Let's see. Not much to say here. Getting into the aurikku part of the story now. Still not predominant, but it's working. This took a bit longer to write then the last few. I got stuck then got busy and only was able to work on it again last night. Still don't own more then a copy of the game. Sure wish I did though. Poor Auron though. It's really hard to know what someone wants when they can't talk. You'll see what I mean later. This is still on the T rating, but next chapter might go up. Not sure yet, this story dances around that line.
All eyes turned and stared at him waiting for an answer. "I don't think so. A sixteen year old should not be staying with a thirty five year old man. It would not be appropriate." He turned to go having said his piece.
Rikku watched as they all began debating with him. She wanted to hide and right now he was the only way she had. Her mouth moved several time before one word managed to escape. "Please?"
"Whoa. That's like a miracle, ya?" Wakka said as he stared at Rikku. The room gone silent.
Auron bristled. The plea was simple, just one word. But it was the word that was spoken. Slowly he turned and met eyes with the girl.
"Please?" She repeated.
That had been three hours ago. Auron glanced down to the girl on the floor at his feet. Right now she was working on some sewing project Yuna had given her. She still had not been able to say more then the one word, but it was a start at breaking the curse she was under.
He wondered for the hundredth time why he agreed with this plan. If Kimahri could not protect her, how did they expect him to? And in the city of Bevelle no less! It wasn't as if he hated her, far from it. But he could only imagine what people would say when they saw her in his home.
He stood from the chair he was sitting in and headed for the fire within the small hut. "Are you hungry?" He asked her.
Rikku lifted her face from her project and stared at him for a moment. A slow sad shake of her head answered his question. She went back to her work.
Auron scooped some of the stew from the pot for her anyway. He held it out for her. "Eat anyway. Come evening we must be at the docks. You will need your strength for the hike."
Rikku lifted her head once more and stared at the bowl held out in front of her. Carefully she set down the work and took it from his hand. She placed it on the floor next to her and went back to sewing. Auron held back a growl at how she was acting. He understood she was upset, but the was ridiculous!
"Fine, suit yourself." He ignored her and scooped himself a bowl before sitting and eating. Yet somehow it didn't taste right. It settled wrong in his stomach making him wish he hadn't eaten either. He forced himself to finish it.
Later they sat on the porch of his hut neither one saying anything, Rikku because she could not talk, and Auron because that's what he did. Once in a while he would shift his attention to her, not allowing her out of his sight for even a second. The only sound from them was the occasional swipe of a rag running over the blade of a katana. Yuna and Tidus were over and they did plenty of talking for all of them. They both went on trying to convince her this was for the best. That everything would work out in the end.
The truth was, none of them knew what the future held. But Tidus was optimistic, he was always the one who looked on the bright side of circumstances.
Auron glanced up as the sky began getting dark. "It is time we take our leave." He stated as he stood and went inside the hut. He did not expect the girl to follow him, not with the other two there.
--
He carried his sword to the beach while maintaining a defensive stance the whole way. Even if the fiends here were not all that tough, he knew she did not know how to fight. If she did, he was sure she would have escaped from Seymour years ago. Though he had to admit during the hike she did not seem to be afraid. Not once did she hide or try to run. When fiends did attack, she would stand and watch. He had to admit (if only to himself) he was impressed by her.
The boat left early in the evening plus two extra guests. It was a good thing, for the next morning a new boat pulled up to the docks. The blue haired master stepped off before being quickly surrounded by three guards. It was in this manner they made their way into the main square of the island village.
The first place he went was the local inn. The trip had taken its toll on him and he needed at least an hour rest. After the short nap, Seymour began the task of hunting down Rikku. He knew she was here somewhere it was only a matter of where. He did not fail to notice that many of the residents seemed as if they were in mourning. He mentally smirked after he asked a villager why.
"There was death a few days ago." She answered. "Kimahri Ronso was found inside his home with his throat slashed. It is too horrible to even say more then that!" She ran off as tears ran down her face.
To him, that was music to his ears. It meant that he was reaching Rikku and all the actions he was doing were real. But he was still unable to find her in this tiny village. And that fact was making him angry.
--
Meanwhile, Rikku was crossing the sea. She stood on the bow of the ship as sea water gently sprayed her face cooling it from the hot sun above. Inside she was breaking. Rikku felt as if it was her fault Kimahri was now dead, and the thoughts tore her up inside. Perhaps it would be best if she went back to Seymour. No one else would be hurt because of her.
"Don't even think about it." Someone broke into her thoughts.
Rikku turned to watch Auron step up next to her. She wondered how he could know what she was thinking, but he remained silent not offering any explanation. His gaze stared straight ahead.
Rikku pushed herself away from the railing, ready to head back to her cabin. She didn't have to stay her and put up with his silence! Just as she turned to do just that a hand reached out and wrapped around her arm preventing her escape. She stared at him in awe.
"It will not be easy, but going back to him is not the answer." He told her before letting go.
She dropped her head in shame, but he did not see. He was already back to staring over the ocean. What he had said helped to encourage her. Maybe he wasn't the same person from when she was little, but time and experience had made him wiser. Maybe there was a lot she could learn from him. She had already seen much during his fights in Besaid. But there was more then just physical learning. At that moment, she decided she would do all she could to figure him out. To know what he knew. If she could make him happy once again, and help bring a little piece of the person he used to be out, she would be happy too. So she stayed there on the bow with him.
--
Yuna was the first to see him walking. She gasped quietly as she ran off to tell Tidus. Seymour was still alive and asking around for Rikku. He had not seen her yet, but surely he would know she had to be here.
"Yuna? What's up?" He question as she ran in the hut without and warning.
"We have to get out now. Seymour is here! We can't let him find us or else he might be able to find Rikku!" She was panicky and constantly glanced over her shoulder as if he was right there behind her.
Unlike her, he managed to remain calm. Calm and angry. "I thought I took care of him. Looks like I was wrong. Alright. I'll go tell Wakka. He can stall him while we leave. Gather our stuff and I'll meet you outside at the edge of the woods."
Yuna nodded as she began packing even before he was gone. Tidus sneaked around the village while keeping an eye on Seymour. He only moved when he was looking the other way. He was sure that if Seymour caught him, his life would be over. When he reached Wakka's hut, he did much the same thing Yuna had done to him.
He called out for his friend.
Instead he got Lulu, Wakka's wife. "He's not here. What's all the panic about?" She asked softly.
"Lulu, I need you to do something for me!" He glanced over his shoulder. "Yuna and I have to leave the village for a few days. We need you and Wakka to throw Seymour off track from us and Auron."
"Tidus, what is all this about? Where are you going?"
"I can't explain now, but you have to help. If he comes to you, tell him Ree is hiding in Kilika or something." Without saying another word, Tidus left her alone to ponder over his strange request.
--
"Was this really necessary?" Yuna questioned him as they walked alone together through Besaid's forests. "You defeated Seymour once, alone no less. Surely you could do it again."
"Maybe, but that was different. When I saw Rikku, I reached my limit. All the sadness I saw in her that day made me angry. She was almost pleading with her eyes for help. But also if we fought here, people could get hurt. I didn't want to risk that happening." He explained. He glanced around at the area they had reached. It was the top of the falls, so from here they would be able to see down if there were any chances of attack.
"I guess you're right." Yuna agreed now that she understood. She noticed Tidus was pulling fabric out from the bag on his back. Knowing what he had planned, she got to work helping him set up the tent they would be sleeping in the next few days.
--
Seymour watched as a very lovely lady walked up to him and he wished not for the first time that he had Rikku back and by his side. She addressed him first.
"You are Lord Seymour from Guadosalam, are you not?"
He took in her features for a moment before answering. She wore a black corset that defined her breasts and accented her curves. He followed it down where she wore a black skirt made of the finest silk known on the island. Her long hair hung down her back in dark waves before the front of it covered half her face. "I am. How may I assist you dear lady?"
Lulu tried not to shudder as she watched his eyes hungrily take in her body. But she had worn this outfit for a reason. If she could appeal to him, then he may take what she had to say without question. "Actually, it is I who can help you." She began before moving in closer to him where he would have a better view of her cleavage. "I hear you are looking for someone."
"You hear right. I had a servant girl. A young thing actually. She was taken from me only a few short weeks ago. I have been searching endlessly for her. I dare not think what may have happened to her without my protection."
"I think I may know who you are referring to. About a week ago one of the villagers brought a girl here after he returned from a trip. I heard him say he was going onto Kilika to hide for a while." Lulu spoke low and ran one hand down his chest in a flirtatious motion. She only hoped that her plan would work. She looked back making it appear as if she was making sure no one was listening to them talk.
"Kilika you say? And just when did he leave?"
"Last night, before you arrived. They left by boat." She moved back after giving the information, but still remained close enough that it didn't look as if that was all she had to offer.
Seymour smiled. So the blond had moved her from his grasp once more? But it was a small island just like Besaid. That was the good news, there would be little where he could hide. "Thank you my dear. The information you have given to me means more then you can imagine." Seymour reached out and ran his hand down the length of her body making sure to pay special attention to the lump under her top. His lips moved forward to where the neck met shoulder. "Pity we don't have more time." He whispered as he nipped at the skin. "I would...reward you well for that information."
Lulu released a breath of air that sounded much like a moan. She had done her part, this was not agreed to. Lucky for her, Seymour moved away and bowed before leaving her alone. She vaguely heard him say something about coming back, but she was already off.
She arrived back in her hut where Wakka was waiting for her.
"Did he take the bait?" He asked.
Lulu glared at him before stripping the clothing off and throwing it in the fire. "Burn." Now naked she walked back to the bedroom. "If I ever agree to do something like that again, someone kill me first!" She shouted as she tried to scrub the feeling of Seymour's lips from her skin.
Wakka entered the room and leaned against the wall. "I'll keep that in mind, Lu." He laughed. "Guess he took it too well." She gave him a pointed look before he moved from the wall and wrapped his arms around her. "Maybe I can make it up to you though." He whispered in her ear. Lulu melted in his embrace as his lips tried covering every inch of bare skin they could find.
--
It took three days of straight sailing, but Auron and Rikku finally arrived in Bevelle. They had to trade boats at Luca, but that one had been faster and made for long sailing. Auron had left Rikku on deck as he went down to collect luggage. Before they entered the main city, Rikku tried to insist that she be the one to carry everything. Auron sighed as he explained why he was not going to allow that.
"You are a young woman, not my slave. You do not have to carry my belongings."
Rikku scratched her cheek as she thought about it. She had simply grown so used to do things like that, she had not even realized what she was doing. She hung her head as they walked to his apartment. Her now dark hair helping her to blend into the crowd more easily then what the blond would have.
As soon as they reached the place, Auron began to unlock the door to let them in. Rikku heard him mutter something along the lines of "Not now." before he hurriedly pushed her in. She saw just enough as another man stepped up to where she had just been.
"Auron, how was your trip?"
"Afternoon, Kinoc. I trust this is nothing more then a friendly visit?"
"Aw, Auron. Always so harsh. Here, allow me to help you with your bags." He leaned over and picked one up intending to carry it inside.
"That's quite alright. I think I can manage on my own." Auron took the item from his hand and tried to get inside and shut the door quickly. "Excuse me if I make this visit short. I am tired from my trip and wish to rest."
"Whatever you say. Just don't be late for your duties in the temple in the morning." He called out before heading down the street.
Auron groaned as he made it inside finally. Right now all he wanted was to rest and not do anything. Work was the last thing he wanted to think about. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it while closing his eyes. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he opened them again. She was standing in front of him with a very inquisitive expression. He had forgotten about the girl he brought with him.
Not for the first time he found himself wondering what her name was. Tidus refused to tell him saying that he would know it if he tried. The boy almost wasn't walking after that remark. But he was persistent. "What?" Auron snapped at her when she refused to move.
She smiled at him and took the bags that were now on the ground at his feet. She seemed to have no trouble carrying them into his room. When she had not emerged for a couple minutes, he decided it was time to check in on her.
He found her with his things on the bed as she put them away. It took her several tries to find where they belonged, but she seemed to be making herself right at home. When she felt his eyes watching her, she stopped and stepped back away from the bed. Auron was standing at the door and he did not look pleased.
Her eyes darted around the room trying to figure out some way to make him happy. She was grateful for him taking her in, but now it was her turn to do the same for him. She quickly moved the bags and placed them on the floor to be finished later. Then she patted the bed signaling for him to lie down.
Auron opened his eyes wide in shock. She couldn't be implying...he tried to convince himself otherwise. "This is not proper." He told her as she picked up on his hesitation and took his coat off for him.
Rikku clasped her hands together in front of her. She knew she had upset him somehow. But how could she tell him that all she wanted was to help him relax? Making up her mind, she continued even through his protests. Once he was on the bed she began removing his heavy boots next. Rikku shook her head at all the mud the accumulated on the soles of them deciding she would clean them later.
Her hands gently pushed him down on the bed. Then she used her trump card as she got frustrated with him. "Please?" She begged. The only word she was only able to say, but it stopped his fighting. She smiled at her small victory as he allowed her to move him back.
He was confused at first as she had him lie on his front before he understood. Rikku climbed on his back and straddled his hips as her hands effortlessly began kneading his stiff and sore neck and shoulders. Before she even reached the middle of his back, Auron had fallen asleep.
She smiled again as she slid off his body and picked up his boots. Now that he was resting she could get other things done for him.
--
They had never seen her. Never even heard of anyone by her description there. He should have known though. Besaid would be the first place he destroys once he creates Sin. The people there were liars and deceivers. Though Seymour had to admit, they were crafty. The woman had used his one weakness against him.
He should have seen through it as soon as she approached. As soon as she asked about his search. He should have seen the deceit. But he hadn't and that bothered him. Was he going blind? Was he looking too hard? Maybe he was, he was too eager, making foolish mistakes. He had to relax, to keep calm and think. Luca would be the next city. If they took a boat, they had to have stopped there.
--
Rikku was busy washing the floor in the small kitchen when a knocking could be heard on the door. She stood and dried her hands on the apron around her waist before answering it not even thinking what would happen.
She tilted her head in confusion at the bald man who stood on the other side.
"Good evening. Would Sir Auron happen to be around?" He asked her. She recognized his voice but was not able to place it. Shrugging the matter away she brought her hands up next to her cheek to show that Auron was sleeping.
He stared at her for a moment and Rikku felt her face flush at his scrutiny. "I know you, don't I?"
She shrugged in answer before shaking her head.
"No, I think I do. I've seen you with Master Seymour, have I not?"
Rikku backed away quickly. Fear gripped her and made her chest feel tight. What if he was here to take her back now? What if he told Seymour where to find her?
"Relax. I'm not going to say anything. Your secret is safe with me. So you managed to escape from him, huh? Does this mean you are now Sir Auron's slave? Do you please him like you did your last master?"
Rikku tried to explain that's not what was going on at all. Her hands waved in front of her as if she was trying to say no.
"I get it." Kinoc stepped into the apartment and silently closed to door behind him. He made sure to whisper now so that he would not wake Auron up. "Auron is my friend. I think I would know him a little better then you. Trust me, he likes to tell you one thing, but that's because he really wants something else. If he says how he rescued you to protect you from Seymour, it's because he wants you for himself. He's just shy. You have to help him see what he really wants."
Rikku chewed on her finger in thought. Was this true? He had tried twice now to push her away, but was it really a cover for what his real motive was? Maybe he didn't want her to think that was why he brought her here.
"I see you debating it. He denied you didn't he?" At her nod a predatory grin crossed his face. "That's how he is. Auron likes to make himself look like the weak one. But that's only so he can take control later. It's a game he likes to play." He glanced out the window as if checking the time. "I better go. But keep in mind what I said. Auron likes to play a little hard to get. Just treat him in the same way you did for Seymour. That's why you're here after all. You are now his personal slave."
--
"Do you think it's safe to return now?" Yuna asked one morning as she and Tidus were moving around the campsite picking up clothing and other items that had been lying around the ground.
"I'm not sure. I told Lulu to let us know." He replied. As if on cue a bright light lit the sky above them. "Looks like it's safe to me!" He laughed.
Yuna saw it too and relaxed. "Guess you're right." She glanced around her. "We better get cleaned up here. I'm ready to get back into my nice soft bed at home."
Tidus watched with interest as she raised her arms over her head and stretched. "Neither can I." He mumbled.
--
Rikku was still sleeping when Auron left that morning for work He almost felt bad for sleeping so long, but apparently she had done a good job of keeping herself entertained. He noticed the floors were whiter then before. Most likely the result of her scrubbing. She had even had a lunch made for him and it was sitting out waiting.
He would have to talk to her about this. She was not brought her to serve him. It was for her protection. But serving was all she knew anymore, wasn't it? He turned his head to see the sleeping girl on his couch. She looked scared even in sleep. Suddenly he found his heart going out to her. Tidus had told him she was only sixteen, too young. But yet he was sure she had seen more, much more, then he had in his whole thirty-five years.
He moved closer to her and ran the back of his fingers softly over her cheek. The feeling of knowing her nagged at the back of his brain. Should he know her though? And if he did, would that make a difference? His fingers ran lower and stopped when they came in contact with material around her neck. He stooped to have a better look. It was a black velvet choker. Probably the signal she was owned by Seymour. Or the reason she could not speak.
Auron stood up shaking his head. Too many thoughts ran through his head. He tried to suppress them knowing they were wrong. "I'll be back later tonight. Perhaps I can find something in the temple that will help you speak again." He whispered before heading out.
--