And we come to the last chapter. Lucky 13! At least for me. Anyway, sorry this took so long, got a bit of writer's block. That and I got a new game for my birthday. Now I have a new obsession, Final Fantasy XII!! Balthier is hot too. But Auron still reigns supreme.
So before I get anyone telling me that Auron is Ooc, I tried to write him as the post-Braska Auron. Otherwise, yes it would not be the Auron we know now.
--
Braska was not surprised at all at Rikku's outburst. In fact he expected it to happen at some point. Her mother, however, was another matter. He watched as she gasped before sliding away from her daughter.
"Rikku, you..You can't be serious?" She begged as moisture built up around her eyes. "Braska, tell her she's wrong!"
"I can't do that." He replied sadly. "The girl speaks the truth." He turned away to leave before being stopped.
Rikku called out to him as he felt her grab his arm. "Please don't go." She whispered loud enough for only him to hear. "How did you know?"
Braska shook his head in reply. "I cannot say. But do not worry, it is of little matter here and now." He answered softly to comfort her. "Now, go to your mother. She has been waiting a long time." He brushed her away before walking off.
Rikku watched him go wondering how he could have seemed so kind before, yet so cold now. She turned around after he was gone from sight. "Sydran."
--
Auron woke up with a major headache. He brought one hand up to rub his temple. A groan escaped from between his lips when he felt a knot under his fingers.
"About time you woke up. You've been out for the better part of three days." Auron tried to open his eyes to see who it was talking. He gave up after the third try. "Cid said he wanted to talk to you after you came to. Think you're up to it yet?"
He grunted but did not answer otherwise. "Yeah, I understand. I'll tell him to come up later." The door made a soft whooshing sound as Tidus left.
The room was silent, and Auron sat up on the bed. A feeling of vertigo overcame him and he was forced to lay back. He took the opportunity to think about the past events instead. So many deaths had happened, and he was powerless to stop them. The Ronso were a brave race and the survivors would be too proud to ask for help. But it would be a long time before they would be able to gain the status they had before. Zanarkand was slightly more fortunate. They were able to make it to the city before it was totally destroyed.
But those were minor compared to the thoughts that were at the forefront of his mind. Rikku was dead, killed by the entity she never wanted to begin with. He could only fathom why she had called the aeon in the first place. Surely she wanted death before that was accomplished. He had tried to stay within Sin so that he might join her in death, but the others had not allowed him. They didn't understand the remorse he felt. How could he allow himself to live, when she could not?
He was sure Cid would feel the same way. He had to go away before he faced the man in question. It wasn't as if he feared the man, it was more a matter of how to explain himself. How could he face him and say he was the one responsible for his daughter's death? Sure he was not the one who killed her, that was Seymour, but he could have been there for her when it happened. That was his sin.
Rubbing his eyes and shaking the stars from his head, Auron tried to sit up once more. The vertigo struck again, but he managed to ignore it as he stood. One hand reached out to hold himself steady as he moved. Slowly the dizziness began to fade, and he was walking straighter. By the time he reached the door, one would never know he had been laid up for three days.
--
Braska came back later. Time holding no meaning in the farplane making it seem as if he had only just left. "I must apologize for this, but the fayth have sent me. They wish to speak with Rikku. You may come as well." He spoke up to her mother.
Nodding, both woman stood and followed to wherever he was leading them. Braska glanced back and could see Rikku clinging to her mother as if she were afraid. His shoulders slumped and his face was full of heartache for the girl. He knew what the fayth planned. It was not so hard to figure out. Once they received word of her unhappiness, they called for her right away. The only problem was, he hated for her to go through it.
A little boy stood waiting for them when they arrived. "Right on time." He said quietly. "We have been waiting for you. Everything is ready. Have you told her yet?" He asked as a curious look came over him.
If possible, Braska's shoulders slumped even more. "No, I have not. Must we do it this way?" He asked.
Rikku's mother released herself from her daughter's grasp as she stepped up. "Are you planning...?" She trailed off unable to even ask the question.
"I apologize. We are left with no choice. It must be done so that she may be able to find the peace she needs to dwell inside the farplane. If we do not, then she might escape someday and become a fiend." The boy explained.
"Mama, what are you all talking about?" Rikku spoke up as she rested her gaze on each of them in turn. She knew something was up when her mother and uncle looked away from her.
The little boy stepped closer though. He held his hand out for her. "Come with me. There is something we must show you."
--
He made good on his escape that day. No one had seen him leave, considering all of Cid's eyes, that was a surprise. Not that he minded though. He had heard of their search for him after that. But he had made sure that they only heard rumors of his passing. Now that he had nothing worth keeping him on Spira, he found a job fiend hunting to be perfect. It payed for food, he received shelter from his clients, and if he died while hunting... Well that was the idea.
It would have been a dishonor to take his own life, no matter how much he would have wanted to. If only the fiends could read his mind and do it for him.
A cloud of mist floated before him as he sighed. Auron watched it drift away as he sat on a dry log in front of a low fire on the top of Mount Gagazet. He was on his way to the city of Zanarkand to pay his last respects to an old friend. He scoffed at his choice of word to describe the man in question. He and Jecht never really got along, but Braska enjoyed him no matter what his personality was like.
He expected to be done after this last mission and drift off to the farplane after this. He was so tired during the past year. Everything took more out of him then it should have. If only he had been able to do more and stop her. Stop Rikku from the summoning. That was his greatest sin.
The crunching of snow behind him alerted him that there was someone there. He waited until they were closer before grabbing his katana and holding it out in front of him. The person stopped approaching when they came to the sharp end of the weapon.
A Ronso youth stood before him. He seemed calm even though the weapon was aimed at him. They stared at one another before the Ronso spoke. "You are friend of Kimahri?"
"Was." Auron corrected. "I am the friend of none now. I only bring ruin to those I befriend." He lowered the sword as he went back and sat at the fire. He raised one brow as the youth came and sat next to him.
Neither said anything for some time before the youth broke the silence with one question. "You are Auron, are you not?"
"What of it?" He snapped.
Ignoring the tone, the youth continued. "There was a man searching for you. Came to Gagazet just last night."
"Let them search. I do not wish to be found." He poked at the fire in front of him with a stick giving the subtle signal this discussion was over before it even began.
"Then I suggest you move on quickly. The man, named Cid, was very persistent. He was gathering supplies for mountain climb when I left." The youth stood and brushed snow from his shoulder. He regarded Auron one last time before walking off back the way he came.
Auron made a hmph sound before standing himself. If Cid truly was on the mountain he would stop at nothing to find him. Best he kept moving. Auron gathered what little belongings he owned and dumped snow over the fire to put it out. He felt the chill as soon as it was done. Sheathing his weapon on his back, he made for the other side of the mountain.
--
It was frustrating if nothing else. Everywhere Cid went, he was left with only stories of Auron's passing. This would have been easier if only he had the airship, but that was left at Home were his son could make much needed repairs and updates.
He growled under his breath and watched as the vapor floated away above his head. The Ronso that he talked to said that a storm was coming soon. Better get started before it hit. He tried to travel light, the less he had to carry, the better. More would only serve to slow him down.
As he climbed he thought back on the past year. Mainly of the two couples that tried to come with him on this fool's errand. The woman insisted that he should have someone with him, but even when Tidus and Wakka agreed to go, he had declined with a vengeance.
Flashback (Besaid Island)
"Really Cid, Yuna is right. You should not be traveling by yourself. It could be dangerous. Think about all the possibilities." Lulu had tried to say.
"You think I haven't already thought about that?" He snapped. "But I am not about to be responsible for someone else. I have enough with worrying about keeping myself alive."
"Yeah, but," Tidus jumped in now, "If we come with you, we can help you look!"
"I don't think so, boy. If say we do find Auron, do you really think he wants us all coming at him like a hoard of wild animals?"
The group was silent then. They had never thought about it like that. If they did find him, when he saw them approach he was liable to run again. The fell silent once more. It was Yuna who finally broke it.
"Alright, we understand then. You keep yourself safe and let us know. If it becomes too dangerous, I can send an airship to come get you."
"Yuna, I don't think we will need to do that, ya." Wakka tried to supportive. "Cid knows his way around Spira. I'm sure he can handle whatever happens."
"I guess...I guess you're right. Take care then, Uncle." She gave him a quick hug before leaving the hut. Tidus glanced around before following her out.
"I suppose that's it then." Lulu spoke up. "We will stay here, let us know how your search goes." She nodded once before also leaving.
"Don't stay out of contact too long. If you make them girls worry, it will be me hunting you." Wakka joked but there was a warning behind the words.
Thinking back to that day made him glad he refused them. He had visited the farplane in Guadosalam to see his daughter, but there was no sign of the man in question. Rikku had appeared so happy, and for that he was grateful. But excluding her last four years, had she always been happy. He hoped to have the same peace she had when he passed on. He would be reunited with his wife once more. But that was for another time.
Just up ahead of him came a young Ronso. One of only a few who managed to survive what they were calling 'The Slaughter.' Perhaps he might have some information on Auron.
"Excuse me!" He called out once he was in earshot. The youth looked up to see who it was addressing him. Cid signaled him over. "You haven't seen a man wandering by himself up here, 'ave you?"
The young Ronso glanced around as if searching for anyone who might have been listening. "Gerrin knows nothing. But big storm will be coming soon. Better head back to the village for shelter."
Cid was not fooled by the change of subject. He had been traveling too long not to have come across times just like this. "Hold on there. I ain't come up here for nothing. And I know when I'm being lead astray. Just take me to where ever Auron is at. I owe someone a few words before he passes on."
Gerrin crossed his arms over his chest in thought. The elders had warned him about Cid's coming, but until now he had not believed that a man could have a will as strong as any Ronso. "Very well." He finally answered after some time. "Come with me, but I warn you. Auron is not in the mood to see any one."
"Ya think?" Cid replied as he followed the youth.
--
Snow had begun to fall making the trail harder to find. Not that it was a problem for him. Auron had climbed this mountain more times then he cared to admit. He could probably climb the mountain with his eyes closed. A gust of wind blew by and he shuddered as it hit his skin. The sky ahead of him was growing dark, but if he pressed on, he might be able to reach the very edge of the city before the storm hit.
In his haste Auron failed to see the patch of ice hidden under a thin layer of snow. His foot stepped right in the center of it, and his limbs began flailing subconsciously as he tried to regain his footing. His hands found nothing but air as his body fell over the small incline to his left. He tried reaching out to grab anything that would slow his decent. Rocks and twigs tore at exposed flesh as he rolled. Just before hitting bottom, he felt his temple connect with a rock rendering him unconscious.
When he awoke, it was to a warm fire blazing on his right. He noticed his body was covered with warm blankets and that wind was howling and material was flapping around him. He managed to open one eye and found himself inside what appeared to be a tent. A groan escaped from his lips and he closed the eye.
"That was quite a fall you took. Can't imagine what could be running through that head of yours to bring you way up here though."
Suddenly Auron was awake. That voice. Not him, anyone but him. Surely it couldn't be? He rolled over on his side and used an elbow to prop himself up. He swore. "Cid."
--
Jecht couldn't help but to laugh at the young woman as she walked with him. It was a pleasing sight to see Rikku as she pointed things out and wanted to know everything about them. It was almost like being alive again and she was once more the twelve year old he had left behind.
"Uncle Jecht, what is that?" Her green eyes opened wide as she saw the rock ahead of them.
He laughed once more before realizing just what she had pointed out. It was called living rock, an ironic name in this place, but fitting nonetheless. "That," He began as he tried to lead her away. "Is something we like to stay away from."
"Why, is it bad?" She tried to get another look over her shoulder as he guided them away.
"Not exactly, no. But it is something you will find out in time."
"Then why do I feel like I already know it? I've been there before, haven't I?"
He sighed as soon as he realized she was not going to stop until she had the answers she wanted. "Yes, you have. We all have at some point, but I think it's time we get you back to your mother. I promised I would have you back safe and in one piece."
"But I'm safe with you, Uncle Jecht." She protested.
He pretended to be angry with her. "For now. But you won't be if we don't get going."
She squeaked before laughing and running ahead. Rikku never noticed he had stopped to talk to someone. "Bahamut." He greeted.
"Hello again, Jecht. Things are well?"
He rubbed the back of his neck before answering "Well, you know."
"The memory block is still in effect, I assume?"
"You know I don't like it."
"I am sorry. But it had to be done. If she were to remain her with her past memories of the last four years of her life and then her death, we would have another Yunalesca to deal with. Rikku has enough potential to cause war in heaven."
Jecht sighed as his shoulders fell. "I know. I know. Doesn't make it right though."
"Rikku's death was different then yours or mine. She did not have the chance to accept her death, yet she is still here. We are still attempting to understand why."
"One thing still bugs me. You say Rikku has the potential to become another Yunalesca. What about Yuna? She also had the power to summon, did she not?"
The boy refused to answer. The difference between the two girls was the type of summoning they called upon. Rikku, like Yunalesca, had been a dark summoner. However, hers was not by choice, but force. Seymour had used dark summons and passed the ability on.
"So the great and mighty fayth don't even have the answers?" Jecht was trying to tease, but it came out a lot harsher then he planned.
Bahamut remained silent. He always did have problems when talking with the man. He opened his mouth to speak, but Rikku's shout stopped him.
"Hurry up, Uncle Jecht! Uncle Braska is waiting for you too!" She turned back from where she came to wait.
"How come she didn't say anything to you?" Jecht snapped at the small boy.
"Se cannot see me because I have not allowed her to." He calmly explained.
"I hate you."
--
Auron said nothing more as Cid moved around the tent attempting to keep it warm enough inside with the wind outside howling. It was Al Bhed made, meaning it would hold up during the storm to keep them safe and warm.
"So what are you doing up here?" Cid asked again after making sure everything was in its place. He sat on a bedroll across from Auron.
Auron glanced at him, but did not say anything.
Cid sighed in annoyance. He was ready to strangle the other man, but managed to keep the thought inside for now. "You really messed up. I spent the last year traveling around every corner of Spira hunting you down. All because of some kids who were worried to death about you!"
"Yuna, Tidus." He guessed, the names coming out in a thin whisper.
"Got that right! The only reason I found you now, was because you were knocked out lying in the bottom of some crevice. Followed your footprints in the snow."
"You should have left me there." Auron rolled away so he was facing the wall of the tent.
Cid had enough now. He stood and roughly grabbed Auron's shoulder to roll him over and face him. One finger was thrust in his face as he shouted. "I don't know what your problem is, but I just spent a year of my time to find you! I don't know how you got out of Home without being seen, but I can guarantee it won't be happening again now! I lost my little girl, and I am not about to lose anyone else! You think I like seeing people die?" His chest heaved up and down after finishing his rant.
Very carefully, Auron sat up. He grunted once as he felt the soreness of his ribs. Cid watched waiting for him to explain himself. "One year ago, " He began, "there was a man. All his life he was alone. He never had anyone he was able to feel close to. Then suddenly a young woman appears. She did not speak at first, dark magic preventing her. He tried to help heal her, give her a chance to explain. In the process, they found feelings that binded them together. The man swore he would protect the woman with everything in his power. Unfortunately, he was still powerless to prevent her death. It was the third death in his life he was unable to stop. The man knew it would be better to go away and never befriend any one else. Never to spread his curse to others."
Cid listened closely as Auron continued. "The man wanted desperately to die and be free of the pain he caused for others and himself. But death seemed to allude him at every turn. He knew it would come soon though, so he was on his way to make his last respects to a man he had been unable to save years ago. It was the least he could do."
Cid stared at him before beginning to laugh. Auron's story was so crazy that it was hard not to. "You sound as if you were already dead and gone!" He tried to calm down when he saw Auron's scowl. "Yeah, yeah." Cid waved one hand in the air dismissing the action.
"I might as well be."
"Nonsense! If that were true, then why am I here?"
Auron scoffed. They both know what he wanted to say, but it was best if he didn't. He lay back down instead and closed his eyes. Cid watched knowing he would not be waking up in the morning.
--
Rikku sat by the falls watching as the water ran down the side and out of sight. She did not notice when a man stepped up close behind her. "Relaxing, isn't it?"
She hummed and nodded in affirmative. He startled her a little, but she managed to hide it well.
"What are you doing out here by yourself? Aren't you afraid of what might be out here?"
"No, Uncle Jecht and Braska said that it is safe here." She answered.
He hummed over her words for a moment. "Is that right? Then I suppose there is no harm if I sit down and join you?"
Rikku moved over and created a space for him to sit.
--
When he opened his eyes again, it was to the sight of bright colors circling around him. He knew instantly that he had made it to the farplane. It was a welcome feeling, one he had not known for over a year. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head back. Only when he heard a chuckle did he stand straight.
"Glad to see you enjoy yourself already."
"Lord Braska. A pleasure to see you once more." Auron greeted him as Braska came close and gave him a firm hug.
"And you as well." He replied after releasing his old friend.
"How is everyone? Your wife, Jecht, and his wife?" There was one more person he was dying to ask about, but did not want to seem too obsessive.
"They are well, but I do not believe that is who are are really worried about." His countenance fell as he hunted for just the right words to explain. Auron did not fail to notice the change in his friend.
"What is it? What has happened?" He pressed.
"Rikku, She..." He trailed off unable to say more.
It was impossible that she could be hurt, so what was the problem? Not daring to hesitate longer, Auron took off running to find out for himself. Braska's shouting from behind him nothing more then noise. He found her sitting overlooking a great waterfall. Even though he was dead, and his heart did not beat no longer, he felt as if it was pounding in his chest. She was just as he remembered her.
"Rikku?" He called softly.
She turned from her seat and studied him for a moment. Her swirled eyes appearing as if she was attempting to place a name to his face. "How do you know me?" She finally asked.
He froze. How could she have forgotten him? It was a nightmare come true. "It's me, Auron." He wanted to take back what he said at the look of fear that crossed her face next. But he did not understand why he saw it on her.
"Stay away!" She shouted. She leaped to her feet and ran off leaving him alone on the side of the cliff.
In despair, he fell to his knees in the grass. "She does not know me. I am nothing more then a monster to her now."
A little voice spoke up as if to try and comfort him. "I'm sorry. We had to do it to prevent war in heaven."
--
So yeah, I accidentally set up for a sequel. Depending on how busy I will be in the future will determine if I actually write it or not. But I needed to end this on a down note. It is a tragedy after all! Don't worry, next time won't be so sad. I promise. Gin