"Auron, Auron, please, we need your help!"
He rose from his chair quickly, facing them attentively. Braska's parents were both wringing their hands in worry, looking to Auron in hope. He raised an eyebrow and stood expectantly.
"We went to the Al-Bhed Home a few days ago, to try and forge peace relations, but Braska, he… he…" his mother tried, but broke down crying.
"We haven't seen him for days!" his father nearly yelped. "The last anyone saw of him was when he was with the leader's sister, Kahdma! You knew him best; where would he have gone, what – what could he be doing?"
Auron was at a loss for words. Why would he know where Braska went? It was true, they were close, but Braska had mentioned nothing to him about leaving his parents. Perhaps it was possible that the woman had kidnapped him? Auron did not know much about the Al-Bhed, but thought it somewhat likely, as Braska's parents were not poor, and even as a member of the Al-Bhed leader's family this Kahdma girl would be.
"I am not sure," he said sadly, shaking his head.
Braska's mother resumed her sobbing. "And he just finished his Priest's training!"
Braska's father put his arm around his wife.
"Please, Auron, you must help us."
"But to leave Bevelle? I have not done so since… since…"
His mind flitted back, through his training here, and his new home (he had always considered it "new," even though he had lived in Bevelle longer than he had in his original village), and realized that he had not really left unsupervised during his entire stay. He sighed again, hanging his head.
"I am not to leave unsupervised without the permission of my Master."
Braska's mother stepped forward, calmly, tears still glittering in her eyes, unshed. She took Auron's hands in her own, and he felt an odd sort of jolt go through his body at the sudden realization that nobody had held his hand since his own mother and father. His hands twitched involuntarily, but she ignored it, looking at him imploringly.
"I know your history, Auron. I know what has happened to you," she said slowly, holding back her tears with great effort. "But, if you can remember, think of the loss – the hurt, the pain, the fear, everything – think of how it felt to have a family member torn away from you."
Auron's hands slipped from her own and he stepped back, blinking slowly. He did know – literally – what it was like to have a family member ripped from his grasp. He looked at them one last time before turning away and walking back towards the temple, a fire burning slowly inside his chest.
I know what I must do.