Author's notes: Not much to say about this chapter, though I really do like it. Sorry I took so long to update, been busy and all. Plus I wanted it to be perfect. I think it's pretty much there. Well hope you all enjoy. Just keep in mind that Gin does not own any of these people or places. If I did, I wouldn't be writing fanfiction would I?


"Kimahri not like Seymour." The Ronso told Auron the next morning as they sat attempting to eat. Auron was not very hungry after the confrontation he had earlier with Rikku and Seymour himself. The Guado had said many things that seemed to crawl under his skin. So sleep had not come easy to him last night. He listened as his friend went on. "Rikku not see the truth. You must tell her soon."

Auron sighed as he dropped his food back to his plate. "I agree. But I wonder how she will take it from me. I have already made it known I do not approve." Normally he would not admit such fears, but Kimahri had proven to be such a valuable friend that he did not feel afraid to admit his innermost thoughts.

"Kimahri think Auron should tell Rikku feelings. But must first warn of evil intentions. Kimahri been following them since Seymour first show interest. See how Seymour manipulates Rikku."

Auron lifted his eye quickly. Sure he had seen things like this himself, but tried to convince himself it was nonsense. That it was his mind being partial. "Manipulates?" He repeated. "So I am not the only one to have seen it." He muttered afterwards.

Kimahri grunted in response. Auron stood from his seat as the Ronso looked on. "Perhaps it is time I had another talk with her. She must be made aware of the danger she is in." He moved away and was about to leave when there was a knocking sound from outside the hut. Making sure to guard against any emotions that might show, Auron answered it. On the other side stood Rikku, her toe playing in the dirt in an act of nervousness.

She glanced up when she realized the way was open. "Umm, hi?"

Auron glanced down at her. This was a start; she seemed ready to listen at least. "We must talk." He replied before turning away.

Without saying anything, Rikku followed him inside as he strolled to his room. She passed Kimahri on her way and he gave her a slight nod of the head in encouragement. Just to make sure it was safe, she knocked again on his door to announce her presence.

"Come on in, Rikku, but close the door behind you." Auron answered as he bent over to pick up a stray piece of clothing. He shook his head in shame as he thought about Rikku always being the better domestic.

She did as told and stood in place staring at him. "I have a question I need to ask you." She began. "What is your problem with my spending time with Seymour?"

Auron sighed. Yes, best to get right to the point. "This is not something I can easily explain. Maybe you better sit down while I try."

Still staring, she sat, this time crossing her arms. Auron pinched the bridge of his nose, whether in thought or aggravation, Rikku wasn't sure. He adjusted his glasses before speaking.

"Rikku, you know I do not have any problem with you spending time with others. However, the time you have been spending with Lord Seymour has become something of a problem. Lulu came to me saying you have not been showing up for your lessons."

"So? What's the big deal? Seymour has been teaching me. He took over for her. Besides, I've been doing better since he has." She spoke offhandedly.

He held back a growl that formed in the back of his throat. This was not the Rikku he knew. Somehow she had changed in the past two weeks, and he could guess at who could be responsible. "Rikku, I forbid you from seeing him again. I don't know how or why, but he has affected your thinking."

She jumped from her spot. "You can't do that!"

"Watch! I have raised you on my own since you were six years old! I made a promise, and I intend to hold that promise until the day I deem fit." He had not intended to raise his voice at her, but she could not see the danger she was in. "If I feel that you are endangering yourself, that I must intervene."

"I don't think so, Auron! Seymour said that I was a woman now and that I can make my own decisions."

This time he did release the growl. Seymour held more influence over her then he liked. Right now, no matter what he said she wouldn't listen anyway. Even so, he had to make his judgment known. In a much softer tone, he continued. "Rikku, I…I don't want to see you get hurt. Seymour is not who he appears to be. Even you should be able to see that. Reflect on this problem as well. What would happen if he were to find out about your heritage?"

"He wouldn't care. He's told me that he is trying to make peace with Al Bhed. Even though he knows it may be a lost cause, he still wants to try and make things right."

"He's lying to you, Rikku."

"And how do I know you're not doing the same right now?" She snapped back.

"Twelve years ago, I gave my word to your father that I would do all I could to protect you. I have kept that promise all this time. I am not about to break it now." He managed to speak in a calm manner even though he wanted to scream.

"Auron, I'm not a child, so stop trying to treat me as one." She responded in a low warning voice before opening the door and leaving.

Auron let out another sigh before grabbing his sword and going out back. Kimahri shook his head as he watched them both move past him.

--

Rikku stormed out of the hut angry that he could even say such things. She had always known Auron could be unreasonable at times, but he had gone too far this time. She wasn't six any more; she could take care of herself just fine. The question now was; how could she demonstrate that to him now?

Seymour watched from his room at the inn. She looked so angry, yet sad at the same time. It was time to work his magic. He stood from his seat and walked out into the afternoon Besaid sun. He closed his eyes to take it in before remembering why he even came out. Dismissing the guard, he strolled over to the woman.

"Riana, a word if I may?" He called to her when she was within ear-shot.

She turned at the sound of her name, and smiled when she saw who it was. "Seymour! How nice to see an understanding face for a change."

"Something troubling you, my dear?" He asked smoothly. If he played his cards right, he could have her do exactly as he wished.

The scowl returned for a moment. "He's being difficult again. I don't know why he has to be all overprotecty-like." She threw her hands in the air in aggravation.

Seymour reached out and placed his hands on her shoulders then pulled her close. "Riana, relax. I'm here for you. I can help take away your pain."

"But..." She tried to persist. He interrupted her before she could even get a rebuttal in.

"Join me for lunch. There are things we need to discuss." He lowered his head so he could whisper into her ear seductively. "Please, I'm so lonely without you."

How could she refuse that? "Alright. I will do that then. If he has a problem with that, he can take it up with me later."

He smiled softly as he released her and held her hand to lead her back to his room. She looked confused until he explained that he would have something brought for them. She relaxed and laid her head on his arm as they walked together.

Auron sat behind Kimarhi's hut polishing his katana. He couldn't hear what was said, but he saw the whole exchange. His one good eye narrowed in contempt.

--

The couple ate in silence at first. There was so much to say, but neither wanted to ruin the tranquility that filled the room. Finally Seymour spoke up just as they were finishing.

"I must leave for Bevelle in the morning. My two weeks are up here."

"I know." Rikku whispered. She lowered her head and stared at her hands in her lap so he could not see the tears start to form.

"That makes you sad?" He questioned as he took his last bite.

"Yes. These past two weeks have been nothing short of wonderful, and then you're just going to leave me here alone."

Seymour stood from his place at the table and walked around to kneel in front of her. He took one of her hands in his and used his other to lift her chin. She tried to resist, but he was the stronger and held her chin firm. "Don't cry for me. You knew this was to happen eventually."

"I know, but it just seems like it came so fast. It only feels like yesterday that you arrived. I'll miss you, you know." Another tear ran down her cheek.

"Don't weep for me, love." Her eyes caught his at the new term of endearment. "Come with me." He suggested in a whisper.

"What? I...I don't know if I could."

"Why not? What do you have to keep you here? Come with me. I can take care of you better then he could possibly even hope." He hinted at the guardian.

"It's so sudden. I mean I never lived away from him before. What if he gets upset?"

"Who says he has to know? Come with me." Seymour urged. "I need you by my side."

"Can…can I have some time? I must think about it before I say anything."

"Very well." He released her and stood up. She followed suit. "Just remember, you only have until the third hour to make your decision." He warned her. "After that, I will be gone."

"I understand. I'll have my answer by then. I promise." She tried to leave before he pulled her back once more.

"Riana, wait. One more thing." He wrapped one arm around her waist as her eyes questioned what it was he wanted. "This." He whispered before he leaned in and gave her a chaste kiss. "To help you decide." He answered the unasked question. He then reached behind him, pulled a single flower from the vase on the table, and placed it into her hair.

--

Though he managed to hide it well, Seymour was impressed to see a blond young woman waiting for him when he arrived at the dock. He did not think she would be able to go through with it.

"Good morning, Riana. You here to send me off?" He played it cool. Let it appear as if this was her idea.

"No."

"No?" He repeated. "You come to stop me then?"

"No. I'm coming with you. I would break inside if I let you go." She hopped off the railing she was sitting on and stood in front of him. "I have never regretted doing anything in my life, and I'm not about to start now." She explained.

"And what about your guardian? What had he to say about this?"

"He doesn't know, and he won't be waking up until we are long gone. I put sleeping herbs in his tea last night."

He chuckled at her confession. "Well then, shall we be off? The boat won't wait for us forever." He wrapped one arm around her shoulders as he led her aboard.

Rikku took one glimpse back behind her. She was finally leaving him behind. Now was her chance to prove to herself and every one else that she was an adult, that she knew what she was doing. Seymour loved her, and that was all that mattered. But there was still the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. She forced it aside as she took her first step onto the boat. This was a start of a new life!

She leaned her head onto Seymour's arm. "This is going to be the start of something magnificent. I can feel it." She whispered.

"With you by my side, it will be." Seymour agreed.

--

Auron woke up late that morning. Tidus was standing over him, his blue eyes staring. "What are you doing in here?" He slurred.

"I've been trying to wake you up for the last hour. We can't find Riana anywhere."

Auron jolted upright. Rikku was gone and he had only one guess where she could be. "I know where she went." He replied to the blond.

"Great! Let's go get her." A smile broke out over his face as he waited for the older man to lead the way.

"No."

That one simple word stopped Tidus in his tracks. "What? You can't be serious?"

"We are not going after her. She chose this path for herself."

"What are you talking about? Why are you closing your eyes to what you have right in front of you?"

"Get out boy. We are through talking about this." Auron warned as he glared.

Gradually Tidus began to back out of the room. "Whatever you say, boss."

Auron stretched before swinging his feet to the floor. Rikku was gone; he figured she must have left that morning while he slept. He glanced out the window to the sun above. It was higher then he thought it should have been. That meant he slept in? Normally he was up when the sun rose. He tried to think back to what happened the night before.

He watched Rikku and Seymour talk after the fight, and then when he invited her back to his room. Later that night she had come to him with what she called a peace offering. It was a pot of tea that she had brewed herself. He thanked her and drank some with his dinner. Shortly afterwards he lay down for sleep. Yet it was only now he awoke, that means she must have slipped some sleeping herbs into the tea knowing he would be asleep long enough for her to leave the island.

He ran his hand over his face feeling the stubble that would need to be shaved. That girl was more resourceful then he had thought. Maybe she would be alright on her own in Bevelle, but yet deep down, he knew sooner or later he would be seeing the city of his birth once more.

--