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dagas_isaA double dose of Kimahri! They kind of go together, so =P.
Title: Stoicism
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Kimahri, Lulu
Prompt: Purple
Word Count: 484
Rating: G
Summary: Lulu looks at her fellow guardian.
Lulu tries so hard to remain stone-like, like the statues guarding the chamber of the Fayth Yuna is her third summoner, and Lulu knows her role: wait until the apprentice summoner emerges and make sure that no one disturbs the pilgrim inside. Guardians anticipate and fear, like expectant fathers at difficult births. Will their apprentice find the strength to acquire their first Aeon? Will they leave the temple in despair? Might the worst happen, and the summoner die trying to absorb the Aeon?
She's been here before, standing in the same spot, for her other two, but somehow this time is different. Yuna is a different summoner, younger, closer to Lulu's heart than either of her previous charges. And her companion at this vigil is different as well.
Kimahri achieves the facade Lulu longs to create. Stillness completely envelops him, as he simply stands guard. If there's tension in his stance, Lulu can't detect it. Kimahri is the complete opposite of those other guardians she completed this part of the summoner's training with. One reprimanded Lulu for showing the slightest bit of discomfort at the constant standing in the stifling chamber. The other, Wakka, simply did not have the patience to stay still or the fortitude to stay awake.
If Kimahri sees her shuffle momentarily to relieve the discomfort of standing in place after hours of constant alert, he gives no sign of disapproval. No matter how sharply she looks, Lulu cannot read his thoughts or his emotions.
Lulu imagines he feels almost as nervous as she does; Yuna is as much his friend and she is Lulu and Wakka's, and despite the Ronso appearance of being half-fiend, she knows they have more heart and brains than most humans are willing to give them credit for. So it's not from a lack of feeling that he becomes like a stone, but rather the sheer power of will and restraint.
To tell the truth, Kimahri's stillness comforts Lulu in this situation. He reminds her not to worry, that things will come as they come. When Yuna comes out, if Yuna comes out, they will rise to the challenges as they come. They all have their jobs. Yuna will summon, and carry them forward. Lulu will guide them down the roads she knows better than anyone in the groups. Wakka, dumb and lovable, will keep their spirits up on the long journey ahead. And Kimahri, will simply be there, a pillar of strength to do what's needed.
Sounds of footsteps awakes Lulu from her thoughts. She turns towards the Chamber of Fayth, anxious for an answer before she realizes the disturbances comes from the exit. Wakka stands there as a stranger bursts in, and Lulu tenses up in preparation to do her duty as a guardian.
Kimahri still stands stoic, giving the intruders a swift glance before fixing his attention to the Chamber's exit. Lulu steps in to stop the intruders from disturbing Yuna, while Kimahri steps up and catches the exhausted summoner in his arms.
Together, they have completed the guardians' first duty.
Title: A Vigilant Guardian?
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Kimahri, Lulu, Yuna, et. al.
Prompt: Hours.
Word Count: 1274
Rating: PG- for a bit of off-color commentary.
Summary: A reflection of how one can spend a day perfectly still.
One hour before temple duty:
Kimahri lies on his back in the midday sun, letting the star's rays heat his fur as he lounges on the ruins that peek out from the canopy. He's gorged well on the fiends that would have threatened the villagers, well enough to keep his stamina up for whatever trial awaits them. This'll be his last time on the island, and he'll enjoy her embrace once more before accompanying Yuna on her pilgrimage. He needs to leave soon, and report but the afternoon heat prompt him to close his eyes for just a little bit longer.
Zero hours before temple duty:
People still stare at Kimahri, even after ten years of him living near the village. While he understands the fear of those who look different, a decade should have been enough time for people to overcome their anxiety. He lines up with Yuna's other guardians, her foster siblings Wakka and Lulu. Wakka will wait outside the temple, fortunately for everyone, while Lulu and Kimahri will spend their time guarding the antechamber while Yuna prays. He won't regret leaving this part of Besaid behind, although he knows Yuna will miss the village that's raised her.
Temple duty starts:
Kimahri never understood the need humans had to worship Yevon so elaborately. The temple is necessary, yes, to house the Aeon. Kimahri understands that. What he doesn't understand is the nose-clogging incense, and the statues the humans probably can't see in the dim light. The priest explains the rules when they reach the entrance to the cloister. Let the apprentice summoner figure out the trial. Do not let anyone disturb the apprentice summoner while she prays. Do not do anything to disturb the summoner. Kimahri absorbs these rules into his flesh while Yuna and Lulu nod their agreement to the rules.
One hour into temple duty:
Yuna takes her time with the trial, nervous about making mistakes, and never quite willing to ask Kimahri or Lulu for a hint. She reads all the text given to her, and Kimahri wonders what meaning Yuna's gleaning from the symbols that somehow passes over his and Lulu's head. He hears a cracking sound when his attention is elsewhere looking for intruders. A look at the source, and he sees Yuna looking unduly embarrassed and Lulu with a small teasing smile. Kimahri himself holds his expression back, but even he cannot help but be amused and Yuna's little bit of clumsiness.
Two hours into temple duty:
Yuna finally completes the trial, content that she's gleaned every bit of knowledge the temple has to offer her at this moment. They rest in the antechamber. It'll be a bit before Yuna enters and starts to pray. She needs to clear her mind of doubt, the only sludge that will let Yuna fail this trial. Kimahri waits, as he's used to doing, until she says, "All right it's time." Kimahri nods, and prepares for the long vigil ahead.
Five hours into temple duty:
Lulu begins to get fidgety, something Kimahri expected only after Sin had vanquished permanently. Her posture tells him more about the situation than what words can. Yuna has been inside for a long time, and Lulu expects that she should be out. His instincts tell him differently, that she'll be more deliberate and thorough in her prayers than other summoners. Certainly, it's not because she's tottering on the brink of failure.
Eight hours into temple duty:
Days of training as a Ronso warrior come back to Kimahri. Suddenly he's no longer in the too warm, too still antechamber, but rather exposed on the mountain trail. Even with thick fur, the ice and chill winds blast at his defenses. He learned patience on Gagazet, and the lessons are coming back to him. He's also remembering how much he disliked that particular part of training. Life, motion, all the things worth loving are temporarily drained away and there's nothing but the waiting. He's a patient Ronso, and he'll see this through.
Ten hours into temple duty:
Kimahri figures it's night by now. The last of his rich afternoon meal is digesting, and unfortunately guardians are required to fast while their summoner is praying. Yuna takes her time; it's no longer her friends she thinks of, but all of Spira. Better to keep a few waiting than to somehow mess up and let down thousands. Lulu seems to show similar signs of discomfort, and Kimahri would not condemn her if she chose to sit down, or pace. He still faces this challenge, although perhaps his thoughts begin to wander.
Twelve hours into temple duty:
He wants a Ronso mate, as if a Hornless Ronso would ever be in a position to find a mate, but Kimahri's learned to appreciate human beauty as well. As fearful of Lulu's temper as any of the villagers, Kimahri makes sure to keep his thoughts completely in check. In all honesty though, he enjoys watching her move around when she thinks no one is watching, and the way her motion shows of her...assets. Yes, that was the euphemism he's heard Wakka and Chappu use before, when neither of them thought anyone was listening. He doesn't lust after her, like human males do, rather he likes the process of ripening that she's done over the years, and particularly the results of said ripening.
Sixteen hours into temple duty:
It's long past night, and Kimahri feels the sun rising in the world outside the temple. Priests claim the chamber of the Fayth is built so deep into the chamber, that time becomes immeasurable. Kimahri knows sunrise and sunset, even when isolated from the outside world. His body feels a bit heavy from lack of sleep, and the second wind has not quite taken effect yet. Lulu too, seems to droop with fatigue, although he gives her credit for trying to conceal her state.
Nineteen hours into temple duty:
Inhale. Two. Three. Four. Exhale. Two. Three. Four. Kimahri becomes blank, like a clear sky. Thoughts enter his head like winds, and while he enjoys them in passing, he refuses to grab any for further investigation. Like a long stint on guard duty, Kimahri becomes impermeable to anything around him and retreats into his body, leaving any anxiety and physical discomfort outside of his shell.
Twenty-two hours into temple duty:
Kimahri wakes from his open-eyed sleep. He feels something coming towards them. Slight scrapes of spheres plugging into holes. A distant rumble of an explosion, all hint that someone has chosen to check up on Yuna. Most likely Wakka, visiting on behalf of those outside concerned for Yuna's safety. Kimahri turns an ear towards the exit, the better to hear any further developments. For now he waits, later he'll take action.
Twenty-three hours into temple duty:
The door slides open with a stony grind, and a human pup rushes in. Wakka stands behind him with a stance of defeat. Lulu rushes to react, demanding what these two are doing in the sanctuary. Kimahri though, hears a more subtle sound: lighter footsteps, a glide of a better maintained door. Yuna finally comes out, weary but radiant, with a smile etched across her face. She's now a summoner, although she doesn't quite have the energy to stand any more.
Kimahri bounds across the room while the others stand staring. She falls into his waiting arms, and he supports her as they walk out of the cloister together. Later, she'll be embarrassed and mumble her apologies for showing her exhaustion, and Kimahri will inwardly smile, knowing that they all fulfilled their duties that long day.
Title: Stoicism
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Kimahri, Lulu
Prompt: Purple
Word Count: 484
Rating: G
Summary: Lulu looks at her fellow guardian.
Lulu tries so hard to remain stone-like, like the statues guarding the chamber of the Fayth Yuna is her third summoner, and Lulu knows her role: wait until the apprentice summoner emerges and make sure that no one disturbs the pilgrim inside. Guardians anticipate and fear, like expectant fathers at difficult births. Will their apprentice find the strength to acquire their first Aeon? Will they leave the temple in despair? Might the worst happen, and the summoner die trying to absorb the Aeon?
She's been here before, standing in the same spot, for her other two, but somehow this time is different. Yuna is a different summoner, younger, closer to Lulu's heart than either of her previous charges. And her companion at this vigil is different as well.
Kimahri achieves the facade Lulu longs to create. Stillness completely envelops him, as he simply stands guard. If there's tension in his stance, Lulu can't detect it. Kimahri is the complete opposite of those other guardians she completed this part of the summoner's training with. One reprimanded Lulu for showing the slightest bit of discomfort at the constant standing in the stifling chamber. The other, Wakka, simply did not have the patience to stay still or the fortitude to stay awake.
If Kimahri sees her shuffle momentarily to relieve the discomfort of standing in place after hours of constant alert, he gives no sign of disapproval. No matter how sharply she looks, Lulu cannot read his thoughts or his emotions.
Lulu imagines he feels almost as nervous as she does; Yuna is as much his friend and she is Lulu and Wakka's, and despite the Ronso appearance of being half-fiend, she knows they have more heart and brains than most humans are willing to give them credit for. So it's not from a lack of feeling that he becomes like a stone, but rather the sheer power of will and restraint.
To tell the truth, Kimahri's stillness comforts Lulu in this situation. He reminds her not to worry, that things will come as they come. When Yuna comes out, if Yuna comes out, they will rise to the challenges as they come. They all have their jobs. Yuna will summon, and carry them forward. Lulu will guide them down the roads she knows better than anyone in the groups. Wakka, dumb and lovable, will keep their spirits up on the long journey ahead. And Kimahri, will simply be there, a pillar of strength to do what's needed.
Sounds of footsteps awakes Lulu from her thoughts. She turns towards the Chamber of Fayth, anxious for an answer before she realizes the disturbances comes from the exit. Wakka stands there as a stranger bursts in, and Lulu tenses up in preparation to do her duty as a guardian.
Kimahri still stands stoic, giving the intruders a swift glance before fixing his attention to the Chamber's exit. Lulu steps in to stop the intruders from disturbing Yuna, while Kimahri steps up and catches the exhausted summoner in his arms.
Together, they have completed the guardians' first duty.
Title: A Vigilant Guardian?
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Kimahri, Lulu, Yuna, et. al.
Prompt: Hours.
Word Count: 1274
Rating: PG- for a bit of off-color commentary.
Summary: A reflection of how one can spend a day perfectly still.
One hour before temple duty:
Kimahri lies on his back in the midday sun, letting the star's rays heat his fur as he lounges on the ruins that peek out from the canopy. He's gorged well on the fiends that would have threatened the villagers, well enough to keep his stamina up for whatever trial awaits them. This'll be his last time on the island, and he'll enjoy her embrace once more before accompanying Yuna on her pilgrimage. He needs to leave soon, and report but the afternoon heat prompt him to close his eyes for just a little bit longer.
Zero hours before temple duty:
People still stare at Kimahri, even after ten years of him living near the village. While he understands the fear of those who look different, a decade should have been enough time for people to overcome their anxiety. He lines up with Yuna's other guardians, her foster siblings Wakka and Lulu. Wakka will wait outside the temple, fortunately for everyone, while Lulu and Kimahri will spend their time guarding the antechamber while Yuna prays. He won't regret leaving this part of Besaid behind, although he knows Yuna will miss the village that's raised her.
Temple duty starts:
Kimahri never understood the need humans had to worship Yevon so elaborately. The temple is necessary, yes, to house the Aeon. Kimahri understands that. What he doesn't understand is the nose-clogging incense, and the statues the humans probably can't see in the dim light. The priest explains the rules when they reach the entrance to the cloister. Let the apprentice summoner figure out the trial. Do not let anyone disturb the apprentice summoner while she prays. Do not do anything to disturb the summoner. Kimahri absorbs these rules into his flesh while Yuna and Lulu nod their agreement to the rules.
One hour into temple duty:
Yuna takes her time with the trial, nervous about making mistakes, and never quite willing to ask Kimahri or Lulu for a hint. She reads all the text given to her, and Kimahri wonders what meaning Yuna's gleaning from the symbols that somehow passes over his and Lulu's head. He hears a cracking sound when his attention is elsewhere looking for intruders. A look at the source, and he sees Yuna looking unduly embarrassed and Lulu with a small teasing smile. Kimahri himself holds his expression back, but even he cannot help but be amused and Yuna's little bit of clumsiness.
Two hours into temple duty:
Yuna finally completes the trial, content that she's gleaned every bit of knowledge the temple has to offer her at this moment. They rest in the antechamber. It'll be a bit before Yuna enters and starts to pray. She needs to clear her mind of doubt, the only sludge that will let Yuna fail this trial. Kimahri waits, as he's used to doing, until she says, "All right it's time." Kimahri nods, and prepares for the long vigil ahead.
Five hours into temple duty:
Lulu begins to get fidgety, something Kimahri expected only after Sin had vanquished permanently. Her posture tells him more about the situation than what words can. Yuna has been inside for a long time, and Lulu expects that she should be out. His instincts tell him differently, that she'll be more deliberate and thorough in her prayers than other summoners. Certainly, it's not because she's tottering on the brink of failure.
Eight hours into temple duty:
Days of training as a Ronso warrior come back to Kimahri. Suddenly he's no longer in the too warm, too still antechamber, but rather exposed on the mountain trail. Even with thick fur, the ice and chill winds blast at his defenses. He learned patience on Gagazet, and the lessons are coming back to him. He's also remembering how much he disliked that particular part of training. Life, motion, all the things worth loving are temporarily drained away and there's nothing but the waiting. He's a patient Ronso, and he'll see this through.
Ten hours into temple duty:
Kimahri figures it's night by now. The last of his rich afternoon meal is digesting, and unfortunately guardians are required to fast while their summoner is praying. Yuna takes her time; it's no longer her friends she thinks of, but all of Spira. Better to keep a few waiting than to somehow mess up and let down thousands. Lulu seems to show similar signs of discomfort, and Kimahri would not condemn her if she chose to sit down, or pace. He still faces this challenge, although perhaps his thoughts begin to wander.
Twelve hours into temple duty:
He wants a Ronso mate, as if a Hornless Ronso would ever be in a position to find a mate, but Kimahri's learned to appreciate human beauty as well. As fearful of Lulu's temper as any of the villagers, Kimahri makes sure to keep his thoughts completely in check. In all honesty though, he enjoys watching her move around when she thinks no one is watching, and the way her motion shows of her...assets. Yes, that was the euphemism he's heard Wakka and Chappu use before, when neither of them thought anyone was listening. He doesn't lust after her, like human males do, rather he likes the process of ripening that she's done over the years, and particularly the results of said ripening.
Sixteen hours into temple duty:
It's long past night, and Kimahri feels the sun rising in the world outside the temple. Priests claim the chamber of the Fayth is built so deep into the chamber, that time becomes immeasurable. Kimahri knows sunrise and sunset, even when isolated from the outside world. His body feels a bit heavy from lack of sleep, and the second wind has not quite taken effect yet. Lulu too, seems to droop with fatigue, although he gives her credit for trying to conceal her state.
Nineteen hours into temple duty:
Inhale. Two. Three. Four. Exhale. Two. Three. Four. Kimahri becomes blank, like a clear sky. Thoughts enter his head like winds, and while he enjoys them in passing, he refuses to grab any for further investigation. Like a long stint on guard duty, Kimahri becomes impermeable to anything around him and retreats into his body, leaving any anxiety and physical discomfort outside of his shell.
Twenty-two hours into temple duty:
Kimahri wakes from his open-eyed sleep. He feels something coming towards them. Slight scrapes of spheres plugging into holes. A distant rumble of an explosion, all hint that someone has chosen to check up on Yuna. Most likely Wakka, visiting on behalf of those outside concerned for Yuna's safety. Kimahri turns an ear towards the exit, the better to hear any further developments. For now he waits, later he'll take action.
Twenty-three hours into temple duty:
The door slides open with a stony grind, and a human pup rushes in. Wakka stands behind him with a stance of defeat. Lulu rushes to react, demanding what these two are doing in the sanctuary. Kimahri though, hears a more subtle sound: lighter footsteps, a glide of a better maintained door. Yuna finally comes out, weary but radiant, with a smile etched across her face. She's now a summoner, although she doesn't quite have the energy to stand any more.
Kimahri bounds across the room while the others stand staring. She falls into his waiting arms, and he supports her as they walk out of the cloister together. Later, she'll be embarrassed and mumble her apologies for showing her exhaustion, and Kimahri will inwardly smile, knowing that they all fulfilled their duties that long day.
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Date: 2006-06-14 01:15 am (UTC)It's exactly right, and again I find it hard to comment, I just absorbed it.
One small item: was the first piece supposed to end where it does? It's missing a period, and I felt as if it would've gone on for another sentence or two, for the exact parallel.
(And good grief, you're so right, a stoic Ronso and a fairly seasoned Guardian would have managed the 24-hour vigil, but I'm not sure Wakka could have.)