PROLOGUE

NOTE: If you are reading this, I recommend that you have finished Final Fantasy X – and VIII an VII too if possible, since this contains a lot of spoilers and mixing of stories... well, let's just get started!

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The evening sky was illuminated by thousands of lights as the gigantic creature exploded in light, spreading thousands of pyre- flies across the sky like fireworks. Sin was defeated and the battle was won. People all over Spira saw the spectacular light on the night-sky, and the celebrating had already begun in the city of Bevelle below. Only on the deck of the airship, hanging high in the orange coloured sky, no one was celebrating in spite of their victory. Two figures stood in contrast with the impressive lights, holding each other close without feeling the touch. Tidus never forgot the last words he heard in this world: "I love you."

'We made it... we won...'

Slowly, the surroundings started to fade. Like the pyre-flies, the orange sky melted into nothingness, along with the dim image of the airship upon which he stood. Slowly he looked down at his hands for the last time, watching them disappear in a blue and green light.

'This is it. This is goodbye.' He didn't even feel the wind as he jumped and fell, didn't even feel that he was fading away. The only thing on his mind was the image of the one he had loved – and the ones of those who had left the spiralling world before him. Slowly he opened his eyes, waiting to be reunited with them, but suddenly realised that everything had changed around him. Cold fear arose in the body that he had expected not to feel anymore, as everything went pitch-black around him.

'What's going on?' he thought desperately. 'Where am I? This is not right...'

A bright light flashed before his eyes, blinding him. Then he remembered no more...

o o o o o o

"So I guess this is it," Rikku said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.

Lulu turned, her black dress making the usual rattling noise of belts. "It's OK Yuna, you did well out there."

Without a word Yuna walked past both of them, leaving the door to the stadium behind her. "Thank you," she then whispered. Kimahri watched her closely, but didn't say a word. He only nodded in appreciation.

"Yeah, I really liked that speech," Rikku tried, running to Yuna's side. "And the people loved you. I'm sure they won't leave you alone for a loooong time now..."

"I think you are right," Yuna answered. "Nothing will ever be like before."

Lulu walked to her side now, pushing Rikku out of the way. Then she took Yuna by the arm, and was about to lead her out when someone burst through the door. Yuna stared at him in surprise. "Yes?"

"Lady Yuna!" he stammered. "I – I think you want to see this. Something just happened... someone has appeared on the beach, and he seems to be hurt..."

"Take me to him immediately," Yuna answered, already preparing to leave. Lulu looked as if she would disagree.

"But..." the man said, hesitating. "... He seems to have forgotten... where he is..."