AN: I have replaced this chapter. I have added in the part where Seymour shows them Zanarkand, and a little bit on how Auron takes it. Auron's temper rises in this bit, and I really didn't get a chance to look over the part I added yet, so it may still have a few errors. I may be adding in some new additions to older chapters, so be on the lookout. I'll notify you, of course. Please tell me what you think of the new addition to this chapter.
Thank you reviewers! I promise to update the next chapter within the next few days. I still have the end to do. And yes...Seymour is going to have a huge role in this story, so he will be a major part within the next few chapters...
In Her Eyes – Part 3
~~~~
"Up ahead!" Rikku shouted as she skipped along merrily ahead of me, "I can see the entrance to Guadosalam!"
I walked alongside Lulu, keeping my distance from the others. Rikku had been running ahead carelessly, humming to herself. The Ronso was trailing behind as Lady Yuna, Wakka, and Tidus walked with each other.
Lulu laughed softly, "Too much energy,"
I nodded in agreement as I readjusted the weight of the sword on my shoulder, wary of hitting any of the young guardians behind me.
"I see it! I see it!" Rikku giggled and pointed ahead, "See? It's up here! Hurry up, slowpokes!!"
As the view of the semicircle shaped entrance to Guadosalam came into sight, the sun's rays hit upon us without warning. With my free hand, I quickly pulled my shades up, shielding my eyes.
"Sir Auron?" Lulu asked quietly.
I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, ushering her to keep talking.
"If I may be so quick to ask," she said quietly, eyeing my shades, 'Where did you get that scar?"
I chuckled as a smirk played along the side of my mouth, turning my attention back onto the road. "Fighting a friend,"
Lulu nodded thoughtfully as we continued to walk in silence, my eyes watching Rikku dance ahead joyously; her eyes closed as she spun around, basking in the warm rays of the sun.
"You're eyes watch her with such admiration," Lulu commented.
A snort left me absentmindedly as I replied harshly, "Business and personal affairs should not be mingled."
"Practice what you preach," Lulu said with a sly wink as she strode ahead, quickening her pace to join Rikku.
* * *
What Lulu said stuck with me for the rest of the following days. Even as this Guado man talked animatedly to me, my eye darted away, fixing on a stray pebble that lay forgotten on the ground as I thought about Rikku.
I shook my head vigorously. No, Rikku was a young girl. Despite her beauty, I had to keep my focus. Guarding Lady Yuna was all that mattered to me.
Well, it was all that should have mattered to me.
"Measter Seymour will be so delighted to see that you've made it here! Please, please, make yourselves at home!" the Guado said, clasping his claws together, "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the Inn,"
Rikku shoved my playfully from behind, "C'mon, Sir Auron!"
"Hmph," I moved forward, ignoring Rikku's giggles. So childlike...
I noticed how the Guado was eyeing my sword with dislike. Something about him...made me feel intimidated. Like his whole act was nothing but a façade. An act to bring us closer to Measter Seymour.
He led us towards the Inn and beamed, ushering us inside. I exchanged glances with Tidus, who nodded, affirming my suspicions.
"When you are finished resting, Measter Seymour would like a word with you, Lady Yuna,"
"We follow." I said darkly.
He looked a little taken aback, but otherwise nodded and walked away. When he glanced over his shoulder, he caught my eye and walked a little faster.
"Something isn't right!" Tidus said immediately, "I don't feel welcome here!"
"Don't be ridiculous! This is Guadosalam!" Wakka barked, "This is Measter Seymour's home!"
"Which is why I don't like it here..." Tidus grumbled slightly.
"C'mon! Let's just go eat!" Rikku whined slightly, "I'm hungry!"
"No." I said quietly, "We have rested enough on our journey to Guadosalam,"
Wakka nodded in agreement. "Let's just go see what Measter Seymour wants, ya? Then we come back and clean ourselves up, eh?"
* * *
I stood behind Lady Yuna protectively when we approached the mansion-like abode. We stood at the front of the mansion, staring up at it in awe.
"Shall we go in?" Wakka said, grinning, "It's not everyday you get invited to a Measter's place, ya?"
Tidus and I were the last ones to walk in while Rikku and Lady Yuna walked briskly ahead. I looked up at the various pictures on the wall and sniffed.
"Who are these people?" I glanced up to see Tidus talking to Lulu animatedly as he pointed to the pictures. My frown deepened. I had left my sword at the Inn, as I was positive the Guado guards would most certainly object to me bringing in a weapon in Measter Seymour's presence. The others had also left theirs behind, but to me...I felt so incomplete without it. I felt so vulnerable.
I shifted my arm that hung inside of my coat. Something didn't feel right...
"Ah! So you have finally decided to come?" the Guado we encountered earlier came out of the double doors and clasped his hands together in delight, chuckling slightly. "Measter Seymour's room is this way, please follow me,"
I exchanged weary glances with Tidus and nodded encouragingly. He sighed and followed Lady Yuna closely behind. Again, my frown deepened. Tidus shouldn't become so personally involved with a Summoner. It wasn't behavior I smiled upon, but it wasn't behavior I frowned upon either. But of course, Tidus didn't know...he didn't know that the success of Lady Yuna's pilgrimage depended on her death.
* * *
"Oh! Look at all this food!!" Rikku exclaimed excitedly.
"Please," The Guado smiled, "help yourself..."
Immediately, Rikku stepped towards the food lining the table and grabbed a nearby fruit. "Mm! This smells so good! Yunie! You want some?"
Lady Yuna smiled warmly and shook her head, "No thank you,"
Such a nice girl. So like her father.
I leaned against the wall nonchalantly and made myself comfortable. It seemed we were going to be waiting on Measter Seymour for quite a while...
"Auron?"
I turned my head idly, meeting Tidus' gaze.
"Stay on your guard." I muttered darkly, glancing back at the table in the center of the room where Lulu folded her arms around herself timidly.
Tidus blinked as he cocked his head to the side curiously, "Why? This guy's just a priest, right?"
I smirked, surpressing a chuckle. "Those with power use that power."
"Wait..." Tidus arched an eyebrow.
Such a pestering little boy.
"Are you sure you don't have something against Yevon?"
This time, I could not hold back. I chuckled, my eyes closing.
"I have lived a long time in Zanarkand."
It was true. In some ways, I considered Zanarkand my home. It was where I lived in my death. In some ways, it was my second life....
"Hey, Auron?"
"Hm?" I looked up for the floor and met eyes with Tidus. "What do you need now?"
"Sheesh...don't act so happy to see me," Tidus said sarcastically, "I just wanted to know...is Measter Seymour—"
"Ah, welcome," the door in the front of the room closed with a soft clink as Measter Seymour glided into the room, his gaze not for the first time resting upon Lady Yuna.
"Talk later," I murmured to Tidus, turning my attention to the Measter. I didn't hide my dislike for the Measter, but I didn't exactly run around expressing it either. I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but there was definitely something wrong with Measter Seymour.
"If you'd please accompany me..."
No sooner had Lady Yuna taken a step had the world suddenly turned black, millions upon millions of bright stars dotting the sky. I glanced upwards, noting my surroundings. It didn't take me a moment to realize where I was.
Zanarkand.
Tidus' eyes seemed to grow wide with shock. "...Zanarkand?"
Measter Seymour nodded, his eyes resting upon Lady Yuna, who welcomed the beauty of this machina city.
The city...it was sprawled out before us, every glow through a window, every person walking along the street...it was there. This...truly, it was Zanarkand.
I watched as Tidus reached out longingly for the city, his eyes filled with desire...
And yet...
He seemed to pull back somewhat, his eyes resting upon myself for a moment, and then Lady Yuna.
Understood.
"The dream of the Fayth," The Measter whispered, his hands coming together in a stiff manner. "The wonderous city of Zanarkand, as it was a thousand years ago."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Wakka nudge Lulu, who frowned as lights passed before her eyes. She seemed to be in deep thought, debating whether or not Tidus' claim to the city was true or perhaps a filthy lie.
I, too, frowned as I saw Rikku dancing along the invisible ground, her eyes shining in admiration. She glided towards Tidus and grinned devilishly. Quietly, she whispered something and winked, but I could not hear what she said. Tidus only smiled half-heartedly and shrugged.
Yes. She also knew of Tidus' true origin.
I planted my feet firmly into whatever space I was standing in and gazed intently on the Measter, who seemed to be enjoying the moment.
I glanced at the city and heaved a sigh, weary of any sights I may have...
Perhaps she was there.
Perhaps...
I shook my head quickly, erasing the thought out of my mind quickly. No, no. She had died years ago. Many years ago...
Someone was poking me. Someone...small.
I glanced over my shoulder and frowned. Rikku.
She only giggled and leaned her head against my arm, seeming to keep still for the moment being. What was she doing there? Why was she near me? What did she want? My mind raced with questions as my heart pounded wildly. Was she aware of the uncomfort she was causing me? Was she—
Suddenly, the room was spinning rapidly. Where were we? Where had this man brought us now?
"Lady Yunalesca!"
...No...not...not her...
Damn you!
I had to hold myself. I had to contain myself from lunging at her. From tearing her apart. I had to will myself to ignore that damned wench who sat upon the bed before me, anxiously awaiting, it seemed. I cursed her with all my mentality.
"I hate you." Not even a whisper, I didn't even think anyone heard me.
* * *
"He...he asked me to marry him..."
A spark within me set off, and suddenly, I was angry. Was he a fool?
"You know," I growled, my eyes narrowing as they focused on the Measter, "what Lady Yuna must do,"
"Of course," The Measter replied warmly, a false smile painted on his face, "Lady Yuna—no, all Summoners—are charged with bringing peace to Spira. But..." he added hastily, "this means more than just defeating Sin,"
I snorted. So, he expected her to marry him? He expected her to give up her pilgrimage and marry him? What was he thinking? Didn't he realize he was tampering with—
"She must ease the suffering of all Spira."
"By marrying you?" Rikku said heatedly.
Measter Seymour barely acknowledged the young Al Bhed beside me. Instead, his gaze rested upon me. Behind his false smile, I could see him. I could see Seymour, for the first time, it felt like. I could see the nervousness within him.
"I proposed to Lady Yuna as a Measter of Yevon,"
"Spira is no playhouse!" I barked, "A moment's diversion may amuse an audience, but it changes nothing."
"Even so," Seymour said coldly, "the actors must play their parts."
"So you're saying your marriage will be based upon a lie? A lie to amuse the people of Spira? Nothing but an act?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow. I turned my attention to Lady Yuna, "Come. We leave."
"Lady Yuna," Measter Seymour said loudly, "I await your favorable reply."
I came to a halt, willing myself to let his comment go. I wanted nothing more than to lecture him. It was a pity, seeing a Measter behave in such a manner. Was he so desperate to marry a woman all for the people? Was Yevon falling to that level? I snorted as I approached the door. I wasn't expecting to leave in such a foul mood...
"Why are you still here, sir?"
"What?" I snapped, unable to contain myself.
"I beg your pardon," Measter Seymour said with a smirk. A smirk only I saw, "We Guado are keen to the scent of the Farplane..."
Damn you...
Tidus eyed me cautiously as he approached me, leaning forward.
I growled and pushed him aside and threw open the door. Damn you, Seymour...
* * *
We had gathered around the outside of the Inn, our eyes settled upon Lady Yuna. Involuntarily, my hand twitched. I was tired of this. I was tired of listening to this. I just wanted to leave.
"Marry...marry him...?" Rikku said quietly, "He...really asked you?"
Tidus blinked blankly, his mouth slightly agape.
Lady Yuna only nodded silently, folding her arms across her chest.
"He wanted me...he wanted me to marry him..." Lady Yuna's eyes shone with such grief, but I didn't think even she noticed it. "I...I don't know what to do..."
I idly glanced at Tidus. The boy was staring at his feet, his brows folded with thought. He may not have realized it yet...but he had fallen in love. And for him, his world was crumbling. Standing there and listening to Lady Yuna talk...she was tearing him apart with each word.
"Tidus?" I whispered.
"She...she can't possibly?"
I sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. I promised Jecht I would protect him. I promised Jecht I wouldn't let him go through any pain...
But what could I do when Lady Yuna was tearing him apart with each word? Without realizing the pain Tidus was going through?
What was I supposed to do when his heart was being crushed right before my eyes?
For the first time in a very long time, I felt powerless. Love isn't something you can just kill and push out of your system...love isn't something you could just shove away. It wasn't a fiend you could kill or run away from. I couldn't make Tidus feel nothing for Lady Yuna. The two had...they had found each other, and perhaps I was at blame. Perhaps they shouldn't have fallen in love.... It would've been for the best if they didn't...
But then again, love wasn't something you could hide from.
Tidus looked up at me, his frown deepening. "Would she...would she marry him?"
I shrugged. "That is her decision."
I watched as Lady Yuna's gaze met Tidus', and the two seemed to stare at each other, a sense of understanding passing between them.
It was then that I realized...not only was my promise to Jecht fading away, but so was my promise to Lord Braska. My promise that I would also watch over Lady Yuna, and make sure she was always smiling. It was then, somewhere along the lines, that I realized Tidus and Lady Yuna were somehow causing each other so much pain, and yet so much happiness. Was it possible? Was it possible to be so confused by love?
Suddenly, I felt someone's warm hand slip into mine, intertwining their fingers with my own rough calloused ones.
I looked down and saw the top of Rikku's head leaning against my shoulder. She was very sad, and was staring longingly at Lady Yuna and Tidus. I glanced at her hand, which tightened their grip around my own. I wanted to pull away and frown at her for such actions. I wanted to step away and show her no compassion. But most of all, I wanted to stop this ongoing wave of emotion that was going through me.
"They're in love," Rikku said quietly, "Yunie is in love."
Lady Yuna...she wasn't the only one who had fallen in love without realizing it.
* * *
"I wish to go to the Farplane tonight."
"What for?" Lulu asked, putting both hands on Lady Yuna's shoulders, "Is something wrong?"
"I just...I just haven't made my decision just yet..." Lady Yuna's eyes looked elsewhere. Ever since our visit with Measter Seymour, she had been unable to make eye contact with anyone. Especially Tidus. We stood outside of the Inn at Guadosalam, listening to Lady Yuna speak. "It is...a very difficult decision to make..."
Tidus stiffened. "But do you love him?"
Lady Yuna's eyes widened in shock as she turned to face Tidus.
"Do you love him?" Tidus repeated, his eyes swelling with concern.
Lady Yuna shifted her gaze to the ground and didn't answer.
"Why would you marry someone you don't love?"
"B-because...it would bring the people of Spira happiness and joy..." Lady Yuna stammered, folding her hands across her chest.
"But Yunie," Rikku stepped forward and grabbed her hand, "you'd be willing to sacrifice your happiness just so people in Spira would be happy?"
"This...this isn't right." Tidus whispered, "Even if you did make all of the people in Spira happy, it would only be for a little while...a temporary happiness...a fake one, even,"
Lady Yuna smiled half-heartedly, "A Summoner should do everything in his or her power to bring joy to the people of Spira. Even if it is only for a little while."
"We will accompany you to the Farplane tonight." I said quickly, before Tidus had another chance to reply.
"But first...before we go...I wish to rest..." Lady Yuna said wearily, "Just for a little while..."
Lulu nodded sympathetically and led her inside.
"We meet in one hour," I said quietly as I followed suit.
* * *
I sat down on the edge of the bed, examining a bit wound I had gotten earlier in the journey. It had healed considerably, but the scar remained, laughing at me. My coat lay tossed aside carelessly, but I kept my black shirt on. The wound itself was on my left arm, trailing from just above my joint down to my forearm. I sighed. Another scar, another battle...
Tidus pushed open the door and walked in, silent. This wasn't normal.
"How could you?" He demanded, "How could you agree with Lady Yuna marrying?"
"Who said I agreed?" I said darkly, "Who said anything about me agreeing? As long as Lady Yuna is willing to go on with her pilgrimage, it is no concern of mine what else she chooses to do. It is her privilege to do what she wishes."
Immediately after I spoke, I regretted what I had said. One look in his eyes and I realized that I had dealt him a sharp blow.
"A...a privilege?" Tidus hissed, "You're sick! All you care about is
Yuna getting to Zanarkand! Yuna saving Spira! All you care about is the pilgrimage! Not her!"
With that, Tidus slammed the door shut, leaving me with nothing to do but heal my wounds.
However, a few moments later, my door once again creaked open.
"Tidus," I started to say firmly, but when I looked up, my heart seemed to stop.
Immediately, I took a sharp intake of breath and stared at her in shock. I couldn't breathe, it seemed, and I couldn't think clearly. All I could think was that she was here—in front of me—shifting uneasily and unable to meet my gaze.
"I came to apologize,"
I shook my head and turned my attention back to my arm, running a water soaked sponge down it gently.
"For...for Tidus." Rikku murmured, "He's just been very upset lately because of all of this...and..."
"You need not apologize for his actions." I muttered, "Tidus is old enough to realize what is right and what is wrong."
Her face flushed as she nodded. "I'm...sorry..."
I chuckled as I continued to bathe my arm. Suddenly, something of a longing came to my mind. I wanted to ask her something...
"Rikku," I said quietly, looking up at her, "why did you...touch my hand?"
She laughed nervously as her face grew an even brighter shade of red. "You looked so lonely, I couldn't help myself,"
I cocked my head to the side as I continued to tenderly wash my arm to hide the grin behind my cowl. I had taken my coat off, yes, but rarely did I ever take my cowl off. It was mine, something I could hide behind. Something I could hide any emotion behind. I wasn't sure, however, how long I would be able to hide my grin from her.
"Also," Rikku said, "Lady Yuna wanted me to come and get you. We're leaving for the Farplane now,"
I sighed and pushed myself up, making a reach for my coat, but Rikku seemed to have been to quick for me.
She giggled as she slipped one hand through the sleeves. "How do I look?" she smiled and twirled around with my jacket, laughing.
"Absolutely ridiculous." I replied, stretching my hand out for my coat. Still, she was such a child.
"Well, you don't look to hot yourself, Sir Auron! I think this coat looks better on me!" she laughed as she twirled again, my coat flapping around her feet. I was far too big on her.... I made a move to steal it, but she merely jumped back and narrowed her eyes, her tone changing suddenly from cheerful to grave. "You tell Tidus that you do care about Yunie and not just her journey to Zanarkand. You tell him that, and I'll give you back this legendary jacket!"
I stared at her in horror. Was she...was she bribing me?
"Please," she added quickly, "Please. I want to know that you do care about Yunie and not just her pilgrimage, Sir Auron. You can't be a mean man like that."
I breathed out slowly and stared at her long and hard, my hand still outstretched, waiting for my coat to be returned. "I promised Lord Braska no harm would befall her." I muttered, "I intend to keep that promise."
Rikku didn't realize it, but when I had said that, I meant I wouldn't let Tidus and Lady Yuna fall in love. It would only hurt her more. It would hurt them both.
Rikku eyed me wearily and reluctantly removed my jacket. "Just...just..." her voice was quivering. She was searching for words, but they didn't seem to want to answer her. "I'm sorry. Just tell Tidus that you do care about Yunie, would you? Tidus...and I...we both want to know that. We both want to know that you're not a mean person."
I grabbed my jacket from her and slipped my hand through the sleeve while the other pushed my glasses further up the bridge of my nose, hiding the shame in my eyes. Did she really find me...intimidating? I suppose it had been a characteristic that I had been building upon, but...it wasn't something I wanted her to notice at all.
I glanced up at her eyes and frowned. She was still watching me quietly. Her eyes lingered on my own, and suddenly, she moved closer, gently grabbing the sleeve of my jacket.
"W-what are you doing?" I breathed, looking over my shoulder.
"You're hurt. I'm only helping you," Rikku said quietly as she gently slid the sleeve over my bruised arm. "How did you get so many scars?" she asked inattentively as her fingertips traced over the scars along my arm.
It was hard to remain calm and collected when you had a young beautiful girl tracing her hands over your skin, watching you with peaked interest.
My eyes darted to the ground with shame. What am I doing? I was supposed to be protecting the Summoner and upholding a promise to Lord Braska and Jecht. Instead, I was sitting inside a room in Guadosalam, trying to find some sort of interest in my boots while a "young thing" (as Jecht would call her) was tenderly touching my scars.
Oh, Jecht, if you could've seen me then...