DISCLAIMER: Do not own Final Fantasy X. It belongs to Square soft.
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A/N: I thank my reviewers for the support: Hikaru-Chan13, LeRequiemD' Amour, and xTidusLuvrNoellex. Thanks guys! I have decided to continue on, of course.
Thanks ya'll,
-chloè
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The Haunted Mansion
Chapter 2.
Eyeless Paintings.
The confident young s were waiting for anything to happen. Even the slightest faint of a sound would make their heads turn. But it was nothing but the wind, and maybe some small animals nearby.
That's when it happened; the door gave free access. An older man with short dark tawny-colored hair extended his tall figure towards them. He had an eye that was sealed shut eternally, but the other one was more of a hazel-like-brown. He was found in a long ruby-colored coat which seemed more of a trench-coat then anything. His chin looked unshaven and a bit ly, possibly. The entire group's eyes were focused on this astrological man as he approached them, a gruff frown placed across his face.
But nonetheless, Tidus found himself surprised and awe-struck. He knew this man from somewhere, yet he couldn't put his finger on it at the second. He just stared in abruptness. His eyes couldn't be described as anything but curious. He wondered, who was this man, and why did he look so y familiar?
"I am Auron."
Finally the man in the red trench coat spoke. The group seemed to react to his somewhat immersed voice. Auron gave the group a motion towards the manor with an invisible smile placed on his rough lips.
The rest of the gang effortlessly abided by Auron's friendly welcome, but Tidus was caught in his tracks. He didn't trust the man. He knew him from somewhere and he wasn't going to let him off so easily.
As the gang headed into the mansion, Auron looked over his shoulder in realization that Tidus wasn't cooperating. He sighed to himself and came towards the young man, who was looking at his feet, thoughtfully,
"Come,"
He said in a more gentle tone. Tidus' eyes rose up to meet the old man's; his eyes were so beautiful, azure-colored to be exact. But at the moment, they were in so much confusion and awe that he couldn't bare to not look at the man,
"Who... are you?"
Tidus asked in a whisper. He remember this Auron guy from somewhere. If only he knew. Auron folded his arms,
"You don't remember? I went on Braska's pilgrimage with him and your father,"
He explained. It then dawned on Tidus; Auron was the guy who was always sent to guard or protect him when Jecht wasn't around. A scowl appeared on Tidus' bronzed face. Why can't Jecht look after me himself? Why does he have to be so lazy? He thought,
"Come. Everyone is waiting."
Auron said, walking towards the entrance. Tidus hesitated for a second, but then realized Auron wasn't there to go tell on him; he was there to introduce the house rules and tell about the houses' past. This would be interesting.
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Everyone was looking around the house, thunderstruck. Wakka was busy looking up at the pictures placed on the walls; they were pictures of different families. Rikku was glancing up at the humongous staircase, eagerly. She was anxious to extend the antique staircase that looked as if it had been there one thousand years ago. Lulu was looking at the ceiling which seemed roughly different then any other; strange, and a little bit frightening. Seymour was keeping his eyes on Yuna Rollins, who was also looking at the paintings on the walls.
Just then, Auron came into the room, Tidus not far behind. Tidus headed towards the group and casually put his hands in his pockets, waiting for Auron to speak,
"I'm glad you have all decided to come. I didn't think you'd be brave enough. Well, let me get to the point; this house has been ran down for many years, some say it has dark presences in it still from the unsolved past long ago. Some say it remains quiet, and peaceful. I doubt it though. Many people had disappeared in this house. I warn you that you should be very careful, and when going into a room, never go alone. You will each get a room upstairs, but you will share it with another person. But, do remember the mission is to approach the evil presence, and... well, what has Yevon been teaching you?"
The group seemed to be understanding each word. Yevon taught them to approach things with love, and passion. But more specifically; strength. If they would show strength in front of the presence, it would take it's leave easily... or so it's said.
"Now, there are three floors in this place. I recommend that you don't go to a different floor alone, but if you are willing to face pure evil, then I guess it is fine with me. But for now, I want you to be welcome to ask me any questions, and if you have any problems, I will be found on the third floor. But right now, I am going to give you your room keys, and you may choose your own partners. I know you don't know each other, but by time, you will definitely get to know each other and form a simple brother-to-sister or sister-to-brother love... most-likely. Anyways, I have Yuna Rollins?"
Auron asked, holding up a spare set of keys. Yuna stepped forward, biting her lip nervously. She accepted the set of keys and took a step back, sucking in breath,
"Thank you, sir."
She said quietly. Auron shook his head and chuckled disreputably,
"Please. Call me Auron."
Yuna nodded at him, and then found a sudden interest in her boots, where she kept her glance at for the rest of the time. Auron grabbed the next key,
"Seymour Guado,"
He said dryly. The boy with light cerulean-colored hair approached Auron, taking the key, gracefully,
"It's nice to finally reunite with you, Sir Auron."
He said brashly. Auron glared at him as he took a step back, and seemed to be positioned right next to Yuna, who blushed realizing he was so close to her.
"And... finally, Rikku Gippert."
Rikku grinned when Auron called out her name. She grabbed the key and gave him a cheeky smile. Auron couldn't help but return the childish smile. Tidus rolled his eyes in annoyance and folded his arms,
"What about me?"
Auron sighed irritate,
"I told you; you will have to partner up with someone."
Tidus looked at the people who had keys in their hands. Rikku? Nah, she's too hyper. Seymour? What a weirdo! Yuna? She's kinda cute I guess, but that Seymour dude's like all over her. He thought.
"Well, I shall take my leave of you now. You're free to walk around. Just remember, the person who doesn't get lost, wins the million gil. Hope you keep that in mind."
Auron said, strolling towards the staircase. Tidus frowned and put his hands comfortably on the back of his head,
"All right. It seems easy enough, just leave the ghost-chasing to me."
Seymour said with a overweening smirk. Rikku's jaw dropped and she approached him, sticking her finger in his face,
"Excuse me, but I'm the one who's going to chase the ghosts out, hear?"
Seymour just snickered and shrugged his shoulders. Rikku gradually moved away from him and then sighed,
"I'm starving! Anyone wanna go check the fridge with me?"
"Hmph. I'd rather stay here. Like the kitchen would attract ghosts, give me a break."
Seymour cut in rolling his eyes. Tidus raised an eye brow. What's with him? He thinks he's so cool. He thought,
"Okay, fine, suit yourself!"
Rikku shrieked and headed towards the kitchen entrance. Yuna and Lulu quietly followed behind her, leaving the men alone. Tidus decided to speak up since it was now complete silence,
"So. We just wait for a ghost? That sounds like a pretty lame way of chasing them..."
"Ya, I agree. I mean, to me, it sounds like it's a fight for life and . Who would wanna sit around and wait to die?"
Wakka asked. Seymour sighed crossly and folded his arms across his chest,
"How boring. Maybe I should go into the kitchen."
Tidus looked at Wakka who was giving him a 'whats with Seymour' look. Tidus had to make an expression back, so he gave him his best shrug. Seymour headed towards the door, and then peeked in announcing,
"Hello ladies!"
Tidus frowned and looked over at Wakka who was starting to get anxious,
"This is boring, ya? I think I'm gonna go get somethin' to eat."
He said heading towards the door. Tidus watched as he closed the door shut. He stood alone in the main lobby. 'I suggest you don't go in a room alone...' blah, blah, blah. He thought remembering Auron's words of wisdom.
"Like there's really ghosts here."
Tidus mumbled, kicking the wall. He looked up at one of the paintings; it looked like it was Mona Lisa, but he couldn't tell because the painting had no eyes; scary.
"Are you ok?"
A voice asked. He turned around as swiftly as possible and saw the entire group staring at him as if waiting for a response,
"Uh, yeah, fine. It's just, there's no eyes on this painting!"
He exclaimed, pointing towards the painting. Seymour chuckled, and the rest of the group looked at him as if he had gone insane,
"Brudda? Have you hit your head, or do you need glasses? There's eyes..."
Wakka said with worry in his tone. Tidus raised an eye brow then turned to face the painting. What the...? The eyes are there now! He thought, almost passing out.
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End Of Second Chapter.