Sorry that it took me so long! Some stuff's been going on and well…I'll tell you guys after you read the chappie! Don't want to keep you waiting! Well without further blabbering I give you chapter 14!
Chapter 14 The Storm
Thump…thump…thump. Rikku was sitting on the floor bouncing a blitzball off the wall. Auron sat on a chair in the front of the airship looking out at the water. Watching the wave's crash against the dock. It had started raining as soon as they got there. So rain was sliding down the front window.
Rikku sat their still slightly shocked that Rin had not been the one to switch them. She was trying to think of how would have. Rin's words still ringing in her ears "Only someone who has mastered black magic could have cast such a spell." Who did it? Who do I know that may have cast such a spell? Well we ruled Rin out. Maybe it was Kimarhi. He's always acting all secretive. What happens if he just snapped? Or maybe it was Lulu. Her and Tidus may have gotten into one of those Truth or Dare death games. And Tidus dared her to switch us. Or maybe it was Seymour. Maybe Seymour came back from the dead…again! But why would he want to switch Auron and I? Man this is confusing. She fell back onto the floor of the airship and started to throw the blitzball into the air.
Auron was still sitting on the chair in the front of the airship watching the waves. Wave after wave crashed into the docks of Luca spraying water into the air.
It's endless. As one wave comes another follows spraying water up as it hits. There are only two words for such a think like this. Death Trap. So many people lost there lives at sea before we put an end to Sin. Its depths show no signs of mercy. NO sign of forgiveness. Is there even such a thing? Darkness. Hatred. Death. How could there be such a think like forgiveness? It swallows everything not giving anything a second chance. It's disgusting, never knowing if the next time you go out to sea will be your last. Never knowing when you kiss your family good-bye if you'll ever return. This world could be so cruel.
His thoughts wandered as he looked out at the sea. The rain had picked up, and was blurring the view. Each drop slid down the windshield, down the airship, and carelessly into a puddle on the ground. They sat there in silence for quiet sometime. Only the occasional squeak came from Rikku as she jumped at an unexpected clap of thunder. All of a sudden the airship door slid open to reveal a soaking wet Barthello.
"Hello Sir. What are you doing on the floor?" He asked looking curiously down at Rikku who was still sprawled out on the floor.
She sat up, "Never mind. When can we leave?" Rikku asked.
"Sorry Sir. But the storms pretty bad. Everyone's gone home. But we'll be here first thing tomorrow." He replied.
"Great." Rikku replied and plopped back down on the ground.
"What's exactly wrong with the airship?" Auron asked turning away from the window to face Barthello.
"Well the wings are still a little damaged, the engine needs a little work, and your landing gears a little shaky. But it should be pretty easy to fix."
"What time could we be out of here by?" Asked Rikku.
"If the boys are here by 7:00 a.m. then we could probably have you out by noon at the latest."
"Thanks Barthello."
"I'm just wondering, but where are you guys going to stay? I mean if you want you could come stay at my place. It's just an apartment, but you could fit." Rikku and Auron both considered the offer, but then Rikku remembered Barthello's obsession with her.
"No were gong to stay on the airship. But thanks for asking." She replied quickly.
"Oh, okay. See you later Sir Auron." He said, and then turned and exited the bridge.
"Hey he didn't even bother to say bye Rikku, see ya later Rikku, take care. What a meanie!" She said picking herself up off the ground, and walking over to where Auron was. Auron was once again facing the water. They sat there for a little while each wondering what to say.
"So um… who do you think switched us?" Rikku asked. "Personally I think it was Seymour."
"Rikku Seymour's dead."
"So what. He's come back to life before."
"He has, but why would he want to switch us?"
"Yeah…I haven't exactly figured that out yet." Rikku said, and then plopped down in a seat next to Auron. "Do you think we'll be back to ourselves for the wedding?"
"I'm not quiet sure. I'd like to say yes, but there's no telling when we'll switch back." Auron could see the disappointment on Rikku's face, and for some reason he felt upset. He hated seeing Rikku hurt. He regretted he had even answered. Some questions don't need answers. He had found this out during his pilgrimage with Braska. Sometimes it's better to act as if you hadn't even heard the question. But for some reason he couldn't ignore Rikku, he couldn't ac as if he didn't care. Because he did. He felt upset, helpless that he couldn't help, warmth at times, frustration, and maybe just maybe love.
"I'm off to bed. I need my sleep if I'm going to be up bright and early tomorrow." She took a couple of steps, but then turned back towards Auron. "You coming?"
"Yeah." Auron slowly pushed up off the chair, and followed behind Rikku. They reached the cabin, and walked up to the two closest beds. Rikku hurriedly climbed into bed and after a while Auron heard the rhythmic breathing coming from beside him. For some reason Auron couldn't fall asleep. He sat there looking up at the ceiling. He heard the rain beating the side of the airship. Restlessly he turned and finally fell asleep facing Rikku.
He awoke to find the rain had stopped, and Rikku was already up. He stood, and noticed that it was light outside. How long had he been asleep? The he noticed that he was much taller. He help up his hands and noticed he was himself. A vault of happiness shot through him. He then quickly exited the cabin to look for Rikku. He found her in the Bridge. When he entered he seen Rikku and Barthello talking. Rikku turned and smiled at him.
"We're ourselves again isn't it great? Rikku replied and ran over and gave him a big hug. Barthello says that the airships all ready so we can head back to Besaid."
"Good." Auron said, and walked over to the chair that he had been in the night before.
"Have a nice trip Sir Auron." Barthello said as Rikku walked over to join Auron. Then Barthello left the bridge.
"I'm so excited! I can't believe it!" She said planting a kiss on Auron's cheek. She flushed. "Sorry.
"It's okay." Auron replied he couldn't think what else to say.
"He got up and moved so that he was now right next to the window. Auron looked out and it was almost as if it hadn't rained the night before. The sky was clear and a bright blue. The sun was creeping up the sky, but he could tell that it was still before noon. He gave a slight jump when he heard the engine roar to life. He then walked back over to Rikku and took the seat beside her.
"Next stop Besaid. "Rikku said, and slowly the airship crept up into the sky. They took off, the trip seemed to be going quiet smoothly each happy to be them. Auron closed his eyes for a second, and then opened them almost immediately as a clap of thunder was heard. He looked out the window, and seen the sky was no longer a bright blue, but a deep grey almost black. He had never seen such a storm. The rain beat harder than ever, and the waves below wee roaring. The airship seemed to be nothing more than a leaf as it was tossed and turned. He looked over, and seen Rikku trying to get control of the ship. Lightning was everywhere, and he could tell it wouldn't be to long before the ship went down. He got up, and joined Rikku's side. Just then lightning hit the airship, and Auron was knocked off his feet. He got up the lights were now flickering.
"That can't be good." Auron said.
"No, no it's not. I'm going to go and check the engine room." Rikku said and got up allowing him to take her place.
"Be careful." He said and then she left the bridge. The ship continued to e flung around, and Rikku didn't return. Auron was beginning to get worried when Rikku didn't return. Then he heard her voice.
"AURON HELP!" That's all it took. He pushed a button marked auto pilot, and rushed out the bridge. He was making his way to the engine room when he came across the boarding door. It was completely flung open. It dangling dangerously. He got closer and to his horror Rikku gripping it with the end of her fingers.
"AURON!" She yelled again. The rain was beating hard, and the airship gave a dangerous jerk. Her fingers slipped a little.
"HELP!" She yelled. The wind was whipping her hair everywhere, and he could see tears gliding down her face. He didn't know what to do. "Auron please!" He then walked towards her. When he got to the door he dropped to his knees and reached out to her.
"Take my hand!" He yelled trying to reach her.
"I…I can't. I'll fall!" She replied. Still gripping the door.
"come on! You can do it!" She let go slowly with one hand, and reached toward Auron. Right when they're ginger tips touched the airship gave a jerk and her other hand slipped. He looked into here eyes, and only saw fear. As she began to fall.
"AURON!" She screamed, but her yells were drowned out by the storm.
"Rikku! Rikku!" He screamed as he watched her fall. He was completely helpless. His hand still reaching out to where Rikku had been moments before. Tears were falling as the rain stung his face. He was drenched, but he just sat there. He didn't care if he was wet. He had let her fall. He closed his eyes. He could hear her screams still ringing in his ears.
"Auron…Auron….Auron!" He opened his eyes and found he was still in bed. He was staring up at Rikku who was still trapped in his body. Then he noticed he was drenched in sweat. "You okay Auron?" Rikku asked seeing the worried look in his eyes.
"Yeah…yeah. Bad dreams that's all." He said. It had all been a dream. A nightmare. Rikku was alright.
"Well Barthello was just in, and said that the ships ready so we can take off as soon as we're ready."
"Okay." Auron said he was breathing rather hard.
"You sure your okay?"
"Yeah fine."
"Well I'll be in the bridge." She got up and he watched her leave.
"I better get up." He said, and followed Rikku a couple of minutes later. He entered the bridge, and found Rikku getting the airship ready for takeoff. He walked over and noticed. That the weather was great. Blue skies, there wasn't a cloud in sight. "It's not supposed to storm is it?" He asked.
"Nope suppose to be cloudless all day." She said, and continued pushing buttons.
It was all a bad dream. There's nothing to worry about. If a storm does start, just don't let her go to the engine room. He assured himself and then took his seat. The airship rose into the sky full speed for Besaid.
Like I said above. Sorry for the long wait, but so far January has sucked! Anyone agree. Since the 6th my dog that I've had for all my life dies 15 years old…3 days older than me! Then yesterday we get a call and find out that my aunt died! I mean come on…two deaths in one month. That's just great….well anyways that's what happened in January and in December it was just plain out busy! Anyways leave a review…please! I'd really like your feed back!
Bluemoon fairy