Moments in Time
A Collection of Aurikku Love
For my Seheuh-Lremt
Chapter One – Moonflow Beginnings
"Sir Auron. I would like Rikku to be my guardian." Yuna asked me. I expected it the moment the girls spoke together. They knew each other, somehow, at least a bit. The girl was a lithe little thing, all arms and legs and skin. I slowly made my way to her, taking in the sunshine of her hair and the way she ducked her head.
"Show me your face." The words came out unbidden as she shied away farther. She jumped a little but did not look up.
"Look at me." I knew it would come out more commanding. A guttural sound of surprise whispered from her throat.
"Oh, okay." She whispered to me.
She looked to her right before slowly, lifting her head to face mine. Her eyes were closed, protecting her secret. A secret I knew for sure the truth of.
"Open your eyes." Slowly, she peeked open an eye. Brilliant but pale beryl intertwined with spirals of dark moss. Like a jewel in a forest. She was an Al Bhed, but she was willing to die for the very thing she was supposed to be against?
"As I thought." I admitted. I hoped my tone was softer, as I knew she was scared. She was giving up some part of her beliefs to attempt to protect Yuna.
"Umm. . . No good?" she whispered. Her voice was somber. She had a songbird's voice. It was meant to be heard. Not so quiet. Not so sad.
"Are you certain?" I asked of her. She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling and bright.
"A hundred percent!" She said confidently. Her voice was lighter, the way her shoulders fell was different. She was a changed young woman in an instant. She looked around rapidly, watching the faces of the other guardians as they appraised her. She knew that I was the one who mattered, but that they would not stand and fight beside her if they did not agree.
"So, anyway," she started. She turned back to me, a smile on her face, a lip quivering to become a full grin. Her hands clasped together. "Can I?" she asked. She was almost breathless and it was an exquisite sound. I looked to Yuna. I could not look at the young woman any longer. She made me feel in an instant what I had refused to feel for a lifetime.
"If Yuna wishes it." I said. I knew what Yuna's answer would be. I dreaded it as much as I wished it true.
"Yes, I do." Yuna spoke. I turned away and began to walk. Tidus continued to speak, but looking back would mean looking at her. And looking at her, would mean remembering.
Remembering that somewhere inside, I was still human after all.