Summary: Tidus x Rikku. Yuna x Auron. An alternate take on the story that is Final Fantasy X.
Spoilers: Final Fantasy X
Disclaimer: Square Enix rocks my world. Hopefully, they won't find this or they will...do bad things to me. I'm only playing!
Author's Note: Let it be known that Sandra is evil. She and I are now obsessed with changing the story of Final Fantasy X to suit our pairing tastes and, you know, imply sex. Lots of it. This particular scene is set before Final Fantasy X and is my take on how Auron meets Yuna for the first time.
Warning: fanon alert! Egads, there's so much backstory to all of this it's mind-boggling. Also, if the timelime seems screwed up, just ignore it. The Final Fantasy X timeline is too confusing to try and get right sometimes. ;) So, anyway, this is my story and it happens this way.
Oh, by the way, this is very much a draft, even though I've already edited it a billion times. Also, I'd wanted to add more...this was supposed to be pretty much a whole story on its own about Young!Auron and Braska and their relationship before Jecht arrives and during their pilgrimage. It also sets up Auron's relationship with Yuna, that is, what she remembers when she sees him again as a seventeen-year-old. But, alas, I'm lazy and never finish anything, so I'm going with the scene-by-scene approach.
**
This is My Story by danakate
First Posted: 2004-02-01
Scene 00 - How Auron and Yuna Met
"Braska."
The man turned at the sound of his name, his look of confusion instantly turned into a smile at the sight of the voice's owner.
"Auron," he said. "It's been...a while."
Auron bowed his head, smiling slightly. His observant eyes caught what looked to be a wisp of pink disappearing behind Braska. An eyebrow twitched in amusement.
Brasked chuckled when he realized Auron's attention had strayed. He grinned and wondered what his usually-serious friend would do.
The shuffle of a boot on dirt caught Auron's senses and he looked to the right. A blue eye peered at him. He could see a tiny hand clutching at Braska's robes and a little of the child's sandy brown hair. The eye disappeared and he looked left when the sound of feet moved again. Another eye peered at him, this one a brilliant green. Auron's lips formed into a smirk at this display of shy curiosity. He gave the small child a nod. The eye widened and he heard a short intake of breath before the child disappeared once more.
Auron raised both eyebrows at Braska's amused expression. "That's-?"
"Yuna," Braska called softly, reaching behind him to usher out the child.
Yuna reluctantly stood in the open, clutching her father's robes tightly in her small hands. She wore a simple, yet elegant, kimono of white and pink. It had been her mother's favorite.
"Yuna," her father repeated. "This is Auron."
She nodded, but stayed silent and kept her head down.
"He's a friend," Braska continued. "You can trust him."
Yuna saw the boots of the other man shift closer and was surprised to see him kneel on one knee before her. She chanced a look at him and was immediately caught in his piercing gaze.
"It is an honor to meet you, Yuna," Auron said, softly.
Yuna's dual-colored eyes widened again before she fled to the relative safety behind her father, cheeks burning.
"She's a little shy," Braska mentioned, looking over his shoulder at his hiding daughter.
"So I gathered," Auron remarked, standing.
Braska turned and knelt to be at eye-level with his daughter.
"Yuna, Auron and I have to talk for a bit," he explained. Yuna nodded at him. "Go ahead and go back home, I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Father," Yuna replied in a tiny voice. She chanced another quick glance at Auron before scampering off as fast as her little feet would carry her.
"Is she normally that...skittish?" Auron asked as delicately as possible.
Braska shook his head as he watched Yuna's retreating form. "She used to be much more outgoing. Everything changed once..." Braska trailed off.
Auron nodded, wondering if Braska realized how much he'd changed since the death of Yuna's mother.
"I got your message," Auron said, wanting to get straight to the point. "Don't tell me you're thinking about doing what I think you are..."
"Not thinking, Auron," Braska said. "I've made my decision."
Auron stared hard at Braska. "You do realize what this means, right? What this will mean for Yuna?"
Braska gave him a pained expression but he did not falter. "I do this for Yuna, Auron. I lost her mother to Sin, I won't stand idly by and wait for that fate to happen to her."
"The Calm does not last forever," Auron stated bluntly.
"Maybe I can figure out how," Braska countered.
Silence hung thick in the air as the two old friends stared at each other.
"Will you join me?" Braska asked after long moments had passed.
Auron looked away, his eyes scanning the horizon yet not really seeing the beauty of Bevelle.
"Yes," he finally answered. He turned and faced Braska. "I pledge myself as your Guardian, Lord Braska." Auron knelt on one knee and bowed his head in deference to his friend and now superior.
"I am not a Summoner, yet, Auron," Braska said, turning away in embarrassment.
"You will be," Auron replied with utter confidence.
Braska stared at the other man, taken aback by his conviction. "I-... Thank you."
"When will we begin training?" Auron asked, rising again.
"Next week," Braska replied. "There are some things I need to take care of first. The path to becoming a full Summoner is not easy, nor short. And, once I begin, I will not finish until I defeat Sin. I must arrange for caretakers for Yuna, since she cannot come with us."
"I understand," Auron nodded. "I will go find lodging, then."
"No," Braska interjected as Auron prepared to leave. "You will stay with us."
"My Lord..."
"Auron. I insist," Braska said. "We may have vastly different roles than we had before, but I refuse to ignore years of friendship now."
Auron regarded Braska's serious expression and slowly nodded. There were, apparently, some parts of Braska's personality that hadn't changed.
"As you wish," he replied. "And, thank you."
*
Auron glanced around Braska's home and noticed that while it still looked the same, it felt...empty.
"Something else died that day," Auron thought.
"Auron?" Braska called when he realized the other man had stopped walking. "What's wrong?"
"Something doesn't...feel right," Auron murmured. Try as he might, he couldn't quite figure out what seemed so out of place.
And then he saw it. Or rather, her. Curled up beside the far couch lay the sleeping form of Yuna.
Braska followed Auron's gaze and a surprised expression graced his features, quickly transitioning into a wince.
"She likes to wait for me," Braska explained softly as he made his way across the room. "And this is her favorite spot, strange as it may seem."
As Braska lifted the small child from her hiding place, Auron noticed she'd been lying on a blanket.
"Her mother always kept a blanket by the couch in case Yuna was cold," Braska continued, gently brushing the hair over Yuna's forehead. "Ever since, I haven't had the heart to move it. Not that Yuna would let me."
Yuna unconsciously burrowed closer to her father. Braska, realizing once again how fortunate he was to have Yuna, cradled her closer and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Auron looked away, not wanting to intrude on Braska's private moment, and his eyes fell on a small table. It was bare save for one photograph: Braska, his wife, and Yuna. Their expressions were so peaceful and happy, it pained Auron's heart to know they'd never share those feelings together again. He looked back at Braska, still holding his daughter close, and Auron began to understand a little of Braska's motivation. He'd never really understand, but seeing Braska and Yuna together evoked such intense, protective emotions from him that Auron could only imagine how strongly Braska felt the need to protect Yuna's future. If there was even one shred of hope to defeat Sin for good, Auron would help Braska find it.
*
The next day, Auron woke and left the house before the others had awakened. Deciding to delay his morning practice a short while, he walked just outside Bevelle's borders, surveying the area. The battlefield was a place Auron knew all too well. He also knew Braska had no real knowledge of battle; it was not in the man's nature.
But there is no easy, safe road for one who hopes to become a Summoner.
Braska would need to learn how to fight. He would need to learn when to do battle and when retreat was the better option.
Auron also knew that he and Braska would need to learn to keep each other's strengths, weaknesses, and status in mind at all times. Braska was a healer by nature, a skill that would come in handy. But fiends do not discriminate. Auron, a warrior by training, could only do so much to protect Braska from a determined fiend.
Finishing his walk, Auron felt satisfied he knew the area well enough to begin training the following week. Bevelle offered a diverse set of fiends to test them, he could feel their eyes on him as they watched him from their hiding places, not daring to venture that close to Bevelle's well defended perimeter.
As the morning sun peeked over the horizon, Auron resumed walking, seeking a secluded area to conduct his daily training.
*
"Father?" Yuna asked meekly.
"Yes, Yuna?" Braska replied, smiling at her indulgently. He missed the days when she chattered endlessly during breakfast.
"May I go out for a walk?" she asked, quickly looking at the table.
Braska raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Don't wander outside of the neighborhood and be sure to be back before lunch."
"I will. Thank you," she said. Yuna gave him a small smile before sliding out of her chair and trotting out the door.
"That was...different..." Braska said aloud. He shook his head in amusement. Maybe things were getting better after all.
*
He intrigued her. Not that Yuna really knew what the word meant, but he did. She'd never met anyone like him. He was so different from her father...from anyone in Bevelle. Yuna had been awake when Auron left that morning, had wanted to follow him but knew it was foolish. He would have caught her anyway.
But she was still curious.
Yuna couldn't really understand what it was about Auron that was different. Her five-year-old mind didn't know the words much less have the experience. She just knew that when Auron arrived, her father seemed...different. And though she had only met him for a short while, she knew he was strong. And safe.
She stopped in her tracks, booted feet scuffing slightly on the pavement as realization hit her. Her father felt the same way she did when Auron was around.
Safe.
Auron was safe. And she wanted to see him again. Right now.
Yuna balled up her tiny fists in determination before setting off again, feet moving as fast as they could. She didn't really know where Auron was, but somehow, she knew she'd find him.
*
A fine sheen of sweat glistened on Auron's face as he went through the motions of the basic stances with his sword perfectly balanced in his hands.
Ready. Look. Slash. Follow through. Cover the open side. Return. Repeat.
Auron knew the forms without thinking about them, let them flow one right after the other in a deadly dance of power and control. He could feel the exertion in his muscles as he transitioned into the higher level forms, his mind automatically calculating how far he could go before he had to rest.
Another part of his mind felt eyes on him, knew they were fiends. He'd chosen an area right outside Bevelle's walls. He knew he was in no danger with the city being so close, but the feel of the fiends' eyes on him kept him alert.
Slash. Follow through. Twist. Step. Lunge. Return. Stop.
He took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. Once more and he was ready for the next set.
Ready.
*
Yuna stood off to the side of the street and eyed the intersection. Going beyond it would be disobeying her father. She'd be outside the neighborhood. But she knew Auron was there. And being with Auron was safe, right?
She waited until another group of children ran by before scampering off across the street and through the morning crowd.
But where she was going, the crowds thinned. The further she ran, the fewer people she saw. Slowing to a walk, she again took shelter by the side of the road and hoped to blend in with the shadows.
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all...
And then she heard him. Unconsciously, her body moved toward an open door along the city wall. As she peered around the edge slowly, she saw him. Auron.
He was moving so fast he was nearly a blur. Yuna gaped as she saw his feet glide over the grass, his sword slashing and spinning at invisible adversaries. Suddenly he lunged, spearing his sword forward, and he cried out, the same noise she'd heard before.
Auron's battle cry, meant to intimidate his opponent before they actually fought.
Yuna wondered why anyone would dare fight a man who possessed such incredible power.
Quietly, she stepped away from the door and leaned against the wall on the other side. Yuna reflected for a moment on what she just saw and came to the realization she felt better now, knowing what Auron could do.
Knowing that Auron could protect her father.
Yuna knew her father would leave, soon, with Auron, to travel a road not often taken. She knew he was doing it so that other people wouldn't have to suffer and lose their loved ones like they did. But she'd been afraid. She thought he'd go alone. She was still afraid...afraid he'd get hurt or worse, that he wouldn't come back. But with Auron...
Smiling slightly, Yuna made her way back home.
*
Auron paused and his gaze wandered to the open door he'd come through to get to his practice area. He could have sworn someone had been there watching him. But there was no one there now. He shrugged, he hadn't sensed anything malicious. He'd seen people pass by the doorway from time to time during his training, it was probably just a shadow.
Carefully, he rearranged his robes and restrapped his sword to his back. Auron had practiced enough for one morning, it was time to seek out Braska and see if the man needed any assistance.
Making sure to secure the door behind him, Auron made his way back to Braska's residence, unknowingly following the same route Yuna was just a few blocks ahead.
*
The streets were busier now that the shops had opened. Yuna had to be careful not to get in people's way or get stepped on since she was rather small. She was back in her own neighborhood now so she had no need to rush or feel guilty about having left the neighborhood.
But then she saw them. And wanted to turn and walk the other way, but there was nowhere to go as a solid wall of people seemed to have appeared out of thin air.
"Hey, there she is!" a snide voice called out and Yuna cringed inside.
She turned slowly, knowing that ignoring them would only make it worse. A group of three children, two boys and one girl, sauntered up to her.
"No greeting?" the girl said, looking down her nose at Yuna. "Aren't you the rude one."
Yuna merely glared. They were all several years older and several inches taller than her. Why they chose to pick on her she didn't know, nor did she care. She just wished they'd stop.
"What's the matter?" the lead boy taunted. "Fiend got your tongue?"
"Your Daddy's going to get eaten by one," the other boy said.
Yuna's eyes widened in horror. Why would they say such a thing?!
"Yeah," the first boy chimed in. The girl sniffed in amusement, a nearly feral grin on her face. The boy continued, "We heard your Daddy's going to be a Summoner. Don't you know all Summoners die? They get eaten by fiends!"
Yuna backed up a step, not wanting to hear the other children's nasty words.
"Leave me alone!" she yelled, clapping her hands over her ears.
"Aww, you frightened her," the girl said.
The first boy picked up a stray rock from the ground before sneering at Yuna. "Yeah," he said, bouncing the rock in his hand, "and after they're done with him, they're going to get you!"
The boy let loose the rock aimed right at Yuna's face. She gasped, unable to make any other noises, and scrunched her eyes shut.
But nothing happened.
And the bullies weren't saying anything.
And a shadow seemed to have passed overhead.
"Are you all right, Yuna?"
Yuna's eyes sprang wide open and she was not only surprised to see Auron in front of her but at eye level. Curiosity got the better of her and she peered around Auron and saw the rock several inches from where he was. He'd blocked it with his body.
He watched her carefully, concerned. He'd heard the whole conversation, appalled not only at the children's behavior but at the lack of intervention from any of the surrounding adults. Who all appeared to have had to go elsewhere at that particular moment.
Yuna's head snapped up and she glared at the other kids. Auron's gaze followed. They were gaping at him with a mixture of awe and fear. He stood to his full height and stepped in front of Yuna.
"Is there a problem?" he asked calmly.
"N-no, Sir!" the first boy squeaked.
"Then I suggest you go home," he offered.
All three nodded before scrambling over each other in an attempt to leave the area as quickly as possible.
Auron returned his attention to Yuna, surprised to find her standing beside him rather than behind him. Her eyes burned with as much fury as one so young could muster. He knelt again so he could speak with her.
"Are you all right?" he asked again.
"They...they...they hurt you!" Yuna managed, shaking.
He looked at his shoulder where the rock had hit.
"It just bounced off," he explained. "See? Not even a scratch." He twisted and pointed, showing her where the offending rock had hit.
Yuna reached out her small hand and touched the spot Auron indicated. Sure enough, there was no scratch, but that wasn't really why she was so mad.
Auron watched the play of emotions pass over Yuna's small face as she tried to make sense of what she was feeling.
"It's not your fault," Auron said softly.
Yuna jerked back, surprised to realize that was exactly how she was feeling. "But...it is," she said. "You got hurt...because of me."
"Not because of you," Auron tried to explain. "Because of me."
"What?" She didn't understand at all.
"Yuna, I made the choice to step in because I knew they were trying to hurt you. I didn't want you to get hurt. My choice. My fault."
"But...but...I...I don't understand!" Yuna cried in frustration. Tears sprang up at the corners of her eyes and she didn't know why which made her even more upset.
"She feels deeply, this one," Auron thought to himself as the tears spilled.
He reached up and gently wiped the tears away. "You possess within you the ability to cry for those who don't think to cry for themselves, or who can't. Don't ever lose that, Yuna. Spira will need someone like you, I know it."
Yuna's brow furrowed in confusion once more.
"Don't worry about it right now," Auron soothed. "You'll understand later."
She nodded, not really satisfied with the answer but having to accept it for now.
"Let's go home, now," Auron suggested.
"Ok," Yuna replied softly.
An overwhelming protective urge came over him and Auron scooped Yuna up into his arms, holding her close. She gasped in surprise, wrapping her tiny arms as far around his neck as she could for balance.
"Everything all right?" he asked. Yuna giggled at the feel of his voice.
"You're taller than my father," she said before resting her head on his shoulder.
Auron smiled and began walking back to Braska's house, wondering just when this tiny wisp of a girl became such an important part of his life.
--
TBC
Revision History:
2004-02-10 - Cleaned up some text and formatting. Added some missing particles. Oops.