Beneath the Mask

A/N: I’m so sorry for the long update guys but I’ve been lacking inspiration for my Final Fantasy X stories and I didn't want to force an update as it probably wouldn't turn out very well. I know I’ve been focusing mainly on my FF8 and Kingdom Hearts stories so again, I’m very sorry. Hopefully my inspiration won’t be fleeting once again.

At least I’ve had time to get better at writing, I have written over 15 chapters of other stories so hopefully this won’t disappoint, lol.

The last time I updated this story it was my birthday, humph, long time ago and I still don't have my license…

Again, if anyone finds any tense mistakes, please let me know so I can fix it.

TIDUS

It really is the most awesome thing I have ever experienced.

Ever.

To think that someone can actually do something like magic, it seems so much more amazing now. I have never thought anymore of it than something I would never understand and therefore didn’t care about. But to experience it, well, there will be no forgetting it.

I hadn't had any idea what was going on, I’m still not sure if I fully comprehend it. There’s no other way to describe it other than surreal, it’s something that I can’t even imagine exists in this world.

And my girlfriend can do it.

Placing my hands behind my head, I lean back against the bed frame. I would have left hours ago but the hospital is keeping me here for a few more hours. Considering what went down in that ally I’m not surprised. Still, Yuna is the only thing on my mind and being stuck in this room when she’s only a few more rooms down is like torture.

Lulu has assured me that she’s alright but it would be more comforting to see it with my own eyes. Jeez, what that girl can do to me. She’s got me all fucked up. Not to mention we weren’t on very good terms when this whole thing went down. Hopefully she’s forgotten about that.

Hopefully I can forget about that.

Sitting back up, I stare around the room, bored. There isn’t even a television in my room. Pretty cheap hospital if you ask me. But Lulu has commanded that I stay in here till the doctors say I can leave, doesn’t want me to cause any trouble. I hadn't had the heart to tell her off, her word is law until she leaves.

“Hey ya,” I glace up when I hear Wakka enter the room. He appears pretty worn out and his hair is a little bent out of shape. “Thought you might be bored brudda, bein in here without anything to do.” Doesn’t he speak the truth?

“Yeah, well, I’m kinda stuck here for a little while longer,” I mutter and lean back against the bed frame again.

“Baralai is doin better ya,” Wakka sat down in a chair near the bed, propping his feet up on another one. I immediately feel guilty, I haven’t thought of Baralai once since I woke up. Everything else was a little bit to overwhelming.

“He’s gonna be alright… right?” I ask tentatively, slightly fearful of the big mans reply. I don't think I can deal with another of the gang leaving. And I don't really mean Baralai. Should he not be alright, no doubt Paine will retreat father away from us than she already is.

Wakka nodded, “Yeah, he was in critical condition for awhile but they got everything straightened out ya.” I nod in relief, glad for the good news. “And Paine seems to be awright too though she was in shock for a few hours. But after she went home with Lu to change, she came back pretty normal.”

“That’s good,” I sigh. “We don't need anymore shit to go down.” And that’s the truth. A lot of stuff is changing and it’s kind of hard to keep up.

“Agreed,” Wakka leans his head back and closes his eyes. “I’m bushed ya.” I sigh in agreement as I stare at the opposing wall. Sitting doing nothing is against everything in my nature and it’s becoming more difficult with each passing second.

“Did you find out what happened?” I ask before Wakka can doze off. I’m pretty sure everyone already knows what took place in that ally but details are preferred so when I go to kick Nooj’s ass, I know exactly how much to kick.

Wakka opens one eye, glancing at me, “Only he can tell us that brudda and he aint awake yet.” I nod, understanding. It will be hard to get information out of Baralai as he probably doesn’t want us getting involved anyway. But if he wants in our gang, he’s got to learn that we work together.

“Well he needs to-

“Dude, you guys!” Both Wakka and I snap our heads up as Gippal comes barreling into the room, Rikku following close behind. Both Al bhed’s have all kinds of junk food in their tightly closed fists though chips still leak out onto the no longer squeaky-clean hospital floor.

“We were just passing by Yunie’s room-

“And, man,” Gippal and Rikku are smiling despite appearing out of breath. I have the feeling that something they find comical about the situation may not be so funny for everyone else. “Her father was totally blocking the doorway!”

“And Auron too!” Rikku adds. I’m slightly dumbstruck at first before anger quickly takes me over.

Swiftly throwing my feet over the side of my bed, I stand and immediately head to the door, anger fueling my every stride. But someone grabs my sleeve from behind, pulling me back. I turn abruptly, scowling.

“Yo brudda, you sure it’s such a good idea for you to go over there?” Wakka still has my sleeve in his hand. He seems slightly skeptical but I don't care what he thinks. Yuna was not being trapped in there with him by herself.

“If you think I’ll do something stupid then come with me, I don't care,” I forcefully snap myself away from Wakka’s grip on my shirt and stomp towards the door again. Flinging it open, I leave the room (disobeying Lulu’s orders) and head swiftly down the hall.

If that man is still as much of an ass as he was the day he tried to pay me off then there is no way in hell he is talking to Yuna. I don't care if he is her “father,” he doesn’t deserve to even look at her.

I see Lulu farther down the hall, standing at the door to one of the rooms. I figure it’s Yuna’s and hasten my steps. Lulu sees my approach and I can see the lecture coming on, she was no doubt going to try and stop me.

“Tidus, I understand what your trying to do,” she starts talking before I even reach the door but I ignore her. Reaching out for the handle, I push it down forcefully. “But the door is locked,” she finishes and crosses her arms. I growl as the doorknob jiggles slightly but doesn’t give me access to the room.

“God Damnit,” I mutter, anger still coursing through my veins.

“He shut and locked it when Gippal, Rikku, and I approached,” Lulu explains. “I haven’t heard anything from the room.” She shakes her head and rubs her temples in frustration. I bare my teeth, growling, and shake the doorknob some more. I know it won’t do any good but I have to let my anger out somehow.

“Open the door!” I yell, banging forcefully on it. Rikku cringes at this and Lulu looks as though to stop my advances but when I glare back at her, she reluctantly retreats. “I said open the door you-

Much to my surprise, the door clicks and opens. I’m about to rush in but someone gets in my way and closes the door behind them.

“I can’t allow you to go in there,” Auron crosses his arms over his chest and stares down at us seriously, his resolve to guard the family discussion not shaken.

“Fuck that!” I exclaim, this mans poise not fazing me one bit. “I’m going in there whether you stand there or not!”

“Tidus Lorac, I suggest you get your temper under control,” he advises angrily. “This does not concern you; this is between Lord Braska and his daughter.”

“Bull!” I will not back down, not even if I’m dragged out of the hospital for inappropriate behavior. I’ll climb up to the damn window if I have to. “I’m not going to stand here and let that poor excuse of a father talk to her like she’s less than what she is!” Perhaps what I’m saying doesn’t make much sense, I don't know, but I don't care either.

“You be careful of who you talk about Mr. Lorac,” he warns calmly. “That ‘poor excuse of a father’ only wants-

“Bill shit!” I fly at him and grab his collar, not caring that I stand little chance against the seasoned bodyguard. “Open the door or get out of my way!” I scowl; anger still fueling my actions, befuddling my mind on what is probably the most logical course of action.

“Mr. Lorac, I suggest you release me before I am forced to take-

The door clicks and swings open forcefully, interrupting Auron’s threat. It bangs against the opposing wall, cracking the silence. I see that Braska is the one that threw it open and Yuna is sitting on the bed behind him, seeming in shock.

“This is exactly why you should not be seen around them!” he’s staring at Yuna but pointing back at me. I still have Auron’s collar in my fists and can see that this probably isn’t making the best impression.

“Father, stop please!” Yuna exclaims, sounding frustrated and hopeless. Growling again, I release Auron and am very tempted to march into the room and kick some serious ass but Auron now has my arm tightly in his grasp, holding me back.

“Yuna Ressan,” Braska is steaming, “I don't want to hear another word defending these people. Here you are, sitting in a hospital bed for Yevon’s sake! And you still do not see the danger these “friends” of yours put you in. Have you no sense girl?!” Yuna’s face is red with fury and I stop struggling against Auron’s grasp, seeing that perhaps Yuna is capable of handling this on her own.

“I put myself in danger father,” she speaks quietly, anger all the more obvious in her calm demeanor. “I did it! Not anyone else, me. No one corrupted me; no one made me do it. I chose to so if you have anyone to blame it is me, keep them out of it.” Everyone is tense, even Auron, as we watch the exchange. I see Paine approach out of the corner of my eye, her eyebrows rising in abrupt surprise.

“Then you should know better,” the diplomatic, almost too composed, way they are arguing sends a chill up my spine. “Your acts of rebellion have been plastered across the front pages of the newspaper for weeks and a new report was just put out today, alerting me of your current condition. I had to read about it from a newspaper, a god damned newspaper! How can the fact that you’re sitting in a hospital room not get through to you?”

“There is nothing to get through to me about,” she replies. “Every news bulletin and report about me I am fully aware of. And I don't regret one of them. If it pains you so much, pains your image and your pride, then disown me.” Wow, even Braska has to be shocked about that one.

“When will you stop this foolish insurgence girl?” he seems to be completely ignoring the statement. “Do you not understand the importance of who you are? You have an image you are failing to uphold.”

“Yes, for once in my whole life, I am ignoring who I was born as and perusing who I am. Perhaps it may not always be in the most conventional methods but it lets me be me, not “Lord Braska’s daughter.” If your pompous and chauvinistic… ass can’t handle it then pretend I don't exist, you’ve done a good enough job of it for most of my life!” I see the unease on Auron’s face and remember the conversation that had taken place in Rikku’s house. It is hard to believe that Braska is acting like this because he cares about her. But who am I to talk, I have little to no experience with caring fatherly figures.

Braska rubs his temples in obvious frustration. “Why are you behaving this way? Do you not understand that I am only trying to protect you?” I see Yuna look away abruptly at this confession, guilt momentarily etched on her face. It doesn’t last long though.

She glances back up at him, “I do not need your pro-

“My Yevon girl, how can you even say that? Look at yourself. You’re sitting in a hospital bed wearing one of those hideous gowns. You obviously need someone to watch out for you!”

“And your the man to do it?” she raises from the bed, standing slightly unsteadily, and places her hands at her side, her fists clenching tightly. “You can’t keep me on a “protective” leash forever father! Perhaps you thought your methods of security were right and of the best precautions, and perhaps once they were, but you can’t keep me locked up forever! I won’t let you tell me where I can and can’t go, and who I can and can’t be with anymore! If coming here, you thought you would be able to convince me to return home, then you are far off the target my dear father. I have no intention of going home.” Both their anger was breaching the highest point, mine having faded away. Now everyone just stood uneasily, even Auron, as the exchange grew more heated.

Braska’s arms also lay at his side; his fists clenched as well, obviously a family trait. “You do not belong here Yuna! You were not raised in this lifestyle and you won’t be able to live in it for much longer, knowing what you-

“I’m not like you!” she exclaims. “I do belong here! I belong with friends that talk to me for who I am and not because they think they can milk something off of me! I belong with my family, the part of my family that doesn’t keep me locked behind closed doors and let’s me make my own mistakes! I never would have made it out in the real world staying cooped up in your embrace forever. What did you think I would do? Live off of you my whole life?” She shakes her head, severally distraught. “And what about that, about my family? Why did you never tell me about them? All that time I thought I was alone and… you let me believe it.” Hurt is obvious in her beautiful bi-colored eyes and I want nothing more than to hold her.

“I kept it from you for your own good Yuna,” Braska tries to explain. “I didn't want you to see that type of lifestyle; I wanted you to stay as far away from it as possible!” Rikku is obviously offended but Lulu keeps her restrained. “Do you not understand?”

“No I don't understand!” Yuna shakes her head, tears falling from her eyes. “They’re my family, our family, and you hid them from me. My whole life you hid them-

“I’ve seen what this lifestyle does to people Yuna!” he exclaims. “I was trying to protect you! I could never forgive myself if someone else dear to me fell victim to it. I’ve seen good men fall back on the bottle and sink to a low as possibly low. I didn't want you to see what a mess the world was. Yes, I’ll admit it, I would have preferred you stay naïve of all the worlds faults forever, that you could live in comfort and security all your life! And perhaps that was never possible, but to see you associating with-

“I told you not to bring them in this!”

-associating with the very son of the man who was foolish enough seek console in the arms of alcohol,” he points fiercely back at me. I want to ask what he’s talking about, how he knows Jecht, but don't have the heart or the nerve to interrupt them. “The man that threw away a good life for his child and wife because he wasn’t strong enough to deal with the memories. He betrayed himself and he betrayed them, and wasn’t able to protect them when the time came.

“Yes Yuna, I fear for you. I could have dealt with typical teenage rebellion, fine, but when I see you hanging out with people that cannot protect you from the terrors of the world anymore than Jecht was able to protect her, then yes, I’m afraid. Thinking about what could have happened to you when I saw the article in the newspaper, who could have hurt you… honestly, do you think me that uncaring?”

“I…” she’s speechless… as am I.

He knows about my mother, about what happened to her? About the horrible way she was murdered?

I want to jump him, for bringing it up at all, but I’m nailed to the floor. My jaw has fallen open slightly, still in disbelief. I see her gaze flicker from her father, to me, and back to her father. Confusion is obvious on her face, as it probably is on mine. Why can’t he just explain? Does he not know that this whole thing is now hurting me as well?

The room, the hallway, the entire hospital, seems too quiet. There are no nurses scurrying about, no wheelchairs squeaking, no beeping noises of the life monitors. Just quickly fading sparks between Braska and Yuna.

Finally, with a deep breath, Braska suddenly turns and whisks out of the room, almost throwing me to the ground in the process. His trench coat billows out behind him as he retreats swiftly down the hall, his hands in his pockets.

We all stare after him, completely speechless. Even Yuna stands in her room, her mouth hanging open slightly. None of us, not Auron, not I, not Yuna, make an attempt to chase after him. Not after an exit like that.

He disappears around a corner, his footsteps quickly fading away.

No one moves, we just stand pondering everything that just conspired. I still loath the man but… I can kind of see why he would worry so much about Yuna. He brought up valid points. Still, I will never let anything happen to her, nothing will harm her.

I hear something softly hit the tile floor and I immediately snap my attention back to Yuna, who has fallen to her hands and knees.

“Yuna!” I exclaim and find myself instantly at her side. The gang, and Auron, also file quickly into the room and Rikku is bent down beside me on all fours, staring worriedly at Yuna.

“Princess?” Rikku hesitantly raises a hand but doesn’t make contact with Yuna, apparently uncertain of what she should do. “Yunie?”

“I’m fine,” she rasps and wipes her eyes with her hand. I place my hand on her shoulder and lower my head, trying to get a better look at her face. Her head snaps up immediately. She tries to give me a reassuring smile even though her bloodshot eyes and dried tears obviously contradict it. “I’m just… tired.”

“Yuna, Tidus,” I turn around quickly and Yuna peers around me, placing her hands on my shoulders for support. Auron is still serious though sympathy is also apparent in his features. “You two are owed an explanation about… certain things in the ‘conversation.’” He certainly knows how to get right to the point.

Picking up Yuna as she tries to get up, I set her gingerly on the bed before making myself comfortable next to her. We both glance back up at Auron. I’m not sure I want to hear what he has to say, thinking about Jecht makes me angry as it is. But my curiosity is still there, which keeps me silent.

Auron glances around at the rest of the gang and I realize that this is something that I, and Yuna, might not want everyone to hear, not yet anyway. I nod to the others, signaling that they should probably leave. Lulu and Paine immediately understand and are followed out by a slightly befuddled Wakka. Rikku and Gippal seem slightly hesitant, as if their curiosity is making them think twice. But I know they respect space when needed and they also leave, Gippal closing the door behind him.

As is clicks shut, I focus my attention once again on Auron. Perhaps this discussion will clear up a few things I’ve been wondering about lately, hopefully how Braska knows my old man.

Auron sits down in a nearby chair and, clasping his hands directly in front of him, sighs as he stares up at us, his gaze slightly uneasy.

“I never thought I would have to explain this to you Lorac. Funny how fate twists around to things you’d rather not think about.” He shakes his head. “I suppose I should just start from the beginning. This… really doesn’t have much to do with Braska but I suppose Yuna has a right to hear it too. Perhaps you will value Braska’s words more after you hear this.” He glances at Yuna momentarily before once again focusing on me. I stiffen slightly, anticipating his words. Yuna senses my anxiety and places her hand on top of mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“This probably won’t be as ‘interesting’ as you might think, and will probably bring you to loath your father more, but you deserve to know the whole truth, not just bits and pieces you may have managed to put together over the years.

“Jecht, along side myself, was one of Braska’s guardians as he journeyed to defeat Sin.” Jecht, a guardian? Doesn’t someone have to be competent to do something like that?

Auron obviously sees the skeptical expression on my face and chuckles lightly. “I know, hard to believe, but Jecht wasn’t always the way he is now. Well, at least the way he was last time I talked to him.

“Anyhow,” Auron sits back further in the chair, touching his finger tips together in front of his face, forming a triangle. “You kids probably can’t even imagine what the world was like then, at least, not in the cities. People fighting, dying… pain and death was all most of those facing Sin knew. I don't even want to remember the bloodshed, the lives that were lost, the families that would never see their loved ones again…”

He shakes his head, and glances out the window, the recollection of it all obviously paining him.

“We were all scarred from it, every solider, guardian, and summoner. Some people just didn't know how to deal with what they saw, Jecht among them. He’s always been a rather… “emotional” individual. Braska just closed himself up in his studies, I left for awhile before coming back to serve Braska again. Jecht sought relief in the bottle, probably the worst place to find it.

“Braska and I tried to help him at first, and he struggled to drop the habit multiple times but, well, one never forgets and maybe the nightmares haunted him so much that he gave into the temptation, or maybe he just liked the feeling of being numb, I don't know. Eventually no one could get through to him, not even your mother.

“But there was only so much we could do and he eventually grew distant. We’d hear from him now and then, and hear how farther down he had fallen. Your mother was always positive about it, and talked about you more than Jecht, but we could all see that the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy for any of you.

“And then your mother was murdered.” I flinch subconsciously, instantly taking my gaze off of Auron. Closing my eyes, I calm my nerves. Anytime someone brings that up I feel like my privacy is being invaded. It’s just so personal, finding out that others I didn't tell know about what happened…

Auron shakes his head, “I knew everything was going to fall apart when I saw Jecht's mental state at the funeral. But no matter how Braska and I tried to reach him, to help him, he would just push us away. Eventually we lost touch all together.

“I haven’t talked to him in… years,” Auron sighs, almost as if in regret, and falls silent.

Needless to say, I’m a little disappointed. Sure I hate the man’s guts but it would have been nice if Jecht had a little more depth to his character. Sure, I wouldn't have thought any higher of him but I suppose every kid who’s had a father like mine, deep, down, hopes that perhaps they weren’t always completely incompetent.

Indifferent, I sit on the bed, next to Yuna, silently, as Auron leans forward in the chair again, peering to Yuna.

“You just have to understand Yuna that Braska doesn’t want you being dragged down with someone, he fears the dangers but he also fears who you’re attached to. Now I’m not saying any of your friends are bad people but the simple truth is none of them come from a very good side of town and it’s hard to break free of that. He just doesn’t want you to fall into that.”

“And I won’t,” Yuna cuts in. “I’m just… trying to get to know my family and… make real friends…” She stares down at the sheets, tracing her fingers along the creases.

“I know kiddo, and you can, but just try to understand where Braska is coming from. He’s not being overprotective just to smite you.”

“I know,” she mutters and falls silent again, seeming deep in thought.

“And Tidus,” I turn to him. “I don't mean to insult the lifestyle you live in and I’m sure your doing the best you can and I’m just sorry I couldn't give anymore encouraging details about Jecht.”

I smirk, “I wasn’t really expecting much.” Auron chuckles lightly before standing up.

“Take care of yourselves then,” he concludes with a sigh. “I should probably go find Braska.” Yuna peers up at him as he walks towards the door.

“Thank you Auron,” Yuna smiles lightly, “for always being so understanding.”

“Anything for you kiddo,” he replies as he pushes the door open. “Don't do anything stupid.” I grin a little wider at this remark.

“No promises there,” I reply simply as he leaves the room.