Chapter Seven: Shoopuff Tango
Amanda's Ramble:
Amanda: Chapter seven, as promised!
Wakka: Why are you being so mean to me, ya?
Amanda: o.O Wakka? What the hell? Where's Auron?
Wakka: I……erm…..*a gagged Auron is heard in the background* don't know! *sheepish grin*
Amanda: -_-
Ophelia browsed the small market place as they were waiting to board a shoopuff, scanning various items of clothing for something similar to what she would normally wear. Auron had silently handed her a leather pouch of gil earlier and walked off, leaving her to her own devices. She wondered if it was from the kiss the night before, but she really didn't know how to broach the subject, so she had just let it go.
Finally, she found something she liked and handed the woman some gil before moving behind the changing screen in the tiny tent, feeling relieved to free her flesh from the tight black leather. She'd finally gotten a bath this morning, and the soft cotton of the skirt and tank-top like shirt felt wonderful against her skin. She twirled once and let the skirt flair around her before sliding on the sandles she'd also bought, feeling more like herself.
When she emerged from the tent, she saw Tidus talking to some slightly chubby guy with a large pack on his back, and moved through the crowd toward them. As she drew nearer, she caught a hint of cockney from the man and realized that this must be O'aka, merchant extroidinare. She gave a smile when Tidus's eyes widened at her appearance, and he shook his head a moment.
"Wow, I've never noticed it before, but dressed like that, you can definitely tell you're Yuna's sister."
"I hope that's a compliment." Ophelia patted Tidus's arm and turned to O'aka. "Eh….do you have anything in the way of magical armor?"
"Of couse, Lady Mage." O'aka sketched a small bow and opened his pack, pulling out various forms of jewelry. Ophelia contemplated a few moments before picking out a few beaded bracelets and paying O'aka. She slid them on, feeling a little better. Now she had a summon, a weapon she could use, and armor. Footsteps behind them alerted Ophelia to someone coming and she turned around, surprised to see Auron headed their way. He came to a stop just a few feet from her and Tidus, his eye carefully trained on the younger man.
"We're ready to go."
"Oh, okay." Tidus ran to catch up to Yuna, leaving Auron and Ophelia alone for the first time since they had left the inn that morning.
"Well? Aren't you going to say something?" Ophelia held out her arms and spun in a small circle, showing off her new garments.
"It doesn't suit you." Ophelia's jaw dropped, and she was sure it hit the ground. That sure as hell hadn't been a compliment.
"I happen to think it looks very nice. What do you know, anyway?" Nose in the air, she picked up her skirt and headed off in the direction of the others, only stopping when she heard Auron's deep chuckle. She turned and waited for him to catch up to her, her hands now fists in her skirts. One of these days she was going to pop him a good one, that was for sure. "Something funny? You know, you are the worst guardian ever. You're fired."
Auron raised a brow and started to move past her, giving her a large shove over the edge of the bank as he did so. Ophelia shrieked as she fell over the rather steep embankment and into the water, coming up sputtering, weeds caught in her hair. She floundered and tried to find something to grab hold of, desperate to keep her head above water.
"Auron!" Her voice gurgled and she spat out water. "I can't swim! Help me!"
"Help yourself." He walked off, leaving a panic-stricken Ophelia to flounder in the water, which was well above her head.
Wakka heard Ophelia's cries and ran past Auron, giving him an icy glare. He found Ophelia sputtering and weeping like a baby, her sodden clothes weighing her down and pulling her beneath the water. With a growled curse, he jumped in and grabbed the small, shaken woman, pulling her to the shore. He swung her up into his arms and moved up the hill, cursing Auron under his breath the entire time.
When they reached the others, Ophelia was snatched from Wakka by a concerned Kimahri and Yuna, who immediately began consoling her. She was still sobbing, having been scared nearly to death, as she really couldn't swim. Wakka glared at Auron, who said nothing and climbed the ladder onto the shoopuff's back, giving the others an impatient look.
"There's no time to waste. Let's get moving." Even Lulu looked shocked at the man's callousness and one by one, by two in Kimahri's case, as he still had Ophelia, they climbed into the shoopuff's saddle. No one said anything to Auron as they all settled down, and Kimahri tried his best to calm the wide-eyed Ophelia.
For a long time they rode in silence, and Ophelia unwound bit by bit. She was still cold, but that was because her clothes were wet. Brand new clothes, at that. Jerk. She sent a cold look Auron's way, and was more than a little surprised to see it met by one even colder. Why in the world was he mad at her? He was the one who'd dumped her in the river and wouldn't save her.
The others began picking up conversations, and Ophelia, sandwiched between Wakka and Kimahri, began to get warm and sleepy. She yawned and leaned against Kimahri's shoulder, his furry muscles making for a good pillow and closed her eyes. She could get used to this. She had nearly gotten to sleep when a scream pierced the air and Ophelia jerked up just in time to see Yuna's feet disappear from view. She ran to the edge of the cart and was almost knocked into the water again by Wakka and Tidus as they jumped in after the summoner.
"Holy shit." Ophelia debated for a few moments before jumping in as well. She couldn't swim, but she could stay under water, as she sank like a rock usually. She heard Auron curse but didn't look up, thankful she didn't hit the water in a belly flop. Immediately, she began sinking, but she managed to dog paddle after Wakka and Tidus, catching up to them just as they spotted a large machina with a large glass bubble on top, which contained Yuna. For a moment Yuna looked glad, and then she spotted Ophelia, and it was obvious she was scolding her older sister for being stupid. Ophelia ignored Yuna and paddled to Wakka, placing a hand on his shoulder. He gave her an angry look and pointed to the surface, but Ophelia shook her head and held out her staff, motioning for Wakka and Tidus to get back. They shook their heads in exasperation, but did as she had told, and she held her staff out at arm's length before twirling it once over her head and waving it in rather odd patterns. It was hard, with the resistance of the water, but she managed and the water around them began to bubble and swirl before the river bottom opened up, revealing hot magma and a large black something jumped up out of it. It was four times Ophelia's height and was coal black with empty eye sockets, and flames licked out of the openings where the orbs would have been. It's horns were as wide as three men standing shoulder to shoulder, and it's teeth looked as though fashioned from sharp, jagged obsidian. It grabbed Ophelia in one of it's muscular ebon arms and put her on it's shoulder, and she found she could breath, even though she was under water.
The creature gave a roar that carried, even in the water, and the fight began. Diablo, as was the summon's name, slowly and methodically ripped the machina apart, and when it self-destructed, he carried Ophelia back to the surface, and handed her up to Kimahri. Everyone gaped at the large black demon-summon, but Ophelia just waved.
"Thanks, Diablo, I owe you one."
"It was a pleasure, m'lady. Until next time." Diablo gave a small bow and then leapt into the sky, far out of everyone's vision. Ophelia turned back to the others with a large smile on her face, only to receive confused stares in return.
"What?"
"That was your first summon?" Wakka, who had helped Tidus bring Yuna back to the surface, gazed at Ophelia wide-eyed and slack-jawed. "I didn't think summons could talk, ya?"
"Just goes to show how much you really do think," Ophelia retorted lightly. "Diablo's scary-looking, but he's really nice. I knew that the moment we first talked, back at the temple in Djose."
Auron frowned, his brows lowered. "I don't like it. That thing has a mind of it's own. It's not safe."
Ophelia sighed and shook her head. "He, Auron, he. Diablo has a soul. He told me that all of the summons of judgement do, more so than any other fayth. That's what makes them so special, and why only a very few can use them. So," she said, brushing past the frowning guardian, "that makes me special, no matter what you may think. I like him. He's……like a good friend." She turned to face them all, only receiving a lot of blank stares. "Nevermind."
The rest of the shoopuff trip was spent in silence, and Ophelia sat at the back of the shoopuff cart, humming to herself. Everyone else could think Diablo was a freak if they wanted to, but he was her friend, and she liked him.
When they exited the cart, Ophelia fell into step, quite accidentally, with Auron. He glanced down at her but said nothing and adjusted his blade against his shoulder. With an inward shrug Ophelia started humming again, a happy little ditty she could always remember singing. She wasn't that surprised when some of the others started singing along with the tune. So, it was Spirian. Only Auron maintained his stoic silence.
It wasn't long before they came up to the forest's edge, and Ophelia looked into its depths with wonder. It really was beautiful. She glanced further down the boardwalk, spotting a small and crumpled form lying there. She gasped and ran ahead to the figure, kneeling down and noting that the small girl was still breathing. She chuckled under her breath and waited for the others, and when they caught up she shook the girl's shoulder roughly. The girl rolled over and coughed before groaning and sitting up, and when she opened her eyes she jumped back from Ophelia, her entire body quaking with fear.
"You!"
"Shhhh!" Ophelia hissed. "That red-headed guy is an Al Bhed hater. Rikku, right?" The girl nodded once and Ophelia stood, offering the girl a hand. "Be careful what you say, and things should be fine."
Rikku nodded again and looked around, nearly jumping out of her skin when she saw Tidus. "Tidus!" She ran over and nearly knocked Tidus down with her bear hug, and he grinned sheepishly at the irritated look Yuna shot at him.
"Rikku! What're you doing here?" Rikku shot a look at the others before whispering in Tidus's ear, and his eyes grew wide.
"Really?!? Why?!?"
"Later, alright?" She turned to the others and stuck out a hand. "Hi! My name's Rikku!" When she received no response she smiled, dimples appearing in each cheek, and winked. "Awww, I don't bite."
"I think Yuna would like to have a word with you, and so would I." Lulu motioned for Rikku to follow, and the three moved some distance away. After a few moments of discussion, an agreement had obviously taken place, and the three made their way back to the others.
"Sir Auron? I would like Rikku to become one of my guardians."
"Come here." Auron's voice startled everyone, and Rikku blinked up at the large man, before warily complying, her eyes trained on her feet. "Look at me." Rikku tilted her face upwards, but her eyes were screwed tightly shut, and Ophelia had a hard time trying not to giggle. "Open your eyes."
One sea-green spiraled eye opened and darted around, and Auron nodded, apparently satisfied. "Just as I thought."
Rikku scuffed a toe in the dirt before glancing back up at Auron. "No good?"
"You're sure?" Rikku nodded and Auron turned to Yuna. "I have no problem with it." It seemed as though everyone breathed a sigh of relief, especially Rikku, and she began wiggling out of her wet suit, attracting a lot of attention from the males. Ophelia thought she could honestly say that she wasn't the only one a little miffed by that. Without a word, she turned from the others and headed down the path leading into the forest, not noticing if the others followed or not.
Later, as it began to grow dark, they stopped to make camp, and Ophelia went with Lulu to gather fire wood. She liked the black mage, and the two had an enjoyable conversation, which came to an immediate halt as they entered the campsite, their arms loaded down with wood. Wakka and Auron were arguing, and it was obvious that it had been going on for some time.
"…And you just dumped her into the river, not even caring that she couldn't swim! You know, she could have died out there, and you just walk off all high and mighty like you don't have no responsibilies."
"It's not my fault she defies all reason. I never asked to be saddled with such and immature and over-hysterical female. It's all her father's fault." Ophelia choked on a sob she hadn't seen coming, and she felt Lulu's hand squeeze her shoulder.
"You are a bastard! Y'know, I used to have a lotta respect for you, but now I can see you for what you really are!" Without warning, Wakka struck, landing a solid blow on Auron's jaw. Auron worked his jaw a moment and turned back to the younger man, his one eye narrowed dangerously.
"That one was free." Wakka scowled deeper, and the next thing anyone knew, the two were scuffling, flinging fists back and forth, the sound of flesh hitting flesh sickeningly loud in the quiet of the forest. No one moved to break it up until Kimahri grabbed his spear, sliding it under both Wakka and Auron's throats and pulled them up against his chest. The two struggled for a moment against the Ronso's iron-like grip, but to no avail.
"Kimahri say stop. Fighting is pointless. Next time, you deal with Kimahri." He pulled the staff of his lance from their throats and backed away, and they both gasped for breath before glaring murderously at each other. The silence was thick, and Ophelia gazed helplessly at Auron for a long moment before the wood she had been carrying fell to her feet, and she covered her face with her hands, running off down a side path. The rest stood stunned, before turning back to Auron, who straightened and dusted off his jacket.
"Wasn't that just a little harsh?" Tidus asked angrily. Auron ignored him and turned away, heading in the opposite direction from Ophelia. Rikku caught him in a side-step and glared up at him.
"Oh, no you don't. You go and apologize, you big meanie." She didn't flinch under Auron's cold glare and he pushed his way past her, only to be caught by Yuna.
"That was wrong and you know it."
"I didn't ask your opinion." He made to go around her, too, but Kimahri blocked him and crossed his arms. With a sigh, he turned and growled deep in his throat. "Fine, fine. Then you'd all just better leave me the hell alone." He started off down the path Ophelia had taken, a muscle in his jaw twitching. He'd warned he would, hadn't he? She knew that if Wakka continued, Auron would fight him.
He spotted her on a rock at the bend in the path, her knees drawn to her chest, her face buried in her arms. Her entire frame shook with sobs, and he felt a twinge of conscious at the sight. He hadn't meant to hurt her like that, dammit. But Wakka hadn't wanted to let up, and so he'd sought a quick way to end the argument. He never would have dreamed Wakka would strike him.
Ophelia gasped and looked up, sniffing and turning her back on the red-clad figure coming up the path. "Go away."
Auron gave an irritated sigh and kept walking. He should have guessed she would be like this. He stopped a foot from her and, after much debate, walked around to the other side of the rock. Ophelia glared up at him through glittery eyes and started to turn away again, but Auron grabbed her shoulder and held her in place.
"Get lost, you ass."
"No." Auron crouched in front of her and rested his arms on his knees. "I want to apologize for what you heard."
"Why? If that's how you feel, what does it matter?" She looked away and sniffled again, wiping stray tears away. Auron sighed and looked at the ground a long moment before answering.
"Because what you heard isn't the truth." Ophelia glanced up at him, her eyes wide. "I don't thing of myself as burdened with you. True enough that you are a responsibility, but that doesn't mean it has to be unpleasant." He risked a small smile at her, and noticed her irritation when she noticed her own mouth curving upward.
"That still doesn't make what you said right. Now everyone thinks you hate me, and they probably do to."
"On the contrary, Ophelia, you have a lot of good friends back there who nearly had me castrated and beheaded. You're a very lucky woman." He stood and held out a hand, and Ophelia warily took it. They walked back to camp hand in hand, and when they reached the clearing he released her, leaving her to her friends. It wasn't his place now.
End of chapter seven.
Chapter Eight……….Guadosalam!