Disclaimer: I do not own ff10, Squaresoft, or anything. Promise.
You have always been a thorn in their side
But to me you're a shining light
You arrive and the night is alive
Yeah you are a shining light
Yeah you light up my life
Ash – Shining Light
The man looked at his timepiece pointedly as Auron and Lesca approached the domed hall where Lesca was to train. She shrugged, throwing the man a disarming grin. The man laughed, throwing his arms to the heavens in greeting.
"Lesca! Where in Yevon have you been? You're late. Again."
"Sorry Preane, but at least it's only five minutes this time, and I do have a great excuse!"
She ducked in mock fear as he pretended to swing for her, Auron's jaw tightened involuntarily as he eyed the other man warily from where he hung back from the scene. At this point he trusted no one aside from Braska around the girl, not even fully trusting himself because of the feelings she invoked in him.
The man raised an eyebrow incredulously, "Oh really? What could possibly top "A shoopuf ate my gloves?""
She grinned mischievously, "Um, Yuna ate my gloves? I dunno. Seriously though, I have got an excuse, I've been helping Auron."
"And Auron would be…?"
She slapped a hand to her forehead,
"Oh Yevon, please forgive my ill manners! Auron, this is my mentor Preane. Preane, this is Auron, a former warrior monk."
"Former warrior monk? Sounds like there's quite a story behind such a simple statement."
Auron gritted his teeth, "Indeed sir, but it is not one I wish to go into at this time."
Preane nodded in understanding before turning to face his pupil.
"Lesca? Shall we begin?"
"Sure, let's see what you got old man!"
He readied his stance, shaking his head at the overconfident girl.
"Let's see if you've improved any before you get cocky, child."
Lesca circled her opponent, jumping lightly from foot to foot as her muscles began to wake fully. She feigned attacks to test his reflexes, pulling back at the last moment to analyse the defences he utilised.
The cracked leather of the worn, chestnut gloves she sported groaned as she stretched her fingers within their confines, the tips of the slender white digits wriggling in the cool air. A ball of fire grew in the palm of Preane's hand before being unleashed directly at the girl. She rolled deftly out of harms way, wagging a disapproving finger at the teacher.
"Too slow Preane, but I suppose the reflexes are somewhat dulled in a man of your vintage!"
He grunted in amusement and fell back to study her technique. Her little hops from toe to toe had slowed; she seemed to be tiring. He rushed forward, sensing weakness in his pupil.
He stopped in his tracks, dazed as a bright light engulfed him, the power that was Ultima forcing him to his knees. Taking advantage of her tutor's prone position, Lesca followed the black magic with a flurry of blows. Auron watched, mesmerised as the lithe, slender figure pummelled the solid figure of Preane. The grace of her movements meant even an act of hostility looked like the dance of an angel.
Preane held up his hand and she stopped, her booted foot a mere inch from his face. Standing at ease, she offered him and hand, her delight in her victory plain to see. Preane panted as he attempted to catch his breath,
"Well done. Didn't I always tell you your frailty would fool even the worthiest adversary? Certainly fooled me. So how do you feel?"
Her eyes twinkled like jewels, "Smug?"
Preane chuckled, "Ok, ok! But don't get complacent; you aren't invincible. You're ready now Lesca, there is nothing more I can teach you. From this day forth we train as equals."
"Equals, huh? Never thought I'd see the day you admitted I was better than you."
"Equals means you're not better than me, equals means we're the same!" He protested.
"Yeah, yeah! We both know that I'm the best…" Lesca winked, her smirk turning to surprise as her legs were swept from under her. She looked up from the ground to meet the grin of Preane.
"If you're the best, how come you're on the ground? You let your guard down too easily, you trust too much. It will be your undoing. You'd do well to remember that."
"Yeah, whatever." She grumbled, extending her hand for some help. Preane took the proffered limb and found himself flying over Lesca's body and onto his back. She sat up laughing.
"Seems that it may be a lesson we both have to learn. Later, Preane!"
The man groaned and waved her on her way as he lay in the dust, contemplating how he managed to end up with a girl such as Lesca for a pupil and a friend.
Auron followed the skipping girl as she left, bemused at the exchange of words and blows he had witnessed. He watched as she waved another figure over and steeled his nerves as he realised that it was her father. He began to mentally prepare himself for the bitter words he expected the two to sling at one another.
"Dad!"
Braska approached his eldest daughter with a smile, enveloping her warmly in embrace as Auron tried to hide his stupefaction.
"Lesca, well met my child." His smile faded and concern took its place as he noticed the gash at her mouth, blood encrusted around the open wound.
"What happened to your face? Who did this to you?" He touched the cut gently and she winced.
"Just a little trouble I ran into, nothing we couldn't handle. Auron was there, he helped me out."
Braska turned to the boy, only just realising his presence.
"Auron, I thank you for helping my daughter. I can heal both of your wounds now, if I may?"
Auron bowed in thanks, "It would be an honour my lord."
Braska shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Old habits die hard with this one.
The healing wind whispered over the skin of the two, the minor lesions vanishing in an instant. Braska nodded in satisfaction, before noticing the new apparel donned by Auron.
"I like your new garments Auron. I feel that you may have had a hand in the selection though Lesca."
She grinned, "That obvious? Where are you going anyway?"
"I have just returned from the temple. The priests of Yevon have agreed to let me journey on my pilgrimage, but I am still devoid of a guardian. Without a guardian, I cannot even pray to the Fayth here in Bevelle to obtain the first aeon."
Lesca sighed, defeated. "You're really going, aren't you?"
"Yes." Her father replied, taken aback by the fierce hug his daughter entrapped him in.
"If your mind is set to this course, who am I to try to dissuade you? I won't stand in your way any longer, you have my blessing."
He touched her face tenderly, "That means everything to me Lesca. I am glad you have decided to support me. I wouldn't want to die knowing you resented me for my decision."
"I wouldn't let that happen. Listen, dad. Until you find another guardian, would a temporary guardian suffice? I can support you as you pray to the Fayth in Bevelle, if not any further. It is the least I can do."
"I foresee no difficulty. Are you free now? Yuna shall be in school for some time yet…"
Lesca smiled sadly, resigned to her fathers decision and subsequent fate.
"I'm not busy. I'll meet you at the temple in ten minutes. I have to pick up my new gloves."
"Of course. Auron, will you be accompanying my daughter?"
Auron glanced at Lesca, "If she so wishes my company, I would be honoured."
The youth's voice was hesitant and Braska smiled inwardly, recognising the attraction between the two, though neither knew of the others feelings. Love is blind. He saw his own relationship with the girl's mother reflected in the flower of love blooming between the two.
They had met, wooed, fallen in love at the same time as these children. A year and a marriage later, they had been blessed with Lesca. Looking back now at the age of thirty-four, he realised with hindsight that they had been young, some would say foolish. Hindsight, however was a wonderful gift not afforded to the young, and even now he could not say with any shred of honesty that he wished he had waited before settling down. He had no regrets for the life he had sacrificed for early domestication.
Lesca watched her father walk away and sat on a bench, head in her hands. Auron sat beside her awkwardly.
"You are not going to get your gloves?"
She looked up at him with red rimmed eyes, grinning despite the tears that threatened to spill.
"There are no gloves. I just need to compose myself before I can help him. I never told you Auron, but I enjoy your company. I'm glad you're here."
"I'll be here as long as you wish my presence." He stated falteringly.
She nodded, "I'm glad."
I don't want you to leave too. I don't want to be alone anymore. I don't want to deal with this pain myself another second. I want to share this with you. I want you. I…love you. Don't leave me like all the others. Please.
I'd take the pain from you gladly if I could. I want to bear your burden. I want to be there to share your laughter and make sure there are no more tears. You have suffered too much already. I hope you wish me to stay, for I have no will to leave you. For as long as you allow and beyond I will be by your side. You have my word; I swear it on my love for you.
