A/N: Whoa, I bet ya'll gave up on me updatin' this thing huh? I'm really
sorry guys, I've had a really bad case of writer's block, and nothing I do
makes it go away! T_T It's not so much that I don't know where I want to
story to go, I just don't know how to get it there. lol. Anyway, enough of
my rambling, on with chapter ten.
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Chapter Ten – Braska's Visit
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When Rikku emerged from the bedroom the next morning, she found Auron sombrely pulling on his long red coat. As he had told the messenger, he was going to head over to the temple to see why the High Priest had summoned him.
Rikku still could not really understand why he was so concerned. He had spent the entire day brooding about it, and eventually Rikku said she was going out to investigate her situation by herself. She felt too awkward to simply sit around in his house while he sat around worrying, making no sound with the exception of a mumble to acknowledge Rikku when she said she was going into town.
Of course she had no clue where to go or what to do when she was on her own. As Auron had cautioned her, she kept her eyes lowered and stayed away from crowded areas. After a frustrating afternoon of getting lost and achieving nothing but sore feet, she finally found her way back to Auron's house to find him sitting in the chair by the fireplace. He didn't even look up when she entered to see who it was.
As far as she knew, he hadn't even gone to bed, for when he finally persuaded her to take his bed that night, it had been very late, and it was evident now from the circles under his eyes that he hadn't gotten much sleep, if any at all.
"Auron…" She called softly to him when he opened the door, evidently about to leave without saying a word to her.
He paused, but did not turn around.
"Auron, what's the matter? Please tell me… What is it about the Priest that worries you so much?"
Auron bowed his head. He remained silent for several seconds before he turned his head slowly to the side, regarding Rikku out of the corner of his eye. "The High Priest… Does not ask for ones presence unless he wants something of him. He gets what he wants… Always."
"I don't understand. Is he really such a bad guy?" Rikku asked, taking a couple steps towards him.
Auron sighed. "He's a strong leader, and a wise one," Auron informed, "but he is also a very powerful man, Rikku. Those with power, use it. I have witnessed it many times."
"What makes you think he's going to ask something of you that you don't want to do?" Rikku inquired, although she had a nagging feeling that she knew of this event that was about to take place.
Auron did not answer her question. Instead he said, "I will return this evening. I recommend that you don't go too far from the house. And remember what I told you about going out in public…" He droned on, but Rikku could see in his eyes that his mind was preoccupied with something else.
"It's… Going to be all right." Rikku mumbled softly when he had finished.
Auron stared at her a moment longer, then turned and headed through the door without another word.
Rikku bowed her head as she heard the oak door shut behind him. It couldn't be, could it? Rikku vaguely remembered the old Jecht sphere she and the others had found where Braska had mentioned Auron being excommunicated from the temple because he defied the high priest by refusing to marry his daughter. Could this be that event?
She sighed. There was nothing to do about it right now. She sat down at the table and once took out the strange machina chip, prodding it idly with a finger while she leaned her face on her other hand. She didn't even know where to start with this thing. She was convinced that the palm- sized machina had more wires, buttons, and fuses than the 'Highwind' itself. Even if she knew what was wrong with it, she highly doubted she'd have the equipment or the knowledge to fix it.
Stupid thing. She was going to be stuck in the past forever.
There was a sudden knock on the door, and Rikku fell off her chair, startled and afraid of who was at the door.
"Auron? Auron??? It's me, open up!" Thank heavens, it was Braska.
Rikku, jumped up and went to open the door, then paused. The machina chip. Where was it? It was no longer on the table; she must have knocked it off when she fell off the chair. She looked around desperately.
"Hello? Rikku? Are you in there?"
Tysh ed!
Exasperated, Rikku ran to the door, praying to whoever would listen that Braska wouldn't find it before she did. She opened the door to see Braska. He wasn't in his summoning outfit, and he wore less elaborate clothing.
"Hi Rikku." He said when she opened the door. "Is Auron here?"
Rikku shook his head. "You just missed him, he's gone to the temple to see the High Priest. Aren't you supposed to be training?"
Braska sighed. "Today's my off day. I was hoping to catch Auron before he left. Erm… May I come in?"
Rikku bit her lower lip. "Uh, sure."
"Thanks." Braska said, striding over the threshold without noticing Rikku's hesitant tone.
"I heard rumours at that the Priest wanted to see Auron… I guess it was true then." Braska creased his forehead. "Did he tell you what it was about?"
Rikku shook her head. "No. He didn't know what it was about himself. Um, Braska, let me ask you something. Why is everyone so nervous of the High Priest? What does he do to people?"
But Braska wasn't paying attention. He was staring at something behind her. Rikku followed his gaze and discovered with horrific realization that Braska had found her chip.
"What's this?" He asked as he picked up the small machina up from under the chair where it had fallen.
Rikku's mind raced. "Erm… It's uh… It's a paperweight."
Braska raised a brow. "I'm a Yevonite, but I was also married to an Al Bhed Rikku. This is a machina of some sort."
Rikku scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "It's uh… a high-tech paperweight. It… locates paper…that uh… is in danger of… flying away…" Rikku drooped her head. 'Rikku you idiot!' She reprimanded herself.
It was clear that Braska didn't buy any of it, not that she expected him too. "Rikku, whatever this is, you better get rid of it. Auron won't be happy if he knows that there is a forbidden machina in his house."
"It's harmless!" Rikku protested.
"Well, it's your decision, but you better make sure Auron doesn't find your little 'paperweight', or there'll be trouble, you can count on that." Braska smiled and handed it back to her.
"You… Aren't going to cuss me out for having sacrilegious things or whatever?"
"No."
"You… Aren't going to tell Auron?"
"…No"
Rikku sighed a breath of relief. "Thank you. It means a lot Braska."
"Don't mention it." Braska stared at the object for a moment. "Uh…I'm no machina expert, but doesn't it look kind of …"
"Broken?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks because it is…" Rikku sighed miserably. "And what's worse, I don't know how to fix it."
Braska opened his mouth, but hesitated, as though trying to decide if he should say it or not. "I… know a man who might be able to fix it." He said finally, rather slowly.
Rikku's eyes lit up? "What? Really?"
"Yes… But I'm afraid he and I are on rather… difficult terms. You see, he was my brother in law, Cid… He never quite forgave me for marrying his sister…"
Rikku's eyes widened unmistakeably. Cid? Her dad??? She looked at the machina in her hand. She knew, that if there were only one person in the world who could fix it, it would be her father. She had never taken into account that her father existed in this time period as well. But she could not see him face to face. It would complicate things too much.
"So… What do we do?" Rikku asked.
"Well I certainly can't take it to him." Braska commented. "But there's a family friend that could. He's always been the mediator between Cid and my family. He's also leaving for the Al Bhed Home, where Cid is, tomorrow. I could give it to him and tell him to ask Cid to fix it. Would you like me to do that?"
Rikku hesitated. Could she really trust Braska to do that for her? Maybe this was a trick to confiscate the machina. She cleared the thought from her mind. Braska wasn't like that, he had married her aunt, an Al Bhed. She cleared her throat and looked up at Braska.
"How long before I would get it back?" She asked finally.
"A few weeks, at least." Braska replied. "Rin travels between Al Bhed territory and Bevelle a lot, so he could bring it back when he returns to Bevelle."
"Rin?" Rikku asked. She didn't know that he was a friend of Braska's.
"Yes. He's a travelling merchant. His merchandise may not be trustworthy, but he is, I assure you." Braska smiled. "Well how about it?"
Rikku nodded. "It's useless to me unless I can get it working. Please tell Rin that this is extremely important, and to pass that onto my fa-… Cid as well."
"Of course." Braska replied, taking the chip from Rikku. "Now, I must get back to Yuna. I shall pass this onto Rin tonight."
"Thank you so much Braska… Oh, how is little Yunie doing?"
Braska chuckled. "Much better. Her fever has dropped dramatically. I'm really quite relieved."
"As am I. I just know that she's a very special girl." Rikku smiled.
Braska returned the smile. "Thank you. Now, I really must be going. Please tell Auron to drop by later to tell me what happened, will you?"
"Of course." Rikku nodded.
Just when Braska headed out the door, he paused. Turning in the doorway to face her.
"What is it?" Rikku asked.
"You know… I shouldn't say this but… I think you're good for Auron."
Rikku, totally unprepared for the comment, was unable to hide her reddening cheeks. "Wh-what???"
"It's just… I've never seen him like this before. Yesterday morning, the way he talked about you…" Braska paused upon seeing how shocked and red Rikku was. "… Never mind." He said. "Good day, Rikku."
But Rikku still caught the grin on his face as he turned and proceeded out the door.
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A/N: Sorry Auron wasn't in it much 0_o He will in the next chapter, don't you worry! I know I've said it like, ten times before, but I WILL get these updates out more frequently! Hope you still like it!
And remember, I can never have too many reviews! ^.~
_______________________
Chapter Ten – Braska's Visit
_______________________
When Rikku emerged from the bedroom the next morning, she found Auron sombrely pulling on his long red coat. As he had told the messenger, he was going to head over to the temple to see why the High Priest had summoned him.
Rikku still could not really understand why he was so concerned. He had spent the entire day brooding about it, and eventually Rikku said she was going out to investigate her situation by herself. She felt too awkward to simply sit around in his house while he sat around worrying, making no sound with the exception of a mumble to acknowledge Rikku when she said she was going into town.
Of course she had no clue where to go or what to do when she was on her own. As Auron had cautioned her, she kept her eyes lowered and stayed away from crowded areas. After a frustrating afternoon of getting lost and achieving nothing but sore feet, she finally found her way back to Auron's house to find him sitting in the chair by the fireplace. He didn't even look up when she entered to see who it was.
As far as she knew, he hadn't even gone to bed, for when he finally persuaded her to take his bed that night, it had been very late, and it was evident now from the circles under his eyes that he hadn't gotten much sleep, if any at all.
"Auron…" She called softly to him when he opened the door, evidently about to leave without saying a word to her.
He paused, but did not turn around.
"Auron, what's the matter? Please tell me… What is it about the Priest that worries you so much?"
Auron bowed his head. He remained silent for several seconds before he turned his head slowly to the side, regarding Rikku out of the corner of his eye. "The High Priest… Does not ask for ones presence unless he wants something of him. He gets what he wants… Always."
"I don't understand. Is he really such a bad guy?" Rikku asked, taking a couple steps towards him.
Auron sighed. "He's a strong leader, and a wise one," Auron informed, "but he is also a very powerful man, Rikku. Those with power, use it. I have witnessed it many times."
"What makes you think he's going to ask something of you that you don't want to do?" Rikku inquired, although she had a nagging feeling that she knew of this event that was about to take place.
Auron did not answer her question. Instead he said, "I will return this evening. I recommend that you don't go too far from the house. And remember what I told you about going out in public…" He droned on, but Rikku could see in his eyes that his mind was preoccupied with something else.
"It's… Going to be all right." Rikku mumbled softly when he had finished.
Auron stared at her a moment longer, then turned and headed through the door without another word.
Rikku bowed her head as she heard the oak door shut behind him. It couldn't be, could it? Rikku vaguely remembered the old Jecht sphere she and the others had found where Braska had mentioned Auron being excommunicated from the temple because he defied the high priest by refusing to marry his daughter. Could this be that event?
She sighed. There was nothing to do about it right now. She sat down at the table and once took out the strange machina chip, prodding it idly with a finger while she leaned her face on her other hand. She didn't even know where to start with this thing. She was convinced that the palm- sized machina had more wires, buttons, and fuses than the 'Highwind' itself. Even if she knew what was wrong with it, she highly doubted she'd have the equipment or the knowledge to fix it.
Stupid thing. She was going to be stuck in the past forever.
There was a sudden knock on the door, and Rikku fell off her chair, startled and afraid of who was at the door.
"Auron? Auron??? It's me, open up!" Thank heavens, it was Braska.
Rikku, jumped up and went to open the door, then paused. The machina chip. Where was it? It was no longer on the table; she must have knocked it off when she fell off the chair. She looked around desperately.
"Hello? Rikku? Are you in there?"
Tysh ed!
Exasperated, Rikku ran to the door, praying to whoever would listen that Braska wouldn't find it before she did. She opened the door to see Braska. He wasn't in his summoning outfit, and he wore less elaborate clothing.
"Hi Rikku." He said when she opened the door. "Is Auron here?"
Rikku shook his head. "You just missed him, he's gone to the temple to see the High Priest. Aren't you supposed to be training?"
Braska sighed. "Today's my off day. I was hoping to catch Auron before he left. Erm… May I come in?"
Rikku bit her lower lip. "Uh, sure."
"Thanks." Braska said, striding over the threshold without noticing Rikku's hesitant tone.
"I heard rumours at that the Priest wanted to see Auron… I guess it was true then." Braska creased his forehead. "Did he tell you what it was about?"
Rikku shook her head. "No. He didn't know what it was about himself. Um, Braska, let me ask you something. Why is everyone so nervous of the High Priest? What does he do to people?"
But Braska wasn't paying attention. He was staring at something behind her. Rikku followed his gaze and discovered with horrific realization that Braska had found her chip.
"What's this?" He asked as he picked up the small machina up from under the chair where it had fallen.
Rikku's mind raced. "Erm… It's uh… It's a paperweight."
Braska raised a brow. "I'm a Yevonite, but I was also married to an Al Bhed Rikku. This is a machina of some sort."
Rikku scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "It's uh… a high-tech paperweight. It… locates paper…that uh… is in danger of… flying away…" Rikku drooped her head. 'Rikku you idiot!' She reprimanded herself.
It was clear that Braska didn't buy any of it, not that she expected him too. "Rikku, whatever this is, you better get rid of it. Auron won't be happy if he knows that there is a forbidden machina in his house."
"It's harmless!" Rikku protested.
"Well, it's your decision, but you better make sure Auron doesn't find your little 'paperweight', or there'll be trouble, you can count on that." Braska smiled and handed it back to her.
"You… Aren't going to cuss me out for having sacrilegious things or whatever?"
"No."
"You… Aren't going to tell Auron?"
"…No"
Rikku sighed a breath of relief. "Thank you. It means a lot Braska."
"Don't mention it." Braska stared at the object for a moment. "Uh…I'm no machina expert, but doesn't it look kind of …"
"Broken?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks because it is…" Rikku sighed miserably. "And what's worse, I don't know how to fix it."
Braska opened his mouth, but hesitated, as though trying to decide if he should say it or not. "I… know a man who might be able to fix it." He said finally, rather slowly.
Rikku's eyes lit up? "What? Really?"
"Yes… But I'm afraid he and I are on rather… difficult terms. You see, he was my brother in law, Cid… He never quite forgave me for marrying his sister…"
Rikku's eyes widened unmistakeably. Cid? Her dad??? She looked at the machina in her hand. She knew, that if there were only one person in the world who could fix it, it would be her father. She had never taken into account that her father existed in this time period as well. But she could not see him face to face. It would complicate things too much.
"So… What do we do?" Rikku asked.
"Well I certainly can't take it to him." Braska commented. "But there's a family friend that could. He's always been the mediator between Cid and my family. He's also leaving for the Al Bhed Home, where Cid is, tomorrow. I could give it to him and tell him to ask Cid to fix it. Would you like me to do that?"
Rikku hesitated. Could she really trust Braska to do that for her? Maybe this was a trick to confiscate the machina. She cleared the thought from her mind. Braska wasn't like that, he had married her aunt, an Al Bhed. She cleared her throat and looked up at Braska.
"How long before I would get it back?" She asked finally.
"A few weeks, at least." Braska replied. "Rin travels between Al Bhed territory and Bevelle a lot, so he could bring it back when he returns to Bevelle."
"Rin?" Rikku asked. She didn't know that he was a friend of Braska's.
"Yes. He's a travelling merchant. His merchandise may not be trustworthy, but he is, I assure you." Braska smiled. "Well how about it?"
Rikku nodded. "It's useless to me unless I can get it working. Please tell Rin that this is extremely important, and to pass that onto my fa-… Cid as well."
"Of course." Braska replied, taking the chip from Rikku. "Now, I must get back to Yuna. I shall pass this onto Rin tonight."
"Thank you so much Braska… Oh, how is little Yunie doing?"
Braska chuckled. "Much better. Her fever has dropped dramatically. I'm really quite relieved."
"As am I. I just know that she's a very special girl." Rikku smiled.
Braska returned the smile. "Thank you. Now, I really must be going. Please tell Auron to drop by later to tell me what happened, will you?"
"Of course." Rikku nodded.
Just when Braska headed out the door, he paused. Turning in the doorway to face her.
"What is it?" Rikku asked.
"You know… I shouldn't say this but… I think you're good for Auron."
Rikku, totally unprepared for the comment, was unable to hide her reddening cheeks. "Wh-what???"
"It's just… I've never seen him like this before. Yesterday morning, the way he talked about you…" Braska paused upon seeing how shocked and red Rikku was. "… Never mind." He said. "Good day, Rikku."
But Rikku still caught the grin on his face as he turned and proceeded out the door.
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A/N: Sorry Auron wasn't in it much 0_o He will in the next chapter, don't you worry! I know I've said it like, ten times before, but I WILL get these updates out more frequently! Hope you still like it!
And remember, I can never have too many reviews! ^.~