AN: Oh my gosh it's an update. Wow. It's very short...Thanks for the great reviews! You guys are the best I don't think you're a nutcase at all, Madame Lulu. lol And thanks so much for the other great reviews! They really make my day, hehe. I really don't like this chapter that much...not a lot of action or anything, but I hope you guys like it anyway. I'll make the next one longer...I just kinda hit a huge block on this chapter...

CHAPTER 16

Another Way

We boarded the ship without a moment's hesitation and found ourselves within the last stronghold of the Al Bhed. All of the survivors onboard wept, their tears never-ending. Everywhere we turned, someone sat slumped over on the floor, whispering the Hymn in Al Bhed, asking no one in particular if their way of life was to blame. They began questioning their actions and their beliefs as well as their leader. Cid certainly was under a lot of stress. But still, he stood proudly at the front of the airship with his head held high, but I saw the frown and his look of utter frustration. The look of anger and the twisted gleam in his eye that suggested revenge. But no, I knew he would never do such a reckless thing.

He had swallowed his pride and destroyed his own Home, flattening the remains of the Al Bhed Sanctuary. It was safe to say that we had escaped with all of our party members—with the exception of Yuna.

The loss and pain that accumulated in the ship's very air was beginning to make me sick. Unlike most of the Al Bhed on the ship, however, Cid was beaming, his chest pushed out proudly and his hands fit snugly over his hips. But, unlike his own father, Rikku's brother was crying quietly, wiping the tears from his eyes as he steered the ship onward after demolishing his own residence. Cid approached him, his face set in a grim expression, an set a fatherly hand on his shoulder. "Hu haat yun daync!" Cid exclaimed, "Fryd ec kuut ypuid machina ec drao lyh pa piemd yhaf oui caa?"

The boy sniffed and stopped his tears, but I was no longer paying attention to him. Instead, I turned to Rikku, who as standing against the wall, her arms wrapped around her thin frame as she wavered back and forth, her usual happy demeanor absent for the time being. I could see in her blank, monotone expression how hard she was fighting. She was fighting to keep her tears inside, and was trying desperately not to appear sad.

That brought up the subject of Wakka. The blitzer—I had noticed—had suddenly taken up such a friendly outlook on the Al Bheds and somewhere along the lines was beginning to understand them. Wakka approached Rikku cautiously, tilting his head to the side.

"Hey, don't look so sad!" He said, forcing a smile, "Boom! Like happy festival fireworks, ya?"

Wrong answer.

Lulu—who was beside me—sighed and shook her head disapprovingly.

I didn't catch was Rikku said, but it was definitely harsh. She marched off, towards the back of the ship, but as she passed me, I stuck my hand out and entwined my rough hand with her small one, stopping her for a brief moment. She paused and looked at me, showing me all the pain and sorrow she was feeling. I tried my best to show as much compassion as I could, but all I managed to do was let my thumb travel in small circles around her hand. "I'm here," I whispered hoarsely, my throat failing me once more.

Rikku smiled somehow and nodded as she whispered, "I know,"

She pulled away gently then and retreated to the back of the ship, leaving through the doors. Lulu beamed and nudged me in the arm slightly.

"She grows as the journey progresses."

I frowned. "I don't want her to be a part of this journey. The end will only bring her nightmares."

"As a Guardian...I have never reached the end of the journey." Lulu whispered. "I think...that I am afraid. Not for me, but for Yuna. I dno't think I want to reach the end...especially not this time..."

If only you knew....

Lulu suddenly came quiet. She was staring intently at Wakka, who was hanging his head low in shame. He had tried to show Rikku compassion in his own way—humor—but being the overly worked up blitzer he was, he couldn't help but say the wrong thing at the especially wrong time.

"And Wakka definitely has a deep understanding with the Al Bheds," I commented, a smirk playing at my lips, trying to change the subject of the conversation.

Lulu smiled. "Yes, he has. I can only hope this will change his outlook on them permanently. Maybe...if he can accept the Al Bhed's way of life, he can move on, and know that Chappu is not Tidus."

"I think he knows that." I said quietly, "He just wants you to be happy again."

Lulu turned her head towards me suddenly, somewhat surprised. "You...really think so?"

I shifted slightly, my smirk widening into a grin. "I know so."

There was a pause of silence, until Lulu nudged me once more, a faint trace of satisfaction lingering in her crimson eyes. "Go after her."

"Rikku?" I breathed.

Lulu nodded. "She needs you right now."

I grunted and turned on my heel, going towards the corridor at the back. "I have other things on my mind."

-NEW SCENE-

I had no intention of following Rikku, and I didn't. I stayed in the corridor right outside the pilot's quarters and leaned against the wall, my head bent as I stared intently at the floor, my mind ablaze with thoughts. The most of the worries involved Yuna and her whereabouts, and I felt that it was my fault. Then again, I blamed Jecht. Why would he separate us from the Summoner? Unless it was part of his plan—

Hmph.

Since when did Jecht ever have a plan?

Unless now...

I sighed and rubbed my temples, my headache growing worse.

"Since when are the dead plagued with headaches?"

"Braska." I breathed. "What has Jecht done with your daughter?"

Braska's hazy form hovered in front of me, his hands folded across his chest, the same faint smile lining his lips. "My daughter is safe for now. Cid will find his niece when the time comes. You need not worry about her for now."

"Everyone seeks to stop her pilgrimage," I said hoarsely, "But...what if they're right? What if Yuna was never supposed to have a pilgrimage? What if her fate is to live in Spira with Jecht's son? What if I'm not supposed to be sent?"

Maybe I said that because I wanted to keep living. Maybe I had no desire to be sent now. Maybe I didn't want to go to the Farplane yet. Maybe I wanted to stay...with her...

Braska sighed and stepped closer, "Auron, the answers will come soon. But don't let anything get in your way. My daughter must reach Zanarkand, for the sake of all Spira. Though her Uncle and niece mean well, you cannot let them stop her. Seymour still lives."

"Seymour?"

"He has Yuna."

"My Lord, you—"

Apparition or not, Lord Braska had once again disappeared, leaving me with my thoughts, which were more troubled then before. I suppose Lord Braska's sudden disappearance was at Tidus' fault, for the boy just walked out on the bridge, looking a bit uneasy. I turned my attention back to the floor after glancing at him, sighing once more.

"You know Cid doesn't know how to fly this thing?" Tidus said loudly. "We could all just crash and die!"

He soon found that I wasn't interested, however.

"...Auron, what's wrong?"

"Yuna."

Tidus stood in front of me for a bit, silent. He stepped back, then stepped forward as if he were going to reply, but thought otherwise and slowly left the bridge.

I was alone. I frowned and shook my head, a small sigh escaping me. Suddenly, the door to the airship opened once more, and in walked Lulu, closely followed by Wakka. She was scowling, and Wakka seemed to be pleading to her desperately about something, his eyes telling all, though neither of them spoke a word. She walked briskly past me, yet I caught her eye for one brief moment, silently asking if there was anything I could do to help. Lulu merely frowned and motioned towards Wakka, then stalked off out of the bridge.

Wakka stared after her, figuring it was best for Lulu to be on her own. He sighed deeply and turned to go back to the cockpit, but after what it seemed to be a hesitant moment, he turned to me.

"Sir Auron, you talk a lot with Lulu, ya?"

I grunted.

"Why is she...why is she always angry with me? Did she tell you anything? Cause all I said was—"

"It is none of my concern what affairs you and Lulu may have," I muttered, my eye closing in sweet amusement.

Wakka opened his mouth to say something in response, prepared to lash out in defense, but another moment of hesitation got into the way, and he closed his mouth, unable to speak. He looked down at the floor in defeat, his fists clenched and eyes closed.

"I...I love her..." Wakka mumbled, shrugging half-heartedly. "I dunno if she...but Chappu...it's not right, ya?"

I shifted slightly, my eyes traveling over Wakka's features. He was miserable, not only for Lulu, but as for Yuna's absence. He was coping with two sides of guilt—feelings towards his brother's once lover and his inability to be there when Yuna needed him. "Lulu is in a state of turmoil. I feel that she is going through the same trials and doubts as yourself. She doubts a relationship with you will be for the best and doubts that you feel the same as she feels for you." I said quietly.

I watched Wakka's eyes light up as he neared me apprehensively, "She does?"

I nodded. "But I cannot say without a doubt that she will admit her feelings. Now if you will, I must speak with Cid."

-NEW SCENE-

As soon as I had stepped into the room, Cid pounced. I could see it in his eyes—he felt that I was the one leading Yuna to her death. I understood his argument as well as where he stood, but I wasn't about to succumb to him so easily. My first instinct as to why Cid had a sudden change in demeanor was Tidus. The boy must've said something casual, but knowing Cid...he must've read between the lines (or at least what he wanted to read). He was angry—furious at the least—and thought it would be wise to let all of his frustrations out on me. Since my conversation with Braska, I was in no mood for Cid.

Immediately coming to a sharp halt, I let Cid empty out the barrels of insults and demands that he had inside. I remained silent, and swallowed my own words.

"You can't take her to Zanarkand!" Cid bellowed, "I won't let you! She'll die out there, sure as you killed her yourself!"

Somehow, that statement....pissed me off.

"I wouldn't kill Braska's daughter," I growled, my eye narrowing slightly, "She is as much as my responsibility as she is yours."

Cid glared at me, his face turning a dark shade of red, "Then tell me why you're leading her to the ruins! There's nothing there for her but her own death!"

You don't know what happens there! You don't know anything about Zanarkand, you ignorant bastard! I felt a faint spark on my shoulder. My eye traveling cautiously towards my back, I saw Braska smiling, his hand on my shoulder in a symbol of friendship. My eye idly traveled over the features of everyone's face, but it was as if they couldn't see him. Braska was visible to me and only me. Were my ties to the Farplane growing stronger? Was that why Braska was able to see and speak with me? Was I slowly beginning to accept my death...?

I ignored Braska for the most part and spoke not my thoughts, however, and only grunted. "Yuna will not give up her pilgrimage. It is her choice. You may be her uncle, but Braska's determination still flows in her viens."

Cid said something that I really wasn't paying attention to. Tidus came back, I could hear his nervous footsteps as he watched Cid and I debate. When Cid had finished speaking, I shook my head and left, ignoring the sympathetic look on Braska's face.

-NEW SCENE-

I was standing alone on the airship's platform, staring up at the sky as we sped along through the clouds. It was a pity...I was unable to feel the wind tug gently at my coattails, unable to experience a cold shiver from the air. I felt nothing. I had changed since my journey with Braska. Though my stoic and cold demeanor never left me, I was even more unreachable then before. Braska's reoccurring appearances were beginning to bother me, the ominous thoughts of my death and acceptance scratching my mind. Why was I seeing him? Not once...not once in ten years did I see him.

So why now?

I sighed and lowered my gaze to the deck, shifting my footing slightly as my hand twitched for the familiar grasp of my sword. I reached over my back and unsheathed it in all its glory, thrusting out my blade at the sky as if provoking the heavens to attack me. I was not an angel, nor was I a demon. I was not among the living, and yet not among the dead. I was in the middle, and whatever the end held for me was inevitable, whether the results of the pilgrimage were in favor with me or not. My broken spirit had been through a lot, every crease in my face held a memory. Every silver wisp in my hair was another symbol of my age, my past. All that I had been through was for nothing. It gained me nothing but loss. The deception of the Yevon Priests tore me apart, both physically and mentally.

It...broke my heart.

But I was unable to cry. I was unable to express the emotions that I kept. Even before my death, I could cry. I would stay awake at night and watch over my Lord protectively, I would keep my eyes out on the distance, and every once in a while brush away a tear. But now was different. I was taking his daughter...

But it should be different. It was part of our plan. Tidus could change everything. At least that's what Braska, Jecht, and I hoped for. I knew Braska's daughter was passive and willing to do anything for the people of Yevon, even become nothing but a whisper in prayers and a name that would hold honor, but eventually become nothing but a forgotten memory. That's what Braska was doomed to become, what Jecht had become. As for myself...I didn't give a damn. Maybe I did want to die. Maybe I was longing for death. Maybe I wanted to just give this up...what Seymour said to me that night in Guadosalam...

He was right...that brief moment of hesitation proved him right...

I slowly unclasped the buckles on my coat and let it fall the deck of the airship. I thrust out my sword and slashed at the air at nothing in particular, moving swiftly to the side and dodging an illusory attack. I planted my feet firmly and let out a cry as I slammed my blade onto the deck and once again moved to the side, the memories overflooding me. I moved quickly and effectively, remembering the pattern-like stances that I once practiced long ago before choosing to become a Guardian. I was fighting against my past.

"Auron?"

I dropped my sword immediately, letting it hit the ground with a clash. The wind had grown incredibly strong, and I realized how dark the sky had gotten. I saw the lightning in the distance for the first time, the thunder rumbling in my ears. It was raining lightly, but I thought they were my own tears slipping down my face. I didn't know how long I had been out there training, but from the looks of it, it had been a while, if not hours.

"Auron?"

"Rikku." I muttered, "What are you doing out here?"

Weren't you afraid of the thunder?

I reached down to retrieve my sword and swung it over my shoulder. Rikku was standing beside the entrance of the airship, swaying slightly side to side, her hands clasped together almost nervously. She bent down to grab my jacket and fingered the lining, her eyes lowered.

"I heard you training, and thought—"

"I'm fine." I answered, cutting her off. I don't know why, but I didn't want her to see me like this. I didn't want her to be anywhere near me at that moment.

Lightning illuminated the sky in an almost web-like pattern. The roar of the thunder followed shortly afterwards, and before I knew it, Rikku was beside me, her arms clinging to my own in an effort to shield herself from the storm.

"Sorry..." She whispered, her eyes shut tightly, "...habit of mine..."

"You can't keep being afraid like this." I said huskily, wrapping my coat around her shivering form. "You'll have to learn to adapt to changes, be it weather conditions or accepting life's path." I don't know what really made me say that, but once I did, I realized that maybe I should listen to that phrase more often and stop being so afraid of the end...and start accepting life's path.

Rikku nodded, burying her face into my chest, "I know...but it's just so hard. It...scares me."

I frowned. "Life can be scary, sometimes horrifying. But only the strong-willed and determined will push through." I said quietly, "And that's what you have to be, Rikku. Promise me."

Rikku pulled away and nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Everything that's happened...losing home...it's just so hard...it's like I just wanna give up, Auron!"

"Everyone wants to give up, Rikku." I muttered, "No one wants to live in a world full of fear, sitting and waiting for your death. No one wants to live in this spiral of death." I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close again, my chin resting on her head and hand trailing up and down her back in an effort to calm her. "But that is why you have to be strong. If you're strong, you can change anything."

Something that Jecht told me...

"But what about Yunie?" Rikku asked, "So if she stays strong and dies, everything will be okay? Is that what you're saying?"

"No." I sighed and pulled away, cupping her cheek and staring into her swirling green eyes. "I'm saying that if she stays strong, there just might be another way."

I'll never forget how miserable she looked. Her eyes were dark and emotionless, her usual happy and bouncy demeanor gone. Instead, she was afraid, sad. Alone. But when I said that...it was like everything was okay again. Her eyes brightened and she jumped forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and her bending her knees so that she was hanging off of me. I stumbled back, a little bewildered, but came to rest with the fact that she wasn't about to let go. I settled my hands on her waist and gently pushed her back, wiping raindrops from her face with my thumb.

"I wouldn't let Yuna die. Not after what I've witnessed." I said firmly. "I can promise you that."

Rikku smiled at me for the first time in a while, her eyes all lit up and beaming. "And I promise I'll be strong. You'll stay with me, right? After all this is over?"

I didn't know why she had thought of that question, but it suddenly came clear to me that I couldn't. If my assumptions about the Farplane and my ties growing stronger, there would be no way I would stay in Spira... And I did want to rest. Yevon, I wanted to rest peacefully in the Farplane so badly...but seeing Rikku there, smiling brightly and her eyes shining....

"Rikku...I..."

I never got to finish. There was a suddenly minor rumble across the ship, and I felt my footing slip. I hit the ground with Rikku right beside me. Immediately, I jumped up and moved for my sword, but the sudden cry of the flying creature before me caught me off-guard. It shrieked, its wings flapping furiously, creating strong gusts of wind that added with the already howling winds of the storm.

The guardian wyrm, Evrae.

The red carpet has teeth...

Cid's voice cut through the roar of the thunder: "Fa'na ybbnuylrehk Bevelle! Yuna's paah cbuddat eh cusa cund uv lanasuho! Rikku, franajan oui yna, kad ouin vneahtc ib uh talg! Fa'na hud kaddehk du Yuna fedruid kaddehk bycd drec pycdynt!"

Bevelle...The Heart of Yevon. It's been a while...

"Rikku, go get Tidus and the others." I said darkly, my good eye narrowing as I eyed the beast cautiously. "In the mean time, I'll distract him."

"But..."

"Go. Now."

Yuna was here, and I wasn't about to let some wyrm get in my way of rescuing her.