Here's the next chapter, a bit later than usual but what I hope is still very pleasing. The conclusion to what happened to Rikku with the sniper, a large part of her thoughts in the middle, and a hopefully interesting ending. I hope it's enjoying.
By the way, just incase anyone's wondering, there will be parts with other memorable characters. Though the story is mainly Rikku's and a somewhat Gippal's, others will pop up now and then for character interaction and to move the plot on. The only to OCs in this story will be Deanz and Lyanna. Expect others like Cid, Gippal, and a few others to show up in the next chapter or two. Also, besides Rikku/Gippal, the other couples will be Tidus/Yuna, Wakka/Lulu, and bits with Paine/Baralai and Nooj/Leblanc.
Enjoy, and shout outs at the bottom :)
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy X-2 is property of Square-Enix and is not mine.
Chapter V
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I don't know how long I was out for after the sniper knocked me out. I couldn't figure out how he or she had dragged me so far and in so little time. Surely, I could not have been out for more than an hour. Probably less, but none of that mattered now. I looked around my icy prison, finally adjusting to the fact that somehow, I have no idea how, I'd ended up below the previously frozen surface of Macalania Lake and trapped within an ice cube.
Sounds funny, huh? Absolutely not! I tried to keep the bare parts of my body away from the icy sides of my prison, shivering at the mere fact that I was trapped in the freezing depths of a cold lake. After waking up, it'd taken me a couple of minutes before I could comprehend being in a frozen block of ice somehow floating just beneath the lake's surface. Whoever put me here must be some kind of genius. Lucky for me though, I knew of a way to escape.
After fishing through the pouch of items slung across my hip, I pulled out the desired object.
A fire gem.
Despite how much the idea seemed to stink, I still stuffed the fiery, ruby-colored gem into a small crack along the ceiling of the small ice prison. I sighed, thankful that the crack hadn't started leaking, and tried to figure out a plan. I couldn't keep pressing on the gem so it'd work; I'd be burned underwater. But without pressing it somehow, it wouldn't work, and I'd be stuck in here. It was either this, or try to pound my way out of my frozen cell.
So, I punched the gem with my fist as it lay wedged in the crack, and dropped down onto the small floor of my ice block. As I shivered violently, the ruby gem glowed crimson before exploding in a ball of magical flames. Now, usually at a distance like this, I'd be sitting in a fireball, but the second the gem exploded in combustion, the ice shattered like glass and chilly water rushed in to douse the fire. I greeted the split second of immense heat with gratitude, because after the half a second finished, I suddenly felt as if I was in the path of ten Blizzaga spells. Now I feel sorry for all those fiends and foes I'd ever used the ice-cold Black Magic spell. Sometimes I wonder how fiends take the damage I dish to them, and this was no exception, even if there wasn't any fiends present.
The murky water clouded my vision, or maybe it was the icy needles of pain digging into me. I'd never experienced anything like swimming through water most likely below zero degrees. Even back when Yunie, the others, and I fought on Lake Macalania's surface after beating up Seymour, and we'd fallen into the lake, the water had been so strange. We could drift through it and there was no temperature. Kinda strange, you know, but I can't really explain it. Right now, I can hardly think anything through my frosty state of mind.
I kicked hard and swam fast, using all my strength to near the ever present, ever appealing surface. Even though I knew it would only be freezing outside with the snow and arctic winds, which was better than the mind numbing depths of Lake Macalania. Boy, Spira am I glad it's not the winter season right now!
After more kicking and pulling, I finally broke the surface, flinging my wet hair back in an arc and crying out in a deep sigh of relief. My icy breath drifted off in front of my face while I gulped down fresh air. I only waited a second before breaking into a quick pace of freestyle. The sooner I get out of here the better!
Once I reached the nearest end of the lake, I gripped the short, rocky wall and pulled myself onto the cold ground above. In the distance, I could hear voices, two I think, and I managed I weak call for help before crumbling against the cold earth. Muffled footsteps neared me the instant I dropped like a bag of Phoenix Downs, and the voices grew much louder and frantic. Someone pressed a potion to my quivering lips, and suddenly a felt a little better. Still too tired to get up though, two people picked me up and started to carry me. We entered a small building, a shop maybe, and they set my on a very comfortable couch. Before I could check my surroundings, two thick blankets were wrapped around my body, and I fireplace was lit with a blazing fire. If I hadn't been so worried and confused, I think I might have actually fallen asleep. After a few minutes though, my head finally cleared and the warmth of the fire calmed me down.
"Is ye okay?" A male voice asked with an accent, and a man kneed on the floor next to me. There was no way I could forget that voice. "O'aka after your service."
I giggled and snuggled up more in my blankets. "Thank you so much O'aka! I don't think I would've made it without you."
"Hey, I helped too!" A younger voice called, and I turned around to find Wantz griping slightly.
"Thank you too, Wantz! Really, I love both of you guys!" I squealed, jumping up and reaching my arms out as far as they could go to hug both men at the same time. O'aka nodded, smiled, then laughed, while Wantz blushed a little. Once I plopped back down on the sofa, the older merchant gave me a concerned look.
You wouldn't mind telling me, would ye?" He asked quietly. I gave him a sheepish smile.
"Actually, I really don't know how I got underwater. It's a long story, you know." O'aka nodded at that and dropped the subject.
We talked a little, the three of us, mostly about O'aka and Wantz's shops around Spira. Since they opened up here back about a month ago, their business had expanded all through Spira. The only places a shop of theirs isn't located in is Zanarkand and Mt. Gagazet. Many more items had joined their large stock, and they've even started selling rare machina parts they'd found in a dig they'd done together two weeks ago.
"Wow, so business really is booming, eh?" Both men nodded proudly to me. Then I realized I really needed to get going. I had to find out what happened at the meeting, but I didn't ask the two shop owners, figuring if they'd been here the whole day they wouldn't have known what had happened. I didn't want to alert them though. Plus, I needed to head to Guadosalam before Kilika. The symbol I had seen on the sniper was surely one of Leblanc's, which meant I needed to speak with the wife of Nooj.
"Well, I must be off. Thank you though, truly, both of you are really great!"
"I hope ye will be back to do some purchasing next time," O'aka suggested, making me smile. Wantz walked up to me holding a handful of potions, and carefully unloaded them into my hands.
"Please be careful, Rikku." He whispered calmly, his head hanging low a bit. I thanked him, stuffed the potions in my item pouches, and hesitated. As he started to walk back, I rushed up and gave him a peck on the cheek. Before he could melt on the spot, I walked out of the shop. When the door closed behind me, I heard Wantz cry out joyfully and O'aka shout at him angrily. I giggled, feeling good because I'd just made a guy's day. It's nice to be appreciated for the little things once in a while, you know. Why can't Gippal ever appreciate me like that?
"Where did that come from?" I blurted to myself in disbelief. The thought of Gippal drew me back to the meeting and the sniper, so I dashed off towards Macalania Woods.
The glimmering woods looked as beautiful as ever, always housing that mesmerizing aura, forcing me to feel an unexpected rush of glee. The people of Spira should really appreciate this wonderful place. I know the Guado used to live here when they were at ends with the Ronso tribe, but now this place is so forsaken.
I took my time strolling through the woods, spotting every tree and branch that captivated me on sight. Maybe Yuna could have her wedding here, you know. This place is spectacular, quiet, and serene, while big enough to house a great deal of people. I don't know if all of Spira can fit in here, but then again, Yuna's only inviting so many people. It's too bad though, people would sure flock to see Lady Yuna, Spira's woman of salvation two times in a row, also a great singer and previous summoner. No doubt this event should be in Spira's history books. I think Yuna's the most popular person in Spira, and if we still had the Yevon government, I think she would be a maester maybe. Yeah, but as much as Yunie loves helping others and aiding Spira in general, I think she would turn the deal down. She's young, and she wants to live her own life without the stress and constant demands of Spira's public.
Then I thought about Tidus. I thought about how much he's changed, how much he's stayed the same, and how much he's influenced Yuna's life. Whenever I look at the two of them, I can't help but feel overjoyed that they're together. I suppose when certain people are meant to be together, that's just the way it seems. That got me wondering on how much Tidus' new job is affecting him and the rest of Spira. Sure, he has to spend more time away from Yuna, but that makes their time together so much more rewarding. I remembered looking into his eyes, not knowing exactly what he was feeling.
I hope that Spira's essence of its public doesn't alter Tidus the way it did to Yuna. Whenever my cousin can turn down trouble in Spira, or do something for herself alone, that'll be the day to remember. I wonder when fate will whisk me off my feet and pit me against perils and life-changing experiences of love and wisdom. Both Yunie and Tidus had their fair share of all that. Sin was the one who swept Tidus into Yuna's life. Sir Jecht and Auron were the ties that bind for both of them. They ended up saving Spira, together, even if in the end Tidus disappeared like the dream he was. Yuna never stopped hoping that he would come back, and he did, slightly more than two months later. Thinking about it now, it seems like such a dramatic and tragic love story with a bright and happy ending. Funny how life can seem like that, you know. One minute you're living your life and going through the motions, when suddenly, love finds its way to you in the form of a grand adventure with your soon to be soulmate. Sounds like a dream I guess, but for Yunie and Tidus, it was a reality.
I came to the end of the woods, still lost in my own thoughts. I guess it's a little silly to be so obsessed with your cousin and her soon-to-be husband's relationship maker. Thoughts like this, they make me want to grab fate and never let go, hoping that someday it will swing me in the direction of my own love story. Even if that direction happened to be toward Gippal, crazy as that would be; I think I'd still love it. An exciting adventure is one thing, but coming out with a man to spend the rest of your life with is a big bonus. Maybe this whole sniper thing, and maybe even that relic, are all pointing in the direction of a new story. A story filled with happiness, sadness, tough times, and everlasting love. Well, at least it feels good to dream. Now that I start to dwell on it so much, I can't really say if I could handle it all. I'm not emotionally strong like Yuna, you know. And I don't know any man like Tidus: strong, handsome, funny, sensitive, and courageous. He has a great body, a great attitude, and the greatest eyes. Like I've said before, eyes are a great interest on mine. The only person who has eyes that could compete with his would be Gippal's debonair emerald eyes. Also, I've seen both guys shirtless and I know how strong they are. They're so alike physically, both being muscular, tall, and tanned. So I guess that makes them similar body-wise. Attitude though, I think Tidus wins by a long shot. Gippal drives me crazy with his egomaniacal cockiness and sarcasm. I have to admit, he does have his tender moments, but he just conceals those with his teasing. Tidus is the kind of guy who could make a girl laugh, feel good about herself, and enjoy his company all at one time. He has the greatest smile and can always make things practical enough to keep someone calm. The more I think about him the more appealing he is. But the more I think about him the more I think less of Gippal. Beyond the hard body, emerald green eyes, and irritating, stubborn attitude lies a mystery. Very few times has Gippal opened up to anyone about his feelings or desire. He's hardly ever serious and always mask any leaks of his true self with all the bad stuff. Though I've known him for years, on the inside, he's a complete enigma to me.
I took the time to awaken from my continuous reverie to find myself walking aimlessly through the Thunder Plains. Not once did I notice the bolts of lightning striking near me, but at least I was heading in the general direction. If I could start up a solid jog, I'd be at Guadosalam in only five minutes. So, I did just that, moving through the Thunder Plains like they were no big deal. Certainly an accomplishment for me since two years ago I would just shake at the thought of lightning and shudder at the mention of the Thunder Plains. Now though, when I think of this place, I remember Yuna's singing, and how it brought together a divided Spira. I remember Lenne and Yuna singing alongside each other with images of the past flowing through the area because of Shinra's Sphere Screen disruption. Ah, the good old times indeed.
Five minutes later, I crossed into Guadosalam territory, feeling jovial and energized. I turned back towards the thunderous plains, smiled, and then continued back into Guadosalam.
An eerie quietness caught my attention the moment I escaped the tenacious thunderclaps. Then, as I neared a bend in the earthy hall, a shot rang out. It was as if the silence itself had been pierced by a bullet. Screams erupted from the main area of Guadosalam, and more shots rang out. One, two, three; my feet quickened with every shot. A feeling in my gut told me it must be the sniper, or at least someone of affiliation. Whether fate wanted to swing me in another direction right now or not, I was ready to taken down whoever decided to bring such horror to the Guado people. Two more shots penetrated the air before I reached the edge of the hall. Loud footsteps of someone running, no, fleeing, sounded above me. I couldn't' see who the culprit was, but my attention was suddenly snagged by the awful scene in front of me.
A Guado man lay along the ground on front of me, holding his hand over a wound in his arm. "Please...save...the...others." The man groaned in pain.
"Don't worry, I will. Save your strength and drink this." I replied frantically, dropping to my knees and administrating a potion to him. The bright glow surrounded his body, mainly around his wound, and eased his pain. Once I knew he would be fine now, I rushed off to the nearest victim, lying in front of Leblanc's mansion entrance. A young woman watched me with sad eyes, her gaze shattering any calmness I had left. She didn't speak, she didn't cry, all she did was look at me with great poignancy. I fed her another potion, watching it revitalize her body. Too bad it wouldn't be able to cure her mental trauma. If any curative items could ease or erase emotional pain, they'd fly off the shelves quicker than money would.
After tearing my gaze from the woman's soul-penetrating stare, I stepped in front of the large doors to Leblanc's home. With a heavy push, I shoved the tall double doors open, and gasped fearfully. Just like the others, Leblanc lay across the floor in pain, clutching the bullet wound in her leg.
"Oh no!" I gasped again, toppling onto my shins and hovering over the older woman's frail form.
"Well...if it isn't...the Gullwings," she muttered slowly, the pain shining through her weary eyes.
I fetched another potion, not taking my eyes off her contoured face. "Nope, it's just me. Keep quite, you hear. I need you to help me hand potions to the other victims." I chided her, letting her sip the restorative liquid and regain her strength. Once the potion was drained, she smiled at me.
"Always wanting to help other." Then she frowned in a downcast manner. "Maybe I should start soon." I helped her up steadily, making sure she could stand on her own legs. Once she took a few deep breaths, I handed her the potions I had left.
"You can heal the others close by, while I go search the shop for more potions and for any other victims." I expected her to scoff or protest, but Leblanc actually nodded and set right to it, fast as she could with an injured leg. I guess dire and horrible situations can bring the best out of some people. All it brought out of me though was anger, hatred, and fury. Whoever did this was to pay for committing such a heinous crime.
I sprinted along the walkways and small bridges, nearing the shop quickly. Thankfully, it seemed everyone was in fair condition. Injured, but still alive and kicking. With a bagful of potions, the Guado people present could recover, but most would need the bullets removed.
The door to the shop was in arm's reach when I heard a myriad sound of clicking guns. I froze on the spot, fists clenched and teeth gritted. With slow but aggressive ease, I spun around, my blonde locks whipping around, and came face to face with a group of about seven soldiers, guns pointed straight at me. One of them took a step forward, addressing me with a gruff voice.
"Miss, hold it right there. You're under arrest for the attempted massacre of the Guado present here. If you move at all, even flinch, we'll shoot you down right where you stand."
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With all the sniper attacks, what could Spira be coming to? Any guess on the snipers? They're two different people. This is just part of the plot, so look for more stuff. And just to point out, yes someone was shot at the meeting in Chapter IV. Two people, to be exact. But don't worry, they shall be okay, eventually. Guesses on who?
reviewers:
Spiffy Angel-4: it's nice to know you're so interested. Please keep enjoying the fic.
Cute-kitty2: thank you so much. I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last one.
rikkufan: I'm glad you like the fic. And that's one of the things I'm really trying for: good character relationships.
JMO: thanks for being so into the story. I hope it continues to please you.
Tamelia: thanks, I'm flattered to be on all three lists, really, thank you. I'm glad you're liking this story so much. Even though Deanz isn't the sniper, he will be appearing in the next chapter for a little humor with a certain Al Bhed father. And if you don't like him now, wait until Chapter VII, cause he does something very bad involving Rikku and Gippal. Please keep enjoying the story.
kingleby: glad you enjoy the combination of fluff and action. I try for that most of the time. Find out who was shot in the next chapter, towards the end of it, and I am glad you're liking the fic.
Tanya Takaishi: Yes, the heart shape cloth is an important point, and your geared toward the right direction on the sniper. Find out more on that soon. I'm happy you like the characterization, it's important to me. And Shinra's device will play an important part in the next chapter. Hope you like this chapter, too.
rikku-chan: I'm happy you're liking the fic so much, so I hope this update is quick enough.
Amaya Saria: hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Review, keep reading, and enjoy the fic;)