The View Through the Looking Glass
Obviously, this will be an Aurikku, so if you don't like, don't read! Simple as that. Enjoy!
Chapter 1 – Beginning With An Ending
Yuna lifted Nirvana, and began the Sending. The huge mass that was Sin began to dissipate into pyreflies. Auron watched as gracefully she danced, eyes still bright with tears for Tidus. It was different this time. He felt the pull of the Farplane, heard the song of the Fayth, but this time there was no resistance. It didn't hurt anymore. The Sending was his own.
All promises had been fulfilled, there was nothing left to hold him back. Except . . . he thought wistfully, turning to Rikku. She had her back turned to him, and her shoulders shook slightly.
"Rikku - -" No response. Smiling inwardly, Auron tilted her head towards him. As he predicted, her eyes were tightly shut. "Look at me." One swirling forest-green eye peeked open, and the other soon followed with a giggle.
"Please, don't go yet." Auron reached out a hand in silent apology, wincing as the first pyrefly broke off and rose from his arm.
Rikku gasped audibly, and Yuna turned, only now realizing what she was doing to the legendary guardian.
"Sir Auron?!" She queried, shock breaking through her calm facade.
"Continue," Auron said gruffly. "It's been long enough." Yuna smiled sadly and continued the dance.
A clump of seven or eight pyreflies formed and rose from his shoulder, causing Auron to shudder inwardly. This sure didn't feel like the peaceful repose he had always imagined – it felt like exactly what it was, a clump of flesh falling off and flying away.
The pyreflies were rising faster now. He acknowledged each of the summoner's entourage in turn, wishing them goodbye. First Wakka, whom he smiled and waved at. Wakka grinned and saluted, jumping to attention.
Next, Auron turned to Lulu, who met his gaze with her usual reserved stare, and the ghost of a grin flitted across her face. The black mage lowered her eyes, and Auron turned his attention to Yuna.
Bowing low, Auron thanked her with his eyes. She dipped her knees in a slight curtsey, while continuing to dance. A sad smile played across her face.
Turning to her right, Auron contemplated the space where, moments ago, Tidus had stood. The young blitzer had looked up to him as a father figure since even before Jecht disappeared.
But only moments ago, the Fayth had reclaimed their dream, and Auron had missed his chance to give Tidus a proper farewell. So he looked instead to Kimahri Ronso.
Silently, he acknowledged his longtime friend.
Kimahri had been with him at the moment of his death, and had carried out his last request. He had kept Auron's secret all this time, and had proved a steadfast and reliable companion. Auron communicated his gratitude with a solemn nod, and Kimahri returned the gesture. There was only one person left.
Hesitantly, he turned to Rikku. Eyes dry, she had managed to salvage a grin somewhat resembling her usual expression from the turmoil of her mind, and, to Auron's great relief, her countenance did not show her grief. He had been afraid she might not understand.
"Goodbye, Rikku." He said, sounding graver than he had meant to – he didn't want to upset her, not now. She clasped her hands behind her back, and cocked her head to the side.
"I guess this is goodbye, then. We'll really miss you, ya know?" She smiled.
Auron 'hmphed', making to turn away. She caught his arm from behind. Frowning, Auron turned.
"Auron?" Rikku queried. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she continued. "Wait for me there." Nodding, Auron turned and strode to the middle of the platform, swinging his huge sword over his shoulder.
"This is your story now." And with that, his now hazy form exploded into pyreflies and winged away, leaving a distraught Rikku behind him.
And that's it! This might be a oneshot, I dunno, but I doubt it, seeing as I have a tentative second part in the making. Actually, I'm lying, it's already done! So please review, and I just might actually post it! Thanks! .