A/N: Man I really hate it when alerts aren't working. It's annoying. So here is a new chapter my friends. Sorry for the wait. It seems that I haven't been happy with the direction my stories are taking lately. I think I got this one back on track though, so expect more frequent updates.

Disclaimer: still don't own it.


Awakening

Spying on Auron and Rikku turned out to be pointless for Yuna and Tidus. When they caught up with the pair, the two were saying goodbye and heading off to different parts of the island. Auron was consulting with Braska about some unknown matter and Rikku went shopping with Lulu.

"I don't think we are going to find anything out Tidus" Yuna said calmly. "Why don't we go see if Wakka needs any help today?"

All in all, it was a calm day on Besaid, more so now that Yunalesca was no longer on the island. In fact, the more interesting events were happening miles away from the quiet little island. Yunalesca had not returned to Bevelle, but instead flew to the east over the great ocean. Belgamine's airship landed on a deserted grey island. Dust and dirt were only interrupted by a large mound in the center of the island. Yunalesca walked purposefully to the cave entrance inside and strapped on a gold bracer. She walked through the cave in confidence, any fiends were stilled by the bracer.

Reaching the end of the long paths inside the ruins, she entered a domed room, one she was very familiar with. The room was cut out of the same grey stone as the rest of the cave and was unimpressive. The only thing that stood out in the room was a small basin in the middle of the floor. Yunalesca walked over to the bowl and produced a vial from her robes, pouring the contents into the basin. A moment passed and the liquid turned the color or blood, illuminating the entire room in a soft red light. The High Priestess smiled and began her magic.


Meanwhile, three people on Besaid were discussing the actions of a certain Al-Bhed leader. Belgamine seemed amused by Cid's antics, while Auron was furious.

"Who does he think he is? Demanding his grown daughter leave her family here and marry a stranger?" he spat out, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well, she is his only daughter" Belgamine reasoned. "He's just trying to protect her in his own way, even if it seems crazy."

"We need to speak to Cid calmly and let him know Rikku is well taken care of here if she wants to stay." Braska said.

"Oh, I think she wants to stay." Belgamine grinned at Auron. Her female intuition told her that the warrior felt more for the girl than obligatory protectiveness. Auron had changed in the short time Rikku had been in his life. Belgamine noticed his whole personality seemed to be showing more. Her friend no longer lived in a world of guilt and coldness. Rikku was unknowingly returning him to the man she met years ago.

"What does that mean?" Auron said suspiciously.

"Nothing" she smiled. "I just think Rikku would rather stay her than go back to Bikanel."

"I'm sure you are right" Braska agreed. "Now, I will call Cid and arrange a nice friendly meeting."

Auron rolled his eyes. "Can't we just send him a-"

"Are you okay Auron?" Belgamine asked. Auron had stopped mid-sentence, looking all of a sudden very tired.

"I think I need to lie down for a minute" he said. "I'll see you guys later." Auron stood up and left Braska's house, heading quickly to his own. He had never felt like this before. The only thing on his mind was sleep. It couldn't come quick enough. He walked to his house, ignoring the woman on the way that called out to him. Once he reached the door, he stumbled inside and collapsed onto the couch, fast asleep.


Auron was suddenly in an empty blitzball stadium. The water was absent and he could only see lights overhead. Curious, he climbed the stairs to the stands and higher. He was at the top unexplainably in a matter of seconds. From his vantage point, he looked out to see a huge machina city. Thousands of lights from the buildings lit up the night sky and Auron blinked a few times.

"I must be dreaming" he muttered to himself.

"I'd say so. I mean, huge machina city?" came a gravely voice from next to him. Auron felt his blood run cold.

"Jecht?" he asked, not wanting to turn around.

"Yes dumbass" Jecht said. "Who else could it possibly be?"

Auron sighed. He must be dreaming. "What is going on here?"

"Just thought you needed a little wake up call Auron" Jecht said, moving around so he was facing Auron. The two men nodded at each other and Jecht folded his arms.

"So did you forget about old Jecht?" the former guardian asked harshly.

"What?" Auron asked. "Why would I forget about you?"

"Oh, I don't know" Jecht said conversationally. "I thought you and I had an understanding? I thought since you let me die, you were going to finish what I could not do myself?"

Auron froze at the words of his friend. "I have been-" he stared in a quiet voice.

"You have taken care of Tidus Auron. That's it. What about Kimahri? What happened to finding out what happened to our friend?" Jecht spat. "You were supposed to do what ever you could to find out what Yunalesca did! You got lucky and she wanted to marry you! How perfect was that?"

"Jecht you don't understand." Auron tried.

"I understand perfectly" Jecht yelled. "You fell in love! What were you thinking? What happened to avenging my death and possibly Kimahri's? You gave up a great chance to find out what happened to us because of love?"

Auron lowered his head slightly. He had promised Jecht those things when the dying man was inhaling his last breaths. Auron couldn't save him in time and now he knew that he was failing his again. "Jecht, I'm sor-"

"Don't say your sorry Auron!" Jecht bellowed. "Just do what you were supposed to do!"

His angry words echoed in the air as his body glowed red. Auron watched as the scenery around him changed. They were in the Calm Lands, the same place where Jecht died. Auron looked to the ground and saw his friend's death scene playing out before him.

"Auron, please" he coughed out. "Don't fail me." Then he was gone for the second time.


Auron woke up from the dream in a panic. His pulse was racing, his body shaking. It took him a moment to realize that it had been a dream. No, it had been an awakening. He had lost sight of his promise to Jecht. He had to do whatever it took to live out Jecht's last wishes. Even if it meant giving up the one thing in eight years that made him happy: Rikku.


A/N: ooo..sorry guys. I know you didn't want to see that...but stay tuned.