A/N: Hm, I don't have much to say on this one, except enjoy this next
chapter. =) Once again, I had a lot of fun while I wrote this one, since
it's just one of those chapters where I'm actually more "involved" than I
usually am. =p Heh, but that's not to say that I'm not normally involved
while writing the other chapters. It's just that there were times when the
scenes here were even too intense for ME to handle.
And I'm the author. Haha. =p
Anyway, my endless thanks to everyone that has been with me on this long journey. I started this back at the end of January, so it's been quite some time. I know how difficult it is to wait forever for updates, so I tried to make sure these chapters got out in decent time. =p
And I did this while going to school and studying, taking exams, etc. Not to mention trying to balance my normal life, as well. But since I'm on vacation now, I had the chance to do a bit more research on FFX-2 once more, and having that 100% file really helped. I was able to go through the cities once again, study the environments, and the characters' behaviors. Since my other fic didn't have an emphasis on Rikku/Gippal, I had to look much closely at Gippal here. From his personality to his appearance. But of course FFX-2 didn't talk too much about him like they should have, but who am I to complain?
I'm just glad they made a character as great as Gippal in the first place.
=====
{{ Chapter 14: Until Now }}
=====
Gippal stood in the far corner of the airship. He leaned back against the wall, the coldness of the metal penetrating through his clothing. Somehow the cool feeling seemed to calm his nerves. He paused to look up at an Al Bhed who nodded at him once before proceeding down the hall.
He looked around him. Why was he here again?
Oh, yes. Because he didn't want to show his face to Cid, that's why. The older man hadn't said a word to Gippal since they left Luca, and Gippal had said nothing to him as well. A barrier separated the two men, neither not quite knowing what to say nor who to blame.
Pushing himself off the wall, he found himself pacing in the hallway. The silence of the room allowed him to hear himself, in hopes of sorting out what was really bothering him.
Every time Cid's voice echoed in his mind, Gippal saw Rikku. He could visualize her smiling face, hear her carefree laughter, feel her warmth. He realized that these last few days without her near him had been painful. He was endlessly falling into a deep void, and he had jumped into it the day that Rikku was taken.
After leaving his island at a young age, mastering all there was to know about machina became his top priority. He joined the Crimson Squad when he was in his mid-teens, and Gippal found that moment in his life brighter; joyful somehow. He had met Nooj, Baralai, and Paine, and the four of them grew close to one another, unlike anything Gippal had known before. They would share stories late at night, complain early in the morning, and joke until sunset. Those had indeed been good times. It was also the first time Gippal had befriended someone other than a male, and Paine had been a great friend.
Loneliness. Among Gippal's first memories had been those of emptiness, a simple longing to have someone care for him and keep him company. When his mother had died, life seemed to pass him by slowly, as if he was the only one being left behind as everyone else reached their dreams. But these last few days...Rikku had made him realize that there was more in life that lingering in past memories.
Gippal stopped to reach into his pocket, his fingers feeling the soft feathers of the object before pulling it out completely. Rikku's earring glinted up at him.
And yet somehow she was different. Every time Rikku was near him, Gippal felt a thrill, as if her presence alone could take his hand and lift him, soaring to a paradise he had never known until now. He knew it was a different feeling from when he and Paine had been on the Crimson Squad together. He knew now that the feeling with Paine had been one of simple friendship, a gentle kind of caring.
But Rikku. She held the doors open for him. Gippal knew that somehow she had always been holding them open, yet he had just never noticed it. But he was now ready to step through.
"Kid...are you alright...?"
Gippal stopped pacing and turned around to the voice. Cid stood before him, concern written on the older man's face.
"I uh...yeah. I'm alright," Gippal replied. But he knew he was lying. Cid studied his face for a moment before Gippal turned away.
"We're about an hour away from Macalania. Just thought I'd let you know..." Cid announced, turning around to leave again. He didn't seem to notice Gippal's removed expression after that.
"Thanks," Gippal answered after some time, his tone even. He turned back around to look out the window. It was almost sunset.
"Listen..." Cid's voice began again. Gippal shut his eye, knowing that the older man had more to say to him. He didn't turn around to face Cid. "This whole thing with Serru. I uh...he told me that you and uh...Rikku had been spending some time together and—"
"Then why did you encourage him, Cid?" Gippal interrupted quietly, still facing the window. He had one hand against the windowsill, the sunlight casting rays of orange and yellow on his face.
"I had no idea that Rikku was seeing you, kid. Really I didn't. If I knew, then I wouldn't have even said a thing to that Serru kid!" Cid responded, seriousness hanging on all his words.
Gippal fell quiet for a moment, absorbing what Cid had just said. This was the first time he had the chance to speak formally with Cid, rather than just hearing about the man. Cid had been his superior in the past when Gippal was younger, and here they were now. He almost chuckled aloud. He would have never expected having a conversation like this with Cid. But Gippal had to admit it to himself. The man wasn't as bad as some of the other Al Bhed claimed.
"I even got a little angry when Serru finally mentioned you and Rikku, but dammit, I'm her father. I deserve that right!" Cid continued on, his voice rising only slightly. It was this moment that Gippal finally decided to face him.
"And what have you decided now...Cid?" Gippal asked hesitantly, quietly, almost regretting that he had even asked.
Cid turned around, his hand already placed on the doorknob that led out into the other room. He cleared his throat before Gippal heard him sigh, the minutes seeming to pass by slowly.
"If she cares about you, then who am I to interfere," Cid simply said, pulling the door open. "Just promise me you'll rescue her once we get there." And with that, he left the room, shutting the door quietly.
Gippal stood in a daze, Cid's words not quite sinking in. But what surprised him the most about the older man's words was the way he said them. There was no sense of resentment at all, and it was difficult for him to accept the fact that Cid had actually said them. He stopped.
Yes. Gippal had indeed heard Cid right.
He found himself smiling, relief and gratefulness washing over him.
But he shook his head, realizing that there was something more important he had to do first.
Rikku. He needed to save her quickly, and that time was fast approaching.
Swiftly walking towards the door, he followed after Cid, anticipating what their next move would be.
=====
"I raced up towards the beach, and my tears just wouldn't stop coming out..." Sasuno continued to explain, his voice breaking with emotion. Rikku felt her own eyes watering, desperately trying to force herself to continue listening.
"There was a fire, Rikku...! I ran and ran but the hut was...it was too late for me to help." Sasuno hastily wiped his eyes. "My heart was pounding so hard because I knew who was inside, dammit! When I heard my father's strangled cries coming from inside that hut, it was too late. All I remember after that was waking up, Serru telling me that I had passed out..." Sasuno continued to explain, tears leaking out of his eyes.
Rikku stifled a sob of her own, as she grasped Sasuno's hand comfortingly. He looked up at her, eyes glistening.
"Serru told me that the door got stuck sometime when my father had fallen asleep in the hut. He had been planning on surprising me by waiting in there, but then the place had suddenly went up in flames. The elders said it was caused by the sun and the grass that was used to make that hut," Sasuno continued on, his voice still filled with emotion. He suddenly met Rikku's eyes seriously. "The reason why Serru hates Gippal is because he continues to believe to this day that Gippal could have done something to save our father..." Sasuno spoke slowly, shutting his eyes in pain.
"But...you...were all just children back then!" Rikku heard herself exclaim, hating Serru even more.
Sasuno shook his head and looked down. "And I continue to follow my brother's orders because deep down I know that Serru's right. If I hadn't stopped to talk with Gippal outside the beach, then maybe...just maybe have saved a few minutes and figured out how to get my father out of there..."
Rikku felt another tear slide down her cheek. "But...Sasuno...you didn't know...none of you knew...!"
"Rikku, do you know who started that fire in Kilika? Do you know who started the one in Zanarkand?!" Sasuno suddenly interrupted, his voice rising, eyes blazing in anger.
She froze, the heat from the Kilika fire returning to her mind. Sasuno grabbed her hand and she gasped as he looked down at her, his voice filled with pain.
"Yes Rikku. It was me. I started them."
Her heart stopped. "N-No..." she uttered weakly, tearing her eyes away from his.
Sasuno looked over at her desperately, already anticipating what she was going to say next. "Rikku...you have to understand...I...it was all Serru's doing! I've been guilty under him for so long, and just so he wouldn't bring up the past, I did it! Alright?! I did it!" he exclaimed in rage, standing from the bed.
Rikku stared after him, feeling her eyes watering again. "I..." she began, trying desperately to figure out what she wanted to say. She didn't know whether to be angry or whether to pity him. Her eyes flickered up and this time he was looking at her. "Sasuno, listen to me..." Rikku began again, her voice softening.
He simply stood still, saying nothing, but his eyes let her know that he was indeed listening.
She stood up. "I...don't blame you, Sasuno. But I...do have one question. Why? Why did Serru want to burn Kilika and Zanarkand?"
He paused, seeming to collect his thoughts. "To have his revenge on Gippal."
Rikku stood in shock, the truth finally coming out. But it made sense...
"Serru knew that you and Gippal were heading towards the village that afternoon, and he knew that you wouldn't leave those villagers trapped there. He hoped you wouldn't make it out either...but he was wrong," Sasuno began to explain, his words dripping with venom at his last words.
"Then...what about Zanarkand? Gippal was never over there..." Rikku whispered in disbelief. She felt herself backing up to sit down on the bed again. She could barely stand as she listened to Sasuno's words.
"My brother has a lot of hate in his heart, Rikku. He ordered me to set the fire at Zanarkand simply because it was Zanarkand. He said that there was no need to keep it standing since he didn't believe in Yevon anyway. After our father died, his hate towards Yevon increased, knowing that there was no god that saved Father..." Sasuno looked down. "This is why I've been so ashamed of him for all these years."
Rikku felt her blood boiling, realizing that Yuna and Paine's lives had been in danger because of Serru's hatred towards Yevon. Not to mention Tidus and Isaaru as well. Not only that, but the ironic part of it all was Rikku herself would have been dead along with those villagers if Gippal had not invited her out into the temple that day. Everything was connected...but why like this? Everyone she cared about had suffered because of Serru. She suddenly remembered something Gippal had mentioned to her.
"Sasuno, about Guadosalam... One of Gippal's men said they found a sphere near the site of the fire in Kilika, saying it had Guadosalam's insignia on it. It turns out there was a barrier surrounding Guadosalam, and Gippal refused to break through, even when the men suggested it," Rikku explained. Sasuno listened quietly, his face frowning in understanding.
"Oh, I see now..." he replied in a whisper, the pieces falling into place for him. She searched his face for any answers.
"Rikku, do you remember what I said about meeting Gippal on our island when we were children?" She nodded. "When he decided to leave, it was a few months later that I heard from him again. I received one last message from Gippal saying that he was in Guadosalam living with a woman who knew his mother. Apparently the woman helped him for a while before she passed away."
Rikku gasped quietly at the story. "So that's why he didn't want to go near Guadosalam..."
"Yes, now it's all making sense to me as well. Before, I was just blindly taking orders, but now I see why Serru made me plant that sphere with the Guado mark. Because he knew that Gippal wouldn't harm the city at all." Sasuno began to pace around the room. "My brother thought Gippal would just shrug off the fire at Kilika and forget about the whole thing if he saw that the Guado were involved. He did this after realizing that you and Gippal hadn't died in the fire. It was all planned.... Damn...if only I could have realized how wrong I was in listening to Serru..." Sasuno spoke, trying to bite back his anger.
"There's still something I'm confused about..." Rikku said quietly, making her way to the window. She gazed out towards the sky, white snowflakes falling delicately onto the ground below. "Why didn't Gippal recognize that the Serru who joined his team was the same Serru from his childhood?" she asked softly.
Sasuno sighed, his expression distant. "I don't know, Rikku. Perhaps Gippal simply forgot. Or maybe he forced himself to forget what happened back then..."
Rikku nodded absently, still staring out into the endless white. "I guess..."
"I knew Gippal felt responsible about what happened to my father. That's why he was crying on that pathway all those years ago..."
=====
Serru stood by the large window, watching the snowflakes falling quietly. Even under the light of the room, his reflection stared back at him from the glass. He found himself looking back at it, hardly believing that it was him. This was the first time he had the chance to look at himself closely, and for some reason he felt anger welling up inside.
He grunted in disgust, tearing his eyes away from his reflection. Walking over to the desk, he pulled open the drawer, already knowing what he was going to take out.
The smooth wood greeted his fingertips as he took out a picture, one that was taken of him, Sasuno, and their father back at the old village. Their father stood proudly in the middle of the picture, Serru on the right and Sasuno on the left. A machina had been dancing in front of them as the photographer snapped the portrait. Serru and Sasuno were both laughing as their father tried desperately go get the two boys to look at the camera. Their father had a big smile on his face. The result was this portrait.
Serru felt his hand shaking as he gazed at himself and his family.
Happy.
He was actually happy in this picture.
Setting it carefully back into the drawer, Serru stood again, going back to look out the window.
In the reflection, a single tear slid down his cheek.
=====
Rikku spotted a box of tissue sitting neglected on the nightstand. Through all her tears, she never noticed it until now. Standing up from the bed, she walked over and took out a few tissues.
"Comes in handy, doesn't it?" Sasuno spoke up from his position on the other side of the room. He glanced up momentarily at her before averting his gaze back to look out the window. It was still snowing outside.
"Yeah...it's too bad I didn't notice them before..." she replied in a soft murmur, dabbing her eyes gently. Her gaze drifted slowly over to Sasuno. He had his back to her, his broad soldiers filling his dark jacket as he stood by the window. She could see the profile of his face, spiky strands of hair sticking this way and that. He turned around as he heard her approach.
"Thanks..." he whispered, taking the tissue that she handed to him. Rikku continued to stare at Sasuno, his story still fresh in her mind. She didn't notice that he had turned around again and was staring at her as well.
"...What is it...?" Sasuno asked gently, his fingers briefly brushing the side of her face so she could look at him again. Rikku felt her body tense at his touch, realizing that it was all too familiar. She felt her face beginning to warm up. Cursing herself for acting like this, she forced herself to meet his gaze.
"I uh...that is...Sasuno, I don't think I had the opportunity to tell you that I—" Rikku began.
"...That you what, Rikku...?" he interrupted gently, his gaze fully on her. Rikku found herself losing her words momentarily as he continued to await her answer, his eyes never wavering.
She sighed, turning around from him. Somehow she couldn't speak clearly under his intense eyes. But Rikku knew that this was something she needed to tell him. She knew that he had to hear it with his own ears. That way, maybe he could let go of his own demons. And even despite everything, Rikku knew that he had suffered as much as she had. Perhaps even more so...
"Sasuno...I...I...forgive you," she whispered, finally turning to look him wholly in the face. He seemed to be taken aback at her words, his eyes sparkling under the dim light from the room. Her eyes searched his for a moment longer. He blinked, trying to fight off the feelings welling up inside of him.
"Rikku, I..." he began, taking a step towards her. She smiled softly in understanding, realizing that what she said was what he had needed for so long. Rikku opened her mouth, about to speak again, when she saw Sasuno take another step towards her. Her breath caught as he took her into his arms, her body being surrounded by his warmth. She raised her arms around him as well, hearing him whisper one last time.
"Thank you, Rikku."
========
Yuna continued to stare at her friend. Paine remained a good feet ahead of the group as she led the way in silence. The ex-summoner sighed.
Moments after Isaaru had announced that the hallway had cleared up completely, Tidus had helped Yuna stand, and they all managed to escape the site. Much to Yuna's relief, they were lucky enough to avoid all the lights, and walked within the concealed, dark paths.
"I wonder where all the guards went..." Tidus had commented when they finally reached the forest. The moon shone brightly above them, providing ample light as the group walked on in silence.
Paine had simply mumbled that they must have given up. It was the first comment the warrior had said since they were all in the small room, and Yuna had to admit that she was relieved. But...something in her friend's tone was not quite right. She knew there was still something that was bothering Paine.
Yuna decided not to say anything. In all the time Paine had been with them, she knew that the warrior would only speak when she was ready. It was futile to force it out of her.
"Where...are we?" Tidus' voice whispered. He stopped short behind Paine, taking the opportunity to gaze at their surroundings. Yuna looked at Isaaru, who was also looking around them.
"It seems that we are in the Macalania Woods..." Isaaru declared quietly, bending down to inspect the ground.
Paine stood with a hand to her chin thoughtfully, frowning. "But wait. Why do these woods look like this...? This isn't the Macalania Forest I remember."
"Yes, you are correct, Paine. These are the woods in their last stage of life..." Isaaru answered. He stood up from his position on the ground and approached the group again. "Shall we continue on? Surely there is an Inn near us..."
Tidus stepped forward, nodding to the group. He looked towards Paine, who began walking up the path once more. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's go," he agreed, reaching down to support Yuna as they continued on.
======
Her eyebrows knit together as she twisted around beneath the thin sheets. A few strands of blonde hair fell in front of her eyes. Light beads of sweat fell from her forehead, the dream feeling too intense for her.
======
She was standing outside a small hut; everything was hazy. There was no golden sun, no deep cerulean sky. Instead, a fire blazed wildly in front of her. She could feel the heat from the hut biting at her skin, eager to make its mark on her. The flames danced wildly before her very eyes, swallowing the vulnerable grass that held the small building together.
A little boy stood directly in front of the hut, wearing nothing but black shorts and a white shirt. He was looking silently at it as the fire raged on. Her eyes were locked on the inferno as well, before she saw a flash of movement. She turned, seeing the roof leaning slightly to one side. In a sickening crack, her eyes made out the unmistakable image of the roof about to collapse; about to crush the little boy underneath.
Her mind screamed at her body to move, to run and shove the little boy out of the way. But her limbs would not. She tried opening her mouth, desperately urging her voice to make a sound, to scream at the child to move out of the way. Still, nothing was coming out.
The roof began to fall, as if moving in slow motion, flames engulfing the entire structure. A rush of energy seemed to resonate from her body, and she could feel as if her limbs could move again, as if her voice had come back. She dashed wildly towards the child, feeling the intense heat of the flame.
The little boy suddenly turned around to face her, and she froze in mid- step. The fire continued to burn all around them. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed at her, his expression tranquil. Suddenly, she saw everything begin to grow hazy again.
He smiled at her warmly then, his youthful face the last thing she saw.
======
Rikku sat up from the bed in a rush, the dream feeling much too real. She gasped in short breaths, raising a hand to wipe the perspiration from her forehead. Putting a hand to her chest, she tried to calm her breathing.
The dream. The little boy. It had been Gippal in her dream. She knew it.
Sighing again, Rikku began to feel her heartbeat returning to normal. A nightmare. It was only natural for her to have a dream like this. Sasuno's story earlier that night had been too much to handle...too tragic to—
"Rikku..." a masculine voice whispered.
She froze in the bed, feeling her pulse quicken again. The bedroom was pitch black, she could see nothing at all. No light flooded in from the open window. Not making a sound, she listened carefully, hearing the movement of the person's clothing as he approached her. She sat motionless, too frightened to move.
"Rikku...are you...alright?" the voice whispered again, a bit louder this time. She could sense his presence very close to her, and she knew that he was right next to her bedside. She felt herself take a sharp intake of breath, and before she could even curse herself for doing so, a hand slid up her bare arm.
Rikku jerked away violently, prepared to put up a fight with this person. A million thoughts raced through her mind. Who was it? The only two men in the building were Serru and Sasuno. She froze again. Serru had done this before.
The man had his hand at the side of her face now, dancing briefly to glide through her hair. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt his other hand move around her waist and drew her closer to him. She could feel her hand rising in an attempt to slap the man, but paused when he suddenly leaned in close to her ear.
"Say something..." he whispered softly. Rikku was frozen in his grasp, as they both sat in the darkness. She could not see anything at all. She could only hear his voice, feel his touch. "You're warm..." he whispered again, holding her a little tighter this time.
A faint scent drifted by her nose, causing her to sniff the air again. It was familiar... Her eyes suddenly lit up.
"G-Gippal...?" Rikku whispered in the darkness, relief washing over her. Her hand went up to his hair, never feeling more relieved than she was now. She felt herself sinking into his arms as he held her, feeling him sigh in happiness.
He suddenly shifted, leaning in to pull her in a hug. "It's so good to hold you like this again..." he whispered quietly, stroking her hair. "It's been hard without you, Rikku."
She pulled away slowly, cursing the room for being as dark as it was at the moment. She wanted to see his face, to see him smile again. But him being here was enough. "I-I've missed you too." Rikku closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of being in his arms again. He held her tightly, his arms supporting both of them as they sat in the darkness.
A million questions raced through her mind, and she desperately wanted to ask them all at once. But she couldn't do it like this. She moved towards the edge of the bed.
"Where...are you going?" Gippal asked her in a whisper, grasping her hand gently.
"I know it's here somewhere..." Rikku responded quietly, feeling the walls. Her hands slid up and to the right a bit and she found it.
Click.
A dim light filled the room and her eyes drifted over to Gippal. She took in his features greedily, never feeling so happy to see him again. His eyes rested on her for a few minutes as well, still holding her hand. They said nothing for a long time, until he slowly stood up and walked to her.
Rikku looked up at him, her heart racing. He raised a gloved hand to her face and trailed his fingers down, landing under her chin. He smiled as her cheeks turned slightly pink under his touch, and she smiled up at him as well. Gippal felt his eyes drifting shut as he leaned down, his lips finally finding her's. Rikku felt her heart soaring under his touch, and she never felt more alive. Raising a shaking hand up to his hair, she joined his lips in the dance.
A door shut with a soft click.
Rikku suddenly pulled away from Gippal in shock, her eyes moving around his body and to the door directly in front of the bed. She gasped in shock.
"S-Sasuno...?!"
Gippal instantly pulled out a gun, moving Rikku protectively behind him as he pointed it at the man. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Sasuno shook his head once, blinking as he took in the scene before him. His dark eyes moved past the blonde man and settled on Rikku. She stared back at him with startled green eyes. Turning swiftly away, he made his way to the door again, before stopping, realizing that he still had something he needed to say.
"I'm sorry, Rikku. I never should have come in like this, but..." Sasuno paused, his eyes settling on Gippal. He bit back his anger.
Rikku stepped forward, putting a hand to Gippal's arm as she lowered the gun. Gippal watched her in confusion.
"Sasuno...I um...please. Come in," Rikku begged him, stepping forward again.
Gippal looked back and forth between Rikku and Sasuno, trying to figure out who the other man was. He moved to put an arm around her. Startled, she paused in mid-step as Gippal pulled her closer to him. Sasuno felt his blood boil at the sight, trying to control his feelings.
"Rikku...who is he?" Gippal asked, his voice teetering on the edge of jealousy. He held her tightly around the waist, a hand on the end of his gun.
Rikku felt her cheeks flaming, and she turned away from Sasuno, feeling Gippal's grasp around her.
"He's...Serru's brother," she said hesitantly.
Gippal's eyes narrowed at the other man. "Are you the one who kidnapped her?" he asked.
Sasuno nodded once, his eyes on Rikku. He feared what Gippal would say, but to his surprise, the other Al Bhed didn't seem as angry as he expected. "Gippal...you don't remember me...do you?" Sasuno suddenly asked, his gaze drifting from Rikku to him.
Gippal paused, studying him closely. Somehow the name sounded familiar, but he didn't quite know how or where he had heard it before.
"Yes, Gippal. It's me. The one you met on that pathway all those years ago," Sasuno spoke evenly, moving towards them. He stopped within a few feet and offered a reassuring smile.
Gippal felt something spark within. All at once, he felt himself spiraling into a wave of emotions; memories returning from somewhere he didn't know existed within. Rikku looked up at Gippal's face in worry, and as his mind collected itself once more, he suddenly remembered something.
Intense fire, screams, tears, and a face. A face...
Gippal looked up at the other man.
Sasuno.
"Yeah...I...remember now," Gippal whispered in disbelief, realizing that this man was once his friend. But how could he have forgotten something like this? His gaze fell downward. Gippal chose not to say anything more, eyeing the man suspiciously and holding Rikku tighter towards him.
"Good. Well in that case...shall we get ready then?" Sasuno suddenly spoke up, seeming to forget the conversation completely. He smiled, nodding once at Rikku and Gippal. He fought back his emotions and turned swiftly to a cabinet in the room, taking out a key from his pocket and scraping it into the lock.
Rikku watched with stunned eyes as Sasuno calmly reached into the closet and pulled out two small guns and a large shotgun. He turned to the two and smiled, gesturing to the weapons lying on the floor.
"Your escape begins tonight."
==========
A/N: Chapter 15 coming soon.
Ah, it gets good from here!
And I'm the author. Haha. =p
Anyway, my endless thanks to everyone that has been with me on this long journey. I started this back at the end of January, so it's been quite some time. I know how difficult it is to wait forever for updates, so I tried to make sure these chapters got out in decent time. =p
And I did this while going to school and studying, taking exams, etc. Not to mention trying to balance my normal life, as well. But since I'm on vacation now, I had the chance to do a bit more research on FFX-2 once more, and having that 100% file really helped. I was able to go through the cities once again, study the environments, and the characters' behaviors. Since my other fic didn't have an emphasis on Rikku/Gippal, I had to look much closely at Gippal here. From his personality to his appearance. But of course FFX-2 didn't talk too much about him like they should have, but who am I to complain?
I'm just glad they made a character as great as Gippal in the first place.
=====
{{ Chapter 14: Until Now }}
=====
Gippal stood in the far corner of the airship. He leaned back against the wall, the coldness of the metal penetrating through his clothing. Somehow the cool feeling seemed to calm his nerves. He paused to look up at an Al Bhed who nodded at him once before proceeding down the hall.
He looked around him. Why was he here again?
Oh, yes. Because he didn't want to show his face to Cid, that's why. The older man hadn't said a word to Gippal since they left Luca, and Gippal had said nothing to him as well. A barrier separated the two men, neither not quite knowing what to say nor who to blame.
Pushing himself off the wall, he found himself pacing in the hallway. The silence of the room allowed him to hear himself, in hopes of sorting out what was really bothering him.
Every time Cid's voice echoed in his mind, Gippal saw Rikku. He could visualize her smiling face, hear her carefree laughter, feel her warmth. He realized that these last few days without her near him had been painful. He was endlessly falling into a deep void, and he had jumped into it the day that Rikku was taken.
After leaving his island at a young age, mastering all there was to know about machina became his top priority. He joined the Crimson Squad when he was in his mid-teens, and Gippal found that moment in his life brighter; joyful somehow. He had met Nooj, Baralai, and Paine, and the four of them grew close to one another, unlike anything Gippal had known before. They would share stories late at night, complain early in the morning, and joke until sunset. Those had indeed been good times. It was also the first time Gippal had befriended someone other than a male, and Paine had been a great friend.
Loneliness. Among Gippal's first memories had been those of emptiness, a simple longing to have someone care for him and keep him company. When his mother had died, life seemed to pass him by slowly, as if he was the only one being left behind as everyone else reached their dreams. But these last few days...Rikku had made him realize that there was more in life that lingering in past memories.
Gippal stopped to reach into his pocket, his fingers feeling the soft feathers of the object before pulling it out completely. Rikku's earring glinted up at him.
And yet somehow she was different. Every time Rikku was near him, Gippal felt a thrill, as if her presence alone could take his hand and lift him, soaring to a paradise he had never known until now. He knew it was a different feeling from when he and Paine had been on the Crimson Squad together. He knew now that the feeling with Paine had been one of simple friendship, a gentle kind of caring.
But Rikku. She held the doors open for him. Gippal knew that somehow she had always been holding them open, yet he had just never noticed it. But he was now ready to step through.
"Kid...are you alright...?"
Gippal stopped pacing and turned around to the voice. Cid stood before him, concern written on the older man's face.
"I uh...yeah. I'm alright," Gippal replied. But he knew he was lying. Cid studied his face for a moment before Gippal turned away.
"We're about an hour away from Macalania. Just thought I'd let you know..." Cid announced, turning around to leave again. He didn't seem to notice Gippal's removed expression after that.
"Thanks," Gippal answered after some time, his tone even. He turned back around to look out the window. It was almost sunset.
"Listen..." Cid's voice began again. Gippal shut his eye, knowing that the older man had more to say to him. He didn't turn around to face Cid. "This whole thing with Serru. I uh...he told me that you and uh...Rikku had been spending some time together and—"
"Then why did you encourage him, Cid?" Gippal interrupted quietly, still facing the window. He had one hand against the windowsill, the sunlight casting rays of orange and yellow on his face.
"I had no idea that Rikku was seeing you, kid. Really I didn't. If I knew, then I wouldn't have even said a thing to that Serru kid!" Cid responded, seriousness hanging on all his words.
Gippal fell quiet for a moment, absorbing what Cid had just said. This was the first time he had the chance to speak formally with Cid, rather than just hearing about the man. Cid had been his superior in the past when Gippal was younger, and here they were now. He almost chuckled aloud. He would have never expected having a conversation like this with Cid. But Gippal had to admit it to himself. The man wasn't as bad as some of the other Al Bhed claimed.
"I even got a little angry when Serru finally mentioned you and Rikku, but dammit, I'm her father. I deserve that right!" Cid continued on, his voice rising only slightly. It was this moment that Gippal finally decided to face him.
"And what have you decided now...Cid?" Gippal asked hesitantly, quietly, almost regretting that he had even asked.
Cid turned around, his hand already placed on the doorknob that led out into the other room. He cleared his throat before Gippal heard him sigh, the minutes seeming to pass by slowly.
"If she cares about you, then who am I to interfere," Cid simply said, pulling the door open. "Just promise me you'll rescue her once we get there." And with that, he left the room, shutting the door quietly.
Gippal stood in a daze, Cid's words not quite sinking in. But what surprised him the most about the older man's words was the way he said them. There was no sense of resentment at all, and it was difficult for him to accept the fact that Cid had actually said them. He stopped.
Yes. Gippal had indeed heard Cid right.
He found himself smiling, relief and gratefulness washing over him.
But he shook his head, realizing that there was something more important he had to do first.
Rikku. He needed to save her quickly, and that time was fast approaching.
Swiftly walking towards the door, he followed after Cid, anticipating what their next move would be.
=====
"I raced up towards the beach, and my tears just wouldn't stop coming out..." Sasuno continued to explain, his voice breaking with emotion. Rikku felt her own eyes watering, desperately trying to force herself to continue listening.
"There was a fire, Rikku...! I ran and ran but the hut was...it was too late for me to help." Sasuno hastily wiped his eyes. "My heart was pounding so hard because I knew who was inside, dammit! When I heard my father's strangled cries coming from inside that hut, it was too late. All I remember after that was waking up, Serru telling me that I had passed out..." Sasuno continued to explain, tears leaking out of his eyes.
Rikku stifled a sob of her own, as she grasped Sasuno's hand comfortingly. He looked up at her, eyes glistening.
"Serru told me that the door got stuck sometime when my father had fallen asleep in the hut. He had been planning on surprising me by waiting in there, but then the place had suddenly went up in flames. The elders said it was caused by the sun and the grass that was used to make that hut," Sasuno continued on, his voice still filled with emotion. He suddenly met Rikku's eyes seriously. "The reason why Serru hates Gippal is because he continues to believe to this day that Gippal could have done something to save our father..." Sasuno spoke slowly, shutting his eyes in pain.
"But...you...were all just children back then!" Rikku heard herself exclaim, hating Serru even more.
Sasuno shook his head and looked down. "And I continue to follow my brother's orders because deep down I know that Serru's right. If I hadn't stopped to talk with Gippal outside the beach, then maybe...just maybe have saved a few minutes and figured out how to get my father out of there..."
Rikku felt another tear slide down her cheek. "But...Sasuno...you didn't know...none of you knew...!"
"Rikku, do you know who started that fire in Kilika? Do you know who started the one in Zanarkand?!" Sasuno suddenly interrupted, his voice rising, eyes blazing in anger.
She froze, the heat from the Kilika fire returning to her mind. Sasuno grabbed her hand and she gasped as he looked down at her, his voice filled with pain.
"Yes Rikku. It was me. I started them."
Her heart stopped. "N-No..." she uttered weakly, tearing her eyes away from his.
Sasuno looked over at her desperately, already anticipating what she was going to say next. "Rikku...you have to understand...I...it was all Serru's doing! I've been guilty under him for so long, and just so he wouldn't bring up the past, I did it! Alright?! I did it!" he exclaimed in rage, standing from the bed.
Rikku stared after him, feeling her eyes watering again. "I..." she began, trying desperately to figure out what she wanted to say. She didn't know whether to be angry or whether to pity him. Her eyes flickered up and this time he was looking at her. "Sasuno, listen to me..." Rikku began again, her voice softening.
He simply stood still, saying nothing, but his eyes let her know that he was indeed listening.
She stood up. "I...don't blame you, Sasuno. But I...do have one question. Why? Why did Serru want to burn Kilika and Zanarkand?"
He paused, seeming to collect his thoughts. "To have his revenge on Gippal."
Rikku stood in shock, the truth finally coming out. But it made sense...
"Serru knew that you and Gippal were heading towards the village that afternoon, and he knew that you wouldn't leave those villagers trapped there. He hoped you wouldn't make it out either...but he was wrong," Sasuno began to explain, his words dripping with venom at his last words.
"Then...what about Zanarkand? Gippal was never over there..." Rikku whispered in disbelief. She felt herself backing up to sit down on the bed again. She could barely stand as she listened to Sasuno's words.
"My brother has a lot of hate in his heart, Rikku. He ordered me to set the fire at Zanarkand simply because it was Zanarkand. He said that there was no need to keep it standing since he didn't believe in Yevon anyway. After our father died, his hate towards Yevon increased, knowing that there was no god that saved Father..." Sasuno looked down. "This is why I've been so ashamed of him for all these years."
Rikku felt her blood boiling, realizing that Yuna and Paine's lives had been in danger because of Serru's hatred towards Yevon. Not to mention Tidus and Isaaru as well. Not only that, but the ironic part of it all was Rikku herself would have been dead along with those villagers if Gippal had not invited her out into the temple that day. Everything was connected...but why like this? Everyone she cared about had suffered because of Serru. She suddenly remembered something Gippal had mentioned to her.
"Sasuno, about Guadosalam... One of Gippal's men said they found a sphere near the site of the fire in Kilika, saying it had Guadosalam's insignia on it. It turns out there was a barrier surrounding Guadosalam, and Gippal refused to break through, even when the men suggested it," Rikku explained. Sasuno listened quietly, his face frowning in understanding.
"Oh, I see now..." he replied in a whisper, the pieces falling into place for him. She searched his face for any answers.
"Rikku, do you remember what I said about meeting Gippal on our island when we were children?" She nodded. "When he decided to leave, it was a few months later that I heard from him again. I received one last message from Gippal saying that he was in Guadosalam living with a woman who knew his mother. Apparently the woman helped him for a while before she passed away."
Rikku gasped quietly at the story. "So that's why he didn't want to go near Guadosalam..."
"Yes, now it's all making sense to me as well. Before, I was just blindly taking orders, but now I see why Serru made me plant that sphere with the Guado mark. Because he knew that Gippal wouldn't harm the city at all." Sasuno began to pace around the room. "My brother thought Gippal would just shrug off the fire at Kilika and forget about the whole thing if he saw that the Guado were involved. He did this after realizing that you and Gippal hadn't died in the fire. It was all planned.... Damn...if only I could have realized how wrong I was in listening to Serru..." Sasuno spoke, trying to bite back his anger.
"There's still something I'm confused about..." Rikku said quietly, making her way to the window. She gazed out towards the sky, white snowflakes falling delicately onto the ground below. "Why didn't Gippal recognize that the Serru who joined his team was the same Serru from his childhood?" she asked softly.
Sasuno sighed, his expression distant. "I don't know, Rikku. Perhaps Gippal simply forgot. Or maybe he forced himself to forget what happened back then..."
Rikku nodded absently, still staring out into the endless white. "I guess..."
"I knew Gippal felt responsible about what happened to my father. That's why he was crying on that pathway all those years ago..."
=====
Serru stood by the large window, watching the snowflakes falling quietly. Even under the light of the room, his reflection stared back at him from the glass. He found himself looking back at it, hardly believing that it was him. This was the first time he had the chance to look at himself closely, and for some reason he felt anger welling up inside.
He grunted in disgust, tearing his eyes away from his reflection. Walking over to the desk, he pulled open the drawer, already knowing what he was going to take out.
The smooth wood greeted his fingertips as he took out a picture, one that was taken of him, Sasuno, and their father back at the old village. Their father stood proudly in the middle of the picture, Serru on the right and Sasuno on the left. A machina had been dancing in front of them as the photographer snapped the portrait. Serru and Sasuno were both laughing as their father tried desperately go get the two boys to look at the camera. Their father had a big smile on his face. The result was this portrait.
Serru felt his hand shaking as he gazed at himself and his family.
Happy.
He was actually happy in this picture.
Setting it carefully back into the drawer, Serru stood again, going back to look out the window.
In the reflection, a single tear slid down his cheek.
=====
Rikku spotted a box of tissue sitting neglected on the nightstand. Through all her tears, she never noticed it until now. Standing up from the bed, she walked over and took out a few tissues.
"Comes in handy, doesn't it?" Sasuno spoke up from his position on the other side of the room. He glanced up momentarily at her before averting his gaze back to look out the window. It was still snowing outside.
"Yeah...it's too bad I didn't notice them before..." she replied in a soft murmur, dabbing her eyes gently. Her gaze drifted slowly over to Sasuno. He had his back to her, his broad soldiers filling his dark jacket as he stood by the window. She could see the profile of his face, spiky strands of hair sticking this way and that. He turned around as he heard her approach.
"Thanks..." he whispered, taking the tissue that she handed to him. Rikku continued to stare at Sasuno, his story still fresh in her mind. She didn't notice that he had turned around again and was staring at her as well.
"...What is it...?" Sasuno asked gently, his fingers briefly brushing the side of her face so she could look at him again. Rikku felt her body tense at his touch, realizing that it was all too familiar. She felt her face beginning to warm up. Cursing herself for acting like this, she forced herself to meet his gaze.
"I uh...that is...Sasuno, I don't think I had the opportunity to tell you that I—" Rikku began.
"...That you what, Rikku...?" he interrupted gently, his gaze fully on her. Rikku found herself losing her words momentarily as he continued to await her answer, his eyes never wavering.
She sighed, turning around from him. Somehow she couldn't speak clearly under his intense eyes. But Rikku knew that this was something she needed to tell him. She knew that he had to hear it with his own ears. That way, maybe he could let go of his own demons. And even despite everything, Rikku knew that he had suffered as much as she had. Perhaps even more so...
"Sasuno...I...I...forgive you," she whispered, finally turning to look him wholly in the face. He seemed to be taken aback at her words, his eyes sparkling under the dim light from the room. Her eyes searched his for a moment longer. He blinked, trying to fight off the feelings welling up inside of him.
"Rikku, I..." he began, taking a step towards her. She smiled softly in understanding, realizing that what she said was what he had needed for so long. Rikku opened her mouth, about to speak again, when she saw Sasuno take another step towards her. Her breath caught as he took her into his arms, her body being surrounded by his warmth. She raised her arms around him as well, hearing him whisper one last time.
"Thank you, Rikku."
========
Yuna continued to stare at her friend. Paine remained a good feet ahead of the group as she led the way in silence. The ex-summoner sighed.
Moments after Isaaru had announced that the hallway had cleared up completely, Tidus had helped Yuna stand, and they all managed to escape the site. Much to Yuna's relief, they were lucky enough to avoid all the lights, and walked within the concealed, dark paths.
"I wonder where all the guards went..." Tidus had commented when they finally reached the forest. The moon shone brightly above them, providing ample light as the group walked on in silence.
Paine had simply mumbled that they must have given up. It was the first comment the warrior had said since they were all in the small room, and Yuna had to admit that she was relieved. But...something in her friend's tone was not quite right. She knew there was still something that was bothering Paine.
Yuna decided not to say anything. In all the time Paine had been with them, she knew that the warrior would only speak when she was ready. It was futile to force it out of her.
"Where...are we?" Tidus' voice whispered. He stopped short behind Paine, taking the opportunity to gaze at their surroundings. Yuna looked at Isaaru, who was also looking around them.
"It seems that we are in the Macalania Woods..." Isaaru declared quietly, bending down to inspect the ground.
Paine stood with a hand to her chin thoughtfully, frowning. "But wait. Why do these woods look like this...? This isn't the Macalania Forest I remember."
"Yes, you are correct, Paine. These are the woods in their last stage of life..." Isaaru answered. He stood up from his position on the ground and approached the group again. "Shall we continue on? Surely there is an Inn near us..."
Tidus stepped forward, nodding to the group. He looked towards Paine, who began walking up the path once more. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's go," he agreed, reaching down to support Yuna as they continued on.
======
Her eyebrows knit together as she twisted around beneath the thin sheets. A few strands of blonde hair fell in front of her eyes. Light beads of sweat fell from her forehead, the dream feeling too intense for her.
======
She was standing outside a small hut; everything was hazy. There was no golden sun, no deep cerulean sky. Instead, a fire blazed wildly in front of her. She could feel the heat from the hut biting at her skin, eager to make its mark on her. The flames danced wildly before her very eyes, swallowing the vulnerable grass that held the small building together.
A little boy stood directly in front of the hut, wearing nothing but black shorts and a white shirt. He was looking silently at it as the fire raged on. Her eyes were locked on the inferno as well, before she saw a flash of movement. She turned, seeing the roof leaning slightly to one side. In a sickening crack, her eyes made out the unmistakable image of the roof about to collapse; about to crush the little boy underneath.
Her mind screamed at her body to move, to run and shove the little boy out of the way. But her limbs would not. She tried opening her mouth, desperately urging her voice to make a sound, to scream at the child to move out of the way. Still, nothing was coming out.
The roof began to fall, as if moving in slow motion, flames engulfing the entire structure. A rush of energy seemed to resonate from her body, and she could feel as if her limbs could move again, as if her voice had come back. She dashed wildly towards the child, feeling the intense heat of the flame.
The little boy suddenly turned around to face her, and she froze in mid- step. The fire continued to burn all around them. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed at her, his expression tranquil. Suddenly, she saw everything begin to grow hazy again.
He smiled at her warmly then, his youthful face the last thing she saw.
======
Rikku sat up from the bed in a rush, the dream feeling much too real. She gasped in short breaths, raising a hand to wipe the perspiration from her forehead. Putting a hand to her chest, she tried to calm her breathing.
The dream. The little boy. It had been Gippal in her dream. She knew it.
Sighing again, Rikku began to feel her heartbeat returning to normal. A nightmare. It was only natural for her to have a dream like this. Sasuno's story earlier that night had been too much to handle...too tragic to—
"Rikku..." a masculine voice whispered.
She froze in the bed, feeling her pulse quicken again. The bedroom was pitch black, she could see nothing at all. No light flooded in from the open window. Not making a sound, she listened carefully, hearing the movement of the person's clothing as he approached her. She sat motionless, too frightened to move.
"Rikku...are you...alright?" the voice whispered again, a bit louder this time. She could sense his presence very close to her, and she knew that he was right next to her bedside. She felt herself take a sharp intake of breath, and before she could even curse herself for doing so, a hand slid up her bare arm.
Rikku jerked away violently, prepared to put up a fight with this person. A million thoughts raced through her mind. Who was it? The only two men in the building were Serru and Sasuno. She froze again. Serru had done this before.
The man had his hand at the side of her face now, dancing briefly to glide through her hair. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt his other hand move around her waist and drew her closer to him. She could feel her hand rising in an attempt to slap the man, but paused when he suddenly leaned in close to her ear.
"Say something..." he whispered softly. Rikku was frozen in his grasp, as they both sat in the darkness. She could not see anything at all. She could only hear his voice, feel his touch. "You're warm..." he whispered again, holding her a little tighter this time.
A faint scent drifted by her nose, causing her to sniff the air again. It was familiar... Her eyes suddenly lit up.
"G-Gippal...?" Rikku whispered in the darkness, relief washing over her. Her hand went up to his hair, never feeling more relieved than she was now. She felt herself sinking into his arms as he held her, feeling him sigh in happiness.
He suddenly shifted, leaning in to pull her in a hug. "It's so good to hold you like this again..." he whispered quietly, stroking her hair. "It's been hard without you, Rikku."
She pulled away slowly, cursing the room for being as dark as it was at the moment. She wanted to see his face, to see him smile again. But him being here was enough. "I-I've missed you too." Rikku closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of being in his arms again. He held her tightly, his arms supporting both of them as they sat in the darkness.
A million questions raced through her mind, and she desperately wanted to ask them all at once. But she couldn't do it like this. She moved towards the edge of the bed.
"Where...are you going?" Gippal asked her in a whisper, grasping her hand gently.
"I know it's here somewhere..." Rikku responded quietly, feeling the walls. Her hands slid up and to the right a bit and she found it.
Click.
A dim light filled the room and her eyes drifted over to Gippal. She took in his features greedily, never feeling so happy to see him again. His eyes rested on her for a few minutes as well, still holding her hand. They said nothing for a long time, until he slowly stood up and walked to her.
Rikku looked up at him, her heart racing. He raised a gloved hand to her face and trailed his fingers down, landing under her chin. He smiled as her cheeks turned slightly pink under his touch, and she smiled up at him as well. Gippal felt his eyes drifting shut as he leaned down, his lips finally finding her's. Rikku felt her heart soaring under his touch, and she never felt more alive. Raising a shaking hand up to his hair, she joined his lips in the dance.
A door shut with a soft click.
Rikku suddenly pulled away from Gippal in shock, her eyes moving around his body and to the door directly in front of the bed. She gasped in shock.
"S-Sasuno...?!"
Gippal instantly pulled out a gun, moving Rikku protectively behind him as he pointed it at the man. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Sasuno shook his head once, blinking as he took in the scene before him. His dark eyes moved past the blonde man and settled on Rikku. She stared back at him with startled green eyes. Turning swiftly away, he made his way to the door again, before stopping, realizing that he still had something he needed to say.
"I'm sorry, Rikku. I never should have come in like this, but..." Sasuno paused, his eyes settling on Gippal. He bit back his anger.
Rikku stepped forward, putting a hand to Gippal's arm as she lowered the gun. Gippal watched her in confusion.
"Sasuno...I um...please. Come in," Rikku begged him, stepping forward again.
Gippal looked back and forth between Rikku and Sasuno, trying to figure out who the other man was. He moved to put an arm around her. Startled, she paused in mid-step as Gippal pulled her closer to him. Sasuno felt his blood boil at the sight, trying to control his feelings.
"Rikku...who is he?" Gippal asked, his voice teetering on the edge of jealousy. He held her tightly around the waist, a hand on the end of his gun.
Rikku felt her cheeks flaming, and she turned away from Sasuno, feeling Gippal's grasp around her.
"He's...Serru's brother," she said hesitantly.
Gippal's eyes narrowed at the other man. "Are you the one who kidnapped her?" he asked.
Sasuno nodded once, his eyes on Rikku. He feared what Gippal would say, but to his surprise, the other Al Bhed didn't seem as angry as he expected. "Gippal...you don't remember me...do you?" Sasuno suddenly asked, his gaze drifting from Rikku to him.
Gippal paused, studying him closely. Somehow the name sounded familiar, but he didn't quite know how or where he had heard it before.
"Yes, Gippal. It's me. The one you met on that pathway all those years ago," Sasuno spoke evenly, moving towards them. He stopped within a few feet and offered a reassuring smile.
Gippal felt something spark within. All at once, he felt himself spiraling into a wave of emotions; memories returning from somewhere he didn't know existed within. Rikku looked up at Gippal's face in worry, and as his mind collected itself once more, he suddenly remembered something.
Intense fire, screams, tears, and a face. A face...
Gippal looked up at the other man.
Sasuno.
"Yeah...I...remember now," Gippal whispered in disbelief, realizing that this man was once his friend. But how could he have forgotten something like this? His gaze fell downward. Gippal chose not to say anything more, eyeing the man suspiciously and holding Rikku tighter towards him.
"Good. Well in that case...shall we get ready then?" Sasuno suddenly spoke up, seeming to forget the conversation completely. He smiled, nodding once at Rikku and Gippal. He fought back his emotions and turned swiftly to a cabinet in the room, taking out a key from his pocket and scraping it into the lock.
Rikku watched with stunned eyes as Sasuno calmly reached into the closet and pulled out two small guns and a large shotgun. He turned to the two and smiled, gesturing to the weapons lying on the floor.
"Your escape begins tonight."
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A/N: Chapter 15 coming soon.
Ah, it gets good from here!