Author's essay (because it's too long to be a note.) Just a forewarning to anyone who does choose to read this. It will be much more different then anything I have ever written before. I'm not depressed or anything, but an idea for a dark fic hit me the other day. So some of the themes in here may border on the 'M' rating, but we will see how it goes. Though I'm most definitely sure it will be a 'T'. Unlike my other stories, this one will not have a happy ending. I have already decided on that, and have ideas on how it will come about.
Many situations will be implied, but nothing will be explicit. I leave all that up to your dirty little minds. I tried the little lemon-ish thing before, don't feel right. However, implications is another matter.
In depth summery: Rikku has been kidnapped when she was only a pre-teen. Four years have passed and she now serves as slave to her new master. Her friends and family assume she had been killed and have given up hope of ever finding her. Many elements of FFX will be used, so don't be surprised to see an aeon here or there.
That's about enough of my rambling, you may read on now. Gin
--
The young woman sat huddled in a corner of the dark cement room. There was no light save for a small slit high up on the east wall. Not that it would have mattered, it was nighttime anyway. The moon did little to offer her any reassurance. She knew that once the sun broke over the horizon the master would be down to take her upstairs once more.
It was the same everyday since she was twelve. Locked up in a damp dark basement with no warmth or bed, only to be taken back upstairs once the day began to carry out her job. Her job. She scoffed at the very idea of it. Her wrist was sore because she had failed to do 'her job' well enough earlier. She had wanted to cry out, but no more tears fell from her green eyes. All she had left was...wait. She had nothing left. Not even her pride. That was lost four years ago when she had been brought to this place.
--
Flashback
"So this is the girl you have asked for. Are you sure she pleases you, son?"
"Yes Father. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her." The teenager with blue hair stepped closer to her and inspected her with his eyes. She could see a predatory smile on his face before he faced his father once more. "We shall be married as soon as the new moon rises."
"Very well, Seymour. I trust you will treat her well? I shall go announce this to her father."
"Wait. Allow me. After all, she is to be my wife."
"Lord Jyscal, your presence is needed in the infirmary. Your brother is asking for you." Another woman with stiff green hair had entered the room and disrupted whatever was going to be said next.
"Thank you. I will be there in just a moment." He turned back to his son. "Seymour, while I am gone, talk to her. Make my future daughter-in-law feel welcome." He stepped up to the young woman and kissed her once on each cheek before leaving the room.
Seymour watched him go waiting until he was out of ear shot before speaking. "Allow me to make a few things straight before you think this will be some grand honeymoon. I have no intentions of marrying you." He picked up a goblet and took a sip before saying more. " I needed a slave, but a pretty one. I saw you and knew you would be just perfect. You are young, strong, but breakable." He whispered in her ear before smashing the goblet with his bare hand. Blood slipped through his fingers and dripped to the floor as he opened his palm up. Gazing quickly from his bleeding hand to her, he ran the hand down the side of her cheek and down to her neck. "I own you now, Rikku."
--
From that moment on, Rikku never stood a chance. Jyscal had seemed like such a nice man, but she never saw him alive after that. His son had arranged for the so called meeting with his Uncle. Once Jycsal had left the mansion he was stabbed several times before he made it to the infirmary. The killer was never discovered, leaving many to wonder in shock. Seymour played the bereaved son well, but Rikku knew the truth. Knowing she was powerless to do anything, he had explained his plan while she was in his presence not caring for what she may think.
Most of Spira showed up for the funeral that was held- except her. She was kept hidden away inside of Seymour's chambers until he came back late that night. Already prepared for him, she had drawn a bath and turned his sheets down for him. Seymour had made it clear from the beginning what was expected of her.
She must have fallen asleep tonight somehow for her head shot up at the sound of the door creaking open. Her green eyes glanced to the slit above her and she could make out faint traces of sunlight streaming through. They moved back to the doorway where the silhouette of a man stood. The two pieces of hair that stuck out from either side of his head gave clue to who he was.
Rikku stood from the floor awaiting instruction as her head was kept low. "How may I serve you today, my lord?"
Seymour chuckled. "My guests shall be arriving this afternoon. I trust you can have everything in order by then?"
"I shall try, my lord." She replied softly as her hand came to wrap lightly around the sore wrist.
"I see you remember your punishment from yesterday. It will be twice as bad if you fail me today. Be sure that does not happen." He warned. "Now come. There is much to make ready." He held one hand out waiting for her to join him.
Rikku debated for only a second once she saw the claw like nails being held out in her direction. But she knew deep down, he was much stronger then her anyway. Lifting her good hand, she placed it inside of his.
"Good choice."
--
"Yuna, you can't be serious! This is Seymour! You do know that, right?" Tidus stood in the middle of Yuna's hut watching as she ran around gathering things together that she thought she would need.
"I'm sorry. I know you don't understand, but I have to do this. He said he had something important to discuss with me. I can't just tell him no." She had only stopped long enough to explain why she was so eager to do. "Uncle Cid should be here soon. He's going to take me to Guadosalam." She took off once more thinking of a few last things she might need.
"Yeah, but..." He trailed off leaving whatever he was going to say floating in the air. "I don't like this one bit. Something just doesn't feel right." He protested. He turned to the other person in the room hoping that maybe they would side with him. "Kimahri, she trusts you. Can't you tell her not to go?"
"Yuna follows her heart. Once decided, nothing can change it." The Ronso uncrossed his arms before leaving the hut. He had to go see if Cid had arrived yet.
Tidus let out a growl before following him. "Well you're not going alone, that's for sure." He muttered as he left.
Yuna watched him go, a hurt expression on her face. "I wish I could tell you, but it's better that I don't." She whispered.
--
Auron sat staring at the letter in his hand. If the contents inside were true, then it opened up so many regrets that he thought had been long buried. His sense of duty compelled him to find out more. The unexpected deaths of two of his closest friends was no accident. He was sure of that. They were strong men, both could easily take care of any threats that dared to attack them. Much more so because of the fact they had been traveling together.
--
Flashback
"Are you sure you will be alright? Perhaps I should come with you."
"Auron, please. Having Jecht with me will be more then enough. Besides, you have other matters to attend to, and I promised Rin I would have Cid's daughter back to him this evening. It's just a short walk through Macalania woods and the Thunder Plains. Nothing will happen, I promise." Braska was gathering supplies for the short trip as he gently talked Auron out of going with him. He picked up a burlap pouch and tied it to his side as he left the room.
"But lord Braska, Jecht is a drunkard! Everyone knows that! You will be putting yourself into more danger by taking him with you." Auron protested.
Braska stopped walking and shook his head, a soft smile on his face. "Auron, tell Yuna I will see her in the morning. You can take care of her while I am gone, correct?"
Auron sighed as his shoulders drooped in defeat. "Very well, I will do as you ask. But please be careful?"
Braska lay one hand on his friend's shoulder before meeting Jecht and Cid's daughter outside.
Auron was awake early the next morning awaiting for the return of his friend. When noon and then night came and still no sign of him, he became worried. Two days passed before he knew something was a miss. Gathering supplies, Auron and Yuna set out to find out what had happened.
They arrived at the travel agency where Braska was supposed to have met Rin late at night. Rin recognized them as soon as they entered and rushed right up to them.
"Sir Auron. Thank goodness you have come. Something terrible has happened. Lord Braska has been killed and the only clues we have to what may have happened are from the man that was found traveling with him. He has been sputtering odd things since he woke up yesterday. Perhaps you can assist us in understanding."
Auron's face turned to one of horror before he composed himself to reply back. "This is Lord Braska's daughter. Take her elsewhere while I speak with him."
Yuna was not eager to leave his side, but Rin promised that everything would be explained to her later. The fourteen year old understood and allowed Auron to go.
Auron was ushered into the room where Jecht had been laying. He was still delusional, but still knew that someone had entered the room. He turned his head and inspected the figure before recognition hit and he sat up on the bed.
"About time you got here. Maybe someone will listen to me for once."
Auron moved closer in order to hear better. "Tell me what happened."
"I have no idea what it was, but it was huge. Almost as big as the towers in the plains. It was like some chained up fish just sitting there. We were going to try and go around it, but suddenly the ground in front of us exploded. (Auron remembered the big hole he had seen on his way. It was off the main path so he paid it little attention.) I pulled my sword out and jumped in front of Braska and the kid to protect them. The next thing I knew, I was laying in a puddle off to the side. The thing had attacked me without even moving!" He coughed a few times before finding his voice once more and Auron noticed a few drops of blood splattered on the sheets after he was done. Jecht was dying, that much he could tell.
"I look up to find out what happened to Braska and the kid, but wasn't able to see them. I knew a rib was broken, but had to find them. Using my sword as a prop, I walked the plains searching. I soon found Braska a few meters away, but he was hardly breathing. There was no sign of the girl anywhere. I thought maybe the creature must have eaten her!" He coughed again as more blood was splattered before running down from the side of his mouth.
"Jecht, take it easy. You're injured. You need rest." Auron gently used one hand to push him back on the bed. The man struggled to stay sitting until he found it hard to breath. Jecht took labored breaths trying to pull much needed air into his lungs. Auron quickly ran from the room shouting for a medic. By the time help had arrived, Jecht had died.
The first person he told about the incident was Jecht's wife. He had left Yuna in the care of his good friend Kimahri in Besaid as he made the trip to Zanarkand. She had taken it well at first, but soon he found himself making a return trip to the city a month later to retrieve Tidus and take him home. His mother had died from the grief of losing her husband. Even the thought of living for her son held no appeal.
So for the next four years, Jecht's son lived with Auron in Bevelle before expressing that he wanted to move to Besaid with Yuna instead. She had insisted on staying there with Kimahri after the death of her father saying that she could not handle the memories of Bevelle.
--
The letter in his hand spoke of that time as if the writer had been there and seen it happen. It was unsigned, but the handwriting looked so familiar to him. It nagged at the back of his mind as he tried to place where he had seen it before. A knock on his door interrupted him before he could think more on it. Shoving the letter into his pocket, he stood from his seat to answer it.
On the other side stood one his close confidants, Kinoc.
"Kinoc, good to see you today. How are things going at the temple?" He moved back from the door giving room for entrance.
"Well you know. Long hours, hard work, but it's worth it." Kinoc entered in and sat down in a chair opposite Auron as he did the same.
"Would you like something to drink? I can pull out a bottle." Auron stood at his friend's nod. He made his way into the kitchenette and pulled two wine glasses from the cupboard before reaching into the wine cooler and opening a fresh bottle. He poured some in each goblet before walking out and handing one over.
"Thank you." Kinoc took a sip before speaking. "Word has it, you're in line for the open position in the temple. But if you don't get over the death of Braska, you won't be able to do your job the way it's supposed to be done."
Auron raised one brow in doubt. "My grief is my own. It is no one's business but my own how long it takes for me to get over that. If I choose to take ten years to do so, then I will." He replied flatly.
"Just advise. It could make the difference in if they give the job to you or someone else." Kinoc brushed the warning off as if it was never said. "Anyway, like I was saying, don't be surprised when they come up to you and talk to you." He finished his wine before standing. "It was good to see you again. I must be going now. See you around, Auron."
Before Auron could reply, Kinoc left the small apartment. That visit was odd. The man stayed long enough to give him a forewarning about what was going on before leaving. Auron shook his head free from thoughts of the temples before heading off to get a shower. He was due in within the next hour anyway. The letter in his pocket was quickly forgotten about.
--
"We ready to go?" Cid met up with Yuna as she boarded his airship. Even if he didn't like taking her as much as Tidus didn't, he had agreed.
"Yes, I believe I am. Thank you for this." She bowed quickly before standing again.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this done and over with." He dismissed her as he walked off for the bridge.
Yuna followed behind him as Tidus trailed at her heels. He had a deep scowl over his face as he looked back to Kimahri. "I still don't like this."
"Kimahri follow Yuna no matter what. If she wants to talk to Seymour, Kimahri support."
"What? You're with her too? You trust Seymour?"
"No, Seymour is bad news, but that is why we must protect Yuna from whatever happens."
"I agree. We stick together, alright?" Tidus was happy to finally have someone support him.
--
"Rikku, come here. I have something else for you to do before the Lady arrives." Seymour called to Rikku as she was on the floor scrubbing a spot on the carpet where something had been spilled earlier that day.
"Yes sir." She used her good hand to push herself back to her feet. She followed him as he led her out and to his chambers. She suppressed the urge to run as he began to strip. There where two guards on the other side who would have caught her if she had even tried.
Seymour lay on the bed and called her over. "My back had been so tense. I will heal your wrist once you are finished."
She winced at the thought of having to apply pressure just to rub him down. It was not a pleasant experience. But not only that, she would not be able to cry out while doing so. Seymour expected her to remain silent unless he had given her permission to speak. Though that freedom was far and few between.
Bracing herself for what she knew must be done, Rikku moved closer to the bed and straddled his middle as she worked to ease out the tension starting in his neck.
"You know I have never found anyone that pleases me as well as you do. That day I found you has been one the best in the past ten years."
'You mean kidnapped me.' She corrected his sentence in her mind. 'And you only lied to your father then killed him before he could find out the truth.'
Seymour went on oblivious to her thoughts. "And to think my father actually thought the only reason I brought you here was to marry you. He was so foolish. Why would he think I would want to marry some ten year old girl?"
'I was twelve at the time. I may not know how much time has passed since then, but I know how old I was when you brought me to this prison.'
She must have pressed harder then she was supposed to because Seymour let out a yelp in pain. He rolled over while she was still straddled him and held her wrists. He stared at her for a moment before speaking. "No, you were not ten, were you? You were older. Tell me, what age were you?"
"Twelve, my lord." Rikku closed her eyes wishing she could do the same with her legs. Use them to crush his ribs like a barbatos crushes its food before eating. She could feel as he moved under her letting her slid back until she was now settled in his lap.
She could feel his hot breath in her ear as he spoke. "Twelve, huh? Guess that would make you almost sixteen now. Sixteen in three days actually." He pulled back and watched as her eyes flew open in shock. "I knew it all along. You did not suspect you have been with me so long, did you?"
"No, my lord. The 'joy' of serving you erased all thought about the years." She made sure to stress the word joy as she spoke signaling to him how much she really did despise him.
Even though she had just gotten smart with him, Seymour laughed. Even though he had her almost completely under his control, she still had a fire that burned inside her. "Feisty tonight, are we? I like that. It's a shame that we don't have as much time as I would like, but perhaps we can arrange something."
Seymour released the hold her hand on her wrists, and Rikku did notice that the one that was sore this morning did feel better. She quickly glanced up at him in question.
"As promised I have healed you. But now I expect something in return." He grabbed her shoulders before flipping over once more and pinning her to the bed.
--
"Lord Seymour. Her Lady has arrived. Shall we send her to the meeting room now?" Tromell stood on the outside of the door as he waited for a reply from his master. Seymour had ordered him he wanted notified the moment Yuna arrived.
Seymour's voice drifted through the wood moments later. "Yes. Tell her and her friends that I shall be with them momentarily. I have a few things I must finish here first."
"As you say, sir." Tromell nodded once to the guards stationed outside the door. "Make sure nothing happens to him in the meantime." He warned them before going to greet the guests.
Inside the room Seymour stood at the foot of the bed wrapped in only a rode. "Rikku, I would like to wear my blue garments for these guests. Retrieve them for me."
Rikku slid off the bed and strolled to the closet and pulled out the requested item. She took them over to her master and lay them flat on the bed. Her hands then moved to untie the knot done that held his robe together. The green cloth fell to the floor revealing his nude form. She hurriedly grabbed the garment on the bed and began to dress him before he even gave the command to.
When she was done, and he appeared presentable, Seymour leaned in close to her. "That is why I like you so much. Unlike some of the others, you don't need told what I would like done. And that is why you please me so much." He ran his fingertips down the side of her face before leaving her alone in the room and locking the door behind him.
Rikku waited until she was sure he was gone before answering. "That's because I can't stand to look at you any longer then I have to." A shiver ran up her spine before she sat down to await his return.