-Chapter 3

A/N: um... can't think of anything to say. ^^' Thank u to all who reviewed. u guys rocks my rocks. i love painexrikku as a pairing, i really do. it's right above gippalxbaralai in my list of fav ffx-2 pairings.

and yes, i am a slash/shounen-ai fan. muahaha.

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Sleep was actually good that night. See? Paine was going to be fine.

Her and Rikku had entered the village of Besaid, the sun not quite in the it's highest point in the sky. Paine took a deep breath. Today must have been the first time in the past week that she felt refreshed after a night's sleep. They entered the hut of Wakka and Lulu as the sound of laughing and a baby making noises could be heard.

Oh, hi guys! The first one to speak was Tidus. Laughter sounded again as the baby in his arms tugged on the Abes necklace he wore, jerking the blitzer's head forward. The girl young woman next to him looked over as Tidus attention as turned to the baby.

Hi! What's up? Yuna said as she stood up and approached the pair at the door. As she stood, so did the elegant form of Lulu. Her dark purple turned upward into a gentle smile. Haven't seen you around for a while. she said, referring to both Rikku and Paine. Rikku grinned and stepped into the hut further.

Ya, what have you two been up to? Wakka asked, looked over to the blond. Paine remained at the door.

Why do you wanna know, daddy*? The blond girl replied, laughing. Wakka shook his head.

Lulu once again turned to the girl left at the door. Anyway, how have you been?

Paine was caught off guard by being included in their activity.

she replied with a nod. This was acquired.

Rikku spoke up. Yunie, Paine and I came here to tell you something.

The former summoner's eyebrow raised in question.

Well, we're planning on leaving Besaid today.

Yuna mouthed an oh' with her mouth, and everyone else in the room looked at the Al Bhed. Tidus's face lifted up. You mean, we're leaving?

Yuna frowned. I wasn't planning on leaving so soon...

Rikku cringed. Oh well- but she was cut off.

You don't have to go with us. Paine finished.



Tidus sat up ask Lulu took Videna. You sure you don't want to go with them? The blitzer asked, looking from Yuna to Paine.

Yuna replied in a soft voice, I wasn't really ready to leave yet.

So you don't have to! Rikku said brightly, trying to recover from the awkwardness of the scene.

The brunette turned, and smiled confidently.

You're right.

Later that day, Rikku, Paine, and Yuna stood on the beach with Tidus, Lulu, Wakka, and Videna -in the light of the Besaid sun.

Aww, Yunie! Rikku exclaimed, throwing her arms around her cousin. The former summoner returned the hug. We'll come back soon, okay? Nodding, they pulled apart. Then the Al Bhed turned to Tidus. You'll take care of Yunie, right?



They grinned, and she glomped on to him.

Finally, she gave a slight bow to the married couple and baby. Then she walked up to the waiting platform of the Celsius. Paine looked to Yuna, half smiling, and gave a slight nod. In turn, Yuna smiled back and bowed back. Then the crimson eyed girl looked to all the others and gave the same bow. Tidus and Wakka waved while Lulu, holding the baby, nodded. She turned to board the ship.

They had no real idea of where they'd would be headed so they decided to wait and see if they picked up on any treasure sphere waves near the waters of Baaj. Their first day back out was uneventful.



Colors, sounds, and places swirled around her mind until they seemed to settle on one single thought.

She felt the handle of a sword against her palm as someone was giving her urgent instructions. A desperate sense of emergency surrounded her. A figure, faced blurred as if a picture taken while someone was in motion spoke to her, motioning to a smaller figure next to her. A young girl, no older then 9, must have been staring back at her -deep pine wood eyes filled with nothing but unsurpassed fear.

She had to get them out of here, it wasn't safe. Feeling the blurred figure plant a kiss on her forehead and that of the little girl, she took the smaller hand in her own, and they ran.

They dirt path they ran on seemed to stretch on forever, no matter how long they traveled -they would never reach the ending. She tried not to think about the bloodcurdling screams of the people they had left behind, although she could swear her face felt wetter then before. They just had to keep running -if they just kept moving, they would make it. The sun bore no comfort in the situation, though a stormy sky may have fit it better.

If they had just kept moving for a second more -they'd be free, safe. But just as they approached the exit, fiends emerged from the sides of the path, previously hidden by the bushes. Sinspawn. She felt the hand drop from her grasp as she stepped up to the fiends to dispose of them, raising her blade -just as a high terrible shriek sounded behind her. A chill ran down her spine as time seemed to slow as she turned around, blood drained from her body. The shriek stopped with a sickening crack as she opened her mouth in horror.



Paine tossed and twisted and turned, struggling to move forward although she felt her self held back by something... it was then she noticed she was staring up and the window above her bed out into the dark night sky. Her awareness had traveled down from her head to her arms which she couldn't move without having to slowly untangle them from something -bed sheets.

For a moment, her mind did not register what had just occurred. But then, like being hit by an Elder Drake, she remembered -the sound of her footfalls, the echoing sounds of screams ripping at her heart, -the unavoidable peril surrounding them. And then -the unforgettable feeling of sorrow and ... failure. She had failed to do something... failed to... what?

The sickening crack that sounded as she turned, silencing that shriek. Paine held back the burning sensation of bile in the back of her throat. Despite having never seen what happened after that point she, with a sickening feeling in her gut, knew what had happened. She had watched that little girl die. These dreams... the nightmares plaguing her, weren't just simply nightmares... they were memories. Her memories, she knew. There was no possible way this could be the doing of a dressphere. She could not shake off the deep despair from within her heart -of which she hadn't felt since she visited the Den of Woe. Paine could feel that, among the cold sweat covering her body, hot tears stained her cheeks.

Why didn't she remember all this before?

It was then she finally noticed the head of soft blond hair resting on her chest, rising and falling as she breathed, accompanied by a pair of arms wrapped around her waist and lower back, bringing her up toward their warm body. Despite this, Paine felt distinctively cold, emotionally or physically she couldn't tell -either way, her cold sweat wasn't helping. Trying to regain some shred of warmth, of positive feeling, she tentatively moved her arms around the slim figure resting above her.

... Paine? Rikku's voice was muffled against the fabric of the older girl's nightshirt. Crimson eyes met sprightly green ones. Are you alright? You... you've been crying! The Al Bhed's voice rose in surprise as she moved her arms up from Paine's waist to her face. It was oblivious that the girl had already been shaken, but she was put much effort into hiding it. The only thing the older girl could do is look up into Rikku's face, lost. She once again tried opening her mouth to speak, this time with better results.

I know what they are.

Rikku whispered in reply, afraid of doing something wrong and end up having the other girl close her out. Carefully, she gentlely wiped the tears on Paine's face away, half expecting for her hand to be swatted away at any moment -the crimson eyes turning hard and the usual stolid persona coming back. But instead, crimson eyes were turned away from her... if anything... scared. It was unnevering to see the older girl like this, and if frightened her for some reason.

The nightmares... they're things that have happened to me. My memories. this time, her voice was surprisingly calm come how she really felt - as she tightened her grip around the waist of the girl above her.

Are you sure? the blond asked, voice a little more stronger this time around.

Yes... but why didn't I remember these before? Paine sounded almost angry with herself.

It was then that the pale girl realized the position they were in. A faint blush crept upon her cheeks as her arms retreated back to her sides, moving her back against the headboard of the bed and making Rikku move off of her. She unwittingly gulped. The Al Bhed seemed to react similarly, sitting up on her knees after Paine receded from underneath her.

After a few minutes silence, the older girl coughed, breaking the silence. However, it was Rikku who spoke first.

What... were they of?

Paine deeply frowned and looked away. She didn't want to reveal what she so recently remembered. So that her companion didn't learn of her weaknesses, her ... failure.

It's nothing. she finally replied, looking the Al Bhed in the eye. She never would have guessed what Rikku did in the next moment in response to her words.

The quickness of a thief serving the blond well, Paine found herself pinned against the headboard and wall behind her. Shock prevented the crimson eyed girl from making any movement to shove her off, being the stronger of the two. Their faces were within a few inches apart when the Al Bhed spoke.

You call waking up in the middle of the night crying nothing?! You call your own memories nothing?! How can you do that? Doesn't it mean anything to you?! Then silence.

They remained like that, the blond still raging. After a moment or two, Paine's expression turned cold.

Get off of me.

Although still angry, Rikku complied. Before the pale girl could being another phrase however, the blond stormed off in a huff.


The next morning, Paine had walked onto the bridge of the Celsius, the rest of her sleep uneventful. On the bridge she found Buddy in his usual spot navigating, Brother slumped over in the pilot's seat -energy totally zapped since their arrival at Besaid a month back, the ship now Yuna-less. Shinra was in his usual spot to, however, something was wrong with this picture. Then it hit her. Rikku stood, a few feet off from Shinra, arms folded across her chest, looking as if the world had done her some great injustice.

Paine made her way down the stairs to the right and walked right over to stand next to the irritated Al Bhed girl.

We're going to Bevelle. she announced.

Brother was the first two react, whipping up and around to face the crimson eyed girl.

Fryd?! Fro Bevelle?What?! Why Bevelle?

At this, Buddy turned around as well.

He refuses to speak any other language until Yuna comes back. The navigator announced lamely, before turning back around.

The Al Bhed girl's eye shifted over to the other girl next to her, slightly questioning Paine's sudden plan of action herself.

I lived in Bevelle with my parents until I was 7. Maybe we can start looking for answers there. The crimson eyed girl started, directing her speech in a nearly quiet tone to the girl next to her. Rikku's face brightened.

Oh yeah, and stop stealing my poses. Paine finished, half smiling now as a small blush grew on Rikku's cheeks and she unfolded her arms, returning to her usual bounce.

Fryd'c yd Bevelle?! What's at Bevelle?! Brother demanded.

Eteud! You heard her! Bevelle! On the double! Mission Time!Idiot! The younger of the two girls cheered. Then she looked back and grinned at Paine. The older girl couldn't stop herself from smiling back.

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The city marked with hundreds of years of tradition.

Bevelle.

The streets were bustling with activity, from cart venders to shops to taverns and more by the water. It was just as she remembered it from her childhood, with the exception of all the machina in use throughout the city.

High above the grounds of markets and shops and houses, up the bright red walls, lay the former shroud of the Bevelle temple. But they were not here for the temple or any of Spria's secrets this time around. Paine and Rikku made their way from the city's entrance to through the market district.

I'm not too sure I remember the exact address of where I used to live, but I have an idea of where it was. I don't really remember any certain point of my time living here, either... but I remember that I did. Paine stated, to the blond, a few steps off behind her.

So, what are we looking for anyway? The Al Bhed asked. Rikku had never really been in Bevelle other then the times when Yuna was on her pilgrimage and recently, even though Yuna was born in Bevelle. What could she say? She was Al Bhed.

Without Paine, she would be lost.

Said older girl looked over to her and shrugged. What were they looking for? A hint? Some kind of information to where her family went after that? To where that valley like place from her nightmares was?

Rikku finally caught up to the silver haired girl.

Hey, Baralai's here, right? Why don't we stop by and see him? the blond asked, trying not to fall behind.

Paine made a pensive hum while cocking her head to the side in thought as they walked into the residential district. She looked over to the younger girl silently before looking back ahead and continuing on.

Hey, why not?

The older girl just shook her head and paused on the side walk near a tall and rounded apartment building, painted red like the outside walls of the temple.

He's bound to have his own problems to think about right now, mine shouldn't be one of them. She didn't even want it to be Rikku's, but she wasn't about to mention that.

Anyway, we're here.

Bright green eyes grew wide. We are? Looking around, she caught sight of her companion as she walked up to the door of the nearby building.

Paine entered the building, Rikku shortly following, and walked up to a nearby door with a window in it, indicating that someone did not live here, but it was an office of some sort.

At least, I hope we are.

And she knocked.

The next few moments were plagued with silence as they waited for an answer at the door. Just as they felt it was about time for them to head out, the door opened. Behind it was an older man in the traditional robes of Bevelle, indicating that he was affiliated with the temple. The old man coughed in order to make his presence known, although it was already plain to see. Paine began.

Excuse me, would you happen to know if a family of three lived here about 11 years ago? Two adults and one child? Paine asked calmly, although Rikku could detect a hint of strong curiosity in her voice.

In an voice as wrinklely as his face, the man replied. I don't have time for this. This is a home for those who are employed by the temple. But... ah, let me see. I do believe I remember one such pair that had a child with them -somewhat unusual for thier profession, I would say.

A certain glint appeared in Paine's eyes.

What where they're professions?

Fighters for hire. the man replied briefly.

After taking a rather deep breath, the crimson eyed girl continued.

Would you happen to know where they moved to after they left?

I don't have the time for this, Miss. If you would please excuse me. The old man stated as he began to shut the door to his office.

She stopped the door from shutting with her foot. There was an echo of desperateness in her tone.

Alright. But this better only take a second. the old man said grouchily, moving back into his office to look through some files in drawers around the room.

Ah, this seems to be it... moved when they were stationed in Macalania.

Does it say where they went after that? Paine fought the urge to rush over and grab the files herself.

No, nothing else. Just the date in which they moved in here and the date of which they moved out. If you're so in need of information... the old man started hostilely. ... then why don't you just take it up with the praetor? he ended, smiling bitterly. Paine usually wouldn't have let something like that get to her, but this time things were slightly different.

Fine. I will. she quickly turned and walked out of the room, leaving Rikku to catch up.

Come on, Rikku.

Hey wait! Paine, didn't you just say that you didn't want to bother him?

The Al Bhed finally caught up with the older girl, stalking out of the residential district. She stopped short, sighing. You're right.

Aw, don't worry. Dryd umt vynd ryt y cdelg ib rec pidd yhofyo. the blond girl said, stopping in front of Paine. That old fart had a stick up his butt anyway.

At that, Paine laughed. Yeah, you wanna head back?

Anything else worth lookin' for?

No, I think we're done here.

With a nod, they went to exit the city.


By the time they returned to the Celsius, it was getting dark out. Rikku collaspsed onto the stairs of the engine room coming up from the hanger. I never knew Bevelle was that big.... Paine just shook her head and continued up the opposite side of the stairs.

Wah, help me... The younger girl pitifully called out from the stairs as the crimson eyed girl reached the doors.

I'm not carrying you. You shouldn't have eaten such a big dinner while we were out. Paine stated, exiting.

Hey! What's that supposed to mean?! Rikku asked, jumping up and running over to the older girl.

Nothing, just that maybe, you shouldn't eat like as much as a Ronso does. Paine replied, poking the blond's stomach for enthesis.

I do not! she shouted, waving her arms while looking down at her stomach.

Paine just slightly laughed to herself and walked over to the lift.

Take that back! Rikku exclaimed, charging Paine as the doors to the lift closed. The blond ended up on the older girl's back, shaking her shoulders. The pale girl retaliated by grabbing the Al Bhed's arms away from her shoulders and swinging her around to the front, placing her in a headlock.

What if I don't?! Crimson eyes looked down upon the squriming mass of blond hair under her arm. Paine couldn't help but laugh.

Uhh... I'll ... I'll.... tu drec! ... do this!

Suddenly, it felt as if someone was tickling Paine's exposed stomach, and she let go of the Al Bhed girl, covering her stomach and laughing. Weren't the girls hands trying to pry her arm away from her neck?

How'd you do that?! asked the pale girl leaning against the railing of the lift, trying to regain composure.

The blond was grinning, bouncing happily.

Brother used to do it to me when we got into fights... come to think of it... he still does sometimes. Rikku ended it, giggling uneasily.

Finally fully regaining her breath, Paine stood up straight and looked at the blond. Yeah but... what did you do? She asked, as she walked out of the lift, having realized it stopped a while ago.

Oh nothing, just this!

And before the older girl to react she found her arm captured and being tickled right above her glove. Hey! ... So that's how you do it?! Paine asked, pulling her arm away from the blond's mouth -where the younger girl was blowing on it.

Heh heh, yep! I think we called it... wipanehk. she replied gleefully.

Paine asked, lifting an eyebrow. The other girl shrugged.

She just look over to the blond and shook her head, smile gracing her features.

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Yep, zubering. That's what my mom calls it. lol