Feedback so good to Spazzy, it really helps a lot. Here is more mushy goodness for you. Um... disregard the fact that this has no real plot.
Chapter 17 Momentary Calm
To awaken in an embrace must be the most wonderful feeling in the world. First, you feel. You feel the soft woven blankets surrounding you, shielding you from the harsh cold and light of the world. You feel the heavy limbs of your partner, warm and comforting against you. It is the feeling of security and safety that you simply can't feel that often. Then, you might even have the strength to open your eyes.
Rikku's eyelids were heavy. She heard the soft pattering of rain, droplets dancing upon the dark tent. She heard the snores and rhythmic breathing of others, assuring her that she was not alone. That in itself was comforting.
Her swirling eyes opened slowly, seeing only darkness at first. She felt a warm breath on her face, accompanied by a low murmur. Auron's face was no more than an inch away, his expression so very adorable while his mouth was opened, slightly ajar. His breaths were deep, unguarded, the warmth cascading down her sensitive neck. His arms were encircling her waist, his large limp hands resting upon her lower back. Perhaps other limbs were mashed against her own, but to her it was all warmth and comfort. Returning her gaze to his face, she drew a hand from the soft confines of his own waist, and gently touched his sleeping face, a finger trailing across his relaxed eyebrow, eliciting a gentle moan from the man. All the pain, the gore, the aggravation of it all, it was worth it if she would wake up each morning like this. And yet... they were almost upon Mt. Gagazet. And from there... to the end.
She shivered, squeezing her eyes shut at the thought. All this time, and no thought, no single idea of how to stop the final summoning had come to her overloaded brain. Deep inside, she felt like she was a failure. Yunie...
Oh dear gods. She was crying.
Rikku hadn't even realized it until her still closed eyes registered something leaking from her closed lids, sliding down her face. She sniffled softly, trying to bury the unpleasant emotions ripping through her being. Her sensitive lashes felt the touch before it came. Auron, he was... kissing her closed eyes. It was a strange yet comforting feeling. His lips brushed against them softly, contrasting his stubble as it gently pricked the bridge of her nose. His own nose trailed across her forehead, as his strong arms tightened their hold, drawing Rikku to his torso.
He took his lips away, allowing Rikku to open her bleary eyes. Before she could register his face, he took her lips in his, giving a soft, gentle kiss. No entry asked, no heated passion. Just a warm touch. She sighed through her nose, eyes sliding shut at the delicate feeling. He leaned his brow against hers, ceasing the kiss. His voice was soft and deep. "Rest," He murmured, his own eye drifting shut. Above, the patter of rain continued. Rikku found sleep tempting, but only a temporary escape from the burdens she felt. Beside her, Auron's breathing became deeper as he slid away, perhaps towards a comforting dream of past times. Rikku sighed to herself, her companion's steady breaths echoing the others in the tent. But the Al Bhed did not follow Auron's advice, and remained awake, praying that her thoughts might lead to an answer. Also... to be with Auron, to inhale his breaths, his scent filling her nostrils. She would call this heaven, if only to feel his arms and body, a
precious gift in itself.
*********************
Tidus stared obliviously into the tree line, rubbing his hands together. The rain had stopped earlier this morning, leaving a strange mist drifting across the dense forest. Behind him, Wakka and Lulu were wrapping up the remains of their breakfast and tent, arguing about something or other. Kimahri was grabbing a few hours to himself, after Tidus told him to when he was the first to get up. Or so he thought. When he left the warm confines of their snug tent, Rikku had already gone that morning. Tidus hadn't given it much thought, after he tripped over Auron in the process of leaving. The elder guardian hadn't been too happy about that.
Now, Rikku was perched in a tree above, out of sight. Tidus wondered what she was thinking about, and bound upwards, climbing up to see her.
"Hey!" He chirped brightly, his blond hair flopping behind him. Rikku gave a weak smile from her enwrapped arms that shielded the majority of her face. "You look... uh..." Tidus struggled for words. Rikku raised an eyebrow. "Never mind," He grimaced. Insulting her would not make her feel any better. Rikku just groaned.
"Sleep deprivation is not my friend. Have you thought of anything yet?" She grumbled, her head emerging from it's hiding place in her arms. Tidus sighed sadly. No. He hadn't.
"Hey, you two! Let's get a move on, ya?" Hollered Wakka from below. Tidus began to climb slowly out of the tree, attempting to reach the ground without a broken neck. Rikku took a more direct approach, and just leapt, smacking against the wet ground with a roll. When she stood, a little mud slid down her thigh. Ah, graceful but dirty.
The walk was long and tiresome. Fiends seemed to appear out of nowhere, draining the troop of energy as the day wore on. Auron led, Yuna close behind. After a time, sunlight began to peek through the trees, the strange new light being refracted by the crystals, creating strange colors upon the forest. By the dusk of that day, they broke through the trees. They had reached the Calm Lands.
Yuna just collapsed upon the soft green grass, oblivious that she had scared the hell out of Auron and Kimahri, the two guardians quickly kneeling by her side. But the young summoner only smiled, gazing up at the fire-red sky with wide eyes. Kimahri groaned, releasing the tight grip on his staff. Auron smirked behind his cloak, shaking his head. Braska had done the very same thing.
Standing, Auron moved away, finding a suitable place for a camp. There, atop that crevice. Protection from wind and intruders alike. He strode towards the crest without a word, the others following. Upon the top, as he'd expected, there was a slight incline, a good place for undisturbed rest.
He and the others began to spread their bedrolls out in a circular pattern, himself beside Rikku. He took an oath right there and then to force the girl to rest. Her sleep deprivation was starting to affect her physically, during battles she was sluggish. And Auron simply didn't enjoy receiving that drained look in her eyes when her sluggish gaze came his way. Part of him wanted to end her suffering... to just tell here that there was simply no other way to end the pilgrimage. Yet, to destroy that faint hope, that itself would be a terrible mistake. Rikku's entire personality revolved around hope. There had to be some way to stop the young girl's suffering, because Auron knew that the she would only wear herself out further during the night. The older guardian was not immune to being tired, and chances were he would fall asleep first, leaving too many hours of unrest for the Al Bhed to ponder in vain.
Rikku was sitting atop the crevice wall, gazing into the sunset. She had never been to the Calm Lands, and was somewhat awed by the beauty of the sun lowering against the canyon walls, the glowing orb's light washing the entire plain. Behind her towered Kimahri, gazing across the fields to the mountains beyond.
"Kimahri home is there..." rumbled the Rhonso. Rikku looked up, seeing his furry chin.
"Mt Gagazet? I've never been there." Rikku replied with a yawn.
"Kimahri not been there in long time," he said, perhaps with a hint of sadness in his low voice.
"Why?" Rikku asked.
Kimahri sighed. "Kimahri not welcome there. Kimahri left long time ago for Yuna."
Rikku sniffed. "I'm sorry... I'm sure they'll be happy to see you when we get there in a couple days." Kimahri said nothing, but nodded.
She heard the padding of his feet moving away, back to the small camp behind and below. The stars were peeking out now, blinking lazily in the darkening sky. The days... they were passing so quickly. And the nights... they were so very long. Her thoughts were and endless circle. Ignore the call of the farplane... think of a way to save Yunie... and... Auron? He too was in her mind, wisps of emotion hazing over the endless turmoil inside her tired brain. At the same time, the nights were somewhat comforting. Since Macalana... however many days, weeks ago that had been, she was never alone in the cold and dark of night. That much was a comfort.
"... Rikku?" The Al Bhed turned to the soft voice. Yuna stood upon the crevice top as well, Auron behind her, his coat flapping in the breeze. "Um... can I ask you something?" Rikku nodded, and attempted to hide her weary expression with a smile.
"I... " Yuna looked down. "I want you to rest tonight, ok? I am truly honored by what you are trying to do for me..." Rikku glared at Auron. Ok, thanks a lot for telling her what I was trying to do. Appreciate it bunches. Auron's expression didn't waver.
"Yunie, I'm fine!" She chirped, her happy mask falling instinctively into place. Yuna only smiled sadly.
"Come with me?" The summoner asked, and Rikku meekly obliged, falling instep behind Yuna, guarded in rear by Auron. The three returned to find all others asleep already, curled around the fire. Yuna sat down upon the bedroll that she had lain before Rikku's.
"I will take the first watch tonight," She said, winking to Auron as Rikku glanced up at the starry sky above. Auron smiled slightly, nodding. He grasped Rikku's arm, pulling her towards the crevice wall, where his bedroll was tossed. He spread it out, hearing a faint and muffled yawn beside him. Smoothly, he removed his collar and belt, leaving his warm coat open. He sat upon the woven blanket, leaning his back against the smooth rock wall. The swordsman motioned for Rikku to come. She sauntered over lazily, apparently lost in though. She sat, her left side facing him a few feet away. Apparently not satisfied, he reached around her waist, eliciting a squeak from the girl. He spread his legs, pulling Rikku's back to his torso in front. His hands found her waist, relaxed upon her hips.
"Look," He murmured into her hair, taking a tiny hand in his and pointing upward. Rikku cast her weary gaze above to see a great, silver bird flying high in the night sky. She gazed in awe at it's translucent wings inked in silver highlights, it slender black beak curving just above the tip. It's long and flowing tail seemed to fan out for yards. The sheer beauty of the creature left Rikku mesmerized.
"What is it?" She asked softly, unaware of her head as it drooped into the crook of Auron's neck.
"It is a kind of Phoenix, a rare bird," He replied, his deep voice vibrating through his throat and chest to the girl in his embrace. "This one is the rarest of all, they live upon the highest peaks of Mt. Gagazet. The Rhonso call them `moon wings', because they catch the moonlight in their feathers."
As if a gift, the creature swooped lower, it's silver a mere flash in the night sky. As it flew away, a single feather fell to the ground, landing in Rikku's lap. She lifted the soft thing to her, the object seeming to give of a soft glow. She struggled to conceal a yawn as she set the precious item to the ground, hiding it in the folds of Auron's collar. He sighed, knowing full well what was coming.
"Rest now," He murmured softly, his throat covering a good portion of Rikku's face, leaving only the mop of hair to look at beside his head. She said nothing. Yevon, why did she have to be so difficult? Because she has the will to find another way, to save Yuna, he answered himself. He sighed again, his lungs expanding against Rikku's back. He knew that he was tired, having battled an abnormal amount of fiends prior to their arrival in the Calm Lands. There was a good chance he might not be awake much longer, and that would totally defeat the purpose of getting her to a more comfortable position.
Actually, Rikku was on the verge of sleep, although she was fighting it all the way. It was just to damn warm. She was surrounded, her back, his long legs at her sides, his arms around her waist. She gazed into the crackling fire, trying to will some idea into her mind. From the Calm Lands to Mt. Gagazet, to Zanarkand. That would give her ample time to formulate a plan if she could get an inkling of it now...
Auron groaned, he could practically hear the gears turning inside her head. No, this was not what they needed. That was it, time for plan B.
Auron glanced to Yuna, silently telling her to go ahead. She turned, nodding. She mumbled some unheard words, soft light appearing out of nowhere around Rikku's form, although the Al Bhed was completely unaware of it. The light swirled around her head, and Auron watched it seep inside his human blanket's body. Rikku gave a soft sigh, and her head leaned heavily against his shoulder and neck, her form melting into his own. At last.
Yuna smiled, watching Rikku's face press into Auron's throat in her sleep. The spell had worked like a charm. The summoner returned her gaze to the fire for some time, thinking about the pilgrimage herself. She wondered what her father though of her now... perhaps on of the greatest comforts of her oncoming final summoning was that she would see Braksa again. Oh, how she awaited that day. But... Tidus...
Sighing, she turned around a while later, to find Auron's head drooped, a few unruly strands of silver hair falling in front of his closed eyes. Her father had chosen wisely to have such a wonderful guardian at his side. Now, it warmed Yuna's heart to know that he had found someone else to cherish and care for.
*** Eeeeeeeek. Very long. NO PLOT! Who-hooo! Mush is so much fun to write though, and so very fun to draw! EE! Must stop drawing Auron.. art teacher beginning to wonder...
-Spazkit
Chapter 17 Momentary Calm
To awaken in an embrace must be the most wonderful feeling in the world. First, you feel. You feel the soft woven blankets surrounding you, shielding you from the harsh cold and light of the world. You feel the heavy limbs of your partner, warm and comforting against you. It is the feeling of security and safety that you simply can't feel that often. Then, you might even have the strength to open your eyes.
Rikku's eyelids were heavy. She heard the soft pattering of rain, droplets dancing upon the dark tent. She heard the snores and rhythmic breathing of others, assuring her that she was not alone. That in itself was comforting.
Her swirling eyes opened slowly, seeing only darkness at first. She felt a warm breath on her face, accompanied by a low murmur. Auron's face was no more than an inch away, his expression so very adorable while his mouth was opened, slightly ajar. His breaths were deep, unguarded, the warmth cascading down her sensitive neck. His arms were encircling her waist, his large limp hands resting upon her lower back. Perhaps other limbs were mashed against her own, but to her it was all warmth and comfort. Returning her gaze to his face, she drew a hand from the soft confines of his own waist, and gently touched his sleeping face, a finger trailing across his relaxed eyebrow, eliciting a gentle moan from the man. All the pain, the gore, the aggravation of it all, it was worth it if she would wake up each morning like this. And yet... they were almost upon Mt. Gagazet. And from there... to the end.
She shivered, squeezing her eyes shut at the thought. All this time, and no thought, no single idea of how to stop the final summoning had come to her overloaded brain. Deep inside, she felt like she was a failure. Yunie...
Oh dear gods. She was crying.
Rikku hadn't even realized it until her still closed eyes registered something leaking from her closed lids, sliding down her face. She sniffled softly, trying to bury the unpleasant emotions ripping through her being. Her sensitive lashes felt the touch before it came. Auron, he was... kissing her closed eyes. It was a strange yet comforting feeling. His lips brushed against them softly, contrasting his stubble as it gently pricked the bridge of her nose. His own nose trailed across her forehead, as his strong arms tightened their hold, drawing Rikku to his torso.
He took his lips away, allowing Rikku to open her bleary eyes. Before she could register his face, he took her lips in his, giving a soft, gentle kiss. No entry asked, no heated passion. Just a warm touch. She sighed through her nose, eyes sliding shut at the delicate feeling. He leaned his brow against hers, ceasing the kiss. His voice was soft and deep. "Rest," He murmured, his own eye drifting shut. Above, the patter of rain continued. Rikku found sleep tempting, but only a temporary escape from the burdens she felt. Beside her, Auron's breathing became deeper as he slid away, perhaps towards a comforting dream of past times. Rikku sighed to herself, her companion's steady breaths echoing the others in the tent. But the Al Bhed did not follow Auron's advice, and remained awake, praying that her thoughts might lead to an answer. Also... to be with Auron, to inhale his breaths, his scent filling her nostrils. She would call this heaven, if only to feel his arms and body, a
precious gift in itself.
*********************
Tidus stared obliviously into the tree line, rubbing his hands together. The rain had stopped earlier this morning, leaving a strange mist drifting across the dense forest. Behind him, Wakka and Lulu were wrapping up the remains of their breakfast and tent, arguing about something or other. Kimahri was grabbing a few hours to himself, after Tidus told him to when he was the first to get up. Or so he thought. When he left the warm confines of their snug tent, Rikku had already gone that morning. Tidus hadn't given it much thought, after he tripped over Auron in the process of leaving. The elder guardian hadn't been too happy about that.
Now, Rikku was perched in a tree above, out of sight. Tidus wondered what she was thinking about, and bound upwards, climbing up to see her.
"Hey!" He chirped brightly, his blond hair flopping behind him. Rikku gave a weak smile from her enwrapped arms that shielded the majority of her face. "You look... uh..." Tidus struggled for words. Rikku raised an eyebrow. "Never mind," He grimaced. Insulting her would not make her feel any better. Rikku just groaned.
"Sleep deprivation is not my friend. Have you thought of anything yet?" She grumbled, her head emerging from it's hiding place in her arms. Tidus sighed sadly. No. He hadn't.
"Hey, you two! Let's get a move on, ya?" Hollered Wakka from below. Tidus began to climb slowly out of the tree, attempting to reach the ground without a broken neck. Rikku took a more direct approach, and just leapt, smacking against the wet ground with a roll. When she stood, a little mud slid down her thigh. Ah, graceful but dirty.
The walk was long and tiresome. Fiends seemed to appear out of nowhere, draining the troop of energy as the day wore on. Auron led, Yuna close behind. After a time, sunlight began to peek through the trees, the strange new light being refracted by the crystals, creating strange colors upon the forest. By the dusk of that day, they broke through the trees. They had reached the Calm Lands.
Yuna just collapsed upon the soft green grass, oblivious that she had scared the hell out of Auron and Kimahri, the two guardians quickly kneeling by her side. But the young summoner only smiled, gazing up at the fire-red sky with wide eyes. Kimahri groaned, releasing the tight grip on his staff. Auron smirked behind his cloak, shaking his head. Braska had done the very same thing.
Standing, Auron moved away, finding a suitable place for a camp. There, atop that crevice. Protection from wind and intruders alike. He strode towards the crest without a word, the others following. Upon the top, as he'd expected, there was a slight incline, a good place for undisturbed rest.
He and the others began to spread their bedrolls out in a circular pattern, himself beside Rikku. He took an oath right there and then to force the girl to rest. Her sleep deprivation was starting to affect her physically, during battles she was sluggish. And Auron simply didn't enjoy receiving that drained look in her eyes when her sluggish gaze came his way. Part of him wanted to end her suffering... to just tell here that there was simply no other way to end the pilgrimage. Yet, to destroy that faint hope, that itself would be a terrible mistake. Rikku's entire personality revolved around hope. There had to be some way to stop the young girl's suffering, because Auron knew that the she would only wear herself out further during the night. The older guardian was not immune to being tired, and chances were he would fall asleep first, leaving too many hours of unrest for the Al Bhed to ponder in vain.
Rikku was sitting atop the crevice wall, gazing into the sunset. She had never been to the Calm Lands, and was somewhat awed by the beauty of the sun lowering against the canyon walls, the glowing orb's light washing the entire plain. Behind her towered Kimahri, gazing across the fields to the mountains beyond.
"Kimahri home is there..." rumbled the Rhonso. Rikku looked up, seeing his furry chin.
"Mt Gagazet? I've never been there." Rikku replied with a yawn.
"Kimahri not been there in long time," he said, perhaps with a hint of sadness in his low voice.
"Why?" Rikku asked.
Kimahri sighed. "Kimahri not welcome there. Kimahri left long time ago for Yuna."
Rikku sniffed. "I'm sorry... I'm sure they'll be happy to see you when we get there in a couple days." Kimahri said nothing, but nodded.
She heard the padding of his feet moving away, back to the small camp behind and below. The stars were peeking out now, blinking lazily in the darkening sky. The days... they were passing so quickly. And the nights... they were so very long. Her thoughts were and endless circle. Ignore the call of the farplane... think of a way to save Yunie... and... Auron? He too was in her mind, wisps of emotion hazing over the endless turmoil inside her tired brain. At the same time, the nights were somewhat comforting. Since Macalana... however many days, weeks ago that had been, she was never alone in the cold and dark of night. That much was a comfort.
"... Rikku?" The Al Bhed turned to the soft voice. Yuna stood upon the crevice top as well, Auron behind her, his coat flapping in the breeze. "Um... can I ask you something?" Rikku nodded, and attempted to hide her weary expression with a smile.
"I... " Yuna looked down. "I want you to rest tonight, ok? I am truly honored by what you are trying to do for me..." Rikku glared at Auron. Ok, thanks a lot for telling her what I was trying to do. Appreciate it bunches. Auron's expression didn't waver.
"Yunie, I'm fine!" She chirped, her happy mask falling instinctively into place. Yuna only smiled sadly.
"Come with me?" The summoner asked, and Rikku meekly obliged, falling instep behind Yuna, guarded in rear by Auron. The three returned to find all others asleep already, curled around the fire. Yuna sat down upon the bedroll that she had lain before Rikku's.
"I will take the first watch tonight," She said, winking to Auron as Rikku glanced up at the starry sky above. Auron smiled slightly, nodding. He grasped Rikku's arm, pulling her towards the crevice wall, where his bedroll was tossed. He spread it out, hearing a faint and muffled yawn beside him. Smoothly, he removed his collar and belt, leaving his warm coat open. He sat upon the woven blanket, leaning his back against the smooth rock wall. The swordsman motioned for Rikku to come. She sauntered over lazily, apparently lost in though. She sat, her left side facing him a few feet away. Apparently not satisfied, he reached around her waist, eliciting a squeak from the girl. He spread his legs, pulling Rikku's back to his torso in front. His hands found her waist, relaxed upon her hips.
"Look," He murmured into her hair, taking a tiny hand in his and pointing upward. Rikku cast her weary gaze above to see a great, silver bird flying high in the night sky. She gazed in awe at it's translucent wings inked in silver highlights, it slender black beak curving just above the tip. It's long and flowing tail seemed to fan out for yards. The sheer beauty of the creature left Rikku mesmerized.
"What is it?" She asked softly, unaware of her head as it drooped into the crook of Auron's neck.
"It is a kind of Phoenix, a rare bird," He replied, his deep voice vibrating through his throat and chest to the girl in his embrace. "This one is the rarest of all, they live upon the highest peaks of Mt. Gagazet. The Rhonso call them `moon wings', because they catch the moonlight in their feathers."
As if a gift, the creature swooped lower, it's silver a mere flash in the night sky. As it flew away, a single feather fell to the ground, landing in Rikku's lap. She lifted the soft thing to her, the object seeming to give of a soft glow. She struggled to conceal a yawn as she set the precious item to the ground, hiding it in the folds of Auron's collar. He sighed, knowing full well what was coming.
"Rest now," He murmured softly, his throat covering a good portion of Rikku's face, leaving only the mop of hair to look at beside his head. She said nothing. Yevon, why did she have to be so difficult? Because she has the will to find another way, to save Yuna, he answered himself. He sighed again, his lungs expanding against Rikku's back. He knew that he was tired, having battled an abnormal amount of fiends prior to their arrival in the Calm Lands. There was a good chance he might not be awake much longer, and that would totally defeat the purpose of getting her to a more comfortable position.
Actually, Rikku was on the verge of sleep, although she was fighting it all the way. It was just to damn warm. She was surrounded, her back, his long legs at her sides, his arms around her waist. She gazed into the crackling fire, trying to will some idea into her mind. From the Calm Lands to Mt. Gagazet, to Zanarkand. That would give her ample time to formulate a plan if she could get an inkling of it now...
Auron groaned, he could practically hear the gears turning inside her head. No, this was not what they needed. That was it, time for plan B.
Auron glanced to Yuna, silently telling her to go ahead. She turned, nodding. She mumbled some unheard words, soft light appearing out of nowhere around Rikku's form, although the Al Bhed was completely unaware of it. The light swirled around her head, and Auron watched it seep inside his human blanket's body. Rikku gave a soft sigh, and her head leaned heavily against his shoulder and neck, her form melting into his own. At last.
Yuna smiled, watching Rikku's face press into Auron's throat in her sleep. The spell had worked like a charm. The summoner returned her gaze to the fire for some time, thinking about the pilgrimage herself. She wondered what her father though of her now... perhaps on of the greatest comforts of her oncoming final summoning was that she would see Braksa again. Oh, how she awaited that day. But... Tidus...
Sighing, she turned around a while later, to find Auron's head drooped, a few unruly strands of silver hair falling in front of his closed eyes. Her father had chosen wisely to have such a wonderful guardian at his side. Now, it warmed Yuna's heart to know that he had found someone else to cherish and care for.
*** Eeeeeeeek. Very long. NO PLOT! Who-hooo! Mush is so much fun to write though, and so very fun to draw! EE! Must stop drawing Auron.. art teacher beginning to wonder...
-Spazkit