Disclaimer: Well, technically I do own Final Fantasy X-2. I paid $49.99 for it. But I guess all that other legal mumbo-jumbo still kind of applies.

Notes: Anyways, this is my first fic here at FanFiction.net If I should continue the story, please let me know.

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            The city that never slept made that fact known with the opening season game of Blitzball. Zanarkand played Bevelle tonight, even amidst the happenings stirring between the two cities, the game was set to be played. It seemed to shine a thin ray of hope on all the citizens as the whistle blew and the ball was thrown into the air.

            Even as the rain poured from above, everyone forgot all their worries and the threats that encircled them. They let go of their newfound hatred for each other and lost themselves in the game. Upon scorings, they even turned to their oppositions to pass on congratulations.

            Why couldn't it always be like this? She brushed her long, chestnut hair from her face and over her shoulder. Why couldn't everyone realize how happy they actually were together when politics weren't being shoved down their throats.

            She used her hands to smooth out the blue velvet top that molded to her body so perfectly. Her hand paused for a moment where the top exposed her mid-drift then moved to the left side of her body to assure the layers of lace fell in the right manner. Her hands were shaking and she swallowed, trying to temper herself.

            In moments, she would take to the stage to grace the audience with song. Only a few moments between the two halves of the game were all she had to give tonight. But she worried about him. Worried that she may distract him from the game. She didn't want to see the look in his eyes.

            She shook herself and continued perfecting her small outfit. The black skirt was still as short as it ever was, and she smiled at the comment he had made about it. All that was left was slipping into those brown leather boots and she made her way to the door. The words rolled over in her head and she took a breath when she reached for the knob and pulled the door open.

            The game had settled and the teams were tied. She could hear the game fans still cheering even as she knew the teams were leaving the sphere. Her steps were light as she moved through the hall beneath the stands and the sphere came into view. Thunder boomed and lightening lit up the dark sky.

            The mass of people appeared like an ocean, each moving differently but all together as one. The game really had let them be free. She envied their ability to push aside their problems, as she forever seemed haunted by what held her about the throat. Trying to shake the feeling, she made her way away from the scene and into the next hall.

            "Don't look so glum." She turned her attention to the voice to find a tall slender woman with long black hair. She wore a soft, flowing red dress that held to her shoulders by simple thin straps. The taller woman approached and walked in step with the songstress through the halls. "What have you decided to sing for tonight?"

            The younger girl tried to form words to speak and the summoner waited patiently. "I want them to see what's going on. What this war is really doing, Yuna." Her voice lowered. "Even if they don't want to see it."

            Yunalesca's eyes softened as the girl looked away and glanced up the remaining length of the hall. "You always were one to sing from the heart."

            "It's the only way I know." 

            "And they'll listen to you, even if the war commences, they'll all remember you and what you said to them. They'll always remember the words you speak and the thoughts you sing. They'll always remember your name, Lenne."

            Lenne smiled a small smile then and moved towards the lift. The operator greeted her with a smile and warm words as she stepped inside and the lift slowly raised.

            "Break a leg." Yunalesca called to her from the floor.

            The sphere had been pulled half down to allow the stage to lift up slightly above it. From the center of the silver disk, the tube beneath opened up and the songstress slowly ascended to stand in the lights.

            Her eyes glanced around at the cheering sea of fans before they swept lower to the two teams. They were regrouping and forming game plans. Each listening with at least one ear to what the coaches had to say as they popped their water bottles open and re-hydrated.

            The music came slowly from beneath them all and rose slowly as she took her place and held the microphone out before her. She took a breath and he turned to look up at her.

This place feels so unfamiliar

And yet I know it well

I think I used to belong here

But the only way I can tell

Is that when I look into your eyes

Your love is all I see

No pain trying to linger there

Only your heart left to consume me

            He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear her song. But there was no choice but to withstand her words that tore him up inside. He knew she was trying to speak to everyone in attendance, but her reference to him hit deep.

            Her song continued and he realized that no one made any other noise to interrupt her. It was like standing amongst the dead as no one moved or spoke.

You turn and leave me standing

At the break without a hand

Words corrupted by poignant lies

Will forever haunt this land

But I will make my plea with you

To stay and keep me warm

Bind the shadows down in their place

And fix all that's been torn

            She could feel his eyes on her and she fought the urge to look at him. It would hurt too much to see the emotion he kept buried inside. It would have to wait until the end. When she didn't have to convey her words anymore to anyone.

            He watched her and glanced up at the sky in sudden shock as the rain dwindled and came to a stop. The thunder rolled more quietly now and the lightening never proceeded.

            Her breath nearly caught in her throat, but she closed her eyes and let her words take control. They broke from her lips upon their own accord and lifted onto the air. And when she thought her knees would give out, the final words slipped into the melody.

Will I give you my last few words

Or will I lose that chance.

She sighed and felt the faint warmth of sun on her face as a few stray rays broke through the heavy dark curtain above.

The scene before her appeared to melt as she felt herself being pulled along. Anticipation was rising in her throat as he pulled her along through the corridor. They weren't that far behind them, and she felt her panic rise. She glanced down at feet running beneath her and felt them when they caught the snare and tripped at the intersection.

He quickly had her to her feet before he blurred from her vision.

They all clicked into place and he looked down into her soft brown eyes. She was scared, but refused to let it show so she tried to force a faint smile to her face to greet him. 

The clocking sounds continued and he pulled her closer and held her tighter, his eyes pleading for her forgiveness. But her eyes didn't hold the anger and frustration he thought they would, rather they appeared pools of emotion and comfort.

Movement caught the songstress's eyes and she saw the girl standing behind the guards in the doorway. Her small face was drawn and her breathing was quick and shallow. She'd been running and it had lifted her brown and blonde hair up into a beautiful mess. The girl's sapphire eyes locked with Lenne's and her voice tore from her throat.

Thunder exploded and Yuna sat up in her bed, her breath ragged and short as she wiped the sweat from her face.

Taking in her surroundings and the movement at her side, she swallowed and tried to calm her racing heart.

"Yuna?" His voice was concerned as he sat up beside her and set his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?" He asked as she fixed her worried eyes on him and continued in her attempt to steady her breath. His hand went up to her face then and she melted into his arms.

She closed her eyes and tried to push the dream away. It was so hauntingly clear and lingered even as she tried to quell it. She hadn't dreamed of them in nearly seven years. The desperation in his eyes as he held her stared at her from beneath closed lids. Thunder pounded in her head and the child's scream followed.

Her eyes snapped open then. "Liya." She pushed herself from her lover's arms and jumped from the bed. She pulled the door open quickly and moved into the hall.

He gave pursuit after her and found her standing in the doorway a few feet down the hall. His footsteps were light as he moved slowly up behind her and paused a moment before he slid his arms about her waist and she settled back against him.

Their eyes fixed on the young sleeping girl with brown and blonde hair. She stirred slightly but only to turn over.

The perception of her from the dream, staring at Lenne and calling out to her, caused Yuna to shiver.