Mt. Gagazet, part two:
Suicune paused, just as Tidus was getting up. Who's up for hot springs?
"We don't have time for…" I reached over, and grabbed Auron's sunglasses. I tossed them to Tidus, and then chuckled as he tried to strangle me. "We have time enough. Seymour was draining on everyone, so we ARE taking a break. Got it, old man?"
Rikku added, "Yea! We've been going on all day up this stupid mountain."
Yuna clasped her hands together. I gave her a glance. She looked down… and then nodded a faint smile on her face. "Why not? We can't get much further; Icewind was out for too long."
"Not my fault. Seymour is the trouble, trying to kill you guys. I'm not letting that happen."
Suicune nodded, and then walked a short distance to some rocks. She blasted them open with a Hydro Pump, and steam began to slowly pour out from the gap.
I grinned as Rikku raced in. "Ladies first, I guess." I nodded, and shut my eyes. I wasn't going to actually rest, just pretend to. I wanted to see what would happen without me doing anything.
I know that some people are peeking toms; I just wanted a chance to have it blow up in their face.
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Rikku sighed, feeling the hot water relax her cares away. Mostly, anyway. There still was Yunie… and Luin. Why did he give a fake name? Maybe she was blowing it out of proportion (especially since Yunie's problem was worse), but something…
Yuna waded over to her. "Rikku? Is something wrong?"
Rikku looked away. "Yunie…" she decided not to bring up what Yuna was going to do… they were trying to relax. Instead, she said her other concern, "Icewind… when he was out of it… he said his name is Luin. Do you know why?"
Yuna's eyes widened for a moment, and then she smiled. "I'm not surprised. He didn't respond like Icewind was his actual name."
"But…"
Lulu said carefully "He probably took that name when he was fighting that criminal syndicate. I don't know why he gave us that name, maybe it's who he believed he had become. The old person… Luin, had died with her, and Icewind was born." Lulu smiled, and added "You should be proud, though. He's opened up to you."
"Well, what about you, Yuna? Any deep secrets?"
Yuna blushed, and looked away. "No… nothing."
"Yuna, you're making her worse." Suicune, who had been silently watching them with her eyes shut, shook her head, apparently agreeing.
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Wakka started to glance continually towards the cut in the mountain. I finally cracked, and began to grin. "Wakka, not trying to peek, are you?"
Wakka gasped, and turned to me, his face reflecting shock. "N… no! I'm just worried about them! They've been in there for a while now."
I chuckled softly. "You're worried about what? Suicune's in with them, she's a girl herself. If they get in trouble, she'd call."
"Yea, but…"
"Stop trying to peek. Just take a nap or something." I stretched, and then yawned slowly. "You'll need it. Things will just get worse as we go on."
Auron added "he's right. You'll need your strength." He then crossed his arms, and apparently began to sleep himself. I shook my head, and pulled out Balrog's ball. I tossed it up.
He growled, seeing the snow nearby. I laughed, and relaxed. "Balrog, could you do some guard duty for awhile?"
"Hound…"
"And wake me up when the girls are out? I'm going to need a soak."
Balrog nodded, and then sat down, his eyes scanning the trail. I wasn't going to go to sleep (no way I could, I wasn't tired), but at least everyone else could. Tidus looked about ready to nod off, and the same for Wakka.
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About an hour later, the girls finally came out. I waved to them, trying not to laugh. Their skin was red, and they slightly steamed in the mountain air. "You look like steamed Corphish. Have a good soak?"
Yuna nodded. "It was good. But what's a Corphish?"
"Lobster pokemon." I pulled out my dex, and got to Corphish's entry. I then tossed it to her. She fumbled with it, and then looked at the image. Lulu and Rikku looked over her shoulders.
Yuna finally looked up, her face a smile. "We look like that? Well, we're going to have to correct that problem…"
I just sighed, knowing that look promised trouble, I'd seen it too many times to count (Ashley had a thing for pulling pranks on me, but she had a poor poker face). "Uh, guy with wings, remember? I'd just disappear if you tried what you're thinking."
Rikku reached over, and grabbed my shirt. She moved her face close to me, and said softly, "Who said I'd let you fly off?"
I rolled my eyes, and then kissed her suddenly. The reaction was instantaneous – she loosened up in shock. I removed her hand, but she broke the kiss off. She looked down, her face reddening. "You meanie!"
Yuna laughed, and Lulu actually smiled at the two of us. I chuckled softly myself… and Rikku caught it too. She knocked me over, and then returned the gesture. After enough time for her to run out of air, she said, "You're going nowhere…"
I sighed, and raised my hands from my fallen position… and then ticked Rikku's sides. She broke down laughing, and tried to knock me away.
Well, after that, I managed to get back on my feet. "I'll go take my soak. Should I wake the others?"
Lulu's eyes flashed towards me, and I noticed a gleam in them. "How loud can Balrog howl?"
I grinned. "Oh, plenty loud. Let's just get out of sight…" Damn, wicked plan sinking in!
I walked into the springs cavern, the other three following.
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Balrog began to loose an unholy howl. Tidus woke up instantly, and looked around in panic. "Yuna!"
He rushed into the cavern… only to get blasted by pressurized water. A voice shouted (sounding scandalized - Yuna?), "Tidus, you sick, perverted man!"
"But…" Tidus blinked his eyes into focus. Icewind was standing by Suicune… and Yuna, Rikku, and Lulu were sitting on a nearby rock, fully dressed. It had been Icewind that said that, though somehow, he'd sounded like Yuna. Or maybe it was Suicune?
Icewind, Yuna, Lulu, and Rikku burst out laughing. He could even hear Suicune and Balrog making noises he could tell were laughter.
"That's not funny."
Icewind looked at him, then smiled a bit more (his face didn't show any signs of cracking, but his grin SHOULD have cracked his face). "Fine… maybe… but it wasn't my idea." He looked directly at Yuna, and her eyes widened in surprise. He grabbed Rikku by her shoulder, and Lulu's arm, and dragged the two of them out. Suicune followed him. "We'll leave you two to kiss and make up. Just no sex, alright?"
Yuna spluttered at his last remark, as did Rikku.
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I laughed softly, the look on Yuna's face had been priceless.
Once we were out, Wakka and Auron turned to us. "You did something, didn't you?"
I chuckled. "Just a little prank on Tidus and Yuna."
Lulu shook her head. "You're going too far. Much too far with that."
"Yea!"
I sighed, and then nodded. "Fine. But they never get to be alone unless I do something like that. The only other time is when they were alone at the forest. Developing couples… they need a bit of space sometimes."
Rikku glanced at me, and I shrugged. "We'll take it after them. You've been giving me one too many weird looks, I want to know what's up."
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Twenty minutes later, Yuna and Tidus walked out of the cavern. Yuna gave me a small nod, and mouthed something that looked like 'thanks'. Both of them were flushed (and turning red under Wakka's glares).
I grinned, and walked into the springs.
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Rikku gulped. Well, might as well ask… she followed him in.
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I grinned at the sight of the massive pool, with a wall separating it into two. Someone had built this place to literally be a hot springs resort, but lacked the massive hotel / tourists. I turned back to Rikku, who was staring at the pools. "What's up?"
"Why didn't you tell me your real name?"
Wait… when did she learn that? I never told her… damn, I must be talking in my sleep. "Huh? Luin? That?"
"Yea, THAT."
I shrugged – it wasn't really important. "Never got a chance to. Between Yuna and the rest…"
"But…"
I sighed. "Sorry. But… Icewind was what I had become. A killer with no reason to exist but to kill."
Rikku sighed. "You've got a magic answer for everything, don't you?"
I snorted. "I wish. If I had a magic answer for everything, I wouldn't be here."
Rikku stared at me, and I nodded. "It's true. If I did have a magic answer, would I need to have my heart and soul repaired by the Fayth? I would have had a magic answer for the Rockets before they threatened Ashley and me." I sighed, and then longingly looked at the pools. I shrugged, and dug for my pack while Rikku was thinking it over.
I shrugged, and began to strip. Partway through, Rikku seemed to realize what I was doing, and looked away.
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I waded into the springs, and sighed as the heat poured in. "Well, anything else?"
Rikku finally looked back over to me, and hesitantly said, "I could use another…"
"Well, ask the guys if they mind you joining in. I'm cool with it."
"There's are plenty of room. I'll just go to the other side."
I shrugged, and relaxed. Rikku jumped in – apparently, she'd been wearing a swimsuit underneath her clothes the whole time. I called out as she headed behind the wall, "You know, you're really weird."
"So?"
She disappeared behind the wall, and the other guys walked in. I closed my eyes, and let the heat soak into me. I might be immune to most of cold's effects, but I still like heat.
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We were the last two still in. Auron had left shortly – big surprise, he's dead in the first place, I doubt he feels heat and cold.
Wakka and Tidus stayed for awhile, but eventually left. Dunno why, maybe the heat was a bit strong, because they looked fairly pink when they left. I wasn't even turning colors yet.
Rikku splashed me, and I slowly turned to her (she'd come over to this side… and yes, she was nude). She was grinning slightly, and blushing at the same time. "I think they're setting us up."
I shrugged "for what? The water is hot… maybe they just couldn't take it for very long"
She kissed me, then backed up, her face red. "Uh…"
I laughed, and said in a scolding tone, "Why Rikku… I never thought you had it in you."
Rikku punched me in the shoulder for that line, and then dunked me. I didn't care, it felt good to me. Besides, I got her back.
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"Why'd you have us leave them like that?"
Auron shook his head. "We're wasting time."
Yuna sighed, and locked her hands together. "We have time. L… Icewind gave Tidus and myself some time… let him have some time with Rikku."
Wakka looked confused for a moment, then his face reddened. "You don't think…"
Lulu said softly, "no, you don't think Wakka. It's their business, not ours."
Yuna blushed, and then so did Tidus. Wakka pounced on them. "Ah-ha! You DID do it…"
"No… we didn't. It's just what Icewind said to us…"
Lulu added, "not to have sex, as if he expected them to at least consider it."
Wakka sputtered again.
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"Well?"
I shook my head slowly. I really couldn't put it gently, so I just said it. "No."
"Huh? Are you sure you're a guy? Most guys would jump at the chance… or am I ugly or something?" Rikku sniffed softly, and I caught her in an embrace before she could push away.
"No, it's not that." I let her loose for a moment, looked her over, and then held her tightly again. "You're beautiful... it's just that… my cousin got pregnant because she was stupid, had sex without protection. I'm not risking a bastard to my name. Unless you've got that… because I don't have any pills or anything." That's something ingrained into me – her life had been RUINED – that sticks in your memory, always, if it's family. Even if she's dead now (bomb, the rockets thought I was hiding with my relatives), I still remember.
Rikku looked up at me, and I could see her eyes widen. "Oh… "
I nodded as she seemed to realize what I meant. "Yea. Well, now what do you want to do?"
She snuggled close to me, and gave me a sad smile, her eyes reflecting a bit of worry – like her thoughts were here, and somewhere else as well. She probably was still thinking about it. I just hoped she took what I said at face value. "Nothing."
Frankly, it HAD been a hard fight to say that. I like her the same way… desire is a nasty foe to face. Especially when she's right next to you, and already naked.
I grinned, and said, "though, I don't see why you can't have some fun…" I touched a sensitive spot, and she squealed, brought back to Spira quickly. I grinned at her, and dove under the water, Rikku in rapid pursuit.
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As we got out (Rikku was flushed from a few other things I'd done to her), Rikku said softly "Uh… thanks for that. If you hadn't… I think I coulda…"
"No problem. Don't push yourself to do something because you think I'd like it. You've got to be comfortable with it as well."
She gave me an infectious smile, one I'd never seen her use before. "Once I know for sure that it's safe…"
I nodded, and added carefully "you have no idea how hard it was to say no, even with that reason. Or restraining myself.."
Rikku laughed, and then skipped out once she was dressed. She acted like nothing had changed. Well, she probably was plotting on what she'd do once she was sure. I'm not sure if I should worry, or think nasty thoughts.
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"Alright you two, what did you do in there that took over an hour…"
Rikku caught the tone in Wakka's voice, and blushed slightly. "Nothing!"
He gave her a serious look, and she smiled innocently. He turned his look to me – I guess he expected a grin to be on my face. There was one, but it was because he was acting like an idiot. "Still an idiot, I see. We didn't do anything that could get anyone pregnant. Got the idea, dunderhead?"
"Cut that out!"
I gave him a grin full of teeth – razor sharp ones. "Make me."
Lulu shook her head. "We'd best get moving."
Auron walked off, leading the way. I shook my head, and said softly to Rikku "is it me, but is he rushing us?"
Rikku nodded, and said in a pout, "Meanie. He's trying to stop us!"
I snorted. "Sure. But he's not going to win, is he?"
Rikku smiled, and said "Nope!"
I grinned back at her, then followed Auron, before I realized something.
I forgot about Cid. I know he gave me looks when I was with Rikku, but I think I scared him slightly with my pokemon, and my own transformations. But any father will try to scare the crap out of anyone dating their daughter – the next time we see him, I'm going to be in for a questioning worthy of an inquisitor. Even if I can bite his head off (literally), I doubt that'll work.
Well, unless Rikku threatens him. I wonder…
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Auron stopped, looking at the rock wall. "They'll be upon us soon. She has sent fiends to test our summoner's strength."
Yuna looked at Auron in surprise. "Who is "she"?"
Auron said calmly "Yunalesca."
Yuna looked down, then back up at Auron for a moment. "Lady Yunalesca?" Her voice sounded surprised – but not too surprised. She probably couldn't be surprised very much anymore.
Auron nodded grimly. I sighed, knowing what was coming. "She's at Zanarkand, isn't she?"
Auron nodded again, and I shook my head.
Yuna looked at Auron, saying carefully, "she...is still alive?"
Auron said calmly "As much as Mika and Seymour…"
I sighed again. "Auron, that's none too encouraging. Both of them have tried to kill us…"
Yuna looked down, and I heard her quietly say "I see." She locked her hands together, looking tired. Tidus walked up to her, and wrapped his arm around her waist. Yuna looked up, and gave Tidus a small smile.
Auron said almost mockingly "Lost your nerve?"
Yuna locked eyes with Tidus. After a moment, she said "no. Nothing frightens me now."
I opened my mouth, but Rikku elbowed me, and whispered, "don't say it."
I grinned, and didn't say a word. She gave me a small smile, a laughing devil shining in her eyes.
Auron didn't seem to notice the two of us, and said to Yuna, "Braska would be proud."
Yuna looked off into the distance, and finally said "then...I must not let him down."
Suicune sighed. You
won't, Yuna.
"I'm with Lady Wind. You won't Yuna…
parents are always proud of their children. What you are doing…
well, trust me. He'd be proud as heck. Worried about you too…"
Yuna gave me a smile, and I just nodded in return.
Suicune was shuddered, and I looked off into the distance.
Something LARGE was coming. Something purple, and massive.
Auron stated the obvious – "it comes!"
Suicune shook her head, and blasted it with Hydro Pump. It stopped the thing's advance… and when Suicune turned it to Ice Beam, it froze, then shattered into pieces.
I shook my head. "Well, that was anti-climatic. I thought that was a test, not a joke."
After a few moments of silence, everyone began to laugh.
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Rikku called to Auron "Hey! Can't we rest a little?"
Auron laughed bitterly "No need. We reach the summit soon."
Rikku shook her head. "I know, that's why I want to stop for a bit! Soon means that...there's not much time left."
Yuna looked over to her cousin, and said softly (almost brokenheartedly) "Rikku..."
Rikku hung her head. "Fine. I'll think on my way."
I sighed, and walked alongside Rikku. She grabbed my hand, and didn't let it go. Though she did use Vib to fight some fiends that popped up.
I wondered how long it would be until he evolved. He had to be close, from the number of times Rikku had used him to help her in fights now.
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Wakka said something softly to Tidus, and he responded (louder than Wakka, we all could hear him) "We are almost there, aren't we?"
Wakka nodded, looking weary. We'd been battling foes all the way up the mountain. Even Auron looked tired – I know I was getting weary as well. I take it back, I was close to exhaustion, and I'd had one hell of a nap. "We've come a long way."
Auron laughed harshly. I arched an eyebrow, saying silently, 'what's so funny?'
Auron looked at me, then Tidus. "He reminded me of myself. Before, the closer I came to Zanarkand, the more I wondered...when we arrive, Braska will call the Final Aeon... He will fight Sin, then die. I thought my mind was made up long before. But when I stood here, my resolve wavered."
I nodded, adding gently. "We all waver… worry. Hell knows, I did when I was going for the final confrontation with Giovanni."
Wakka looked at the two of us, then laughed. "Huh, never would've figured. Legendary guardians choke sometimes, too, ya? And even…" Wakka trailed off, obviously uncomfortable with saying "mass murderer" or something like that.
Auron snorted. "Legendary guardian? I was just a boy. A boy about your age, actually. I wanted to change the world, too. But I changed nothing. That is my story."
Auron walked on, and Rikku squeezed my hand. "He's so bitter…"
I nodded softly. "So was I. Though you only knew that side of me for such a short time, I doubt you remember it."
Rikku tilted her head, and then nodded. "You're right, I have a hard time seeing you bitter. Tired, weary… cute, I can see. Not bitter."
I laughed, a tear of laughter streaking down my face. Kinda – it was also pent up emotion. I still worried about Yuna, and what was going to happen in Zanarkand. "Cute? What am I, some kind of bishie?"
