Disclaimer: How can I say this? Not yet? It's wearing thin, that's for sure!


A Legend's Journey

Chapter 29

All of his life, Auron had had his earnings sent to the temple where he was raised and had the monks hold it in trust for him. After his marriage, he had sent word for it to be sent to him.

Auron was quite surprised when it had arrived in two very large chests with an escort of the monks themselves. He had no idea so much had accumulated, but after he thought about it he realized that little is used when most of your life is spent sleeping on the hard ground, eating whatever can be found.

He had made arrangements for Raine to be cared for all of her life in the event of his death. The villa in which they lived was paid for and she would want for nothing for lack of gil for as long as she lived.

Since Marin had approached him with the idea of training a force for Cortland, he had been thinking.

The way of the old Guardians was passing into history and there was a need for a new breed of Guardian: a new breed such as Marin and the Security Forces of the town.

There had been much comment on Marin's men by the visitors from throughout Spira who had attended the meetings with Raine. They had seen what could be done and saw the lack in their own cities and towns.

Thus, an idea had come to his mind. He did a bit of investigating and, when he was ready, asked Marin, Kimahri and Alsa if they would convene at his home.

Sitting around the kitchen table, Auron revealed his thoughts concerning the creation of a training facility in their town where other towns and cities could send their candidates to be trained in all phases of security.

He outlined his thoughts on the stringent requirements in character, ability, aptitude and commitment to the profession. The candidates had to be worthy of their time and effort.

Kimahri asked, "Where we do this?"

A smile played with Auron's lips. "Right next door. I've inquired of Theron and he is willing to sell for the right price."

The massive size of the existing building would certainly meet their requirements. Plenty of room for classrooms, weapons training, and a dormitory for the trainees to live in while they were in training.

Auron, Kimahri and Alsa discussed many aspects of such a facility – from the code of conduct and character requirements, to costs, to who would teach which phases of weapons training and many more aspects of the proposed project.

Marin listened. It was interesting, but his hands were full with running his department. He wondered why he had been asked to be there.

Raine too had sat quietly taking all of this in. Somehow she couldn't quite see Auron, Kimahri or Alsa actually running this new school. Finally when curiosity got the better of her, she asked, "Which of you will actually run this place?"

Auron's lip quirked upward slightly. "Marin."

Marin's head jerked up. What?! His shocked eyes snapped to the dark ones of his mentor across the table from him.

"Me?! But I -"

Auron interrupted. "Hear me out. You and Sten have the most experience and your men are extremely capable. Assuming that everyone is in agreement, my thought is to approach the Town Council with the proposal that our academy provide the town's security free of charge."

"In return, we get a solid cadre of men with some experience to provide the initial staff we'll need and we'll have a town in which to provide real-life training. If there are men currently in the Forces who want to remain there, they could serve as the basic force which would be augmented by our trainees under our supervision."

"It could work quite well in many aspects. By having the men come here to train, the various vendors benefit by the purchases that would necessarily be made – everything from haircuts to food, clothing and weapons. The entire town would benefit."

One side of his mouth ticked upward a touch, he said, "And we already have our first contract waiting. Cortland."

"The primary service we would provide is world-class instruction in security with the finished product being a fully functional, professional force."

Pausing a moment, looking at Kimahri and Alsa, he said more softly, "It is our responsibility to pass our knowledge and experience on to the next generation of Guardians. If we don't, it will be lost. It's up to us."

Silence followed as each considered Sir Auron's proposal.

Kimahri and Alsa exchanged glances. Having just made the very long, disappointing trip to their homeland, they both knew that their lives would be spent elsewhere. And Alsa knew that Kimahri would never again be far from wherever Sir Auron was so this was a good deal for both Ronso. They would stay active and involved, doing something they excelled in and enjoyed.

And, the point made by Sir Auron of the change in the role of Warriors and Guardians was well made. Their accumulated experience must not be allowed to wither and die. It had to be passed on to other worthy men who would continue the tradition. It was more than that. It was a Legacy they would be leaving to all future generations.

Marin probably had the most to consider. He had so much of himself personally invested into the Security Forces that he found himself reluctant to turn it loose. Then, as he thought further, he realized that his men would form the backbone of Sir Auron's academy, responsible for the much larger task of training security for most all of Spira rather than providing security for just one town.

He would have to discuss it with Sten, but thought that he too would embrace the broader challenge.

When he finally looked up, he saw Sir Auron looking at him as if he knew every thought that had come to his mind. Marin's face slowly creased into a smile and he nodded. "I'd like to talk with Sten. He has worked very hard and should be consulted. He deserves that."

Sir Auron nodded. "Sten is a good man and will be a strong asset if he's agreeable to join us."

They all seemed satisfied with the proposal, but Raine felt somewhat unsettled. The four of them would be busy from before sunrise to after sunset. She well understood Auron's thinking and reasoning. And, as always, he was right in everything, but she felt completely left out. She felt she had no right to say anything about what she saw as her selfish misgivings, so she kept quiet.

But there was another point that needled her somewhat. They were setting it up as an all-male institution. There had been female Guardians, hadn't there? Why not women on the security forces, then? She was unaware that her chin had risen with those thoughts that had also brought a tiny frown to her face.

Her eyes were downcast, focused on the table top as she thought. When she looked up, four pairs of eyes were looking at her. She looked from one to the other.

Ronso faces are naturally unreadable, but Marin seemed to be suppressing a grin and Auron's eyes had that certain glint in them.

"What?"

Auron's lip twitched as he said, "Out with it!"

"Out with what?"

"Whatever you were thinking that raised that stubborn chin of yours!"

"Oh."

Was she that transparent? She took a breath. May as well say it! "Didn't you tell me there were female Guardians on many of these pilgrimages? Well, why not on security forces?"

Now it was time for the four men to be quiet and consider.

Auron's eyes looked at her with interest. "That is a very good question. Why not, indeed! Character and ability are not the qualities of just one gender – as you have so thoroughly demonstrated, my wife!"

His head tilted a little to one side, he said, "Perhaps you could be responsible for the female candidates."

To which she responded quickly, "No! I will not be relegated to a hen house!"

There were definite sparks in her dark blue eyes. "If women are to take their place on the forces, they have to do so on equal footing, having the same instruction and instructors as their male counterparts, learning side by side. Otherwise, it will never work. It has to be a level playing field on both sides. Believe me, this is something I DO know about!"

Quiet reigned for several long moments.

Marin said quietly, "She's right."

Auron nodded and looked at his wife with respect and appreciation. "Yes. Definitely something to keep in mind. Excellent points."


The Town Council was very happy to accept Sir Auron's proposal as it would save them a great deal of gil and they would still have the benefit of the best security available.

The men on the Force were well pleased with the opportunity offered to them. Marin had chosen well when he selected them. They saw the vision of The Guardian and wanted very much to participate.

Auron purchased the huge building next to the villa. He approached Ren about contracting to do the renovations and adaptations required. He visited Harlan and discussed uniform issues for the staff and for the trainees. He discussed food needs with Nan and Anya, in particular. Nathan was contacted about weapons supply and Weldon was agreeable to come to keep everyone's hair neat and trimmed.

There were many meetings at the kitchen table setting up a table of organization, the curriculum, schedules, and a myriad of details that had to be decided upon and dealt with.

Auron left every morning right after a hurried, very early breakfast and didn't return until long after dark. He would get a quick bite to eat, get a shower and fall asleep as soon as his head touched his pillow.

Marin was everywhere, seeing people, directing people. Raine hardly saw him except maybe as he was going from one place to another, papers in hand, or working with Auron and Sten on something at the kitchen table.

Raine stayed quietly in the background as the months passed. She spent a lot of time with Dan and Daisy, just talking to them, feeding them their treats. On this day, she stood and watched the activity in the square, taking in the many changes.

Nan, Anya and Bana had decided to combine their businesses under one big tent and it was working well for them. Raine thought with a small smile, 'Spira's first supermarket!'

Harlan was in the process of moving his business from his tent to a sizable building Ren had built for him against one of the square's walls. He had hired several people to meet the demand for the uniforms and other items the academy would require.

Tanaka was in the process of making frames of what would become bicycles. Having seen the bike, people realized what a simple yet effective mode of transportation it was and wanted them. The smith had even worked out a solution for the tires. It wouldn't be long before he would have some ready for sale to eager customers who were waiting for them.

Even Carlon was expanding his barn and corral because more people meant more demand for his Chocobos.

Weldon was busy making the swords and other weapons that Sir Auron had ordered.

She sighed. She badly missed the good meals in the evening with Auron, the conversation, the workouts on the roof, the rides with Marin on the birds. There didn't seem to be a place for her these days. Even Auron didn't have time for more than a quick kiss as he was leaving.

One morning, just as he was leaving the table to leave, he noticed several small bottles of potions on the counter. He asked, "What are these?"

Raine answered, "Some things Julan gave me."

Auron asked, "Are you ill? Is something wrong?"

She said softly, "No. I'm not ill."

He looked at her for a moment, then turned to tend to his business of the day. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't know when it will be."

Raine just nodded and he was out the door. Her heart felt like lead as the silence of the house closed around her. She decided that she just had to get out for a while. She thought of the beautiful lake that was about a mile outside of town and decided that she would go there for a while. She wouldn't be missed, that's for sure!

She put on a pair of the new slacks Harlan had just made for her and one of the comfortable, loose tops. Slippers were exchanged for the boots she had gotten after the Cortland journey, her blade strapped to her back in its sheath and she went to the corral.

Carlon was no where in sight, so she led Daisy out and left leading Dan by his reins. She just couldn't leave him behind when she knew how much they both loved going to the lake.

Outside the walls, she looked around and saw nothing out of place so she guided Daisy toward the lake, arriving at that quiet, peaceful place quickly. She let the birds free to forage and she sat on the soft green grass beside the water.

Deep in her thoughts, she was unaware of the passage of time.

Much later, Carlon returned to the corral after helping Ren unload, sort and stack a large shipment of lumber and noticed that Dan and Daisy were not among the birds in the corral. He checked inside the barn; not there either. 'Marin and Lady Raine have finally gone for a ride. Good! It's been a while.' Carlon turned to his work.

The day was far gone when Carlon looked across the huge square and saw Marin entering Sir Auron's building. Alarmed, he dropped the bridle he was repairing and hurried across the square to the former warehouse.

The first person he saw was Sten. "Where is Sir Auron or Marin?" The tone of Carlon's voice told Sten that this was no idle query. "This way!" and he led him to the back of the building where they were looking over the plans for the construction of the dormitory section now underway.

Auron saw Sten rapidly approaching with Carlon beside him. Marin turned to see what had caused Sir Auron to stiffen.

Without preamble, Carlon said, "Dan and Daisy are gone!" He told them what he knew.

Auron froze for a second before saying in a low voice, "Sten, alert your men to start looking for her!" Looking at Marin, "Do you know where she might have gone?"

Marin thought for a minute and said, "Yeah, I think so. I'll go see. Sten, just check around the outer walls. If she isn't there, I know where she is." He, Sten and Carlon quickly left.

Auron's face was an unreadable mask. Raine had never gone outside alone before; she had always been either with himself or Marin. What could have possessed her to do it now?

He left the building and entered the compound of the villa where he was met by silence. She wasn't here, either. Where had she gone and why?

Inside, he saw the piano and slowly realized that he hadn't heard it played in a very long time. His eyes slowly looked around his home. It was empty. Silent. Without her in it, it was just an empty house.

He sat in one of the big chairs, thinking, absently rubbing his temple. His mind wandered back over the last few months. He realized that he had hardly said hello to her much less anything else. He had allowed himself to become consumed by the new academy.

He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, his mouth in a hard grimace. How had he let this happen?! Raine was the entire world to him and he had neglected her completely! The only way any of them even knew that she was missing was because Carlon had realized that Dan and Daisy were gone and Marin wasn't with her. And, it was Marin who knew the place she would most likely be found, not him.

The full realization of what he had done clawed at him, digging deeply and painfully into his innermost being. How had he done this?! HOW?! Raine was his only reason for being on this planet and he had completely closed her out for weeks, even months now. His breathing was labored and ragged.


Marin hurried to the town gate. As he made his way to the lake, he began having some of the same realizations that Sir Auron was having. His mouth was set into a thin, white line with anger at himself.

Raine was tremendously important to him. She truly was a sister to him. Since they had discovered that he was a year older than she, he had become 'Big Brother' and she was 'Baby Girl'.

He didn't have much time to fully berate himself before reaching the lake. He saw her small form sitting on the grass staring at the water, elbows on bent knees, chin in hand.

He quietly walked up to her and sat beside her, not saying anything.

After a few moments, she looked at him with quiet, sad eyes.

"Marin, have you ever thought about how I got here?" He just shook his head.

Looking at the water, she continued, "I had no idea that such a thing could even happen. To a rational mind, it sounds impossible. I mean, you're just sitting there minding your own business – and suddenly, without explanation, without reason, you're somehow zapped through time and space and just plopped down somewhere!"

She looked down and paused before returning her eyes to the water and continuing, "It would seem that all of your molecules and cells would just fly apart into nothingness or something."

Marin still didn't speak, just letting her talk.

Her voice was low. "I have no idea how I got here. Or why. And there is no way I can ever find my way back."

Marin was really concerned at the track of her thoughts. She had never before spoken about going back to her former home.

She just sat staring at the water for long minutes more before saying a bit wistfully, "I miss the ocean. Where I lived, I mean."

Marin finally spoke, very quietly, "Tell me about it."

She glanced at him before turning back to the lake. "My home was on a little strip of land way out from the mainland, right on the Atlantic Ocean. The water was wild, untamed! So very beautiful! Sometimes deep blue, sometimes gray. Always changing. Long white beaches as far as you could see in either direction. And the ocean breezes always blew bringing in the fresh, clean salty smell of the sea."

She was quiet as she saw her homeland in her mind. "There were great, tall lighthouses to help guide the ships through the very treacherous waters. It was even called 'The Graveyard of the Atlantic.' My ancestors were sailors, sea captains and fishermen who sailed those waters. I miss it."

Listening, Marin realized that he had never thought of just where her home had been, what it had been like. She had just kept all that inside herself. As far as he knew, no one had ever thought to ask her about her home, either. She had only spoken of the nation she had lived in.

He wondered at first if she was just suffering from a bad case of homesickness, but realized that it ran deeper than that.

Softly he asked, "Raine, what's wrong?"

She didn't respond for a time, finally just shaking her head slowly, saying in a very low voice, "I'm okay."

He slid closer to her and put his arm around her, drawing her to him. "You can't fool your Big Brother, Baby Girl."

Raine just sat, leaning against this very dear man for a time, the sadness she had kept inside for these last few months threatening to burst loose.

Marin had about given up getting a response when she turned to look at him with the saddest eyes he'd ever seen and said, "I'm pregnant, Marin."

A surprised jolt hit him at her words! Why was she so sad? He would have thought she would be ecstatic! And Sir Auron had indicated nothing.

Then a thought hit him. "Does Sir Auron know?"

A tiny tear escaped the outer corner of her eye and began to fall down the side of her cheek. A very low, small voice said, "No. He – he's busy."

Then Marin understood. The creation of the academy had taken over all of their waking hours and she had been pushed aside and ignored during one of the most important times in her life. None of them had paid her any notice for all these months in their busy-ness. He hated himself for being a part of her hurt.

He held her close and said, "I'm so sorry, Baby Girl! I'm sorry. I'm as guilty as anyone else. Please forgive me! I was so caught up that I -" his voice trailed off.

Raine sighed. "Marin, don't blame yourself. It is a very important project. It is something that will be important for many generations to come. I tried to stay out of the way, I didn't want to be a hindrance to anyone. But then when Julan told me -"

More tears escaped and dripped onto the front of her blouse. A large thumb gently cleared the path they were following down her cheek and a deep voice gently said, "Well, a few things have to change and change beginning now."

Daylight was fading fast. Marin said, "It's getting dark. We need to get back. Sir Auron has probably dismantled half the town looking for you!"

Her soft voice said, "He's pretty mad, huh?"

"No! He's worried sick about you!"

She sighed. "I guess we'd better go then. He'll probably have plenty to say when I get there."

But she made no move to get up so Marin stood and held out his hand to help her up. Seeing his hand, she took it and stood.

Looking into his worried brown eyes, she said quietly, "Thank you, Marin. You are my rock. I can't imagine how I'd make it without you."

Giving her a hug, he said, "I'm your Big Brother, Baby Girl. I'll always be here! Now let's wake these lazy birds and get them back to their corral."

A short whistle alerted the Chocobos and brought them to their riders and they returned to the town.

As they approached the corral, Carlon's worried face relaxed a bit. Before he could speak, he caught the tiny shake of Marin's head so he kept quiet. As he took Daisy's reins, Raine only said softly, "Thank you, Carlon." Marin just looked at him and nodded as he handed Dan's reins to him, then began guiding Raine toward the compound.

Marin wasn't quite sure what he was going to say to Sir Auron, but he had to say something. The prospect of having a heart-to-heart talk with someone he held in complete awe was a daunting thought but he had to do it and would have to live with the consequences!

By this time they had reached the villa. Marin opened the outer door and escorted Raine into the house.

Sir Auron was sitting in one of the big chairs, his face a mask of bleak anguish. The second he saw them at the door, he leaped to his feet and swept Raine into his very strong arms and held her tightly. When he finally released her, he looked into her beautiful dark blue eyes and said, "Raine, I'm so sorry! I'm so very sorry! I've let myself be caught up into something and I've neglected you so badly. Please, please forgive me! It will never happen again. I promise you that!"

Raine looked at him, not saying anything at first. Then, "Auron, I've always loved you. I always will. I tried to stay out of the way and let you do something that is very important to you. But, somewhere, somehow, you went away from me. You left me."

She continued, "Yes, I do forgive you. But, please, don't ever leave me again! I can't bear that."

Auron's eyes met Marin's and Marin tipped his head slightly towards the door. Auron released Raine from his arms and said, "I need a moment with Marin and I'll be right back." Raine nodded and looked at Marin and gave him a small, soft smile. "Thank you, Marin. I never knew I needed a big brother so badly!"

He returned her smile and just nodded, then followed Sir Auron out onto the grass of the compound lawn. He told the big man that he had found Raine at the lake and a quick review of her words, except one very important part which he would leave to Raine to tell.

Then he said, "We have to resume something of our former lives and routines. All of us have been running around, fully occupied with our own business and have totally ignored Raine and her needs. We haven't ridden or had sword practice in many weeks, maybe months – I can't even remember. We are all she has, especially you! You really are her life, Sir Auron. But today, the only friend she could turn to was that big yellow Chocobo she loves so much! I have made the promise to myself that this will never happen again!"

Then he paused a moment, "There is no way say how highly I hold you in esteem, Sir Auron, or to tell you what your mentoring has meant to me in so many ways, so it is awkward for me to say these things, but, for Raine's sake, I felt I must. I hope you aren't angry with me for being so forward."

Auron was quiet for a long minute before replying, "Marin, every word you have said is true. I have made some promises to myself, as well. Yes, as of this minute, we are changing our schedule."

He paused again before continuing in his deep rumble, "I would appreciate it if you could come for a meal and some sword instruction tomorrow."

Marin's face relaxed. "Yes, Sir, I would enjoy that very much. If there's nothing else, I'll go now, Sir Auron. It has been a very long day."

Auron shook his head, saying, "Good night, Marin."

Marin nodded and left.

Auron stood thinking for a moment more. He would never have thought that he was capable of so neglecting the one person on earth who was so precious to him, who was life itself! He would never forgive himself for what he had done. He was devastated to realize that he had never thought to ask her more about her personal home, either. He dropped his head just looking at the ground.

This woman had given him her unconditional love and had given him the home he had wanted all of his life. Long nights while he laid on hard ground, he used to think about the home he wanted so desperately, had tried to visualize it, but had thought it would never happen to him. But it had! And he had let something else take precedence of that long-held dream that had come to pass. He felt the sting of tears in his eyes and in his heart. 'Auron, you don't deserve her!'

He returned to the house to find Raine in the kitchen putting a meal together from the odds and ends available. He walked up behind her and wrapped her in his arms, resting his chin on her head as he used to do. She leaned back against him, her hands on the arms holding her, her eyes closed. They stayed like that for a long time.

Finally, Auron turned her to face him and looked into her eyes. "Raine, I love you. I have behaved so badly and I know you've been hurt because of it. You – you can't know the pain that that knowledge gives me. And I am truly sorry!"

She reached up and caressed the side of his face. "Auron, you are life to me! Please let's just move on from here and take up our life together again. I have missed that so terribly. I have missed you!"

He kissed her so tenderly yet so intensely that she was literally dizzy. His hands caressed her back as he held her, slowly moving down to her waist where they slowed even more, then completely stopped.

The kiss ended and his eyes looked at her slightly questioning. A soft smile played around her mouth. "I've gotten a bit larger, haven't I?"

Now his dark eyes were puzzled.

She smiled at his expression. "And I imagine I'll get larger yet."

Auron wasn't breathing. "I'm pregnant, Auron. In a little less than 5 months, we'll have our baby."

Auron's face melted. A laugh flew out of him. His breathing was rapid, matching his heart rate. "You – you're -" He grabbed her, lifting her clear of the floor, swinging her around and around, laughing.

"I can hardly believe this! I never thought I'd – I never thought -" And he laughed again from his very soul. The final hidden dream of his heart was coming true. Tears formed in his dark eyes and fell unhindered down his checks as he buried his face in her dark hair.


A month or so later, Raine and Marin were on the roof as Auron was putting his two students through their paces. After a time, Raine stopped and raised her hand.

Breathing heavily, she said with a sigh, hand on her expanding abdomen, "I can't breathe! Judging by the number of hits Marin is getting, I'm pretty sure I've lost that 'speed and agility' thing, too. I feel about the size of one of those Shoopufs Auron told me about."

Making her way to one of the benches, she sat. "I think I'm done for while. It isn't going to get any better for a few months, either. Sorry, Marin."

Marin just grinned as he said, "Well, it took a six-month pregnancy for me to finally be able to get the best of you! And I get to be an uncle, too!"

She grinned back. "Yeah, I can't wait to see you changing diapers!"

"Well, we'll have to talk about that!" he shot back.

She just laughed and said, "No worry! Auron can teach you how."

Auron, just returning from the kitchen below with cold juice for them caught only the last part, asked, "What can I teach him?"

Grinning, she said, "How to change diapers!"

Auron stopped dead in his tracks, the expression on his face priceless as this previously unconsidered fatherly task dawned on him. Raine and Marin laughed until tears ran down their cheeks. Auron didn't even glare at them!