A/N-Hello and welcome to the eighteenth chapter of Every Heart! Before I start, I'd like to ask a question. I recently heard that ff.net is threatening to delete stories with author's notes in separate files. Well, at the end of this story, I'm planning on have  End Notes to list my reviewers, have random chatter, and tell you guys what story I'm starting on next. So should I attach my End Notes to the last chapter of the story, or make the End Notes a new chapter? I wouldn't want this story to get deleted so please tell me what you think! Thanks! Now onward to replying to some of my wonderful reviewers!

Lolo- Thanks for clearing that up for me! As I already said before, I hate messing up with the original story! So thanks a bunch!

Id- Ah, thanks for clearing that up as well! My sister thought I was writing from Besaid. sighs and slaps forehead You were right, my sister had no idea what she was talking about! Lol! Oh, and I haven't finished either X nor X-2 because my friend is borrowing X and I'm stuck in X-2 at the cloister trials in Chapter 5.

ShadowBlade2044- Oh that is so cool! I can see why you're so possessive! LOL! What's his eye patch look like? Is it just plain black or something?

knivesgirl346- No, no, no, no, no!!! I didn't mean that. The Hammer of Light wasn't actually part  of Final Fantasy X-2. It's just that one of my internet buddies told me that the people trying out for the Crimson Squad were executed for finding something they shouldn't have. Now, said internet buddy told me that the game didn't specify exactly what they found, so I'm just filling in the space by saying it was the "Hammer of Light". Oh, and sorry, but I don't play Samurai Warriors.  Is it anything like DW?

Animeluvergal- Maaaaaaaaaaybe…grins like the Cheshire cat

Umm, I'm too lazy to check who else helped me with the last chapter, but I thank you, too! Ok, enough chatter! Let's get started! This is the chapter you've all been waiting for! Prepare to be surprised! lightning comes out of nowhere and I cackle

♥Every Heart♥

Chapter Eighteen: Deceit

                I stared blandly at the instant noodles in my foam cup, fiddling with the chopsticks. I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, dressed in a pair of clothed dark blue shorts with two white strips on the left side and a cute baby monkey hanging onto the stripes with a plain white tank top. I sighed and set the cup aside, falling backwards onto my bed and bringing a large yellow chocobo  pillow with me.

                "Rikku, you ok?" Yunie asked concernedly, finishing her ramen. I pretended not to hear her and continued to stare listlessly at the white ceiling. Truth be told, I wasn't sure why I was feeling so…empty.  It was this feeling in the pit of my stomach, like déjà vu. Something didn't seem right. Uppahc suddenly wanting to talk to me, the Hammer of Light and its definition. Something just wasn't clicking, and I wanted to beat myself over the head for not seeing what I was missing. "Rikku?"

                "Hmm?" I spoke halfheartedly, finally deciding to sit up. I tossed the chocobo aside, watching it land on its side at the head of my bed. I turned back to face Yunie to see a slightly hurt expression on her usually smiling face. I suddenly felt guilty by the look Yunie was giving me "I'm sorry, Yunie,  I was totally spacing." I plastered on a fake smile and hugged my knees, giving her my undivided attention.

                "Rikku, you're my cousin, and I've known you for a little more than two years. I can tell when something's bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?" Shoot. I hated being easily read like a book. I giggled and rolled my eyes, letting my legs dangle over the edge of the bed.

                "Nah, it's nothing. Don't sweat it, Yunie!" I chirped, eyeing her to see if my façade was working. Apparently not. She raised a brow, her frown deepening by the second. Ah-oh! I stood up and proceeded to push her towards the door, ignoring her protests. I blabbered the first thing to come to my head. "You should be keeping Tidus company! Who knows what trouble he's brewing up?" I heard her sigh in defeat, but before I could close the door on her, she turned around and gave me "the look".

                "Alright, Rikku. Knowing Tidus, you're probably right, he hasn't changed a bit," I giggled a little, "But just know that if you ever need to talk, your cousin is here for you, alright?" By the serious look on her face, I smiled a little and nodded.

                "Yeah…thanks, Yunie. That means a lot." We exchanged a smile and then she walked away in search of her boyfriend, leaving me alone. I eyed the noodles next to my bed and sauntered back over to them, picking up the foam cup. I sat back down on my bed and leaned against the wall, hugging the green teddy bear close to me. I picked up the remote and turned on the stereo, skimming through the radio stations until I hit a jazz station.

                Jazz music always got me in the mood when I wanted to think. Don't ask, it's just kind of relaxing, ya know? I stuffed some of the flavored noodles into my mouth, savoring the taste. Yum, chicken! I glanced over at my moogle clock and sighed. It wasn't even nine yet! I was bored out of my mind! I let my legs dangle over the edge of the bed once more and set the teddy bear aside, patting it fondly on the head.

                I stood up, stretching my tired muscles and groaning. Deciding to take a walk around Djose, I changed into my Thief dressphere and closed the door behind me, skipping over to the entrance. I pulled open the doors with a little difficulty. The sun had fully disappeared below the horizon and a waning moon had taken its place in the sky. There were no stars out tonight, and it seemed almost ominous. A dying moon…A shivered suddenly as a chilling wind whipped past me, whispering something intangible. My hair flew up wildly, the beads clinking hollowly against each other.

                I looked around me and noticed not a single soul outside. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to be outside. Ignoring the fear slowly growing in the pit of my stomach, I slowly walked out toward the bridge, hearing the gravel crunch loudly under my boots. I soon arrived at the middle of the stone bridge. It was starting to get really dark outside and even as I squinted ahead of me, I couldn't see the pathway leading to the Youth League Headquarters. I stopped walking, not wanting to get lost in the darkness. Eep, the darkness! I could feel myself growing quickly paranoid as the silence and darkness continued to stretch on.

                You know that feeling you get when you're about to go to sleep, but you feel like someone or something was watching you, waiting for you to close your eyes so it could strike? Or when you turn off the lights to the kitchen late at night when you're all alone and you feel those hands slowly reaching out to you? Yeah, that was how I was feeling. I stiffened so much you would've thought me a piece of wood. The fine hairs on the back of my neck rose, the adrenaline rushing through my veins like a waterfall. My hands clenched and unclenched as I waited for something to happen, my swirled eyes darting left and right, afraid to turn around. I really wanted to beat myself for not turning around and heading back inside when my instincts were just screaming at me not to continue walking. Well, it didn't matter anymore. I was all alone outside, just a few meters from Djose. So close, yet so far away…

                I had never felt so much fear in a long time. Heck, I never felt so scared in my life! Maybe it was because I had never really been alone in my life before. There was always someone near or with me, at my side and ready to fight alongside me. I always felt secure when someone was with me, because if something happened, we'd go in together. Now that I was all alone, I wasn't so sure. As my eyes continued to warily scan the darkness, something to my left clinked, like metal on metal. A small whimper escaped my lips and I wanted to scold myself for being such a baby.  My fingerless gloved hands slowly reached behind me, wrapping shakily around the red and yellow daggers. The weapon gave me some comfort. It had been by my side during our sphere-hunting journeys, and it was here now. I felt relief wash through me a little, glad that I had at least brought my trusty daggers with me.

                The atmosphere was slowly turning humid, and beads of sweat rolled down the sides of my face. I looked up at the dying crescent moon, its faint light illuminating nothing for me. Dark clouds slowly rolled towards my only source of light and my eyes widened. No…if the moon disappeared, I wouldn't even be able to see myself! Just my luck…

                Slowly, I crouched into a battle stance, ready to take on whatever was prowling in the unusual darkness. What I wasn't ready for was the warm chills breathing steadily down my back.

                I screamed.

Djose Temple-Gippel

                The Leader of the Machine Faction strolled down the quiet halls of Djose, whistling a tune from his childhood. He was finally down signing the last contract for a digger. He twirled the gun in his hand loosely before strapping it back to his side. Everyone had retired early to their rooms, even though it was only 9:12pm. He didn't blame them. There wasn't much to do around Djose. Besides, it had gotten pretty dark outside, so no one would or should be outside.

                He paused as Rikku's room appeared in front of him. He smirked. "Now would be the perfect time to scare her shitless," he murmured. He rubbed his fingerless gloves together, cackling evilly. Tiptoeing over to the door, he slowly turned the knob after checking to make sure there was no light coming from the inside. The door opened slightly ajar and he poked his head inside, eyeing an empty bed with a green teddy beside the pillow. Confused, he cocked his head to the side, a frown gracing his handsome features. "What the…?"

                "Gippel? What are you doing?" The Al Bhed man nearly jumped out of his skin as the soft feminine voice reached his ears. He whirled around and glared maliciously. "What was that for?!" he hissed. His glare softened upon seeing the brunette.

                "Sorry, Gippel. I was going to the bathroom and I got lost. It's too dark at night," Yuna whispered, flipping back her long ponytail. She was wearing a purple moogle tank top and lavender pajama pants with random "kupo!" signs all over them. Gippel relaxed and scratched the back of his neck.

                "Yeah, I guess you're right," he admitted, making a mental note to add hall lights into the temple. The ex-summoner crossed her arms and eyed him strangely.

                "So what are you doing outside Rikku's room, hmm?" she teased, leaning back a little. Gippel scoffed, trying to cover up his embarrassment at being caught.

                "I was patrolling the halls to make sure nothing's going wrong…" he trailed off. "Shouldn't you be getting to the bathroom?"

                "Oh," Yuna waved her hand dismissively, "I don't really need to go." Gippel rolled his eye.

                "Well, you should go anyway…just in case." He scrunched up his nose in an almost comical way, feeling weird how the wording came out. Yuna giggled at the look on his face, covering her mouth politely.

                "Alright, I'll leave you alone. But don't scare Rikku, ok?"

                "She's not inside," he blurted. The brunette frowned, mismatched eyes narrowing.

                "What do you mean?" She tilted her head to the side, placing her hand on her hips suspiciously. He shrugged.

                "I mean she's not inside. I don't know where she is, if that's what you're asking." Yuna rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

                "I wonder if it has anything to do with the weird way she's been acting," she muttered to herself. It was Gippel's turn to narrow his eye.

                "What are you talking about?" Yuna looked at him as if just seeing him. She opened her mouth to reply when a shrill scream outside made her eyes widen. The two looked at each other in surprise.

                "Rikku!" they whispered simultaneously. Yuna started running back to her room to retrieve her Gunner dressphere as Gippel made a mad dash towards the front entrance, fear coursing through his veins. He pushed open the temple doors, stumbling outside as the scream was abruptly cut off. He narrowed his eye dangerously, scanning the outside. It was pitch black. He couldn't even see his hand in front of him. Then he heard it. Her voice…and it was surprised.

                "Uppahc?!"

                Gippel growled upon hearing the name, placing his hand on the handle of his large gun. Just then Yuna came running out of the temple doors, slamming straight into the Al Bhed man. She yelped quietly and landed on her bottom, wincing. Quickly, he helped her stand up, fumbling to reach for her hand. After a few failed attempts, she was finally up, panting lightly.

                "Huh? Why's it so dark?" She turned her head side to side, observing the area.

                "I don't know. But I do know who made Rikku scream like that."

                "Who?!" Gippel started to walk ahead, careful not to make a noise.

                "That Uppahc guy. I knew he was bad news from the beginning."

                "But…weren't you the one who signed him up for digging?"

                "…" The duo neared the bridge and Gippel raised his left arm to the side, effectively stopping Yuna from advancing. "This is where I heard them. They should be nearby." Just as he spoke those words to Yuna, a masculine voice spoke softly.

                "…to scare you, Miss Rikku. I was taking a walk as well."

                "Oh…that's ok, Uppahc!" Rikku chirped uneasily from ahead of them. Gippel scowled. Yuna was breathing softly from behind him, her fingers wiggling above her guns.

                "Well, since we're both already outside Djose, why don't we go to a secret place? I need to talk to you."

                "But…it's really dark outside. I can't even see," Rikku's voice came as she shifted from foot to foot on the gravel.

                "Oh, I have a flashlight." Just as those words were spoken, a blinding light illuminated the bridge. Gippel swore and pushed Yuna and himself into the brush nearby, hoping against all odds that Rikku or Uppahc hadn't been glancing their way.  He crouched from his position behind the bush, peeking out into the bridge. He sighed with relief, noticing the two people on the bridge looking ahead of them.

                "Good, we can see them now," Gippel whispered to Yuna, who nodded seriously in reply. She frowned and pulled a twig out of her hair before kneeling beside him to spy as well.

                "Oh…um, ok. Where to?" Rikku looked up at Uppahc uncertainly, the déjà vu feeling growing intense.

                "Just follow me." He started walking ahead of the Al Bhed girl, making sure she didn't see his facial features. A wide smirk appeared on his handsome face as his eyebrows dangerously lowered. He looked almost like an insane person. The heinous look on his face immediately disappeared as Rikku started making light conversation.

                A few paces behind them, Gippel and Yuna followed, darting in and out of the shadows. Both of them had their hands on their weapons, ready to draw them out if necessary. A bead of sweat rolled down Gippel's face as his heart beat wildly. There was never reason to believe that Uppahc was a bad guy, but as he continued to follow the duo ahead of him, he couldn't help but conclude that Uppahc had more to him than just that warm smile.

                Yuna's mismatched eyes were trained solely on her cousin, worry clearly evident on her pretty face. She wanted to know what was going on, but by the dull glint in Gippel's eye, she knew he didn't have the answer. Her boots crunched airily against the rocky ground as she skillfully followed her ally. They continued down Mushroom Rock Road until Uppahc directed his flashlight to the left and walked into a hidden pathway. Recognition dawned on both Rikku and Gippel's face.

                Seeing Gippel start to pale, Yuna stopped her surreptitious walking and frowned. "What's wrong?" Gippel shook his head vigorously, a deep and menacing scowl on his face.

                "That bastard! He's going to our secret place!" the Al Bhed man hissed, clenching his fists. Yuna continued to frown, sliding her gaze from Gippel momentarily to Rikku. A surprised look was on the blonde girl's face, her mouth parted slightly in the shape of an 'o'.

                "Miss Rikku? Are you coming?" Uppahc's voice reached all three pairs of ears, jolting them out of their stupor. Nodding to herself, Rikku stepped onto the hidden pathway, disappearing from view. Immediately, Yuna took a step forward, but was stopped abruptly when a hand grabbed her shoulder and spun her around roughly. She winced as soon as Gippel released his strong hold, rubbing her sore spot.

                "What is it?"

                "We can't go in that way. It's a single pathway and if either of them so much as turns their head a little, they'll spot us. We have to go around in the trees." Yuna scratched her head in shame and nodded in agreement. Gippel strolled over to the left side of the path, pulling back some branches and nodding in approval. He turned his head back to Yuna and motioned her over. As soon as she was by his side, he put a finger to his lips and she nodded in understanding. They began to trek beside the path, weaving in and out among the thick and gnarly trees. Every once and a while, Yuna would wince as a particular sharp branch would graze her tanned skin.

                Gippel kept his eye trained on the duo ahead of him, his eye narrowed and panting lightly. The leaves would crunch below him, but he walked in sync with Uppahc so the two wouldn't grow suspicious. Suddenly a twig snapped behind him and he jerked his head quickly in Yuna's direction, seeing her clamp a smooth hand over her mouth in panic. At the same moment, Rikku swiveled her head right in their direction, her eyes widened in apprehension.

                "Did…did you hear that, Uppahc?" she whispered, narrowing her eyes a little, hands going for her daggers. She was staring right at them, but she couldn't seem to see them. Gippel remained still, camouflaging with a thick tree trunk while Yuna froze with her hand still over her mouth. Uppahc turned around and a menacing scowl was on his face, completely contrary to his usual smile. As Rikku turned to look at him, a small frown immediately replaced the scowl, making him look concerned.

                Gippel looked at Yuna, who had an apologetic look on her face. Gippel mouthed something quietly to her and she furiously nodded her head, completely understanding. "Hoo…hoo…hoo, hoo!" she hooted softly, trying her best to sound like an owl. A grin appeared on Gippel's face. Even though it was serious, seeing Yuna like that made him what to cackle for making her do it.

                "Oh, it's just an owl. Strange, it sounds familiar…" A relieved look crossed Rikku's face but she still looked confused. Uppahc's frown diminished and he smiled good-naturedly.

                "Miss Rikku, it is alright. Now let's continue." Uppahc turned around and continued to head down the path. Reluctantly, Rikku followed him, rubbing her arms together to keep herself warm. Gippel visibly relaxed and walked away from the tree, motioning for Yuna to follow.

                "Nice hooting," he commented sarcastically, making Yuna blush in embarrassment.

Secret Place-Rikku and Uppahc

                We finally reached Gippel and my secret place. My eyes widened and surprise when I realized there were no pyreflies floating around anymore. Strange…

                Uppahc had his back faced away from me, staring down into the pond. I decided to stay as far away from him as possible. Another chilling wind passed by and I placed my hands on top of my head to keep my hair from flying wildly.

                A moment of tense silence passed and I wondered if Uppahc was even going to talk. He looked like a complete statue to me now. I was about to comment on his lack of speech when he interrupted.

                "It's time you knew my secret, Miss Rikku." He turned around and started to advance slowly towards me, a small smile on his face. "My real name is not Uppahc. Can you take a guess to what it is?" I frowned, crossing my arms and fingering the ribbons on them. His real name wasn't Uppahc?

                "Why did you fake your name? I don't get it," I whispered, letting my arms dangle lifelessly. He smiled again and turned around, looking up at the black sky.

                "Miss Rikku, I see you don't remember me. I…am Chappu." I gasped, eyes widening in realization. Why hadn't I seen it sooner? Uppahc backwards spells Chappu! He had even used a blitzball to save me from the supermachina…But still, something didn't seem right. I decided to play it off.

                "You are? But…why do you want me to know? Why did you come here? And how did you find this place?" I blurted out. The questions I had asked were honest, though I still didn't believe that this person was Chappu. It couldn't be…

                "You are a close friend of my older brother Wakka, are you not? I needed someone's help. I want to have another chance with life. Wakka is now happy with Lulu, my love. He stole her away from me…but I seek no revenge. I just want to be granted life. To answer another of your questions, I found this place quite easily. I am composed of pyreflies…"

                "So you followed Gippel and I here…I was wondering why the pyreflies from so long ago were still here. That was you…Chappu?" He nodded and smiled, but his smile wasn't warm, it was cold and empty.

                "Yes. This place is very adequate for what I'm telling you. No one will be able to hear you." I shivered. Hear me? What about him? "Anyway, this is where you come into play."

                "Huh?"

                He continued on like he hadn't heard me. "You have read about this Hammer of Light, have you not?" I froze and stared at him. His face was illuminated from the glow of the flashlight, the shadows playing with his visage. I heard a noise behind me that sounded like a gasp, but it was probably a figment of my imagination.

                "How do you know what that is?"

                "It matters not how I know, Miss Rikku. All that matters if that I need it, and me being not human anymore, can't receive it. I need a human. You would not refuse a lost loved one such as myself, yes?" I narrowed my eyes, hands stealthily going to my daggers. Something definitely wasn't right…

                "So what are you going to do to me?" My heart thumped wildly, warning signals ringing in my head.

                "Ah…I will just possess you to use you to receive the Hammer of Light. It will grant me a wish to become human again." The déjà vu was in my face now, and I realized it was already too late. So the Hammer of Light granted wishes as well? Why hadn't Shinra's Weapons Dictionary said that?

                "And what if I refuse?" I felt my figure start to shake as a feral sneer appeared on his usually kind features.

                "Then I will have to take you by force." He seemed to suddenly grow taller and my eyes widened in shock.

                "You…you're not Chappu! Chappu was kind from what Wakka told me! He would never do something so selfish!" I screamed as 'Chappu' disappeared in a flurry of pyreflies.

                "You are right. I am not Chappu. My real name is Talaed. I am merely a fiend that seeks the Hammer of Light's power. Obviously deceiving you did not work as you did not willingly let me possess you. I will just have to take over your body. I will get the Hammer of Light to grant me immortality as a fiend and I shall use Destruction of Ares to claim Spira. A bit farfetched, I agree, but the hammer calls to me, and I must answer. And to think, I was actually starting to like you."

                 Suddenly the flashlight flickered and died, and I was in pitch black darkness once more.

                My eyes widened and I started to breathe heavily, feeling terribly alone and isolated. No! This wasn't happening! I was still feverishly confused as to exactly what was going on. Something whispered in my ear and I yelped, feeling tears of fear start to roll down my face. I started to back away, randomly swiping the air in vain. If only I could find a way out…

                "You cannot escape my wrath, Miss Rikku," the fiend hissed all around me. Suddenly I felt the air whoosh and gave out a cry as I waited for him to enter my body. A cry rang through the air, but it wasn't mine. It was…

                "Yuna?!" I shouted, wondering why the heck she was here.

                "Gippel!" she screamed. I located her voice from behind me and wondered what had happened. I felt someone breathing heavily in front of me, breath warm and haggard.

                "G-Gippel?" I whispered as the remaining pyreflies floated around his face. It was different. His emerald green eye held no emotion, and a malicious smirk slowly appeared on his face.

                "Well, well, this is certainly a change of events!" he roared, rearing back his head and laughing crazily. I stumbled back as Yuna appeared beside me, hands shakily taking out her guns. This wasn't happening…

                "R-Rikku…Gippel went crazy after he heard about the Hammer of Light. I guess he recognized what it was…" Yuna trailed off as she gazed dumbfounded at Gippel who was roaring with laughter. That was right…Gippel was part of the Crimson Squad. He would've known what the Hammer of Light could do. Yuna gulped and continued, her voice faltering, "And then as soon as he realized that this Talaed was going to possess you, he just jumped out and…and…" she trailed off.

                Tears of fright and realization dripped down the sides of my face and I stared openmouthed as the Gippel fraud continued to laugh. "This is even better! His body can endure more than yours can. I will be off to get my hands on the Hammer of Light, now! Don't expect this body back!" Talaed roared with laughter again. He lifted up the large gun on Gippel's side and pointed it straight at us. "Farewell!"

                The trigger was pulled. And my heart shattered.

A/N-HA! I bet you guys weren't expecting that!!! everyone in the audience smirks and nods their heads Aww…MAN!!! I guess I didn't fool anyone…bleh! Lol!Oh yeah, all those weird things Rikku was pointing out-I was just trying to emphasize the signs that something bad was going to happen to sort of build up the tension. I hope it got you guys into the story! Also, yesterday I saw Spider-man 2! It was awesome! I won't spoil anything for those of you who didn't see it yet! Oh yeah, sorry if it's sudden and doesn't make sense. I don't really get it either. sweat drops Just go along with me here…Oh, and about the last sentence, I guess you could say that Rikku is realizing that she's starting to love him just when things are going wrong…it's a weird way for me to insert it. I hope you don't hate it!  Also, please help me with this question if you know the answer: Where was the place where Gippel and the rest of them tried out for the Crimson Squad? You know, that dark cave place. I need to know for the next chapter. Thanks!

                Yeah, I just realized that at the end of FFX-2, Shinra left the Gullwings because he kept on saying "My last mission with the Gullwings." But I can't just take him out, so let's just say that this is a slightly Alternate Reality, but it's still the same people and places. Let's just say Shinra decided to stay. Hee-hee! Anyway, I don't think I say this enough, so I want to thank all my reviewers because you really make my day! I was reading this seriously awesome fanfic and the author replied to my review and said I was a damn good Gippel/Rikku writer and I was just so elated! It truly made my day so I want to make my readers' and reviewers' days, too, and say you guys are damn good reviewers and I love you guys! Lol, it's really lame, but I just wanted you guys to know! This chapter would've taken a little while longer if not for a song I was listening to (Julia from Final Fantasy VIII), and for a certain friend of mine's perseverance. Anyway, happy Independence Day everyone!

Moshi Moshi Mai