ONE LAST CHANCE
Chapter Three:
Mi'ihen Highroad
Come nightfall, the four finally arrive at Mi'ihen Highroad. Their pace had slowed with Rikku now tagging along. She had fallen four times, each with Auron close by her side. The last time she had fallen, Auron swiftly had caught her in his arms, and lifted her up so their faces were just inches apart. Rikku's face had turned an impossible shade of pink just before she fainted from excitement.
"Finally, a resting place." Braska had said, turning towards the other three since he had been walking in front of them for the past few minutes or so. A smile was on his face, and he turned his attention towards the moonlight. He watched the stars for a second, raising a hand towards the largest one. Rikku watched him curiously, before turning to face Jecht, tugging lightly at his arm, "What's Lord Braska doing?" she asked.
Jecht turned to look at her, arms folded across his chest. "Uh, something to do with this kid. They both stare at the stars at night. Braska says this is his way of saying goodnight to her. Or something like that."
Rikku raised her eyebrows, and nodded. She looked back at Braska, who seemed entirely calm. She felt a small pain in her chest. She knew Yuna loved her father very much, but she never knew this about the too. She wondered if she had such a connection with her father, would she have done the same if he were summoner? She shook her head quickly, and laughed to herself. There was no way that would have been possible, they were Al Bhed. Besides, she thought, I love my daddy.
"Now," Braska finally had lowered his hand, and turned back to face them. He was beaming, "Shall we rest then? I'm sure young Rikku is tired. Considering you have fallen far too many times."
Rikku's eyes went wide, and she looked at Braska curiously, "No no." she said, wrapping her arms around her stomach, "I'm fine. I promise." She ended her sentence with a large, toothy smile.
Just next to her, she could hear Auron suppress a laugh. She did not look at him, fearing she'd turn more of a pink color than she already was. She let him laugh. She was at least pleased he was amused by her, instead of finding her entirely childish. She could only remember the times when Auron would bare down at her with his fierce eyes, and simply tell her, "Stop acting so childish."
"Oh, Oh!" A woman had stepped out of the Inn, her hands to her mouth and her eyes wide in surprise. "Finally, more visitors. Lord Braska, I'm pleased to see you." She finished with a bow.
Rikku looked at her curiously. The woman was about the same height as she, yet a little more plump around the waist. Her hair was a deep brown, as well as her eyes. She had bowed three times before finally beginning to talk to Braska like a normal human being. Rikku listened curiously as the woman explained her situation. Her name was Lila. For the past few months she had very little business with both her Inn and the Chocobo Service. She explained that there has been sightings of a creature that would devour her Chocobos whole. It has drawn much fear towards her Inn, and very little travelers will decide to stay, especially if they were on a Chocobo for transport. "So please, Lord Braska, I will lower the price if you decide to stay." Lila said, her hands pressed together just below her chin.
Braska raised his eyebrows, and felt a hint of guilt. Rikku couldn't help but pout. She knew Braska couldn't take the offer. "Lila," he said to the woman, "I'll pay the regular amount of gil. Your.. Chocobo Eater does not bother me."
"Oh thank you, thank you!" Lila exclaimed, bowing in Yevon in fashion, and turned to rush inside her inn. Braska turned his attention back to Rikku and his guardians, and spoke, "I'll take care of this, no worries." He said, and entered just after Lila had.
Jecht and Auron nodded, looking at each other, than at Rikku. Rikku felt their eyes peering down at her, and she froze. She stared at the grass just by her feet, and counted the blades. In her head, she thought madly, O stop looking at me. What are you two thinking? Am I doing something wrong? Oh you two probably really hate me. Damn it, you hate me. Jeez... aw....
"I'll see if Braska needs anything." Auron said, starting to walk ahead. Jecht didn't say anything, and simply followed him. As the two entered the inn, Rikku's mouth dropped. She glanced up at the empty space in front of her, and turned her lip to pout, "Aw... they left me here." she said under her breath.
She figured they felt uncomfortable. Why should they be standing with her anyway? Deep down, Rikku did feel like a burden. As she stood there, she turned her attention to the moonlight. They were in Mi'ihen Highroad. Before she knew it, they'd be at Zanarkand ruins, and Auron would know nothing of her feelings. She was given a chance, and she wasn't acting upon it. "Damn it Rikku," she whispered to herself, kicking at the dirt that had clumped by her feet, "What's wrong with you? Now is your chance! You should creep into his bed when he's sleeping and-"
"Creep into whose bed?" came Jecht's voice.
Rikku froze. Her hand was raised over her head, and she slowly turned her eyes to stare at Jecht's confused, yet interested, face. Her cheeks turned scarlet, and her knees gave out. Again, she was flat on her face in dirt. "Aw..." she said to the ground, tears welding up in her eyes.
She could hear Jecht laugh. "Listen, I wont ask, okay? Just.. uh, Braska paid for your own room. He wants you to rest up and take a bath. You smell."
"Lord Braska.. said.. I smell?" Rikku asked, suddenly shocked. She raised her head off the ground just enough to look at Jecht's smiling face. He extended a hand to her. She took it willingly, a pout still visible on her face. It was that pout that made Jecht laugh even harder, throwing his head back. Rikku stared at him, her arms folded around her chest as she felt insecure. "No," he said, his arms at his waist, "I say you smell. Because you do, kid. You should wash up."
Her mouth dropped. Shocked. She saw why Tidus had hated him so much. She was a complete ass. She knitted her eyebrows together, but couldn't think of anything to say. Maybe he was right, and she did smell. He didn't have to tell her so directly. It was rude. Nonetheless, she walked past him, feeling both hurt, and angry. The fact that he continued to laugh behind her made it more annoying. She figured she'd hate him later, and just relax. It was what she needed. Relaxation. Peace and quiet. A nice, warm bed. She considered it as a treat, since technically, she has had no rest for weeks. In a literal sense, that is.
She entered the inn, and raised her eyebrows as the Lila woman was smiling at her. She extended her hand over the counter, and in her palm was a small silver key. "Your room is on the right. The first door. Lord Braska was kind enough to pay for your own room. You should be very happy." She said.
Rikku smiled. She was happy. Braska was as kind as she had heard. She had always known it to be true, but to actually experience it was something new. She wouldn't take it for granted. "Thank you." Rikku said, politely grabbing the key from Lila's palm, "To the right, you said?"
Lila nodded, not saying a word, but smiled really wide. Rikku returned the smile, and followed the directions she was given. To the right, first door. She could still feel Lila smile behind her. It made her a little uneasy. However, she figured Lila must be ecstatic, considering she suddenly had rooms filled, which meant gil in her pocket. Rikku knew she would feel the same if she were in her shoes.
I hope my room is nice... she thought, stopping by the door. She thought back to each inn she had stayed at before. She had either shared a bed with Yuna, and Lulu. She had never slept on the floor, but it was a bit uncomfortable to try and bathe with men very close by. She had always hated how Wakka would always fail to be polite. It wasn't that he had done it on purpose. He was too naive.
Her fingers grabbed the doorknob tightly. She stood there for a moment. She suddenly stopped thinking her room would be nice. Why would Braska pay so much for her to have her own room? As she turned the knob, and pushed the door open, a slight scent of lilacs hit her nose. Her eyebrows raised excitably, and she pushed the door open the entire way. The room was a small, yet everything was perfect. The bed was meant for two people, and covered in many pillows, and sheets. The curtain was open, letting moonlight set in, and already set by the open window was a tub with hot water. "Oh wow wow wow wow.." she breathed. She fought the urge to squeal.
Within that hour, Rikku stripped, and bathed. She had laid in the hot water, just up until her fingers were wrinkly. She had washed her clothes, also. When they had dried, she put them back on without hesitation. By the time she had grown comfortable in her bed, she guessed the time was a good amount past midnight. She laid her head upon her pillow, staring out the window. The moon was slightly covered by a thin layer of clouds. Luckily for Rikku, the stars were very visible. She caught sight of a big one, shiny brightly, not far off from the moon's left side. She watched it blink. Sparkle. Become covered by clouds, and then reappearing. I wish Auron would love me, she thought to the star, Can you do that? Can you make that happen? She wasn't going to fool herself, but thinking to the star gave her a sense of comfort. I wish you can make Auron love me before the week is over.. just.. make him fall head over heels in love with me. I want him to be with me forever. I want to be his forever. I want to be his little Rikku...
Her eyes grew heavy. In a distance she could hear the soft sound of a Chocobo. It made her smile, just as her eyes shut. As she drifted to sleep, Auron came to mind. He was standing just outside the inn, smiling warmly at her. She moved to him, and in one swift motion, his arm was at her lower waist. She was without words. A small smile was on his face as his lips formed the soundless words, 'I dreamed of you.' Her palms were pressed to his chest and her mouth formed the words 'I love you.' Just after, his formed the same. He leaned forward, breathing his liquor breath against her lips. Rikku had closed her eyes, and let her lips slightly pucker. She felt his hand pull her closer, pressing her hips to his. He bent them further, his other hand freely caressing her cheek. The soft caress of his lips grew closer, closer..
"Rikku!"
She opened her eyes quickly. Sunlight was peering in through her window. A hand pulled quickly at her blanket, and she rolled in bed to see who it was. Auron stood at the foot of her bed, his face worried and his breathing heavy. "Rikku. Get up. We need to head outside." he said.
She didn't question him. Only nodded. Moving out of bed quickly, Auron tugged at her arm. He pulled her out of her room, and through the main lobby. She caught site of Lila cowering in the corner, just behind the counter. The tears in her eyes caused Rikku to worry heavily. What's going on? She thought to herself, biting her lip harder than normal. As Auron reached the exit the Inn, Rikku head Braska's voice, "Auron! Stay inside with Rikku! I don't want her to get hurt!"
Auron froze in his steps, and glanced back at Rikku for a second. She looked at him, confused, wondering what he was thinking. Yet, the moment he turned back and yelled, "I will, Lord Braska!" Rikku opened her, "But I can fight..."
Auron pressed her against the wall with his arm, protecting her. She didn't fight him, only watched him. Watched the concern on his face. She felt horrible that he suddenly had to babysit. He was Braska's guardian, not her babysitter. Rikku pressed her lips together. She raised her hand, and despite the fluttering in her stomach, she grabbed his hand from her chest, "I said I can fight. Didn't you hear me?"
He turned his head to look at her. His eyes caught sight of her little fingers against his skin, and his eyebrows rose. Rikku noticed, but didn't let go. "Didn't you hear me?" she asked again, meeting his eyes directly.
He nodded, "I did hear you. But my orders are to stay inside and protect you. I follow my orders."
Rikku frowned. Just outside, she could hear Jecht and Braska straining. Against what? She closed her eyes for a moment, and listened carefully to the roars. "They're fighting the Chocobo eater, aren't they?"
Auron's hand stiffened slightly, and he looked deep into her eyes. "What?" he asked, curious on how she knew. It could be any fiend outside.
"Aren't they?" she asked again, tightening her grip on his hand.
"Yes." he said bluntly, and turned towards the window on his other side. He watched Braska and Jecht straining to fight the large fiend. His other hand gripped his weapon. He felt the need to aid them, but knew Braska's word was what he was to follow. "Auron?"
He turned his attention back to Rikku. He caught sight of her worried eyes, and lowered his arm from her body. Turning himself to face her fully, he looked down at her, "Listen. You have to stay in here, please don't leave this lobby. I need to help them. Someone brought a Chocobo close by last night. It attracted the fiend. I need you to understand I do need to help."
Rikku took in a deep breath. She saw the seriousness in his eyes. They lacked the stern seriousness he had when he was older. This look was more pleading. He was begging her to understand that he was a guardian, and despite his summoner's order, he is meant to protect his guardian, not her. Without word, Rikku moved to the window Auron was looking out of. She watched the Chocobo Eater slap Jecht against the grass, and Braska quickly casting Cure upon him. "Push it over that cliff." Rikku pointed towards the open area just right of where Braska and Jecht were fighting.
"What?" Auron looked at her curiously once again, eying the area where her finger was pointing, "What good will that do?" he asked, gripping his sword.
"Well, you'll kill it." She looked back at Auron. "Don't ask how I know, I just know." She said. Rikku looked into his eyes for a moment. She watched them decide whether to believe her or not. The nervousness in her lower belly had stopped. She was just as serious as he was. The last thing she could ever want would be Braska or Jecht injured because they did not know the proper strategy to killing the fiend. She wasn't allowed to fight, that was made very clear to her. Yet, Braska didn't say she couldn't share information. "It's the best option. It's probably your only option. You should do it now, before it's too late."
Auron didn't hesitate. He ran outside, sword drawn. Rikku watched him closely. Over the yells of the Chocobo Eater, she couldn't hear the exact words he said to Braska and Jecht. She did know he had mentioned her, as both Braska and Jecht looked in her direction. As they returned to battle, Rikku's eyes were transfixed upon Auron. She leaned against the cool glass, watching his every movement. He was just as skilled as she remembered him being. She did notice he lacked judgment. He would leap and attack before thinking. She saw that. Rikku reminded herself, he isn't old. He's young. He's just as naive as she is. Closing her eyes, she turned her back to the window, and slid down into a squat. She pressed her face to her hands, and started to think madly. She was afraid. Afraid they'd start questioning her the very moment they would enter the inn. What would she say? She didn't know what to say. She couldn't admit the truth. Lowering further than a squat, she sat on her legs. She pressed her hands to her stomach as she grew uneasy. Stop thinking, Rikku, she thought to herself, I'm sure it's fine. Really. Don't worry about it.
A loud shriek filled the air. Rikku's head shot up quickly. Lila's head had suddenly appeared from behind the counter, her eyes red and wet from crying. "Did they...?" she asked Rikku.
Rikku stood quickly, and looked up. As she peered out the window, Jecht was cheering, waving his arms in the air. Braska was rubbing his arms, smiling with closed eyes, and Auron was looking back at Rikku through the window. He raised an arm, motioning her to come out. She pointed at her chest, brow closely knitted. As he nodded to her, she turned herself to face Lila, "They killed the thing! You should be happy! Pass the word, Chocobo's can run freely around here now!"
She turned and ran out just as Lila had said, "Thank you very much! Tell Lord Braska I thank him!"
Rikku reached them in seconds. Braska and Jecht were beaming at her. "You are very well observed, aren't you, Rikku?" Braska asked.
Rikku raised her eyebrows, and looked at Auron curiously. He was smiling slightly, studying her face. "Yes," he said, "I told them what you told me. You guessed right."
Rikku scratched the back of her head. Suddenly his slight smile caused the butterflies to make home in the pit of her stomach once more. Her cheeks turned a bright shade of pink. "Ohhhh.. aaw.. well..haha." She smiled at them, and gave a small leap, "I try."
She felt Jecht ruffle her hair, "Good going, Kid." was what he said.