are with the Lady summoner’s party, no?”

“Yes,” Katsu nodded.

“Then your room’s are upstairs awaiting you. Two rooms with three beds each to do as you see fit. There’s one bathroom for each of the rooms with hot water and bathing accoutrements. Enjoy!”

“She seems a little too happy,” Katsu thought as he smiled at the girl and walked up the spiral staircase to a hallway with two doorways. Three bed’s in each just as the girl had described. “Where do I want to sleep?” Katsu thought to himself. He decided on the far left bed in the room on the right side, right next to the bathroom. He plopped down on the bed, his body sinking into the mattress. “Heaven.” But all heavens needed bathrooms, his bladder reminded him of this and he hurried into the adjoining bathroom. Someone was already in the bathroom using the shower, but it was too foggy for him to make out who it was inside the glass box. He finished relieving himself and washed up. He plopped back down on the bed, letting the mattress envelop his tired body.

“I wonder where Wakka is,” he said to himself sitting up. He could hear the shower stop and someone get out. “That’s probably him now.” And Katsu leapt up, positing himself outside the doorway towards the bathroom to get ready and scare Wakka. He screamed as Wakka walked out of the bathroom. Well, that is if Wakka was a half naked furry blue ronso. Kimarhi had emerged in a towel and being startled by Katsu, instinctively grabbed him by the neck, wrapping his long finger’s around the boy’s windpipe. Kimarhi let go realizing who it was and Katsu clutched his throat, breathing in deeply.

“Kimarhi sorry,” Kimarhi replied. “Kimarhi though you were fiend.”

“No...problem...Kimarhi.” Katsu replied between gasps of air, still recovering from the Ronso’s death-grip. “Hey, Kimarhi, did you see Wakka before you took a shower?” He asked able to talk correctly now.

“No,” he replied shaking his head. “But you need shower.” He said sniffing the air. “Smell like dead shoopuff in here.”

Katsu’s mouth dropped. “Thanks Kimarhi!” He replied sarcastically. But the evidence was ever so apparent when he sniffed his armpits. Kimarhi was right, he did need a shower. He walked into the bathroom, taking off his smelly clothes and hopped into the shower. The water was extra hot, just the way Katsu liked it. He lathered his body and hair with soap and rinsed himself off, singing to himself while he did so. When he was done, he reached his hand out of the shower and grabbed a towel hanging on the rack next to him before getting out and wrapping it around himself. He yawned walking into the bedroom which now was vacant of Kimarhi but occupied by Wakka who looked like he was in deep thought.

“Oh, Katsu!” He said seeing the boy walk into the room.

“Hey, Wakka. What’cha doin?” He asked leaning against the doorframe to the bathroom, trying to look all cool.

“Just thinking.” He replied sighing.

“You..okay?” Katsu asked him with concern in his voice walking over to his own bed across from Wakka’s and sitting down in front of him.

“Yeah,” he replied lying back in his bed. “I’m just really tired. Night.”

“Night.” Katsu replied back. “I wonder what his problem is,” he wondered to himself as he found his pajamas in his pack next to his bed. Wakka must have brought it for him cause he completely forgot it was still on the boat and would have had to walk all the way there and back with only a towel on himself. Katsu just took of his towel when Tidus walked in.

“Hey Katsu-Whoa!” He shielded his eyes and Katsu tumbled over in the midst of trying to get his pajama bottoms on. He quickly got up, sliding his legs into them.

“Is it safe?” Tidus asked from behind his hands that were shielding his eyes.

“Yes,” Katsu said laughing. “I didn’t think you would be coming in here, I didn’t mean to flash you.”

“Quite alright,” Tidus said now laughing himself. “Lulu just nearly took my head off when I tried to walk into their room. So, I was forced to come in here. But it looks like we only have three beds in here. Where’s Kimarhi going to sleep?”

Katsu laughed mockingly. “There,” he said pointing to the farthest bed. “You’re s**t out of luck Tidus. There are no more beds.”

“Aw man! Where am I going to sleep then?” he asked.

“You could sleep with me,” Katsu smiled sticking his tongue out. Tidus replied by doing the same. “But in all honesty, you can. I really don’t mind.”


“You sure?” he asked.

Katsu nodded. “That is, unless Wakka objects.”

“I don’t care,” Wakka replied pulling his sheets over him and going to sleep.

Katsu was astonished. He really didn’t know what he did that could have possibly upset his friend. Tidus walked over whispering into Katsu’s ear.

“What’s his problem?” But Katsu just replied by shrugging his shoulders. Then he whispered back into Tidus’s ear. “Well, we kinda did kiss, but that’s all that happened.”

“What!” Tidus yelled and Katsu covered his mouth. “Sorry,” he said now in a whispering tone again. “Well, I’m happy for you, but apparently it upset him somehow.”

“He seemed to enjoy it,” Katsu whispered back. “But let’s just go to bed now, I’ll worry about Wakka in the morning.”

Katsu awoke to Tidus tapping him on the head.

“Dude, we’re leaving,” he said.

Katsu immediately jumped up realizing that he had overslept yet again, and gathered his things and put his clothes on. “Where is everyone?”

“Downstairs,” Tidus replied.

Katsu followed the boy downstairs yawning every few steps. Yuna greeted them with a warm smile.

“Ready everyone?” She asked cheerfully.

“Yuna, how are you so cheerful?” Katsu asked rubbing his eyes.

“Well, someone’s gotta be! We can’t all be mopey mops like Wakka!” She laughed nudging Wakka in the side. He responded by giving her a weak smile.

“Okay, something is definitely wrong with him.” Katsu said to himself as the party made their way into the forest outside of the village. “Why are we going to the temple, again?” Katsu whispered to Tidus noticing the Auroch’s following them.

“Wakka said something about praying for victory in the tournament.” He replied.

“Oh, right,” Katsu replied. They group stopped abruptly as they entered the forest. Everyone seemed to veer off into their own stance, leaving Tidus and Katsu in the middle. “What’s up you guys?”

“Yuna’s saying she wants you with us,” Lulu spoke, addressing Tidus.

“Huh?” was all Tidus got muster.

“Nice,” Katsu laughed to himself. “He doesn’t even realize she likes him. How thick is this kid?”

“I want to ask you...to be my guardian.” Yuna spoke.

“Yuna, what? This no time for jokes, ya?” Wakka replied. “He may be a blitzball whiz kid, but up against fiends, he’s a newbie.”

“He’s not that good.” Katsu said under his breath.

“Not a guardian then, I just want him nearby.” Yuna replied which seemed to upset Wakka.

“What do you mean?” Tidus asked utterly confused.

“It’s, just...uh...well.” Yuna scratched her head trying to come up with the right amount of words to convey what she was feeling before Lulu interrupted.

“We’re all going to the temple. Can’t this wait till later?” Lulu adressed everyone raising an eyebrow. “But before we go, Wakka, don’t you have something to say?”

“Me? Uh..no..why..what?” He kept stuttering which was unlike him.

“Something to do with a certain someone?” Lulu said again, emphasing her words.

“Oh god,” Katsu though. “It’s something to do with me, I just know it.”

“Nothing?” Lulu asked him again. But Wakka just mumbled something, turning away from her. “Right. Katsu!”

“Am I in trouble?” Katsu replied jokingly.

“Would you like to become a guardian?” she asked.

Katsu stepped back. “What! Are you serious Lu?!”

She nodded. “I talked it over with Yuna and....Wakka,” she said eyeing Wakka who was staring off into the distance. “And we decided, that you would make a great addition to the team.”

Katsu jumped up in the air. “Sweetness!” But he caught Lulu’s glare and calmed down mustering a sincere, “Thank you.” To Yuna and bowing.

Yuna laughed at once. “Okay everyone, let’s split up! It would look silly all of us parading in these woods together. Me, Lulu and Kimarhi will go on ahead, while you guys watch our rear.” They went on ahead while the guys just stood there, not wanting to move.

“So, am I a guardian now? I’m confused.” Tidus said scratching his head as they walked.

“No, you’re not.” Katsu replied. “But I am apparently.”

“Dude, that’s just not fair!” Tidus replied in a whiny voice.

“Sorry,” Katsu laughed patting his friend on the back to try and console him. “So,” he said clearing his throat. “Wakka, you put in a good word for me with Yuna?” But there was no reply from the man, he just kept staring ahead. “Wakka!” Still no reply. Katsu jumped in front of him, outstretching his arms to bar his path. “Wakka! What is the matter with you! It’s like I have to hit you on the head to even get a response form you!” But before he could lift a finger in protest, an object fell from above, collapsing on top of Wakka. “Wow, complete irony,” Katsu exclaimed. “How refreshing.”

What had fallen on Wakka, was indeed something. A body to be more precise. The body of a teenage girl. She had long, dark brown hair flowing across her face. Her body was adorned in pieces of armor, making her look more like a soldier than a normal everyday girl. And she had bright green eyes, which perked up as she came to, looking around, still sprawled out on top of Wakka.

“Hey,” Katsu said bending now and looking at the girl. “You, okay?” She seemed confused. “Do you know where you are?” But he still didn’t get any response from her. She just looked absolutely terrified. “Okay...what’s your name?”  

[Ashley_Winston]

She looked up at the guy. Too afraid to talk. All she does is shake her head no. She looks down to find she in on top of someone. Quickly getting up and gave him an 'I'm sorry' look.

She looks back to the guy that asked her for her name and finally says, "I..I don't know who I am or how the hell I got here. Who are you?"  

[Maha1930]

Wakka got up dusting himself off, quite distraught that this random girl had fallen on his head.

"What's your problem, ya?" He asked her yelling at her.

Katsu walked over and pushed Wakka away from the girl. "Cool it diablo, can't you see this girl is scared stiff? She doesn't even know where she is. I doubt she meant to fall on you and mess up your hair."

Wakka turned angrily away, mumbling to himself.

Tidus walked over and touched the girls shoulder. "So, you don't know anything? Not even your name? You gotta remember your name."  

[Ashley_Winston]

She laughed at the boy pushing the redhead. " No. I don't know anything." She ponders for a few seconds. "Not even my own name..." She said sitting on the ground upset. "You still haven't told me who are guys are." She said looking up at both of them.  

[Maha1930]

"Well," Katsu said clearing his throat. "That's Tidus," he said pointing at Tidus, "and the grouchy red-head over there is Wakka. You know, now that I think of it, maybe Tidus can help you with your memory loss."

"I can?" He replied surprised. "How?"

"You said you were effected by Sin's toxin right?"

"Yeah..." Tidus replied with a not so convincing tone.

"Well, maybe she was attacked by sin? I mean it would explain the memory loss."

"Maybe," he replied.

"Oh!" Katsu smacked his forehead with his palm. "She must be one of the villagers! A survivor of Sin's attack!"

"She doesn't seem like it," said Wakka interrupting. "But wherever she's from, she's traveled a long way. Just look at her tattered clothes. We should catch up with Yuna."

"Yeah, let's go." Katsu said nodding and helping the girl along as they trudged after the party.  

[Ashley_Winston]

"Nice to meet ya." she said smiling. While running with them she had some questions. "What's Sin, anyways? And How can Tidus help me gain my memory?" She asked looking at Katsu. "And one thing for sure I DO know is that I'm not from this village. So I have to agree with Wakka..." She nodded at Wakka. "Oh! Whose Yuna?"  

[Maha1930]

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Katsu siad laughing. "Cool it with the questions! You don't know what Sin is? Man...it really does have potent toxin. And I never said TIdus could help you gain your memory back, but he was in contact with Sin too. Sin is this massive creature that-"

"If we atone for all our past crimes, will finally go away." Wakka finished.

"Yeah." Katsu nodded. Even though he didn't believe it himself. A giant creature just disappearing because everyone said they were sorry? Not plausible. "I know the toxin isn't what's wrong with Tidus, there's nothing wrong with him, it's just that no one believes him," Katsu said to himself. "Oh, and Yuna is the summoner we're guarding. You...do remember what a summoner is don't you?"