People everywhere greeted him with the warmth one would expect for a future leader. They had seen Seymour on the video spheres in the cafes. Many pitied him, having to deal with the death of his father as a teen. Though he never let it show how much he suffered. His first stop was the city of Zanarkand. He had planned on meeting with the famous blitz star Jecht, but had heard he had left for Kilika only days before. He put that information in the back of his mind for future reference.
The stories he had heard about this place were right. It truly never slept, it seemed as if something was always happening. Whether it was a game, party, or just people having fun, it never seemed to stop. Well at least here his name would be spread fast, they liked to talk!
Though, truth be told he was relieved when his week there was over, Macalania would be much calmer, he knew. Zanarkand gave him a headache. His clothes were packed, leaving out some warmer articles for the frosty Gagazet climb. He had chosen not to stop there since the Ronso already knew who he was when he came through the first time. They had accepted him wholeheartedly.
The calm lands would be the most treacherous part of his trip. It was not calm by any standards. (Why it was called that was anyone's guess.) Al Bhed were known to live out there, and his guardsmen would be doing all they could to keep them away from the soon to be Potentate. The only attack had happened while he slept.
Dawn was soon to approach and the young lord slept until shouts woke him up. They had taken cover in a corner of two cliff walls, but somehow they had been ambushed. Men in goggles slipped into the camp and began making their way to his tent. He was a light sleeper and had woken up and changed clothing before they got close.
He grabbed his staff and stepped out of the tent to see three guards with rifles holding back five men. "What is the meaning of this?" He questioned showing that he was annoyed at having been disturbed.
"You are the meaning." One of the goggled men replied. "This is Al Bhed territory, those who trespass don't make it out alive."
"Is that so. I am Seymour Guado. I have not come to hurt you. My goal is to seek a peace between Al Bhed and the rest of Spira. Too long have you been rejected among us. It is time we seek an understanding, and come to a truce."
"You lie, my son was killed by you. He too wanted peace, but was killed by the same man who claimed the same thing. That man was you." The tallest man snarled at Seymour.
"Sir, I'm afraid you have me mixed up with someone else. I wish to heal Spira of the pain and hurt it is experiencing as of now." He tried to reassure them.
"Lies! You speak peace while underneath you seek to exterminate us, one by one!" Someone else spoke up.
"Lord Seymour, I believe now would be a prudent time to make our escape." One of his guards suggested seeing as those in front of them were not about to listen.
"Hmm, perhaps you are right." He agreed.
What happened next was all a blur to them. Shots rang out and screams were heard as a fiery cloud of dust spread through the camp. He made it out alive, but shaken. As he stood on top of a hill, he looked over the camp after dispelling the dust he had created with his magic. Fire was a wonderful thing, but it had cost him the lives of three good men. Two had been killed in the shots that had ensued, while the third was attacked by the Al Bhed. The Al Bhed themselves were burnt beyond recognition. It was a sad day in the affairs of Spira.
The rest of his trip had been less eventful. He stayed in each city for a week to a week and a half. Mika called often to check on the progress of his trip. But other then the news of what had happened in the calm lands, there was not much to tell.
Seven weeks later during his stay in Luca, he had heard of a man being killed in Kilika for helping an Al Bhed escape. He was not surprised. It was well known of people to attack those who aided in the escape of such a hated tribe. Still this was the first report of one being seen so far south.
--
"The girl has moved on. You are not needed in Kilika anymore. I will send men from the north, I want you to move on to Besaid." The man told Jecht as he answered the commsphere one night.
"And what if she's not there? What do you want me to do then, huh?" Jecht asked in doubt.
"Then you may go home. I'm sure your wife and son miss it by now." The man replied.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Jecht seemed to agree though his tone sounded the opposite of what was said.
"Is this too hard of a job for you, Jecht." The man mocked.
"No. I can do it. All I gotta do is look for one girl. I'll send my son out to get to know the kids. He would be able to find her better then I would anyway."
"Can he be trusted? I do not want my plans to be ruined because you couldn't handle this small job."
"Now don't you worry! I can handle this. You will have your girl. You can count on that!"
"Very well. I will contact you again within the next two weeks. You have until then to find her. Understand?" The man said as he gave the ultimatum.
"Perfectly." Jecht conceded just before the line went dead. "Two weeks, huh? This had better be worth it." He said to himself.
--
Mika hung up his end of the commsphere and leaned back into his chair. Seymour was in Luca. He may have barely escaped with his life in Macalania, but the old man knew he was stronger then that. It would take more then a small group of renegade Al Bhed to take the young man out. He had chosen well when he picked Seymour to secede him.
Then there was the matter of the lone Al Bhed girl from Kilika that he had heard about. He could only speculate why she was alone, and so far away from any other group they had encountered. It left so many unanswered questions, but perhaps they could have answers soon.
He swiveled his seat around to look over the city, this was most certainly his favorite hobby. Bevelle, his beloved city. He was born and raised in this city. It held so many memories for him. And now to be ruling over all of Spira from here. He never would have thought to see the day. Yet here he was. He smiled to himself as he thought back over the years. Fifty-five years as Potentate, his parents would be so proud if they knew.
His commsphere buzzed at about that time. He turned back to his desk and turned it on. "Yes, what is it?" He asked nicely.
"Potentate Mika. We have a problem." The other voice answered.
"What kind of problem?" This was going to be bad, he could feel it in his bones.
--
Men and woman ran through the city in a panic. Several men had entered the city without being seen. Now they walked calmly through as they headed for the main structure, the temple. They appeared as if they knew what they were doing, but it sure scared many of those who were on the streets. They arrived at the temple, but were greeted by many guards aiming weaponry in their direction.
"Halt!" The commander shouted. "Leave now or we will be forced to shoot!"
One man stepped up. "We have come to speak with Potentate Mika. We mean no harm."
"Leave now traitors." The commander ignored their plea. "This is no place for your kind!"
"Very well." He said. "The group of seven Al Bhed men turned to once again go back to their homes. A collective gasp from those on the street made them stop. They turned together to see what was making citizens bow.
There at the doors of the temple stood Potentate Mika. "What is the meaning of this? Why have you come here?" He demanded of them.
The man who had spoke up before stepped up to him. "All we ask is to seek an audience with you sir." He replied. Solders raised weapons as he approached waiting for him to make a false move.
"You have it. Speak quickly."
The man turned for conformation from the rest of the group. They nodded at once waiting for him to continue. He faced the Potentate. "We ask that we be allowed to live in peace. For too long we have been forced to flee from the temples and people who feel we have wronged them on some level. We do not like having to hide or worrying about when the next attack could come. We have come in hopes of seeking a peace." He breathed out a sigh as he finished his speech.
Before Mika could answer the man, a shot sounded over the square. A solder standing next to him fell as it hit him in the heart. From that point, all hell broke loose. More shots were heard as guards ushered the Potentate back inside the temple where it would be safe. People scattered like pyerflies after a kill. When the dust has settled, eight men lay on the ground dead. Seven of them Al Bhed.
One man stood up from his window view. He blew the still smoking barrel of his weapon. The master ought to be pleased. Seven less Al Bhed to deal with now. Now all that was left was to collect his pay. He leaned over to wrap the gun in the dead man's hand that lay on the floor at his feet. He ran his hand over the swirled eyes of the man to close them before leaving the room. Now there would be no denying that Al Bhed had been involved.
--
Rikku had now been living with Yuna for the past month but times, like now, she would be back over to visit the Ronso and her guardian. She liked to sit with them as they watched the news sphere. It was a way to be close to them and become more educated on world affairs.
Right now Rikku watched with them as the sphere played out what had happened in Bevelle. It was three days later when Besaid finally was able to hear about it. Kimahri let out a grunt from time to time, and Rikku didn't know if it was in disagreement or not.
"What's the matter, Kimahri?" She finally asked when it was over. Truth was, the report had bothered her ever since it first came on. Something about it seemed off. She just couldn't place her finger on what.
"Kimahri not trust Bevelle news. Al Bhed not bad people."
"You think so too?" Auron added. "It does seem rather strange." He left it off at that not wanting to go into too much detail. The report had bothered him as well, but knowing what he did about Rikku, he didn't want to worry her.
The two men exchanged glances before Auron spoke again. "Rikku, why don't you go outside and practice your fighting technique? I will be out in a moment."
She huffed as she stood. "Fine, but you better be out soon. I don't want to be waiting all day." Without waiting for a response, she left.
Auron waited making sure she had really left. "That's not what really happened. You and I both know that."
"Kimahri agree. News cut words out of Al Bhed speech."
"Rikku must be protected at all costs now. If the village were to find out about her heritage, we could have problems."
"Kimahri protect Rikku. I won't let anyone hurt her." The Ronso vowed.
"Thank you friend. Now if you will excuse me. Our subject topic is waiting."
--
Outside, Rikku found a small clearing some distance from the village. She practiced on a lone tree that stood in the center. She would run up to it, swing, then jump back. A few times she would put too much power behind her swing, and end up spinning around. She concentrated so hard on what she was doing, she failed to see that she had an audience. A red-haired blitzer stood impressed with her technique.
"Whoa, that's really something." He said after some time.
Rikku gasped before facing him, claw at the ready. "Don't do that to me!" She warned. "I almost thought you were a fiend."
"Eh, sorry 'bout that. I saw you, an' thought maybe you could use a partner, ya?"
"Well, Auron was supposed to join me, but I guess I could practice with you till he gets here." She smiled. She knew Lulu pretty well because of her lessons, but this was the first time she really ever met her husband. "You ready? Where's your weapon?"
"Right here." He answered as he held out a blue and white ball. "This is all I need."
"Ok, whatever." Rikku smirked. "But you're going down." She taunted.
"That's what you think!" He answered before throwing the ball at her.
He aimed low at her legs hoping to put her at a disadvantage. She managed to jump just before it connected and watched as it hit the ground before bouncing back into his waiting arms. She took the pause he needed to swing back and rushed in, punching him in the side before jumping back. He let out a startled gasp before throwing the ball. It hit her weaker arm and she moved back to rub it.
"That hurt, you meanie."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit so hard, ya." He came over to see what kind of damage he had done.
She waited till he was close enough before using her claw to hit him in the gut. She moved away laughing. "You fell for the oldest trick in the book!" She teased.
"Ahh, you brat. Gonna fight dirty now, are you?" Wakka lifted the ball over his head to get more power behind the throw. Rikku let out a squeak before trying to run. That was her mistake, the weapon hit her in the middle of her back and sent her down to the ground.
Wakka caught the ball as it bounced back to him. "Now we're even."
She pulled herself to a sitting position. "That was no fun. You beat me too fast." She complained as she rubbed her sore back.
"You just need to train harder." He joined her on the ground. "Sorry if I hit you too hard. But you deserved it. Playing me like that." They both laughed at the joke. He lay back on the grass before making small talk. "You hear what happened in Bevelle coupla days ago?"
"Yeah, I just saw it. What about it?" Rikku panicked, but tried to push it down.
"It's those Al Bhed again. They always be causing trouble ya. Trying to hurt the Potentate like that."
"I don't know about that, Wakka. Maybe they really were there for something else." She disagreed.
"Aww, come on, you said you saw it. Plain as day. It's just a good thing Potentate Mika was safe. Don't know what Spira would do without him."
"Could we..not talk about that?"
"What, why? It make you upset too, ya?" Wakka glanced over at her. He saw her eyes begin to water.
"Yeah, something like that. It just bothered me I guess."
"Well, if it makes you feel better, those Al Bhed got what they deserved." He sat up as he spoke.
A throat clearing across the way interrupted the conversation. "Auron!" Rikku noted. "I better go. See you later, Wakka." She said in a rush as she stood and ran for the older man. She took one look at him before rushing past. Auron noticed the hurt expression on her face as she did so.
He stepped up to Wakka, sword over his shoulder. "What happened?" He asked sternly.
"Don't know, ya. One minute she's fine and laughing and all, then she just broke down."
"And what were you talking about to upset her so?" He pressed.
"I just asked if she had seen the sphere about Bevelle. Didn't know it would upset her so much." Wakka confessed.
Auron nodded now understanding what happened. "In the future, I would advise you to refrain all talk about Al Bhed in front of her." He warned.
"Something bad happen to her because of them?" He asked in wonderment.
"Something like that." Auron answered vaguely before leaving him in the clearing alone.
--
"Oh, Yunie, it was horrible!" Rikku wailed. "And he didn't even know what he did." After the confrontation between her and Wakka, Rikku had ran to Yuna's to cry. She hadn't expected the healer to be home though.
"It's ok. I understand how you feel. I've known him since I was nine, and it still bothers me when he does it. But I've learned to deal with it. Wakka is upset because his brother was killed." Yuna tried to comfort.
Rikku used the back of her hand to wipe away tears. "What do you mean?"
Yuna took a deep breath. "Twelve years ago, when Bevelle attacked the main city, his brother had joined with them. Chappu he, he didn't make it. He never came home after that. And Wakka, he blamed the Al Bhed for it."
"That's not fair! It's not like they did anything to him." Rikku protested.
"I know, Rikku, I know. But there's not much we can do, short of bringing his brother home alive."
"Might I have a moment alone with her?" Someone in the doorway asked. Both girls gasped in shock before realizing who it was.
"I'll be over at Lulu's. Take care." Rikku nodded as she watched her leave. Yuna patted Auron's shoulder as she moved past him. "I hope you can make her feel better. I did what I could."
He said nothing, but waited till he was sure she was gone before entering the room. After propping his sword next to the door, he sat on the edge of the bed and Rikku crawled over and lay her head on his knee like she used to do when she was younger.
"Rikku, I know this is going to be hard on you. I had not meant for you to find out the way that you did. But even so, you are strong enough to handle it."
"No I'm not. Wakka started talking about me and he didn't even know it, and it hurt so much. I didn't know what to do."
Instinctively he began to run his hands through her hair to comfort her. He realized what he had done and stopped. Rikku sat up to look at him as soon as his hand left her scalp.
"What is it?" She asked.
He looked into her eyes and saw the moisture still built up. The result of the hurt she had felt less then twenty minutes ago. He wished there was something he could do to take that pain away. He had thought bringing her here would solve that, but he was wrong. It caused only more trouble to arise. She looked so helpless and vulnerable at that moment, that before he knew it, he had leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.
To say that she was shocked would have been an understatement. She had been wishing for this moment for years, and now here it was. After getting over the initial surprise, she allowed herself to be consumed by the kiss. It felt so right, so complete. That is until he suddenly pulled away.
--
Auron knew this was wrong, but why did it feel right? She had not asked for this. He had taken advantage of her vulnerability. He pulled back quickly and stood. "Forgive me." He mumbled before rushing out the door.
Rikku wondered whatever she could have done wrong. He had seemed so open only a second ago. Was it her? He had just taken her first kiss from her, and at the time it was warm and loving. Now as he ran away from her, it only left more questions. She looked to the door he had run out of and noticed the sword that leaned next to it. That would prove useful for getting answers later.
