Chapter 15

Flames licked at the sky in futile effort to reach the dark clouds above as the screams of the villagers filled the once silent night air. Bodies littered the street like discarded trash and the rivers caused by the intense rain were stained red. The hooded figures moved through the streets like spirits, seeming to float over the muddy streets rather than walk in them; no footprints remained as they passed.

A figure stood out from the rest. She wore no robe and instead donned black, spiked armor that covered from head to toe. Her sword was a macabre symbol of death with an almost saw-like quality to it on either side. Blood was splashed from her boots up to and including her face where her ruby eyes blazed over the chaotic scene. Her expression was as barren as when she cut down the villagers that stood in her way but inside she reveled in it; watching their blood flow from them and feeling her blade rend flesh was intoxicating.

Eventually a group of hooded figures brought an elderly man before the spike-clad woman and forced him to his knees. He was the leader of the village and just days before had refused her proposition. Now she was showing him and any who would consider making the same mistake exactly how she handled rejection. Giving one child per family was a small price to pay to be allowed to exist.

When he looked up to meet her eyes she simply gazed back indifferently. He was not here to be executed; she saw it pointless to do such trivial things herself and would have let her fellow sisters handle it. No, he was here to be made to suffer. As he realized he was not going to be killed he began pleading with her.

"Please Mistress! Please leave us be! Can't you see that you've done enough? I understand I should never have denied you!"

Her expression never swayed as he continued to implore her for mercy. She was already thinking of other things and his groveling meant nothing to her now. After a few minutes of futile begging his eyes widened to saucers as he saw his wife and children being dragged by another group of the hooded figures. His cries became more pitiful as he began realizing what was to come.

His wife, a middle-aged woman of small build with long blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes and two children, a boy and girl not yet in their teens with sandy colored hair to match his and their mother's blue eyes. The woman was trying her best to get to her children but her strength, as passion-fueled as it was, could not match the two hooded figures carrying her.

As they arrived before her, the woman in dark armor looked down at them without expression. Without the slightest hesitation she thrust her sword forward into the chest of the woman, his wife. The blade passed through the slender woman without even the slightest of effort causing a strangled cry to escape her lips. Ruby eyes stared without emotion into the deep blue eyes of the woman on the end of her sword; watching the life fade from her eyes as if watching the sun rise or set.

A sharp twist caused blood to spray from the woman's gaping mouth before being dumped from the sword unceremoniously. The dark-armored woman looked up at the man still wearing an expression without emotion. In a flash of dark steel, two small bodies collapsed to the dirt headless; the little boy's rolling to a stop before the now hysterical man who was on his knees.

Satisfied her work was done the woman removed her helmet allowing her silver hair to fall down her shoulders. Without a single word she turned and began making her way out of the village. Once she reached the outer perimeter she reached under her armor and adjusted the stone tablet hanging from her neck. In an instant the spiked armor began to fade, replaced by a black leather outfit that left little to the imagination. Stiletto boots came over skin-tight leather pants adorned with buckles and belts and her top covered her breasts but not much else. A black leather collar circled her neck and her sword transformed to being single-bladed but still as massive and menacing.

With a glimpse back at the village a content smile graced her pink lips. She was still young but this was one of a countless many villages to be left in ruins in her wake. As the remaining hooded figures exited the village she returned to her emotionless persona. There was no room for emotions here; especially pride.

Paine awoke with a start; her skin clammy and heart racing. Her immediate confusion at the sensations around her was dwarfed by the pounding in her head. 'I am never drinking that much again.' She gasped and rolled over to inspect if she had, in fact, dreamed everything from the night before. Seeing Yuna's nude figure splayed beside her showed her that it was definitely not a dream.

As Yuna's eyes fluttered open Paine watched with fear clenching her heart. They had drank so much; would the two-tone eyed girl beside her be remorseful? Disgusted? Angry? Paine knew that the girl beside her had to hear her heart pounding and remained silent as Yuna stretched before settling her gaze on her ruby own eyes.

"Paine?" Her voice was thick with sleep and she winced as she squinted at the too-bright room. "I guess you slept in my bed again." She giggled before halting to put her hands over her face. "I can't believe I drank so much. Promise me you'll never let me do that again?"

Eyes studying the girl beside her, Paine's brow furrowed in concern. "What do you remember of last night Yuna?"

Yuna sat upright in a rush, a decision she immediately regretted. "Why? Did I make a scene? Oh god I'm sorry Paine, did I embarrass you by acting like a fool?"

Paine swallowed against the lump in her throat and averted her eyes to hide the hurt within them. She had forgotten everything. Did she even mean any of it or was the alcohol the only cause of such 'feelings'? She cleared her throat and sat up, turning away from the other girl. "You did nothing of the sort Yuna, don't worry."

"Paine?"

Without looking over Paine responded. "Yes Yuna?"

Scooting over to the silver-haired girl, Yuna wrapped both arms around her causing her to jump. She couldn't help but notice how amazingly soft Paine's skin was. "You should smile more Paine. You have such a wonderful smile."

Blushing at the contact as much as the compliment Paine squirmed at the feeling of other girl's breasts pressing to her back; her mind unconsciously reliving the feel of them in her mouth the night before. "I um… I'll try."

"Really?" Yuna was surprised at the response. "Well then I suppose we should get dressed?" She looked down and blushed, seeing the bruises on her breasts. "I must have been falling all over myself."

Looking back at the brunette, Paine could not stop the traitorous smile from coming to her lips as she turned away. She had certainly left some fantastic marks. Yuna's naivety worked in favor of her memory however so she tried to be casual. "You were a bit clumsy."

Yuna raised her right hand, running her fingers through Paine's slightly longer than shoulder-length hair. "You should keep growing this Paine. I know you've always kept it short but it looks so beautiful down like this."

Paine looked back over her shoulder with a sly smile. "You sure are full of compliments this morning Yuna. Are you after something?"

Blushing and looking away, Yuna giggled nervously. "No I'm just noticing things! You look good with your hair down is all."

Getting dressed in her black pants and a red shirt, Paine looked back at Yuna who was still sitting on the bed watching her. She blushed despite their previous night's encounter. "Yuna?" The brunette didn't react. "Yuna!"

Snapping her eyes up to meet Paine's, Yuna bit her bottom lip and raised her eyebrows. "Mmm?"

"Are you okay?"

Yuna cocked her head in thought. "I don't know." She looked Paine over and found her mind wandering back to the silver-haired girl's nude form. A blush formed on her cheeks and Paine's intense gaze only intensified it. 'Why am I thinking like this? Why is it so darn hot in here?'

Paine frowned and made it over to the door before turning back. "Come down when you're dressed. We should eat something." Yuna made a face and Paine couldn't help but smile. "You need to eat. It's a miracle neither of us got sick but unless we eat the day won't come easy."

The moment Paine stepped outside the door Yuna flopped back on the bed with a sigh. She wasn't sure if it was the lingering effect of the alcohol or what, but she already wished the bed wasn't so vacant already. Before she could dwell on the thought another one sprang to mind that she voiced. "Where the heck is Rikku?"

Stretching languidly, the young thief giggled before nuzzling into the chest of the man beside her. Thoughts of the previous night played in her mind and a blush crept up her neck. As she looked up her smile widened further at seeing bright emerald eyes staring back.

"Good morning Rikku."

"It certainly is!" Rikku rolled over to straddle him, an unusually serious expression on her face. "About last night."

Sarion blushed but kept her gaze. "What about it?" He kept his tone neutral, unwilling to betray any emotion before seeing what her angle was.

Eyes wide, the blonde shook her head vigorously enough to cause her already loose braids to come undone. "No! Not at all!" She blushed at her outburst before tilting her head to the side. "Why, do you?"

His eyes sparkled as he smiled genuinely. "Not in the least."

Rikku giggled and blushed further before pursuing her original line of questioning. "As I was saying." She cleared her throat as the words jumbled up inside her. "What happens now?"

Sarion placed both his hands on thighs of the girl straddling him, his thumbs stroking the silky smooth skin. "First order of business is to get away from this town and show you girls some of the changes around Spira."

Tears sprang into Rikku's eyes as they widened at his statement. "You… you're coming with us?" Her voice waivered as she spoke.

Sarion barely managed a nod before her lips crashed into his. Her tongue greedily invaded his mouth as her hands raked through his hair. His hands slid up her thighs, over her bare bottom and to her back, pressing her tightly to him.

When their lips finally parted both were gasping for air. Sarion ran both hands through the golden locks of the girl atop him earning a bright smile. Their foreheads pressed together and gazes locked, neither minded the sudden quiet that filled the room.

Finally Rikku broke the silence with a soft whisper. "What changed your mind?"

"Some things are just too important to let go of."

Feeling her cheeks redden, Rikku leaned down and kissed him again. "We should get down to breakfast before I end up keeping you in here until lunch."

A quiet laugh escaped Sarion's lips. "Tempting but I agree; I'd like to see how the others are faring anyway."

After they both dressed and cleaned up the room they made their way to the bar where a very giggly Kate greeted them.

"Good morning you two." Her smile was so wide it threatened to split her face.

Sarion rolled his eyes but returned a smile. "Good morning Kate. Breakfast?"

She nodded and looked at Rikku as the blonde sat beside Sarion and scooted her stool closer. "I can imagine you must be famished. I'll get started right away." She turned and headed to the back to get their breakfast ready when Paine's voice stopped her.

"Make it for four please."

Rikku and Sarion looked back to see Paine leaning in the doorway leading to the rooms. A tired looking Yuna shuffled by her and plopped down next to Rikku with a grown.

"Yunie, did you drink too much?"

Wincing at the shrill voice beside her, Yuna looked up at her cousin with a pout. "I don't know how Paine does it Rikku. She just drank and drank and she's fine today. I feel like a building fell on me."

Giggling at her suffering cousin, Rikku looked over at Paine. The silver-haired girl looked no worse-for-wear in terms of alcohol but her eyes were downcast and her shoulders slumped. 'Everything was so great last night when they left, what could have happened?'

Sarion smiled over at Yuna. "You should have paced yourself. Now you're going to suffer all day."

With a groan, Yuna slumped over the bar. " Oh poopie."

Rikku stared her cousin. "Yunie!"

Yuna lifted her head. "I'm just copying you!"

After a few minutes Paine sat on Sarion's unoccupied side and shortly after, their breakfast arrived. Once they had finished their breakfast, Sarion looked the girls over and offered a small smile. "We need to leave today; there is much of Spira left to show you."

The girls nodded and said their goodbyes to Kate. Rikku gave the girl a tight hug and thanked her again for the previous night's assist. Amidst giggles and a wide smile the young bartender made the blonde promise to return in the future; a promise easily given.

Before long the girls had cleaned up and gathered their belongings before meeting Sarion outside. As they made their way down the streets Rikku recognized the path leading to the stables. She blushed at her outburst the day before and glanced at Sarion; their eyes meeting as he looked over with the same thoughts. She offered a shy smile before looking forward again.

As they rounded the last bend before the stables, Sarion froze causing the girls to look at him before following his gaze. A hooded figure was sprinting towards them from the direction they were headed; bare feet bloodied from the rough terrain did nothing to slow the frantic person down.

"Sarion!"

The hooded figure skidded to a stop causing their hood to fall back and reveal long white hair and bright ruby eyes. The girls gasped and looked from her to Sarion for answers; all the girls except Paine who was staring at the white-haired girl with wide eyes and a slack jaw.

"Kyia, what's wrong? Why are you out here?" Sarion's brow furrowed in concern. He knew her hatred for being outside and that she was distraught made him more than a little nervous.

Kyia opened her mouth to speak but finally her eyes met Paine's and she froze. Taking a step forward she raised a hand to her mouth as she trembled. "B… b… but…"

Yuna looked over at Paine just in time to see the now ghostly pale girl collapse to the dirt in a heap. Kneeling down she looked from Sarion to Kyia in bewilderment. What in Spira was going on?

A sharp cry broke through the night silence. The sound of leather striking flesh echoed in the stone walls preceding another feminine cry. Over and over the sequence repeated in the barely illuminated room. A few candles spread throughout the bedchamber were the only lighting with the moon being hidden behind a blanket of clouds; not that the single window would offer much were it visible.

Hands bound above her head, the girl of late-teens stood with her bare form fully exposed to the sadistic girl circling her, belt in hand. Red welts covered her breasts, the fronts and backs of her thighs, her back and her buttocks. The rope binding her wrists was of black silk and high enough to force her to stand but not lift her from the ground.

A black gloved hand grabbed the chin of the beaten girl and turned her face up towards her tormentor. Her snow white hair brushed aside by an unusually gentle gloved hand to expose her bright crimson eyes. She was unable to subdue the smile that formed on her lips as she looked into the ruby eyes of the silver-haired girl standing before her.

As pink lips ravaged her own the bound girl couldn't help but moan into the mouth of her abuser. This had been their game for months now. She would show up in nothing but her robe and her Mistress would strip her, tie her up and beat her before ravishing her. There was no illusion of 'love' but there was no doubt that she was enamored by the silver-haired girl. Both her prowess in battle and in the bedroom always left her wanting more

Simply watching the other girl train had the younger, white-haired girl struggling to wait until their nightly meetings. Her sword prowess was unmatched and her lack of mercy inspired mixed emotions. On one hand, the lack of leniency was a sign of strength but on the other it showed any bit of compassion. The younger girl had no misconceptions that her silver-haired vixen could be tamed but still enjoyed the occasional emotions she discovered in her.

As her wrists were finally unbound she wrapped her arms around the slightly taller girl's neck. "Mistress, I fear someday you will tire of me." Her whisper was intimate but it held legitimate concern.

"Sweet Kyia, you are the white rose of these dark lands. Never fear such a thing."

Placing a hand on the other girl's cheek, Kyia smiled at being called by her name. It was rare to get the other girl to speak it aloud for fear of the many listening ears that were ever present. Their meetings were not public knowledge and neither wanted it to be so. While most looked up to the silver-haired girl there were those who wished to supplant her and take her position. Any leverage they could manage would be too much in Kyia's mind.

Pressing close to the taller girl, Kyia looked up into the ruby eyes staring down at her; their usual malice replaced by a far gentler look. "I will forever be there for you, no matter the odds or the circumstances," she paused, smiling as their lips brushed. "Paine."

Sarion closed the distance between him and Kyia and dragged her away from the others by her hand. The action drew Rikku's attention for a moment but she was more concerned with her unresponsive friend at the moment. Rikku had seen Paine stare down some of the most horrifying situations and never shown a hint of a discomfort but at seeing this girl she had gone as pale as the stranger's hair and collapsed.

"Kyia, what are you doing out here? And why aren't you wearing shoes?" His emerald eyes burned into hers and she found herself blushing.

"You… you need to leave town immediately." She stammered over her words as she wrung her hands while trying to peek past Sarion at the downed girl. 'There is no way. It can't be…'

Taking her chin in his hand, Sarion steered her eyes back to his. "Kyia!" His shout startled her and made her eyes widen further. "Tell me what's going on!"

She broke from his grasp and sighed. "My sisters arrive soon. If you are not gone by the time they get back I fear they will not allow such an opportunity to pass."

Before Sarion could speak a trembling voice spoke just loud enough to be heard. "Ky… Kyia?"

Kyia brushed past Sarion and walked over to the now sitting girl before kneeling beside her. Looking into the ruby eyes of the girl below her she felt her chest tighten. "Paine?"

Rikku and Yuna shared looks of confusion; who was this girl and how did she know Sarion or Paine for that matter? Before either could speak a bell sounded loudly interrupting the confusing scene and making Sarion turn as white as Paine had at seeing Kyia; whatever it meant, it wasn't good.

As Paine got to her feet a sudden wave of nausea took her and forced her to the side of the road where she deposited her breakfast into the ditch. This was impossible. There was no way any of that could have been real. 'Then why did I know her name? Why does she know mine?'

Chaotic images flooded her mind causing her to drop to her knees, head in hands. Her head felt like it was trying to split and she didn't even realize she was screaming until she gasped for breath before vomiting again Yuna had run to her side and looked frantically at the others for help to no avail; no one knew how to handle this unsettling situation.

Rikku looked back to see Sarion was already on his way back leading three horses. Knowing he didn't have time to deal with the stable master, he figured someone would simply share a ride. "Sar, what's wrong with Paine?"

Blinking at the sudden nick-name, he looked from Rikku to the silver-haired girl who was on her knees trembling in Yuna's arms. "I'm not sure Rikku but we need to go, now. They are here."

Eyes wide, the blonde ran and pulled on Yuna to try and move the brunette towards a horse but it was futile. Yuna had a tight grip on Paine and the silver-haired girl was not budging. Looking to Sarion for help, she smiled appreciatively as he nodded before jumping up on her chestnut colored horse.

Sarion approached the two girls and knelt down beside them. "Yuna, get Paine onto a horse and ride with her. We have to leave or we'll never get out of here alive. Understood?"

Yuna nodded and slowly coaxed Paine to stand before helping her onto the black mare beside them. Sitting in front of the taller girl, Yuna took hold of the reins when she felt Paine firmly grip around her waist. She frowned in confusion when she saw the white-haired girl, Kyia, sitting behind Sarion on his white horse. 'Just who is this girl?'

Hours passed by in silence as they road as fast as their horses allowed to the north. When they finally reached thick woodlands Sarion motioned for them to stop. After a few minutes of scouting ahead he returned and led the girls to a small clearing just inside the tree line. It wasn't ideal but it would suffice for the night. The sun was already disappearing behind the horizon and it would do none of them any good if a horse stumbled and broke a leg.

As each girl slipped off their horse and tied the reins to a nearby tree Rikku stared at Sarion with an annoyed expression. Feeling the heat of her glare, Sarion looked over at the blonde who simply stared back with her arms folded under her breasts. Following the angle of her gaze he blushed at seeing slender arms wrapped around his waist. He looked over his shoulder and saw Kyia fast asleep on his back. Giving Rikku a sheepish look, he unhooked her arms and slid from his horse before lifting the sleeping girl from its back.

Rikku tapped her foot impatiently as he set the other girl down gently in the grass and then approached her. Keeping her lips in a thin line she cocked an eyebrow, expecting him to volunteer information rather than be forced to ask the questions she was honestly embarrassed to ask. It wasn't as if they were a couple or anything but seeing the other girl with her arms around Sarion made the blonde thief see red.

Sarion ran a hand through his hair nervously. "It's a really long story." Seeing her expression harden he winced, not at all meaning it how it came out. "She's an old friend." He put both hands up in front of him defensively. "Nothing more serious than that." It wasn't a mistruth. Her advances were not exactly unwelcome in their long history but they never escalated beyond where it had ended the day before.

A smile finally broke across Rikku's face as she leaned forward, cocking her head to the side. "Why the big fuss Sar? It's not like you did anything wrong." She giggled and took his hand as he sighed in resignation that this was what he signed up for.

Yuna eased herself down from her horse as well, wincing at the soreness left from the long ride. They were certainly not as gentle in transport as a chocobo was, that was for sure. She helped Paine down who had a blank expression on her still pale face. The silver-haired girl had not uttered a word the entire journey and didn't look to start now as she sat against a tree and closed her eyes.

"Yuna."

She looked over and made her way to Sarion when he beckoned her. "What's going on Sarion?"

"I wish I knew." He shook his head, frustrated by his own confusion. 'How does Kyia know Paine? More than that, how does Paine know her and why is she reacting like this?' Seeing the two-toned eyes staring at him expectantly he sighed. "For now the best course of action is rest. We've had a long day and maybe Paine will explain in the morning." He looked over at the sleeping form of Kyia. 'If not, I'll get it out of her instead.'

Smiling up at Sarion, Yuna nodded. She didn't want to wait until morning but at this point both girls were already asleep. As she made her way over to Paine she couldn't help but smile at the already sleeping form. It was silly but she was unwilling to sleep away from the warrior; something about her just made Yuna feel secure.

Seeing her cousin curling up beside Paine, Rikku looked expectantly at Sarion. Before she could speak, he beat her to it. "Let me build a small fire, enough to keep the chill from us. Then I will lay down with you."

Rikku's eyes lit up and she nodded before finding a soft spot and pulling a blanket from her pack. She knew he didn't need sleep but having him hold her like he did the night before was incredible. Just having him nearby made her nearly forget the sorrows she felt and offered her something wonderful to hold onto.

Minutes later a small fire was built and positioned to be centered on the group's odd shape. Sarion looked at Rikku's expectant gaze and cringed, knowing he could not just leave Kyia by herself. He shot her an apologetic look before lifting the white-haired girl gently and moving her to a space between Yuna and Paine's tree and where Rikku lay.

A small smile came to Rikku's lips as she watched this; Sarion's gentleman nature was just too much sometimes. As he dropped down beside her and engulfed her in a warm embrace she let out a content sigh.

The half-moon above offered great illumination from above but the thick tree line hid the light from their fire from view. Though the sounds of hooves caused Sarion to tense many times in the first hour but there was never a discovery made. All the while Sarion found his mind reeling over another thought.

'I've seen Paine's face before I saved her. But where?'

As sleep finally came, so did his answer. Her portrait was in the hall of the church.

Author's Note

Okay! I'd say sorry for the delay but it's been such a miserable week I was unable to write ANYTHING! I was in such a foul mood and didn't want it ruining my story. Plus I was so tired by the end of each day I usually went directly to sleep. Not even dinner had my attention.

LOT going on this chapter. Major curveball. It should be obvious what's going on and maybe what's going to happen.

If you're upset at Yuna's alcohol-induced amnesia, I'm sorry. My amazing private review spit the idea and once I read it I was inspired for this.

Sorry that the only "action" was historical but what can I say? I had a lot on my mind for this chapter. I intended to go more but 1: it's 0020 Sunday and while we closed the TMC (YAY!) I have to be there at 0730 to begin packing it up. 2: I always alternate Ruby Eyes - Accepting Her Demons… but I didn't. I SKIPPED my AHD chapter and wrote these last two Ruby Eyes chaps for you guys so THAT is how inspired I was by my reviews/PM's! So thank you.

Final personal note: Opinions on how I did with the garment grid/dressphere aspect would be appreciated. Not having played in years and overall lack of information online basically had me go "Whatever. I'll do what I want!" I mean, I am the author after all.

That said, I hope I didn't piss anyone off too much about completely abolishing Paine's history as you knew it and making it my own. There is just SO much to her I have in my mind that will take into next chapter.

DragonGirl323: I'm glad I was able to surprise you! Both in my ability and the scenes! I admit the Rikku/Sarion one "just happened" but I'm glad it did. Opened up ALL of this to happen now! None of this would have as much meaning without adding some spice to it. Hopefully you enjoy this. Especially the grid part because YOU inspired me to use it! What can I say? Paine in Dark Knight is just that blend of scary/sexy I like :P (that's the one I was talking about during our discussion)

So everyone be sure to thank DragonGirl323 and my Secret PM Reviewer because they are a HUGE part of why this chapter is up now and not days from now.

As usual, I'll do my spell/grammar check tomorrow. I want this up!