Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2!

"…" character's speech

'…' character's thoughts

(…) my rambling

Note: Hello everyone! How are you doing today? I've watched G8 Live on TV, it was just brilliant the whole event and songs played! So please, if you have the chance, sign up your name to support G8's cause! Your name will be part of the petition showing your participation and help! So remember, you do make a difference. Thank you :)

Special thanks to the following people for reviewing my fic:

oOoDancingQueenoOo: Thank you for the support and for following my fic until now :)

Jezzi: Lol, yes poor Rikku and Gippal! It's hard to see what he feels when Rikku is just too confused with the whole situation, but don't worry things will straighten out in this chapter! Thank you for reviewing, and I can't wait for the sequel of your wonderful fic :)

lonelyngel: LOL, yes it is all a big drama! I agree with you completely, boys do send mix signals, making us girls so angry and confused! But we can't blame them, it is just too difficult for them to express what they truly want to say :p Anyways, thanks for the lovely review :)

Auron's Fan: Don't worry if the review is long or short, the important thing is, that you reviewed! I really appreciate the support :) Yep, Gippal is defiantly a keeper, but too bad he isn't real :p Thank you for the review :)

Sweet Demon Slayer: LOL! ':Hands tissue paper:' Yeah, we all wish guys could be just like Gippal, sweet and lovely! Thank you for the sweet review :)

Sum1special: I hope I made this chapter long enough :) Thank you for the review!

annabelle: Was that a cliffy, well it wasn't my intention to leave a cliff hanger. Thank you for the lovely review! Really appreciate the compliment :)

evil-gurl13: Lol, was that really a cliff hanger? If it was, then I agree with you, it was a weird cliff hanger ;p Thank you for reviewing :)

FairyIce: Thank you for reviewing my fic, glad that you enjoyed it :)

green-eyed-blonde: Don't worry if the review is short, I'm glad that you had time to leave me a review :) Yep, I had to make something sad, it was necessary for the fic! Glad that you're back from your vacation, hope you enjoyed the trip! Thank you once again for the review :)

neko56: Yep, it really is coming to an end. Last chapter will be the next one! Thank you for the lovely compliments you made, I'm so happy that you really think that about my fic! You are such a sweetheart :) Thank you once again for the review!

Lovecherry09: I'm so glad that you enjoyed my fic! Thank you for the review :)

Thank you and enjoy this chapter! Next one will be the last :)

Chapter 11

Rikku woke up to the sound of the muffled noise coming from the main hall of the temple. Without hesitation, she threw her blankets aside and slowly got up from her bed. Rikku quietly made her way toward the door, and softly opened a space, enough that she could peek and see the man who stood alone in the dim room working on the 'secret' project.

She sadly sighed and gazed at his form. Even though she felt frustrated that Gippal was spending much of his time and attention on this project, Rikku still couldn't help but to feel worried for him. He was a dedicated man, a hard working Al Bhed leader. Rikku knew that his job was important, but yet she still wished that he would slow down his pace.

Rikku was worried that all this work was demanding him too much of his energy. It had been three entire days in which Gippal and his friends worked nonstop on this 'secret' project, and even though the day would end, Gippal would still spend his nights working alone on the project, like he was doing now. Of course Rikku was mad at him for practically ignoring her because of his work, but yet she couldn't blame him. It was his responsibility and she had to respect that.

She silently watched his back, as Gippal leaned forward, working on the project, which she still couldn't see. Rikku felt the urge to go out and help him, but she knew that he would deny her help and ask her to return to bed. Gippal was working too hard, this wasn't fair! She felt helpless. She wanted to give him all her support but yet she didn't know if that would be enough. Rikku wished she could give him more.

"You've done more than what you have been asked for Gippal. You deserve a break now." Whispered Rikku.

...o...

Gippal sat silently on the chair while gazing outside toward the clear blue sky. There he was on the bridge of the airship, feeling dejected, while they headed their way toward Bevelle for the meeting. He was convinced that he shouldn't let his reputation be hurt because of one conference, after all he had worked so hard these past few years. There was also the fact that Rikku promised Baralai that she would be responsible for his presence in the conference, he didn't want them to blame Rikku for his absence. So now he was heading toward Bevelle willingly, but yet he felt that this was wrong.

"I shouldn't be here." Gippal gritted silently to himself in anger, as his hand turned into a tight fist.

Gippal knew that Rikku would be waking up in this exact minute and find out that he was heading toward Bevelle. How could he do this to her! Gippal knew that today was her last day, and yet he wouldn't be there to see her go. He felt frustrated with himself for being an idiot. Gippal hadn't even confessed his love to her and yet he was letting her go without even saying a goodbye! He wanted to tell her everything he had bottled up in his heart, but time never gave him the right chance! Besides he knew Rikku was still angry at him.

"She has all the right to be." Gippal whispered to himself once again as guilt flowed inside of him.

Not only did he spend his last days trying to finish the 'secret' project, but he didn't get to finish it! Gippal cursed himself for falling asleep last night in the middle of the work when in fact he was suppose to be finishing the project, but he couldn't help himself, he was too tired and wasted. Gippal felt disgusted with himself for everything turning out to be a big disaster! First, he didn't get to finish the 'secret' project and, although it wasn't his intention, he ended up ignoring Rikku because of the project. Second, Gippal somehow ended up making Rikku hate him, when in fact he was suppose to make her smile. Third, he didn't confess his love to her.

"It wasn't suppose to end this way." Gippal whispered in great frustration, as he raked his blond hair back with his fingers.

"You know, you don't have to go to Bevelle." Spoke Vasso as he stepped up toward Gippal with a grin.

Gazing up questionably, Gippal looked at his friend in confusion. "What do you mean I don't have to go to Bevelle? Haven't you heard the consequences if I'm not there?"

"Gippal, you have been a great friend of mine and also a great leader, but sometimes I wonder if you have become too old to take risks like you used to do." Vasso replied with a smile. "You know what you want and you know how to get it."

Gippal's eyes widen to hear those words. Those words were his own when he once meet his best friends. He knew what he wanted, and that was Rikku. How to get it? He would do anything to make her his. This was just a risk he should take, but yet what about his people? The Al Bhed's reputation?

"I can't. I have to show up for the meeting." Gippal suddenly stated as he was pulled back to reality.

The Al Bhed co-pilot suddenly chuckled. "Gippal you need a rest!"

A rest. It had been such a long time since the last day he had a rest. Over the last few years he hardly had the chance to take a break and relax because of his work. Gippal was constantly busy with his job as the leader of the Machine Faction. There were lots of responsibilities in which he had to fulfill, but now they were giving him the permission to rest! It never occurred to him that he was doing more than they needed.

Vasso smiled to see that sense was dawning into Gippal's eye. "I'll take your place in the conference. Let's just say that I'm your representative for today. How about that, huh?"

Gippal chuckled, they were all such great brothers! "That might work. Besides there isn't any rule that says that I can't have a representative to take my place in the conference, right?"

"Right!" Affirmed the pilot with a smile. "So Gippal, what will be the destination?"

He smirked before standing up. "To Bikanel Desert!" He pointed with enthusiasm.

"What? Bikanel Desert?" The pilot questioned.

"Of course. If Brother is going to pick her up, I'm sure he would have taken Cid's girl away by now."

"True." Vasso replied with a nod. "So Bikanel Desert it is. We will drop you there and later head toward Bevelle for the conference."

"I suggest you hurry up then, we don't want to be late do we?" Spoke Gippal with a smirk.

The pilot laughed before nodding his head and speeding up.

...o...

"Come on Rikku! Hurry up!" Brother complained as he stood by the entrance of Djose Temple with a frown upon his face.

"I'm coming!" Rikku called back in annoyance. Why did she even agree on letting Brother pick her up in the first place.

"Are you really going?" Asked Nimma, an Al Bhed girl around Rikku's age. She had been working with Rikku in the temple and had soon become one of her friends as well.

Rikku turned around to find Nimma and the other Al Bheds gathered together to say goodbye to her. They were all sweet people that had become part of her family. Rikku found herself in the verge of tears, why was this so hard? She didn't want to leave her dear friends behind. Although in the beginning a month seemed like an eternity, now, a month seemed so little.

Rikku quickly dropped her luggage and flung herself toward Nimma, as both girls hugged each other in a tight embrace. Soon the other Al Bheds joined in for a group hug, making Rikku laugh, but smile at the wonderful relationship she had created with each one of them. Tears finally broke through her emerald eyes, as she hugged them tighter, wishing that this was only a dream.

"You don't have to leave." Whispered Nimma.

"But I have to." Rikku whispered back sadly.

"Why?"

Why, because her place wasn't truly here. Gippal had only told her that her stay was temporary. She didn't have the right to stay here more than the time she was assigned, beside it wasn't her choice to make. In truth, Rikku wanted Gippal to invite her to stay, she wanted to hear him say that she was welcome to stay or leave as she pleased. Even though she wanted to remain in the temple, Rikku somehow knew that her place wasn't here until everyone accepted her, that included Gippal himself.

"I have to go." Rikku spoke sadly as she slowly pulled herself away from the crowd, who hugged her so warmly.

Rikku stepped back and grabbed her luggage, before she gazed around the crowd. They were all so sad that she was leaving. Each one of them wished that Rikku could stay, and each one of them had made a part of Rikku's heart. She gave them a sad smile before waving goodbye. Turning around, Rikku made her way toward Brother, who impatiently waited for her at the doorway.

"Wait Rikku!" called an Al Bhed man.

She turned around to find Ayyre, one of the Al Bhed man who had been working with Gippal on the 'secret' project, making his way toward her. He looked down toward the floor hesitant before gazing up at her eyes with determination.

"There is something you must see before you go." He told her firmly, which gave her no other choice but to nod her head and follow him behind.

They headed toward the other side of the room, and toward the area where the 'secret' project was hidden. Rikku realized what Ayyre was doing, he was going to show her the project, the project that had taken Gippal's full attention and energy for the last couple of days.

"I'm not sure if I can show you this, but it's your last day here, and I suppose you have the right to know what this project is." Spoke Ayyre as he stepped forward.

"I don't think I want to know." Rikku suddenly stated, making Ayyre gaze toward her with a confused look. "This project was the reason why Gippal ignored me for the last couple of days, even though it wasn't his intention. The project took away the last opportunities we had left together. I don't need to know what took his attention away from me."

"But Rik-." Ayyre tried to explain but was interrupted.

"I need to go." Rikku replied hurt, as she held her tears away.

"You must see it." Spoke Sool, another Al Bhed man who worked on the 'secret' project. "For Gippal's sake."

Rikku gazed around to find Sool walking toward them. "He dedicated all his time toward this project in order to get it done, but in the end he didn't have enough time to finish it. I know you are mad at him, but you must know why he spent so much time in it."

Rikku shock her head in frustration. "I'm not angry at him. I know Gippal has his responsibilities to fulfill. I understand his job, but I don't agree that he has to give in so much. I don't want to know what stupid machina made him so wasted for the last couple of days! I don't want to know what stupid piece of junk made Gippal so tired when he deserves to rest! I hate the fact that his job demands so much, when he in fact, has given back more than necessary! I hate to know that machinas are draining out his energy while he treats them all as an old friend! I just don't want to know what this stupid 'secret' project is when it hasn't given anything back to Gippal!"

Rikku found herself catching her breath at the end of her outburst. That felt great! To shout out everything that she felt. It was true, she wasn't mad at Gippal, she was truly angry at his job. He deserved so much, but yet he hadn't taken anything for himself. He gave all his best, to the point of being wasted and tired. Gippal deserved a rest, everyone agreed to that, but still Gippal himself hadn't realized his exhaustion. He was too busy doing his job, when everyone already knew that Gippal had done enough for his family.

Sool suddenly began to laugh, making Rikku deeply frown at him. "What's so funny!" She demanded.

"Impressively the project had nothing to do with his job, as you thought it was. The project was done because Gippal was determined to do it, and the reason why we started this 'secret' project was because of you."

"Me?" Rikku questioned in disbelief. "What do you mean?"

"Take a look then." Sool nodded toward the project.

Ayyre then took off the clothe that covered the machina that was underneath. There in front of Rikku stood a machina that looked exactly like Snowy. Although it was half finished, Rikku could make out it's form. She then approached the project, and slowly examined it, finding out some rare pieces installed inside of the machina. She was impressed, it was a very complex system.

"How did you guys manage it?" Rikku questioned curiously.

"We had to dig out some of the rare pieces, but most of them were bought." Ayyre informed.

"They must have cost you a fortune!" Rikku concluded.

"Don't worry Rikku." Spoke Nimma as she appeared by her side. "I managed to negotiate with my father, since he sells rare machina pieces, so nothing was really that expensive."

Rikku smiled before she continued to exam the impressive machina. "What does it do?" She asked.

"With all those rare devices inside of it, the machina practically has it's own soul." Spoke Sool with a smirk, as he saw Rikku's face light up in surprise and amazement.

"So you're telling me that this machina can act on it's own?" Rikku questioned doubtfully.

"Yep." Nimma chirped happily. "The machina can act like a real dog."

"This is amazing! This is practically impossible for any machina to do, and yet you guys managed to make it work!" Rikku exclaimed, impressed by the hard effort.

"Who you really should be praising right now is Gippal. Not only did he manage to place the rare devices into the right spot, but also he was able to fix some of the rare devices that were broken." Informed Sool.

Rikku suddenly felt guilty, she had blamed the machina for her lost time with Gippal, but this machina was dedicated to her. Gippal was making this for her and not for his job. He wasted his time and effort to please her and make her happy.

Tears came down from her eyes, as she quickly covered her face with her hands. She was such a big meanie. He had drained out his energy to make her happy. Gippal was only thinking of her happiness, ignoring the limits and time he had.

Everything for her.

"I'll miss him, ya know?"

Gippal nodded his head. "I know."

"Maybe we could get a dog." Rikku suggested.

He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe." He only answered.

Rikku smiled before hugging him tightly, causing Gippal to blush at her sudden action.

"Yeah, maybe."

Gippal remembered. He had remembered her request for a dog and so he had decided to create a machina that represented Snowy. Gippal had managed to do the impossible, to give a machina 'life', so it would act like a real dog. This way Gippal wouldn't have to worry with his allergies and above all, he could give Rikku what she wanted and see her smile.

"It's ok Rikku." Nimma affirmed as she softly comforted her friend.

"I didn't know." Rikku whispered feeling awful. "And yet I thought he was insensitive to my feelings."

Nimma smiled before pushing Rikku's hand away from her face. "Look at me Rikku. You mean a lot to Gippal. If this machina isn't proof enough, then I don't know what is. You must not blame yourself for anything, he did this for you, on his own free will. So enjoy everything he gives you, and give him back what you think he deserves from you."

Rikku smiled before wiping her tears away. She gave Nimma a tight hug before she softly pushed away to look toward the machina and then toward Sool and Ayyre. They all smiled at her and she knew what she had to do.