Yeee. Feedback is my friend. Yep. I'm hungry. O_o
Chapter 16 Symphony of Rain
They stood in a row, a line of sentinels, facing the man whom had attempted to damn them to their deaths. Faces grim, they stood beside their brave Rhonso, for a guardian is for the summoner, but also each other.
Before them lay the gasping Seymour, a child of ill treatment, but a monster willing to sacrifice all for his own twisted desires. Auron was not regretful to see him sent, Yuna's graceful form swooping high and low, her staff soothing the dead. Seymour gave one last enraged glance to the party before his will evaporated and his soul left this world. Beside him, Rikku sniffed, turning her back to the fading pyreflies and walking away. Auron was ready to follow when his sensitive hearing picked up a kind of wailing below... a siren?
"We need to leave this place, now," he said, his low voice rumbling. He began to jog towards the exit, expecting the others to have the brains to follow. The party ran, hearts beating fast as the siren grew louder. They were being hunted. Nerves on end, Auron led the troop, weaving in and out of brightly color corridors. Down stairs and through hallways, they managed to reach the outside world unscathed.
Still they fled, fearing Yevon's wraith. Rikku puffed, boots heavy on her weary feet. Above them, the sky grumbled, faint flashes of light brightening the sky. Oh wonderful, Rikku hissed to herself. She was exhausted as it was, and now she had to worry about lightning. Meva cilgc, she thought to herself. It just sucked to no end. Then again, she was dead, so you'd think she'd stop using that phrase... Oh well. Damn, her thoughts were becoming cynical...
Soon, their heavy footsteps sank in mud, the sky drenching them in rain. Up ahead was the dark yet beautiful Macalania forest. Shelter? No, but no lightning at least. "En-ough r-uning!" panted heavily, exhausted. Still they continued. Dammit. Why couldn't they stop?
At long last, the summoner and her guardians were safely in the interior of the heavy forest. Rikku collapsed on a nearby rock, slipping and falling on her way down. Wakka chuckled, then was silent when the young girl shot him a devastating look. Struggling to see though the water in her eyes, Rikku spotted Yunie, walking away, followed by Kimahri. Poor Yunie... what would she do now? Maybe... maybe she would quit her pilgrimage! Rikku hoped so... Maybe they could actually take a break. Damn, she swore her shoulder muscles were knotted to the bone.
She sighed, curling into a ball upon the slippery rock, rain beating upon her face. From her ground view, she saw a pair of bright yellow sneakers make their way across the ground, following Yuna's footsteps.
Despite how uncomfortable it was, the rain had a hypnotic effect on the forest. The rain pattered upon the leaves, soft cadences dancing around them. It ran across the surface of the crystals, dancing, shining, falling to the ground below in perfect intervals. It was soothing to Rikku's ears, a symphony of rain. She enwrapped herself into a tiny ball, head drooping to her knees. It was so beautiful... falling rain.
Rikku almost fell over, not even aware she had drifted off. She tilted sideways, and would most likely have splatted against the ground had a sturdy tree trunk not been there. Wait. Not a tree trunk. Wakka's leg. Oh. Thunder rumbled softly in the dark sky above. Rikku shuddered. Her mind was acting funny. Strange, irritated thoughts kept popping into her mind... why the hell were they out here freezing? Her back hurt. Where was the blasted airship? Why can't they just rest? Perhaps it was her exhaustion, but Rikku swore that she was just... exasperated, despite the calming rain.
"I have only one tent," murmured Lulu, startling Wakka, his shin twitching against Rikku's shoulder, irking the girl further. Tent? Tent warm! Rikku could practically feel the bed coverings...
"I think Auron should rest in tent. You have suffered a fair amount of damage, you need rest," Lulu stated absently as she began to unravel the water-repellent fabric. Or not, Rikku pouted to herself, grimacing at the thought of sleeping on the cold wet ground. Oh course, what more could she expect on this pilgrimage? She hissed to herself. Several feet away, Auron raised an eyebrow to Lulu's statement.
"I assure you, I am fine," replied the swordsman, but Wakka and Lulu agreed. Lulu began to set up the tent. "And what of Yuna? She will need a comfortable place to sleep. We place her needs before ours," Argued Auron, watching the three set up the meager shelter.
"The tent is large. Perhaps you can both fit," Lulu said stoically, helping Wakka plunge the stakes into the wet earth. Auron sighed as he shook his head, moisture dripping off the wet tips of his silver and raven hair. Rikku found her blurred gaze on the swordsman. His hair was plastered to his forehead, dipping before his eyes and glasses. Other than that, only a trained eye could see the exhaustion in his stance and expression. Still, she was almost jealous. So very tired...
Kimahri loomed over Auron, followed by a drenched Tidus and Yuna. The tent was set, so all of the guardians fell silent, awaiting the summoner's answer.
"I... I will continue. Tomorrow, we leave at dawn." She spoke softly, damp hair swaying. "Sir Auron?" She asked softly. Auron turned. "I... Forgive me. Your wound... it was my fault..."
"Hush," Chided the warrior, his stance lessening. "You need your rest," He murmured. "The tent is yours."
Yuna shook her head fiercely. "No, I will not allow it. You were badly injured, it is you who should be resting there. I refuse."
Auron walked to her, his massive frame looming over the summoner. "And so do I. Your needs come before mine."
"Not in this case."
"Yuna, must I remind you-"
"Oh, would you shut up?!" Six pairs, well five plus an extra, of shocked eyes befell the forgotten Al Bhed on the floor. Pitifully huddled into a ball, defiant yet exhausted emerald eyes glared up at the party. "For the gods' sakes, just the both of you take the damn thing, ok?" A heavy silence befell the camp, save for the falling rain.
Not the least bit uncomfortable, Rikku stood up, blood rushing to her head. Tilting, she stormed off, somehow gracefully leaping upwards into the slippery branches of a tree. She climbed higher and higher until her gaze befell all of the forest treetops. She sighed. Perhaps... perhaps this feeling of exasperation came with being dead. Her soul, it was... tired. She wanted peace and this feeling was nothing but aggravation.
Grumbling, she sank lower into the tree, the flashed of lighting above the clouds a little to close for comfort. She huddled against the smooth bark, eyes closing. So close to sleep...
When a firm hand grabbed her leg. She hissed, startled. She found her gazed pierced by Auron's one eye. "Come with me," He stated plainly.
"Why? Go to sleep, Auron. I want to be alone," she said, jade eyes turning away. And she did. She heard his sigh, heard the sound of his boots tracking up the tree to her position. She felt his hands take her shoulders and she winced in pain. So very sore!
Exhausted as he might be, his hands slowly began to massage Rikku's knotted muscles. She moaned involuntarily, head drooping. The rain seemed to fade away, only the feel of comfort remaining. His fingers pried her muscles, working them loose. It took her a full minute to realize that he had stopped his wonderful ministrations on her back. She felt his arms snake around her belly, clutching her close. "I... I know," his voice grumbled in her ear, "I know what it feels like. The incredible stress. I believe it comes with being unsent. I feel it also, I have for ten years. Please... don't fight me," He murmured, his damp hair touching her cheek. "I fought for so long... I was always like this, always so... irritated. Angry with what happened to me, to us. Angry at my fate. Now... now I have you. I don't want to see you like this... I know. I was there. If it helps... use me to stay here..." He sounded like he was a young boy, afraid of rejection. Rikku felt her heart melt,
washing away her rage. She sighed, feeling his gentle touch. She probably would have fallen asleep had he not gently tugged her downward. "Come with me," He said again. This time, she followed. As the climbed down, the rain fell harder, splattering against their already clammy skin.
Nearing the tent, Rikku slowed. "Um... I guess I'll stay out here with Kimahri..." She murmured. Auron didn't respond, as he was unbuckling his belt. He gently removed his damp coat, placing it at the foot of the tent. His body glistened in the faint light of the crystals, his muscles defined and outlined to extravagant detail. He held out a bare hand, eye lid blinking heavily. Rikku, confused, accepted while she didn't know where they would go. Hand in hand, they opened the warm confines of the tent, sliding inside.
Wakka and Lulu were sound asleep, mashed against the side. In the middle was Yuna and Tidus, lying on their backs, her head cradled by Tidus's arm. There was only room for one more, if they were lucky. Rikku wanted to back away, feeling like she was invading upon their space-
Auron knelt first, his hand drawing her to him. He felt his form being pressed against Yuna, knowing it couldn't be helped. Besides, it wasn't Yuna he wanted to be against. He pulled Rikku down, her slender body falling against his. He marveled at the feel of her against him. Her damp shirt's wetness was invading his, and she scooted away so he might stay dry. "Sorry", she whispered, mashing herself against the chilled wall. Damn!
Auron frowned. Gently, he reached to the bottom of her shirt. Rikku inhaled as his fingers gently lifted the damp cloth from her skin, pulling it away. Her eyes opened wide.
He continued to lift the fabric until his hand brushed by her breast, causing Rikku to suppress a surprised gasp. He paused, then continued until he pulled the object over her head, leaving the girl in her dark bra. He tossed the sleeveless shirt to the side, and pulled her impossibly close.
Auron's hands roamed her exposed back, continuing the sweet circles at her shoulder blades. Rikku sighed, leaning her head into the safety of his shoulder and neck, his chin brushing her forehead. One of his heavy legs entwined hers. He pulled the last remaining blanket upwards, burying the two in warmth and darkness. Rikku sighed again, his rough fingers moving lazily about her exposed back. So soft... so close.
Auron felt her breathing slow. He wanted to ease her pain, for he himself felt the very stress and rage. The pain of the soul being separated from the physical form, only to remain in it's prison of a body. He sighed, the rain falling heavily against the tent walls. Wakka's snoring was its only competition. Whispering softly into the sleeping Rikku's ear, he spoke the newfound truth that helped fuel his existence on this world.
"... I am yours."
With that, he nuzzled her head, and wove his hands in her own. The rain was like a child's soothing music. He was hardly aware of his eyelid sliding shut as he succumbed to his exhaustion at last.
************************
Later that night, a drenched Kimahri opened the tent to check on Yuna, as he did every night.
Lulu and Wakka were back to back, Lulu's front separated by a wall of blankets. On the other side of that barrier, Tidus cradled Yuna, his arms holding her close. Yuna's back was pressed against Auron's. The swordsman's arms enwrapped Rikku's own back, his arms looped around her slender waist. His calm face was buried in the delicate nape of her neck. Their legs were entwined. All was at peace.
A small grin tugged at Kimarhi's lips, as he sealed the tent shut and continued his watch.
*** wheee. Long. Nice? I dunno. I copped out of the fight scene just because I have a crapload of stuff to do.. stress is eval. For me and Rikku both. O_o
-Spazkit
Chapter 16 Symphony of Rain
They stood in a row, a line of sentinels, facing the man whom had attempted to damn them to their deaths. Faces grim, they stood beside their brave Rhonso, for a guardian is for the summoner, but also each other.
Before them lay the gasping Seymour, a child of ill treatment, but a monster willing to sacrifice all for his own twisted desires. Auron was not regretful to see him sent, Yuna's graceful form swooping high and low, her staff soothing the dead. Seymour gave one last enraged glance to the party before his will evaporated and his soul left this world. Beside him, Rikku sniffed, turning her back to the fading pyreflies and walking away. Auron was ready to follow when his sensitive hearing picked up a kind of wailing below... a siren?
"We need to leave this place, now," he said, his low voice rumbling. He began to jog towards the exit, expecting the others to have the brains to follow. The party ran, hearts beating fast as the siren grew louder. They were being hunted. Nerves on end, Auron led the troop, weaving in and out of brightly color corridors. Down stairs and through hallways, they managed to reach the outside world unscathed.
Still they fled, fearing Yevon's wraith. Rikku puffed, boots heavy on her weary feet. Above them, the sky grumbled, faint flashes of light brightening the sky. Oh wonderful, Rikku hissed to herself. She was exhausted as it was, and now she had to worry about lightning. Meva cilgc, she thought to herself. It just sucked to no end. Then again, she was dead, so you'd think she'd stop using that phrase... Oh well. Damn, her thoughts were becoming cynical...
Soon, their heavy footsteps sank in mud, the sky drenching them in rain. Up ahead was the dark yet beautiful Macalania forest. Shelter? No, but no lightning at least. "En-ough r-uning!" panted heavily, exhausted. Still they continued. Dammit. Why couldn't they stop?
At long last, the summoner and her guardians were safely in the interior of the heavy forest. Rikku collapsed on a nearby rock, slipping and falling on her way down. Wakka chuckled, then was silent when the young girl shot him a devastating look. Struggling to see though the water in her eyes, Rikku spotted Yunie, walking away, followed by Kimahri. Poor Yunie... what would she do now? Maybe... maybe she would quit her pilgrimage! Rikku hoped so... Maybe they could actually take a break. Damn, she swore her shoulder muscles were knotted to the bone.
She sighed, curling into a ball upon the slippery rock, rain beating upon her face. From her ground view, she saw a pair of bright yellow sneakers make their way across the ground, following Yuna's footsteps.
Despite how uncomfortable it was, the rain had a hypnotic effect on the forest. The rain pattered upon the leaves, soft cadences dancing around them. It ran across the surface of the crystals, dancing, shining, falling to the ground below in perfect intervals. It was soothing to Rikku's ears, a symphony of rain. She enwrapped herself into a tiny ball, head drooping to her knees. It was so beautiful... falling rain.
Rikku almost fell over, not even aware she had drifted off. She tilted sideways, and would most likely have splatted against the ground had a sturdy tree trunk not been there. Wait. Not a tree trunk. Wakka's leg. Oh. Thunder rumbled softly in the dark sky above. Rikku shuddered. Her mind was acting funny. Strange, irritated thoughts kept popping into her mind... why the hell were they out here freezing? Her back hurt. Where was the blasted airship? Why can't they just rest? Perhaps it was her exhaustion, but Rikku swore that she was just... exasperated, despite the calming rain.
"I have only one tent," murmured Lulu, startling Wakka, his shin twitching against Rikku's shoulder, irking the girl further. Tent? Tent warm! Rikku could practically feel the bed coverings...
"I think Auron should rest in tent. You have suffered a fair amount of damage, you need rest," Lulu stated absently as she began to unravel the water-repellent fabric. Or not, Rikku pouted to herself, grimacing at the thought of sleeping on the cold wet ground. Oh course, what more could she expect on this pilgrimage? She hissed to herself. Several feet away, Auron raised an eyebrow to Lulu's statement.
"I assure you, I am fine," replied the swordsman, but Wakka and Lulu agreed. Lulu began to set up the tent. "And what of Yuna? She will need a comfortable place to sleep. We place her needs before ours," Argued Auron, watching the three set up the meager shelter.
"The tent is large. Perhaps you can both fit," Lulu said stoically, helping Wakka plunge the stakes into the wet earth. Auron sighed as he shook his head, moisture dripping off the wet tips of his silver and raven hair. Rikku found her blurred gaze on the swordsman. His hair was plastered to his forehead, dipping before his eyes and glasses. Other than that, only a trained eye could see the exhaustion in his stance and expression. Still, she was almost jealous. So very tired...
Kimahri loomed over Auron, followed by a drenched Tidus and Yuna. The tent was set, so all of the guardians fell silent, awaiting the summoner's answer.
"I... I will continue. Tomorrow, we leave at dawn." She spoke softly, damp hair swaying. "Sir Auron?" She asked softly. Auron turned. "I... Forgive me. Your wound... it was my fault..."
"Hush," Chided the warrior, his stance lessening. "You need your rest," He murmured. "The tent is yours."
Yuna shook her head fiercely. "No, I will not allow it. You were badly injured, it is you who should be resting there. I refuse."
Auron walked to her, his massive frame looming over the summoner. "And so do I. Your needs come before mine."
"Not in this case."
"Yuna, must I remind you-"
"Oh, would you shut up?!" Six pairs, well five plus an extra, of shocked eyes befell the forgotten Al Bhed on the floor. Pitifully huddled into a ball, defiant yet exhausted emerald eyes glared up at the party. "For the gods' sakes, just the both of you take the damn thing, ok?" A heavy silence befell the camp, save for the falling rain.
Not the least bit uncomfortable, Rikku stood up, blood rushing to her head. Tilting, she stormed off, somehow gracefully leaping upwards into the slippery branches of a tree. She climbed higher and higher until her gaze befell all of the forest treetops. She sighed. Perhaps... perhaps this feeling of exasperation came with being dead. Her soul, it was... tired. She wanted peace and this feeling was nothing but aggravation.
Grumbling, she sank lower into the tree, the flashed of lighting above the clouds a little to close for comfort. She huddled against the smooth bark, eyes closing. So close to sleep...
When a firm hand grabbed her leg. She hissed, startled. She found her gazed pierced by Auron's one eye. "Come with me," He stated plainly.
"Why? Go to sleep, Auron. I want to be alone," she said, jade eyes turning away. And she did. She heard his sigh, heard the sound of his boots tracking up the tree to her position. She felt his hands take her shoulders and she winced in pain. So very sore!
Exhausted as he might be, his hands slowly began to massage Rikku's knotted muscles. She moaned involuntarily, head drooping. The rain seemed to fade away, only the feel of comfort remaining. His fingers pried her muscles, working them loose. It took her a full minute to realize that he had stopped his wonderful ministrations on her back. She felt his arms snake around her belly, clutching her close. "I... I know," his voice grumbled in her ear, "I know what it feels like. The incredible stress. I believe it comes with being unsent. I feel it also, I have for ten years. Please... don't fight me," He murmured, his damp hair touching her cheek. "I fought for so long... I was always like this, always so... irritated. Angry with what happened to me, to us. Angry at my fate. Now... now I have you. I don't want to see you like this... I know. I was there. If it helps... use me to stay here..." He sounded like he was a young boy, afraid of rejection. Rikku felt her heart melt,
washing away her rage. She sighed, feeling his gentle touch. She probably would have fallen asleep had he not gently tugged her downward. "Come with me," He said again. This time, she followed. As the climbed down, the rain fell harder, splattering against their already clammy skin.
Nearing the tent, Rikku slowed. "Um... I guess I'll stay out here with Kimahri..." She murmured. Auron didn't respond, as he was unbuckling his belt. He gently removed his damp coat, placing it at the foot of the tent. His body glistened in the faint light of the crystals, his muscles defined and outlined to extravagant detail. He held out a bare hand, eye lid blinking heavily. Rikku, confused, accepted while she didn't know where they would go. Hand in hand, they opened the warm confines of the tent, sliding inside.
Wakka and Lulu were sound asleep, mashed against the side. In the middle was Yuna and Tidus, lying on their backs, her head cradled by Tidus's arm. There was only room for one more, if they were lucky. Rikku wanted to back away, feeling like she was invading upon their space-
Auron knelt first, his hand drawing her to him. He felt his form being pressed against Yuna, knowing it couldn't be helped. Besides, it wasn't Yuna he wanted to be against. He pulled Rikku down, her slender body falling against his. He marveled at the feel of her against him. Her damp shirt's wetness was invading his, and she scooted away so he might stay dry. "Sorry", she whispered, mashing herself against the chilled wall. Damn!
Auron frowned. Gently, he reached to the bottom of her shirt. Rikku inhaled as his fingers gently lifted the damp cloth from her skin, pulling it away. Her eyes opened wide.
He continued to lift the fabric until his hand brushed by her breast, causing Rikku to suppress a surprised gasp. He paused, then continued until he pulled the object over her head, leaving the girl in her dark bra. He tossed the sleeveless shirt to the side, and pulled her impossibly close.
Auron's hands roamed her exposed back, continuing the sweet circles at her shoulder blades. Rikku sighed, leaning her head into the safety of his shoulder and neck, his chin brushing her forehead. One of his heavy legs entwined hers. He pulled the last remaining blanket upwards, burying the two in warmth and darkness. Rikku sighed again, his rough fingers moving lazily about her exposed back. So soft... so close.
Auron felt her breathing slow. He wanted to ease her pain, for he himself felt the very stress and rage. The pain of the soul being separated from the physical form, only to remain in it's prison of a body. He sighed, the rain falling heavily against the tent walls. Wakka's snoring was its only competition. Whispering softly into the sleeping Rikku's ear, he spoke the newfound truth that helped fuel his existence on this world.
"... I am yours."
With that, he nuzzled her head, and wove his hands in her own. The rain was like a child's soothing music. He was hardly aware of his eyelid sliding shut as he succumbed to his exhaustion at last.
************************
Later that night, a drenched Kimahri opened the tent to check on Yuna, as he did every night.
Lulu and Wakka were back to back, Lulu's front separated by a wall of blankets. On the other side of that barrier, Tidus cradled Yuna, his arms holding her close. Yuna's back was pressed against Auron's. The swordsman's arms enwrapped Rikku's own back, his arms looped around her slender waist. His calm face was buried in the delicate nape of her neck. Their legs were entwined. All was at peace.
A small grin tugged at Kimarhi's lips, as he sealed the tent shut and continued his watch.
*** wheee. Long. Nice? I dunno. I copped out of the fight scene just because I have a crapload of stuff to do.. stress is eval. For me and Rikku both. O_o
-Spazkit