Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2!
"…" character's speech
'…' character's thoughts
(…) my rambling
Note: Hello everyone! I can't believe that I received more than 100 reviews for this fic! This was only possible because of you wonderful people that have supported me throughout the entire story! I can't express how much I've enjoyed reading each review as well as writing each chapter! I'm really glad that I made it this far with a fic! You people are simply the best : )
Special thanks to the following people:
lonelyngel: LOL, and once again I have to agree with you, we need more guys like Gippal! Yep, the only way they will find each other is searching around, but don't worry it'll be quick ;p Thank you for the review and the support, you are such wonderful person!
FairyIce: Don't worry things will turn out to be just fine, with a big romantic ending:)Thank you for the review, you have been such a supportive and wonderful person! Thank you for everything!
oOoDancingQueenoOo: Don't know, you will have to read and check it out ;) Thank you for everything you have done! You are one lovely person! Thanks for the review!
Jezzi: Really? I'm so glad that you enjoy my fic! Thank you for leaving me such a sweet review! You have been such a wonderful person! Can't wait for the sequel of your fic, cause I admire your writing style and your stories! Thank you once again for everything :)
Auron's Fan: LOL, a machine that makes diamonds would be impossible, but a machina that represents Snowy is much easier to make! Thank you for the lovely review! You have been such a wonderful and supportive person! Hope you enjoy the last chapter :)
neko56: I know what you mean, and I'll miss reading your reviews as well! Thank you for being such a sweet and supportive person! I'll miss writing this fic as well as having your support! Thanks for everything :)
Emmy-miester: LOL, sorry, but I don't know what name I should call you by :p Oh, Dallas, never been there! I agree with you, 90 is too hot, and 85 is perfect :) Thank you for being such a supportive and wonderful person! Thank you for everything :)
KrystallTrensk: Yep, Gippal is a very charming guy ;) Really, you read the whole fic? You are amazing! Thank you for the compliment and for giving my fic a try! Thank you for the sweet review :)
Sum1special: Thank you for the review and for the support you have given me throughout the fic! Thanks :)
Back of Beyond: LOL, kinda got lost in your sentence :p Don't worry things will turn out to be fine in the end! Thank you for being such a supportive and wonderful person! Thanks for everything :)
rikkuisthebest : Lol, don't worry to sign in, as long as you leave me a review :) Thank you for the support and for all the reviews you left me! Thanks for everything and don't worry here is the update :)
evil-gurl13: Thank you for the compliment and yes, this is the last chapter! Thank you for the review and the support!
kitsune of the blade: Thank you for the review and support!
kyritawuv: Lol, thank you for the sweet review! (Hands out tissues) Here is the update ;)
Seelenspiel: Thank you! Hope you like this chapter :)
ShadowStar21: Thank you for the review!
Lady Sonora the Black-Rose: LOL! Thank you for the support and for the review! Thank you for everything :)
Knda Crazie: LOL, don't worry the kiss will come pretty soon ;p Thanks for the compliment and for the lovely review as well :)
Lillian: Hope that I updated fast enough! Thanks for the review :)
Thank you everyone! Hope you enjoy the last chapter, which is extra long,and cya around in the sequel :)
Chapter 12
Gippal gave his friends a last wave before jumping off the ramp to land on the hot sand of Bikanel Desert. There it was, the tent in which he had announced to Rikku that she was his 'servant' for a whole month. Now he was here for another reason, for another purpose. This time, Gippal was here to announce how much he loved her.
Without any hesitation, Gippal quickly ran toward the tent. His heart began to pound violently against his rib cage as he imaged how Rikku would react when he confessed. The long run seemed like an eternity as the three words kept escaping his mouth so naturally. He couldn't wait to have her in his arms and whisper into her ears how much he have longed to have her.
Stretching his hand out, Gippal thrust the flap open and entered the tent. His smile soon faded away as he gazed around the empty place. She wasn't here. But why? Gippal was sure she had returned home. This couldn't be right. He was suppose to tell her everything right here and now!
"You big idiot! You messed it all up!" Gippal blamed himself in frustration as his fists slammed the table with force.
"Well, what do we have here." Spoke a familiar voice from the entrance of the tent.
Gippal recognizing the owner of the voice, quickly straightened up. His gaze then meet the old man. Without hesitation he demanded in urge. "Do you know where she is?"
Cid, not affected by his manners, calmly made his way toward the machina that stood in the center. He kneel down and began to work on the machine. "Who, boy?" He asked.
"Your daughter!" Gippal answered in hope that he might tell him her location.
"No I don't." Cid replied without gazing away from his work.
Gippal looked dejected before staring at the ground in dismay. He heaved a long sigh. "I screwed it up."
"We all screw up kid, but tell me, what did you do this time?" Cid asked nonchalantly, as he continued working.
Gippal raised his eyebrow in confusion, what did he mean this time? Too worried with his own problem, Gippal didn't demand an explanation, instead he answered Cid's question. "Well, I practically ignored your daughter for the last couple of days and made her angry."
"So you came here to apologize." Cid concluded, still occupied with his work.
"Yes." Gippal confirmed. "And for something else too." He added in a whisper.
"You came to confess." Was Cid's blunt response.
Gippal looked surprised. How did he know? Was his expression that obvious that even Cid could decipher his feelings? This was insane! Everyone seemed to know what he felt for Rikku, everyone, except for Rikku herself! But now it seemed that his chances were so little, that it practically seemed impossible for him to amend everything up. Gippal knew he screwed up. He had done nothing in the last couple of days but to make her mad. He shouldn't have ignored her, instead he should have taken the time they had left together to confess his feelings. Now it was too late.
"You messed up." Cid spoke as he gazed toward Gippal. "But there is still the second round."
Gippal stared at the old man in disbelief. Was he allowing him to go after his daughter? This must be an illusion! Cid would never allow him to be with Rikku, in fact, he wouldn't allow any other man to approach his daughter! So why him? Why did he give him his permission?
"Don't get me wrong Cid, I appreciate the incentive." Gippal started a bit uneasy. "But tell me, what made you change your mind?"
He chuckled. "You think I like you boy? I hate any man that takes my daughter's attention away from me. But I'm like any father, protective of his little girl, and my duty is to make sure she is safe. I had promised Rikku happiness, and if you make her happy, then I can't take you away from her, can I boy?"
He makes her happy? Gippal suddenly found himself smiling widely like a fool to know that he was the cause of Rikku's happiness, but then again, was it the truth? "You sure of that old man?"
Cid laughed. "You don't believe me boy? Well, I didn't want to believe it as well, but it's the truth. How do you explain her absence in Bikanel Desert for one whole month?"
"Well, you see Cid." Gippal started uneasily, not sure if Cid knew about the lost bet. "Your daughter was my 'servant' for one whole month. It was a deal we made."
Cid nodded his head. "I know about the bet boy. But Rikku isn't an easy girl to tame. If she wanted to, Rikku would have left Djose Temple within a week, but to my surprise, she stayed for one whole month. Now tell me, what does Djose Temple have that Bikanel Desert haven't? She does the same job here as she does in the temple. She has her family and dear friends here as well. So tell me boy, what does your temple have that she can't find here?"
Gippal stared in realization. Cid was right. This didn't have to do with the promise or the lost bet. Rikku didn't have to stay in the temple for one whole month, she could have easily escaped, but instead she agreed to be his 'servant'. This was odd. Of course Rikku hated to break any promises, but something made her keep that promise, it was more than her pride. It was her affection and commitment to Gippal. The growing friendship that turned into something more than they have bargained for.
Rikku only stayed for Gippal.
"I have to find her." Gippal stated in determination.
Cid smiled before he thrust something into the air, in which Gippal caught. In his hand was the key to Cid's airship. He looked up in surprise and smirked.
"You're becoming too soft old man."
Cid grinned. "Leave kid before I change my mind."
...o...
"What are you doing Rikku!" Brother yelled in disbelief as he watched his sister take over the controls of the airship.
"We are going to Bevelle." Rikku simply stated as she started the airship.
"What do you mean Bevelle? Aren't we suppose to head back Home?" Asked Buddy as he watched Rikku's determined expression.
"Nope. I have to go after someone." She replied back with a smile.
"No! We go back Home now!" Brother demanded as he tried to take over the controls, but Rikku pushed him aside with a strong shove.
"Sorry Brother, but I'm in command now." Rikku grinned as she raised the airship from the ground and sped forward, making everyone lose their balance and fall toward the floor.
"I am captain, not you!" Brother yelled in frustration as he tried getting up.
"I don't think she will follow your orders." Spoke Shinra as he made his way toward his seat.
"Buddy, I need you to give me the right coordinates to Bevelle." Rikku ordered.
"Right away." Buddy answered as he quickly got up from the floor and went to take his place as the co-pilot.
"And Shinra get us an authorization to land at Bevelle's main hall that leads us toward the temple." Rikku added as she gazed toward her little friend.
"Sure thing!" Shinra answered back, glad to be of service.
"Wait a minute! You should be following my orders!" Called out Brother in frustration as he stomped his feet.
Rikku laughed. "Brother why don't you relax and enjoy the flight, huh?"
Brother frowned, he knew his protests were useless. Rikku was a stubborn girl, she would never follow his orders. Even though he missed having her presence around, Brother just hated the fact that they were going to Bevelle. He wouldn't mind giving her the control for today or even following her demands, but he didn't want Rikku to order them to head to Bevelle. He knew that the man he abhorred was in Bevelle. The man that had stolen Rikku's heart away.
"Take over the controls will you Buddy?" Rikku asked, as she got up from her seat and headed toward her brother who stood silently watching them with a frown.
"I am captain you know?" Brother stated as Rikku came to stand before him.
She softly laughed. "I know and you are also my dear brother, who I love." Rikku spoke with a smile.
His frown slowly faded away as he nodded his head toward his little sister. He couldn't get mad at her. "You know I don't want you to go to Bevelle."
"I know." Rikku replied softly. "But I have to."
"No. We go back Home. Back to everything, just like before." Brother explained, trying to convince his sister.
"I wish we could Brother, but something changed inside of me, ya know." Rikku replied. "I have found someone that completes my heart."
"No." Brother urged, but he knew that it was too late. "You can't. It was only one month!"
Rikku laughed. "I know it was only one month, but ya know, this one month seemed like a dream. In this dream I found him. The man I love."
"The man you love." He echoed in disbelief and saw the seriousness in her eyes.
Rikku nodded her head before whispering. "I"m already in love. You can let me go now. Don't stop me from reaching my paradise Brother. I will always love you, like you love me back, but it's time to let me go."
Let her go? That seemed impossible. Brother was afraid that she would get hurt without his protection, after all she was the only girl in the family. Rikku was the little baby sister he had to watch over for. Even though they fought, which is a natural thing to happen between siblings, they always had this great relationship. Although they looked different from the outside, Rikku had always told him that they were exactly the same inside, that was why they had such a great bond. They always helped each other when needed and trusted each other no matter what.
Brother sighed. He had to trust her and let her go, even though it was difficult. There was nothing else he could do, besides there in her emerald eyes was the truth and love she had for Gippal. Brother had done everything he could for Rikku, and now it was time to free her like he had promised. Time to giver her his trust back and wish her the best of luck.
"Captain. I will take you to Bevelle." Brother spoke with a defeated smile.
Surprised, Rikku smiled back widely as she gave him a tight hug. "You are the best!" She exclaimed before giving him a kiss on the check.
Brother laughed. "You are a Gullwing Rikku, and you must fly, right?"
Rikku smiled before nodding her head. "Right."
"Alright, to Bevelle!" Brother ordered.
...o...
Gippal quickly landed the airship in front of Djose Temple as he lowered the ramp down. Within minutes, Gippal found himself bursting through the temple door and calling everyone's attention.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Nimma as she approached Gippal with a confused expression upon her face.
"I don't have time to explain. Where is she?" Gippal asked as he gazed around the crowd of people for that familiar face.
"You mean Rikku?" Asked Ayyre as he made his way toward Gippal. "She went after you!"
"What!" Gippal exclaimed, but surprised by the fact.
"You were suppose to be in Bevelle!" Nimma stated. "If you're here then who's at the conference?" She curiously asked.
"Vasso took my place, but that isn't important now. I need to reach Cid's girl first." Gippal replied before he quickly turned around and headed toward the exit doors.
"Gippal!" Sool suddenly called back.
He gazed around toward his friend who grinned back at him. "Get her back. Do you understand?"
He smirked. "No worries."
...o...
Not long the Gullwings, not including Yuna and Paine, found themselves flying over Bevelle, but the airship wasn't aloud to land near the temple. Even though Rikku insisted and even told them her situation, they wouldn't let them land.
"The guards warned me that there is a special conference taking place in the temple and no visitors are aloud." Explained Shinra.
"But I have to get in." Rikku insisted as she looked through the window, where the airship was flying over the temple, with millions of dots everywhere. The dots representing the guards. "Can't I just jump in?"
"No, I'm afraid you can't. They created a special forcefield around the temple to prevent any intruder to come in, since important leaders are all gathered inside the temple." Spoke Shinra as he analyzed the data in his screen.
"Well, all we can do now is land in front of Bevelle's main gates, which is pretty far from the temple." Spoke Buddy as he looked through the map.
"What about Macalania forest? Can't I go through there?" Rikku questioned.
"You will have to pass through the guards as well." Explained Shinra. "They will ask for an authorization."
"I guess I have no choice. Ok, so we land in front of the gates where I'll go through the city of Bevelle to the temple and figure out a way to get inside." Rikku planned. "But it'll take me forever to reach the temple."
"Not forever. 35 minutes, to be more exact, if you run of course." Shinra concluded. "At least you won't have to fight with the fiends in Macalania forest, right?"
"Right." Rikku nodded her head in agreement. She didn't want to waste her time with the fiends, besides she was eager to see Gippal.
"Ok, to the main gates of Bevelle!" Brother ordered. "Lets go!"
...o...
Gippal reached Bevelle in determination as he wondered where he could land the airship, since the airship wasn't authorized to land near the temple. If he told the guards who he was, his presence would be informed to the rest of the leaders. Gippal didn't dare interrupt the meeting, not when he sent his representative to take his place in the conference. Besides he was sure Rikku wasn't allowed to land near the temple as well, so the only place she would be is in the city of Bevelle.
The question was, where in the city could she be? Bevelle was enormous, it would take him more than a week to search the whole place inch by inch. He didn't have much time, besides his heart craved for her presence. Without much choice, Gippal turned his airship toward the main gates of Bevelle, and to his surprise he spotted a familiar airship, the Gullwings airship.
Landing his airship nearby, Gippal quickly lowered the ramp and headed his way toward the Gullwings airship, where he knocked. Not long, the ramp was lowered down and he was greeted by Shinra, who looked surprised to see him standing there waving at him with a friendly smile.
"Is Cid's girl in there?" He asked in hope, while he made his way inside the airship toward the bridge.
"What are you doing here?" Called out Brother as he spotted Gippal approaching him.
"I found him outside." Spoke Shinra as he appeared behind Gippal.
"You aren't suppose to be here!" Yelled Brother.
Gippal smirked. "Calm down there. I know my presence bothers you, but I'm looking for your sister."
Brother frowned. "You don't bother me!" He answered, surprising Gippal as he raised a questioning eyebrow. "Ok you bother me a little. But the point is, you are suppose to be in the temple, where Rikku is heading for!"
"You're kidding me!" Gippal exclaimed in disbelief. "It's like we are playing a game of hide-and-seek!"
Buddy chuckled. "Well if you run now, maybe you can catch up with her."
"I don't think so." Shinra explained. "We don't know which route Rikku took. There are five different ways to head toward the temple."
"Ok, so you can wait here, until she comes back." Buddy suggested.
Gippal shook his head. "No, I need to see her now." He urged.
"Ok, so run!" Brother called out. "Take any route and run!"
They all gazed toward Brother as if he was insane, and decided to ignore him.
"Or we could do something else." Shinra suggested with a gleam in his eyes.
"Like what?" Gippal questioned curiously, even though he had the feeling he wouldn't like the idea, Gippal was desperate to talk to Rikku.
"Are you sure you want to know?" Shinra warned with a mischief smile.
"Anything for Cid's girl." Gippal affirmed.
...o...
Rikku ran through the crowded street of Bevelle as she made her way toward the temple as quickly as she could. Even though her feet was beginning to protest, she ignored the pain and continued to run. She had to see him now. There was so much to say, so much to apologize for, so much to show that Rikku was capable of doing anything to see him now. She had to make it clear about her true feelings. Rikku wanted him to know that he was her world!
As she turned the corner, a loud sound caught her attention, as the big screens placed everywhere in Bevelle began to buzz loudly. The images in the big blue screens, which were used for advertisement or important announcements from the temple, began to blur. Soon another image was replaced as it clearly began to show onto the big screens.
Surprised and shocked, Rikku stopped dead on her tracks to stare in disbelief at the single figure on the blue screen. She wasn't the only one confused by the whole image, everyone in the city seemed surprised, as they also stopped on whatever they were doing to look at the screens around Bevelle.
"Testing. One, two, three. Can they hear me?" Asked Gippal who was using the big blue screens as a sphere.
"Yes, it's working. You can talk now." Spoke another voice, which Rikku knew belonged to Shinra.
"Well, here it goes." Gippal started with a smirk. "People of Bevelle, please forgive me for my intrusion, but this is an important message that I have to deliver."
Rikku chuckled before approaching herself toward the screen, as the whole crowd began to gather around the screens as well, to hear what the Al Bhed man had to say, while they commented about the transmission. They were soon silenced down.
"Cid's girl, or should I say, Rikku. Hope you're around hearing this, cause this is for you, beautiful." Gippal announced with a wide smile.
Rikku began to blush as she felt her whole body warm up.
"Who is he?" Questioned a young woman to her friend. "He's kinda cute."
"He's Gippal, the leader of the Machine Faction." Spoke another young lady. "Didn't I tell you that he's handsome!"
"It's him! It's Gippal!" Squealed a girl. "Did he say Rikku?"
"Rikku, the Al Bhed princess!" Spoke a person within the crowd. "I bet they would make a cute couple."
The crowd suddenly silenced once again as Gippal cleared his throat and smiled.
"I have been suffering throughout this whole month trying to find a way to tell you my feelings, and in the end, my only option was this big blue screens. Thanks to Shinra, I can tell the whole city of Bevelle how amazing you are." Spoke Gippal who then smirked. "Bet you're loving it!"
Everyone laughed, including Rikku herself as she shook her head helplessly toward his charming manners. He was always playful but yet a very adoring guy. Silence came again as Gippal's expression turned serious and he continued with his confession.
"Rikku you are the most important person in the world to me. Your captivating smile makes me melt. Your laughs tingles my body. Your scent drives me crazy. You are everything that I ever dreamed of. I never meant to find a girl like you, but we found each other, and you know what, you are perfect Rikku. You are the only girl in Spira that makes my heart pound so violently against my rib cage, like it is now." Gippal truthfully declared, as Rikku found herself suddenly touching Gippal's large face upon the blue screen while she held her tears of happiness.
This was not another joke of his. It was all true, in his tone and in his eye. Rikku could see his emerald eye sparkle with ever word he spoke.
"I don't know how or when, but one thing is for sure, I love you Cid's girl more than you can imagine. You are the light inside of my world." Gippal continued as a genuine smile graced his handsome face, making Rikku blush to see him actually smiling.
Suddenly the whole crowd of girls began to squeal or gush or even drool over Gippal. Rikku laughed at the reaction of the crowd, as they all dreamily gazed at Gippal's charming figure on the screen. Who could blame them, he was an amazing Al Bhed guy after all.
Rikku then gazed back to Gippal adoringly as she softly smiled. "I am one lucky girl for having you Gippal."
"So Cid's girl, if you heard my message send me a sign. Or better yet, came and give me a kiss." Gippal smirked and winked, which made the girls go wild once again.
The image began to blur, soon Gippal's figure was gone, and the old images returned to the screens. Rikku softly laughed. He would never change, and that was why she loved him so much. She loved him for who he was, and nothing else. Not wasting time, Rikku turned around and headed back the way she came from. She knew where to find him now.
...o...
Gippal waited outside of the airship, as he worriedly walked back and forth from his spot. He looked toward the main gates and wondered if Rikku had heard his message. Should he go inside Bevelle and search for her or was it better for him to wait here? Impatient, Gippal paced once again, as he tried to calm himself down.
"Gippal!" Called out a sweet familiar voice.
Gazing up he saw Rikku heading toward him. His smile grew wide as he quickly opened his arms to receive her in a warm embrace. Rikku circled her arms around his neck as she tightly held herself to him, while Gippal began to twirl her around. She laughed before they came to a stop and her feet touched the ground.
Gazing up at him, Rikku tenderly smiled, as her eyes spilled with her love toward him. He was everything she wanted.
"I'm sorry Cid's girl." Gippal began as he wanted to explain himself for the last couple of days.
She softly silenced him with her finger. "It's ok. I know what happened. There is nothing to apologize for."
"So we're ok?" Gippal asked.
She nodded her head. "Yes. We are ok."
A wide smile spread across his face as he smirked. "So what did you think?"
Rikku laughed. "I can't believe you confessed through the big screens, but I did love it." She admitted with a smile.
He chuckled before leaning forward. "Am I getting that kiss?" He asked, still smirking.
Rikku laughed before kissing his check, which did leave him a bit disappointed, but he then saw how much she needed to talk to him. Patient, Gippal stepped back as they held each others hand, allowing their fingers to intertwine with each other lovingly, as they gazed at one another. Gippal found it impossible to hold back, he wanted to approach and hug her once again, but he waited.
With a adoring smile, Rikku took her hand and softly touched Gippal's face. "You are my paradise Gippal. Everyday, in the temple, I woke up in order to see you smile at me. I adore the way you laugh, the way you gaze at me, and even the way you tease me. You are the most important person to me." Rikku spoke as Gippal found himself in urge to take her in his arms.
"Cid's girl..." Gippal tried to speak but she silenced him.
Opening up her soul to him through her emerald eyes, Rikku finally let out the words that were held so long inside of her heart. "I love you Gippal."
There were no words to describe the blissful emotions he felt to hear those words coming out from Rikku's mouth. Not able to hold back anymore, Gippal wrapped his arms around her waist as he brought her close to him. With his lips he kissed her neck lovingly, while he slowly traveled his way upward. He took his time to taste her sweetness and feel her soft skin, while Rikku dipped her head backward, shivering toward his touches. How they longed for this moment to come.
Gippal slowly kissed her check, taking his time with his hands to travel up her bare back and pull her even closer. Rikku feeling impatient, leaned forward, telling Gippal that she wanted him to hurry. She wanted to taste and kiss him as well. He smiled against her soft skin, but he still did not hurry.
"Gippal." She softly groaned.
Chuckling, he leaned his forehead against her forehead. "Give me more time Cid's girl. I've waited for this moment for so long that I need to know that you're real. That this is real and that you are really mine."
She softly smiled, before shacking her head. "Of course I'm yours Gippal! But I'm sorry, I can't be patient."
Gippal chuckled as a mischief smile graced her face.
Without another word, Rikku caught his lips with hers. She could feel his lips curve into a smirk, before he willingly kissed her back, Gippal knew she wasn't a patient girl and so gave in. Pulling her even closer, Gippal felt her body press against him, as they urgently kissed each other passionately, pouring their love out for one another. Clearly understanding that this love was what they were searching for, from the very first day in which Rikku became Gippal's 'servant'.
The End