3. Ill Rumors
"Kyyyaaaaaaa! Take that!" Rikku exclaimed, digging her daggers deep into a dragon. The creature let out a bellow, falling dead in a pool of blood. As Rikku gritted her teeth, Yuna gave a worried expression.
"...Calm down, will you? It's just a drake," Yuna said.
"Grrr. Fuck that! I'm still pissed off about Paine leaving us! I've gotta vent!" Rikku replied.
"Rikku...," Yuna said. "I know how you feel. Things do seem a bit off without her. We're so used to fighting in threes."
"Totally, man. It's like we're missing an arm or somethin'," Rikku said, looking around.
The girls stood amidst the rubble of Vilidrin, a long forgotten ruin west of Guadosalam. Buddy and Shinra spotted it while the Celsius was in flight and thought it might be worth a look. There were some minor treasures scattered around, but nothing big, and still no signs of Tidus anywhere in sight.
"Well, looks like we've plundered this place enough. Time to head back...," Yuna said.
"Yunie...," Rikku replied, sensing her sorrow. "Don't worry. We'll find him yet!"
Yuna forced a smile. "Yeah. We can't lose hope."
Upon returning to the ship, Yuna and Rikku sorted through their findings on deck. "Let's see, here... two turbo ethers, a megalixer, and some dark matter," Rikku said. "...Oh. And this rusty old key. Looks kinda weird. Like it's for a machine or somethin'. Wonder what it's for?"
"I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later. Best hold onto it," Yuna said.
"Actually... Yuna. Do you think we could stop by Djose Temple real quick...?" Rikku asked shyly.
"Mmm? That's the Machine Faction's new base. Why? Missing Gippal, are we, Rikku...?" Yuna asked mischievously.
"W-Wha? No way! It's just... the Machine Faction's good with this type of thing. Ya know. Identifying keys and such...," Rikku said bashfully. Yuna smiled.
"Sure thing, Rikku," she said, patting Rikku's head as the thief lightly blushed.
The Celsius took off, flying toward Djose at great speed. Upon reaching their destination, Yuna and Rikku left the airship. They made for the temple, killing no less than six fiends along the highroad. When they reached the temple, the guards at the door let them inside.
"Well hey, hey! Look who it is!" Gippal said, raising his goggles.
"Hiya, Gip!" Rikku said with a shy grin.
"Yo! Rikku. Yuna. What's shakin'?"
"So glad you asked...," Rikku said, holding up the rusty key.
"...Oh?" Gippal said, taking it.
"We found it in some old ruins west of Guadosalam," Yuna said.
"And thought you might know what it's for," Rikku added.
"Hmmmmm. This shape. This texture. Looks like an ignition key, maybe to some sort of Al Bhed construct," Gippal said.
"That's what I thought! But why would something like that be in those ruins?" Rikku asked.
"Dunno. Where did you find it, exactly?" Gippal asked.
"Wedged between some stones," Yuna said.
"Was there any old machinery lying around there?" Gippal asked.
"Nope. Just a few fiends. There wasn't a machine around for miles," Rikku replied.
"Hmm. Well whatever this key is, it's rusted to hell. I'll have my mechanics work on fixing it. As it stands, even if you found what it's for, it wouldn't unlock jack," Gippal said.
"Thanks. But don't accidentally break the damn thing while mending it. Kay?" Rikku asked.
"Of course not! You're talkin' to the master repairer, here, babe! By the way, uh... any luck finding you-know-who?" Gippal asked. Yuna fell silent.
"...No," she said. "We went to those ruins hoping to find some trace of him, but found nothing."
"Well, keep searchin'. There's bound to be plenty of places and towns you haven't looked. He's gotta be around somewhere," Gippal said. "Oh. But whatever you do, don't visit Bevelle. That maniac Baralai's blown a fuse."
"...Huh? What do you mean?" Rikku asked.
"Haven't you heard? They say he's on the warpath. With New Yevon's increased strength, Baralai is fast becoming a warlord. He's amassed a huge army, and his soldiers obey his every command. Word is, they're planning to launch an offensive to wipe out the Youth League," Gippal explained.
"What?!" Yuna and Rikku said together.
"I know. And after they're gone, you know who's next on their list. But hey, it's just gossip. I doubt he'd really try something so reckless," Gippal said. "...Though it is the Yevonites we're talking about, here. Anything's possible with those loons."
"...Shiiit!" Rikku exclaimed tensely. "Damn that Baralai. I knew that guy was bad news!"
"I can't believe this...!" Yuna said. "I never thought Baralai would plan something so sinister. Surely it's just a rumor. I need to talk to him to make sure."
"...Eh?" Gippal said.
"Are you kidding, Yunie? If what Gippal says is true, it's dangerous to get anywhere near that guy!" Rikku said.
"I don't care," Yuna replied sternly. "I have to know what Baralai's true intentions are. I can't stand any more violence, and won't allow more bloodshed in the name of Yevon," she said, hurrying off.
"Yuna!" Rikku yelled, watching as Yuna left the temple.
"Hmph. Still got the heart of a hero, I see. Go after her, Rikku. Talk some sense into that girl," Gippal said. "I'll look into this key in the meantime. Next time you visit, I may have more news."
"Gippal...," Rikku said weakly. "...Thanks so much!" she said, waving goodbye before hurrying after Yuna.
The two returned to the airship, Yuna ordering Buddy to set a course for Bevelle. Rikku argued with Yuna along the way, but Yuna was determined to discover Baralai's plans.
"Yuna! This is crazy! It's like walking into the viper's nest!" Rikku said.
"We don't know that for sure. New Yevon has been gaining influence, but I don't believe the rumors that all of its followers are bloodthirsty zealots," Yuna said.
"But-!"
"Look, Rikku. If you don't want to go, I'll go alone," Yuna said. Rikku cringed.
"...Oh, I'm going, alright. Just to make sure that you get back!" she said.
The Celsius sped away toward Bevelle, landing a good distance away from the city. Yuna and Rikku left the ship, starting their trek toward the town. The two traversed several winding roads, Yuna resolute as Rikku grew increasingly tense.