A/N: Yes! I am back. Now I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Because I sure did! Hehe –smiles maliciously- Ok I haven't been gone that long, so … here you are! Have fun!

Disclaimer: I disclaim to do the disclaimer!

Just Reminiscing

He led us to this gigantic ballroom that was filled wall to wall with people. He grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the left, "I want to introduce you to some people." I groaned, I wanted to ditch him at the party and possibly leave as soon as possible, but apparently that doesn't seem to be likely.

He pulled me over to this grand looking table that sat all the Maesters. I wanted nothing more than to pull free from his grip and run in the opposite direction, this isn't what I wanted. He pulled me in front of the man in the center of the table, who I identified as Maester Mika. He was the oldest Maester, come to think of it, how old is he exactly? I shrugged my thoughts to the back of my mind as Seymour began introductions.

"Your grace, I would like you to meet a very special lady." He forcibly pulled me forward, almost causing me to topple over. Once I regained my balance I smiled towards the elderly Maester, and Seymour continued, "This is Lady Brooke. Lady Brooke, this is Maester Mika, though I am sure you know him."

I performed the Yevon pray gesture and said, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, your grace."

He returned the gesture, "The pleasure is mine. It isn't every day a beautiful young lady such as yourself graces us with their presence," I forced a smile on as he continued, "I've heard much about you for Lord Seymour. I do believe we will be seeing each other again. Soon, hopefully."

My face fell at his words, 'What the hell does that mean…' but I had no time to ponder it, for Seymour waved his hand and said, "Lord Mika, please. We do not wish to frighten the young lady." 'Too late…' "We will return your grace. I have others I wish for Brooke to meet," He turned and pulled me away, but stopped after a few feet. He looked over his shoulder as he said, "Oh and Lady Crystal is here as well. She is looking forward to seeing you again."

"I will look for her. Thank you, Seymour," he said as he performed the pray gesture, "And I look forward to seeing you again, Lady Brooke."

'Can't say I share the feeling…' I smiled and returned the gesture before Seymour dragged me off to meet another person. This repeated over and over again, till I just stopped trying to remember people names, 'If I can't get away from him… I'm not going to be able to get out of here…'

I placed my hands on my hips as Seymour was discussing something with someone else. 'I bet Crystal dodged out of here… This is stupid, I can definitely out run him…' I smiled and nodded as Seymour asked if I agreed with something he was talking about. I don't know what I agreed to, but at this point I don't care. I wanted to leave.

Finally, we came to someone around my age. Praetor Baralai, "So this is the infamous Lady Brooke, I heard Maester Mika speaking of," I half smiled, not exactly liking the thought that the Maesters were speaking of me. He bowed his head and said, "Excuse my rudeness, I am Praetor Baralai."

"Brooke, but you already knew that…" I replied as I took a glance around the room. My eyes finally came to rest on Crystal who was speaking with Maester Mika, 'At least she didn't get out of this…'

He looked between Seymour and myself, before he asked, "So, how long have you and Seymour been…"

"Been what?" I asked a little more fiercely than expected. "Maester Seymour and I only met three days ago."

He seemed a little shocked by the news. He stared at me for a few moments before he finally said, "Oh, I apologize… I didn't know… uh…" He looked around a few times before saying, "Please excuse me, I am needed elsewhere. A pleasure, Lady Brooke." Then he left.

I placed my hands on my hips and glared at Seymour. Everyone was acting strange and I did not like it. I probably shouldn't have bothered asking because I was leaving soon, but that's not how I work, "What exactly have you been telling these people?" I paused when he looked at me like he didn't know what I was talking about before continuing, "Why do they keep making reference to us being… more than… acquaintances?" Putting an emphasis on the acquaintances.

He looked at me with a condescending smile before saying, "I've just been voicing a thought…"

"What thought? I'm engaged!" I practically screamed in his face.

He gazed into my eyes. Feeling challenged, I gazed right back not allowing him to intimidate me, "You're eyes… they burn with determination. Beautiful." He placed his hand on my neck and began to close the gap between our faces.

I quickly brought my hand up and shoved him away, "Whoa! What part of 'I'm engaged' did you not get!"

He growled slightly and grabbed my wrist, pulling me near him, "No, it is you that doesn't get it, Brooke. You need to be the pillar of light for people and together we will save Spira."

If I wasn't in this awkward situation I would have laughed and been like, together as in you, and me, that's funny! But seeing as how the situation was, I angrily responded, "How about no?"

He increased his pressure on my wrist and glared at me, 'Oh my Yevon, if I don't do something, he's going to snap my wrist,' So, I did the only thing I could, I kneed him in the groin. He released me from his grip and bent down to cover his possessions.

This was it my chance, I took off running. I lifted the sides of my dress as I ran, praying I didn't fall. All the faces I ran by were a giant blur that occasionally shouted out 'Stop her!', 'Halt!', and 'Wait!" Though, I didn't listen to any of it.

I threw open the door and made a B-line for the staircase, shoving people out of my way as I went along. Surprising to myself I hadn't fallen and made it all the way back to the room where my things were. I flung open the door to the room I was staying in. I slammed the door behind me and started kicking off the heels as I hopped to the bathroom.

After struggling with the dress a bit, I finally got it off. I raced to get my clothes back on, hoping they didn't come straight here. After clasping my second belt around my waist, I climb up onto the toilet bowl and pushed open the window. I was about the climb out when the bathroom door opened.

"For someone in heels, you ran pretty fast," I halted my actions and jerked my head in the direction of the voice. That girl Crystal was standing there, her arms crossed. She looked back and forth between the window and me, "Ok, so the Maester tried to kiss you that really isn't a reason to kill yourself."

I looked back to the window and said, "I'm not. I'm escaping," I swung both my legs out the window.

"Most people escape quietly, that way all of Bevelle isn't out looking for them," she said in a sarcastic manner.

"I hadn't planned on that. I panicked," I raised an eyebrow towards her, "You wouldn't have done the same?"

Her facial expression became serious as she said, "If he even thought about it, he would never be able to walk straight again."

"Uh… right. Anyway," I began to look for a footing along the wall, "I have important things to tend to so…"

"Like what? Because whatever it is, you are going to have to have Bevelle after you," she told me in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yea, well. I'm already wanted dead by Zanarkand, so…" By this time I had found my footing and was ready to make a getaway.

She looked at me with a strange curiosity before asking, "What do you mean?"

I let out a frustrated sigh, "Listen, 'cause I'm only going to say this once, and I really don't care if you believe me or not. I'm apparently the chosen one; I have to go defeat Zanarkand. Now I'm only going along with what the Fayth said because I'm looking for my fiancé."

She eyed me suspiciously as she whispered, "So the prophecy has been fulfilled…"

I was going to ask her what she said, but before I could there was a knock on the door. I know I should have pretty much thrown myself out the window at that point, but instead I froze and stared at Crystal. My arms locked and I gave her a pleading look. She seemed hesitant, but whispered, "Go. I'll stall them."

"Thank you so much," I whispered back.

She shook her hand at me and said, "Yeah, shut up and go."

I didn't reply, I just lowered myself to the drainpipe and shimmied my way down it. As I reached the bottom, I heard some people talking. I crouched down in the bushes to listen to what they were saying, "She couldn't have gotten far, scour the city. Find her and bring her back. Maester Seymour wishes she be kept alive though he also said, 'Scars add character'. Now go, find her!"

'Shit…' I stood and took off running down a dark alleyway, hoping it would lead me to the center of the town. The only sound I heard was the pounding of my feet against the pavement and my shallow breathing.

When I heard the splashing water of the fountain, I picked up my pace. As I neared the large structure, I gazed over my shoulder to see if anyone was behind me. Fortunately, no one was. Unfortunately, this momentary diversion caused me to run head on into another person, who was running towards me. This sent me sprawling across the floor.

I didn't move for a few minutes, I felt like I had just run into a brick wall. I closed my eyes and moaned in pain as I slowly sat up.

"Why don't you watch where you're going?" The gruff voice practically shouted at me from a few feet to me left.

I kept my eyes closed, fighting back a huge headache as I snapped back; "You might want to take a tip from yourself, genius," There was no response from the man I ran into for a few minutes and my headache was beginning to subside. I lowered my head and put my hand up to my forehead.

"Brooke?"

I opened my eyes slowly and glanced at the owner of the voice. At first all I saw was a pair of giant black boots with a piece of steel covering the arch of the shoe. As I continued to move my head, I saw a pair of black pants, slightly covered with a red coat. As I moved my gaze higher, I saw a heavy belt, with a sake jug attached to it. On the other side of the belt was a sheathed katana. Following that was a black top and a few protective armors. Finally I laid my eyes on that familiar collar and sunglass covered face. I brought my hand up to my mouth as I let a gasp escape my lips, "Auron?"

He nodded as he stood, "I don't think I've ever been so happy to see you in my entire life," I said as he helped me stand.

He smirked slightly before he said, "As much as I would like to enjoy this moment, I need to… run."

"As do I, actually," I looked over my shoulder to see some Bevelle guards, "I have to run, now."

He looked at me strangely before saying, "What happened?"

"I'll tell you later," I said as I started towards the main entrance of Bevelle.

"Later? So… you're coming with me?" He asked uncertainly as he followed after me.

I nodded and looked back at him, "Unless, I'm not welcome, which I would understand thoroughly."

"Nonsense. Let's go," We took off running down the streets of Bevelle. It was rather late and the sky was dark. The only thing lighting the streets were a few street lamps. I wanted to ask him why he was running, but I didn't bother. I figured now wasn't the time to ask, not like I'd get a real answer anyway. He's probably say something like, 'If you have to ask you will never know.'

As we reached the front gates, we pushed the guards out of our way and ran down the path to the right, towards Macalania. We didn't stop running till we came to a crossroad. One pathway led to Guadosalam, one led through the Macalania forest, we had just come from Bevelle and the other led to the Macalania spring. When we stopped running, I took a deep breath to try and make up from the lack of oxygen I was, well, more like wasn't getting while I ran.

I looked over to Auron who seemed to be perfectly fine. I don't know how, especially with all that armor weighing him down, but he was, or he was pretending to be anyway. He turned to me and said, "It's late and to travel through the forest at night is foolish, we'll stay by the spring for the night," He started walking down the path towards the spring. I followed behind him, my breathing slightly heavy.

When we reached the clearing, Auron threw down his things and walked over to the spring. I allowed my legs to drop me to the floor before I started making small talk, "So, Auron… why were you in Bevelle?"

He kneeled down by the water, cupping it in his hand before he splashed his face with it. He remain silent and I was just about to ask him again, but he cut me off by saying, "I was looking for you."

I smiled inwardly before I continued, "Why were you running?"

"I ran into an old comrade of mine… I asked him if he saw you… and well-" he cut himself off and gazed into the water. He kept his back turned to me and I just stared at him waiting for him to continue. After a while I was getting the feeling he was going to continue, so I urged him on a bit.

"Well… what?"

"Well he made some comments about when I was a worrier monk, and when I mentioned you… Kinoc isn't a very articulate man and when he chooses his words, they can come across on the wrong way," I sat there with a bewildered look on my face. He was getting so off track, I had no idea what the hell he was talking about, "He said a few, inappropriate things, and I," He stopped and looked over his shoulder at me, "Why were you running?"

I lifted my arm in the air and pointed at him, "Hey! Don't you change the subject!"

"I'm not, there is nothing more to say," he stood and walked over to where I was, "Now, why were you running?"

"Oh, well, uh… I kneed Maester Seymour in the groin…"

He face twitched slightly as I said that. He shook his head and said, "I don't know what he did, but you don't do that to anyone, no matter how horrible they are."

I placed my hands on my hips, "I did it in self defense! He tried to kiss me!"

I think I was beginning to go delirious because I could have sworn I saw a hint of jealousy flicker in his eyes, but as quickly as it came it was gone again, "He tried to be affectionate and you do that? Most girls would enjoy that kind of thing, especially from a Maester."

"Ok let me rephrase that," I pause momentarily before continuing, "I did it in self defense. He tried to kiss me, so I pushed him away, he then grabbed my wrist and he was hurting me. I thought he was going to snap my wrist, so to save myself from a broken wrist, I did …that…"

"He tried to hurt you?" he asked in a no nonsense type tone.

"Tried? That was the second time he did it. He said, 'I had to marry him because it's my responsibility to the people'," I pursed my lips and said, "To be quite frank, I don't think I owe crap to the people and even if I did, I wouldn't marry that blue haired monster."

I guess Auron found this amusing because he laughed slightly before he said, "You could get in trouble for saying something like that."

"I never watched what I said before, I'm not going to start now. Just because some guy doesn't agree with what I say doesn't mean I'm going to care."

He watched me for a few minutes and I was beginning to few awkward because I hate it when people stare at me. Finally, after much awkwardness, on my part anyway, he said, "I guess you aren't a big follower of the temple. Strange the Fayth would pick someone who doesn't follow the teachings…"

"Whoa!" I put my hands up in defense, "I follow the teachings and I go to the temple all the time. That doesn't mean I have to follow them blindly without thinking for myself. If they tell me to do something, I want to know why and I want a legitimate answer, not 'because Yevon wishes it.' I mean who does Yevon speak to that they can just say, 'Yevon wishes it.'

"Well that is good. That is the kind of attitude you'll need if you are to complete this task that lies before you," he said as he laid back on the ground.

"Whatever…" I rolled my eyes. This whole 'difficult task I have been bestowed with' crap is beginning to get on my nerves. I can't have one conversation without someone bringing it up. I mean, besides being the 'chosen one' I am Brooke Rassi. Personally, I like being Brooke Rassi better than the 'chosen one.'

I laid back on the ground, placing my arms behind my head. I gazed up at the stars in the sky before a thought struck me, "Hey, Auron. Why did you come back for me?"

"You didn't think I would?"

I rolled onto my side and looked in his direction, though all I saw was a silhouette of him, "Well… after what happened… I kinda thought you wouldn't have bothered."

"After Rikku admitted you into our 'family'? She'd have my head if I did that," he replied through the darkness.

I half smiled, 'Yeah… family…' I guess it was nice to have some people to call my 'family' though the words of Tyseuh still ran through my head, "He doesn't care about you, Brooke. He only want to manipulate your power for his own purposes."

I shook my head of those thought. They couldn't be true, I mean why would he come back for me if… "I tried to kill him twice," I muttered lowly.

'I see you are beginning to understand, Lady Brooke. Must say it took you long enough.'

'I'm not going to say this again, do not interrupt my thoughts. I've come to understand nothing. I still don't believe you. Now leave me!'

'Are you absolutely sure about that. Because it would appear that you do believe me, which is why you're angry. You don't like it when others are right.'

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist. He does nothing but try to piss me off. He wants me to hurt him, 'If you don't leave me alone, you're going to be victim to the same fate as Seymour…'

'Ouch. Ok, fine. Farewell, Lady Brooke.'

"Asshole…" I muttered as I gazed up at the sky. I turned my head in his direction, "Auron?"

"What is it, Brooke," he replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"I tried to kill you… twice. Why did you come for me? I know you said it's because of Rikku, but you wouldn't continuously put yourself in danger just for that," I rolled onto my stomach and continued to gaze in his direction as I awaited a reply.

I heard some movement come from his direction before he replied, "Last time we met, at Seymour's home. What did I tell you before I left?"

I was silent for a few minutes. I was trying to forget that night, along with the day on the Highroad, but for some reason everyone seemed to enjoy bringing them back up. So, I thought back to the night. I remembered I had fought as hard as I could to gain control over myself again, but the rage that was pumping through my veins was too strong. I finally got through to save Auron and I told him to leave. However, right before he left he said… "That you would come back for me."

"And I'm a man of my word. I wasn't just going to leave you."

Now, if I had ever felt bad about making attempts on Auron's life, it was nothing compared to the feeling of guilt that swept over my at this exact moment. I silently crawled over to where he was lying and sat down besides him, "Auron?"

He groaned and rolled onto his back. He jumped slightly when his arm made contact with my leg, "Brooke? What are you doing?"

I looked down at him, my facial expression wrought with regret, "I'm sorry," I apologized for the first time since this all had happened.

"Don't worry about it," he assured me before he patted my leg, "Now sleep. You're going to need your rest for tomorrow."

I sighed slightly, "Ok, just… I really am sorry."

"It's ok. Please, Brooke, now just go to sleep, we both need to rest."

I nodded to myself, before I crawled back to where I had been resting. I lay on my back, resting my head on my arms and I closed my eyes, 'Tomorrow… things will be different…' I fell asleep almost instantly that night, and thankfully had no strange dreams.

I woke up surprisingly early. I loved over to my left and saw that Auron was still sleeping. I shrugged slightly, stood and made my way over to the spring. I took off my shoes and socks and placed the over to the side. I rolled up the bottom of my pants and waded into the water.

I slowly began to hum a song my mother used to sing to my sister and I, eventually breaking out into a soft song.

Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark,
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart.
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain.

Melodies of Life-Love's lost refrain.

My mind flashed back to the last precious moments Tidus and I shared. He held me close as he whispered in my ear, "I love you, Brooke Rassi." I held him tightly as I too confessed my love.

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why,
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said good-bye,
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold.

I remember the first day Tidus and I went for a lesson in the temple. We were about 8 years old. We held hands as we walked into the temple, scared of what was to come. We walked into the classroom and sat together at one of the tables. We were talking 'quietly' when one of the priests came in and chastised us for being disruptive. You stood and stuck out your chest, "Yeah, well, we don't need this stupid class," You turned to me and took my hand, "Come on Brooke. Let's tell our mommies that we don't need to come here anymore."

Well the priest chased us out of there so quick. This is when the priest said I was a 'rambunctious brat with no respect for the precepts or teachings.' You of course got back on their good side later, but not me. They still harbor an ill will towards me, but I think that's because I punched the High Priest's son and made him cry when we were 11. Anyway, we had run down to the cove, we would visit everyday from that day… right up until the day we parted…

In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me.
Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name.

My mind flashed back to that day again. I was struggling against the grip of two soldiers as they dragged me after that Brunette. "Brooke!" I looked up to see you attempt to run towards me. I wanted to run to you and hold you closely and have you tell me everything would be ok, but…

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine.
Adding the layers of harmony.
And so it goes, on and on.
Melodies of life.
To the sky beyond the flying birds-forever and beyond.

I remember how we used to sit at the bon fire each night, singing the hymn. The entire village would do it. It was so nice, that's where you asked me to be your girlfriend. That night by the Bonfire, you had taken me aside from the large group and asked me to take a walk with you. You took my hand and intertwined your fingers with mine. You brought my up to the ruins and we watched the stars for hours. You held me in your arms, as we laid down lost in each other. That was one of my favorite things to do with you. I remember it got kind of late, and I had fallen asleep in yours arms. I awoke to your lips caressing mine. You smiled down at me with a smile as you said, "I don't want to go see anyone else, how about we go exclusive?" The only thing I could do was smile and kiss you again. That was one of the happiest moments of my life.

In your dearest memories, do you remember loving me?
Was it fate that brought us close and now leaves me behind…?

I stopped singing, when I heard some movement behind me. Startled, I jumped and jerked my head in that direction. Auron was standing behind me, just staring at me, "Why did you stop?"

"Singing?" He nodded. I shrugged and continued to gaze out onto the water.

"It sounded sad; are you ok?"

I looked down at the water and moved my foot, causing a ripple effect. I did this a few times before I looked back up at him with a small smile and replied, "Fine. Just reminiscing…"

888

A/N: Hope you liked it! Now quickly hit the review button and tell me you love me! I mean.. you like the story –shifty eyes-

Thank You: Now I know I'm not supposed to do this, well to bad. If I some how get suspended or something, I'll email you all the next chapter because well… I like this story and I know you people like it and that's all I need to know to write, so if I don't have you email, though I think I have most of the reviewers for this story… leave it! And if something happens to my account I wil throw a bitch fit, then I will email it to you!

labrat-seph: -laughs evilly- I kept it away from you, even with your army and dragons and what not! –chokes- err… uh.. anyway, Brooke thinks it's pretty funny, however I have to watch her. She became pals with my muse and she's giving the muse 'ideas' and Brooke's 'ideas' never end well…

Anasazi Darkmoon: Not so much grand, however, I'm pleased with it! No, Crystal isn't going to be as bad as Seymour, I don't think many people could be –shudders- Yes, we already discussed this you can so sick Heron on him! And had I been Brooke, I would have done the same thing as you. I would have kicked his ass and then run out screaming, while flailing my arms in the air.

Sly: Well I'm glad you liked this chapter, and I know your probably pissed I updated this before my other story well.. I have an excuse….. Ok I don't –dodges things being thrown at head- Ah! I'm sorry, I'll get on it now! –runs away-

Chaka the Chopstick Ninja: Well it sure as heck doesn't take much for me not to like Seymour. You just sya Seymour and I twitch.. watch Seymour –twitch- see! I told you! Heh. Well I'm not going to write a book, because… I already wrote you an email… and I'm talking to you on AIM soo.. yea! Wool!

Green-eyed-blond/ Emmy Miester: It is quite alright, as long as you continue to enjoy the story well I'm thrilled!