So I had a few people questioning the pairing in this. To be honest, it was supposed to be an aurikku. However, as it would turn out, it's more of a Seymour/Rikku in a twisted sort of way. But I am an aurikku writer and will end up getting to that at some point. Sorry to those who are reading and don't like that. (To be honest, I wouldn't like it if I saw it for real myself) But the way I see things, Spira standards are different. It seems as if the legal age is sixteen, but that's my guess.
Anyway, I know it takes forever for the pairing to come out, (normal in my writing.) but I don't believe at first sight, nor do I believe in "going at it" right away. (I like "wait for marriage", but this is fanfiction.) So with that being said, let's get started.
So anyway, sorry about taking so long to update. I kinda stopped writing when I found I was unable to upload anything. But as soon as I found I could once again, I rushed to finish this chapter. But after this do not expect to see any more until at least May. I will be going away this weekend to Boston. I think I'm ready. I can hardly wait!
Time for disclaimer: No matter how much she wishes, Gin owns no part of Final Fantasy X or the characters therein.
--
"Auron, do you remember me?"
Of all the foolish, crazy, asinine questions to ask. Auron had to wonder why she would... Then it hit him. The green swirled eyes, blond hair, the age fit exactly.
"Cid's daughter. Rikku." He exhaled the answer under his breath. He lifted his eyes from the fire and stared at her. He wasn't sure, but it almost seemed as if she was afraid of him. Afraid? That couldn't be right. Yet, there she was sinking deeper into his coat. His brows furrowed together in thought. Her words from the other night came back to him.
"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I killed them."
Now he understood why she would fear him. Jecht and Braska were his friends, and she thought she had been the one to kill them. He wondered why she would think that way. He stood and moved until he was towering over her. If possible, Rikku sank even lower. Auron leaned over and dug through the pockets of his coat. The letter he received weeks ago coming back to his remembrance. He opened the folded paper before throwing it at her. "You didn't." He said before sitting down once more.
Rikku scrambled to catch the paper before it fell into the fire or on the ground. She skimmed over it before reading it closer. Her jaw went slack as she processed this information. It wasn't her fault at all. She was no murderer. But what about the dream she had? She looked closer at the letter as if it would give her a clue to the meaning behind it. "I..I." She began earning Auron's attention. "I know this writing."
"Tell me who wrote it!" He demanded as he leaned in closer.
"This was written by Master Seymour's hand." She answered after a tense moment.
Auron scratched his chin in thought. He wondered what reasoning he would have for writing the letter to him. What was the purpose behind it? "Just what would he have to gain from this?" He whispered in thought.
Rikku shrugged before yawning. She was surprised she had been able to stay awake this long. But she wouldn't be able to last much longer. Her eyelids were feeling heavy.
"Get some sleep. We will need to get moving early before we are found. I will keep watch."
Not that she was going to argue. With a nod, Rikku tucked herself into the coat and went to sleep.
--
Tears threatened to run down his cheeks, but he held them back until he could be alone and allow them to fall freely. Cid clenched his eyes tight as he tried to control his breathing.
"Vydran? Are you alright?" A younger man stepped up to him. He sported a blond mohawk on his head and only a pair of pants held up by suspenders. His chest and arms were colored with many tattoos.
Cid raised his head to look at him. "Of course I'm not alright!" He snapped. "Do I look like I'm alright?"
"No, I guess not. But why are you so sad? Rikku is alive! You should be happy."
"Aniki, you wouldn't understand even if I told you." Cid turned away from the younger man and left the bridge. He needed time alone to think. Though his son was right. He should be happy, yet there was still a feeling of forbearance that hung over his head like an angry storm cloud. It would not leave him alone, no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.
He held his head high as he made his way to his cabin. No way he was going to let the crew see him so disparaged. The door closed quickly behind him as he entered. The lights were off leaving everything in darkness. It was now when they could not be seen he allowed the tears to fall.
His daughter: alive. It left a horrible sick feeling deep inside his gut. If only he had known. If only he had searched harder, longer. He could have been reunited sooner. But now he was faced with the dilemma of blaming himself, or to continue to blame Auron. He had known he searched all over the Thunder Plains four years ago, but it was so much easier to blame him then to admit anything else. How wrong he had been all these years.
A knock on his door sounded after some time. He glanced to the time machina sitting on the table. He had locked himself up for the past hour.
"Hey, gramps. You alright in there?"
Cid cursed under his breath. If Tidus was out there, he was sure Yuna would be as well. As normal he was right.
"Uncle Cid, it's been over an hour. We were worried about you."
He sighed in defeat before leaving the room. As soon as he stepped into the hall, he was bombarded with questions. "Hey, hey. Back off. Can't a man get any privacy around here?" He snapped.
"Not with the way you stormed through the halls earlier. Did you know half the crew was worried that we were crashing?"
"You're kidding, right?" Tidus shook his head before Cid relaxed. "Alright. I get the picture. How long till we arrive in Bevelle then?"
Yuna stepped up and answered. "About ten minutes."
"Well what are we standing around here yakking for? We have a rescue to make!"
"That's the spirit, Uncle Cid!" Yuna cheered him on. "Let's go."
The three of them ran off for the loading hanger. Lulu and Wakka would wait on the ship until they were sure they would be needed. But Cid, Tidus, and Yuna would be sneaking into the city. The ship landed in a field just outside the city proper and the three stepped off. Tidus took the lead as he was the one who knew the fastest way to get to Auron's place.
They stopped on the far side of the street when they arrived. His apartment was swarming with temple monks. The door hung open and his belongs were being carried out. Three jaws hung open in shock.
"What's going on? What are they doing?" Yuna was the one to ask.
The two men shrugged. "Can't say without asking. But we better get out of here before we are spotted. I sure don't want them catching me." Cid said.
"I agree. Let's get out of here." Tidus whispered before turning away. Unfortunately in his haste he ended up tripping over his own feet and drawing attention to them.
Two monks turned to them. Both of them raised rifles in their direction. "You there! What are you doing?"
"Uh, oh. I think this is the point where we should be running." Tidus said as he grabbed Yuna's hand and took off. Cid was closely following behind.
It was a good thing for them the monks were not good shots. Bullets soared passed them as they ran, yet never hitting their mark.
"We can't keep this up. We have to shake them somehow!" Tidus shouted as they ran.
Cid grunted before answering. "And how do you plan on doing that?" He snapped.
Yuna stopped running as the idea hit her. She forced her arm from her boyfriend's grasp and stood as light circled her.
"Yuna!"
Now that they had a non-moving target, the monks focused on her, however, they still were not able to hit her. The light reflected the shots before they fell harmlessly to the ground. The clouds broke above them as something emerged from them. Everyone stopped and stared in awe as a winged creature flew down and landed next to Yuna.
"Will you fight for us?" She asked it.
There was a slight nod of its head before it flew up and drew it's wings together. The air in front of the monks snapped before exploding. The men were thrown back by the sheer force. Their weapons were useless as the summon called fire and melted them in their hands.
"Mika will hear about this!" They threatened before running off.
"Wow, Yuna, that was amazing!" Tidus exclaimed as she dismissed the summon.
"Sure was, but we can't stay around here now. As much as I would love to stay and cause some more ruckus, the temples will be sending more men out for us. Back to the ship!" Cid shouted.
The three of them carefully made their way back making extra sure not to get caught.
--
Rikku woke up early the next morning. She noticed that she felt something warm and soft around her. It was so comforting and safe feeling that she refused to open her eyes. Instead she snuggled in closer to the warm feeling. A masculine grunt from above her stopped her snuggling.
"While I'm glad you are quite comfortable, I am not. Stop moving around."
Rikku's eyes snapped open when she realized just where the voice came from. Staring down at her was the face of Auron. She quickly rolled off his lap and to her feet. "I'm sorry." She said promptly. "Forgive me, I had no idea."
Auron did not answer right away. Instead he pulled himself to his feet to regain some feeling back. "With all the noise you were making last night, I had to do something so you would not attract unwanted attention." His tone was cold and uncaring.
Her jaw dropped open. The Auron she remembered was never like this. He was never this mean. "I see then." Her head dropped as she stared at the dirt ground. "I know I'm young and little more then a burden, but please don't leave me behind."
Auron hesitated, that was never his plan. Besides, even if he did leave her, it wouldn't help. He was already a traitor. They would be hunting for him as well. "That was never my plan." He spoke softly. "I'm taking you home to Cid."
He watched as she lifted her head and her eyes seemed to sparkle in hope. "Really?" She asked him as her arms were thrown around him. Auron didn't know what to do. He was not used to experiences like this. "Thank you so much, Auron." She whispered. "That means the world to me."
Carefully he pulled himself out of her embrace. He cleared his throat before continuing. "Yes, once we find Cid, you will be safe. He can take you home, and I... Well I will..." He trailed off not sure what he wanted to say. No doubt he could not return home. He was a traitor to Bevelle. If he were to take even one step into the city, he was sure they would have him put to death.
Rikku watched as his countenance seemed to fall. He had no where to go, unlike her. "You could come with me." She offered timidly.
His attention snapped to her face. She appeared so sincere in her offer. Auron studied her for a moment before turning his back. "I cannot." He answered quietly after some time had passed.
A hand reached out and rested on his back. "Auron." The hand was removed and Rikku now stood in front of him. She said nothing more in words, but her body spoke volumes. She pressed herself close to him and stood on her tip-toes to reach his face. Her lips softly kissed the very corner of his own. "Please?"
"Over here! They went this way!"
"You fool! You have just given us away. It will be your death if she escapes."
"We have no time. Let's go." Auron stated as he picked up Rikku and his sword before dashing deeper into the woods.
Seymour stepped into the clearing seconds after Auron had run out. He looked around knowing that his target had gotten away. He was not happy in the least. "Jemima, step forward if you will." He spoke calmly not giving away any indication of what he planned.
"Yes, sir?" The addressed man asked. His voice shook and his palms began to sweat.
Seymour turned his head back over his shoulder giving only the barest trace he was looking at the man. "You had been warned. Bio."
Jemima's skin took on a green hue and he fell to the ground feeling sick and vomiting wildly. The others stepped back not wanting whatever the man suddenly had.
"Let us move on. And this time I do not want any more outbursts." Seymour said as he followed the same trail Auron had made.
Jemima watched as they all filed passed him not even giving a second glance. The world around him looked green and sickly much like he felt. Blood began mixing with the vomit as the bile in his stomach began eating away from the inside out. He soon passed out after much suffering and died alone.
--
Five people stood on the bridge of the ship staring at different screens hoping to find something, anything, that would help in the search. It was Yuna that was the first to shout.
"Uncle Cid! I think we found something. The scanners have picked up something just on the edges of the forest. Two people being chased by a large group."
"Sounds like our mark. Alright, Aniki, take us in. And no mistakes this time!" Cid ordered at he turned to his pilot.
"You got it." His son responded.
"Do you think we can catch them in time?" Wakka asked unsure if they would make it in time.
"We have to!" Yuna said.
"That's right. If that really is my daughter down there, I'm not going to let her go without a fight."
The airship swooped down until it hovered on the edge of the woods. Tidus, Yuna, Lulu, Wakka, and Cid stepped off waiting for Auron and Rikku. They gasped when they saw Rikku was slung over his shoulder and blood coated the edges of Auron's blade as if he had to fight his way out.
Seeing the small group and ship, Auron headed straight over. He carefully set Rikku down at Cid's feet before dropping to one knee and gasping for breath.
Rikku glanced up wondering why they had stopped. She gasped seeing her father standing above her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she clung to him. "Father."
Cid leaned down and hugged his daughter. "Is it really you, Rikku?" He asked. She nodded as he held her closer.
"I hate to break this reunion, but we have company." Tidus mentioned as he pulled his own sword out in a defensive stance. The others were quickly doing the same.
Seymour stepped out of the line of trees and stood in front of them as about ten men stood behind him waiting for his orders. "How nice to see you all again, but you do not seem as happy as the first we met."
"We will only be happy when you are gone." Yuna answered.
"Yeah, that's right. There is nothing here for you." Wakka supported.
"I must disagree with you on that." Seymour said. His eyes traveled until they fell on Rikku. "I have only come to retrieve what is mine."
Cid glared daggers at the young blue haired man. Without meaning to, both he and Auron stepped in front of Rikku in a protective stance. "It will be over my dead body when you can get your hands on my daughter!" He warned.
"You will not hurt her anymore." Auron added.
The last four took places on either side of the men making a human wall in front of Rikku.
"Everyone be ready, we may need to fight." Lulu said to them.
"I'm ready. This time He won't be getting up." Tidus replied.
Seymour looked at each them them one at a time. He gave a small grin before two fire balls hit the ground in front of them. Tidus and Yuna were thrown to one side and were Lulu and Wakka. Now it was only Cid and Auron standing in front of him. He flicked a wrist in an upward motion and created an ice wall to keep the others out. He watched as they pounded away trying to get in.
"Now, I will ask again. Hand over what is mine."
"There will be no way we are doing that." Auron said as he held his sword out.
"Pity then. Shame it has to come down to this." Seymour closed his eyes as the word "Doom" escaped from his lips. Suddenly both men fell to the ground in pain. "I had hoped I would be able to witness that once more. Kinoc was such a bore when I did the same to him."
Even with his heart racing and chest heaving in pain, Auron managed to glare at the man in front of him. Even if he had changed since he befriended him, Kinoc was his friend. "You..." He hissed.
"Stop!" Rikku had pulled herself to her feet and more tears ran down her face. "You're killing them."
"That was the idea." Seymour told her as if she should have known.
She took troubled breaths as she thought about what she was about to do next. "If I go with you, will you let them go?"
"Rikku, no! Don't do it!" Tidus shouted to her through the ice. He began using his sword to try and break through and stop her.
Seymour glanced once to the blond before turning his attention back to Rikku. He looked the the men at her feet before smiling. "As you say." He snapped his fingers and Cid and Auron found themselves able to breath normally once more. "Now, time for your part of the deal." His hand was held out waiting for her.
Rikku hung her head as she took the first step. Auron reached out and grabbed her hand. "What are you doing?" He hissed so only she could hear.
"I'm saving your life." She answered as she shook him off.
"Rikku, don't do this!" His hands were clenched tightly. "There must be another way."
"I'm waiting, Rikku." Seymour reminded them.
"I'm sorry." She whispered as she stepped closer and took Seymour's hand.
"That's better. Now, allow us to take our leave."
Auron could not take it anymore. Fury took hold of him and he held tightly to his sword as he tried to rush Seymour. However, he saw it coming and raised his hand above his head to block the attack. A burst of magic lit the area just as Lulu managed the break through the ice wall. She threw spell after spell in Seymour's direction, but it was too late. Auron had caught the full brunt of Seymour's attack and was already flying back away and hitting the ground hard. Everyone else had to shield their eyes or risk going blind. By the time everything was cleared, Seymour and Rikku were gone. The ice wall had disappeared and the ground was littered with the bodies of warrior monks that had been hit by Lulu.
--
I have wanting to do that last scene since chapter two. Can't believe how much fun it was. But sorry to leave you all with a cliffy like that. But don't worry, I'll see you all once more in May. Toodles!
