Hiya again everyone! First of all, SORRY ! I am really late with this update and it is well overdue so soz for that. I swear that someone has murdered my muse! I reported it missing but no joy yet. I've had to borrow one from lost and found….its rubbish so if this chappie is rubbish BLAME THE MUSE! Secondly, I'd like to thank everyone that has reviewed. It might not seem like a lot and only take you seconds to do, but it really does mean a lot to me! Anyway ahem enough of the mushiness and on with the story!

Disclaimers…. no I still own nothing. It all belongs so Squaresoft, or Square Enix or whoever they are at the moment? I think Digi-cube own them a bit as well? …Although I did just buy a fantastic green scarf that is sooo snug! Anywho's see you soon!

I awoke to find myself in a really comfy bed. And when I say really comfy, I mean really comfy! It was all feathery and I was sinking into about four squishy pillows. I dared to open on eye, believing it all to be some, too real dream and that I was really asleep around the campfire.

But instead I saw a lush pink room that kinda reminded me of the inn we had stayed in at after Dad's funeral, only much grander. I opened both eyes, squinting against the bright light that was streaming into the room by a large window, with one pane open, letting in the smell of cut grass and a fresh breeze.

I groggily brought a hand to my head, I felt like I had the worst hangover in the universe, which, possibly I did. After lying in bed for a few more minutes, I sat up and swung my legs to the floor, touching the soft carpet that was; yes you guessed it, pink. It felt like the finest lambs wool and I seriously considered just lying down and rolling on it for the next half an hour.

But instead, I walked over to the dressing table. There was an assortment of cosmetics placed in a decorative manner around a large oval mirror, whose frame bore an elaborate design of swirls and twirls. After a few minutes of just looking at everything and wondering if a) I was allowed to use this things and

b) whose they were, I decided I'd be safe with just a hair brush.

I picked it up, surprised at its light-weight feel, considering it appeared to be silver-plated. It had a very beautiful picture on the back, a young child with long curly hair, lying down in a field of daisy's, poppies and what looked like tulips. Of course, living in the desert, the only flowers we got were cactus, weeds and brush flowers, so I was going mostly by guesswork. I shrugged and grimaced as I pulled my black hair tie from my mass of blonde hair and unclipped my trademark blue grips at the front. It all fell down about my shoulders in a terrible mess, so, taking the brush, I walked back to the bed, once again, resisting the urge to sleep on the carpet, and sat down on top of the duvet, and I was soon brushing away at it, in a vain attempt to get it presentable. After what felt like a good 25minutes, but was probably more like 10, I was satisfied and wandered back to the mirror to get a better look at myself.

Now that my hair was untangled and sleek, it hung, straight and smooth down to the middle of my back, the light catching the shade in the light. I made for my hair scrunchy, meaning to put it back up, out of harms way, when there was a soft knock on the door. I whipped round, and took a step back from the dresser.

"C…Come in?" I stammered, not knowing what was going to face me, expecting some mistress of the house to walk in and be out raged that someone had slept in her bed about used her utensil's. In fact, I was so sure that it would be, that I burst out laughing when I saw Lulu and Yuna walk through the door, and nervously I let out a deep breath I didn't even know I'd been holding.

"Wow!" Said Yuna, staring around the room. It appeared that she hadn't even registered that I was standing in front of her, but a few feet away.

"Well, Maester Seymour was certainly correct. This is a magnificent room." She stated simply, looking around.

"Although Yuna, you room does have some pretty neat stuff in it. I mean, a hot tub and fireplace!" Said another voice, it was Tidus.

"Oh hi Rikku! How are you?" I asked out loud, having a conversation with myself, annoyed that I was being ignored, "Oh well, I'm ok you guys, better for the sleep, thanks for asking. Although I haven't got a CLUE what I'm doing her or where I am!" I said, getting louder.

Lulu shook her head, her long brown braids flying out behind her and her shorter bangs that covered her left eye gently lifting, showing both eyes visible for mere seconds. I saw Tidus standing behind her trying not to laugh. Still no one said anything.

"Hello! Anybody home?" I said, practically jumping up and down, with my hands on my hips, "Come on you big meanies! What's the joke?"

At this Tidus burst out laughing and Lulu cast him a scornful look.

"I am sorry Rikku, but we have just been dying to get into this room, but Maester Seymour would not give us consent until you were awake."

"How long did I sleep?" I yawned, scratching my hip a little and tossing my hair a little more; waiting for someone to notice that is was down and brushed smoothly.

"About 9 or so hours. I think it was more hangover than head wound. Yuna healed you straight away, but you were unconscious, and were showing no signs of waking up, so Sir Auron carried you too this room and put you too bed. How are you feeling?"

"Ok I think? I just feel like I have a major hangover, which is surprising, as I didn't really drink that much, and I ate with it." I said, running a hand through my straightened hair, still waiting for someone to notice.

I looked across at Yuna, and saw her concentrating hard, and a slight blue-white aura grew around her, and floated into me, a cure spell. She looked up, a little flustered and smiled at me.

"Better?" She asked, and I nodded smiling, my headache gone. That was one of the many joys of having a Summoner/white mage for a cousin.

I sighed and stood up, now without the swirling sensation. I looked down and saw that I had been changed into what looked like a small pink camisole that showed my stomach and was cut low, with thin purple vertical stripes on it, and set with a pair of purple girly shorts with a silk bow tie on the front. To top it off, I was wearing a pair of fluffy toe socks that I had seen in Luca.

"Erm…what happened to my clothes?" I asked trying to keep calm, as though waking up somewhere you weren't when you fell asleep and not dressed in the same clothes was normal.

Lulu, who seemed to sense my fear and followed along the same lines replied, "Ah yes, some of Maester Seymour's servants got you changed last night whilst you were, asleep. Females mind you." She added smiling, as my face must have shown some horror, "The maids then sent your outfit to be cleaned, along with the one in your pack about 3 hours ago so it should be done by now. I'll go and find out for you." She said taking one last look at the room and walking out backwards.

"So…" I said to Yuna and Tidus as they were both looking at me a little strangely.

"What happened last night? One minute you were fine. Then you were arguing with that Seymour guy, then in mid fight you just kinda went white and your eyes were rolling a little and then you collapsed. It was kinda scary you know? I mean, you were fine and then, it was like, Seymour told you, you weren't and then you really weren't. If that makes sense." Tidus explained.

I cocked my head to one side to show that it didn't and he re-phrased.

"What I mean is; it was almost as if Seymour made you sick. Just to prove a point or something? I mean lets face it he could do it. It's not as though he's not powerful or anything." He said gesturing widely with his arms to make up for the words that were proving difficult to form.

Yuna, who had been sitting quietly at the vanity turned at this, "But why would Maester Seymour do such a thing!" She seemed outraged that a Maester of Yevon could even possess such magic's, let alone enforce them.

"Hey I'm not that he is using his powers, just that he would be more than capable if the time came," Said Tidus taking a step back and raising his hands defensively, "In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if he was accomplished in hypnosis or psychology or something."

I still hadn't said anything and as the two friends stared at each other, I saw a small flicker of something behind their eyes. I wasn't positive, but I was now almost sure they were falling for each other and I smiled inwardly, not wishing to embarrass them and blow out that tiny flame that I had a feeling would transform into a forest fire soon enough.

"Here you are Rikku, freshly washed and dried!" came a voice, getting louder from the corridor. It was Lulu returning with my beloved outfit.

"Thanks" I beamed at her as she chided everyone out the room so I could get washed in the little bathroom to one side and dressed. Clutching my clothes to my chest, I shuffled over to the bathroom, and turning on the taps to a huge tub began to get undressed from the revealing pyjamas and was soon soaking in the huge bath. I shampooed my hair and found another bottle residing next to it; conditioner.

I picked it up warily and quickly read the instructions on the back. I had never used conditioner before; it was a product new to Spira, made by Rin's travel agencies, 'All your travel requirements'.

I gingerly applied it to my hair and, after following the instructions and leaving it in for 3-5 minutes rinsed it out again with fresh water. It was probably just me, but it felt softer than before, but I shrugged this thought off and, after wrapping myself in a towel, left the steaming bathroom into the bedroom area again.

My clothes were lain out on my bed and I made quick work of slipping back into them, loving the feeling of familiarity of them. I considered attaching my favourite claw to my outfit as well, but that might be assumed as aggressive, something I was going to be able to do perfectly well on my own without weapons when I next saw Seymour. Speaking of which, where was my claw? And my pack? I expect that maid took them as well.

Shrugging to myself, I sat down at the vanity again, and grabbing the towel, tipped my head and hair upside down and rubbed at it rigorously. As soon as I had got it as dry as I was satisfied, I reclaimed the brush and combed my hair back to its earlier state. As I ran my hands through it, I noticed a definite smoothness to it, which could only be accounted for by the conditioner. Once again, I left it down, but this time to se if anyone would notice the difference.

I searched the rest of the pots and potions that lined the mirror and found a particularly nice shade of eye shadow that was practically nude and a little of something called lip-gloss, and gently applied them like a 6year old, expecting their mother to return and catch them. Lulu had shown me a few time how to apply the make-up she wore on a daily basis, but Yuna and I never had time for it the mornings.

Checking my reflection once more, I opened the door to be overwhelmed by a large corridor that seemed to stretch for half the length a blitz sphere. I looked at the walls; all lined in pictures of many things, some famous paintings of the farplane and others that were of unknown heroes from a time that was long forgotten. I gazed in wonder at the vast array of tapestries of Spira and a few of Yu Yevon as the temple saw him. I was shocked at the amount of wealth that was portrayed; I mean the corridor alone could have probably feed everyone at Home for a week! And that is including Brother who eats like a pig! I stood in front of my door for what seemed like ages, debating which way to go and which door to take when, from one of the corridor, I heard Wakka whistling.

"Wakka!" I called and jogged over to him.

"Hey sleepyhead!" He replied in that thick island accent of his, "You ok? We were all pretty worried about you last night ya? What happened?"

I figured this would happen to everyone I spoke with so I may as well just put up with the twenty questions.

"I don't know?" I shrugged, "I guess it was the wine and the long trek we made yesterday. All got on top of me you know? I'm fine now though." I lied. I was not fine. Tidus's words had unsettled me. What if it was Maester Seymour? I would definitely not put it pass him to try something, after all, he hated the Al Bhed, but, would he really do something to me in front of Yuna and all her guardians? I supposed he could if he made it look like an accident… like last night…And it would prove my theory that he guess my Al Bhed lineage.

"What's eating ya?" Came Wakka's voice through a mist of thoughts. I opened my mouth, about to share my thoughts but remembered, Wakka worshipped Yevon and accusing Maester Seymour of attempted harm would not get me anywhere. Besides, he would start asking questions, questions about my heritage, something I didn't want to share with a Yevonite, especially not Wakka, he was my friend.

"It's nothing. I'm just grouchy and hungry! Speaking of which, where's the dinning room…or…any room for that matter?" I asked looking around and trying to see a staircase.

Wakka laughed, "You eat more than I do!"

"Hey! I do not you big meanie." I cried sticking my tongue out at him.

"Hey hey! Don't worry about it ya?" he laughed folding his arms across his chest, "We'll get you some food. I was on my way down there anyway, one of Lulu's dolls escaped in my room and I got to get her to get it back before it burns it down!"

Now it was my turn to laugh as I followed him blindly through the twists and turns of the building. How did they learn their way around so fast? I was about to voice my thoughts when I caught sight of Maester Seymour down one of the many corridors and froze; laughing to myself in an almost hysterical way when I realised it was merely a life-sized painting. Wakka cast me a strange look and I hurried on behind him in silence.

We managed to make it without further "fits" into the dinning room. Well I say dinning room; it was really a mini hall with a table and around 50 seats! I swear that man knows how to dine! We found Kimahri, Lulu, Tidus, Yuna and Auron sitting around at the table. They all looked up as we enter, namely because the huge doors (twice my height I might add and a bugger to open!) complained loudly on their hinges.

I cringed a little as they swung back and slammed shut with such a force that I jumped forward giggling nervously. I noticed Wakka laughing sympathetically in my direction and sighed a little. Great, the apocalypse was neigh. Wakka…being embarrassed…of me? I should just quit the pilgrimage now and go hide in a cave and live life as a Tonberry…

I bet I'd rock as a Tonberry. I'd live in a cute little hole and have a cute little lantern. I guess future boyfriends would be a no go cause of the whole, stabbing people who come within a three metre radius, but hey! I could always become the first Al Bhed nun? I bet I could pull that look off to huh? Cute little black and white habit and the… ok concentrate, people are talking.

I shuffled a little on the balls of my feet and attempted to tune back into what the group were saying… hey wait…that's twice in the last twenty-four hours Rikku! Get with the programme! Right, try and look educated, blend in…and stuff…Ok. Who's talking? Auron? Ok that's weird…Auron using more than two syllables to form…a dreaded word? Argh, Rikku, you're losing track again. Focus!

"And that is why Lady Yuna, we must not stay here longer than is required for you to continue your journey to Mi'hein. The journey will be tough and Sin must be destroyed. Of course, you could always discontinue with your pilgrimage if you feel it a burden." He added, almost hopeful.

"No way! We're here to beat Sin and we aren't going anywhere until that thing eats dust. Right?" Tidus called out, hands in the air.

I swear you could almost slice the air with a knife that moment was so tense. Poor Tidus, he really did have no clue did he? We all looked expectantly at Yunie. She smiled, a kind of sad smile, you know the one, like when you're told that this huge surprise your promised isn't happening, and that you got to get over it. But then she did something unexpected. She smiled and nodded, and if that wasn't enough, she laughed!

"Yes-sir!" She said still giggling. I exchanged a sort of shocked look with everyone and in words unspoken, we all decided to go along with the 'Tidus doesn't know and doesn't need to know' thing that appeared to be happening. I looked across to Auron, to see how he was taking this news, and to my horror, I found that he looked, tired? Tired and sad. I guess that under his "almighty guardian" exterior, he really did have Yunie's best interests at heart. I guess seeing him so…normal kinda hit it home hard for me. He didn't want Yunie to do this anymore than I did. His eyes met mine and I gave him a warm smile to show I knew he meant well. To my surprise, he offered me one too. I nodded and turned to Lulu.

"Hey Lu, you know the maid washed my clothes for me yesterday? Do you know what happened to my pack?" I asked, remembering my thoughts from earlier.

She looked thoughtful for a moment, and shrugged. "I am afraid not. I will ask around for you though."

"Thanks Lulu." I smiled back. Just then, the doors behind us opened and Tromell approached us.

"My apologies Lady Yuna and her Guardians, but I bring a message from Maester Seymour." Came his slow statement.

It occurred to me that apologising for Seymour and bring his messages may well be his only use? I mean, I know that Guado's as a race aren't exactly the brightest card in the deck, but surely there must be someone faster or better "qualified" for the job. Uh oh, I feel a laugh coming…concentrate…again… my bad!

"Accepted," said Yunie in that grown up voice of hers.

Now that really is something I couldn't pull off. I stifled yet another giggle, as Auron glared at me, "Where is Maester Seymour? We have not seen him this morning?" Yuna continued oblivious to my snigger so I was oh so very tempted to stick my little pointy tongue out at Mr Grumpy, but I refrained, (somehow).

"Well Lady Yuna that is what news I bring to you. He bade me ask you if you were planning on leaving today?" asked Tromell.

He looks a little like a troll don't you think? Tromell the troll! Well that's an interesting uptake.

"Yes we were sir. We are already behind on our journey." Came Yuna's reply, cool calm and collected. I saw Tidus standing behind her give her hand a quick squeeze and she blushed a little. So they do have the hots for each other! Ha! I knew it! Ah if only there was someone here to gloat to…

"Well I am afraid that, that is where Maester Seymour's disappearance comes into play. He has had to leave on business to Mi'hein. It appears that a storm has blown itself from the thunder plains, one of the greatest that even Maester Mika has seen, and is heading this way across Spira. He has begged me not to let you leave the premises or Guadosalam." Tromell spoke in that i-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-y s-l-o-w voice of his. You know the one? The one that just makes you want to feed him caffeine? Yeah That one…

I didn't even think about his words until I heard Lulu laugh slightly, "how convenient for the Maester to be so close by." Everybody turned to look at her and…hey! How come SHE didn't getting a glower when SHE laughed! Honestly, I tell you! The favouritism between guardians!

I noticed the cocky tone behind it though, and so did Tromell it appeared, "Are you accusing something?"

Lulu merely shook her long…long gorgeous braids…(how does she do that by the way! Maybe she could do an advert on the sphere network for Rin's new travel "conditioner?") and sighed.

Wakka didn't take that too nicely though, "Hey you…eh, sir? I mean, if Lulu had something to say, she'd come out and say it ya? Sir" he finished, evidently trying oh so hard not to piss off his idol The Grande Maester Seymour's right hand man.

Speaking of which, is he left-handed or right-handed? I suppose if you're left-handed, your right hand person wouldn't be as important as your left, because you'd use your left hand for everything? So maybe right…uh oh. THE GLARE!

"How does she get it so perfect so fast?" asks one model, "Maybe it's chocobo-conditioner" replies the jealous friend as Lulu shakes those braids, then you get the big writing "Rin's travel conditioner" Guarantied to make your hair luscious and …oops…concentration gauge… zero!

"Maester Seymour is a busy man, and he has made the up-most efforts to keep you and your guardians safe Lady Yuna" said Troll-y, sounding pretty put out. Aw bless him, Tromell the Troll was so sweet and endearing, caring about Seymour…he could well be the only one though!

"I…I realise this Sir Tromell, my guardians were merely expressing the mutual feelings from the group."

When did she get so mature! I swear, if she'd have grown up with me and pops, none of this "I must sacrifice myself to save the world for ten years" thing would have ever occurred to her. Personally, even though she was there what? Seven years? I blame Bevelle totally! Honestly, the price for living in a high class city!

"Well…" Said Troll-y warily, "I guess you meant no harm. We Guado are facing peril these days. Indeed, if it were not for Lord Seymour, the Guado would have perished at the death of Lord Jystcal. You understand therefore…"

Argh I swear this man never stops talking…! Seriously, he is really slowing down food intake!

"Yes of course Sir Tromell" Said Yuna, "I don't suppose you know when Maester Seymour will be back do you? Only we really must continue with my pilgrimage."

Troll-y let out a sigh and answered, "Tomorrow morning at the latest. He asked me to make sure you are all made aware that the Guado household is open to you and to make yourselves at home whilst he is away. It has been so terribly long since we last had guests…"

Well…not surprises there! Unless you count odour control cause I'm telling ya, this room does smell a little. But then, that could be all the good food going to waste mere meters from me. Ah, if only I had been sitting when he came in, I could be munching instead of standing here awkwardly.

"That is very kind of you and Maester Seymour and I shall be honoured to tell him so next time we meet. Was that all?" Asked Yunie. I figured she too was getting a little miffed off at this guy who must live up Seymour's hiney for all the praise and compliments he was giving him!

"Ah yes. Lady Yuna, Guardians," he said, nodding to us each in turn, with an extra special glare at Lulu for her comment, "I bid you good day. If you should require something, there is a bell situated at the door of every room and a servant shall be nearby at all times." And with that, Troll-y left us too it and everyone in the room let out a tiny breath, that had you not been listing hard, you would have missed and went back to eating their breakfasts.

Even Auron was silenced…no glares for me!

Oooh I loved that Troll…

Well there you have it folks. That is no-where NEAR as long as I'd hoped. It was more of a link between chapters, and just so you know, the next chapter is also going to be a link, a lot shorter, and will be mainly from Wakka, Seymour, and some random Guado servants POV. Hope I still have some readers out there Crickets chirrup Oh dear, maybe not…ah well. For all you imaginary people out there, have a Happy Easter!

Xxx (the ever-bad writer)

PS: looking back on that last chapter, it may not have made sense, so when i work out how, i'll have to alter it! Thanks for sticking with me and hope you had a nice easter xxxxxxxxx