The Praetor and The Princess
Disclaimer I don't own Final Fantasy X-2 or any of the characters. I do however, own the storyline. Please, don't take my story. You can use it for reference, just not as your own work. Thanks!
Summary (that's not really a summary...tee hee hee) I have changed this story from the first one. The storyline and plot are a little different, so for those of you who missed the "mish mosh", you really didn't miss anything! I am welcoming CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, not your mindless rantings. Go tell your mommy if you don't like it this time, because I'm not going to be nice. If you think I'm being mean, go cry to someone who cares. I want you to read, and enjoy, and perhaps learn a thing or two. So, don't beat me with your rantings. Now, for the summary! The Gullwings are now completely disbanded, and everyone is living on their own. Will someone fall in love? Will Rikku rebel? Who knows! Go read, and find out! By the way, I'm not giving you any of the pairings, because it would ruin the whole thing. Peace and Love!
Chapter One
Four years after the defeat of Vegnagun and Shuyin, the Gullwings found themselves broken up. Yuna and Tidus were hastily married, and were soon expecting their first child. They lived in Besaid, letting their time pass by lazily. Paine had formed an unlikely and deep bond with Gippal. The two of them were living together in Bikanel, digging their hearts content. Rikku, too, was living in Bikanel, being married off by her impatient father, Cid. Brother and Buddy were busy helping Shinra with a top-secret project, and were not heard from often. The four leaders of Spira were busy uniting their land, and living their lives. Nooj was arranging parties, festivals, and concerts to get the people of Spira together and along, while Baralai was on the lifelong mission of turning his position over to Isaaru. Little did he know, a promotion was in store for him. Cid was trying to get Rikku settled down so he could pass on his legacy. Gippal, as said before, was enjoying the simple life, dismantling rogue machina and unearthing treasures in the sands with Paine.
The day before one of Nooj's big festivals, Rikku was fighting with Cid about a possible husband. The poor young man stood before them, trembling.
"Look at him, pops! He's pathetic." Rikku gestured to the Al Bhed standing there.
"Rikku." Cid sighed heavily, and sat down at his desk. They were almost finished rebuilding Home, and he needed to get Rikku married in order to pass on his position. He didn't care who it was, as she would be able to do as she pleased after the induction. But Rikku cared. She didn't want to marry some lout who would make her unhappy for the rest of her long days.
"Go away." Rikku dismissed him, and he followed her orders gladly.
"Sit down, now." Cid commanded. She whimpered, and sat across from him. "You need to stop being so spoiled, kid."
"I just don't want an awful husband. Try to understand where I'm coming from, daddy." Rikku explained.
"I do understand, really. But when I had to choose a wife, I married the first woman they came up with. All because of my love for the Al Bhed. I know you love them too, please...just pick a husband. For us." Cid pleaded with her. He had only one suitor left on his list, and he had been hoping it wouldn't come to that. He dismissed Rikku, and called upon the final suitor. He was scheduled to arrive the next morning, and have breakfast with Rikku.
Rikku stormed out of her father's office, and out into the town. She was hell-bent on finding someone to share her pain with, so she searched for Gippal. She found him alone in his home, napping. Without waking him, she sat next to him on the sofa, and placed her hand in her lap. She wondered, as she sat there watching her best friend sleep, why her father had not even bothered with Gippal as a candidate. She thought on it for a long time, until Gippal finally awoke to see her there.
"Hey." He greeted her sleepily.
"Hi." She smiled happily, and watched as he rubbed his sleepy eye.
"How'd you get in?" He asked. Gippal didn't seem all that angry that she had just wandered into his home, uninvited.
"Your door was unlocked again." Rikku replied. It was odd for him to ask that question, as he seemed to never lock his door.
"Duh." Gippal smiled, and prepared himself for the bombard of conversation. That was always what Rikku came for, a good long talk.
"My dad is still trying to marry me off." Rikku blurted out, breaking the short-lived silence.
"To whom now?" Gippal asked, resting his head on the back of the couch.
"Everyone." She replied. "Every Al Bhed he can find."
"Yevon. Will he ever give up?" Gippal was very familiar with the story, because Rikku had relayed it to him so many times before. Every time, he listened to her patiently.
"I don't think. And I don't think there's anyone left." She told him.
"Perhaps he should just admit defeat." Gippal suggested.
"Perhaps." Rikku liked the idea of her father giving up, and the Al Bhed nation collapsing, but she quickly dismissed that thought. She loved her people, and would do whatever possible to ensure their well being. Even if it meant marrying a man she didn't love. Rikku left Gippal's, and returned home to her father.
"Daddy." Rikku poked her head in the door, and saw her father lying in his bed, still wearing his work clothes. "Daddy!"
"Come in." Cid sighed, and sat up. He watched Rikku sidle in and shut the door behind her. She sat at the foot of the bed, and looked straight into her father's eyes. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"Daddy, I want you to know, that I'm willing to marry whoever you want me to. I don't care who it is, as long as the Al Bhed are happy and safe." Rikku confessed.
"Thank you, baby. I just want you to be happy." Cid reached out, and pulled his daughter close. "Just make the right choice."
"I will. I promise you that." Rikku cried silently into her father's shoulder. Cid's little girl was growing up quickly, right before his eyes. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Cid let her go, and watched after her as she left the room. Once outside, she shut the door quietly, leaving her father to sleep. She retired to her own room, shedding her usual attire for less revealing pajamas. The light silk cloaked her tiny body, only revealing the slight curves of her torso. She crawled under the sheet, and closed her eyes, readying herself for another long day.
Author's Note I made Gippal and Rikku friends this time, since it seemed to suit them. I know you are all wondering why I made Paine and Gippal "lovers", but I can't really answer that. Include your questions in your review, and I will be glad to answer them next time I post. I hope you enjoyed this, as there will be more to come.
