ACT II: CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Chapter Five
The showers here were wonderful!
She tried expressing it to Rikku, but she just nodded, saying, "Al Bhed," as if that was literally the only explanation needed. She still didn't know what an 'Al Bhed' was but whatever.
She was finally able to take down her braids and wash her hair. It took quite some time but the ocean water had dried it up. It was fortunate it had been in a protective style or things would be a lot worse. And lucky her, these people weren't savages and carried oils around.
Rikku offered to help her take her hair down but Ceres did one of those awkward thanks but no thanks smiles. Honestly, she appreciated the gesture but was not letting some stranger touch her hair.
So she used this odd-smelling lemon shampoo with the oils and took her sweet time. She thought about what Nysa would say about her using foreign products. She would surely have to explain herself when she got back to the estate.
After the hot shower, Rikku finally took it upon herself to get Ceres some proper clothes. She of course, dressed herself in the 'Al Bhed' clothing Rikku had provided her. Surprisingly, the two were similar in size with the exception of Ceres' chest and meatier thighs.
But to allow for her comfort, she traded the jumpsuit originally handed to her for something more comfortable; a dark green pair of men's overalls. She'd chosen them due to the numerous pockets on the sides, though she had to fold the ends of each pant leg several times to shorten the length. Apparently they belonged to Rikku's brother.
The pants were held in place with a thick brown belt. They made her look much less feminine than she was used to, but she kind of felt like a boss mechanic lady who gave no fucks about her appearance. A bit puffy around the legs, but comfy.
That is until Rikku tossed her a black form-fitting piece of cloth and something maroon.
"This is an undershirt. It's stretchy and provides support," Rikku began to explain, ignoring Ceres' look of discomfort.
Pulling her arms through the black cloth, she saw how it was actually a strapless halter top and molded to her body near perfectly. Aligning it perfectly for her breasts, she realized it would work in place of a bra. How her breasts stayed, she had no idea. She'd definitely have to ask Rikku later.
Next, she was tossed the maroon thing. Rikku instructed her to put down the straps of her overalls, so she could put them back on top later. Being obedient, Ceres did just that. Then she scoffed.
Essentially, it was a crop top with a turtle neck. The sleeves came precisely to her wrists, which she appreciated; though the shoulder blades were cut out. Her belly was on full display with the straps of the overalls.
She couldn't help but serve Rikku a deadpanned look.
"Where's the rest of this shirt?"
Rikku conveniently ignored her and began to explain one last thing, pulling out a pair of brown and gold boots that covered her calves. Buckles everywhere.
"And these are fighting-grade boots. They're made from a special Al Bhed metal that has anti-conduction properties, so they don't heat up or freeze in extreme conditions. Also, they're actually super light and will help absorb shock damage."
Before Ceres could protest, the girl had already pushed her into the shoes. Curiously, Ceres wriggled her toes and found a soothing material resisting. It was like a nice pair of athletic shoes were built inside the shoes. Who invented these?
"Alright! We're all set," Rikku smiled, almost proud of her work.
"So recap: I'm wearing clothes that will somehow protect me," she looked to the girl whom gave her a thumbs up, "even though I'm half naked..."
She may have exaggerated a bit in referring to her shoulders and stomach, but she came from a world of modesty. Only common folk and men let skin show.
"Al Bhed clothes are made of the most flexible and durable material," the girl began rattling on, ignoring Ceres once again. "You're lucky we have some things in your size. Most people would kill to dress like an Al Bhed."
This peaked Ceres' interest. "Really?"
"Well," Rikku placed a finger on her chin, thinking. "Actually probably not, since they hate our guts."
Ceres' eyes twitched. Then why are you just making things up...
Rikku grabbed her writs and pulled. "Let's go!"
"Wait, what about my hair?"
"Eh?"
True, the wet mess probably just looked like hair to the other girl.
Rikku scratched her head, before jumping up.
"Let's braid it!"
Rikku dragged her back to her room and pulled out a brush from seemingly nowhere. She directed Ceres to the metal floor in front of the bed, sitting on the bed herself. She grabbed the extra towel and fluffed her hair, attempting to rub it dry.
Ceres was close to telling her off, but reconsidered her position. She knew next to nothing about doing her hair. Her uncle paid Nysa to take care of things like this so as far as Ceres was concerned, she needed Rikku's help.
Setting the towel aside, Rikku grab a handful of hair, sectioning off one side before stopping.
"Is this okay?"
Reluctant but compliant, Ceres relaxed her shoulders and gave in. "Sure..."
"Yay!"
It actually didn't take much time at all. Rikku ended up french braiding her hair into two large braids, splitting each into smaller braids as it got too bulky. Strangely, the girl had professional and detailed handling of hair. As if she'd done this a million times before.
"Hey, Rikku? This is probably a long shot but there's this elixir called Star Dust, from where I'm from. I kind of need to take some every day and now it's been four days..."
"I don't know..."
"It's made from bee venom in it, or something, I think," Ceres explained, realizing how weird it sounded coming from her mouth.
"I've never heard of Star Dust, but I know they sell bee venom in certain shops, I think. I couldn't tell you which ones."
Oh well.
Once finished, Rikku proudly arranged the back braids into—ironically—similar to how she wore her hair before.
She then retrieved the bag she brought in from before. She shoved it in one of Ceres' overall pockets, latching it on a tiny hook in the pants.
"Don't lose this. Ever!"
"What's in it?" Ceres' asked, trying to peak inside. She got her hand smacked.
"You don't know what Spira is so I wouldn't worry about that for now."
"Riiikkkuuu~ fa yna nayto vun dra teja," a male's voice came from Rikku's pocket.
She pulled out a communication device and responded. "Lubo."
As the two exited the room, Ceres figured now was a good time as any to ask.
"So, you never really answered my question...where are we?"
Someone in mechanic's clothes and what looked like a gas mask walked by. Ceres flinched away as the rifle on his hip brushed her arm.
"From the sounds of it, that's gonna be kind of hard to explain. Hey, why don't you tell me where you're from?"
As they traversed each corridor, Ceres told her everything. About the little boy, the blitzball match, her impending marriage, and the monsters. She seemed enthralled with the story. That is, until Rikku stopped in her tracks and stared at her like she had two heads.
"Did you just say Zanarkand? You can't be from Zanarkand...?"
"Well, isn't that what I just said."
Rikku crossed her arms, stepping closer to Ceres. Then she lightly bopped her head.
"Ow!" she grabbed her head.
"Hmm, you must have gotten to close to sins toxins. No wonder you were in bad shape."
Then she kept walking as if nothing had happened.
"Hey, wait up!"
Why did Rikku keep saying things like that? Like she was lying.
"Hey, I'm not making this up. I was born in Zanarkand. Big, beautiful city of dreams? Home to the best blitz-ball team in history? Tech giant Jotum Industries? You know, with all the cars and machines—"
Rikku was giving her that look again.
"I'm not making this up!"
"But there's no such thing, Ceres. I'm sorry, but Zanarkand is a wasteland now. Since the war..."
The war?
"Look, I know you think what you think but there is no Zanarkand anymore."
No...Zanarkand?
They finally arrived at a steep set of stairs, the sound of water finally reaching her ears. Rikku stopped her, lowering her voice.
"If I were you, I wouldn't mention this to anybody else."
"But I'm telling the truth! I'm from Zanark—"
Rikku covered her mouth and shoved her into a dark corner as two more crew members walked by.
"Buchanan kejehk oui dnuipma?" one asked.
"Ceh duqehc," she replied, swirling her finger next to her ear while rolling her eyes.
The men nodded then proceeded up the stairs.
Did Rikku just call her crazy?
"That's what you tell people." She removed her hand from Ceres' mouth. "Just say you got too close to Sin's toxins."
Then she began walking up the staircase as the men did.
Sin?
She followed her out of the ship.
"Frana ec dryd kenm," the tall man muttered, rubbing his blond mohawk.
Two men held someone at gun point, though Ceres wasn't quite able to see around them.
"I said I don't understand what you're saying..."
That voice...
"Fyed!" Rikku cried out, stepping away from Ceres. She moved to stand in front of the guns before turning backwards. "He said you can stay if you make yourself useful."
"You...you understand me?"
This time Ceres was sure.
"Yeah, I think she's the only one who can."
"Ceres!"
The others turned to her as well, the taller one wearing overalls and no shirt looking surprised. His look of appraisal didn't go unnoticed. Ceres crossed her arms and moved to Rikku's side. Before she could get closer to Tidus, one of the men held his arm out in front of her as his partner smacked Tidus in the head.
"Stop hitting him," she complained, moving one of the guns aside.
She finally laid her hands on Tidus' shoulders as he cradled his head. Opening one eye, he glances back up at Ceres and grins wide.
"It is you!" The two embraced. "Oh, thank God. I was worried about ya."
The mohawk guy crossed his arms sassily. "Fro yna drao duilrehk?!"
"E drehg drao ghuf aylr udran," Rikku answered before turning back to the two friends and quietly asking, "You guys know each other, right?"
They pulled away from each other, Ceres still confused as to what was going on. Before they got any other words out, a rifle slammed into the back of Tidus' head again. "Hey!"
First they make him sleep on the deck, no blankets or anything. Then feed him spicy slop (which wasn't that bad by the way) and refuse to talk to him. After days of no information, he awakens with a foot to his ribs, screaming in whatever language it is they speak. At least Rikku showed up.
But what is Ceres doing here? Are they both in a dream?
"Okay! Geez, I'll work," the boy spit out, clearly annoyed with this group.
Mohawk grunted, satisfied. Then gestured to Rikku.
"We found some ancient ruins right beneath us. It's not active now, but there should still be some power left. We're gonna go down there and activate it. And then we should be able to salvage the big prize!"
Ceres locked eyes with Tidus, whom seemed bored with this information. He flashed her crazy eyes to illustrate how crazy these people were, causing her to discretely nod her head in agreement. These people were crazy.
One of the men looked at Ceres. He clapped his hands together before acting out a fish under water. She immediately shook her head, seeing everyone looking at her on the deck.
"Swim, I cannot. Trust me."
"Yeah, nooooo," Tidus agreed with her, also realizing it would be a bad idea for her to come along.
Rikku seemed to communicate this with Mohawk, who was a little too eager.
"Captain says you can stay here and—"
Mohawk cut in, saying something in Al Bhed while smirking. Whatever he said seemed to annoy Rikku. She placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes.
"—watch him work..?"
Ceres turned around to look at the smug bastard.
"I think I'd rather make myself useful."
Before Rikku could translate, the man stepped up next to Ceres. He mimed with his eyes and pointed to the ship while fidgeting like a child, excited.
"...He wants to give you a tour of the ship."
One of the other men put down his rifle, probably to prepare for the dive.
"I guess that wouldn't be...too bad?"
Tidus raised a brow and chuckled. He gave Ceres a playful look. "Well, good luck with that."
He then climbed the railing of the ship and turned back to them, thumbs up. "See ya down there!" before diving in like the show off he was.
A/N: A few notes.
1) Rikku's really excited to have another girl there.
2) I changed it so that while Ceres has been there about four days, Tidus was discovered two days ago. Since she was injured and 'delirious' when they found her (and Brother has a soft spot for women), they put her in a room to recover. However, Tidus is assumed to be a fiend and treated like dirt since they found him in the temple. Rikku overhears him mumbling about 'home' and 'zanarkand' but Brother wants her to focus on helping Ceres so she hasn't actually talked to Tidus yet.
3) Ceres' hair is like the picture but now the top part is in two jumbo french braids.
4) I made up Star Dust. For a reason. We'll see
