Ahhh! Rikku screamed into the dead of night as a flash of lightning and the dull roar of thunder sounded in the distance. Gripping at her bed sheets the blonde Al-Bhed whimpered into the total darkness of her room as the noises crept into her bittersweet dreams. Rikku! Rikku wake up you are having a nightmare. A soft voice murmured with sleep still hanging on the edges as the person spoke, dancing on the verge of consciousness the blonde girl cried out and blindly clung onto anything in arms length. Gently a luminous ivory hand carefully stroked the young womans tresses behind a small ear. The sudden warmth of the touch slowly roused the young Al-Bhed from her sleep, looking up with tears hanging on her now paled cheeks Rikku tightened her grasp on the person she sought out in the dark. Lulu, syga ed ku yfyo! Syga ed cdub, bmayca! Rikku sobbed as a crack of thunder boomed overhead, with a soft sigh the black mage stroked the young girls hair and gently sat down on the edge of the Al-bheds bed. Almost instantly Rikku crawled into Lulus lap resting her head on the older womans thigh, and tightly wrapping her thin arms around the sorceresss waist. Shush now, everything will be alright, Im here now so there is nothing to worry about. Lulu murmured tenderly as she comforted the girl in her lap, Rikku slowly worked herself into frantic hiccups as she tried to stop crying but only succeeded in making herself hyperventilate. Shaking long black locks of braided hair Lulu sighed as her never ending patience kicked into overdrive, carefully the black mage worked Rikkus grip loose from her waist and slowly slid into the bed beside the younger girl. Sniffling lightly the blonde Al-Bhed reclaimed Lulus waist and tightly drew the older woman close to her small body for both comfort and warmth both of which she was lacking at the moment, and instinctively interlocked her long legs with at Lulus. A pleased shocked look fell over the older womans face for a slip second before she felt Rikku shiver with fear as blast of lightning lit up the room with an ominous glow through the window shades, cradling the young blonde Lulu slowly felt herself hum the Hymn of the Faith, after a few moments Rikku laid still in Lulus arms every once and a while she rubbed her cheek in the crook of the older womans neck. Deathlike silence filled the air for long minutes as the two just held each other, slowly in a weak voice Rikku spoke out timidly. Lulu, Breathed the Al-Bhed as she looked up and into her friends deep red eyes. Why, why do you always come when I cry at night? I know I am a big baby because I am still scared of thunder and lightning, but why do you always come and help me? Inquired Rikku as she let her eyes lower again; Lulu gave the young girl a reserved smile, one that was both soft and unfamiliarly warm to the sorceress. Its because Lulu took a deep breath to calm her own nerves. I have nightmares too and I know that sometimes it is easier if you have someone there. Just to hold you and to tell you its alright. Stated the black mage in a low voice as she downcast her line of vision so she was looking at Rikkus childlike face, shyly the young Al-Bhed smiled as she suddenly felt her cheeks begin to grow flushed. Um, Lulu, could you Rikku stopped herself from going any further with what she was going to ask but the mistress of the blacks arts wouldnt have for half asked questions. Could I what? Go on tell me what it is you wish to know. Lulu encouraged as she gave the smaller guardian a sweet soft half smile, Rikku nodded numbly and licked her lips to try and stop her mouth from feeling like cotton. Could you teacher me how ya know. To use magic. Stuttered the Al-Bhed as her insides twisted into a knot at the base of her abdomen, Lulu gave a small laugh that reminded Rikku of a whispered secrete that you over hear but you arent supposed to know but since you do the only thing you can think of is how guilty it make you feel. The black mage brushed a strand of sandy blonde hair away from the young girls eyes so she could look into them better, a sudden crash of thunder made Rikku yelp and tighten her grip on the older woman. Why do you wish to learn the dark arts so suddenly? Inquired the ebony haired witch as she looked at the younger guardian with a curious stare; Rikku flinched slightly at the interrogation from the older woman but then sighed and leaned in closer to the tall mages protective embrace. I want to learn because, I want to be more like you. Mature, strong, confident, respected by everyone. And I think if I were to learn how to cast lightning spells, maybe then I wouldnt be so scared maybe. Rikkus voice wavered as she finished her sentence and Lulu noticed that she sounded like a small child whos just watched their puppy get run over by a Shopuff, for some reason the dark haired woman frowned by the way Rikku reacted to the heavens cries. Lulu took in a deep breath as her fingers gently stroked its way though the younger girls blonde mane. Rikku I have to ask you a question, and it maybe a little prying but I must know for certain, just to ease my own mind if nothing else. Declared Lulu in a serious tone that could have chilled even Shiva to the core, Rikku nodded and she shivered from both the storm and the older womans sudden change in demeanor. What do you want to know? Rikku asked as she raised her eyebrows questioningly; with a forced soft look Lulus forehead crinkled in thought before she spoke in a deep voice that startled the young girl in her arms. How to word this Rikku, I can understand that you were traumatized at a young age. But something just doesnt seem right about the way you still act. When Lady Yuna was younger she too had a great fear of storms, but as she grew older that fear diminished. I can remember how she would cry in the middle of the night when the thunder would start to boom outside her window, but it is different with you Rikku. I hear you crying in your sleep but it doesnt sound like complete fear for just the storm I swear it sounds like youre in pain. Maybe I am just assuming too much, but perhaps Im not, Rikku did anything else happen to you that day your brother zapped you with that spell? Lulu inquired while she let her hardened gaze meet the young guardians cool blue eyes, Rikku shook her head confusedly for a moment before she stared past Lulu and into the darkness of the room. I I dont really remember much after it happened. Its all fuzzy, like a bad dream. The blonde stated with a far away look in her eyes, Lulu could feel the younger girl trembling against her body as if she were frozen to the morrow of her bones. Could you tell me anything you do remember about it, start at the beginning and just walk through the day like you are reliving it. Uttered Lulu encouragingly, for a split second the blonde Al-Bheds low lip quivered ever so slightly before she shook her head and refocused on the older guardians pale face. Well, I remember waking up that morning, it was really hot and oddly humid for the desert especially for that time of the year. After I took a shower dad told brother to take me to the oasis for a swim because he and the other men would be busy working on some sort of underwater sea craft. After that brother and me went to the oasis, Rikku gave a small giggle as she remembered the day clearly. We played Red light Green light all the way there, I tripped and fell a few times and scrapped up my knees pretty bad. I cried and I didnt want to go into the water after that I told brother the salt in the water would make my cuts burn, but he made me go in anyways because he said it was too hot to just sit on the sand and sweat. After I gave in, well more like after I was thrown in. I started to have a good time, until the fiend showed up. Brother saw it coming before I had a chance to swim away, and he he raised his hand and lightning struck the water fiend but the electricity current traveled and zapped me too. It gets hazy after that, I just remember brother pulling me on the shore and . Rikkus eyes began to tear up slightly and her throat closed up making her give a sort of smothered choke, unsure of what the young blonde remembered Lulu pulled the petite girl into her arms and held her. What else do you remember Rikku? There is something else isnt there? Lulu replied half rhetorically; a stuttering sob welled up in the back of the young Al-Bheds throat as she buried her now ghostly white face into Lulus overly adequate chest. I dont want to remember! No, it didnt happen like that, I must be remembering wrong! Brother would never ra fuimthd ryja tuha dryd du sa! Rikku yelled into the fabric of the older womans nightgown, Lulu narrowed her wine red eyes and spoke out while holding onto the young Al-Bhed tenderly. What wouldnt he have done to you? Please tell me Rikku, I want to help you. Lulu stated as she translated what the young blonde had just rambled out in her native tongue. More confusion set into Rikkus features as she realized Lulu understood what she had unintentionally just said in Al-Bhed. How Rikku shook her head causing tears to roll down her cheeks and absorb into the older womans sleeping clothes. Lulu, brother wouldnt have done what I remember him doing. He just wouldnt, I know my brother and I know he isnt like that. Rikku murmured into Lulus chest making her voice barely audible, again the black mage found the blonde girls hair and stroked it comfortingly. What is it that you think he did? You maybe correct in your speculation that you are just filling in the blanks with false remembrance. Whispered the ebony haired magic user as emotion threatened to spill into her words, Rikku gripped Lulu tighter around the waist causing the mage to almost gasp in half pain. I remember him pulling my shirt off my body leaving me in my bra, then I remember him looking around nervously and telling me to relax because he was just checking my injuries. But, that wasnt what he was doing. He unhooked my bra and pulled it off and started to feel my chest, he was hurting me he kept rubbing harder and harder until I started to cry and scream because of the pain. Then when I wouldnt stop yelling he slapped me, and then I was quiet I remember that because he stopped hitting me. Er then brother undid his pants and he pulled me so my face was near his his private part and he told me to open my mouth. So I did and he made me suck it until he yelled at me for not doing it right, that is when he got really mad at me. He started to slap me again but this time he did it harder and I fought back and that just made him even madder, so he started to punch me in my stomach. I screamed really loud and told him if he didnt stop I would tell father, brother then got really silent and he looked like he was going to kill me. I remember him grabbing me by the throat and cutting off my airway, then he told me if I did he would hurt me even more and he would hurt dad too. I stopped fighting him, that is when he put his hand in my shorts and slid his fingers into my panties, and he started to hurt me again and I dont know why it hurt but it did, and he wouldnt stop this time! Brother pulled my clothes around my ankles and he got on top of me, and he told me to shut up or he would make it hurt more than it was going to, and all I remember next was whatever he was doing hurt so bad that I started to scream and cry again. That is when brother got up and looked at me and told me I was worthless and he raised his hand up again and made lightning start to strike all around me, and I curled up into a ball on the sand and he let the lightning hit me over and over again until I blacked out. Rikku said softly, she didnt even realize she was crying until Lulu wiped away the tears. Blankly bring her dull glazed over eyes to meet the older womans the young Al-Bhed barely noticed Lulu was crying with her. Rikku, I didnt know. I thought it was something like that but I didnt think it would be that bad. Im so sorry, I didnt mean to make you hurt all over again. Muttered Lulu as wet streaks stained her cheeks, Rikku only nuzzled closer to the older woman and cried harder into her chest. Lulu, Rikku managed to say in breathy sobs that were close to being incoherent. What did he do to me? She asked in between gasp for air, the black mage held onto the shaking girl for dear life, all she wanted was to take away all of Rikkus pain and make her stop hurting. Lulu took in a long breath as a sudden wave of rage began to swell inside of her. He raped you Rikku, that is what it is called. When someone forces you to have sex with them it is called rape, and it is wrong! Your brother should be killed on the very spot he stands, people like that shouldnt be allowed to live. Lulu said as she gritted her teeth together but soon regretted every word she said as Rikku began to cry harder than Lulu thought possible. I didnt mean to do anything wrong! Please dont hate me Lulu, please forgive me for being too weak to make him stop I didnt know it was wrong! Yelled Rikku as she pushed the older woman away from her like she was a Cactuar. Get out! Please just leave me alone. The young blonde hissed in a upset dry tone that was almost empty of all emotion except sorrow and pain, Lulu reached out into the darkness and drew Rikku back into her arms even though she was fighting to pull away which made it difficult for the sorceress because she lacked physical strength. Rikku that isnt what I meant, you didnt do anything wrong. You are not to blame for anything that happened you were a little girl that was taken advantage of by someone you thought would never hurt you, I could never hate you no matter what, do you understand what I am saying Rikku? Inquired Lulu as she held the younger girl in her arms protectively. Im still a little girl. Uttered the Al-Bhed in a voice that sounded far off and laced with self loathing, closing her ruby red eyes for a moment to collect her spinning thoughts Lulu placed a trembling hand against Rikkus face and tenderly made the younger girl look up at her so she could see everything she felt. You are not a child anymore Rikku, you are a beautiful young woman. And I dont want you to think otherwise; do you understand me? You are a talented woman that can do anything you set your mind to, I know, I have been watching you mature into who you are now. When I first met you I was only thinking in interest of Lady Yuna, but as time carried on, I was glad that I gave you a chance to prove yourself as both a guardian and as a person. Lulu declared in a low voice that was both soothing and sincere, silence filled the crisp night air as Rikku forced herself to stare into the older womans deep crimson orbs, she had stopped crying for a few brief moments but the blonde Al-Bhed still shook with emotion and pain. Lulu, Rikku muttered in a soft voice that could barely be heard. Will you sleep with me tonight, I dont want to be alone, even if the storm is almost over, for me it has just begun. Lulu nodded numbly and slowly began to sing the hymn in a low tone just above a whisper in hopes it would lull Rikku into a sound peaceful sleep, slowly the young blonde pulled herself as close as she could against the black haired mage and in a voice that was twice as quiet as Lulus she sang the Hymn of the Faith in Al-Bhed. In the darkness the two women laid in each others arms singing in unison with a perfect harmony joining them together. Have any of you guys seen Lu, I checked her room but she isnt there ya. Wakka said as he scratched the back of his head and stifled a yawn, Yuna looked up at the Blitz Ball player as she took a sip of Shopuff milk. Did you check in Rikkus room? Inquired the summoner as she set her glass down and smiled softy at the tan guardian that stood before her in an archway, Wakka looked at Yuna and raised an eyebrow in question. Wha chu mean, are you sayin Lu and the Al-Bhed are closer than just comrades, ya? Wakka ask as his face paled a few shades of white, Yuna looked up and giggled. In the name of Yevon, of course I am not implying that Wakka. But last night there was a thunder storm and think I heard Lulu trying to calm Rikku down, she might have spent the night in her room. You know how scared and over dramatic Rikku can get. Yuna stated as she stood up from her seat and slowly walked over to the man from Besaid, she smiled lightly and patted Wakkas shoulder. Sighing the blitz ball player slowly walked towards Rikkus room in hopes that Yuna was wrong about Lulu staying with the young Al-Bhed, he didnt know why but the mere thought of it made his blood pump into his ears with anger. As Wakka neared the blonde girls room he slowed to a stop in front of her door and silently listened to what was going on through the other side, a few moments pasted by and all he heard was nothingness definitely no moaning or any other signs of unnatural acts taking place inside. After a few minutes of just standing in the hallway Wakka finally managed the courage to push open the door, the sight that greeted his eyes enraged the tan guardian to the point that he clenched his teeth and falls his large fist. Get you filthy hands off her you damn Al-Bhed! Wakka screamed startling both Lulu and Rikku out of a deep slumber, the black mage glared at Wakka even though she was still half asleep. Go away, cant you see we are sleeping? Lulu rumbled in a husky tired voice, the stout man from Besaid growled and marched into the blonde girls room. How could you, Lu how could you betray Chappu like this? Didnt you love him, ya? Wakka yelled in ignorance as he neared the bed and caused Rikku to shake with fear, Lulu could feel the young Al-Bhed shiver against her warm skin, with a protective look in her eyes the ebony haired woman took the small blonde into her arms and held her defiantly. Wakka shut up youre scaring her, just leave us alone and I will explain everything to you. Lulu said as her voice rose in pitch, narrowing his eyes Wakka glared at Rikku and then at Lulu. Never thought I would see the day! But here it is, my lil brothers fiancée screwin an Al-Bhed, ya know you really are a cold hearted bitch Lu. I hope you and your lil girlfriend will be happy together, cause I know I sure as hell wont. Your kind makes me sick! Spat Wakka as he stared right at Rikku before he turned and left the room, sitting in silence for a few moments the two women just held onto each other, both seeking comfort. Slowly Rikku brushed a tress of blonde hair out of her eyes as she look at Lulu, tears were hanging on her long lashes and gently began to run down her cheeks and drip off her chin. Without so much as a second thought Lulu wiped the younger girls face off with the back of her soft pale hand. Dont heed him any mind Rikku, he just has a hot temper to go with is intolerance to things he cant understand, Wakka has a good heart but a thick head. Whispered Lulu in a soft reassuring voice that seemed to fit her the more she used it to comfort the younger female, with a wrinkled brow Rikku suddenly looked deep in thought and slowly she spoke in a soft voice that was almost hard to hear. What did he mean by screwin? I dont understand. Murmured the blonde Al-Bhed as she looked at Lulu confusedly, blinking the black haired woman looked at Rikku and went slightly slag-jawed before she recomposed herself and spoke. He meant, having sex. Lamely replied Lulu as she felt a headache coming on, Rikkus eyes suddenly grew wide with shock and she started to lose colour in her face rapidly. I didnt rape you! How could he think I would do that to you? Shrieked the blonde thief as she wrapped her arms around a confused Lulu. Rikku, you do know what sex is? Rape doesnt mean the same thing as having sex. Declared Lulu with genuine shock and admiration for Rikkus childlike innocence, in return the younger guardian looked down and blushed deeply while shaking her head no. Err, umm, no one has ever explained those types of concepts to me. Retorted Rikku shyly as she began to pull away from the older woman a bit, Lulu was at a loss of words for a few seconds but carefully she continued on with the topic at hand. Have you ever kissed anyone Rikku, or are you that sheltered? Lulu asked sincerely while looking at the young girl squirm under this line of questioning, Rikku shook her head again and flushed more. No, and even if I wanted to, I wouldnt know how. I dont think I will ever understand these things Lulu. Rikku stated in a low voice that was somewhere between embarrassed and frustrated, smiling softly the pale magic user moved her head so she was eye level with the young Al-Bhed. You will understand them when it is your time to understand them. Dont rush yourself with learning everything at once, some things I still dont completely comprehend so dont try and take it all in before you have to. Sighed Lulu as she smiled tenderly at the blonde, nervously Rikku moved in closer to Lulu as she looked into her wine coloured eyes. Lulu? She choked out as her voice cracked slightly, raising a slender eyebrow the black haired mage looked into Rikkus soft hues that were like a cool whorl pool spinning into eternity. The invisible lump in the back of her throat made it difficult for Lulu to reply at first but after silently clearing her airway of nothingness she spoke in a shallow voice. Yes Rikku? Lulu inquired as a sudden burst of nervousness filled her chest and made her heart pound in her ears, the question Rikku asked wasnt spoken in words but rather a bold action that shocked them both equally. Rikku awkwardly pressed her lips gently against that of Lulus and carefully leaned against the older woman, just was quickly as the kiss came as did it quite, the blonde Al-Bhed pulled back unsure of what she was doing. Im sorry. But I wanted you to be the first person I kissed. Please dont hate me for that. Rikku whispered as she moved away from the tall mage, Lulu felt warm all over and slightly hollow from the action of the young blonde that was so pure about everything she did. Lulu touched her lips that were still a dark shade of purple from the lipstick she normally wore and she could feel the corners of her mouth pull into a full smile, the kind of smile that hadnt graced her face in many years. Rikku, She reached out and took the young woman into her thin pale arms but she didnt hug her she just held her at barely arms length. I am glad you wanted me to be your first, but I want to be your last as well. I know it is greedy of me, but I cant help the way I feel. You make me happy and you make my nightmares go away when ever I hold you in my arms, you make me feel like a person again Rikku. The young Al-Bhed sat there in silence for a brief second before she closed her eyes and made her voice as level as it could at the moment. Lulu you never told me what your nightmares are about . Rikku muttered and looked into the older womans face to try and read her emotions, Lulus brow quivered slightly before she spoke, her heart was breaking as each second ticked and Rikku didnt make a move to hold her or tell her she felt the same way. Being alone, that is my nightmare. Being totally alone with no one but myself to converse with. I know all of you see me and assume that I enjoy the solace that is my dark world of silence and hardened emotions, but it is something I completely loath. Concluded Lulu as she looked up at the ceiling to keep her tears from falling down her cheeks. Lulu, Rikku whispered as she cupped the older womans face with her small palms and eased it down to meet her eyes. I will always be here for you, so you wont ever be alone again. I know it must be hard for you because you always have to be the mature one, the one that is both the disciplinarian and the voice of complete reason. I dont want you to feel like that anymore Lulu, I want you to be happy and smile. Rikku leaned in and whispered into the sorceresss ear with hot breath lightly brushing against the fair skin. Because you never know when someone will fall in love with that smile. Rikku declared softly as she placed soft kisses under Lulus ear, and across her neck until she lightly brushed her lips over the older womans chin and finally pressed against the mages mouth with a sealing kiss of her promise. A light blush rose up in both guardians faces as they deepened the embrace making silent vows of never ending love, suddenly a gasp spun both Lulu and Rikku out of their blissful moment of complete union. Oh my. Yuna rasped out in a shocked tone as she slowly backed away from the scene that played before her differently coloured eyes, blurting out a rushed apology the young summoner shut the door behind her and took off running down the hallway with her cheeks set a flame. Honestly doesnt anyone knock anymore? Rikku inquired with a reddened face as she slowly turned and gazed at Lulu who was cool and calm as normal, the black haired mage shook her head and suddenly let out a pent up laugh that threw the younger of the two into a fit of giggles. It appears we should perhaps lock the door from now on, Lulu stated mirthfully with an amused smirk adorning her pale face, Rikku nodded with a smile of her own and suddenly bolted out of the bed and over to the door and gave the lock a quick flick of the wrist, diving back into the bed she crawled over to Lulu and nuzzled the crook of the older womans neck. Rikku! Lulu yelled with a playful air of shock to her voice, the blonde Al-Bhed smiled and blushed timidly. What you told me to do it, Rikku giggled innocently while wrapping her arms around the taller woman. And I am not one to disobey my elders. She teased with a large grin; Lulu narrowed her eyes a little before she suddenly spoke in a deep sultry voice. I will make you pay for that. Lulu cooed devilishly and gently pushed Rikku onto her back and tenderly yet very assertively straddled her hips. The young blonde blushed a shade of dark red and gasped in half surprise, Lulus grin widened as she let her fingertips roam freely over the younger girls body causing moans and purrs to escape from the blonde Al-Bhed beneath her. You-you can this pay b-b-back? Rikku murmured softly while relishing every moment Lulu made, smiling impishly the black haired mage leaned close so she was all but laying on top of the young Al-Bhed and whispered in a hushed voice that made Rikkus stomach get butterflies. No, but this is! Blurted Lulu as she began to tickle the unsuspecting thief, Rikku squealed and began to thrash around on the bed trying in vane to rid herself of her loving attacker, Lulu laughed as a few braided locks of ebony hair cascaded down her face which tickled her own nose. Rikku collapsed from exhaustion after only a few minutes of frenzied struggling and torture the young blonde panted out in a ragged voice. How did you know I was so ticklish? Lulu gave Rikku a thoughtful look before she brought back her serious demeanor and stated in a matter of factly voice. You look ticklish. She smiled while she continued to straddle the younger girls hips, Rikku blushed lightly and suddenly wrapped her arms around Lulus neck and brought her on top of her own body. And you look gorgeous but that doesnt give me any advantages over you now does it? Rikku mused playfully as she flicked her tongue out and licked Lulus lips; the dark haired mage blushed deeply at the suddenness of the sexual action her sweet and innocent Rikku just showed her. Dont tease it isnt polite. Lulu scolded mockingly, while running her hand through the thin Al-Bheds tangled tresses, Rikku smirked and leaned in and licked the older womans lips again. Maybe Im not teasing, maybe I want to make love to you right here right now. Stated the blonde girl seriously; Lulus red eyes widened in complete shock. Or maybe I am. Rikku giggled and smiled up at Lulu with innocent eyes. Oh now thats just plain cruel. Lulu chimed and brought her face down and stopped barely a millimeter away from Rikkus face and licked the younger girls lips, Rikku pouted for a second but suddenly grinned as she shot her own tongue out to meet that of Lulus, pleasantly surprised the black mage moved in the final millimeter and passionately pressed her mouth over Rikkus and continued their playful duel of sorts. Almost a full minute had passed before the two broke apart of air, both were panting and beginning to sweat lightly, very slowly Rikku muttered something that made Lulu want to laugh and cry at the same time. So how do we make love? She asked innocently with a smile, Lulu bit her own bottom lip and set out to enlighten her young lover on how to indeed be a lover. ------------------------------------------------------------ Authors notes: So what did you think, I am planning on writing a follow up to this story and oh yes, Rikku will know how to make love by that time. Sorry to anyone who doesnt like this sort of thing but I had to write it, I mean its Lulu and Rikku for goddess sakes! How could anyone NOT want them together?!?! Anyways I hope you enjoyed it I know I liked writing it. And I only have my Christmas muse to thank for it ONE DAY it took me ONE DAY TO WRITE!! That is a new record for me. Read and Respond please. Thank you very much.
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