No Love Lost
Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2 nor the characters or the story line. I just write fanfiction.
**Ormi's Point Of View**
'Well it's about time we made it back.' I thought with a sigh, 'My feet are killing me!'
We's walked all the way back to Guadosalam from the Mi'hen highroad. The crowds of sphere hunters had luckily retired for the night when we arrived, I could see the boss was pretty pleased with that. She doesn't like to be seen so vulnerable-like, ya know? For the past few miles, Logos and I took turns carrying her. She was pretty tired by the time we reached Moonflow. She would stumble from time to time or almost walk into things. We's had to force her to be carried too. Heh, I have the bruises to prove it. At the moment, it is Logos's turn to carry her. I dunno if it's just me, but I could have sworn Logos enjoyed carrying her. I'm kinda leanin' towards it not being just me. I couldn't help but smirk at the annoyed pout the boss had on her face for the past five hours. She inclined her chin and tilted her head to the side.
"We are almost there, love. You can put me down now." She said through clenched teeth.
"You sure yous can walk, boss?" I asked with concern.
"Of course I can!" She glared, "Now put me down!"
"As you wish, boss." Logos said as he placed her gently on the ground.
We both watched as the boss dusted herself off and straightened her dress. She turned away and began to walk. But after two steps she fell to the ground with a cry. I gasped and ran to her side and Logos did the same. We both knelt down on either side of her.
"Boss! What's the matter!?" I exclaimed.
"I-I'm okay, loves." she groaned.
"I highly doubt it, boss. No one collapses like that after being carried for five hours." Logos told her.
'He's right. She should have rested long enough to not be tired right now! …I'm startin' to think she ain't tired…' I sighed.
"Take off your boots." Logos told her.
'WHAT!? What does he think he's doin'!?' I gave him a deadly glare that told him this was no time for such things.
Logos saw this, "Relax, Ormi, I am merely checking for injuries." He told me.
I relaxed. 'He really had me going for a while' I heaved a sigh.
"There is no need to check for injuries! I'm fine!" the boss spat as Logos began to remove one of her boots.
"Is that so?" Logos raised an eyebrow, "Then pray tell, boss, are these bruises that are formed around your ankle? I don't believe they were here before."
I leaned over to see a large blackish-purplish bruise around her dainty ankle. I grimaced at the sight of it. I studied their faces.
'She seemed angry and yet somewhat ashamed, and Logos seems quite concerned, yet dead serious. She sure hates being on the receiving end of pity and sympathy. I dunno why but she doesn't. I don't understand why she can't see that Logos and I worry about her. Heck, like I said this mornin', we'd fall apart without her.' I sighed again.
"Boss, yous haven't been walkin' around on with this knowin' it was there, right?" I asked.
"…" She bowed her head and didn't respond.
"Boss, you must take better care of yourself!" Logos told her sternly.
The boss just seemed uninterested and rolled her eyes.
"Boss!"
The three of us looked up to see a small group of four Fem-goons run up to us. They knelt before the boss.
"Boss are you okay?" asked one.
"What happened?!" asked the second fem-goon.
"I'm fine, really, loves." Leblanc told them.
"Here, we'll get you inside and get you to rest." Said another.
"Come on! Let's get her inside!" said the forth as put the boss's arm around her shoulder and another fem-goon did the same with the bosses other arm.
The two of them helped her two her feet and began to walk her inside. The other two stayed behind and turned to Logos and I. They both glared through the veils that covered their faces… or at least I think they were.
"How could you two let this happen!?" One of them snapped.
"Excuse me?" Logos sneered and folded his arms as he stood up.
"Yeah! You two are supposed to be her seconds in command! How could you let this happen to the boss?!" The other said angrily.
"You let her walk on that thing with out treating it! What kind of bodyguards are you!?" the first spat.
"Hey! We's didn't even find out about it until now!" I protested and stood up.
"That is right! She refused to inform us about her injury, and we stayed with her every minute of the way back here! Unlike you, who were one of the many after being defeated ran straight back without thinking that the boss might need back up!" Logos said in our defense.
'Way to tell 'em buddy! Those dames have been put in their place!' I smiled.
"Humph! We don't need to take this! Come on, Hanna, we've got better things to do than argue with these losers." One of them mocked as she turned away and headed for the chateau.
"Hmph!" The other made a mocking gesture and followed the other.
I shook my head, "Damn rookies, they think they walk the walk and talk the talk, but they're just blowin' off hot air, right buddy?" I turned my head to see Logos shrug.
"They are quite the nuisance, and quite cocky, but they will mature sooner or later. Hopefully that is." Logos sighed as he began to walk towards the chateau.
Suddenly he stopped and turned his head back to me.
"And yes, don't call me your 'buddy'." Logos sneered.
"Whatever." I sighed and began to follow him into the chateau.
'Jeez. He's so touchy. 'Wonder what his problem is…' I thought with a sighed as I shut the Chateau door behind me.
~~Leblanc's Point of View~~
I lay in bed staring at the ceiling of my canopy bed. The girls had wrapped my ankle and left the room for the moment. I weakly placed my arm over my face, shielding my eyes. The light stung my eyes.
'I just want to sleep…' I moaned in my head, 'Someone turn that damn light off!'
"Ugh…" I groaned aloud as I rolled over on to my side.
I looked across the room to the statue of my Noojie-Woojie in the glass case. I sighed and stared at it lovingly.
'Oh Noojie…' I sigh in my head, '…failed you today… I've shown weakness, love. How will my men see me now? They need a strong leader… It was inexcusable. I must try to be the good leader you desire me to be, I will become everything you wanted me to be…'
I slowly crawled out of bed and placed my feet on the ground. I winced in pain. My ankle hurt like hell. I limped toward the statue. I pressed myself against the cold glass. I winced again. My bruises ached and my ankle throbbed.
'Damn those Dullwings!' I cursed in my mind, 'My perfect body has been beaten and bruised. How dare they humiliate me like this! They shall pay soon enough! I swear it! I swear it to my soul! I swear to you, my beloved…' I began to feel my legs trembling.
They are exhausted, as is the rest of my body. I could feel myself slipping to the ground, to my knees.
"Oh, Noojie… How long must we be apart…?" I asked the lifeless bronze statue softly.
I began to wish for his comfort… like he used to show me…
--Logos's Point Of View--
'I can't go in.' I released my hand from the knob, 'But… I should at least check on her. It is my duty as her second in command.'
I grasped the knob in my hand once more, then… I slowly let go once more. I had been outside her door for at least twenty minutes now, arguing with myself whether I should see her or not. The last thing I wanted was to upset her.
'She might not necessarily enjoy my presence… but then again, she might be expecting it.' I sighed, 'Why must women be so complex? Infatuation with women is basically like Russian Roulette. A deadly gamble. You take the chance, and you're either safe, or you get blown away.'
I crossed my arms and closed my eyes and continued to contemplate.
'For all I know, she might not even be decent…' Suddenly a smirk played upon my lips, '…then again, all the better.'
I grasped the doorknob firmly in my hand and turned it, opening the door. I poked my head inside.
"Boss?" I heard no answer.
I stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind me. I entered the room and stopped dead short at the sight before me. There she lay… The boss was fast asleep, leaning against the glass case that the eerie statue of the Youth League leader stood within.
'She looks angelic and so peaceful.' I smiled to myself, 'She is but a thing of beauty, left untouched by the raging ugliness of harsh reality.'
I took a few steps closer and knelt beside her. I brushed the bangs that hid her face.
'She looks so shy and lovely in dream. It's hard to believe such a visage of innocence could be so blunt, bossy, demanding and strict.' I chuckled quietly as I scooped her up in my arms.
She felt so warm, and the scent of her perfume was heavenly. I let out a sigh as I carried her toward her bed and lay her down gently. I smiled and gazed upon her. I found myself wanting to caress her cheek, but I suddenly smacked myself mentally.
'This is very unprofessional! I know of the fact that she could never possible feel the same way and might feel threatened by my boyish infatuation.' I sighed and turned away from her.
I found myself facing the bronze statue of Meyvan. Its bronze eyes stared almost coldly into my own. I glared at the statue as I walked up to it, merely a few inches from the glass casing.
"You do not deserve her devotion." I spat at the lifeless statue.
I then turned on my heel and left the room without another thought.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun rose and pierced the darkness, spreading waves of color through out the sky. Leblanc exited her room at a healthy stride. Her ankle felt much better thanks to her Fem-goons white magic. Leblanc walked toward the railing looked down at the floor below. There stood Ormi and Logos at attention. Leblanc smiled warmly as descended the stairs. She couldn't help it, she still wasn't used to how their eyes followed her every move.
"Good morning, boys." She greeted as she slowly approached them.
"Good morning, boss." They answered in unison, still in attention.
"I want a goon status report." She said as she paced back and forth in front of them.
"We have a count of zilch deaths, fifteen injuries and five of them that are still in da infirmary, boss." Ormi told her.
"I see. Tell the Dr.Goons that I want all five of those in the infirmary to be especially taken care of and brought to tip-top shape by the end of next week." Leblanc told him, "And until then, those with injuries may have the rest of the week off of duty."
"Right, boss." Ormi nodded.
"I want a sphere wave analysis." Leblanc began to wave her fan as she continued to pace.
"One of the Goons spotted some sphere waves coming from the ruins above Mt. Gagazet." Logos told her.
Leblanc stopped her pacing, "I see. All right, loves. We'll take five goon squadrons and leave immediately." She told them.
"Boss…" the two of them looked to her ankle.
"It's fine. Now gather up the goons and we'll leave. NOW!" Leblanc ordered.
"Yes, boss." The two of them nodded and left without another word.
Leblanc heaved a sigh and waved her fan quickly.
Leblanc lead the way up the mountain at a steady pace. Her hands were numb as the cold wind seeped through her gloves. 'What a time to wear this dress.' She growled in her mind. She looked down bellow to see that Logos and Ormi were following close behind, with the goons behind them. She looked up to see that they were close to the ruins, but it was still a long way to go. As Leblanc contemplated this, suddenly a cold gust of wind blew up the skirt of her dress. Logos looked up just in time to see the sight with a grin on his face. Leblanc franticly tried to keep her skirt down with one hand and the other still grasping the cliff. She looked down to find Logos and Ormi both smiling.
"What are YOU looking at!?" Leblanc snapped.
"Uh… nothing, boss, nothing at all." Logos turned his head to the side, trying his best not to smile.
"Yeah, nothin' at all, boss." Ormi covered his eyes with one hand.
Leblanc gave them a long hard glare then continued to climb. Ormi and Logos gave each other a smirk and continued to follow her up the face of the cliff. After a while of scraped knees and numb hands, they finally made it to a ledge. Leblanc pulled herself onto the ledge and heavy a sigh as she sat down on the hard ground. She looked up to see Ormi and Logos climb onto the ledge and joined her on the ground as many goons did the same.
"We'll rest here for now." Leblanc told them, "But only for a short while."
The goons nodded and began to chat amongst themselves. Logos and Ormi watched their breath ascend to the sky in the cold atmosphere, reminding them of drakes. They both agreed that the scenery was exquisite from up there. They could see all over Spira. The two of them heard a shudder. They both turned to see their boss rubbing her arms and shivering from the cold. The two of them couldn't help but smile. They moved over to either side of her and each placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, boss," Ormi caught her attention, "are you cold?"
"Would you like one of our coats? You are not necessarily dress for such weather." Logos smirked.
Leblanc smiled, "Thank you, but I'm fine."
"You sure? You're shakin' like a Flan Palido!" Ormi smiled.
Leblanc laughed cheerfully, as well did her two companions. She gave them a smile then stood. Her serious expression soon returned and the laughter stopped.
"I think we've had enough rest for now, loves. Let's keep going." Leblanc told them.
"Hey, boss! Look!" A goon shouted and pointed upward.
Logos and Ormi rose to their feet and stood up on either side of Leblanc. The three of look up to see their familiar figures jumping across the rocks above. The three of them recognized their most "interesting" outfits.
"The Gullwings!" Ormi exclaimed.
"Ugh, not them again." Logos sneered up at them.
A smiled played on Leblanc's lips.
"Perfect." She smirked.
"What's that?!" Ormi looked surprised at her.
"Boss, are you feel quite alright?" Logos asked, wondering if the cold got to her head.
"This is perfect." She repeated, "Instead of making the effort to find the sphere on our own, why not let the Dullwings lead us right to it?"
"Genius, boss!" Ormi smiled.
"We'll jump them before they can have their little grubby hands on it!" Logos smirked.
"Exactly." Leblanc smiled, then turned to the goons, "I want three squadrons spread out through the area, to slow them down! And I want the other two squads to move ahead! Got it?"
"Yes, boss!" The goons said in unison and jumped out of sight.
Leblanc then turned back to Logos and Ormi, "Now, let's hurry, loves, before we lose sight of them!"
Leblanc ran towards the cliff face and began to climb up it with great speed. Logos and Ormi exchanged looks and followed her, shouting for her to wait up for them. But she ignored them and focused on catching up with the Gullwings. Her hands were becoming awfully sore from the climbing. Perhaps they should have rested a bit longer. Leblanc felt the weather change as she got higher, she was now in the sunlight, and the cold wind were replaced with warm rays of sun. Leblanc was about to make it to the top when suddenly, her foot slipped.
"Uh!" She cried out as she quickly braced herself against the granite face.
Leblanc quickly regained her footing and was about to pull herself over the ledge when suddenly…
"Who's there?" a voice demanded.
Busted. Leblanc rolled her eyes and pulled herself over the ledge. She stood up and dusted herself off then walked hotly towards the Gullwings who were somewhat surprised to see her.
"Er, Leblanc. Remember that name well, loves!" Leblanc placed her hands on her hips.
"Ah, the thief." Yuna placed a finger on her chin.
Leblanc was offended. She was no thief! She quickly regained her composure and spoke calmly.
"Whatever do you mean?" Leblanc folded her arms, "Ugh! That's what I hate about amateurs…"
"Maybe she will go away if we ignore her." Rikku giggled.
Leblanc fumed, "You! I heard that! Just as I was saying: amateurs! They have no concept of what it takes to be a true sphere hunter." Leblanc mocked.
"Amateurs?" Paine folded her arms, "Weren't you following us?"
Leblanc's face blushed furiously, but then shook it off, and responded coolly, "Following? A mere coincidence."
Suddenly Logos and Ormi appeared walked up and stood on either side of Leblanc.
"Yous was right, boss, as always." Ormi said striking a pose.
"Indeed, following them has paid off splendidly." Logos added twirling his revolvers.
Leblanc shot them both a death glare. The Gullwings burst into giggles as Leblanc blushed furiously and knitted her brows.
Leblanc pointed her fan at them and glared, "Laugh while you can!"
The Gullwings immediately stopped giggling as Yuna was knocked from a swift smack to the face by Leblanc's fan. Yuna looked up in shock. Rikku and Paine drew their weapons.
"How dare you hit Yunie!" Rikku scolded as she charged Leblanc.
Before Rikku could hit her, Ormi stepped in the way and she ran straight into his shield. Rikku paced around dizzily for a few steps then fell to the ground. Meanwhile Paine was running around, swiftly dodging bullets. She kept running until she found an opening and rush at Logos. He quickly saw this and rapid squeezed the triggers of his revolvers with lightning speed. Paine twirled her sword blocking each bullet as she charged forward. Once the barrage of bullets ceased she made a swipe at him with her sword, but he only jumped back and countered the attack with a bullet fired into her arm. Paine shouted in agony as she held her bleeding arm. Logos smirked and aimed one of his revolvers at her head. He was about to pull the trigger when suddenly a searing pain took over his hand as he dropped the gun. He turned with a hiss to see Yuna pointing her gun at him. She approached him slowly and Paine did the same, ignoring the agonizing pain in her arm. Logos stood there and slowly began to raise his hands to the sky, but as luck would have it, the sky rumbled and the two girls were struck by lightning and fell to the ground. Logos looked to see Leblanc all beat up, and breathing heavily. She approached Logos and handed him in revolver. Logos began to open his mouth when he was struck across the face with her fan.
"Get your act together!" She shouted and snapped her fingers, then chanted, "Love tap!"
Logos began to feel a relief of his injuries and his speed increased. Logos smiled at her and rubbed his cheek. She smirked and turned away from him beginning to chant again. Logos ran over to assist Ormi who was still struggling with the stubborn Albhed youth. Yuna and Paine rose to their feet groggily then spotted Leblanc about to cast Thunder again. The two of them exchanged glances and began to retreat towards Rikku, who was struggling with the two men attacking her at once. Before they could make it to their friend, the three of them were hit with an electric jolt and fell to the ground. The three Syndicate Leaders crowded around the fallen Gullwings.
"Ha! They never stood a chance! Let's finish them off, boys!" Leblanc smirked.
"Our pleasure, boss." Ormi laughed.
"Foolish girl will pay for our past humiliation!" Logos sneered at YRP.
Before they could finish the three girls off, Paine suddenly spun her leg and tripped Logos, causing him to knock into Ormi and they both fell to the ground. Paine gripped her sword and began to approach Leblanc. Leblanc paced backward. Paine swung her sword only to have it blocked by Leblanc's fan. Paine gave a shocked look, then withdrew and began to swing it at the Magenta clad woman repeatedly. Leblanc dodged and blocked as best she could. Paine held her sword by the ends and thrusted the flat-side forward and knocked Leblanc to the ground. Leblanc let out a yelp as she hit the ground.
"Boss!" Ormi and Logos exclaimed as they quickly rose to their feet.
They were about to rush to their boss's aid when the two other Gullwings blocked their way. Logos snared and quickly pulled the hammer and fired his revolvers past Yuna's head and knocked the sword out of Paine's hands. Logos didn't have time to celebrate for just a few seconds later he received a roundhouse to the head and fell to the ground. Yuna and Rikku then turned to Ormi but before they could attack a large gust of wind knocked them off their feet and they feel to the ground as well. Ormi let out a laugh and began to spin around on one foot. Meanwhile Leblanc had backed Paine up to where Yuna and Rikku stood up holding their aching heads. Leblanc then jumped out of the way as Ormi let his shield go flying out of his hands and knock all three of the girls down at once. Rikku was the first to get up as and ran around Leblanc in a circle. The young Albhed was too fast for Leblanc to hit and she soon became dizzy. Suddenly a searing pain exploded in Leblanc side and she fell to the ground in pain and let out a cry of agony. The High Summoner had shot her in the ribs. Ormi soon found himself surrounded by the three young Gullwings. Before he knew it he blacked out from a heck of a lot of pain.
Leblanc weakly rose to her feet and breathed a few words and glittering lights surrounded the three syndicate members. The sparkles soon faded as the stood up, fully healed of wounds. The Gullwings turned to them. Perhaps the fight wasn't over yet.
Leblanc placed her hands on her hips as Logos and Ormi stood behind her, "Hmph! And this is the thanks I get for going easy on you."
The Gullwings knotted their brows. Leblanc merely smirked and pulled a smoke bomb from her sleeve and tossed it onto the ground causing the three syndicate members to disappear in a smoke screen, leaving the three Gullwings coughing and hacking.
"H-Hey!" Yuna managed to shout over the smoke.
"Who does she think she is?" Rikku coughed.
"She's getting hurt." Paine snarled and continued to cough.
Meanwhile the three syndicate members managed to find their way out of the smoke screen and ran across the ruins.
"This way boys!" Leblanc called back to her colleagues as she scrambled up a fall pillar to a higher platform and jumped across to reach a door.
Logos and Ormi followed closely as they entered the door. Leblanc suddenly stopped which, because they were following so close caused the two older men to bump into her and collapse to the ground.
"GET OFF ME!" Leblanc shouted, pounding her fists on Ormi who had fallen over her chest.
"Sorry, boss." Ormi said.
He stood up to reveal Logos who was lying across her lap who was gasping for air.
"Dear Lord, Ormi! You need to get air pockets for that body mass of yours!" Logos shouted between breaths.
"Yous callin' me fat!?" Ormi snarled.
"Well-"
"Ahem!" Leblanc interrupted him with a glare.
Logos soon realized his position and slowly got up with an embarrassed look on his face and held out a hand to his boss. Leblanc took his hand and pulled herself to her feet and brushed herself off.
"Now, as I was saying before I was crushed by my OWN men. Logos you stay here and delay the Dullwings with a squadron of goons. Then, love, catch up to us as soon as possible." Leblanc told him.
"Yes boss." Logos nodded with a slight blush still in his cheeks.
Leblanc then turned to the shadows.
"Squadron Alpha! Assemble!" She ordered.
A pair of goons and two Recoils emerged from the shadows and stood at attention before the three syndicate leaders.
"You will accompany Logos in delaying the Gullwings, if you are defeated, which you best hope you are not, return straight to the chateau!" Leblanc told them.
"Yes, boss." The goons said in unison while the Recoils merely hissed.
"Excellent, see you soon, love." Leblanc raised a dainty hand in a gesture of goodbye then her and Ormi disappeared into the darkness of the ruins.
Logos stared after her then turned to the squadron.
"You! Hide in the shadows until I give the signal of attack!" Logos ordered the squadron.
The squadron nodded and hid in the shadows. Logos hid behind the doorframe and readied his revolvers. He listened carefully. Suddenly he heard the approach of footsteps and jumped out into the daylight, standing in the way of the Gullwings. The three young women stared up at him in shock.
Logos sneered and crossed his arms, "You look a tad flushed. Why not stop to catch your breath?" he said sinisterly.
The Gullwings were taken by surprise as the goons and recoils ambushed them. Logos gazed mercilessly upon them as the three girls as they began to struggle with the goons, and the younger blonde cowered from the recoils. Logos remained with an emotionless expression upon his face as he slipped into the shadows and began to sprint after his fellow colleague and boss.
"Ugh. Where is he?" Leblanc huffed impatiently as she leaned against the ruins wall and stared into the shadows.
"I dunno, boss." Ormi sighed and folded his arms.
They listened closely, but only the whistling of wind through the catacomb hallways reached their ears.
"Ormi?" Leblanc broke the silence.
"Yes, boss?" Ormi turned to her, with full attention.
"Have you noticed…" Leblanc began.
"Notice what, boss?" Ormi asked.
"…Never mind, it's nothing." Leblanc sighed.
"Boss…" Ormi looked at her in concern.
Leblanc seemed more in thought than usual. Something seemed to be on her mind, and it was troubling her deeply. Ormi heaved a sigh and looked at her in worry. He silently wished she was more open to him and Logos.
"Distraction accomplished, boss."
Ormi looked up to see Logos who was reporting to the boss.
"Excellent, let's continue." Leblanc nodded as she pushed herself off the wall and sprinted down the hall.
Logos looked at Ormi in a silent gesture for him to stop is thinking and follow the boss. Ormi nodded and the two of them ran after their boss. They followed her down the darkened hallways, scrambled up platforms and jumped across gaps. They finally caught up to her as she was catching her breath. Logos knelt on one knee and Ormi sat down on the cold ground as Leblanc was pacing slowly in a circle.
"Boss…" Ormi huffed, "Should wes continue?"
"Just a little whi-" Leblanc stopped in mid sentence and froze.
Logos and Ormi looked up to see her face had flushed a pale white and her eyes wide.
"What is it, boss?" Logos asked.
Then suddenly they looked up to see a drop of water tumble down from the ceiling and land on the boss's exposed skin. Leblanc bit her bottom lip then let out a cry of discomfort.
"Uhn, you know I hate the damp!" Leblanc cried and raised her clenched fists to her face.
"Sorry, boss." Ormi and Logos said in unison.
Logos took off his coat and both him and Ormi held it over her head. Leblanc gave them a faint smile. They smiled back with a nod. The three of them continued down through the catacombs. They finally reached the end and found themselves in the daylight once more. The three of them shaded their eyes. Being in the dim tunnels made the afternoon light hurt their eyes. Suddenly the sounds of footsteps echoed from the exit.
"It seems the Gullwings managed to catch up." Logos said aloud as he slipped his coat on.
"It seems so, loves." Leblanc crossed her arms.
"I'll distract 'em, boss!" Ormi offered.
"My thoughts exactly… Squadron Gamma! Assemble!" She ordered.
Out of no where, as it seemed, a She-goon jump down from above and three Recoils slithered out of the shadows.
"Accompany Ormi in distracting the Gullwings." She told them.
"Right boss!" The she-goon bowed.
"Good. Logos, love, come with me." Leblanc gestured the taller man to follow and the two of them ran out of sight.
"Alright you lot! Follow me!" Ormi ordered and ran toward the other end of the walk and hid behind a wall with the she-goon and the three Recoils.
Ormi listened closely.
"Hurry guys! We've almost got 'em!"
"Rikku! Wait up!"
Ormi smirked and jumped from his hiding spot in front of the young girls. The three of them let out surprised gasps then glared at the hefty man.
"Let's show the ladies a nice, warm welcome." Ormi laughed as the she-goon and the recoils charged the Gullwings.
Ormi wasted no time and sprinted in the opposite direction to catch up with his colleague and boss. Found them up top a pillar looking down at him. He smiled at them and climbed up to meet them.
"Distraction complete, boss." Ormi smiled.
"Good. We're almost there, boys. Let's keep moving." Leblanc told them.
"Yes, boss." Her two colleagues nodded.
The three of them began to climb up the side of the ruins. It took them several minutes of sweaty work, until they made it to a ledge close to the top. Leblanc pulled herself over the edge and stood up brushing the dirt off her dress. A grunt came from behind her as she turned to see Logos had just hoisted himself up onto the ledge and stood beside her. He gave her one of his rare smiles, which she returned with a faint, tired, half smile. Their silence was broken by a series of grunts from below. They looked down to see Ormi was having trouble pulling himself up.
"Do you need help, love?" Leblanc asked.
"N…No, boss. I'm… urg… okay." Ormi struggled.
They continued to watch Ormi struggle. Suddenly, Ormi's grip had slipped. Ormi panicked and grabbed for the nearest thing he could find. He grabbed Logos's leg and began to fall. Logos let out a yelp and was taken down with Ormi. Logos quickly grabbed for Leblanc's ankle and dragged her down as well. They all let out a "WHOA!" Leblanc quickly grabbed onto the ledge and held on tight. Her heat was beating a so fast, and her breath quickened. She was completely frightened by the situation. When she was calm, she swallowed hard and look down at their situation. Leblanc had one hand firmly gripping the ledge, Logos and one hand wrapped tightly around her ankle and Ormi had his legs around Logos's waist and was hanging upside down. Just peachy. Meanwhile Logos was looking down, trying not to panic. He raised his head to find something he did not expect. A "glory", in his words, of pink and white. Logos's face blushed completely as above, in his view, were Leblanc's finely shaped legs and her silk panties. Logos felt a heat rise in his face and his nose began to bleed. He couldn't tell if it was from the sight above him, or from the altitude. Leblanc suddenly saw this and her face blushed a deep red.
"Would – Would you stop staring!" Leblanc shouted to him as she tried to block his view.
"D-Do I have to?" Logos stuttered, trying to move the dress away to get a better view.
Suddenly they heard a giggling noise from above. The three Syndicate leaders looked up to see YRP making their way to the top. Leblanc steamed and looked back down to her colleagues.
"ORMI! Try to pull yourself upright and climb up us like a latter to the ledge." Leblanc ordered.
"Yes, boss!" Ormi shouted back as he did what he was told.
When he finally made it to the ledge he looked over the side.
"Now what?" he asked.
"Logos! Stop staring and climb up!" Leblanc ordered the taller male.
"Y-Yes boss!" Logos stuttered and climbed his way up.
When he made it up to the ledge Logos and Ormi grabbed Leblanc's hands and pulled her up. Leblanc swayed from side to side and held her head. The sudden rush made her dizzy. She quickly shook it off.
"Quick! They're already ahead of us!" Leblanc told them and began to climb the ruins once more.
Logos and Ormi followed and began to climb with great endurance. They hoisted themselves over the edge and ran across the platform, and ignored the giant dead crab creature. But just when they reached the door…
"Found it!"
Leblanc tripped and fell to the ground.
"Boss!" Logos and Ormi ran up to her and helped her to her feet.
Without another word, Leblanc torn away from their grip, heaved a sigh and limped into the sphere room, with Logos and Ormi close behind. Inside the Gullwings were standing around a pedestal that held a orange colored sphere. Leblanc studied the sphere with her eyes. It gave off a weak glow and shined a bit dimly. Leblanc smirked.
"It's obvious to the trained eye." Leblanc mocked, "That sphere's just a dud. Perfect for the Dullwings."
The Gullwings gave her a look that said that they didn't believe her. Leblanc gave them a cocky look and turned on her heel to leave.
"Ha! Youth wins again." Rikku mocked as they left the sphere room.
Logos and Ormi ran up to either side of Leblanc.
"Boss, are you sure it was wise to let them have that sphere?" Logos asked.
"Yeah, what if it's got somethin' important on it?" Ormi asked.
"It doesn't." Leblanc told them.
"What?!" Logos exclaimed.
"How do yous know, boss?" Ormi asked.
"After two years of sphere hunting, you get a knack for tell which spheres are worth taking and which are duds. That one was just junk." Leblanc told them.
"Fascinating." Logos mused.
"Now, let's get back to the chateau, I'm sure there are other spheres we can find." Leblanc told them and made sure she was the first to climb down.
-------------------------------------To be continued-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB666: Another chapter done! Tee hee. This one took a while. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and the next one will be even better! 5 more reviews and I'll post the next chapter! So REVIEW! ^.^ …please?
Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2 nor the characters or the story line. I just write fanfiction.
**Ormi's Point Of View**
'Well it's about time we made it back.' I thought with a sigh, 'My feet are killing me!'
We's walked all the way back to Guadosalam from the Mi'hen highroad. The crowds of sphere hunters had luckily retired for the night when we arrived, I could see the boss was pretty pleased with that. She doesn't like to be seen so vulnerable-like, ya know? For the past few miles, Logos and I took turns carrying her. She was pretty tired by the time we reached Moonflow. She would stumble from time to time or almost walk into things. We's had to force her to be carried too. Heh, I have the bruises to prove it. At the moment, it is Logos's turn to carry her. I dunno if it's just me, but I could have sworn Logos enjoyed carrying her. I'm kinda leanin' towards it not being just me. I couldn't help but smirk at the annoyed pout the boss had on her face for the past five hours. She inclined her chin and tilted her head to the side.
"We are almost there, love. You can put me down now." She said through clenched teeth.
"You sure yous can walk, boss?" I asked with concern.
"Of course I can!" She glared, "Now put me down!"
"As you wish, boss." Logos said as he placed her gently on the ground.
We both watched as the boss dusted herself off and straightened her dress. She turned away and began to walk. But after two steps she fell to the ground with a cry. I gasped and ran to her side and Logos did the same. We both knelt down on either side of her.
"Boss! What's the matter!?" I exclaimed.
"I-I'm okay, loves." she groaned.
"I highly doubt it, boss. No one collapses like that after being carried for five hours." Logos told her.
'He's right. She should have rested long enough to not be tired right now! …I'm startin' to think she ain't tired…' I sighed.
"Take off your boots." Logos told her.
'WHAT!? What does he think he's doin'!?' I gave him a deadly glare that told him this was no time for such things.
Logos saw this, "Relax, Ormi, I am merely checking for injuries." He told me.
I relaxed. 'He really had me going for a while' I heaved a sigh.
"There is no need to check for injuries! I'm fine!" the boss spat as Logos began to remove one of her boots.
"Is that so?" Logos raised an eyebrow, "Then pray tell, boss, are these bruises that are formed around your ankle? I don't believe they were here before."
I leaned over to see a large blackish-purplish bruise around her dainty ankle. I grimaced at the sight of it. I studied their faces.
'She seemed angry and yet somewhat ashamed, and Logos seems quite concerned, yet dead serious. She sure hates being on the receiving end of pity and sympathy. I dunno why but she doesn't. I don't understand why she can't see that Logos and I worry about her. Heck, like I said this mornin', we'd fall apart without her.' I sighed again.
"Boss, yous haven't been walkin' around on with this knowin' it was there, right?" I asked.
"…" She bowed her head and didn't respond.
"Boss, you must take better care of yourself!" Logos told her sternly.
The boss just seemed uninterested and rolled her eyes.
"Boss!"
The three of us looked up to see a small group of four Fem-goons run up to us. They knelt before the boss.
"Boss are you okay?" asked one.
"What happened?!" asked the second fem-goon.
"I'm fine, really, loves." Leblanc told them.
"Here, we'll get you inside and get you to rest." Said another.
"Come on! Let's get her inside!" said the forth as put the boss's arm around her shoulder and another fem-goon did the same with the bosses other arm.
The two of them helped her two her feet and began to walk her inside. The other two stayed behind and turned to Logos and I. They both glared through the veils that covered their faces… or at least I think they were.
"How could you two let this happen!?" One of them snapped.
"Excuse me?" Logos sneered and folded his arms as he stood up.
"Yeah! You two are supposed to be her seconds in command! How could you let this happen to the boss?!" The other said angrily.
"You let her walk on that thing with out treating it! What kind of bodyguards are you!?" the first spat.
"Hey! We's didn't even find out about it until now!" I protested and stood up.
"That is right! She refused to inform us about her injury, and we stayed with her every minute of the way back here! Unlike you, who were one of the many after being defeated ran straight back without thinking that the boss might need back up!" Logos said in our defense.
'Way to tell 'em buddy! Those dames have been put in their place!' I smiled.
"Humph! We don't need to take this! Come on, Hanna, we've got better things to do than argue with these losers." One of them mocked as she turned away and headed for the chateau.
"Hmph!" The other made a mocking gesture and followed the other.
I shook my head, "Damn rookies, they think they walk the walk and talk the talk, but they're just blowin' off hot air, right buddy?" I turned my head to see Logos shrug.
"They are quite the nuisance, and quite cocky, but they will mature sooner or later. Hopefully that is." Logos sighed as he began to walk towards the chateau.
Suddenly he stopped and turned his head back to me.
"And yes, don't call me your 'buddy'." Logos sneered.
"Whatever." I sighed and began to follow him into the chateau.
'Jeez. He's so touchy. 'Wonder what his problem is…' I thought with a sighed as I shut the Chateau door behind me.
~~Leblanc's Point of View~~
I lay in bed staring at the ceiling of my canopy bed. The girls had wrapped my ankle and left the room for the moment. I weakly placed my arm over my face, shielding my eyes. The light stung my eyes.
'I just want to sleep…' I moaned in my head, 'Someone turn that damn light off!'
"Ugh…" I groaned aloud as I rolled over on to my side.
I looked across the room to the statue of my Noojie-Woojie in the glass case. I sighed and stared at it lovingly.
'Oh Noojie…' I sigh in my head, '…failed you today… I've shown weakness, love. How will my men see me now? They need a strong leader… It was inexcusable. I must try to be the good leader you desire me to be, I will become everything you wanted me to be…'
I slowly crawled out of bed and placed my feet on the ground. I winced in pain. My ankle hurt like hell. I limped toward the statue. I pressed myself against the cold glass. I winced again. My bruises ached and my ankle throbbed.
'Damn those Dullwings!' I cursed in my mind, 'My perfect body has been beaten and bruised. How dare they humiliate me like this! They shall pay soon enough! I swear it! I swear it to my soul! I swear to you, my beloved…' I began to feel my legs trembling.
They are exhausted, as is the rest of my body. I could feel myself slipping to the ground, to my knees.
"Oh, Noojie… How long must we be apart…?" I asked the lifeless bronze statue softly.
I began to wish for his comfort… like he used to show me…
--Logos's Point Of View--
'I can't go in.' I released my hand from the knob, 'But… I should at least check on her. It is my duty as her second in command.'
I grasped the knob in my hand once more, then… I slowly let go once more. I had been outside her door for at least twenty minutes now, arguing with myself whether I should see her or not. The last thing I wanted was to upset her.
'She might not necessarily enjoy my presence… but then again, she might be expecting it.' I sighed, 'Why must women be so complex? Infatuation with women is basically like Russian Roulette. A deadly gamble. You take the chance, and you're either safe, or you get blown away.'
I crossed my arms and closed my eyes and continued to contemplate.
'For all I know, she might not even be decent…' Suddenly a smirk played upon my lips, '…then again, all the better.'
I grasped the doorknob firmly in my hand and turned it, opening the door. I poked my head inside.
"Boss?" I heard no answer.
I stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind me. I entered the room and stopped dead short at the sight before me. There she lay… The boss was fast asleep, leaning against the glass case that the eerie statue of the Youth League leader stood within.
'She looks angelic and so peaceful.' I smiled to myself, 'She is but a thing of beauty, left untouched by the raging ugliness of harsh reality.'
I took a few steps closer and knelt beside her. I brushed the bangs that hid her face.
'She looks so shy and lovely in dream. It's hard to believe such a visage of innocence could be so blunt, bossy, demanding and strict.' I chuckled quietly as I scooped her up in my arms.
She felt so warm, and the scent of her perfume was heavenly. I let out a sigh as I carried her toward her bed and lay her down gently. I smiled and gazed upon her. I found myself wanting to caress her cheek, but I suddenly smacked myself mentally.
'This is very unprofessional! I know of the fact that she could never possible feel the same way and might feel threatened by my boyish infatuation.' I sighed and turned away from her.
I found myself facing the bronze statue of Meyvan. Its bronze eyes stared almost coldly into my own. I glared at the statue as I walked up to it, merely a few inches from the glass casing.
"You do not deserve her devotion." I spat at the lifeless statue.
I then turned on my heel and left the room without another thought.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun rose and pierced the darkness, spreading waves of color through out the sky. Leblanc exited her room at a healthy stride. Her ankle felt much better thanks to her Fem-goons white magic. Leblanc walked toward the railing looked down at the floor below. There stood Ormi and Logos at attention. Leblanc smiled warmly as descended the stairs. She couldn't help it, she still wasn't used to how their eyes followed her every move.
"Good morning, boys." She greeted as she slowly approached them.
"Good morning, boss." They answered in unison, still in attention.
"I want a goon status report." She said as she paced back and forth in front of them.
"We have a count of zilch deaths, fifteen injuries and five of them that are still in da infirmary, boss." Ormi told her.
"I see. Tell the Dr.Goons that I want all five of those in the infirmary to be especially taken care of and brought to tip-top shape by the end of next week." Leblanc told him, "And until then, those with injuries may have the rest of the week off of duty."
"Right, boss." Ormi nodded.
"I want a sphere wave analysis." Leblanc began to wave her fan as she continued to pace.
"One of the Goons spotted some sphere waves coming from the ruins above Mt. Gagazet." Logos told her.
Leblanc stopped her pacing, "I see. All right, loves. We'll take five goon squadrons and leave immediately." She told them.
"Boss…" the two of them looked to her ankle.
"It's fine. Now gather up the goons and we'll leave. NOW!" Leblanc ordered.
"Yes, boss." The two of them nodded and left without another word.
Leblanc heaved a sigh and waved her fan quickly.
Leblanc lead the way up the mountain at a steady pace. Her hands were numb as the cold wind seeped through her gloves. 'What a time to wear this dress.' She growled in her mind. She looked down bellow to see that Logos and Ormi were following close behind, with the goons behind them. She looked up to see that they were close to the ruins, but it was still a long way to go. As Leblanc contemplated this, suddenly a cold gust of wind blew up the skirt of her dress. Logos looked up just in time to see the sight with a grin on his face. Leblanc franticly tried to keep her skirt down with one hand and the other still grasping the cliff. She looked down to find Logos and Ormi both smiling.
"What are YOU looking at!?" Leblanc snapped.
"Uh… nothing, boss, nothing at all." Logos turned his head to the side, trying his best not to smile.
"Yeah, nothin' at all, boss." Ormi covered his eyes with one hand.
Leblanc gave them a long hard glare then continued to climb. Ormi and Logos gave each other a smirk and continued to follow her up the face of the cliff. After a while of scraped knees and numb hands, they finally made it to a ledge. Leblanc pulled herself onto the ledge and heavy a sigh as she sat down on the hard ground. She looked up to see Ormi and Logos climb onto the ledge and joined her on the ground as many goons did the same.
"We'll rest here for now." Leblanc told them, "But only for a short while."
The goons nodded and began to chat amongst themselves. Logos and Ormi watched their breath ascend to the sky in the cold atmosphere, reminding them of drakes. They both agreed that the scenery was exquisite from up there. They could see all over Spira. The two of them heard a shudder. They both turned to see their boss rubbing her arms and shivering from the cold. The two of them couldn't help but smile. They moved over to either side of her and each placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, boss," Ormi caught her attention, "are you cold?"
"Would you like one of our coats? You are not necessarily dress for such weather." Logos smirked.
Leblanc smiled, "Thank you, but I'm fine."
"You sure? You're shakin' like a Flan Palido!" Ormi smiled.
Leblanc laughed cheerfully, as well did her two companions. She gave them a smile then stood. Her serious expression soon returned and the laughter stopped.
"I think we've had enough rest for now, loves. Let's keep going." Leblanc told them.
"Hey, boss! Look!" A goon shouted and pointed upward.
Logos and Ormi rose to their feet and stood up on either side of Leblanc. The three of look up to see their familiar figures jumping across the rocks above. The three of them recognized their most "interesting" outfits.
"The Gullwings!" Ormi exclaimed.
"Ugh, not them again." Logos sneered up at them.
A smiled played on Leblanc's lips.
"Perfect." She smirked.
"What's that?!" Ormi looked surprised at her.
"Boss, are you feel quite alright?" Logos asked, wondering if the cold got to her head.
"This is perfect." She repeated, "Instead of making the effort to find the sphere on our own, why not let the Dullwings lead us right to it?"
"Genius, boss!" Ormi smiled.
"We'll jump them before they can have their little grubby hands on it!" Logos smirked.
"Exactly." Leblanc smiled, then turned to the goons, "I want three squadrons spread out through the area, to slow them down! And I want the other two squads to move ahead! Got it?"
"Yes, boss!" The goons said in unison and jumped out of sight.
Leblanc then turned back to Logos and Ormi, "Now, let's hurry, loves, before we lose sight of them!"
Leblanc ran towards the cliff face and began to climb up it with great speed. Logos and Ormi exchanged looks and followed her, shouting for her to wait up for them. But she ignored them and focused on catching up with the Gullwings. Her hands were becoming awfully sore from the climbing. Perhaps they should have rested a bit longer. Leblanc felt the weather change as she got higher, she was now in the sunlight, and the cold wind were replaced with warm rays of sun. Leblanc was about to make it to the top when suddenly, her foot slipped.
"Uh!" She cried out as she quickly braced herself against the granite face.
Leblanc quickly regained her footing and was about to pull herself over the ledge when suddenly…
"Who's there?" a voice demanded.
Busted. Leblanc rolled her eyes and pulled herself over the ledge. She stood up and dusted herself off then walked hotly towards the Gullwings who were somewhat surprised to see her.
"Er, Leblanc. Remember that name well, loves!" Leblanc placed her hands on her hips.
"Ah, the thief." Yuna placed a finger on her chin.
Leblanc was offended. She was no thief! She quickly regained her composure and spoke calmly.
"Whatever do you mean?" Leblanc folded her arms, "Ugh! That's what I hate about amateurs…"
"Maybe she will go away if we ignore her." Rikku giggled.
Leblanc fumed, "You! I heard that! Just as I was saying: amateurs! They have no concept of what it takes to be a true sphere hunter." Leblanc mocked.
"Amateurs?" Paine folded her arms, "Weren't you following us?"
Leblanc's face blushed furiously, but then shook it off, and responded coolly, "Following? A mere coincidence."
Suddenly Logos and Ormi appeared walked up and stood on either side of Leblanc.
"Yous was right, boss, as always." Ormi said striking a pose.
"Indeed, following them has paid off splendidly." Logos added twirling his revolvers.
Leblanc shot them both a death glare. The Gullwings burst into giggles as Leblanc blushed furiously and knitted her brows.
Leblanc pointed her fan at them and glared, "Laugh while you can!"
The Gullwings immediately stopped giggling as Yuna was knocked from a swift smack to the face by Leblanc's fan. Yuna looked up in shock. Rikku and Paine drew their weapons.
"How dare you hit Yunie!" Rikku scolded as she charged Leblanc.
Before Rikku could hit her, Ormi stepped in the way and she ran straight into his shield. Rikku paced around dizzily for a few steps then fell to the ground. Meanwhile Paine was running around, swiftly dodging bullets. She kept running until she found an opening and rush at Logos. He quickly saw this and rapid squeezed the triggers of his revolvers with lightning speed. Paine twirled her sword blocking each bullet as she charged forward. Once the barrage of bullets ceased she made a swipe at him with her sword, but he only jumped back and countered the attack with a bullet fired into her arm. Paine shouted in agony as she held her bleeding arm. Logos smirked and aimed one of his revolvers at her head. He was about to pull the trigger when suddenly a searing pain took over his hand as he dropped the gun. He turned with a hiss to see Yuna pointing her gun at him. She approached him slowly and Paine did the same, ignoring the agonizing pain in her arm. Logos stood there and slowly began to raise his hands to the sky, but as luck would have it, the sky rumbled and the two girls were struck by lightning and fell to the ground. Logos looked to see Leblanc all beat up, and breathing heavily. She approached Logos and handed him in revolver. Logos began to open his mouth when he was struck across the face with her fan.
"Get your act together!" She shouted and snapped her fingers, then chanted, "Love tap!"
Logos began to feel a relief of his injuries and his speed increased. Logos smiled at her and rubbed his cheek. She smirked and turned away from him beginning to chant again. Logos ran over to assist Ormi who was still struggling with the stubborn Albhed youth. Yuna and Paine rose to their feet groggily then spotted Leblanc about to cast Thunder again. The two of them exchanged glances and began to retreat towards Rikku, who was struggling with the two men attacking her at once. Before they could make it to their friend, the three of them were hit with an electric jolt and fell to the ground. The three Syndicate Leaders crowded around the fallen Gullwings.
"Ha! They never stood a chance! Let's finish them off, boys!" Leblanc smirked.
"Our pleasure, boss." Ormi laughed.
"Foolish girl will pay for our past humiliation!" Logos sneered at YRP.
Before they could finish the three girls off, Paine suddenly spun her leg and tripped Logos, causing him to knock into Ormi and they both fell to the ground. Paine gripped her sword and began to approach Leblanc. Leblanc paced backward. Paine swung her sword only to have it blocked by Leblanc's fan. Paine gave a shocked look, then withdrew and began to swing it at the Magenta clad woman repeatedly. Leblanc dodged and blocked as best she could. Paine held her sword by the ends and thrusted the flat-side forward and knocked Leblanc to the ground. Leblanc let out a yelp as she hit the ground.
"Boss!" Ormi and Logos exclaimed as they quickly rose to their feet.
They were about to rush to their boss's aid when the two other Gullwings blocked their way. Logos snared and quickly pulled the hammer and fired his revolvers past Yuna's head and knocked the sword out of Paine's hands. Logos didn't have time to celebrate for just a few seconds later he received a roundhouse to the head and fell to the ground. Yuna and Rikku then turned to Ormi but before they could attack a large gust of wind knocked them off their feet and they feel to the ground as well. Ormi let out a laugh and began to spin around on one foot. Meanwhile Leblanc had backed Paine up to where Yuna and Rikku stood up holding their aching heads. Leblanc then jumped out of the way as Ormi let his shield go flying out of his hands and knock all three of the girls down at once. Rikku was the first to get up as and ran around Leblanc in a circle. The young Albhed was too fast for Leblanc to hit and she soon became dizzy. Suddenly a searing pain exploded in Leblanc side and she fell to the ground in pain and let out a cry of agony. The High Summoner had shot her in the ribs. Ormi soon found himself surrounded by the three young Gullwings. Before he knew it he blacked out from a heck of a lot of pain.
Leblanc weakly rose to her feet and breathed a few words and glittering lights surrounded the three syndicate members. The sparkles soon faded as the stood up, fully healed of wounds. The Gullwings turned to them. Perhaps the fight wasn't over yet.
Leblanc placed her hands on her hips as Logos and Ormi stood behind her, "Hmph! And this is the thanks I get for going easy on you."
The Gullwings knotted their brows. Leblanc merely smirked and pulled a smoke bomb from her sleeve and tossed it onto the ground causing the three syndicate members to disappear in a smoke screen, leaving the three Gullwings coughing and hacking.
"H-Hey!" Yuna managed to shout over the smoke.
"Who does she think she is?" Rikku coughed.
"She's getting hurt." Paine snarled and continued to cough.
Meanwhile the three syndicate members managed to find their way out of the smoke screen and ran across the ruins.
"This way boys!" Leblanc called back to her colleagues as she scrambled up a fall pillar to a higher platform and jumped across to reach a door.
Logos and Ormi followed closely as they entered the door. Leblanc suddenly stopped which, because they were following so close caused the two older men to bump into her and collapse to the ground.
"GET OFF ME!" Leblanc shouted, pounding her fists on Ormi who had fallen over her chest.
"Sorry, boss." Ormi said.
He stood up to reveal Logos who was lying across her lap who was gasping for air.
"Dear Lord, Ormi! You need to get air pockets for that body mass of yours!" Logos shouted between breaths.
"Yous callin' me fat!?" Ormi snarled.
"Well-"
"Ahem!" Leblanc interrupted him with a glare.
Logos soon realized his position and slowly got up with an embarrassed look on his face and held out a hand to his boss. Leblanc took his hand and pulled herself to her feet and brushed herself off.
"Now, as I was saying before I was crushed by my OWN men. Logos you stay here and delay the Dullwings with a squadron of goons. Then, love, catch up to us as soon as possible." Leblanc told him.
"Yes boss." Logos nodded with a slight blush still in his cheeks.
Leblanc then turned to the shadows.
"Squadron Alpha! Assemble!" She ordered.
A pair of goons and two Recoils emerged from the shadows and stood at attention before the three syndicate leaders.
"You will accompany Logos in delaying the Gullwings, if you are defeated, which you best hope you are not, return straight to the chateau!" Leblanc told them.
"Yes, boss." The goons said in unison while the Recoils merely hissed.
"Excellent, see you soon, love." Leblanc raised a dainty hand in a gesture of goodbye then her and Ormi disappeared into the darkness of the ruins.
Logos stared after her then turned to the squadron.
"You! Hide in the shadows until I give the signal of attack!" Logos ordered the squadron.
The squadron nodded and hid in the shadows. Logos hid behind the doorframe and readied his revolvers. He listened carefully. Suddenly he heard the approach of footsteps and jumped out into the daylight, standing in the way of the Gullwings. The three young women stared up at him in shock.
Logos sneered and crossed his arms, "You look a tad flushed. Why not stop to catch your breath?" he said sinisterly.
The Gullwings were taken by surprise as the goons and recoils ambushed them. Logos gazed mercilessly upon them as the three girls as they began to struggle with the goons, and the younger blonde cowered from the recoils. Logos remained with an emotionless expression upon his face as he slipped into the shadows and began to sprint after his fellow colleague and boss.
"Ugh. Where is he?" Leblanc huffed impatiently as she leaned against the ruins wall and stared into the shadows.
"I dunno, boss." Ormi sighed and folded his arms.
They listened closely, but only the whistling of wind through the catacomb hallways reached their ears.
"Ormi?" Leblanc broke the silence.
"Yes, boss?" Ormi turned to her, with full attention.
"Have you noticed…" Leblanc began.
"Notice what, boss?" Ormi asked.
"…Never mind, it's nothing." Leblanc sighed.
"Boss…" Ormi looked at her in concern.
Leblanc seemed more in thought than usual. Something seemed to be on her mind, and it was troubling her deeply. Ormi heaved a sigh and looked at her in worry. He silently wished she was more open to him and Logos.
"Distraction accomplished, boss."
Ormi looked up to see Logos who was reporting to the boss.
"Excellent, let's continue." Leblanc nodded as she pushed herself off the wall and sprinted down the hall.
Logos looked at Ormi in a silent gesture for him to stop is thinking and follow the boss. Ormi nodded and the two of them ran after their boss. They followed her down the darkened hallways, scrambled up platforms and jumped across gaps. They finally caught up to her as she was catching her breath. Logos knelt on one knee and Ormi sat down on the cold ground as Leblanc was pacing slowly in a circle.
"Boss…" Ormi huffed, "Should wes continue?"
"Just a little whi-" Leblanc stopped in mid sentence and froze.
Logos and Ormi looked up to see her face had flushed a pale white and her eyes wide.
"What is it, boss?" Logos asked.
Then suddenly they looked up to see a drop of water tumble down from the ceiling and land on the boss's exposed skin. Leblanc bit her bottom lip then let out a cry of discomfort.
"Uhn, you know I hate the damp!" Leblanc cried and raised her clenched fists to her face.
"Sorry, boss." Ormi and Logos said in unison.
Logos took off his coat and both him and Ormi held it over her head. Leblanc gave them a faint smile. They smiled back with a nod. The three of them continued down through the catacombs. They finally reached the end and found themselves in the daylight once more. The three of them shaded their eyes. Being in the dim tunnels made the afternoon light hurt their eyes. Suddenly the sounds of footsteps echoed from the exit.
"It seems the Gullwings managed to catch up." Logos said aloud as he slipped his coat on.
"It seems so, loves." Leblanc crossed her arms.
"I'll distract 'em, boss!" Ormi offered.
"My thoughts exactly… Squadron Gamma! Assemble!" She ordered.
Out of no where, as it seemed, a She-goon jump down from above and three Recoils slithered out of the shadows.
"Accompany Ormi in distracting the Gullwings." She told them.
"Right boss!" The she-goon bowed.
"Good. Logos, love, come with me." Leblanc gestured the taller man to follow and the two of them ran out of sight.
"Alright you lot! Follow me!" Ormi ordered and ran toward the other end of the walk and hid behind a wall with the she-goon and the three Recoils.
Ormi listened closely.
"Hurry guys! We've almost got 'em!"
"Rikku! Wait up!"
Ormi smirked and jumped from his hiding spot in front of the young girls. The three of them let out surprised gasps then glared at the hefty man.
"Let's show the ladies a nice, warm welcome." Ormi laughed as the she-goon and the recoils charged the Gullwings.
Ormi wasted no time and sprinted in the opposite direction to catch up with his colleague and boss. Found them up top a pillar looking down at him. He smiled at them and climbed up to meet them.
"Distraction complete, boss." Ormi smiled.
"Good. We're almost there, boys. Let's keep moving." Leblanc told them.
"Yes, boss." Her two colleagues nodded.
The three of them began to climb up the side of the ruins. It took them several minutes of sweaty work, until they made it to a ledge close to the top. Leblanc pulled herself over the edge and stood up brushing the dirt off her dress. A grunt came from behind her as she turned to see Logos had just hoisted himself up onto the ledge and stood beside her. He gave her one of his rare smiles, which she returned with a faint, tired, half smile. Their silence was broken by a series of grunts from below. They looked down to see Ormi was having trouble pulling himself up.
"Do you need help, love?" Leblanc asked.
"N…No, boss. I'm… urg… okay." Ormi struggled.
They continued to watch Ormi struggle. Suddenly, Ormi's grip had slipped. Ormi panicked and grabbed for the nearest thing he could find. He grabbed Logos's leg and began to fall. Logos let out a yelp and was taken down with Ormi. Logos quickly grabbed for Leblanc's ankle and dragged her down as well. They all let out a "WHOA!" Leblanc quickly grabbed onto the ledge and held on tight. Her heat was beating a so fast, and her breath quickened. She was completely frightened by the situation. When she was calm, she swallowed hard and look down at their situation. Leblanc had one hand firmly gripping the ledge, Logos and one hand wrapped tightly around her ankle and Ormi had his legs around Logos's waist and was hanging upside down. Just peachy. Meanwhile Logos was looking down, trying not to panic. He raised his head to find something he did not expect. A "glory", in his words, of pink and white. Logos's face blushed completely as above, in his view, were Leblanc's finely shaped legs and her silk panties. Logos felt a heat rise in his face and his nose began to bleed. He couldn't tell if it was from the sight above him, or from the altitude. Leblanc suddenly saw this and her face blushed a deep red.
"Would – Would you stop staring!" Leblanc shouted to him as she tried to block his view.
"D-Do I have to?" Logos stuttered, trying to move the dress away to get a better view.
Suddenly they heard a giggling noise from above. The three Syndicate leaders looked up to see YRP making their way to the top. Leblanc steamed and looked back down to her colleagues.
"ORMI! Try to pull yourself upright and climb up us like a latter to the ledge." Leblanc ordered.
"Yes, boss!" Ormi shouted back as he did what he was told.
When he finally made it to the ledge he looked over the side.
"Now what?" he asked.
"Logos! Stop staring and climb up!" Leblanc ordered the taller male.
"Y-Yes boss!" Logos stuttered and climbed his way up.
When he made it up to the ledge Logos and Ormi grabbed Leblanc's hands and pulled her up. Leblanc swayed from side to side and held her head. The sudden rush made her dizzy. She quickly shook it off.
"Quick! They're already ahead of us!" Leblanc told them and began to climb the ruins once more.
Logos and Ormi followed and began to climb with great endurance. They hoisted themselves over the edge and ran across the platform, and ignored the giant dead crab creature. But just when they reached the door…
"Found it!"
Leblanc tripped and fell to the ground.
"Boss!" Logos and Ormi ran up to her and helped her to her feet.
Without another word, Leblanc torn away from their grip, heaved a sigh and limped into the sphere room, with Logos and Ormi close behind. Inside the Gullwings were standing around a pedestal that held a orange colored sphere. Leblanc studied the sphere with her eyes. It gave off a weak glow and shined a bit dimly. Leblanc smirked.
"It's obvious to the trained eye." Leblanc mocked, "That sphere's just a dud. Perfect for the Dullwings."
The Gullwings gave her a look that said that they didn't believe her. Leblanc gave them a cocky look and turned on her heel to leave.
"Ha! Youth wins again." Rikku mocked as they left the sphere room.
Logos and Ormi ran up to either side of Leblanc.
"Boss, are you sure it was wise to let them have that sphere?" Logos asked.
"Yeah, what if it's got somethin' important on it?" Ormi asked.
"It doesn't." Leblanc told them.
"What?!" Logos exclaimed.
"How do yous know, boss?" Ormi asked.
"After two years of sphere hunting, you get a knack for tell which spheres are worth taking and which are duds. That one was just junk." Leblanc told them.
"Fascinating." Logos mused.
"Now, let's get back to the chateau, I'm sure there are other spheres we can find." Leblanc told them and made sure she was the first to climb down.
-------------------------------------To be continued-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB666: Another chapter done! Tee hee. This one took a while. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and the next one will be even better! 5 more reviews and I'll post the next chapter! So REVIEW! ^.^ …please?