Soon the people of Bevelle called war upon us, and yet, no one else in Spira knew. Pff, shows you how much the Yevonites tell their followers.

Just to let you know, I had just turned 14, the official age of the Al Bhed. Almost like becoming an adult.

So anyway, we readied our machina weapons that had long been forgotten. My dad was getting all riled up, shouting and whooping like some hillbilly. (Which, no doubt, he was.)

I had to stay in my house though, just like every other woman in Home. Personally, I thought it was stupid. I mean, women can fight JUST as well as men, if not better!

But, I obeyed. Honestly, I don't want to get into TOO much trouble. Though us Al Bhed are pretty easy going. But I was allowed to go out from time to time to work on the machina to be used in war. I mean, not to brag, but I'm pretty good on machines. Heck, better then most of the Al Bhed boys my age!

But then I realized this war...this meant something terrible. More so then I thought.

Rikku grunted as she twisted her wrench around a bolt on the cannon.

"This confounded—"A large chunk of metal fell out of the bottom, falling on top of the young girl's stomach. "OOF!" Was all she managed, before having to slide out and catch her breath.

She heard someone walking from behind her. A frightening thought passed through her mind—Yevonite.

Rikku quickly swirled around with her small hand knife in hand, only to discover Gippal. A rather shocked one at that.

"Oh...hi Gipp." She managed sheepishly, throwing the knife on the hard stone ground. "I thought you were—"
"A Yevonite." Gippal finished, walking closer still so he could rest one hand on the cannon. He looked down and patted it fondly.

"So you're fixing up Ol' Bessy here?"
Rikku nodded. "She's pretty tough. Prefers not being touched down by the transitional wires."

Gippal looked at her, impressed. "You know, you sure know a lot about machine—for a girl."

Rikku smiled proudly at the compliment. "And you know how to treat a girl pretty well—for a guy."

Gippal laughed and blew away his long blond bangs. His hair was now grown down just past his ears, his green eyes shining brightly.

"Nice one Rikku." She just smiled and strapped her goggles on once more.

"Better get back to fixing this baby up for all the ongoing war men." She clasped her hands together rather tragically. "I do hope they'll survive!" Then she bowed her head.

"I really do. Those stupid Yevonites don't know what they're dealing with."

Gippal jus grinned, rather sadly. "Yea..."

Rikku turned to slide under the cannon once more, when Gippal caught her arm. Shivers ran up Rikku's spine.

"Look, Rikku, I need to tell you this now." Gippal said seriously. Rikku turned around to see him with a half pleading, half stern look in his eye.

"Rikku-I-I need to tell you that-that-I enlisted for the army."

Rikku's brain started to cloud up. "W-What?"

Gippal grabbed her hand before Rikku could turn away. "I had to! I'm of age now, and I need to do something for the Al Bhed!"

Rikku ripped her hand out of his grasp. "You could DIE, GIPPAL! And then what? What am I supposed to do? I HAVE no one else, Gipp! If you die, then-then-"

Rikku went silent, dropping her arms to her side and looking at the ground. "Lately we haven't done much together. I daresay we've been growing apart. But that doesn't mean you have to go be a hero, do you hear me? YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE THE HERO!"

Rikku started breathing heavily, tears streaming out of her eyes. Gippal approached slowly, resting his arms on her shoulders, which made Rikku look up. She was appalled, and sad, to see that Gippal too was crying, but more discreet then she had been.

Little droplets of tears teasingly hung in the corners of his eyes. He blinked once, sending them all falling down. "Rikku, you need to know that, even when I do go and fight, I'll be fighting for you! I mean, I have no one else either, my family all dead, and well—I just need to make a point. I need to know that I can do things."

Rikku looked away again. "That's stupid."

Gippal smiled. "I know, but I'm pretty stupid myself." It was then he pulled her into a hug.

"Don't ever forget what I told you at the sand dunes that night." He whispered.

"It was true."

Gosh, even the memories make me tear up. That was one of the saddest moments of my life, and always has been.

But I'm getting off track.

The war went on for many months, forcing me to stay cooped up. I couldn't stand it, the sounds of guns shooting, bullets pounding off my walls, the screams and shouts of Al Bhed who have braved the worst. Even bombs falling above me, forcing me to cover my head in fear.

But noo, I was on the only one there. Everyone else dear to me had left for war-and I couldn't stand it.

I had to do something.