Vunajan du Sa

(forever to me)

            This story begins with the ending of FFX International…  I personally have this on my computer, from the ever-convenient source of KaZaA.  I believe the English script translation came from the GIA, and the subtitles were added by a kindly person named Tenka.  For those of you who do not wish for the 167MB download, I have taken the opportunity  to write it up, from the actual footage and helpful subtitles.  A few creative liberties have been taken (I have added insights into the character and a bit of narration on Spira's current state).  As always, Square=god, I=peasant.  Here goes…

- - -

FFX: Another Story

            37, 38, 39, 40, 41…

            The woman's vision blurred and she knew that she had had enough.  Gasping for air, she broke the surface.  The calls of the sea gulls flooded into her ears as the strong smell of salt water met her nostrils.  The bright sun that had heated the sea now danced on her wet brown hair as she paddled to keep her slim body afloat.

            Two minutes, forty-one seconds!  A new high! she exclaimed to herself inside her head, proud.  The water before her was a lively sea-green color.  Yes, the sea was alive with plants and animals now, beautiful and green.  It had nothing to fear any longer.

            "Yuna!  C'mon!" came the deep voice of a familiar friend.  Yuna spun to see Wakka waving at her enthusiastically.

            "Be right there!"  Yuna waded from the depths of the beautiful ocean.  There was nothing more wonderful than that coast, alive with life.

            Wakka watched her thoughtfully, crossing his arms across his chest.  "Pretty good at holding your breath now, ya?"

            "Not as good as you!" giggled the former summoner.

            Flushed with embarrassment, he admitted, "Yeah, well, I haven't even practiced recently."

            "You sure look it!" she teased playfully, her blue and green eyes curving into cute little half moons as she poked his pudgy stomach.  "It's not like you're the one having a baby!"

            He sighed, feeling happy at Yuna's warm smile, but slightly humiliated at his own faults.  The man spun and waved, leaving Yuna to her thoughts for a moment.

            The brunette paused to stare out at the ocean.  However, she was looking at the past this time, and not the bright future.  It's been two years since then, she thought, since the defeat of Sin.  I can hold my breath for two whole minutes now.  It takes more than just physical strength, there's a few tricks to it that you need to figure out.  I didn't understand when it was explained in words, but after a lot of practice I finally got it.  I'd never thought there was any kind of trick to it.

            I couldn't afford to think about anything back then, she reminded herself.

            The Eternal Calm, she thought, returning to the present.  It's my two minutes and forty-one seconds and Wakka's pudgy stomach.  It's not much, just a quiet kind of happiness.

            She turned and jogged all the way back to Besaid Village.  Home.

            Yuna approached the temple a bit more slowly.  She caught her breath, nodded to her fellow villagers politely, and carefully walked up the steps to the scarcely populated building.  Two years ago, this had been the busiest spot for miles.  Temple staff and loyal worships flowed through the open doorway.

            Now, people gathered to argue over Spira's future in the town square.  Sometimes these debates resulted in almost violent arguments.  Some former Crusaders, now serving as local guards, would have to intervene.

            Yuna finally reached the bare temple, entering the darkened interior.  She walked forward slowly, toward the spot where Wakka and an older gentleman were talking by the twin flames on the opposite side of the room.  The man paid his respects to the High Summoner, and the three convened in the dimly lit center of the intricately decorated floor.

            The man was in awe.  "I saw you from a distance in the stadium two years ago," he began, "…but I never thought I'd get to see you in person."  Age had curved his spine, and he bent over slightly, a bit more as he talked with enthusiasm.  "You're as beautiful as ever…" he commented, the words from his heart going straight over his lips.

            "Thank you," she said, nodding courteously to her elder.  Her pink cheeks went unnoticed in the dark.  She really must stop being flattered like this…

            The man continued, revealing the purpose of his visit.  "I have a favor to ask about my grandson."  He paused momentarily.  "He's joined up with the Young Persons' Alliance.  Now, not to say the Alliance is bad in and of itself…but me and the missus are both with New Yevon.  My son and daughter-in-law too."

            "My grandson used to come to our meetings, too, but one day he just…  There's a lot of young folks in the Alliance, so I'm sure it's exciting for him, but still…"  He continued as Yuna's mind reviewed the state of the world.

            A number of groups have formed across Spira since then.  How should we build this new world?  What should Spira be like in the future?  Everyone is looking for their own path.

            Yuna heard the old man's voice again.  "I feel that…my grandson and his companions are moving too quickly," he said.

            With so many different ways of thinking, at times conflict is inevitable.  Some people are uncomfortable with the new way of things.  Honestly, I am too, sometimes… Yuna thought.  It was strange to add herself into her thoughts.  Usually, she only considered the rest of the world.  Now she thought about how far Spira had come in two years.  But this is good enough for now.  That's what I keep telling myself.

            She opened her mouth to voice her decision on the matter.  "I understand your feelings," she explained.  "But try talking it over with your grandson.  His actions may appear reckless to you, but his feelings for Spira are the same as your own."

            The old man was shocked for a second, but then he bowed his head and considered the words.  He said nothing.  Perhaps he saw what she meant and felt bad for judging his grandson so harshly.  Or, instead, he did not understand yet, and was ashamed for that.  Or, still yet, he disagreed, but could not show defiance to the lady summoner.

            Whatever it was, he bowed and left, bent over slightly, walking in a careful, steady manner.

            Later that morning, Yuna decided to walk again towards the beach.  She walked along the path by the waterfalls, witnessing their splendor happily, even it was the hundredth or thousandth time she had been this way.  The melody of the water, the birds, and the rustling leaves was a warm and happy one.  She adored it.  It was like a favorite song that a person never tires of it, no matter how many times they hear it.

            She was actually hurrying a little, because before, at the village, she thought she heard the sounds of a ship coming up to the port.  There weren't many ships that stopped in Besaid.  None that sounded like an Al-Bhed ship, anyway.

            "He-ey!" called a voice.  But it was Wakka, running up from behind.

            Yuna stopped on the bridge, a bit worried.  "Who is it?  A visitor?" she anticipated.

            Out of breath, Wakka replied, "Ya, you know how it is."  He wondered if Yuna had been running to escape her line of endless visitors.  "The village geezers are shooting their mouths off about that again…"

            Yuna turned, placing her hands behind her back.  "Who is it this time?"

            "The son of the head of New Yevon," the former blitzer replied.

            "No way.  I'd probably just end up being used by him."  Yuna now had the capacity to make these sorts of decisions in a snap.  She had been through dealings with too many suitors to put any trust in their promises and ideals.

            Wakka grunted.  "Man…sorry, Yuna."  He was only starting to consider what Yuna went through day in and day out.  It was easier not to think about her tough life, maybe.

            "I'll go turn them down," the woman announced.

            "No way, I got it."  He felt guilty.  He thought about Yuna's compassion.  "I mean, you don't wanna hafta see their frowning faces, do ya?"

            "…Right."

            A man suddenly came running up.  Apparently, he had followed Wakka here.  "Lady Yuna!" he cried, broadcasting his presence.  He finally reached them, and saluted at his shoulder.  A Crusader?  "Lady Yuna!" he said again, "I am Yeivel of the Young Persons' Alliance!  I have come to deliver a message from our leader Nurge!"

            Stepping forward protectively, Wakka told him, "She's not joining the Alliance."

            "But…" the surprised young man replied, the determination in his voice slipping away.

            "Is that why you came?" called Yuna from a few feet behind Wakka.

            "…Yes, it is."

            "I'm not going to join with any group," Yuna explained to the disappointed fellow.

            "Are you perhaps going to form your own group?" he wondered.

            Facing away, she managed to say forcefully, "Please leave."  Her expression was somber.  She did not like to let people down one bit.  Her greatest joy was to bring happiness to others.

            "Yuna!  Wakka!" screeched a high-pitched voice.  The ever-hyper Al-Bhed Rikku came running up, breathing hard.  She halted and scratched her face, curious about the three people's solemn faces, and the awkwardness in the air.

            At Rikku's prodding, Wakka and Yuna accompanied her to her great metal vessel.  Yuna could only smile at the cheerfulness of her younger cousin.  Rikku sometimes comes by Besaid Island.  She travels about Spira, teaching people to use machines, excavating old machines from underground or underwater…  She's awfully busy, but she seems to be enjoying herself.

            As Wakka and Yuna strode across the deck, Rikku ran up to them and cheered happily.  She scampered right up to Wakka and elbowed his stomach, giggling.

            "Stop that!" protested Wakka.  He crossed his arms and faced away, indignant.

            Rikku placed her hands behind her head and leaned back.  "Quite the tummy you've got now!" she observed.  "How's Lulu?"

             Wakka faced her again, since they were off the sensitive subject of his stomach.  "She's in the village.  Go say 'hi' later, ya?"  He was concerned about Lulu not getting out much.

            "Of course!" the little thief retorted, casual.  She turned to her cousin.  "And Yunie, same as always, huh?"

            "That's right.  Same as always."  Yuna had a quiet kind of look about her, like she was embarrassed to talk about herself.  She looked up towards the blue sky, using one arm to shield her eyes from the hot, yellow-white sun.  A sea gull circled overhead.

            "So Kimahri's still at Mt. Gagazet, huh?" Wakka wanted to know.

            "You betcha!" declared Rikku.  "He's teaching the Ronso children tons of stuff.  He's really quite the teacher!"  Rikku gave a jump of realization and began digging in her pockets.  "Anyway, I got something from Kimahri for you."

            Yuna and Wakka watched, intrigued.

            Rikku began to dig more fervently.  "Said he found it up on the mountain."  She finally drew the object out for them to see.

            "A sphere?" Yuna asked, her eyes taking it in.

            "Weird shape, huh?" the man thought.

            "Look closely, Yunie," Rikku instructed, activating the sphere.

            The scene was white, and then it went fuzzy, like a tape skipping.  There were lines of white and black crisscrossing with static roaring in the background.

            "What the hell did I get arrested for?!  Let me go already!" screeched a voice, hoarse with yelling and contorted by the poor quality of the recording.  The image was fuzzy—blue, with some sea greens and grays all tumbling together to make a confusing picture.  Then yellow lines appeared, thick and vertical.  A figure was vague, round, and blue.

            Soon, the figure, a man, was the only thing on the screen, seen from below.  "You hear me, don't you?" he demanded.  "What'd you think if it was your girl?"  The image scrambled again, the picture breaking and reappearing several times throughout.   "Who cares if I used the enemy's machina?"

            Now the figure, a bit clearer, was viewed from behind.  He slammed against the confining bars with his fists.  "It was the only way to save the Summoner!" he cried, his frustration rising even higher.

            "What would you have done instead?!"  It was his face, though blurry.  He was still trying to break out somehow.  His demonstration was unending.  "Let me out of here!"  His hair was light and it curved outward from the top of his head.  His left cheek was illuminated from the bottom.  "Let me out of here!  Let me see her!"

            And then the lines were gray and white and they filled up the whole image.  It was the end.

            Yuna was in a state of shock.  A voice…a voice that has been close by for what seemed like forever…  Her eyes were fixed on the deep sapphire of the ocean.  She could hardly process her own realizations.

            "What's this about?"  Obviously, Wakka had a hard time coming to terms with this, too.  "What's he doing there?  Is that really him?  What's this all about?"

            Rikku's eyes sparkled, and she swayed from side to side.  Her little dances were a sure sign of ideas flying between her brain cells.  "I don't really know…" she began coyly, "but you want to find out, don't you?"

            "Well, yeah!"  But Wakka didn't seem as sure as his words.

            "Yes," Yuna said.  She was momentarily unreadable.

            "Then let's go!" Rikku cried.

            "Where to?" the brown-haired woman wondered, holding her hands in front of her.

            "No idea!" admitted the Al-Bhed with a grin.  "Let's go to Kimahri first and think about it then, okay?"  She seemed proud of her suggestion.

            Wakka scratched the back of his head.  "But we don't know anything!  Shouldn't we look into it a little first?"

            "And just who's going to find it out for us?" demanded Rikku, pointing at him accusingly.  She wouldn't let him stop this.  This was for Yuna's sake.

            "Leave it to us!" cried a male voice.

            The three turned to see the man from before, Yeivel.  Had he followed them again?

            "Our leader Nurge should agree as well!  I'll convince him myself!" he proclaimed.

            "Get outta here!" Wakka yelled.  He didn't like being spied on.

            "Y-yessir!  I'll return as soon as something has been learned!"  He bowed to Yuna and sprinted off, leaving Wakka and the others a bit puzzled and frustrated.

            Rikku stepped up, again wrapping her hands behind her head.  "I think that Yunie ought to go for herself," she announced.

            "That's impossible," Wakka told her.

            "Why's that?"  Her arms moved down to crisscross her chest.

            Yuna turned and stared at the sea, uncomfortable as Wakka threw himself into his explanation.

            "The next three months are completely booked.  Everyone wants to meet Yuna."

            "And what about what Yunie wants!" interrupted the girl, a fist planted firmly on her hip.

            "Well, y'know…"  Wakka didn't have an answer.  He turned his head towards the deck, unable to endure Rikku's menacing glare.  "Someday, when the world's settled down and all…"

            Rikku's mood became red-hot.  Furious, she screamed out, "Whaddya mean, someday?  What's the matter with you, Wakka?"  She felt herself trembling.  "Yunie always worked so hard, she should only have to worry about herself now, so why?!"

            Wakka's face was grim.  Her words rang true in his heart, and it hurt.  Yes, it was harder to consider Yuna's feelings…

            "Every time I come here, I always think about how everyone's finding their own happiness…" Rikku told him, watching as Yuna simply stood there with her back to her friends.  "Except for Yuna."

            "Well, that's…" shrugged Wakka.

            Yuna nearly pounced atop him.  "Has your head gone as soft as your belly?!"  She spun to confront Yuna on the Summoner's feelings.  "Yunie!"

            "I…" she began.   I want to go, she thought.  But, if I leave, I may disappoint people.  I…

            And then she heard her memories calling out to her.  She heard Tidus calling out to her.  'Well, if acting grown up means not being able to say what I want, then screw it!  Nothing'll change that way!'  The birds overhead flew together, free and happy.

            Yuna acknowledged this voice and smiled, just a little.  "I'll go," she told Rikku and Wakka, facing them with as much confidence as she could dig up from within herself.  It was difficult to tell everyone what she really desired.  It was difficult to tell herself.

            "Yuna!" Wakka exclaimed, his mind groping for good words to dissuade her.

            Rikku breathed a sigh of relief.

            "After all," Yuna managed to say, feeling a bit better with each word that came out, "this is my story."

            Rikku's green, spiraled eyes practically glowed.  "Ha!  I knew you'd say that, so I went ahead and brought some stuff for you."  She scampered down the ship to open up the cabin.

            Yuna chuckled.  Did Rikku know more about what was in her heart than she herself did?

            "Oh no…" Wakka mumbled, one large, tanned hand holding his forehead as he shook his head back and forth.

            "First off, we gotta get you into some new clothes!" Rikku was saying, digging in her pile of stuff.  "You're famous, after all, so you'd better go undercover!"  This idea seemed to excite the girl very much, and she came forward and smiled brighter than the sun.

            Wakka finally managed to come across an idea.  "J-just a sec, ya?  Lemme go get Lu."  Pleased with this thought, he ran off without another word to the two ladies.  Instead, he muttered to himself about how he was going to get Yuna out of this mess.

            Yuna smiled and gazed at the blue sky and the warm white clouds.  The Eternal Calm.  It's my two minutes and forty-one seconds and Wakka's pudgy stomach.  It's a small and quiet kind of happiness…  She held her hand to her heart.  But…  I guess I can ask for a little more, can't I?

            Rikku's enthusiasm was now swelling up in Yuna's heart.  She knew that Wakka and Lulu might be along soon, and that they would try to stop her.  She knew that going back to the village might change her mind if she saw all the people she was to talk to, all the responsibilities.  "Rikku, let's get going!"

            She and Rikku hurried to the interior of the ship.  Rikku gave the signal to her crewmen, and the Al-Bhed ship rumbled as the gears started churning.  A horn blared and the ship retreated from the harbor.  This new journey had begun…

- - -