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THE THIRD GUARDIAN

Chapter 25

With tears of joy in her eyes, Raiel looked up into the laughing green eyes of her beloved Rin.

Raiel exclaimed, "E lyh ryntmo pameaja drec! Oui'na rana!"
("I can hardly believe this! You're here!")

Rin responded, "E lyh'd damm oui ruf rybbo E ys du caa oui, tayn uha!"
("I can't tell you how happy I am to see you, dear one!")

Freeing a hand which he extended to the Summoner, Rin said, "Lord Braska, it is a wonderful pleasure to see you again, sir!"

The beaming Summoner responded sincerely, "And you, Rin! Such a happy surprise for all of us!"

Hand now extended to Jecht with a big smile, "Sir Jecht! How very good to see you! I see the Blitzball is still in use!"

"Hey, Rin! It's great to see ya, man! Yeah, ya did a super job on it an' have we ever used it!"

Then a warm clasp for the Guardian in red, "Sir Auron. I'm indeed happy to see you! You're well?"

"Thank you, Rin, and you! Yes, I'm quite well - now that I have a beautiful mate to take care of me."

Rin turned to Raiel who held out her left hand. Seeing the slender gold band, the Al Bhed released a laugh of pure joy and again hoisted her clear of the floor in a huge hug.

"My greatest wish has come true! You know you both had my blessing?"

Auron smiled and said, "Yes. I had to ask Lord Braska what it meant - and it took me a while to figure things out, but I did. My thanks for making this possible, Rin. We are truly happy to be in union."

Rin's green eyes were moist as he looked at the pair. "That is what I wanted for you."

Then, shaking himself from his personal emotions, he said, "Forgive me! You all must be very tired. Rest a bit if you like and I'll finish the preparation of a meal for you. Then perhaps we can all talk."

A smiling Braska told him, "Rin, just seeing you again has rejuvenated me. We have remembered and spoken many times of our last visit with you. I can hardly wait to taste the delights I know we will dine on tonight!"

"I hope it will meet your expectations, sir. I will do my best. Now, rooms and rest, yes?"

"Thank you, Rin. It has been a very long, cold day."

After showing them to their rooms, Rin returned to the kitchen with a big smile as he reached for several more pans. He had work to do, not a lot of time - and he wanted it to be his best meal ever. He called for Ty'a, one of the staff, to come lend a hand.

In their warm, snug room, Auron held Raiel in his strong arms as she looked up at him with shining, happy eyes. "I can't believe Rin got here ahead of us! I am sooo happy to see him." A pause, "I thought - I thought I'd never -" Tears started to flood her eyes.

"I know, my love. I'm surprised, as well. Obviously, to get here as fast as he did, he badly wanted to see you. I'm sure he'll tell us about it at dinner."

He just held her for a few moments, then asked, "How about a good hot shower?"

She responded softly, "That would feel really good. I'm not sure all of my toes are still there."

Then, looking into beautiful dark eyes, she grinned, "Want to scrub my back?"

A soft rumble answered, "I was hoping you'd ask."

Later, the Summoner's party joined Rin and Ty'a in the kitchen as final touches were put on the meal, then they helped carry the food to the dining room.

Carrying a large, steaming platter, Braska sniffed appreciatively. "If smells are any indication, Rin, you've outdone even the feasts you prepared during our last visit with you!"

A big smile took up residence on the young man's face. "I do so hope you enjoy it, Lord Braska. It is a sincere pleasure to prepare a meal for ones who enjoy it."

Jecht said, "Man, ya just wouldn't believe some of the stuff we've eaten since we last saw ya! I don't even wanta know what some of it was! Like, Lord Braska here said earlier, we thought of ya lots along the way - for lots of different reasons."

Lord Braska had insisted that Rin join them so they all seated themselves around the table. The invitation had also been extended to Ty'a, but she smilingly thanked them and asked to be excused to attend to other duties.

Seated between her mate and her cousin, Raiel asked, "Rin, how did you get here ahead of us? We had some delays a couple of times, but I still don't see how you did it!"

He laughed. "Not long after you left, more staff arrived to cover that Agency so I made a fast trip to Luca. There, I located a Captain I know and booked immediate passage on his boat straight to Bevelle - and here I am. I hoped so much that I had gotten here before you. I can't tell you the joy I felt when you walked in the door."

"You have made me - well, all of us - very happy!" Squeezing his hand, she said again, "I still can hardly believe you're actually here!"

Jecht's deep sand-paper voice growled, "We stayed a couple of days with Jendo in Thunder Plains. Real nice guy! Konnor gave us a ride in the hovercraft across the Plains to a place near Macalania Forest. Oh, man, what a ride!"

To the great delight of them all, with his eyes sparkling brightly, the small boy in the Summoner just couldn't contain himself as he had to tell Rin all about his exhilarating, wild ride through the crashing lightning in the dark. "Oh! What an experience! I never knew that machina could be so much fun!"

Rin laughed. "I keep at least one craft hidden away at each Agency. That's how I got to Luca. And it's very helpful, especially in places like Thunder Plains, to shuttle staff and supplies. We've actually become quite proficient at driving in the dark!"

He added dryly, "I understand that there have even been occasional reports throughout Spira of strange fiends with big glowing eyes that fly by in the night."

More laughter, then he continued, "I'm so glad Jendo did that. I apologize that I didn't think of it and send a note with you with instructions."

Auron spoke, "You have excellent staff, Rin. We are much indebted to them and to you for helping make this journey easier for us."

Green eyes met dark ones over the shining dark head between them, exchanging a small smile. Each knew what the other was saying in that one look.

Raiel smiled at Rin, "I told them about that old hovercraft we rebuilt."

Laughing heartily, Rin, a natural-born story-teller, entertained them with tales of their escapades with the old machina and much more. Braska, Jecht and Auron could easily envision the two kids as he regaled them with story after story after story.

Looking at Raiel, Rin asked, "Do you remember what happened to the water tower, dear one?"

Eyes wide, she gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. "I had forgotten about that! I thought Cid was going to kill us with his bare hands!"

Beautifully descriptive and drolly humorous as only he could be, Rin told the story of how he and Raiel had accidentally deprived Home of nearly thirty percent of its potable water, leaving his listeners holding their aching sides, gasping for breath - even Auron.

Wiping his eyes as he tried to catch his breath, Braska said, "More and more I understand what happened to Cid's hair!"

A red-faced but laughing Raiel said, "It wasn't long after that that he sent us to Kilika for a while."

Rin looked at her and grinned, "And that's when you set the pier on fire."

Wincing, she said sheepishly, "I didn't mean to!"

More laughter as stories abounded.

And the Summoner's party told of their various adventures since they had last seen him, months in the past. Rin's mind pictured the stories they told, his heart nearly stopping at the monster's attack at Moonflow and the injuries suffered by Raiel and Sir Auron.

He knew both Lindor and Banon and Banon's mother Anna and would make it a point to thank them for their invaluable kindness and assistance when he next saw them.

In fact, he knew many people along the route of the Summoner's travel. Unknown to even Raiel, he had quietly served as his cousin Collin's liaison with them and had been instrumental in setting up the Al Bhed message courier system that was still in place.

Merchants and regular travelers, all with close, strong Al Bhed ties, had been the ones with whom Rin had done business in setting up, supplying and maintaining his Agencies. It was natural, therefore, that these same people, who easily moved throughout Spira without calling attention to themselves, would become the network that would help protect and save the Al Bhed people.

It certainly wasn't that he didn't trust Raiel. Quite the contrary! But, for her safety, he had never told her.

Word had recently come to him of whispers in Bevelle regarding Collin's mysterious disappearance, but they were only whispers, speculation. No one really knew anything. Perhaps he would have the opportunity for a private word with Sir Auron before he left.

But, on this happy evening, there were stories to be told, laughter to be shared and wonderful company to be enjoyed.

Later, they all did the cleanup, each enjoying it without measure. His 'part' done - the little he was allowed to do - Braska sat watching and listening to his three Guardians and Rin talking and laughing, a mental video recording every second that he would replay again and again during the remaining days to Zanarkand. They were still carrying him.

The hour was growing late by the time the sparkling clean kitchen passed their close inspections and the travelers were ready for their beds.

Turning to the tall Al Bhed, Lord Braska said, "Rin, the meals you prepare are nothing short of amazing! You have surpassed yourself and I hadn't thought that possible! Tomorrow morning, we must go to Macalania Temple and I have no idea when we will finish whatever is required of us there, but I very much want to return here for another night, if that would be agreeable with you."

"Lord Braska, as always, with greatest pleasure, I'll do whatever you desire. And nothing would please me more than to have the honor of being in your company for as long as you can. And, if it will help, there are two hovercraft garaged out back that can transport you to a point close to the temple. That will save you time and effort, leaving you more refreshed for your endeavors in the temple."

"Rin, that would be so greatly appreciated. I would be in your debt for that. And it will make it easier on my friends, as well."

"Then consider that the plan, sir. Raiel, you still remember how to drive a hovercraft, don't you?"

A big grin slid across her soft lips. "Rin, there are some things that are never forgotten!"

"Good! If you'll drive one, I'll show either Sir Auron or Sir Jecht how to operate the other. You can hide them before you actually get to the temple and drive them back when you're ready to return." Glancing at the men, he asked, "Will that be satisfactory?"

Auron smiled, "Imminently, Rin. Again, we are in your debt."

Quietly, the blond haired man answered, "None of you will ever be indebted to me, Sir Auron! It is so little that I can do to help."

Good night's exchanged, they returned to their rooms and a good, warm night's sleep in soft beds.

For the first time on this Pilgrimage, Raiel was up and ready to go before the men were. They had the luxury of a superior, hot breakfast prepared for them by Ty'a with plenty of delicious hot coffee that drew sighs of contented happiness from the four. Ty'a smiled at their appreciation and good humor, understanding the great affection and esteem in which they were held by her boss. There was just something about them that drew others to them and made them feel special.

Then came the part that Raiel had awaited with barely-contained excitement and anticipation: again driving a hovercraft! Auron won the staring contest with Jecht that determined the identity of the second driver and Rin was giving him careful instruction outside in the icy cold morning.

After several short runs back and forth in front of the Agency, Rin declared him ready, supplying Raiel with a hand-drawn map of the route into a deep ice canyon that would take them to the aerial pathway to the entrance of the temple.

As the more experienced driver, Raiel would lead carrying Lord Braska, Auron following with Jecht. Starting her machine and letting the engine smoothly spool up, she maneuvered the controls and the craft rose gracefully from the ground.

A last wave to Rin, she glanced back at her mate, an irrepressible grin on her face as she led off with Lord Braska seated behind her, a huge grin on his own face as he was already anticipating the ride.

Even under the most arduous torture, Auron never would have admitted to the total thrill he was experiencing by actually operating the forbidden machina, but the enormous grin on his face would give away his secret to anyone who saw it. Only his loving mate saw it as the wide eyes of both Lord Braska and Jecht were focused forward as they zipped down the winding path through the trees.

Though she knew the machine was easily capable of a great deal more speed, Raiel deliberately kept the speed down to give Auron time to gain some experience with the unfamiliar craft. Even so, it was plenty fast enough to give the three men a thrill as the trees flashed by on either side of them.

Near the edge of the Forest, she eased the craft to a stop and looked back at Auron. "We'll be in the open until after we cross the lake and we don't want Guado eyes to see us. Ready to see how fast it'll go?"

A great booming laugh escaped her mate's throat that he was totally unable to restrain! She laughed, throttled up and let the speed continue to rapidly build, keeping an eye on the craft behind her, until they were absolutely flying as they crossed the very wide, open space of the snow-field and lake.

She didn't reduce speed until they were near where she thought the entrance to the ice canyon should be. Bringing her machine to a stop and letting it idle a moment while she checked the map, she picked up on an odd shadow in the snow pattern and knew that was it.

A quick look at Lord Braska's sparkling blue eyes in his widely-smiling face, another at Jecht then Auron, she nodded to her grinning mate and they began throttling up allowing the two craft to gently rise. Then only advancing the throttles until they reached a moderate speed at which Raiel felt safe navigating the often narrow icy ledge of the canyon, they began the descent into the blue-white iciness.

They steadily descended until even the sun's light was diffused, giving everything around them a bluish cast as the available light was absorbed by, then reflected by the ice that surrounded them. Seeing what she thought was the beginning of the upward spiraling path, Raiel began easing back on the throttle, looking for a place in which to hide their machines.

Auron called out to her, pointing to something he had spotted. "Raiel! Over there!"

Nodding, she guided her machine slowly into the small copse of trees he had indicated and let it sink into the snow. The clearing was just large enough to accommodate the two craft and their low profile, especially at rest in the deep snow in the copse, would keep them hidden from any but the most searching eyes.

Lord Braska grabbed her up in an exuberant hug, laughing. "Dear Raiel, you are magnificent!"

Laughing with him, she said, "Lord Braska, I grew up with these machines. Not a whole lot of difference between dry snow and dry sand, if you think about it. 'Cept snow won't wear parts like sand will. Less maintenance would be required here."

Dismounting from their machine, Auron and Jecht wore matching wide smiles. Seeing the three faces before her, Raiel laughed and commented, "The temple guards will probably note that this is the happiest Summoner's party they've ever seen!"

Braska's smile never wavered as he laughingly said, "Let them wonder, then! Give them something to break up their boredom. We are, after all, a Yevonite Summoner's party, are we not?"

This brought chuckles from his Guardians.

Jecht, face still flushed from the ride, asked Raiel, "Tell me again - how old ya were when ya started drivin' these things?"

She thought for a moment. "About five, I think. Four or five."

He let out a hoot. "Tidus is nearly seven and I don't think he can tie his shoes yet!"

Still smiling, Auron brought the group back to the present. "Are we ready? We should move on. Don't want to be caught in the dark going back."

They collectively took a deep breath and moved toward the walkway that would lead them to the temple entrance. Stepping onto the upward-spiraling path of ice, Raiel briefly closed her eyes as she muttered to herself, "No handrails. Great."

Auron asked, "What, my love?"

"Nothing."

Seeing her obvious discomfort on the slick pathway, Auron shortened his stride considerably, allowing her to keep pace with the rest of the party. Braska and Jecht also kept an eye on her, ready to grab her if she started to slip.

About a third of the way to the top, her lips a thin, white line in her face, her breath uneasy, she finally unsheathed her blade and held it firmly in a point-down position. Glancing back at her, then doing a double-take, Auron stopped and asked, "Raiel? What are you doing?"

"A piton."

"A pi-" He studied her white, determined face for a moment. "Love, you aren't going to fall. Besides, aren't you afraid that you'd crack the ice stabbing your sword into it?"

"No, I'm not afraid of cracking the ice, Auron; it must be ten feet thick. And I know I'm not going to fall. Got a piton to hang onto."

Auron's eyes closed and he took a deep breath. "Come on, Raiel. Give me your hand."

"No. If I do fall, I don't want to take you with me."

"Raiel, -"

"Just walk, Auron! It's freezing up here! I can't even feel my feet anymore. I wouldn't even know I was sliding until it was too late."

Auron glanced at Lord Braska's face, then did a double-take on him. Surely he's not afraid, too! Then he caught the far-away look in his expression as a small smile crossed his face.

Smiling, the Summoner said, "I've received several offers of help. Raiel, would you like to continue walking, would you like to ride or would you like to fly?"

The smallest Guardian turned to look at him in astonishment, mouth slightly agape. Finally realizing that he was serious, in spite of the huge smile on his face, an amazed half-laugh escaped her. "Can Ixion walk on ice? Without sliding, that is?"

"He is of that opinion."

"But - he's never actually - tried it."

"No, I don't believe he has."

Raiel dared to peek off the side of the winding pathway then slammed both lids shut, her face turning even whiter.

"Lord Braska, please tell - tell Ixion that I love him for his offer but - but - if Valefor can carry me, I think it'll be faster to fly."

"Ixion understands perfectly, my dear. He hopes there will another opportunity to give you a ride, one that you can actually remember and enjoy, he said!"

A moment later, beautiful Valefor swooped down from the sky and lightly landed in front of the Summoner. "Thank you, Valefor. You are so kind to help our friend."

The Aeon made a small sound then turned crystal-clear, light-green eyes on the small human who was standing before her, both hands tucked beneath her chin, looking at her with big eyes, an uncertain expression on her face. Undetectable to the humans, the Aeon smiled; she remembered what it was like to be frightened.

Auron had a very strange expression on his face, but he lifted his mate onto the soft feathers down the Aeon's back and looked deeply into her eyes before removing his hands from her waist. "We'll see you shortly, my love."

No longer capable of speaking, Raiel just nodded as she got a firm grip onto the Aeon, hardly believing what she was about to do. Valefor glanced at the Summoner who smiled and nodded.

Extending massively powerful wings, the beautiful creature lifted into the air, soaring high in scant seconds, then swept toward the entrance of the temple, her small passenger barely visible.

In only several moments, Valefor prepared herself for landing on the snow-covered approach in front of the temple door and, feet touching down softy, she folded her wings. She turned to look at the human holding onto her so tightly and, had her Aeon face been capable of it, a sweet, gentle smile would have been present.

Sliding down from the soft feathers, Raiel looked up into the light green eyes looking into hers and extended her hand. Valefor lowered her head as slightly quavering fingers gently caressed the side of the Aeon's face.

The two, human and mystical Aeon, wordlessly connected in an almost spiritual sense, each instantly understanding the heart of the other.

Smiling gently, Raiel said softly, "Thank you, Valefor. I was so frightened. I can never repay you for your kindness."

Valefor remained for several moments as her beautiful feathers were stroked, then she looked into the distance at her Summoner. A last look at Raiel as she made a quiet sound to her, Valefor spread her mighty wings and disappeared.

Alone in the silence, Raiel shook her head. The whole experience was so surreal she wasn't entirely sure that she wasn't dreaming this. But her eyes made out three figures making their way up the icy path to where she stood.

Then a feeling of embarrassment began to build in her until it nearly reached the level of mortification as she watched Auron, Lord Braska and Jecht get closer and closer. How could she face them again? She had made a fool of herself; they would never respect her again and she couldn't blame them! She had never known a situation that she couldn't force herself through to completion. But, then again, she had never before found herself so high in the air without the security of side railings!

She couldn't imagine how she was going to explain her failure to Au -

The ornate door of the temple opened and a heavily dressed Guado guard stood looking at her. "Who are you?" he asked irritably.

"I'm a Guardian for Summoner Lord Braska."

"And you're here, alone?"

"For the moment, yes."

"You left the one you are sworn to protect, didn't stay with him? Very odd behavior for a Guardian, wouldn't you say?"

"I don't say anything. They will be here shortly."

"How did you get here so far in advance of them?"

Fed up with his incessant questioning, her temper flared and she said hotly, "I FLEW! OKAY? ON A GREAT BIG PINK BIRD! Got any more questions, Woody?"

Somewhat startled by the woman's fiery response, the guard just looked at her with wide eyes, shook his head and stepped back into the security of the temple, closing the door after himself. A pink -?

Raiel's robust response carried easily on the clear, cold air, reaching the ears of the three men making their way toward her.

Jecht chuckled, "Uh-oh. Sounds like somebody's gettin' on Raiel's short-side up there!"

Lord Braska laughed, "Then I pity whoever it might be."

Auron said nothing but stretched out his long legs, picking up the pace considerably, hoping he wouldn't have to get his mate out of a temple cell when he got there.