Dissimulation

Chapter 5: Death of a Dream

The cool water felt refreshing as Tidus's eyes flickered open. He took a long stretch and a smile started to play on his lips. He wasn't sure where he was, but he was grateful to feel the cold water on his face once more. It was definitely a lot better than the cold, lonely feeling he left just hours before. The wager still weighed down in his mind, but the fact that he was alive seemed to overshadow the danger. Instead, he focused on seeing her again. He couldn't wait to enter her warm embrace once more.

Tidus looked above him, wondering where he ended up. With his luck, he was probably stuck halfway between Kilika and Besaid Islands. There was only one way to find out, he decided and so, he began his long swim up to the surface. After what seemed like ages, he gratefully felt warm sunshine suck the outside of his face. The slender shore of Besaid decorated the horizon and Tidus was pleased.

Tidus slipped his fingers into his mouth and let out a shrilly whistle. "What was that?"Yuna asked with large surprise in her voice.

Tidus giggled, "In Zanarkand, we do this to cheer on Blitzball players." Tidus whistled again and Yuna's eyes widened with surprise. "You try it too! Put your fingers in your mouth like this," Tidus said with his fingers between his mouth.

Yuna copied, "Like this?"

Tidus shook his head, "Uh huh, not like that. Like this. Then you just blow." Yuna tried repeatedly, but she was unable to accomplish the same shrilly whistle that Tidus was able to produce effortlessly.

"It's not working," Yuna complained, with apparent frustration in her voice.

"Practice," Tidus smiled.

Yuna nodded, "Okay."

"Hey, use that if we get separated. Then, I'll come running, okay? Well,

guess we should just stick together, then, till you can do it," Tidus explained.

Tidus lifted his fingers to his mouth once more and produced a whistle. The shrill echoed throughout the atmosphere. He then floated on his back, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face.

Yuna paced back and forth, wringing her hands together. They were currently on their way back to Besaid. The desperate plea that the fayth had given her still was ringing in her head. The alarm in their voice still sent chills down her spine. Rikku and Kimahri stood close by, watching her every mood. "Yuna, please calm down," Rikku whispered to her cousin.

"I am not going to be calm until we get there," Yuna snapped. Rikku stepped back, taken back by the sudden burst of anger that flowed out of Yuna's mouth. Kimahri placed a hand on Rikku's shoulder and directed her to stand close by and leave Yuna alone.

Yuna peered out the window and watched Kilika Island fly by and she felt her nervousness and anxiety begin to escalate to unbearable levels. Would he be there, waiting for her? Why was the fayth so concerned and why did they seem so angry. The mystery that shrouded the situation was all too unbearable. She wanted answers and she wanted answers now.

As soon as Yuna felt the familiar feeling of a rapid descent, she started to make a move towards the exit. The world moved like a blur then. She began to hear the ramp open and she jogged down. To her bewilderment she found the familiar figure staring at the contraption. Tears began to fall down her face as she ran down the ramp. She couldn't wait until the ramp reached the bottom, so she made a perilous jump down into the water below and began to run towards him. He opened his arms and allowed her to fall into him.

"There you are," he whispered softly. Yuna nodded and pressed her face against his firm chest, accepting the warmth that he gave her. She couldn't believe it, the world just moments before felt so empty and cold. Just seeing her sends warmth throughout her body.