2. Enemies at the Gates
Paine walked her way down Mushroom Rock Road. She gave a small sigh, sad to leave Yuna and Rikku. She cared for them deeply, but alas, felt it was time to go. She was getting too attached to them, and it was hardly her style to stay in one place for long. Plus, she was worried about Nooj. The news that he and the Youth League were struggling concerned her greatly.
As she neared the league's base, she paused, noticing a massive beast near the gates. It was a deep shade of purple, feasting on the remains of a coyote. As she neared the creature, it raised its giant head, growling.
"...Hmm? What the hell's a behemoth doing around here...?" Paine asked.
As the monster bared its fangs, it suddenly dashed forward. Paine eyed the beast, firmly grabbing her weapon. The monster lowered its head, charging its sharp horns at full speed. Paine dodged sideways, suddenly holding out her sword. It sliced through the massive creature, shearing it in half in an instant. As Paine dodged the rain of blood, a whistle came from afar.
"Phew. Tough as ever, I see," Logos said, heading down the path.
"...You...," Paine replied, eyeing him with suspicion. "If you're here, those other two goons must be nearby."
"No. Leblanc is in the main tent with Nooj. Ormi died of a heart attack last month. Too much cholesterol," Logos replied.
"Hmm. Shame," Paine quipped. "Guess Rikku was right, though. Nooj and Leblanc really are with each other..."
"Hardly," Logos replied. "Leblanc chases Nooj around, but Nooj barely gives her the time of day. Like always."
"I see. Well, that's good. But I've wasted enough time on you. I'm off to see Nooj. Later," Paine said, walking past.
She soon entered the Youth League's gates, looking around at the familiar yellow tents. The place was as ragged as ever. If anything, it had gotten worse. She moved to the main tent, a familiar pair stopping her outside.
"Halt!" Lucil said.
"What's your business here?" Elma asked.
"I need to speak to Nooj," Paine replied.
"...Oh. You're Paine, right? Go on through," Lucil said.
Paine entered the tent, heading up the old wooden stairs. They creaked with each step, sounding as though they may break at any moment. As Paine reached the top, a familiar woman in lavender appeared from the shadows.
"Well, well. If it isn't one third of the Dullwings! What brings you here, dear? Don't you know-"
Before she could finish, Paine grabbed Leblanc by the face. She pulled her head back, forcing her down the stairs without breaking stride. As Leblanc screamed and crashed down the staircase, Paine arrived at the top floor. She then gave pause, spotting a familiar man near the balcony. He slowly turned around, the two locking eyes with each other.
"Paine," Nooj said, smiling.
"Yo," Paine replied, hiding a small blush. Nooj approached, rubbing his chin.
"...Your hair," he said.
"It's my new style. It reflects the darkness of my soul, and the morose of Spira as a whole," Paine replied.
"Heh. Well said. Morose is a good word," Nooj said.
"So, mister leader. How's life as head of the Youth League treating you?"
"It's a total nightmare. We lose members left and right, and can barely keep the fiends at bay."
"No kidding. I encountered one a stone's throw away from the gates. Two, in fact."
"That's no surprise. More and more have been showing up lately. I don't know which is worse: increased monster activity or the ballooning size of New Yevon."
"Heh. Sounds like one in the same problem."
"Indeed."
"How long has it been since Baralai broke the truce you all made?"
"Almost two months, now. He was all 'let's make peace' until he noticed his own faction growing in size. Now that they're the largest, he's torn up the treaty faster than you can shake a stick at," Nooj explained, waving his walking stick.
"Typical. Especially of those Yevon creeps."
"Yes. Their own religion turns on them, yet they still cling to it. I never knew people were this stupid."
"I did. Never underestimate the idiocy of the masses," Paine replied. Nooj managed a laugh.
"Agreed," he said.
"And what of the Machine Faction? What's the latest from them?" Paine asked.
"Beats me. As usual, they're laying low. But they've been too quiet lately. I can't be sure, but I think they're planning something...," Nooj replied. "Anyhow, what brings you way out here, Paine?"
"Just checking in," Paine said. "Oh. And I, uh... quit the Gullwings." Nooj suddenly swiveled his head.
"No shit?" he said in surprise, adjusting his glasses. "What happened? You gals finally get on each others nerves enough to have a good old fashioned cat fight?"
"No. We're still friends. I just figured I could be more use to y... to the league if I stayed and kept an eye on things here," Paine replied shyly.
"I see. Well we're glad to have you, Paine. The truth is, we've been in dire straits for awhile, now. There's even been questions about the league's future. Clasko is dead, and Dona defected to that wretched New Yevon. Not to mention the countless others who've jumped ship in recent weeks. We're in bad shape, but with you on our side, I'm sure we can turn the tide!" Nooj said, smiling. Paine blinked twice, lightly blushing at Nooj's strong smile.
"...But of course. Just tell me what to do, boss man," she said calmly.