Aurikku4Eva: I'm glad you like it, that makes me all kinds of happy. And sorry Auron didn't kiss the girl last chapter, and I am evil, muhahaha. Don't worry he will eventually kiss her. I totally agree with you, wouldn't we all love for Auron to kiss us.

Eva Harlow: I live to drive you insane, hehe, but wait not this chapter but soon. And I'm glad you like my interpretation of Auron, tall dark and angsty, indeed.

Chapter 6
Pretty, Shiny Things

Aeons all collected. It was now time to start searching for the ultimate weapons hardcore now. As Auron thought this they were headed out to the celestial forrest. And to his sadness, they would be camping on the road. He wasn't sad because they would have to guard themselves as they slept, for a chronic insomniac it didn't matter, rather he was upset because he could no longer have his late night chats with Rikku. But perhaps it would be good. If he could ignore her, and ignore his feelings then, all would be okay. And he could go back to being Auron.

They departed the ship and arrived in the Macalania Woods.

I think I'd like to live here. Rikku spoke. It's so pretty and sparkly.

Where would you live a tree, you're not a guado, ya

You bet I'm not a guado Rikku tersely replied. Auron guessed that she was thinking of Seymour and the destruction of Home.

Sorry Rikku, you know how I put my foot in my mouth, ya

While Rikku and Wakka were bickering fiends started to approach. Rikku barely paused in her tirade on Wakka to throw out a mix, that flattened the fiends, before she went back to reaming him out.

Wow Rikku you dispatched those three fiends without even pausing for breath, remind me not to get on your bad side. Tidus joked.

Rikku said in her high pitched voice as she turned and stormed away.

You know I think she doesn't want to be Lu anymore, ya. I think she wants to be Sir Auron.

Less talk. More walk. Kimhari proclaimed as he wheedled the group into walking on the path as opposed to bickering on it.

The woods were pretty Auron had to admit, in their incandescence they made a beautiful sight. He had to laugh, on the inside of course, at poor Kimhari as he tried to catch all the blue butterflies. It would be best if the hurried on and besides he liked Kimhari.

Perhaps Rikku or Tidus should try, they are both fast.

Oooh, pick me, pick me, Rikku excitedly squealed and Auron couldn't help but smile at her. Hopefully the rest of the group didn't notice.

Rikku's faster than me, let her go for it

Thanks Tidus, can I go now, huh Rikku was practically bounding with energy.

Auron tried to look at her sternly through his glasses, although he feared it wasn't working because he refused to look her directly in the eyes, didn't want a repeat of what happened the other night, no siree.

Don't touch the red butterflies, they bring fiends. We will wait for you, but if you get in trouble throw a grenade and we will see the smoke and come running. Auron spoke sternly to her and then realized that he really had just blow almost any chance of him covering up his feelings. He really didn't want to send her off alone, but Rikku and Tidus were the only super speedy ones. He thought he heard Yuna giggling, but he couldn't tell so he tried to look even more stern as Rikku ran after the butterflies.

Then a family approached them, or a mother and son approached them. Tidus and Wakka, and Kimhari were sent off to find the father, while Lulu and Auron stood guard over Yuna. The three of them stood there in comfortable silence, at least for Auron. Yuna never did like silence so she decided to start a conversation.

It's okay you know

Auron of course assumed she was talking to Lulu so he didn't reply.

Sir Auron...I just mean...we all understand...you should tell her how you feel.

And what do I feel for her other than what I feel for any of you. Auron replied never disliking his Summoner more than when she was trying to help him.

Since you tuck us all into bed. Lulu snorted.

Auron stayed silent, there didn't seem to be a way to win this argument. But it felt like his denial was about to come to an end. He was thankfully saved by Rikku coming back having caught all seven butterflies safe and sound. He breathed a sigh of relief as she smiled at him and smiled back. But then quickly changed back to his smirk once he saw both Lulu and Yuna starring at him.

men are hopeless he thought he heard one of them say. But he wasn't sure, his hearing wasn't all it used to be.

So where are the rest of the guys. Rikku queried.

I found the place guys, let's go! Tidus exclaimed to the gathered crowd.

oooh, that's pretty I think I want to touch it Rikku said as she leaned towards it.

No, it could be dangerous Auron demanded.

she threw back at him.



But Auron continued to watch her eyes and he saw that she was indeed enraptured with the great iridescent glowing bulb. Soon they had Tidus' Calablog and Yuna's Nirvana. The Nirvana was especially going to be nice, since it extended her magical power, making complicated magic seem as easy as the easiest of magics.

Well where to next?

Kimhari and I need to go to the thunder plains.

Well, Lulu makes a valid point, let us move onto the plains. Then move onto Guadosalam Yuna spoke determining the will of the group.

Auron glanced over at his Rikku and noticed that she looked particularly nervous about this. She certainly did hate thunder. After they started walking again, he took rear guard and she seemed to drift back towards him, or more precisely as far away from the thunder plains as one could be and still be moving forward. No one else was around so he decided to risk it.

Don't worry little one, it will be a while before we get to the plains. We still have at least one night until we are there. And we only have to cross it once. Just think Kimhari has to run activating stones all around the plains and poor Lulu has to dodge lightning, over 200 times. This however did not appear to make her happy, in fact it seemed to make her even more nervous.

Dodging lightning.. Rikku's sentence trailed off as her face became more and more nervous and she started shaking. Auron couldn't understand how a brave, resourceful, if some what headstrong girl like Rikku could have such a dehabilitating fear of thunder and lightning.

And I promise I won't leave your side on those plains. Auron regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth. They were the truth, but what if Yuna needed him too. And now he had made a promise. And while he might not always tell the truth, he always kept his word. But his statement had seemed to cheer Rikku up.

You promise you won't leave me. Well then maybe, maybe I can cross those plains one more time at least.

With that her mood started to improve and they walked the rest of the way to camp talking of inconsequential things. The things of daily life that brought the normality that they all craved.

They arrived at camp and saw that everyone was already settled in.

Looks like I'm on watch with you tonight. Rikku smiled up to Auron. They settled in for night watch.

I can't see either the stars or the clouds tonight, all I see are the trees. But they are so beautiful.

Tell me what you see

Huh, I told you they where pretty Auron, what do you mean?

What do you see in the trees?

I see life, but I also see death. I see the tree growing strong, but I see that some of the leaves are ready to fall, but they aren't afraid. They have put on their best colors and shimmer to the ground excited to try a new path. Excited to start a new journey.

A/N: yep we are almost to the Thunder Plains, dun dun dun duh, dun dun dun duh....And it seems like the only thing holding back Auron is cold feet. gasp Auron isn't super human, at least when it comes to emotions. Rikku's going to grow old waiting for him. Poor Rikku. So yep, tell me what you think. Should I never write again. Should they cut off my fingers and forbid me to ever type again? I think I have given up on staying in character, I'll never make it. Love changes you, yep I'm a sap. But c'est la vie, eh. And ahahha, no kiss this chapter either, I am truly evil, muhahaha.