It's a strange feeling for Rikku to finally have most of her freedom back but still has to remain as still as she can. The journey to Judas' intended destination isn't exactly comforting with the vehicle being rocked by the small waves of water causing her to slide side to side in the chair she is strapped to. The leather bindings of course add to her inability to move as freely as she can. Though the point is whether or not she is strapped to the chair, Rikku would probably still adhere to the method of compliance like she is doing so right now. With her sight robbed from her, Rikku knows that trying something while on a smaller water vehicle isn't the best idea. While trying to relax isn't exactly on her priority given the situation, Rikku does try to at least rest her body from the discomfort it has taken. Biding her time is the most viable option so she resorts to doing that while trying to listen to anything that is going on around her. Though aside from the running engine of the machina and the outdoors, Rikku doesn't get a whole lot through her ears to help out. Once in a while she'll hear the unmistakable sound of guns being tampered with for whatever reason, but other than that, her captors don't say anything; considering of what she went through with Judas and Leblanc, silence is solace.
Another bump on the 'road' and Rikku tried to grab something with her bound hands out of instinct, which of course she didn't need to since the straps going across her naval and chests are holding her down adequately. That and having her hands still tied behind her, there was nothing really to grab. Still, being transported bound, gagged, and blindfolded isn't exactly the norm way of travelling so she isn't quite used to just 'sitting still' like this.
"The boss said head out as soon as we dock we take this one to the site," the first words Rikku was really able to make out, "but be prepared for trouble!"
"She's not doing anything."
"Not from her! Sources say that Gippal had started to turn on Judas and rallied some people to his cause."
Rikku's eyes widen underneath the cloth that is blindfolding her. While the majority of her still hates Gippal with a passion, the fact that he may be turning a new leaf does give her a little hope. Though if he was smart he'd contact the Gullwings and not do this on his own.
"You hear that," Rikku flinches as one gets too close to her as he speaks, "your lover boy is trying to come to your rescue."
"Don't get your hopes up though little princess," another one speaks, "prince charming isn't getting close to get his kiss tonight if we can help that!"
At first Rikku wasn't going to entertain their taunting with any kind of reaction, but the perverted touch on her leg evoked a growl and some futile struggling on her part. Of course her captors enjoyed her little outbursts, which generally got her to calm down somewhat and just remain as still as she can for the duration of the uncomfortable, degrading, and nerve wracking ride.
Docking wasn't any smoother which gives Rikku the idea that perhaps the driver isn't the best when it comes to handling machina mobiles. She could drive water vehicles no problem and just about anything that has to do with machinas she is good at; sometimes she is too good. Combine that with having been exposed to the ways of Yevon temples and their rituals, Rikku is probably one of, if not THE most versatile Al Bhed; a trait that has become detrimental for her considering her situation.
"Come on Princess, move it!"
As soon as the straps came off, Rikku finds herself grabbed by the arm and led roughly towards an unknown territory. With her eyes robbed from her, Rikku finds herself stumbling to get her footing especially when they step off the boat; the new terrain wasn't expected so she nearly fell, but luckily her captor seems to have the right mind to at least keep her balanced.
"Just take off the blindfold already!"
Probably the first good thing Rikku has heard since the trip started so she locked on the statement, nodding eagerly.
"Don't you remember what she did earlier? She killed some good people back there!"
It might not seem like it right now, but Rikku did have some victories of her own with her first escape attempt. While taking lives isn't exactly something she would be putting in her trophy list, at least she can gain some of her pride back with the thought that her captors still remember her damage. A small smile forms around the cloth tied between her lips.
"She's here and whatever she sees won't help her much! Besides, this will be her bed for the night! She might as well get acquainted with it right now!"
"Muuhf uunf fuuhf mnuhn?!"
The words 'bed for the night' doesn't usually settle in nicely and Rikku's garbled inquiry is ignored; though at least someone is now spending the time loosening the blindfold off and it doesn't take long until her vision is back. Of course she had to readjust to the bright sun blaring down on her but the view of the excavation site doesn't surprise her at all. In fact, it matches the entire ruckus that has been bombarding her ears ever since they docked.
"Come on!"
"HNU!"
Pulling roughly on her arm, Rikku is forced to stagger forward before eventually regaining her steps. Of course there is some taunting from the rest of the Al Bhed workers who spotted the traitor amongst them. Not trying to give them joy of her reactions, Rikku pays more attention to the their numbers, the environment, possible weapons, and any sort of route she could use to aid her if the chance of escape does fall into her bound hands. Though as it would seem, being stuck in an island does cut off any real escape and the odds are stacked too highly against her. For now her best option is to comply even more and when being dragged towards a medium sized man made crater, Rikku has to listen to her inhibitions even more as she catches a sight of both Judas and Leblanc waiting 'patiently' for her arrival.
"Oh there she is!" Even from the top of the stairs leading down to the bottom of the crater, Rikku can hear Leblanc's annoying voice quite eloquently. "My you look worn out from your travels, love."
Rikku's eyes narrows and she finds herself biting on the knot between her teeth, bulging out her lips in the process. The irritation of the woman's presence took her away from scanning the environment for a moment, but as soon as she steered herself away from Leblanc, Rikku is able to get more details. Judging from the numerous machinas and the steep stairs she is crudely being led through, Rikku is able to discern that Judas' have been with this project for some time now. As for how long and why the other Al Bheds or Spira for that matter haven't noticed or said something is beyond her. Taking her last step and being on flat grounds, Rikku's escorts move out of the way as Leblanc replaces their company. Completely ignoring Rikku's grunts through the thick cloth gagging her, Leblanc puts her arms around Rikku's shoulders and leads her on towards a strange door on the ground that Judas is staring at quite coldly. When finally in close range, Rikku is able to decipher a strange mark on the door; one that she has seen in her travels with Yuna during the pilgrimage.
"It's an ancient symbol," Judas speaks with a nonchalant lecturing tone, "none of us Al Bheds know what it is. I'm sure some Spira-know-it-all would be able to tell me what it means. Or maybe a traitor Al Bhed. Do you know what it says?"
Rikku could've responded with more anger with such claims but it would do her no good so she shakes her head. Though something within the symbol and the circle that it is etched into that seems peculiar to Rikku, almost as if…
"Unfmn mn ufh muuhunf."
Shifting her body, Rikku shows Judas her bound hands; the gesture and the muffled words 'untie me' should be enough for them to understand. The act of actually adhering to her pleas would be a different story, though luckily Judas understands the importance of a little bit of freedom so he signals Leblanc to untie her. Of course the provocative woman does not comply without complaining that is quickly settled with Judas' stern glare.
"Oh alright!" Leblanc begins to work on Rikku's knots. "This is such a strenuous task! I say we should make this little whore learn how to work the way she is!"
The moment the ropes loosened, Rikku wants nothing more than to turn around and knock the daylights out of Leblanc, though seeing how she is still surrounded with heavily armed Al Bhed, the thought of vengeance might not be the best plan. Rubbing her wrists and finally enjoying the fact that this is the first time they have tasted freedom since falling into the ruse of Leblanc's transformation to Yuna. Though spending too much time on that sense would be detrimental and since Leblanc isn't about to ungag her, Rikku reaches behind and starts to untie the cloth around her mouth until Judas says otherwise.
"Work on opening that door, little girl," Rikku pauses and glares at Judas direction as he holds a device on his hand that insinuates the 'black mail' deal, "you don't need to talk to finish this job."
It took a few moments before Rikku takes her hands off the knot. "Uffhunn."
She mewls through her gag 'kindly' before crouching down and studying the symbol on the ground. At first the foreign mark on the ground is the source of attention. Deciphering it would be everyone's thought process and it's the same thought Rikku has until she notices the circular border that surrounds the symbol. Within the border are smaller symbols and all recognizable to her; they are the symbols of the Fayths that Yuna once summoned to aid them in battle. While nostalgia wants to creep in, Rikku also notices the second and larger circular border around the first border and the same symbols are also etched in it. Raising a brow, it doesn't take long until Rikku realizes the 'puzzle': all the symbols have to be aligned and it can only be done through turning the larger and focal symbol so that the Fayth markings would be aligned. Placing her palm on it, the ancient symbol lets out a low hum before glowing, which puts the Al Bheds on alert.
"It reacts to her!" One of them said.
"Of course it does," Judas replies, "she spent more time in those temples than actually helping our people find solace during the massacre of our Bikanel home."
Rikku clenches her first in regards to Judas' words that seems to hold enough charisma to evoke a few snickers from the Al Bhed crowd. Once again she has to use every ounce of self-control to keep her mind at the task demanded of her. Twisting her hand, the symbol moves putting the symbols closer to being paired with its identical counter part. It only takes two twists to line them together, and with that accomplished, the ground lets out a vibration causing Rikku and anyone near it to take a few steps back. Suddenly the symbol splits open like a door and reveals leading down to the darkness below. Judas peeks down before turning to Rikku with a stern look.
"More trials down there?"
Rikku nods and Judas responds immediately by snapping his fingers; two of his armed men complies. One goes down, the other giving Rikku a slight shove, signaling her to descend down the stairs as well.
"Don't get stupid, love," Leblanc puts her words in as Rikku makes her first moves to go down, "Remember, wouldn't mind getting rich from your little… alone time."
Muttering nonsensical things through the cloth that remains between her lips, Rikku continues climbing down and soon the other Al Bhed follows. She isn't entirely sure herself what it is she would find in a place that seemed to resemble temple trials, but perhaps it is a way for her to get some sort of upper hand without damaging her image to Spira. The thoughts of finding a way to escape kept her mind busy as they climbed down the stairs that seemed to be longer than it seemed. Each step there is an eerie feeling as they go further into darkness and the only source of light is the light on each the headgears of her current escorts. The ambiance reminds of her Bevelle and even that trial was more well lit and far more comfortable since she went there half willingly. Being lost in her thoughts for however long, they finally reach the bottom and immediately one of her escort surveys the area with his rifle in tow while the other stays close to Rikku. Deciding that now's the best time, Rikku begins working on the knot that held her gag in place once again.
"Hey! You're not supposed to take that off!"
Rikku pauses and cocks her eyebrow as the gun was pointed at her direction. Letting out a slight 'hmph', Rikku continues her action until finally the gag came off which gives her the freedom on spitting the wad out of her mouth.
"Shoot me," she says defiantly as she works her jaws from being sore, "I'm sure you're smart enough to figure out the trial all on your own."
Without even acknowledging the reaction, Rikku walks pass him, dropping the saliva sodden cloth on the way as a sign of her small freedom. Though it was risky, Rikku knows as well as her two guards does that petty show of power isn't exactly what is needed right now. More or less they are her guards as they are her captors; with her knowing more about the trial and with them completely oblivious of even how to start, there is more give for Rikku to test certain boundaries and she smirks inwardly with that notion. Though the small celebration came to a complete stop as something on the wall catches Rikku's attention. Markings, or better yet, glyphs are now in sight and Rikku touches the first one to begin the trial.
Judas waits impatiently in his tent a few feet away from the door that was opened mere moments ago. While anticipation for what may be uncovered fills his ego, the idea that it could lead to something else does pester him and it's showing through his pacing. Leblanc clicks her tongue and walks towards him and placing her hands on his shoulders in a calm and sensual manner.
"Relax," worming her hands through his jacket, Leblanc starts massaging Judas, "don't get yourself worked up."
As soon as those words leave Leblanc's mouth, Judas shakes away from her touch and faces her with a look as angry as his body language conveys. "Relax?! Are you just that oblivious of what is at stake here?!"
"Please, love, I understand what's at risk. You of all people should know that I do, but I also believe that sitting here getting worked up isn't good for your health."
"That girl is the only one who knows what goes on in that place and she can turn on us if the gamble favors her. That and my idiot son decided to start a rebellion against me finally!"
"Oh come on," Leblanc adds laughter with her words, "the girl is broken! If she makes one wrong move, we'll remind her that every moment counts! We can put pictures up one at a time and imagine how many people will beg to see the rest! Besides, if you're worried about what she will do, our eyes are still on her. And the puppy? Gippal may be your son be he doesn't have your resources. This little uproar won't last."
"Let's hope this pays off. Whatever is in there, I need it."
"We'll find out. She started the trial. So stop stressing, and let's enjoy the show."
The sphere on the table turns on as Leblanc leads Judas' attention towards it; and as she had mentioned, Rikku has indeed started the trial as conveyed by the surveillance apparatus attached to one of the Al Bhed's visors.
The last sphere letting off a slight golden light is finally something her 'companions' have gotten used to. Good for it. There was a part of Rikku that thought solving ancient puzzles through the means of running around a ruin, placing spheres in different areas, pushing pedestals, and lining up the energized spheres would be a source of stress reliever. Though with what's at stake or who is accompanying her, Rikku was lucky if she even had enough space to breathe, or much less do things on her own accord. There was always a question and too much unwanted body contact from the armed Al Bheds. Judas' orders no doubt to keep a close eye on her and remain knowledgeable with every move that she did; at the very least they could've been a bit more productive, but no. They are nuisance even now when the puzzle is at its final moments. They just stare at the sphere as Rikku slowly eases it to the glowing pedestal, trigger fingers ready and willing in case something else doesn't seem right.
"I wouldn't mind if you two just stayed where you are," Rikku takes a few steps back as soon as the sphere is locked in place and the pedestal reacts by descending below them, "after all, I think whatever it is that's down there is about to come up."
Unsure whether to take her words as sarcasm or a warning, the Al Bheds continue to keep their firearms pointed at her as she walks pass them to gain a few distance away from where the pedestal once was. Shortly after, the ground they stand on starts to vibrate and without warning, floor starts to split and starts to slide open. In panic, the two of them runs to the area where Rikku stands patiently as the secret below them is revealed. The decision was smart for something from below ascends and at first glance, Rikku herself is unsure what it is. Obviously it is machina, but the shape of it almost makes it seem like the one who was building this wanted it to have some kind of animal form—it stands on two legs with feet resembling hands—or perhaps it is standing on its hands… as Rikku takes a few steps forward, she can notice that it's half a body; half a body with shoulder pads with spikes and mounted colossal fire arms on its back.
"What is it?" One of the Al Bhed asks with fear laced in his voice.
"Girl! Find out what it is!"
Rikku lets out a growl as she stumbles forward from being shoved towards the strange Machina that is sealed in a transparent case that is almost as big as the whole floor that the Cloister of Trial occurred. Rolling her eyes, she keeps walking towards it, staying as attentive as she can, making sure that it doesn't make any movement or whatsoever. Its eyes remain hollow and its 'head' hangs low, further confirming that it's not activated, yet. What would it take to trigger such a volatile looking machina, Rikku has the intent of finding out since it could be her only ticket out. Walking around the container it is displayed to, Rikku is able to distinguish that on its back is some kind of cockpit meant for a rider. Though as she studies the details on the strange Machina, the transparent container lets out a strange light in the form of one familiar symbol from the trial. Taking another step, another symbol appears, and the next one with another step. Within five steps, all of the insignias of the Fayths are all visible, glowing, putting the two Al Bheds on alert.
'Six symbols,' Rikku recites in her mind, 'the last one… the unknown symbol. Is this another lost Fayth?'
Out of curiosity, Rikku places her palm on the glass and by doing so, the sixth and new symbol from the trial emerges where her hand is; a shockwave of energy courses through her, bombarding her mind with images and words that are far too foreign to her. Some she recognizes through her studies and days excavating… the world before hers… technology at its prime before the fall… before the great war…
You have solved the trials.
A voice resonated as the images keeps on pounding on her.
This one is yours. Do with it as you will. You are its master.
Responding was out of the question; it was almost like someone is robbing her of her speech or ability to even form words.
The last knowledge of the Magiteck Armor lies within this one: Machina Maw, model Zell.
The images stopped the moment the name of the Machina was said. Still trying to cope with all the information that was given to her, Rikku takes a few steps back with mouth agape and eyes lost in translation as she stares at the archaic weapon that lies dormant in front of her; one that is apparently on her whim.
"Girl, what are you doing there?!"
Broken out of her thought process, Rikku turns her head to meet her current captors with a glare, "What does it look like I'm doing?"
"Standing around doing nothing for far too long if you ask me!"
"You'd better start doing productive or we'd think that you are up to something."
Both of them reposition their hands so that their guns would be slightly pointing at her direction; proving a point that they would go through the lengths just to get what they need. As if she needed anything else to put over her head with what Judas and Leblanc are blackmailing her with! Though it was a bluff and Rikku knows it so she responds accordingly with a shrug of her shoulder before turning her attention back towards this Machina Maw.
"Hey! We're talking to you!"
The tone of the voice and the sound of their weapons being repositioned again; despite it all, Rikku still doesn't respond but something else does. The ground shakes as the lifeless machina in front of them starts to move. What was once just a display of a unique and unknown machina starts moving and breaking through its confines. Eyes glowing in a feint green like light that goes in sync with the rest of the illumination within its designs, its mounted weaponry starts to shift as well, its two legs taking a firm grip on the ground. Like some fiend moving with unnatural posture, it charges forward. At first Rikku watched in awe at this new development, but the moment it starts breaking through the glass, she jumps out of the way since the machina is now in battle mode. Fortunately for Rikku, the aggression points towards the Al Bheds and not her.
"The little bitch!"
"Shoot it!"
Rikku takes cover as soon as the bullets started flying. The Machina Maw is a big target so every bullet made contact, but damaging the beast is another story. Its armor keeps it safe and it doesn't take long until it lets out a screech that resembles gears metal grinding upon metal and soon after, the turrets on its shoulders counter attacks with small missiles that made easy work on the two Al Bheds. The fight was over long before it started. For a moment it stood there, gears pumping, smoke hissing from its pipes, and the lights gleaming on its designs are about the only thing that remains after the battle. Rikku slowly comes out of her cover and as soon as her foot steps on glass, the Machina Maw responds and turns around quickly and points its gun at her. Letting out a shriek, Rikku falters back and falls on her butt. Fear ever so prominent in Rikku as the machina stalks towards her; the eyes glowing and surely conveying a rather fierce expression despite it lacking any other facial features. Weaponless, cornered, and tired, Rikku is completely at its mercy. It takes one more step and its form now hovering over Rikku dangerously; unable to stop herself, Rikku starts panting vigorously, closing her eyes and trying her best to get some distance away.
She expected it to follow and finally make do with her like it did with the other two who asininely attacked it. Surely a machina with the capability of a large fiend wouldn't play with its prey, would it? But the moments passed tells Rikku otherwise; instead of a quick death, the machina merely remained where it is, standing ominously still as if it was a statue. Rikku takes a few more push backwards, attempting to gain as much distance from it as possible. It didn't react one bit even though it is fully activated. Curious, Rikku slowly stands to her feet and cautiously takes a few steps forward until finally she is close enough that her hand reached out and touched it. The response is a low humming sound that makes Rikku flinch backwards, other than that, no sign of hostility.
"Machina Maw," Rikku whispers, "model Zell?"
Due to the fear of what the machina was able to do, the name that was given to her through that message slipped passed her mind but the moment she remembered and recited it, the Machina named 'Zell' immediately responds by disengaging. The more pacifist mode is apparent through its stance and the lights dimming.
"Magiteck armor is dead technology but here you are." Still a bit cautious, Rikku carefully studies it, pacing herself in a slow and circular path, her hand grazing on Zell's form that is mostly aged and hardly scathed from the firefight. "And you follow my orders?"
Zell discreetly responds by lifting its head up with its eyes glowing brighter. Even without the obvious nod, Rikku can decipher that it's the way Zell would respond to her question. Rikku smirks at the idea that the one thing that Judas wanted her to retrieve became hers; though obviously the black mail was set in place so that she won't do anything to turn on them. The thought of what lurks in that sphere makes her blush and stir up her anger. She can't make a move with that hanging on her… though part of her truly feels at this point that Judas wants whatever else is in this ruin to uplift his army; he will start a war between with Al Bhed and the rest of Spira. Zell would be his weapon, or at least the pieces of what makes the Magiteck Armor… Rikku can't have that. Sighing, she walks over towards the dead Al Bheds to at least see if their firearms would be of use to her. Their body sizzling in smoke due to the fire power Zell demonstrated and Rikku can at least take solace that she can take a few of them with her if perishing is in her fate. Reaching down and grabbing the rifle, something else piques her attention: the surveillance sphere that is attached on her former captor's headgear.
"That was expected," Rikku mutters out loud as she grabs it and studies the apparatus. "Still functional and…" Looking towards Zell, a bigger grin forms on Rikku's lips. "… they're in for it."
To Be Continued.