Rikku lay awake most of the night, thinking about where she was and what her 'plan' should be. She knew she had to find out more about Auron in order to reach him at the crucial moment to save his life. To do that, she'd have to overcome the inexplicable defensiveness that welled up in her whenever she saw him.
*So why am I getting so riled by everything he says?* she thought. *Maybe it's because he's not taking me seriously. He thinks I'm some baby heathen, when I'm here to save the pycdynt.*
She closed her eyes, willing her hands to unclench. *Chill, Rikki. He doesn't know that. He's just as hotheaded as you, remember. Put yourself in his place. He's as protective of Braska as you are of Yunie. You're a virtual stranger to him, and of a race who are typically degrading of his beliefs, if not openly hostile. He can't trust you, and once he sees your power* -- her heart swelled with pride, but she quickly tamed it with the sobering end to the thought -- *he'll be even more nervous about you.
*How do I gain his trust?*
She rolled over on her side, looking out at the swirling glow from the Moonflow, but saw no answers. She sighed and again wished for the guidance of the Fayth of Knowledge.
*What would he say?* she played with her mind. *"MISS AL BHED," he'd say, "I'VE GIVEN YOU THE OPPORTUNITY. YOU'RE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO DEFEAT SIN, AND YOU QUAIL AT THE THOUGHT OF MAKING FRIENDS WITH A MAN BARELY OLDER THAN YOU? HE'S GOT YOUR STRENGTH OF BELIEF, BUT NOT YOUR STRENGTH OF BODY TO BACK IT UP."*
She paused in her ruminations. *'Quail?' I didn't even know I knew that word.*
She giggled softly to herself, her thoughts drifting as sleep claimed her.
In the morning, Rikku felt a little more oriented, if not acclimatized, to the past. She paused to wonder exactly how the fayth had sent her back, but shook it away as irrelevant. After all, he'd said experience would explain.
They boarded the dawn shoopuf. Jecht did his best to ignore the driver's sharp, nervous looks. Rikku giggled softly, then quickly donned an innocent expression as his eyes snapped to her.
"Shoopuf launchin'!" cried the driver, and they were off.
"So, Miss Rikku," said Braska, "do you happen to know a man among your people named Cid?"
"Well, of course!" laughed Rikku. "He's my..." She stopped and scolded herself mentally for that near-breach. After all, she was only seven in this time. "He's my cousin," she finished lamely. "I understand you married my other cousin, Aun... er, Laune."
"Yes," he said with a sigh. "Did you know her?"
"A little," she said. "I know cousin Cid better."
"He's a good man," he said. "I don't think he'll ever forgive me for stealing his sister away, though."
"He will. I'm sure of it. Just give him time." She closed her eyes at a pang in her chest. *Time you don't have, Lord Summoner.* "Although you may be... gone, because of the final summoning, he will set your spirit to rest with his forgiveness."
He looked startled and then pleased. He reached out to her, and she gave him her hand. "You are very kind, Miss Rikku. You remind me of your cousin... in many ways."
"Thank you... but please, call me Rikku. We're family, you know."
"Thank you... Rikku."
She became aware of Auron's scrutiny and saw his frown out of the corner of her eye. She suppressed a desire to snap, 'what?!' at him and leaned back. She glanced out at the Moonflow again to try to calm herself.
"You should meet my daughter someday, Rikku," said Braska. "She's much younger than you, of course, but I think you would make a good role model."
She glanced over in surprise and saw the soulful look in the Lord Summoner's eyes.
"I don't want her to grow up with prejudice. She should know where she comes from, understand that love can overcome hate."
"Lord Summoner..." she stammered. She cleared her throat. "I'm honored. I hope someday to meet your daughter. I bet she'll grow up to be just as kind as you." Her heart grew tight. Here was the kindest man she'd ever met, and he was on a journey to sacrifice himself for his people -- Yevonites, Al Bhed, and all.
"She's right," said Auron. "I don't see how Yuna could grow up with hate in her heart. You and Laune shared a rare kindness."
Now she was astonished by Auron. She supposed that maybe he had softened to her through the revelation that she was of Laune's family. He must have seen the love Braska and Laune shared, respected it even if he'd never found it in his own life.
*How lonely his ghost must be... a lifetime without the kind of love his two best friends enjoyed.* She shook this thought from her mind. *No. There will be no ghost. He will have every opportunity life has to offer him.*
When they reached the south bank and dismounted, Rikku realized that they were fast approaching the Thunder Plains. She sighed. *I didn't think I'd ever have to cross them again.*
"Something wrong?" said Jecht, his voice startling her out of her reverie. She whirled to face him, Godhand automatically coming up, then lowered it with a jerk.
"Sorry. I'm not fond of lightning," she said.
"What do you mean?" he said.
"The Thunder Plains," she said. "I guess you haven't heard of them yet, being from Zanarkand and all. Lightning strikes there all the time."
"Hey, you heard I'm from Zanarkand? And you actually believe it?" said Jecht.
"Practically anything's possible."
"Watch out!" shouted Auron, and Rikku turned to see fiends almost upon them. Impulsively, she raised her left hand, gathering the power of thunder to her. Her eyes picked out the most powerful foe at the fore, a pale blue dragon. *Now I am the master of my fears,* she thought as she gestured at it, unleashing the power of Thundaga.
The summoner and his guardians jumped at the explosion of electricity before them. Pyreflies swirled up from where the fiend had been. Rikku was already charging for the wolf. Her Godhand plunged into it, lifting it aside like no more than a leaf. Auron swung at the blue element, missing it entirely. She pivoted, fragmenting it with another quick hit.
Silence unrolled over them.
"You're fast," said Jecht, putting his sword away.
She laughed. "Thanks."
"I thought you said you didn't like lightning," he added.
"I don't," she said. "That's why I made a point of learning all the thunder spells. I want to know everything about the things I'm afraid of."
"Bravo," laughed Braska. "You really are talented, Rikku. I've never seen anyone with such speed and power -- young, Al Bhed, or otherwise."
"Yes," Auron said with grudging respect.
She pocketed their spoils and walked over to give him a hearty slap on the back. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it?" She led the way, whistling.
None of the other three were quite fast enough or strong enough to keep up with her. After the enemies of the Monster Arena, the fiends along the road to Guadosalam were child's play. She gave the black magic a rest, using quick hits to dispatch their enemies before they had a chance to fight back.
"You really are impressive," Jecht said, always free with praise of a pretty girl.
"Thanks, ancient one," she said.
"Ooh, ouch!" He held up a hand against the mock blow.
She batted her eyes at him. "You scamp."
"I'm ancient _and_ a scamp?" he laughed.
They teased back and forth all morning, often while she had one hand sticking through a fiend. Even Auron and Braska seemed to relax when they saw they had nothing to worry about behind her. The two of them dropped back a little and seemed to be speaking quietly for a while until they reached Guadosalam.
A Guado greeted them, his stony eyes picking past them at Lord Braska.
"You... are a summoner?" he said.
"Yes." Braska made the sign of the prayer to the Guado, who did not respond.
"What business have you in Guadosalam?" said the Guado.
"Just passing through," said Braska. "We're headed for Macalania, through the Thunder Plains."
"Do not linger," said the guard, standing aside. His sharp gaze fixed to each of them as they passed.
*Things are really bad here,* thought Rikku. *Lord Jyscal must be creating quite a stink among his people. They don't want any outsiders.*
They walked quickly, ignoring the curious or hostile stares they received, and soon were making their way to the Thunder Plains. At last, free of scrutiny, they spoke again.
"Friendly bunch, huh?" scoffed Jecht.
"The conflict among the Guado seems to be worsening," said Braska. "I hope the defeat of Sin will ease their troubles."
*It will,* she thought.
"Lord Jyscal has high hopes for the effect of the Calm on his people," said Auron.
Jecht leaned over to Rikku. "What are they talking about?"
"Lord Jyscal is trying to introduce the Guado to the teachings of Yevon," she said. "There's much resistance to the teachings and Jyscal personally. They don't like that he married a human and had a child with her. He had to banish them to Baaj Island for their own safety."
"Nice guy." His sarcasm flared again. "If it'd been me, I would've gone with them. I'd never have abandoned my family if I had had a choice." His voice grew tight with anger.
*Jeez, Braska's the only calm one of the bunch.* She laid a hand on his arm. "I know. It's not your fault. Someday you'll be able to tell him that." He glanced sharply at her and she added, "Your son."
He softened. "My son. Have I told you about him?"
"I know you love him, you old softie." She punched him in the arm. "Even if you'd sooner cry than admit it. But those spheres you're recording -- I know they're for him, if he ever finds his way here. If you could bring yourself just once to admit it to him, it would give him the world."
He didn't reply, lost in thought.
She made her voice even softer "Think how proud he'd be of you, his father, if you found the strength to tell him you love him."
"He'd probably cry," he rumbled.
She touched him gently. "Maybe he'd love you back." Since he didn't seem to be responsive anymore, she let him be.
A crack of thunder made all the muscles around her spine tense, but she didn't flinch. They'd reached the Thunder Plains. She steeled herself with a shaky inward sigh.
"Are you all right?" said Braska, touching her shoulder.
She looked up at him, saw his gaze, and smiled. "Yeah. ...You know, Yuna's lucky to have a dad like you." She hugged him spontaneously, finding the strength to proceed.
"Hey, how about another sphere?" Jecht called to Auron.
Auron dug into a pocket. Rikku leaned up against the tower they stood under, watching as he drew out the sphere recorder and held it up. He flicked it on, pointing it at Braska and Jecht. The sky roiled uncertainly behind them. Auron pulled the recorder from his eye.
"Hey!" said Jecht. "Hold it steady!"
"Why am I doing this?" Auron sighed.
"Come on, Auron. It's for our kids," said Jecht. Braska moved away, looking off into the distance.
"All right, all right." Auron lifted it again, turning it on Braska. After a moment Auron asked, "What do you see there, my lord?"
"Oh..." murmured Braska, "I was just thinking."
"This is important! No foolin' around!" complained Jecht. "You're gonna spoil it!"
The whole world flashed white, and Rikku jumped.
"Whoa!" shrieked Jecht, sitting on the ground, supported by his hands. Smoke was rising, either from him or the ground under him. Auron moved towards him, recorder in hand.
Braska stepped up to Jecht's side. "Are you all right?"
Auron, grinning, said, "Now there's a moment for posterity."
Jecht rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah."
Braska broke down laughing while his guardians watched in amazement. Auron flipped off the recorder.
"You don't have to rub it in," Jecht said, getting to his feet.
"I... I'm sorry, my friend." Braska managed to get his mirth under control, but saw Jecht was smiling.
"Jecht, there's a travel agency up ahead," Rikku said softly, drawing all three men's attention to her. "We can rest there."
"Thanks," said Jecht. "At least somebody here appreciates what I have to go through." He gave Braska and Auron equal glares, and the two dissolved in childlike giggles when Jecht turned to go. Rikku trotted up to him, took his arm, and turned to stick her tongue out at Braska and Auron before escorting Jecht to the travel agency.
They rested there for the night, and Rikku thought over her plan again. Once they reached Macalania, they'd be sure to try to ditch her. After all -- one summoner, two guardians, Al Bhed need not apply.
Obviously she'd have to indicate she was going wherever they were going next, and attempt to inveigle herself into their group once more. But she didn't know where their pilgrimage went from there. She cursed herself for not studying the spheres they'd left more closely. It would look mind-numbingly suspicious if she were to find out where they were going and announce that, by golly, that just happened to be her next destination.
She closed her eyes, trying to conjure up the Fayth of Knowledge in her mind again. She was interrupted by a knock at her door. She sat up, startled. "Yes?"
"Rikku? It's Braska," the summoner's soft voice came from the other side of the door.
"Oh, Lord Braska -- come in." She shoved the covers aside and rose, going to the door as it opened and he stepped inside.
"Did I wake you?" he said, hesitant.
"No, I was just up thinking. Please come in." She backed up, allowing him in. They took seats at the small table in her room.
"I wanted to ask you where you were headed, after Macalania," he said.
Her heart thumped. *Oops -- caught.* "Um... I... I don't really know. I... I don't... I'm not sure what my plans will be then."
"You're a very gifted woman, Rikku," he said. "I've been continually astonished by your skills. You seem not to have a very clear idea of what you want to do with your life right now. Is this true?"
She hung her head. "Actually... I guess I haven't really been open with you, and you deserve to know. I had planned to sort of... follow you. On your pilgrimage, I mean. You know, try to protect you." She looked up and the words came pouring out, trying to cover up the raw admission of the previous ones. "'Cause I'm pretty strong, you said so yourself, and I could protect you from anything you come across -- maybe even Sin. You're Spira's greatest hope, Lord Braska, and if only I could help you then maybe... maybe things would be..." her eyes dropped again, and she finished, despairing, "...better."
He laughed softly. Her head snapped up, certain he was mocking her with that twinkle in his eye, but what he said next surprised her.
"Why Rikku, how ironic," he said. "I came here to ask you to do me the honor of becoming one of my guardians."
"Really?" she gasped. "But... but... tradition dictates that the summoner has only two guardians..."
"I defied tradition when I married my love. If I feel strongly about something, I don't worry about tradition."
She blushed. "Why Lord Braska, you're practically Al Bhed."
He grinned mischeviously. "I know. Suppose everyone would be scandalized if I took a third guardian?"
"And a young Al Bhed girl to boot? I should say so! They'd all think you'd gone mad. Auron would have a fit!" She laughed.
He raised an eyebrow. "You think so? He thought it was a good idea when I mentioned it to him earlier."
She sobered. "What, really? He didn't object?"
Braska leaned forward conspiratorially. "I think it may have something to do with that water flan you dragged off him."
She rolled her eyes. "Ehh, gratitude. I'd rather have respect from him."
"Is it so important? You've got mine, and certainly Jecht's." His gaze was kind, but very close on her.
"Well, you know, since I'm gonna be your guardian, I should get along with the others."
"You will. Auron and Jecht are closer now than when we started."
"Neither of them will admit it, of course." She swallowed against the lump in her throat, hoping that she'd earn Auron's trust and respect by the time she needed it.
"You're too powerful an ally to pass up. I'm sure Auron sees that." Braska rose. "It's late, and I don't want to keep you from well-earned rest. You will join us, then?"
"Sure." She rose and made the sign of the prayer to him. "It'd be my honor, Lord Summoner. Thank you."
He returned the sign with a bright smile. "Goodnight, Guardian Rikku."
"Goodnight."
When the door had closed behind him, she threw herself on her bed with a muffled yip of joy. Lord Summoner Braska, Yuna's father, had chosen her to be a guardian!
She was almost asleep when a thought stalled her relaxation. How would this affect the future? If tales of Braska's third young Al Bhed guardian circulated -- and surely they would, if only because of the unusual nature of the gossip -- would record exist ten years later of her? Would her friends find out, and ask questions? What if she appeared in any of the spheres that were being recorded? There'd be no denying that kind of evidence -- though, privately, she thought it would be really cool. She fantasized about the looks on her friends' faces as they realized she'd somehow gone back ten years.
Her smile faded as she imagined the scolding, condescension, and recriminations that would follow. They'd think she was foolish and cocky, or maybe even stupid for trying to do such a thing. After all, shouldn't she try to defeat Sin while she was here, and prevent Braska's and Jecht's sacrifices as well?
Her mind reeled. How could she go about doing such a thing? How on Spira would she convince Braska and Jecht not to go through with the final summoning? She squeezed her eyes shut.
*Fayth of Knowledge, help me!*
No reassuring visage appeared in her mind's eye, and she fell asleep in turmoil.
In the morning, Rikku was nearly spotted by a younger Rin. She ducked and shuffled herself in with her group as they walked out. She prayed he hadn't seen her. He just might recognize her face -- or worse, ask her who she was and bring her under scrutiny she didn't want. She was still torn inside over how and how much to alter the past.
As they stretched outside, in an outcropping of rock safe from the lightning, Braska cleared his throat. Auron and Jecht turned to their master -- anything he said seemed to take subtle precedence to them.
*Just like with Yunie,* she thought.
"Last night I asked Rikku to join us on our pilgrimage, to become a guardian," said Braska. "She has gracious accepted my offer."
"What, really?" Jecht punched at the sky. "All _riiight_. Sin doesn't stand a chance now."
Auron gave Rikku a look she couldn't read, and she raised a challenging eyebrow at him. *You already told him I could,* she thought childishly. *So there.*
He nodded solemnly, as if he'd heard her thoughts. The next moment Jecht clapped her on the back, and she responded with a swift smack on his rear. It was becoming almost habit now. He laughed.
She grinned. For the moment, her troubles were gone. All she had to worry about was keeping Braska, Jecht, and Auron safe and lightning-free.
*I can handle that,* she thought.