In Her Eyes

by parry

Sir Auron has always been quiet and kept his true emotions inside, wrapped up in his deep red coat. However, when his coat is tossed aside and he finally admits to caring about a certain young Al Bhed girl perhaps to much, will she meet his eyes?

12. In Her Eyes and the Fall of Seymour

Sorry for the late update. I've made a website, though...it's really an "in the process" thing. I hope everyone likes the new chapter. No fluff whatsoever, just a lotta action. And—ta-da!—Seymour bashing!

IN HER EYES AND THE FALL OF SEYMOUR – Chapter 12

Without question, I threw myself at his guards, my teeth bared and sword raised. However, I found that they, too, had used the same technique as Seymour had when I first encountered him. This diamond-like shield had been cast over them as well as their Maester, preventing physical attacks. As soon as my blade made contact with the shield, I was thrown back over an impressive ten feet. As I tumbled backwards, I heard Seymour's cool, collected laugh reach my ears.

"Sir Auron, you are in no condition to fight me."

I growled and stood up, dusting my shoulders off as I did so. Seymour smiled at me, his eyes gleaming with pure delight. The guards remained motionless and silent, their arms up in defense. I regained my sword and glared at Seymour heatedly.

"I can't wait for her to see your broken body on the floor."

"You are a Maester," I hissed.

"Which makes this all the more...favorable on my side." Seymour mused, "Don't you see it? Lady Yuna, a petty Summoner, attacking a Maester?"

"We have Jyscal's sphere. Proof of your sinful deeds."

"The Guado will surely take care of that matter."

With a nod of Seymour's head, the two guards launched themselves at me, their claws scraping at my armor mercilessly. In a desperate attempt to free myself, I swung my sword around, knocking one of the guards away. He hit the ground with a sickening crunch, his leg twisted and his face strained with pain. I paid no heed, however, as the other guard completely lost his sanity. He was too quick, moving at lightning fast speed, barely reachable. With one free hand, his slash at my leg, causing me to fall to my knees. He then wrapped his claw around my blade steadily, and there he stood, my blade restrained by his claw, his other hand reaching for my face.

Seymour chuckled. "Another scar, Sir Auron?"

The Guado gently caressed my face, then trailed down my cheeks roughly, my skin splitting under his nails. The Guado smirked as I glared at him heatedly, ignoring the warm blood that dribbled down the side of my face.

"You seem to have a knack for getting hurt,"

I let out a cry as I shoved my sword at him, causing the Guado to lose his balance. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly brought the sharp end of the blade down upon his left hand that was caked with my own blood, cutting the claw that split my cheek off cleanly.

The Guado fell to the floor clutching his wrist and writhed in pain, his scream surely awakening the others if Kimahri had not already done so.

"Admirable." Seymour said quietly, "How admirable. Such fierce determination."

I kicked the Guado away from me effortlessly and faced Seymour, wiping the blood that now dribbled down my neck.

Seymour didn't make any effort to move or even glance at his guards. He only grinned that grin that spited me, his eyes narrowing. "I could—if I wanted to, of course—send you to the Farplane right now."

I frowned. "What are you getting to?" I asked hesitantly.

"At any time, I could expose your secret and send you to your rightful rest."

I didn't move.

"And that doesn't strike fear in your heart?"

"Not in the least."

"And what will she think of you?" Seymour murmured, the corners of his lips upturned in delight. "What will she say when she finds out the truth?"

I didn't reply, I only bit the inside of my cheek, the taste of blood filling my mouth.

"I see how you act, Sir Auron." Seymour said slowly, "I see the way you move. Like you're tired of living, still. Your body is still alive, however your soul...it is the way of the unsent. Your body is still alive, however your soul is empty. Your spirit is...somewhat damaged. However, your spirit seems...even more damaged then any other I've encountered. I know how you wish to just leave this realm sometimes. You move as if everything is pointless.... You're tired of this, Sir Auron. There is no denying the fact that you no longer want to live this lie. You no longer want to be alive. You just want to give up and surrender yourself to the Farplane, is it true?"

I was breathing heavily, however the blade was slipping from my hand. It was amazing...how this man could see straight through me.

"Give into me and let me send you. Let me guide you to the Farplane so you no longer have to go through this pain. The pain of missing them."

I didn't know how he knew all those things about me, but Yevon...I wanted to just fall upon my knees and let him take me away into the Farplane. It was so tempting...just to let him send me. Where I could meet my Lord Braska and Jecht. Where I could no longer worry about the fates of the Guardians of Lady Yuna—

"Auron!"

I was lying on the floor head down when Tidus came tumbling into the room, his sword raised and ready to kill. Kimahri, Lulu and Rikku were behind him, however I remember glancing at Wakka and seeing how horrified he looked.

"Sir Auron!" Wakka shouted, "What happened? Seymour, what's going on here?"

"Simply a demonstration. If you will please listen, I think Sir Auron here has a confession to make."

"Auron?" Tidus immediately came to my side and pulled me up, his eyes filled with concern. "Auron, what's wrong? What's he talking about?"

"Nothing." I breathed, clutching my side. "I...I almost left you..."

Tidus frowned, "Left me? You're supposed to be protecting me, right? You promised my old man,"

I chuckled. Old man. Jecht hated that name. I never found out if Tidus actually just called him that to spite him, or whether it was just an old habit that never died.

"Fool." Tidus said, trying his best to sound like me, "You could've gotten killed. Then who would protect Rikku?"

The conversation turned to humor as I smirked. "You would, right?"

Tidus sighed and shook his head in disapproval, an attempt to mimic me, "Of course I would. But Rikku needs you."

I laughed softly. "I've heard this before..."

"Tidus!" Wakka shouted, "Get Auron out of here!"

I glanced at Wakka who dodged a bolt of lightning nimbly, his blitzball whizzing in the air towards the Maester. Immediately, I noticed the door that lead to the Chamber of the Fayth was opening.

"Stop!" I roared, "Lady Yuna!"

Everyone seemed to freeze—even the Maester.

"Lady Yuna..." Maester Seymour said quietly.

Yuna glanced wildly at the unconscious Guado on the floor then back at Seymour, then to me. "Sir Auron?"

"We found your sphere." I muttered darkly, "And if Lord Jyscal is a liar, then may the Higher Being have mercy on Yevon."

"Lady Yuna knew of this, I am sure." Maester Seymour said quietly, his eyes fixed on her.

"Yuna?" Tidus spoke up, questioning her.

Lady Yuna wavered from side to side, intelligible sounds coming from her throat. She was unsure of what to say. Some sort of pang of regret filled me, knowing that I should've perhaps not have burst in like this, however I knew that I wasn't just about to sit here and watch Lord Braska's daughter marry a murderer.

"I see." Seymour said quietly.

Slowly, Yuna's gaze fell upon each and every one of us, her Guardians. She glanced again at the Guado upon the floor, then to Maester Seymour.

"It is true, then?"

Seymour nodded slowly, his eyes never losing Yuna's. "It is true, of course. I will not deny it. However, I am sure you knew of this." Seymour extended his hand to Yuna while everyone stood, transfixed.

Yuna stared at his hand for a moment, as if actually contemplating what she should do.

I growled. "Yuna...think about this."

Surely, I didn't doubt Lord Braska's daughter, but still...she was brave. However, maybe my faith in Yuna had declined somewhat. I had no doubt in my mind that Yuna had certainly grown courageous over the period of the journey, however bravery could have consequences...

Yuna stepped forward, towards the Maester and side-stepped him, joining Tidus in an embrace. Tidus held her tightly, his hand coming up to stroke her hair as she buried his face into his chest, seeking protection. I watched his every movement, noting how protective Tidus had grown. Of course, I chanced a glance at Seymour, seeing how angry this action had made him. I, meanwhile, had stumbled to the side of the room, leaning against the wall for support as I brought my hand up to my cheek, touching the warm blood that had accumulated on my face. I listened to Seymour as his tone grew more and more agitated. As he spoke, Lulu came to my side, her vial clutched in her white hand.

"Drink this," she said quickly, bringing it up to my lips. Immediately, I felt the coolness wash over my face as the cut began to heal slightly. My strength was returning at last and I stood up slowly, my sword once again resuming its rightful place in my hands. Seymour, however, noticed my recovery almost immediately.

"Ah, Sir Auron. It can all end for you right here. Right now, I could end it for you. Aren't you tired of this?" Seymour smiled in delight, "Aren't you sick of all of this meaningless life?"

There was a deep pause of silence as I regained my defensive stance. Seymour's eyes and my own eye locked, surging waves of hatred pounding into each other's coexistence.

"Auron? What's he talking about?"

Rikku's voice caught me completely off-guard. I met her eyes immediately and saw her, for the first time. Though she may be determined to stop this pilgrimage...she was worried for me. Her eyes were filled with concern as she stood there, her thin little frame trembling slightly as both hands were brought up to her face in anxiousness. She—like myself—longed for the truth. She longed to know my past, while I longed to know for her own.

It was there—in her eyes—that I found my strength.

No. No, Seymour. I will not give into your temptation of death. I will not stop this pilgrimage and let Yuna and Tidus move on without me. I will not watch Rikku fall victim to anyone—especially you.

"She will be joining you in death sooner than you think,"

Without hesitation, I unsheathed my sword and ran at the Maester, a cry ensuing from my mouth of pure rage. Lady Yuna, thinking quickly, raised her staff and called upon her magic, a layer of protection covering me. With the sword issuing a faint glow, I slammed the blade into the sphere that protected the Maester.

Thus began a struggle.

Determined to break through Maester Seymour's shield, I planted my feet firmly into the ground and pushed with all my might against it, however with no result.

"Sir Auron!" Wakka called, "Armor Break!" The Blitzball soon joined my side as it collided into the sphere, weakening it somewhat.

"Kimahri will aid Sir Auron wherever he go!" Kimahri snarled, his spear clashing into Seymour's defenses.

"And I, too!" Lulu shouted, her hands coming down as a swirling fireball collided into the sphere.

"You are powerless!" Seymour roared, his hands rising as he desperately tired pushing us backwards, "You cannot defeat me!"

"Maester Seymour!" Yuna's voice reached my ears, soothing me somewhat, "I trust my guardians with my life. But they are also my friends. I will not stand by and watch them be hurt! I will fight you, too!"

A blanket of coolness washed over my body as I felt my blade grow less and less heavier. My movements became a lot more quicker, thanks to Lady Yuna's spells. Perhaps the others were experiencing the same sensation, I never knew. All I knew was I wanted to stop the Maester before me from reaching her. I wanted to keep Rikku away.

"Tidus!" I bellowed.

The boy, catching my intention, ran for Maester Seymour with his sword raised as well, slamming it into the sphere. Sparks began to fly from Maester Seymour as he stared at me with wide eyes in shock. "T-this...this can't be happening!"

I remember when the sphere broke, I fell forwards and hit the floor with a thump. All of us: Kimahri, Tidus, myself, and even the blitzball, fell to the ground with the sphere, which had cracked open, allowing Seymour vulnerable to any attack.

"Back off!"

Rikku appeared by my side in an instant. I cried out when I saw her run towards Maester Seymour, her hand ramming into the Maester's face as the other sneaked into her pouch. Quickly, she pushed off and threw something at Seymour, causing everything to go white. I couldn't see a thing. Nothing but the white hazy form of the Maester stumbling around blindly in front of me. I was sure Kimahri and Tidus were experiencing the same clouded vision, but it wasn't long before I heard Lady Yuna cry out in horror.

"Protect the Summoner!" I bellowed as I launched myself at Maester Seymour's blurry form.

"Feel my pain! Come, Anima!"

I don't exactly remember what happened next. All I knew is I was thrown back against the wall as well as Tidus. We both fell to the ground, our heads spinning.

"Auron, you okay?"

"Fine." I managed to choke out.

Tidus gasped as Seymour raised his staff, a whole in the center of the room ripping open. From the depths of the dark whole came an aeon I had hoped I would never have to encounter again...

Anima.

Once before I had seen the beast in the Luca stadium, banishing all of the fiends that had attacked that day. The fiends, however, had shown up in mystery. I had my suspicions...but this only proved them.

"You set free all those fiends in Luca stadium!" Yuna said in disgust, "You did it to gain the support of Spira!"

Seymour only chuckled.

The aeon cried out as it rolled its head backwards, letting us know this wasn't going to be an easy battle. I chanced a glance at the Lady Summoner, who was staring up at the monster in complete terror. Her hands were trembling, no longer holding her staff firmly.

"Yuna!" I bellowed, "You must summon your new aeon!"

She caught my eye for a fleeting instant and paused, hesitant.

"Now!"

She nodded quickly and raised her staff, closing her eyes in concentration. Diamonds...diamonds like ice broke through the ground, erupting through the surface. I watched in awe as the glass shattered and there stood...

Shiva.

Jecht's favorite aeon.

Though her power was somewhat unmatched save for few aeons, I was doubtful of Anima facing Shiva. But still...she had to beat Anima. Otherwise...we would indeed fall to Maester Seymour.

I sank to the ground as I shrugged my coat off half-heartedly. The coat only seemed to get in my way...and I had no intention for keeping it on in battle. As I maneuvered myself out of the coat, I watched as Lady Yuna's party stepped back, not wanting to try their luck against Seymour's aeon. I had to admit, it did look fierce. A mighty aeon indeed...

Tidus was at my side, breathing heavily. He glanced at me and as soon as he found me returning his gaze, he grinned. "As much as I've always wanted to fight him...I dunno, Auron. You think we can win this?"

I smirked. "Not a doubt in my mind."

Tidus laughed a pure genuine laugh at the worst time possible. "Yeah...thought you'd say that."

We both turned our attention to the aeon's battle, however, I caught Rikku's gaze as Shiva snapped her fingers, signaling the explosion of multiple layers of ice.

Tidus watched Rikku as well as she ran towards us, squinting one eye closed as the explosion blew her hair wildly about her face.

"Tidus...Lulu wanted me to let you have this." Rikku explained, holding up what I recognized instantly as a power sphere.

Tidus raised an eyebrow up in question, eyeing the sphere with curiosity. "...Eh, what am I supposed to do with that?"

Rikku giggled, "It's a power sphere, silly! You put it here..." Rikku quickly grabbed Tidus' sword—much to his protest—and grinned, placing the sphere in the cent of the hilt, where it began to glow splendidly.

Tidus blinked. "What did you just do?"

Rikku only smiled mischievously. "You really are from an other world, aren't you?"

"The sphere merges with the blade, making it less blunt and more maneuverable." I answered, my eyes watching Anima's every movement. The aeon continued to allow Shiva to attack relentlessly...however something seemed wrong. It was as if Anima was waiting...

Suddenly, I understood, as did Lulu.

Lulu and I exchanged glances and she nodded knowingly.

"Now is the time to attack!" Lulu shouted, "You cannot delay or wait any longer! Anima has been absorbing your power!"

Shiva glanced over her shoulder for a brief moment and nodded at Lulu, turning her attention back to the beast before her. It was too late, however, as Anima let out a cry of sheer anger, ripping open a hole beneath Shiva. Shiva, though caught off guard, froze the ground solid, giving her time for one last attack before slipping through the deep abyss, for whatever doom she might meet. For one hot second, I saw Shiva meet Yuna's eyes, and I remember hearing that faint whisper Lady Yuna said, that quaint little murmur that she said only to Shiva.

"Please..."

Shiva nodded and closed her eyes, letting a blanket of ice envelop Anima, who had been thrashing about in a rage, furious at Shiva for postponing her doom.

The creature froze for a moment, and Shiva did the impossible.

"NO! ANIMA!"

Everyone was surprised to hear Seymour's enraged voice echo around the room, the Maester gritting his teeth and trembling with complete fury.

It was then that Seymour chose to withdraw his aeon, the void where Shiva was once doomed to fall sealed.

"Seymour..." Yuna murmured.

"That power...that power which has defeated Anima...it will be mine."

"Not if I can help it!" Rikku said brightly, jumping up and spinning to her side, throwing some small looking item at Seymour in the process.

"What?!" Seymour cursed loudly as the smoke began to surround him, "What Al Bhed trickery is this?!"

"Rikku!" I hissed, "Stay back!"

"You can't use your magic!" Rikku sang happily.

Tidus smirked, but her action only upset me, as well. Messing with Seymour wasn't a good idea. Especially for a novice Guardian.

"Are you a fool?" Seymour growled, "Are you such a petty little fool?"

Rikku only bit her lip. "It...it didn't work?"

"Get down!" I roared, "Get down before he sees you!"

Suddenly, Rikku's form was pulled quickly towards the smoke, her scream ripping at my ears. And my heart.

"RIKKU!" Everyone screamed her name, but I think it was me. I, who screamed the loudest.

"Now, Sir Auron. It is now that I will have my revenge upon you." Seymour calm voice rippled through my veins, sending chills up my spine. I believe it was the only time I was absolutely terrified of him. Of him hurting Rikku.

The smoke cleared, and I saw Rikku held around the throat by Seymour's slender claw, his nails brushing against her neck almost...lovingly.

Seymour chuckled when he saw the look on my face, "Look, Sir Auron. She, too, will have a life-long scar to cherish, as yourself. I see that little scratch my guard has given you healed, but you will remain with a scar on your other cheek, it may seem."

"Let her go!" Wakka yelled, "She did nothing to you, ya?"

"Hold on, Rikku!" Tidus pleaded.

"Don't...don't do this..." Lady Yuna whispered, "This was between you and me..."

"And your Guardians had to get in the middle of it." Seymour growled, "Now, I will show you the pain and the loss that I once had to go through, Sir Auron. I will show you how it feels to be alone. How it feels to be by yourself."

"I've felt that all my life, Seymour." I tried desperately to seem as calm as possible, but I knew for a fact my voice was shaking. "I know what it feels like to lose someone important..."

"Then you will experience that pain again!" Seymour laughed delightedly. "You will most definitely feel it again!"

Rikku struggled and screamed desperately, but Seymour's grip only tightened on her neck.

I remember. That was the very moment I saw Lord Braska standing behind Seymour and Rikku, smiling calmly and nodding at me. I blinked, not sure if the apparition was real or not, and that was when I heard my Lord's voice serenely in my ear:

"Attack him."

I stood up, my composure long gone as I pulled out my sword. My Lord nodded and held out his hands, causing my blade to glow slightly. I blinked, staring at my sword and my Lord Braska, but then saw nothing. He had disappeared.

Quickly focusing my attention back to Rikku, I found a fire within my heart growing.

"It's over, Seymour!" I roared.

"Not quite," Seymour answered wryly, a new sphere enveloping both him and Rikku. Damn...he was protecting himself once more...

"Don't let him win, Auron,"

"Lord Braska..." I let out a cry and threw my blade against the shield, shattering it within an instant. "Lulu!"

The Black Mage understood me immediately, unleashing a barrage of spells upon the Maester, who let Rikku go in horror. His cold, icy eyes widened for a moment as the spells stopped and stared at me.

"Yuna..." He breathed, "You would...pity me now?"

So it was the end. The end of Seymour, the fallen Maester.