Author's Note: Second installment, and it's just as little as the first. I'm afraid I'm still testing the waters when it comes to this story, and until I can get on firm ground with it I'll keep making these small chapters. Please enjoy and review!

"What we have here, loves," Leblanc drolled in her thick, sultry voice "is a standoff. You want the data I possess, and as it is of no use to me I'd be happy to give it to you. However, it's not that simple, I'm afraid." She steepled her fingers menacingly, sitting in an overly decadent armchair covered lavishly in purple silk. Leblanc was scantily clad in a fascia robe with feather trimming on the edges and cuffs. The result was not one of majestic beauty, but rather more of an extremely fluffy turkey. Rikku hid a snigger behind her hand as she thought of this, only to receive an icy glare form Leblanc. "As I was saying: it's not that simple. I mean, perhaps we could barter but I don't think you have anything I want."

"Then just give us the data," Paine intruded sharply.

"Please, Leblanc. It could help us find our very good friend a sphere of his parents. They were killed by Sin, and now Wakka feels as though he's ready to see them. He wants his son to know what his grandparents looked like..." Yuna's voice trailed off as she pleaded hopelessly with Leblanc.

"Oh all right. We'll have a competition: you against my best Syndicate. Any better? It's all you're going to get out of me," Leblanc drew her ultimatum.

"Great!" Rikku piped up excitedly, "We're gonna spar off. It's been a while since I've had a decent opponent. Bring 'em on, Leblanc!"

Fauna, who had plastered herself against the wall just outside of the slightly ajar banquet room door, leapt for joy inside. She silently prayed Leblanc would choose her. Perhaps this would be her chance to get close to Rikku, and maybe even introduce herself. Fauna felt light-headed at the thought of it, and lost her concentration.

Rikku, Yuna, Leblanc and Paine's attention were all grabbed by a sudden thump on the other side of the banquet door. A look of confusion pinballed from face to face as they heard a woman's voice cursing, and then footsteps fading into the distance.

Fauna had indeed been chosen to spar off against the Gullwings, along with an expansive line of other Syndicate. The rules were as follows: only three Gullwings and three Syndicate can be in the ring at once. The chances of Fauna being able to get into the ring were slim at best.

And a new problem had arisen: what would she do if she did? She couldn't fail Lady Leblanc, however, she also wouldn't feel right hurting Rikku. The thought of it made her stomach turn. She had been far too anxious to get picked for the squad, and now she had landed herself in metaphorically hot water.

Metaphorically and literally, for as she mulled her current situation over, Fauna sat in one of the hot pools of water in the depths of Leblanc's château. She flicked the water and watched the droplets create ripples in the placid surface. What was this new feeling that had spread throughout her the moment she saw Rikku? Was it normal?

Fauna eased her shouldersinto the water until they were completely submerged and allowed her muscles to relax, melting into the steam.