The Truth Beyond the Dream (A Final Fantasy X/X-2 Fan Fiction)

Chapter 20: Our Destiny

The trek through Kilika forest had been interesting to say the least, especially when Rikku had a delayed reaction to their recent victory by bouncing around rather foppishly and whooping as if she were seventeen again. Of course, it was no surprise his daughter and Vidina had joined in the obnoxious behavior. At least, they were acting their age.

When sharing his experience with Nymeia to the others, they seemed genuinely stunned at what he had been willing to sacrifice for all of them. Yuna, however, not so much, she knew him better than anyone and the lengths he'd go to in order to protect his family. And it was obvious from the way her expression had fell; she hadn't been thrilled with his willingness to do such a task.

Before parting ways at the ferry docks, he promised Lulu he'd reconcile with Wakka once she had a chance to explain everything to him. In all honesty, he missed the jovial islander and was a bit concerned hearing how much he'd been hitting the ale lately. He certainly hoped to remedy that.

As for Rikku and Gippal, he could count on them dropping by near the end of the week like always. At least now, he didn't have to worry about keeping any secrets from them when they visited—just whether their three, young boys found his son's scandalous, magazine collection again.

And as much as he hated to admit it, Vidina was starting to grow on him. The young man was respectful for the most part and had a good heart like his father, Wakka. However, the moment Vidina's hands had slipped down past his daughter's waist when she kissed him goodbye, earned him a stern look. If dealing with his teenage daughter—who apparently inherited his raging hormones—was going to be his biggest challenge from now on, then he was eternally grateful in light of everything.

After surviving what had been a harrowing experience in the Farplane, the front door of his house had never been a more welcoming sight. He honestly never expected to return. For once, he was delighted his gut had been dead wrong.

Upon inserting the key into the lock, Yuna latched onto his wrist, preventing him from completing his task. "Wait, I need a minute to prepare in case—what if he's not inside?"

Trista huffed and rolled her eyes. "Dad already told us Nymeia would bring Zak home. Now, c'mon—I wanna see my brother."

His wife genuinely looked terrified of him turning the lock. Of course, her skepticism wasn't unfounded, considering how she hadn't been present to hear Nymeia's promise. Although, it did hurt a little that she still doubted his claim, which wasn't surprising either, since he'd concealed the truth about the keepers for years. "I'm gonna trust he's in there, Yuna. Either way, I'm still opening the door."

"No—wait!" she pleaded, gripping his wrist even tighter. "How do we know for sure this realm is liberated? We have nothing to indicate it is other than this goddess' word."

Tidus looked into her anxious eyes and let out a long breath. "That's gonna have to be enough. Did you expect the sky to light up or something?"

"Mom, I know Zak's inside or somewhere close. I can feel him." His daughter impatiently gestured to the door with her hands. "Dad, just open it, already!"

Finally, the grip on his wrist eased, allowing him to turn the key and push open the door. Immediately upon entry, he was greeted by the spicy aroma of what smelled like gumbo. "When did our son learn to cook anything other than pizza pockets?"

Just then, a teenage boy with shaggy, brown hair emerged from the dining room, grinning from ear to ear. "I thought I heard you guys."

Yuna reacted exactly how he anticipated, hitching a breath as tears of joy sprang to her eyes. "Zak," she said in a strained voice, before dashing over to wrap him into a tight embrace. "My baby, boy!"