Chapter Five: My Sweetest Downfall
"Are you kidding me? What makes you think I'm going to do that?" Gippal laughed as the three of them stared at each other. Smiles clutched on their faces as each told one another where they would be going if needed. Scratching his neck, Gippal patted Baralai, "What about you…do you search for a city filled with a multitude of beautiful women?"
Baralai and Nooj laughed softly at this, typical Gippal. "Hmm…not really. I'm going to Bevelle; the multitude of women will find me, not the other way around like you." Baralai teased. Gippal grinned and stared upward at the sky before shoving his friend playfully.
"Touché. Well…since our prince of wonders is off to Bevelle what about you Nooj? Planning to take over the word without us, eh?" Gippal smirked as he caught a warning look from the older-looking man about the statement and Baralai for using his usual reply. "Or are you still looking for a place to die? If you do…find a place filled with women! They'll ease your sufferings as you float through the Farplane." he bursted out laughing as he imitated a bird with his hands; he received the occasional punches in the arm.
Wincing in pain he rubbed his sore arm before catching the laughter in Nooj's face. This was really goodbye… Nooj looked past Baralai's shoulder before replying, "Not sure where I'll go…I'll figure it out sooner or later." Baralai nodded and rested his hand on Gippal's shoulder, signaling that it was finally time.
They gave short waves and nods before heading off in their own direction. "What a rough ride we gone through." Baralai murmured. The sound of a gunshot rang through his ears and the next thing he knew he was on the ground. Breathing in the dry dirt, he felt his heart race madly in his chest. Baralai could feel the warm blood trail out of his mouth as his eyes remained wide with shock. Gippal soon joined him, his hand barely touching Baralai's cheek.
"I said your work was done!" a voice shouted above the pounding staccato of his racing heart. Slowly darkness began to cloud before his eyes as another gunshot filled the air. A scream banged against his ears as he realized it was from Paine. Forcing himself up was futile for his limbs were already limp and immobile. Accepting sweet sleep he breathed in the pool of blood and dirt before his mouth before sinking into the true essence of fear.
They were now all standing in Underground Bevelle, where secrets hide in the shadows. They all stood together like old times…but it was different mood this time. "Why did you shoot us in the back?" he shouted viciously as his hand trembled with horror as his gun pointed at Nooj. "Answer me!" Baralai countinued as his eyes portrayed eagerness to pull the trigger. However, at the same time, his eyes showed disbelief that his friend did that horrible act. Swallowing the lump in his throat he felt his senses become dull.
Lips moved and he felt his own lips reply. A single thought drifted in his mind, 'Nooj is a traitor…kill him.' Nodding slowly he blinked in surprise as he noticed a swarm of pyreflies escape from Nooj's body. In a blink of an eye the pyreflies entered him; swimming and clawing through his veins, they entered his troubledmind.
Hacking and crying out in pain he gave up the mental fight against the pyreflies. Standing up straight with an arrogant grin plastered on his tanned face, he towered over the crouched Deathseeker. The single thought that drifted in his mind turned into a darker version, 'He sought death…so I will give it to him. Slowly of course, what's the fun watching him die without any laughs for me?'
The afternoon rays blinded him, forcing him to wake up from his dreams about his complex past. His chest heaved up and sank down in quick movements as his heart raced around in his body. Chocolate orbs stared at the creamy-colored ceiling as he pictured Nooj turning around and aiming a gun at his back. Licking his lips he blinked the sight away and attempted to get up. His back screamed with discomfort and pain as his sore muscles reminded him that he was not on his bed.
Holding in a groan in anguish he felt something soft brush against his stomach. Turning his head downward he noticed a silent figure asleep on his lap with a hand gently touching his stomach. His mind struggled to find an explanation as his memories of the previous night became muddled like melting snow. What is she doing in my room…let alone my lap? Running a hand through his hair he debated if he should get up and take the risk of her getting up or pretend to be asleep and wait for her to wake up.
Both seemed to have losing consequences because he knew very well the Al Bhed would wake up…and the Farplane would break loose. If I get anymore beatings…down there…oh Yevon I might become sterile. He gave a pained expression to his lap where his downfall slept peacefully. Scratching his head in a worried gesture he moaned with distress…this week off was a terrible mistake.
Smooth eyelids shot up at the sound of his moan; staring silently at the praetor those shinning green eyes gave him a curious look. Raising off his lap and into a sitting position the Al Bhed scanned her surroundings. Rikku was speechless after seeing that she was in Baralai's room, wearing only her bikini top and her thong, and with the praetor with his shirt off. After a few moments of fuming silently she jumped up and pointed a lone finger at the stunned praetor.
"You…you did this? What am I, some slut that you can drag around and use whenever you are having a bad day?" she screamed in a shrill voice as her finger shook with rage. Baralai snorted in disgust at the questions she shot at him. Slowly getting up and backing away tell he reached a safe distance away from her kicking range, he gave her a frown. "What is wrong with you? Just because you had an awkward moment when you fell yesterday doesn't mean we are bed partners, ya hear!" she countinued.
Bed partners…some slut that I drag around when I have a bad day? That doesn't seem like a bad idea – whoa what the fuck am I saying? "Bed partners? I didn't think we got that far…yet." he grinned as he suddenly felt like the rehabilitation of Gippal's dirty mind. Rikku gapped in shock but soon turned her shocked appearance into an enraged blonde demon that she truly was.
"Fryd? Yna oui lnywo…E's kuehk du gemm oui!" she threatened as she took one step forward. (1)
"Oh, like last night," he countered as he crossed his arms across his chest.
"Last night?"
"Yes...last night you came into my room and attempted to kill me. Nice try."
"B – but I…I don't remember doing that."
"Pimmcred. Stop lying…or do Al Bhed's always lie," he snarled back as he felt that familiar anger that lay dominant, a while back, awake like a beast. It was a low and cruel remark, but she crossed the point of no return. "Go ahead…keep on lying with that innocent look of yours. I'm waiting." he countinued. (2)
Rikku looked down at her feet as her arms swayed back and forth in distress. "I don't remember," she mumbled softly as she realized that she was holding back salty tears. Blinking them away she quickly wiped them away before Baralai could notice. "All I remember is going to bed and then I find myself asleep on your lap," she added quietly as she refused to meet his blazing eyes.
Rikku bit her lip and realized that she was making a fool of herself. First acting touch and fierce and then acting timid and confused. Maybe we Al Bheds are liars…we just don't realize that. Rubbing her left arm she heard the praetor give out a sharp sigh. Me…try to kill Baralai…even though I don't like him he is still a friend of Paine's.
"Just…forget about it." Rikku heard his statement perfectly despite his sudden husky tone. Looking up at his chocolate eyes she couldn't help but sink into them and loose herself in it's beauty. Giving him a warm smile she closed the gap that stood between them and wrapped her lean arms around his neck. His skin was burning as she buried her head in the crook of his neck.
"I'm…sorry. I never meant to hurt you and I hope you won't hold this against me." she whispered softly to his skin, still confused about this whole thing. However, she found comfort being next to him. A comfortable shiver ran though his body as he inhaled her scent. The smell of thyme and lavender filled his nostrils but also a hit of machine oil danced around the two smells. Before he could get the chance to reply an abrupt knock filled the air.
"Sir…it is midday and we have visitors. Shall I tell them to wait outside?" a voice quickly spoke through the door. Politely prying himself away from the Al Bhed he answered the voice.
"Yes…I'll be out in a few minuets." the praetor answered as he searched for a clean pair of clothes. Rikku stood there, facing the wall with an injured expression reading on her face. Two minuets passed and Baralai was back into his usual attire. "Are you going to get ready too? I doubt that you would enjoy walking about with your undergarments on," he lightly brushed against her shoulder as he headed toward the door.
"What about you? I bet you would enjoy seeing me embarrass myself." she shot back softly. Baralai froze and furrowed his brows in a disapproving expression. Walking up to her he gently grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the room toward her own. "What are you doing?" she mumbled as she cautiously scanned the hallway.
Standing before her room with it's opened door he stopped and turned to face her. "I don't want to see you upset…I almost got pounded into a pulp last time." he replied solemnly. Rikku gave him a weak smile before disappearing in her room, leaving Baralai chewing inside his cheek. Running a hand through his sleek hair he stared at the wall as he went through his thoughts. A week has passed already…or part of a week. So this is my last chance.
Rubbing his right arm nervously he heard the sound of footsteps coming his way. "Let's go," he mumbled as Rikku bounced beside him with a grin plastered on her face. It felt good to let go of your worries when putting on a different dressphere; now she was wearing the songstress, Lenne no longer thrived in the clothing's seams. All was well in Spira…Yuna got Tidus back, Paine is now becoming the Paine in her Crimson Squad days that Rikku wished to meet and well…that was it. They have happy endings…what about me? Where is my happy ending?
Shuyin was no longer a threat but what about me? I attempted to kill Baralai; does that mean I am no better than Shuyin's anger? Poor Baralai…first possessed by Shuyin and then forced to control Vegnagun…also me trying to kill him…Maybe I am being a bit hard on him. Ugh…but he can be such a meanie at times.
Baralai gave a quick glance at Rikku and watched her face beam with joy and life. Seeing her eyes sparkle in the light he couldn't help but smile, life is a precious thing and it took Vegnagun and Rikku to make him realize that. His thoughts drifted to Gippal and then Nooj. After their talk to Spira about being in 'one ship' and so on…Nooj made dark comment about New Yevon after the celebration of unity and safety. He knew Nooj didn't mean it, but to hear that dreadful remark after a peaceful and glorious speech…it made his blood boil.
Baralai pushed opened the doors to reveal two smiling faces; keeping a blank face, Rikku dashed past him and hugged the two sphere hunters. "Yunie! Dr. P! Your back!" she laughed as she jumped in front of them in excitement. Paine shook her head as she heard Rikku call her 'Dr. P.' Rikku grinned and began to chat to Yuna as Paine made her way to Baralai.
"How was she?" she asked softly as she crossed her arms across her chest. Baralai shrugged and stared at Rikku's back before turning his gaze back to her. Her eyes told him to either report or be beaten to a pulp. Baralai took a deep breath and shifted his weight to the other side.
"Her side is healed…just a scar and a few scabs remain. Other than that she was…manageable," he struggled to find the right words. Paine nodded finding it sufficient and on topic. Patting his shoulder she headed back to Yuna and Rikku. He watched the three of them whisper softly and nod their heads in agreement to some plan or whatever it is…
Yuna and Paine walked away quietly leaving the Al Bhed before him. Folding his arms across his chest he tilted his head slightly to the left, trying to figure out her expression. It was unreadable as she headed toward him with a smile tugging on her lips. "I guess I'm finally able to go back on the Celsius." she broke the silence that hung between them like snow waiting to burst out of the bulging clouds.
"So you are leaving," he finished in the same calm voice he always used.
"Ya…but I want to tell you something. I realized how stupid we have been toward each other. I can't think of a single day when we agreed on something," she started off, turning her back to him as her eyes rested to the north. Dark, ominous clouds covered the beautiful sky like a sheet. Biting her lip she took in a deep breath and exhaled softly into the cool air.
"I realized that we are just jerks playing with matches. I don't know what happened last night with me…but that was not me. That night I wasn't a jerk playing with matches…no…I was a nightmare lingering on." she countinued as she turned to face the stunned and silent praetor.
"Jerks playing with matches…maybe that is all we do and are. I know it wasn't you…I hate to think that it was Shuyin. But I also have a confession to spill out to you," Baralaifinally replied slowlyas he walked past the Al Bhed. Staring at his feet he went on, "I always treated you like an Al Bhed…when I should have treated you like a person. What I'm trying to say is that…" he trailed off, not really sure what he was trying to say.
Turning to face Rikku he felt his eyes slowly close as something soft as silk massaged his lips. The weight of hands on his cheeks was gentle as the pads of their fingers traced his jaw line. He felt his hands grasp on to a small waist as the kiss deepened; pulling her close to him he embraced the warm shivers that strutted through his body.
It ended so slowly and silently as their faces drew a few inches back; observing each other's smiles on their faces, Baralai chuckled softly. "We are really going to get pounded by your brother…or maybe just me," he smiled warmly as he leaned forward to kiss her lightly on the neck. Rikku felt her eyeswidened…he is aYevonite…I'm an Al Bhed! Pops is going to rip me to shreds. "I fear this won't work out." he whispered solemnly as he gave her a worried look.
"Rikku! Get your butt back on the ship! We are waiting!" Brother's voice shrilled through her communicator on her scarf. The Al Bhed gave a pained expression to Baralai before dashing off. Stopping after a few strides she spun around and gave him a large grin.
"I'll find a way," she shouted happily, hiding the fact that she was also worried and scared.
Baralai watched her dash off and frowned deeply, his chocolate orbs glaring with disapproval of himself. "I kissed an Al Bhed and I liked it…just great. What will the whole city of Bevelle say…? No, scratch that, what will Spira say? I can already see the headlines, 'Praetor of New Yevon in love with an Al Bhed. An odd way to celebrate the Eternal Calm.' Lightly touching his lips he sighed and rubbed the back of his head, "I guess we always need to get burned to make things right." Shaking his head he just reminded himself that she was a blonde demon playing with his emotions.
A/N: Well I hope you liked this chapter, for I truely enjoyed writing it. So far on the 'hits' for this story...there is 354...holy smokes! Keep it up, loves! So if you are confused the last paragraph should help you out and give you a hint. If not well then I shall tell you...Baralai is not...wait why am I telling you this? I'm going to give the next chapter away then...pfft nervermind then. Sorry guys but my lips are sealed...I wish I could tell you but where is the fun in that? Happy holidays!
(1)Fryd? Yna oui lnywo…E's kuehk du gemm oui! What? Are you crazy…I'm going to kill you!
(2)Pimmcred. Bullshit.