back from the dead!

I've been getting emails from this website, so I haven't completely forgotten. I did intend to just leave my unfinished stories here, and I was also busy writing other fanfics over at LiveJournal. (i wrote Arashi fanfics!)

But now that I've finished those stories, it's nice to get back to my first fandom. Time to get back to my roots!

Beta Read by: Skymia

Chapter 9: His Sister To The Rescue

Last night, I washed the handkerchief Gippal gave me at the party. I cleaned it with such care, I even went so far as to ironing it. The soft, cream-colored cloth reminds me of Gippal. Gentle, kind, and warm. This time, I will return the handkerchief properly and thank him for always saving me at the right moments.

When I arrived to school the next day, I was feeling anxious. The classes seemed to drag on for hours no matter how many times I stared up at the clock. Finally the lunch bell rang, and I ran down the hall towards the fire escape; our special place. I quickly descended down the stairs until I reached the familiar landing.

But Gippal was no where to be found. I sighed sadly and dragged my feet back to the cafeteria.

I felt so disappointed that Gippal didn't come to school. I should have known since he is part of F4, the richest seniors who wouldn't even bother to attend class. Not even homemade lunch could lift my spirits up. I just wanted to see Gippal so I could thank him.

"Oh, my! You're still here?" Pink Ears appeared, followed by her girly cronies.

"You have some nerve to come back to school." Blue Ears said, trying to be intimidating.

"Poor, poor Rikku. You must really be stupid." The girls laughed at me. Suddenly, everyone in the cafeteria was watching. A few were laughing behind their hands and pointing at me. Will the bullying ever stop?

"So what?" I fought back. "What's it to ya?"

"Well, at least Shelinda had the right mindset to leave." Green Ears giggled. I lifted my head up at the name.

"Shelinda?"

"She quit school today." Pink Ears said. "She made the right choice after what happened to her."

No! It's so unfair! She was a new transfer student, and it's all my fault that she got caught up in this mess! I looked down at my watch and noted that I still had time. I quickly packed my lunch and ran out the door.

Surely, she'll be okay and not completely traumatized. I just hope she'll forgive me. It didn't take me long to find her home since she gave me her address once. It was a big house, not as big as Yunalesca's mansion, but enough to show that Shelinda came from a wealthy family. The butler kindly showed me to her room, or rather, a large living room sized bedroom.

"Shelinda," I stepped in. She was sitting in her bed, still in her pajamas.

"Rikku!"

"I'm sorry." I said, as I sat next to her. "It's my fault for what happened."

Shelinda smiled, sweetly.

"It's okay, Rikku. It was bound to happen," she said. "And I don't mind leaving school either."

'Sure, with all the money you have, you don't need school!' I thought.

"But I heard after that incident, you went to a party," Shelinda said.

"Oh, yes. Yunalesca's welcome party," I said, "It was wonderful. She's such a nice person, and I even-"

"I heard you kissed Tidus," Shelinda interrupted me. Her eyes big and wide, as if speculating me.

"U-uh, it was just an accident," I said, surprised she even knew about that. "You see, he was being an idiot and getting into a fight with Gippal. So I tried to push him away, but he pulled me down...and-"

Just then, Shelinda threw the covers over her head. I wasn't sure why she reacted so, but I figured she was scared of what will happened to me, or to her.

"Oh! It's okay, Shelinda," I quickly said. "I'm sure they'll leave you alone."

She didn't say anything.

"I'm okay now. After all, I'm Rikku, the tough machina," I said, trying to cheer her up. "Whatever happens, I'll knock them down...for both of us."

Still nothing. It was starting to get awkward.

"Okay then," I sighed, "I have to go now. I'll see you later."

It felt wrong having to leave Shelinda like this, but I never knew she was so sensitive. This is all Tidus' fault and his stupid war! For bullying my friend, I'll make sure he pays! I looked at my watch again and realized lunch break was almost over.

I was grateful that Luca Liminality High School gives long lunch periods, but I still ran. I was about to cross the street when a large BMW Chocobo Edition cut off my path rather rudely.

"What the-!"

That car almost did it on purpose! As if I had the devil's luck, the black windows rolled down and there was the all-mighty Tidus himself.

"Oh!" He said, as if he was shocked to see me. "It's you! What a coincidence!"

"Crap," I sneered. "You nearly ran over me!"

He got out of the car, but leaned on the door looking all cool. As usual, he wasn't wearing the school uniform even though he's suppose to be my senior. Instead, he was wearing his stupid flashy yellow jacket, showing off his stupid tan, and with his stupid uneven knee length pants. I could practically smell how much those clothes were worth compare to my poor clothes. How annoying!

"What are you doing skipping school?" He asked, his eyebrow raised.

"It's none of your business! Besides, you skip school all the time?" I said. He looked a little peeved. I tried not to feel nervous, but now that I think about it, this is the first time we faced each other since the party.

"Well, I decide to go from now on." Tidus said, running his hand through his blond spiky hair. He thinks he's so fabulous! It makes me sick!

"Oh really? Good for you," I said sarcastically, and walked away.

"Hey!" He called after me. "You know...when you...when you kissed me, you knowingly did it, right?"

"What? Are you stupid?" I yelled.

"Tsk! Whatever. Just get in the car." He said roughly, like it was nothing. "You'll be late for class. I'll take you to that hellish school."

He suddenly grabbed my wrist and dragged me to his car.

"Like hell I'll get in a car with you!" I shouted. I flung my wrist out of his tight grip and ran away.

"Hey!" I hear him behind me.

I looked over my shoulder and saw him running after me. I yelped and switch to sprint mode.

"Get back here!" He shouted.

"Noooo!"

I round a corner and nearly bumped into a tall lady, but she quickly grabbed my arm and stopped me. She had long, beautiful, light brown hair. She also wore sunglasses and a winter fur coat. I saw a silver car parked diagonally on the curb, and she just patted my shoulder and smiled.

She turned around and waited for Tidus to show up. He did, and she surprised him.

"Don't be so full of yourself!" She said, and punched him before he even saw it coming.

My mouth hung open as I watched him spin around and kiss the concrete. He winced and glared up at the tall woman.

"That hurt, Sis!" He yelled.

"Sis?" I whispered.

I watched her tower over Tidus and give a good kick to the face.

"Don't go chasing after girls. What kind of pervert are you?" She said.

Then, she turned to face me. I felt my knees shaking as she walked closer and closer, and out of instincts, I raised my fists. She removed her sunglasses and smiled at me like a guardian angel.

"Nice to meet you," she said. "My name is Lenne."

"I-I'm Rikku." I nodded, still shocked.

It happened so fast as she pulled me into her car and leaving Tidus behind. Lenne kindly drove me back to school. I was still speechless throughout the ride until we arrived and she handed me her business card. The students was suddenly everywhere and I saw the three mean girls gawking at me when they realized who I was with. Judging from their faces, Tidus' sister is well-known.

"If you need anything, just call me," Lenne said. I looked down at the card.

"Zanarkand?" I gaped.

"I'll fly to Luca in my private airship," she smiled. "Anything at all. Especially if my little brother gives you trouble."

"T-thank you very much," I bowed, "But...why would you do such a thing for me? Why would you help me?"

Lenne didn't lose her smile as she stared at me for a long pause.

"Let's just say...you and I have the same personality," she explained, "I can just tell. We have the same smell."

"Same smell?" I repeated, my head tilted. Lenne laughed.

"I wonder if Tidus is falling for you."

"Huh?"

"Well, until next time, Rikku," she said. She put on her sunglasses and drove away. I bowed to her one last time.

I do hope I meet her again.

At Tidus' Mansion

Tidus didn't bother going back to school. He figured he'd just wait for his sister to come back home. He hasn't seen her in years, and all he gets is a 'welcome' punch and 'good-to-be-back' kick to the face. Plus, he still had to treat his minor wounds. His sister does know how to punch.

When he entered his room, Lenne was already there sitting on his couch with a newspaper at hand.

"Mom made the headlines again." She said, not having to look over the paper to see him. "A scandal quickly turned over and became profit. She sure does things her way."

"What the hell, Lenne!" He yelled at her. "Don't just come back unannounced."

She lowered the paper and smiled sweetly.

"Sorry about earlier!"

Tidus grunted, but still, he couldn't stay mad at her. He sat down nearby her on another couch.

"Well, anyway," he calmed down, "Why are you home?"

"My husband just asked me to do some work. A small favor."

"Ha! So that moron messed up again?"

"Don't call my husband a moron." She retorted.

"He is a moron." He smirked. "And don't protect him as if you love him."

Lenne sighed.

"I'm happy the way I am now."

"When you got married, you certainly weren't."

"Really?" She smiled, eyeing him. "So...if I got a divorce, do you want me to come back home and live here?"

"No way. I'm fine on my own." Tidus exclaimed proudly. Still, Lenne giggled. "But anyways, how long will you stay?"

"Hmm...probably a week." She answered.

Lenne watched closely as the small smile on Tidus' face slowly fade away. Lenne got up and sat next to her little brother. She's been doting on him since he was a baby.

"Hey, what's with that sad smile? I'll come back soon."

"I don't care if you come back!" He said, trying to be tough. Then, Lenne thought of something interesting.

"Tidus...do you like that girl?" She asked. "Rikku. The one you were chasing today."

Tidus exploded.

"What are you talking about?" He said. "There's no way! It's not what it looks like!"

Lenne just grinned.

"What are you smiling about?" He frowned.

"Tidus, if you don't be nice to her, she'll drift away from you." She said.

"Whatever." He said. "It doesn't concern you."

"If you ever need any love advice at all, you can talk to me." She said, not falling for his tough output. "I'll listen to all of you love problems, and I'll help you."

She switched her newspaper to reading her magazine while Tidus' mind wondered off...

"Well, actually-"

"Hey, look." Lenne interrupted him. "Yunalesca is in here. So, she really isn't succeeding her father. I feel sorry for her."

Tidus left her alone and walked over to a large window. The night was starry and clear, but there was an unknown feeling stirring up inside, he just didn't know what.

end chapter.

short as always, but not overwhelming long. getting back to tikku is quite fun. also re-watching HYD for reference is fun too. at first, i tried to stay away from copying scene after scene, but it's difficult not too. it's as if every scene plays a vital importance.

i think the next chapter will be a little longer.

anyways, it's good to be back