Macalania



Disclaimer: I don't own FFX, really.

Rikku carefully stepped on the Ice at the water's edge, and sat down beside Tidus. She followed his gaze out over the water, and they sat in silence for several minutes.

She had been desperately trying to think of something to say to him, when he broke the silence.

If I weren't already dead, I would kill myself. he informed her, not moving his gaze from the water's surface.

Rikku's insides gave a painful wrench, but she wasn't sure whether it was out of horror, jealousy, or pity.

Don't say that Tidus! She slid up against him and put her hand on his shoulder. His blue arm guard was freezing cold, and she suspected his skin wasn't any better.

You and my dad where right.

Right about what?

I cried.

Tidus everyone cries. Rikku comforted him, I cried, you saw me cry, remember? You held me until I stopped.

Tidus finally turned and looked at her, his eyes where glazed, and they remained glassy wile he pinned her with his stare.

Why Rikku? he asked finally, Why where you crying? Why where you mad at me? Why the hell did you do all those favors for me?

Because where friends! Rikku said, winking at him, and giving him a goofy grin.

Geez Rikku, your a real coward, why don't you tell him how you feel? Rikku thought to herself, Now would be a perfect time, he is asking about it, why cant you just say Because I love you and no matter what I'll be there when you need help.'

Tidus leaned closer, his eyes starting to focus as he watched Rikku start to fidget under his gaze.

But you must have known something like this would happen. Tidus practically dismissed the topic, and looked down at his gloved hands.

Tidus, honest! I would never ever want anything like this to happen to you! I can hardly bare seeing you in this state. Rikku pulled away, and sat back, one hand to her mouth, and slightly taken aback by his comment.

She was relieved that he didn't call her bluff, but slightly confused at his behavior. She had had no Idea that this would happen. Well, she did find out things before him, but usually people just stuck her with the task of breaking the news to him.

How could I have been so blind? he asked, closing the distance between them so they where side by side again, We where even worried about Seymour escaping! I thought he would try to seize power, not my Yuna.

Yuna is probably the ticket to power, and he knew she was between a rock and a hard place, he knew she wouldn't be able to turn him down.

Can't she get a divorce?

What's a divorce?

Dose Yevon allow married couples to split up?



Rikku circled her arms around Tidus's shoulders, meaning to give him a comforting hug, and to her surprise he leaned up against her, resting the side of his forehead on her shoulder.

She sighed, not more than a day ago he had been hugging her because she was depressed that her and Tidus couldn't be together, and now, she was holding Tidus because he thought the same thing about Yuna.

Tidus though didn't cry, he had been crying for so long that his tears where spent. He did find it oddly comforting leaning against Rikku, and the pounding in his head and clenching of his chest began to ease.

I just can't imagine it. He said after a wile, It was bad enough seeing him kiss her the first time. We all gagged. he added ruefully.

Yea, poor Yunie. Rikku agreed, I hope she doesn't get into trouble because you two slept together. Rikku regretted the words a split second after they escaped her mouth.

I didn't sleep with her. Tidus said, pulling back, his voice almost defensive, Yuna said she wanted to wait until we were married. What gave you that Idea? Then he remembered, I was only kidding about the night of my life, you know.

Never mind. She brought her knees up against her chest, and wrapped her arms around them, then tried to change the subject, I just thought, you know, we would have to worry about Seymour chasing us around trying to kill us again . . . she tried to salvage a joke out of it, then gave up, I shouldn't have brought it up.

Rikku, thanks a lot.

For what? Rikku looked up, she hadn't caught whether he was being sarcastic or not.

I'm not so down in the dumps anymore. It comforted him to know that she would stick by him. He gave her his lopsided grin, and that little stunt she pulled at the end, was she jealous? He tucked the thought in the back of his mind, also making a note to ask Brother just where his younger sister stood in this whole situation.

Come on Rikku, the sun set almost an hour ago. Tidus struggled to his feet, And Auron always said that the worst finds are nocturnal. Lets get back to the Airship.

Rikku's butt was numb from sitting on the Ice, out of habit, she leapt to her feet.

What happened next went by so fast, both teenagers remembered it as a slight blur. Rikku's feet skidded on the Ice, and she lost her balance. She wrapped her fingers around the closest thing, which happened to be Tidus's shirt, and Tidus, realizing that she was going to fall, grabbed one of her elbows and pulled her up and forward trying to steady her.

Before he knew it, Rikku was clasped up against him, and he had practically swept her off the ground in his attempt to steady her.

Are- are you ok? He asked, slightly embarrassed and slightly pleased at the way things had turned out.

Rikku swallowed hard, her heart had leapt to her throat when she fell, it started beating madly in her chest. His cheek was pressed against hers so that she could feel his lips move on her cheek when he spoke, and his hot breath on her ear.

she said when she found her voice again, she released his shirt, and stepped back away from him. She blushed slightly, and after two more instants and half a moment, realized that Tidus hadn't released her arm, in fact, he was still looking at her.

What's wrong? She asked, thinking dully, me falling like that probably made him think of Yunie.

Tidus didn't even hear her, he was lost in thought, was it being here, in Macalania, by the lake, or was it his heartache over Yuna. Sure he liked Rikku, she was a good friend, aside from Wakka, his best friend, he even loved her, she was the one he could count on to be by his side.

At first when he had been on the boat he had liked her, what boy wouldn't like a pretty girl in a skin tight outfit who had just saved him from certain death? Then he met Yuna, and forgot about her, now he looked at the spiral green eyes stareing curiously up at him.

As much as he hated to admit it, she was starting to mean more to him than a friend. It had only taken a crushing break up and a chance slip on the Ice to make him figure it out.

Nothings wrong. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.

Rikku gasped, or tried to, she had expected something after almost a half a minute of getting eyed by the Blitzball player, but a kiss wasn't one of the things that ran through her head.

When she opened her mouth Tidus easily flicked his tongue inside, taking advantage of her surprise to pull her deeper into the kiss. He was disappointed that she didn't return his kiss, and he was about to break it when he felt her hands reach up clumsily around his neck.

He smiled and pulled back, her face was a mixture of bewilderment and happiness that made him grin more widely. He had no Idea what he would say to her, about the kiss, and about Yuna, but he was sure she would ask.

What, why . . .? she trailed off, and he watched as her eyes changed from puzzlement to terror.

Tidus, behind you! she choked.

He whirled around, there was a huge fiend that resembled a Praying Mantis emerging from the woods behind him.

Rikku get out of the way! He yelled, shoving her to the ground, He had no weapon and no shield, and the next thing he knew he was impaled on one of the Mantis's claws. It hissed angrily and hurled him off to the side.

Rikku had managed to get back to her feet on the precarious ice, and had just enough time to watch Tidus get run through, and flung to the side.

You BASTARD!! Rikku was furious at the thing, how dare it! It had hurt, maybe even killed, if that was possible, the boy she loved.

She whipped out two Dark Matters mixed them, and through them at the Mantis. It recovered fast, and it was all she could do to block its attack with her targe.

Oh man! she gasped stealing a look at Tidus, I don't have time for you! She informed the Fiend.

She double cast Ultima on it, and watched with satisfaction as it dissolved into pyreflies. She rushed over to Tidus's, cringing when she saw the damage. She slipped on a no encounters claw, knowing that the smell that the purifying salts emitted would keep the fiends away, even though she couldn't smell anything.

Oh what do I do? she questioned, dropping down next to him. He was breathing, but barely, the wound was through his stomach, and she couldn't really see it through the hole in his cloths.

He is poisoned, she thought, studying the wound, which was greenish. Rikku swore again, she didn't have a big pack, and Tidus didn't have any Items on him.

To her relief, she uncovered an Antidote in the pack on her leg, and busied herself with healing him.

Damn Tidus, you have such weird cloths. She fumbled with the buckles, straps, and zippers for almost a minute before she managed to get his shirt and the top part of his overalls off.

She put a big glob of the antidote on his gash, and after a second or two the greenish color faded. She was relieved to see that the Items worked on him, she has been surprised that he was effected by the poison at all.

She didn't have anything else useful on her except a potion, which she put to Tidus' lips. The gash didn't heal at all, it was just too serious for a potion to have any real effect on.

Alright Rikku, girl, gotta think of something else! she encouraged her brain, I cant get him back to the airship, I gotta get the airship here! A flare will work.

Rikku pulled out a flare like the one she had used to help the group to escape Seymour and Yunie's wedding, and hurled it up as high as she could. It exploded, lighting up the night sky, and she was sure Brother would see it and send out people to get her.

She settled herself down next to Tidus, and pulled off the glove on her left hand. She used it to apply pressure to his wound, trying to use the thick cloth to stop the bleeding. All she had to do was wait.

***

It seemed like hours, but was probably more like 15 minutes, before she heard one of the Al Bhed from the airship moving through the forest and calling her name.

Ujan rana!! Tidus ryc paah rind, kad ramb!! [Over here!! Tidus has been hurt, get help!!]

A group of Al Bheds, most of which she knew appeared out of the frozen woods around her.

Ra haatc du kad du dra yencreb naymmo vycd. [He needs to get to the airship really fast.] she informed them anxiously as they lifted Tidus up, and started slowly making their way out.

. . . Rikku . . . ? she heard Tidus whisper, gasping as one of the Al Bheds stumbled, jogging him.

Yea Tidus? she asked, leaning over him as they walked.

. . . Where . . . are . . . you . . . ?

Right here Tidus. Rikku's voice wavered, and she put her hand on his cheek, repositioning his head so he could see her, Don't worry, Your going to be just fine, we've been through worse! You just have to be ok!

It takes more than this to kill the star of the Zanarkand Abes. he smiled at her, but she could hear him moaning from the pain.

***

Tidus woke up when he felt himself stop. After a couple seconds of silence he opened his eyes. Brother was measuring out a container of liquid and pouring it into a shot. Putting in a sterile needle he walked over and sat down next to Tidus.

How you get yourself into these messes? He asked, and Tidus' mind jumped back to when they first met in the Baaj temple.

Its a gift. Where's Rikku.

Looking for Bandages, and a med pack with needles and thread, then Brothers face became serious, even intense, Thank you, he bowed his head slightly.

For what?

You protected Rikku.

I always will. Tidus told him, smiling warmly as he promised.

You do better job than me. Brother said almost resentfully, and before Tidus could answer, Brother slipped the needle into his arm and he blacked out.

***

What? He woke up? What did he say? Rikku stomped her foot as her brother took the first aid kit and began sewing Tidus back together.

Not much. The first thing he ask was where you where.

Rikku's eyes lit up, Tidus had been worried about her!

Yea, Like your room? Brother asked tying a knot in the thread.

Rikku nodded, they had arrived at home only a half an hour ago, they had had to stop there because there was nothing on the airship to stitch Tidus up with. I didn't get a good look, but it looked a lot like my old one.

Yes, they finally rebuilt this wing of Home, maybe you'll stay with our father for a wile?

Rikku smiled, Trying to keep me out of trouble? she asked, handing him a sterilized towel.

Every time I see this boy's wound I think it could have been you'.

It should have been me, but He made me slip on the ice, so I wouldn't get hit.

Brother shook his head, I am finished, you going to watch him?

Rikku nodded, settling herself against the bed.

Alright, I will go to tell father what has happened, he was really fond of Tidus, I bet he be thrilled to see him again!

***

Tidus gradually woke up because of a throbbing pain in his stomach, after five or six minutes, he gathered enough energy to drag his eyes open.

He wasn't on the airship anymore, instantly he realized that he must be at Home. Where else would Rikku take him?

A movement caught his eye, Brother was carefully mixing together what looked like two Hi-potions.

Seeing that Tidus was awake, he quickly put his finger to his lips, and then pointing. Tidus turned his head and followed his gaze.

Rikku was kneeling at the side of his bed, her head cradled in her arms, and her hair sprawled out over her shoulders. She was fast asleep.

This is the first time in three days she's nodded off, I don't think that a grenade down her shirt would wake her, but I don't want to take any chances. Brother whispered,

How long have I been asleep? he whispered back.

Almost two weeks, and Rikku hasn't left your side for a minute, he winked at Tidus, I can't think of any pretty girls who would do that for me.

Tidus turned back to look at Rikku, he lifted his hand and gently placed it on her head, he felt bad that he was worrying her so much. How bad is it? he asked, turning back to Brother.

Unless we get our hands on some X-potions, you'll be in bed for a few months.

Ohh, Bad news, he needed something to get his mind off of the thought of getting stuck in a bedroom for weeks. How did the tournament go?

We got first! Brother was beaming, I scored the winning goal too! he beat his chest, similar to the way Wakka did. Those two would probably make good friends if only they didn't hate each other's guts.

Good news! Tidus congratulated him, then bit his lip as Rikku shifted under his hand and began to wake up.

Brother pulled out what looked like a pinch of sleeping powder, and sprinkled it on Rikku's nose. she sneezed, but seemed to fall back asleep. Brother slid his arms under her knees, and across her back, and gently lifted her up.

Hey wait! Tidus grabbed his wrist, Do ya, err, do ya think you could leave her here for a wile?

Brother raised an eyebrow.

I just don't want to be alone. Tidus tried to explain.

Ryja ed ouin fyo. [Have it your way.] Brother mumbled, placing her back down, Just get some sleep? He suggested.

Tidus grinned, Only if you try to find me some X-potions.


Ok, I should probably reply to some reviewers now.

Zero-Vision
Thanks for the complement, I'm glad you like it!

krylancelo, SoccerChick88
Heh, sorry Yuna came across as mean, she struck me as the kind of person who will sacrifice everything for the good of the people, so everyone close to her is bound to get hurt.

Dragon Scales1
Yea, hopefully he'll open his eyes a bit soon.

runaway angel
Wow, 5 reviews! I'm honored! and it sounds like your busy too! I checked out your fics, their really good! I haven't played FFX-2 yet, but I'm glad to see Rikku isn't forgotten!

frost
Sorry if you don't like the Tidus/Yuna part, But Tidus would be really OOC (Not to mention a player) if he just forget about Yuna, lickety split, and went running to Rikku.

Genjy0-Sanz0, angels kissx, Saranomy, Chaos
Thanks for your enthusiasm, I usually start the next chapter when I get a review for the one I posted.