A/n: Those who have played played X2 may understand the reference added. Not that I could ever in my life picture Yuna saying it, it did fit the scene.
A/n2: For those of you who read this and not my other active fic, I urge to to check out my profile for an update. I will not go into detail here, but trust me I will finish both of these soon.
--
"Ladies and gentlemen of Spira. I stand here before you with grave news. For all that I have done in order to bring about peace in this world, there are those who would try and destroy even that. Just a fortnight past several people have been caught attempting in sneak into my palace and try and kidnap my future bride."
Several gasps escaped from those watching in the crowd. This was a horrible crime, the lady was an encouragement to them all.
"But do not worry. Lady Riana is fine. She was treated for only a minor scratch. Those responsible have already been put to trial, and in two days time will be facing their punishment. The court has ordered their death. Though is pains me to say this, the men responsible were of the Al Bhed tribe. The very ones that I have worked to support for so long have just caused their own undoing."
Seymour stepped off the podium, a frown upon his features. Inside though, he was planning everything out. In two days time Cid would come out of hiding and try to rescue the men who attempted the kidnapping.
--
Auron turned off the sphere just before the reporter Shelinda could speak. This man was full of lies and hypocrisy. It was time someone put an end to it soon. But before that, he had to get Rikku out of his grip. Somehow Seymour had tight control over her. Even if he were to sneak in like the Al Bhed had done, he risked being caught and stuck in the same position they were now in.
A knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts. He growled within himself as he answered. On the other side stood Yuna.
"Auron?" She questioned softly. "May I talk to you?"
"Now would not be the best time." He replied as he tried to shut the door.
Yuna quickly stopped him by putting one hand between the door and frame. "It's important." She urged.
Auron sighed and let her enter. He walked away as she closed and locked the door behind her. "Did you see the sphere?" She asked after turning.
"I did, what about it?"
"Something isn't right. Have you ever heard of a trial such as this one happening so fast? It's almost as if Potentate Seymour knew this was going to happen and had people ready for it." She twisted her hands together in a nervous gesture.
Now that Yuna mentioned it, it did seem odd. And the death of would-be kidnappers? That was harsh, even by Bevelle standards. "You may have a point, Yuna. But that doesn't help us. We need to think this through before we try anything."
"I understand. But I'm worried about Rikku. She's the only family I have left! We have to save her!"
"As long as Seymour thinks he has control over her, Rikku will remain safe. Right now though, we must be prepared for anything. She is not the same Rikku we know. If it comes down to it, we must fight her."
Yuna gasped in shock. One hand covering her mouth. "You can't possibly mean that."
"I do. I will not risk a Spira-wide war because of this one incidence." Auron said as he moved away to stare out a window overlooking the city.
Yuna dropped her hands to her side and held them in tight fists. "Very well. If that is what we must do, then count me out. I cannot stand by and watch you hurt her."
"Yuna, I do not do this because I want to. I do it because I have to. It should be the same for you as well."
"Are you saying we have no choice? Well I don't like your plan,I think it sucks, Auron. We have other choices and we will succeed. You may not think so, but we will do this, and we will do it without hurting her." After her speech, Yuna unlocked the door and left. She said all that needed said.
Auron waited until he knew she was gone before slamming his fist down on the windowsill.
--
"Hey, Yuna! You're back." Tidus called to her as soon as she entered the room. He was sitting with Lulu and Wakka discussing courses of action. Seeing the pained look on her face he jumped up to offer her comfort. "What happened?"
"I talked with Auron." She answered.
"Oh Yuna. What did he say?" Lulu rushed over to offer her own form of comfort.
Tidus wrapped one arm around her as she explained the conversation they had. It tore him up inside to know that Auron could be as heartless as he was.
Lulu was thinking along the same lines, but for a different reason. She knew that inside Auron harbored feelings for the young woman, why he would go out of his way to hurt her was beyond the mage's understanding. It just didn't make sense.
"Yuna, you look flushed. Why don't you go lay down for a bit. Allow us to worry about what we will do." Lulu suggested as she urged the healer into the bedroom.
With the woman gone for the moment, Tidus and Wakka began talking in hushed tones. "I know we need to rescue Riana and all, but why does Auron worry about the Al Bhed? What I don't get is why he would want to help them even though they tried to hurt her."
"I can't speak for Auron, but maybe he knows something we don't." Tidus thought. "You know he likes to keep a lot to himself and only tell us things as we need to know them."
"Has Kimahri returned yet?" Lulu asked as she entered the room once more.
"Nah. But I wouldn't worry about him. He can take care of himself, ya." Wakka answered his wife.
"You're right, Wakka. I'm being paranoid. This city is enough to put anyone on edge with the recent news and all." Lulu strolled over and sat in her husbands lap. He slowly began running his hand down her back to relax her. "So what have we got so far?"
--
"Riana!" Seymour shouted as he searched the palace for the woman in question. She was missing once again. They way that woman disappeared unnerved him. If his plans were to work, he would need her help. And he was willing to get it whether she wanted to or not.
"Seymour? Is that you calling?" She stepped out from around a corner dressed only in a towel. Her green eyes gazed on him in question.
"Ah, there you are my love. I was starting to worry when you did not respond." Seymour smiled as he gazed on her.
"I'm sorry. I could not hear you over the sound of the water. One of the servants said you were looking for me so I came running as soon as I could."
"In such a manner? My dear, I cannot bare the thought of them staring at your beauty the same way I do." He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and led her back to her room. "Come, we have much we need to discuss."
"I guess so, but shouldn't I be dressed first?"
"You can do that once we arrive at your room. You know I do so love helping you decide on something suitable."
Riana giggled lightly. "Everything is suitable. You picked it all out yourself." She reminded him.
"That I did. But seeing you in them brings out a joy deep within me." He replied sweetly. Seymour opened the door for her once they arrived at her room. He sat down on the edge of her bed as he watched her move about the room.
"I see then." Making sure to hold the towel in place, Riana leaned over him to give him a soft kiss. "So what has become of those who attacked me?" She asked as she moved behind a screen.
Seymour stood from his spot and moved across the room. He reached into her closet and pulled out a blue silk floor length chiffon dress. He handed it to her before answering her question. "The court has order their death. In two days, we will be able to show Spira what happens to those who attack the house of Seymour Guado."
There was a rustling of fabric before Riana appeared from behind the screen. "Could you zipper me?" She asked him. "I can't seem to be able to reach it."
He nodded once as she turned. After zippering her into the dress, Seymour took the opportunity to run his hands along her sides admiring her curves. It was such a shame she had to be Al Bhed as well. It did put a damper on his plans. Then again, perhaps Spira did not need to know about her heritage. After all, in just a few short days the only ones who would know would be dead. Dead men tell no tales.
"Seymour?" She questioned him when he did not speak.
"My apologies. I was lost in thought once again."
"You think too much. For once how about you forget about politics and allow me to help you relax?" Riana turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She gave him a slight pout as she begged. "Please? I get so lonely without you at night."
"Well, I suppose one night won't hurt." He kissed her gently and reached around her to pull a single flower from a vase on her dresser. Carefully Seymour slipped it into her hair behind her ear. "As long as you promise to help me in two days when I present our convicts to Spira."
"You know I would do anything for you." She answered.
That was just what he wanted to hear.
--
Auron had become even more moody the following day then ever before. This time even Kimahri had to stay away. It was suggested to him once to leave town and work out some of his aggression on nearby fiends.
So that was where he was at that moment. He should have been in the city thinking of ways to rescue Rikku, not out here fighting. Thoughts of what Seymour must be doing to Rikku tore at his soul. He was using some sort of mind control over her, that much was obvious. Problem was how was he going to break it?
He also had Wakka to deal with on top of that. He was willing to help Rikku because he didn't know the truth, but yet he was still willing to allow the other men to die. Nothing anyone could say would change his mind. Not even his own wife, though to her credit she did try. He wondered if anyone told him about Rikku yet. If they did, it was sure that he wouldn't still be here.
Yuna knew about Rikku, and he was sure the blond did as well. He may be naive, but the boy wasn't dumb. Tidus just asked the wrong questions at the wrong time. He wanted everything to be fair for everyone. But Spira was not like that. He would see that eventually.
Kimahri was supportive of anything he wanted. The Ronso had seen much, and was willing to expose that information if it came down to it. That time would come soon.
So that just left himself. He had to find where he stood in this whole mess. Lulu suspected he had feelings of more then just caretaker for Rikku. But what were they really? Why was he here? He tried to tell himself over and over that it was only because of the promise he made to her father. But if that was the case, then why was her marrying Seymour eating away at him like this? Was it because it was Seymour, or the fact it was not really her but his mind control over her?
No, if he were to be honest with himself, it all came down to one thing. He loved her and could not bare the thought of her with another. But then, if he did love her, how could he stand the thought of hurting her? He told Yuna he would do it if he had to, but he knew now that he wouldn't be able to.
With that decision in mind, it was time he turned back. They would need new weapons if they even hoped to stand a chance.
--
The others were still deep in discussion devising plan after plan when he burst in the room. Auron smirked as he looked around at all the shocked faces.
"Auron?" Lulu questioned. He must have gone mad.
"I have finally come to a conclusion." He answered the unasked question. "Be ready everyone. We leave at dawn. Tidus?" He turned to the blond.
"Do you know anything about weapon customization?"
Tidus looked at him in slight fear. His voice shook as he answered. "A little, not much."
"Good, I'll need you to come with me. Lulu, I'll need you with me as well. I'll need your magic. The rest of you, gather what items you can and bring them to me. We don't have much time so let's hurry." Auron turned on his heel and left the room. He waited in the hall for the two to join him.
They seemed to be a little slow in following him. He had to say something to make them hurry. "No time to waste. Let's go."
They did so without hesitation after that. He had talked to the owner of the inn they were staying in and found out that outside he had a fire pit that was used for just what he needed, weapon customization. It was a side job he used to make extra gil when needed.
"What is this place?" Tidus asked when they entered.
"If we are going up against Seymour, then we must be ready." Auron answered. "Lulu, light the fire."
She did so without a word. Auron seemed a changed person. He had a mission now. She smiled in spite of herself. Maybe now he finally was able to accept the thoughts that raged inside of him.
The group spent most of the day coming and going as they each brought handfuls of gems and and other items to be used in Auron's plan. He melted everything down before demanding their weapons as well.
They did not argue, simply handed them over.
It was near night fall when he finished. He called them all outside to present them with the modified weapons. First he handed over Lulu and Yuna's.
"These will allow you both to be able to cast even the highest level of magic without taking a toll on your mana power. You may not even be able to feel the drain until hours later. You will need that extra boost they give.
"Wakka, Tidus, Kimahri. These weapons were forged to bring out your hidden power. They will allow you to evade more attacks even as you deal more damage yourself. The weapons are so light, you will find yourself able to move faster. Take the time to get used to your new weapons, but make sure you get to sleep early. We have a big day ahead of us once the sun rises." Auron explained to them.
"But, Auron. What about you and Riana?" Yuna questioned after she stopped admiring her staff.
"I have that covered as well. I will have Riana's with me. Once she is broken of whatever spell Seymour has placed over her, she will be able to fight along side us."
"You mean, you're not going to hurt her after all?"
"No, Yuna. I never was. I had to prepare you all for the worse case. If something were to go horrible wrong." He explained. "Now go! Practice and get some rest!" He ordered.
Everyone took off eager to try out the new weapons. Lulu stood back though holding onto her new doll.
Auron didn't seem to notice her until she spoke. "Auron, I want to thank you. You have given them a new reason to fight."
"I don't want to fight, but it seems we have no choice. I have just prepared them as best as I was able."
"Did you not see their faces though? They were happy to see you so happy. You are not moping around like you have been for the past several days. You may not know it, but you are the encouragement of the group. We all look up to you."
"I'm not a person to look up to, Lulu. I am a failer at everything I do. We are in this mess because I was unable to protect her from him."
"But you are here now, and that is what matters most. They don't care the reasons why. All that matters to them now is helping you. But, do you know why you are here?"
"Yes, Lulu. I believe I do."
"Good. Then make sure that when the time comes, she knows that as well." Lulu warned him before leaving him alone.
--
The crowd was restless as they watched the three men being led out in chains. It was time the Al Bhed learned a lesson. The screen behind the elevated stage showed the face of Shelinda as she reported on the event.
"Good morning, Spira. I am Shelinda, and I stand here live as we witness the death of would-be kidnappers and murders of our very own Lady Riana. She had been injured just days ago as these men broke into the palace, but was able to hold them off long enough for her guards to capture them. Surely she is an inspiration to us all.
"Oh! It looks as we are all set here now. Once Potentate Seymour arrives we will be able to begin."
The six of them split up in pairs in preparation. Lulu and Wakka, Tidus and Yuna, and finally Kimahri and Auron. They needed to be spread out in order for all plans to be put in action.
Auron and Kimahri were to try and reach the stage where Seymour and Rikku would be. They would hold him off until Tidus and Yuna were able to join. Wakka and Lulu were responsible for making sure the prisoners would be able to escape.
Auron glanced around the square making sure everyone was in place. His eye scanned having no problem finding the first couple. He searched again to find Wakka and Lulu. They were not in the assigned place. He soon found them several yards away. They both seemed to be having some sort of breakdown.
He roamed his eye over to what they were staring at. When he saw the lock of red hair, he knew what it meant. "Oh ramm. It's Chappu." He whispered under his breath.
--
Seymour and Riana soon arrived in due time. The crowd was growing impatient and restless. Seymour glanced over them all as he smiled.
"Citizens of Spira. I stand here today to witness this horrible deed along side you. In order to keep Spira safe, we must put an end to any that oppose they way of peace that we seek. My Lady was injured when they broke in, a crime that shall be paid for dearly." He turned next to him and grasped Riana's hand. "My lady, if you will." He signaled for her to issue the order.
She gave a brief nod of the head. "I thank you all for your ongoing support these last few days. As you can see, I have come through just fine. However, as for the lives of these men over here," She pointed to her left. "Kill them."
At those words several bodies rushed into action. Ice surrounded guards freezing them in place. A blur of black and yellow ran out to slice the bonds that held the prisoners where they stood. Light surrounded them next as a healing spell washed over them. Cuts and bruises closed right away.
What appeared to be a blitzball bounced around the walls of the square scaring away the population who had not run before. In a matter of minutes all that remained were a Ronso holding a spear at chest level of the Potentate, five others all standing ready for battle, the prisoners as they glanced around in confusion, and most strange of all ten men all wearing dark robes with hoods covering their faces.
Riana stood unaffected by the scene in front of her. She still held onto Seymour's hand.
"Ahh, the mighty Sir Auron. We meet again it seems." Seymour spoke without fear. Kimahri thrust his spear a little closer to his skin drawing blood. He didn't even seem to notice as he glanced up at the sphere screen behind him. Cameras had been left running and were still recording all the events as they happened. "I would advise you to be careful what you do. All of Spira is watching you right now.
Auron narrowed his eye before shouting orders. "Wakka, get them out of here! Kimahri, Lulu, go with them. Get them out of the city." He shouted indicating the prisoners. Auron had seen the men in cloaks and could only assume they were Al Bhed as well. Well let them do as they wished. His only thoughts were on Rikku.
"Very impressive, Sir Auron. But you know, even as we stand here many more guards are about to arrive at this very moment." Seymour taunted.
Tidus and Yuna glanced around to see that he was telling the truth.
"Now, if I'm not mistaken you yourself have things to answer for. Twelve years ago, you deserted your ranks in the temple service. An offense punishable by death. But I will not be the one to order that. I believe I will leave that order up to Lady Riana." He urged her forward and closer to the man that stood in front of them brandishing his sword ready to strike.
"It's been a long time, Sir Auron." She spoke with malice. "You have a lot of fortitude to show yourself here now, and to bring so many down with you? Very well. If this is what you want, then I shall be the one to give it to you." She stepped off the platform and stood in front of him. Her long dress flowed around her as waves of magic swirled about her body.
"Enough!" Someone shouted before any action could take place. "What have you done to her, Seymour? You have turned her into a monster like yourself!"
All eyes turned to watch as one of the hooded figures revealed himself. His bald head and swirled irises showed him to be Cid, leader of the Al Bhed.
"As I have thought. How you were able to live so many years ago is beyond me, but a matter that I will rectify today." Seymour stated as Cid moved closer.
"Just go ahead and try it. I have learned a few tricks in the past decade." Cid challenged.
Riana turned her attention from the man in red in front of her to the bald one who just spoke. "You come here to mock my love?" She spit the question out.
"No! I came here to talk some sense into that brain of yours. You are not some Lady that belongs in the Bevelle courts. You are Rikku, bnehlacc of the Al Bhed. And my daughter."
Riana paused. The magic she had began to gather in her hands slowly weakened. Seymour was losing her. He had to think quick if he wanted anything.
"Lady Riana, don't listen to them. They speak lies. It is I who knows what is truly best for you."
Riana smiled as she closed her eyes. The next thing anyone knew, Cid was surrounded by the light of a flare spell.
--
Well I was trying to end this, but it became so long I think it's best I stop here. Sorry about the cliffy, but trust me it will all work out in the end...maybe.
