AUTHORS NOTE: OOOH! Me got some kewlies reviews! Thanks lovely peoples! (Don't mind me.. i'm just on the last sugar-high of the night.. in a sec i'll prolly have the texture of the keyboard keys inprinted on my forehead.. zZzZz.. ^____^)
..But staying up REALLY late was worth it.. to me anyways.. i'm kinda pleased with this little chappy ^.^
Hope y'all dun think that Auron sound like too much of a butt-kisser to Braska.. I guess i sure emphisized his loyalty and devotion to the high and mighty summoner huh *grins*
Oh, If my maths is correct (and knowing how bad I am in *that* particular subject.. it prolly isn't) than in this ficcy.. as you know - Rikku is 22.. and abit of a cradle snatcher! Auron would be 21 if you consider the whole going-back-in-time thingy! Interesting!
If anyone has a problem with the fact that originally Auron is 35.. and Rikku is 16 - you should seriously reconsider! Not that I'm saying your opinion is wrong or whatever - just that those two make SUCH A CUTE AND INTERESTING COUPLE!!!
I mean think about it - Auron is all serious and reserved in the emotions department.. where as Rikku is all happy and positive and exuberant.. etc etc.. dun you think they'de be able to really help each other out in their weaker-departments, sorta get each other to open out to different aspects of character?.. well.. I really think so!! But if you don't - that's ok too (just don't go flaming on here! I hate that!! It's so not fair to fans!!!)
THANKYOUS (the following lovely people are just great! ^___^):
Blurry: I'm glad you like Aurriku's! Hope this fanfic (eventually if it doesn't know) meets up to your expectations and hopes! We need more Aurikku's people!! Come on!! Write! I'm gunna be making another when I finish this (illustrated! I love drawing! ^.^)Thank you for posting too! ^.^ *hugs*
Crystaleyes: Thank you for enjoying this dispite your disagreement over the difference in age (in the game) between A & R. It was nice to see someone who disagreed with my choice in couples but who expressed it POSITIVELY (flaming sux! boo!). So I really do appreciate your respect!! ^.^ If people in general don't like it because they think of it as paedophilia or something (which i'm really against!).. than I have some reasons against that judgement that may put your mind at ease. Amongst them I would say that.. seeing as it's a GAME, and characters are alot more developed than RL people their age (i'm guessing cos of the things they endure through their hard game lives or something) that it's perfectly harmless for two people with a reasonable age gap between them to seek each other out for comfort and companionship. Alot of the games that involve particularly tragic/major/life-altering events are the reasons that drive two characters together.. *shrugs* consider what i'm saying.. but don't take it too seriously - seeing as i AM standing at the door to dreamland! ^_________^ As well as that.. I wouldn't say that Rikku sees Auron as a potential father-figure (although Cid could be abit brash.. according to Yuna in the game) but she could see him as that pillar of strength to lean against - ease her fears and make her feel safe? and Auron could really do with a bright spark like Rikku to awaken those hidden emotions he finds hard to show usually.. or rather, doesn't WANT to show (maybe because he feels they'de be a sign of weakness.. somehow make him vulnarable? i dunno) but anyways.. yeah.. sorry if i'm raving - I just had to say some stuff in defence for my fave ff10 couple (Tidus and Yuna where just real boring IMO. Like.. as a couple.. tho Yuna herself is kinda sweet i guess.. she's grown on me abit ^.^)!
Yuna-08: Here's the next chapter! Hope you're happy with it.. and i'm glad you've enjoyed the fic so far! Read on!
Ahzuo everyone!
OH! one lil thing too.. could you all do me a little favour.. if you post a review to a chapter from now on (please do!! ^.^) than include wether or not you think this ficcy should have any *LEMON* in it or not.. I need to know the general response to the idea. *smiles* I'd appreciate it!!
***********************************************
"The Power Of Change"
*a Rikku and Auron romance*
Chapter Three: 'Undisguised Outrage'
It's amazing..
How you make your face just like a wall,
How you take your heart and turn it off,
How I turn my head and lose it all..
~"Leave" by Matchbox Twenty~
***********************************************
A strong wave of coolness spread over Rikku as she lay in her state of sub-conciousness, replenishing her health somewhat and immediately going to work in mending her injured state. Burns that once pulsed with a pain that was almost unbearable now were soothed to a dull stinging sensation, allowing Rikku to let out a quiet sigh of relief at the miracle.
'Hm, I think she's okay now.' Came a gruff voice from above her, causing the young Al Bhed woman to stare up in the vague direction.
The face that welcomed her with a casual smirk made Rikku's eyes widen. Hey.. He looks alot like one of the men from Braskas travelling spheres! ..EXACTLY like him in fact! Could.. this be Jecht?! She scrambled back on all fours, shocked and confused with whom she was seeing.
He laughed heartily, taking afew steps closer and extending his hand towards her. 'Hey, I won't bight, little lady! Come on, let me help you up.'
Rikku allowed her gaze to drift past the unshaven blitzer infront of her and onto a figure standing to his left. The man was dressed in long yevonite drapery - a blue and white robe that covered everything below his neck, and perched above his mass of silver tresses was an extravagant matching hood. His eyes, although sparkling with warmth, also held a soft note of sadness somewhere in their hidden depths.
Jecht? Braska? what's going on?? why are they.. alive?
Finally accepting the hand that was offered to her, Rikku was swiftly pulled to her feet - accidently scratching Jechts hands with her Kaiser Knuckles in the process.
'Ai kid! When was the last time you cut your nails?' the blitzer cried, his eyes widening somewhat when he spotted the weapon strapped to her hand. 'You.. fight? a little thing like you?'
Being described as a 'kid' and 'little' like that didn't exactly thrill Rikku. 'Of course I can! What's more, I could whoop you anyday!' Jecht laughed to this -as if it was the funnies thing alive, which merely served to make the Al Bhed woman even more annoyed!
'Jecht, stop provoking the young lady!' came Braska's voice as he stepped up beside his friend, placing a hand on his darkly-scarred sholder and turning to the green-eyed stranger. 'I am Lord Braska, high-summoner of Besaid.. forgive my friend if he insulted you - he tends to be abit brash with words at times.'
Rikku smiled back at Braska genuinely and nodded, 'that's okay, really. Pleased to meet you both, my name's Rikku and I'm--'
'Insolent it seems,' a gruff voice spoke from behind Jecht. 'Greet Lord Braska accordingly, or be gone.' All eyes turned to the dark-figure of Auron, his eyes flashing threateningly as he focused on them on Rikku. Jecht chuckled.
'See? I told you I wouldn't bight.. Auron on the other hand.. .'
'Nevermind the formalities,' Braska stated with a chuckle, 'but please, what caused you to sustain those horrific injuries?'
'I was attacked by a Bomb fiend.' Rikku whispered, having hardly found her voice after the shock of seeing younger-Auron and his rough "introduction". 'It used a really strong fire magic that I'd never seen performed by such a monster before.'
'I see,' Braska nodded, looking into Rikku's swirling eyes with a sad smile. 'You are an Al Bhed.'
'Oac.' She noticed Auron's frown deepen on hearing these words - obviously he wasn't too happy about her lineage.
'What brings you here?' he continued gently, allowing Rikku to relax a little - despite the negative vibes she could feel coming from Aurons direction.
What can I tell them?? Rikku wondered. Certainly not the truth.. I don't even know that MYSELF.. . Sighing, she lowered her eyes to the ground. 'I-I'm not sure.. I just woke up on the beach down there, and can't remember any of what took place before that.' Well.. it was a half-truth.
'Sin?' Jecht asked Braska, to which he nodded. The high-summoner wore a grave look on his handsome face after hearing the extent of Rikku's memory loss, and finally came apon a conclusion.
'If Jecht and Auron agree to it, and you feel fit for the task - I would like for you to become one of my gaurdians on this pilgrimage.' Rikku's eyes widened at this, as did Aurons.
'But my Lord! She's.. she's an Al Bhed!' Auron burst out, shocked beyond belief at what he'd just heard. 'To appoint her as a gaurdian would be.. would be..' the ex-monk of Yevon stumbled over his words, completely unaware of the way Braska and Rikku were reacting to his words.
'Auron, that is enough!' Braska spoke up, his voice carrying a strong undertone of hurt, 'you are forgetting that my wife was Al Bhed.. you got along and respected her perfectly well, did you not?'
'Yes, Lord Braska, but.. that isn't your wife!' Auron indicated towards Rikku with a icy glare, his finger shaking slightly as he did.
Unable to just stand on the spot while herself and her race were being put-down, Rikku ran up to Auron - green eyes flashing angrily as she made her stand. 'I may be an Al Bhed - but that doesn't mean you should treat me like some.. heathen! Even if I don't believe in the ways of Yevon.. or pray to him at a temple each day.. or become some high and mighty Yevonite monk, I still account for something! I'm still human!! Unlike YOU!'
Rikku wasn't even sure if what she'd said had come out right, but rage and hurt at the unfairness of Aurons remarks had clouded her mind completely. So she just stood there, inches away from the legendary gaurdians face and breathing erratically with a thousand irrepressable emotions, eye to eye in some sort of paculiar emotional showdown. Although it didn't register in Rikku's mind, Aurons face held a look of undisguisable suprise, his copper-russet iris' focused on her opposing green ones.
Jecht chuckled in the background, having snapped out of his own frozen shock earlier than the others - with an amused smirk he broke the silence.
'Come now children, no need to claw each others eyes out!'
'Hmm.. Jecht's right, nothing will be resolved in that manner.' Braska finally uttered, walking over to the two and breaking them apart. 'Now, gaurdians - have you made your decision over this young lady? Keeping in mind that it should be a strictly unbiased opinion and if you believe to know a reason against her joining us.. it should be backed up with a valid explanation.'
'No problems here.. how about YOU Auron?' Jecht grinned, resting his hands on his hips.
Finally breaking eye-contact with Rikku, Auron stared off into the distance - beginning to walk down the path towards the Shoopuf station. As he passed Lord Braska, he spoke in a tone that was.. as usual, devoid of emotion. 'Whatever his Lordship wishes.. I shall concur with.'
Nodding, Braska turned to Rikku, who as it was.. hadn't moved from the spot where she had confronted Auron. Her face was a mask of confusion at how everything had progressed, but as the legendary gaurdians footsteps sounded in the young womans ears - she drifted out of her trance, grinning at the remaining gaurdian and his high-summoner.
'That man is just impossible!' she declared, pointing a finger at Aurons retreating back. 'A real piece of work!'
Jecht and Braska just laughed.
©Erica Runge, 23rd of February, 2003. All characters, etc ©Squaresoft and FFX. Songwords ©Matchbox Twenty.
..But staying up REALLY late was worth it.. to me anyways.. i'm kinda pleased with this little chappy ^.^
Hope y'all dun think that Auron sound like too much of a butt-kisser to Braska.. I guess i sure emphisized his loyalty and devotion to the high and mighty summoner huh *grins*
Oh, If my maths is correct (and knowing how bad I am in *that* particular subject.. it prolly isn't) than in this ficcy.. as you know - Rikku is 22.. and abit of a cradle snatcher! Auron would be 21 if you consider the whole going-back-in-time thingy! Interesting!
If anyone has a problem with the fact that originally Auron is 35.. and Rikku is 16 - you should seriously reconsider! Not that I'm saying your opinion is wrong or whatever - just that those two make SUCH A CUTE AND INTERESTING COUPLE!!!
I mean think about it - Auron is all serious and reserved in the emotions department.. where as Rikku is all happy and positive and exuberant.. etc etc.. dun you think they'de be able to really help each other out in their weaker-departments, sorta get each other to open out to different aspects of character?.. well.. I really think so!! But if you don't - that's ok too (just don't go flaming on here! I hate that!! It's so not fair to fans!!!)
THANKYOUS (the following lovely people are just great! ^___^):
Blurry: I'm glad you like Aurriku's! Hope this fanfic (eventually if it doesn't know) meets up to your expectations and hopes! We need more Aurikku's people!! Come on!! Write! I'm gunna be making another when I finish this (illustrated! I love drawing! ^.^)Thank you for posting too! ^.^ *hugs*
Crystaleyes: Thank you for enjoying this dispite your disagreement over the difference in age (in the game) between A & R. It was nice to see someone who disagreed with my choice in couples but who expressed it POSITIVELY (flaming sux! boo!). So I really do appreciate your respect!! ^.^ If people in general don't like it because they think of it as paedophilia or something (which i'm really against!).. than I have some reasons against that judgement that may put your mind at ease. Amongst them I would say that.. seeing as it's a GAME, and characters are alot more developed than RL people their age (i'm guessing cos of the things they endure through their hard game lives or something) that it's perfectly harmless for two people with a reasonable age gap between them to seek each other out for comfort and companionship. Alot of the games that involve particularly tragic/major/life-altering events are the reasons that drive two characters together.. *shrugs* consider what i'm saying.. but don't take it too seriously - seeing as i AM standing at the door to dreamland! ^_________^ As well as that.. I wouldn't say that Rikku sees Auron as a potential father-figure (although Cid could be abit brash.. according to Yuna in the game) but she could see him as that pillar of strength to lean against - ease her fears and make her feel safe? and Auron could really do with a bright spark like Rikku to awaken those hidden emotions he finds hard to show usually.. or rather, doesn't WANT to show (maybe because he feels they'de be a sign of weakness.. somehow make him vulnarable? i dunno) but anyways.. yeah.. sorry if i'm raving - I just had to say some stuff in defence for my fave ff10 couple (Tidus and Yuna where just real boring IMO. Like.. as a couple.. tho Yuna herself is kinda sweet i guess.. she's grown on me abit ^.^)!
Yuna-08: Here's the next chapter! Hope you're happy with it.. and i'm glad you've enjoyed the fic so far! Read on!
Ahzuo everyone!
OH! one lil thing too.. could you all do me a little favour.. if you post a review to a chapter from now on (please do!! ^.^) than include wether or not you think this ficcy should have any *LEMON* in it or not.. I need to know the general response to the idea. *smiles* I'd appreciate it!!
***********************************************
"The Power Of Change"
*a Rikku and Auron romance*
Chapter Three: 'Undisguised Outrage'
It's amazing..
How you make your face just like a wall,
How you take your heart and turn it off,
How I turn my head and lose it all..
~"Leave" by Matchbox Twenty~
***********************************************
A strong wave of coolness spread over Rikku as she lay in her state of sub-conciousness, replenishing her health somewhat and immediately going to work in mending her injured state. Burns that once pulsed with a pain that was almost unbearable now were soothed to a dull stinging sensation, allowing Rikku to let out a quiet sigh of relief at the miracle.
'Hm, I think she's okay now.' Came a gruff voice from above her, causing the young Al Bhed woman to stare up in the vague direction.
The face that welcomed her with a casual smirk made Rikku's eyes widen. Hey.. He looks alot like one of the men from Braskas travelling spheres! ..EXACTLY like him in fact! Could.. this be Jecht?! She scrambled back on all fours, shocked and confused with whom she was seeing.
He laughed heartily, taking afew steps closer and extending his hand towards her. 'Hey, I won't bight, little lady! Come on, let me help you up.'
Rikku allowed her gaze to drift past the unshaven blitzer infront of her and onto a figure standing to his left. The man was dressed in long yevonite drapery - a blue and white robe that covered everything below his neck, and perched above his mass of silver tresses was an extravagant matching hood. His eyes, although sparkling with warmth, also held a soft note of sadness somewhere in their hidden depths.
Jecht? Braska? what's going on?? why are they.. alive?
Finally accepting the hand that was offered to her, Rikku was swiftly pulled to her feet - accidently scratching Jechts hands with her Kaiser Knuckles in the process.
'Ai kid! When was the last time you cut your nails?' the blitzer cried, his eyes widening somewhat when he spotted the weapon strapped to her hand. 'You.. fight? a little thing like you?'
Being described as a 'kid' and 'little' like that didn't exactly thrill Rikku. 'Of course I can! What's more, I could whoop you anyday!' Jecht laughed to this -as if it was the funnies thing alive, which merely served to make the Al Bhed woman even more annoyed!
'Jecht, stop provoking the young lady!' came Braska's voice as he stepped up beside his friend, placing a hand on his darkly-scarred sholder and turning to the green-eyed stranger. 'I am Lord Braska, high-summoner of Besaid.. forgive my friend if he insulted you - he tends to be abit brash with words at times.'
Rikku smiled back at Braska genuinely and nodded, 'that's okay, really. Pleased to meet you both, my name's Rikku and I'm--'
'Insolent it seems,' a gruff voice spoke from behind Jecht. 'Greet Lord Braska accordingly, or be gone.' All eyes turned to the dark-figure of Auron, his eyes flashing threateningly as he focused on them on Rikku. Jecht chuckled.
'See? I told you I wouldn't bight.. Auron on the other hand.. .'
'Nevermind the formalities,' Braska stated with a chuckle, 'but please, what caused you to sustain those horrific injuries?'
'I was attacked by a Bomb fiend.' Rikku whispered, having hardly found her voice after the shock of seeing younger-Auron and his rough "introduction". 'It used a really strong fire magic that I'd never seen performed by such a monster before.'
'I see,' Braska nodded, looking into Rikku's swirling eyes with a sad smile. 'You are an Al Bhed.'
'Oac.' She noticed Auron's frown deepen on hearing these words - obviously he wasn't too happy about her lineage.
'What brings you here?' he continued gently, allowing Rikku to relax a little - despite the negative vibes she could feel coming from Aurons direction.
What can I tell them?? Rikku wondered. Certainly not the truth.. I don't even know that MYSELF.. . Sighing, she lowered her eyes to the ground. 'I-I'm not sure.. I just woke up on the beach down there, and can't remember any of what took place before that.' Well.. it was a half-truth.
'Sin?' Jecht asked Braska, to which he nodded. The high-summoner wore a grave look on his handsome face after hearing the extent of Rikku's memory loss, and finally came apon a conclusion.
'If Jecht and Auron agree to it, and you feel fit for the task - I would like for you to become one of my gaurdians on this pilgrimage.' Rikku's eyes widened at this, as did Aurons.
'But my Lord! She's.. she's an Al Bhed!' Auron burst out, shocked beyond belief at what he'd just heard. 'To appoint her as a gaurdian would be.. would be..' the ex-monk of Yevon stumbled over his words, completely unaware of the way Braska and Rikku were reacting to his words.
'Auron, that is enough!' Braska spoke up, his voice carrying a strong undertone of hurt, 'you are forgetting that my wife was Al Bhed.. you got along and respected her perfectly well, did you not?'
'Yes, Lord Braska, but.. that isn't your wife!' Auron indicated towards Rikku with a icy glare, his finger shaking slightly as he did.
Unable to just stand on the spot while herself and her race were being put-down, Rikku ran up to Auron - green eyes flashing angrily as she made her stand. 'I may be an Al Bhed - but that doesn't mean you should treat me like some.. heathen! Even if I don't believe in the ways of Yevon.. or pray to him at a temple each day.. or become some high and mighty Yevonite monk, I still account for something! I'm still human!! Unlike YOU!'
Rikku wasn't even sure if what she'd said had come out right, but rage and hurt at the unfairness of Aurons remarks had clouded her mind completely. So she just stood there, inches away from the legendary gaurdians face and breathing erratically with a thousand irrepressable emotions, eye to eye in some sort of paculiar emotional showdown. Although it didn't register in Rikku's mind, Aurons face held a look of undisguisable suprise, his copper-russet iris' focused on her opposing green ones.
Jecht chuckled in the background, having snapped out of his own frozen shock earlier than the others - with an amused smirk he broke the silence.
'Come now children, no need to claw each others eyes out!'
'Hmm.. Jecht's right, nothing will be resolved in that manner.' Braska finally uttered, walking over to the two and breaking them apart. 'Now, gaurdians - have you made your decision over this young lady? Keeping in mind that it should be a strictly unbiased opinion and if you believe to know a reason against her joining us.. it should be backed up with a valid explanation.'
'No problems here.. how about YOU Auron?' Jecht grinned, resting his hands on his hips.
Finally breaking eye-contact with Rikku, Auron stared off into the distance - beginning to walk down the path towards the Shoopuf station. As he passed Lord Braska, he spoke in a tone that was.. as usual, devoid of emotion. 'Whatever his Lordship wishes.. I shall concur with.'
Nodding, Braska turned to Rikku, who as it was.. hadn't moved from the spot where she had confronted Auron. Her face was a mask of confusion at how everything had progressed, but as the legendary gaurdians footsteps sounded in the young womans ears - she drifted out of her trance, grinning at the remaining gaurdian and his high-summoner.
'That man is just impossible!' she declared, pointing a finger at Aurons retreating back. 'A real piece of work!'
Jecht and Braska just laughed.
©Erica Runge, 23rd of February, 2003. All characters, etc ©Squaresoft and FFX. Songwords ©Matchbox Twenty.