Thank you all for the comments! I curse my muse: the writing was a little flat, but I wanted to get the idea out.
mneme_forgets: I've hinted before at the pilgrimage being a crucible for establishing tight-knit bonds of comradeship through adversity. During Resurrection III, when Auron was reviewing the situation after bringing Lulu back from the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth, he reflects somewhat irritably that he'd not taken into account the psychological aspect of the pilgrimage which has nudged him and her towards one another (a likely excuse, Auron). Also, in the game itself, you can see Auron consciously shoving Tidus and Yuna towards each other on more than one occasion, almost strategically: "Don't tell her about Jecht. She might distance herself from you. We do not want that."
Regarding Zuke:
I really approved of the ten seconds we saw of Father Zuke. He trotted all the way to the middle of the Calm Lands -- where he'd given up once before -- to let Yuna's party know they had a death sentence on their heads. I found this exchange very telling:
Yuna: Thank you, Father Zuke, for your warning. Lulu: Father, you came all the way here just to tell us this? Zuke: To tell the truth, I was a little curious to see...this summoner you are guarding. I hope her pilgrimage goes well. For your sake, too. Lulu: Thank you, father. Zuke: I shall be off. I shall pray for all of you.
I saw a certain kindly, mutual respect between Zuke and Lulu (hopefully not my bias, but Wakka hung off to one side and never looked at him or spoke to him) which suggested to me that that they had parted on good terms. It puzzled me why a Summoner would turn back, and why Lulu, who's a perfectionist, would have much respect for him afterwards.
no subject
Regarding Zuke:
I really approved of the ten seconds we saw of Father Zuke. He trotted all the way to the middle of the Calm Lands -- where he'd given up once before -- to let Yuna's party know they had a death sentence on their heads. I found this exchange very telling:
Yuna: Thank you, Father Zuke, for your warning.
Lulu: Father, you came all the way here just to tell us this?
Zuke: To tell the truth, I was a little curious to see...this summoner you are guarding. I hope her pilgrimage goes well. For your sake, too.
Lulu: Thank you, father.
Zuke: I shall be off. I shall pray for all of you.
I saw a certain kindly, mutual respect between Zuke and Lulu (hopefully not my bias, but Wakka hung off to one side and never looked at him or spoke to him) which suggested to me that that they had parted on good terms. It puzzled me why a Summoner would turn back, and why Lulu, who's a perfectionist, would have much respect for him afterwards.