Chapter 3: Blood on the Dancefloor


Well naturally, being Spira's uniting force and all, Yunie took the part about joining this new party under a serious consideration. I guess she'll never grow out of that. Me on other hand gave the question "What to wear tonight?" all of my thoughts. I guess I won't grow out of that either. Being happy-go-lucky I mean. I think it as a good thing. There have been too much of serious and sad faces in the past that the future should've run out of all the bad things in life.

I decided to go with a yellow satin halterneck, denim miniskirt and a pair of flip-flops. I live on a beach after all. For a first time in ages I decided to wear my hair down. The headband didn't mix too well with my outfit. I left a few braids thou.

-Oh my, Rikku. You look beautiful. And the hair… it's perfect, Yuna smiled from the door. She too was nothing short of stunning. A turquoise summerdress with thin strap on her shoulders and the ultimate accessory: Tidus, who just couldn't take his eyes of his girlfriend. I smiled inwardly for their happiness and jumped to give Yuna a hug.

-Are we going soon? I don't don'twanna miss a minute of it!

-Calm down Rikku, Tidus grinned behind Yuna ,we'll leave in 10 minutes or as soon as that brother of yours finds the key for Celsius' bridge

-WHAT? My eyes doubled in size

-Nah. Just kidding, Tidus grinned so broad I would've thought it was hurting him.

-Oh you BIG BIG MEANIE! Come here! I'll tickle you 'till you pass out! I chased Tidus around the beach, all three of us laughing.

It's good to have such wonderful friends.


We arrived in Luca just in time for the party. The party was held in the former Blitzball café. The place hosted nowadays the most glamorous parties held in the all of Spira. It was some sort of a restaurant meets nightclub kind of a place. The size had tripled due to the terrace on newly opened upstairs with live music. The dancefloor dominated the space in the downstairs and comfy couches were placed all around the sides. There were two bars, one in the terrace and one near the dancefloor.

Immediately after we got in (as VIPs of course) Yuna and Tidus vanished to a cozy little corner to share thoughts and kisses and I don't even wanna now what else grin I in the other hand marched to the nearest bartender and ordered my usual: vodka mixed with grapejuice and a little twist of lemon. Just as perky as me myself. After a quick look-around in the club I had spotted quite a few of acquaintances. One of the pros being one of Spira's doubletime savior is that you never have to be alone in parties like this one. Paine and Baralai showed up shortly after us, still a little tense when I teased them about their relationship's welfare. I said it as a joke, but I guess they just didn't get it. Such party-poopers, both of them. Getting bored watching their never-ending struggle of showing feelings between Paine and her "beau" I made my excuses and took aim at the dancefloor which was now crowded. Sipping up my drink with a few gulps I dived into the swaying army of dancers.

The music filled my head and as if on it's own my body started to move to the rhythm. Swaying my hips and waving my arms to the music I felt the vodka gradually kicking in. Now this was good clubbing. Just a small tingling sensation of alcohol in your blood, good music, people dancing and not forgetting the hand groping my butt… My butt? I turned around only too find a sleezy, sweaty man, who was at least 20 years older than me. Disgusted I slapped his hand away with an angry shriek and gave him my evil-eye.

Oh now my dear, don't get so upset. I was just saying hello, the man said with a revolting smirk.

-Well I don't want to get to now you, so move along pal! I said getting really pissed off now. Who does he think he is?

-Calm down dear. Let's just dance. Don't want to waste such a good song now do we? he said drawing nearer and suddenly wrapping his other arm around my waist while the other was gripping my wrist. Damn… He's much stronger than me and my other hand was stuck under his arm holding my waist (now moving again to my butt). With now a really angry yell I started kicking his knees and shins. If only I could get my hands free I would smack the living daylight outta him. His smirk constantly widening I felt a tear of frustration falling down my cheek.

-Get you filthy hand off her! NOW! Someone shouted behind me.

-Ah! What are you? Prince Charming? You'll have to make me, otherwise mind your own business, the man said with a nasty laugh.

-Ok, said the voice behind me, you're on!

With a slightly astonished look on his face the man loosened his grip on my arms and waist.

-You asked for it, pretty boy! he yelled making his leap for attack. I could hear sound of bunching and angry yelps, but my vision was blurred by tears now streaming down my face. After a couple of seconds it was all over. I fell on my knees crying half because of the shock and half because of anger. I felt hands gripping firmly my shoulders and before I could think any further I threw my fist at the person touching me. There was a surprised yelp and a "FUCK!". I tried my best to wipe my eyes dry to see what had happened only to find "my savior" on his back before me with sleezball knocked out cold beside him.

-GIPPAL! I mastered to say through my confusion

-Nice to see you too, Gippal answered his lips curling upwards, you got one hell of a bunch Cid's girl, I give you that


A/N: Well, here you go. The first encounter of our couple of interest. Sorry for the use of alcohol (Rikku is here couple of weeks over 18 which is the age limit for booze in my country) and I must give apologies for that disgusting guy too. I just wanted to make Gippal to save the day.