Chapter 4: The Thief's New Goal

"Wake up little one." Ifrit says, licking the side of Rikku's face. "You must wake before the others notice what has happened overnight."

"Gooooood morning big guy, thanks for last night by the way.." Rikku said with a yawn. She then began to dress herself, starting with her shorts. "But before I go, you said you would tell me why I can hear you talk."

"Ah yes, I guess you deserve to know why someone such as yourself can hear our voices." Ifrit exclaimed while sitting upright as if he was about to tell a child a story. " It is said, that if an Aeon and another living being share a special bond together, they also share other senses, so in this case, you began to hear our voices once we became one."

Rikku had an interested, yet comedic look on her face. "So, does that mean that..ya know...you and Yunie...have you guys done it then?" she said with a lustful smile while giggling and nudging the beast's rigid arm.

"No, we have not engaged in any sexual activities, and I don't think Summoner Yuna is interested in doing so, despite the advantages." he explained.

Rikku stood up and skipped towards Ifrit with a plan on her mind. "How about I mention this conversation to Yunie, you never know, this could help us on her pilgrimage!"

As soon as Rikku announced her idea, Ifrit's eyes widened and immediately stood up from his sitting position. "That's ridiculous! We have been doing fine so far. And how would you even suggest such an idea to her anyways? The only way you could mention this to her is by admitting that you have done sexual acts with me already, and I don't think that's a good idea."

Rikku's look on her face went from an excited look to a disappointed look. "Awww man.." She then grabbed her things, strapped her gauntlet on her arm and equipped the targe on her other arm. "Well, I gotta go now, the others are probably awake and waiting for me. Anyways, see ya later hottie!" she said while skipping towards the group's campfire spot.

"Heya Rikku! Where ya been!" shouted Tidus towards her as soon as she popped out of a nearby bush. "We were wondering where you've been. Oh, and have you seen Ifrit anywhere? He needs to return to Yuna so that he can be properly dismissed."

Rikku stopped dead in her tracks with a worried look on her face. "Uhh..no I haven't, but I'm sure he's somewhere around here, so don't worry he'll come."

A few minutes later, the group continued on towards Guadosalem, the home of the Guados.

"Hey Rikku, you look troubled. Is everything okay?" Yuna asked. "You know you can tell me anything right?"

"Yeah, don't worry about me. Everything is fine! Just a little tired from last night." she said with a light smirk, remembering what did happen last night.

Then she had another idea. What if she spoke with the other Aeons and asked them for their opinions on the topic of strengthening Yuna's bond with her Aeons through sexual acts. Maybe they would approve of the idea. You never know, this could help Yuna's pilgrimage greatly.

"Hey Yunie, could you do me a favor?" she asked with another quirky grin on her face. "Could I ask you to summon your Aeons more often? I just want to observe them more and more. I find them very interesting!"

Yuna looked at Rikku and smiled.

"Sure Rikku, I'm sure that whatever you're observing will come in handy later down the road."