For whatever reason, Kazushige Nojima decided to make Lulu pregnant in order to retire her from the heroine role. Mostly, it was due for chemistry.
“With the two (Rikku and Yuna) being a lot more talkative, there had to be someone with a calm, cool demeanor who could put a halt to their excessive chattiness. If it were Lulu in that role, she would have completely shut them down, and the story wouldn’t have advanced at all. But in Paine’s case, she’s someone who can remain neutral, keep the others focused, and help the story carry on together with these two girls”.
I’m also sure it would have been weird to see Lulu’s legs. O_O
So they needed a third female for Final Fantasy X-2 and created Paine. Paine is like Lulu in a sense. They both have somewhat of a dark, gothic feel to them (even if Paine is a little bit more punk). They’re both a bit cold and standoffish. And their pasts are mysterious. Also:
Lulu and Paine wear similar garments unique only to them in the entirety of Spira. They are also the only characters in Spira with red irises.
This is more than just simple coincidences though. I think Lulu is Paine’s older sister.
Lulu and Paine don’t really talk much in Final Fantasy X-2. I figured it was because they really don’t know each other. Maybe they feel awkward around each other. Perhaps they know they’re related to each other. But they feel some strange connection and are avoiding each other because of it.
And they’re related…
Auron is a strict, no-nonsense warrior with a dry wit who carries himself with grace and dignity, maintaining many subtle mannerisms of a traditional samurai. He is the strong silent type, speaking when he feels it’s necessary—usually offering his knowledge and insight in relevant situations, or sharing stories of his past experiences as a young guardian.
Paine’s personality resembles Auron‘s in the way how she is cynical and reveals information only when she needs to. Not much is known about Paine except that she is quiet and keeps to herself. Paine is tough and loves a good fight, but she is sensible enough to smell trouble a mile away.
Like Paine, we don’t know who Lulu’s father is. Weirdly enough, I can’t remember any scenes where Auron and Lulu talk to each other. But I don’t get the feeling that they think they have a familial connection. I think they know something’s strange about them, but never that they were father and daughter. Of course, she knows of Auron:
[While waiting for Yuna the party runs into Dona and Barthello, a summoner and her guardian who consider Yuna a rival. The former is insulted by Lulu for not knowing of Auron’s identity.]
She also meets Chuami in Final Fantasy X Will:
When Lulu hears Chuami mention being Auron’s daughter, Lulu says she doesn’t look like him and that many people claim to be children of Auron, Jecht, and Braska. Chuami says she takes after her mother who wouldn’t lie to her, but Lulu says Auron would have mentioned having children since he wasn’t the type of person to hide such a thing.
But apparently, he didn’t. And who knows how many children Auron fathered. And it seems like Lulu might be getting a bit defensive about this.
One more connection.
In a theory that would make Maury Povich blush, both Paine and Lulu have Jecht’s red eyes:
Jecht is a dark-skinned, muscular man with long unruly black hair and red eyes.
Lulu:
is one of few characters in the series to have a non-standard iris color: red.
And Paine:
has red eyes, making her resemble Lulu.
If so, then this would make Paine and Lulu distant relatives of Tidus.
This would make Tidus’ conversation with Lulu…awkward:
Tidus: You’re more my type, Lulu.
Lulu: Interesting. I suppose I could add you to my list. I wish you good luck, little boy. You’re going to need it.
Guess we’ll have to find out in Final Fantasy X-3!