Eh. Sorry about the lack of updates. *sigh* It's been a shitty few days for me (the highlights of which, by the way, have been the reviews I've gotten...). I'm not going to get into it (I know, I usually gripe about everything), but the gist of it is that I feel like crap and I'm emotionally drained, so I haven't really been up to writing anything that funny. My theory is that I would rather have quality than quantity, so I've held off for a bit. Really, writing is a very welcome distraction, but I just haven't had much time. This chapter started out quite serious, but got rewritten (and funnier!) as my mood improved. Though some of it is still rather dark and snidely sarcastic.
It's 94 degrees out right now. In April in northern New Jersey. It's warmer here than it is in southern Florida right now!
I was babysitting for part of this (writing on my Palm Pilot, which, by the way, takes *forever*), and being forced against my will to watch *gasp* Power Rangers. Even worse, it's the new ones (even the originals were after my time!). I'm learning so much...for example, the yellow ranger (who's from the jungle or something and therefore walks around wearing less than Rikku) and the pink ranger can't do anything without the others except recite bad dialogue, because they're the girls. And if you get a big fireball shot at you because your attacker wants something you're holding, the best course of action is to...throw it up in the air... HELP ME!!!
Of course, the majority of this fic was written safely at home, listening to my Classic Queen album. Freddie Mercury was a creative genius. I'm doing an English project on him. It's funny...whenever my friends and I talk about music, and my taste comes up, we end up touching upon the subject of Mr. Mercury. And someone always has to point out, 'You know, he was gay.' NO, REALLY? Thank you, Captain Obvious! He didn't, um, die of AIDS or anything. *grin* I love Freddie!
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Auron felt bad about his callous treatment of poor Rikku. It had probably been her first experience with alcohol, meaning she would have no idea what her limits would be. For that he could not fault her, no matter how annoyed he was over having nothing left to drink. He stood, like usual, outside the door of the cockpit, pondering his predicament.
The facts were simple. He had been growing increasingly close to Rikku, though whether it was due to the others' matchmaking attempts or because of things far beyond his control he had no idea. Rikku was slowly breaking through the personal barriers he had so carefully constructed. Their relationship, in his eyes, was rapidly spiraling out of control. But there was nothing he could do about it as long as they interacted. Cutting her out was the only option, but he had actually admitted to himself (though it would never be said aloud) that he didn't want to do that. In truth, it was nice having someone to talk to, though he could tell her virtually nothing about himself and his past. So that left him with an apology that needed to be made.
Auron felt himself turning to enter the cockpit. The others, including a Rikku valiantly attempting to look *not* hung-over, were arrayed around the room. Auron swept in, his long cloak billowing behind him.
As he passed Rikku, he whispered in a voice so light she thought she was imagining it, "I'm sorry." He didn't even pause to read her reaction; he had a feeling he knew precisely what it would be. And he was right, because shock and relief became apparent across her visage, then were quickly scuttled away in favor of a more normal and less noticeable expression.
For Rikku's part, she wondered if he had actually spoken. Auron as not one to make apologies; that happened about as often as he made jokes. But then again, apologies were not usually necessary because he was very rarely wrong. And to think, Rikku had been about to apologize to *him*. She liked it better like this, anyway, though she did feel kind of rotten about drinking all his sake. She hadn't even liked it that well.
So now what to do? She wasn't sure he had said anything, and he probably wouldn't repeat himself or give her any clues as to what he meant by it. Well, she thought she knew what he meant by it, but that's assuming she'd heard correctly. And her hearing really wasn't that good; her father had a habit of speaking way too loudly in one's ear for that. She decided to play it cool. It was unfortunate that Rikku's methods of playing it cool involved what would, by anyone else's standards, be considered acting as annoying as possible.
She wandered over to where Auron was standing with Tidus. Tidus clearly considered Auron the authority on all things involving Spira. If nothing else, the man certainly *acted* as if he knew it all.
"Seymour?" Tidus demanded, "We killed Seymour! Why is he back again?"
Auron glared at Rikku coolly above his sunglasses, before letting his eye slide over to look at Tidus again. "He is dead. As dead as Jyscal was. His attachment to this world kept him from the next."
Rikku decided to butt in. "Oooh scary!" she proclaimed, shivering dramatically for effect. Auron, inexplicably, was not thrilled by her articulate and well thought out contribution. If Rikku had put much thought into his actions and words, she would have discovered something quite earth shattering. It was probably for the best that she didn't.
Tidus seemed satisfied with Auron's conclusion, and wandered off. The kid had the attention span of a weevil. Auron and Rikku stood there, looking at each other. They were quite aware that everyone else was watching them.
"This isn't the time or place for this," said Auron quietly, "We should be concerned with Yuna's problems, not our own."
Rikku was not at all contented by this answer. It was an excuse, nothing more. But she nodded. "Alright."
***
Rikku watched Yuna disappear over the side of the terrace. Yuna fell and fell, then summoned Valefor. If Rikku wasn't mistaken, Seymour looked vaguely pleased. Not that Yuna's guardians were currently in a position to do anything to help her. At this point, the Yevonites were calling the shots, whether Rikku, Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, Tidus, and Auron liked it or not. She glared darkly at Seymour, who wasn't even looking at her. Which was unfortunate, because the best evil eye she had ever given was wasted on an audience that didn't even bother to properly receive it. But something was vexing Rikku. They had gone through with the wedding and everything, yes, but where were the chocobos?
"Seymour!" she demanded, "What happened to having chocobos?"
Seymour turned to face her. "Chocobos? My dear, you seem a bit confused. Where do you presume that I would have these chocobos?"
Rikku raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips in thought. "Uhh...Here? For the wedding, you know?"
"For the wedding? Why, I haven't had a chocobo since I was a little half-Guado half-boy." Most of the guards were nodding at his words, doing their best to look enthralled at what the Maester had to say (Of course the sign that Kinoc was holding up, which read 'Shut Up and Smile', didn't hurt). "My human mother bought it for me. And what a fine chocobo it was. Ahh...I remember it well. Its name was-"
Seymour didn't get to share what his chocobo's name was. He was rudely interrupted by a shout of "RUN!" from Auron. And they ran. Right down to the Chamber of the Fayth.
Rikku was proud of herself. Her distraction had been successful! She stole a glance at Auron to assure that he realized her questions had been stupid on purpose. It was unfortunate that Auron believed it to be inadvertent. In fact, he wondered if Rikku had gotten a hold of more booze.
***
They stood outside the Chamber of the Fayth, waiting for Yuna. And Rikku had pretty much convinced the rest of the entourage that she was insane.
"Chocobos?" asked Lulu incredulously. "Where did you come up with that one?"
Rikku looked over at Tidus, who was trying to make himself invisible. It wasn't working. "He and Yuna were talking about it. The wedding was supposed to be on chocobo-back or something. Besides, it worked. We escaped."
"Don't listen to Tidus, ya?" said Wakka, desperate to make an excuse. "He got too close to Sin."
Tidus was of the opinion that the Sin toxin excuse had gotten old long ago. "Chocobo-back? I don't know what you're talking about!" he squeaked. "Maybe *Rikku* was the one who got too close to Sin."
Rikku looked pissed. "Did not!"
Auron had run out of patience. This was not the time or place for silly quibbles. "Enough! It doesn't matter. They'll be down here soon. We'll have our hands full protecting Yuna. We don't need to be fighting with each other as well."
Rikku wasn't the only one wondering: Why was Auron always right?
***
If Auron were ever to compile a list of places to go on vacation, he would put Via Purifico at the very bottom. He found it about as appealing as being dead, which was what *all* of them were likely to be before they made good their escape. This was not helped by the fact that they had been separated yet again. It was almost laughable how many times this had occurred. He wondered idly where Rikku was, then turned his mind to thoughts of his summoner.
Yuna certainly had her own way of going about things. She was convinced that she alone would save Spira from not just Sin, but all the evils that were currently running rampant. She seemed to see Seymour as the first in the series for which disposal was necessary. Auron had to admit, he agreed with her on that one. But it certainly wouldn't be easy. They might as well topple the whole corrupt government while they were at it. (AN: He he.)
Auron stood. He didn't move. Rather than looking for his lost companions, he waited for them to find him. And it didn't take too long. He soon heard voices echoing down the corridor.
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*sigh* I just yelled at my best friend (over AIM) because she sends me chain letters. Lots of them. And it drives me NUTS! Really...I had AOL for three years, so I've gotten them *all* before. I love my cable modem, yes I do.
Wow! Thanks for all those reviews for the last chapter! Especially you guys who review *every* chapter (I'd give you all cookies or something if I could!). It's so inspiring, really it is. I know, I know, I whine about getting them way too much (kinda like I am right now...). I'm just a review-whore, I can't help it! So give me more! That 150 mark...(wink wink nudge nudge hint hint)
It's 94 degrees out right now. In April in northern New Jersey. It's warmer here than it is in southern Florida right now!
I was babysitting for part of this (writing on my Palm Pilot, which, by the way, takes *forever*), and being forced against my will to watch *gasp* Power Rangers. Even worse, it's the new ones (even the originals were after my time!). I'm learning so much...for example, the yellow ranger (who's from the jungle or something and therefore walks around wearing less than Rikku) and the pink ranger can't do anything without the others except recite bad dialogue, because they're the girls. And if you get a big fireball shot at you because your attacker wants something you're holding, the best course of action is to...throw it up in the air... HELP ME!!!
Of course, the majority of this fic was written safely at home, listening to my Classic Queen album. Freddie Mercury was a creative genius. I'm doing an English project on him. It's funny...whenever my friends and I talk about music, and my taste comes up, we end up touching upon the subject of Mr. Mercury. And someone always has to point out, 'You know, he was gay.' NO, REALLY? Thank you, Captain Obvious! He didn't, um, die of AIDS or anything. *grin* I love Freddie!
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Auron felt bad about his callous treatment of poor Rikku. It had probably been her first experience with alcohol, meaning she would have no idea what her limits would be. For that he could not fault her, no matter how annoyed he was over having nothing left to drink. He stood, like usual, outside the door of the cockpit, pondering his predicament.
The facts were simple. He had been growing increasingly close to Rikku, though whether it was due to the others' matchmaking attempts or because of things far beyond his control he had no idea. Rikku was slowly breaking through the personal barriers he had so carefully constructed. Their relationship, in his eyes, was rapidly spiraling out of control. But there was nothing he could do about it as long as they interacted. Cutting her out was the only option, but he had actually admitted to himself (though it would never be said aloud) that he didn't want to do that. In truth, it was nice having someone to talk to, though he could tell her virtually nothing about himself and his past. So that left him with an apology that needed to be made.
Auron felt himself turning to enter the cockpit. The others, including a Rikku valiantly attempting to look *not* hung-over, were arrayed around the room. Auron swept in, his long cloak billowing behind him.
As he passed Rikku, he whispered in a voice so light she thought she was imagining it, "I'm sorry." He didn't even pause to read her reaction; he had a feeling he knew precisely what it would be. And he was right, because shock and relief became apparent across her visage, then were quickly scuttled away in favor of a more normal and less noticeable expression.
For Rikku's part, she wondered if he had actually spoken. Auron as not one to make apologies; that happened about as often as he made jokes. But then again, apologies were not usually necessary because he was very rarely wrong. And to think, Rikku had been about to apologize to *him*. She liked it better like this, anyway, though she did feel kind of rotten about drinking all his sake. She hadn't even liked it that well.
So now what to do? She wasn't sure he had said anything, and he probably wouldn't repeat himself or give her any clues as to what he meant by it. Well, she thought she knew what he meant by it, but that's assuming she'd heard correctly. And her hearing really wasn't that good; her father had a habit of speaking way too loudly in one's ear for that. She decided to play it cool. It was unfortunate that Rikku's methods of playing it cool involved what would, by anyone else's standards, be considered acting as annoying as possible.
She wandered over to where Auron was standing with Tidus. Tidus clearly considered Auron the authority on all things involving Spira. If nothing else, the man certainly *acted* as if he knew it all.
"Seymour?" Tidus demanded, "We killed Seymour! Why is he back again?"
Auron glared at Rikku coolly above his sunglasses, before letting his eye slide over to look at Tidus again. "He is dead. As dead as Jyscal was. His attachment to this world kept him from the next."
Rikku decided to butt in. "Oooh scary!" she proclaimed, shivering dramatically for effect. Auron, inexplicably, was not thrilled by her articulate and well thought out contribution. If Rikku had put much thought into his actions and words, she would have discovered something quite earth shattering. It was probably for the best that she didn't.
Tidus seemed satisfied with Auron's conclusion, and wandered off. The kid had the attention span of a weevil. Auron and Rikku stood there, looking at each other. They were quite aware that everyone else was watching them.
"This isn't the time or place for this," said Auron quietly, "We should be concerned with Yuna's problems, not our own."
Rikku was not at all contented by this answer. It was an excuse, nothing more. But she nodded. "Alright."
***
Rikku watched Yuna disappear over the side of the terrace. Yuna fell and fell, then summoned Valefor. If Rikku wasn't mistaken, Seymour looked vaguely pleased. Not that Yuna's guardians were currently in a position to do anything to help her. At this point, the Yevonites were calling the shots, whether Rikku, Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, Tidus, and Auron liked it or not. She glared darkly at Seymour, who wasn't even looking at her. Which was unfortunate, because the best evil eye she had ever given was wasted on an audience that didn't even bother to properly receive it. But something was vexing Rikku. They had gone through with the wedding and everything, yes, but where were the chocobos?
"Seymour!" she demanded, "What happened to having chocobos?"
Seymour turned to face her. "Chocobos? My dear, you seem a bit confused. Where do you presume that I would have these chocobos?"
Rikku raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips in thought. "Uhh...Here? For the wedding, you know?"
"For the wedding? Why, I haven't had a chocobo since I was a little half-Guado half-boy." Most of the guards were nodding at his words, doing their best to look enthralled at what the Maester had to say (Of course the sign that Kinoc was holding up, which read 'Shut Up and Smile', didn't hurt). "My human mother bought it for me. And what a fine chocobo it was. Ahh...I remember it well. Its name was-"
Seymour didn't get to share what his chocobo's name was. He was rudely interrupted by a shout of "RUN!" from Auron. And they ran. Right down to the Chamber of the Fayth.
Rikku was proud of herself. Her distraction had been successful! She stole a glance at Auron to assure that he realized her questions had been stupid on purpose. It was unfortunate that Auron believed it to be inadvertent. In fact, he wondered if Rikku had gotten a hold of more booze.
***
They stood outside the Chamber of the Fayth, waiting for Yuna. And Rikku had pretty much convinced the rest of the entourage that she was insane.
"Chocobos?" asked Lulu incredulously. "Where did you come up with that one?"
Rikku looked over at Tidus, who was trying to make himself invisible. It wasn't working. "He and Yuna were talking about it. The wedding was supposed to be on chocobo-back or something. Besides, it worked. We escaped."
"Don't listen to Tidus, ya?" said Wakka, desperate to make an excuse. "He got too close to Sin."
Tidus was of the opinion that the Sin toxin excuse had gotten old long ago. "Chocobo-back? I don't know what you're talking about!" he squeaked. "Maybe *Rikku* was the one who got too close to Sin."
Rikku looked pissed. "Did not!"
Auron had run out of patience. This was not the time or place for silly quibbles. "Enough! It doesn't matter. They'll be down here soon. We'll have our hands full protecting Yuna. We don't need to be fighting with each other as well."
Rikku wasn't the only one wondering: Why was Auron always right?
***
If Auron were ever to compile a list of places to go on vacation, he would put Via Purifico at the very bottom. He found it about as appealing as being dead, which was what *all* of them were likely to be before they made good their escape. This was not helped by the fact that they had been separated yet again. It was almost laughable how many times this had occurred. He wondered idly where Rikku was, then turned his mind to thoughts of his summoner.
Yuna certainly had her own way of going about things. She was convinced that she alone would save Spira from not just Sin, but all the evils that were currently running rampant. She seemed to see Seymour as the first in the series for which disposal was necessary. Auron had to admit, he agreed with her on that one. But it certainly wouldn't be easy. They might as well topple the whole corrupt government while they were at it. (AN: He he.)
Auron stood. He didn't move. Rather than looking for his lost companions, he waited for them to find him. And it didn't take too long. He soon heard voices echoing down the corridor.
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*sigh* I just yelled at my best friend (over AIM) because she sends me chain letters. Lots of them. And it drives me NUTS! Really...I had AOL for three years, so I've gotten them *all* before. I love my cable modem, yes I do.
Wow! Thanks for all those reviews for the last chapter! Especially you guys who review *every* chapter (I'd give you all cookies or something if I could!). It's so inspiring, really it is. I know, I know, I whine about getting them way too much (kinda like I am right now...). I'm just a review-whore, I can't help it! So give me more! That 150 mark...(wink wink nudge nudge hint hint)