Well lookie here. Gin is back, with guess what. Another aurikku. Yay! You know you all love me. Now for the others who do not like the pairing or think it's 'gross', I suggest you hit that little back button on your browser. No one is forcing you to read this. Leave now before you regret it. I have friends that know how to make sure people are never seen again. -glances around menacingly- Now, for those of you who are still here, enjoy and don't forget to review and that Gin owns nothing here but my sad state of aurikku obsession.
Now as I was writing and thinking of this idea, there were several people who I was thinking of that I want to (attempt to) dedicate each chapter to. Normally I say that then forget. But not this time! I will remember! (Just remind me, eh?) So without further adieu, I dedicate this first chapter to luv2game. Happy Birthday girl! And this is the fic I promised you.
The first week
Rikku looked up at the new place she was going to be calling home for the next three months. A mansion on the outskirts of Macalania. It was huge, not that she expected less. It was also the home of the great and mighty Sir Auron. One of the bringers of the calm.
The Calm, name of the period of time after the Bevelle war. Sir Auron had been a guardian helping to establish peace during the rough conflicts. Not alone of course; there was also Braska, negotiator for all the groups; Lord Seymour, leader of the Guado; Lord Mika, leader of the people of Bevelle; Sir Jecht speaker for Zanarkand. (Since Lady Yunalesca was unable to attend.) Other, smaller people were there as well, including Rikku's father, Cid. Cid was the leader of her small tribe of Al Bhed. A race that had been persecuted in the past, but that was brought to light and stopped when Braska presented his Al Bhed wife. Though they still suffered at the hands of a few select groups, it was much more controlled then it was in the past.
Sir Auron was the one that protected Lord Braska as he tried to come up with a treaty that would benefit all groups present. A large job in itself. If something were to have happened to him then all talks would have ceased. Braska was a very important man during that time. Unfortunately, the unthinkable did happen. Just after the last papers were signed, a shot rang out and Lord Braska was killed. Auron had been too slow to protect his charge. That was almost ten years ago. Since that day, no one had seen him. He had blamed himself for his failure and locked himself in his mansion. He communicated with people by leaving notes with his servants of what he wanted done. He had them talk to people when events came up. Some even wondered if he was still alive and it was all a grand hoax.
But why was Rikku here to begin with? She was young, only seventeen. Surely she would not have signed up for this on her own. Which was the truth. Her father had told Sir Auron's servants that she would be willing to spend the summer at his place as a servant in return for what Auron and Braska had accomplished for his tribe. A note had been returned saying he was willing to see what she was capable of.
"Of course he would use me as payment." Rikku muttered as she glanced up at the mansion once more. It was dreary looking, not a place she enjoyed being in. Rikku was used to sand and sun, not this...this run down looking place. But that's what she was here for. To fix that. Rikku was a mechanic, one of the best in her tribe. If anyone could help this place, it was her. Or so Auron had been told. In truth seeing it now, she wasn't sure how true that could be.
The mansion was three stories tall. Dark stone lined all the walls, along with a dark steel gate around the perimeter of the grounds. The windows all had dark curtains hanging from inside, and she was sure light had trouble entering. Roof tiles hung off the edge when she looked higher, as well as gutters barely held in place.
Sucking in a deep calming breath, Rikku walked up the broken stone path to knock on the door. Her knuckles rapped against the wooden door making a hollow sound she was sure deafened anyone nearby. It opened moments later.
"H-hello?" She questioned as she took a hesitant step inside.
"Good afternoon, madam. I am Wakka. Head servant of this house, ya." Rikku turned quickly to see a red haired man standing just behind the door. His accent indicating that he was not from this area, but from the much farther south island, Besaid. He stood about a head and a half taller then her, more so if you counted the hair that stuck straight up in front.
"I'm Rikku." She answered. "My father sent me here for the summer." She explained.
"Ah, yes. We were told to expect you." He leaned in close to inspect her face. Rikku backed away slightly intimidated. "Al Bhed, huh? Better not screw up." He warned as he stood up tall once more.
"No, of course not sir. I'm here to do a job and I plan on doing just that."
Wakka glanced at her skeptic of her words. "Very well. I will have someone show you to your room. Wait here." He left without another word leaving Rikku to feel very out of place in the over sized foyer.
Rikku took a moment to get some bearings on the new housing. She studied every space she could see from her position. Fear of the head servant making her stay right where she was. The foyer was simple. Double doors on either side of her led to other parts of the mansion. Stairs in front of her led up and around with open hallways where one could see everything below if they were on top. A not quite hidden door behind that stairs was where Wakka had disappeared into.
She looked up again to see the finely decorated ceiling, but a figure caught her eye. A man with dark hair stood up there looking down at her. She wondered if this was who Wakka sent to show her to her room.
"You must be Rikku." A woman's voice cut into her thoughts.
Rikku turned her head to see a young woman in black approach her. She had black hair done up in a bun on top of her hair and four braids flowing down her back from that. Rikku had to admit she was beautiful and mature looking.
"Impressive place isn't it?" The woman asked. "Shame it has become so run down. But I guess that's why you are here." The mystery woman gave Rikku a weak smile as if to apologize. "Oh, excuse me. Where are my manners? I am Lulu. I hope Wakka didn't give you too much trouble?"
Rikku thought back on the short conversation she had with the man. He intimidated her sure, but he really didn't do anything to hurt her. "No, he was fine." She replied.
Lulu seemed to relax slightly. "Good. He can be a bit of a handful from time to time. I'm glad he didn't frighten you off."
Rikku felt as if she could trust this woman. And she did seem as if she knew a lot about this place. So she had to ask about the person she saw watching her. As they walked up the stairs together, Rikku presented her question. "Lulu, how many people work here?"
"Quite a few actually. Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering. I saw someone just before you met me. I was wondering if you could tell me who he was."
"I'll do my best. What did he look like?"
"He had dark hair, dressed in black pants and shirt. I couldn't really see his face well, but he looked to be in his late twenties." She explained the man as well as she was able.
"I'm afraid there is no one here that fits that description. I'm sorry. Maybe you were seeing things. The trip you took to get here must have been quite tiring. Here is your room. Why don't you lay down and get some rest for a bit. I'll send Yuna up to get you for dinner." Lulu led Rikku into the room and then shut the double doors on her way out.
Rikku dropped her bags on the floor before inspecting the room. Another room with lack of color greeted her. This was done in dull grays. Gray carpeting, curtains, and walls. How drab. Even the comforter on the bed was done in a shade off from gray. "Guess I'll just have to ask if I can brighten this room up somehow." She said as she glanced around.
Off to the left was a door and Rikku walked over expecting it to be a closet. Instead she was greeted with a full bath. Least this wasn't done in more gray. She couldn't handle that. But off white was a nice change, she supposed. Closing the door behind her, she turned to see another set of doors. Upon opening them, her eyes opened wide.
"A walk in closet?" She exclaimed. "It's almost as big as my room at home!"
Too exhausted to even think of unpacking, Rikku fell on the bed for the nap Lulu had suggested. At least the covers smelled clean, even if they were a boring color.
A gentle poking woke her up some time later. Rikku rolled over trying to escape from it, but it just followed her as she moved.
"Alright! I'm up!" She shouted as she sat up.
A giggle from beside the bed caught her attention. She looked over and saw a girl about her age with light brown hair covering her mouth as she tried not to laugh. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh. It's not polite." Composing herself, the girl stood proper.
"You must be Yuna." Rikku guessed as she pointed at the girl.
Yuna bowed in greeting. "Yes I am. Lulu sent me to wake you up. Are you hungry?"
"Like you wouldn't believe!" Rikku answered as she jumped from the bed. "Come on, let's go! You have to show me where to go." She reached back and grabbed Yuna's hand pulling her along. She finally stopped once they reached the main hall.
Yuna gasped in shock not used to that type of behavior. "Well, that certainly was unexpected." Yuna gushed.
"Oh, sorry about that. Guess I got a little carried away." Rikku looked around trying to figure out where to go now. "Okay, where now?" She asked giving up.
Yuna walked in front of her with confidence. "Follow me. They should all be gathered in the main servants dining room."
Rikku did so, but stopped half way down the stairs. At the end of the hall stood the figure she saw before. He was hidden in the shadows watching her. Wanting to say something, Rikku pointed at what she saw. "Yuna, do you see...that?" But when she looked up again, he was gone.
"What is it, Rikku?" Yuna stopped when Rikku had called her. "There's nothing there. Come on. Wakka will be upset if we are late."
Shaking the feeling away, Rikku followed her the rest of the way.
"'Bout time you showed up, ya." Wakka said as they entered. "What took ya so long anyway?"
Rikku could almost feel his harsh glare directed at her. Before she could say anything, Yuna answered for her.
"It was my fault really. I took too long in waking her up." She bowed in apology.
"Just don't let it happen again, okay?" He warned, yet Rikku was sure he wasn't really upset at Yuna, but more at her. As if she should have already been awake.
"Rikku, you may sit over here next to me." Lulu spoke up. "I saved you a seat here."
Thankful for the respite, Rikku took the offered seat with only a mumbled thank you. Dinner was quiet, as no one said a word. Everyone concentrated on the food in front of them. Though Rikku did notice Yuna making eyes with a certain blond across the table from her. He appeared to be athletic and very cute, she noted. His hair stuck up in places and his tanned skin making him very attractive, but it seemed he only had eyes for Yuna.
Her gaze traveled to the others seated with them. She could almost guess what each of them did around the place just by looking at their attire. Most appeared to be those who kept the place clean or did the household laundry. The cooks must eat separate, she noted to herself. As those who had served them did not join with them at the table.
She was about to speak up about her room until she caught Wakka's stare on her. Closing her mouth, she felt it best not to say anything until after dinner. She dropped her gaze back to her food. As soon as dinner was over, Rikku stood only once everyone else did.
Wakka began issuing orders. "Lulu, you head on upstairs and see if there are any messages. Yuna, see if the bedrooms need anything. Vilucha, you can get started on washing the sheets. Shammi, I believe the main dining room needs to be dusted." After giving out all the orders, with some very confused people, Wakka faced Rikku last. "And Rikku, I want you to stay here and clean this room up."
"Wakka! You know that's not what she's here for." Lulu spoke up protesting what he had ordered.
He held a hand up to silence her, but it was Rikku who spoke next. "It's okay. I'll do it." Rikku said softly.
Wakka had a smug look as everyone left. He stood in a corner watching as she worked. Rikku first gathered all the dishes from the table and took them into the kitchen. She came back to gather whatever was left behind, mainly glasses and silverware. They too went into the kitchen to be washed. Once more she returned with rag in hand to wipe down the table.
Wakka stood not saying a word until she had finished. "Don't forget the floor." He said as she was about to leave.
Rikku paused in her steps. Her mouth pursed in an 'O' shape as she came back in. "Where is the broom?" She asked.
He pointed back to the kitchen as if she should have known that from the beginning. Rikku returned once more and swept the floor of all debris. Then to make sure to impress him she put the broom back and came back with a mop and bucket of water. She grinned in delight as he scowled. He wasn't going to reprimand her this time.
When she was finished, she stood in front of him waiting to see what else he had for her. "Naw. You can go now." He waved a hand in dismissal. "Just stay close, ya."
With a spring in her step, she left the room and headed outside. "Might as well get started on seeing what I need." She told herself.
Outside she found a run down looking shed. The door was almost hanging off the hinges and the steel frame was rusted from so many years of neglect.
"Just great." She said sarcastically. "Not even a decent work area." Her shoulders drooped and her head dropped in disappointment.
"Rikku need help. Kimahri can help." A low voice growled from behind her.
She lifted her head and turned to see who this newcomer was. She was greeted by a very tall, very blue...thing? "Who, who are you?" She asked trying to control her stuttering.
"Kimahri is Kimahri." He answered.
"Well that says a lot. Hey! How did you know my name?" Her hands found her hips and she leaned forward waiting to hear his answer.
"Kimahri is in charge of security. Knows everything that happens in mansion." He walked past her over to the shed she had been looking at. "Kimahri also help when needed." He grabbed hold of the door to the shed and tore it clean off before throwing it aside.
Rikku gasped at the strength he seemed to have. It was as if he barely had to think about what he was doing. "Note to self." She said mentally. "Don't piss off the Ronso." She moved closer to inspect the inside of the now open shed. It was dusty from years of non-use. Tools and such were askew on the floor and work table inside.
"Looks like I'm going to have to go to town and get supplies in the morning." She said to herself, but out loud.
"Kimahri come with you then. Many dangers in town."
"Are you sure? I can go alone you know." She looked up at him expecting him to agree.
He shook his head. "Kimahri does not mind."
"Okay, if you're sure then." Rikku entered the shed looking over everything making mental notes when needed. "Alright, we leave bright and early so we can get back and I can get started." One fist pumped up in the air as she spoke. Kimahri merely grunted in response. Looking to the sky, Rikku regarded how dark it had become. "I better get inside now. It's getting late. I'll make lists of what I need in my room. Then we will be ready." She took off running, not even bothering to see if Kimahri was behind her or not.
The curtains were pulled open the night before so Rikku would know when the sun came up, and also to allow some light into the room. Just as she hoped, the first rays shone down on her. She stretched her arms wide and sat up. "I'll get a shower first. Then I'll check in with Wakka. Let him know what I plan for today."
Gathering clean clothing from her still unpacked bags, Rikku entered the attached bathroom. The water was hot right away, something she was thankful for. This area was much cooler then the desert she was used to. She quickly washed her hair and body before rinsing and stepping out. She wrapped a towel around her body and dried herself off. After dressing in a yellow tank top and olive green skort, she left the bathroom to find her boots.
Something white on the dresser caught her attention. She walked over to examine it. It was a note from Wakka. It had instructions on it that came from Sir Auron himself. Kimahri must have told them they were going to town together and that she was to say that she was picking up things for the household so they could charge everything there without the need for her to carry gil with her. She also was to take the chocobo and carriage with her to carry everything back in. Kimahri would know where to find it.
With a small smile, Rikku set the note down in order to find her boots. They were found peeking out from the last bag she had brought. She quickly slipped them on before running from her room to find the Ronso. He was waiting for her in the main foyer.
"Morning!" She greeted as she raised one hand and waved. "You ready to go?"
He nodded once before exiting through the door. The breeze that entered hit Rikku and she shivered with the cold. "Whoa, sure is cold in the morning. Hope it gets warmer later." She raced after Kimahri as he waited on the front porch for her.
"Okay, I had a note in my room this morning saying we were supposed to take some kind of carriage with us. I'm hoping you know what's it's talking about?" She asked him once she was at his side.
Kimahri looked at her before walking around the side of the mansion she had not inspected yet. As she followed him around, she saw a stable full of chocobos and three carriages waiting. Kimahri seemed to be pointing out what they would be needing.
"Here you two go then." The handler said. "This is the strongest chocobo we have. It should be just what you need." He smiled at Rikku as Kimahri hooked the animal up to the trailer they would be using to haul everything back in.
Rikku trying to be friendly smiled back at him. "I'm Rikku." She said.
"Clasko. Pleased to meet you. If you ever have any questions about the chocobos, feel free to ask me. I know just about everything about these wonderful birds."
Rikku thought he was a little on the obsessed side, but decided not to say anything. "Well thank you for the offer, but it looks as if we're ready to go. See you later, Clasko!" She hopped up next to Kimahri as he took the reins and started off for town.
Once they arrived and began looking for the needed supplies, Rikku could see why he had insisted he come with her. People stared at her as if she was some heathen, and were even more shocked to find that she was working for Sir Auron. If Kimahri had not been with her, she was sure they would have chased her right out of town calling her a liar.
Rikku carried her notepad in her hand as she traveled from stand to stand picking up what they needed as Kimahri carried it over his shoulder. They made several trips back to the trailer to drop it off before gathering more. It was nearly noon before they finished.
"Are you ready to head back now? It's about time for lunch, you know."
"Kimahri can wait. We will finish here first."
"Well, okay. If you say so." Rikku answered as she scratched her cheek in thought. "We only have a few more things anyway."
They finished quickly and headed back on the trailer. Rikku huddled close to herself trying to preserve warmth. The wind stirred from the moving trailer really made her cold even though it was summer. She would be glad to go back to the desert after this. Kimahri pulled up near the shed she saw the day before. He began to unload everything for her. Jumping off, she helped with what she was able to lift.
Rikku glanced up at the roof figuring she would start with that. It looked as if when it rained, it would leak right in. She would make that first on her list. "Thank you, Kimahri. I'm going to get to work on getting this all organized. See you later." She squatted down and began moving things around to her liking.
It was much later then she realized when Yuna came outside looking for her. "Here you are! I've been looking all over for you."
Rikku looked up from her work so deep in thought she didn't even notice it was getting dark. "Dinner is ready. Wakka sent me to find you. Kimahri said you never ate breakfast or lunch. You must be starved by now."
In response Rikku's stomach let out a small growl. Laughing a little, Rikku rubbed the back of her head. "Guess I am a little. I was so busy that food never occurred to me."
"Well come on then. I saved you a plate."
Rikku stood up to follow. She stopped when she glanced at her hands. "Is it okay if I wash up first? I'm a little dirty."
Yuna turned to see. She began to laugh slightly when she saw just how 'little dirty' Rikku really was. Her hands were black from carrying old wood and metal. Small tears could be seen in her shirt as well as more smudges of dirt. Even her face was not spared the joy of being dirty. She had a long black streak across her cheek and a black smudge on the tip of her nose.
"That may be a good idea. Go up to your room and get a shower. I'll tell Wakka that you won't be able to join us. Someone will be up to bring you some dinner in your room."
Entering the mansion both girls went their separate ways. Yuna to the dinning room, Rikku to her bedroom. Maybe she should have waited for that shower, Rikku thought to herself. But she never did get one the day before. Now she was getting two in one day.
"You really need to learn how to manage things better." Rikku told herself. Upon leaving the shower and getting dressed for the second time that day, Rikku left the bathroom. She gasped when she saw someone in her room. The shock turned to relief when she thought about what Yuna had told her.
"I brought you something to eat." The person said. He used one hand to gesture to the tray of food sitting on the small table by her window.
"Thank you." Rikku said as she sat down to eat. "You must be the person Yuna sent up."
He hummed in response, but did not say any more. The room was silent as Rikku ate while he watched. "Hey, how come you didn't bring anything for yourself? You like watching me eat alone?" He said nothing in return and Rikku went on trying to get something out of him."I know who you are." She noticed he seemed to stand slightly more erect at the discovery. "I saw you twice already. You were watching me when I first came here. Are you a servant too?"
He relaxed when she turned away to take another bite. "I do live here." He answered rather cryptically.
Ignoring the tone he used, Rikku finished eating before setting her plate aside. "That was delicious." She dabbed her napkin to the corner of her mouth. "Do you know what it was?"
"It's one of the master's favorites. Sautéed Flan with spice. A rare treat around here."
"Rare? And he serves it the the servants?" Rikku questioned in bewilderment. Normally special foods like that were saved for special guests. Not the common household.
The man shrugged a shoulder. "The master never has guests. Might as well give it to those who do serve him."
"Oh, I see." She looked to the floor worried she may have said something she shouldn't have. She perked up once more. "I forgot to tell you my name. I'm Rikku. Pleased to meet you."
"Rikku. You are Cid's daughter." He filled in the gap.
"How did you..."
He interrupted before she could finish her question. "We all know you. Cid is an important man among the Al Bhed tribe. But it is getting late now. You worked hard today. Better get some sleep so you will not be too tired for tomorrow. The master does not like servants who do nothing." He nodded once in her direction before slipping out of her room.
Rikku pondered just who he was. He knew her, but did not give a name of who he was. It was the same person she had seen twice before, but yet when she asked about him, Lulu thought she was just tired. But this time she talked to him. Surely she wasn't just imagining him. Was she? Giving up, Rikku lay down in bed for sleep. After all, she had a lot to do for the rest of the week.
Rikku kept herself so busy working on the roof the first week that she had times where she would forget to eat. Not that it bothered her much. It was less time she had to spend with Wakka watching her every move. She wondered what would happen if she were to say just one wrong thing in front of him.
As she worked she could see Yuna working outside in flower beds as the blond she saw at dinner the first night watched. Once in a while the two of them would meet glances only to turn away quickly and blush. The man Yuna had her eyes on worked around the rest of the landscape keeping it in order. It was a large job, but he seemed young and up for the challenge. It was cute watching them from time to time flirt, but starting to get distracting. She really needed to finish this project before the weekend. There were other things needing her attention.
When Kimahri glanced up at her as she worked late in the week, she raised one hand to wave at him and smile. He nodded in return and walked on. He never said anything or did any other gestures, but she could tell he was warming up to her. He at least acknowledged her.
Being that she was so busy, Rikku had no time to ponder on her mystery friend she had made. Not like she had seen him again. Maybe Lulu was right. She was simply tired and had been imagining him. But it was a mystery that she would soon solve.
Well, how did you all like it? Good, bad, in between? Let me know. I plan on this being quite long, but we will see. Hope it is as good as I plan it to be! Gin