We made our way to Fayth's Scar, and standing there was a familiar person. I smiled and screamed at the person to climb. He did, and I laughed my heart out. Only my brother, Ben, would do anything I told him to. Yuna laughed, as did Rikku. Paine looked confused.
"That person is my brother. And he recognized my voice and jumped to do as I said. Plus he was my guardian two years ago, so he is used to taking orders from me." I told Paine when I could talk again. That's when he came back down.
"Sister! You just like making me do useless things. don't you?!" He smiled. I nodded and he swore.
"You are very lucky the boys are not here. Or else you would have been smacked for swearing. You know I don't want my boys learning those words yet." I admonished him. That is when he asked where they were. So we told him, and he didn't even say goodbye. He just took off. I swear you could think they were his by how fast he ran to go to them. I decided to warn Auron. So I used the com to contact him.
"Auron, watch out. My brother Ben is on his way. He heard Sora wasn't feeling good, and where his nephew was. Then he took off running. Tell Zaon to not let his Uncle Ben tire his brother too much please." Auron understood and said he would pass the message. Then he asked if we were okay. I knew he was kinda worried about Yuna, but was more concerned about Rikku. I smiled at Yuna and we put Rikku on the com to talk to Auron. Yuna, after a few minutes, spoke up that we still had a twenty minute walk to Zanarkand and we should get going. Rikku blushed and cut the com.
That is when Yuna started teasing Rikku, and Paine laughing. We all knew there was a budding romance between her and Auron. But there was something holding them back...and I thought it was me and the boys. Whenever I asked him about it, all he said was "I promised Braska." I loved and trusted Braska, but it was heartbreaking to see Auron putting his story on hold because of us.
We walked in silence toward Zanarkand, each lost in our own thoughts. I loved Zanarkand and was always happy to return...but not today. Today I couldn't help but think that it was probably here that Braska asked Auron to watch over me and his kids. And Jecht following with a "Look after my son too." This may be when two dying men asked their friend to watch over their offspring. And I somehow felt burdened. Burdened that Auron was asked this alone. And that he had done so without one word of complaint. Even to the point of putting those he was tasked with before himself.
When we reached the now closed dome, I had come to a decision. Yuna and Rikku looked like they had as well. We met Issaru and talked a bit, then got picked up by Brother and the Airship. I asked if we could go to Macalania first to grab the boys. I got a resounding yes. So we headed there.
I also knew that soon we would get notified that Djose Temple needed us. So I needed to talk to Auron now. As soon as we landed I asked Yuna to watch the boys because I needed to talk to Auron. Alone. Rikku gave me a weird look, but I told her that it had to do with Zaon and Sora. Yuna and the girls went into the room where the guys were at, and sent Auron out. He looked confused but when he saw my face, his face showed concern.
"Auron. My old friend. We must talk and I can't wait any longer. I know you made a promise to Braska and Jecht. And I am not saying to drop out of Yuna, Sora and Zaon's lives, but I see that you are putting your own story on hold to keep that promise. And as much as I like knowing you are around to help, now I am asking you to follow your heart. So that your story is how you write it. No promises or guilty feelings. You have kept your promises for thirteen years, you have fulfilled your end. Yuna is the High Summoner that defeated Sin. Sora is a great mage, and Zaon is a brave and strong warrior. Tidus was guided by you, and you led him to meet his father again. You have done so much for me, Braska, and Jecht. So as the final member of Team Braska besides you, I say this." I paused to take a breath, then continued. "I release you from the promises made thirteen years ago. Write your story, my old friend. And don't worry. I raised those two for ten years, I can handle them. And I am sure my daughter will help as well." Tears formed in my eyes. And in Auron's.
I guess Rikku had to use the ladies room just as Auron gave me a hug, because we but heard a "Hey!" from behind us. And I guess she saw the tears in his eyes, because she ran right into the bathroom. Auron must have looked up at her cry, and pulled away from me.
"Go. Tell her how you feel. Make your story a good one. Just remember to visit from time to time! Or I will find you, and drop water on your head!" I chuckled. Then I turned to enter the room to tell everyone.
When I entered everyone but Sora was close to the door.
"Yuna, Zaon, Sora. Thirteen years ago, your father asked Auron to watch over his children. Today, I told him that he had fulfilled that promise. His story is his own now. Now, after all these years, he is free to write his story. My old friend has his own story to write, and he kept waiting for us. No longer will I let that happen. I am not saying he can't still help but if he does, it is because he wants to. Not because of a promise." Tears lept into my eyes again. And after a minute, Yuna spoke up.
"Auron has watched over all of us. Including Tidus. Mom, when this is over, I want you to live in Besaid. So should you need help, I can be there to do so. And maybe you can help Wakka and Lulu when they need it. And we could all be there together...as a family." Sora and Zaon we're quick to agree.
"Uncle Auron has done a lot for us all. He deserves his happy ever after. You did the right thing, Mom. We know in our hearts that Dad would be proud of you. For thinking about Uncle Auron and his happiness." Zaon piped up. Sora nodded while smiling.