Author: Tarai Ronso
Disclaimers: I don't own any of these characters, but some aspects of the plot and perhaps future characters are mine.
Thoughts: This is what might've happened had the story gone a little different behind the scenes. Enjoy ^_-
Kimahri smiled gently as he watched the sun set in Macalania Woods. All of the others were resting beside a fire in a clearing not too far away. Yuna was safe with all of them there so Kimahri thought it was best for him to get some much-needed alone time. The small Ronso was sitting in a tree with a clear view of Macalania lake. Running a taloned hand through his grey hairs, he couldn't help but think of all the group had gone through so far. It wouldn't be long before they got to Macalania temple and Yuna would make her decision. As much as he wanted to tell Yuna to marry the Guado, there was something that caused the small Ronso to hate Seymour. He wasn't sure why.
"Um..mind if I join you?" Rikku's voice brought Kimahri out of his thoughts. The young Al Bhed stood at the foot of the tree with her hands behind her back, teetering back and forth on her feet. Kimahri shook his head as a sheepish smile appeared on her face.
"Kimahri not mind." he said with his deep voice and couldn't help but be suprised as the young girl leapt up to the branch he was sitting on.
"Didn't think I could jump like that, did ya?" Rikku giggled and sat down as Kimahri shook his head again. The blonde hung her feet over the branch and swung them back and forth. She seemed uneasy as she sat there, her eyes focused on the ground below.
"Why little Rikku want to sit in tree?" Kimahri asked in genuine curiosity
"I wanted to um..talk to you, Kimahri." she said and the Ronso could see-even in the darkness-that she had blushed a slight bit.
"About what?" he asked, moving closer to Rikku on the branch. The branches of the trees in Macalania were remarkably wide, so there was no threat of them falling or dropping.
Rikku didn't answer immediatly, but looked at Kimahri with a soft smile on her face. She was nervous beyond belief despite how hard she tried not to be. In fact, the Ronso could smell her nervousness. Her gentle hand reached up to cup Kimahri's furred cheek and with her other hand, the blonde began to undo the braids on the sides of the Ronso's face. Once both braids were undone, Rikku slowly ran her fingers through the grey hairs of Kimahri's mane. It was suprising to her to discovery how soft the hairs were-they felt like silk to her fingers. Kimahri didn't speak or move while the Al Bhed continued her minstrations. He was too mesmerized to do anything, let alone think.
Not wanting to say anything to mess up the moment, Rikku leaned forward and gently place a kiss on Kimahri's blue muzzle. She was scared that he would shove her away because of what she was and was just about to pull back when she felt the Ronso respond. Kimahri tried his best to kiss the beautiful girl before him, but it was awkward for them both. The physical differences in between the two made the kiss odd, but they enjoyed the contact nonetheless. After a few moments they pulled apart and looked into one another's eyes. Both had questions and both knew that something incredible had just happened, but niether wanted to risk losing love by saying the wrong thing.
"I um...sorry..I-I shouldn't have...I.." Rikku was the first one to break the silence, looking down and trying to stop the tears that were threatening to fall. She was horribly afraid that Kimahri was disgusted with her and didn't want to speak.
"Don't be sorry.." Kimahri stopped the girl's movements by taking her into his arms and holding her. His actions suprised both himself and her, but they both enjoyed the warmth.
"I shouldn't have kissed you.." Rikku whispered quietly and felt tears fall from her emerald eyes.
"Why?" the Ronso asked bluntly, confused by her sentence.
"Because of who we are..I-I love you..but..we are so..so different." she breathed in deeply, trying to control herself. Kimahri was suprised by the emotion in her voice and wondered if he had truly heard her words.
"Rikku loves Kimahri?" he asked.
Nodding quickly, Rikku kept her gaze down towards the ground. Kimahri felt his heart open up to the young girl before him and pulled her farther into his arms.
"Kimahri loves Rikku too." he said and cupped the blonde's cheek with his hand. Against her cheek his hand looked massive, but with the gentlest of motions he brushed her tears away with his thumb.
"Really?" the blonde looked up into Kimahri's eyes and smiled hopefully. Her tear-stained cheeks stood out in the dim light and Kimahri actually smiled authentically for the first time in his life.
"Really." the Ronso said and stroked his finger down the side of her cheek.
The two new loves snuggled into one another's embrace and enjoyed the quietness of Macalania. As Kimahri stole a glance over at the group he saw that they were all asleep. Auron was still as a stone by the fire, Lulu slept quietly against a tree, and Wakka snored loudly as he laid out by the fire. Tidus and Yuna were laying together, off on their own. Even from here, Kimahri could tell that Yuna had a pleasant smile on her face. The Ronso brought his attention back to Rikku as he felt her breathing deepen. The young woman had fallen asleep in his arms. Looking down at their intwined hands, Kimahri noted how much larger his hand was than her own. He may have been small for a Ronso, but he towered over the young woman in his arms. Once again, he looked at Yuna and Tidus in the dim light. They all were in for a rough ride.
"Damn Lupus! Give it back!" Wakka's loud voice broke Rikku out of her dreams and she jumped up with a start. Kimahri was no longer in the tree with her, much to her dismay, but as she looked into the clearing below she saw him helping the others. A pack of Lupus had ran into camp and one of them now held Wakka's money bag at bay.
"Argh!" Tidus yelled and leapt onto the dog-fiend, Wakka soon following.
Rikku couldn't help but giggle as the two guardians struggle to hold the dog down and get the bag out from its jaws. It was a serious struggle, but everyone was laughing.
"Hah! I got it!" Tidus yelled gleefully and swung the bag back in forth in the air. The Lupus took the opportunity and bit down on the blonde's hand
"Ouch!"
Wakka let go of the Lupus and couldn't help but laugh as Tidus ran after it and kicked a few stones. Cursing gently about the dog, the blonde blitzball player walked back to the group and sat down. Yuna tried to hide her giggles as she knelt beside him and started a small healing spell. It wasn't time for them to leave just yet, so all of the other guardians went back to their morning routines.
"Morning!" Rikku called cheerfully to the group and smiled as they all answered in their own ways.
Kimahri's mane was still not braided and a small smile crept over the young Al Bhed's features as she thought about the night before. Leaping down from the tree, Rikku walked out of the clearing to a small stream nearby. It was really calm this time in the morning and she took in a deep, calming breath. She knelt beside the stream and ran her hands through it in an effort to clean them before cupping her hands, and washing her face with water.
"Cold!" she yelped as the freezing water hit her face, "Well, at least it wakes me up." she giggled and washed her face a few more times.
Rikku didn't notice as Kimahri walked up behind her and how he knelt, until she felt his arms around her waist. Both of them smiled at the warmth that went through them when they touched. Leaning back into the Ronso, Rikku sighed and relaxed.
"Morning little one." Kimahri spoke softly and lightly nuzzled the girl's neck.
A small shudder went through Rikku as she felt his whiskers brush lightly against her neck. It was kind of ticklish, but that touch did something else to her. She wasn't sure yet, but it felt so good that she didn't mind it.
"Morning Kimahri." she smiled and reached back with one hand, running it lightly through his mane. The hairs were still as soft as the night before, but she stifled a giggle as she felt a few tangles.
"What?" Kimahri asked in confusion.
"Your hair is tangled. We should probably brush it and put it back up the way it was." Rikku said as she turned around in his arms.
Facing the Ronso in the morning light, she saw how entirely different they were. It wasn't bad thing in her mind. It was just....new. Looking into his yellow eyes she saw emotions that she didn't think the others saw. Nervousness, sadness, doubt....love. They all blended together, but as he continued to look into her eyes she saw that love was all her felt for her at this moment. Bringing a hand to his cheek, she gently ran her fingers over each detail of his face. His cold, wet nose-which reminded her of a puppy, his whiskers-which moved and twitched as she touched them, and his broken horn. As she reached up to touch the broken horn however, she hesitated. Knowing that it was a sore subject for the Ronso.
"Rikku can touch.." Kimahri uttered and almost seemed to smile encouragingly.
"You sure?" Rikku hesitated again.
"Yes."
Reaching up gently again, she brushed her fingertips over the sides of the broken horn. It felt like a bone underneath the pads of her fingers. The sides of the horn were smooth and almost flawless, but as her fingers met the broken end, it changed. The texture of the area was rough and could probably cut someone if they hit it. Furrowing her brow in concentration she took in the different details of the horn. Kimahri closed his eyes as he felt the gentle touch. There weren't a lot of nerves in Ronso horns-so it didn't hurt if they hit anything-but he still felt how gentle her touch was. Rikku was taking in every detail of the horn and though it hurt the Ronso to think of all that he went through over it, he didn't mind.
"I'm sorry they did this to you." the gentle voice made Kimahri open his eyes and he looked into the sad face of the blonde Al Bhed.
"Rikku shouldn't be sorry." his words weren't sad or mean, they just spoke the truth, "Kimahri was stubborn runt. Foolishness got horn broken." he said with a tinge of regret.
Rikku knew that it was best not to say anything about this. The Ronsos had a different culture from what she grew up knowing and they had a different set of beliefs than her.
"But you have learned a lot." she urged gently, "You aren't foolish anymore. You are stronger." the blonde smiled and leaned up, gently kissing the broken horn.
Kimahri smiled and held Rikku close. She was right. He had gotten stronger and had learned much more, but he had a long way to go. Nevertheless, he would protect his summoner and his love-the two girls that meant everything to him.
Kimahri frowned as he watched the Guado named Trommel take Yuna's hand within his. He was sure Trommel was just following orders, but he didn't like the elderly man nevertheless. As the two walked away, he turned to look at Rikku. It was so cold near Macalania Temple and there was no doubt in the Ronso's mind that Rikku was cold. The blonde looked at Kimahri and smiled softly, her teeth clattering a little bit.
"C-cold, h-huh?" she giggled , her teeth chattering.
Kimahri nodded and walked over to Rikku, wrapping his furry arms around her. A wave a warmth went throughout her as she felt Kimahri's fur and warmth. Nobody seemed to notice the embrace of the two. If they did notice, they probably brushed it off as him keeping her warm.
"Do not worry little Rikku. Won't be cold for much longer." Kimahri said gently and continued holding her.
Rikku knew she wasn't going to get very much special treatment in public for right now. As much as she loved Kimahri, she knew that the both of them couldn't let their relationship out in the open just yet. The wind blew harshly again and the blonde could've sworn she heard something...No, it couldn't be machina....not now! Pulling quickly out of Kimahri's arms, Rikku turned just in time to see the gigantic machina pull up over the snowbank on the far side of the lake.
"Oh no!" she shouted and jumped over the snowbank, onto the ice of the lake. Yunie is in trouble! her mind shouted and she alsmost slid as she ran to protect her summoner. Rikku could hear the footsteps of the others on the ice and a frown crossed her features. Al Bhed controlled machina and if there were Al Bhed, then her cover was blown. She would have to fess up and tell the others who she was.
Trommel breathed a sigh of relief as Yuna's guardians slid into place in front of them-shielding them from the machina. Surely, they would protect Lady Yuna and save him from being chastised by Seymour for letting her get injured. Taking Yuna's hand, he tried to lead her away from the fighting, but was caught off-guard when she shook her hand free of his.
"No! I will fight!" she shouted over the churning of the machina and the strong winds.
Trommel knew he was not going to win this small battle with Lady Yuna for her safety, so he just ran to find cover. As the machina churned and crunched, its controller stood up from the snow. His green eyes and blonde hair gave his identity away, but most of all, one would know him by his tatoos.
"Rikku!" his rough voice called out over the noise, "fryd yna oui tuehk rana?!" the words sounded alien to everyone else's ears, but she knew the words well. He wanted to know why she was here. Knowing that she would have to explain this later, she chose to speak out to him.
"e's oihy'c kiynteyh huf, e'mm bnudald ran uh ran bemknesyka!" she shouted, telling him that she was Yuna's guardian now and chose to protect her. The man scoffed and slammed his hand on the control panel of the machina, turning it on.
"hahahahaha...oui'na sykel yht yauhc yna caymat!" he chuckled as he spoke and watched as a small device shot out from the machina.
"Oh no!" Rikku knew that they were in dire trouble.
"What is it?" Yuna begged.
"Aeon and magic are sealed! We can't use them!" she said in fear and watched as the wheels of the machina began to turn.
"Looks like we do this the old-fashioned way." Auron muttered and swung his sword onto his shoulder.
All of the others readied their weapons and stood on-guard as the machina slammed into the ice before them. It was a miracle the ice didn't break.
"Look out!" Rikku shouted and rolled to the side as a barrage of bullets rained from the gun. It seemed to want to chase her away more than hurt her, but the others were another story.
Auron nodded and as the machina fired upon Rikku, he leapt up onto it's wheels and cut through some of the wiring on the sides. As Rikku got away from the machina's bullets, she ran to the others.
"That flying thing!" she said hurriedly, "Attack it and Yuna can use Aeons and Lulu can use magic." Reaching into her bag, she began to mix a few items.
"I'm on it!" Wakka said and ran to the side of the lake. In mid-stride he threw his blitzball at the machina and hooted in sucess as it exploded, "I am good, ya?" he chuckled.
"Save that for later!" Auron chided and slammed his sword once more into the side of the machina.
"Lulu! Use thunder, it short-circuits the things inside!" Rikku urged as her delicate fingers continued to fuse the items together.
Nodding, Lulu stood forward and raised her hand. Yellow energy flowed around her arm and out onto her fingertips.
"Shocking, isn't it?" Lulu mused aloud and cocked an eyebrow as she threw her arm down, releasing the thunder upon the machina. It short-circuited some of it, but the guns could still move.
"Wow! We're gettin' good!" Tidus chuckled and ran up to the machina, front flipped, spun, and slammed his sword onto the muzzle of the gun.
"Everybody! Out of the way!" Rikku warned and as soon as Tidus and Sir Auron ran, she threw her fused weapon, "I call it a "Pineapple"." she giggled as the machina blew apart.
It was a moment of small celebration for the group. Their teamwork had gotten better and better and they were all happy at how quickly the machina had been taken apart. Kimahri didn't smile, but couldn't help but feel happy at the amount of skill Rikku had shown.
"Rikku!" the man warned,"e femm damm vydran!" he shouted as he ran off.
"Uh oh.." Rikku groaned and shook her head.
Disclaimers: I don't own any of these characters, but some aspects of the plot and perhaps future characters are mine.
Thoughts: This is what might've happened had the story gone a little different behind the scenes. Enjoy ^_-
Kimahri smiled gently as he watched the sun set in Macalania Woods. All of the others were resting beside a fire in a clearing not too far away. Yuna was safe with all of them there so Kimahri thought it was best for him to get some much-needed alone time. The small Ronso was sitting in a tree with a clear view of Macalania lake. Running a taloned hand through his grey hairs, he couldn't help but think of all the group had gone through so far. It wouldn't be long before they got to Macalania temple and Yuna would make her decision. As much as he wanted to tell Yuna to marry the Guado, there was something that caused the small Ronso to hate Seymour. He wasn't sure why.
"Um..mind if I join you?" Rikku's voice brought Kimahri out of his thoughts. The young Al Bhed stood at the foot of the tree with her hands behind her back, teetering back and forth on her feet. Kimahri shook his head as a sheepish smile appeared on her face.
"Kimahri not mind." he said with his deep voice and couldn't help but be suprised as the young girl leapt up to the branch he was sitting on.
"Didn't think I could jump like that, did ya?" Rikku giggled and sat down as Kimahri shook his head again. The blonde hung her feet over the branch and swung them back and forth. She seemed uneasy as she sat there, her eyes focused on the ground below.
"Why little Rikku want to sit in tree?" Kimahri asked in genuine curiosity
"I wanted to um..talk to you, Kimahri." she said and the Ronso could see-even in the darkness-that she had blushed a slight bit.
"About what?" he asked, moving closer to Rikku on the branch. The branches of the trees in Macalania were remarkably wide, so there was no threat of them falling or dropping.
Rikku didn't answer immediatly, but looked at Kimahri with a soft smile on her face. She was nervous beyond belief despite how hard she tried not to be. In fact, the Ronso could smell her nervousness. Her gentle hand reached up to cup Kimahri's furred cheek and with her other hand, the blonde began to undo the braids on the sides of the Ronso's face. Once both braids were undone, Rikku slowly ran her fingers through the grey hairs of Kimahri's mane. It was suprising to her to discovery how soft the hairs were-they felt like silk to her fingers. Kimahri didn't speak or move while the Al Bhed continued her minstrations. He was too mesmerized to do anything, let alone think.
Not wanting to say anything to mess up the moment, Rikku leaned forward and gently place a kiss on Kimahri's blue muzzle. She was scared that he would shove her away because of what she was and was just about to pull back when she felt the Ronso respond. Kimahri tried his best to kiss the beautiful girl before him, but it was awkward for them both. The physical differences in between the two made the kiss odd, but they enjoyed the contact nonetheless. After a few moments they pulled apart and looked into one another's eyes. Both had questions and both knew that something incredible had just happened, but niether wanted to risk losing love by saying the wrong thing.
"I um...sorry..I-I shouldn't have...I.." Rikku was the first one to break the silence, looking down and trying to stop the tears that were threatening to fall. She was horribly afraid that Kimahri was disgusted with her and didn't want to speak.
"Don't be sorry.." Kimahri stopped the girl's movements by taking her into his arms and holding her. His actions suprised both himself and her, but they both enjoyed the warmth.
"I shouldn't have kissed you.." Rikku whispered quietly and felt tears fall from her emerald eyes.
"Why?" the Ronso asked bluntly, confused by her sentence.
"Because of who we are..I-I love you..but..we are so..so different." she breathed in deeply, trying to control herself. Kimahri was suprised by the emotion in her voice and wondered if he had truly heard her words.
"Rikku loves Kimahri?" he asked.
Nodding quickly, Rikku kept her gaze down towards the ground. Kimahri felt his heart open up to the young girl before him and pulled her farther into his arms.
"Kimahri loves Rikku too." he said and cupped the blonde's cheek with his hand. Against her cheek his hand looked massive, but with the gentlest of motions he brushed her tears away with his thumb.
"Really?" the blonde looked up into Kimahri's eyes and smiled hopefully. Her tear-stained cheeks stood out in the dim light and Kimahri actually smiled authentically for the first time in his life.
"Really." the Ronso said and stroked his finger down the side of her cheek.
The two new loves snuggled into one another's embrace and enjoyed the quietness of Macalania. As Kimahri stole a glance over at the group he saw that they were all asleep. Auron was still as a stone by the fire, Lulu slept quietly against a tree, and Wakka snored loudly as he laid out by the fire. Tidus and Yuna were laying together, off on their own. Even from here, Kimahri could tell that Yuna had a pleasant smile on her face. The Ronso brought his attention back to Rikku as he felt her breathing deepen. The young woman had fallen asleep in his arms. Looking down at their intwined hands, Kimahri noted how much larger his hand was than her own. He may have been small for a Ronso, but he towered over the young woman in his arms. Once again, he looked at Yuna and Tidus in the dim light. They all were in for a rough ride.
"Damn Lupus! Give it back!" Wakka's loud voice broke Rikku out of her dreams and she jumped up with a start. Kimahri was no longer in the tree with her, much to her dismay, but as she looked into the clearing below she saw him helping the others. A pack of Lupus had ran into camp and one of them now held Wakka's money bag at bay.
"Argh!" Tidus yelled and leapt onto the dog-fiend, Wakka soon following.
Rikku couldn't help but giggle as the two guardians struggle to hold the dog down and get the bag out from its jaws. It was a serious struggle, but everyone was laughing.
"Hah! I got it!" Tidus yelled gleefully and swung the bag back in forth in the air. The Lupus took the opportunity and bit down on the blonde's hand
"Ouch!"
Wakka let go of the Lupus and couldn't help but laugh as Tidus ran after it and kicked a few stones. Cursing gently about the dog, the blonde blitzball player walked back to the group and sat down. Yuna tried to hide her giggles as she knelt beside him and started a small healing spell. It wasn't time for them to leave just yet, so all of the other guardians went back to their morning routines.
"Morning!" Rikku called cheerfully to the group and smiled as they all answered in their own ways.
Kimahri's mane was still not braided and a small smile crept over the young Al Bhed's features as she thought about the night before. Leaping down from the tree, Rikku walked out of the clearing to a small stream nearby. It was really calm this time in the morning and she took in a deep, calming breath. She knelt beside the stream and ran her hands through it in an effort to clean them before cupping her hands, and washing her face with water.
"Cold!" she yelped as the freezing water hit her face, "Well, at least it wakes me up." she giggled and washed her face a few more times.
Rikku didn't notice as Kimahri walked up behind her and how he knelt, until she felt his arms around her waist. Both of them smiled at the warmth that went through them when they touched. Leaning back into the Ronso, Rikku sighed and relaxed.
"Morning little one." Kimahri spoke softly and lightly nuzzled the girl's neck.
A small shudder went through Rikku as she felt his whiskers brush lightly against her neck. It was kind of ticklish, but that touch did something else to her. She wasn't sure yet, but it felt so good that she didn't mind it.
"Morning Kimahri." she smiled and reached back with one hand, running it lightly through his mane. The hairs were still as soft as the night before, but she stifled a giggle as she felt a few tangles.
"What?" Kimahri asked in confusion.
"Your hair is tangled. We should probably brush it and put it back up the way it was." Rikku said as she turned around in his arms.
Facing the Ronso in the morning light, she saw how entirely different they were. It wasn't bad thing in her mind. It was just....new. Looking into his yellow eyes she saw emotions that she didn't think the others saw. Nervousness, sadness, doubt....love. They all blended together, but as he continued to look into her eyes she saw that love was all her felt for her at this moment. Bringing a hand to his cheek, she gently ran her fingers over each detail of his face. His cold, wet nose-which reminded her of a puppy, his whiskers-which moved and twitched as she touched them, and his broken horn. As she reached up to touch the broken horn however, she hesitated. Knowing that it was a sore subject for the Ronso.
"Rikku can touch.." Kimahri uttered and almost seemed to smile encouragingly.
"You sure?" Rikku hesitated again.
"Yes."
Reaching up gently again, she brushed her fingertips over the sides of the broken horn. It felt like a bone underneath the pads of her fingers. The sides of the horn were smooth and almost flawless, but as her fingers met the broken end, it changed. The texture of the area was rough and could probably cut someone if they hit it. Furrowing her brow in concentration she took in the different details of the horn. Kimahri closed his eyes as he felt the gentle touch. There weren't a lot of nerves in Ronso horns-so it didn't hurt if they hit anything-but he still felt how gentle her touch was. Rikku was taking in every detail of the horn and though it hurt the Ronso to think of all that he went through over it, he didn't mind.
"I'm sorry they did this to you." the gentle voice made Kimahri open his eyes and he looked into the sad face of the blonde Al Bhed.
"Rikku shouldn't be sorry." his words weren't sad or mean, they just spoke the truth, "Kimahri was stubborn runt. Foolishness got horn broken." he said with a tinge of regret.
Rikku knew that it was best not to say anything about this. The Ronsos had a different culture from what she grew up knowing and they had a different set of beliefs than her.
"But you have learned a lot." she urged gently, "You aren't foolish anymore. You are stronger." the blonde smiled and leaned up, gently kissing the broken horn.
Kimahri smiled and held Rikku close. She was right. He had gotten stronger and had learned much more, but he had a long way to go. Nevertheless, he would protect his summoner and his love-the two girls that meant everything to him.
Kimahri frowned as he watched the Guado named Trommel take Yuna's hand within his. He was sure Trommel was just following orders, but he didn't like the elderly man nevertheless. As the two walked away, he turned to look at Rikku. It was so cold near Macalania Temple and there was no doubt in the Ronso's mind that Rikku was cold. The blonde looked at Kimahri and smiled softly, her teeth clattering a little bit.
"C-cold, h-huh?" she giggled , her teeth chattering.
Kimahri nodded and walked over to Rikku, wrapping his furry arms around her. A wave a warmth went throughout her as she felt Kimahri's fur and warmth. Nobody seemed to notice the embrace of the two. If they did notice, they probably brushed it off as him keeping her warm.
"Do not worry little Rikku. Won't be cold for much longer." Kimahri said gently and continued holding her.
Rikku knew she wasn't going to get very much special treatment in public for right now. As much as she loved Kimahri, she knew that the both of them couldn't let their relationship out in the open just yet. The wind blew harshly again and the blonde could've sworn she heard something...No, it couldn't be machina....not now! Pulling quickly out of Kimahri's arms, Rikku turned just in time to see the gigantic machina pull up over the snowbank on the far side of the lake.
"Oh no!" she shouted and jumped over the snowbank, onto the ice of the lake. Yunie is in trouble! her mind shouted and she alsmost slid as she ran to protect her summoner. Rikku could hear the footsteps of the others on the ice and a frown crossed her features. Al Bhed controlled machina and if there were Al Bhed, then her cover was blown. She would have to fess up and tell the others who she was.
Trommel breathed a sigh of relief as Yuna's guardians slid into place in front of them-shielding them from the machina. Surely, they would protect Lady Yuna and save him from being chastised by Seymour for letting her get injured. Taking Yuna's hand, he tried to lead her away from the fighting, but was caught off-guard when she shook her hand free of his.
"No! I will fight!" she shouted over the churning of the machina and the strong winds.
Trommel knew he was not going to win this small battle with Lady Yuna for her safety, so he just ran to find cover. As the machina churned and crunched, its controller stood up from the snow. His green eyes and blonde hair gave his identity away, but most of all, one would know him by his tatoos.
"Rikku!" his rough voice called out over the noise, "fryd yna oui tuehk rana?!" the words sounded alien to everyone else's ears, but she knew the words well. He wanted to know why she was here. Knowing that she would have to explain this later, she chose to speak out to him.
"e's oihy'c kiynteyh huf, e'mm bnudald ran uh ran bemknesyka!" she shouted, telling him that she was Yuna's guardian now and chose to protect her. The man scoffed and slammed his hand on the control panel of the machina, turning it on.
"hahahahaha...oui'na sykel yht yauhc yna caymat!" he chuckled as he spoke and watched as a small device shot out from the machina.
"Oh no!" Rikku knew that they were in dire trouble.
"What is it?" Yuna begged.
"Aeon and magic are sealed! We can't use them!" she said in fear and watched as the wheels of the machina began to turn.
"Looks like we do this the old-fashioned way." Auron muttered and swung his sword onto his shoulder.
All of the others readied their weapons and stood on-guard as the machina slammed into the ice before them. It was a miracle the ice didn't break.
"Look out!" Rikku shouted and rolled to the side as a barrage of bullets rained from the gun. It seemed to want to chase her away more than hurt her, but the others were another story.
Auron nodded and as the machina fired upon Rikku, he leapt up onto it's wheels and cut through some of the wiring on the sides. As Rikku got away from the machina's bullets, she ran to the others.
"That flying thing!" she said hurriedly, "Attack it and Yuna can use Aeons and Lulu can use magic." Reaching into her bag, she began to mix a few items.
"I'm on it!" Wakka said and ran to the side of the lake. In mid-stride he threw his blitzball at the machina and hooted in sucess as it exploded, "I am good, ya?" he chuckled.
"Save that for later!" Auron chided and slammed his sword once more into the side of the machina.
"Lulu! Use thunder, it short-circuits the things inside!" Rikku urged as her delicate fingers continued to fuse the items together.
Nodding, Lulu stood forward and raised her hand. Yellow energy flowed around her arm and out onto her fingertips.
"Shocking, isn't it?" Lulu mused aloud and cocked an eyebrow as she threw her arm down, releasing the thunder upon the machina. It short-circuited some of it, but the guns could still move.
"Wow! We're gettin' good!" Tidus chuckled and ran up to the machina, front flipped, spun, and slammed his sword onto the muzzle of the gun.
"Everybody! Out of the way!" Rikku warned and as soon as Tidus and Sir Auron ran, she threw her fused weapon, "I call it a "Pineapple"." she giggled as the machina blew apart.
It was a moment of small celebration for the group. Their teamwork had gotten better and better and they were all happy at how quickly the machina had been taken apart. Kimahri didn't smile, but couldn't help but feel happy at the amount of skill Rikku had shown.
"Rikku!" the man warned,"e femm damm vydran!" he shouted as he ran off.
"Uh oh.." Rikku groaned and shook her head.