Okay, first off I had more reviews then the other chapters. Thanks to you all. But I'm lazy and so just going to reply to points that stuck out. Sorry.
lisamonster: Wow, that was long. I am so sorry for what I did to Rikku, but don't worry. They will get what is coming to them. And you're not the only one who wants to kill off Kaleya.
Neko-Yuff16: Don't worry, you aren't the only sadistic one around here. Everyone else wants to watch her suffer too. And umm, I'm sorry, but this chapter will still kepp you guessing.
Riny Beoulve: Sorry about the lack of detail. I hope I did better this time. I even went back to add more after I finished it. I'm glad that Cid is liked now too.
Ghost: Sharp pointy object? eeep! And since you are the first to mention the two dudes, I'll let you have the first shot at them.
Chibi: I have to mention you, this whole fic has been dedicated to you. I added a little more fluff for you. It's not much, but... well you'll see. -hides before chibi can attack- Ha, can't find me now!
A/n: Just so you all don't get confused when you get to it. The section in italics is supposed to help connect this story to Hearing Voices. I didn't want any of you telling me that it didn't make sence. But if you don't like it, blame Chibi-sorrow. She's the one who told me to keep it!
I better hide again or chibi's gonna have my head. -runs off- Make sure you review for me!
Kaleya walked through the halls of home trying to hide the smile on her face. She had to at least act upset. Rikku was dead; Kyo would soon be taking over. And who was going to be at his side? She would be. She would be the one pushing him to make the decisions she wanted. He wasn't a strong leader. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Rikku was right about her brother. He was more then willing to let someone else take over for him.
She passed a few people in the corridor and they gave her sympathetic glances as they walked by. She made sure to make a weak smile to show them she would be fine. Not that she was lying. She would be fine. It was the rest of the family they should be worried about.
She came to her apartment and unlocked the door. Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, she entered. Inside was very similar to what Auron and Luzzu had stayed in. The main room, which consisted of a couch and a desk in the corner. From there was the kitchen. And then two doors leading out of the main room. Her bedroom and bathroom. The walls were bare; she was getting ready to move after all. Kyo had invited her to stay with him. Kaleya was not one to refuse that offer. She would be closer to Cid, and find more out about the man.
Though it may seem as if she was using Kyo, she wasn't. Not completely. She really did love him. It was just a nice addition that he happened to be the leader's son.
Kaleya made her way over to the desk. She opened the front of it and pulled out a slip of paper. Reading over it to make sure it was perfect, she nodded. Holding it close to her she smiled. One last piece of the puzzle.
Auron had fallen asleep next to Rikku. He had not left her side even once. Not even for food. He feared she might wake up while he was gone, and become scared. He thought she had stirred and shot up in his seat. It was nothing more then a cool gust of wind. He stood up to stretch. Sitting for so long on a hard surface took its toll on his body. He glanced down to the still unmoving body of Rikku. Her hair moved softly in the breeze that had woken him up.
Then something caught his eye. None of the windows were open. How could there be a breeze? He moved closer to the glass and placed a hand against it. It was cool, almost cold to the touch. He was unsure if that was supposed to happen or not. Granted the air was cooler at this altitude, but not like this.
"What.. where am I?" She asked the space around her. It was empty and white. She couldn't see anything, just the white cloudlike area she was in.
A soft voice answered her. She knew that voice but could not place from where. "That is unimportant right now, Rikku."
"Wait, how do you know my name?"
"I know a lot about you. You are Rikku, daughter of Cid leader of the Al Bhed. Ex-summoner that helped to defeat Yu Yevon, not once, but twice."
Rikku was shocked into silence. How did this woman (she knew it was a woman now) know so much about her? She was pretty sure they had never met before, or had they? "So what am I here for?" She asked once she found her voice again.
"You are dying, Rikku."
"Does that mean this is the farplane?"
"No, you are not dead." The woman snapped. Her icy tone sending shivers down Rikku's spine. "I said you were dying, not dead."
"Sorry." Rikku muttered under her breath.
"But you are only partially correct." She said in a comforting voice again. "This is a dream, one that many do not get to experience."
"A dream? Why, so that I can live?"
An icy wind swirled around her body blowing her hair into her face. She ignored it and watched as the wind left her and began to form an outline of a person. The blue white draft closed in onto itself as she stood from her position. "That is correct, young one." She said as she flipped waist length strands of blue hair behind her.
"Shiva." Rikku said. "Why am I here? Have you brought me here?"
"It had to be done. You're body is in a state of suspended animation. If we had not done this then you would surely die."
"We? Who else is here?"
Shiva turned away ignoring the woman's pleas. Rikku watched as she leaned over something before standing strait again. "Bahamut." She answered after a pause still not looking at the young Al Bhed. It almost sounded like a whisper to her ears.
"But I thought you said that after we had defeated Yevon, you would not be able to talk to us anymore." Rikku began to pace. This was making no sense to her.
"Not directly, no. But dreams are different. They are a window to your subcontiencness. Many things can happen in dreams, that cannot happen in life."
"Such as my meeting you." Rikku guessed as she stopped her pacing. "But what about what is happening to me? When will I be able to wake up?"
"That is not up to me." Shiva said as she walked past her leaving another chill in the air.
"Then who is it up to?" Rikku shouted. "Can you at least tell me that?" She clutched her fists at her sides, nails digging in to the palms.
"Him." Shiva lifted one pale finger and pointed behind Rikku.
She turned to see a boy in a purple hooded cloak and brown pants that seemed as if they had been torn to just below the knee. The hood covered the top half of his face so she could not see his eyes. "We meet again, I see."
"What is going on? I demand some answers, and quickly!"
"First, what do you remember?" He asked her.
"Remember? I remember being stuck in some cave for over a week. Two men taking from me what little pride I had left. And then Auron's hands catching me as I fell." She began by yelling but by the end she had calmed down and was almost whispering. "I just want to go home."
"You will get that chance, but not yet. Your body is still weak. If I were to allow you to return, it would most certainly kill you." He explained. The words sounding almost too mature for his appearance. But then Rikku remembered he was one of the oldest fayths around. He would have had knowledge and experience others would not.
The airship landed at Home hours later. Auron felt the slight jarring that was Kyo's driving. He walked away from the window he had been standing against, and picked up Rikku. Cradling her close to him, he left the ship without a word. Cid watched him with awe. His daughter sure knew how to pick them.
From inside the complex, Kaleya also saw the sight. She had been standing next to a window when they had landed. The airship lifted again so that it could be housed in the hanger set aside for it. Her attention shifted back to the man in red, but he was already gone. Tonight she would put the last part of her plan in action.
The letter in her hand would be the final straw.
"Ruf ec cra tuehk, tul?" Auron asked as he looked at the sleeping form of Rikku. (How is she doing, doc?)
He had brought her into the Al Bhed infirmary. They had more advanced machina then the airship had. If she were to be saved it would be here.
"Cra'c mucd y mud uv pmuut. Dra sucd caneuic uv ran ehzineac ryja paah raymat, pid ihmacc fa lyh veht cusauha fru sydlrac ran pmuut doba, cra femm cinamo tea. E tuh'd ajah ghuf ruf cra ec cdemm ymeja huf. Ed ec ymsucd yc ev cusauha ryt cicbahtat yhesydeuh uh ran meva." (She's lost a lot of blood. The most serious of her injuries have been healed, but unless we can find someone who matches her blood type, she will surely die. I don't even know how she is still alive now. It is almost as if someone had suspended animation on her life.)
'The fayth. They were the ones. They were the only ones who wield that kind of power.' Auron thought to himself. "Fryd ypuid sa? Dno sa." (What about me? Try me.) He held an arm out for the doctor to draw blood from.
Nodding, he picked up a needle and stuck Auron's arm. "Keja sa y vaf sehiadc, yht E femm pa nekrd pylg." (Give me a few minuets, and I will be right back.)
Auron nodded as he watched the doctor leave the room.
Keys jangled as she made her way down the halls. She had to make it to the room before the ex-guardian came back. Luck seemed to be on her side today. She slipped in unnoticed and placed the letter in a well-seen spot. Hastily she left the room just as she had found it.
All that was left now was to go to Cid. Once she told him to search the room, the letter would be found, and Auron would be put to death. Not only for the kidnapping of the leader's daughter, but for her murder as well. Everything was falling into place.
She had to get rid of the keys first. Back to Cid's apartment it was. Back on the hook in his office where she had found them at.
She had just come out of the office when the door opened. Kyo walked in looking like a dead man walking. He smiled when he saw her.
"Vydran tell you?"
"Yes he did. I'm so sorry. I was just on my way to find him and talk to him. But I can stay for a while until you fall asleep. You look like you could use it." She said as she moved to his side and ran a hand over his chest.
"Yes, I would like that." He answered as they walked into the bedroom together.
"So when can I leave?" I'm tired of staying here and doing nothing." Rikku whined.
"Very soon." Bahamut answered. "Your body should be able to support itself now. Sir Auron is waiting for you as well."
"Auron? He is there?"
"Yes. Now Rikku, are you ready? It is time." Bahamut asked as he waved a hand upward in front of her face.
"Huh?" She asked as she came to. 'That was quick.' She thought. Her eyes blinked rapidly a few times, before opening completely. "Where am I?"
A rustle of fabric on her left caught her attention. "Glad to see you awake. I was starting to worry."
"Auron!" Rikku sat up quickly and wrapped her arms around him. "I am so happy to see you."
A small smile came over his face. "As I am you." He was about to lean over and kiss her when several soldiers stormed in the room.
"Back away from the girl. You are under arrest." The one in the lead commanded. According to the bars on his sleeve, Auron knew he held the rank of captain.
Auron glanced over the group quickly. They all carried semi-automatic machina, and they were all aimed at him. He let go of Rikku and stood. "I guess I have no choice. Very well."
Rikku reached out and grabbed his hand. "Auron, no." She whispered. "What are you doing?"
"I must go. There is nothing I can do." He answered. He walked away and nodded to the captain. They all turned and were about to leave when Rikku spoke up.
"Wait! Why are you taking him?"
"He has been convicted of kidnapping and murder. By the orders of Cid, we are to capture and bring the prisoner to stand trial." The captain answered before they all left through the door.
Anger came over Rikku as she thought about what her father was doing. "Not if I have anything to say about it." She growled.
She struggled to pull herself out of bed. It was harder then she thought. After not moving for three days, and not eating for who knew how much longer before that, she felt weak.
The doctor came out of his office to see her trying to stand. "Fryd tu oui drehg oui yna tuehk? Oui sicd nacd." (What do you think you are doing? You must rest.)
"E lyh'd nacd. Ra haatc so ramb. E ryja du dymg du Vydran." She told him with determination. (I can't rest. He needs my help. I have to talk to Father.)
"Pid ouin ehzineac. Oui luimt tu suna tysyka." He protested hoping that logic would help. (But your injuries. You could do more damage.)
"I don't care! Auron needs me, and that is all I care about right now. Now are you going to help me, or do I have to walk on my own?" She snapped at him.
The doctor sighed. "Jano famm." He lifted her up and allowed her to lean on him for support. "Frana du?" (Very well. Where to?)
"Where else? To Vydran's place." She answered. Not caring that she only wore a hospital type gown, she led him to Cid's.
Cid stood in his office staring out at the sand of Bikanel through the window. Not much on scenery. A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts. "Come in."
Kaleya poked her head in to see what he was doing. Seeing he wasn't even going to look at her, she slid in the rest of the way and closed the door behind her. She sat down on one of the chairs in front of the desk and crossed her legs.
"Make it quick. I don't have all day." Cid said before she could even say a word.
"I heard you caught him." She said as if he didn't already know.
"Yeah." He answered waiting for her to add more. Was there a point to her being here?
"Just wanted to know what you are going to do next." She flicked her hair back over her shoulder.
"What I should have done to begin with. The man killed my daughter. He will stand trial and then be killed."
"You sound sure of the outcome. What if he is proven innocent?"
"You read that note. Hell, you found it girl. It is in black and white. A most strait forward confession if I ever saw one."
"Then I guess I shouldn't worry so much. You going to be alright?"
"You sure are asking a lot of questions. Trying to take the heat off yourself." He turned from the sand and glared at her.
Her jaw dropped in slight shock. She composed herself and put a hand to her chest in mock anger. "I thought you knew me better then that. How dare you accuse me of such a thing? I came here to make sure you were okay, and this is how you treat me?"
"Forgive me." He rubbed a temple as if a headache was coming on. "I've been under a lot of stress. I didn't mean to yell at you." He turned back to the window. "You going to be there for the trial?"
"Wouldn't miss it. Anyone who messes with this family deserves what they get."
"I'm glad you feel that way. Now, if you would excuse me. I have things to do." He waved a hand in the air in dismissal.
"I understand. Till the trial then."
"Yeah, yeah. Just leave me."
Flicking hair over her shoulder once more, Kaleya stood and left the leader to himself.
When he was sure she was gone, Cid picked up his commsphere. "The trial will begin at dusk. Are you prepared?"
"As much as I can possibly be."
She ignored the stares she got as she was helped down the hall. The gown left little to the imagination, but she had worn less before. What shocked her was how they looked at her as if she was some ghost. Had she had the energy, she would have told them to mind their own business. But she had to save what little she had for her father.
They came to the door and Rikku let them in. There was no one in the main room. "This will be fine. You can go now." She said to the doctor.
He sighed, but left as she requested. The door clicked shut as he left. Rikku took a deep breath before making her way to the office. She didn't even bother to knock, just walked right on in.
"I thought I said I have things to do." Cid's voice growled out as she entered.
"Not to me, you didn't." Rikku snapped at him. "And I demand answers as well." She leaned on the edge of his desk for support.
Cid turned quickly to face his daughter. "What are you doing here, girl?"
"I came to ask why you ordered Auron to be arrested."
"You don't need to worry about that. It will all be taken care of soon."
"Taken care of! You plan on having him killed!" She shouted. The words making her breathless.
Cid rushed to the other side of the desk to catch her as she began to fall. "Pull yourself together girl. Everything is under control." He picked her up bridal style. "I'm going to take you back to your place. I want you to change and get some rest. I will come get you when we begin the trial."
"But Vydran.."
"Enough. It will all be over soon." He silenced her as he headed out of his apartment.