Warning: I will try to make this as obvious as possible. THIS CONTAINS SLASH WHICH MEANS MALExMALE LOVE. Am I clear? No one will flame asking why we're writing this and such and such? Good! Now on to the legal stuff!
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Disclaimer: *cringe* Forgot to put this in last chapter. But here goes...All characters (c) Square-Enix. This is written for entertainment purposes only and no profit is made.
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Wai says...Thank you:
Hidama-san – For the all the snippets and ficlets that greatly inspired the making of this chapter. And for convincing me to keep the last bit of this chapter! ^_^
Gysecune – Yay! Stamp of approval! *grins* Nooj gets more err...funny in future chapters. (Now why did that not sound right?)
Liebchen – Your wish is my command. Right Aki? *nudge, nudge* And Noojie Woojie loved that scene with his nickname too. *gets hit by a cane*
Cookie Cowgirl – Yup! Another Baralai/Gippal fic. The world needs one of these, right?
YD (Can't spell your full penname, sorry!) – Aaw, thanks so much for that review! Glad you liked the prologue. Now lets see if you like this first Mission chapter.
Yuuka Yagami – Glad you like! ^_^ Now lets see another chapter to Toxic! XD
The best person on the living planet – Err..thanks? *laughs* Didn't know what to call you there. And yes, actually, this will contain slash. Actually, it should be coming up very, very soon.
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Note:
//speech// - Al Bhed
[speech] – CommSphere conversation
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Zephyr
Mission 1 – Baaj Temple
Part 1: Here in your arms
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"I don't understand one thing." Paine spoke up suddenly, causing her three male companions to look up from their plates. "How is it that you forgot that there are four of us here?" She sent an accusing look at Gippal, who was puzzled for a moment.
"Huh?"
Baralai cleared his throat. "Paine and I had a good look around the airship today and we've noticed something."
"What is it?" Gippal looked at the seriously. "Did you find something wrong with the engine? Is the rotary system not functioning? You don't like the piloting system? Is the-"
"Gippal!" Paine shouted.
"What?"
//Shut up.//
//HEY!//
"There are only three cabins." Nooj said flatly. He didn't want unnecessary chatter while eating and the other three's mindless chatter was grating his nerves.
"Huh?" Again, it was met by a blank look. Baralai groaned, covering his eyes with his hand while Paine shook her head in exasperation.
"Do the math, Gippal!"
"I don't see what-" Gippal paused, mid-tirade as he suddenly realized what was so blatantly obvious. //Shit!// He slammed his hand down on the table, causing plates and glasses to clatter. Nooj had to jerk away from the table, sending a rather nasty glare at the Al Bhed, who didn't even notice.
"I can't believe it! I was too busy designing the damn thing that I actually forgot to include myself!" He groaned, pushing his plate away and resting his head on the table. Paine grinned, reaching over to pat him on the head gently.
"That's alright. It's not your fault you're a blonde."
"Hey!" Gippal shouted, indignantly.
"Figure something out soon, if you want to leave by the end of next week." Nooj pointed out. "Oh and teach her to fly properly." He added, pointing at Paine, who looked very much offended by the comment.
"I can fly that thing!" The girl exclaimed angrily, jutting her thumb at the airship.
"Zephyr." Gippal muttered half-heartedly, mentally berating himself for forgetting that there were indeed 4 people and 3 cabins.
"What?" Chorused both Nooj and Paine.
"The airship, it's called Zephyr."
"You named it?" Paine asked, incredulously.
"I named the Celsius didn't I?" Gippal countered, defensively.
"It's a nice name." Baralai said encouragingly, lightening Gippal's mood.
"Really? It is?" Paine hid a smile behind her hand, thinking of how Gippal seemed like an overgrown puppy at that moment.
"Yes, it is."
Nooj resisted the urge to groan, not wanting to look unprofessional in front of the brats. "Are you quite done?" He asked sternly. "We need to discuss where Gippal's going to be sleeping."
"He's not sleeping with me." Paine immediately said, not bothering to hide her amused grin. She knew about the attraction between the two, it wasn't too hard to tell, but it was always fun to make the two squirm a little. And sharing a cabin would mean many squirming from both parties.
Gippal tilted his head as he glared at Paine, who merely smiled in return. His gaze shifted to Nooj who seemed to say, 'Not in this lifetime buddy.' The blond resisted the urge to say something, as his gaze rested on Baralai. His friend was chuckling slightly, shrugging. They've shared a tent in the past, surely they can share a cabin now.
"Thanks Baralai!"
"So the fun begins." Paine whispers into her cup of coffee.
~~~~
The excitement was heavy in the air as the four members of the Akagi Squad stepped out into the hot sun. Many of the Al Bheds working in Bikanel were there to witness this event. (Note: Akagi means Crimson in Japanese. So yes, we're not being very inventive with the name.)
//You guys are awfully popular.// Nhadala said to Gippal, winking at the younger male.
//No doubt about that.// Gippal said with a cocky grin, although secretly he was in awe at the attention they were getting.
//Gippal!// The Al Bhed turned around, finding himself staring at the kid.
//What is it?// He asked warily. He'd been known to get into a couple of arguments with the kid, both unwilling to admit that the other possesses great skills with machina.
//Good luck.//
//Thanks, Shinra.//
//No really, good luck. I've seen how Paine flies that thing.//
//Why you little brat!// Gippal was about to strangle him, but Nooj grabbed the back of his shirt before he could.
"You can try to kill the kid some other time. We've got to go." And with a powerful yank, he sent the Al Bhed tumbling.
"Damn it, Nooj!" Gippal began to complain under his breath, causing many of the Al Bhed watching to laugh at his antics. How typically Gippal.
"Come on, we're wasting time." Paine said to the blond who was trying to get up from his sprawled position in the sand.
"It's not like I make a habit out of sitting around in the sand, you know."
"Somehow that wouldn't surprise me at all." Paine said sweetly.
"Huh! See if I ever defend your flying skills ever again!" Huffed Gippal, finally up on his feet. The Al Bhed marched towards the Zephyr, pausing to ruffle Baralai's hair. The former Praetor, who had been chuckling at the little exchange moments before, protested when the Al Bhed ruffled his hair. Trying to tidy up the mess Gippal caused, Baralai followed him into the airship.
"So what do you think will happen, Captain?" Paine asked quietly, walking beside Nooj.
"They better concentrate. I won't tolerate their antics on that ship." Nooj said.
"Of course, the fact that they're sharing a cabin might just help things along a little. Wouldn't you agree?"
"The only comment you will get out of me concerning those two, Paine, is this: None of our business."
"You never did like to meddle."
"I don't like meddling when it's obvious, no." Paine laughed, shaking her head as she and Nooj entered the airship. The door shut behind them with a tone of finality. Or perhaps, more appropriately, a beginning?
~~~~
"I'm picking up some sphere waves." Baralai said, looking over the map and checking over the numbers to pinpoint the exact location.
"Where is it?"
"It's, ah, in Baaj Temple."
"Baaj Temple?" Gippal scratched his head. "But there's nothing there. Cid's sent his group down there before and they couldn't find anything. Last I heard all they found was some sort of ancient machina underwater but that was way off the Temple."
"Rikku mentioned something about finding Tidus there." Paine said thoughtfully.
"Tidus?" There was a blank look on Gippal's face.
"He's the one Yuna's been looking for. The one that looks like Shuyin." Paine explained. "And I have to admit, the resemblance is almost uncanny." Baralai shivered, remembering only bits and pieces of what happened when he was possessed by the anguished shadow.
"There might be something down there." Nooj said. "It'll be dangerous, because this is foreign territory. None of us have been down there before."
"Well, I have. But I must have been about seven or eight." Gippal admitted. "It was for one of Cid's little ventures and I didn't even go underwater, I just had to stay behind and keep Rikku entertained."
"How was that?" Paine asked, raising an eyebrow and not bothering to hide her amusement.
"Fun." Gippal said dryly.
"Enough chitchat. Gippal and Baralai, both of you go down there and get the sphere."
"What about me?" Paine complained.
"Well somebody has to pilot the ship."
~~~~
//Shit!// Gippal cursed even as Paine dropped them off on one of the platforms leading to the sunken temple. "Where is this sphere anyway?"
"It should be somewhere there." Baralai pointed north. Gippal cringed slightly, knowing it would require them to actually swim across the murky waters. He didn't have any phobia for water, but he had a vague recollection of something that happened during the time years and years ago when the first Al Bhed expedition had to explore this particular temple.
And from what he could remember, the bits and pieces of conversations he had with Rikku that was quickly interrupted by shouts and lots of noises. He remembered hearing guns and cries for help. He also remembered looking at Rikku, who looked fearfully at the direction where those distressed calls were coming from.
North.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Gippal muttered. Baralai smiled, nudging him slightly.
"Don't tell me you're scared." He teased the Al Bhed gently. Gippal rolled his eyes, huffing slightly.
"I'm not scared, Praetor. I'm just concerned about our well-being, mine mostly." Gippal teased back. Baralai raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything, a secretive smile on his face.
"Now what's with that smile?"
[Tell him later.] Nooj's voice interrupted them. Gippal blanched, forgetting their captain completely.
"Man, Nooj, can't you give us a break?"
[You're on a mission. Of course not.]
//Sheesh! He wasn't kidding when he said he'd work us like dogs.// Gippal complained, causing Baralai to chuckle.
"Come on, lets get going."
~~~~
Gippal eyed the collapsed bridge warily. "You've got to be kidding me." He looked back at Baralai, who didn't look too happy about this either. "It's down there?"
"That's where the waves are coming from, yes."
"Damn." Gippal muttered, staring at the placid waters below. It looked entirely too calm for his liking and the fact that it was dark just added to the sense of foreboding he had. "This is not a good idea." Gippal muttered, even as images of people running, the sparks of gunfire caused him to shiver slightly. And then he remembered the sound he heard, the growl of a beast.
[Get going.] Nooj ordered, clearly impatient.
"Come on, it'll be all right." Baralai said with a soothing smile. "I'll protect you." Soft laughter came through their com, unmistakably Paine's.
[You know you're being a chicken if Baralai needs to protect you, Gips.] Gippal bristled at the thought and at the damn nickname.
"Oh shut up." He muttered. He shook his head once, looking at the waters with apprehension. Taking a deep breath, he jumped down, the cold and ominous waters welcoming him as he plunged into it.
"SHIT!" He shouted, shivering.
"What's wrong?" Baralai called out, pausing before he could jump down to join Gippal.
"It's freezing!" Baralai laughed, clutching his stomach as the Al Bhed glared up at him. "It's not funny! Get your ass down here and don't let me freeze alone!"
"All right, all right!" Gippal shook his head, grinning once again. Well, until something caught his eye. He was silent, trying his best not to make too much movement to reduce the ripples in the water. His eye widened suddenly, the growing shadow at the bottom of the water seemed to be moving nearer and nearer.
//SHIT!// He shouted. "Baralai, get back!" Of course, his friend paid no heed, seeing the large creature that seemed to appear out of the depths of the sunken temple.
"Which part of get back do you not understand?" Muttered Gippal, even as the two of them looked at the giant sea creature with trepidation.
~~~~
"I'm beginning to think that I must have pissed a pyrefly or two." Muttered Gippal, collapsing on the ground. They couldn't believe their luck. First, attacked by a giant fiend, which turned out to be a Geosgano. Second, they managed to defeat the creature, but was forced into the abandoned temple during the fight. And third, because they had no idea it would happen, the fiend exploded when it finally succumbed to their assaults, leaving them trapped inside the temple.
Baralai hobbled over close to where Gippal was, collapsing on the ground as well. He shivered. The damp air of the sunken temple did nothing to provide the warmth he needed. Gippal sat nearby, shaking his hands and his legs, it wasn't much but it at least provided some form of heat. He closed his eyes, cursing their luck, or lack thereof.
"Are you OK?" Gippal asked, his voice slightly shaky. There was a faint trembling of the Al Bhed's lower lip, indicating that he wasn't as unaffected as Baralai might think. The elder of the two smiled.
"I'll be all right. It's just very cold." He said honestly. Gippal stared at him for a couple of moments, before scooting over to where Baralai was sitting. The platinum-haired male watched his friend curiously, only to let out an undignified squeak as Gippal tugged at his arm and he landed unceremoniously in the Al Bhed's lap.
Baralai could feel the beginning of a blush staining his cheek.
'At least my cheeks aren't cold.' He thought to himself dryly, before sending a half-hearted glare to Gippal. The Al Bhed grinned impishly, pulling the former Praetor to his chest. Baralai tried to push away from him, causing Gippal to chuckle with amusement.
"Easy does it, Baralai." He said, eye twinkling. "It's not like I'm going to pounce on you or anything. I'm just sharing body heat." Baralai sighed, shaking his head slightly. With his guards down, Gippal seized the opportunity to wrap his arms around his freezing companion.
Baralai managed a barely audible protest, before surrendering to the comfort and warmth of the embrace. Something surprised him, however. Even though the body heat they shared was significant, in the sense that it allowed them to keep warm, it wouldn't—no, shouldn't—have been enough to make him comfortable.
Yet trapped in a tentative embrace, he realized that he barely felt the cold anymore. Gippal was pleasantly warm. It was almost like having a walking heater, Baralai thought with amusement.
It was quiet, except maybe for the faint sound of trickling water. But that quiet was replaced by a soft hum and then the hum replaced by Gippal's voice.
//The depth of guilt of that which betrays,
the strength of belief in each other,
the countless noons and nights--
I take these things into my heart before I go.
On the road of meetings and partings,
while we're being hurt, we keep on walking, don't we?
Ah, now that warmly, so tenderly
reawakened breeze
keeps gazing at the lonely sky
and smiling down on me
still with the same radiance it had on that day;
I keep waving my hand
at the everlasting memory of you.//
It was funny how soothing Gippal's voice was, singing softly in the cold and damp ruins of an ancient temple. The embarrassment that he felt moments before faded into nothingness. He knows this embrace, after all. He remembered nights when he shivered in the cold desert, only to be pulled against a warm body and arms that held him even as he nuzzled closer. He remembered the warm breaths that caressed his cheeks like the sensual touch of a lover across his skin.
With these memories in mind, Baralai unconsciously pressed closer to that welcoming warmth. He would have been horrified if he knew what he was doing, but surely the warm arms pulling him close and holding him tighter would have soothed those worries? He let himself be lulled to a light doze, Gippal's voice fading into a soft hum.
The world faded, becoming a blur of colors and light. He had no sense of time, not knowing how long they've been trapped there. As he drifted between the dream world and reality however, he suddenly took note of something. He could barely feel the rise and fall of the chest he was lying on.
Something snapped inside of him then, scrambling awake, he reached out frantically to Gippal. Cold hands grabbed onto the Al Bhed's shoulder, trying to shake him awake. It was then he realized his friend's slumped position and his closed eye. He raised his hand to Gippal's cheek, finding the warmth under his fingertips fading quickly.
"Gippal! Wake up!" He shouted, shaking the younger man once more, to no avail. It was in this moment that he saw the wound that the fiend had inflicted. Usually light wounds like these close up pretty quick after a potion or maybe two. It's only the heavy-duty stuff that really requires High Potions or even an Elixir. But what he noted from Gippal's wound was something else.
It was closing all right, but instead of reddened flesh, the wound looked dark blue, nearing black.
"Poison." Baralai murmured, feeling fear in the pit of his stomach.
Trapped inside these ruins with only one high potion, no fire and absolutely no remedy or even an antidote. He closed his eyes, wishing that he had thought about bringing a couple of Ethers with him so he could replenish his magic. At least then he would be able to cast Esuna, instead of the Full Cure that Gippal really needed.
He leaned closer, lying on Gippal in an effort to share the little bit of warmth his body provided. Looking carefully, he finally noticed the subtle frown of pain, the light beads of sweat on Gippal's forehead.
"Gippal." The name whispered, lips touching for a brief moment. Blue eye opened, gazing up at him in some sort of drunken stupor caused by the toxin in his system. There was a hint of wonder in his eye, usually sparkling with mischief.
"Stay." The eye closed, but there was that smile on the Al Bhed's face, a soft breath that sounded like it should have been laughter. Memories of past days resurfaced for one brief moment. He recalled the times when he had uttered the word to the stubborn Al Bhed. His first reaction had been indignation at the being ordered like a dog. Well, until Baralai teasingly told him that he was like a big puppy anyway.
"OK." It was barely audible, but it shook Baralai out of his thoughts. He nodded. Nothing else needed to be said.
Wai: X_x Angst! Aaah! And I thought I said I wasn't going to write Angst!
Aki: -_-; There goes the light fic you promised.
Wai: It's not my fault my muse demanded Angst! So what do you think will happen with these two? Please review!
Song used is Kimi ga iru by Seki Tomokazu. Translations @ animelyrics.com
Next Chapter:
Mission 1 – Baaj Temple [Part 2] + Short Side-Story
With the communication link cut off, Paine and Nooj began to worry. The last transmission they heard from the two men was filled with static. Maybe it's time to go below and see what went wrong?
Side Story:
The uneventful first week. Was it really uneventful?
"Wait a minute...Gippal, where did you get that bottle of alcohol from???"