I can't tell you where I'm from.

I can't tell you whether I'm in the past or the future.

All I know is this - the one I love is dead.

My life from now on is lost, incomplete, and vulnerable to the realization of loneliness.

Everything I have known has seems to have left my memory - leaving me alone.

Leaving me with that feeling that I have always known.

Returning to me like an old friend.

Only I wish this friend would have stayed far away from me.

It followed me, lurked my shadows, and supervised my freedom.

The type of supervision that gave me the feeling as if I was not allowed to experience any type of happiness ever again.

I have lost him.

I will never be able to accept the fact that he will no longer return to me.

He is gone.

All that is left is a cloth of his appearance, and a broken heart.

Now I sit here kneeling against the ground, head in his humungous jacket, tears flowing and leaving trails down my cheek.

The red coat.

Holding his trademark within my arms, I remembered how this same kimono used to protect his rugged frame from the extreme winds, bizarre temperatures, and the occasional heavy rains.

I only wondered now - What would happen to me?

I soon felt that same water line trickle down my face again, causing my face to explode into oblivion.

I looked up to my fellow companion, my beloved summoner of Besaid, with defeat and agony dwelling in my pupils.

My green eyes continued to fill up with the memories of him and slowly dropped to the ground, in hopes that they would leave me to my painful future.  They only began torturing me again by reoccurring in my head, playing devilish mind games with my emotions.

"I-I'm sorry Rikku" the summoner apologized, her voice trying to flow waves of comfort within my troubled soul. It was no use though; as much as the summoner meant not to cause any harm within her circle of friends, she began to lose her own sense of being herself.

Those words that she had said began to ring and repeat themselves constantly throughout my head. I breathed heavily, panted out and quivered words in hopes to contain my true anger. My mind contorted into a thousand different feelings and thoughts, not joining together truthfully to combine a peaceful resolution.

I continued to sit there on the skin of Sin, bewildered beyond belief. How could she dare to say that after everything that has just happened?! How could someone just forget about a person who has deeply affected your life, deeply affected your mind and soul? Have they not experienced this type of connection before? Was I delusional to them, or was this what I was supposed to feel?

My glance left the sight of the heavy red jacket and panned over to Tidus, and returned my shocked expression to Yuna. As much as I loved my gentle summoner, I could not accept her actions. -How could you Yuna? Why? - ran thought my mind, trying to find the impossible answer. As I sat there in Sin, I felt a new feeling run in my veins- envy. I envied Yuna, my loveable cousin and companion, for the simple fact that she still has him, the one person to wipe away her tears and heal her minor wounds.

Was it me?

Maybe Sin's toxin?

Was it his ghostly presence inside of me?

The tears just poured out of my eyes again as I thought about his voice and his touch, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't control it.

"Why Yuna, why?" I asked her, anger ragging out of my mouth. This new feeling, this envy, created a monster so horrible and so dark, that not even Yuna herself could possibly cure. I could feel the envy beginning to take its place within my brains, beginning to attack all of my precious memories, erase them, and create new and evil thoughts unlike ones I have remembered. Now, I slowly forgot everything, and mostly who I was. I glared up at Yuna, my new enemy, hearing the envy laughing at me inside of my own head. I staggered to my feet in attempt to strike her, my new fiend.

At that very instant, Wakka had sprinted over to my small body from behind Yuna and tackled me to the ground, protecting the summoner from my devilish plans. He held me tight against his chest, trying his hardest not to let me go.

"Rikku!" Wakka screamed, holding me tighter, "Yo, relax! Calm down, it's not worth it!"

I struggled harder in his tight death grip, but it was no use. I was just as helpless as a fish was in a huge bear's jaws. Finally, I slowly began to come back to my senses and felt the evil inside me seep out of my body. Wakka looked down at me and when he felt my body beginning to grow weaker, he loosened his grip. Looking around at everyone, I began to cry again because of how I tried to harm my own flesh and blood. Wakka looked down at me and then wrapped his arms around my shoulders, hugging me for comfort as I sat in his lap and wept.

"It's ok Rikku" he soothed me, putting his head against my blonde hair. Although he was trying his best to calm me down, all I could do was cry. Honestly, I didn't care what everyone else thought of me, on how much of a cry baby I might be or how I was being totally immature about the situation.

They never had this type of experience before.

They never knew their life has one big threat, their lives being hidden in the darkest of shadows.

They never lived their life as an Al Bhed.

Chapter 1

Explosions were everywhere. Bright lights bursting aloud in a formation that would have mistaken it as a festival meant for a king. The heat in tensed as each part of the underwater machina exploded into smithereens. Swimming quickly from the machina, the explosions seemed that they would never cease. Pyerflies and moonflow filled the sea while parts of the machina flew around me, whizzing around my body, hissing as they past quickly by my ear. I could hear my fellow members screaming for me to get out of the way, their voices completely being muffled out by the water. Still it wasn't enough time. The huge machina completely exploded from the heat, and the miscellaneous parts targeted me. I turned my head around to see how much time I had left before the complete destruction and at that very moment, my face encountered the machina's steel.

"Is she…dead?"

A voice mumbled in my head, around my ears, in my veins. Blackness seemed to have been my only sight, along with scattered images of different things in life. I turned my head weakly, trying not to get nauscious from the swirled pictures. I felt my body returning to me again, feeling my brain being able to function once more. The blackness was beginning to seep back into the corners of my head, making me aware of my surroundings. My eyes flickered slowly, still very weak from the horrible accident just moments ago. Finally I opened my eyes and coughed in pain, watching as the water left my mouth. I raised my head and asked myself where I was, seeing that I have been washed up onto dry land. Looking above me, I suddenly saw a blonde smile, my eyes still playing cruel jokes from my unconscious state.

I screamed in fear, not knowing whether it was a fiend or if I might have been hallucinating. Scattering to my feet in terror, I stumbled quickly to escape from the figure. I was still in a state of sleep, not exactly sure if this was the dream world or reality, which then only caused me to hit my head on a low branch. Still completely confused, I fell to the ground and held my head in pain.

"Aw man, that didn't exactly feel like roses."

I rubbed my eyes and sat there for a moment, trying to recollect myself. Once I finally felt strong enough to face reality again I open my eyes. I scanned the area and found the figure in front of me, causing me to grow the biggest smile on my face.

"Tidus!" I yelled happily, "It's you!"

"Rikku?" the boy said uncertain about who I was, "No way! It IS you!"

I quickly stood up and embraced him with a huge hug. It felt so good to know that he was ok after being thrown off our ship by Sin and sucked into a warp hole deep within the ocean. After Sin had attack my home ship, I thought I would never see him again. I thought for sure he was dead, and days after that, I felt utterly horrible about how I had lost him that night. Continuing to hug my lost friend, I started to ask him questions about what had happened to him after he got attacked by Sin. He explained to me that after he was attacked, and that he had been washed up on shore to an island where he met a blitzball player, just like him.

"See!" I said, "I told you that you would fine someone! And did you believe me, noooooo!"

"Yeah, I know Rikku, you were right." he laughed and then stepped back to close our hug. Tidus and I began to talk again when something had interrupted our valuable moment.

Muffled between the breaking of twigs and the crunching of the dead dry leaves, footsteps were heard. My head instantly turned to the mysterious noise while I began to stand my ground. The young blitzball player also turned with me to the disturbance, placing his fingers gently on the base of his sword. The sound intensified, causing the young fighters to become more eager to attack the intruder. Just as we thought the sound was about to head into our direction, it stopped, letting the forest continue with its daily sounds of birds, animals, and water. I took a deep sigh of relief and held my hip, "Geez that was scary."

Tidus wasn't convinced though. His eyes were determined to fight whatever lied beyond the bushes. He was eager to fight and kill those poor defenseless creatures behind the shrubs. I turned my face to him and tilted my head, wondering why he was still focusing on the noise. "Yo, Ti, you alright?" I asked him, waving my hand in front of his face. It was no use though; his eyes were still and had deep concentration within them. I watched him wrapped his fingers around the base and slowly began walking up to the bushes.

"Tidus!" I yelled, "Where da heck ya think y'er goin?"

He walked faster towards the bush and without sudden warning, he let out a wild cry and jumped high into the air. I screamed in fear, not actually believing that he would attempt such a risk. Tidus raised his mighty sword and landed behind the shrubs, completely out of my view. I yelled out to him again, hoping that my friend would return to me; hoping that we would return in one piece. My hands huddled up against me and towards my mouth, not sure on what to do. Should I attack? Should I stay here? Should I run away? I began thinking of all these different conclusions and the more I thought of them, the more I felt afraid.

"C-Come out you coward!!!" I yelled out to the area. To tell you the truth, I WAS the coward, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. My voice trembled with fear as a huge monstrous fiend ran throughout my mind. I figured I had no choice but to walk right on over there and see what happened to Tidus. It was several minutes now and he still hasn't returned, or even made a single sound. As I rounded the bush, I clenched my fist and held it right up against my face, ready to strike. I counted to 3 to myself and on the third digit, I quickly jumped around the corner of the bush and swung my fist, screaming that the top of my lungs. After the humiliating attempt, I scratched the back of my head and saw the area totally empty.

"What the-" I said lightly and quickly shut my mouth to the sound of the trees rumbling in front of me. I clenched my fist again and prepared myself for the final battle. Suddenly, a figure jumped out from my left and tackled me to the ground viciously. As a quick reflex, I caught the figure in time to tumble to the ground and land on the unidentified as the victor. My one hand was raised in the air, ready to strike, while the other held the collar of the beast shirt.

Shirt?

The boy laughed uncontrollably while laying flat on the ground and holding the Al Bhed's fist from his face. "Whoa, Rikku, it's me, Tidus!"

I opened my mouth in complete surprise, "Tidus? Heeeeeyyy, you're a meanie!"

I stood straight up and kicked his side lightly, "Your gonna get it one day you dork!" saying it with my cute brat voice and sneering to him a little. As he lay on the ground, continuing to laugh, I decided I would just walk of my freight.

"Good things come to those who wait."

The voice had startled me and as I turned around to leave, I bumped into something red.

Something, big.

Defensively, I raised my fist once more and swung at the huge intruder. In the mitts of swinging my fist, I was instantly stopped by some strange force. Looking up to my wrist, I opened my mouth in surprise as I saw my small hand completely swallowed by this intruder. In total shock, I slowly looked at the face of this semi-giant. At that very moment, I felt the weirdest feeling deep within my skin.

His eyes were deep and hidden behind glasses that rested on the bridge of his nose. Looking beyond the metal frame, I noticed that on the right side of face, he had a deep wound that traveled straight down the top of his brow, to the beginning of his cheek bone.

The scar.

The scar must have been so bad, that it seemed to have permanently closed his eye. Looking up at him, I felt all the terror in my face evaporate into the air and the butterflies beginning to form in my stomach. Gazing down at his attire, I slowly lost all the fear within me while I felt an open mouth in the end. My eyes feasted upon his clothes, amazed on everything that was in front of me. Lying ever so gently around his body was a long red kimono.

The huge red jacket.

Upon his jacket on his left shoulder laid a gold metal plate which represented strength and a warrior. It was attached by several buckles and as the breeze flowed in the area, so did the feather strand connected to the gold plate. While the breeze gently moved his jacket, it also lifted up his hair.

The grey strands.

His hair was dark and neatly pushed back to his head. He had grey strands hiding underneath his hair, some more distinct then others. Several strands were placed above his ear, and as I thought about it, the grey hair was a bit unusual for a man like him who looked about 35 or so. They showed a long and devastating past, making my aware of the stress that he might have been through.

The man had his lower face covered, completely out of my sight. It had been covered by grey leather that acted as a collar which could detach if necessary. The collar had been connected right above his chest plate and onto his black shirt. The shirt appeared to be stiff around his whole upper body which indicated that he must be wearing some type of armor underneath.

Moving my eyes down to his torso, I saw that his right hand was resting in a sling type position within his jacket.

Had his hand been injured? Or perhaps maybe it felt comfortable to him?

My eyes wandered down his torso and to his pants. They were black and had been tucked into his boots, which had gold plates among the ankles. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I turned my head away from his lower section, my eyes catching a glimpse of his other half.

His other hand, the one which was gripped onto mine, was covered in a brown leather material, that felt irresistibly soft against my hand. The red jacket had been tucked into a silver bracer and wrapped in buckles several times around his arm. Hanging on his belt on multi-colored beads, was a white gallon type jug. Looking beyond the jug and the huge man, I saw his huge weapon lying against the tree directly behind him.

The sword.

His katana was extremely huge. The length of the blade itself must have been at least 4 feet, while the width extracted to maybe 1 1/2 - 2 feet. My jaw instantly opened, simply amazed by this man's huge destruction.

"Quite the spirit aren't ya?" he said in a low, dark, mysterious yet gentle tone. Shortly after he broke the sudden silence, he chuckled to himself softly.

I stood there, completely amazed by his whole appearance. My mouth was half open, filled with words that I just couldn't seem to get out. I gulped in attempt to say something, to say anything! All that came out though was a bunch of vowels.

The man chuckled again to himself and turned his attention to our hands. The fingers gently released their tight grip and eased the immense pressure around my tiny wrist. My eyes were fixed on his, still so very insecure and vulnerable to this huge man's actions.

"HELLO? Anybody there?" Tidus had asked us, his head crammed in between us. He grew irritated and grunted to himself and again asked if anyone had heard him.

My eyes were glued to his, fixed upon this stunning man. I felt so many feelings awaken deep within me, feelings like I have never felt before. These feelings staggered my breath and made me tremble, not sure if these emotions were supposed to happen. I was completely amazed by him, amazed by his voice, amazed by his eyes. They seemed to have trapped me in a world far from my own. Making me seem distant with myself and zoning out of my true state of consciousness and into an internal bliss.

As to think that this wonderful pleasure would never leave, it unfortunately came to an end. The melancholy man loosened his grip around her hand causing it to instantly fall to her side. Although it felt like 3 million minutes have filled between us, intoxicating us from this cruel and obscene world, only 2 minutes have elapsed. Once his hand fell to my side, the dream world ended and brought us back to reality. Clearing his throat as he lowered his own hand, he continued to keep his attention upon me. Then he became distracted at the sight of Tidus very close to his own face, invading his personal space.

Tidus smirked a bit and then stepped back a couple of feet and scratched his head while putting a hand on his hip. "Did I miss something?" he asked with concern and confusion running through his mouth.

"No," Auron answered him rather quickly, "it didn't concern you."

Auron then glared down at Tidus as he usually did with his hawk like stare, "Did you gather the others?"

"Hello, NO!" Tidus screamed, waving his hand to his side, "Don't you remember you almost killed me!"

"Goes to show that you still need more training." The man and the boy grew silent as the anger inside Tidus intensified with each second.  Auron grunted silently and then turned away from him, turning away from me.

"Go get the others." he said to the young man.

Tidus' jaw dropped and he flung his arms in the air in complete disagreement, “What? Why?!"

The silent man walked to his sword and as he heard Tidus begin to complain, he stopped and turned his face in his direction, "We are ready to go, now go get them."

The young man had absolutely nothing to say and as he sat there in complete confusion, I couldn't help but laugh. Tidus grunted out a couple more words before he headed off into the village's path. Once gone, I let out my small chuckles. "Cemmo puo*." I said in my native tongue, remembering Tidus' adorable pout.

"Al Bhed I see." the man had finally spoke, acknowledging his presence. Before I knew what had even happened, my eyes widened and my hand covered my mouth.

Oh lnyb*, what am I to do? What would he do to me know that he knew I am an Al Bhed?

I hope he doesn't harm me.

What should I do? I have to get out of here!

My mind wandered and raced with thought and slim conclusions on what I should do in my predicament. I began to think of how I should just run away, run deep into the forest and out of their sights. I began getting scarred and I lowered my head in shame and then I raised it to find Auron leaning against a tree. Watching him as I walked closer to him, I could see that his eyes were focused on something in the distance; they were not supervising my every move like he was doing so before. I turned around and rested my back against the tree next to him, hoping to start some kind of conversation.

I turned my face to him and stood straight up from the tree, extending my arm out and a huge smile slapped on my face, "I'm Rikku, nice to meet you!"

Auron chuckled lightly and reached over to shake the generous hand in front of him. Shaking it gently he also announced his name.

After the names had been exchanged, I began to think of how nice of a man he was. He had not been rude to me once, which was sort of confusing for someone who always expects these types of things. I continued smiling, thinking of how cool it would be if I could venture around Spira with my buddy Tidus and this mysterious man. How cool would it be to finally do the things I want to do, go to the places I want to go and not have to answer to a father or an older brother? I smiled again and scratched the back of my head, lost in my happy thoughts of my future. After thinking for a little while I rested against the tree again and looked in the man's direction. Just as I moved my face to his, he turned his head to me and looked at me. To my surprise, I was amazed to see a small smile escape from the side of his mouth, creating a small yet pleasant smirk.

My first response was a smile, completely baffled by his sudden action. I thought a man like him would keep to himself and not show any sort of happiness from within. Auron was different though. He was completely different from what Tidus had told me when he was aboard my ship. He had told me many stories about this man and how he was strong, demanding and said few words but they always seemed to mean something important. Auron kept to himself and always looked after Tidus from a distance, never comforting him when he was alone, never showing him any signs of affection. He wanted to teach this young boy how to be independent and show him the true world in which he will one day hopefully survive in. Now I watched this same man, this quiet gently giant stand next to me and smile directly at me. I was overcome with joy, and all I could do then was smile back. To this day, I will never be able to thank him for that small happiness.

* Cemmo puo = silly boy

* Lnyb = crap

Chapter 2

The gang.

It consisted of 6 members:  Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, Yuna, Tidus, and Auron.

Wakka, the Blitzball coach and captain of the Besaid Aurochs. Wanting to serve Yuna as her guardian, he gave up his dream of becoming a blitzball player and decided to guard her. Wakka lived in Besaid all his life where he hung around with Lulu, Yuna and his brother Chappu. A year before the major tournament takes place, his brother died fighting for Spira and Wakka couldn't take it. Therefore he decided to become Yuna's guardian all the way until the end. To him, Yuna is like a little sister; he will do anything in his power to protect and serve his gentle friend. As Tidus entered the isle of Besaid, Wakka realized that not only did Tidus have a talent for blitzball, but he strongly resembled Chappu. Later, Wakka had asked Tidus to join their team and Tidus didn't refuse. After he joined the team, Wakka then gave him Chappu's sword which Chappu himself never had the chance to use because he went off with the Crusaders. So now Wakka defends his summoner proudly with his knowledge and his blitzball. Thanks to his Blitzball (and strength), he could easily knock down flying enemies which gave us an advantage in battles. Being part of his blitzball team, he wears the team’s uniform: puffy yellow pants and green sandals. Showing no signs of a shirt, he lets his muscular chest visible to all and wears a little coat which matches the pants. His red copper hair was wrapped in a sweat absorbing headband which also played the part of keeping his spiky hair out of his eyes. His hair was semi short except for the one long strand of hair in the very front which curled to the back of his head, almost 20cm in height. Other than that, I thought he was cute when I first saw him.

Standing adjacent to him was a black mage named Lulu. The first glance I saw of her, the only thing I could pay attention to was her stunning black dress. Her hair was a dark brow/blackish color which was braided into different sections (aka cornrows) and finally pulled back into a ponytail resting high on her head. In the ball of her ponytail, there are two beautifully designed stick that extend out from each side, criss-crossing themselves deep within her hair. They made me think if they were from an oriented type of country far from Spira's eyes. As the ponytail lowered, her hair was braided into four sections and finally ended at her knees. Her face was slightly pale, her red eyes illuminating her ghostly appearance. Her black dress was absolutely amazing; something totally out of this world. Her mid shoulders were surrounded by fur on the top of the gown which covered her breasts. The gown continued to get tighter around her waist and hips, almost making it seem as if she was wearing a corset. The skirt part of her gown is the most amazing part of her attire. Continuing with the black color, the skirt was made out of hundreds of leather belts that connected the separated black dress. While pondering about her appearance, I was assuming that she wore black because of her past. Lulu was the type of woman who had a "short fuse", well, atleast that’s what Wakka says. I didn't get to really know her yet, so I decided that maybe another time Lulu and I could get better acquainted.

After Lulu, there stood the humungous Ronso, Kimahri. At first I was startled of his appearance; I honestly wasn't expecting someone that big to suddenly pop up next to a small petite woman. Kimahri was a type of species called a Ronso, a mixture between a lion and human that roams around the cold climates of Mt. Gagazet. Being 6'9'' tall and blue he totally conquered my every move, probably my every breath too!  His white hair flowed down to his shoulders and exposed two thick braids that remained visible for everyone. His clothing wrapped around his body in a way that resembled an X, and when I examined the middle of the X formation, I saw a strange carving of a creature or person or something. The purpose of the straps of clothing was not only to cover some of his torso, but to keep his skirt in place. I didn't say anything to him, not did he say anything to me. We exchanged glances and I kept moving down the line as Tidus pushed me from behind to each member.

Then Tidus introduced me to the Summoner, the one who would bring us the Calm, Lady Yuna. To me, her whole figure was beautiful and there seemed to be nothing wrong with her. As the wind flowed around her brown hair, the breeze made her beading around one strand of her hid behind her right ear visible to me. Her eyes were ever so gentle and caring, ever so kind and graceful. Her shirt was a soft white which wrapped around her back and slightly exposed her black bra. Holding her white shirt together was a yellow bow that was tied around her waist and embroiders with pink flowers. Her skirt was purple/navy bluish and had a slit up the right side that showed her boots that almost touched her knees. The bottom of the skirt was embroidered with white flowers that eventually faded into the rest of her outfit. In all, Yuna seemed like a great person to be around and as soon as I approached her, all my fears and worries just disappeared.

Then there was Tidus, my best friend. He was the boy who I have saved from many dilemmas before. He stood tall, but behind his courageous appearance seemed to be something that disturbed him. His long black overalls seemed a bit abnormal to us Spira folks when we first met, but to him, that was his style. As the overalls cut off at his knees, one of the pant legs seemed to have been but off shorter, almost to his mid thigh on his right side. Underneath his overalls he wore a yellow vest/type jacket that he kept unzipped to not only show his chest (drool), but to expose his jewelry. Standing behind me, keeping his one hand upon my shoulder, I felt extremely happy that Tidus was back in good health once again.

Looking around at the guardians as they stared at me, I could sense their trust in me differ from everyone else. "Hey guys," Tidus began, "this is my friend, Rikku. Remember her? She's the one that saved me and took me on their ship."

I smiled brightly and nodded my head when Tidus announced my heroic actions. "Hi everyone pleased to meet ya!" I smiled in my perky tone, ready for a good time and conversations galore. But as I scanned their faces to see if anyone introduced themselves, there response was eyes beating down at me for my energetic personality.

-Whoa, though crowd! - I scratched my cheek with my finger and smiled again, "Awwww come on everyone, don't be shy! I won't bite ya!"

I watched their faces turn from a "who are you" expression, to "where are you from" expression. I placed my hand on my forehead and shook it gently as a smile remained on my face.

After my unusual introduction, the guardians nodded their heads and greeted me lightly with a small hello. I waved back to them, being polite and continuing to be my good old self when I heard someone clearing their throat. Everyone turned their heads to the direction of the noise and saw Auron separated from the group, waiting for the small gathering to come to an end.

"It's time." he declared softly and began walking down the path to the Mi’Ihen highroad before anyone else. The group nodded in response and agreed with Auron as they walked along with him, following his footsteps into the new area.

Watching them leave, I continued to stay back from the group and I could not help but twitch within my wetsuit. I realized that I had been out of the water now for quite some time and the water within the suit was beginning to evaporate, causing the suit to tighten against my skin. I tilted my head to the side and assured myself that no one was watching me from the distance.

I laid my hand gently against my back and lightly searched my spine for the zipper that would help me escape the dreadful pain I was experiencing. My fingers found the zipper and I grasped the end gently, pulling it down towards the ground and squirming around to loosen the pressure against my skin.

In the distance, eyes were upon her from the bushes, camouflaging themselves in the leaves and the twigs. Danger was far from Rikku, miles and miles away. The only thing that danced in the air was peace in which the young girl was atoned too. The eyes remained on her, watched her, and followed her. They watched as the girl began to unzip her suit and wiggle in a cute manor, creating the bliss that they always wanted to see. The sun appeared from behind the clouds and the light shined down from the sky, illuminating even the darkest of shadows and clearing the area away of any evil or fiends. The eyes continued to watch her from the bushes, trying not to ruin the precious moment for the Al Bhed. As the sun gradually illuminated the area, it lit up the bushes from where the eyes were hiding, revealing a slight reflection from the lenses. Auron stepped out from behind the tree and quietly walked to another spot in which Rikku would not find him. He lowered his head and stepped back, returning to where he came from.

"This isn't my place," Auron admitted softly, "I shouldn't be here." But he couldn't refuse. He was drawn to this strange girl who he had just met. Sighing once again to himself softly, he lowered his head and turned around to walk back to the group before they suspected anything. Then, he stopped and turned his head back to the young girl, watching as she began to reveal her new form to him. His mouth opened slightly as he watched in amazement.

Rikku completely unzipped her wetsuit and removed her arms from the tight sleeves. The wetsuit now laid around her hips, hugging them gently as they were sustained from falling to the ground. She rubbed her sides and messaged them gently, causing her to smile from the small sensation.

Auron stared in awe, amazed at what he was watching. Keeping a straight face, he continued to watch the Al Bhed girl gradually shed her suit, being released into eternal freedom. His eyes gleamed with happiness and wonders as the sight of the girl brought him to an all time high. Gazing in wonder, his eyes feasted upon her perfect figure, feasted upon her transformation. The sight of loosing her suit reminded him of something a long time ago, and this made him frustrated. Guarding the air from danger, he released his frustration and agreed to watch her again. Maybe one day he will be able to remember what it was that reminded him of her and this precious moment. His eyes stared at her again and he continued to remain silent.

Her metamorphose was gorgeous, he thought; she shed her dismal and imprisoned wetsuit, and transformed into a beautiful girl with a remarkable figure. Rikku finally lowered her suit to the ground and carefully removed the wetsuit from her legs. Her new form was something Auron had never seen before and it absolutely blew him out of this world. It was something that he himself could not believe. How could someone this beautiful be hidden under those clothes?

He looked at her legs, long, slender, and beautiful, covered in socks up to her knees. The lower portion of her body was covered by green mini shorts that were slightly cut open on the sides, revealing her thighs even more. Her torso was covered by an orange sleeveless shirt that showed a portion of her stomach, exposing her bellybutton to all.

Auron's mind began to run loose, far from what he was taught. He then shook his head violently, remembering his cruel past with Braska and Jecht and how they have teased him and abused him of love. He bit his lip, completely fascinated by her appearance.

Rikku unclipped a strap that laid tightly underneath her chin and it instantly flung open. Struggling to remove the headpiece, she wiggled her head around, almost stumbling to the ground. Auron laughed and shook his head, thinking of how this girl interrupted the rare moment. He cleared his throat and moved his head from the shadows.

Rikku finally removed the headpiece and threw it to the ground, scratching her head from the irritating pressure. At that very moment in which Rikku took off her headpiece, the sun glistened down upon her and filled the area. She watched in amazement as the sun activated the trees and released hundreds of butterflies around her.

The guardian stopped dead in his tracks once he saw the butterflies appear from the forest. His eyes grew wider, amazed at the rare coincidence. He watched as she turned her head from side to side, releasing her hair from it's restricted position. Strands of hair fell against her face and she smiled as the butterflies tickled her nose while they danced gracefully around her. Rikku smiled as the multicolored butterflies followed her, tickled her bare limbs and kissed her smooth skin. She giggled to herself and felt the butterflies on her back, fluttering around on her shoulder blades.

Auron took this opportunity as a good one and decided that he would approach Rikku finally and act discreet about his presence. At that very moment, he saw Rikku squirming around from the tickling sensation and he had stopped dead in his tracks. As she moved around in a circle, she set off the two blue ribbons that were attached to her shoulder blades and set them falling against her body. Auron gazed at her carefully, slowly watching the ribbons fall gracefully against her while pictures of the butterflies in Macalania appeared in his head.

Auron studied her, watched her, was amazed by her; he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Her beauty was something far from this world while her smile was something more peaceful than the Kilika sunsets. He smirked to himself and thought how Rikku was such an amazing person, and then, he snapped out of his day dreams. He heard Braska voice in his head and cleared his throat like he did when he was being scolded by his summoner.

I laughed and danced in a small circle, chasing the butterflies in a harmless game of tag. I ran across the area, following the butterflies as if they were an actual person. Then, I heard a noise from the forest and it startled me. I stopped running and looked around the area quickly, trying to find the intruder.

"Hello?" I said, as I focused my attention on the distraction. In the distance, Auron stepped out from the shadows, looking down as to show that he had made the noise.

I sighed in relief, "Good grief Auron, you gave me a good scare! Meanie!" I said in my demanding voice.

My voice must have turned out perkier than demanding and it caused Auron to chuckle slightly under his breath. "My apologizes." he apologized and moved closer to her. With each step the legendary man had made, the sun hid behind the clouds more and more, disappearing from their view.

I took a deep breath and I slowly raised my head, acting discreet about meeting his eyes. Once our eyes had connected, I tilted my head and tried to play off my fright as a smile. Auron just looked at her, not sure what to do himself.

He towered over the girl, conquering her every move. If she tried to escape, which he hoped not to, she would be better running into a red wall. Every move was in his control because of his height and his masculine built. She was completely in his grasp. Strangely enough, she wasn't scared, so he thought. She just stared up at him, always wearing that bright smile.

I stood there, terrified of everything I knew.  All I could do was smile to insure him that what he was doing wasn't scarring me out of my mind. Which in fact, it was though, but I couldn't help it. Here I was, standing in front of him as if he were my own brother.  What was I thinking?! Geeze, I could no longer think! Then I stopped for a second and thought about something: what was I to be scarred about? I doubt that a man as quiet as him would try to hurt a little girl like me.... or would he? Awwww man!!!

I decided that I wouldn't let this fact scare me anymore so I gulped heavily, almost making the sound to imply that I was indeed scared. My eyes looked up to him and I noticed that he too was nervous. His eyes were soft and caring and when I saw the sweat form on the top of his head, I was relieved to know that Auron and I were in the same predicament. I giggled to him and as I did, the sun had returned to us, removing the eerie silence.

"Auron!" a voice had yelled out. Several seconds later Tidus came running out from where Auron had just entered and ran towards us.

"Auron," he staggered, "we're getting ambushed, and we need you right now!"

The legendary guardian turned his head to him and walked over to where his sword had been resting. Lifting it up with ease, he walked back over to us and nodded, "Let's go."

I watched as the young boy and the man ran to the path which the other where in peril. I looked down and finally kicked my wetsuit into the pond behind me. Auron stopped as Tidus continued to run ahead, waiting for the girl to catch up with the rest of them.

Auron then smirked in my direction, and as I turned to him, I figured out why:

We both agreed that my past was now forever behind me.

Chapter 3

After defeating the fiends that had attacked the summoner that day, and encountering more as we traveled, I discovered that I had the ability to steal items right off of the fiends! And if that ain't cool enough, I also had the ability to disassemble machina's, and they were my specialties! Everyone was absolutely amazed at my cool talent and thought it would be wise to have me in every battle for now because we were running low on curative items.

I was known as the klepto within the group.

As we walked down the small and dusty path to the Mi’Ihen highroad, Tidus had pulled Lulu aside from the pilgrimage and began talking to her. I was a little concerned, but I realize that it was none of my business, so I kept on walking.

Heading into the next town, exhausted and sore, we stopped suddenly in front of an Al Bhed travel agency.

"Why we stoppin?" Wakka asked. He looked over to Auron who had begun to walk into the entrance of the inn.

"We rest." he said, and walked towards the inn once again.

"But I'm not tired." Wakka demanded. He stepped up to the man and held out his hand. "And I doubt anyone else is too."

Auron stopped and turned his face in Wakka's direction, "Well I am.", and with that, he entered the inn and was out of our sight.

I felt uneasy staying out with them so I scratched my head and walked over to where the chocobo's were being held and began talking to the owner of the ranch. The girl rancher and I started talking about our Al Bhed blitz team, the AL Bhed Pyics and who was the cutest guy on the team. We debated about different sections of the world about who had the most machina materials and who had the most intelligence.

The woman and I talked for quite some time and when I saw Tidus exit from the inn, I said my farewells to the rancher and ran over to him, poking his side as I crept up behind him.

Laughing as he turned around, he tickled me back and greeted me brightly. "Hey you, whacha up to?"

"Well Ti, I was wondering about something for a while now and I made my decision." I hesitated about telling what I was about to say and then I finally let it out: "I would like to become Yunie's guardian."

Tidus stood there as a quizzical expression wiped his face, “Well, uhh, I don't see why not." The boy scratched his head and placed his hand on his hip, "Why don't you go'n ask Yunie now?"

I was a little shocked to hear his reaction to tell ya the truth, but that’s because I wasn't used to asking things to people; I was always afraid I might get turned down.

 "Come on, I'll come with ya!" he smiled and as he did, it made me smile too. We headed over to the inn and entered to find Yuna sitting on a chair reading a book about machina's.

"Yunie," I said, "can I ask you something?"

The young summoner looked up from her book and smiled, "Why of course, what is it?"

I gulped heavily and scratched the back of my neck, "I-I would like to know, if I may become your guardian."

Yuna was very surprised and set her eyes towards Lulu. The black mage nodded to her, agreeing the request. Yuna returned her attention to me and nodded as she smiled. "Yes, you may be my guardian Rikku, it would be an honor."

I was overwhelmed with joy. A happiness that was so huge filled me and I raise my arm in joy.

"But please," she began, "ask Sir Auron if it is ok with him too."

Right there, she had ended my victory. I stopped jumping as the expression on my face had crashed into worry. I didn’t know Auron that well and I didn’t know what he might say.

Would he accept me?

I hope so…

I gradually faced his direction when eventually he walked over to the summoner and I. Looking down at us, he gripped his sturdy sword that rested against his shoulder. Standing in front of him, I could only hope that he would accept my offer to Yunie.

I could understand him though, he was just trying to protect the summoner who would conquer and defeat Sin. He only wanted to protect her in his best way.

But I could do it!

Yunie was someone who I truly cared about; I wouldn’t let anything happen to her!

I grew angered and determined to protect my new family. “Auron”, I stepped up, “I promise to guard Yunie with my own life! I won’t let anything happen to her!”

My voice rang with confidence that was powerful. I thought about how protecting Yunie would make me the happiest person alive in Spira. My fist was raised to his face while I continued to prove to all of them that I was worthy.

Snapping out of my commando mode, I saw everyone watching me as I had the nerve to step up to the legendary guardian. Auron looked down at me and saw my hunter green eyes swirling with determination.

“You may become a guardian Rikku.” He said with his eyes focused to something in the distance. He lowered his head and looked into my eyes, “Just please get off of my foot.”

I looked down and realized that I was standing on his foot. I quickly hopped off his foot and squeaked fearfully as the thought of Auron beating me up ran in my head.

I walked towards Yunie and stood beside her as I watched Auron stare at his foot and then shake it quickly to relieve the pain. Watching him ceasing the pain it made me feel embarrassed. I had actually had the nerve to step up to a man like him. I clasped my hands behind my back and lowered my head, accepting my embarrassment. My eyes had wandered around the guardians when I finally had the courage to look at Auron again. I thought at this point he would never talk to me again. His eyes left the area behind me and concentrated on me. Hoping he wouldn’t ignore me now, a small smirk left the side of his face before the group had a chance to even see his hidden emotion.

Wait a minute; did he just smirk at me?

He gently rested his sword against his shoulder and glared at me. At that very instant, my mouth dropped and I stood there, wondering if that was intended for me. I closed my mouth again and I thought about how cute that was. To think that a man his size, a man with such legend, and a man with such wisdom would actually sit there and let it all pass him to make a girl feel good about herself.

Heh, I could get used to this!

After the unusual moment that just passed, I began walking back into the inn when Mi’Ihen’s sunset had caught my eye. I turned slowly, never seeing such beauty come from Spira in such a long time. Captured like a prisoner, I followed the sunset until I sat down on the grass, sitting Indian style outside with my chin in my hands. I watched the sun set into the peaceful water as the flare color covered everything in its path.

Quietly approaching behind me, I heard the swooshy noise that only came from one person that I knew: Wakka.

“Whacha up to?” he asked me as he watched the sunset in front of us.

“Oh, nothing.” I said quietly, “just thinking about things.”

I wasn’t thinking about things in general;

I was thinking about him, the cryptic man.

Wakka and I admired Spira’s beauty together by sitting next to each other and not exchanging any words. Sitting beside him made me feel very uneasy though; I was terrified about my heritage.

What would he do if he knew I was an Al Bhed?

Would he hate me?

Would he harm me?

I felt so bad about hiding it from him, but I guess it was for his own good. We already had a great time together while traveling here and it would be a shame to just throw it all away now. I was completely confused and then I huddled myself closer to my knees, feeling alone. I sighed and leaned back, lying on the ground, facing up to the sky. Once I rested my head against the ground and opened my eyes, I found Auron suddenly above me. I shrieked in fear and then giggled in pleasure, not actually sure if I was supposed to be scared or not. I rolled over on my back again and continued laughing.

“You’re such a trip Auron.” I laughed and hit the side of his leg while I rolled around. I stood up and gently pushed his arm playfully as I left the area and finally headed into the inn.

Auron watched her enter the inn and squinted his eyes in attempt to figure her out.  He looked down to Wakka who was already looking behind him as he watched Rikku leave the area too. Auron sighed lightly and then nodded his head at Wakka as a sign of hello. Wakka returned the greeting the same as Auron, and stood to his feet.

“She’s cute, ya?”

Auron was about to respond when the thoughts of Lord Braska and Jecht hit him again. He didn’t respond and in return, just stood there. He was taught by Lord Braska to stay away from love; for it will ruin a man for life if he chooses the wrong path. And his path was the warrior one. Looking down to his side in sorrow, he let out a deep sigh from his lips. He wished he hadn’t listened to them, now that he thought about it. There was nothing he could do though, he was so young and naïve. He let their wisdom seep into his craving mind, wanting to learn everything there was to become a great guardian one day.

And here he was: the legendary guardian.

He had gotten the recognition that he had always wanted and in return, it had caused him to be alone. He had sacrificed so many things in order to become what he was, and now, he wished he could take it back. Then again, he wished that there was just something he could change about himself. Lord Braska had always told him that he would become a famous guardian one day; one who will be known throughout Spira. He told Auron that one day that people will be calling him “Sir” Auron, and that everyone would praise him. “Sir” Auron was all he ever heard and at times, and he wished that it would disappear.

“Sir Auron?” Wakka asked

Auron looked at him, not sure at what he might of said or what he was absent of.

Wakka looked at him and tilted his head, “You hear what I said?”

Auron nodded and straightened his back. Turning his face towards the Besaid islander, his cold stare returned to the area. Auron looked to the inn again and couldn’t help but to follow Rikku in.

“Hey!” Wakka shouted, “You never answered me ya know?” Wakka crossed his arms and smirked devilishly.

Auron stopped suddenly and turned his face to the young man. “There is no time for playing games. The journey should be your only priority.”

With those cold words, he continued into the inn and left Wakka’s sight. The young Besaid man gasped in embarrassment and scratched the back of his head in disappointment.

Later on in the evening, I exited the inn and stretched my arms in the air, and boy, did that feel good! I smiled brightly as the stars above me reflected off the sea below. I walked over to the pillars that supported the Inn’s structure and rested against one. I lowered slowly to the ground and wrapped my arms around my knees as I watched the beautiful night sky.

Looking around to the deserted area, I began humming to myself some notes that I have been working on for the past several days. Sitting there alone made me think about my family and about my uncle. My mind shifted to my mother and I began to sob; I really missed her. I missed the way she used to play with me and how we used to go to the markets together and buy pieces of machina to build the ultimate butler. I laughed silently to myself on the thought of my mother and I being so lazy that we needed a robot to do our daily chores. That robot connected us in a way in which we would always be together.

And then she was taken away from me.

Sin was her murderer.

I looked away from the sky and thought about the day Sin had came and attacked my village 2 years ago. My father and I were out on a business trip in Mt. Gagazet for 3 days searching for my brother and a piece of machina that would complete our robot. When we returned that night, Sin already had attacked, and debris was all that was left. 

Maybe this was the reason I joined Yunie’s pilgrimage: to get revenge on Sin. Then I thought about how Tidus found me, and then, I thought about Auron. I wondered why I was so attracted to him. He was nothing like me at all! But still, there was something inside me that keeps saying –Ohh he likes you- or –He’s flirting- But then again, Tidus did the same thing, only he was more open with it.

Oh well, there’s not point in worrying over it. I opened my eyes and found the area quiet and still. I looked to the Inn and the clock had showed that it was quarter past 1 in the morning. I scratched my head and giggled, “Musta fallen asleep I guess.”

“For quite some time.” A voice had answered me quietly.

I jumped in surprise and turned to the voice to find Auron standing against the pillar next to me, gazing far out into the sea. “Auron,” I said in my whiney brat voice, “cut it out!” I looked up at him while rising to my feet and I giggled at the moment.

“My apologies.” He answered silently and released his deep concentration from the sea to me.

I smiled back at him and placed my hands around the stone pillar, walking around its thick circular shape. I followed the shape of the pillar till it led me back to the mysterious guardian.

“So, uhh,” I began. Trying to start a conversation with this guy was hard, and throughout our journey so far, I kept trying my hardest to unlock this puzzling man. “How come ya never talk much?”

“No need for talking.” He answered, “I’m a guardian; I fight and protect.”

I rolled my eyes at the fact that he had another short answer to my question. Geeze was this guy a tuff cookie! Honestly, I could never understand this guy. One minute he is smiling at me, the next he sets off from the group and doesn’t return till the wee hours in the morning. I guess there was no use in trying to figure him out. Maybe he’ll just unravel to me? Who knows!

He lowered his sword down to the ground and rested it against the pillar beside him.  He leaned back behind him and let his back rest against the tall supporter. His right leg also rested against the pillar and as I watched him get comfortable against the stone column, I decided that I would do the same.

I lowered to the ground and paralleled my back with the supporter. My mouth soon grew tired and so did my eyes as the night began to take its place inside me. The two guardians then looked at each other and slowly returned their gaze to the remarkable sea in front of them.

A sigh was released from my lips and I only wished that it wasn’t so boring out here. All I wanted to do was to understand Auron, but he refused to open up to me which made me furious. I like to know the people I travel with so I can begin to trust them. Auron though, he was making this difficult! I grunted to myself and he looked down to me and final caught on that I was becoming angry. I folded my arms and pouted while I slowly lost my mind.

Ok, enough with the silence!

“Hey Auron,” I said, “how bout you sit down here?”

The man turned his head to the young girl and kept his expression the same. Inside however, he was quite shocked. He did not understand the importance of connecting with someone and when Rikku demanded that he sit with her, it was something very absurd to him. Standing there for several seconds, he asked himself if he should attempt to sit next to her. Although it was a small task to do, Lord Braska’s voice once again filled his head. He was torn between the two decisions and finally, he sighed. He lowered himself to the ground and closed his eyes, hearing the voices fill his head with scolding words.

I smiled brightly and cheered, “See, that wasn’t so hard now was it?”

Auron didn’t respond. If she only knew what his past had corrupted him into. He wanted to open up to her; he always screamed it out in his head. It wasn’t as easy as she assumed though. The past haunted him, followed him, and he couldn’t do anything about it. He looked at her and watched her smile and felt absolutely horrible for not opening up to her.

-I’m sorry Rikku- he said in his head and looked out to the sea as his only getaway.

“Sooooo” I tried to figure out what to say now that he was sitting next to me, “uhhhh, where ya from?”

Auron kept his eyes out to the ocean, “Spira.”

I slammed my hand against my head and laughed softly, “No you goofball, I mean, what part of Spira?”

Auron hesitated and thought about a suitable answer for her.

“Why? Does it have any relevance to you?”

As Auron spoke those harsh words, he only wanted to apologize and take every second back. Doing so though would only make him seem supple.

I opened my mouth and gasped heavily, “X-squeeze me Auron, I’m so sorry that I was trying to make a suitable conversation.”  Boy did that make me mad. Not only was he becoming a jerk, he was being rude to me! I grunted to myself and turned my back to him as I folded my arms. Right there, I thought our relationship between us had ended. “You didn’t have to say it like that.”

There was no use in attempting to find this guy out anymore tonight, so I let it rest. I looked over towards the inn and sighed in disbelief, not really wanting to accept those cruel words that he said. The night grew quieter, causing my eyes lids to fall heavier against my eyes. I shook my head slowly and lowered my skull to the ground while comforting myself in the awkward position.

Chapter 4

The bright morning awoke with a loud bang. Startled by the sudden noise, I instantly withdrew from the covers that were placed over me. I sat up and thought about where the loud explosion might have came from. A few seconds passed by and when I was finally awake from my heavy slumber, I was dazed. My surroundings were different than what I last remembered: outside against the pillar. I decided that worrying about the explosion was far more important than how I wound up in a rented room. I walked over to the door and opened it to only jump back 3 feet from the doorway.  Lying on the ground right outside of my room was the entire group, inn owners, and workers, all massacred inside the inn. I covered my mouth in fear and screamed in terror.

I sat up all of a sudden and breathed heavily from my distorted nightmare. The sweat and tears raced across my forehead and traveled down to my chin in a race for competition. My heart pounded faster and harder than a tribal beating drum at war. I held my temples and wiped the sweat from my head that stung my sore eyes. Looking around, I noticed that it was still night time and that I wasn’t outside anymore. I pinched myself several times and assured my panicked self that I was ok and no more dreams where here to harm me. The room was still too dark to see anything but I could distinctly make out everyone’s clothing within the dim room. Once my heart and lungs agreed to move at the same pace, I rested my head against the fluffy pillow underneath me.

My body was sore from the frustrating battles we experienced today and my head was pounding. I couldn’t control the extreme aches inside me so I stood up and walked out of the room and into the lightly illuminated hallway.

At the time I was hoping that walking off the pain and getting some fresh air would help cease my unbearable pain.

Nope, wrong solution.

Staggering from side to side as the pounding increased, I finally made my way to the bathroom. Inside, I fortunately found a glass of water sitting on the sink for anyone’s use. I reached out for it and tipped over unwillingly from the extreme pain.

I placed the glass to my lips and gulped down the cold water, drinking the water quickly as if it were my last hope. Once finished with the water, I continued to stumble in the room and wobble from sink to wall from toilet to door. I felt dizzy and ready to hurl in the toilet below me when I closed my eyes and felt my body falling to the ground. I collapsed into someone’s arms and I opened my eyes to catch a glimpse of my savior.

It was Auron.

“Auron.” I said with a heavy slur. I felt the dizziness return and I flickered my eyes uncontrollably.

He looked down at me and held me in his arms, “Are you alright?”

I opened one eye halfway and moaned as a response.

“What did I say about taking too many of them potions Rikku?” he asked with a hint of humor in his tone.

I nodded gently, trying not to awaken the currently sleeping pain. Auron lifted me up and held me close to his body as we entered the sleeping room once again. Walking over ever so silently to the bed in the back of the room, he made his way past the resting guardians and placed me slowly on the bed.

“Auron” I began, but I was cut off immediately by his finger upon my lips.

“Shhhh,” He said, “you need your sleep.”

With those words, I closed my eyes and smirked as the pain left my body and into the cold night air. Auron picked up his jacket off of the floor and placed it over my body to protect me from the devilish darkness. He placed his hand on her forehead and wiped away the strands of hair that seemed to have irritated her eyes. The moons light grew less dense and Auron couldn’t help but glance towards the windows direction. The room was filled with silence and the only thing that disturbed the peace was Wakka’s abnormal snoring. Auron smirked and focused his attention to the ground where he began to think about Zanarkand and Yunalesca on that dreadful day.

Morning caught me by surprise; I wasn’t expecting such a long rest from a gang who is constantly on the move. The night before we only had the chance to rest for 2 hours and then we had to continue with our journey. I yawned long and stretched my arms out to my side when I realized that my headache was gone. I looked down at my lap and saw that Auron had the kindness to lend me his jacket for the night. I was simply baffled by his actions and I hurried out of the room quickly so I could find him and thank him.

Stepping outside of the inn, I found Tidus talking to a local citizen by the sea. I walked over to him and greeted him a good morning.

“Morning Tidus!” I greeted him in my cheery brat voice.

He turned to me and smiled, “Well good morning sleepy head.”

“Have you been up long?”

“Me? Nah, maybe just a couple of minutes. Why what’s up? ” He drifted his eyes towards the inn, “Is anyone else up?”

“Nope” I answered, “All ‘cept Auron, they’re all passed out!” I yawned again and let the chill of the morning air fill my lungs “Plus I couldn’t stand Wakka’s snoring any more.”

Tidus laughed and slapped my shoulder, “Wakka will get mad if he heard you say that.”

“Well, what he don’t know can’t hurt him.” I said to him. After saying that, it made me think of something else. “Tidus, remember when you introduced me to Wakka?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, I was thinking. When you introduced me to him, I was wearing my Al Bhed wetsuit. And didn’t you say that Wakka hates Al Bhed’s or something?”

Tidus was simple amazed at first but once I was finished with my statement, he nodded as to say that everything would be ok. “Wakka did approach me about that.” He said, “But don’t worry, everything is ok.”

“Oh yeah,” I placed one hand on my hip, “And how?”

“Well you remember when I pulled Lulu away from the group real quick that one time?”

“Yeah...” I answered, still awaiting the rest of his conclusion.

“Well, when I did, I asked her to find a way to say something to Wakka about your clothes if he got suspicious. She said that she would simply say that you got kidnapped by Al Bhed’s and were stranded on their ship and you stole a wetsuit and goggles to escape.”

I looked at him with a quizzical expression and I just couldn’t believe what he told me. “You made that up!” I protested, “If it were Lulu, she would have thought of something a lot better than that lame excuse!”

“Well, ok your right.” He said with some shame in his tone, “But she said not to worry about it and that she would think of something to say to him.”

I stared at him and laughed, “You are such a tung, you know that?”

Tidus opened his mouth, “A what?”

“You heard me, I said that you were a dork!”

“A dork am I?” Tidus exclaimed, “Well, your dead meat when I get to ya!”

After he said those words, he darted after me and began chasing around the small area. I ran ahead of him and sprinted as quickly as I could away from Tidus who was just as fast as me. Running hard and long, I managed to dodge his hands from capturing me.

We returned to the campsite in complete laughter and hauled over the benches outside to rest. I collapsed in such happiness, that I ended up sitting upside down on the bench. Tidus looked over at me and reached out to tickle me again on my hips when I rolled off the bench and stood up. My hands were at my sides and I was jumping from one foot to another quickly so I could be ready for any sudden movements. Tidus stood up slowly and lifted one leg and stomped it on the ground, and did the same with the other. He was trying to imitate a wrestler, and he was doing a bad job about it too. I screeched loudly when I saw Tidus darting directly at me. I was so confused about the whole thing I couldn’t do anything but stand there. I covered my eyes as Tidus gored me to the ground.

Opening my eyes to see Tidus sticking out his tongue is a horrible sight, let me tell you. We laughed at our silly game of tag as he continued to lay on top of me. I slapped his head a couple of times to show him how much of a goofball he was and poked his sides in attempt to get him off of me. I turned my head to the right and found Auron standing about 20 feet away from us. I cleared my throat and pushed the boy off of me and stood up. I provided a hand to Tidus and almost fell back down from his tremendous weight.

Tidus looked down at me and noticed that my face had changed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

I felt like I had did something wrong to him. If I told Tidus what I felt inside, he wouldn’t believe me. He would just tell me that I should stop dreaming and wake up to realty. My heart sank and dropped right into the pit of my stomach. There wasn’t anything I could do. I felt like I did do something wrong to Auron, but I couldn’t figure it out.

“Nothing.” I said with a smile and I stuck out my tongue.  Tidus rubbed my head and I twisted his arm and threatened him if he ever touched my beautiful hair again, he would go straight into the ground. He backed off of me and laughed as Yuna came out from the inn.

As Tidus walked over to Yuna, I walked back over to the benches where Auron at the time was standing. The moment I walked over to him and sat down, he walked away from me and headed into the inn without saying a single word to me. I slouched into the bench and lowered my head in displeasure. What did I do? Why wouldn’t he say anything to me? Looking back up to the Mi’Ihen ruins, I thought about what just happened.

Was he mad at me cause he was jealous?

Was he mad at me because I didn’t say good morning?

Or was he mad at me cause he didn’t have any food?

I grunted in disgust and sucked my teeth as the thoughts ran in my head. “Forget it.” I said to myself, and stood up to walk into the inn where breakfast was being prepared.

Then I stopped at the doorway and felt that cold stare upon my back. Turning to the eerie feeling, I found Auron leaning against the ruins and focusing on the distance. I bit my lip and could only pray that things wouldn’t change.

They wouldn’t change….Right?

Chapter 5

The entire gang was seated around a huge wooden table inside the inn. Sitting there patiently, they could only try to cease the calling from their stomachs that was crying for the smell of the fabulous foods within the kitchen. I entered the room and everyone greeted me with a big hello. Being greeted to a group like them was a great feeling so all I could do was smile right back at them and wave.

“Hey girli,” Wakka said, “how bout you have a seat right over here.” He patted the empty chair next to him and I being my bright self couldn’t refuse. I knew that everything between Wakka and I was ok now so I hugged him a good morning. After hugging him, I looked across the table to find Auron sitting directly in front of me. My mouth slightly opened from the surprise because I wasn’t expecting that. I cleared my throat and tried my best to keep my eyes off of him, but it was no good. He was a stunning man and was candy to my eyes. My cheeks grew hot and I reached out to get a sip of water. Shaking uncontrollably, I knocked the glass over instead and spilled my drink all over me. I screeched in freight and pushed back on the chair to cause a disturbing noise. Everyone looked at me and tried not to laugh.

“Good one Rikku!” Tidus snickered and continued talking to Lulu. She wasn’t paying attention though.

“You alright?” she asked and started to get out of her seat.

“No, no, no, Lulu, I’m ok, don’t worry about me. It’s just a little water.” I laughed as if I was playing around. Honestly, I wanted to pound a face in or two. “Excuse me.” I said and left my seat. Walking past Auron who was eating a biscuit at the moment, I caught a glimpse of him laughing to himself discreetly.

I closed the door behind me and leaned against its frame as a sigh was released from my lips. Planning to spill the drink was quite the cleaver one. While walking away, I managed to slip a couple of biscuits in my pocket to settle my little tummy. I wasn’t exactly the one who gets extremely hungry, so stealing a couple of biscuits would settle me for the day. I wiped my head with some cool water from the sink and then opened the window to catch the cold breeze. Walking around in the little room made me think of Auron and how he had laughed at me when I left the table. I giggled to myself and blushed at the thought of his face smiling. Thinking about him made me happy; and this happiness felt so good. I rubbed my arm and thought about him and how good he looked in his jacket. That jacket was so stunning on him and it brought out the best of him. I looked down in sadness and thought about what I was doing. I didn’t know this guy and I figured I would wait till I knew a little more about him and then think about him. Was he thinking of me at times? What’s the use, there’s no point in wondering about it. I turned the door knob and left the bathroom so I could return to the table. Shaking my head and slapping a smile on my face as I approached the table, I laughed as if I was apart of their conversation. They looked at me with confusion in their eyes and I sat down with a cool expression.

“Oh my, oh sooooo know!” I said in a snobby tone. The group laughed at me and my humor and continued eating the food that was placed on their plates.

Tidus told the group hilarious stories and jokes that he knew and we all laughed in amusement. He was quite the story teller and it made me realize that it was good to have him as a friend. I looked across the table and saw one person missing. Thinking to myself that this would be a good opportunity to say my apologizes to Auron, I left my seat.

“I’ll be outside if you guys need me, ok?!” I said to them and they nodded their heads in agreement. I ran out of the room and headed to the doorway.

While running out of the inn, my foot got caught in a small hole right outside of the doorway and I fell straight to the ground. I arose to my feet and held my side in pain. I walked out of the inn and raised my head to the top of the doorframe. There was a small sign above the door that was written in black that said:

“Fydlr Yuin Cdab”

I scratched my head and read the Al Bhed warning. “Watch your step?” I said in confusion, “But how come it’s just in Al Bhed?”

I looked below the sign and saw another sign that said the same thing, only in English. I opened my mouth and was stunned.

“Ha ha ha!” I said sarcastically and turned around. I rubbed my hip again and raised a fist to the sign, “Cdibet fynhehk.*” and left the inn.

Fixing her hair and her earrings, I made my way to the grassy section right in front of the sea. My swirl eyes filled with the beauty of the sea and the fascinating sights of the ruins. I lowered myself to the ground and rested my body on Spira’s smooth ground, letting the grass blow against my skin. The morning here was perfect; smooth breeze, calm sea, birds singing. This was a place where I wanted to live. I didn’t want to leave this place because of the surroundings. Happiness ran throughout my body; I was so overwhelmed with this place and its beautiful offerings.

Seeing the tall grass beside me, I began to roll down the hill; letting the grass mark my presence and guide me through the hill. I rolled down the hill until the grass got so thick, it stopped me all together. I smiled and laughed at the little joy that I just experienced and rolled from side to side. My eyes began to swirl and it caused me to giggle again from the sensation. The sun lifted higher into the air and filled the inn’s area with warmth. I closed my eyes to shield myself from the light and to hopefully catch a couple Z’s.

“Roll any further and you’ll fall into the sea.”

The smile never left my face, “Hi Auron.” I knew it was him and I wasn’t afraid like I was earlier this morning.

I thought to myself: Just forget about being mad. Life’s to short to be mad at people.

I rested my hands against my chest and inhaled the wonderful smells of the salty sea and the crisp grass.

“Full?” he asked, keeping his eyes to the ruins.

“Mmmmm, maybe.” I teased. I leaned my head towards him and smiled. “How ‘bout you sit down?”

Auron stared at me with that same blah expression, acting as if I was a wild animal or something.

I giggled and then supported myself with my elbow. “Come on, I won’t bite.”

Auron chuckled under his breath, “I’ve heard that one before.”

“Well, I won’t bite hard.” I teased and winked at him as my eyes began to swirl again from the happiness dwelling inside of me.

Auron looked at her and smirked a bit from her cute imply. He watched as the breeze moved her hair, almost like a huge trans. The wind captured the locks of her blonde hair and gently rubbed them against her cheek, her neck and her nose. The man thought about Rikku’s suggestion again and then remembered what happened last time he refused. Rikku refused to talk to him that whole entire night. Auron thought to himself about how for the first time in years, he felt alone. He was atoned to Rikku’s well thought questions and laughter. But that night when he refused to answer her question, he felt horrible. That was something he never wanted to experience again. He never wanted to see Rikku’s face that sad ever again. So now he didn’t say anything, and just sat down next to her.

Rikku smiled and then frowned, “Hey, I’m sorry about last night.” She apologized, “I didn’t mean to-”

“Didn’t mean to get drunk and almost pass out in the bathroom?”

I slapped my hand on my head, “No-Auron!” After his embarrassing statement, I couldn’t help but laugh. “And for your information, I wasn’t drunk!”

“You’re right.”

I sat up proudly and placed my hands behind my back, leaning against my palms, “I know I am.”

“You weren’t drunk; you were really drunk.”

I opened my mouth in shock and turned my face to him. I could not believe he had the nerve to say that. Laughing uncontrollably, I nudged his arm with my hand, “AURON!”

We both laughed at the silly moment and reminisced about how stupid I looked last night. After our laughter faded into the morning air, I looked at him and watched as he slowly stopped laughing at my embarrassing night.

Watching him sitting here next to me and laughing about the little things made me think about how he has such an adorable smile. His smile was a rare one, kinda like the birds high up in Mt.Gagazet with the neon pink feathers. When you see those type of birds, you know that you are in good hands and that you are the luckiest man alive. The same meant for Auron, and I never wanted to see it leave. The past couple days, I have been trying to loosen him up and view life as one big amusement park. Nothing seemed to work though; he always had a negative attitude. Now here is this same man, cryptic and wise as anyone could be and he was sitting next to the most positive girl in Spira, laughing with me. He really was a hard person to understand but I guess that’s what attracted me to him.

“So really Auron, where ya from?”

The man adjusted the grey leather collar and stared into the ruins, “Luca, if I remember correctly.”

“Wow, really?!” I said with such excitement, “I’ve never been to Luca before.”

“I could understand,” Auron said with slight disappointment, “they don’t have much love for the Al Bhed.”

I slumped into the ground and sat Indian style with my elbows touching my knees and my chin resting in my palms, “Practically anyone does.” I said with a sadden tone. As I sat there sulking about my heritage, I looked over to him and noticed that he had returned to his normal self by starring off into the distance and staying focused on the ruins. I sat up and turned my body to him, “Hey Auron,”

He turned his head to me and didn’t say anything. I grunted a bit and held my hands up to my face and wiggled them around, “Say you’ll take me to Luca one day with you.”

Auron looked back to the ocean and began getting up to leave. I watched him stand up and just before he left, I begged to him, “Please?”

He stopped and turned his head to me and then faced the inn again, “One day.” He looked around and then headed into the inn once again.

I sighed heavily and shook my head, tying to figure him out once more. I stood to my feet and found Yuna walking over to me from the inn’s entrance. “Yunie!” I shouted while waving my hands in the air, “Over here!”

The summoner smirked peacefully and made her way to where I was sitting.

“Good morning.” She said lightly.

“Morning Yunie, howd’ja sleep?”

“Alright.” She smiled, “And we all know how you slept.”

She laughed and covered her mouth politely. I placed my hands on my hip and stomped my foot, “Who spilled the beans?!”

Yuna turned to the inn and nodded her head to Auron.

I looked over to him and shook my angered fist in the air, “Meanie!”

Auron was resting against the inn’s outside walls with one foot up against the wall. He looked over to our direction and shook his head as he chuckled lightly.

I placed my hand on my head and grunted in frustration. Looking back up to Yuna, I saw her seated on the ground, playing with some wildflowers in her hands. I also seated myself on the ground and plucked off several of the wildflowers growing from the tall grass.

“So what are you going to do after Sin?” she asked me politely.

Looking up to see her face, I really didn’t have an answer to give her. “I-I, I don’t know. Probably just go back to my father and my brothers.”

Yuna smiled at me as I talked about my father.

Deep inside, I knew why she was smiling.

Something else though stopped me from smiling with her.

Maybe it was the fact that I knew what was going to happen to her after she defeated Sin.

But… Yunie….

Someone screamed from the inn. “Someone help, the Chocobo’s!”

Yuna and I looked at each other and instantly knew what he had to do. We ran to the inn were we met up with the rest of the guardians.

“Hurry!” Auron yelled and we all ran to the huge beast that was beside of the building.

Auron, Tidus, and Wakka began the battle as us other guardians watched from what we call the safety point. Here, we could prepare ourselves for the same battle if anyone decided to switch from the battle line.

Waiting from the safety point, I was amazed how strong this monster was. It was a short stubby fiend, maybe a hundred feet tall. The fiend had huge arms that were twice his height and they were packed with mussels.  The monster had no neck, but a gross looking head with small beady red eyes, and a mouth as huge as a door. Its teeth were long and sharp, ready to shred anything into two. I wasn’t planning on seeing any harmless Chocobo’s entering that horrid thing; not until we were done with it!

Tidus held his sword high in the air as he ran quickly to the monster and struck down his sword, inflicting shier pain. He returned to his spot and continued to concentrate on a new strategy.  He looked over to our direction and then returned his body to the monster that was ready to swing at him with his powerful fists. Tidus guarded himself and jumped back as the monster swung and missed him by barley and inch.

Wakka equipped a poison strike unto his blitzball and attack forcefully onto the huge monster. The ball took immediate effect and the beast fell onto its back and onto the ground. The ground shook for a couple seconds and then became silent as the beast slept from the noxious strike.

“Now!” Auron yelled, “Attack with everything you have!” He ran up to the huge sleeping beast and raised his huge katana high in the air. His sword then slammed into the best as he let out a grunt in strength and the fiend let out a cry.  He ran back to the battle line and breathed in heavily as he looked our way.

“Lulu, switch!” he yelled and Lulu did not hesitate. She ran up to the man and guarded him from the fiend as he returned to the safety point with us. Auron breathed in heavily and then stood up straight with his sword against his shoulder. I looked up to him and watched as he squinted in concentration. Lulu casted a black magic spell of fire on the beast and it struck him viciously. Auron watched in awe as the young fighters continue to battle with the now awakened fiend. The way their strategy was planned was going to bring them to a grand finish.

Then suddenly without any warning, the beast had held out both arms and gored all three fighters at the same time. The impact was so hard on them, that it had pushed them back further towards the uncertain death. Wakka glanced behind him and almost fainted from the drastic height.

“Looks like we’re being pushed back to our deaths!” he yelled and then looked back behind him once again. Tidus and Lulu also looked behind them and grunted in frustration. “Auron!” Tidus yelled out, “come here and fight!”

The man smirked silently and he looked down at me as he picked up his sword.

“Kick some butt!” I cheered and he shook his head in a silent laughter as he left to trade positions with Tidus.  Auron stood his ground and then struck the beast once again with his mighty sword.

The battle was something unlike any thing I ever seen before: a ping-pong competition against good and evil… literally! As our team slammed swords and casted fire and many other spells, the beast retaliated with a fierce gore.  Yuna and I did not participate in the battle that much; we mostly stayed back and healed the wounded fighters.

When we were healing Kimahri from his gaping wound, we heard Tidus let out a wild cry. I lifted my head up to see what he had in store for us today and to my surprise, he was beginning his overdrive attack.

He slowly ran up to the beast and then jumped high into the air. While floating in the air, he did several flips and turns that were most spectacular. He then raised his swords high in the air and watched as the beasts eyes met with his sharp edge of his sword. Tidus landed with the group and we all watched in awe as the fiend let out a final cry and fell to its back in defeat.

*Cdibet fynhehk = Stupid warning

Chapter 6

The Pyerflies filled the air as the fiend slowly started to evaporate. Once we disposed of the fiend, the Chocobo’s began to run freely about around the building. Everyone in the area cheered for us and clapped for our victory.

Everyone was exhausted. We were sweating terribly, but we felt our strength grow deep within us. I let my body level with the ground as I placed my hands under my head for support. Tidus then sat on the ground with me and placed his head on my stomach.

“Heeeey!” I giggled. Tidus laughed with me and placed his hands on my stomach and began “fluffing” up my tummy. “Sorry but your stomach needs a fluffing.”

From the distance, we saw a Chocobo breeder approach us riding one of the saved Chocobo’s. She stopped at our area and then dismounted her bird. “Thank you ever so much for saving the Chocobo’s!” she said with a smile while petting her survivor.  “The other ranchers here would like you to take this as a token of our appreciation.” She reached into her bag and brought out a couple bottles of water and some hi- potions. We thanked her for her generous offering and drank the water in which she gave us.  “If you guys would like, we are allowing you to ride our Chocobo’s for free as another thank you from the ranchers. This first one’s on us!”

We bowed our heads and thanked the woman once again for the offerings. “Thank you very much” Yuna said as she watched the Chocobo breeder mount her survivor. The woman waved us a farewell and she headed back towards the ranch.

“Yunie!” I said, standing up next to her and holding her one hand. “Can we ride the Chocobo’s to the next town? Pleeease?”

Yuna giggled lightly and she returned her hidden face to me with a smile, “I don’t see why not.” She answered. She turned to the rest of the group and they all nodded to each other in agreement…except Auron. 

I walked up to the cryptic man and cleared my throat. “Please Auron? We won’t get attacked by fiends if we do!” I said to him with a hint of my cute begging tone.

He looked down to me and sighed, “If the summoner wishes.” With that, he began to walk to the inn and said nothing in exchange.  I cheered silently to myself and then ran up to Yunie as my arm intertwined hers. We all started to walk along the path to the inn just as Auron had left by his dust.

Chapter 7

“”What do you mean only 4?” Wakka demanded.

The townsfolk and passer-by’s where walking around the building and silently speaking about the disrupting man. Wakka stared at the woman in disgust and pounded a fist into the clerks desk.

Lulu walked up behind him and lightly pushed Wakka aside, “What is the problem?” she asked in a quiet tone.

The clerk looked sad and rubbed her hands, “I’m sorry, but I can only offer you 4 Chocobo’s right now.” Lulu looked at Wakka and gave him a cold stare. Returning to the clerk, she wore a small smile upon her face. “We will take them. Thank you for your generosity.” She walked outside, pulling Wakka by his suspender strap. “What is your problem?” she demanded once they were outside.  

The tempered man stood there and wiggled Lulu’s hand off of his clothes, “Nothing.”

Lulu sighed and held her head. She turned around to find that the Chocobo’s had arrived. Tidus ran past the two Besaid islanders and walked around the huge yellow bird.

“Wow,” he said in amazement, “these are cool!” After walking around the bird several times, he mounted the Chocobo and almost fell off. He balanced himself on the Chocobo’s back and grab the reins.

Yuna watched as Tidus continued to act stupid and adolescent about the huge birds. Yuna almost came to the point where she was about to crack up from Tidus’ silliness. Suddenly she was picked up by Kimahri who then placed her on an available Chocobo. She held on tight to the bird as the huge Ronso mounted the bird with some difficulty.

Tidus noticed Kimahri’s dilemma and chuckled. “See Yuna, I ain’t the only one!”

Lulu looked to Wakka and he grunted for some strange reason. Lulu sighed in annoyance and asked Wakka politely to help her on the Chocobo. He grabbed her by the waist and then lifted her up gently so she was placed securely on the bird. After seeing that Lulu was secure, he then hopped on the Chocobo and grabbed the reins.

“Oh no, there gonna leave without me!” I panicked while searching for my things in the inn’s bedroom. I scattered around the bedroom as I threw pillows, lifted bed sheets, and looked into drawers. I couldn’t find my goggles that I wore around my neck! “Where are you?” I asked myself and then collapsed to my knees to look under the bed. I lifted up the sheet and sure enough, there were my goggles. I reached under the bed and sprawled out my fingers to get my Al Bhed goggles. I inched closer and sucked in my belly to have a better chance squeezing under the bed. I reached further, but still no luck.

Auron exited the bathroom and gently closed the door behind him. He started walking down the hallway and passed the room in which they stayed in the night before. Not paying any attention, he continued walking down the hallway, and out to the exit. Reaching the doorway, he squinted his eyes from the extreme light that the sun was giving off.

“Auron!” Tidus yelled. The legendary warrior looked over to the group who was on the Chocobo’s and started walking towards them. He saw the free Chocobo and placed his hand on the birds side as a calm gesture.

“Did you see Rikku?” Lulu asked.

Auron thought for a moment and placed his hand to his side again. “I think she still might be in the room.” He answered in his emotionless tone.

“Well go get her!” Tidus said, “We don’t have day to find her and wait for you.” Tidus chuckled at his short pun.

Auron faced his back to him and began walking to the inn ,“You want to say that to my face?” he sneered.

Tidus waved his hands in front of him, “No, no, no, that’s ok!”

Auron chuckled under his breath and continued walking, “That’s what I thought.”

He entered the inn one more time and then walked back to the rented quarters. He pushed the door open with his hand and was startled at the picture before him. Rikku had her whole back under the bed and was now stuck between the bed and the floor.

I heard footsteps enter the room and I laughed in thankfulness. “Oh thank god! Please, help me! I got stuck and now I can’t get out.” I struggled again and tried to wiggle my way out of the tight spot.

Auron watched as she wiggled her self in front of him and he couldn’t help but scratch his grey collar in front of his chin. He thought about how cute she looked as she sat there and wiggled around under the bed.

I wiggled myself again and grunted in frustration, “Hello? Anyone there?” Then I heard silence. I then moaned in defeat as the thought of the group abandoning me and being stuck under this bed ran in my mind.

“What did I tell you bout drinking from my jug?” he asked me.

I opened my eyes and cheered, “Auron! Oh thank god Auron, help me please!!!”

Auron walked closer to her and stopped right beside her. He looked down and laughed lightly at her predicament.

I stopped cheering and heard Auron laughing. What could he be laughing at? I turned my head to his direction and saw his boots. “Heeeey, what are you laughing at?”

He didn’t answer me; he just continued to laugh. I asked him again what was so funny and he still didn’t answer.

“You’re a big meanie Auron, you really are!” and I lifted myself up as much as I could and stretched my arm out to grab his leg. He looked down and felt my hands on his leg and chuckled again. I tried my hardest to hit his leg in order for him to stop fooling around, but in my attempt to do so, I got more annoyed at him laughing at me.

“Now what’s so funny?” I asked with some anger in my tone as my arm stopped hitting him and slammed into the carpet.

“Your struggling makes it seem like the bed has legs and arms.” He then chuckled again and kneeled down to my level. Looking to my left, I saw Auron’s face from the small space between the bed and the floor. “Having trouble?” he chuckled.

“Hardy har har har, very funny.” I pouted in my brat voice. I wanted to get out of this space now because I was beginning to feel very cramped.

Then again, there was the fact that I was seeing Auron smile.

And seeing him smile was a rare sight.

Sighing in defeat, I looked over to him, “Ok, I surrender, I look like a jackass, now can you please help me?” I asked while giving him my puppy eyes.

The man stopped laughing and just looked at her with a small smile. The way she was looking at him made him feel different inside; almost happy. Soon as he stopped laughing, he stood up and took his left arm out of the sling position and lifted up the bed.

I slid out from underneath the bed and sat on the ground. Auron lowered the bed to the floor again and then dusted off his hands. I stood up and brushed off my shirt and my legs from the dust also and looked at Auron. He had his arm out of that position and I couldn’t help but think about how hot he was. Being a man as old as he was, he certainly had my attention. My mouth opened slightly and I grabbed a piece of my hair to twirl in my fingers.

Auron moved his neck around in circles and closed his eyes every time he heard a crack noise from within. After his neck had popped and cracked, he wiped his hand over his hair to flatten it against his head.

I watched in awe; he was so attractive. Everything he did drew me closer to him and made me think of the opportunity that was lying in my hands. All I wanted to do was go over to him and just embrace him with a huge hug. Thinking such a thing for such a young girl like me though was a bit absurd. I didn’t care though! He was simply amazing, and I wanted him; I wanted him to see me for who I was and like me for it.

Auron looked over to Rikku and scratched his collar. Seeing her lost in a daze made him feel uncomfortable about himself. He picked up his coat and placed it back over his shoulder and then placed his arm in the sling position once more.

Watching him return to his old self withdrew me from my dream. Coming back to reality now, I wanted to thank him for being so nice. I walked over to him and looked up to him with my hands behind my back. I then reach out and slowly gave him a hug.

“Thanks for helping me out.” I said softly. Auron looked down and didn’t say anything to me in response. I didn’t care though; just giving him a hug was enough and was all I wanted to do. Thinking that he wasn’t going to do or say anymore, I looked up to him and smiled as I began to step away from him. His arm then reached out and wrapped around my back, bringing me in closer to him before I stepped to far away from him. Slightly confused, I followed his actions and then realized that he was returning my hug with his own. A huge smile slapped on my face and I squeezed him tighter for his gratitude.  Being my bright self that I am I squeezed him a little harder and made a cute noise. “Auron, oui yna dra knaydacd*” I said in Al Bhed and stepped away from him and danced in a little circle. He bowed his head as a “your welcome” and headed for the door. I followed behind him and we exited the building.

We walked over the gang where they were whistling as if something happened. Walking closer to them, I asked what the problem was.

“What took you guys so long?” Tidus sneered.

I opened my mouth in shock that he would dare say such a thing. I held up my hand and shook the goggles, “I left my goggles!”

“Whatever!” Wakka laughed.

“Really, I did! And they were under the bed. Then I got stuck under the bed-”

Tidus and Wakka exchanged words between them silently and chuckled afterwards. I walked over to them and looked up to them, “What? You don’t believe me?” I asked again. My voice must have sounded perkier than demanding again and it caused them to crack up. I stomped my foot and made a fist. “It did happen though! Really! I got stuck and Auron helped me!” I turned my attention to Auron who had now mounted a Chocobo and waited patiently for everyone else. “Auron, tell them!” I said and stomped my foot again.

 He traveled in my direction on the Chocobo and stopped in front of me. He cleared his throat and began to announce what had happened, “She drank from my jug again and thought that the dust bunnies were fiends.”

I opened my mouth in shock and sucked my teeth as everyone on the Chocobo’s sat there and giggled at me. I placed a hand on my hip and tilted my head to the side as I shook it in Auron’s direction. I stood there and couldn’t help it myself but to laugh with them as I watched Auron chuckle.

He held out his hand to me and I grabbed it as he lifted me up and onto the Chocobo. I slowly turned my head around to him and was simply baffled by his words. He smiled slightly and tightened his legs against the Chocobo which caused it to start walking down the path.

Tidus and Kimahri’s Chocobo led the group down the wooded area and into a forest. Tidus began to goof around on the Chocobo, and every now and then would the Chocobo become irritated and turn its head to snap at him.  I laughed in amusement as the sight of the bird and Tidus yelling at each other was something rare.

I looked to Auron who was behind me and smiled. “You didn’t have to say that ya know?”

Auron scratched his collar and gave a “hmph” in amusement. “Forgive me.”

I leaned in closer and thought about how I might have started to break the ice on this guy. He looked down to me and had a confused expression dwelling in his eyes, “What’s wrong?”

“Ohhhh nothing.” I said in a tone which Auron did not believe.

“You’re a poor liar.”

I crossed my arms, “If I’m a poor liar, then you’re a good concealer.”

Auron was speechless. She had hit him in the bull’s-eye. “I am not a ‘concealer’; I just keep to myself.”

I leaned up and looked at him and couldn’t help but sigh, “There you go again.” Why does he have to change every time I break him in? Arg!

Auron didn’t say anything and neither did I. I wasn’t leaning on him now like before, and I felt his hand on my shoulder. I turned to him with a miserable expression to see what he wanted, but he kept his eyes on the path in front of him. The pressure on his hand pulled me closer and I realized that he did in fact like it when I was leaning on him. A sigh left my mouth and I just let the pressure lead my path. I rested against his chest and looked at the different trees and bushes that surrounded us while we rode past them.

The legendary man looked at her, “Your quiet.” He returned his concentration to the path.

I opened my eyes and scratched my head, “I’m just wondering where were off too next.”

“We’re off to Djose Highroad.”

“And after that?”

“Well, before that we are taking part in operation Mi’Ihen.

“Whats’s that?” I asked with concern drifting in the air.

Auron sighed and turned his head away from me. Then he returned his face and looked to me, “They are planning on attacking and killing Sin.”

I almost jumped off of the Chocobo, “What?! Are they dumbfounded?! That’s what summoners are for!”

Auron agreed with me, “I know. They don’t understand that though. But the hope that the everyday people might defeat Sin themselves gives them something to celebrate.”

“Yeah but if anyone could just defeat Sin, then Yunie would be wasting her time!”

A long and eerie pause was between us just as the clouds grew grey. Looking to the sky, I felt the small speckles of rain drops that seemed to have spitted on Spira. My eyes grew into deep thought and I began to think how ridiculous it was for those people to just ignore the summoners and attempt to defeat Sin themselves.

“I want you to stay as far away as you can from this whole campaign.”

I turned to him and tilted my head to the side, “How come?”

“It’s going to get ugly.”

I nodded and then felt that same pressure pushing against me. I leaned in and rested against his chest again as we continued to travel down the long and dark path through the forest.

* Auron, oui yna dra knaydacd = Auron, you are the greatest.

Chapter 8

We arrived at the command center and had to dismount our Chocobo’s for the Crusaders use.  A soldier came and approached us saying that Master Seymour had given them the privilege to go through the gatekeeper and straight to the Operation command center. We wasted no time and journeyed up the long road to the top of the cliff where the command center was held.

The sun was hidden behind thick grey clouds which gave barely any light to the cliff top. Walking along the cliff’s edges, there were huge machina weapons placed at the edge. These machina were forbidden by Yeavon and resembled huge cannons. Walking past these destructive weapons, I walked slightly closer to them to see how much weapon power these bad boy’s had. Continuing with the group to the command center in the middle of the cliff, I kept to myself about how much power these puppies were packing.

As the group walked over towards the command center, I ran along with Lulu seeing she told me to do so before we entered the area. I agreed and thinking about it now, it made me feel happy to know that she was there to take care of me; like a big sister.

While walking by Lulu, Yuna and Wakka began talking to some civilians about the operation and what they outcome may be. I was worried about Yuna though, watching her keep a straight face about the outcome of this campaign and everything made me depressed about her future. I left Lulu’s side and walked over to Auron who was abandoning the group, as usual.  We walked to the center and a man approached us. He looked about 45 and was a short and chubby man. He wore plain monk attire which consisted of a pale yellow robe type dress and a couple white strips going down the middle. He wore the required little hat that monks wear and kept his balding sings underneath it. He walked over to Auron and I with a huge smile on his face and his arms spread out to his side.

The man hugged Auron happily and stepped back, "I'd heard from Seymour, but I didn't know if we'd actually meet. Good to see you, Auron! Ten years, is it?” he asked happily.

Lulu walked up to me and pulled me aside from the man and Auron.

“That’s Wen Kinoc, one of the Four Maesters of Yeavon” she whispered to me. “He leads the warrior monks and also commands the crusaders.”

I nodded my head to the new knowledge and then sneaked my way over to Auron again when Lulu was telling Tidus the same thing she had just told me.

I walked over to Auron and saw his attention dwell on me. He looked at me and gave me that “what did I tell you” expression through his eyes. I clasped my hands behind my back and waited until he was done with Kinoc so I could ask him where he wanted me to go.

A man ran into the command center and stood straight up with his fist against his chest and his elbow out to his side. “All troops are ready to move on your command, sir!”

Kinoc turned to the solider and nodded his head, “Good, dismissed.”

The man kept standing up tall and proud, not moving his eyes or his body, “Sir!” He turned around and ran outside of the command center. Yuna and Wakka watched as the man left the center and seeing it was a good idea, they did the same.

Kinoc turned to his old friend and smiled, “So tell me Auron, where have you been in the last ten years?”

Auron removed his eyes from the pudgy man, “We don’t have time for this now, do we?”

Kinoc sighed, “You and I both know that this plan won’t work. We’ll just let them dream a little longer.”

Tidus and I both gasped in amazement, “What?!“

I could not believe what I was hearing from these two gentlemen. How could someone know that a plan is going to fail and then let it continue to go though with a thousand souls at stake? It was ridiculous! I walked away from the two men and faced the huge mountain that was behind them. I thought about how Kinoc was turning to a suspicious person and about how many people are going to die within the next several minutes. I couldn’t help but pace back and forth about this whole operation! Now I realized why Auron had told me to stay away from this whole operation. Then I stopped pacing around and thought about how Auron said he didn’t want to discuss about his ten year disappearance. Hearing those words made me ponder about what really had happened to him and his wound. My thoughts were soon interrupted though by a strange character entering the command center.

The man approaching them had great height within him. He was pale to the face and maybe stood about 61/2 feet tall, ½ a foot taller than Auron. A top of his pale face, his hair was a light baby blue color in which is was styled in many different ways which I have never seen before. A single lock of hair stuck out from above his eye and zigzagged it’s way down, almost reaching down to his chin. On the sides of his lightened hair, were two other locks of hair that, one on the left and right, which stuck out and zigzagged their way down to his lower torso. He wore a huge purple robe where in the front, exposed his chest, and extended out at the end as it hit the ground. On his chest, there were patches of black on his upper torso, and I had a hard time figuring out if they were hair or a tattoo. Around his neck laid a beautiful multicolor beaded necklace that straightened out right underneath his Adam’s apple and flowed straight down his chest. Above his eyes were pale blue veins that really creped me out as I looked at them. The man, half Guado and half human, gave off a sorta of feminine side to him which gave me the instinct not to like him when I first laid eyes on him.

Auron turned to me and I watched as his eyes left mine, and ran along the ground to a place far from the cliff’s edge. I nodded brightly as I figured out the hint and started walking to that direction.

“Lord Kinoc…” he said to us in a quiet, yet feminine tone.

The man turned to him and nodded, “Oh, yes, proceed.”

Seymour bowed his head to the pudgy man and turned to the exit and walked out of their sight. Auron shook his head, trying not to accept the truth in front of him. He looked up and began walking over to me as I Began walking to him.

“That Kinoc,” he said gently as he approached me, “a Maester?”

“I heard that Auron.” Kinoc had yelled to him before he could unite with me. Auron turned to the man and started heading in his direction while Kinoc approached us. “A lot has happened in the past ten years.” The man looked up to his long lost friend, trying to figure him out like I was, “What were you doing, and where?”

Auron took his gaze off of the little man and looked out to the soldiers below, “”Fulfilling a promise I made to a friend.” He sighed silently and looked to his old friend, “I still am.”

The long pause between them irritated Auron, and once again he started walking in my direction.

“Just tell me one thing.” Kinoc yelled to him. Auron stopped and turned his face partly to his the monk. “Have you seen Zanarkand?” he asked with a simple tone of sarcasm.

Auron’s eyes grew with lost memories and hope. His throat chocked up with thousand of words and pictures that seemed to have made him vulnerable at the moment; making him dwell his mind from his ten year past. He tightened his left fist and “Hmph”, ignoring the question completely as he finally continued to me.

I walked up to him and all I could think about was if Auron was alright. I held my hands in front of me and tilted my head to look deeper in his eyes, “Are you alright?”

He didn’t say anything. I guess I should have expected him not too. I leaned to the side and saw Kinoc smirking a bit and then turn to the exit of the command center. I tightened my fist just like Auron had and growled with anger, “He’s a meanie,” I said, “Don’t worry about it.”

I was expecting to get scolded there and so I waited patiently as the man cleared his throat for the harsh words I would soon hear. “It doesn’t matter.” He said emotionlessly. I watched as he thought about his past that he experienced. It seemed to me that he grasped onto his memory well and then he turned his face away from me. I guess at one particular time in his life, something bad must have really happened and he couldn’t bear to see it once again. I stood there, waiting for him to say anything so I could assure myself that he was alright.

Nothing came from him though.

He walked over to some benches that were on his far left and stood next to them in his guardian position. I gnawed on my finger tip and thought about how everything that just happened.  I hated to see my comrades in such a depressed state and me being my cheerful self, all I could do was smile. I couldn’t say anything or go anywhere, Auron and Lulu strictly told me not to. But then again, who where they to tell me what to do?

I shook my head and tried my best to make all my thoughts from within disappear. I looked over to Yuna and saw her beginning to make her way over to Maester Kinoc himself. I then drifted my sight to Auron and he looked to me as if I did something wrong. He started walking to me, his pace quickening as his anger for Kinoc and Seymour rose from within.

He stopped in front of me, “This is where is gets ugly.” He told me.

I nodded and thought about how cruel he was becoming. “I know.” I said as my voice grew into thought.

He looked right into my eyes and kept that same serious guardian expression. “Stay here and don’t move.”, he said sternly.

I grunted in frustration and turned my face from him, “Yeah, yeah.”

Auron grew irritated and sighed as she annoyed him more. He turned around, thinking how immature she was at an important time like this, and left her in her trails.

The only reason I hid my face from him was because I didn’t want to see the harshness that he was staring me down with. That wasn’t the Auron that I knew and I forbid myself to see anything different. Looking to him as he left, I felt my eyes starting to drown in tears. I blinked them away, refusing them to fall down my face.

Why did he have to be so cruel some times?

Guess I’ll never know…

Looking over to Yuna, I found her over by Kinoc who was standing on a small platform just hanging over the ledge of the cliff. She stepped up to him and held her staff for protection.

“Will Sin come?” she asked gently, her eyes swimming in a pool of concern.

Kinoc looked down to her and smiled, “Sin always returns for its spawn.”

He pointed out to an enormous cage that hung over the cliffs edge. Inside, you could vaguely see a huge sin spawn inside. It rumbled and roared in anger, trying to gnaw its way out of the steel bars inclosing it.

“To make sure,” he said proudly, “we’re encouraging them to call it out.”

“You won’t have to.” Auron said evenly, “It’ll come.”

Kinoc looked over to him and snarled discreetly, as he knew Auron was right once again. Kinoc smiled and hid his true emotions and turned from him. Competition was flowing in his veins.

From underneath me, the ground shook and trembled with an uncontrollable rage. I looked to the ground in fear, wondering what possibly could make such a disturbance. I screamed in fear and fell as my knees buckled from underneath me. I was freighted about what was happening because I had no clue what was becoming of the cliff. I held my head and tightened myself into a ball and finally let the tears I had been holding back trickle down my cheek.

The rumbling soon stopped, leaving nothing in its wake. I breathed heavily and tried to recollect myself from the unexpected moment. I lowered my hands and lifted myself up slowly as I thought of something was going to jump out from behind the cliff’s edge and attack everyone. I looked around and found no one to be around. Then suddenly to my left, I saw Auron, Lulu and the others running to the huge Sin spawn that had escaped from the cage it was trapped in. I covered my mouth unwillingly, trying to absorb what was unfolding before me. The monster was now loose and my fellow comrades were having difficult trying to cease the beast’s life.

I ran to the side of the cliff and covered my mouth in fear.

Sin was emerging from the water in the distance.

“Sin!!” I screamed in shock. I watched as shadows in the deep sea were beginning to emerge from the depths of the water. His head finally rises from the water and thousand of Chocobo knights are spread out down on the. I breathed heavily again and ran back to my spot, not wanting to watch what was going to happen. I looked over too my other guardians and found them defeating the Sin spawn. It slumped down to the ground, barely moving and barley alive.

As Sin emerges from the water, the Chocobo Knights and the Al Bhed machina prepare themselves for the commands that the captain will order. The massive beast raises his head and at that very moment, the Al Bhed cannons fire and hot the deadly beast. Each hit that is brought to Sin causes another piece of skin to detach and fall into the water. As the skin falls to the water, it turns into huge jellyfish and they attack the beaches in the distance. The Chocobo Knights all charge forward and head to the beach line, attacking the new Sin spawn.

Auron begins to run up to Yunie and I and as he runs, he yells, “Watch out!”

Sin fully appears from the water and sheds his outer layer of skin, causing it to drop into the water and create an enormous amount of Sin spawn. Sin opens its mouth slowly and as he does, he creates a new force field around its gigantic body. It opens its mouth fully and unleashes a huge wave of energy towards the beach.

The Chocobo Knights bravely fight on, risking their lives for the protection of Spira. Before any one can give any type of warning, the wave of energy reaches the Crusaders at the beach and disintegrates everything in its path. Yunie and I scream in fear as the energy attacked everyone below and as it grew closer, I covered her for protection.

Thousand of cries were let out as the energy wave hit the Crusaders below.

The last one that I heard, was Yunie’s.

Chapter 9

Voices rang aloud in my head.
Places filled my dazed head, filling me with sorrow.
I saw my mother standing beside me, putting her arm around my shoulder as any loving mother would.
I shook my head and saw what Tidus had described to me as Zanarkand.
Then suddenly, it disappeared.
I saw Auron and Yunie in front of me, standing on a dock above the sea.
I called out to them and was filled with happiness as I saw the summoner and guardians, safe from Sin.
They walked down the dock, ignoring me and my calls to them.
I stood up and ran, trying to catch up with them.
It was no use, the more I ran, the more the dock separated us, stretching out further and further.
I stopped and feel to my knees in tears, hoping that they would not forget about me and leave me.
I cried out to all of them again, and watched as they continued to ignore me.

I awoke with a pounding headache and a horrible blurred vision.
I stumbled to my feet but only to have my energy drained from me and fall back to the ground.
I held my head and squinted my sore eyes in hopes to correct the painful eyesight.
Only I wished I hadn’t.

A sea of dead was what it resembled to me.
Hundreds upon hundreds of bodies lie dead on the shore in front of me, or even worst, floating face down in the cold salty water of Spira.
Sin had came and destroyed.
Everything around me consisted of parts of machina, bodies of the fallen, debris, weapons, and maybe some survivors.
I looked around, feeling a strong force that brought my hand to my mouth. I lifted myself up with the little energy I had and tried to breath in reality. My eyes shifted to different parts of the shore where they were tearing from the images beyond. I could not believe what had just occurred. I walked around the shore slowly, looking for any survivors that might have escaped Sin’s deadly attack. I wandered the beach for several minutes when a low distant voice was heard from behind me.
I turned to the voice as I kneeled next to a conscious soldier. I saw to what resembled Tidus running for me from the bottom of the command centers cliff. I gently looked back down to the fallen soldier and placed a Hi-potion against his lips, hoping that maybe this small offering would help his wounds in any possible way. The soldier looked up to me and gave me a faint smile, showing me that what I was doing was a great act if kindness.
Tidus ran up beside me and hovered over to his knees, puffing for air.
I rose to my feet and reached out to hold him up, “You alright?”
He nodded hastily and wordlessly as he tried to gather his breath.
He soon stood up again and reached out to hold me which caught me by surprise, “Rikku! Are you ok?”
I was terrified of his sudden action and blinked a couple of times to realize what he was doing. “Yeah I’m fine,” I said when I returned to my normal state, “Why?”
Tidus’ eye went wide as if I was an alien, “Rikku! You don’t know what happened to you?”
My face turned quizzical to his question, “No, not really.” I scratched my temple, “Why?”
He grabbed me and then turned me to the cliff which the command center was held, “You fell from there!”
I felt my hand reach to the back of my neck and all I was thinking about then was how big of a fall I took. Looking to Tidus who still couldn’t believe that I was alive after all of this, I was speechless.
“Whoops?” I said, not sure if I was supposed to be happy or if I was to remain uncertain. A small smile caught the side of my mouth and I turned to Tidus, gnawing on my finger. “Guess I took a big spill huh?”
Tidus nodded, “You sure did.”
The smile grew as Tidus continued to hold my shoulders and rubbing them to relieve the huge pain form my body. I looked to him and his eyes were deep into mine, wandering if everything I said about myself and my state was true. He drew closer to me and embraced me with a hug.
“I was really afraid something happened to you Rikku.” He said in my ear softly.
As I hugged his warm and soft body that was wrapped around mine, I seemed to open my eyes from his statement. I couldn’t believe that he was so concerned about me; it came completely out of left field!
I gradually stepped away from him and as my body drew further and further away, his hands fell from my shoulders and met with my own hands. He held them gently and delicately, thinking that if he held them too tight, he might bruise my sore body. His eyes were warm and light baby blue, almost looking like the brightest days in Besaid. I felt the small sensation of warmth travel to my cheeks as I stared into his sky blue eyes, and I instantly withdrew my eyes from his view once I felt the pressure turn to me.
Tidus chuckled under his breath for a while as he watched me try to hide my embarrassment. Soon afterwards, he gave me one final hug to comfort my awkward position and suggested that we should begin to return to the other member of the group.
Returning to the group was like returning home after a long and aggravated journey. It felt so good to see all of their bright faces once again! I saw a figure in the distance that resembled Yunie when I squinted my eyes. After picking up the pace from Tidus, I realized that it was Yunie, and at that very moment, I ran over to her direction.
Yuna turned her head towards the young girl who was happily calling out her name. Her smile grew as she also ran to the young Al Bhed in their joyful reunion.
“Yunie!” I yelled with happiness as I embraced her. I held her tight body against mine, wrapping my arms around her small frame and squeezing her waist to insure her that I really did miss her. Rubbing my head into her hair, I smelled that scent of salt and sea that always made me feel like home whenever Yunie was around. I stepped back and held her arms that were still around my waist.
“Oh Yunie,” I said with concern and cheerfulness, “I was so afraid!!” I looked into her eyes again and was overwhelmed with joy as I once again saw my beloved Summoner.
She smiled and patted my blonde hair, “I’m glad to see you in good health.”
I laughed and waved her hands that were in mine to let her know that everything was alright.
Lulu stepped up form behind Yuna and broke our precious moment. “Rikku, are you in any way effected by Sin’s toxin?”
I shook my head, “No Lulu, I’m fine.” I looked up to the black mage and lit my face up with smiles.
She nodded her head and reached out for me, covering my small and bare limbs from the cold winds from the seas. Lulu looked down to me and smirked, letting me know that everything was going to be ok. I returned the little smile with my own and wiggled myself among her gigantic black sleeves.
“A swift retreat. Are you happy?”
Auron faced Kinoc and scratched that one area on his grey collar in front of his chin. The legendary warrior was waiting patiently for the Maesters answer, wondering what ingenious answer he would receive from him after the dreadful attack.
Kinoc turned to him and extended his arms in front of his body, “Why, what do you mean?” he asked as if nothing happened.
Auron grew irritated. He knew that Kinoc understood him, but refused to let Auron dominate him. Auron grunted wordlessly and rolled his eyes discreetly from behind his glasses. Kinoc was swindling him again.
Hearing the two men argue, I turned my head into the direction of the discussion and eased dropped into their conversation.
“Those who turned from Yeavon died while the faithful lived on.” Auron had said to the little Maester with annoyance in his tone.
He had a point.
Kinoc squinted and looked deep into his old friend’s eyes, trying to figure him out. “The past ten years have changed you Auron.” He said with concern and some slyness.
Auron straightened his back and sighed heavily, closing his eye and remembering his joyful past with his old friend at the Bevelle temple. Soon, the images of the past faded and he opened his eye back to reality, seeing his now transformed friend. He turned without exchanging any words and walked in a separate direction from Kinoc.
My face grew troubled as I saw the two men walk away from each other without saying any farewells. I was beginning to wonder if Auron really meant to walk away from Kinoc, or if he just didn’t want to see what Kinoc had turned in to. It was a sad afternoon for all of us that day, and I knew that it must have lain heavily upon Yuna and Auron’s shoulder.
Lulu held me tighter against her body and was completely silent from the group. Wakka remained by her side, never leaving for an instant. His eyes would look down upon me every now and then, but it was mostly too see if I was growing tired from the excruciating battle. I kept my mouth shut from everyone’s opinions and just thought about the unfortunate souls that have perished today from Sin.
I just wanted it to all end.
I wanted Sin to stay away form Spira forever; to never harm anyone else again.
No more deaths; No more sadness.
But, keeping Sin away, would take a sacrifice…
And…Yunie…well…would…
“We should continue now.” Auron had surprised us by interrupting our moment of silence.
I turned to him and my face grew heated at the fact that he didn’t even say excuse me while everyone was in a moment of grief…Pig!
Yuna walked up to Auron and held her staff against her chest. “But, Sir Auron”, she said in her delicate tone, ”If I may, I must perform the Sending.”
Her intent was to perform a dance while humming a prayer that would guide the dead to the Farplane, where they may rest in peace. If the souls of the dead have no Summoner to perform the sending, they envy the living and turn into fiends that prey on the living in Spira. The reason they turn into fiends is because they are in such grief about their own death. That grief turns into hate and soon afterwards, that hate turns into a massive amount of anger, causing a fiend to be born.
Lulu released me from her grip and let me run alone side of her while we all awaited Auron decision.
He looked to her and bowed his head slightly. “If the Summoner wishes”, He said and watched as Yuna’s face turned into pride and joy. She bowed in response and walked over to the bottom of the cliff and raised her staff high in the air, beginning the Sending performance.
Auron watched her for a moment and then turned around and began heading down the path that lead them to the Djose temple. The man didn’t say a word to us, nor gave us any signs of his disappearance. He just continued to walk down the path, far away from the group, the command center, and from Sin.
The wind whipped around my hair and around my body, hissing violently in my small chilled ears. It was beginning to get colder at the beachside now that Sin was gone. After a brief moment of thinking, I scratched my head in thought and then decided that I would follow him. I began running to him and away from the Summoner who was beginning her Sending.
It’s not that I didn’t want to see Yunie’s dance.
Nor was it because I wasn’t interested in her graceful moves.
It’s just that, I didn’t want to see Yunie dance anymore because of Sin.
We will defeat Sin, no matter what it takes!
And Yunie will live!
“Auron!” I yelled to him. I ran up the long and heavily inclined path to the Djose Temple. After reaching the top of the hill, I bent over to my knees and gasped for air while searching for the warrior. I straightened my back and looked from side to side, hoping to find the drifting man. I opened my mouth happily once I found him walking down the path a little ways ahead. I lifted up my feet and continued to run down the dirt path to where I eventually met up with Auron.
“Thanks for waiting!” I said with sarcasm.
We continued to walk down the caramel color path and in the seeing distance stood the gates of the Djose Temple. After I had approached Auron, he turned his head to me and looked down to my dirt patched face. He smirked lightly as he saw the smile brighten my filthy face.
With a small sigh from his dry and tired lips, he stopped walking down the path and then looked over to his left. He headed to the cliff’s wall where he would relax and wait for the remaining group members. I remained on the path and watched as Auron wandered away from me and over to the cliff’s wall. Once he reached the wall, he rested his back against it and lifted his foot up against the wall to comfort him.
His tired and brown filled iris’ looked up to the sky in hopes that something would save him from what was happening to him at this second. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking then, but whatever it was, it was something that was making him depressed.
I walked over to him, very slowly at first, not actually sure if my presence was allowed by him. He turned his attention to me at once as soon as he saw my body heading towards him and didn’t say anything to me. Once I finally reached his tired body, I stood in front of him and stared in his direction, focusing heavily on his deep, mysterious eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as I tilted my head. I was worried about what had happened back with Kinoc, but decided to myself that it would be better if I remained clueless to him.
Auron looked down to me and then looked back to where the group was.
I followed his head to see what he was pointing out and then returned my face to his when I saw Kinoc walking towards a huge and almost destroyed machina. “Did something happen?”
He turned his face from mine and I guess that only meant that I was right.
I scratched my cheek and thought about what to say to him so that he wouldn’t get offended and yell callously at me. I held out my hands and waved them in front of me, “Don’t let it bother you!” I said cheerfully to him.
Auron turned to me and a perplexed reaction waved over him.
I rubbed my fore head, thinking how stupid I must have sounded to him. Then I laughed and covered my mouth when I realized how funny Auron looked when he looked back to me.
“Auron,” I began, still laughing from my silliness, “Don’t let it get to ya!”
I looked deep into his eyes and smiled a bit, toning my voice down to almost a whisper, “I mean, you’re always telling Yunie not to dwell in the past…to just sorta let it go.”
He looked down to me and looking deep into those brown eyes, I felt some type of warmth come from his cold-like stare. That cold gaze though, made my smile melt from my face, and now, I was beginning to feel his sorrow from deep within.
“Maybe you should take your own advice.” I said in a cheerless attitude.
Honestly, I felt almost bad for the guy.
I turned my face from him subconsciously, thinking deeply about how extremely quiet and submissive he was acting. I thought about the Mi’Ihen inn again and about that faithful morning when Auron and I sat in front of the sea and laughed about my misfortunate night before. Thinking about that slim memory made my smile return to my miserable face, relighting the candle of happiness in my heart.
I looked up to him again and found his eyes already upon me.
“And if anything seems to make you sad,” I smiled, “Just think about the bed with arms and legs.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the silly sight myself. After covering my eyes as if the moment was reappearing in front of me again, I removed my hands to find Auron chuckling behind his collar.
Seeing how I already made him smile from the ridiculous moment, and also how I embarrassed myself, I began moving around like I would have been on that day. I swung my arms out to the side and wiggled my legs and walked in a circle, saying to him how I was a walking bed.
I stopped in laughter and held my sides because I really thought they were gonna fall right off me! Suddenly, as if I thought I was the only one laughing, my ears heard the low laughter of Auron.
I looked to him and smiled brightly. “See!” I laughed.
He nodded his head in agreement, seeing how he knew that even that was a funny sight. While he was laughing though, something seemed to have popped up in his head again, causing him to stop laughing and return to his serious state. Right there, I knew that he was going to take that happiness and shove it under a rock deep inside of him, and replace it with his old grouchy self.
I rubbed my arm and felt the eerie silence seep into our area.
“Ummm….” I said in any attempt to think or say something to sweep away this silence.
I sighed in boredom and looked to the ground to see if there were any stones I could skip across the river behind us. Searching several feet around me, I found a couple of smooth stones that were perfect for the small opportunity. I ran to the edge of the river and held one stone in my palm. I swung my arm behind me and whipped it around, flicking my wrist just before I let it go. I watched as the rock skipped across the water, making little ripples in its trails.
I cheered and danced silently to myself as the rock went across the entire lake and over the other side of the canal.
After dancing in a silly manor, I bent down to pick up another rock to skip across the water. Kneeling to the ground and scooping up some stones, something caught my eye underneath the murky water. It was a dark figure, and the more it slowly emerged to the surface, the larger the size increased.
I was completely baffled by the strange figure and where it might have came from. I leaned against my knees and my palms and wondered what it could possibly be. The figure continued to emerge to the surface as I continued to creep over the edge to see what it was. My face, inches away from the water, suddenly changed its expression to stun. The figure had stopped moving. I backed away from the blurred figured and looked around my shoulders to see if anyone was behind me, playing with my mind and using their shadow to trick me. Something Tidus would periodically do. Seeing no one behind me, I looked back to the water, a bit uncertain at first, but seeing that the figure stopped moving, I moved closer to the blurred form.
I tilted my head, “Fryd dra ralg*…” I muttered. I leaned in closer and then felt my instinct pounding in fear.
The figure remained to float there, motionless. I cursed again and suddenly, eyes opened from the middle of the figure, filling my chest with terror.
I screamed in alarm and fell back on my backside, trying to stumble to safety. The figure emerged from the water and raised its huge wet and furry arms out to me, opening and tightening its fists for my fresh flesh and blood. I turned my head around to see what was happening, thinking maybe it had disappeared. Unfortunately, I found the black and distorted arms reaching out for my feet and my legs. I screamed in fear again and crawled away from the eerie figure.
Auron opened his eyes suddenly when he heard the scream of peril in the air. His first instinct drew him immediately to the ill-fated person, bringing him to the screams of terror. Running as fast as his body could possibly go, he made his way over to where he found Rikku grasping to the ground as something wrapped around her legs drew her closer to the river.
I kept screaming in fear and with my free leg, I kicked the fiend square in the head. The beast shook its heads with every blow, gripping my leg tighter and pulling me closer to the water with no mercy. I looked back to the shore and found Auron above me.
“Auron!” I screamed. I looked up to him and found him helping me.
Wasting no time, he instantly whipped out his left arm from its sling position and let the left side of his jacket fall to his waist. His belt that was wrapped around his lower torso suspended his kimono from falling any lower than his waist. He raised his huge sword over his shoulder and with both arms attached to the base, slammed the gigantic weapon right in the back of the beast, cutting a deep gashing wound into it.
The beast cried out in sheer pain, released its death grip on my slender leg for a fraction of a second.
Finding that my leg had been released, I lifted myself up from the ground and ran straight to Auron’s chest. I gripped onto his upper body, breathing heavily and terrified of what just happened. I leaned my body closer to his chest and then felt his left hand wrap around my tiny body, protecting me from the beast that was now heading our way. I screamed again in fear, watching the beast’s sharp and razor teeth shine from its foam dripping mouth. Auron walked backwards, stepping further and further away from the threatening beast. His arm continued to tense around me, confirming his protection and our safety.
Auron smirked at the beast and lifted his black katana high into the air, waving it several feet above our heads. The beast, which was now eager to sink its teeth into our flesh, let out a mighty roar. His roar was loud and pierced our fragile ears. I screamed afterwards and then hid my eyes as it suddenly leaped quickly and unobtrusively in our direction.
My heart pounded faster; my lungs pumping with confused and frightened air. I screamed again while gripping the black shirt on his chest. The sight of the beat leaping in front of us had frightened me terribly and now, as the seconds passed, I could only pray that Auron would kill the attacking fiend. I turned my face from the view in front of me and screamed out again as the thought of the beast claws tearing into our skin ran throughout my mind. Auron’s arm wrapped tighter around me as I continued to scream into his shirt.
The beast stretched its arms out as it leaped towards us, expanding its huge and razor sharp claws. Auron swung his sword down just before it attacked us, striking the back of the beast a final time and flinging it to the ground.
I opened my eyes and heard my panting breath the only type of sound in the air. I looked down to the ground and found the beast on the ground in defeat as Pyerflies left its deceased body. I gulped all my fear into my body and trembled in Auron’s arm.
The man looked down to the beast and nodded his victory. He rested his hug katana on his shoulder again and then felt the quivering sobs and trembling of the frightened girl in his arm. He heard her sobs increase as the Pyerflies continued to travel around their bodies; she still was not convinced that everything was going to be alright. Auron breathed in deeply and quivered his lips as he exhaled the salted air brought by the beast’s fur from the river. He looked down to Rikku and still found her sobbing quietly in his chest, still terribly afraid. He thought of something to say to her to insure her that everything would be alright now, but nothing came to mind. Feeling the trembling continue, he took his left hand and rubbed the back of the worried girl.
The beast was gone, but my terrified mind continued to reminisce the horrible sights before me. While thinking about the attack, I felt a weird sensation against my back. In complete confusion, I looked up to him to see if he was doing it or maybe if I was just dreaming, like always. I saw his eyes to mine, panting and sweating from the unannounced attack that was brought by my stupidity. I gulped again, guessing that we could just stand here and recollect ourselves from the attack. I rested my head against his chest and breathed in his heavenly scents.
Smiles were brought to my face as the scent of old leather and newly burned wood flowed out of his shirt. Having my face in his chest seemed to have intoxicated me; it withdrew me from my horrible and frightened body, and lifted me up and far away from Spira. I knew sooner or later he would ask me, ‘What were you doing?’ and give me an attitude about it, but right now, I didn’t care about his grouchy self. It felt so good to be close to him like I was now, and I could stay here all day if I had to! And if it meant continuing to be afraid of the fiend that was now gone, then that is what I am going to have to do! I felt so relaxed here, my mind in such peace, my arms absorbing his warmth from his body. I closed my eyes and nudged my head into his chest gently as his hand continued to rub my back.
Auron felt her head shake from side to side in his chest and then felt a cold, wet feeling against his skin. She was crying. He was simply baffled and didn’t have a word to say to her. In return, he let her carry on with sobbing in his shirt and wiping away her tears.
I felt the terrified feeling cease in my bones and then returned to my normal state, with a slight trembling in my breath that remained for several minutes afterwards. I looked up to him; my hero and savior. I could not thank him enough right now.
“Thanks Auron.” I managed to spit out between my tear glistened lips.
Auron looked down to me and nodded. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
I nodded in response. I was extremely glad that he wasn’t being a jerk right now because if he was, I would have ran away from him. I lifted my head to see his eyes and managed to gulp down another set of frightened tears.
His hand lifted up from my back and then rested on the back of my head. He hesitated to do so at first, but then realized that right now, Rikku really needed someone there for her. Although she may have done something extremely immature 5 minutes ago, she really didn’t need to be scolded at this time. Rubbing her head as she cried made him remember the times when he was in Zanarkand watching Tidus when he was younger. When Tidus used to get frightened by lightening and thunder when he watched over him in the futuristic city, Tidus would crawl into Auron’s bed and cry into his chest for protection; just like Rikku was doing. He felt the memories creep into his head once more and thought about Braska and Jecht and their journeys through Spira. Looking around the Djose highroad, he remembered what happened to Braska, Jecht and himself when they were here just ten years ago. Then, during his memories of his old Summoner, he felt something tugging on his shirt and for an instant, he thought it was Tidus.
He looked down to me and rubbed my head. “Yes?” he asked gently.
I couldn’t remember what I was going to say to him, and so I just looked up to him as my only hope. After a minute or two, I remembered what I wanted to say. Well, not exactly say, but do. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to kiss his lips and thank him for saving me from my silly actions. I looked up to him and licked my lips, thinking about how eager I was to touch his warm and luscious lips with my own. Thinking to myself, - How wonderful it would be to finally feel that gentle touch that he is hiding inside of him? - It would feel so good to know if he felt the same way about me and leaned in closer to me to insure me of the connection that he was also feeling. I waited patiently and quietly for him, waiting for him to make any movements involving my fantasy.
Auron held her closer to him and felt the warmth of her small petite body absorb into his own. Oh how good it felt to feel another so close, to feel that warmth he has been absent of for such a long time. But his ancient mind has been delayed of such bond-ship, such closeness.
Braska taught him better, he thought, so what am I doing?
He was unaware of what she might have been planning to do when he watched her lick her small and fragile lips. His hand trembled underneath her small head, afraid of what he might have to experience. His mind, racing with fantasy and mischief, was in a competition between the companionship she was willing to give, and the scolding voice of his old friend Jecht.
Oh how he hated that man right now.
His rage grew from inside of him, dominating the gentle and precious thoughts of the girl below. He turned his head from her view and then closed his eye to see the sight of Jecht laughing at him from ten years ago.
How he just wanted to have changed everything he was.
But changing everything would take some serious sacrifice.
He would not give up his dignity that he has been longing ten years to earn, no, not for anything.
And defiantly not to anyone.
Not even to a girl.
Jecht was right, and so was Braska: love is just a game.
Rikku was just toying with his emotions, sending him on one wild rollercoaster of feelings.
Rikku was toying him like a puppet.
Auron then returned his face to the Al Bhed’s and stared deep into her eyes. Looking down to her, he could see her hunter green pupils swirling with anticipation. He squinted and searched deeper inside of those tempting eyes for her true self. He knew she would not harm him, but she was still a woman. He knew her honest and caring nature would not harm a person like him, but still, he could not take that chance.
Braska’s first rule before they ventured out into the unknown world of Spira, was that woman from here on out are the seed of evil. Wasting valuable, precious time on a woman that would seduce you for your strength and reputation was the wrong path. They don’t care who you are; just what you are. Later, after many nights and many days, Braska explained to Auron that the moment you return home from traveling, women are the greatest and valuable things to a man. Braska didn’t mean to harm the warrior or confuse him in any way; he just wanted him to keep his guardian priority at the top. Braska wanted Auron to be a famous warrior one day because he believed in him. And if Auron knew that Braska believed in him, then he would not question him. So his love for the opposite sex ended on the second day they began their journey to Zanarkand to defeat Sin.
Rikku stared up to him and saw sweat bead trickle down the side of his temple.
“Auron...” I began, but was soon interrupted by him releasing the grip against my head. I knew what was happening and so I looked down, away from his eyes, and nodded in agreement that it wasn’t going to happen. I stepped away form him and turned my back to him as I rubbed the side of my arm, feeling a bit uneasy.
I turned to him and continued to rub my arm. “Well,” I started, a bit saddened by the moment, but trying to cover it with a smile, “thanks for saving me.”
Auron gradually lowered his left hand to his side, trying to capture and save every inch of her that he could. He was so torn by his instinct and his cravings. A bit miserable himself, he lifted his jacket from his waist and returned his arm in the comfortable sling position. His eyes glanced to her and he saw her walking back down the path towards the group that was approaching them from afar.
Being a guardian was what he wanted to be when he was younger.
He was so young that he never knew of the promises that he would have to fulfill.
Or how badly they might have affected him one day.
He knew his priorities though :
Ash to ash
Dust to dust
Fade to black...
Do everything you can to protect your Summoner.

He wanted to forget them all and to just be happy around Rikku,
But the memory remains.

* Fryd dra ralg? = What the heck?

 Chapter 10

The group and I walked up the dirt path to where we eventually met Auron, who was now by the gates leading into Djose Temple. After Auron rejoined the group, we said our farewells to the Mi’Ihen highroad and made our way past the gates of Djose, and heading to the next temple.

Tidus looked around the new area, scanning the surroundings, looking at the ruins brought by Sin hundreds of years ago, and sighting the different trees and people that were citizens to this new village. He was so overwhelmed with the new village, that he stopped our pilgrimage at a fork in the road.

“Hey,” he said, holding his hands behind his head, “how much longer till Zanarkand?”

The group stopped and turned to the curious blitzball player. They were not used to having someone constantly asking them, “What is this?” or “Where are we?” or “What is that?” Ever since Tidus joined the group though, they were bombarded with thousands of questions concerning the history of Spira.

Wakka stepped up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Still a ways.”

Lulu cleared her throat and lowered her Moogle magic doll to the ground so it could walk by her side. The doll, shaped like a bear with X stitches over its eyes and an antenna coming from its head and wings attached to its back, stretched out its arms.

“First down the Moonflow to the Guado city of Guadosalam.” She said. “Then we cross the Thunder Plains to the temple of Macalania”

Tidus sighed in devastation, “Oh, boy.”

“And before that,” Yuna said with a jolly tone, “we get to pray at the temple in Djose!”

Tidus sighed and lowered his hands to his side, not believing their long journey ahead. “We can’t just skip all that? Can we, huh?”

Yuna shook her head with that smile that never left as she moved, “I have to pray to the Fayth in every temple in order to earn the Final Aeon.”

Wakka nodded in agreement, “That’s a Summoner’s training.” Wakka walked over to Lulu and then crossed his arms as he stood next to his friend, “She’s gotta prepare, mind and body, all just to get ready for the Final Summoning.”

Tidus was shocked. He was new to Spira’s customs and he never knew the difficulty and duties that a Summoner had resting in their hands. He felt a sharp pain come from within his heart as he heard the new knowledge of Yuna’s pilgrimage. “Must be tuff, Yuna.”

Yuna simply smiled to him and held her hands in front of her while tilting her head to the side. “I’ll be fine, with you here!”

Tidus smiled back to her and couldn’t help but scratch the back of his head. Yuna looked over to me and then reached her hand out towards me. I smiled to her and grabbed her hand as we began walking towards the bridge that separated the highroad, from the temple.

Lulu looked down to the ground and found her Moogle doll walking by Tidus, poking his leg and jumping up and down to get his attention. Lulu smirked at the small doll and watched as her doll continued to jump for Tidus. The doll then grew irritated by being ignored by the human and lifted up its arms which indicated that he was beginning a black magic spell. The Moogle’s antenna began to shine a bright red light and its stitched eyes began to glow.

Lulu noticed the Moogle’s anger and kneeled down to the ground with her arms out before her. “Hei!” she yelled and gave the doll a vicious stare. As soon as Lulu yelled out the foreign word to the doll, it instantly ceased its black magic spell and quickly ran back to its master. She waited until the doll ran into her arms and then lifted herself up to her feet where she tapped he nose of the little doll to scold him of his wrong doing.

Everyone began to run down the path towards the bridge to begin Yuna’s praying to the Djose Fayth. Auron and Tidus though, stayed back and started talking to each other before heading to the temple in front of them.

After their conversation, Auron and Tidus eventually meet up with the rest of the group where they found Yuna talking to the three familiar Chocobo Knights that they met in Mi’Ihen highroad. Tidus scratched his head in confusion as he only saw one Chocobo beside the Knights.

The captain of the Chocobo Knight’s explained to us that their troops have unfortunately been decimated by Sin during the crucial battle. Yuna’s expression dropped to a low frown and bowed her head as she heard the critical news. She looked back to them and wished them a farewell and kindly told them that she would pray for them as they were in the temple. The Chocobo Knight’s departed form us and we continued to the temple of Djose.

Tidus stopped short from everyone else and raised his head high in to the air to get a better view of the huge stone temple before them.

“This is the Djose temple?” he asks, not really sure if this is what everyone was talking about.

Everyone reaches the temple and the closer they approach the temple, the more the ground violently shakes from underneath them. A large pillar stone is in front of them, reaching almost 150 feet tall from the ground. Electricity flies out of the top of the pillar and with another low rumble from underneath their feet, the stone explodes. Tidus and I have never seen this temple before and what it was expected to do. The moment the electricity shot out from the top and caused the stone to explode, Tidus and I shielded our eyes form the sudden action. We opened our eyes again and found the temple being completely surrounded by large chunks of the stone.

Tidus’ eyes went wide and were filled with amusement, “Awwsome!”

The chunks of stone that are floating around the temple are being suspended together by the electricity that caused the pillar to explode in to beginning. Lulu smiles at the amazing temple entrance and remembers her last pilgrimage when she was here no more than 3 years ago.

“Ah, the Lightning Mushroom Rock.” She said with pleasure. “It only opens when a Summoner is addressing the Fayth.”

Wakka nudged Lulu’s arm and smiled along with her, “Must mean that another Summoner’s already in there.”

Yuna’s face turned almost to the point of white. She tightened her fist lightly and brought it up to her mouth, almost biting the tip of her thumb. “We must hurry then.” She said silently and wasted not time entering the temple. Everyone else followed their Summoner.

We entered the temple, unsure of what to do first. We were debating if we should buy weapons and items first or complete the Cloister of Trials. Yuna did not want to debate the dreadful thought of another Summoner, so she headed up the stairs of the Trials and entered the doorway leading to the puzzling Trials.

“Well,” Tidus laughed, “I guess we know what Yuna wants.”

I giggled to myself and nodded in agreement. Yuna was not going to waste any time if there was another Summoner in the Chamber of the Fayth. It’s not that she was looking for competition, she just was very curious on who it might be…well, at least that’s what she told me.

I ran up the stairs and once I made my way to the top, I turned to the rest of them below and waved my arm in the air. The group followed my lead and they soon followed me up to the stairs and into the door.

If there is one thing that sucks about being a guardian, it would have to be the Cloister of Trials. These Trials were meant for Summoners and their guardians to test their intelligence, their strength and their courage to attempt tasks that no other being could possibly do. To me, they were aggravating.

During the whole Trail, Auron and I argued about the different spheres that were needed to open certain doors in the intertwining corridors. In the beginning, he was ok and would keep to himself about what should be done. Then, after Lulu and I both tried to figure out this one sphere and its location, Auron just stepped in, grabbed it from us, and walked to a different door. Lulu and I protested about his ignorance and asked him numerous times what his problem was. He didn’t say anything and just continued to do what he was doing and placed the sphere in the recess in the doors wall. Lulu and I grunted to each other while Wakka and Tidus waited for us in the newly open room in which Auron had figured out. I rolled my eyes and ran after Tidus and down the hall to where I met up with Auron.

“Hey meanie.” I said sternly.

Auron continued walking hastily down the dark hallway where he led the other guardians and Yuna to the Chamber of the Fayth.

I walked his pace and eventually had to jog along side if him to keep up his speed. No matter how hard I tried, he would not talk to me.

“Auron, do you hear me?” I pouted and demanded. Still no response.

“Are you death?” I asked again and got no response. “Hello?!”

Auron didn’t look to her; he just continued to walk down the hallway where in the distance he saw the room before the Chamber of the Fayth.

“See,” he said in a low tone, still not slowing down for me, “I told you I was right.”

I grunted in frustration and stopped walking beside him. I kicked some stoned on the ground in his direction and was hoping that one would fly off the ground and beam him right in the back of the head. I stood back and watched him enter the room and finally stop walking away from the group.

Yuna came up from behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “What happened this time?” she asked with some laughter.

I turned my face from her and pouted, “He’s being a butt head.”’

Yuna laughed and covered her mouth, “Well, if he is being a one to you, maybe you should return the favor and be one yourself.”

I looked to her and saw her wink at me soon after she said the joking statement. I thought about what she said to me and then snapped my fingers to show her that she was right.

“You’re right Yunie,” I smiled, “I think I’ll do that!”

The hallways were dark and the other guardians were still walking behind us because of their capability to see in the dismal hallway. I saw their dilemma and patted my pouch that was attached to my right thigh. I dug deep into the pouches pockets and searched the little pocket for a device that I might have made myself to shine some type light. My fingers found a small flashlight that my brother made for me and I immediately took it out of the pouch. I fiddled with the device and reattached some wires to create a small light to shine from the base.

I shined the light down the hallway and saw Lulu, Wakka and Kimahri all grasping to the wall to find their way to the Chamber.

I waved my arm in the air and started walking towards them, “Here, I got a light!”

Lulu was extremely relieved. “Thank you.”

I nodded my head and then turned back around to Yuna and used my small flashlight to guide us to the Chamber.

As the guardians and I entered the Chamber, Yuna hurried to the door which led her to the room with the Fayth. She bowed her head courteously and waited to her prayer to be heard by Yeavon above. Soon, the door shook violently and opened up to our Summoner and allowed her prayer to be accepted. She entered the room and the door lowered to the ground immediately after her. After the door closed, Kimahri stood beside of them, his arms crossed and his eyes determined like a guardian.

Auron stood beside the entry way of the dark hallway and rested his back against the wall along with his right leg, like he usually does.

Lulu and Wakka stayed together and talked quietly among themselves, deciding whether or not to spend the night here and rest from Sin’s attack.

Tidus walked around the room and would occasionally stop in front of a statue and read about its past and such. Watching him absorb everything about Spira really made me think about his world and his Zanarkand. Like he always told us, he was absolutely clueless to the world and habitat of Spira.

Our silence was soon interrupted by another Summoner and guardian who rudely entered the Chamber of the Fayth. The Summoner, Donna, followed by her guardian, Barthello did not hesitate to announce their arrival in the Chamber.

“Well, well.” she said in a snobby voice, “You again.” She slanted her hip to the side and placed her hand on top while the other was in front of her face, searching for dirt in her nails.

Tidus turned to them and had anger racing across his eyes.

Dona looked to everyone and laughed, “Still traveling with quite the crowd I see.”

I quickly walked over to Tidus and held his hand to cease the raging fire in his eyes. For some reason, I had no trouble in figuring out that they had met before. So I stayed beside him, and rubbed his arm to try and cool off his temper.

Barthello looked around the room with Dona until he saw Auron. His arms were crossed and remained that way as he approached the silent warrior in the back of the room. Auron stayed cool and just watched as the muscular shirtless man headed in his direction.

Dona turned to her husky guardian and sighed, “Now what Barthello, do you know this riff-raff?”

Barthello stopped a couple of feet in front of Auron and raised a brow to the legendary monk.

“You are… Auron, no?” he asked in a deep and low tone.

Auron looked to the burly guardian and rolled his eyes discreetly, “What of it?”

Barthello lowered his arms and leaned in closer to Auron. “Can I…” he began.

I walked away from Tidus and crept around the side of the room and stopped several feet before the two guardians.

“Can I…” he continued, “shake your hand?” The well-built man soon lost his pose and got excited to finally meet his hero.

“Auron!” he shouted in utter joy. “No, Sir Auron! You’re the reason I became a guardian!” He then smiled and posed like he was appearing in a muscular fitness magazine.

Auron looked to the man and laughed in amusement. Just exactly what he wanted to hear… It seemed that he would never escape his reputation. But, what else could he do? He laughed again and shook his head, not believing that someone would become a guardian just because of him. He extended his hand out to him and Barthello wasted no time to shake it.

Barthello smiled brightly, which was unusual to appear on a man his size and his strength. “Thank you sir!” he said, “This means so much to me!”

Wakka smiled devilishly and crossed his arms, sneering to Dona, “Calling the personal guardian to Lord Braska a riff-raff?”

Lulu did the same and shook her head, “And you call yourself a Summoner.”

Dona was steaming up inside. She felt utterly embarrassed and knew that they were right. No matter how big of an idiot she looked, she still remained her bossy and snobby self.

“Barthello, enough!” she said as a last resort, “Come here!”

Barthello bows his head to the legendary guardian and holds his hand that Auron just shook.

“I swear I’ll never wash this hand again!” he said happily.

Dona rolled her eyes, “Touch me with that hand and I’ll remove it!”

I laughed silently to myself as I watched everything unravel to me. My eyes traveled to Auron and I bit my lip as I looked at him standing against the wall. It made me feel weird; a good kind of weird, when I saw Barthello tell Auron that he was the reason for his becoming a guardian. The largest smile grew on my face when Barthello said that to him, and I bit my lip harder as I thought about how cool and calm he was about it. I knew that if it were me, I would be acting very proudly about it. But Auron, he just remained silent and stood against the grey stoned wall, waiting for Yuna to come out from the Chamber. He was so dreamy…the butt-head.

Boy, did I wish I would have done something when he rescued me from the river just an hour ago.

Some time passed by in the room and it was a while until the doors leading into the Chamber final opened. As if an angel were being sent from heaven, the door rose to the ceiling and Yuna’s figure was shone, surrounded by a bright light from behind. She had one hand placed on the side of the wall as she slowly made her way out of the Chamber.

All of her guardians gathered around the entryway and waited patiently and eagerly for their Summoner to appear from the blinding light. I crept my way to the front of everyone else and began to slowly walk up to the doorway, no longer able to contain my patience. I stopped a couple feet away from the door and squinted in hopes to find my lost friend. The light gradually dimmed to nothing and there was Yuna, her head down, her knees shaking, and sweat trickling down from her head.

Yuna looked up to everyone very weakly, almost as if she were in there for days in and days out. Her eyes scanned everyone’s faces and then she looked down to me. I held my hands out to her, ready for any sudden moves that may happen. Out of the corner of my eye, Kimahri was also doing the same. I returned my eyes to Yuna and a small but pleasant smile fell on my face. The young Summoner saw the small happiness and also returned the favor by doing the same.

The small gesture must have drained her out of energy completely and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. I gasped in horror as I saw my friend gradually drop to the ground. I was in complete shock and my hands were frozen from the sudden movement. Kimahri took immediate action and pushed me out of the way and quickly held her hand before she hit the ground. The Summoner woke from her moment of unconsciousness, a bit dazed and confused, and used Kimahri’s arm to lift her to her feet.

Dona shook her head in disgust and crossed her arms, walking closer to the young girl and the Ronso.

“You owe much to your father.”

Yuna hesitantly looked up to the other Summoner and bit her lip with hatred.

Dona turned her head and looked at all of her guardians that now separated from the entrance.

“All these guardians.” She shook her head again. Then she placed on hand on her hip while the other waved at her face, “And Sir Auron, too?”

Dona sneered at the other Summoner who was still on the ground. “And I hear Maester Seymour’s quite taken with you.” Her eyes grew with hatred and jealousy, “The world must look different when you’re the daughter of Lord Braska.”

Yuna looked up to Dona and tried to moisten her dry mouth, “This has nothing to do with my father!” Oh how she hated it when people accused her of doing everything just because her father did the same ten years ago. She had to prove to her once and for all that she was not trying to fall in her father’s footsteps. “I am traveling on my own, as a full –fledged Summoner!”

Dona smiled in ignorance, “Oh is that so?” Still with her hand on her hip and the other in the air, she walked past the guardians and stopped at the entryway of the Chamber. She turns to Yuna and leans down to her, “Then try standing on your own too feet for once.”

Dona smirks and straightens her back, “Your guardians won’t be able to protect you when the time comes.”

Yuna grunts in anger and watches as the other Summoner waves to her sarcastically and enters the Chamber of the Fayth.

Kimahri holds her and slowly helps her to her feet. Yuna stands, and looks to everyone with sweat still streaming down her temples. “We rest.” She said in a tired tone.

The guardians all nod and wait for Kimahri and Yuna to exit to the Chamber first. Wakka and Tidus follow, along with Lulu and Auron. I glanced around the room and saw Barthello still holding the hand that Auron had shook several minutes ago. I giggled to myself and began walking behind Auron as we began to return to the temples main entrance.

As I looked up to Yunie’s face after Dona had left her mark, I could see something different hiding beyond her gentle smile. It was something unusual to Yunie’s everyday thoughts or emotions. Walking beside Auron as we made our way out of the Trials, I realized what Yunie was hiding.

She seemed to be hiding something that she had lost,
and it meant a lot to her.

Chapter 11

We returned to the main entrance of the temple, exhausted and angered by Dona’s words. Yuna and Kimahri made their way down the stairs and to the huge lobby. Kimahri guided her into a room where a young maid appeared at the door and helped Yuna into the room where she would rest for the night.

Kimahri returned to the guardians and stood beside Auron in the normal guardian position; keeping to himself and not saying a word.

Wakka cleared his throat and looked to everyone, “We rest tonight.” He looks over to where Yuna left the gang and entered the room. “She’s tired, so we’ll let her get her sleep.”

I nodded and yawned myself. “Yeah, I’m tired too.”

Tidus turned to me with a devilish smile on his face. “No one said you could sleep.”

I stopped yawning and gently hit his arm, “Heeeey! Cut it out!”

Tidus laughed and nudged my arm with his fist, pushing me aside from his strength. I stuck my tongue out to him and then made my way to the doors that led to the outside. I was stopped short by Wakka’s voice calling to me.

I turned to him and waited for him to say something. “Don’t go far, ya?” he waved.

I waved back and nodded, “I won’t!”

“And don’t go out and get drunk!” Tidus yelled to me.

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to him. I found him laughing at me, along with Wakka and everyone else. I flew my arms up in the air; it was hopeless to explain. I tightened both of my fists and stomped to the doors and out of the temple.

“Boy, the nerve of some people!” I snorted. I walked down the path and looked up to the star lit sky.

It was so beautiful tonight. The stars all lit up with their yellow and white glow, sparkling as if they were diamonds. The trees were captured in the winds breeze, their leaves all swaying in a soothing rhythmical movement. Looking around the small area, Pyerflies floated in the air, dancing and bouncing in the breeze as if someone was playing a tune that they were mesmerized by. To my left was a Utility shop and to my right were some Weeping Willow trees and a patch of wildflowers in front of them. I walked over to my right and stood in the middle of the flower patch. I scanned the area and found a small lake before me and some other ruins brought by Sin next to it. The way that the light hit the water in the lake made it seem as if the water was coated in diamonds and other fabulous jewels that would make any girl swoon. I sighed happily, and leaned back and fell gently into the bed of flowers.

I looked up to the sky, watching and hoping that maybe I would be able to see a shooting star. The Pyerflies surrounded the lake and I smiled, watching them dance and twirl in the leaves and in the grass. One danced from the others and made its way to me, its bright colors and trails illuminating the grass underneath it.

I lifted up my hand and watched in awe as the Pyerfly twirled around my small hand, the trails intertwining between my fingers. I grasped the trails, not actually wanting to touch the small ball of light itself. Then I wandered to myself, -What would it be like to a Pyerfly? What would you see?-

The Pyerfly stopped twirling around in my hand and then lifted up further in the air and slowly danced above my head. Its light shone on me, my eyes squinting from the multicolored brightness. I followed the Pyerfly and then tilted my head back and saw many Pyerflies all behind me.

I opened my mouth in amazement, “Whoa.”

The Pyerflies were all gathered behind me; their trails floating everywhere and balls circling each other. I sat up and watched the beautiful sight, completely baffled by their beauty. My eyes filled with their colors and their dance, not believing what was happening before me. I opened my mouth again and then held out my hand to the large group of floating colors, not actually sure if what I saw was real. I reached out further and just as I was about to touch one of them, someone had cleared their throat.

I withdrew from the Pyerflies, totally surprised by their sudden noise. I fell back and inched away form them, startled by the night’s everlasting surprise. I looked up to the group and watched as the Pyerflies began floating away form their huge gathering. They soon faded away into the night, leaving a figure in their trails.

I clenched my fist, preparing myself for the fight that the Pyerflies had left me with. You see, when Pyerflies gather in large groups like that, they usually are beginning to create a fiend. I knew what was happening so I raised my fist with the spikes attached and sneered in its direction. The figure stepped out form the shadows, revealing its true form.

It was Lulu.

I smiled brightly and then lowered my fist to hug my friend. I stood to my feet and then opened my arms to give her a hug.

“You gave me quite a scare!” I laughed.

Lulu smiled as she hugged her comrade. “I’m sorry” she apologized, “I couldn’t find you.”

“It’s alright.” I said happily I let her go and then sat back on the ground. Lulu watched the young Al Bhed as she lowered and final sat on the ground. She looked to her sides and found a bench behind her to sit on so she wouldn’t spoil her dress. Lowering herself to the bench, she called me over so I could be next to her.

I got up and walked over to where she was and then sat back down on the ground directly in front of her. She reached out to me and then told me to sit in between her legs so she didn’t have to yell. I agreed and inched back to where my back eventually met her dress.

She looked down on my head and placed a hand on my pony-tail. “Do you mind?” she asked politely.

I shook my head, knowing that what she was doing was ok. “Nope, go right ahead!”

Lulu smiled and then gently placed her hand around the blue pony-tail wrap. Very slowly and delicately, she pulled on the cloth and watched as my hair fell from its position and down below my shoulders. With both of her hands, she began to comb her fingers through my blonde locks and messaged my head with her soft fingers.

I closed my eyes in pleasure; it felt so good. It has been a long time since anyone has played with my hair. After my mother died, I forbid letting anyone touch my hair again. It made me upset when someone asked me if they could play with my hair. I would get angry with them, but I honestly didn’t mean too; I just missed my mom. The fact that my mother used to do the same thing Lulu was doing now, didn’t really bother me as much as it would if anyone else was doing it. I guess it’s because of the fact that I let my mother go, and I had to return to my life again. Still, deep inside it felt like she was here, doing exactly what Lulu was doing.

Lulu tilted her head to me, “Something’s wrong.” She said silently.

I opened my eyes and a frown was upon my face. I looked across the area, trying to find the right answer to give her. I knew that the answer wasn’t in the multicolored lilies, or in the cool waters of the lake; it was deep within my heart. I couldn’t possibly tell her though; she would tear all my hair out of my head and then rip my own head off!

I sighed and then shook my head gently, “It’s nothing.”

Lulu leaned back and raised an eyebrow; she knew I was lying. “Come on, you can tell me.”

Oh and I wish I could.

But Lulu, there are just some things one must contain.

I gulped and then moved my head to my side, trying to face her, “Well…”

There had to be a way to explain what I was feeling, but very discreetly. “What’s it like to be in love?”

Oh boy, here we go. I defiantly should not have said that.

Especially to her…with her incident with Chappu and all.

Lulu looked out into the distance and closed her eyes. She had thought the memories of him had faded into the darkest corners of her mind. Putting those precious memories there would hopefully close the door that she always left open for him. She thought that no one would ever bring up that subject again. But Rikku, she was so young and so eager to learn. Lulu knew that she had to face the truth now, for her own good and for Rikku’s sake. She had to remember what it was like to love again after loosing her future husband, Chappu.

She sighed, trying to fight the tears of her lost mate. Her eyes opened and she sniffled away her tears, “Being in love…makes you different.” She said hesitantly.

I blinked and scratched my cheek, thinking about how much I may have changed, “Like, how much?”

Lulu continued to play with Rikku’s hair, “Sometimes not at all. Sometimes a lot.”

“Oh, and do people notice it?”

Lulu raised a brow, “Sometimes.” She was beginning to wonder about her young comrade. Not saying a word, she waited for Rikku to continue.

I trembled in my spot, trying to conceal my feelings for Auron, “And…do, people, say anything, about it?”

Lulu shook her head and continued to play with my hair; she had to know. “Why, do you think you’re in love?”

I opened my eyes and was frozen in my spot. I thought about my response and what I should say to her. I gulped in fear that she would scold me if she found out my feelings for him.

“Uhh… well…” I said, completely stunned by her question.

Lulu smirked and then piled up my hair in one big spot, “Is it anyone I know?” she teased.

I trembled again and shook my head quickly, “No!”

Lulu wasn’t expecting her to shake her head so quickly and lost her grip. Her hair fell against her shoulder and she watched as Rikku slowly turned towards her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked the Al Bhed quietly.

I had my mouth slightly opened from my amazement. My eyes raced the grounds surface in hopes to find the answer I would give to Lulu. I raised my head to her slowly and then licked my lips, trying to procrastinate my situation.

Lulu tilted her head to side and reached out for my shoulder, “Rikku, are you alright?”

Her voice seemed to have freed me from my frozen state. It seeped through my ears and into every inch of my body, breaking the cold ice that trapped me in my state. I looked up to her and nodded quickly, “Yeah, I’m fine” I said with a small smile. I looked back towards the inn and then to her, “I think I’m going to go back inside now.”

Lulu smiled and extended a hand to her. I smiled back to her and held on to her hand as I lifted myself up to my feet. She raised her hand to me once I was up and opened her hand to reveal my hair wrap.

I nodded my head as a thank you and placed the wrap around my wrist. I began walking to the temple when I stopped suddenly and turned back to her, “You coming?”

Lulu was now watching the water in the lake as her entertainment. She heard Rikku call to her and she turned her head to the direction.

“No,” she responded, “I think I’ll stay out here for a while.”

I watched her return her eyes to the lake and stare off into the distance as if she had lost something dear to her. I smirked, trying to find that smile that I always wore. I turned around to the temple once more and walked to the entrance to call it a night.