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Chapter 11 Return to Me…
Auron stared out unto Bevelle. From here, the large buildings were streaked and blurred as the airship made it's decent into the busy city. The fierce wind bit his partially exposed face, his cloak flapping nosily. He was gathered with the others on the shining deck, awaiting the moment when they would jump. Then they would save Yuna… and continue on to Zanarkand. To save Spira… again. The man held his pain in check. It was time to do his duty, pointless and painful as it might be. He only wanted peace now, because Rikku... No matter. He sighed soundlessly, his powerful hand caressing the grip of his mighty blade as it rested across his broad shoulder.
Explosions rocked the ship. "I can't get any closer! Go now!" commanded Cid through the speaker as the fire and light of weaponry grew closer. Tidus was practically falling over the guardrail, so eager was the teenager to get to his summoner. Lulu grabbed the back of his hood and yanked the boy back as the ship grumbled and shook, spitting its anchored chains to the city. The heavy metal chewed deep into the stone buildings, securing the ship to the city itself.
The team slid fearlessly on the cables, holding their balance as they flew like hawks, to the capital of Bevelle… where a most disturbing wedding was taking place.
Auron slid gracefully on the thick cables, head bent low to his chest. His feather attached to his armored shoulder flicked violently as they increased speed, their destination growing ever nearer. Auron felt the cable shudder beneath his boots. Knowing what was coming, he lifted his body into the air, leaping from the wire as it gave way, snapping in the wind. The swordsman thudded heavily upon a building's gray rooftop, rolling as he landed to take away momentum. He stood, grasping his sword. There up ahead… a precession was taking place.
A long parade of people marched to the top of Bevelle's capital building. First were a troop of hooded priests or followers of some sort, long green robes flanking their bodies with the symbol of Yevon etched in gold on their backs. Next came armed guards, followed by a grand priest, his tall staff towering above his elderly body. And there… there was Yuna.
Draped in a flowing white gown, she walked beside the satin-clad guard. Her face was grim, eyes downward as she marched to the top of the seemingly endless set of stairs. Her arm was held still by non other than the dead maestor Seymour.
Tidus raced towards the procession, followed closely by the other guardians. So close! Trailing the parade, they were forced still when the guards turned to face the intruders, baring non other than… guns. Machina. Forbidden Machina. Wakka gasped in disbelief. Tidus roared, his voice grating. "Yuna!!!" He cried, as he prepared to charge the entourage, regardless of their weaponry. Auron grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Is that not the machina so forbidden by Yevon, Seymour?" Inquired Auron, his voice monotone. No one heard the maestor's reply, for the guards began their assault upon the guardians. Bullets to blades, the party survived on high potions and their enraged overdrives to make it to their summoner. Only a few feet away, only the grand priest, a few heavily armed guards, the hooded followers and Seymour and his bride remained. The thunder of footsteps could be heard behind; more guards. Breathing heavily, they were willing to take on the maestor himself, had he not taken Yuna in his grasp.
The muzzle of a gun was placed in the hollow of Yuna's neck by a Yevon guard. The staff she had been hiding fell… the sound of it hitting the ground seemed to echo forever in time. Seymour's eyes widened in glee.
"Put down your weapons or… she dies," He commanded in such a soft voice for such a creature. Tidus's eyes narrowed as he gritted his teeth. No! Yuna! Lulu was the first to lay down her Moogle, followed by Kimahri and then Wakka. Auron hesitated… if Yuna died… He took his most prized possession and lay it flat against the cold ground. He took Tidus's blade by the grip, removing it from the boy's clenched hand, laying it to rest by his own. Seymour smirked, and nodded to the guard. The guard let loose a powerful blow to Yuna's cheek, and the young summoner slumped forwards, sinking to the ground beside Seymour's feet. "…Kill them," Came the maestor's order.
"No!" Screamed Tidus. The guards aimed their weapons to the party's chests. Gunfire splattered and bounced against the walls around them. Tidus flinched backwards into Auron, and Auron into Kimahri. But there were no wounds…
It was the guards whom lay lifeless and bloody on the cold stone ground.
Seymour twirled around, his robes swirling with him. He found the barrels of many guns aimed at his head. The green-hooded followers of Yevon held powerful Machina weapons whose blasts had just decimated his guards. "Insolence!" He cried, but was silenced by a quick burst of ammunition as it slammed into the maestor's shoulder. He fell.
The hooded man quickly fled, one retrieving the fallen Yuna. They scrambled down the steep stairs, motioning for the others to follow. Auron stared in disbelief at the traitors. Regardless, he followed, grabbing his blade. "Quickly! They will come for us soon!" commanded a gruff voice from inside the black of a hood. They fled to the city below.
"We need to get to the trials!" Panted Auron, glancing from side to side as they descended the tall building on foot. The taller hooded man shook his head in the darkness.
"No. Not yet, there will be too many to fight. We wait until tomorrow. We have shelter, come."
Sticking to the shadows, the group huddled in the alleyways as flocks of Yevon guards entered the streets. This did not look good.
"Come inside here, quickly," motioned a hooded man, opening a hidden door imbedded in an alleyway wall. They descended into darkness. The group was tightly packed against the damp walls beside them. Small electrical lights shown the way into a small chamber. Miscellaneous machina was spread everywhere while some hammocks adorned the dusty loft above. A single cot lined a decaying wall. Steel and other protective barriers reinforced ancient wooden wall studs. Dim lights gave the room a dark undertone.
A man lay the unconscious Yuna gently upon the lone cot. He pulled of his hood, revealing the spiraled eyes of an Al Bhed. "We will be safe here until nightfall. Then, we will secure the way to the trials," he concluded. The man was handsome, his eyes half covered by unruly blond strands of thin hair. He smiled. "I am Lantyn of the Sect of Shadow, stationed in Bevelle. We are of the Al Bhed underground. Thank the gods we were able to infiltrate the wedding in time…"
Auron shook his head wearily. "We are in your debt. Kimahri, can you heal Yuna?" The Rhonso nodded his massive head, and knelt beside her cot. The other hooded figures began to remove their cloaks, revealing the faces of those like Rikku... Auron jammed his eye shut behind his glasses. No. Now was not the time…
"Please, rest here and heal before your trip to the trials at nightfall." Lantyn turned away, disappearing into a darkened corridor. Auron let his blade lean it's weight against the damp wall, and watched the party sit. He turned away, knowing Yuna was safe, at least for now. The trials would be tricky to complete without gaining notice…
He wandered throughout the darkened corridor to his left, seeking solitude. Sighing, he leaned heavily upon a dimly lit wall, only to realize it was a door. Barely catching his balance, he stumbled into another room. It was apparently an ancient living room, a set of small cushioned chairs faced an old-fashioned fireplace. Contrasting the other light sources, a small fire burned and crackled in the hearth.
Lantyn was speaking quietly to a smaller hooded figure. They both turned, the robed one's face hidden. Lantyn only smiled warmly, brushing by the startled guardian as he left the hidden room. He stood alone, facing the stranger.
He only nodded his thanks again to the small group's help in rescuing Yuna. He turned to leave when a hand caught his shoulder. Pausing, he turned, the hand forcing the swordsman to face the stranger. A gloved hand reached up to his face. Auron drew back, grasping the arm coldly. The other gloved hand of the stranger reached up to the hood and pealed back it's weight from the head. Auron felt his heart pound and his head lighten drastically. Without realizing it, he sank into one of the chairs, gripping the arm weakly.
Rikku's eyes were uncharacteristically calm as she knelt before him, much like she had done at Macalania. Her hand grasped his neck and she pulled herself into his shocked frame, embracing him in silence. Her breath was calm and even against his ear. He did not respond, his brain attempting to conceive this shock.
"You…" He attempted, but all train of thought was slowed. She was here. She was enwrapping him. Her scent, her breaths, her feel, it was all there. Auron felt like he was falling as he dragged air into his lungs. Embarrassed, he felt the sting of a long forgotten tear in his eye. His lips turned downward against his will as he sucked in uneven breaths.
She gently held his head to her shoulder, mimicking what he had done for her in the past. His glasses slid up his nose, pressing into the soft fabric of the robe. Drawing away, she looked him in his eye and gave a soft smile. She kissed his cheek gently as she stood. "Stay. I have to talk with Lantyn, I'll be back soon." She left him there, paralyzed with emotions he was not used to feeling. Joy perhaps? Regardless, his legs would not work, nor his fevered mind. He stared into the crackling fire, his mind pondering the possibility that he had in fact regained the impossible. Not just Rikku… but a long dormant emotion in his heart. He waited in silence for her to return to him.
*** eeee!!! Happy now? More coming. ^_^
-spazkit
Chapter 11 Return to Me…
Auron stared out unto Bevelle. From here, the large buildings were streaked and blurred as the airship made it's decent into the busy city. The fierce wind bit his partially exposed face, his cloak flapping nosily. He was gathered with the others on the shining deck, awaiting the moment when they would jump. Then they would save Yuna… and continue on to Zanarkand. To save Spira… again. The man held his pain in check. It was time to do his duty, pointless and painful as it might be. He only wanted peace now, because Rikku... No matter. He sighed soundlessly, his powerful hand caressing the grip of his mighty blade as it rested across his broad shoulder.
Explosions rocked the ship. "I can't get any closer! Go now!" commanded Cid through the speaker as the fire and light of weaponry grew closer. Tidus was practically falling over the guardrail, so eager was the teenager to get to his summoner. Lulu grabbed the back of his hood and yanked the boy back as the ship grumbled and shook, spitting its anchored chains to the city. The heavy metal chewed deep into the stone buildings, securing the ship to the city itself.
The team slid fearlessly on the cables, holding their balance as they flew like hawks, to the capital of Bevelle… where a most disturbing wedding was taking place.
Auron slid gracefully on the thick cables, head bent low to his chest. His feather attached to his armored shoulder flicked violently as they increased speed, their destination growing ever nearer. Auron felt the cable shudder beneath his boots. Knowing what was coming, he lifted his body into the air, leaping from the wire as it gave way, snapping in the wind. The swordsman thudded heavily upon a building's gray rooftop, rolling as he landed to take away momentum. He stood, grasping his sword. There up ahead… a precession was taking place.
A long parade of people marched to the top of Bevelle's capital building. First were a troop of hooded priests or followers of some sort, long green robes flanking their bodies with the symbol of Yevon etched in gold on their backs. Next came armed guards, followed by a grand priest, his tall staff towering above his elderly body. And there… there was Yuna.
Draped in a flowing white gown, she walked beside the satin-clad guard. Her face was grim, eyes downward as she marched to the top of the seemingly endless set of stairs. Her arm was held still by non other than the dead maestor Seymour.
Tidus raced towards the procession, followed closely by the other guardians. So close! Trailing the parade, they were forced still when the guards turned to face the intruders, baring non other than… guns. Machina. Forbidden Machina. Wakka gasped in disbelief. Tidus roared, his voice grating. "Yuna!!!" He cried, as he prepared to charge the entourage, regardless of their weaponry. Auron grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Is that not the machina so forbidden by Yevon, Seymour?" Inquired Auron, his voice monotone. No one heard the maestor's reply, for the guards began their assault upon the guardians. Bullets to blades, the party survived on high potions and their enraged overdrives to make it to their summoner. Only a few feet away, only the grand priest, a few heavily armed guards, the hooded followers and Seymour and his bride remained. The thunder of footsteps could be heard behind; more guards. Breathing heavily, they were willing to take on the maestor himself, had he not taken Yuna in his grasp.
The muzzle of a gun was placed in the hollow of Yuna's neck by a Yevon guard. The staff she had been hiding fell… the sound of it hitting the ground seemed to echo forever in time. Seymour's eyes widened in glee.
"Put down your weapons or… she dies," He commanded in such a soft voice for such a creature. Tidus's eyes narrowed as he gritted his teeth. No! Yuna! Lulu was the first to lay down her Moogle, followed by Kimahri and then Wakka. Auron hesitated… if Yuna died… He took his most prized possession and lay it flat against the cold ground. He took Tidus's blade by the grip, removing it from the boy's clenched hand, laying it to rest by his own. Seymour smirked, and nodded to the guard. The guard let loose a powerful blow to Yuna's cheek, and the young summoner slumped forwards, sinking to the ground beside Seymour's feet. "…Kill them," Came the maestor's order.
"No!" Screamed Tidus. The guards aimed their weapons to the party's chests. Gunfire splattered and bounced against the walls around them. Tidus flinched backwards into Auron, and Auron into Kimahri. But there were no wounds…
It was the guards whom lay lifeless and bloody on the cold stone ground.
Seymour twirled around, his robes swirling with him. He found the barrels of many guns aimed at his head. The green-hooded followers of Yevon held powerful Machina weapons whose blasts had just decimated his guards. "Insolence!" He cried, but was silenced by a quick burst of ammunition as it slammed into the maestor's shoulder. He fell.
The hooded man quickly fled, one retrieving the fallen Yuna. They scrambled down the steep stairs, motioning for the others to follow. Auron stared in disbelief at the traitors. Regardless, he followed, grabbing his blade. "Quickly! They will come for us soon!" commanded a gruff voice from inside the black of a hood. They fled to the city below.
"We need to get to the trials!" Panted Auron, glancing from side to side as they descended the tall building on foot. The taller hooded man shook his head in the darkness.
"No. Not yet, there will be too many to fight. We wait until tomorrow. We have shelter, come."
Sticking to the shadows, the group huddled in the alleyways as flocks of Yevon guards entered the streets. This did not look good.
"Come inside here, quickly," motioned a hooded man, opening a hidden door imbedded in an alleyway wall. They descended into darkness. The group was tightly packed against the damp walls beside them. Small electrical lights shown the way into a small chamber. Miscellaneous machina was spread everywhere while some hammocks adorned the dusty loft above. A single cot lined a decaying wall. Steel and other protective barriers reinforced ancient wooden wall studs. Dim lights gave the room a dark undertone.
A man lay the unconscious Yuna gently upon the lone cot. He pulled of his hood, revealing the spiraled eyes of an Al Bhed. "We will be safe here until nightfall. Then, we will secure the way to the trials," he concluded. The man was handsome, his eyes half covered by unruly blond strands of thin hair. He smiled. "I am Lantyn of the Sect of Shadow, stationed in Bevelle. We are of the Al Bhed underground. Thank the gods we were able to infiltrate the wedding in time…"
Auron shook his head wearily. "We are in your debt. Kimahri, can you heal Yuna?" The Rhonso nodded his massive head, and knelt beside her cot. The other hooded figures began to remove their cloaks, revealing the faces of those like Rikku... Auron jammed his eye shut behind his glasses. No. Now was not the time…
"Please, rest here and heal before your trip to the trials at nightfall." Lantyn turned away, disappearing into a darkened corridor. Auron let his blade lean it's weight against the damp wall, and watched the party sit. He turned away, knowing Yuna was safe, at least for now. The trials would be tricky to complete without gaining notice…
He wandered throughout the darkened corridor to his left, seeking solitude. Sighing, he leaned heavily upon a dimly lit wall, only to realize it was a door. Barely catching his balance, he stumbled into another room. It was apparently an ancient living room, a set of small cushioned chairs faced an old-fashioned fireplace. Contrasting the other light sources, a small fire burned and crackled in the hearth.
Lantyn was speaking quietly to a smaller hooded figure. They both turned, the robed one's face hidden. Lantyn only smiled warmly, brushing by the startled guardian as he left the hidden room. He stood alone, facing the stranger.
He only nodded his thanks again to the small group's help in rescuing Yuna. He turned to leave when a hand caught his shoulder. Pausing, he turned, the hand forcing the swordsman to face the stranger. A gloved hand reached up to his face. Auron drew back, grasping the arm coldly. The other gloved hand of the stranger reached up to the hood and pealed back it's weight from the head. Auron felt his heart pound and his head lighten drastically. Without realizing it, he sank into one of the chairs, gripping the arm weakly.
Rikku's eyes were uncharacteristically calm as she knelt before him, much like she had done at Macalania. Her hand grasped his neck and she pulled herself into his shocked frame, embracing him in silence. Her breath was calm and even against his ear. He did not respond, his brain attempting to conceive this shock.
"You…" He attempted, but all train of thought was slowed. She was here. She was enwrapping him. Her scent, her breaths, her feel, it was all there. Auron felt like he was falling as he dragged air into his lungs. Embarrassed, he felt the sting of a long forgotten tear in his eye. His lips turned downward against his will as he sucked in uneven breaths.
She gently held his head to her shoulder, mimicking what he had done for her in the past. His glasses slid up his nose, pressing into the soft fabric of the robe. Drawing away, she looked him in his eye and gave a soft smile. She kissed his cheek gently as she stood. "Stay. I have to talk with Lantyn, I'll be back soon." She left him there, paralyzed with emotions he was not used to feeling. Joy perhaps? Regardless, his legs would not work, nor his fevered mind. He stared into the crackling fire, his mind pondering the possibility that he had in fact regained the impossible. Not just Rikku… but a long dormant emotion in his heart. He waited in silence for her to return to him.
*** eeee!!! Happy now? More coming. ^_^
-spazkit