Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ A Separate Thread ❯ Weaving a Spiral of Hope ( Chapter 4 )

A SEPARATE THREAD

By: aurons_girl

Chapter four: Weaving a Spiral of Hope

Tidus runs up the last set of stone steps, and looks around. In front of him is a winding dirt road, the Mi'ihen Highroad, leading to the Djose temple. As he and the group walks along, an old man with a white beard, wearing a tall green and white hat and a green robe stops him.

"Do you know what those ruins are from?" the man asks.

"Some old city?" Tidus replies. Yuna walks up to them.

"Correct. A city most ancient!" the man answered. "A terrible testament to Sin's power. I tremble every time I see them. Compared to Sin, humans are mere mud puppies!"

"But I believe humans are the only ones capable of defeating Sin," Yuna asserted.

"A good reply. I am relieved to hear you say that, m'lady summoner. Where are my manners? I am Maechen, a scholar. At your service, m'lady," the old man informed them. He continued, "I am on a journey, studying the history of our world, Spira, seeking its stories and secrets. My travels have taken me to many places, and I am troubled by what I have seen. Fragile smiles on people's faces, crumbling at the mere mention of Sin. They are counting on you, M'lady. Give them a reason to rejoice once more."

"I will," she promised.

They continue their journey. Further along the path, a trio of chocobo riders, 2 women and a young man, ride up to them on large yellow birds called chocobos.

"Lady Summoner, I presume?" asked the woman.

"Yes, I am Yuna," she answered.

"I am Lucil, captain of the Djose Chocobo Knights," the woman informed them.

"And I'm Elma. We've been charged to guard the Highroad," added the second woman.

"There have been reports of a large fiend appearing in this area, with a taste for Chocobos. Do take care Summoner Yuna, if you are to rent any chocobos," Lucil warned them.

"Thank you. We will be careful" Yuna promised.

"Good. We should get back to our rounds. Farewell," Lucil said.

"Our prayers are with you," Elma added as they rode away.

"A large fiend...let's go get him!" Tidus insisted.

"Why?" Auron asked.

"It's the right thing to do," Tidus answered.

"'It's the right thing to do'?" Auron remarked sarcastically, laughing to himself.

"What'd I say now?" Tidus inquired angrily.

"Jecht said that a lot, too. And every time he said it, it meant trouble for Braska and me," Auron answered.

They continue along the Mi'ihen Highroad until they came across a woman and her young daughter.

"My Lady Summoner!" the mother exclaimed.

"You're a summoner?" asked the little girl.

"Yes. My name is Yuna."

"I'm Calli," the little girl answered.

"Nice to meet you, Calli."

"Lady Yuna, are you going to bring us the Calm?" the child inquired.

"Yes, very soon."

"Yea!" the little girl shouted as she began to run circles around Yuna.

"We're looking forward to another Calm, My Lady Summoner," the mother added.

"I'll do my best," promised Yuna.

The woman looked to the rest of the group. "And good luck to your guardians as well."

Calli waves to the group and then walks off with her mother.

"What's the Calm?" Tidus asked.

"The Calm is a time of peace. It comes after a summoner defeats Sin, and lasts until Sin reappears," Lulu answered.

"Sin dies and is reborn," Yuna adds.

"I get it! I thought it was weird. Yuna's dad defeated Sin ten years ago, right? But Sin's still here! Didn't make much sense till now. Wait...If it just comes back..." Tidus began.

"Don't say it isn't worth it...because it is," Yuna stated firmly.

During this exchange, Marina's mind had wandered. Watching the little girl had reminded her of Auri. She turned to look at Auron. She still couldn't believe he was here. He sensed her watching him and met her gaze. She smiled at him and he nodded his head to her in acknowledgement. She looked back at the child. "I have to tell him of his daughter, the first chance I get..." she thought.

Auron had noticed her watching the little girl, and then felt her gaze on him. He turned to her and she smiled at him before returning her gaze to the child. He knew she probably longed to have their child. He wished there had been time for that dream. "Damn it!" he cursed himself. "I was so selfish...I knew what was required of me, what I was risking becoming a guardian. But I needed to be with her too, for whatever short time we were given. Well, I cannot sit and wallow in regret," he thought as he followed along with the group.

As they continue the journey along the road, meeting up with a caravan pulled by a chocobo. Luzzu and Gatta are there, leading the caravan forward.

"Hey! Hey we saw the game! You guys were great!" gushed Gatta.

"Congratulations, Wakka!" added Luzzu.

Elma and Lucil ride up.

"Hey! Stop loafing around!" Elma ordered.

"Uh...the lady summoner and her guardians..." Gatta began, trying to explain.

"This mission requires our full attention. We've no time to waste! Understood?" Lucil commanded.

"Yes ma'am! Apologies, ma'am!" Luzzu answered quickly. Elma and Lucil ride off. Luzzu turns to Gatta. "See? Keep your head down, say 'Sir' a lot, and you'll do find."

"Right...sir," Gatta answers, causing Yuna to laugh.

"Hey, Yuna. Even though Yevon rejected us...we still believe in you. That won't ever change," Luzzu assured her.

"Thank you, Sir Luzzu, Sir Gatta. But you know...it's not too late for you to go back to Besaid and..." Yuna began.

"We should be going, sir!" Gatta interrupted. They run after the caravan, which is moving forward.

Near the inn, they run into two people in an argument: one a crusader, and the other, a young woman dressed in green robes, with a timid quiet voice.

"We'll defeat Sin anyway we can!" insisted the Crusader.

"But Yevon's teaching say..." the young woman began.

"Enough!" the man shouted, then walked away.

"I-I only meant to..." she stammered.

"Are you all right?" Yuna asked.

"Lady Summoner...?" They perform the prayer gesture.

"Yes, I am Yuna."

"It is an honor, my lady. My name is Shelinda. I am a disciple of Yevon," the young woman answered.

"What was that all about? The Crusaders' operation?" asked Wakka.

"You mean the one Gatta and Luzzu were talking about?" Tidus added.

"I heard they were to use forbidden machina! I had to stop them," Shelinda answered.

"Huh? Why?" inquired Tidus.

"The use of machina is strictly forbidden by the Yevon priesthood," Lulu answered.

"That's bad, ya?"

"Let them use whatever they want. They still won't defeat Sin," Auron answered curtly. Marina looked at him in surprise...wondering when he had become so fatalistic.

"But it's not abut defeating Sin! The teachings of Yevon must be upheld!" Shelinda insisted.

"Yeah! Right!" agreed Wakka.

"But you don't understand! The Crusaders won't even listen to me. And it's just because I'm just a lowly acolyte," Shelinda complained.

"Don't say that. Well, I haven't been a summoner very long myself, you see. Still, I can't put myself down every time I fail. People are depending on me. They're depending on both of us!" Yuna insisted.

"Yes! Yes, you're right, my lady. Absolutely right. Thank you very much, Lady Yuna. Now I feel I have the courage to finish my training." she says confidently as she walked away.

"We rest here," Auron states, walking ahead of them toward the inn. The others stop.

"But this is an Al Bhed shop!" Wakka complains with annoyance.

Auron stops and turns to face them. "Is that a problem?"

"They…they don't believe in Yevon, and in Luca…. They kidnapped Yuna! " Wakka replied fiercely.

"Where were her guardians?" inquired Auron sternly.

Wakka and Lulu look embarrassed, putting their hands to their foreheads and looking to the ground. Marina avoids Auron's gaze as well.

Yuna moves closer to Wakka. "Sir Auron's just concerned about your health," she says softly, trying to soothe him.

"I'm not tired one bit!" Wakka insists, much like a child.

"Well I am," Auron replied, his voice daring anyone to argue. Truthfully, he knew it was time for a talk with his wife. The others follow without further complaint into the inn.

Marina went directly to her room and sat down wearily on the bed. It had been a long and difficult day. And what a shock it had been. She couldn't believe that Auron had just shown up in Luca. Where had he been all this time? Why didn't he return to her? He hadn't even let her know he was alive. Her head ached with all the confusion of the day. She hoped that he would join her soon…but she wasn't going to push him. He never reacted well to prodding when he wasn't ready. She settled back on the bed, eyes closed, concentrating on healing away the headache. The pain had just started receding when she was distracted by his presence outside her door. She was a bit surprised…after ten years apart, she could sense him as well as she could. She sat up as he knocked on the door.

"Come in, " she called, and he entered quietly.

"Hello," he said softly, sounding almost unsure of himself.

"Hello yourself," she replied with a slight smile. The smile started to fade as the questions filled her head again.

He saw the curiosity written upon her face. He knew he had to tell her something.

"Marina, I am sure you have many questions. I regret that, at this point in time I can not answer all of them. I will tell you what I have shared with Tidus…but for now that is all. It can not leave this room, " he warned her.

She nodded, but had to ask: "Can you tell me where you have been these past ten years? Why didn't you return? You didn't even let me know that you were alive!"

Auron flinched a bit when he heard the anger and hurt seeping into her words. She saw the sorrow cross his face and regretted her harsh words. "I-I'm sorry…it's just…" she stammered.

"No…you don't need to apologize. I understand your feelings" he assured her. He continued: "Do you remember Jecht?"

"Yes. He showed up in Bevelle about three months before Braska's pilgrimage. He said he was from Zanarkand. You and Braska believed him…I did as well. What…what does that have to do with this?" she inquired with confusion.

"He was. Only we were wrong. It wasn't a Zanarkand that existed 1000 years ago. It was a dream Zanarkand…one that never really existed. It is being created by the survivors of that Zanarkand, destroyed 1000 years ago. Survivors that became Fayth," he said hesitantly. He hadn't shared this with Tidus yet…the boy would learn soon enough.

"What?!" she asked in shock.

"It is a difficult story to get into now, you and everyone else will learn of it as we journey. It does mean that Tidus…is also a dream. But I believe there is hope for him. I haven't told him of this. He needs to learn of it on his own. And he will, when the time is right. So do not say anything to him. Promise me."

"You know I will do as you ask," she assured him.

"To try and answer your question as best as I can…Jecht is now Sin. I can not go into how or why, but it is the truth. After the three of us defeated Sin, Jecht sent me to Zanarkand to watch over Tidus, so that one day I could bring him to Spira. Jecht is not happy in this form…no sane person would be. He wants his rest; he wants to die. He wants Tidus…his son, to end his suffering…the suffering of all Spira. Including those Fayth."

"That's a lot of pressure to put on his own son…especially one so young," Marina remarked with anger. She was up now, and pacing the room.

Auron sighed, frustrated. "Never less, that is how it is to be. Jecht believes in him."

"Why you?" she asked him, as she stopped her pacing and turned to look at him, her voice becoming tinged with sorrow.

"I am sorry, I cannot say…other than to tell you it was a promise I made to Jecht," he answered quietly, but firmly.

She nodded slowly. "I trust that you will tell me when you feel the time is right." She paused, wondering, but afraid to ask. She wanted to know of his feelings for her...had they changed? She dropped back wearily down onto the bed.

"While you were away…did you meet…anyone else? I know it was a long separation," her voice was timid and she couldn't meet his gaze, staring instead at her hands…as she fiddled nervously with the gold band on her finger.

"No. Never," he rushed to assure her. "You have always been the only one. I never stopped loving you. And I did miss you…not a day went by that I didn't think of you. I didn't think I would see you again in this world, but I couldn't stop loving you. Not ever. And you? Have you found another?" he asked quietly, his back to her…staring out the only window in the room. He couldn't face her either, afraid of her answer as well.

"Auron…" she said softly. "Please look at me," she implored. He turned and his gaze met hers. His face was still tight and closed down…as if steeling himself for her response. She looked at him intently, willing him to feel her love. She could feel the pain and worry within him. "I could not. You are my husband, Auron. I love you now and forever. You will always be my husband." She held her hand out to him, and he took it. She tugged on his arm…hoping he'd take the hint. He did, and sat down on the bed beside her.

She gave his hand a comforting squeeze. "I can't believe you are really here. I have missed you so very much."

He looked at her for a long moment. His good eye drank in the sight of her. She was still so beautiful to him…long, vibrant red hair and sparkling green eyes. She hadn't changed very much in those ten years. He spoke finally. "The years away from you were hard…both physically and mentally. The pilgrimage…the battle against Sin was difficult, as you can see…" he said as he hung his head.

She carefully removed the dark glasses he wore and her finger slowly traced the scar that ran from his forehead down across his right eye. The resulting scar tissue had sealed that eye closed. She smiled at him with all of the love she felt for him.

"I still see the handsome man I married…I always will. Besides you aren't the only one who is aging, you know. I am getting a lot of silver creeping into my hair as well…most of it comes from chasing a rambunctious 9 1/2 year old around!" she teased with a sly smile.

" What do you mean?" he asked, confusion heavy on his face and in his voice.

"Do you remember the month before you departed on the pilgrimage?" she inquired.

For the first time since they were reunited in Luca, she saw him smile. "Yes. I do, " he recalled fondly. "We were in our own little world. We couldn't get enough of each other. I am thankful that Braska allowed us that time without intrusions from the rest of the world."

"Well during that time I wasn't exactly as careful as I could have been. About three weeks after the three of you left, I discovered I was pregnant. I wanted so much to be able to tell you that you were going to be a father. We have a daughter. Her name is Aurowen. I am so sorry to spring this on you now," she told him quietly.

"A child? I have a child?" he asked stunned.

Marina nodded. Auron stood up abruptly, putting his glasses back on. He strode to the door and paused.

"I need a few moments to think about this. This is all just so…I will return shortly," he said, and exited the room.

Marina watched him leave, tears rolling down her cheeks. "What have I done?" she wondered sorrowfully.

"As if I could sleep," Tidus complained as he left the building. Outside he sees the sun is setting. "Check it out!" he exclaimed as he looked on in awe. "This sunset is different from the one in Kilika. It was quiet--almost gentle. "

Yuna sat off in the distance, framed by the pink and yellow sky. She appeared to be doing something…exactly what was unknown. As Tidus walked toward her he noticed Wakka sitting on the ground near the chocobo corral, while Auron stood off by himself.

"Whatcha up to?" Tidus asked as he approached. She gasped, startled and quickly hid what she had been doing. She turned to look at him.

Looking back to the sea where the sun is setting, her voice sounding a little bit panicky, she says: "Pretty…" in reference to the sunset.

They both sit quietly for a moment then Tidus softly says: "Sure is." To himself he adds: " So are you…"

"I wish I could live in a place like this. Peaceful…living with a smile on my face everyday," she said wistfully as she gazed at the sunset.

"You can, once you beat Sin, right?" he asks as he sits down on the grass beside her.

"Mmm-hmmm," she says noncommittally. She continues: "But then a new Sin will be born anyway."

"Well then, you can just beat it again," he tells her confidently as he looks at her.

"I wish I could," she replies sadly.

"Hey, you can! Trust me you are the best summoner out there!" he exclaimed. "Yuna, why does Sin always come back?"

"Sin is our punishment for our vanity. And it will not go away until we atone. "

"How do we do that? What did we do that was so bad in the first place? Was it using lots of Machina? Oh…was it such a bad thing, really?" he asked looking at her intently.

She stammers a bit…unsure of what to say. " It's funny…" she began. " Ever since I was young, I never questioned it. But now that you ask me if it is bad or not…I don't know. There are so many things I don't know," she finishes sounding almost sad and lost.

"Well then, we're the same!" Tidus assured her as he stood up. He begins to imitate an old wise man's voice. " Oh…'Such thinking is very unbecoming of a Summoner!' Sound like Mika?" he asked, voice back to normal now.

She begins to laugh and he joins her. "That's not very nice, you know!" she scolds him lightly, still laughing.

Tidus stretches and Yuna stands up beside him. They continue looking out at the sun setting over the sea.

"You know…During a game, you have to think of blitz and nothing else, you know?" Tidus remarks.

"Okay," Yuna replies, unsure.

He paces a bit in front of her, thinking…trying to find the words for a good example. Finally he continues: "You can't think, 'That's a cute girl in the fifth seat from the right!'" he says, cupping his hand above his eye as if he is looking off in the distance. "And you can't be thinking about where you're going to go on that date, because the minute you do, that's when you lose! You see, uh Yuna, what I mean is, you really shouldn't worry, you know? After we beat Sin, that's when you can worry about the future."

"I guess," Yuna replied, still sounding unconvinced.

"But Yuna, how are you supposed to beat something big like that?" Tidus asked in frustration.

"The Final Summoning," Yuna answered. Tidus turned to look at her. "It's the only way to defeat Sin. The only way. With it we can call the Final Aeon. That's the goal of the pilgrimage. The Fayth of the Final Summoning lies waiting in the far north, to greet Summoners that complete their pilgrimage," she explains quietly as she performs the prayer gesture, "At the world's edge…in Zanarkand."

"In Zanarkand?" Tidus asks excitedly.

Yuna stammers a bit, unsure of what to say.

They hear Auron's voice behind them. "She means the ruins of a city destroyed a thousand years ago." He walks toward them.

Tidus turns back to Yuna and asks her: "You sure it's ruins?"

"That's what I've heard," she replies.

"You'll see it for your self soon enough," Auron informs him. He turns toward the young woman. "Yuna, come back inside," he orders her softly. He turns and walks back toward the building.

They watch him leave. Yuna turns to Tidus first. "You will go with us…to Zanarkand?" she asks nervously.

He turns to her. "Yeah, I'll go," he assures her quietly. She gives a happy sigh of relief. "I'll go to see it with my own eyes."

He turns and looks sadly at the sunset once again. He begins walking slowly away. She starts to follow, but then pauses…and looks back at the sunset wistfully as well…savoring the moment. He stops to watch her and then turns and continues on. She runs up to join him and they walk together back to the inn.

Auron stood outside watching the sunset as well, thinking. He couldn't believe what Marina had just told him. It was more than he ever dared to hope; a dream he had accepted would never happen to him. He was a father. He had a child. His wife still loved him, still wanted him. Marina had told him that no matter what, he was her husband, forever; and there would never be another. Her love, her devotion, their child…those things changed everything. He could no longer carry out the final plans he had made. If she wanted him, he would stay. And he would tell her the truth now, all of it.

Marina lay across the bed, crying, when she heard the door open slightly. She sat up and quickly tried to wipe her eyes. She heard Auron's voice. "May I come in?" he asked.

"Yes, please…" she replied, her voice trembling.

He entered, and when he saw her tearstained face, he felt terrible. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I was in shock," he explained.

"Are you upset…about our child?" she asked, worried.

"No. I admit it was a shock, but this is wonderful. It just…it changes everything. Knowing now that I have a child, a responsibility…and learning of your faithfulness to me, how you never gave up hope, and the love you still feel for me. It is so much more than I deserve. It is only fair that you should know the truth. It may very well change your feelings. And the others must not know. Not yet," he said seriously.

"I promise," she assured him.

"Just hear me out before you respond…please?" She nodded, and looked at him expectantly.

"I am…an unsent," he told her quietly, sadly. She gasped and her eyes filled with tears.

"The Final Aeon…is not as it seems. It is a lie. The soul of the Final Fayth is gone. It is nothing but an empty statue. The spirit of Lady Yunalesca is all that remains. From her we learned that a guardian must give up their life to become the Final Fayth. They are then able to transform into the Final Aeon. Jecht, realizing he would never be able to return home, to his Zanarkand, chose to be the Final Aeon. I didn't want them to continue…I knew it meant their deaths. I couldn't bear the thought of loosing Braska…he had been like an older brother for so long. When he and Jecht died fighting Sin, I couldn't accept it. I returned to face Yunalesca…tried to avenge them. She struck me down. Somehow I made my way, crawling, down Mt. Gagazet. But my strength left me just outside Bevelle. That's where Kimahri found me. I told him about Yuna, about my promise to Braska, and about you…just before I died. I've been wandering ever since, never going to the Farplane. Jecht asked me to take care of Tidus, he believed I could find a way to get to his Zanarkand. I promised I would guard him with my life. I thought if I made it through alive, and found a way to fulfill that promise, I would take you with me. But it wasn't to be. After my death, I was able to fulfill his last wish. I didn't feel I could return to you, because I was no longer living. I never expected to cross your path," he informed her.

"But…" she began.

"Wait. There is something else I need to tell you. When I had fulfilled my promises to both Jecht and Braska… I was going to find someone to…send me," he told her, his voice very quiet.

"No!" she cried out.

"But," he interrupted her, coming to sit beside her on the bed. He took her hand in his. "I realize now there are people who might still need me, and want me to remain in their lives. If that is true, I can not leave. But I can't ask you to accept me the way that I am," he informed her, his voice betraying his sorrow.

"Auron…" she said as she touched his face. "You are my husband. I want you and I need you. Your being an unsent…it's something I didn't expect. But it is something I can handle. My love is unconditional. However, I can't make you stay if you want to go. If you want your rest...I can't hold you to me," she said, her heart breaking.

"Truthfully, I wanted it to be over only because I felt there would be nothing left for me. I would have done as I had promised. As much as it hurt me...I had to let you go. Kimahri was to tell you that I was gone. That though I had loved you with all my heart and soul, I released you from your vows. I wanted you to be free to find love again. I had figured that after ten years…you probably would have," he answered.

"Kimahri told me all of that…but I just couldn't give up hope. I couldn't turn off my love for you. You have always been my soul mate. I would so love to have you with me…if you want. I don't want to keep you bound to this world," she told him.

"I love you…you are my world. I have been under your spell since the day you offered me your friendship. I was meant to love you…there was nothing else I could do. The moment I fell in love with you, you took my soul with you. And if you can love me, accept me, and want me as an unsent…then I would be a fool to leave. I can't walk a way from you now…not knowing what I know. I would lose far too much," he confessed.

"Does that mean…you'll stay?" she asked hopefully.

"I will stay with you for the rest of your life. If that is what you wish…I will try my hardest to give that to you. I will leave this world only when you do," he vowed.

"Auron?"

"Hmmm?"

"Kiss me…"

He pulled her to him, and moved in for the requested kiss. She felt fire flash through her body as his mouth met hers. Her tongue came out and brushed against his lips. He opened his mouth to hers and their tongues met. His caressed hers as they tasted each other. The kiss deepened, as they poured forth all the pent-up love and passion they felt for one another. After a few moments, she pulled away reluctantly.

"I need to feel you…all of you. I want to feel your skin against mine," she whispered. Her hands went to his face and she removed his glasses. She leaned forward and kissed the scar on his face, then the closed lid of his damaged eye. "I accept you…I love you…and I want you so much," she whispered in his ear.

She sat back and watched him as he removed his boots. She missed this…just being able to see him, to be with him. He stood up in front of her and she unbuckled the belt that held his robe closed, and dropped it to the floor. He slipped off the robe and then peeled his shirt off. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet, turning her away from him…then pulled her to him, her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her head. He held her for awhile, just enjoying the moment. One of his hands began to move slowly up her body until he cupped her full breast. Desire filled his body…he needed her so very badly.

He leaned over and whispered in her ear: "May I undress you?"

"Yes…" she hissed, her voice filled with lust.

He stepped back and began unlacing the ties of her dress. When he finished, his hands went to her shoulders, pushing the dress down her body. It fell to the floor in a pool at her feet. She stood in front of him in only a lacy pair of white panties. He pulled her to him tightly. His left hand went to her breast, his fingers teasing her nipple, as his right hand traveled down her stomach until he cupped her mound. His fingers began to rub her through the thin material. She moaned at his touch and at the feel of his arousal against her.

"This…" he told her, his voice husky with desire, "is what I missed most. Feeling your body against mine. Causing you to make those little noises."

She turned around to face him. Her hands went to his chest, caressing him, touching his skin. Down to his stomach they trailed, finally stopping at his pants. She undid the fastenings and pushed them down his hips and he stepped out of them. She took a few steps back so she could take in the sight of his naked body.

He almost blushed as he saw the lust in her eyes at the sight of his body. "My body…it isn't quite what it used to be…so many ugly scars…" he whispered.

She smiled at him reassuringly…she had felt his discomfort keenly with her empathic abilities. "Don't be silly…you look as good to me now as you as you did the first night you shared your body with me. You are beautiful my love," she said softly as her eyes traveled his body. There was now gray sprinkled in the sparse black hair on his chest. His stomach and chest were covered with deep scars from the battle. "Yunalesca really hurt him…I'd like to hurt her as much as she has hurt my family," Marina thought angrily. She shook her head and continued to examine him. His body was still well defined, still strong and powerful. He took her breath away. She never thought she'd see him this way again. She stepped closer to him again.

"You kept this," she commented, fingering his ponytail. "I have always found it sexy." He chuckled and kissed her again.

She took his hand and pulled him to the bed. She lay down and he joined her, settling between her thighs, his body above hers. She could feel his manhood rubbing against her center, through the material of her panties.

"Marina…you are sure?"

"Yes. Only I'm …it's…"she stammered.

"What? Tell me…" he coaxed.

"Well…I don't know how things work as you are now, but…this is my fertile time," she answered, embarrassed.

She noticed an interested look cross his face. She could sense he was up to something. "Hmmm…would you want another child?" he asked.

She thought a moment, considering. If in his current state of being, it wasn't possible, she would be fine with that.

"I won't lie to you. I would love to give birth to another of your children. But if it wasn't possible, that would be all right as well. We have a beautiful daughter. And I am happy just to have you here with me again," she replied.

"So, if it were possible?" he asked.

"But how?" she inquired, confused.

"I may be unsent, but my body is still as if I am alive. So it is very well possible that you could conceive again," he answered.

She looked at him with concern. "Should we wait? I could try magic. I don't know if it will work," she replied.

"I can't wait…I need you so much. And it doesn't matter anyway…I'm willing to take the chance," he said softly.

"But the pilgrimage…are you sure?" she asked.

He looked at her intently, and she could feel his love. She also sensed his determination and strength. "This may be selfish…and I realize this isn't the ideal time. But seeing you again, being with you, knowing of how you feel; I want what I missed. I want to share with you what I missed with our daughter. If it happens…then I see it as one more blessing I've been given," he said as he gazed into her eyes.

"You really are certain?" she inquired, even though she could feel how strong his hope and belief was.

He nodded. "Does this mean I can get you to return to Besaid, where you'll be safe? " he asked with a smile.

"No. I can't leave you. And I won't leave Yuna in her time of need, especially after what you've told me," she said firmly.

"Will you be careful on the pilgrimage...during the battles we might face? I don't want to lose you, after just being reunited with you again."

"Yes…I will do as you ask," she answered.

He began to kiss her again…slowly and passionately. His tongue invaded her mouth, claiming it as his. As they parted she noticed the hungry, almost feral look on his face.

"I need to be inside of you. Will you let me in?" he asked, his voice thick with passion.

"Yes…" she whispered.

He sat back on his knees between her legs. He took hold of her panties and she lifted her hips so he could remove them. After easing them off, he tossed them to the floor with the rest of their clothes. He stared at her body…loving the site of her. Her breasts were still large and firm, tipped with rosy red nipples, large and swollen in her excitement. Her skin still smooth and creamy. His hands trailed back up her legs, until he was caressing the insides of her thighs, causing her to tremble with need as his fingers moved closer to her center. When he arrived where she wanted him, his fingers lightly brushed the dark red curls between her legs. She squirmed in anticipation. Finally, his fingers parted her folds, opening her to his heated gaze. Slowly, gently he began to caress her…coaxing her arousal.

"Do you remember…the bond we had between us, before?" he asked her.

"Yes. Because of my abilities as an empath, and my magic abilities, as well as your own…we were often aware of each other's feelings. I missed that very much when we closed that down before you left. I know it was important, because of all you had to face. But I missed it," she replied.

"I missed it as well. I want that connection again. Will you let me in again? Will you share your mind and emotions with me?"

"Of course. I want to share everything with you again," she told him.

"It may be different this time. Because of my state of being…there is a lot of magic involved. It could very well cause our connection to be even stronger than before. I don't know what could happen. Knowing this…do you still want me? Do you still want this?"

He continued to rub her, paying special attention to her clit, which stood up under his skillful ministrations. His thumb rubbed it as he slipped a finger inside her. She was warm, wet and tight. Her hips began to move, rocking against his hand as he thrust his finger in and out of her… she needed more.

"Auron…I need you inside me…please," she moaned.

He moved his body back over hers. She felt his cock rubbing against her, teasing her.

"Please…I can't wait any longer…" she begged.

Finally she felt him probing her opening, then begin to enter her. Slowly he slid into her body. When he could go no farther he paused. He leaned down carefully to kiss her. When their lips parted he looked at her intently and said: "I love you so very much, my wife."

"And I love you, my husband," she replied, her voice filled with joy.

He began to move inside her in long, even strokes. She loved the feel of his cock sliding in and out of her body. "Mmm…I'd forgotten how big you are, how well you fill me," she moaned.

"Ten years…it's been so long. I'd almost forgotten how soft your body is against me, around me. You're so warm…so tight…feels like heaven," he told her softly.

"Auron…love me," she whispered anxiously.

He complied, beginning to thrust with in her more forcefully. She wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing him deeper inside her. Her hips began to rock upward, meeting his thrusts. Her breathing increased, as she worked toward her climax. The feel of his hardness sliding in and out of her body was driving her closer.

"Put your legs down," he ordered her with a whisper.

She did as he requested, and he propped himself up on one arm, his other hand going between their bodies. His fingers once again found her clit and he began to rub it, wanting to bring her with him.

The feel of her tight, hot passage stroking his engorged cock was more than he could handle after all these years apart. How he ever made it even a year, much less ten, he never knew. The fire building inside his body was threatening to explode. "I can't…hold back any longer…" he gasped.

"Don't…" she whispered. "Come with me."

The speed of his thrusting increased, as did the movement of his fingers on her. His touch on her…his movements within her, sent her soaring over the edge. "Auron!" she cried as she climaxed, her body shuddering.

Hearing her call out his name, feeling her climax, the flame of pleasure engulfed him. "My love," he cried out as his semen filled her.

Floating down from the high, he became aware of his weight upon her. He tried to move off of her.

"Not yet…" she whispered, holding him tightly. "I want to keep you inside me."

"Just for a little bit. I'm too heavy for you," he answered. He lay there for a few moments, still joined with her…feeling her body under his. A bit later, he eased off her reluctantly, but pulled her to him as he settled beside her.

"Do you think anything will come of this?" she asked.

"I hope so. So please be careful on our journey. I want you both so much."

"What do we say to the others?" she inquired.

"We will tell them that we are husband and wife. We became separated for ten years after my pilgrimage as Braska's guardian, due to circumstances beyond our control. We have been reunited, and want to spend all the time we can together on this pilgrimage. That is all they need to know," he replied.

He was stroking her soft red hair, thinking. He wanted to know about his daughter. "Marina, what does she look like?" he asked.

"Hmmm?" she inquired, confused.

"Aurowen…what does she look like?"

"She's a mixture of both of us. She has long reddish brown hair and hazel eyes. She has your nose, your beautiful eyes, and my mouth. She is too intelligent for my own good!" she answered with a laugh. "She is stubborn and strong willed, like you and impatient and chatty like me. She's showing an amazing talent for magic. She is becoming very talented in the healing arts. She's told me she wants to play Blitzball like her Uncle Wakka and protect people like her father. She has listened so attentively to the stories I have told her of you. She can't get enough of them. She was so excited when Wakka decided she was old enough to learn to play Blitzball. And she looks up to the Crusaders of Besaid, like Luzzu and Gatta. They are the closest things to warrior monks that she has ever seen. She's even talked of being a Crusader when she grows up…I hope that by then we will not need Crusaders…at least not as protection against Sin," she said sadly.

She brightened. "Oh wait!" she cried as she jumped up from the bed. She went to a little bag on the dressing table and pulled out a sphere.

"I brought this, so I could have her with me. And if I needed to record…a final message," she said quietly. She shook the sad thoughts away and smiled. "Play it back!"

He started the sphere and the village of Besaid was seen. There, in an open area to the side of the temple, was a little auburn haired girl in shorts and a cropped sleeveless shirt playing with Wakka. He heard Marina's voice in the background as she held the sphere, recording the scene.

"Aurowen…what are you doing?"

"Uncle Wakka's teaching me to blitz!" the child answered excitedly, holding a blue and white ball and looking toward the sphere with a big impish grin on her face.

"I see that, sweetie. But aren't you supposed to be practicing your spells with Auntie Lu? She's looking for you."

"Aww… mom! Can't I play just a little longer?" the child begged.

He heard Marina give an exaggerated sigh from behind the sphere. "Very well, Auri. Just thirty minutes more. And Wakka!" Wakka turned toward the sphere. "I am holding you to that schedule! If she's late, you can deal with an angry Lulu!" she teased. They both laughed and the image faded.

Marina was surprised when a second scene began. "I didn't record this," she said.

It seemed to be a nice, quiet afternoon. She sat under a tree near her hut with Aurowen in her lap. The little girl was gazing up into her mother's face and twisting a strand of Marina's hair around her finger.

"Tell me about daddy…" the little girl requested quietly.

"What do you want me to tell you, baby?" Marina asked.

"What did you like to do together?"

"Well…occasionally we went to Blitzball games. Your daddy wasn't much of a sports fan though. We liked things you would say were boring!" Marina teased.

Aurowen giggled. "Like what?" she insisted.

"Reading together, listening to music…I used to love when I could catch your daddy singing the Hymn of the Fayth…he had such a beautiful voice. He sang it to me the night we spent beside the moonflow watching the pyreflies…I miss him so much, Auri," she said sadly.

"I wish I could see him. You think he would like me?" the child asked.

"Baby, he would love you more than life itself. He would do anything in the world to keep you safe. I like to think that he did…helping your Uncle Braska defeat Sin. And if he knew you were here…he would be so happy, so proud of you. He may not have known you, but I know him…better than I know myself. You never have to doubt his love…if he is on the Farplane with the other members of our family, he knows you exist. And he loves you with all his heart," she assured their daughter.

"Just like he loves you?"

"Just like he loves me, baby…" Marina confirmed, tears falling from her eyes. Mother and daughter hugged each other tightly, and the image faded.

Marina turned to Auron. Tears ran down his face. "One of the kids…the older ones…must have recorded that for me…"

"She's…beautiful. Thank you for showing me that. I hate thinking of what I have missed with her. And I am looking forward to meeting her. I still have trouble believing it. That is my child…my daughter. It is amazing…" he remarked softly.

"Stay with me?" she asked pulling him to her tightly…afraid he would leave at any minute and her joy would be shattered.

Already the bond between them had begun to grow, and he sensed her apprehension. To her surprise he began to sing softly to her, the Hymn. He knew even before hearing her revelation on the sphere that the sound of his voice soothed her. When he finished…he whispered: " Always…I will stay with you always."

Meanwhile, in Guadosalam, Abra is in her room at the manor, preparing for bed. She is interrupted by a knock on the door. She opens it to find an elderly female Guado standing there.

"Jael," she said pleasantly, recognizing the woman. Jael had become like a surrogate mother to her, since she had moved into the manor.

"Your presence is requested in the Maester's quarters, m'lady."

"Yes, of course," Abra answered, blushing and lowering her head.

The woman patted her arm. "You are doing a wonderful thing for the

Guado people. There is no shame in that," she assured her.

Abra nodded. She followed the woman, who led her to Maester Seymour's door and left. Abra quietly knocked on the door.

"Enter," she heard Seymour call out.

She nervously entered his room. She was aware of his reason for sending for her. And even though she had fallen in love with him, she was uncomfortable being with him in this way…knowing he would never take her as his wife. Her uncertainty dissolved, however, the moment she saw him; and her heart ached with love.

He had been sitting at a desk, looking through some papers. He rose and walked over to her.

"It is very nice to see you, Abra," he said as his arms enfolded her. He towered over her, being 6' to her petite 4'10" inch frame. Her head rested low against his warm, naked chest. She inhaled the wonderful sweet, spicy scent of his body.

"I need you, Abra," he said softly as he bent to kiss the top of her head. "You know I must leave for the Djose shore in the morning. I am not sure if I will be able to return tomorrow night. It is a dangerous task we face tomorrow. I need this time with you tonight."

"Yes, my lord," she responded with a whisper.

She had been just about ready to turn in when he summoned her, so all she had on was long, flowing dressing robe. He released his hold on her and took a step back. His hands came to the belt of the robe and he untied it. Her robe fell to the floor and he took in her nakedness. He loved how small her body was in comparison to his. He felt like her protector, and wished he could take care of her forever. But…that was not to be, so he would make the most of the time he had left with her.

She had long auburn hair. Her eyes were unusual, one green and one brown…due to her Al Bhed mother. For her small size she had large, pert breasts…tipped with beautiful peachy brown nipples. "You are exquisite," he told her, causing her to blush.

He took her hand and led her to the bed, where he lay her down. He quickly removed his elaborate clothing and stood before her. She thought he was beautiful, the differences in his body from the Guado half of his lineage making him even more so in her eyes. His body was lean and muscular. His heraldic lion tattoos, the unusual patterns on the skin of his chest and stomach…she found extremely sexy. His blue hair and violet-blue eyes made him exotic. His manhood, long and erect, sent heat coursing through her body.

"May I touch you?" she asked tentatively.

"Yes of course," he assured her.

Her hand reached out to him, first tracing her finger across his stomach, trailing lower until her fingers lightly brushed the soft blue hair at the juncture of his thighs. Slowly she began to run her fingers down his long, hard shaft.

"Abra…take me in your mouth," Seymour commanded.

Obeying him, she rose to her knees on the bed. She took him in her hand and lowered her head to him. Her tongue came out to flick across the head of his cock. She licked down his shaft, then slowly back up. Her mouth opened and engulfed him. He moaned and his hips began to thrust, pumping his cock in and out of her mouth. Her tongue caressed his length as her mouth took him in.

She began to suck as she withdrew her mouth, her hand following the trail, stroking his shaft before taking all she could of him back into her mouth.

His fingers tangled in her hair, his eyes closed. The feel of her mouth was wonderful. He felt himself getting close. He pulled himself away from her reluctantly. He needed to be inside her when he came. He pushed her back gently on the bed, and then followed her, settling his body above hers. He began to kiss her, his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth. Her lips parted and he rushed in. His tongue met hers as he claimed her mouth.

Liquid heat began to burn low in her belly. He slowly pulled his mouth from hers and began to trail kisses down her neck. He paused, near her shoulder at her pulse point, and began sucking…hard. He then softly kissed the mark he had left on her skin. He moved to whisper in her ear: "I want you to see that, when I am away from you tomorrow…and remember."

He went back to kissing down her neck and chest, to her breasts. His mouth found her left nipple, and his tongue flicked it. Her body jerked as his teeth bit down on it. He then quickly soothed it with his tongue. He turned to give the same attention to the other one. When he tired of that, his mouth continued its decent, sprinkling kisses along her stomach. He paused about the area where her womb lay. She heard him softly speak: "Are you in there precious one? I hope that you are…" He kissed the spot, and then his mouth trailed lower, kissing her inner thighs. His long, sharp fingernails trailed down her legs, leaving red marks along her thighs.

"May I taste you?" he whispered.

"Yes…" she breathed.

His fingers moved to her center, carefully opening her to his gaze. His head lowered and his mouth came into contact with her hot flesh. Her hips bucked up against his mouth as his tongue lapped across her clit. He began licking her, teasing her with his tongue, as he slipped a finger inside her. He slid the finger in and out of her as he worked at her button with his tongue. She moaned, writhing against him as he began to suck on her. He knew she was getting close, so he pulled away.

"Please…" she begged.

"What do you want?" Seymour demanded.

"I want you," she answered.

"Where?" he inquired.

"Inside me…Seymour. I want you inside me," she wailed.

He settled himself above her again, between her thighs. She felt him rubbing against her. He kissed her, and she tasted herself on his lips. He found her entrance and began to ease himself into her body. He moaned at the feel of her surrounding him. He moved inside her…slowly at first. Seymour would slowly pull himself almost all of the way out, before quickly thrusting deep inside her. As his passion grew, so did the speed and intensity of his thrusts.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and met his thrusts. She felt herself getting close, as he moved inside her, hitting all the right spots.

"Seymour!" she shouted as she came, her arms tightening around him, holding him close to her.

His climax upon him, he thrust deeply inside her, spilling his seed at the mouth of her womb. When it was over, he rolled off of her and pulled her to him

She snuggled up to him and, lost in the moment, softly whispered: "I love you so very much."

He looked at her, a little surprised. He knew their friendship was deep, but love?

"What did you say?"

"N- nothing…" she stammered.

"Tell me, Abra," he insisted.

"I said..." she answered with tears in her eyes, "that I love you. Even though I shouldn't. At first you were just my friend. But the more time we spent together, the more my feelings changed."

"Abra, I care for you very much. But I must do what is necessary for the good of Spira," Seymour replied.

Abra was softly crying. Seymour took her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Thank you. For loving me as a man and not as a leader. It means a lot to me. But you do understand what must be done, do you not?" he asked.

"Yes I do," she replied reluctantly. She really didn't understand why he felt he needed to do this...but she knew there was no changing his mind. "Do you want me to leave?" she asked worriedly.

"No stay with me here tonight. I want you with me, as many nights as possible, until the end. What you are giving to me means so much to me.

Thank you," he said kissing her.

She snuggled into his embrace and fell asleep in his arms.