I apologize for the long wait. Life kept me busy. But I can't stop for long. So here you go, the next chapter. Let's see, I believe this is a T rated chapter. Umm, character death, not going to say who. Not much else besides the declaimer to add. Final Fantasy X or its characters do not belong to Gin. They are the sole property of Square-Enix. (darn shame too.)
--
Tidus stayed by her side after the events inside the temple. It had been three hours and she still had not woken up. Just as he was ready to go hunt down the fayth they had talked to, she began to move.
"Yuna?" He asked silently so as not to attract attention. From what, he wasn't sure. They were still inside the trials, but he didn't want any of the priests hunting them down. He had carried her out of the fayth's room and into the anti-chamber.
"Oh. What happened?" She asked as a hand reached up to try and rub away the pounding in her head.
"You remember Valefor, right?"
She thought about his question. "Sin." She stated. "We must stop Sin from coming back."
Tidus smiled at her resolve before standing and helping her do the same. "Right. And I will be by your side as we do it together." He looked around a second in thought. "Right. So, uh, how do we get out of here then?"
Yuna smiled at him her headache slowly fading. "The same way we came in. The fayth assured me that we would be able to leave without being seen."
"Fayth, huh? Well, I'm not going to argue. What else did they tell you?"
As they made their way back through the trials, Yuna explained what Valefor told her. She had explained how they have been watching for centuries the events on Spira. But it wasn't until now that they had need of intervention. Seymour wanted to bring back Sin and they knew what that could mean for everyone. She also told how a young Al Bhed girl was going to be the key to unlocking Sin from the confines of the prison it had been in.
Yuna knew that she was talking about Rikku. They had to hide her and defeat Seymour to prevent that from happening.
--
"I killed them! It was all my fault!"
Auron held the small girl to himself, unsure just what else to do. Sobs wracked her tiny body as she cried into his shoulder. Her cries muffled the words she spoke, not allowing him the chance to understand what she was so upset about. He only held her closer giving her the moment to cry her pain out.
Just as she began to settle down he felt light touches to his neck. Almost as if feathers were being rubbed along the skin. He tilted his head back as an empty ache in his heart began to grow. The feathers turned to lips and he began to enjoy the contact and feelings it stirred inside him. Soon without him body being told, he began returning the gesture. He wrapped one hand behind her and lowered her gently to the bed as his body covered hers.
Auron used his lips and tongue to explore her mouth taking in the taste of spices and mint. Wanting more of that, he lowered his lips to her neck finding more of the pleasant taste. His hand reached up and he pulled back on the shirt that he had covered her in. Being one of his own, the collar posed no resistance as he found more skin to explore.
Suddenly as if his mind caught up with what his body was doing, Auron shot back away from her. He stood next to the bed with his back to the young girl.
"Do I not please you?" She asked as her gaze shifted to the mattress under her.
For the first time in his life, Auron found himself beginning to stutter and trip over his words. "No, no. You please me very much. It's just..this..this is not proper."
Slowly Rikku slid from the bed. She had disappointed him. "Then tell me what is the proper way to please my master." She whispered with her head to the floor.
Auron spun quickly. "Master?" He repeated. "I am not your master!" He spit the word out as if it were a poison. "What would have ever given you that impression?"
Holding back more tears least he think of her as being weak, Rikku answered. "It was a man. He was here while you were sleeping."
"And you let him in?" He snapped. Auron rubbed his head as he pictured this going from bad to worse. "Name."
"What?"
"A name. What was his name?" He demanded as fire burned in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I do not know. He did not tell me." Amazingly enough, no more tears fell. Perhaps it was the idea she knew he was not upset with her. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her waiting for the next outburst.
Instead she was greeted with a quiet sigh. She tried to listen in as he began to mutter to himself. "When I... He won't.." As if noticing her for the first time, Auron stared at her for a long moment. His hand reached out and took a lock of her hair within it. He studied it for a second before one word slipped from between his lips. "Blond."
--
"What do I look like? Your chaffer?" Tidus had just called Cid to request a lift to Bevelle. To say that Cid was not happy about it, would be an understatement. He had just got home and began to relax when his sphere went off. "I just got back from taking you to and from Guadosalam, and now you want me to take you to Bevelle? Try again in a week." He was about to disconnect when Yuna's voice was heard shouting in the back round.
"Wait! Uncle Cid." She caught her breath before speaking. "What if we said there was something there that would interest you?"
"There ain't nothing in that city that I want!" He snapped at her.
"Trust me." She said with a softness only Yuna could manage, but also so strong that it would be impossible to say no.
Cid sighed in resignation. "Fine. When do you want to leave?"
"As soon as possible." Tidus cut in. "We have to get there before Seymour does. We'll explain everything when are on our way." He disconnected his end and turned to the room. "Well, we have four hours to get ready."
He looked around the room stopping for a moment on each face. First was Yuna, the healer of the group and the one who was speaking for the fayth. Next was Wakka, the blitz player like him. But not only could he use the ball in the water, he was just as skilled in using it against fiends. Then there was Lulu. A formidable opponent indeed. She was an expert in the art of black magic. He knew Seymour used dark magic, he had seen that first hand himself. But it would be in their interest to have another magic user besides Yuna on his side.
It was a shame Kimahri was no longer with them. The Ronso was a strong ally. But he forced those thoughts away. It was time to concentrate on the now.
"We need to get supplies before we go. Lulu, Wakka, can you do that?"
They nodded in assention before heading out. Yuna stared at him waiting for his next order. She was surprised at how well he took charge. She smiled in thought. He turned and caught her smile. It was infectious and he found himself doing the same.
"What would you like me to do?" She questioned.
Tidus scratched his head in thought. "I need to know what Seymour's next plan is. Do the fayth know?"
Yuna closed her eyes as she tried to communicate with the aeon, as they called themselves. She opened them seconds later. "She says they don't know, but they can sense a dark presence heading for Bevelle. It could be Seymour, but they are not sure."
"Okay, let's assume it is. Where is he now?"
"He just left Luca. And he's moving fast. I think he found a ship while in Luca."
"Well, Cid's airship is probably faster. We should still be able to beat him there. This time when we fight, I will make sure he won't be getting back up."
--
Rikku stood still as the older man held her hair within his hands. She was too scared to move. Who knew what he could have been thinking? She sure didn't.
"Blond." He repeated the word. He dropped the blond strands and lifted her chin so he could see her face more clearly. "What is your na...?" He began to ask, but a knocking on his door stopped the question before he could finish it. "Stay here, and don't move." He ordered. Letting her go he turned to see who was at the door.
Rikku listened as the sounds at the door grew more urgent. They were pounding now threating to break the wood if it was not answered quickly. The pounding stopped and she listened to Auron's low voice as he spoke.
"Kinoc, what can I do for you?"
"I hate to be the one to do this to you, Auron. But we have reason to believe you are hiding a malefactor within your residence. I have permission to seek out this matter for myself." Rikku tried not to gasp as she recognized the voice as being the same man who has spoken to her only the day before.
"Kinoc, what are you...?" Auron was interrupted as Kinoc and several men pushed their way inside the apartment.
"Search everywhere." Kinoc ordered as they spread out.
Rikku gasped as she tried to find a place to hide. But she knew it wouldn't help. They would find her anyway. The door to the bedroom flew open and she covered her head in fear.
"Get up, we are going now." She lifted her face to see Auron standing in front of her. He reached next to his bed and grabbed the katana leaning against the wall. Using his other hand, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind him.
"Auron, what are you doing?" Kinoc asked when they arrived back in the main room.
"I know that you're after the girl. I have sworn an oath that I would protect her from anyone, even if that person is you." He held the katana out in front of him preventing any thought of his friend from moving or ordering his death.
"This is crazy! Do you even know what you are doing?"
"Yes, Kinoc. I believe I do." He carefully stepped closer to the door keeping Rikku close to himself. "I suggest you don't follow me. I will not be held responsible for what happens if you do."
Rikku went along with all this without saying a word. She couldn't fathom what Auron was thinking. He just gave everything up to protect her. If he would have let her go, he could have gone back to his life without worry.
Auron dragged her behind him down the streets. The shirt she wore flowing around her like an oversized dress. Her bare feet made it hard for her to keep his pace for long though. She began to slow down. Auron turned when he noticed she was slowing. He took in her appearance and scowled to himself for being so foolish.
She had nothing on other then his shirt. But she was not protesting either. He stopped running to give her a chance to catch her breath and to remove his coat. He draped it over her shoulders.
"Here. You will need this. Macalania gets cold at night this time of year."
Rikku nodded as she slipped her arms into the coat. She lowered her head and blushed in shame. "You should have let them take me." She whispered.
Her shoulders were roughly held as he shook her. "Are you insane?" He hissed. "Fool! You know what Kinoc would have done to you if I had."
"Yes, I know." She turned her head away from him and watched as a woman leaned over a baby carriage playing with the child inside. Her eyes closed knowing she would never get that same satisfaction. Seymour had made sure of that. With everything he put her through, he didn't want to risk her having children and spoiling his fun. "It is what I am."
Auron growled. He couldn't believe that was all she thought of herself. He glanced over her shoulder and saw they were being followed. There was no more time to talk about this. With practiced ease, he lifted her up and threw her over his shoulder before running for the city's edge.
--
Seymour stood on the bow of the ship watching the stars above him. It was a lovely clear night, the lights of the sky twinkling brilliantly. Once he destroyed Spira, he would sit out here and enjoy the sky above. Of course he would need someone by his side. After all, no man can be alone for too long. Perhaps he could ask the Lady Yuna to be the one.
But he would have to destroy that boy first. He was a worthy opponent though. He was almost bested in the Thunder Plains. Yes, he was sure he would be one of the first to die. But he had to find his slave first. If Kinoc did his job right, then he would be able to find her sitting in a Bevelle jail waiting for him.
That brought a small smile to his face. She would be so thankful for his rescue, that she would be willing to do anything for him. Including...well that was for a later time. Right now he needed to concentrate on just getting her to Zanarkand.
He took his eyes from the sky and looked around at all the people. Then again, there were not that many tonight. Most of them were in the cabins below resting for the next day. He had been glad when they did not bother him while in thought. Being the leader of the Guado was not an easy task.
He took a deep breath before deciding that it was time for sleep. Tomorrow the boat would arrive in Bevelle, and he had much to prepare for once he arrived. He debated if he should have one more night of fun with his slave, but thought better of it. There would be plenty of time for that later.
--
The night was cool as the couple reached Macalania forest. Crystals shone brightly reflecting the light of the moon. Rikku stayed close to her protector's side afraid of what would happen should they end up separated. She hid a yawn behind her hand as Auron led them deeper inside. The events of the day drained her.
Auron did notice the hidden yawn though. But they could not rest yet. He had to make sure they would not be found. He took them deeper and deeper into the forest. He stopped once he found a clearing. He paused and shifted his eyes to look all around checking that it was safe.
"We rest here for the night. In the morning we can plan our next move."
"If you say so." Knowing they would need to keep warm, Rikku searched around finding branches and such that would make a good fire. She made sure to remain within ear shot.
Auron watched her go as he prepared places for them to sleep. She still wore his coat and the edges of it dragged slightly on the ground as she moved. He would have to find her something in her own size the next chance he had. He reached into his pocket to check how much gil he had with him. Four thousand, that should be enough for now. If they needed more, he could always fight a few fiends. They dropped gil once in a while.
By this time he had finished with preparations on the campsite, but there was still no sign of the return of the girl. He hoped she had not gotten herself in trouble. He was sure there was already a price on his head. Kinoc did not fool around in matters such as this.
Grabbing his katana from where he had left it, he entered the forest in the last place he had seen her. He choose not to call out in case she had been caught. It would not do to give himself away. Splashing could be heard from just in front of him. Silently he made his way in that direction. As he got closer he noticed clothing lay on the ground near the spring. He feared what may have happened when he noted that it was his shirt and coat.
His eyes darted over the area in front of him searching. Everything seemed in order, no sign of trouble yet. Black hair rose up from under the water. It was quickly followed by tanned shoulders and smooth skin over a bare back. He watched as a set of arms reached up to pull the hair back out of her face and tiny drops of water fell from the appendages. She turned slightly and he could just make out the barest trace of the outline of a breast.
"Someone there?" She called. He held his breath afraid to have been caught. She attempted to cover herself with her arms as she turned. It did little more them to only make her appear more desirable. "Auron?" She called his name as fear flashed over her face.
He should have run, have turned away, but he could not. He had invaded her privacy, yet he could not force his body to return that privacy back to her.
"Auron?" She repeated the name as she skimmed through the water in an attempt to find her clothes and cover herself.
"It's okay. I'm right here." He finally answered as he stepped out from the branches that hid him.
"You were watching me?" She asked as she dipped back into the water.
Now that the source of his temptation was hidden, Auron was able to relax. "Only for a moment." He answered truthfully. "It was not my intent."
"I see." She left it at that as she dove under to wash dirt from her hair. When she came back up, Auron noticed that less black could be seen in her hair.
Perhaps it was a sign that the curse she was under was being lifted. "Come, it is time we get some rest." He turned his back to allow her a chance to exit the water without shame, but stayed nearby in case of attack.
He listened as she slowly pulled herself out. He closed his eyes to the thoughts that ran through his mind. It took all he had not to take a peek as she dressed.
"It's safe, you can look now." She informed him.
He exhaled loudly as he turned. "That was not wise to disappear like that." He scolded.
"Forgive me." She lowered her head in a submissive pose. "I saw the water and wanted to get clean."
Neither said another word as they marched back to camp. Once there, Auron got the fire started. They sat on opposite sides starring into it for a while before Rikku spoke. "Auron, do you remember me?"
--
As soon as the airship was on its way, Cid confronted his niece and her boyfriend. "Now, is someone going to explain to me what is going on?" He crossed his arms over his chest as he waited on an answer.
Tidus scratched the back of his head as he thought how to phrase it. "Well, it's like this..."
"We have to rescue Sir Auron." Yuna filled in.
"You drug me from home for him?" Cid snapped.
"Not just him." Tidus defended. "There's this girl. He was supposed to be taking care of her for us. But we think they are both in trouble."
Cid growled. "A girl? A girl! And I suppose this girl has a name?"
"Yes. Her name is Rikku." Yuna answered as she took a step back prepared for her uncle's explosion.
It never came. Cid stood staring at them both in shock. Rikku was his daughter's name. His child who had been killed four years ago with Braska and Jecht. His mouth opened and closed a few times but no words came out. He faced away from them and leaned over a set of controls. "Leave me." He ordered.
"Cid." "Uncle Cid?"
"I said leave me!" He repeated as an arm swung out behind him. The couple scurried off. A hand came up and covered his face as he tried to hide the pain. His daughter was alive, this opened up many old wounds. He thought he had finally come to terms with her death, this was good news, so why did he feel so disheartened?
--
"What do you mean, 'she's not here'?"
"She escaped just yesterday. Sir Auron kidnapped her and ran for Macalania woods. We were unable to find them after that."
This was not pleasant news at all for Seymour. He had expected to arrive in Bevelle, pick up his slave, and begin the last part of his trip to Zanarkand. However, he arrived to find Kinoc had allowed her to escape. His chest rose and fell several times as he tried to keep his anger under control. "You disappoint me, Kinoc. I had hoped I would be able to entrust you with more when Yevon was in control. I suppose I will not be able to now."
"Wait! Let me be the one to retrieve them for you. I will do it myself."
"I don't think so. You have already failed me. I cannot risk you doing it again." Seymour raised his hand above his head. "Doom." He whispered.
Kinoc stared at him strangely not understanding the command. It became clear as he suddenly lost the ability to breath right. His throat became tight and he brought his hands up as he gasped for air. Next was his heart. It felt as if it was beating too quickly before slowing almost to a stop before repeating the process over again. His lungs hurt as it felt like something was inside his chest squeezing the air out of them. He struggled for life as he watched Seymour standing above him looking at him with something akin to childish glee.
It felt like an eternity before death finally took hold. But it was not before an explosion of pain in his head. His eyes rolled back before he fell to the floor lifeless. Seymour squatted down next to him. "Never would I have thought that could be so much fun. I will simply have to do that again." He stood and glanced around. "Now to find Sir Auron."
--