Yay. Finally the ending. ^^ Sorry if the chapter before this was too quickly put together, I'll try and make it up in this one. I was thinking of experimenting with a Rippal ficcy (Gippal.x.Rikku).. But Aurikku stories will always be my favorite. ^o^ Thank you for your reviews~~ I hope
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"You can stay.. There's nothing wrong with it.." Rikku trailed off in her protest of his decision to allow himself to be sent. "I mean.. The reason people are sent are so they go to the Farplane and don't become feinds.. Right? But you're not a fiend. You won't be."
Auron sighed, shaking his head lightly as one gloved palm placed itself upon his sake jug. Idly tapping his fingertips upon the surface of the container as a few rogue strands of grey fell down upon his face. It was time for him, despite Rikku's protests. If it wasn't about preventing himself from becoming a fiend, it was about closure. It was time he joined Jecht and Braska. His other hand rose to adjust his lenses as he took a glance at the rest of the group, who was no more than a few steps away, then back to Rikku. "It's my time, Rikku. I have to go to the Farplane."
"..You.. Don't have to."
"I need to Rikku." He couldn't explain it to her.. Or find a way to phrase how he felt without possibly offending her. How the world of the living felt lonely to him, as if he were on the outside looking in. It wasn't right. Even with her infront of him, she felt so unreachable. She was young, and had her whole life ahead of her. In his eyes, she deserved what he ultimately couldn't give. "You'll understand me soon enough."
Pif. Rikku faced towards the ground hands clasped behind her back as she kicked a pebble restlessly. Upset at first, that he wouldn't even considering changing his mind. It wasn't like she was the only one who needed him, or would miss having him around. He'd make a fine leader for Spira as well. Though realizing she could understand part of his resolve, that anger faded into disappointment. Something told her that this was the only way. She took a moment to blink her eyes shut, cleansing them of her tears before gazing back up towards the aloof guardian. "..Auron." She sniffled, tossing herself against him, slinging her arms about him in a tight hug.
One hand was still planted upon his sake jug, as the other rose to the small of her back. Lightly he bowed his head and shut his one good eye. He maintained the composure of his withdrawn personality, yet displayed affection for the Al Bhed girl. Though all good things must come to an end, and eventually his grasp loosened, as did hers. And reluctantly he let her go. The rest of the group watching in a saddened awe.
"I'm gonna miss you." She whispered, letting her hand linger on the edge of his coat before turning her back to him, about to head to the group. As she began to step forward into the rest of the group, awaiting her to join them so that they may all witness his sending together. Though as her fingertips left his coat, she felt the firm grasp of a gloved hand encircle her bicep, tugging her back to him. Unexpectedly, she found herself enveloped as he hugged her from behind. This was kind of the shocker, for everybody, even Auron himself. It was understandable that perhaps Rikku would cling to him for solace before he left.. Yet Auron to initiate the contact was highly unexpected.
And as unexpectedly as he had gripped her, he spun the petite Al Bhed girl about to face him. One arm clinging to her lithe physique as the other roughly tugged down the collar which shrouded his visage. The air was thick with anticipation as the group watched on. Rikku herself the most surprised of all as a slight blush rose to her visage. 'Is this really happening?' She pondered to herself.
Auron paused gazing deeply into those vibrant emerald eyes of hers. Despite their growing intimacy over the past few weeks, he had barely come to express how he truly felt about her.. And now.. His time had come, and all the words he could never say, or could even begin to express were sealed with a single moment. Tilting his head downwards, his feelings were made crystal clear as his own lips pressed against Rikku's.. Words and emotions so long bottled up played against her lips with a longing sigh. 'I love you' was spoken without words, only passion pressed upon their lips.
After several moments the two reluctantly parted, Rikku's eyes just slightly swelling up with tears. Tears of both joy and sadness, for the lover she had barely come to know was about to depart for the Farplane. No more words need be spoken, except for the inaudible mouthing of a young little Al Bhed 'I love you' as she trotted ahead with the rest of the group to watch.
Lulu tilted her head slightly. Rikku was able to deal with Auron's imminent departure with much more grace than she had dealt with Chappu's. She was ashamed at such, yet proud of the girl. Wakka noticed the stoic mage dozing into thought and gave her a playful nudge. Instead of a bitter retort, she offered Wakka a rare smile. Perhaps sin hadn't left her completely alone after all.
Auron advanced to the center of the arena, offering everybody a nod of recognition as he passed. Even Rikku got one of those plain nods, but all had been expressed moments before in a kiss. He was going to leave this world with the resolve and composure of an aged warrior, and she understood that. Kimahri was offered two brisk pounds on the chest, and Auron had finally reached the end of the line.
Yuna swung in utmost grace, her staff trailing close to the ground as she begun the ritual dance. She stopped with a gasp, reluctant to continue as she noticed the pyreflies emitting from Auron's figure. Though with with his reassuring words and a nod she knew it was okay. Again, she continued the sorrow filled dance which would relieve his soul and send him to his final place of rest. The crimson clad warrior eventually began his fade into nothing more than pyreflies, tilting his head upwards towards the heavens. Silently three words graced the contours of his lips, nothing more than unheard whispers of a sweet 'I love you'.
In the final place where Auron once stood, were nothing more than fleeting pyreflies escaping towards the Zanarkand sky.
And a lonely Al Bhed girl whispering her goodbyes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"I got a sphere.. With Tidus in it.." Rikku sighed, tilting her head upwards as she sat leaning back against the rough stone, and the vines which entangled it. "I'm gonna show Yunie.. I'm sure she'll join the Gullwings.. And we can find more spheres together..!"
She was silent for a bit, pulling her knees to her chest as she curled up where she sat. Her arms tightly hugged her legs, holding them against her torso as she let her chin rest upon her knees. "Maybe we can bring him back.." Bring him back.
A sad chuckle escaped her lips as she rose from the place she was seated. The Guado guard at the gate was motioning for people to exit as the night approached. "Tysh.. I guess I have to go now.. Oh. I bet you noticed, I grew out my hair. You said it would look nice long, didn't you?" Those glossed lips were graced by a smile as she turned about to face the transparent shadow of the stoic guardian.
It was the Farplane.
Rikku smiled, waving goodbye as the hovering image of Auron gradually began to dissipate into nothing against the vivid hues of the sunset sky and majestic fields which composed the Farplane. Turning her back to the circular platform as she took her leave.
Perhaps one day.. I'll find a sphere that will lead me to you, Auron.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sequel? Maybe! Once I finish X-2. –lazy- ^^;