This is My Story

by danakate

Tidus x Rikku. Yuna x Auron. An alternate take on the story that is Final Fantasy X.

8. Scene 07 Kilika Temple

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:  More Yuron (Tikku's coming back soon, I swear!).  Also, some slash-ish (Auron/Braska) stuff.  Feel free to skip over the whole italicized bit in the middle if you're not into that.

Also, for all of you who have left reviews: thank you so much. :) 

*

This is My Story by danakate

First Posted: 2004-05-02

Scene 07 - Kilika Temple

Yuna stood at the bottom of the long flight of stairs leading to Kilika Temple. The ancient, mossy stones seemed to be alive, telling her stories of Pilgrimages from long ago. She wondered if her father felt this way when he came here. Slowly, her gaze moved upward until she could no longer see the steps. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The trek up the stairs, although long, would be nothing compared to the trials she would face inside the temple. Would she succeed this time?

Auron stepped up beside her and Yuna instantly felt at ease. His warm hand on her shoulder evoked a smile from her. For a moment, she'd forgotten she wasn't alone.

"Are you ready?" Auron asked, his low voice rumbled close to her ear.

"Yes," she nodded confidently.

"Then, we go," Auron stated. He placed his hand at the small of Yuna's back and together they began the slow climb up the steps to Kilika Temple.

The rest of the Guardians followed, as well as most of the Besaid Aurochs. It was tradition to pray at Kilika Temple. Wakka glanced around the old walkway, a small smile on his lips.

"High Summoner Ohalland used to live in Kilika Temple," he murmured as he climbed.

"He was a Blitzball player, was he not?" Lulu inquired.

"Ya, one of the best," Wakka answered enthusiastically. He was surprised Lulu knew, or even cared.

"He trained here," Wakka continued, suddenly filled with pride. "Ran up and down these steps at top speed, I hear."

Datto, one of Wakka's teammates, shook his head in disbelief. "Man, that musta been tough."

"Well, that's why he was one of the best, ya?" Wakka rationalized. "I'm thinkin', if we trained even half as hard as Lord Ohalland did, maybe we'd have a chance."

Yuna turned, having heard their conversation. "Wanna race?" she asked, a childish grin on her face.

Wakka gaped for a moment before smiling in return. This was the Yuna he knew, the one he grew up with. He glanced back at his teammates and quirked an eyebrow.

"Sure, why not?" Luzzo replied.

"Yuna, if you would?" Wakka asked, getting ready.

She stopped and glanced at every Auroch. "Ready?"

They nodded.

She took a breath...and suddenly ran up the stairs.

"Hey, hey! No fair!" Wakka cried, but then the other Aurochs were ahead of him and he had no choice but to follow.

Auron smirked as he watched Yuna run up the stairs. He could hear her soft giggles float from above. It had been some time since she'd been able to enjoy time with her friends.

Lulu shook her head and sighed heavily. "Some things never change," she mumbled. Kimahri merely snorted.

They continued walking up the steps and Auron kept an eye on the group rapidly approaching the first landing before the final flights of steps to the temple.

Then something changed. The air was...different...and the hairs on Auron's neck stood straight up.

"Sinspawn," he muttered and he was off, taking the steps five at a time, moving faster than anyone could see. He had to get to Yuna.

"What?!" Lulu exclaimed, momentarily stunned.

"L-look out!" Datto cried as he and the other Aurochs came barreling down the stairs.

"Everyone, quick! Sinspawn!" Wakka called down. Lulu and Kimahri hastily complied.

When Auron arrived at the landing, his eyes narrowed in anger. He was irritated, mostly with himself, for allowing Yuna to get ahead of him.

Because she was now surrounded by a group of seven or eight Sinscales.

Yuna slowly turned, watching each fiend carefully. Her lips were pressed to a thin line and her hands grasped her staff tightly. But she didn't really feel any fear, mostly determination. Her eyes locked with Auron's momentarily and they both knew he could not make his way to her without potentially triggering all of the Sinscales to attack her at once.

The others were occupied with another large group of Sinscales. Wakka was, understandably, distracted, constantly glancing Yuna's way.

"Ow!" Wakka yelped as a Sinscale grazed his arm.

"Wakka, concentrate!" Lulu barked as she nailed the fiend with a bolt of fire.

"I know, but...Yuna," he explained.

"We cannot help her if we are defeated," Lulu growled. Wakka winced.

"Sir Auron help Yuna," Kimahri proclaimed. "Kimahri not worry."

And then Wakka didn't have time to worry as all of the fiends decided to converge upon them.

Auron surveyed the situation quickly, looking for a way to get to Yuna. And then she moved and his eyes widened as she stood in a stance that looked very much like the Sending.

"Yuna, don't!" he called out, knowing that if she attempted to Send the Sinscales, they would react with extreme hostility toward her.

She was already turning, though, and Auron could only watch, gaping slightly, as she spun. But it wasn't the Sending. Yuna held her staff firmly with both hands and, using her momentum, swung out, knocking away three of the fiends with a solid sweep.

That was all the opening Auron needed. He sprang forward, sword slashing at the now angered fiends, and he slammed the other five back, stunning them. He could feel Yuna's back to his, knew she was carefully watching the three fiends she'd temporarily smashed out of the way. He had no time to help her; his five had recovered and were now advancing toward him.

Quickly and efficiently Auron disposed of the Sinscales. He turned, then, to aid Yuna and was surprised to see she had only one left. He watched as Yuna and the Sinscale faced off. Auron could feel Yuna's battle aura surrounding her and was reminded again of Braska. Nostalgia washed over him and for a moment, he saw his old friend battling fiends alongside him so many years ago. And, like her father before her, Yuna held her own. In a burst of movement, Yuna jumped forward and slammed her staff straight down on the Sinscale with a cry. The Sinscale toppled over and vanished, defeated.

"Is it always like this?" Yuna asked, gasping.

"No, it's worse," Auron answered truthfully, and he backed toward her, weapon still drawn, because there was still something there.

"What is it?" Yuna asked.

"Those were just the Scales," Auron said. "The Sinspawn itself is still here."

"Still?!" Wakka exclaimed.

They all gathered around Yuna, looking this way and that, and waited for the Sinspawn to appear. It didn't take long.

Sinspawn Geneaux emerged from the foliage and crashed onto the landing, rattling loosened stones. They all looked up at it...and up and up and up...the thing was massive.

"How are we supposed to fight this?" Wakka asked aloud.

"If we cannot defeat it, our Pilgrimage will be very short," Auron remarked.

"I won't allow that," Lulu scoffed, and struck the fiend with a bolt of lightning.

"Me, either!" Wakka yelled and pegged the Sinspawn with his Blitzball.

Neither attack did much other than make Sinspawn Geneaux angry. And then it opened, revealing its true form. Which included tentacles.

"You've gotta be kiddin' me!" Wakka gaped.

Kimahri leapt forward, attempting to inflict any kind of damage and absorb some magical energy from it if possible. Like the others, his attack did little.

And then the fiend attacked, aiming for Yuna, but encountering Auron instead. He skid backwards with a grunt as the Sinspawn smacked him right in the chest. Yuna gasped, horrified at seeing Auron get hurt for her. A flash of memory passed in her mind, of the time when Auron first protected her so many years before. Back then, she couldn't do anything, she'd been too small. But, now...

"Everybody, get back!" she exclaimed.

"Wha-?" Wakka asked.

"She is Summoning," Auron managed, stepping out of Yuna's way, but remaining close should she need him.

Yuna stood in front of the others, eyes determined, and spread her arms wide, focusing her energies. In a flash, Valefor was beside her and she pet him gratefully, imploring him to help them. Valefor seemed to understand and, without hesitation, battled Sinspawn Geneaux in their stead. On the whole, he was much more effective than all of them combined.

The battle raged, fiend and Aeon trading blows. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Sinspawn Geneaux fell, and not a moment too soon for Valefor had nearly used all of his reserves to defeat the fiend. Yuna thanked Valefor and dismissed him, wishing she could have healed him but knew he had to take care of that himself.

"Is...is everyone all right?" Yuna turned and asked.

"We're fine," Lulu answered, still surprised at Yuna's aggressiveness. "But, what about you?"

"I'm fine...really," Yuna gave the other woman a reassuring smile.

But her smile faltered when her gaze met Auron's. He looked no different than usual, but she knew he'd been injured by the fiend's attack. She approached him slowly, concern evident on her features.

"I am fine, as well," he said.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "No, you're not." Yuna placed her hand lightly on Auron's chest and channeled healing energy to him, removing any damage the fiend had inflicted. "Thank you for protecting me," she murmured.

"It was my pleasure and my duty," Auron replied, bowing his head to her.

She flashed him a quick smile before turning to face the others. "So," Yuna started, hands clasped in front of her, "shall we continue?"

"Of course," Lulu replied. "But let's stay together this time, hmm?"

Yuna ducked her head. "You're probably right."

"I hope that's the only Sinspawn leftover from Sin's attack, ya?" Wakka said. "At least we got rid of it or Sin would be back fast."

"Kimahri not sense Sinspawn."

Auron nodded in agreement. "I, too, do not detect anything. However, we should not wait for Sin to come to us."

He strode forward and stood beside Yuna again as they led the way up the final flight of stairs to the temple.

"You did well," Auron praised, voice just loud enough for Yuna to hear.

Yuna nodded and sucked in a breath, organizing her thoughts.  "I wasn't really sure what I should do.  It just...came to me."

"You have your father's battle instinct," Auron said.  "Like you, he was not meant to be a warrior.  But should the situation arise, and it did on his Pilgrimage, he was more than capable of taking care of himself.  With the Aeons, he would protect Jecht and myself as often as we guarded him."

"So it was...I don't really know how to describe it," Yuna thought aloud.

"A balanced group," Auron provided.  "Our skills were better suited to certain arenas than his."

"Kind of like the battle on the S. S. Liki?" Yuna asked.

"Precisely."

"I think...I should have been able to summon there," Yuna mused, a hint of regret in her voice.

"Perhaps," Auron replied slowly.  "However, you must remember that Aeons heal themselves.  It is possible that Valefor would not have been fully healed by now had you called for him on the ship.  Whether you realized it or not, it was wise to defer to your Guardians."

"You're probably right," she said.  "But, calling for the Aeon just now may not have been the best idea, though."

"Are you fatigued?" Auron asked, glancing at her face.  Her cheeks were still flushed from the fury of battle.

"A little, but I think I'm still..." she flailed her hands, trying to look for the words.

"Adrenaline rush."

She nodded her head.  "I think I'll be ok."

"Are you certain?"  He was concerned, of course, but Yuna had to learn her own limits, too.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, thinking and feeling.  "Yes," she nodded.  "Besides, I don't think we can really afford to keep delaying."

"Agreed," Auron said.  "But do not hesitate to stop and rest when you need it.  You must take care of yourself, first."

"Hmm, the idea that I won't be able to complete my Pilgrimage if I'm exhausted or injured?" she asked.

He nodded.

Yuna pursed her lips and flicked her eyes Auron's direction.  "Does that apply to Guardians, as well?"

He opened his mouth to answer and then realized what she was getting at.  "Point taken."

She giggled.

"Do these steps ever end?" Luzzo's voice broke into their thoughts.

Yuna glanced up and squared her shoulders.  She could just see the top of Kilika Temple peeking out from the trees.

As the group entered the main area in front of the temple, three figures approached. The Aurochs visibly bristled. The three individuals wore clothes that were all too familiar to them: they were the Luca Goers, a rival Blitzball team and reigning champions of the last several Blitzball tournaments.

Wakka winced and hoped the Goers would ignore them. No such luck. As the rivals faced each other, Wakka scratched the back of his head and thought of something to say.

"Uh, you here to pray for victory, too?" he asked in what the hoped was a neutral tone.

"Ha!" a Goer said. Clearly Wakka's words were the wrong ones.

"Us? Pray? Who needs to pray? The Luca Goers always win!" the Goer exclaimed.

"Oh, yeah?" Wakka challenged, defenses on the rise. "Then why are you here?"

"We've been praying for some competition this year!" another Goer answered.

"So what's your goal this time?" the first one taunted. "You gonna 'do your best' again? Ha! It's too bad your best isn't good enough. Why even bother showing up?"

The three Goers sniffed arrogantly and roughly brushed passed them.

Wakka frowned. "Well, what are we supposed to do, eh?" he said to no one in particular. "Can't do better than our best... Ah, whatever."

Lulu watched silently as Wakka walked ahead of the group. "We should hurry," she said abruptly.

As they entered the ancient building, the atmosphere of the group turned even more somber. Wakka went straight to the statue of High Summoner Ohalland, briefly praying before rejoining the group.

"We'll stay here and pray for victory, ya?" Datto said.

Wakka nodded and the group entered the Cloister of Trials. As they approached the lift that would take them in, however, it ascended, bringing with it two figures.

"A Summoner, are you?" the woman said. A large, hulking male stood silently behind her.

"My name is Yuna, from the Isle of Besaid," Yuna introduced with a smile and a short bow.

"Dona," the other woman said. She regarded Yuna with a critical eye, hand on her hip. "So, you're High Summoner Braska's daughter. That's quite a name to live up to."

Dona eyed the rest of Yuna's group with a look that seemed bored. "My, my, my... And all these people are your Guardians? My, what a rabble! As I recall, Lord Braska had only two Guardians. Quality over quantity, my dear. Whatever were you thinking? I have need of only one Guardian, right, Barthello?"

But Barthello wasn't exactly paying attention to Dona. His eyes were wide, mouth nearly gaping. At Auron. The Guardian whose stories had inspired him to become one.

"Barthello!" Dona snapped.

"Uh," Barthello started, but just nodded.

"I only have as many Guardians as there are people I can trust," Yuna said. "I trust them all with my life. To have so many Guardians is a joy and an honor. Even more so than being my father's daughter. Of course, I would never think of questioning your ways, either. So, Lady Dona, I ask of you: please, leave us in peace."

Dona stared at Yuna for a long moment. "You do what you want," she sniffed. "Barthello, we're leaving."

She sauntered past them with Barthello trailing, the latter glancing back frequently, still gaping at the shadowed figure of Auron.

"Charming," Lulu said after a moment.

"She has chosen a difficult path," Auron remarked, moving to stand just behind Yuna.

"At least she has Barthello," Yuna mused. "I think it's kind of cute."

"...cute?" Lulu asked. Leave it to Yuna to find the good in everyone. A trait she'd always found admirable, if a little perplexing.

"To walk this path with only one Guardian," Yuna said. Unconsciously, she leaned back a little to feel Auron's support. "They must be very close."

"Ah," Lulu thought. Outwardly, she gave Yuna a small smile.

Standing up straight, Yuna took a deep breath. "Ok. Strength, everyone!" she proclaimed before stepping on the lift.

The way through the Cloister of Trials, though shadowed in mystery, was cleared easily. Yuna's skill as a Summoner guided her to their ultimate destination: the Chamber of the Fayth. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at the large, oval door to the Chamber. She wondered if she would always feel so small, so insignificant when she stood in a Chamber. Then again, she never wanted to feel as if she was on equal ground with the fayth. After all, it was she who prayed to them and asked them to help her.

"We'll be waiting," Lulu murmured.

Yuna nodded, but didn't look back. She had to be strong. She was strong. She would do this.

So why did her focus keep straying to the man leaning on the far wall of the Chamber room?

Auron watched Yuna ascend the steps, thoughts torn in different directions. Part of him wanted to stop her, shield her from the harsh lies Yevon put forth as truth. The other knew she had to discover it for herself and determine what it meant to her. Thinking back, he remembered how much he had revered the Temples and their Chambers, how proud he'd been to travel to each with Braska. And he was still proud, he didn't think he would ever think badly of his time with Braska and Jecht, but he no longer felt any sort of reverence toward Yevon. Not since the end, when he'd lost them.

He wondered if Braska would have completed the Pilgrimage if he knew what Auron did now about Sin. In the end, Auron knew he would. For Braska, to save his daughter from suffering, even for a short time, was worth it. And Auron didn't know if he could disagree, even now, though he wanted to. But there must be another way.

Auron shook his head and closed his eyes briefly. He was no closer to a solution now than he was ten years ago when he'd first arrived in Zanarkand. But he refused to believe there wasn't a way, refused to believe Yuna had to die. He only knew he would stand by Yuna no matter what she decided or where she went. He would be there for her and he would find a way.

Shifting his position, Auron eyed the intricate patterns on the door leading to the inner part of the Chamber. It remained stubbornly closed. He resisted the urge to pace. Yuna was still a new Summoner and, though skilled, her connection with the fayth was somewhat tenuous. He had no doubt, however, she would succeed. It was just a matter of time.

*

Yuna knelt on the stone floor of the inner Chamber, head bent and eyes closed. She tried not to think how she ached from remaining in an awkward position for so long. She'd survived over a day in Besaid's Chamber, hadn't she?

But then, she hadn't known Auron was there, hadn't become used to having him around to support her.

"I have to concentrate!" she chided herself again.

Since she'd entered the Chamber of the Fayth, she hadn't been able to organize her thoughts in any sort of way to suit her task. There was only Auron and it bothered her that she couldn't think of anything but him. At the same time, it bothered her that it bothered her. So, in general, she was confused and frustrated and unable to begin thinking of summoning an Aeon.

And that's what bothered her the most.

Sighing, she sat on the ground and brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them.

Hadn't she been talking about keeping her promises just the other day? Didn't she want to fulfill her duty as a servant to Spira?

She did...but there was something else. It was, of course, Auron. He was an Unsent, bound to the world of the living by the bitter memory of losing her father. Although she'd never asked, Yuna had a feeling he was with her more than just to protect her and keep his word to her father, but also to redeem himself. If she completed her Pilgrimage, though, if she was able to defeat Sin for good without sacrificing herself, what would become of him? Little was known about the Unsent, but once his purpose for remaining was gone, wouldn't he leave, as well?

A deep feeling of shame descended upon her and Yuna buried her face in her arms. Now was not the time to be selfish. It was true she wanted Auron by her side, always, but even if she abandoned the Pilgrimage, there was no guarantee he would stay.

She was just one girl. All of Spira was waiting for her.

Slowly, Yuna pulled herself into a kneeling position and steeled herself, physically and mentally. Taking several deep breaths, she centered herself like she had during the Sending, and pushed everything out of her mind and her heart but one thought.

"Please, help me defeat Sin."

*

The hours ticked by and still the Guardians waited.  Lulu, who'd given up standing long ago, sat perched atop a stone outcropping at the bottom of the stairs.  Kimahri stood, stoic as ever, but the tip of his tail twitched ever-so-slightly and irregularly to mark his impatience.  Wakka fidgeted, alternating between pacing and sitting on the ground.  Only Auron seemed unaffected by the passage of time.  To the others, it didn't look like he'd done anything other than breathe since just after Yuna entered the inner Chamber.

In truth, Auron was concentrating on the very faint traces of Yuna's presence he could feel.  For the past several hours, it hadn't moved, but now...

"She has finished," Auron suddenly announced, moving forward just as the oval door opened.

They all gaped at him as he walked up the stairs and stood beside Yuna.  She leaned heavily against the doorway, but was smiling.

"Well?" Lulu asked expectantly.

Yuna nodded and smiled wider.  "I have another Aeon.  An elemental, this time."

Lulu nodded her head and gave Yuna a proud smile.

"Which one?" Wakka asked curiously.

"Fire," Yuna replied, slowly making her way down the steps.  Auron moved with her, but didn't touch, sensing she wanted the opportunity to make it without support. 

"Huh, pretty good, ya?" Wakka nodded his approval.

Yuna giggled.

"So, I think it's time for you to call it a night, eh?" Wakka continued.

"Huh?" Yuna frowned.  "It's evening already?"

"You were in there for quite a while, Yuna," Lulu explained.

"Oh, I...didn't really notice," she admitted.

Wakka chuckled.  "You'll be a top-notch Summoner in no time, just you wait."

Yuna blushed and grinned.

"But now, it's sleep for you.  We can catch a ship to Luca tomorrow morning," Wakka suggested.

"All right," Yuna agreed.

The party made their way back through the Cloister of Trials, but it wasn't until she got to the lift that would take them out of the Cloister that Yuna began feeling fatigue creeping up on her.  When the lift stopped, she wobbled slightly and had to grasp the railing to keep from falling over.  She wondered, briefly, how she would make it down all of the temple's stairs.

"Are you all right?" Auron murmured, lightly touching her elbow.

Wakka turned at the sound of Auron's voice.  "You look pretty tired, Yuna.  You sure you don't wanna rest here?"

Yuna's eyes widened at the thought. "Oh, no, no, I'll be fine.  It's not too far."  She nodded succinctly, more for herself than anything else.

A cool breeze whispered across Yuna's face as she emerged from the temple. Though invigorating, she could still feel fatigue hovering in the background. It would be so easy to give in, let her friends help her. But she wanted to be strong, had to be strong. She remembered Lady Dona and how...unaffected she seemed. If Dona had been tired, she did an excellent job of hiding it; a skill Yuna needed to learn.

With a determined nod, Yuna began the long trek back to their huts, focused only on the steps before her.

By the first landing, the fatigue grew stronger and exhaustion weighed on every step.

When they reached the forest, she resisted the urge to mentally celebrate, knowing they still had the path to traverse as well as a short maze of docks.

At the first gate her feet dragged and Yuna so wanted to stop for a moment to rest, but knew doing so would mean she wouldn't get up again.

At the main gate, she thought she might burst into tears...there were still more flights of stairs to descend and ascend, more steps to take before she reached her temporary shelter.

She was finding it difficult to keep her eyes open and her path began to weave as her body no longer wanted to remain upright. She felt Auron lightly touch her elbow and refused to feel bad for allowing him to steady her. Yuna heard the others murmur their goodnights, she wasn't even able to nod for fear of falling over.

Finally, she was inside her hut, and she stumbled toward her bed, simultaneously tugging on the large bow that made up her obi and falling onto the inviting mattress. The printed, yellow, silk fabric slipped to the ground but Yuna didn't care.

"It has to get easier than this," she mumbled before falling into a deep, exhausted sleep.

Auron stared at Yuna's sprawled form for a moment before striding forward and arranging her more comfortably.  Carefully, he removed her boots and set them to the side, but there was no danger of waking her.  He lightly brushed the hair away from her eyes and she sighed, hugging the covers closer to her as she slept.  Auron watched her a moment longer before standing, obi in hand.  He folded the soft cloth neatly, set it on a nearby chair, and after a last glance at the sleeping girl, quietly left the room.

He stood just outside the hut, hands resting on the low railing.  The setting sun cast long shadows across the docks and, as he was wont to do, he brooded.  Yuna was changing, growing.  She was becoming the person she was meant to be, and the longer Auron was with her, the more he never wanted to leave.  But beyond that, his interest in her was becoming more than just that of being the daughter of one of his closest friends. 

When had his feelings altered?  Auron didn't know, but it was quite the opposite of how his and Braska's relationship had changed.

*

The fiends were everywhere.  What had started out as a training session had quickly turned into an all-out battle as fiends neither Auron nor Braska had sensed came out to fight.

Auron was in an overdrive mode…and slightly panicked.  In normal battle, the situation would not have phased him.  But this was not a normal battle.  Braska was still not ready for an encounter of this caliber, but it was not as if he could ask the fiends to come back another day.  Instead, he had to remain focused.

In his peripheral vision, Auron could see Braska holding his own quite well against a small group of fiends.  What little black magic the man knew helped him fend off some of the fiends while he struck critical hits against others with his staff.  But Auron could tell the man was tiring.

Auron hissed as a flying fiend managed to land a stinging hit.

"Auron!" he heard Braska shout.

"Stay focused, My Lord!"

But that moment of hesitation on Braska's part was a mistake.  His lightning bolt missed its mark and the targeted fiend moved in for a chance to injure Braska.

Not that Auron would let it.

In a flurry of movement, Auron managed to deal with the fiends closest to him while moving quickly toward Braska.  Just as the fiend extended a clawed paw to swipe at Braska, Auron shoved the other man aside and struck the beast…but not before the claw drew a gash down Auron's left shoulder.

Auron grunted, but it was Braska who screamed, enraged, and it was a noise that Auron had never heard before.  Even the fiends were startled and for a moment all eyes turned to stare at Braska who was poised with his staff, a deadly look in his eyes.

And then chaos broke out as everything seemed to happen at once.  Auron regained his footing and, side-by-side with Braska, the pair slashed their way through the rest of the fiends in record time.  They were both gasping for air when it was all over.

"My Lord, are you uninjured?"

"Just some scratches," Braska answered, surveying himself.  "What about you?"

There was no answer and Braska's eyes widened when he turned to look at the other man.  Auron had slammed his sword into the ground and was holding onto the hilt for support.  He was down on one knee and Braska was alarmed to see a splattering of blood on the ground.

"You're hurt," Braska breathed before moving toward his friend.

"I am…all right, My Lord," Auron said slowly.  "I just…need a few moments."

"You are not all right," Braska growled and knelt in front of him.  "I will heal you."

Braska placed a hand on Auron's uninjured shoulder.  Healing was always more effective when one was in physical contact with the injured.  He placed his other hand on Auron's chest, most of which was now visible due his armor shirt being slashed away by several fiend attacks.

"My Lord, you don't need-"  Auron's voice broke off as he felt a surge of power flow through him.

The spell ended and Auron lost his grip on his sword as the flow of power ceased.  Off balance, he was unable to stop himself from falling to the ground…and taking Braska with him.

Braska cried out in surprise, fearing Auron had been worse off than he had thought, and set about checking Auron for other injuries.

"My Lord, your spell worked," Auron reassured, disconcerted with the frantic nature of Braska's movements.

Braska's head whipped around at Auron's words, eyes wide with something a little more than concern.

"Are you certain?" he asked, brow furrowed in disbelief. 

But Braska still looked panicked and it was Auron's turn to feel worried.

"My Lord, please calm yourself," he said and reached a hand out.  He had intended to grasp Braska's shoulder, but somehow, he ended up cupping the man's cheek in his palm.

The moment they touched seemed to send a jolt through both men and they froze, staring at each other but neither moving.  That touch also seemed to stop the adrenaline rush brought on by the furious battle and, as the world returned to normal, they became very aware of where they were.  Or rather, how they were, with Braska hovering over Auron, hand still on his chest.  He could feel the other man's heart beating under his palm.

Auron looked questioningly up at Braska, unsure of what was happening with his old friend and now Lord.  But he didn't move.  His hand was still on Braska's cheek.  And Braska wasn't moving away, either.

Auron blinked.  "You are bleeding, My Lord."

The words seemed to break an invisible spell and Braska sat up quickly.

"There was a stream not too far away, I can clean the wounds there," Braska said looking off in the direction that they came.  "Will you be all right?"

"Yes," Auron nodded.  He watched, curious, as Braska slowly got to his feet and walked away, weaving slightly.

And although he should have, Auron did not move. Instead, he lay still and stared at the sky, wondering at what had just passed between them.

Auron's relationship with Braska had always been a close one.  When they had first met, Auron knew Braska was different from anyone else he had ever known.  The man was gentle, but had a fierce and determined nature about him that could strike unexpectedly.  But most of all, they had been each other's true supporters.  Auron had been there when Braska married the Al Bhed woman he loved.  Braska hadn't turned away when Auron refused the hand of the High Priest's daughter.

They were like brothers.

But Auron couldn't shake the feeling that what had passed just moments before served to test the boundaries of their relationship.  And that perhaps, they would move beyond what they'd previously known.

Auron slowly sat up and shook his head.  He would need to speak with Braska about it sometime, but he was unsure how he would broach the subject.  After all, he could have been reading too much into the situation.  The moments just after a battle are always hazy and confusing.

The early-evening sun cast long shadows along the road and Auron realized it had been quite some time since Braska had left.  Suddenly very aware of the possible threat of another fiend attack, Auron cursed to himself as he set off to find Braska.  He never should have let the other man leave alone.

As Braska had said, the stream was close by and Auron burst into the clearing at top speed.  And found Braska sitting on a rock by the water.

The other man turned at Auron's arrival, his hair, now free from the hat he normally wore, swirling around him.

"Auron?" Braska asked.

Auron slid to a halt.  "My Lord, I thought…"  He didn't know quite how to articulate himself.  "You did not return."

Braska started, realizing how long he had been sitting there.  "I'm sorry, Auron.  I needed some time to…think."

"About?"  Auron took a step forward, drawn to Braska's calm nature.  He was at least glad that the unusual look of panic had left Braska's face.

"A little of everything, really," Braska smiled at him.  "But mostly…I was thinking back on the early days of our…friendship…when you were just starting in the ranks of the Warrior Monks."

Auron smirked.  He walked closer and sat next to Braska.  "Remembering the good old days?"

Braska chuckled.  "You could say that."

The pair sat in silence, each lost in his own thoughts.

"I was also thinking about what happened earlier," Braska said softly.

Auron raised an eyebrow, surprised.  "As have I," he said, turning to face the other man.

Braska's expression was unfamiliar and Auron searched the man's blue eyes for some sign as to what he was thinking.  It was strange for him not to be able to read Braska.

But then Braska moved.  Closer.  And Auron found himself waiting in breathless anticipation as curiosity and confusion overtook both of them and Braska's lips touched his.  He knew what was happening but was still surprised at the actual moment of the kiss.

Braska pulled away and waited for…something.  But Auron didn't react.  At all.  And insecurity came crashing down on him and he turned away quickly, embarrassment burning in his cheeks.

"I…I'm so sorry, Auron," Braska started.  "I don't know what came over me, I shouldn't hav-"

He broke off abruptly at the feel of Auron's arms wrapped around him.  He felt Auron rest his head on his shoulder and waited for what seemed like an eternity before the other man spoke.

"It is I who should apologize, My Lord," Auron murmured.  "My lack of reaction was…inappropriate."

Braska sniffed in amusement.  "Or something.  Exactly how should one react in a situation such as this?"

"Perhaps…" Auron trailed.

"Hmm?" Braska asked, turning his head.

And suddenly Braska was caught in Auron's piercing gaze and before he knew it, Auron's mouth was on his and his eyes fluttered shut.

A little part of Braska's mind, the part that was, for some unknown reason, still coherent, was surprised at the softness of Auron's kiss.  He didn't know what he expected, having never kissed another man before, but he knew Auron and he didn't expect this.  The kiss was slow and sweet.  One might say it was exploratory, which suited Braska just fine.

For a while.

But then…

Braska wanted more. 

And so did Auron.

They suddenly found themselves locked in a passionate embrace, their kisses deeper and more frantic than before.  Braska snaked an arm behind Auron's head and pulled him closer.  But Auron had other ideas and attempted to use his leverage to bring Braska to him.  For a moment they grappled, each trying to get the upper hand.

And promptly slid off the rock and splashed into the icy cold stream.

The air was suddenly filled with the sound of laughter.  Braska's laughter.

"I fail to see what is so amusing," Auron growled.

Braska took one look at the soaking wet man and laughed harder.  For all intents and purposes, Auron was pouting, a sight he never thought he would ever see.

"I-I'm sorry," Braska wheezed, still laughing.  "It just seems like something that would happen to…to…"

"A pair of adolescents?" Auron finished, trying, and failing, to hide a smirk.

"Exactly," Braska grinned.  He got to his feet and offered a hand to Auron.  "What a sight we must be: a Summoner and his Guardian, dripping wet."

Auron took Braska's hand and as the other man pulled him to his feet, wrapped an arm around him and brought him closer.

"Sounds rather…appealing to me," Auron murmured in Braska's ear.  "Of course," he continued, stepping back and wringing water out of his robe, "I would have preferred that I was not that Guardian."

*

Auron sat on the railing, arms crossed, and stared at the heavy tapestry that served as a door to Yuna's hut.  His relationship with her father had started abruptly...and ended in a similar fashion.  He grimaced, the bitter memory threatening to cast an even gloomier mood upon him.  But now he was here with Yuna and his relationship with her seemed to be approaching an unexpected turning point.

A jangling noise brought Auron out of his reverie and he turned to meet Lulu's cool gaze.

"She is sleeping," Auron said.

Lulu nodded, moved to stand beside him, and looked out across the waters.

Neither spoke and the air between them remained...awkward.

"Why...why did you come back?" Lulu asked, hesitant.

Auron automatically responded, "To keep a-"

"Promise," Lulu finished for him.  "You've said that.  Is that all?"

Auron stared at her for a moment, sensing there was something more to what she was asking.

"What do you mean?" he asked, carefully.

Lulu gave him a side-long glance, then stared at her hands.

"You knew Yuna long ago.  You knew her when her father was still alive and you've been on a pilgrimage before," she said.  "Now, after 10 years, you've returned, just as Yuna has begun on her own pilgrimage."

She paused, fiddled with a well-manicured nail.  "I can tell that she cares for you, perhaps more than she understands."

Lulu turned and faced Auron directly.  "But what of you?"

"You are asking what my intentions are?" he asked.

Lulu nodded.

"I am...unsure," Auron answered honestly.  "There is...an emotional attachment.  Beyond that..."

Lulu stared at him for a long moment, trying to read him.  "I know I shouldn't have to tell you this, but don't fall in love with her.  You've traveled this road before, you know how it ends."

It was Auron's turn to stare across Kilika.  The sun dipped below the horizon and torches began to dot the water side.  Lulu continued to stand and stare, awaiting an answer to a question she hadn't actually voiced.

"It may already be too late."

In his heart, Auron knew it was and had been for longer than he cared to admit at the moment.

Lulu closed her eyes for a moment and sighed.  But there was nothing for her to say.  Without another word, she turned and left.

Auron returned to the hut not long after Lulu departed.  He stood in the doorway and stared at Yuna's still sleeping form.  His eyes lingered on her face, so soft...so young and innocent.  Again, it pained him to know she willingly chose such a harsh path.  But it was her choice.

He mentally berated himself.  It would do no good to brood on the subject for he knew he couldn't change her mind.  Silently, Auron shed his robe and draped it over a chair, then headed toward the bath to clean up for the evening.  He would stay with Yuna again and watch over her should she need him.

*

Yuna woke slowly, the haze of exhaustion still lingering. With the first inklings of consciousness, she knew something was wrong.

Auron wasn't with her.

Her eyes fluttered open and she barely recognized the darkened furnishings of the hut she occupied in Kilika. Coherent thought seemed to escape her, floating just out of her reach, but it didn't matter. She only needed to know Auron wasn't there.

The room finally came into focus and she saw a chair, although from her vantage point it was tilted ninety degrees. The familiar deep red of Auron's silk robe draped across it and the panic that had been growing in Yuna's chest lessened.

One by one, her senses returned, but grogginess still weighed on her. She heard movement in the adjacent bath, suspected it was him. The door opened and she was able to move her head enough to confirm it.

Auron was surprised to see Yuna awake when he emerged, thinking she'd sleep through the night and well into the next day. He noticed, though, she stared at him rather blankly and he realized she was effectively half asleep. Tilting his head in mild amusement, he approached.

Yuna wanted to sit up, to see Auron properly, but her motor skills were not cooperating. She struggled, the heaviness she felt nearly pulling her back down to the mattress, but she persisted. Finally, she raised herself and knelt on the bed, but her momentum carried her further and she toppled forward...right into Auron's arms.

And that's when Yuna realized he was wearing only his pants.

Auron raised an eyebrow, curious at her actions, yet not displeased by her closeness.

"Yuna?"

She heard, and felt, his deep voice. But she didn't reply, choosing to stare at his collarbone instead, desperately trying not to marvel at how soft and warm the skin beneath her fingers felt.

Yuna blushed. And she didn't know why. She sighed, smoothing her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, resting her head next to his.

Auron's eyebrow quirked, but he asked no questions, and he wrapped his arms lightly around her.

Yuna sighed contentedly, hugging him closer. She liked being close to him, wanted it...needed it. She felt she could stay that way forever.

Yet, while Auron quite liked the affection Yuna was showing, he couldn't help but be distracted by the feel of her hair tickling his skin, or the way she was rubbing her cheek against his. He doubted she even realized how she was affecting him.

But then she dropped a kiss on his neck and Auron had absolutely no clue how to react. She kissed his cheek and he could be idle no more. Slowly, he drew his hand up her back, eliciting a sigh from her that whispered across his skin, and threaded his fingers through her hair, gently pulling back so he could see her. Yuna's eyes, though half-lidded, gazed at him with complete trust, he almost felt guilty for the feeling of need welling inside him. And he did want her, he realized. It wasn't until now that he even entertained the thought that maybe, he could have her.

Yuna closed her eyes when the backs of the fingers of his other hand caressed her cheek. She didn't care that she didn't really understand how she was feeling, or what she was doing. She didn't care that she was acting so different than she ever had before. She didn't care at all about anything except that Auron was there, with her, and it didn't appear he wanted to leave her.

He cupped her face in his hands and lightly kissed her forehead. In a way, he didn't want to change the moment, didn't want to move forward. This dreamlike state of newly realized feelings captivated him. But he wanted more.

On her eyelids, he dropped soft kisses, then moved to her temple. His fingers lightly brushed across her cheeks and jaw, addicted to the silky feel of her skin. His lips moved across her cheek to her nose and he could feel her warm breath puff tantalizingly across his chin.

Auron touched foreheads with her, then, silently giving Yuna a choice. But she didn't pull away, choosing to rub her nose against his instead.

His lips claimed hers and everything else in the world disappeared. There was only them. She tasted of sweetness, so soft and pure he thought he might damage her. His touch was gentle, belying the strength and power he exuded as a warrior.

When he pulled away, her eyes blinked open and she stared at him with wonder. Then she blushed prettily and ducked her head, chewing delightfully on her lower lip. Auron smiled softly at her display of embarrassment, kissed her forehead again, and wrapped her up in his arms.

She was still, after all, Yuna.

*

TBC