Author's Note: Hiya! Naanaami here! This is my first X-2 fic, and you can
guarantee it'll be a Ripple fanfic! (Gippal/Rikku) A bit of a slow start,
but it'll pick up! Please review and tell me what you think of it...Also, as
a little poll, how far are you in X-2? I'm to Thunder Plains, Chapter 5,
second time around, 100 %. Just would like to know...on to the fic!
Rikku yawned and stretched before sitting up in bed to stare at the clock. It was moogle-shaped and cute, like just about everything else in her room, and it showed that it was five in the morning. Rikku pulled the thin covers back and got out of bed, walking to her bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror: she looked tired and bleary-eyed. After splashing some cold water on her face, she found her chocobo slippers and put them on. Yuna had given them to her on her last birthday, along with a matching spaghetti- strap top and shorts, which was what Rikku was currently wearing. Hoping that someone had left out breakfast for early risers, she headed down to the common room, ready to start her day.
Luckily, someone had set out some orange juice and a muffin for Rikku, her favorite breakfast. A small note was lying next to it; Rikku read it with a smile. "Tayn Rikku, kuut milg uh ouin tek! (Dear Rikku, good luck on your dig!) After wolfing down breakfast and silently thanking whoever had fixed it for her, Rikku went down the hallway to see if anyone else was up. Nope. Rikku shrugged, and grinned as she looked around, Home looked as good as ever. People from all over Spira had volunteered to help rebuild it after Angra Mainyu had destroyed it. It had taken months of hard labor and working together, but Home was better than ever, and Spira was yet again reminded that everyone needed to work together to get something done.
Rushing back to her large room, Rikku grabbed some dresspheres off of her shelf along with a garment grid and raced to her bathroom, closing the door and turning on the water. Putting her clothes in a heap on the floor, Rikku stepped into the shower, shivering at the coldness of the water. Later, she knew she would be grateful, as it kept her cool all day. She quickly washed her hair, then dried it off with the nearest towel handy. Searching through the small pile of dresspheres she grabbed, she picked up one that glowed orange. Tossing it in the air, she turned into a Thief, the comfortable clothing like a second skin. She braided her hair in record time, putting it in beads and smoothing it back to how she normally liked it. She wasn't sure why she was rushing to get dressed, but then she remembered that she was meeting Paine and Yuna in Luca today. Checking herself in the mirror one last time, she went to the front gates to begin digging.
Once outside, she was surprised to see that half a dozen people were already outside. Going to a small kiosk by Home, she rapped on the counter. The Al Bhed looked up and smiled. "Kuut sunhehk, Rikku!" (Good morning, Rikku!) Rikku grinned back. "Frana femm E pa tekkehk dutyo?" (Where will I be digging today?" The older Al Bhed scanned the sheet, and looked back up at her. "Dra Hundranh Aqbyhla. Pa lynayim, dra Wic dryny yna jeleuic. (The Northern Expanse. Be careful, the Zus there are very vicious.) Rikku responded, "Dryhgc vun ouin luhlanh, pid E'mm pa veha. Lusbynet fedr Vegnagun, drao'na hudrehk." (Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. Compared to Vegnagun, they're nothing.) He shrugged. "Frydajan." (Whatever.)
Because no transports were available, Rikku found an available air speeder. She grabbed a sack to hold her findings in, and hopped on. Adjusting the seat and control panel to her height, Rikku slid into the seat and tapped on the controls. A small satellite much like Picket came up, chirping and whirring. It had recently been painted, and its red paint glistened in the early sun. "Hello." It said happily. "The name's Tremor. Gippal sent me to make sure you don't get lost." Rikku sighed. Just because she had gotten lost trying to find Home once didn't mean that he had to rub it in every chance she got. "So," Tremor piped up, "where're we goin'?" Rikku thought for a moment. "The Northern Expanse." She said, and sped off into the dunes, Tremor close behind.
When she arrived, Rikku could almost hear the clock ticking as she raced through the sands, looking for treasure. She almost always guessed correctly the location of the Special Assembly. Looking it over, she was pleased to find that it was a Z-type. A pay raise would be heading her way soon if she kept this up! Seeing an indent in the sand nearby, she dug quickly and was pleasantly surprised to see a Silver Hourglass lying in the sand. She quickly bagged it and ran towards another indent, hoping to find more treasure.
Instead, a Zu burst out of the sand, cawing and clacking its beak. Its dark feathers made it look like an old cloak, but its eyes were an angry red, and it was glowing dark blue. "Oversouled." Rikku whispered as she spherechanged into a Black Mage. Firing a bolt of Thundaga at the beats, it only seemed to be more angered. It flapped its enormous wings, and huge gusts of wind kicked up sand, blinding Rikku. Trying to aim as best she could with her eyes closed, she aimed a blast of freezing wind at the Zu. It was out of range, but Rikku tried casting another spell anyway. This time, she cast Haste on herself, and then tried Waterga. The worst it did was dampen the sand around her, clearing a foot-wide area free of swirling bits of sand.
Rikku quickly spherechanged into Dark Knight, but she wasn't able to attack before the Zu swept down on her. Shallow cuts were etched in her arms, and she felt her health trickling away. She managed to cast Stop on the creature, and was able to cast Darkness several times before rejuvenating her hit points. She realized that the Zu had begun moving again, and it created another sandstorm, making it impossible to see more than a few inches ahead. Deciding that her current dressphere was worthless, she transformed into a White Mage. Though the sand clung to her robe easily, it kept her face out of the way.
Rikku cast Reflect on herself, trying to see through the sand. Although the bubble around her did nothing to penetrate the wall of moving sand, Rikku cast Flare on herself. The Reflect bubble burst, but not before Flare bounced off and hit the Zu. With an angry cry of frustration, it fell to the sand, turning into a small group of colored lights headed to the Farplane. Rikku slumped against a nearby rock formation before she heard a tinny voice in her ear. "Rikku! You're running out of time!" Tremor called as Rikku got to her senses and ran for all that she was worth to the speeder bike, straddling the seat just in time. Racing towards Home, Rikku reached it in record time, and parked the speeder bike, shutting down Tremor in the process.
She was exhausted from that fight with the Zu, but she didn't know why. She then looked down at her arms. The cuts she thought were healing were actually doing the opposite. They had begun to turn ugly shades of green and purple, and her arms were beginning to look puffy. She began feeling weak and slightly dizzy. Wobbling over to the desk where she had gotten her assignment earlier, she deposited the piece of machinery. "Dryhgc...fryd nybbahat?" (Thanks...what happened?) Rikku shrugged...she honestly didn't remember. The Al Bhed looked worried, and raised his voice. "Satel! SATEL!" (Medic! MEDIC!)
Suddenly, Gippal himself sauntered up. "E fyc zicd raytehk eh sucamv...E'mm dyga iv ed...fryd'c dra bnipmas?" (I was just heading in myself...I'll take care of it...what's the problem?) The Al Bhed gestured to Rikku, who was now slumped in a chair. She looked up, but it was like she was seeing right through him. Gippal picked her up in his arms, and looked over at the Al Bhed. "E'mm ramb ran." (I'll help her.) He rushed off to find the medic without a second thought. He found the medic in her clinic. Gippal deposited Rikku on the bed and sat in a nearby chair, listening intently as the female Al Bhed began questioning Rikku.
"Fryd rybbahat?" (What happened?) Rikku's voice was barely understandable. "E fyc tekkehk, yht E fyc yddylgat po y Wi." (I was digging, and I was attacked by a Zu.) The woman frowned. "Ujancuilat?" (Oversouled?)
"Oac."(Yes.) Rikku then closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. The woman looked grimly at Gippal. "Cra'c paah buecuhat...E haat du keja ran dra yhdetuda yc cuuh yc ran cdemm." (She's been poisoned...I need to give her the antidote as soon as possible...hold her still." Gippal did as he was told as the woman pulled out a syringe with a long and sharp needle and foul-smelling liquid inside. Gippal watched as she positioned the syringe near Rikku's ribcage, and plunged it in deep, the needle all the way into Rikku's skin. Rikku whimpered and tried to thrash around, but Gippal held her steady. After what seemed like an eternity, the woman withdrew the needle. "Cra cruimt pa veha huf...mayja ran cu cra lyh kad cusa nacd." (She should be fine now...leave so she can rest.) Gippal nodded and left the room, returning to begin digging for the day.
When Rikku woke up, she saw a worried Al Bhed standing over her. "Frana...ys E?" (Where...am I?) The woman smiled at her. "Yd dra satelym cdydeuh. Oui fana buecuhat." (At the medical station. You were poisoned.) Rikku looked down at her arms. They were bandaged, and there was a faint mark on her stomach where she assumed a syringe had gone in. "Ur. Fru pnuikrd sa rane?" (Oh. Who brought me here?)
"Gippal. Oui lyh ku huf, ev oui fyhd." (Gippal. You can leave now, if you want.) Rikku nodded, and stood up on slightly unsteady legs. Leaving the room, she glanced at a nearby clock. It was almost eight. Rikku had enough time to take another quick shower, get dressed, and meet Paine and Yuna in Luca. Rushing off to her room, she barely talked to the other Al Bhed, some just now waking up.
Arriving back in her room, she turned on the shower, undressing quickly. Stepping into the shower, Rikku switched it over to warmer water, a luxury in the desert. She washed the sand and dust out of her hair and skin, and then looked at her now bandage-less arms. She winced at the water hitting them. They still smarted, and though they showed up as tiny red lines, there were tons of purple, yellow, and green bruises all over her arms. Remembering that she had some healing salve somewhere, she ignored the pain and finished cleaning her hair. When she was done, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself, searching through her shelves. She quickly found a jar and a small wooden box that had her name on it. Curious to what it was, she opened the box, and noticed a small piece of paper in the box. Taking it out, she began to read.
"Dear Rikku, This is a small early birthday present from Paine and I. Wear it today when you come to see us, and DO NOT bring any gil. Lunch's on us, and get here ON TIME! Be prepared to stay all day! -Yuna"
Rikku smiled, and wondered what they were going to do once she reached Luca. Pawing through the small box, she found teal and silver beads, along with a light teal headband. She brushed her hair, and put the beads and band in their proper places. Looking deeper, she also found a small dressphere. It was teal, and silver swirls made their way around the sphere. Tossing it up in the air, Rikku felt herself change, and looked in the mirror.
The top reminded her of Yuna when she was a Songstress, except it was teal, and had white ruffles. She had a teal pleated miniskirt with a silver belt that had wide rings like her Songstress outfit. She also had white knee- high boots and a silver choker. Looking at herself in the mirror, Rikku was impressed. It looked great on her, and Yuna and Paine had chosen perfectly what she might have picked herself. Finding small pearl earrings in the bottom of the box, Rikku put them in, admiring her reflection in the mirror. She groaned when she looked at the scratches on her arms. They were so ugly-looking. Rummaging through her shelf, Rikku found a small jar of healing salve. Rubbing it on her arms helped dull the pain, and made them look less irritated.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Rikku opened it to see Nhadala standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on her face. "Lusa eh."(Come in.) Rikku said, but Nhadala didn't move. "Fryd rybbahat? E raynt dryd oui fana peddah po y Wi frema tekkehk. Yna oui ymm nekrd?" (What happened? I heard that you were bitten by a Zu while digging. Are you all right?) Rikku nodded. "Gippal kud sa du dra satel vycd ahuikr. E's veha huf...zicd y vaf clnydlrac." (Gippal got me to the medic fast enough. I'm fine now...just a few scratches.) Nhadala sighed in relief. "Dryd'c kuut...yna oui bmyhhehk uh kuehk yhofrana dutyo? Oui cina muug tnaccat ib." (That's good...are you planning on going anywhere today? You sure look dressed up.) Rikku nodded. "Yuna yht Paine yna dygehk sa uid vun mihlr eh Mily, drah dygehk sa cusafrana amca. Drao'na kejehk sa yh aynmo pendrtyo bnacahd." (Yuna and Paine are taking me out for lunch in Luca, then taking me somewhere else. They're giving me an early birthday present.) Nhadala nodded, then said, "Dutyo'c dra uhmo tyo oui lyh zicd nih uvv yht ku yhofrana oui fyhd. Haqd desa, keja sa cusa fynhehk, ug?" (Today's the only day you can just run off and go anywhere you want. Next time, give me some warning, ok?) Rikku nodded. "Ug!" (Ok!) Nhadala nodded, then left the room.
Staring back at her reflection in the mirror, Rikku made a face. Her arms didn't look any better, even though they hurt a whole lot less. Finally giving up, Rikku slipped on the armwraps that were a part of her Thief dressphere. Luckily, they matched her outfit, and Rikku was almost ready to leave. She turned out her light, and locked her door. Checking the clock, Rikku realized that if she were going to get to Luca, she needed to hurry. Running down the hall, Rikku left the building, and headed over to the hovers.
Reaching the hovers, Rikku found a Hypello manning the desk, which was unusual. "Hello, I need a hover to Luca, and fast!" The Hypello looked up, blinking. "Mish Rikku? Mish Yoona and Mish Paine ashked for me to give you a ride sho you wouldn't be late. Follow me...the shelebabration will shtart shoon?" Rikku followed the Hypello as it found its hovercraft. Rikku hopped in the cockpit, and the Hypello started the engine. The hover flew out of the hangar, and over the ocean to Luca.
Just in time, the Hypello made it. Rikku hopped out of the cockpit to see Yuna waving frantically. "Rikku! Over here!" Rikku waved back, and walked towards Paine's café, The Alibi. ((AN: In case you're wondering, I took the name from a bar in Sunnydale, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)) "Just in time!" Yuna said as Rikku reached her. "You look great!" Rikku beamed. "You, too! How's Tidus?" Yuna laughed. "Whipping the Aurochs into shape. He's worse than Beclem. When Blitzball season starts again this year, the Aurochs are taking Vidina with them." Rikku laughed, imagining Tidus calling the Aurochs a bunch of "slackers". She looked back at Yuna, who said, "Paine's already ordered lunch, so we can get straight to the catching up!" Rikku pushed the door to The Alibi as Yuna walked through.
Rikku quickly sat where Paine was. "Hey, Doctor P. How are you?" Paine half- smiled. "Stop calling me that. The Alibi's doing great. I guess I am, too. What about you?" Rikku yawned. "Y'know. Normal stuff. Bikanel's as sandy as ever. Shinra's as brainy as ever. Brother's as strange as ever. Gippal's as arrogant as ever." Paine's expression was dead-serious as she spoke, but amusement glittered in her red eyes. "So, any wedding coming up?" Paine asked. Rikku blushed, but replied, "Not unless it's yours and Baralai's." Paine's pale skin colored bright red, and she looked away. Yuna laughed at their expressions. "Actually, Leblanc's is coming up. She invited you, too. It's in a few weeks, and we're to be the bridesmaids." Rikku choked on her drink. "FRYD?"
"Rikku, speak English." Paine said. "Oh, sorry. But you're serious?" "Yes, Rikku." "Do you honestly think we'd joke about this?" "Well...maybe..." "I think it'll be fun to go..." "Speak for yourself, Yuna. She'll probably find the most hideous, pink, flowery dresses in all Spira and make us wear them. "Aw...Doctor P wants to wear black." "Shut up, Rikku. You just lost 5 respect points." "Oh, poopie! So, did you call me here to go see Leblanc?"
"Actually, no. We're trying on dresses and stuff in a week or so. We're giving you part of your birthday present today...are we invited to the big Al Bhed party?"
"Of course! Tobli absolutely had to plan it, so I'm hoping it turns out all right. An Al Bhed's 18th birthday is a big deal, y'know. It's when the parents let their kids go into the real world...it's really symbolic and ceremonial and boring. But everyone knows that's when you get the best presents." Paine and Yuna laughed at Rikku's last comment. "It's supposed to last all day?" Yuna asked.
"Yup, yup!" Rikku piped up. Paine groaned. "I'm not going to leave the Alibi in the hands of incompetence...I'll close it tomorrow. I don't trust my coworkers enough to allow them to run this for a day." Yuna laughed, and Rikku looked at Paine.
"So, you told me that this'd take all day...I doubt we're just going to sit down all day." Yuna nodded. "Very true. We'll talk about everything later. Now, for catching up- a lot's happened. Besaid is as unchanging as ever. Vidina is growing up, and Wakka and Lulu are great parents, nothing to worry about there. The Aurochs are definitely on their way to being the best team in the league, thanks to Tidus. We've just settled down there, not much to talk about us. Kilika is becoming a little more organized, and all of the walls from the Youth League and New Yevon battle are gone. Dona and Barthello are more or less getting along."
Paine continued the narrative with no break between her and Yuna's talking. "Luca is Luca. Spherebreak is still very popular, but only until Blitzball comes back. Shelinda is still being ordered around, though that doesn't surprise me. Mushroom Rock Road is no longer Youth League Headquarters, since there is no Youth League. People are living there, and it's kind of like Home in Bikanel now. Elma, Lucil, and Yaibal run the place. Speaking of them, Yaibal and Lucil are dating now." Rikku was surprised. "That's a little unexpected."
Yuna cut in. "That's what we all thought, too. The Mi'ihen Highroad still has its chocobos. However, we think that Rin is trying to get hovers back on the highroad, as they were a part of his business enterprise. Calli takes care of all the chocobos on the Highroad, and she loves doing it. I'm sure you know about Djose. When Vegnagun was defeated, and the information made public, the Machine Faction fell apart. Almost no Al Bhed live there, and most Machina has been sent back to Bikanel."
Paine went on to explain about more areas. "Guadosalam is full of Guado, and Tromell is a good leader for them. Lian and Ayde went to visit that girl we met in Guadosalam, and were welcomed with open arms. It's suprising how easily they can forgive people. Donga, Bayra, and Pukatak are still living there, and Leblanc and her cronies still live there, too. Macalania Woods has almost completely faded away, but O'aka refuses to leave his shop behind. He is considering moving it to somewhere on Mount Gagazet, but I'm trying to convince him to move to somewhere more populated, like Bikanel, Bevelle, or maybe even Luca."
Yuna went on. "The Calm Lands are still full of tourists, and that cave in the Gorge has been sealed off. The merged Calm Lands company is doing well, and Clasko's ranch has gotten bigger. Many people house their chocobos there now. He's working on making different-colored chocobos, like black, white, and green, but no luck so far. Gagazet is the same. The Ronso are still under Kimahri's leadership, and Garik is actually trying to strengthen Guado and Ronso relationships. Zanarkand has been completely closed off to tourists, the monkey population is still growing. Bevelle is still temple-oriented, though New Yevon doesn't exist any more. The Bevelle Underground has been closed off because of the entrance to the Farplane." Paine looked at Rikku. "So, what about Bikanel?"
Rikku smiled. "It's doing a lot better. The digging areas have been cleared of most fiends, though the pesky Zu's won't leave their nest." Yuna looked curious. "Is that why you're wearing those armwraps?" Rikku winced as the scratches suddenly flared up with pain, and nodded. "I got poisoned, but luckily I got to the medic in time. Anyway, Home has been rebuilt, and a lot of Al Bhed have returned there. Shinra's still inventing and reinventing things; he's planning on starting a corporation: Shinra, inc. He almost never leaves his room now, not even to eat. I think he's probably died in there. I worry about him though, he's just a kid, he should be able to have fun. Brother's still psycho, and Buddy's normal, too. The Celsius is floating around somewhere, not sure where, though." She looked hopefully at Paine. "So, will ya tell me where we're going?" Paine smiled a rare smile, and said, "All right, fine. Yuna, where is it?"
Yuna was already searching her purse for it, and pulled out a small sphere and a miniature sphere recorder with a large screen. Putting the silver sphere inside, Yuna pressed the play button, and gave it to Rikku, who eagerly watched. Baralai appeared onscreen, standing in front of the entrance to Via Infinito, of all places. He bowed in his usual style, then began talking. "Hello, Miss Rikku. I am currently hiring for a job that may interest you. As you have noticed, Spira has been rebuilt, and has been rebuilt since Vegnagun was defeated, with your help I might add. However, one problem still hasn't been cleared up. Via Infinito, underneath the temple, is still infested with fiends, and presents a danger to both the temple itself and the citizens of Bevelle. Interviews are today, all day. Show this to my assistant, and you will be able to get one without much trouble." He bowed again. "Oh, and Rikku? Wear blue to Leblanc's wedding." The sphere shut itself off, and Rikku looked up at Yuna and Paine.
"So...did either of you get an invitation?" Paine and Yuna shook their heads. Paine answered her question. "He wanted your help because you defeated both Sin and Vegnagun, unlike me. Also, you are good with assembling and tearing down machina, which there is a lot of in Bevelle, unlike Yuna." Rikku silently cheered. It seemed like everywhere they went, everyone knew Yunie. She was the summoner who killed Sin. Everyone conveniently forgot Lulu, Kimahri, and the other guardians, including Rikku, who had helped more than Yuna. Also, the three most powerful men in Spira were Paine's best friends three years ago. Against them, Rikku felt small, and worthless. Getting something that neither of them got, from the praetor, no less, was making her day. "So, when's the interview?"
Paine answered again, smiling slightly. "It's in a while." Rikku looked confused. "So, why am I here so early?" Yuna looked hurt. "What, you don't want to talk with us?" Rikku instantly felt bad. "No, Yunie, that's not what I meant. I mean, even with us talking, this is still a really early time to get here, talk, interview, then go home. How is this supposed to take all day?" Yuna was about to say something, but Paine shushed her. "It's part of your birthday present...so you'll know after we get there." Rikku stuck her tongue out at Paine. "Pimmo!" (Bully!) Paine laughed, and Rikku looked over at Yuna. "So, how's life with Tidus?"
Yuna blushed and Rikku giggled. Apparently, she had reminded Yuna of some very...intimate...memories. Paine stared at Yuna. "I don't want to know." Yuna started laughing, and Rikku with her. Yuna looked over at Rikku. "So, what about you? You have any relationships going?" She leaned in, to hear Rikku's answer better. Rikku shook her head. "Not yet, but half of the Al Bhed guys my age want to go on a date with me." She giggled. Paine raised an eyebrow. "Well, at least it hasn't gone to your head." Yuna began prodding some more. "What about Gippal?" Rikku burst out laughing. "Me? With him? No! He's the cocky jerk he's always been, and still makes fun of me! No way would I go out with that creep!" Paine looked at her, a sly smile on her face. "Baralai?" Rikku looked as if Paine had gone insane. "Maybe for you, but not for me! He works way too hard, even for a praetor. He is almost always working. Sure, he's nice, but it's like he never has any fun!"
Rikku looked sidelong at Paine. "What about you, Dr. P? Anyone you're keeping an eye on?" Paine looked at her seriously. "Maybe." Rikku leaned forward, braids moving in excitement. "Who?" Paine stared at her. "I said 'maybe', not 'absolutely, Rikku. I'm not going to say anything else, get over it." Rikku looked hurt. To gloss everything over, Yuna asked, "So, do you know what's going to happen at your birthday?"
Rikku nodded. "Vydran and I planned it, along with Tobli. Come by Home around eight or nine in the morning. It's just going to be time to chat, in other words time for me to talk to everyone there. You can come by as early as you like to help set up, though. Lunch is around noon, and then the ceremonial part begins, and lasts for an hour or two. The Macalania Trio, as they're called now, will be playing music and stuff. Presents are next, then dinner, then cake, and then dancing and stuff." She shrugged. "Personally, it reminds me of more of a wedding than a birthday, but go figure. Oh, and dress for hot weather, it's supposed to be really hot, and most of the stuff is done outside. Marnela is going to send the Gatekeepers to be their 'emissaries'; Marnela's hanging in there, though she'll die pretty soon. Marnela wanted to watch, but she can't be moved, so the cactuars are going to watch for her."
Paine looked at Rikku. "Who's on the guest list?" Rikku thought for a while, then said, "People I know. All the Al Bhed are invited. Hmm...Leblanc, Logos and Ormi are coimg, though Leblanc insists on helping decorate." Rikku made a face. "Dona and Barthello are invited, as well as Lulu, Vidina, Wakka, and the Aurochs. Shelinda said she'd try to come, and Rin might pop in for a while. Hmm...who else...Kimahri is invited, and Lian and Ayde. Tromell is invited to attend, as well. Baralai and Nooj are on the list, and Gippal goes with the Al Bhed invitation. O'aka's invited, as well as Clasko, Yaibal, Calli, Lucil, Elma, Maechan, and Isaaru. Pacce and the Kinderguardians are going to try and come...we know how busy they are." Rikku giggled. "Of course, you two and Tidus are invited! I can't think of anyone else, but I think that's it." Yuna looked up at Rikku. "What about Beclem?" Rikku shook her head. "Nope. He gets on my nerves." Paine yawned. "Looks like you've got everyone covered...what happens if fighting breaks out between two groups, for example, Guado and Al Bhed?" Rikku shrugged. "If all else fails, Yuna can sing." All three of them laughed, and Yuna looked embarassed. Paine looked at the clock. "Well, it's about time to go get your second birthday present of the day. Get the blindfold, Yuna." Yuna got it out of her bag, and tied securely around Rikku's green eyes. "W-where are we going?" Rikku asked. Paine laughed. "You'll see." They guided Rikku out the door, and across a few streets. Nobody said anything as Rikku tried to trust her friends enough to lead the way. Paine opened another door, and Rikku felt another cold rush of air on her face as it closed.
As Paine led Rikku to a chair, Rikku heard a woman walk up. "Is this Rikku?" A cheerful voice asked. Paine said, "Yeah, this is Rikku." Bending down, Paine untied her blindfold. Rikku opened her eyes to see...
Hmm...what did she see? Very good question...find out next time I bother to post! I'm having ear surgery the 27th, but I'll try to finish the chapter after that...review please!
Rikku yawned and stretched before sitting up in bed to stare at the clock. It was moogle-shaped and cute, like just about everything else in her room, and it showed that it was five in the morning. Rikku pulled the thin covers back and got out of bed, walking to her bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror: she looked tired and bleary-eyed. After splashing some cold water on her face, she found her chocobo slippers and put them on. Yuna had given them to her on her last birthday, along with a matching spaghetti- strap top and shorts, which was what Rikku was currently wearing. Hoping that someone had left out breakfast for early risers, she headed down to the common room, ready to start her day.
Luckily, someone had set out some orange juice and a muffin for Rikku, her favorite breakfast. A small note was lying next to it; Rikku read it with a smile. "Tayn Rikku, kuut milg uh ouin tek! (Dear Rikku, good luck on your dig!) After wolfing down breakfast and silently thanking whoever had fixed it for her, Rikku went down the hallway to see if anyone else was up. Nope. Rikku shrugged, and grinned as she looked around, Home looked as good as ever. People from all over Spira had volunteered to help rebuild it after Angra Mainyu had destroyed it. It had taken months of hard labor and working together, but Home was better than ever, and Spira was yet again reminded that everyone needed to work together to get something done.
Rushing back to her large room, Rikku grabbed some dresspheres off of her shelf along with a garment grid and raced to her bathroom, closing the door and turning on the water. Putting her clothes in a heap on the floor, Rikku stepped into the shower, shivering at the coldness of the water. Later, she knew she would be grateful, as it kept her cool all day. She quickly washed her hair, then dried it off with the nearest towel handy. Searching through the small pile of dresspheres she grabbed, she picked up one that glowed orange. Tossing it in the air, she turned into a Thief, the comfortable clothing like a second skin. She braided her hair in record time, putting it in beads and smoothing it back to how she normally liked it. She wasn't sure why she was rushing to get dressed, but then she remembered that she was meeting Paine and Yuna in Luca today. Checking herself in the mirror one last time, she went to the front gates to begin digging.
Once outside, she was surprised to see that half a dozen people were already outside. Going to a small kiosk by Home, she rapped on the counter. The Al Bhed looked up and smiled. "Kuut sunhehk, Rikku!" (Good morning, Rikku!) Rikku grinned back. "Frana femm E pa tekkehk dutyo?" (Where will I be digging today?" The older Al Bhed scanned the sheet, and looked back up at her. "Dra Hundranh Aqbyhla. Pa lynayim, dra Wic dryny yna jeleuic. (The Northern Expanse. Be careful, the Zus there are very vicious.) Rikku responded, "Dryhgc vun ouin luhlanh, pid E'mm pa veha. Lusbynet fedr Vegnagun, drao'na hudrehk." (Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. Compared to Vegnagun, they're nothing.) He shrugged. "Frydajan." (Whatever.)
Because no transports were available, Rikku found an available air speeder. She grabbed a sack to hold her findings in, and hopped on. Adjusting the seat and control panel to her height, Rikku slid into the seat and tapped on the controls. A small satellite much like Picket came up, chirping and whirring. It had recently been painted, and its red paint glistened in the early sun. "Hello." It said happily. "The name's Tremor. Gippal sent me to make sure you don't get lost." Rikku sighed. Just because she had gotten lost trying to find Home once didn't mean that he had to rub it in every chance she got. "So," Tremor piped up, "where're we goin'?" Rikku thought for a moment. "The Northern Expanse." She said, and sped off into the dunes, Tremor close behind.
When she arrived, Rikku could almost hear the clock ticking as she raced through the sands, looking for treasure. She almost always guessed correctly the location of the Special Assembly. Looking it over, she was pleased to find that it was a Z-type. A pay raise would be heading her way soon if she kept this up! Seeing an indent in the sand nearby, she dug quickly and was pleasantly surprised to see a Silver Hourglass lying in the sand. She quickly bagged it and ran towards another indent, hoping to find more treasure.
Instead, a Zu burst out of the sand, cawing and clacking its beak. Its dark feathers made it look like an old cloak, but its eyes were an angry red, and it was glowing dark blue. "Oversouled." Rikku whispered as she spherechanged into a Black Mage. Firing a bolt of Thundaga at the beats, it only seemed to be more angered. It flapped its enormous wings, and huge gusts of wind kicked up sand, blinding Rikku. Trying to aim as best she could with her eyes closed, she aimed a blast of freezing wind at the Zu. It was out of range, but Rikku tried casting another spell anyway. This time, she cast Haste on herself, and then tried Waterga. The worst it did was dampen the sand around her, clearing a foot-wide area free of swirling bits of sand.
Rikku quickly spherechanged into Dark Knight, but she wasn't able to attack before the Zu swept down on her. Shallow cuts were etched in her arms, and she felt her health trickling away. She managed to cast Stop on the creature, and was able to cast Darkness several times before rejuvenating her hit points. She realized that the Zu had begun moving again, and it created another sandstorm, making it impossible to see more than a few inches ahead. Deciding that her current dressphere was worthless, she transformed into a White Mage. Though the sand clung to her robe easily, it kept her face out of the way.
Rikku cast Reflect on herself, trying to see through the sand. Although the bubble around her did nothing to penetrate the wall of moving sand, Rikku cast Flare on herself. The Reflect bubble burst, but not before Flare bounced off and hit the Zu. With an angry cry of frustration, it fell to the sand, turning into a small group of colored lights headed to the Farplane. Rikku slumped against a nearby rock formation before she heard a tinny voice in her ear. "Rikku! You're running out of time!" Tremor called as Rikku got to her senses and ran for all that she was worth to the speeder bike, straddling the seat just in time. Racing towards Home, Rikku reached it in record time, and parked the speeder bike, shutting down Tremor in the process.
She was exhausted from that fight with the Zu, but she didn't know why. She then looked down at her arms. The cuts she thought were healing were actually doing the opposite. They had begun to turn ugly shades of green and purple, and her arms were beginning to look puffy. She began feeling weak and slightly dizzy. Wobbling over to the desk where she had gotten her assignment earlier, she deposited the piece of machinery. "Dryhgc...fryd nybbahat?" (Thanks...what happened?) Rikku shrugged...she honestly didn't remember. The Al Bhed looked worried, and raised his voice. "Satel! SATEL!" (Medic! MEDIC!)
Suddenly, Gippal himself sauntered up. "E fyc zicd raytehk eh sucamv...E'mm dyga iv ed...fryd'c dra bnipmas?" (I was just heading in myself...I'll take care of it...what's the problem?) The Al Bhed gestured to Rikku, who was now slumped in a chair. She looked up, but it was like she was seeing right through him. Gippal picked her up in his arms, and looked over at the Al Bhed. "E'mm ramb ran." (I'll help her.) He rushed off to find the medic without a second thought. He found the medic in her clinic. Gippal deposited Rikku on the bed and sat in a nearby chair, listening intently as the female Al Bhed began questioning Rikku.
"Fryd rybbahat?" (What happened?) Rikku's voice was barely understandable. "E fyc tekkehk, yht E fyc yddylgat po y Wi." (I was digging, and I was attacked by a Zu.) The woman frowned. "Ujancuilat?" (Oversouled?)
"Oac."(Yes.) Rikku then closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. The woman looked grimly at Gippal. "Cra'c paah buecuhat...E haat du keja ran dra yhdetuda yc cuuh yc ran cdemm." (She's been poisoned...I need to give her the antidote as soon as possible...hold her still." Gippal did as he was told as the woman pulled out a syringe with a long and sharp needle and foul-smelling liquid inside. Gippal watched as she positioned the syringe near Rikku's ribcage, and plunged it in deep, the needle all the way into Rikku's skin. Rikku whimpered and tried to thrash around, but Gippal held her steady. After what seemed like an eternity, the woman withdrew the needle. "Cra cruimt pa veha huf...mayja ran cu cra lyh kad cusa nacd." (She should be fine now...leave so she can rest.) Gippal nodded and left the room, returning to begin digging for the day.
When Rikku woke up, she saw a worried Al Bhed standing over her. "Frana...ys E?" (Where...am I?) The woman smiled at her. "Yd dra satelym cdydeuh. Oui fana buecuhat." (At the medical station. You were poisoned.) Rikku looked down at her arms. They were bandaged, and there was a faint mark on her stomach where she assumed a syringe had gone in. "Ur. Fru pnuikrd sa rane?" (Oh. Who brought me here?)
"Gippal. Oui lyh ku huf, ev oui fyhd." (Gippal. You can leave now, if you want.) Rikku nodded, and stood up on slightly unsteady legs. Leaving the room, she glanced at a nearby clock. It was almost eight. Rikku had enough time to take another quick shower, get dressed, and meet Paine and Yuna in Luca. Rushing off to her room, she barely talked to the other Al Bhed, some just now waking up.
Arriving back in her room, she turned on the shower, undressing quickly. Stepping into the shower, Rikku switched it over to warmer water, a luxury in the desert. She washed the sand and dust out of her hair and skin, and then looked at her now bandage-less arms. She winced at the water hitting them. They still smarted, and though they showed up as tiny red lines, there were tons of purple, yellow, and green bruises all over her arms. Remembering that she had some healing salve somewhere, she ignored the pain and finished cleaning her hair. When she was done, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself, searching through her shelves. She quickly found a jar and a small wooden box that had her name on it. Curious to what it was, she opened the box, and noticed a small piece of paper in the box. Taking it out, she began to read.
"Dear Rikku, This is a small early birthday present from Paine and I. Wear it today when you come to see us, and DO NOT bring any gil. Lunch's on us, and get here ON TIME! Be prepared to stay all day! -Yuna"
Rikku smiled, and wondered what they were going to do once she reached Luca. Pawing through the small box, she found teal and silver beads, along with a light teal headband. She brushed her hair, and put the beads and band in their proper places. Looking deeper, she also found a small dressphere. It was teal, and silver swirls made their way around the sphere. Tossing it up in the air, Rikku felt herself change, and looked in the mirror.
The top reminded her of Yuna when she was a Songstress, except it was teal, and had white ruffles. She had a teal pleated miniskirt with a silver belt that had wide rings like her Songstress outfit. She also had white knee- high boots and a silver choker. Looking at herself in the mirror, Rikku was impressed. It looked great on her, and Yuna and Paine had chosen perfectly what she might have picked herself. Finding small pearl earrings in the bottom of the box, Rikku put them in, admiring her reflection in the mirror. She groaned when she looked at the scratches on her arms. They were so ugly-looking. Rummaging through her shelf, Rikku found a small jar of healing salve. Rubbing it on her arms helped dull the pain, and made them look less irritated.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Rikku opened it to see Nhadala standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on her face. "Lusa eh."(Come in.) Rikku said, but Nhadala didn't move. "Fryd rybbahat? E raynt dryd oui fana peddah po y Wi frema tekkehk. Yna oui ymm nekrd?" (What happened? I heard that you were bitten by a Zu while digging. Are you all right?) Rikku nodded. "Gippal kud sa du dra satel vycd ahuikr. E's veha huf...zicd y vaf clnydlrac." (Gippal got me to the medic fast enough. I'm fine now...just a few scratches.) Nhadala sighed in relief. "Dryd'c kuut...yna oui bmyhhehk uh kuehk yhofrana dutyo? Oui cina muug tnaccat ib." (That's good...are you planning on going anywhere today? You sure look dressed up.) Rikku nodded. "Yuna yht Paine yna dygehk sa uid vun mihlr eh Mily, drah dygehk sa cusafrana amca. Drao'na kejehk sa yh aynmo pendrtyo bnacahd." (Yuna and Paine are taking me out for lunch in Luca, then taking me somewhere else. They're giving me an early birthday present.) Nhadala nodded, then said, "Dutyo'c dra uhmo tyo oui lyh zicd nih uvv yht ku yhofrana oui fyhd. Haqd desa, keja sa cusa fynhehk, ug?" (Today's the only day you can just run off and go anywhere you want. Next time, give me some warning, ok?) Rikku nodded. "Ug!" (Ok!) Nhadala nodded, then left the room.
Staring back at her reflection in the mirror, Rikku made a face. Her arms didn't look any better, even though they hurt a whole lot less. Finally giving up, Rikku slipped on the armwraps that were a part of her Thief dressphere. Luckily, they matched her outfit, and Rikku was almost ready to leave. She turned out her light, and locked her door. Checking the clock, Rikku realized that if she were going to get to Luca, she needed to hurry. Running down the hall, Rikku left the building, and headed over to the hovers.
Reaching the hovers, Rikku found a Hypello manning the desk, which was unusual. "Hello, I need a hover to Luca, and fast!" The Hypello looked up, blinking. "Mish Rikku? Mish Yoona and Mish Paine ashked for me to give you a ride sho you wouldn't be late. Follow me...the shelebabration will shtart shoon?" Rikku followed the Hypello as it found its hovercraft. Rikku hopped in the cockpit, and the Hypello started the engine. The hover flew out of the hangar, and over the ocean to Luca.
Just in time, the Hypello made it. Rikku hopped out of the cockpit to see Yuna waving frantically. "Rikku! Over here!" Rikku waved back, and walked towards Paine's café, The Alibi. ((AN: In case you're wondering, I took the name from a bar in Sunnydale, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)) "Just in time!" Yuna said as Rikku reached her. "You look great!" Rikku beamed. "You, too! How's Tidus?" Yuna laughed. "Whipping the Aurochs into shape. He's worse than Beclem. When Blitzball season starts again this year, the Aurochs are taking Vidina with them." Rikku laughed, imagining Tidus calling the Aurochs a bunch of "slackers". She looked back at Yuna, who said, "Paine's already ordered lunch, so we can get straight to the catching up!" Rikku pushed the door to The Alibi as Yuna walked through.
Rikku quickly sat where Paine was. "Hey, Doctor P. How are you?" Paine half- smiled. "Stop calling me that. The Alibi's doing great. I guess I am, too. What about you?" Rikku yawned. "Y'know. Normal stuff. Bikanel's as sandy as ever. Shinra's as brainy as ever. Brother's as strange as ever. Gippal's as arrogant as ever." Paine's expression was dead-serious as she spoke, but amusement glittered in her red eyes. "So, any wedding coming up?" Paine asked. Rikku blushed, but replied, "Not unless it's yours and Baralai's." Paine's pale skin colored bright red, and she looked away. Yuna laughed at their expressions. "Actually, Leblanc's is coming up. She invited you, too. It's in a few weeks, and we're to be the bridesmaids." Rikku choked on her drink. "FRYD?"
"Rikku, speak English." Paine said. "Oh, sorry. But you're serious?" "Yes, Rikku." "Do you honestly think we'd joke about this?" "Well...maybe..." "I think it'll be fun to go..." "Speak for yourself, Yuna. She'll probably find the most hideous, pink, flowery dresses in all Spira and make us wear them. "Aw...Doctor P wants to wear black." "Shut up, Rikku. You just lost 5 respect points." "Oh, poopie! So, did you call me here to go see Leblanc?"
"Actually, no. We're trying on dresses and stuff in a week or so. We're giving you part of your birthday present today...are we invited to the big Al Bhed party?"
"Of course! Tobli absolutely had to plan it, so I'm hoping it turns out all right. An Al Bhed's 18th birthday is a big deal, y'know. It's when the parents let their kids go into the real world...it's really symbolic and ceremonial and boring. But everyone knows that's when you get the best presents." Paine and Yuna laughed at Rikku's last comment. "It's supposed to last all day?" Yuna asked.
"Yup, yup!" Rikku piped up. Paine groaned. "I'm not going to leave the Alibi in the hands of incompetence...I'll close it tomorrow. I don't trust my coworkers enough to allow them to run this for a day." Yuna laughed, and Rikku looked at Paine.
"So, you told me that this'd take all day...I doubt we're just going to sit down all day." Yuna nodded. "Very true. We'll talk about everything later. Now, for catching up- a lot's happened. Besaid is as unchanging as ever. Vidina is growing up, and Wakka and Lulu are great parents, nothing to worry about there. The Aurochs are definitely on their way to being the best team in the league, thanks to Tidus. We've just settled down there, not much to talk about us. Kilika is becoming a little more organized, and all of the walls from the Youth League and New Yevon battle are gone. Dona and Barthello are more or less getting along."
Paine continued the narrative with no break between her and Yuna's talking. "Luca is Luca. Spherebreak is still very popular, but only until Blitzball comes back. Shelinda is still being ordered around, though that doesn't surprise me. Mushroom Rock Road is no longer Youth League Headquarters, since there is no Youth League. People are living there, and it's kind of like Home in Bikanel now. Elma, Lucil, and Yaibal run the place. Speaking of them, Yaibal and Lucil are dating now." Rikku was surprised. "That's a little unexpected."
Yuna cut in. "That's what we all thought, too. The Mi'ihen Highroad still has its chocobos. However, we think that Rin is trying to get hovers back on the highroad, as they were a part of his business enterprise. Calli takes care of all the chocobos on the Highroad, and she loves doing it. I'm sure you know about Djose. When Vegnagun was defeated, and the information made public, the Machine Faction fell apart. Almost no Al Bhed live there, and most Machina has been sent back to Bikanel."
Paine went on to explain about more areas. "Guadosalam is full of Guado, and Tromell is a good leader for them. Lian and Ayde went to visit that girl we met in Guadosalam, and were welcomed with open arms. It's suprising how easily they can forgive people. Donga, Bayra, and Pukatak are still living there, and Leblanc and her cronies still live there, too. Macalania Woods has almost completely faded away, but O'aka refuses to leave his shop behind. He is considering moving it to somewhere on Mount Gagazet, but I'm trying to convince him to move to somewhere more populated, like Bikanel, Bevelle, or maybe even Luca."
Yuna went on. "The Calm Lands are still full of tourists, and that cave in the Gorge has been sealed off. The merged Calm Lands company is doing well, and Clasko's ranch has gotten bigger. Many people house their chocobos there now. He's working on making different-colored chocobos, like black, white, and green, but no luck so far. Gagazet is the same. The Ronso are still under Kimahri's leadership, and Garik is actually trying to strengthen Guado and Ronso relationships. Zanarkand has been completely closed off to tourists, the monkey population is still growing. Bevelle is still temple-oriented, though New Yevon doesn't exist any more. The Bevelle Underground has been closed off because of the entrance to the Farplane." Paine looked at Rikku. "So, what about Bikanel?"
Rikku smiled. "It's doing a lot better. The digging areas have been cleared of most fiends, though the pesky Zu's won't leave their nest." Yuna looked curious. "Is that why you're wearing those armwraps?" Rikku winced as the scratches suddenly flared up with pain, and nodded. "I got poisoned, but luckily I got to the medic in time. Anyway, Home has been rebuilt, and a lot of Al Bhed have returned there. Shinra's still inventing and reinventing things; he's planning on starting a corporation: Shinra, inc. He almost never leaves his room now, not even to eat. I think he's probably died in there. I worry about him though, he's just a kid, he should be able to have fun. Brother's still psycho, and Buddy's normal, too. The Celsius is floating around somewhere, not sure where, though." She looked hopefully at Paine. "So, will ya tell me where we're going?" Paine smiled a rare smile, and said, "All right, fine. Yuna, where is it?"
Yuna was already searching her purse for it, and pulled out a small sphere and a miniature sphere recorder with a large screen. Putting the silver sphere inside, Yuna pressed the play button, and gave it to Rikku, who eagerly watched. Baralai appeared onscreen, standing in front of the entrance to Via Infinito, of all places. He bowed in his usual style, then began talking. "Hello, Miss Rikku. I am currently hiring for a job that may interest you. As you have noticed, Spira has been rebuilt, and has been rebuilt since Vegnagun was defeated, with your help I might add. However, one problem still hasn't been cleared up. Via Infinito, underneath the temple, is still infested with fiends, and presents a danger to both the temple itself and the citizens of Bevelle. Interviews are today, all day. Show this to my assistant, and you will be able to get one without much trouble." He bowed again. "Oh, and Rikku? Wear blue to Leblanc's wedding." The sphere shut itself off, and Rikku looked up at Yuna and Paine.
"So...did either of you get an invitation?" Paine and Yuna shook their heads. Paine answered her question. "He wanted your help because you defeated both Sin and Vegnagun, unlike me. Also, you are good with assembling and tearing down machina, which there is a lot of in Bevelle, unlike Yuna." Rikku silently cheered. It seemed like everywhere they went, everyone knew Yunie. She was the summoner who killed Sin. Everyone conveniently forgot Lulu, Kimahri, and the other guardians, including Rikku, who had helped more than Yuna. Also, the three most powerful men in Spira were Paine's best friends three years ago. Against them, Rikku felt small, and worthless. Getting something that neither of them got, from the praetor, no less, was making her day. "So, when's the interview?"
Paine answered again, smiling slightly. "It's in a while." Rikku looked confused. "So, why am I here so early?" Yuna looked hurt. "What, you don't want to talk with us?" Rikku instantly felt bad. "No, Yunie, that's not what I meant. I mean, even with us talking, this is still a really early time to get here, talk, interview, then go home. How is this supposed to take all day?" Yuna was about to say something, but Paine shushed her. "It's part of your birthday present...so you'll know after we get there." Rikku stuck her tongue out at Paine. "Pimmo!" (Bully!) Paine laughed, and Rikku looked over at Yuna. "So, how's life with Tidus?"
Yuna blushed and Rikku giggled. Apparently, she had reminded Yuna of some very...intimate...memories. Paine stared at Yuna. "I don't want to know." Yuna started laughing, and Rikku with her. Yuna looked over at Rikku. "So, what about you? You have any relationships going?" She leaned in, to hear Rikku's answer better. Rikku shook her head. "Not yet, but half of the Al Bhed guys my age want to go on a date with me." She giggled. Paine raised an eyebrow. "Well, at least it hasn't gone to your head." Yuna began prodding some more. "What about Gippal?" Rikku burst out laughing. "Me? With him? No! He's the cocky jerk he's always been, and still makes fun of me! No way would I go out with that creep!" Paine looked at her, a sly smile on her face. "Baralai?" Rikku looked as if Paine had gone insane. "Maybe for you, but not for me! He works way too hard, even for a praetor. He is almost always working. Sure, he's nice, but it's like he never has any fun!"
Rikku looked sidelong at Paine. "What about you, Dr. P? Anyone you're keeping an eye on?" Paine looked at her seriously. "Maybe." Rikku leaned forward, braids moving in excitement. "Who?" Paine stared at her. "I said 'maybe', not 'absolutely, Rikku. I'm not going to say anything else, get over it." Rikku looked hurt. To gloss everything over, Yuna asked, "So, do you know what's going to happen at your birthday?"
Rikku nodded. "Vydran and I planned it, along with Tobli. Come by Home around eight or nine in the morning. It's just going to be time to chat, in other words time for me to talk to everyone there. You can come by as early as you like to help set up, though. Lunch is around noon, and then the ceremonial part begins, and lasts for an hour or two. The Macalania Trio, as they're called now, will be playing music and stuff. Presents are next, then dinner, then cake, and then dancing and stuff." She shrugged. "Personally, it reminds me of more of a wedding than a birthday, but go figure. Oh, and dress for hot weather, it's supposed to be really hot, and most of the stuff is done outside. Marnela is going to send the Gatekeepers to be their 'emissaries'; Marnela's hanging in there, though she'll die pretty soon. Marnela wanted to watch, but she can't be moved, so the cactuars are going to watch for her."
Paine looked at Rikku. "Who's on the guest list?" Rikku thought for a while, then said, "People I know. All the Al Bhed are invited. Hmm...Leblanc, Logos and Ormi are coimg, though Leblanc insists on helping decorate." Rikku made a face. "Dona and Barthello are invited, as well as Lulu, Vidina, Wakka, and the Aurochs. Shelinda said she'd try to come, and Rin might pop in for a while. Hmm...who else...Kimahri is invited, and Lian and Ayde. Tromell is invited to attend, as well. Baralai and Nooj are on the list, and Gippal goes with the Al Bhed invitation. O'aka's invited, as well as Clasko, Yaibal, Calli, Lucil, Elma, Maechan, and Isaaru. Pacce and the Kinderguardians are going to try and come...we know how busy they are." Rikku giggled. "Of course, you two and Tidus are invited! I can't think of anyone else, but I think that's it." Yuna looked up at Rikku. "What about Beclem?" Rikku shook her head. "Nope. He gets on my nerves." Paine yawned. "Looks like you've got everyone covered...what happens if fighting breaks out between two groups, for example, Guado and Al Bhed?" Rikku shrugged. "If all else fails, Yuna can sing." All three of them laughed, and Yuna looked embarassed. Paine looked at the clock. "Well, it's about time to go get your second birthday present of the day. Get the blindfold, Yuna." Yuna got it out of her bag, and tied securely around Rikku's green eyes. "W-where are we going?" Rikku asked. Paine laughed. "You'll see." They guided Rikku out the door, and across a few streets. Nobody said anything as Rikku tried to trust her friends enough to lead the way. Paine opened another door, and Rikku felt another cold rush of air on her face as it closed.
As Paine led Rikku to a chair, Rikku heard a woman walk up. "Is this Rikku?" A cheerful voice asked. Paine said, "Yeah, this is Rikku." Bending down, Paine untied her blindfold. Rikku opened her eyes to see...
Hmm...what did she see? Very good question...find out next time I bother to post! I'm having ear surgery the 27th, but I'll try to finish the chapter after that...review please!