Yay for scary collage thing. At least it's over. X_x And I can talk again! Eee!
Happy feedback, more story! Angst for a little bit.
Chapter 22 Through the Mountain
"Kimahri!" Rikku cried, tears streaming down her face and onto the snow. She
wanted nothing more than to help the Rhonso but Auron's steady grip on her
shoulder kept her still.
"Come on! He's hurt! We need to help him!" she cried again, struggling in vain
from Auron's grasp.
"I agree…" Tidus mumbled, watching the larger Rhonsos pummel their comrade.
This was not fair in the least. He caught Rikku's look of appreciation as her tears
shimmered in her swirling eyes. But the others made no move to help their
fellow guardian. Tidus felt his throat clench as Biran's powerful magic flayed
Kimahri again, the smaller cat-beast stumbling and falling backwards. Yenke took
the opportunity to launch yet another magic attack while Kimahri struggled to
rise.
Rikku was almost free of Auron's grasp when the swordsman's strong arms
enwrapped her, hugging her slender frame to his own. She cried, sobbing into his
bare forearm.
Kimahri hauled himself to his feet, his form a quivering mass of blood and blue
fur. His yellow eyes flared in rage as he flipped his staff forward defiantly, the
small silver feather clinging desperately to the base of the bloody blade. To him,
there was only silence. The falling snow of his mountain home, the battle howls
of his brethren, these were only minor events. All that mattered was Yuna. And
he must always accompany her, no matter what pain he must endure.
Another swipe, a lancet: And Biran fell. Yenke howled in rage, slamming into the
hornless fool who dared harm his comrade. Kimahri gasped in agony, his lungs
screaming. That paw, it had imbedded itself in his side… There was no time. A
last, desperate action; A silver feather flying in the wind as a staff crashed into
the head of Yenke, knocking the cat unconscious.
Rikku screamed as Kimahri fell. His form slid to the ground, his fur turning a
purplish color from the wounds that his body had taken. Strangled gasps filled
the snowy air as Kimahri gazed one last time to his charge, his hope. Yuna…
Yuna ran to her guardian, and fell to her knees as soft, warm tears fell upon his
still chest. All was still, save for the silver feather, flapping softly in the wind.
Auron felt his heart thump wildly against his chest as he closed his eye in grief.
Rest well, old friend. Rikku sobbed quietly into his arms, her warm tears sliding
over his arm's smooth skin.
Lulu and Wakka just stared in disbelief. Tidus… his tears fell to the snowy ground
as well. Yuna stifled a cry, struggled to remain strong. She held off the sending,
if just to hold the limp paw a little while longer.
Yenke and Biran slowly regained consciousness. Silent, the other Rhonso said
nothing while the guardian's gave them glares sharper than daggers. Biran
dragged himself to his brethren's still side cautiously. "Kimahri… strong…"
The feather swung violently, yet there was no wind. Rikku glanced up from her
mourning… what?
In the still of the frozen air, came a shrill, inhuman shriek. It echoed across the
mountain, yet no snow or ice fell from the jagged peaks. The guardians,
summoner and Rhonso raised their heads to the sky. There, gliding high above
was a great bird, it's feathers gracefully slicing the air. It's small, black beak and
black eyes stuck out from it's silver feathers as it swooped into the valley.
Landing silently, it came foreword, it's silver claws scraping silently against the
fallen snow. Ember eyes scanned the humans before it; the creature seemed to
be making a decision of some sort. It came closer.
Standing before the fallen Rhonso, Biran and Yenke gasped, scrambling away.
"Moon wings…" Biran said in awe. Rikku sniffled in confusion. Auron only held
her tightly, his own rust eye gazing upon the bird's flowing feathers.
The great creature spread it's wings wide, and a strange glow illuminated from
it's chest and limbs. Yuna gasped and stood backwards, allowing the bird's wings
to encase the fallen Kimahri. It sat upon the cat's chest, and it's massive arms
enclosed over the body. A light emanated from the creature, the intensity so
bright that the cats and guardians had to look away.
Moments later, the light dimmed, the bird having vanished from the area. All that
remained was a befuddled Kimahri, his expression perplexed as he sat up. As
his yellow eyes opened, he was greeted by the stunned stares of his fellow
guardians and summoner.
"Kimahri…" Yuna whispered as she wrapped her slender arms around his
massive frame. Kimahri looked confused, but said nothing. Rikku began to
bounce happily in Auron's embrace. Tidus, Wakka and Lulu just stared.
"Kimahri strong… Biran sees this. Mountain send Moon Wings to save
Kimahri…" Biran grumbled, standing. Yenke stood as well.
"Mountain knows Kimahri is strong and brave," Added Yenke, nodding.
Kimahri didn't understand. Neither did Yuna, but it didn't matter. They were whole
again.
******************************
Shortly after long overdue apologies and promises were made, they continued
on. Rikku was never two feet away from the Rhonso, her hair bobbing happily
behind her. Auron smiled sadly, strange thoughts coming unbidden to his mind.
That bird… it had brought Kimahri back from the dead. Perhaps…? Perhaps the
same could happen to Rikku? She still had the feather… She could live again,
have her life back…
Auron was not even aware as she felt in step beside him, still draped in his red
robe. It was odd seeing the guardian with both hands lax as they walked, no
robe to tuck his arm in. He must be cold… "Hey…" She inquired, but received no
response. She slipped a small hand in his, squeezing gently. His eye emerged
from the depths of his thoughts, taking in the image of the concerned Al Bhed
next to him. "Where did you go? I knocked, but nobody was home."
Auron allowed a soft smile to play over his features. "Just thinking," he replied,
his voice muffled by the falling snow. He was unable to subdue a tremor as it ran
the length of his spine. Rikku frowned, and removed the warmth of the coat from
her shoulders, and handed it to Auron. He shook his head. "No, you don't have
to-" Before he could finish, she had the article of clothing across his broad
shoulders, and she herself tucked against his side. Not entirely unpleasant, not at
all. However, as they walked onward, his sense of peace grew less and less, for
up ahead was a place most memorable… in the worse sense.
Auron struggled to dismiss the growing unease in the pit of his stomach. How
many more nights with Rikku could he enjoy? How long until he would face
Yunalesca again? What would he do with himself when that moment came…
when he would coax his lord's daughter to her death? He shuddered again.
Braska… forgive me…
Rikku sensed Auron was disturbed, his normally piercing gaze turned inward,
upon himself. She held him closer, her fingers rubbing against his. In the blinding
white glare, she tried to ignore the discomfort of the environment and enjoy his
company. She knew full well, when the night came, she could be devoting all of
her strength to formulating a plan and by the /gods/, she would save Yunie.
Period.
Night fell slowly, the fading sunlight reflecting off the snow. "Come," commanded
Auron, "The caves are not far. Let us continue until we reach them, it will be safer
and warmer inside."
Up, down, up good gods the journey was tiresome. The mountain was a death
trap, indeed a crash course for the elite. Even as the sun set, they continued.
Closer and closer… and yet, no thoughts came to Rikku's breaking heart.
Yunie… After a time, she grew weary, her face pressing against Auron's solid
shoulder. A strong arm slid around her waist. "Only a little longer," Auron
murmured in her ear.
"But…" Rikku mumbled tiredly.
"But what?" He asked softly, his breath a gust of steam against her ear.
"I need more time…" She breathed softly, a tear escaping her grasp. Auron
realized what she meant. Rikku… please, there is no other way…
But he didn't say a word, and only held her closer. Two ends of the spectrum,
that is what they were. She wanted to end the pilgrimage, while Auron knew his
duty was to lead them on. And yet, they remained close, closer than Auron had
ever dared to come to another person again.
At last, they reached the mouth of the mountain pass. Somewhat relieved and
yet so horrified, the party quickly scanned the area for fiends. Assured that they
were relatively safe, they began to set their bedrolls and light a small yet
reassuring fire. Yuna did not leave Kimahri's side, and Tidus was never more
than a foot away from Yuna. The circle was tightened through the conflict of that
day's events.
Rikku sat and stared into the fire. Would this be the last time? Would this be the
last time she felt Auron behind her, his arms sliding to her waist, his calm, even
breaths gently pestering her ear? Perhaps he was purposely trying to distract her
from thinking. Or perhaps there was no other way?
No. They /would/ find a way.
Auron spread himself behind her, lying on his side. A hand rested on her hip, a
simple reminder of his presence as she drifted off into her own thoughts. Help
me Tidus, she prayed. Help me find a way. Tidus met her liquid gaze from across
the fire and gave a slow nod. He understood.
Time was ever the enemy. Soon, Rikku's eyelids began to droop against her will.
She muffled a yawn, a hand going to her mouth. She felt herself leaning back,
as if she was watching from far away. She felt the connection of something soft
and warm against her head and shoulders. …Auron's layered stomach. She
leaned her head to its side, her cheek pressing against his taught abdomen. He
himself had already succumbed to the warmth of the fire, his arm curled around
his head to pillow his face. She wondered how many times she had left, where
she could just watch him sleep, his eyebrows slightly arched and relaxed, his lips
slightly parted.
Tomorrow would come soon enough. And when it did, it would bring her greatest
fears. Zanakand…
***wheeee. Lossa Kimahri. I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying the other
Aurikku's going on right now, I actually turn on the computer in the morning
before I go to school to take a look and see if they are updated. ^_^ as far as the
art thing went, I might be in good shape for the 1000$ scholarship. Booyea! ^_^
I'll be uploading a bunch of Auron art within the next two days, just so you know.
Wheeee.
-spazkit
Happy feedback, more story! Angst for a little bit.
Chapter 22 Through the Mountain
"Kimahri!" Rikku cried, tears streaming down her face and onto the snow. She
wanted nothing more than to help the Rhonso but Auron's steady grip on her
shoulder kept her still.
"Come on! He's hurt! We need to help him!" she cried again, struggling in vain
from Auron's grasp.
"I agree…" Tidus mumbled, watching the larger Rhonsos pummel their comrade.
This was not fair in the least. He caught Rikku's look of appreciation as her tears
shimmered in her swirling eyes. But the others made no move to help their
fellow guardian. Tidus felt his throat clench as Biran's powerful magic flayed
Kimahri again, the smaller cat-beast stumbling and falling backwards. Yenke took
the opportunity to launch yet another magic attack while Kimahri struggled to
rise.
Rikku was almost free of Auron's grasp when the swordsman's strong arms
enwrapped her, hugging her slender frame to his own. She cried, sobbing into his
bare forearm.
Kimahri hauled himself to his feet, his form a quivering mass of blood and blue
fur. His yellow eyes flared in rage as he flipped his staff forward defiantly, the
small silver feather clinging desperately to the base of the bloody blade. To him,
there was only silence. The falling snow of his mountain home, the battle howls
of his brethren, these were only minor events. All that mattered was Yuna. And
he must always accompany her, no matter what pain he must endure.
Another swipe, a lancet: And Biran fell. Yenke howled in rage, slamming into the
hornless fool who dared harm his comrade. Kimahri gasped in agony, his lungs
screaming. That paw, it had imbedded itself in his side… There was no time. A
last, desperate action; A silver feather flying in the wind as a staff crashed into
the head of Yenke, knocking the cat unconscious.
Rikku screamed as Kimahri fell. His form slid to the ground, his fur turning a
purplish color from the wounds that his body had taken. Strangled gasps filled
the snowy air as Kimahri gazed one last time to his charge, his hope. Yuna…
Yuna ran to her guardian, and fell to her knees as soft, warm tears fell upon his
still chest. All was still, save for the silver feather, flapping softly in the wind.
Auron felt his heart thump wildly against his chest as he closed his eye in grief.
Rest well, old friend. Rikku sobbed quietly into his arms, her warm tears sliding
over his arm's smooth skin.
Lulu and Wakka just stared in disbelief. Tidus… his tears fell to the snowy ground
as well. Yuna stifled a cry, struggled to remain strong. She held off the sending,
if just to hold the limp paw a little while longer.
Yenke and Biran slowly regained consciousness. Silent, the other Rhonso said
nothing while the guardian's gave them glares sharper than daggers. Biran
dragged himself to his brethren's still side cautiously. "Kimahri… strong…"
The feather swung violently, yet there was no wind. Rikku glanced up from her
mourning… what?
In the still of the frozen air, came a shrill, inhuman shriek. It echoed across the
mountain, yet no snow or ice fell from the jagged peaks. The guardians,
summoner and Rhonso raised their heads to the sky. There, gliding high above
was a great bird, it's feathers gracefully slicing the air. It's small, black beak and
black eyes stuck out from it's silver feathers as it swooped into the valley.
Landing silently, it came foreword, it's silver claws scraping silently against the
fallen snow. Ember eyes scanned the humans before it; the creature seemed to
be making a decision of some sort. It came closer.
Standing before the fallen Rhonso, Biran and Yenke gasped, scrambling away.
"Moon wings…" Biran said in awe. Rikku sniffled in confusion. Auron only held
her tightly, his own rust eye gazing upon the bird's flowing feathers.
The great creature spread it's wings wide, and a strange glow illuminated from
it's chest and limbs. Yuna gasped and stood backwards, allowing the bird's wings
to encase the fallen Kimahri. It sat upon the cat's chest, and it's massive arms
enclosed over the body. A light emanated from the creature, the intensity so
bright that the cats and guardians had to look away.
Moments later, the light dimmed, the bird having vanished from the area. All that
remained was a befuddled Kimahri, his expression perplexed as he sat up. As
his yellow eyes opened, he was greeted by the stunned stares of his fellow
guardians and summoner.
"Kimahri…" Yuna whispered as she wrapped her slender arms around his
massive frame. Kimahri looked confused, but said nothing. Rikku began to
bounce happily in Auron's embrace. Tidus, Wakka and Lulu just stared.
"Kimahri strong… Biran sees this. Mountain send Moon Wings to save
Kimahri…" Biran grumbled, standing. Yenke stood as well.
"Mountain knows Kimahri is strong and brave," Added Yenke, nodding.
Kimahri didn't understand. Neither did Yuna, but it didn't matter. They were whole
again.
******************************
Shortly after long overdue apologies and promises were made, they continued
on. Rikku was never two feet away from the Rhonso, her hair bobbing happily
behind her. Auron smiled sadly, strange thoughts coming unbidden to his mind.
That bird… it had brought Kimahri back from the dead. Perhaps…? Perhaps the
same could happen to Rikku? She still had the feather… She could live again,
have her life back…
Auron was not even aware as she felt in step beside him, still draped in his red
robe. It was odd seeing the guardian with both hands lax as they walked, no
robe to tuck his arm in. He must be cold… "Hey…" She inquired, but received no
response. She slipped a small hand in his, squeezing gently. His eye emerged
from the depths of his thoughts, taking in the image of the concerned Al Bhed
next to him. "Where did you go? I knocked, but nobody was home."
Auron allowed a soft smile to play over his features. "Just thinking," he replied,
his voice muffled by the falling snow. He was unable to subdue a tremor as it ran
the length of his spine. Rikku frowned, and removed the warmth of the coat from
her shoulders, and handed it to Auron. He shook his head. "No, you don't have
to-" Before he could finish, she had the article of clothing across his broad
shoulders, and she herself tucked against his side. Not entirely unpleasant, not at
all. However, as they walked onward, his sense of peace grew less and less, for
up ahead was a place most memorable… in the worse sense.
Auron struggled to dismiss the growing unease in the pit of his stomach. How
many more nights with Rikku could he enjoy? How long until he would face
Yunalesca again? What would he do with himself when that moment came…
when he would coax his lord's daughter to her death? He shuddered again.
Braska… forgive me…
Rikku sensed Auron was disturbed, his normally piercing gaze turned inward,
upon himself. She held him closer, her fingers rubbing against his. In the blinding
white glare, she tried to ignore the discomfort of the environment and enjoy his
company. She knew full well, when the night came, she could be devoting all of
her strength to formulating a plan and by the /gods/, she would save Yunie.
Period.
Night fell slowly, the fading sunlight reflecting off the snow. "Come," commanded
Auron, "The caves are not far. Let us continue until we reach them, it will be safer
and warmer inside."
Up, down, up good gods the journey was tiresome. The mountain was a death
trap, indeed a crash course for the elite. Even as the sun set, they continued.
Closer and closer… and yet, no thoughts came to Rikku's breaking heart.
Yunie… After a time, she grew weary, her face pressing against Auron's solid
shoulder. A strong arm slid around her waist. "Only a little longer," Auron
murmured in her ear.
"But…" Rikku mumbled tiredly.
"But what?" He asked softly, his breath a gust of steam against her ear.
"I need more time…" She breathed softly, a tear escaping her grasp. Auron
realized what she meant. Rikku… please, there is no other way…
But he didn't say a word, and only held her closer. Two ends of the spectrum,
that is what they were. She wanted to end the pilgrimage, while Auron knew his
duty was to lead them on. And yet, they remained close, closer than Auron had
ever dared to come to another person again.
At last, they reached the mouth of the mountain pass. Somewhat relieved and
yet so horrified, the party quickly scanned the area for fiends. Assured that they
were relatively safe, they began to set their bedrolls and light a small yet
reassuring fire. Yuna did not leave Kimahri's side, and Tidus was never more
than a foot away from Yuna. The circle was tightened through the conflict of that
day's events.
Rikku sat and stared into the fire. Would this be the last time? Would this be the
last time she felt Auron behind her, his arms sliding to her waist, his calm, even
breaths gently pestering her ear? Perhaps he was purposely trying to distract her
from thinking. Or perhaps there was no other way?
No. They /would/ find a way.
Auron spread himself behind her, lying on his side. A hand rested on her hip, a
simple reminder of his presence as she drifted off into her own thoughts. Help
me Tidus, she prayed. Help me find a way. Tidus met her liquid gaze from across
the fire and gave a slow nod. He understood.
Time was ever the enemy. Soon, Rikku's eyelids began to droop against her will.
She muffled a yawn, a hand going to her mouth. She felt herself leaning back,
as if she was watching from far away. She felt the connection of something soft
and warm against her head and shoulders. …Auron's layered stomach. She
leaned her head to its side, her cheek pressing against his taught abdomen. He
himself had already succumbed to the warmth of the fire, his arm curled around
his head to pillow his face. She wondered how many times she had left, where
she could just watch him sleep, his eyebrows slightly arched and relaxed, his lips
slightly parted.
Tomorrow would come soon enough. And when it did, it would bring her greatest
fears. Zanakand…
***wheeee. Lossa Kimahri. I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying the other
Aurikku's going on right now, I actually turn on the computer in the morning
before I go to school to take a look and see if they are updated. ^_^ as far as the
art thing went, I might be in good shape for the 1000$ scholarship. Booyea! ^_^
I'll be uploading a bunch of Auron art within the next two days, just so you know.
Wheeee.
-spazkit