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Hereyago!
Chapter 3 Trusting
Rikku and Auron charged into a bloody massacre. Yuna was summoning Ifrit, while Lulu, battered, struggled to perform blizzara. The group had been caught off guard by a powerful team of lightning elementals, complete with a large saber-toothed Fiend. Wakka and Tidus were sprawled on the ground, unconscious, while Kimahri faired little better, his blue chest heaving. The beautiful crystals of the forest were smashed to bits as the large fur- covered fiend tore after Lulu, his massive claws digging into the mage's slender frame before she could defend herself. Auron and Rikku raced to the battle, the elder guardian gracefully catching the wounded Lulu as she fell. She landed in his arms unconscious, blood trickling down her chin.
Rikku defended Auron and Lulu as they fell back behind the line of scrimmage. Rikku, furious, tossed several grenades towards the massive beast. Auron gently lay down the mage beside Tidus and Wakka, then relieved the wounded Rhonso with a tug on his furry shoulder. Drawing his massive blade, Auron managed a stinging blow to the Fiend before Yuna called forth Ifrit.
The mighty Aeon caused massive damage to the lightning elementals, destroying all but one. Rikku, Kimahri and Auron knelt beside their fallen comrades as the powerful Aeon did its work. It was short lived however, as the red-furred fiend dealt Ifrit its final blow, fangs imbedding themselves in the Aeon's neck. Ifrit faltered, fading away. Auron and Rikku returned.
Yuna panted, casting life on Lulu as Rikku smacked the Fiend with her claws. She screamed as the remaining lighting elemental shot forth a powerful burst of energy, jolting the Al Bhed to the core. Auron took a mighty blow to his side as the Fiends paws seemingly passed through his bracer, ripping at his ribcage. Auron grunted, stepping backwards.
Lulu, revived, cast Blizzara once more to the elemental, destroying it. Rikku, still shocked and enraged by the lightning, combined powersphere to powersphere, blowing the damn furry thing to Luca and back. It howled, managing one last furious blow to the dazed Auron It swung its unsheathed claws again to Auron's side as it ripped by his defenses, knocking the guardian down. Lulu cast Fira, and it was then destroyed.
Panting, Rikku glared at the spot where the lightning elementals had been. Gods she hated lightning. Glancing behind her shoulder, she saw Yuna casting life on the fallen guardians. Tidus rose to his feet awkwardly, followed by Wakka. Rikku turned to see Auron, also dragging himself up, movements stiff. His face was blank, eyes narrow. He pulled on his sunglasses and collar with his gloved hand, other arm vanished inside his scarlet jacket, hand and all.
Forced and steady, he spoke. "We should leave this place now. There is an Al Bhed shop about a day's walk from here."
The group said nothing, exchanging weary smiles. They packed up the blankets and bedding, then headed off in the direction of the cold snowy Inn. Rikku sniffed, and shivered at the thought of snow. She really should consider purchasing some kind of sweater or coat or something.
They walked on for the rest of that day. The forest was more beautiful than ever, a wood of frozen crystal. She walked beside Yuna, the two exchanging odd conversations and smiling. In late afternoon, Rikku turned around, looking for Auron. He's been a few feet behind all day. Past Kimahri, Auron was walking strangely, stiffly. His arm and hand were still hidden in his right side somewhere. Rikku slowed slightly, letting the others pass until she was beside Auron. His face was hard. He did not look at her.
She swallowed. "Hey… Auron?" He gave no reply. "Um… you ok?" Her voice was concerned.
He still did not look at her. "I'm fine," came his hard response, cold and unfeeling. He increased his speed until he was back with the group, leaving a hurt and confused Rikku behind.
Regardless, she stayed only a few feet from Auron until the air grew frigid. Dusk was falling, but that was only one small reason for the freezing air. They were approaching the frozen lake Macalania. And it was cold. Tyshed. Already, snowflakes were falling through the thinning trees. She shivered.
By the time the group had reached the Inn, there was a foot of snow on the ground. Darkness had fallen over Spira, but a thick layer of snow clouds hid the stars. They entered the nice heated Inn exhausted from the morning's surprise attack. Auron said nothing, but headed to a room behind the main area. Yuna frowned, concerned.
"What's the matter with him?" she whispered to Rikku. The Al Bhed shook her head. "I dunno, Yunie. I think I'll go find out though." She bounded towards the closed door of Auron. She knocked softly. There was no reply.
Opening the door an inch, she saw his sprawled figure in a chair adjacent to the bed. His glasses were off and on the nearby table while his gloved hand massaged the bridge of his nose. His face was grim.
"…Auron?" She whispered, unsure.
His eye rose from its position, only half showing below the eyebrow. "What?" He snapped, voice hard and cold. Rikku visibly started at the venom in his voice. She didn't want to be here, eyes stinging with tears. Why was Auron so angry with her?
He offered no relief from his piercing gaze. He was non-verbally telling her to get the hell out. Now. But she didn't. Opening the door further, she softly entered the room, using up vast amounts of her will power. Auron's glare and hostility was like a solid wall. Rikku needed to pass through it.
Approaching the swordsman slowly, his gaze followed her until she knelt before the chair, before him. His hand was still clutched inside his coat. She reached for it. He flinched as she moved, other hand grasping her shoulder, squeezing almost painfully. His hand… it was shaking, Rikku realized. As was his arm. Taking a deep breath, she ignored his glare and grabbed his other hand, reaching within his coat. She pulled it out quickly, into the soft lamplight. She almost made a face at the feel of it… it was sticky. She gasped.
It was covered in blood. His blood. His hand itself seemed uninjured, but it was also shaking, even more than the one painfully squeezing her shoulder.
"You're hurt!" She squeaked. Oh good Rikku, she thought. Way to state the obvious. "I'll go get Yunie, she can cure-"
"No."
His voice wavered now, eyebrows flickering. He didn't look so angry now. Rikku was confused. "Why not?"
He shook his head, eye not leaving her face. "Just… No."
She felt his hand on her shoulder loosen. Fine then. "Ok. I'll cure you. We Al Bhed can combine potions too, you know." Relinquishing his bloody hand, without asking, she reached to remove his collar. He did not move.
Auron's voice was pained now. "Rikku, no, don't-"
"Shhhh," she hushed, removing the collar, bringing it over his head. Then, she removed his hand from her shoulder, placing it on his lap. She removed the armored shoulder padding first, followed by the sleeve. She gasped again.
His black leather shirt was torn asunder on his right side, blood matted to his arm beside it. He winced as she lifted his smooth arm from his side, placing it on the armrest of the chair. His breaths now came out ragged and short. The mask of cold resolve he'd placed on that morning was gone, revealing his pain. She then removed his glove on his other hand, feeling his callused fingers beneath. She slid his other arm from his jacket, freeing his torso. Now. The belt needed to come off. That might be taken the wrong way. But Rikku decided that this was not like that, this was trying to help. With that in mind, she started to unbuckle his brightly colored belt. His hand weakly grasped her shoulder, gently this time.
"Please Auron… let me help," she said, voice clear and determined. She waited. He looked at her with pained eyes. He knew he needed help. But not from those he protected, like Yuna. He needed to be strong for them. Not like this. "…Please," She said again, hands on his belt. His eye fell. He nodded.
She gently pulled the man forward, and they met shoulder to shoulder as she slid the undone belt around his waist. His breaths were short and hot against her neck. Her fingers found the edge of his shirt… Oooo, she thought. Must not take advantage. Must not think bad things. Must pay attention to task at hand.
Anyway. Ahem. She slowly began to lift his shirt, her knuckles touching the warm skin underneath. No! Bad thoughts! Her train of thought was abruptly stopped when she felt the shirt tug, stuck to his side. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His hands gripped the arms of the chair tightly. Only concern flooded Rikku's brain now, her hand sliding up his flat stomach to the wounds. She began to detach the leather from his side. Auron suddenly felt dizzy, as his nerves sent screaming signals to his brain. He managed to remain silent until Rikku had completely removed the bloody leather from his side.
She brought the edge of his shirt to his neck. Dazed, Auron weakly lifted his arms to help the Al Bhed remove the shirt. He leaned back into the chair, revealing his top half. She stared forward as she tossed it aside.
The left side of Auron's formed chest was scarred, much like his face. From collarbone to top of his left pectoral, the dark pink line etched itself across his smooth contours. What happened to this man?
His low moans returned Rikku's thoughts to the task at hand. He had been cut, almost ripped, on his side. She remembered the Fiend attacking Auron. She had no idea it had wounded him this badly. Not that he TOLD anyone or anything. Gods. Stupid!
"Hey," She whispered gently, "I need you to get up so I can apply the potion." Still very dizzy, he struggled to comprehend, and stand up. Wavering, he applied his weight to the closest structure, Rikku. She helped him to the bed, sitting him down on the edge. His head fell forward. Rikku quickly ran to the water basin in the small bathroom, soaking a washcloth. She bounced back, and helped the injured man to lie down. She rolled him on to his good side, and applied the washcloth to help clear some of the dried blood. He gasped at the sting, wincing. Enough was enough, and let himself sink into darkness.
Rikku quickly applied her Al Bhed potion, and watched as it's swirling light healed the torn flesh and bone. Moments later, his skin was smooth and unblemished again. Not that she had seen it before… Bad thoughts, Rikku.
"Auron?" She whispered, but got no response. She moved around the bed to speak, but he was unconscious. And what a spectacular view. Ah, he was asleep. Why not.
She started with his feet. He still wore his heavy boots, the golden emblem glinting in the pale light. His striped pants adorned his legs, topped by a usually hidden, smaller leather belt. His abdomen was wonderfully fit, his stomach flat, rippling only where his muscles lined in rows. His chest was incredibly well formed, and that scar traveled its way up to his collarbone. His arms were lax, hands relaxed on the comforter.
Finally, his face. His expression was free of pain now. It wore the calm and peaceful look it had worn… was it only that morning? Days seemed like years on this pilgrimage.
Rikku was tempted to stay, but Yunie required thought. There had to be a way to save her!! Her mind began it's routine pattern, struggling to think of… something. She, lost in thought, was hardly aware as she turned off the single lamp, pulled up the covers, and kissed Auron on the cheek. She walked out of the room, pulling the door closed, going find Tidus. Maybe he had thought of something.
*** LONG. X_x goodgod. Eee… more?
-Spazkit
Hereyago!
Chapter 3 Trusting
Rikku and Auron charged into a bloody massacre. Yuna was summoning Ifrit, while Lulu, battered, struggled to perform blizzara. The group had been caught off guard by a powerful team of lightning elementals, complete with a large saber-toothed Fiend. Wakka and Tidus were sprawled on the ground, unconscious, while Kimahri faired little better, his blue chest heaving. The beautiful crystals of the forest were smashed to bits as the large fur- covered fiend tore after Lulu, his massive claws digging into the mage's slender frame before she could defend herself. Auron and Rikku raced to the battle, the elder guardian gracefully catching the wounded Lulu as she fell. She landed in his arms unconscious, blood trickling down her chin.
Rikku defended Auron and Lulu as they fell back behind the line of scrimmage. Rikku, furious, tossed several grenades towards the massive beast. Auron gently lay down the mage beside Tidus and Wakka, then relieved the wounded Rhonso with a tug on his furry shoulder. Drawing his massive blade, Auron managed a stinging blow to the Fiend before Yuna called forth Ifrit.
The mighty Aeon caused massive damage to the lightning elementals, destroying all but one. Rikku, Kimahri and Auron knelt beside their fallen comrades as the powerful Aeon did its work. It was short lived however, as the red-furred fiend dealt Ifrit its final blow, fangs imbedding themselves in the Aeon's neck. Ifrit faltered, fading away. Auron and Rikku returned.
Yuna panted, casting life on Lulu as Rikku smacked the Fiend with her claws. She screamed as the remaining lighting elemental shot forth a powerful burst of energy, jolting the Al Bhed to the core. Auron took a mighty blow to his side as the Fiends paws seemingly passed through his bracer, ripping at his ribcage. Auron grunted, stepping backwards.
Lulu, revived, cast Blizzara once more to the elemental, destroying it. Rikku, still shocked and enraged by the lightning, combined powersphere to powersphere, blowing the damn furry thing to Luca and back. It howled, managing one last furious blow to the dazed Auron It swung its unsheathed claws again to Auron's side as it ripped by his defenses, knocking the guardian down. Lulu cast Fira, and it was then destroyed.
Panting, Rikku glared at the spot where the lightning elementals had been. Gods she hated lightning. Glancing behind her shoulder, she saw Yuna casting life on the fallen guardians. Tidus rose to his feet awkwardly, followed by Wakka. Rikku turned to see Auron, also dragging himself up, movements stiff. His face was blank, eyes narrow. He pulled on his sunglasses and collar with his gloved hand, other arm vanished inside his scarlet jacket, hand and all.
Forced and steady, he spoke. "We should leave this place now. There is an Al Bhed shop about a day's walk from here."
The group said nothing, exchanging weary smiles. They packed up the blankets and bedding, then headed off in the direction of the cold snowy Inn. Rikku sniffed, and shivered at the thought of snow. She really should consider purchasing some kind of sweater or coat or something.
They walked on for the rest of that day. The forest was more beautiful than ever, a wood of frozen crystal. She walked beside Yuna, the two exchanging odd conversations and smiling. In late afternoon, Rikku turned around, looking for Auron. He's been a few feet behind all day. Past Kimahri, Auron was walking strangely, stiffly. His arm and hand were still hidden in his right side somewhere. Rikku slowed slightly, letting the others pass until she was beside Auron. His face was hard. He did not look at her.
She swallowed. "Hey… Auron?" He gave no reply. "Um… you ok?" Her voice was concerned.
He still did not look at her. "I'm fine," came his hard response, cold and unfeeling. He increased his speed until he was back with the group, leaving a hurt and confused Rikku behind.
Regardless, she stayed only a few feet from Auron until the air grew frigid. Dusk was falling, but that was only one small reason for the freezing air. They were approaching the frozen lake Macalania. And it was cold. Tyshed. Already, snowflakes were falling through the thinning trees. She shivered.
By the time the group had reached the Inn, there was a foot of snow on the ground. Darkness had fallen over Spira, but a thick layer of snow clouds hid the stars. They entered the nice heated Inn exhausted from the morning's surprise attack. Auron said nothing, but headed to a room behind the main area. Yuna frowned, concerned.
"What's the matter with him?" she whispered to Rikku. The Al Bhed shook her head. "I dunno, Yunie. I think I'll go find out though." She bounded towards the closed door of Auron. She knocked softly. There was no reply.
Opening the door an inch, she saw his sprawled figure in a chair adjacent to the bed. His glasses were off and on the nearby table while his gloved hand massaged the bridge of his nose. His face was grim.
"…Auron?" She whispered, unsure.
His eye rose from its position, only half showing below the eyebrow. "What?" He snapped, voice hard and cold. Rikku visibly started at the venom in his voice. She didn't want to be here, eyes stinging with tears. Why was Auron so angry with her?
He offered no relief from his piercing gaze. He was non-verbally telling her to get the hell out. Now. But she didn't. Opening the door further, she softly entered the room, using up vast amounts of her will power. Auron's glare and hostility was like a solid wall. Rikku needed to pass through it.
Approaching the swordsman slowly, his gaze followed her until she knelt before the chair, before him. His hand was still clutched inside his coat. She reached for it. He flinched as she moved, other hand grasping her shoulder, squeezing almost painfully. His hand… it was shaking, Rikku realized. As was his arm. Taking a deep breath, she ignored his glare and grabbed his other hand, reaching within his coat. She pulled it out quickly, into the soft lamplight. She almost made a face at the feel of it… it was sticky. She gasped.
It was covered in blood. His blood. His hand itself seemed uninjured, but it was also shaking, even more than the one painfully squeezing her shoulder.
"You're hurt!" She squeaked. Oh good Rikku, she thought. Way to state the obvious. "I'll go get Yunie, she can cure-"
"No."
His voice wavered now, eyebrows flickering. He didn't look so angry now. Rikku was confused. "Why not?"
He shook his head, eye not leaving her face. "Just… No."
She felt his hand on her shoulder loosen. Fine then. "Ok. I'll cure you. We Al Bhed can combine potions too, you know." Relinquishing his bloody hand, without asking, she reached to remove his collar. He did not move.
Auron's voice was pained now. "Rikku, no, don't-"
"Shhhh," she hushed, removing the collar, bringing it over his head. Then, she removed his hand from her shoulder, placing it on his lap. She removed the armored shoulder padding first, followed by the sleeve. She gasped again.
His black leather shirt was torn asunder on his right side, blood matted to his arm beside it. He winced as she lifted his smooth arm from his side, placing it on the armrest of the chair. His breaths now came out ragged and short. The mask of cold resolve he'd placed on that morning was gone, revealing his pain. She then removed his glove on his other hand, feeling his callused fingers beneath. She slid his other arm from his jacket, freeing his torso. Now. The belt needed to come off. That might be taken the wrong way. But Rikku decided that this was not like that, this was trying to help. With that in mind, she started to unbuckle his brightly colored belt. His hand weakly grasped her shoulder, gently this time.
"Please Auron… let me help," she said, voice clear and determined. She waited. He looked at her with pained eyes. He knew he needed help. But not from those he protected, like Yuna. He needed to be strong for them. Not like this. "…Please," She said again, hands on his belt. His eye fell. He nodded.
She gently pulled the man forward, and they met shoulder to shoulder as she slid the undone belt around his waist. His breaths were short and hot against her neck. Her fingers found the edge of his shirt… Oooo, she thought. Must not take advantage. Must not think bad things. Must pay attention to task at hand.
Anyway. Ahem. She slowly began to lift his shirt, her knuckles touching the warm skin underneath. No! Bad thoughts! Her train of thought was abruptly stopped when she felt the shirt tug, stuck to his side. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His hands gripped the arms of the chair tightly. Only concern flooded Rikku's brain now, her hand sliding up his flat stomach to the wounds. She began to detach the leather from his side. Auron suddenly felt dizzy, as his nerves sent screaming signals to his brain. He managed to remain silent until Rikku had completely removed the bloody leather from his side.
She brought the edge of his shirt to his neck. Dazed, Auron weakly lifted his arms to help the Al Bhed remove the shirt. He leaned back into the chair, revealing his top half. She stared forward as she tossed it aside.
The left side of Auron's formed chest was scarred, much like his face. From collarbone to top of his left pectoral, the dark pink line etched itself across his smooth contours. What happened to this man?
His low moans returned Rikku's thoughts to the task at hand. He had been cut, almost ripped, on his side. She remembered the Fiend attacking Auron. She had no idea it had wounded him this badly. Not that he TOLD anyone or anything. Gods. Stupid!
"Hey," She whispered gently, "I need you to get up so I can apply the potion." Still very dizzy, he struggled to comprehend, and stand up. Wavering, he applied his weight to the closest structure, Rikku. She helped him to the bed, sitting him down on the edge. His head fell forward. Rikku quickly ran to the water basin in the small bathroom, soaking a washcloth. She bounced back, and helped the injured man to lie down. She rolled him on to his good side, and applied the washcloth to help clear some of the dried blood. He gasped at the sting, wincing. Enough was enough, and let himself sink into darkness.
Rikku quickly applied her Al Bhed potion, and watched as it's swirling light healed the torn flesh and bone. Moments later, his skin was smooth and unblemished again. Not that she had seen it before… Bad thoughts, Rikku.
"Auron?" She whispered, but got no response. She moved around the bed to speak, but he was unconscious. And what a spectacular view. Ah, he was asleep. Why not.
She started with his feet. He still wore his heavy boots, the golden emblem glinting in the pale light. His striped pants adorned his legs, topped by a usually hidden, smaller leather belt. His abdomen was wonderfully fit, his stomach flat, rippling only where his muscles lined in rows. His chest was incredibly well formed, and that scar traveled its way up to his collarbone. His arms were lax, hands relaxed on the comforter.
Finally, his face. His expression was free of pain now. It wore the calm and peaceful look it had worn… was it only that morning? Days seemed like years on this pilgrimage.
Rikku was tempted to stay, but Yunie required thought. There had to be a way to save her!! Her mind began it's routine pattern, struggling to think of… something. She, lost in thought, was hardly aware as she turned off the single lamp, pulled up the covers, and kissed Auron on the cheek. She walked out of the room, pulling the door closed, going find Tidus. Maybe he had thought of something.
*** LONG. X_x goodgod. Eee… more?
-Spazkit