Feedback is nice. Feedback gives you more chappies. ^_^ Awakeness is
required on my part though.. egad. O_o veryvery long chapter. Translation
of Al Bhed at the bottom.
Chapter 12 Trials and Error
Lantyn strode through the dampened hallways of the hidden basement with his nose buried in several wrinkled papers. He had managed contact to the airship, and to Cid. The leader had been overjoyed at the news of his daughter's safe arrival with the team… Lantyn sighed, brushing his blond bangs from his swirling eyes. He had not told anyone what he knew. He knew she was unsent, but Lantyn felt it was her decision to stay, and her choice to tell. Cu ed ec.
The Al Bhed warrior entered the old reading room, but Rikku was no where to be found. Odd. Searching further, Lantyn journeyed into the back rooms, only to find the girl fast asleep inside a hammock, beside the older guardian, Auron. The swordsman glanced up at the Al Bhed's presence. "We leave within the hour… your summoner is awake and ready. Perhaps… I shall give them a small tour first," whispered the blond-headed man. Auron smiled to Lantyn.
As the door shut softly, the swordsman returned his gaze to the sleeping girl beside him. She had been truly exhausted. Auron had felt her kiss grow weaker until he was doing most of the work. Detaching, he had found her asleep, small hands grasping his waist. Never before had he had such a sense of… completion. He felt like he had found something he'd lost long ago. Rikku muttered something in her sleep, her hair bobbing slightly.
Auron would have given anything to stay like this, forever and beyond. But his mind harassed him constantly about the pilgrimage, making all else difficult to dwell on. This was the first time in his life something besides the pilgrimage seemed important during his travels. It was strange. He wanted to stay with Rikku, yet he felt his thoughts drifting back to Zanarkand and what needed to be done.
He gently grasped Rikku's bare arm, and whispered gently into her ear, his lips brushing over it with a feather light touch. She moaned, burying her face into his neck, trying to evade the words and retreat back to sweet slumber. He trailed his hand down her arm, taking her tiny hand into his, and brought it back to his chest. He placed it above his heart, the rhythm thudding gently beneath. Rikku opened her eyes, lashes fluttering against his warm neck. She spread her fingers in his, and looked into his eye. He gently touched her, forehead to forehead, his soft silver hair falling in front of their eyes.
"We must go," He murmured, his breath swirling with hers. "I do not want to… but we must."
Rikku nuzzled his face, gripping his sides tightly. His scent was all over, acting as constant reminder whom she was beside, his body was warm and comforting and Tysh ed she did not particularly want to move.
Auron was the first to untangle their legs, and gently he swung them over the side, so the whole hammock would not tip over. He gripped her with one hand, and pulled her prone form beside his. She yawned and stretched, accidentally stabbing Auron in the eye.
"Whoops! I'm sorry!" she cried, retracting her arms. She winced as he blinked rapidly, then an uncharacteristic smile befell his face. Uh oh. This was scary.
In a single graceful swoop, he grasped her waist and lifted her tiny frame into his arms. She held her breath as he lowered his head, making his stubble tickle the crook of her neck and shoulder. She gave a soft shriek.
"Hee-eey!" she burbled, wiggling and trying not to laugh, his face assaulting her sensitive skin. It was so surreal, their smiles and touches in the firelight, as if all was well and time was theirs forever. Such bliss. Rikku smiled inwardly. Death had claimed her, and out of the ashes she was flirting with the person she loved. It wasn't so bad.
The torture and tickles of Auron's face brought her back to reality. Well, fine then. Fight fire with fire. Hmmm. A sly idea popped into her head and she grinned evilly. She retaliated by looping her arms around his own neck, nimble hands massaging the hair behind his ears. He groaned, his body freezing at the touch.
"Mnn," He rasped into her shoulder, his grip turned rigid at the sensations racing through his nerves. "Not fair…"
She grinned, twirling her fingers through his soft, dark hair. "You started it."
**************
Auron entered the main chamber once again clad in glasses and neck cloak. In the center of the room, Rikku surrounded by the others. Yuna was embracing her, while Wakka fired off questions.
"What happened? You have not told us that part yet. You were hurt, ya?" She nodded.
"I fell really far, then into the water. I dunno, I just… floated. For along time. Then I saw the shore and dragged myself to Lantyn here, who was kind enough to heal me, right?"
Lantyn held Rikku's gaze for a long moment, then nodded, hair befalling his face. Auron nodded, mostly to himself. Lantyn was a good man.
"Come. The others have taken care of your entry. They may be fighting upon arrival, but it all goes well, you will be safe once inside the trials," stated the older Al Bhed, his voice commanding. The others nodded. It was time to go.
After exiting the damp hiding place beneath the ground, the troop moved silently to the temple in Bevelle. Auron strode swiftly to Lantyn's side. "How have you secured our entrance?" he questioned softly. Lantyn's eyes warily searched over the darkened streets as they passed a group of people milling about a café.
"We have infiltrated the guard. It's how we rescued Yuna," responded the Al Bhed, his face tensed. "We have many factions within Yevon. We do not wish to start a war or anything of that nature… but it is nice to know when they are going to attack us."
Wakka snorted softly. "Ya right, Yevon attacking Al Bhed. Like dat was gonna happen."
Auron turned sharply. "Do you not remember Rikku's home?" Wakka's eyes fell downward.
Lantyn dismissed them with a brief wave of his gloved hand. "Now is not the time. Our priority is your safety, so please, let us argue elsewhere, where you will not draw attention." Auron nodded in agreement.
The group managed to make it to the temple door unscathed, and Lantyn grasped the door, opening the entrance. All passed through, but Rikku went last. The two Al Bhed gazed at each other.
"Dryhg oui cu silr. E ufa oui ajanodrehk…" She whispered. Lantyn smiled, his eyes crinkling. She embraced him, clinging to his midsection. He gently held her to him, but his eyes befell several men glancing in his direction.
"Ehceta, rinno." He whispered, and hastily pulled the heavy wooden door shut behind them.
Thus, they entered the trials.
*****************************
"I swear to the gods, that was /theeee/ most complicated contraption I have ever seen," Moaned Rikku to herself, nauseated by all the movement and lights.
Lantyn and the others stood guard outside the trials, awaiting the safe return of the summoner and her guardians. Thus far, they had spent THREE HOURS in the damn cloister. Good gods. Rikku was fairly sure she hated this place.
And here they were, awaiting Yuna's return from the fayth. Rikku sat beside Tidus on the cold floor, twiddling her thumbs. Tidus cracked up, as they competed for who could twiddle faster. Lulu snapped at them, and they both fell silent, huge grins on their faces. Auron shook his head, amused grin hidden by his ever-present cloak.
Kimahri was in his typical position, awaiting Yuna's trembling body. He stood silently before the door, his massive paws crossing his chest. His ears suddenly perked up, head tilted upwards. Auron glanced upwards, following the Rhonso's lead. "What is it?" Asked the swordsman.
"Kimahri not sure," grumbled the cat-being, staring upwards. "I hear large noises above." Auron turned to the group, but only Rikku's face had changed. Her expression was that of horror.
Before a word could be spoken, several armed Yevon guards disturbed the sanctity of the cloister, weapons aimed at the guardians. Auron's hand fled to his blade, but a bullet was hurled in his direction, smashing into his shoulder and knocking the sword from his grasp. An agonizing pain ripped through his shoulder. He fell, knees weakened by such blinding pain. Kimahri wrapped his paws under Auron's arms, slowing his decent.
A single guard spoke. "Drop your weapons, or die, traitors."
Rikku screamed, prepared to fight, but she knew they were lost. No! Not this! Yunie! She and Tidus stood, but had no choice but to drop their blades. The guards lined the room. One dragged a body behind, hurling it across the room to the guardians. "Noooooo! Howled Rikku, as she raced to the fallen Lantyn's side.
The man's breaths were short and sporadic, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth, a dark pool spreading around his body. His torso was a mass of blood and gore. His eyes, jade and spiraling forever, gazed weakly to Rikku. A trembling hand touched her face. "They… there were to many…, " He gasped, coughing. "We were… ambushed…"
His head fell back into Rikku's arms, his mop of blond hair sticky with the fleeting red fluid emerging from his head. "Nonnoooo, you were wonderful, you'll be fine, it's ok," Rambled Rikku, clutching her dying friend. His back arched, his chest heaving. No!
Rikku turned to the guards. "You must help him!" she cried, tears running down her face. Silence was her response. She felt his grip weakly take her arm.
Auron dragged himself to his feet, with the help of Kimahri. "He's worth more to you alive. He is a traitor, does he not deserve a trial?" questioned the guardian, his voice wavering slightly through his injury. "Or are we all to die like this?" He snorted. "All that is merciful, oh yes, this truly is Yevon at its core." Auron walked defiantly to Rikku, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, ignoring the guns aimed at his body. He dropped to Rikku's side. Up close, Auron knew now that there was no hope. He joined Rikku's embrace, placing a gloved hand to the bloody man's shoulder. "Thank you," Auron whispered, truly awed by this man's great strength. Lantyn gave a weak smile before his gripped tightened, back arching again. He tore his gaze from Auron to Rikku.
"…Vunkeja sa, so vneaht..." Lantyn's eyes dimmed, and his form grew limp in the bawling Rikku's arms. Her head dropped, and she clutched the body of her friend. Auron's gaze drew upward to the guards. He himself could fight, but he worried that if they engaged the guards, and Yuna reemerged, a stray bullet would kill her.
And so, they waited. Bleeding and enraged, the room was split in two as they awaited Yuna's return. Apparently the guards were instructed not to enter the chamber of the faith. How ironic, considering the blood that had been spilt on the cloister's floor.
Auron struggled to remain focused and aware. His shoulder blade was seemingly on fire, blood soaking into his scarlet coat. His blade was on the floor with the others, so useless against the weapons of the guards. It was not meant to be this way. Lulu approached his side, brushing by his good shoulder. "Perhaps I could use a fire spell?" she murmured. Auron shook his head. There were too many, and he had the feeling there were more above.
Their wait was soon over as the trembling Yuna emerged, falling again to Kimahri's arms. She looked up from his fur to see the blood and gore. She gasped, horrified. Tidus's eyes were full of remorse as the teenager approached her side.
"Let's go," grumbled the guards, and they were herded off. Rikku turned behind as they were led away, her tearing eyes locked on the still form of her bloody friend.
*** that was really long. X_x took me a really long time. 3 hrs! ee! Anywho, here are the translations:
"Dryhg oui cu silr. E ufa oui ajanodrehk…"
"Thank you so much. I owe you everything…"
"Ehceta, rinno."
"Inside, hurry."
"…Vunkeja sa, so vneaht..."
"…Forgive me, my friend…"
*gets all misty-eyed* I liked Lantyn too…
Chapter 12 Trials and Error
Lantyn strode through the dampened hallways of the hidden basement with his nose buried in several wrinkled papers. He had managed contact to the airship, and to Cid. The leader had been overjoyed at the news of his daughter's safe arrival with the team… Lantyn sighed, brushing his blond bangs from his swirling eyes. He had not told anyone what he knew. He knew she was unsent, but Lantyn felt it was her decision to stay, and her choice to tell. Cu ed ec.
The Al Bhed warrior entered the old reading room, but Rikku was no where to be found. Odd. Searching further, Lantyn journeyed into the back rooms, only to find the girl fast asleep inside a hammock, beside the older guardian, Auron. The swordsman glanced up at the Al Bhed's presence. "We leave within the hour… your summoner is awake and ready. Perhaps… I shall give them a small tour first," whispered the blond-headed man. Auron smiled to Lantyn.
As the door shut softly, the swordsman returned his gaze to the sleeping girl beside him. She had been truly exhausted. Auron had felt her kiss grow weaker until he was doing most of the work. Detaching, he had found her asleep, small hands grasping his waist. Never before had he had such a sense of… completion. He felt like he had found something he'd lost long ago. Rikku muttered something in her sleep, her hair bobbing slightly.
Auron would have given anything to stay like this, forever and beyond. But his mind harassed him constantly about the pilgrimage, making all else difficult to dwell on. This was the first time in his life something besides the pilgrimage seemed important during his travels. It was strange. He wanted to stay with Rikku, yet he felt his thoughts drifting back to Zanarkand and what needed to be done.
He gently grasped Rikku's bare arm, and whispered gently into her ear, his lips brushing over it with a feather light touch. She moaned, burying her face into his neck, trying to evade the words and retreat back to sweet slumber. He trailed his hand down her arm, taking her tiny hand into his, and brought it back to his chest. He placed it above his heart, the rhythm thudding gently beneath. Rikku opened her eyes, lashes fluttering against his warm neck. She spread her fingers in his, and looked into his eye. He gently touched her, forehead to forehead, his soft silver hair falling in front of their eyes.
"We must go," He murmured, his breath swirling with hers. "I do not want to… but we must."
Rikku nuzzled his face, gripping his sides tightly. His scent was all over, acting as constant reminder whom she was beside, his body was warm and comforting and Tysh ed she did not particularly want to move.
Auron was the first to untangle their legs, and gently he swung them over the side, so the whole hammock would not tip over. He gripped her with one hand, and pulled her prone form beside his. She yawned and stretched, accidentally stabbing Auron in the eye.
"Whoops! I'm sorry!" she cried, retracting her arms. She winced as he blinked rapidly, then an uncharacteristic smile befell his face. Uh oh. This was scary.
In a single graceful swoop, he grasped her waist and lifted her tiny frame into his arms. She held her breath as he lowered his head, making his stubble tickle the crook of her neck and shoulder. She gave a soft shriek.
"Hee-eey!" she burbled, wiggling and trying not to laugh, his face assaulting her sensitive skin. It was so surreal, their smiles and touches in the firelight, as if all was well and time was theirs forever. Such bliss. Rikku smiled inwardly. Death had claimed her, and out of the ashes she was flirting with the person she loved. It wasn't so bad.
The torture and tickles of Auron's face brought her back to reality. Well, fine then. Fight fire with fire. Hmmm. A sly idea popped into her head and she grinned evilly. She retaliated by looping her arms around his own neck, nimble hands massaging the hair behind his ears. He groaned, his body freezing at the touch.
"Mnn," He rasped into her shoulder, his grip turned rigid at the sensations racing through his nerves. "Not fair…"
She grinned, twirling her fingers through his soft, dark hair. "You started it."
**************
Auron entered the main chamber once again clad in glasses and neck cloak. In the center of the room, Rikku surrounded by the others. Yuna was embracing her, while Wakka fired off questions.
"What happened? You have not told us that part yet. You were hurt, ya?" She nodded.
"I fell really far, then into the water. I dunno, I just… floated. For along time. Then I saw the shore and dragged myself to Lantyn here, who was kind enough to heal me, right?"
Lantyn held Rikku's gaze for a long moment, then nodded, hair befalling his face. Auron nodded, mostly to himself. Lantyn was a good man.
"Come. The others have taken care of your entry. They may be fighting upon arrival, but it all goes well, you will be safe once inside the trials," stated the older Al Bhed, his voice commanding. The others nodded. It was time to go.
After exiting the damp hiding place beneath the ground, the troop moved silently to the temple in Bevelle. Auron strode swiftly to Lantyn's side. "How have you secured our entrance?" he questioned softly. Lantyn's eyes warily searched over the darkened streets as they passed a group of people milling about a café.
"We have infiltrated the guard. It's how we rescued Yuna," responded the Al Bhed, his face tensed. "We have many factions within Yevon. We do not wish to start a war or anything of that nature… but it is nice to know when they are going to attack us."
Wakka snorted softly. "Ya right, Yevon attacking Al Bhed. Like dat was gonna happen."
Auron turned sharply. "Do you not remember Rikku's home?" Wakka's eyes fell downward.
Lantyn dismissed them with a brief wave of his gloved hand. "Now is not the time. Our priority is your safety, so please, let us argue elsewhere, where you will not draw attention." Auron nodded in agreement.
The group managed to make it to the temple door unscathed, and Lantyn grasped the door, opening the entrance. All passed through, but Rikku went last. The two Al Bhed gazed at each other.
"Dryhg oui cu silr. E ufa oui ajanodrehk…" She whispered. Lantyn smiled, his eyes crinkling. She embraced him, clinging to his midsection. He gently held her to him, but his eyes befell several men glancing in his direction.
"Ehceta, rinno." He whispered, and hastily pulled the heavy wooden door shut behind them.
Thus, they entered the trials.
*****************************
"I swear to the gods, that was /theeee/ most complicated contraption I have ever seen," Moaned Rikku to herself, nauseated by all the movement and lights.
Lantyn and the others stood guard outside the trials, awaiting the safe return of the summoner and her guardians. Thus far, they had spent THREE HOURS in the damn cloister. Good gods. Rikku was fairly sure she hated this place.
And here they were, awaiting Yuna's return from the fayth. Rikku sat beside Tidus on the cold floor, twiddling her thumbs. Tidus cracked up, as they competed for who could twiddle faster. Lulu snapped at them, and they both fell silent, huge grins on their faces. Auron shook his head, amused grin hidden by his ever-present cloak.
Kimahri was in his typical position, awaiting Yuna's trembling body. He stood silently before the door, his massive paws crossing his chest. His ears suddenly perked up, head tilted upwards. Auron glanced upwards, following the Rhonso's lead. "What is it?" Asked the swordsman.
"Kimahri not sure," grumbled the cat-being, staring upwards. "I hear large noises above." Auron turned to the group, but only Rikku's face had changed. Her expression was that of horror.
Before a word could be spoken, several armed Yevon guards disturbed the sanctity of the cloister, weapons aimed at the guardians. Auron's hand fled to his blade, but a bullet was hurled in his direction, smashing into his shoulder and knocking the sword from his grasp. An agonizing pain ripped through his shoulder. He fell, knees weakened by such blinding pain. Kimahri wrapped his paws under Auron's arms, slowing his decent.
A single guard spoke. "Drop your weapons, or die, traitors."
Rikku screamed, prepared to fight, but she knew they were lost. No! Not this! Yunie! She and Tidus stood, but had no choice but to drop their blades. The guards lined the room. One dragged a body behind, hurling it across the room to the guardians. "Noooooo! Howled Rikku, as she raced to the fallen Lantyn's side.
The man's breaths were short and sporadic, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth, a dark pool spreading around his body. His torso was a mass of blood and gore. His eyes, jade and spiraling forever, gazed weakly to Rikku. A trembling hand touched her face. "They… there were to many…, " He gasped, coughing. "We were… ambushed…"
His head fell back into Rikku's arms, his mop of blond hair sticky with the fleeting red fluid emerging from his head. "Nonnoooo, you were wonderful, you'll be fine, it's ok," Rambled Rikku, clutching her dying friend. His back arched, his chest heaving. No!
Rikku turned to the guards. "You must help him!" she cried, tears running down her face. Silence was her response. She felt his grip weakly take her arm.
Auron dragged himself to his feet, with the help of Kimahri. "He's worth more to you alive. He is a traitor, does he not deserve a trial?" questioned the guardian, his voice wavering slightly through his injury. "Or are we all to die like this?" He snorted. "All that is merciful, oh yes, this truly is Yevon at its core." Auron walked defiantly to Rikku, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, ignoring the guns aimed at his body. He dropped to Rikku's side. Up close, Auron knew now that there was no hope. He joined Rikku's embrace, placing a gloved hand to the bloody man's shoulder. "Thank you," Auron whispered, truly awed by this man's great strength. Lantyn gave a weak smile before his gripped tightened, back arching again. He tore his gaze from Auron to Rikku.
"…Vunkeja sa, so vneaht..." Lantyn's eyes dimmed, and his form grew limp in the bawling Rikku's arms. Her head dropped, and she clutched the body of her friend. Auron's gaze drew upward to the guards. He himself could fight, but he worried that if they engaged the guards, and Yuna reemerged, a stray bullet would kill her.
And so, they waited. Bleeding and enraged, the room was split in two as they awaited Yuna's return. Apparently the guards were instructed not to enter the chamber of the faith. How ironic, considering the blood that had been spilt on the cloister's floor.
Auron struggled to remain focused and aware. His shoulder blade was seemingly on fire, blood soaking into his scarlet coat. His blade was on the floor with the others, so useless against the weapons of the guards. It was not meant to be this way. Lulu approached his side, brushing by his good shoulder. "Perhaps I could use a fire spell?" she murmured. Auron shook his head. There were too many, and he had the feeling there were more above.
Their wait was soon over as the trembling Yuna emerged, falling again to Kimahri's arms. She looked up from his fur to see the blood and gore. She gasped, horrified. Tidus's eyes were full of remorse as the teenager approached her side.
"Let's go," grumbled the guards, and they were herded off. Rikku turned behind as they were led away, her tearing eyes locked on the still form of her bloody friend.
*** that was really long. X_x took me a really long time. 3 hrs! ee! Anywho, here are the translations:
"Dryhg oui cu silr. E ufa oui ajanodrehk…"
"Thank you so much. I owe you everything…"
"Ehceta, rinno."
"Inside, hurry."
"…Vunkeja sa, so vneaht..."
"…Forgive me, my friend…"
*gets all misty-eyed* I liked Lantyn too…