AN: I hope everyone likes the chapter titles I gave them. I also hope that everyone re-read chapter three when I said I added a little bit more to the chapter. Well, thanks for the feedback as usual! I appreciate it! Lot's of reminiscing, not a lot of Rikku/Auron fluff for now. Next chapter, folks! Well, here we go! Oh, yes, and also...for some odd reason it isn't showing the three little stars that indicate a new section of the story, so I'm a bit upset -.-V So, you're just going to have to assume its a new part of the story.

THE LAST SWORD – Chapter 9

Every night I pondered whether Lord Braska had just indeed been a product of my dream or if he really had been there with me that evening. There were so many unanswered questions that lingered in my mind. So many things I wanted to ask him. Nevertheless, I dismissed Lord Braska's premonition and awaited the day we would move on in the journey. Wakka had regained consciousness and my arm was completely healed almost, but Lady Yuna insisted we stay a few more days to let Wakka mend.

I was anxious to get to Jecht's sphere. Curious as to what part of our journey it held. Every night, I recalled the day we departed on our journey. How Jecht had insisted we take along such a device and record our pilgrimage on it. I had to admit, it was a silly idea, but then I reminded myself that Jecht had been ignorant to Lord Braska's destiny. Many a night I also pondered how Tidus would react to the fate of Lady Yuna. But every time I wondered of the two, I would think about Rikku, and how she would react if she found out I was…

Dead.

I remember it was the last night in Macalania woods for us—for Lady Yuna was to tell us we were leaving the very next morning—and Rikku was sleeping in my lap, her eyes closed contently as she dreamed dreams of Summoner's, aeons, and Spira—the "Spiral of Death"…

She stirred somewhat and her eyes fluttered open. As for myself, I had been stroking her hair lightly while watching over Lady Yuna's sleeping party, my expression cold and stony. I didn't notice her awake, but when she sat up, I turned to her, curious as to why she was awake at this hour.

"Why don't you sleep?" She asked innocently.

I frowned. "Sleep is hard to come by lately. Your reason for stirring?"

"I had a nightmare."

I chuckled. What a simple response. I kissed her crown and held her closer and murmured gently, "I'll protect you."

She smiled at me—a tired smile—and wrapped her arms around my neck, "I don't think you can protect me from this nightmare…"

"Why not?" I mused.

"Because," She whispered, "…in my nightmare, you died."

I sat there in the Inn at Lake Macalania, the snow pounded against the windows mercilessly. Jecht's sphere rest on my lap as I stared at the floor lifelessly, my mind adrift with questions. Occasionally Tidus would come up to me and grin.

"Yes?" I muttered, my eyes narrowed.

"Knisbo byhdc," he said, stifling his snickers.

I raised an eyebrow and glanced languidly at Rikku, who was giggling uncontrollably.

"You're learning Al Bhed?" I asked Tidus quietly.

The boy nodded, "You wanna know what I said?"

I smirked, "I'd rather not."

Tidus laughed, "Rikku ec daylrehk sa. Oui haat du mekrdah ib. Oui yna vyn du luhlanhat ypuid ajanodrehk." With that, Tidus turned and walked away, settling down with Wakka.

"Thanks." I breathed quietly enough for only me to hear. I shifted uncomfortably and glanced at the Ronso, who was staring at Rikku intently. He must've noticed my gaze was directed at him.

"She is a nice girl."

I nodded, "She is."

"Wakka know she is Al Bhed?"

I shook my head. "I think it's best for him not to know."

The Ronso grunted. "You are right. Kimahri remain quiet."

I glanced back at Jecht's sphere and frowned, biting the inside of my cheek. He really was a great man, though he had his many faults. I only wished I could do Jecht another favor and convince his son that he really did love him. When I looked up at Tidus and saw him talking with Wakka, I thought silently, (But what if he needs no convincing?) I chuckled softly. I had forgotten that Tidus was Jecht's son after all, meaning he was just as good as cloaking his feelings as his father once was.

How many times had I watched this sphere now? Too many to count…

That was my fault, my flaw. I bathed in the past too often, regretting over many decisions I made along my 35 years of life…

Twenty-five years of life. Twenty-five. Ten of my years were lifeless... I had trouble acknowledging the fact that I was dead. It wasn't that I didn't want to face the truth, it was just that sometimes, in life—and death—you get caught up in what is going on…and forget your true origin and who you are.

"Sir Auron," Lulu called from the reception desk. She was standing with Lady Yuna and Wakka, Tidus and Rikku must've slipped out of my sight.

I looked up at them and saw Lulu beckoning me towards them, Lady Yuna smiling. Wakka was grinning wickedly, as if he had something to hide.

Curious, I stood up and strode towards them, cautious as to what they were planning. I approached the reception desk and nodded at the young lady in acknowledgement. She smiled warmly and bowed, turning her attention to Lady Yuna.

"Lady Yuna, Rin has asked us to give you whatever supplies you need without question."

I eyed Lulu wearily, "Why does this concern me?"

"Ah, Sir Auron," The young woman said appreciatively, "You may have your pick." She kneeled down and stood back up with three long, paper-wrapped instruments under her arm. I gazed at the items in wonder, already knowing what they were.

"Swords." I breathed.

"Yes," Lady Yuna smiled. "Lulu and I thought it was the least we could do, Sir Auron."

The woman unwrapped each package with care, my eyes scanning over the hilt of each sword, not missing a single detail. Swords…they were my passion. They were what I had devoted most my life to mastering…

"The Kotetsu," I whispered, "I would like…to hold it, if I may,"

"Oh, of course," The woman handed me the blade, and I ran my hand over it in fascination. I could tell this sword would suit me; perhaps it was even better than my old katana. It didn't take long for me to decide which weapon was more favorable and which would serve well. My hand fit around the hilt of the sword, my fingers flexing slowly around the handle in awe. It was made for me…

"This…" I whispered hoarsely, "…this will be mine…"

The last sword I would ever come to hold.

So eager had I been that I had stolen off early that evening after I was sure the rest of the party was asleep in their rooms—dreaming of a place free of Sin and it's destruction, surely. I was determined to strike down a fiend that lurked outside in the snow, howls and cries of the hunt filling the wintry air. The young lady who had graciously given me the sword wasn't at the desk, so I thought it best to make a quiet exit. I placed my palm against the door and pushed slowly, the cold air biting my skin almost immediately. I stepped outside and closed the door behind me with my blade slung over my shoulder. The crisp, new layer of snow crunched beneath my boots as more snowflakes danced along my cheeks, a pink hue surely growing on my face.

I squinted my eye to see through the snow, my ears alert for any possible fiend. I shivered slightly as I shrunk deeper within my red coat. Suddenly, I longed for my cowl...

No longer could I hide behind it, shielding myself from the outside world. Even as a young man, I never felt comfortable with people being able to read the expressions on my face. After I collapsed in Mt. Gagazet and when I was able to roam about again—though dead—I felt that people were just able to see through me. I felt that with one glance, they could feel my death, my emotion and the bitter hatred I had within me. I brought the tattered remains of my coat from my journey with Lord Braska and Sir Jecht to a tailor, begging him to repair the damage Lady Yunalesca had dealt me. Once I resided in the familiar feeling, I longed for more. More armor, more protection...

Something else I could hide behind.

I asked a young but experienced man who I heard made superb armor to craft me a chest plate. I paid him handsomely to for his efforts and he also honored me once again by sewing my cowl. The cowl he draped around my shoulder, which fit snugly, buckling it to the front of my chest and the backside of the coat. I insisted that it remained unbuckled to feel more comfortable and left after I thanked him.

The very evening I received my cowl and armor, I became sick with grief, visions of Lord Braska falling to his knees with his staff clutched in his bleeding palm. Visions of my Lord's head lolling limply to the side, his eyes glazed and lifeless as Jecht's—or the final aeon's—slender fingers grasped his quaking body. I did not blame Jecht for killing Lord Braska...it was simply the duty of the final aeon... Helpless was I...helpless and weak... Too many times had I awoke at night at some inn with a cold sweat, the nightmare still fresh in my mind. I stayed in the city for barely a week, leaving as soon as I found that Lady Yuna was missing. I was sure that the Ronso must've paid heed to my dying wish and found her, but still—I felt that I should have at least checked. People rejoiced everywhere I turned, feasts and parades were thrown in my comrade's name, parties and joyous celebrations plagued my every movement. Finally, I grew weary of the reminders of my past following me and I left.

Celebrate the death of one's comrade? How could I?

I simply became the wandering warrior, searching for nothing in particular, but searching nonetheless for something that continued to vex me...

Somewhere along my pointless travels, I remembered my promise to Jecht. Unsure of how to make it to Jecht's Zanarkand, I returned to the ruins in the north, hoping that some sort of miracle would appear and take me away, perhaps. I paid my last respects and turned on my heel when nothing of importance gave me guidance.

However, the last evening at Zanarkand, I encountered something that changed my course momentarily.

It was a faded and younger Braska, sitting beside a younger me, his brows folded in an expression of sadness and pain.

"Please watch my Yuna when I'm gone...please make sure she is alright..."

The very morning, I departed for Besaid, anxious to see if the Ronso I had encountered in Mt. Gagazet actually did carry out my request and take Yuna to Besaid, where my Lord had grown up. I was sure the Ronso had, but something in the back of my mind wanted to make sure the young and smiling daughter of Lord Braska was alright. She was like a daughter to me, after all...

I remember the dreadful feeling I had as I drew nearer and nearer...nightmares of Yuna being absent haunting me...

Outside the entrance to Besaid, I crouched down beside the road and ran a hand through my hair, debating with myself whether my life was actually worthwhile. What if I couldn't carry out the requests Braska and Jecht had asked me? What if Yuna was gone...what if she had disappeared...?

What if I couldn't find a way to Zanarkand?

I don't know what in high Yevon convinced me to step into the village, but I did.

A small but bright fire burned in the center of the faint village, the embers cackling softly. I glanced at the Temple and frowned. Ten years ago, I had waited in there for my Lord to come out. I waited there for two days alongside an impatient Jecht...

"Sir Auron, great Guardian of High Summoner Braska, vanquisher of Sin and savior of Spira,"

I glanced to my side, recognizing the voice almost immediately.

"Lady Yuna." I whispered huskily, turning towards her, "You have grown."

She offered a weak smile, her gaze faltering as she stared at the ground. I could see the tears in her eyes and feel the hurt and pain she felt. Death, it seemed, had given me a gift for sensing the overwhelming grief of the people around me.

There was a pause of silence as I shifted the weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably.

"Kimahri told me he met a young man in the mountains..." She whispered, "He said that you died...I'm so glad to see you're alright..."

I closed my eye, wincing at the sound of my death. No...I couldn't let her know. "So am I, Milady,"

Somehow, what I said broke her, the tears falling from her eyes freely now, her hands coming up to her face as she cried out, "You promised me...you said you would watch daddy... You promised me... It was a promise...a promise! You're not supposed to break promises! Daddy was supposed to come home...he said he would...he promised me...and...everyone forgot about me...why didn't you come back?"

The sword fell from my hand as I stepped toward her slowly, falling to my knees. I held her as she clung to me, her body quaking as she sobbed feverishly. "You promised me!" She cried, "You said you would protect daddy and you lied...you're a liar! You let him die!"

With every word she spoke, a dagger was pushed into my heart, penetrating the walls. I only held the sobbing her tighter in a warm embrace, I eye closing as I said the only words I could think of.

"I'm so sorry..."

It was like seeking redemption. I think that night I found it within Yuna's big, mismatched eyes. It was like a little piece of my pain had been taken away from me, and I no longer felt that it was my fault and I could've stopped it. This...this was what I had been searching for...my salvation...

"I thought you loved daddy...I thought you loved us..."

"I do, Yuna," I said hoarsely, "I love you and your daddy very much, but..." I sighed. How could I explain this properly to a mere child? "But daddy knew if he wanted you to be safe and free of harm, he had to go. Sir Jecht and your father both died so you could be safe. There was nothing I could do to change his mind, Yuna..."

I think I was explaining not only to Yuna that night, but myself. I finally came to grip terms with the turn of events at Zanarkand, though something in me still burned.

Her sobs died down gradually until she pulled away, wiping away a tear with the back of her sleeve.

"It was my fault?"

"No..." I whispered to the snow around me, "No, it was not your fault, Milady,"

The winds were stinging at my face. Unaccustomed to the cold upon my cheek, I turned away and walked towards the Inn, disappointed. I hadn't been able to find any fiends, and all I had done was bring back painful memories.

I paused and glanced down at the jug. The sake sloshed with each step I took. I frowned and narrowed my eye, my nostril flaring. It sounded a little too occupied for my tastes...

Sunlight filtered in through the window, hitting my eye. I groaned sluggishly and squinted through the rays, pulling the sheet nearby overhead. My head was throbbing—a little different then the throbbing I once had during an injury, but a little similar nonetheless. I breathed in deeply, inhaling the faint scent of sweat and dirt that mingled with the smell of fresh sheets. A bitter taste lingered in my mouth, my lips dry and cracked. Gradually, I pulled the sheets down to the bridge of my nose and blinked. My new sword lay carelessly on the floor, along with my Bevellian armor. My coat, draped over the foot of the bed; my boots strewn across the cold flooring. I sighed and reached for my head, touching my brow tenderly as the massive throbbing continued pounding relentlessly.

Suddenly, my eyes snapped open as I searched desperately for my hip flask. The impending thought of it missing...

I frowned and bit in the corner of my lip as I slowly reached touched the mattress and pushed myself up. I grunted as I turned side to side, stretching my aching muscles. I let my legs fall over the edge of the bed, the tips of my feet faintly touching the cold floor, causing me to shiver slightly. I grunted disapprovingly. I was never really a tall man. As a matter of fact, I was always a little average compared to others. I ran a hand through my hair, the heat driving me insane.

Suddenly, the inner side of my foot collided with something—my flask. It tipped over and hit the ground with a dull thud, the near empty contents spilling out the opening.

"Damn..." I whispered hoarsely, my throat dry and husky.

"Finally! Someone's awake!"

While I was busy inspecting the now empty contents of my hip flask, Tidus had chosen to open the door. The intruder laughed when I looked up at him curiously, staring down at my flask and then back at his shining face, as if expecting an answer. "Tidus. How many times have you intruded on me, now?"

Tidus only laughed, "Hey, you should be thankful, you know. I looked out for you yesterday."

Cautiously, I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you remember?" Tidus looked at me skeptically, tilting his head to the side, "You were sitting out in the lobby watching my old man's sphere. I had to haul you back before anyone saw you. I knew you wouldn't appreciate Yuna walking in on you,"

I snorted.

"You reminded me of my old man."

The sudden remark caught me off guard, and I stumbled when I reached across for my coat. Catching my balance quickly, I narrowed my eyes and met Tidus' gaze, who immediately shrank back.

"The others are awake?"

He nodded slowly, "Yeah, but I told them to let you sleep a bit. You seemed...unhealthy. You wanna sit down?"

Tidus made a move to help me, but I waved him away, "No, no..." My hands gripped upon the bed frame, my legs threatening to give way.

Damn that throbbing...

"I'm fine. Tell them to be ready. We probably lost enough time."

I stepped outside expecting all of their curious eyes glued to me, asking questions mentally. I avoided any glances and readjusted the weight of my new sword—which surprisingly wasn't too much of a burden to me.

"Sir Auron, are you alright?" Lulu asked.

I smirked and nodded, turning my attention back to the sheet of ice that lay before us.

"Well then, let's go, ya?"

We proceeded, but Kimahri placed his hand on my shoulder. I stopped and turned about, the Ronso eyeing me in a concerned manner.

"You dream of death again?"

I shook my head.

"Sir Auron fine, then?"

I chuckled lightly. The Ronso...this particular Ronso...the only living soul who saw me take my last breath and heard the last wishes of a dying man and carried them out. I owed him so much. "Please, Kimahri, call me Auron." Our bond as friends grew, proving Kimahri to be an honorable ally.

"Auron," The Ronso said quietly, testing my name, "Yuna troubled about marriage. You agree to Measter?"

"Not at all," I muttered darkly, "But I believe that this pilgrimage will be different... Something will change sooner or later, thanks to a young man for ancient Zanarkand." My eye followed Tidus languidly, his smile broadening as he and Wakka both spoke of blitzball.

Kimahri must've followed my gaze. He grunted slightly, "You think he change Spira? The little one? He talk without thought."

I laughed, "Very quick to act, isn't he?"

Kimahri nodded gravely, "I hope Yuna don't get too attached to young Tidus."

"I'm afraid it's too late, my friend."

"Sir Auron!" I glanced in the direction of the voice. Wakka was waving frantically and pointing at figures in the distance, fast approaching.

I let my sword fall from shoulder and ran with Kimahri right behind.

Tromell.

He was here with two guards at his side, his smile a little too innocent for my tastes. Kimahri snorted, "Kimahri not like Guado."

I didn't respond, but instead focused my attention on Wakka.

"It's Tromell," The blitzball player whispered, "We must be closer to the Temple, ya?"

"It's not too far off," I remarked. I felt myself stiffen as Tromell approached us, smiling and nodding at everyone individually. His eyes fell on my single one, and I saw the fear spark inside.

"Lady Yuna..." He offered the sign of the prayer, which she graciously returned, "Measter Seymour has heard of your approach and ordered us to lead you to the Temple. We are glad to hear of your most favorable decision, Milady,"

"I...I didn't know that you heard..." Lady Yuna said quietly, a bit flustered.

"Rumors—or not, perhaps—spread quickly, do they not?"

I frowned slightly, my brows folding. "Lords and Measters need not rely on rumors."

"Oh! But...I did not mean to interpret..." The Guado stammered.

"I have indeed decided to marry," Lady Yuna murmured as Rikku put her hand on my back. I tensed up at her sudden warmth, but otherwise listened intently to Lady Yuna's response. I also noticed the heated glare Tidus directed at the Guado and the faint smirk of triumph on the corner of his lips at my quick remark. "but, I wanted to know if it would be alright to continue my pilgrimage—if Measter Seymour would allow it of course..."

Rikku's soft hands found the one that resided within my jacket. I didn't move, instead I kept my eye glued to Tromell, who continued to fumble with his words. I caught my breath as Rikku tugged gently, my hand enveloped in her two petite ones. Her small frame leaned against mine, but I dared not move.

Tromell was fidgeting. He seemed a bit hurried and rushed. "Lady Yuna..." Tromell said urgently, "If you will...it's a customary tradition for you to come with us. My apologies to your guardians, of course..." He added hastily.

Lady Yuna turned her head slightly and glanced at Tidus as if requesting permission. Tidus only stared at her blankly, unsure of what to do as his heart ached for words. I knew what he wanted to say. Poor fool...

"Do what you will," I said quickly, "We're all with you,"

Tidus only stared at her longingly as Lady Yuna smiled and nodded, moving forward.

"Sorry." I whispered.

"Hunh?"

"That was your line."

We stood there quietly, watching Lady Yuna leave when suddenly, Tidus ran towards her, and waved.

"Yuna!"

The young Summoner turned and caught his gaze and smiled. Tidus put his hands to his mouth and emitted a long whistle, the tone pure and true.

Lady Yuna laughed a bit and replied, "Yessir!"

Tidus turned, and I looked at him curiously, not quite sure what he meant by that whistle.

"Yuna..." Tidus laughed a bit nervously, "I told her if she ever whistled, I would—"

"Be still!" Lulu hissed to her moogle.

Immediately, we ceased our meaningless talk and listened carefully. A faint roar of an engine was heard in the distance... Lulu's moogle struggled desperately to get out of her arms, thrashing against her grip.

"Those..." Wakka said slowly, his brows folding in thought, "Those are..."

"Machina?" Tidus finished hesitantly, "That must—"

"Lady Yuna!" I roared, "Don't move!"

"The Al Bhed are coming for you!" Wakka yelled after her, "C'mon! We can't let them take her!"

Kimahri, Tidus, Wakka, and I all leapt onto the ice simultaneously as three vehicle-like machines skated towards Yuna and Tromell, the poor fool trembling violently. Lulu followed behind us, but as for—

"Rikku!"

I glanced at the young Al Bhed man that made himself apparent on a small plateau. I averted my gaze to Rikku and saw her hovering from side to side nervously.

"Tu hud sattma eh drec!" The man shouted.

I turned to her with narrowed eyes and snorted, "Are you a guardian or not?" I demanded.

Rikku frowned and shrank back, "But..."

"Oui ghuf fa tu drec du naclia Yuna! Oui lyh'd mad ran tea eh Zanarkand, lyh oui?"

I widened my eyes and stared at Rikku with shock written on my face, "What is the meaning of this? You are a guardian!" I bellowed, "As a guardian, you must defend your Summoner! Even at the cost of your own life!"

Rikku stared at me, her eyes shining with fear. A moment passed and she ran towards me, facing the other Al Bhed with new determination.

"E ys dra guardian uv Yuna, oui caa?"

The man paused for a moment and suddenly bared his teeth ferociously; his temper had been tested for far too long. "Oui ghuf fa tu drec vun kuut naycuhehk! E femm damm vydran!"

Thus began the battle for Yuna...and the test of Rikku's loyalty to me.