When darkness is upon your door and you feel that you can't take anymore,
Let me be the one you call, if you jump I'll break your fall,
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night.
Crash and Burn – Savage Garden
Auron waded into the middle of the spring, bearing his load with infinite care. Shrugging off the robe, he allowed the cool liquid to envelop them both as he lowered their two bodies into the watery embrace. He shivered as the pool's icy kiss met exposed skin; yet still the woman did not stir. He lightly ran a calloused fingertip over downy cheek, frowning at the newly swollen lip and fresh cut above her eye. She winced slightly before relaxing back into his arms and he took the opportunity to survey her wounds. Peeling off the clothes clinging to her shivering frame, he stifled a gasp as the full extent of the hurt was revealed. The bullet had passed through her body, leaving in its wake a messy exit wound. Alabaster flesh was peppered with lurid red bite marks, trails of blood from fingernails raked through flesh painful to behold. Crimson stained her thighs.
The ronin bit his lower lip hard, drawing his own blood as he bathed the abrasions with tender hands. The comprehension of what Lesca had been subjected to was not spared from him, and he fought to keep his emotions in check. Inwardly, he raged at the one he knew had perpetrated the wrong, struggling to direct his anger at the Maester and not himself. Misguided ire and unwarranted guilt threatened to overwhelm him. Auron hung his head, allowing a lone tear to escape the scarred eye before turning his mind to his task. Blood mingled with water as he cleansed her skin of Seymour's touch, ridding her of the Maester's mark as best he could. The imprints of cruelty that ablution could not remove would be healed easily by Yuna. The former monk knew that ridding his love of the physical scars would be easier than erasing those that would lurk within her psyche.
He dressed her gently, wrapping her in the sodden coat to hide her wounds as best he could from the prying eyes of the summoner's troupe. Easing his way into the tent he shared with Lesca, he laid her on the bedroll, pulling the blankets over her chilled flesh. Auron's kiss grazed over her forehead before he exited the tent in search of her sister. He didn't have to look for long, finding the young summoner entwined in an embrace with Jecht's son beside a Macalanian spring. He cleared his throat, the teenagers jumping apart as he hid a wry grin behind his collar.
"Sir Auron!" Yuna blushed, her fingers still interlocked with the boys. Tidus grinned before lowering his eyes submissively as his mentor raised an eyebrow at the scene.
"May I have a word, Yuna?" He inquired smoothly.
The young woman nodded. "Of course."
"Alone." Auron said, looking pointedly in Tidus' direction.
A fleeting look of confusion passed over her face. "I do not mind if Tidus hears our counsel."
"I do. Leave us."
The boy took one look at the older mans face before dutifully sloping off, the expression on Auron's visage one he knew better than to argue with. The summoner motioned for her Guardian to sit beside, not in the least surprised when he elected to stand. She looked up at him expectantly. "How can I help, Sir Auron?"
The red clad hesitated, unaccustomed to seeking aid. "I…it's Lesca. I need your help. Will you heal her?"
She clapped a hand over her mouth. "The wound! I had forgotten completely! Lead me to her, please. She must be in pain."
Auron held back the tent flap as Yuna entered, her brow creasing slightly as she noticed the facial wounds. She turned to Auron, silently asking if he knew the reason for the lacerations. He shook his head, feeling the situation warranted the small untruth, and joined her at Lesca's side. Yuna began to murmur, a bright light surrounding her sister before fading delicately into nothingness. She made to pull down the blanket, wincing as Auron caught her wrist, dissuading her with a single word. "No."
The older man stroked damp tendrils from Lesca's forehead, his eyes locked to his wife's face as he murmured his question. "Will she be alright?"
Jade and sapphire met with russet. "She'll be fine. The wounds will have healed completely, when she awakens she won't even know they were there. Will you let me know when she comes to?"
"I will." Yuna opened the tent, smiling as she heard the deep, rich voice call softly after her. "Thank you."
~*~*~
Lesca tossed uneasily, nightmares plaguing her fitful slumber. She trembled, the imagined touch of Guado claws burning through flesh like red-hot pokers making her skin crawl. Her eyes snapped open as she struggled for breath, verdant oculars darting wildly in the dim light as she tried to recognise her surroundings. A tanned arm lay protectively over her torso, it's owner slumbering peacefully at her side. The weight of the appendage was a stifling burden where once it had been a comfort, a pleasure in which she revelled. The notion of any man near her, touching her made her shudder. She inched away from her husband, pressing her body into the cool fabric of the tent in order to put as much space between their two bodies as she could. The woman squeezed her eyes shut, opening them almost immediately when a vision of her tormentor sprung into her mind. Wracked with misery and wretchedness, she let the tears flow soundlessly, begging silently to be set free of the torture.
She stole a look at Auron's sleeping form. Even in rest, his concern was indisputable. The frown, though somewhat eased, was still present. Muffled words and grunts of anguish escaped from his throat, disturbing the still of the night. She felt the sharp pang of guilt; her revulsion aimed toward man turned on herself, the compunction at the deed she had been made to withstand curling her knees instinctively to her chest. She wrapped her arms around her legs, ensuring she was as small as possible, making it easier to focus the animosity and contrition at the body that had betrayed her. Her will had been no match for the strength of the Maester, her body had failed to protect itself from his desecration despite her efforts. Her spirit lay in a thousand pieces, her heart weak and untrusting. She rocked gently, allowing the pull of the Farplane to tug on her soul.
A pyrefly escaped her, dancing in lazy circles as she watched dully, knowing what the rainbow light meant but not comprehending what she was allowing. Auron's eye fluttered open, long lashes brushing his cheek softly as he battled into consciousness. His sleep addled brain slowly began to function, Lesca's waking state easing some of his worry. He allowed a grin to wipe away the remnants of uneasiness and propped himself up on an elbow, trailing the free hand down her bare arm. He pulled back from the small intimacy with haste when she jumped in alarm, facing him with trepidation and guilt in her eyes. Auron noticed the small pyrefly hovering around her, more slowly beginning to escape her form to join their brethren. The warrior narrowed his eyes and sat up fully, ignoring her flinch as he placed both hands on her shoulders.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He whispered fiercely, his eye flashing darkly.
She refused to meet his gaze, pleading with down turned eyes. "Don't touch me…please."
He forced her eyes to meet his own, growling sharp commands. "Stop this. Now."
"I want to go. Don't make me stay, Auron. Please."
"This is madness! Why would you leave me? Ten years, and when we're finally reunited you want to abandon me?" He almost shouted.
"I, I can't be the wife I should be. Not after what happened." She paused, her voice a strangled whisper. "He was right. He said this was how he'd rid himself of me."
His fragile patience snapped. "Who? Damn it, Lesca, tell me!"
"Seymour. He…oh Yevon, I'm so sorry, Auron. I tried to stop him, I tried…" Lesca choked, stumbling over the words pouring out without her consent.
Auron gathered her into his arms, sighing as she recoiled from his touch. "It's ok. It's not your fault. I know."
"Everything?" She despaired.
"Everything. From your wounds…We used to see women brought to the temple with injuries like that. We hunted and killed the animals that subjected them to such acts. It's no different now. He'll die by my sword. I swear to you."
"You know and you're not ashamed of me?" The woman asked softly, unable to relax her stiff posture into his embrace. The mind was willing; the abused body forbade his touch.
"Why would I be ashamed? How many times do I have to tell you; it's not your fault? Look at me." She obliged meekly and he continued. "You're my wife and I love you. One mans act will not change that, nothing ever could. I'll never hurt you; you need not fear me. I'll help you through this; I will always be here. Please don't cower when I hold you or run from my kiss. To me, that is death."
She nodded. "The others…?"
"Do not know. No one here wishes you harm, they are your friends as you as so fond of reminding me, lest I forget." He finished wryly.
"I'll try to remember that. I'll try to be…how I was."
"That's all I could ask for. Tell me you'll stay. Don't leave me, not now. Not ever."
She hesitated before agreeing. "I'll stay." A pause. "I need time. I can't do…this. Not yet." She motioned helplessly to his open arms.
Auron lowered his eye. "I understand. I will rest with Kimahri until you are ready."
Body and mind fought a desperate battle as she struggled to overcome the fear and lose herself in the comforting, familiar heat of his solid body. She bit her lip, uttering the words neither wanted to hear. "What if I'm never ready?"
He exhaled sharply. "It matters not. I will still wait, even if I'm waiting an eternity."
He felt a slight relaxation of her body in his arms, a tentative incline into his embrace and he smiled as he brushed a kiss atop the raven tresses. "Know this; I love you."
~*~*~
"Room for one more?"
Tidus looked up sleepily from his makeshift Kimahri shaped pillow to the direction of the grunted inquiry. His eyes widened as he noted the figure at the door and he waved Auron in. "No problem." He murmured; his voice clogged with sleep. "Lesca kick you out for snorin'?"
"I wish." The older man muttered.
"What?"
The older man shook his head. "Something like that."
He ripped off the collar in one fluid, practised motion, tossing it carelessly to one side and folding the glasses neatly atop the garment. He stretched the knotted muscles as best he could in the confined space, wrinkling his nose in distaste as Wakka loosed an almighty snore. Tidus caught the look and grinned. "You get used to it. He kept me awake for the best part of a week 'til I could ignore it."
"I sincerely hope I do not have time to get used to it."
The blitzer whistled lowly. "You pissed her off again? Glad I'm not in your shoes…"
"No, I have not." There was a slight abeyance before he continued. "I know how you and Lesca like to play the fool. Do not question me why, just refrain from doing so for the moment."
He crossed his arms defensively. "She doesn't mind."
"She will. Do as I ask. Please."
The small pleasantry caught Tidus off guard and he found himself agreeing. "Ok. Whatever you say."
Auron settled back down to sleep, trying to breathe through his mouth to avoid inhaling the stench of the blitzer's footwear. "I apologise for being brief this afternoon. I do not mean to be harsh, but…"
"You're protecting Lesca." He finished simply. The elder Guardian nodded mutely, astounded at the boy's astuteness. The blitzer carried on. "If Yuna needed me to, I'd do the same. I won't ask."
He placed a hand on the armoured shoulder. "Thank you. Talking of you and Yuna…"
The youth rolled his eyes. "I'm being good! Jeez!"
"Remarkable. You are a conglomeration of contrasts. You never cease to amaze me, one moment with your maturity, the next with your ignorance." The red robed figure in the corner mused.
A quirked eyebrow. "I aim to please."
A rumble came from behind Tidus, startling both men. "Kimahri sleep. Auron and Tidus quiet."
"I apologise, my friend." Auron appeased the man beast. He and Tidus waited until the Ronso's breaths became deep and even before resuming their converse, albeit more quietly.
The Guardian chuckled as the blitzer watched in confusion. "What? What's so damn funny?"
Auron wiped away a tear of mirth, the laughter and company of the boy the only thing keeping the sorrow at bay. "Nothing, I…You are so very much like Jecht. You share the same proud, stubborn manner. He would be pleased to see how you have grown. I am."
The lad scratched the back of his head, a trait inherited from the Great Jecht. "Yeah, well…Wait! You're proud of me?" He realised the meaning behind the Guardians words with a start.
He inclined his head slightly. "Yes. I take back what I said in Zanarkand. If my son…" He stopped and corrected himself. "If I had a son, I'd be pleased if he grew to be half the young man you are today."
Tidus looked abashed until Auron interjected smoothly. "Still, I'd hope he would hold more respect for me than you do."
The youth had the good grace to look slightly chagrined. "I respect you. I just don't show it."
Auron settled down to sleep, the day's events finally taking their toll on the world-weary warrior. "We will talk more on this tomorrow. Goodnight. Sleep well."
"Night Auron. I hope…I hope you and Lesca sort things real soon."
Tidus was already asleep before he could hear Auron's whispered reply. "So do I."
~*~*~
Lesca rose with the sun, grateful for the dawn that had ended the nightmares. Exiting the tent quietly, she made her way to a clearing and sat on the cool ground to watch as the sun attempted to exhale shafts of light into the perpetually twilight crystalline forest. She shivered though it was not cold, the stillness of the woods unnerving her. Rising from her seated position, she began to move to an unheard rhythm, intending to hone her skills to the point where no one would again pose her a threat. She swooped low, a leg extended to catch opponents off guard, before rising into a deadly pirouette. The woman lost herself in the dance of the warrior, the actions flowing unconsciously as she concentrated fully on her breathing. Every thrust of a fist, booted blow and lunge was directed at one figure that lurked in her subconscious, threatening everything she held dear.
Lesca's fist connected with a crystal tree, sending shards of glass flying through the air. Bloody knuckles. Seymour…
A kick decimated a fiend foolish enough to stray into her path. Seymour…
She loosed a cry of anguish, as the tree collapsed from the barrage. I'll kill you, I swear to the God's I'll kill you. You won't beat me.
A soft voice broke the murderous thoughts. "Lesca?"
She turned, shaking to face her husband. Her lower lip quivered, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. She blinked away the salt water, holding her head up defiantly. "He won't beat me. He won't win."
He stepped forward uncertainly, waiting to judge her reaction from his nearing presence. "I know. You don't have to hide your tears from me, Lesca."
She smiled sadly. "There aren't enough tears for what he's done to me, to us. They're spent. I've forgotten how to weep."
He took another tentative pace. "We will learn together then."
She stepped forward, meeting him in the middle. "I'd like that."
Lesca bit her lip, reaching up hesitantly to caress his unshaven cheek. Auron's eye closed in emotion as he savoured the touch he feared he might never again feel. His hand covered hers and they stood, eyes closed, feeling the heat of the rising sun warming their skin. She brushed her lips over his, smirking as the ebony eyebrows shot towards the heavens. Guardian embraced Guardian; soul mingled with soul until they were again as one, the tribulations forgotten and the ache of longing extinguished. Lesca pulled away from the kiss first, smiling gently at Auron. "I think I'm gonna be ok."
He returned the smile and nodded. "I know."
~*~*~
"Hey."
Yuna turned to see cerulean blue eyes watching her intently. She offered a grin in greeting, feeling her heart flutter within her chest as he sat beside her. "Hi."
"Whacha doin'?" Tidus inquired, slinging an arm lazily around the summoner's shoulders. The girl tipped her head in reply toward the clearing where Auron and Lesca stood embracing tenderly. The blitzer smirked, stifling a yawn. "Spying, huh?"
Her cheeks coloured. "I was not spying! I was just…making sure they were alright."
"Well, it looks like he won't be sharing our tent. Thank God! Honestly Yuna, he takes up so much space." Tidus laughed, batting away Yuna's hand as she struck his arm playfully.
She surprised him with her next question. "Do you think that is how it is meant to be? Love, I mean."
He squinted at the other couple as he thought for a moment. "I think so. He'd do anything for her. And Lesca, she balances him out, makes him a bit more human. They'd die for each other. I think they kinda live for each other as well, y'know?"
Yuna sighed. "Hmm. I sometimes wonder if I'll find that, one day. I just feel like I made such a mess of everything."
"You made a mess of nothing. It's Seymour's fault!" He paused. "Yuna?"
"Yes?"
"I think I've found what they have. I found it with you." He lowered his head, fearing rejection.
Her eyes lit up. "I, I feel like that, too. You meant what you said last night, you will stay with me?"
Tidus looked into the distance, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke. "Always, Yuna. Wherever I am, whatever I do…I'll always be with you."
A/N Is quite angsty. I like angst. :D Thanks to...
Refugee
Pierson
The Angel of the Lion
Yunalesca78
Auron's biggest fan
The Great Skippy
Pikachu612 annnnnnnd
Wi11
Thanks!!!
