Al-Bhed translations: “Turbulence”~ Title "Hey, hurry up! We don't have all day to wait for you two old grease monkeys!" ~ Rikku "So I have been raising a loudmouth all these years? Didn't I reach you respect for your elders girly? Oh screw it! Give your old man a hug!" ~ Cid "Father! Ack, as much as I missed you too, I miss air a whole lot more, please let me go dad." ~ Rikku "Been staying out of trouble I hope?" ~ Cid "Nope" ~ Rikku "So far so good." ~ Rikku "Everything will be fine, I don't want you to worry. It upsets me to no end seeing you like this; I promise everything will be fine." ~ Lulu "Lulu, I would kill just to have you hold me right now...hey wait a second when did you learn to speak Al-Bhed?!" ~Rikku "Little sister, it is good to see you again." ~ Brother "Brother." ~ Rikku ------------------------------------------------------------ “I don’t see why you just don’t go ahead and tell Cid that you two are…umm…seeing each other. What could it hurt, ya?” Murmured Wakka as he lend against the side of an archway, with an irate grunt the dark haired sorceress turned her line of vision on the short muscular blitz ball player. "Listen Wakka, Rikku and I are not telling Cid for obvious reasons. One, he could very well not want me seeing Rikku anymore. Two, he might disown her if he finds out. So please, let us tell him on our own accord." Worriedly stated Lulu with a somber tone to her low almost husky voice, slowly nodding the spiky-haired Beside guardian looked from the fair skinned black mage to Rikku who was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed and an expression of foreboding doom etched on her pretty face. With an almost shy air around her the young thief stood up and carefully padded over to where her ebony haired lover was standing, with shaking hands Rikku wrapped her arms around Lulu's slender waist bringing the older woman into a tender embrace. "C'mon Lulu cheer up," Rikku whispered into the mage's ear as she nuzzled her cheek against Lulu's bare shoulder. "We have to stay positive about this and be ob-sta-miss-tic…err…optimistic, yeah that's the word. We have to keep our heads high and not fear what might happen, after all this is my dad we are talking about, I really doubt he would just up and abandon me because I am in love with you." Giggled Rikku as she leaned back and smiled weakly at the black mage with a deep fondness that only a lover could, forcing a grin of her own Lulu nodded and gave the blonde girl a quick peak on the cheek causing Rikku to blush lightly at the sudden act of affection. "Yeah, listen to the kid. She knows what's what, ya? Anyhow here comes the welcome wagon now, so you two better perk up otherwise Cid will know something is up, chu know?" Chided Wakka as he made a show of overdramatically waving his arms over his head as the Highwind came into view. Sighing slightly Lulu brushed a tress of long braided ebony hair from her shoulder as she tightened her hold on her Onion Knight, the softness of the stuffed creature almost ripping under her fierce grip as the large Al-Bhed airship set down a kilometer away causing a rush of wind to flow over the mage mussing her long hair. "Umm, Lulu." Rikku's voice suddenly spoke out as Lulu watched the hatch of the Highwind opened up revealing two male figures that were still concealed in a vague darkness from the ship's hull. Coyly shifting her red eyes to the side the mistress of the black arts saw the blonde Al-Bhed smile sweetly and hold up her gloved hand giving her a thumbs up and a small wink, both actions forced Lulu to grin widely and shake her head with a playful motion that just seemed to scream 'why me?' giggling the young guardian threw her fist into the air joyfully waving at the two people that had just stepped off the ship. "Everything will be okay," Stated the blonde Al-Bhed just above a whisper before she turned her head and shouted at the one man that was slowly approaching leaving the other figure standing by the ship's opening. "Rao, rinno ib! Fa tuh'd ryja ymm tyo du fyed vun oui dfu umt knayca suhgaoc!" Yelled Rikku in a teasing tone as she bolted towards her father in order to meet him halfway, with a deep mock frown Cid looked at the young blonde girl with a stern gaze that held a secret gentleness to it as she met him after a few moments of running. "Cu e ryja paah nyecehk y muitsuidr ymm draca oaync? Teth'd e naylr oui nacbald vun ouin amtanc kenmo? Ur clnaf ed! Keja ouin umt syh y rik!" Laughed the bald Al-Bhed as he wrapped his arms around Rikku's thin waist giving her a tight embrace as he lifted her off of the ground causing the blonde thief to gasp for much needed oxygen. "Vydran! Ylg, yc silr yc e seccat oui duu, e secc yen y fruma mud suna, bmayca mad sa ku tyt." Playfully wheezed Rikku as she returned the tight hug and giggled lightly, setting the blonde teen down with ease Cid looked from his daughter to the rest of the guardians that were still standing by the inn waiting patiently. "Paah cdyoehk uid uv dnuipma e ruba?" Inquired the pilot of the Highwind as if he were trying to make small talk, the tone of Cid's voice was almost flat and seemed to carry a certain note of depression to it, shaking her head the blonde guardian looked to the older man with a soft smile that was both apologetic and warm. "Huba," Rikku chimed in her normal perky tone that was laced with an added bit of cheerfulness to it, smiling wholeheartedly Cid shook his head at the blonde girl's antics. "C'mon dad you should know me by now, a feisty young Al-Bhed, I get into so much trouble just being what I am, I don't need to try." Declared the young thief in a soft tone that was almost hurt sounding for a brief moment, shaking his head again Cid placed a large hand on Rikku's shoulder, it was a gesture both knew meant more that what it seemed, Cid being too much of a man to truly show his soft side off very often; even to his own children. With pursed lips Rikku bounced in front of her father standing on her tiptoes wiggling her index finger in front of her like a scolding teacher, blinking for a split second the older Al-Bhed just stared at the thin blonde girl, slowly a loud rumble escaped Cid's mouth as he chuckled at the amusing teen in front of him. "Gods Rikku, you never cease to make me smile," Suddenly Cid took a deep tone that startled the young Al-Bhed as he looked at her with hardened eyes. "We need to talk about a few things when everyone is on board the ship, I am just giving you fair warning, not all of it is good news I am gonna be discussing with you." And with that the bald pilot of the Highwind left Rikku standing frozen to the very spot she stood on with a look of dread slowly spreading on her now pale face. Does he know about me and Lulu…how could he…oh my gods…what is Yunnie told him…me and Lulu never told her not to tell…shit! Rikku mentally screamed as she all but snapped her neck towards the direction of the inn, with a low whine raising up her throat the young Al-Bhed jogged after her father although he was already standing with the others and chit-chatting with Yuna and Lulu. Even to her own dismay it took Rikku a bit longer to reach where everyone was due to the fact she fell on her face when she locked eyes with the black mage and received a seductive wink barely over Cid's shoulder, this threw the blonde girl mind into a spin causing her knees to quiver and give out, luckily Lulu was the only one who saw the young guardian take a literal nosedive at her playful action, with a slightly startled expression on her pale face the ebony haired woman muffled a gasp with a cupped hand and suddenly darted her head back towards the direction of conversation. "So," Yuna drawled out as she looked at Cid with a soft smile that lit up her differently coloured eyes. "I hear that you are going to rebuild the Al-Bhed Home at Lake Macalania…is that true?" Inquired the summoner in a diplomatic tone that was instilled in her so many years ago, Cid smirked as he crossed his arms over his large chest and nodded silently to the question that was asked. Yuna frowned lightly at his response but thought it more polite not to question what he thought best for his people. "Dad," Rikku blurted from seemingly nowhere as she snuck up behind her father causing the older man to jump, seeing as how she caught him off guard the thin thief giggled with pride at her accomplishment. "Don't you think that is a bit…dramatic?" Stated Rikku in a serious voice that caused Cid to quirk an eyebrow at the girl. "Drastic, you mean." Corrected Lulu in a calm tone that was very unlike what Rikku was used to, especially since she knew the softer side of the older woman, sticking her tongue out the young Al-Bhed blew a raspberry at the black haired woman. "That too," Giggled Rikku not missing a beat, with a wide smile she turned back to the Highwind pilot. "So, why are you rebuilding in that horrible place anyhow…it is really too cold there ya know." Stated Rikku with a nod as she crossed her arms over her still developing chest in a mimicking pose of the man she was standing beside, rubbing his chin Cid shrugged deeply and shook his head. "Would you rather we rebuild in the Thunder Plains?" Retorted Cid with a gruff laugh that just seemed to rattled Lulu's cool exterior, stiffening slightly at the word 'thunder' the blonde Al-Bhed shivered slightly and slowly edged closer to the mistress of the dark arts suddenly wanting to be held. "N-n-n-n-n-n-n-no…why would I want that?!" Shouted Rikku in a deadpan voice that made the bald man almost wince. "Then you should just be happy we aren't rebuilding there." Mirthfully mused Cid as he patted his daughter's shoulder, as he lifted his large hand from her petite frame he noticed how she gave a small shiver and seemed to pale a bit more by the second, he also took note how the black mage named Lulu seemed to almost glare at him for his little joke. Damn she is a protective one isn't she…that witch must see herself as Rikku's surrogate mother or something, it is good to know my little girl has good people to take care of her while she is away from me. Cid inwardly chuckled to himself suddenly feeling a weight lift off his shoulders, the thought of Rikku being protected by a frail looking mage seemed to put his worried mind at ease for a brief while, but it also caused him to shuttered under the realization his little girl was growing up and most likely was the one doing the majority of the protecting between the two of the female guardians. "Well, shall we be going then? It is getting rather on into the day and we need to get settled in to our new a commendations, don't you think Uncle Cid." Yuna inquired in a low tone as she gazed at the elder Al-Bhed man, with a short shrug of his broad shoulders the pilot of the Highwind pointed towards the airship with a grin. "Already and waiting for ya Yuna." Stated Cid as he turned and looked at the large machina ship, his dull eyes lighting up at the very sight of his pride and joy. Giggling Rikku looked at the aircraft then to her father while shaking her head as if disapprovingly only to receive a stern warning look from both the bald Al-Bhed and the young summoner, blinking back a half startled look the young blonde embarrassedly gawked down at her feet as she suddenly felt the urge to kick at the grass sheepishly. "Lets get going then, shall we?" Rhetorically declared Yuna as she headed towards the Highwind at a leisurely pace closely followed by Cid and the others; all except Rikku and Lulu who hung back and walked side-by-side passing longing glances to each other. "Cu vyn cu kuut." Whispered the blonde thief to herself as she stealthily reached her small hand out and stroked the ebony haired sorceress's arm through her black satiny sleeve, with her red orbs narrowed into small slits Lulu removed her long slender fingers from her Onion Knight and gently placed her hand onto the young girl's back rubbing comforting circles with her palm. "Ajanodrehk femm pa veha, e tuh'd fyhd oui du funno. Ed ibcadc sa du hu aht caaehk oui mega drec; e bnuseca ajanodrehk femm pa veha." Breathed Lulu as she delicately pronounced every syllable with added care and articulation, bashfully the younger of the two guardians nodded slightly causing blonde braids to fall into her eyes giving her a look of a shy child for a moment. "Lulu, e fuimt gemm zicd du ryja oui rumt sa nekrd huf...rao fyed y caluht frah tet oui maynh du cbayg Al-Bhed?!" Rikku choked out in a loud gasp of pure astonishment as she gazed into the black mage's crimson eyes, Rikku knew that Lulu could translate her language but she had no clue that she could speak it as well, stifling a soft laugh with a balled hand Lulu smiled at the younger girl with a bemused smirk playing across her porcelain coloured face. "I borrowed Titus's Al-Bhed primers for a bit, I wanted to surprise you with being able to understand your native tongue. Pleasantly I see it worked as I intended, though I wanted to spring my newly aquired skill in a more… intimate way. But I suppose now that we will be around more Al-Bheds, my ability to understand your people will be more practical." Mirthfully stated Lulu as she watched the shock on her lover's face replace with a mischievous grin that she knew all too well. "Uh-uh-uh," Murmured the older woman as she wiggled her long index finger at the blonde girl with a wolfish grin of her own. "There will be on of that on this trip young lady, so just get those thoughts out of your pretty little head right this moment." Chortled Lulu in a playful tone as her expression betrayed her stoic and self-possessed nature that she shelled herself with to almost everyone but a very rare few. Wrinkling her nose Rikku made a face that was somewhere between disappointed and vexed, slowly the young Al-Bhed stuck her tongue out at the ebony haired witch teasingly. "You're no fun at all anymore Lulu, always raining on my party, I swear woman what am I gonna do with you. And if you say anything about chocolate pudding you'll be contradicting yourself, so there!" Retorted Rikku as she winked and started to dash out in front of Lulu running backwards so she could still look at the older woman, flicking a long dark braid behind her shoulder the mage closed her eyes and seemed to walk with an add bit of swagger to her hips. "Rain on your parade you mean," Wittily corrected Lulu in a low seductive tone that made the blonde thief's cheeks redden. "And I would never dream of saying such things about desserts and your…equally delicious body. Though it was very enjoyable last time we did that." Mused the dark haired woman with desire raising up her whole being at the memory of the petite blonde covered from head to toe with rich milk chocolate, unfortunately for the black mage Rikku was still dressed under all of the sticky sweetness, how was the younger girl to know she was suppose to be naked when she did things like that. "I think my goggles still have some of that pudding on them," Giggled Rikku as she lifted her red goggles to her eyes and inspected them closely. "Yeah, see there still is. Just around the edges though. Next time we use banana pudding, and you are the one putting it on, err…though I think you will need to take off your dress, I don't think that stuff will come out of fur so easily." Nodded Rikku sagely as she looked Lulu over then smiled impishly, folding her arms over her bust the sorceress raised an eyebrow while trying to calm her flushing cheeks. "And you say I am the one with the overactive sex drive," Lulu sighed and shook her head with exuberance. "What am I going to do with you?" Muttered the older woman with a slight smile as she looked at Rikku then realized that was the wrong thing to say. "Oh, oh, oh…I know, I know!" Beamed Rikku in a giddy tone that told Lulu exactly what the blonde Al-Bhed was going to say. "Don't even think about voicing that remark young lady." Declared Lulu in a mock stern voice; that made the young blonde fold her arms over her chest and pout childishly. "Wet blanket." Grumbled Rikku as she turned around and lightly slapped her own backside as a taunt, Lulu's eyes widened at the use of Provoke outside of battle, blinking for a moment the dark haired witch narrowed her red orbs at the young girl then pointed towards the Highwind causing Rikku to spin around looking for the reason Lulu had motioned towards the machina airship. The sudden sting on her left cheek caused the young blonde to let out a high-pitched yelp as she felt Lulu's hand smack against her backside, it didn't really hurt all that much just rather startled her that her lover had just slapped her ass in clear view of everyone. "Serves you right for taunting me, you know how I can't resist touching your cute little…." Purred Lulu in a husky tone but was suddenly cut off by a man shouting at the two. "WOULD YOU TWO HURRY UP!? I'VE SEEN DEAD THINGS MOVE FASTER THAN THE TWO OF YOU!" Screamed Cid as he franticly waved his hands over his head in hopes to attract the two female guardians attention, blushing fiercely Rikku looked at Lulu who suddenly had her cool and collected face on again, sighing lightly the Al-Bhed girl took off towards the Highwind at full charge leaving the pale mage in her tracks. After a brief moment the young blonde panted as she plopped on the springy grass underfoot earning several looks from everyone around her including Lulu who was standing against an archway with an unreadable expression on her face. "That…isn't fair…" Gasped Rikku as she sucked down air like no tomorrow. "She used Haste, and don't you dare call me out of shape dad." Groaned the blonde Al-Bhed as she stood up on shaky legs and all but grunted at the act, with a short chuckle Cid cleared his throat and looked at his daughter. "I wasn't gonna call you out of shape, now get in the ship before I leave you here." Declared the bald man with a half smirk on his aged face, with a coy grin Rikku nodded in a 'yeah right' fashion as she walked into the hull of the Highwind closely followed by the others. "Meddma cecdan, ed ec kuut du caa oui ykyeh." A male voice suddenly sprang from the shadows causing the blonde girl to shriek back like a snake had just struck at her, staggering a few meters to the left the blonde guardian instantly pulled her lithe frame into a fighting stance, with the slow realization that the speaker was none other than her older brother Rikku hesitantly dropped her fist and narrowed her cool blue eyes. "Pnudran." Lamely stated the youthful blonde as she brushed a sandy tress of braided hair behind her small ear and tried to resist the urge to break into a run and get as far away from the Mohawk wearing Al-Bhed as she could but failed miserably. "Sorry can't stay, gotta get settled in ya know, well later, bye-bye." Rambled Rikku as she suddenly bolted down a corridor and took off towards the bridge of the ship, leaving a slightly nervous looking Brother scratching the back of his shaved head. "What was that about?" Grumbled Cid in a now low almost bitter sounding tone, shrugging his shoulders the younger of the two Al-Bhed men turned around and started to follow in the direction his little sister had so quickly rushed off towards. "Whoa, Lu watch it! You are starting to get that weird magic vibe going ya!" Wakka exclaimed as he rubbed a spot on his shoulder that had suddenly turned red from an extreme drop in temperature, snapping her attention to the tan Beside guardian the ebony haired mage gawked at him with confusion knitting her brow into a tight wrinkle. With raised eyebrows Lulu suddenly saw that her bottled rage was slowly escaping her control causing small sparks of magic to fly from her plush toy without her notice, lowering her head apologetically the dark manned sorceress loosened her grip on her spell casting aid as she forced all of her emotions to the back of her mind, even though she realized this action would only amplify her anger a million fold in the long run. Taking a deep breath Lulu looked up with a certain darkness to her red eyes, a darkness Wakka had only seen once before and hoped never to see again. "My sincerely apologies Wakka, I don't know what has gotten into me. If you will, I believe I need to be excused for a moment if I may?" Uttered Lulu in a shallow tone as she addressed Yuna without name; nodding her head lightly the young summoner motioned for the older woman to do whatever she felt necessary, bowing in return the fair skinned witch quickly walked off in the direction of the bridge in hopes to catch up to her young lover. As Lulu felt her teeth unclench and her breathing slowly returned to its regular pattern, she could feel the boiling rage subsiding momentarily as her feet silently padded along the metal corridors of the Highwind, in the back of her mind the black mage knew her anger would end up getting the best of her as it always had in the end. Shaking her head as she tried to dislodge the thoughts from her suddenly burning mind Lulu swiped away a soft lock of braided hair, her head pounding at the temples causing her to let out a pent up sigh that was ragged and a bit drawl out. "Lulu," A hushed voice whispered from behind the tall woman as a pair of thin arms encircled around the mage's slender waist eliciting a short gasp from the woman. "I don’t want to be here, lets run away." Cooed Rikku in a half serious voice as she all but pulled the pale guardian into a barely lit room, with a low thud the automatic door slid closed behind the two as they entered. With a relieved smirk Lulu turned her head at an odd angle as she stroked the sides of Rikku's face with the back of her ivory coloured hand, the sight that greeted her wine red hues caused her light smile to faultier and replace with a deep frown that seemed suddenly pained. "You aren’t serious are you, Rikku, sweetie you know we can't just go and leave. It is our mission as guardians to protect Lady Yuna to the end." Declared Lulu as she turned around fully and gazed into the blonde thief's childlike face wishing they could just run away and never come back, shyly biting her lower lip the younger of the two guardians slowly cleared her throat as she brought her body against that of the older woman's. "What…what if that is all it is…just an end…what if we can't beat Sin? Lulu, I don't want Yunnie to die for nothing…I don't want Yunnie to die at all…we are so close to the end…and no one has thought of a way to keep from sacrificing Yuna…we are all just sitting back and staling for borrowed time, Lulu what if we can't save Yunnie, what if we can't beat Sin, I'm scared…and this waiting isn't helping that any. You know what they say, it is always calmest before the storm, and right now everything is calm, too calm for its own good, Lulu…the storm is coming I can feel it…and I don't know if…if…we are ready for it." Stuttered Rikku as she laid her head onto the taller woman's shoulder relishing the warmth of her skin on her cool cheek, tenderly the pale sorceress stroked the younger girl's tangled tresses lovingly smoothing soft braids of sandy hair away from Rikku's blue eyes. "They also say, it is always darkest before the dawn. Love, I want you to promise me something, if I ever ask you for anything this is that one thing." Whispered Lulu in a low hushed voice as she pulled the petite blonde into a tight embrace that was both soothing and protective. "Anything. Just ask me." Mumbled Rikku as she buried her face into the crook of Lulu's neck seeking shelter from her lover's piercing red eyes for fear she would cry if she stared into their depths for too much longer, taking a step back Lulu placed the palms of her hands on either side of Rikku's face forcing her to meet her soft gaze. "Promise me, promise me that you won't talk like that ever again. Sin feeds on sorrow and despair, if you give up hope now, you won't make it to see the everlasting calm, please Rikku don't give up hope, we will find a way to save Lady Yuna, we just have to ride this out until we can find that way. Do you understand me? I want you to stop worrying about what awaits us tomorrow and enjoy what you have today. Promise me that?" Hoarsely pleaded Lulu as her voice cracked causing her eyes to swell with unshed tears that she barely had the strength to hold back anymore, nodding her head slightly the young Al-Bhed gently leaned in kisses trails down the fair skinned woman's ivory cheeks before she tenderly placed a soft comforting kiss on the mage's mouth. "I promise," Whispered Rikku as she continued to let her lips roam over the older guardian's face. "But you have to promise me something too." Stated the young blonde as she stopped her tender assault, the act of speech long forgotten Lulu merely nodded her head as she helpless stared into Rikku's spiraling blue hues that she never seemed to fully get enough of. "You have to promise me, that you will remember it is okay to need to cry, I told you once I don't want you to hide in that dark shell of yours…Lulu, you don't have t hide who you are from me, I know that you are strong but even the strongest of us need to cry sometimes. So please stop trying to protect me so much and let me start to protect you too." Cooed the blonde Al-Bhed in a deep voice that didn't seem to fit her youthful demeanor in the slightest, with a sluggish nod the black mage tilted her head downward as she reached up and cupped both of Rikku's cheeks with the palms of her hands again. "I promise." Lulu retorted in a somber tone that was low and slightly quivering, gazing at the fair skinned woman the young blonde inwardly smiled as she saw tears trickled down Lulu's face and collect at the underside of her chin. Leaning in the younger of the two woman gently kisses the glistening path of tears until the skin under her lips was dry again, pulling the petite guardian back with shaking hands the ebony haired sorceress smiled weakly taking in the sight of the younger girl in front of her, the passion filled gaze that locked onto Rikku caused her to flush a neon pink and take a sudden childlike expression that was nothing short of innocent. "What are you thinking about Lulu?" Inquired the blonde Al-Bhed as she felt her heart start to race in her chest as the fire shimmering in her lover's red orbs held an intensity that could have melted the sun itself, a low rumble of a laugh escaped Lulu's barely parted lips as she heard the younger girl's voice squeak with what sounded like nervousness. "I am pondering what heavenly deity created such perfection in one being and would bless a creature like myself with being able to bask in the warm glow of that perfection. I am so incredibly lucky to have you here with me, I love you so much Rikku." Murmured Lulu as she stroked the younger woman's cheek with her thumb feeling the heat radiating from her flushing face. "Oh shush you're embarrassing me!" Gigged Rikku as she tilted her head and playfully bit the older woman's fragile looking hands, lightly grazing her eyeteeth over the tender flesh of the pale mage's slender digits the young thief carefully pushed the black manned sorceress against the flat of a nearby wall smiling wolfishly as she pulled her mouth away from Lulu's hand. "Didn't I tell you to get those thoughts out of your head? Do you even take into consideration the types of repercussions there will be if we get caught?" Inquired Lulu in a strict tone that cause Rikku to pull away lightly with an expression of guilt on her pretty youthful face, with a light frown the ebony haired witch took a step forward closing the distance between her body and that of the younger guardian; quickly wrapping her arms around the blonde girl's thin waist pulling her lithe frame with her as she leaned back against the wall behind her. A shocked gasp filled Lulu's ears as she grabbed Rikku's rear and gave it a firm squeeze before she lifted the blonde Al-Bhed a few millimeters off the ground, a suave smirk inched itself across the ivory skinned mage's face as she felt the petite blonde drape her slender arms around her neck pulling her closer. Keeping one hand firmly gripping Rikku's backside Lulu tenderly slid her other hand up the girl's back eliciting a small shiver from the blonde thief, moaning in response from the movement Rikku bowed her head as she vigorously began to lapped at the hallow of Lulu's neck causing the ebony haired woman to arch forward as she tilted her head back whimpering in pleasure. "Can you two not keep your hands off each for longer than ten minutes!?" Snapped a sudden voice as the electric door clicked open revealing a highly enraged Yuna, waving her staff around madly the young summoner approached the two lovers who were detangling themselves from each other at a speed never before seen. "Lady Yuna please it isn't what it looks like," Lulu declared in a low calm tone as she looked at Yuna with a pleading expression gracing her colour lacking face, crossing her arms over her small chest the daughter of High Summoner Braska raised an eyebrow at the black mage very doubtfully. "Look down." Commanded Yuna as she closed her blue and green hues as if suddenly hit with a surge of pain, doing as instructed Lulu's cheeks reddened as she saw her own unclad breasts in view for everyone to see, pulling her fur trimmed dress over her bust the ebony sorceress glanced over to an equally flushing Rikku who looked at the ground embarrassedly. "Lady Yuna, please hear me out for a moment…." Began Lulu as her heart throbbed in her throat making it tighten to the point swallowing was difficult, cutting the black haired woman off with a glare and a high-pitch voice the young aeon summoner turned her back to the two women. "I will expect the both of you to be presentable in five minutes, Rikku your father wishes to speak to you and as for you Lulu…come see me on the bridge." With that Yuna stepped out of the room leaving Lulu and Rikku standing with looks of doom on their faces. "Tell me one thing." Choked out the mage as she cleared her throat feeling a sudden wave of almost nausea hit her head on. "What is it?" Whispered the blonde Al-Bhed as she straitened her braids and goggles nervously. "How did you get my top down?" Inquired Lulu with sincere curiosity glinting in her red eyes, flashing an impish grin Rikku cantered her head to the left as she looked at her baffled lover. "My teeth." Simply replied the young Al-Bhed as she marched passed Lulu giving her a sly wink, sighing heavily the black mage touch her fingertips to her forehead and gently rubbed between her eyes as she tried to ward off the on coming headache. "I should have known." Lamely retorted Lulu; as she let out a soft giggle that caused Rikku to whip around grinning wildly. "Yup, you should have." Teased the younger of the two guardians in a mirthful tone that suddenly lacked nervousness of any kind, with a smile of her own Lulu moved her hand in a light waving motion as if to say 'what can I say to that'. "Just one more thing though," Stated Lulu in a suddenly humourless voice, nodding Rikku leaned in as if expecting her girlfriend to whisper the question. "Your pants are unzipped, just thought you ought to know before you go see Cid." Calmly declared the ebony haired witch as she smiled warmly and gently kissed the young girl's cheek before she coolly strolled off towards the automatic door. "Wha…How the…Lulu!" Screeched Rikku in a high-pitched voice as she quickly fastened her pants and gawked at the fair complexioned mage, turning her head over her shoulder Lulu gave the young blonde a sultry wink. "Some secrets are best never reviled." Stated Lulu in a husky voice that dripped with playfulness and a subtle mysterious nature to it, blinking Rikku slapped her forehead overdramatically and gave an exasperated sigh. "I should have known," Groaned the petite thief as she mimicked the black mage's earlier statement. "Though I still have one up on you." Grinned Rikku as she started to laugh, raising a slender eyebrow Lulu turned to the Al-Bhed girl confusedly. "Have you now? And prey tell how is that?" Inquired the dark haired woman as she brushed a tress of hair out of her face, laughing harder Rikku shook her head and gripped her sides lightly. "If you remember clearly, you did have a bra on." Rikku declared as she stopped herself from laughing long enough to look at the expression on Lulu's face, bursting out into hysterics as the black mage's mouth sudden hung agape the blonde Al-Bhed pointed to the corner where she had thrown the undergarment. "You never cease to amaze me Rikku." Uttered Lulu as she walked over to her article of clothing and shook her head, picking her bra off the floor the sorceress looked it over with a scanning red eye, pulling on the undergarment as she seductively walked back to where Rikku was standing Lulu clasped the last hook of her bra and gave the teenager a look of complete astonishment. With a laugh Rikku threw her head back and bellowed out in a fake accent as she struck a very familiar pose. "I'm good, ya?" Giggled the Al-Bhed as she copied Wakka's winning pose with perfection, unable to take the humour of the situation Lulu covered her eyes with her hands trying to keep from cracking up at the sight of her girlfriend mimicking the tan Beside guardian. "We better go, and promise me you will never do that again, ever." Chuckled Lulu as she tried to breath in even strides but failed miserably, nodding lightly Rikku pounced on the black mage hugging her tightly and kissing her lips before she let go and rushed from the room like a bolt. "About time girly, I've been waiting for you for an hour now!" Yelled Cid as he looked at his young daughter with a disapproving glint in his eyes, bowing her head with guile Rikku stared at her feet for a moment. "Sorry dad, but I didn't know where you were and I sort of was talking to Lulu earlier…I kind of forgot that you wanted to talk to me about something. Sorry." Whispered Rikku as she scuffed at the floor sheepishly, shaking his head at the young blonde's actions the pilot of the Highwind slowly sighed as he lowered his manly frame into a chair. Just by the look on his face Rikku could tell that whatever he was about to tell her was serious, the young Al-Bhed had only seen that expression curse her father's facial features twice before and that was when her mother died and Home was destroyed. "Don't worry about it, I am just a bit on edge, take a seat, we are gonna be here for a while." Muttered Cid as he patted the chair next to his, silently nodding the blonde guardian walked over to where her father was and took the offered seat without question. "So," Rikku breathed as she tried to keep her head from spinning. "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Looking up at a metal pipe running across the ceiling Cid touched his hand to the back of his neck as if trying to figure out what he indeed was trying to say to the younger Al-Bhed. "Rikku, you know, this isn't easy to say. But…Yuna and I have been discussing a few things, and she has agreed to release you from your guardian duties." Muttered Cid in a shallow voice that was gruffer than anything Rikku had ever heard before. "What do you mean by that?" Confusedly inquired the blonde as she suddenly felt like someone had knocked the air out of her; shutting his tired eyes Cid leaned back in his chair making it squeak in apposition, taking a long breath the bald man leveled his rattled and frayed nerves. "I mean, Yuna and I have decided that it is best for you to stay here, on the airship where it is safer. I know that I told you to take care of Yuna and make sure nothing happens to her, but I don't want to lose you too, like I did your mother. Yuna knew what she was getting into when she started her pilgrimage, she knew that to beat Sin she would have to sacrifice herself; it isn't fair to have to drag you into that sort of situation too." Grumbled the older Al-Bhed in a deep voice as he cracked open an orb to look at his daughter, the sight that greeted his eyes wasn't has he had expected, she wasn't throwing a temper tantrum or yelling in the least Rikku just started ahead of her with a bleak expression on her face. "No," Rasped out the pretty thief as she looked to her father with a certain fire burning in her cool blue eyes. "Dad, this isn't all about us. We have to think about Spira, and if saving the planet means that we have to make sacrifices than so be it! I don't want to see Yunnie die, I don't want to see anyone die, but if me and the others don't stop Sin that's what's gonna happen. The world will end and the only calm that will come is the one of death, I refuse to give up now because that is what Sin wants us to do. If we give up hope then we have already lost the fight before it has even begun, and I sure as Godhand am not going to give in to what that monster wants!" Definitely shouted Rikku as she stood up and glared at Cid, taking to his own feet the bald man stared at the sandy manned girl with a strict expression on his aged face. "You are still my child and you will obey my wishes! Do you understand me? I don't want to have to force you to stay here but if that is what it boils down to then I have no choice in the matter!" Yelled Cid as he loomed over the petite teenager in order to gain dominance over her, taking a step back Rikku placed her hands on her hips and sized her father up with a scanning gaze. "I am my own woman, I don't have to take orders from you just because I am your daughter. You have no right to try and force me to stay here against my will, I love you dad but you can't keep me away from my destiny. And if you have to disown me so that I may complete my mission then go ahead, because no matter what you do I am going to continued being Yunnie's guardian and you can't stop me from doing that." Retorted the blonde girl as she gave Cid a warning look before she turned and walked towards the exit, with a rough slap the Highwind pilot reached out and clamped his large hand around Rikku's thin wrist pulling her to a sudden halt. "You're not a baby anymore, but you will always be my little girl, no matter how old you get. But, you are right, I have no say so whether or not you go off and fight Sin or stay here. I just want what is best for you, and so does Yuna that is why she agreed to dismiss you as her guardian. But you are an adult now, capable of making your own choices in life, and if wanting to help destroy Sin is one of those decisions than I will just have to stand by it. Even if I don't fully agree with it." Declared Cid as he loosened his grip on his daughter's wrist and slowly sauntered backwards. "Oh dad." Mumbled Rikku in a low voice as she looked at the older Al-Bhed with a soft gaze that was laced with unshed tears, taking a step forward the energetic thief wrapped her thin arms around her father's waist and hugged him tightly. "Yeah, yeah, enough of this mushy stuff." Chuckled Cid in a dry tone that was almost humourless, letting the older man go Rikku pulled back and looked at the older man with her brow furrowing feverously in deep thought. "Dad…did you really mean that you will stand by any choices that I make?" Shyly inquired the blonde guardian as she bit her bottom lip nervously. "Yeah…I did. Why do you ask?" Questionably stated Cid as he raised an eyebrow at his daughter's demeanor, taking in a deep breath Rikku placed her hands behind her back. "Well, um it is like this, ya see, um, me and…ah…the thing is…it is kind of like this…ugh! Dad I am involved with someone, and this someone is also a guardian and I just want you to…ah…I really love them…and please don't get mad at me!" Rambled the young Al-Bhed in a fast shaking jumble of words, blinking back a shocked look Cid clutched his fist together as the thought of some man pawing at his only daughter. "Who is it?" Asked the bald man in a subtle yell causing Rikku to slowly edge her way backwards. "Um, guess." Nervously declared the blonde girl, seeing her father blow a gasket Rikku made a throaty squeak. "I am not playing games Rikku, tell me how the hell that bastard is and I will chop off his…." Raved Cid as he grabbed his daughter by her shoulders and held her from running away, squirming the young thief paled and began to cry slightly. "I am not telling you unless you promise me that you will not hurt…whoever it is." Stuttered Rikku in a firm tone that caused Cid to narrow his tired eyes at the girl he was all but pinning to the very spot she stood on. "FINE!!! I PROMISE, NOW TELL ME FOR THE LOVE OF MECHINA!!!" Roared Cid with rage infused in each word he screamed, flinching Rikku looked down causing tears to roll down her cheeks. "Well the good news is I will never get pregnant," Whispered the pale blonde half jokingly, which earned her a harsh glare. "Lulu." Murmured Rikku in a voice that was so soft that Cid almost didn't believe his ears. "Wha…?" Stuttered Cid as he suddenly found himself unable to speak. "Dad, I'm a lesbian." ------------------------------------------------------------ Author's notes: Okay I know I promised some Brother bashing in this chapter, but I decided the drag the series on for a few more chapters. I want to give everyone closure when Lulu finally does beat the snot out of Rikku's brother…I want a full chapter dedicated to nothing but beating the boy into pulp then humiliating him in front of everyone. And I think this way I can fully utilize the next chapter, not only that but everything will tie in better than if I just continued the third part. Thank you all for your replies to my story…it really means the world to me. Thanks!
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