Sorry guys. I was on vacation in Puerto Rico. I had a fun time! So I really didn't have the time to update. Anyways I'm back now. I had some really bad writers block. I just couldn't get back into the groove. It's amazing how little relaxation it takes to make you completely lazy! Anyways I had to rewrite this chapter at least two or three times ( if you count one paragraph I had originally written and deleted). Okay well I think I did an okay job on this chapter. I'm definitely getting back into the swing of things. So here it is. From now on I'm writing my chapters two at a time...to avoid too many long updates. I'm seriously upset about my habits now. It just gets harder the more you continue a story. So anyways I hope you guys enjoy...lol! .

Chapter 18

" Wow this blows." Lamented Rikku as she slithered her way into the bridge. Gippal was overlooking the oscilo-finder trying to locate some of his companions. "I guess we're putting reconstruction on hold for now." Gippal mentioned to Cid the risks of delaying any further especially now that the balance of power has dramatically shifted from Baralai to Fiohn's hands. "Hmm..." Cid ran a few thoughts over," What can we do? We can't risk home becoming ground zero for an attack by the new administrator of New Yevon. I don't trust Yevonites as far as I can throw 'em." Rikku appeared to be disinterested in her father and Gippal's discourse about home.

"Hey you guys think that Baralai and Yunie will ever just stop being so stubborn?" Gippal slanted his glance downwards and shook his head in disapproval. "I've done all I can for those two, Rikku. They're adults now and we don't have time to play cupid."
"Even so, this is such a big mess. How safe are we going to be up here? How much time before they find us."
"I wouldn't..." Gippal commenced to speak. A sudden tremor took hold of the aircraft.
"Turbulence?" Gippal chortled edgily.
The ship rattled again. This time the motion was from side to side as if the ship were being hard-pressed from the starboard.

Baralai was located in the cabin. Finding him both half depressed half amused. He had entered into a conversation with a rather entertaining hypello barkeep. Bewildered by the tremors in his drink Baralai alerted went to find Gippal. Soon however the hull started to give away and a rather noticeable dent was now visible. It appeared as if another ship was occupying the same airspace. It couldn't be New Yevon. To Baralai's knowledge they hadn't access to such machines. Even after the "Eternal Calm" Yevon clung heavily to it's traditions. It had to be the Al Bhed.

Baralai ducked by the flimsy hull of the ship to the bridge. Pieces of plaster and metal were literally smashing together. "What's happening?!" Baralai demanded. He could tell that the whole crew was distraught. Almost as if they knew something that they were quite reticent to reveal to Baralai. The enemy vessel came into sight. By the markings and make of the ship he could scarcely see that the ship was one made by the Al Bhed.

"Anybody care to explain?" Baralai approached the oscillo-finder. Rikku looked distant as if she wanted to edge away from Baralai.
"What is going on?" Baralai pried once again.

Gippal looked frankly to be quite disgusted by Baralai's demands. He wore a frown on his face. Baralai felt alone in the room. The feeling wasn't like he was by himself. It was more like everyone was against him. Even Cid glared at him in a newfound disrespect. It wasn't like Cid was ever cordial to Baralai yet now his face was filled with pent up anger.

"Why won't anyone talk to me? What crime have I committed?" Baralai found himself becoming so upset that he was almost to tears.

"Baralai, I'm afraid this is your stop." Gippal announced somberly. "What?! Why?!"
"We can't have you here anymore..."
"Give me an answer?!"
"They are coming, Baralai. You have to serve trail for your crimes. We've already lost to many of our own trying to protect you. The airship is Al Bhed. I contacted them to find that the rebuilding of home is under siege. Rather than risk that again, I'd rather see you in custody."
Baralai felt a bit outcast. However he understood that Gippal had to do what was best for the Al Bhed. He could easily see that his presence was now a nuisance and that obviously he had to face Fiohn once and for all.
" I understand." Baralai said readily. " I understand what you must do. Tell Yuna I'm sorry."
"No, you tell me yourself!" Yuna approached the bridge. Like a spectator viewing a passionate brawl she bellowed hoping to affect the outcome.
Baralai glimpsed downwards. He couldn't look in her eyes. He realized his presence compromised what Yuna was trying to prevent by marrying him. Now the Al Bhed were in danger and he was the one to blame. Fiohn would stop at nothing as praetor to achieve what he wanted and he wanted Baralai dead.

"I heard the whole thing. Baralai you have nothing to feel ashamed about! Why are you guys doing this?" Yuna walked towards Baralai and held his arm. "There has to be another way!"

"Even then it's too late, by now they've already boarded." Gippal stared blankly at the couple not coming up with a better response.

"But...!" Yuna cried.

"It's okay Yuna. It's really for the best." Baralai tried to comfort her. He was rather pleased at that she was so moved, even if it was just pity.

"It isn't things can end like this, Baralai!"

" Yuna," Baralai gave her a hug. " I'd like to think I could avoid this. It was my fault for not being more careful. I committed a grave sin and now I must face up to it myself. This is something I have to do for myself. I can't let you be hurt because of me."

"I'm so sorry for everything I said! I wish I could take this all back. I promise things won't end like this."

The doorway burst opened. Two-armed Al Bhed pried Baralai apart from Yuna and arrested him.

Yuna couldn't think yet she had the lingering feeling she had another score to settle with New Yevon.