Well this turned out longer then I expected, but trust me, it was worth it. What else? Oh expect another adult situation. Rikku isn't safe just yet. And Tidus isn't an idiot. Guess all that's left is to say I don't own Final Fantasy and you can get to reading.
--
Auron struggled to open his eyes as the sun streamed through the front window in his living room. He had slept through the entire night after coming home from the temple the night before. He brought one hand up to rub the sleep from his eyes. The motion tilted him off balance and he found himself spread out on the hard floor below.
"What a way to wake up." He muttered as he pulled himself to his feet. His gaze shifted from the bathroom to the kitchen as he stood. It was a battle between his stomach or mind as to what to do first. He was hungry, but he never did get the shower he wanted last night.
His stomach growled then winning the small battle. He ran his hand through his graying hair and headed out to the kitchen. The shower could wait.
After eating Auron began his routine of getting ready to leave for his trip to Besaid. Though the shower found its way in there somewhere. He made sure he had everything he would need. It was a three day trip just to get there, plus the two weeks he would be staying. He would never admit it, but he enjoyed his time there. It was nice to get away from any duties he had and do what he wanted for a change.
Once everything was in order, he took one last check around the small apartment before locking the door behind him. His travel bag was slung over his shoulder as he walked, yet still not in the way of his katana he carried should anything attack. Wild animals and fiends were known to lurk along the roads outside the cities waiting for unsuspecting prey. So it was not an uncommon sight to see a man carrying a weapon of some kind as protection.
It was evening when he reached the inn along in the Thunder Plains. Memories were dragged up each time he came through here, but it was the quickest and safest route to take. Besides, he had learned how to suppress those thoughts long ago.
Travel weary, he asked for any room they had available for the night. He didn't care that he was wet from the rain, all he wanted was a bed to sleep in. He stripped down to nothing laying all the wet garments over the fireplace to dry overnight. Pulling the covers over his nude body, he closed his eyes for sleep. But just like the night before, he found his dreams plagued by a young woman. She repeated the same word over and over. Begging him to help.
He still could not see her face, only the blond hair she had. He wasn't sure what woke him up. Whether it was the thunder that crashed outside or the dream he had, but he was uncovered and sweat was covering his body. He brought one hand up and covered his raging heartbeat.
"What is this? Why am I dreaming about unknown girls now? It isn't as if I can do anything. I am simply a man trying to move on in life. But..." He paused and thought about the one word that was repeated over and over. "her plea was so simple. All she says is please."
--
Tidus paced the bridge of Cid's airship deep in thought. Something did not feel right about their visit with Seymour. It was almost as if the man was hiding some vital fact from them. Yuna had agreed on allowing his help in finding her cousin, but he still didn't like it. He didn't trust the man one bit.
Yuna noticed the frown on his face as he moved. He was making her uneasy with the way he said little since they had left Guadosalam. She was sure he was worked up about nothing. Seymour was a little eccentric, but otherwise harmless. She stepped in front of him almost getting knocked down in the process.
"Oh, Yuna! I'm sorry. Here let me help you." He reached out and grabbed her shoulders gently not letter her go until he was sure she was fine.
"You seem distracted. Why don't you go lie down and get some rest. I'll come get you when we stop." She suggested.
Tidus stared into her bi-colored eyes for only a moment before agreeing. "You're right. Maybe I should." He kissed her gently before walking off to his quarters. Yuna watched him go before turning to her uncle and going back to the conversation they had before she talked to Tidus.
Even as he walked he could not get the feeling that something was amiss from his mind. He had reached his room and lay on the bed determined to get his mind on something else. Instead of Seymour, he began thinking about the servant of his they met that morning.
"Wonder why she looked so sad. But I can see why he would like her so much. Ree was pretty. She even had a pretty name. Ree, Ree." He repeated the name several times getting a feel for it before he accidentally added letters to the end of it. "Reed, Rek, wait a minute." It was like a fire suddenly hit him he sat up so fast. "Rikku! Ree was Rikku! She was with him this whole time! I have to tell Yuna!" He leaped from his bed and began running as fast as he could back to the bridge shouting her name the whole time.
People stared at him and jumped out of his way as he ran past, but he was too worried about getting back to Guadosalam that he didn't even notice.
"We have to go back!" Tidus shouted as soon as the door opened and he stood on the bridge.
Everyone there turned and stared at him as if he had lost his mind.
"Are you insane boy? We can't go back! We'll crash before we make it. The ship has to stop in Luca to refuel. When we are done, we can return for whatever it is you forgot." Cid countered first.
"Fine, but when we reach Luca, I'm getting off. I can't wait to refuel. I have to go as soon as possible." He turned around and went back to his room to gather supplies for what he knew would end up in a big face-off.
Yuna watched him with a confused expression. "I'm going to go talk to him." She said to Cid before running after Tidus.
Cid looked to Kimahri who seemed like the only sane one left. "Kids these days. Always wanting everything done now. No patience I tell ya." Kimahri only shrugged.
--
Rikku woke up once more on a hard surface. It was cold and scratchy. She knew that somehow she was back in her cell. Her cheeks hurt from where Seymour had hit her in punishment. She reached one hand up and used the tips of her fingers to touch the skin wincing when they connected. She let out a silent moan in response.
There was no doubt that Seymour somehow brought her down her during the day. Surely he would not want anyone else to see her in his room sore and knocked out. She tried to speak hoping that maybe the curse he placed on her would be lifted. She was greeted with more silence for her efforts.
It was hopeless. Somehow she would have to make all this up to him and then maybe he would remove the curse and allow her to speak again. Rikku glanced down at her clothes surprised to see she was still in the corset and skirt from before.
The door began to open in front of her allowing light inside the cell. Seymour had come for her. She tried to stand to prepare for his orders. Clasping her hands together and bowing her head, she was ready. But she was taken by surprise when it was not Seymour's voice calling her, but another's.
The voice she remembered being addressed as Bickson was speaking. "Lord Seymour has requested your presence. He seemed rather upset with you too. Whatever you did, you should have known better."
Rikku lifted her face to try and get a glimpse of him, but his hood covered his face. Bickson reached out and grabbed her arm. His hand slowly trailed up it till it reached her shoulder before running down her chest where it met the fabric of the corset.
"I think I understand what he sees in you. You are beautiful for a slave. I don't think he will mind if I have a little fun before I take you up to him." He moved in closer and Rikku felt as his hand began working its way up under her skirt. "So very soft. He must take good care of you."
Rikku trembled. No one ever dared to touch her like he was, except for Seymour. Not that she liked that any better, but he was her master and she had learned to obey him. This Bickson was playing a dangerous game. One that if found out, could cost him his life. She stepped back from him not only for her sake, but his as well.
"I don't think so, tramp." He pulled her close and she could feel his hot breath in her ear. "Since you are the slave, it is required of you to do exactly as I say." He reached behind her and untied the lace from her corset. She could feel it loosen before falling to the ground at her feet. Inside the shadows of the hood, Rikku could barely detect the hint of a smirk. His hands moved from behind her and reached down to cup her breasts; one in each hand. She felt as he squeezed them in not the gentlest of ways before releasing one and allowing the hand to drift lower. She closed her eyes as he began lifting her skirt once more. His fingers found the spot between her thighs.
"What is the meaning of this?" They were interrupted by the soft, but angry voice of her master.
Rikku looked to him with almost a begging glance. She hoped he would not accuse her of being a part of this. After all, hadn't it been him that came to her, not the other way around? She gulped as she she stood waiting for the next series of events.
Bickson backed away from her slowly. He lowered his head as if he was ashamed. Maybe only because he was caught. "My apologies, sir. I came down here just as you had asked me to. When I arrived, she had thrown herself at me in an attempt to seduce me, perhaps it worked better then I knew."
Rikku gasped. Seeing as she was unable to speak, she would not be able to defend herself. Seymour would never take the word of a slave over one of his own anyway even if she could. Suddenly realizing the state she was in, she brought her hands up to cover herself.
Seymour glanced between the pair before stepping over to Rikku and cupping her chin in his hand. He stared deep into her eyes before making his decision. "Rikku, get dressed. Once done, stand on the outside of the door, but go no farther."
She nodded and quickly complied. As soon as she was standing where he had commanded, Seymour took his eyes from her and turned to face the man remaining. "Remove your hood."
"But, sir."
"I said, remove your hood. I want her to know the man who tried to take her away from me before he dies."
With shaking hands, Bickson reached up and pulled back the dark hood. When he was revealed, Rikku was shocked to see the short red hair that had been hidden underneath. This was the same Bickson who played in the games from Luca! Seymour began waving his hands in front of him in some weird fashion Rikku had never seen before. Very quietly, he whispered one word before a ball of flames circled the player.
"I do not share my slave, you of all people should have known that." Seymour said before completing the spell. "Fira."
Rikku's eyes grew wide in shock as she watched him being burnt right in front of her. This was a power of Seymour she had never seen before. He could control the very elements just by saying their names. She closed her eyes tight unable to take any more of the sight in front of her.
"Open your eyes, Rikku. I want you to witness this as well. Should my allies cross me again, you will be the witness to their destruction."
Very slowly she opened them not even giving thought to the fact Seymour had spoken to her without even turning his back. Yet he seemed to know exactly what she had done! She watched as the man burned before falling to the ground and the ashes being blown away by some unfelt wind.
"We are done here." Seymour turned and stared at her. "Come with me. We have much to do before we leave. And I need your company before we go." Rikku tried not to shiver as she felt a chill run down her spine.
--
"Can't you at least explain to me what is going on? You were the one that insisted we leave the city as soon as possible." Yuna stood in the middle of Tidus' room as he rushed around her gathering his belongings and other supplies.
"Trust me on this. I can't tell you why just yet, but believe me, you will understand later." He stopped long enough to kiss her before heading out the door. "I'll be back after I'm done. You just head on home. I'll see you then."
The ship lurched slightly letting them know it was about to land. Tidus took this as his cue and left Yuna alone as he walked down to the docking bay. She watched him leave with a sad glance wondering what he had planned and if he would be safe by himself.
Tidus whistled as he walked through the streets of Luca. It was more crowded then usual today, that wasn't normal. He noticed crowds as they gathered around the news screens set around the city. Curiosity got the best of him and he stopped to see what was up himself.
"Today is certainly a sad day for our fair city Luca. One of our best players had been reported missing just yesterday. Today we had received word that Bickson had been found dead before he could come home. An anonymous source gave us the details of finding him along the road outside of Guadosalam. Authorities questioned local townsfolk, but nothing new has been revealed..."
The report continued, but he wasn't listening anymore. Bickson was dead? That was a shock. Not that he liked the man, far from it, but to be dead was another matter. His light tune was halted as he made his way out of the city and to the highroad. He watched carefully for any signs of attack. He didn't want to end up like his rival.
"Hey buddy! Don't you know it's not safe to travel alone?" A man sitting behind a chocobo drawn cart called out to him. "Where you headed, maybe I could give you a lift."
Tidus glanced up at the man. He seemed trustworthy enough. With a nod he climbed up onto the back of the cart. "Thanks, I appreciate this."
"Not a problem. I love doing this type of stuff. Just came back from taking a man to Luca. Met him on the south side of the moonflow river. Not a talkative man though. Wouldn't even give me his name. Speaking of which, what is your name son?"
Suddenly Tidus realized why the other man wasn't very talkative. This man did all the talking. "Tidus," He barely answered.
"Tidus huh? You know you look a lot alike that player from Besaid. Same name too."
"Small world." Tidus grumbled. For the first time he found himself wishing that someone would just shut up.
"Eh, like I was saying, I just returned from taking a man to Luca. All he told me was that he came from Bevelle and was heading south. Big man too. I'm sure he could have handled anything that might have attacked him, but he seemed grateful for the ride at least. He carried this sword that was almost as big as himself."
By this time Tidus had almost tuned the man out, but the more he talked about his last rider the more he noted that it sounded like Auron. Was it that time of the year already? It seemed like only a few months ago he had seen him.
That information was set aside as he began thinking of ways to rescue Rikku from Seymour.
--
Auron was not happy when he reached Luca. The city had so many more people milling the streets then ever before. He shoved his way to the airship docks in hopes that maybe he would be able to find a ride that could take him over the ocean to Kilika. From there he would ride a boat to Besaid. Fortunately, when he arrived, he saw something better then an airship headed for Kilika.
Cid's airship was docked and it looked like it was being refueled. Kimahri stood outside the ship watching making sure nothing would go wrong during the refuel. Auron tilted his head in a 'why not?' fashion before walking over.
"Kimahri!" He called out loud enough for the Ronso to hear him.
Hearing his name Kimahri turned to see who it was that shouted for him. He gave the Ronso version of a smile when he saw his old friend. "Sir Auron here. That is good. Yuna is worried about Tidus."
Auron paused. "What happened to the boy?" He asked trying to hold back anger he felt for not being there when tragedy struck his self appointed charge.
"Tidus went off alone. He was going to Guadosalam to pick something up."
Auron relaxed. So he wasn't in any immediate trouble. That was a relief. "What is it?"
Kimahri shrugged. "Kimahri not know. He not tell anyone what it was. But Kimahri sure he will be back soon."
"Perhaps you are right. Would Cid happen to be on this ship today?" Auron asked trying to change the subject yet get more information at the same time. His friend nodded. "Thank you. I shall go announce my presence."
He turned away and began walking up the ramp. He only hoped that Cid wouldn't kick him off today.
--
Seymour stood against the wall as Rikku moved about his room packing his belongings for him. She moved about the room in such an effortless way that he almost found himself lost in her for a moment. He grit his teeth together and shook his head. He couldn't be falling for his slave. When he opened his eyes again she was standing in front of him staring at him almost with what could be called concern.
"Have you finished packing?" He snapped at her not happy about getting caught in his thoughts. Rikku nodded once before stepping back. He reached his hand out and cupped her chin again. Seymour watched as her eyes flit back and forth trying to figure out what he was thinking.
"You need not wonder about that. For now, my plans are mine alone. You will find out soon enough what they are. But now we must prepare for our travels to Zanarkand." He laughed at her next expression as she seemed scared that he could read her mind just by looking into her eyes. "We are connected now, Rikku." He whispered in answer close to her ear. "I can see everything you are thinking just by looking within you. Do not think you can hide anything from me now."
Rikku shuddered in reaction. No wonder he knew what happened downstairs in the cell. He could read her and tell exactly what played out. While that was nice to know, the fact that he could read her mind was not. It scared her. What if he was able to read other thoughts about him as well? She had day dreams where she killed him without mercy. His blood dripping from her hands while she stood over his dead body laughing. And that only the tip of her thoughts. Some were worse, much much worse. What if he figured out how to read those? She stepped away from him in fear that maybe he could.
"It is time you get changed. Those clothes are now dirty. I cannot allow you to wear them again after what you did to them downstairs." He pointed to a set she had pulled out from the closet and laid on the bed while she had been packing his. "I want you to wear them."
It was a deep blue leather dress. Hugging all her curves and dipping low in the front barely enough to cover her breasts. The bottom of it fell far enough to cover her just as the skirt she wore did. She stripped out of the skirt and corset and into the dress as Seymour watched. She no longer felt ashamed in front of him. Even if she was, he was not going to give her the privacy anyway.
Seymour gave a small smile when she had finished. "Perfect." He moved away from the wall and stood behind her. One hand reached out and ran along her neck and down along her dress tracing the edge of the leather. She stood still as his hand started to dip lower before a knock on the door stopped his advance. She let out a breath in relief.
Seymour moved away from her and turned to the door. "Enter."
Tromell did so slowly. "I came with the reports for you sir. Your guards are ready and waiting. The thunder of the plains is at it's weakest now, making it the safest time to cross. If you leave within the hour, you should be able to make it to the agency by nightfall."
"Thank you, Tromell. Tell them we will be right down." Seymour watched as his servant bowed and left closing the door behind him. "We will finish this later tonight." He told Rikku. "Come, we must be off."
Rikku hesitated. She pointed at the luggage she had taken the time to pack.
"Someone else will take care of it." He replied. Rikku followed as he walked downstairs and met with the guards Tromell had told him about. One of them had run upstairs just as they left. Rikku knew what they were going for.
Ten minutes later and the small entourage was slowly crossing the Thunder Plains. Rikku never did like this place and she wrapped her arms around her trying to quell the fear. The rain ran off her clothes, but could do little but be absorbed by her hair. She shivered constantly as the water ran down her back.
Seymour watched as his slave shivered in the rain. They had been walking for about an hour and already she was slowing them down. He could see the skin on her arms and chest raised as her body struggled to stay warm. He held on hand up to stop them before turning to one of the guards. "My cloak if you will."
The guard reached into the bag he carried and pulled out the requested item. He handed it off before it could become soaked in the rain. Seymour took it but instead of wrapping it around himself, he placed it over his slave's shoulders instead. "Now, perhaps when you are not so cold, we won't have you slowing us down."
Rikku looked away fearful that she had upset him once again. But now that she had protection from the elements, she would be able to keep up at least.
--
Tidus was surprised at how fast he made it from the moonflow river. After the ferry dropped him off, he ran the whole way until he reached Guadosalam. He had to reach Rikku as soon as possible. Even though he was winded and his body was screaming at him for rest, he made his way to Seymour's mansion. When he arrived there, he found he was too late. The master had already left over an hour ago.
He suppressed an agitated sigh and began running again. Fiends tried to slow him down, but he cut his way through them in his rush to reach Rikku before it was too late. He stopped only once to drink a potion before continuing. He hit a second wind as he saw four figures just ahead of him. Gritting his teeth in determination, he managed to run faster to catch up.
Once he was close enough to shout and be heard, he screamed out. "Seymour!"
The group stopped moving at the name. Rikku was the first to turn around and see Tidus standing on the ridge they had just descended. Hope shined in her eyes. She was sure Tidus was here for her.
"Please be silent. You will draw out the fiends with your calls." Seymour answered as he turned to face him as well.
"Make me! The only fiend I see is you." Tidus taunted as he came closer.
Seymour glanced to his two guards before giving the signal for them to attack. They were easily disposed of with two quick swipes of Tidus' blade.
"Rikku, come here." He said and Rikku took two steps before an arm shot out and blocked her path.
"I do not think so. She is mine, you will not be taking her from me." Seymour raised one hand above his head and a bolt of lightning came close to hitting his foe.
Tidus stood still knowing that the attack couldn't hurt him. Once he knew he was going to end up crossing the plains he switched bucklers as he ran. When the dust settled he was still there. Seymour growled as he prepared another attack. Rikku tried to shout a warning, but she was still under Seymour's curse and could do little more then wave her arms. Tidus was thrown back into the mud by the force of the water as it hit him. He used his sword to pull himself out and stand in front of his enemy once more.
"Make this easy, give me Rikku and I won't hurt you."
"Hurt me? I don't feel pain." Seymour said as he began moving his arms in motions Tidus never saw before. Red and black clouds began circling above them before a three pronged hook fell from the sky. It landed directly in front of the blond before rising from the ground, but this time it held something else. Something dark and sinister looking.
A monster (as Tidus couldn't describe it any other way) was being pulled from out of the ground by what appeared to be its neck. Its arms were chained to its body and the head looked like something off a fiend, while two huge leather like wings covered up along both its sides raising almost over its head. Huge teeth stuck out of its mouth and it only had one eye with which to see. When the monster was fully pulled the chain was gone and he stood in front of it as it towered above him
"What-what is that?"
"Anima, pain!" Seymour's voice called out from somewhere off to the side.
Tidus did not have time to wonder where he was as he watched as the head of Anima drew back to collect power before it was thrown in his direction. The next thing he knew, he was laying in another puddle of mud. Hurt would be an understatement to how he was feeling. It was like every bone in his body was crying out in protest to any movement he made. He quickly gulped another potion before standing up and running in for the attack. His sword slashed the bottom of Anima, but it didn't seem to have any effect. He barely had time to register another shout of pain before the attack was close to hitting him. He had dodged it just in time.
When he lifted his head, he could see Seymour and Rikku directly in front of him. But he still had to get rid of Anima before he could get closer. He reached into his pocket and pulled out what was called a supreme gem. He remembered back when he was a little kid and Rikku used to collect all kinds of things like this. She had once explained what each one does. "Rikku I hope you were right about what this thing can do." He said to himself as he threw it at the monster.
Anima was surrounded by blackness before green and purple bursts of color broke through. A sphere then closed it on it pulling all the attack into one huge explosion. When it appeared back on the plains he noticed she looked significantly weakened. Standing from his place, Tidus ran in and began swiping his sword over and over at the enemy. He then stuck his sword into the ground before shouting out. "Blitz ace!" Jumping up on the hilt of the sword he leaped high in the air and flapped backwards as a ball seemed to come flying from no where. He only had three seconds to time this right before he would fall and end up hitting the ground head first if it didn't work. He closed his eyes and hoped for the best.
His foot connected with the ball forcing his body to twist in mid-air bringing him down on his feet as the ball smashed into Anima before exploding. "Yeah! That's how it's done!" He shouted in victory as Anima began to fade away.
"No! That power, it cannot be." Seymour stepped up furious at the strength that had just been demonstrated in front of him. "It will be mine! Drain!"
Tidus felt as his his very life was being sucked out of him. He fell to his knee while holding one hand to his chest. Breathing deep he glanced up and saw pure fear cross Rikku's face. He had to do something to save her and quickly. He reached into his pocket once more and pulled out another gem. He didn't pay attention to what it was and threw it hoping that whatever it was would only hit Seymour and not her.
Seymour smirked at the attack before flames began circling around him. They grew faster and faster before growing up and over his head then crashing down on him. "Shining gem." He whispered in surprise before falling to the ground unconscious.
Tidus pulled himself to his feet to make sure he was out before he felt something thrown against him. He looked down to see Rikku wrapped around his chest clinging to him as if her life depended on him alone.
"Rikku?" He questioned to make sure this was the blond haired girl he knew years ago. Rikku nodded her head before pulling him away. They took off together in the direction of the agency. From there, Tidus planned on calling Cid to come get them.
Seymour struggled to lift his head as he watched them running off. "You can't get far. I will be there always watching you, Rikku." His head dropped once more.