“Hey hey hey!!” Wazuki’s eyes shifted from the crowds over to me. As he drifted through the mounds of people, it seemed as though he was parting an ocean. Once we came face to face, he instantly pulled me into a headlock. “Long time no see, son!”

“Hey mate…” Kid wandered over, a curious look was planted on her face. “This is yer old man?” She compared our faces, looking back and forth between us for almost a minute. “Yep, ya two are related.” A big grin could be seen.

I’m not proud…to be his son…

“So son…” Wazuki slightly released his grip. “What-“

“Don’t call me ‘son’!” I pulled out of his lock. The crowd let out a loud gasp. “Don’t you ever call me that! You weren’t a father to me!”

“Serge…keep it down, you don’t want-“

“You left Mom and me to fend for ourselves!” My voice started to crack. “Don’t you ever call me that…” I looked down, my hands tense. The crowd was silent. Footsteps were heard coming towards us.

“Sir!” Cloud stood in a military stance. Wazuki’s awkward smile returned.

“Cloud, you know you don’t have to treat me like that.” Cloud went at ease. “What is it?”

“Sir, we were hoping you could help lead us through Mushroom Rock. We need to get to Djose Temple. This place is blocked by all these reporters, as you can see.” News media and photographers could be seen for miles. “Also, we will be by your side for the fight with Lavos.” Cloud moved from his spot and put his arm around Kid. “This is our summoner, Kid.” Wazuki’s face glowed. He grabbed one of Kid’s hands, bent over and kissed it.

“It’s a pleasure, zutto…Miss Schala.” Kid showed an awkward expression. I rustled in my spot.

Don’t you touch her!

“Oh, what?” Wazuki leaned up and turned his attention toward me. “This your girlfriend?”

“No!” I yelled.

“Mate! Be nice ta yer Pop!” Kid tapped her foot.

“I don’t have to listen to you!” I looked away for a second, and then realized I said the wrong thing to the wrong person. I slowly looked to her. Steam seemed to appear out of her ears. Kid’s face was flushed.

“Don’tcha ever talk ta me like that!” Kid’s hand moved to her dagger, but Lulu grabbed her. She let out a long sigh. “Schala? Me name’s Kid.” Wazuki’s eyes shifted over to Cloud. Cloud slowly shook his head and Wazuki looked back to her.

“Alright, for now, Miss Kid.”

For now…? That makes no sense.

Kid could easily be recognized as confused.

“Now, what did that ‘zutta’ or whatever thing mean?” Kid’s mind was boggled, as were all of ours.

“Haven’t you been listening to the hymns in the temples? ‘Zutto’ is the very last word of the hymn. It means ‘forever’ or ‘always’. It’s a handy thing to learn…if you want to impress the ladies.” He winked at Kid.

“Too bad you have no one to impress,” I said under my breath and continued. “You have Mom.”

“Hmm? What was that, Serge?” It was easy to tell Wazuki was trying to mess with my mind.

“Whatever…” I stepped away from Wazuki over to Wakka and Lulu. Their expressions were shocked.

“Why do you talk that way to yer Dad?” Wakka put a hand on my shoulder. My response was not vocal. I lowered my head and shook it.

The hatred towards my father was unexplainable. All the hardships that my mother and I went through from the years passed was all caused by him.

“Alright ladies and gents!” Wazuki had his arms raised in the air. “We are on our way to Djose Temple!” He cleared his throat. “But first, I’d like you to meet our Al-Bhed translator,” From behind Wazuki popped out a familiar blonde girl. Her build was slender. A wide-smile was spread on her face. Her green-swirled eyes focused on me.

“Hey! You remember me?” It was Rikku.