Sorry this took so long to update. Two things happened. One, I wanted to change some things completely from what they were. Two, I forgot I had this in my laptop rather than the desktop. Yeah...sorry. So, without further ado, here is the new chapter!

I don't own FFX-2 or any of her characters.

The rain was pouring down in buckets instead of individual drops of water. The torrent was never ending, and would soon take its toll on Spira. Continuous rains like the one currently in existence would not only cause flooding but disease as well. Not to mention the 'cabin fever' epidemic that was sweeping through the ranks of the Youth League. The soldiers were eager for exercise, but the rain prohibited them from doing more than the basic field training. No fights had broken out yet, but it was becoming more of a possibility with each passing day. Normally even-tempered men and women were at each other's throats.

It was not something Nooj was eager to deal with after the previous night's drinking. The only real consequence was a headache, and the feeling that he should have been doing something more constructive than imbibing Firewine.

He had not counted on Rikku having a flask of Firewine. Nooj had thought to use bourbon, so that he would be able to stay more sober and insert a few ideas into Rikku's head. A drunk person, he had discovered, was like a sponge when it came to absorbing ideas. It would be done subconsciously, but the knowledge or instructions would leave a residue behind that would invade thoughts and actions. His plan had been to simply give Rikku the idea that talking to Gippal would not be as bad as she thought it would be.

What he had not counted on was Rikku matching him drink for drink. She would have done the same thing with the bourbon, but that was where the Firewine was a benefit. They were both drunk rather quickly, only Nooj was slightly more sober than she was. He was about to start inserting hints about the situation with Gippal when the young man himself walked in on them. He almost cheered at his appearance. Now the two of them were alone, and most likely too hungover to do anything but talk. If not, there was an elite medical staff at the Youth League Headquarters to deal with anything that could arise.

A knock at his office door announced Captain Lucil's entry. She was punctual to a fault, always delivering the morning reports at the same time everyday. The reports this morning were the usual trivial details that he cared nothing about. Lucil hesitated before leaving for her other duties.

"There is one more thing, sir."

"Yes?"

"It's regarding Rikku. I went to check on her this morning, and I had to use the key to get in."

"And?"

"She wasn't exactly alone, sir. The leader of the Machine Faction was with her. It was nothing compromising, but I thought you ought to know."

"I see." Nooj continued perusing the papers in front of him calmly. "Was he still breathing?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Then there is nothing to worry about. Leave them alone for the time being."

"Yes, sir. May I ask a question?"

"Yes."

"Why did Rikku arrive in the condition she was in? I would think if she were in trouble, the Gullwings would be the ones she'd turn to."

"Sit down, Captain." The woman sat down on the edge of a chair, not leaning back or relaxing as so many people did. Nooj finished reading the piece of paper in his hands and signed it before setting his pen down and looking at her. "This is strictly in confidence, Captain."

"I understand, sir."

"Do you? I think you will, in a moment." Lucil sat unmoving, waiting for him to finish. Nooj chose his words carefully, not wanting to give any more information than he had to. "She came here, of all places, for two reasons. One, for a security measure I wish to add, and two, because she feels she can not go to her friends with her troubles. I agree with her on that point."

"I don't understand, sir."

"Why did you become a soldier, Captain?"

"Because while traveling to a new home in Luca, my family and I were attacked. I was stolen from the small caravan we were traveling with, raped, beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. I became a soldier to prevent that from ever happening again, to me or anyone else."

"Then I will say this. Have a talk with Rikku, after those two make up. The commission she's here to fill will take some time to complete. You will understand why she came here rather than going to her friends."

He watched as her face went from perplexed to shocked. She could work out the details on her own, if she chose to. She took in a small breath, so small that he would not have noticed had he not been watching so closely. Realization dawned on her face as she put two and two together. It had not taken more than twenty seconds.

"I take it this is why Tooram and Blac were dishonored? No, don't answer. That was an unworthy question. Very well." Lucil stood up quickly. "Do you have any other order, sir?"

"No."

"Then I'll be on my way."

A bit short, but I want it this way. Hehe. Review please!

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