Story: Midnight Flight (all chapters)

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            The door opening down below and the steps revealed a tapping of the warrior’s boots disrupted Rikku’s thoughts.  Rikku shuts her eyes and heard the sound come up the steps.  Reaching the top of the stairs, the tapping hesitates slightly and begins again, only softer.  Paine walked past the two occupied beds and sat down on hers.  Rikku heard a soft sigh and slightly opened her eyes to look at what Paine was doing.  The warrior had her face in between her hands and her elbows rested on her knees.  She looked up towards Rikku and the thief quickly shut her eyes again.  Looking at the clock, Paine reads 8:37 and decides to let the two sleep in.  She lies down on her bed with her arms behind her head and grins slightly.  Heh, I wonder what Tidus is going to do when he finds his girlfriend not there.

            Rikku nestles into Paine and drifts off to sleep, knowing deep inside that Paine would be there to protect her and watch out for her.

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            “Rikku!  Paine!  Wake up!  By all the Aeons in Spira if you don’t get up right now I will throw you both off the ship by myself!”

            Rikku, surprised by the gunner’s yell, jolted so far off the bed and fell to the wooden floor below.  Paine sat up immediately and aware, ready for a fight.  She then looked at Yuna’s tense face and relaxed her body, seeing it was nothing to be frightened of.  With an annoyed tone she glares her eyes, “What…”

            “What?!  What do you mean just what?!  If anything I should be asking that around here!  Why am I on the ship?  Where is Tidus?  Did you all kidnap me?  Wha-“

            “Calm down princess…Rikku and I retrieved you from Besaid last night and we brought you back to the Celsius.”

            “You what…why?!”

            Paine glanced down at Rikku who was rubbing her hip from where she fell onto the floor from Yuna’s outburst.  “Rik…Bro…we all missed you and wanted to see you again.  You never even gave us the time of day when you were with Tidus and this is the only way we could actually see you without seeing him.  You two have been joined at the hip since he came back…just who do you think helped you find him?”

            “I know Rikku helped me find him but, Paine, I love him and-”

            “And you don’t love Rikku?!”

            By this point Paine was standing next to Yuna and Rikku was sitting on Yuna’s bed, listening intently to the verbal exchange between the two, not wanting to butt in for once.  “I do love her but-”

            Paine speaks softly, “But you love him more…don’t you?  Rikku came to you with hope that you would find him and so you’d be happy.  She risked her life trying to find him, as did I and the rest of us in some form or another.  The past weeks Rikku has not eaten well, slept well, or even acted her usual self.  Last night was the first time she looked healthy in some time.  Yuna, you owe it to her to at least know she still exists.”

            Yuna turns her head and stares intently at the ground.  “I know she still exists… I just want to be with Tidus…he’s more important to me right now.”

            Resisting the urge to slap her, Paine grabbed Yuna’s wrist with a vice grip and yanked her to the other side of the room where the chairs were.  She turns the ex-summoner around briskly and burns holes into her with her crimson eyes.  “Don’t you ever say that again…since when was Rikku not important enough to you?  Since when was your cousin and not to mention also your best friend, not important enough to rank higher than that boy?!”

            “He’s not a boy!  He’s a man, Paine!  He’s my man and he loves me with all of his heart and I love him with all of mine!  Just because you don’t know how to love and never been loved doesn’t mean that everyone is just like you!”

            Paine was taken aback for a moment before snarling quietly through clenched teeth, “You don’t know me, Yuna.  You don’t know what I know, what I think, what I feel…  I feel strongly towards Rikku…THAT is why I wanted to bring you back.  Honestly, I could have managed without you here.  It was for that little thief over there, who’s crying right now, that I’ve done what I’ve done.  You better get your priorities straight in your mind because turning your back on the one who has helped you the most is immoral and it will come back to get you.  Remember that, Yuna, she will always be your cousin and love you…but will Tidus…always be your ‘man’?”

            Paine turned away from the speechless Yuna and walked towards Rikku who was still crying.  She kneeled down in front of the young girl and placed her hand on Rikku’s knee.  “I’m sorry Rikku…I guess she needs time to set things straight in her head.  Girl isn’t all there, but I’m sure you already knew that.”

            Rikku snorted out a small snot bubble at Paine’s joke and smiled.  The warrior wiped some stray tears from the blonde’s cheek and stood back up.  She held out her hand to help Rikku off the bed.  The two walked down the stairs and towards the elevator, Rikku never letting go of the warrior’s hand.

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            It was quiet in the elevator.  Rikku stood close to Paine, her fingers intertwined with hers.  When the lift stopped they walked out onto the deck and sat down near the ornament.  There they stayed until they noticed the ship was getting ready to land on Besaid.  Rikku bolted up and stood in disbelief as Yuna ran out of the ship and towards the village.  She saw the figure run into a tent and it didn’t come back out.

            “Wha…,” Rikku scoffed.

            Paine lost her train of thought as she heard Rikku quietly laughing under her breath.  She faced towards the blonde and tilted her head with a questioning look.

            “Ya know Dr. P…I…I HATE HIIIIM,” Rikku screamed the latter part out towards the village, “I’ll never know what I saw in hi-“

            Paine’s eyes slightly widened as she took a small step back, “What?”

            Rikku began to panic a little and a thin veil of sweat started to form on her brow.  She sighed softly and it looked as if she was getting ready to cry.  The warrior didn’t know whether to comfort her, be angry at her, kill Yuna, kill Tidus, or just leave this life behind and start anew.  She decided just to stand there until Rikku had stopped crying.

            “We sort of went out, kind of, about two years ago.  I liked him and it seemed that he liked me.  We fooled around a bit but when I didn’t let him go all the way he got mad and said I was a tease.  He then started looking at Yunie and soon enough went after her, thinking she would be easier since she lived a sheltered life.  She didn’t know what was right or wrong in that area.  Later he came to me and said we should still be friends.  I, being a stupid kid thinking I still ‘loved’ the boy, said okay, hoping he would maybe come back to me.  When he was gone to Sin, I figured that he was a big poopie and that the only reason I liked him was because he said he liked me.  Never did I really like him…nor did he like me for me.  Just because I was cute and had, still have by the way, nice bod.  I guess I’ll never find someone who’ll not use me and like me for me.”

            Paine’s tense features had softened at the last sentence.  She wanted to tell the thief how much she cared.  She wanted to pull her into her and kiss her.  She wanted to just tell the girl everything…but she couldn’t.  It pained her to know that she once like Tidus.  It pained her to see her crying over a pansy like him.  Yet worst of all, what pained her the most was she couldn’t tell Rikku what she truly felt inside.

            Kashiii.  “Rikku,” comes Buddy’s voice from the intercom, “just want to let you know Yuna is back in Besaid and she told me to tell you and Paine that she is sorry and also that she-” Click.

            Paine’s hand was between the two of them and over Rikku’s mike.  She tilted her head down and looked at Rikku with a sultry look, causing a small blush on the blonde’s face.  “I don’t want to know what she has to say.”

            Rikku grinned and inhaled deeply, making their bodies touch each other again.  She brought Paine into her and embraced her tightly once more.  

            “Rikku!  Brother, your little sister cut off her mike while I was talking to her,” Buddy exclaimed.  He wondered why there was no response so he looked at the captain’s seat and saw Brother heaving with sobs.  He had tissues stuffed up his nose and his eyes were puffed up.

            “She left me…again!”

            Buddy turned and looked at Shinra and they both sighed and shook their head.

            “Hey Dr. P lookie here,” Rikku said as she pointed to a poster on the wall.  “It’s a fighting competition that is gonna be held right here in Luca.  ‘Winners get 100,000 gil and a year’s supply of Chocolate Moogle Coins.’  Ya know Paine, I would enjoy some of those Moogle Coins…mmm so chocolaty and delicious.”

            “Wipe the drool off your chin and look at what is below what you can win.”

             “Only couples may enter…that is a cute picture of Capt. Spira and his wife.”  Rikku just looked at the poster a little more.  “Oh…OH…I get it…like only couple couples, right?”

            Paine nodded and then slightly shook her head at the blonde’s slow comprehension process.  Rikku stepped back and put her hands on her hips and looked up towards Paine.  “So…what’s the problem?”

            The warrior’s eyes bulged a little and her cheeks tinted a pale pink.  “Rikku.  Um, we ca- we can’t enter that.  I mean you and me.”

            “It’s cause I’m Al Bhed isn’t it.  I knew it…I was sooo stuuupid to think-”

            “No, Rikku, it isn’t that you are Al Bhed it’s-”

            “I know Paine, I was just kidding.  Come on…it’ll be fun.  The competition only lasts a day and it isn’t like anyone will be there that we know personally.  Pleeeaase!  Whadya say Dr. P?  Come on!”

            The silver haired girl looked at the poster once more and pursed her lips.  “Well, I don’t know about you but I could always manage having some extra gil around.”

            Rikku smiled flamboyantly and squeezed the warrior in a monstrous hug.  Paine grinned and prayed that no one that they knew would be there; or if there was someone they knew, that she and Rikku wouldn’t lose to them.

            Aboard the Celsius, Rikku and Paine were on the deck sparring to get ready for the competition.  “Okay Rikku, with your speed you should be able to parry an attack and strike the person at least two or three more times.  So instead of stopping after the second strike, keep hitting them and then back away before they can counter.”

            Rikku nodded her head and lunged at Paine with her daggers gripped tightly in her fists.  Slicing a little too hard, she stumbled down from lack of balance and Paine moved in with her sword.  Halting, with the blade pressed against Rikku’s back, Paine stepped aside and lowered her weapon.  Rikku panted heavily and slammed her fists onto the floor.  “Aww, poopie.”

            Paine offered her hand to the thief, who accepted it.  She pulled her up to her feet and rested her sword on her shoulder.  “I’m sorry I keep tripping Paine.  I guess I must just be falling for you,” Rikku said as she tapped the warrior on the nose, smiling.

            The girl quickly cleared her throat, “Let’s just hope you don’t fall for anyone else out there.  If so then there will be trouble.”

            “For you or for them,” Rikku replied with a wink, hoping to catch the warrior off guard with her remark.

            Paine leaned in very close to Rikku’s face and she could feel the warrior’s breath on her lips.  “For them.”

            Herself being caught off guard, Rikku blushed profusely and giggled with nervousness.  “Now, Rikku, this time just stand back and wait for the opportune moment to strike.  Don’t rush in and commence the attack…be patient and let them come to you.  Ready?”

            The warrior sighed while looking at the ground and then looked back at Rikku.  “Come, let’s take a small breather.  What do you say?  We’ve been up here for hours.”

            “Well, okay, but only after we spar for five more minutes; if I don’t fall down then we can take a break, but if I do we keep at it until I stay standing.  Agree Paine?”

            Rikku popped up off the floor and stood ready for Paine to attack.  The warrior ran towards her and drew her sword down for an overhead strike.  Rikku stopped the blade in between her two crossed daggers.  With Paine intent on driving the sword down, Rikku used the silver haired girl’s force to her advantage.  Guiding the sword swiftly to the floor, Rikku quickly sidestepped to Paine’s left and held a dagger behind the older girl’s ear.  She’s learning…heh, she got me…that was quick.

            Standing slowly from her hunched position, Paine rapidly rotated her arm around the blonde’s and created an arm bar to trap the girl in.  Pulling upwards on the arm, the pain caused Rikku to drop her dagger.  Realizing she had another one, she twirled it to reposition it and bring it down onto Paine.  Paine used her free hand to grab Rikku’s wrist with the weapon and she squeezed her pressure point until that too fell to the floor.  Still holding onto the wrist, she swung it over and around Rikku’s head behind her as she released the arm bar.  Thus causing her to be holding onto Rikku’s left wrist with her right hand and them to be facing at each other.  “Now that we’re both disarmed, let us see how you fair with hand to hand combat.”

            Rikku weaseled out of the vice grip that was bestowed on her by rotating her wrist to the outside of their bodies.  Reaching around with her right she initiated a punch to Paine’s stomach, only to be stopped halfway with a swiping forearm.  Paine then jabbed with her other hand and so began a long series of blocks and punches between the two.  Rearing back, collecting her strength for a second Paine unleashed a powerful strike towards Rikku’s stomach.  Rikku somersaulted back on her hands and then to her feet, ready for another powerful attempt by her friend.  Paine ran forward and front flipped high into the air and was coming down with one leg ready to heel Rikku through the deck.  “Eep!!”

            Rikku shrieked as she evaded the girl’s strong attack.  On the floor, Paine swept her leg around to knock Rikku off her feet.  The Al Bhed jumped and leaped over Paine whilst using the girl’s shoulders to shove her more towards the deck.  Paine captured Rikku’s hands, causing the girl to face plant into the Celsius’ deck floor.  “Owie.”

            The warrior rolled the thief over and sat on her with a knee on each side, keeping the blonde’s arms pinned to her sides.  “Well, Buddy hasn’t said time was up so I suppose we keep on working at it.”

            Rikku was panting hard and tried to wriggle her arms free.  Kashii “Sorry Paine, it has been six minutes sense you told me. I lost track of time.”

            Rikku smiled and in between labored breathing, “Heh, I guess I didn’t fail this little session, considering I just fell and it has been six minutes.  So Miss. I-made-Rikku-fall-face-first-into-the-floor, you can get off me and we can go on that break.”

            Shaking her head, Paine got off Rikku and the two began their way to door.  They picked their weapons up off the floor and walked toward the elevator; leaving behind blood, sweat, and plenty of dents, only to be reacquainted with as soon as their break was over.

            “Okay just fill out the personal information at the top and stuff.  Then flip to the next page and read the liability note and sign it at the bottom.”

            Rikku looked up at the woman, “Liability?”

            “Yes ma’am, if something were to happen to you, by signing that it says you agree not to sue and that you are fighting in this competition at your own risk.”

            Rikku made a face and grabbed the papers to sit down to fill them out.  Paine sat beside her on the bench and wrote in the answers for the registration papers.  “Hey Dr. P…what did you put down for weight,” Rikku asked, leaning over to sneak a peek.

            Paine leaned away from the blonde and scoffed, “Mind your own business, Rikku.”

            “Oh come on!  Please Paine!  I’ll show you mine.”

            “I don’t want to know yours.  Now get back on your side.”

            Rikku exhaled and sat down next to the warrior who was done filling out the form.  Continuing where she left off she noticed her hand shaking.  Mentally telling herself to calm down again, she finished filling the info out and signed the liability note.  Paine and Rikku stood up and walked to the counter to turn in the papers.  “Okay then ladies, now just walk over to that green box over there, reach in and grab a number, then tell the man sitting next to it your number and he will write down the bracket you’re in.  Good luck!”

            Paine let Rikku pick the number and the piece of paper came out with the number five on it.  Handing it to the man, he took it and smiled sloppily towards the Al Bhed as an eyebrow raised.  “Well, that puts you against…Dvacka and Raztidow.  It will be the third battle so better start warming up.  The show starts in about an hour and a half,” said the grey haired man as he was checking out Rikku. 

Paine rolled her eyes as she grabbed Rikku by the hand.  Responding with a dark tone, “Thanks.”

“Wow, that guy was kinda creepy, ya know?”

“I thought he was going to pounce on you for a minute there.”

Rikku leaned up against Paine and placed her hands on the warrior’s hips, “No one will get close, as long as you’re here.”

A tint of pink covered Paine’s cheeks and she let out an exasperated sigh.  Tidus and Yuna were on their way towards the table so Paine quickly removed the thief’s hands from their position and stepped back whilst clearing her throat, nodding towards the couple.  Rikku pouted for a second but remembered she told herself they were just friends.  How it pained the thief to let that statement run through her head.  Just friends…  “Rikku?  Paine?  What’re you two doing here,” Yuna inquired with a perplexed look.

“We a,” Rikku swallowed, “we…we’re here to fight!”

Paine stepped up from behind the thief and stood next to her.  Yuna’s eyes opened really wide, “are-are you two dating?”

Rikku and the warrior looked at each other before Rikku cheerily answered, “Well, Yunie, what do YOU think?”

Unsure of what to say, Yuna just stood with a dumbfounded look on her face.  Tidus’ face was pretty red at this point so he quickly turned Yuna towards the table with the number drawing.  He guided his girlfriend to the table but before he talked to the guy he looked Rikku up and down with an odd grin.  “Perve.”

“Paine?!”

“He just checked you out…not to mention his face got redder than Ifrit’s backside when Yuna asked if we were going out.  That little grin of his obviously isn’t directed toward a non-vulgar way.”

Knowing that Paine was right, Rikku just grinned and nodded.  Turning back to Yuna and Tidus, she winked towards the boy and raised an eyebrow as she grabbed Paine’s hand and moved it around behind her tan back.  Snaking her own hand around Paine’s waist she led them to a dim, secluded place to begin warming up.

            “Alright Ladies and Gents of Spira, today we hold the annual competition of the most vicious of couples!  For the next few hours there will be punches, kicks, badmouthing, and diiiirty fighting!  Now if you kill your opponent you will be disqualified but don’t let that stop you from winning!  Hah hah, just kidding folks, these battles will be refereed and any conduct thinking to be overly dangerous will result in disqualification.  There will be a total of fifteen battles today with thirty-two combatants and only one couple will win the grand prize.  Now, let’s introduce the competitors!  In the first round it will be Ara and Tal going against Cheryth and Dryden!  The second battle will involve Aidan and her lover Nuriel battling for the win against Nixie and Varon!  Rikku and Paine will duke it out against Raztodow and Dvacka for the third exciting battle and Ziv and Svetlana will compete against Harkyn and Melantha for the fourth battle.  Moving on to the frivolous fifth battle, Hania and Tait will fight against Keitoaro and Ceinwen!  Ailith and Raynor team up for the sixth struggle to take on Sage and Vivek!  Our former High Summoner and her beau, Tidus, will battle Atifa and Knud for the seventh battle!  Now last but surely not least, Ekon and Chasina will begin the eighth battle against Commander Lucil and Elma!  The first battle will begin in fifteen minutes!  Will Ara, Tal, Dryden, and Cheryth please come onto the fighting platform and we will begin shortly?”

            The crowd roared in excitement as the four first competitors walked up to the platform.  The stage was as big as a Blitz ball field and on it were a total of five stone, square structures placed strategically around the area.  Ara and Tal stood atop one square stretching out their arms and legs.  On the square directly across from the first couple were Dryden and Cheryth taking slow deep breaths whilst holding hands.  Red paint colored the box Ara and Tal stood on while Blue paint colored the box Dryden and Cheryth were on.

            “Hey Paine…those were a lot of fighters…ya think we can beat them all?”

            Paine turned around and looked Rikku square in the eye with an amused look.  Smirking, Paine whispers to the thief, “Don’t worry about it.  I’m sure if we don’t win then all of those tasty…chocolaty…melt in your mouth, year’s supply of Moogle Coins will find an owner more grateful to them.”

            Rikku’s mouth was agape with drool sliding off her chin.  She shook her head and raised a fist to the air, “Ah hah!  We’ll win this tournament!”

            “The time has arrived people and here is the show you’ve all been waiting for!  On the red box are Tal and Ara!  And on the blue box are Dryden and Cheryth!  To win a battle, both people in one couple must agree to giving up, one of you step out of bounds, serious injury will cause the team to forfeit, both combatants are unable to fight, or if you are overly dangerous, the ref will make the call, you’ll be disqualified!  Any questions?  If not, then let the FIGHT BEGIN!”

            Ara and Tal quickly jumped off their box and walked in an intimidating way towards the blue square.  Dryden and Cheryth stood emotionless, weapons in hand.  Dryden held two long swords in each of his huge fists.  Cheryth detained a rapier in her left hand.  Ara and Tal both held onto their double sided axes with such prestige that they looked as if one with the axes and each other.  Stopping in the middle of the stage, Ara and Tal stood ready for the other couple to move.  Dryden and Cheryth both seemed to look as if in a trace.  Their dark hair blew around their stern faces; they didn’t even blink when it slapped them.  Tal and Ara showed slight panic at the weird behavior shown by the other two fighters. 

            The crowd’s yelling was quieted down now at the lack of action going on between the four people.  Half of the viewers whispered to see what was going on at the moment and the other half hushed them in order to see outcome.

            Ara blinked and furrowed her eyebrows when she heard something she didn’t believe.  Cautiously, she padded her way to the blue box and around it, behind the couple.  Tal just stood, ready to charge if his lover was attacked.  Ara climbed up on the box and leaned her head in between the two.  She smirked and called for the referee.  The man in black and white stripes jogged over to where they stood and climbed the box.  “Yes ma’am?”

            “They…they must be narcoleptic.  See for yourself…they’re sleeping sir.”

            The ref laughed aloud and raised his hand after leaning in.  Speaking into his mike, “Since these two are obviously unable to fight, I declare Ara and Tal the winners!” 

            As if on cue, Dryden and Cheryth blinked their open eyes and raised their weapons to charge down at Tal.  Tal stood ready to beat some ass when the ref yelled into his intercom, “HEY!  YOU TWO ARE OUT!”

            The raven haired couple stopped mid step and looked back in disbelief.  The ref explained everything to them and they threw their weapons to the floor and stomped off, most utterly embarrassed.  “Well, take a look at that folks!  Seems Cheryth and Dryden both suffer from narcolepsy!  What a time for it to kick in!  Heh heh, what a shame!  Ara and Tal move up into the next bracket!  Next up for this tournament are…Aidan and Muriel versus Varon and Nixie!  Come on over you four!”

            Aidan and Nuriel were clad in fire red ensembles, each carrying a flaming sword.  Varon and Nixie were dressed in cerulean blue attire and each carried a sword engulfed in what seemed to be the essence of water.  The two couples stood on their designated stone boxes and waited for the ref to say when the fight would begin. 

            “Here we go people of Spira!  The second match starts, the fiery, young couple of Aidan and Nuriel versus the matured, torrent strength of Varon and Nixie!  Who shall emerge victorious?!  Begin!”

            Aidan, a young spitfire, rushed toward Nixie with her flame brand high in the air.  Nixie tightened her grip on her sword, her aged hands popped under the taut pressure.  Aidan reached the ashy haired woman and leaped high onto the stone block.  Slicing down, she attempted to end the battle quickly and severely wound her opponent with an attack to her clavicle.  Not being new to the fighting game, Nixie side-stepped her attacker and hit the young woman with the hilt of her sword and knocked her off the block.  Giving chase, she agilely front flipped off the box and stood ready for another attack.

            Meanwhile, Nuriel and Varon were crossing swords on the other side of the arena.  Metal met metal, fire met water, and youth met maturity.  The swords would steam as the flame brand met the watery essence of Varon’s weapon.  Nuriel was obviously stronger than his opponent, yet what he had in strength, he lacked in experience.  Similarities went for Nixie and Aidan; Aidan may have had speed, but Nixie could read her every move.

            The battle raged, the element of Ifirit versus the element of Levethanian.  Nuriel swiped his blade and singed the hairs of Varon’s graying beard.  Satisfied he almost hit Varon, he dropped his guard for a fraction of a second.  Having read his challenger’s posture, Varon side shuffled into Nuriel and slammed the hilt of his sword under the young man’s chin as hard as he could, rendering the lad unconscious.

            Nixie and Aidan fought diligently, each wanting the win so badly they fought even harder than they thought possible.  Running and slashing horizontally, Nixie tried to land a hit on the back flipping Aidan.  On the fourth back flip, Aidan’s hand slipped from sweat and she fell to the floor stunned.  Nixie raised her blade and brought it forcefully down.  Aidan swiftly rolled to the side and swept the older woman’s legs out from under her.  The woman’s water brand was tossed a few meters out of reach.  Having turned the tables, Aidan smiled smugly.  Raising her own weapon, she was going to end this for good.  Her searing blade came crashing down; Nixie raised her arm, getting ready for intense pain, but then…the hiss of a fire being doused by water could be heard.  Varon prevented his wife from any harm by blocking Aidan’s sword with his own.  Pushing the young girl’s sword away and causing her to falter back, he handed Nixie her weapon that was once oh so far away.  The seasoned couple stood side-by-side and raised their swords.  With hers in her left hand and his in his right hand, they both pointed their blades at their opponent.  Her right palm and his left palm met and they chanted together, razor sharp points still aimed at the girl.  Soon the blades of the swords elongated and strong, rushing water could be heard whirling its way around the swords.

            “Give up girl…unless you really think you can handle this,” Varon taunted with a deep, throaty voice and a smirk.

            “I-I…I…,” Aidan sighed and tossed down her sword, “I give in…you two win, but next time my boyfriend and I will prevail…don’t think you’ve seen the last of me and Nuriel.”

            “Yeah, whatever kid.  Just go get your man and leave.”

            Rikku “eeped” and followed Paine closely to the fighting floor where the ref was waiting with the other two fighters.

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‘Tis my opinion every man cheats in his own way, and he is only honest who is not discovered.

 Susannah Centlivre

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            “Attention please everyone!  Our next battle starts with members of the Gullwings, Paine and Rikku, and the young couple of Raztodow and Dvacka.  Let’s get it on!!!” 

            Rikku tightened her grip on her daggers and waited patiently, like Paine said, for her opponent to attack first.  “Paine… drao ynah'd tuehk yhodrehk.  Tu fa gaab uin bucedeuh?”  (Paine…they aren't doing anything.  Do we keep our position?)

             “Hah hah!  Look at them Dva!  They are too afraid to attack us first!  Look at the one with short hair!  She is shaking in her little boots!  Bah hah hah!  Look DEAR!  Look at them,” yelled Raztodow boisterously.

             “Raz…shh.  Don’t take them likely…I’ve seen them fight before.  They shouldn’t be underestimated.  The one in black has strength and has extreme battle smarts.  The little one…she’s quick…possibly quicker than I.  Though she seems innocent, she has seen her share of battles….I’m sure.”

             “Gnah…whatever Dva, lets beat the shit outta em.  Damn pussies…HAH literally Dva!  That was a good one that I jus-”

             “Damnit Raz!  Shut up!  Don’t underestimate them,” yelled Dvacka hitting her boyfriend on the back of the head.

             “Ow…fine…let’s just fight,” pouted Raztodow rubbing his head. 

              Dva front flipped off the block and ran towards Rikku.  Raz jumped off the block and landed with a loud thud; his huge size made indentations under his feet where he landed.  He stomped off towards Paine with his burly fists tightened.  “Damn fools, they have Dva’s respect…only I should have her respect…time to feel pain dykes!”

             Reaching Rikku, Dvacka raised her chakram and sliced downwards.  Crossing her blades quickly, Rikku managed to block the attack.  Wow, this chick is pretty fast.  I better stay on my toes. Dva pulled back and lunged again at a dodging Rikku.  Wah!  That was a close one!  She’s good. 

            “DAMNIT!  STAND STILL, YOU,” Raz shouted. 

            Paine rolled to the side to avoid the monstrous swing of the giant man.  Standing behind him, she brought down the blade of her sword with extreme force.  Reaching behind his head, he clapped his hands together and managed to trap the blade between his palms.  Raztodow pulled upwards and threw the sword and its owner over his head.  Paine landed on her side and scrambled quickly to her feet.  Damn, he’s extremely strong.  He’s strong but not that bright…and slow at times.  I wonder.  My speed is enough for him…but Rikku’s…it would annihilate him.  How’s she doing?  Paine glances at Rikku and sees the girl take an elbow to the stomach.  Rikku!  Eragh, I’ve trained with Rikku enough to know how to fight against speed…which that girl has plenty of.  Time for a partner switch.

              “Rikku!  Cfedlr baubma!” (Switch people!)

              “Fryd, fro?’ (What, why?)

             “Ev oui tuh'd vekina ed uid po dra aht uv dra vekrd E'mm damm oui yvdan!” (If you don't figure it out by the end of the fight I'll tell you after!)

             Rikku nodded and ran towards Paine and Raz.  Dva followed closely behind her.  Lifting up her weapon she threw it at Rikku who was stopped beside Paine, facing Raztodow.  Just as the chakram was a foot from Rikku’s temple, Paine ricocheted it off her sword with a swift motion.  The chakram flew right back at its owner with blazing speed.  Surprised, Dva’s eyes widened and she barely got out of the way of the airborne weapon.  The chakram then hit the stone block and fell to the ground.  Paine smirked and sauntered toward the girl in an intimidating like way with her sword on her shoulder.             Though not knowing what the clank behind her was, Rikku just kept her gaze on the huge being in front of her.  “Heh heh…seems I was too much for your girlfriend to handle.  What you need is a man, missy.  A big, strong man to protect you and keep you warm when it’s cold.  To watch over you and make sure nothing happens to you.” 

            “What?!  Let me guess, a big, strong man like you.  Right?” 

            “Well, I’m happily taken, but I got plenty of friends that could take care of you and keep you safe.” 

            “Listen buddy, what she can do and does for me is more than what any man can do for me.  She protects me, watches over me, and can keep me warm.  She’s my best friend…she’s…..” Rikku lowers her voice to a whisper, “my everything now…” 

            “Eh?  What was that?” 

            “Nothing fathead!  Come on!”

             Raz yelled and charged at the thief.  Rikku easily dodged his attacks and managed to get in close and strike him in the ribs.  She avoided punch after punch and countered with swift strikes to the face, ribs, kidneys, and knees.  The battered Raz then began swinging wildly and purely by chance, clipped her.  Losing her footing, Rikku stumbled and Raz whapped her hard on the head.  Crumpling to the ground, Rikku whimpered.  Hearing her cry, Paine stopped her fight with Dva and looked at Rikku upon the ground with the large man above her panting angrily.  NO!  Dva then punched Paine hard on the cheek, causing the warrior to stumble backwards.  As the other girl tried to follow up with another lightning quick attack, Paine used her training and moved to the left and grabbed the girl’s wrist and pulled her forward into the ground.  Paine then turned back to Rikku.  Raz was hovering over her, laughing.  Paine’s eyebrows furrowed and she reared back her sword and threw it at the man who easily rivaled Bartello’s size.  The sword pierced through the air and found its way into Raztodow’s thigh. 

            “Eragh,” Raztodow screamed in pain.  The man hunched over and squeezed his eyes shut.  Rikku opened her eyes and blinked away her blurred vision.  Seeing Paine’s sword imbedded in the man’s thigh, she smiled.  Always watching over me.  Shaking her head, she rolled over to her side, pulled back and kicked Raz hard in the chest with her right foot and then the face with her left foot.  The burly man fell back fast to the ground.  Dust spiraled up around him as he connected with rock, hard Spira.  He was covered in dirt, bruises, scratches, and blood from Paine’s sword and Rikku’s cuts with her daggers.  He laid there and started to reach for a potion.  Rikku kicked his hand with the vial in it, causing it to shatter.  She then pulled out Paine’s sword from the muscular thigh, making him scream out in agony.

             “Give up,” Rikku ordered simply, leaning over and holding her dagger to his face firmly.

             Raztodow winced and yelled, “Dva! DVA!  H-help me.”            

            Dva heard her boyfriend’s cries but couldn’t do anything to help him.  This warrior has had the upper hand since she pulled her into the ground.  It was like she knew every move she was going to do next.  Even her speed wasn’t helping her gain the upper hand, if anything her speed was being her downfall.  Whenever she would strike, Paine would dodge it and counter attack the second quick attack.  There was no way for her to win… was there?  And now with Raz on his back over there…there was nothing she could do.  But she knew this would happen…she has seen these two fight before.  They move beautifully…they know how to use their opponent’s skills against them.  Heh, Raz and I were lucky they weren’t fighting side-by-side.  If so, we’d been out of this fight a long time ago…they know how the other fights and choreograph, it seems, the battle.  I’ve guess we’ve postponed this long enough.  “I QUIT!”

            Paine stops her sword inches from the girl’s shoulder.  Stepping back she nods slightly.  “Raz!  Give up!”

            Raztodow, with Rikku’s blade still to his cheek, squished his face like a little kid and turned his head to the side.  “F-fine…I GIVE UP!”

            Rikku stood up straight and smiled with her head tilted to the right.  “But really girl, you should get yourself a man.  A man can do so much more for you.”

            Rikku’s smile faded into a look of hatred and her nostrils flared slightly.  “Yeah, just like you did for your girlfriend.”  She then kicked him solidly in the ribs and walked towards the warrior.  Her warrior…she knew Paine had to have feelings for her too.  Otherwise she would have protested against this little competition.  It was all a matter of getting Paine to admit it.  Which she would…Rikku would make sure of that.

            The ref came up between Rikku and Paine and held up each their hands.  The crowd roared in satisfaction.  Rikku beamed brightly and Paine smirked with a raised eyebrow looking around.  Rikku then bounced next to Paine and grabbed the girl’s face and pulled her into a very brief kiss.  The crowd yelled even louder and whistled.  Pushing back Paine’s face, Rikku smiled seductively.  “We have to make it seem like we are really a couple.”

            Paine’s face had reddened and her stern eyes had softened at Rikku’s remark.  The girl was right.  They did have to make it believable…otherwise they could be thrown out of the tournament.  Paine tilted her head forward with a small grin.  Rikku beamed again and her heart began beating even faster than it did during the small kiss.  Taking the warrior’s gloved hand in hers; the Al Bhed then led herself and Paine under the stadium so they could recuperate. 

“Wow!  What a battle and a passionate couple!  Hah hah, but things can only get better as we near the championship battle!  As the grounds crew removes the fallen Raztodow, will the next fighters please come up?  Will Ziv, Svetlana, Harkyn, and Melantha please come to the stage?”

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            “Man Paine!  We totally whipped their butts from the start!  It was all fwish fwish pow boom boom,” exclaimed a very excited Rikku punching at air.

            “I don’t know Rikku…as I recall…you were on the ground in the fetal position near the end there.”

            “Psh, a minor detail Painey poo!  We still so totally won!”

            Paine cleared her throat at the nickname and shook her head.  “Yeah, whatever you say.”

            “Yeah, that’s right.  WhatEVER I say!  Hm, and right now I say I have to go to the little Rikku’s room.  All this fighting has got me excited-”

            “Just like a dog when company comes over, huh?  So excited they piss all over themselves.”

            “Hah hah hah…you are so funny,” Rikku said in a monotone voice.  “I hope you make a career as a stand up comedian.”

            “Why would I need to be a stand up comedian when I could do it just as well sitting down?”

            “There you go again!  One of these days everybody is going to know how truly funny you are,” Rikku said, already on her way to the bathroom.

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            Rikku finished washing her hands and grabbed some paper towels.  Throwing them away, she hummed “Real Emotion” and walked out of the bathroom.  Someone then grabbed her and tossed her against the wall.  Ready to get crazy on them she balled up her fists and was ready to let lose until she saw who it was.  “Tidus?”

            Tidus leaned back with his hands behind his head and smiled.  “That was some fight you two had out there earlier.  You two must have been training hard.”

            Not feeling comfortable, Rikku just nodded.  “Oh come on now Rikku.  After all we’ve been through, you can’t even give me a one word answer?  Hm, alright, I’m not going to beat around the bush…I still like you Rikku…I want to…have something with you.”

            Rikku’s eyes widened and she shook her head.  “B-but Paine and I… and Yunie and…and”

            “Come on…we both know you and Paine just entered for the prize.  You two aren’t really together.  Y’all are just using each other to get something.  Oh, and that kiss, pretty hot…way to play it up…it looked as if y’all actually cared for each other.”

            Rikku wanted to yell.  She wanted to tell him they do have feelings for each other.  She wanted to say they weren’t using each other.  She wanted to do and say so much, but instead she just stood there…not being able to move.  “And as for Yuna…she’s a nice girl but…we had something Rikku…you can’t deny that,” Tidus said soothingly as he touched her cheek.  “We had chemistry and raw emotion.  Don’t tell me I’m the only one who felt it.”

            “But-but Yunie, she went to the ends of Spira to find you!  She risked her life, ours as well, to find you and bring you back.  She loves you.”

            “I love her too…but that doesn’t mean I can’t love you also.  You and I connected in a way that Yuna and I haven’t yet.  We were just meant for each other.  Remember, it was you who I met first…not Yuna.  We were meant to be together.”

            Tidus moved closer to Rikku who lowered her head and closed her eyes.  Searching her heart…did they have something those years ago?  Did they have raw emotion?  Could the feeling for him she thought was hate actually not be hate?  What did she feel?

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            Paine looked at the huge clock on the announcement tower and noticed that Rikku has taken a little too long to have just gone the bathroom.  The warrior stood up and walked to the corridor to see if the young girl was okay.

------------------------------------------------

            “You feel it…don’t you Rikku?  You understand what I’m talking about.” 

            Tidus cupped her face.  Rikku, still with her eyes closed, tried to sort out what it was she is feeling.  Who is it I really like?  Who do I want?  All of a sudden she felt a pair of duck-like lips on hers.  Is this what she wanted?  Does she like this?  A face.  A face formed in her mind, but it is too dark to see who it is.  The face slowly became clearer.

------------------------------------------

            Paine turned down the corridor and came upon the stairs that went down towards the bathrooms.

------------------------------------------

            It was the face of a warrior.  A certain leather clad warrior with gorgeous, silver hair, toned body, and crimson eyes.

            Tidus kept his lips pressed tightly against Rikku’s and began to open his mouth.  No.  NO!  This isn’t what I want!  This isn’t who I want!  “NO!”

            Rikku broke away from the kiss and stepped back.  Rubbing away at her lips forcefully like an unseen virus had embedded itself there, she began to cry.  “No!  I hate you, Tidus!  I hate you!  I’ve never felt anything more for you than pity!  And now… I don’t even feel that.  You are nothing to me.  You hear that?!  Nothing!  And I do have feelings for Paine!”  Rikku kept stepping backwards as she yelled.  “I like her a whole lot!  She’s been there for me!  She’s been real towards me!  I like her for her…and best of all…she likes me for me.  I know if I have no where to run she will be there.  I used to think Yunie was that person…the one for me to run to…but now…I know that it never was her.  It has always been Paine…since the day we first met.  The evening at the Moonflow…with the pyre flies.  Since then…it has always been her for me to turn to...it just took me this long to realize it…and that sickening kiss, for me to finally understand.”

---------------------------------------------------

            Paine heard, what seemed to be Rikku’s voice, screaming.  She quickened her pace down the stairs and reached the bottom.           

            Rikku turned around to run up the steps and ran right into Paine.  Paine caught the girl and gently pushed her back to look into her eyes.  Those emerald eyes…with the Al Bhed trademark of spiral pupils were moist and red.  Rikku forced herself onto Paine and hugged her tightly as she cried on her shoulder.  The warrior wrapped her arms around the younger girl’s waist and glanced up at Tidus.  There, he stood.  His frizzy blonde hair with split ends, stupid uneven shorts…. stupid, uneven, short shorts, his duck lip, and his damn cocky smile.  All of which she hated even more.  Paine wasn’t one to hate people…no, she was one who just avoided someone she didn’t get along with.  But Tidus, she could honestly say she hated.  For reasons, she reckoned were because of the way he treated Rikku, she wanted to kick his ass right there in the corridor.  Leave him battered and bruised…and yes…even for dead.  But she’d have her chance soon enough…no doubt they would be in the championship battle…not a doubt in her mind.  She’d wait until then…he would pay.

            “Come on Rikku, there’s nothing here in this hallway.”

            Rikku pulled away and wiped her eyes.  Holding onto Paine’s hand, they turned up the stairs and left Tidus alone.  Tidus watched the two leave hand in hand and it turned his stomach.  He growled underneath his breath and went up the stairs to find Yuna, a safe pace behind the two girls.

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            “Paine…I’m sorry.  I’m-“

            “Rikku, there is nothing for you to apologize for.  What did he say to you?”

            “He said he still likes me…he said that we had raw emotion and-and that I shouldn’t be near you, just him.  Paine I’m so sorry!  I-I don’t know why he would do this.  Why would he do something like this?”

            Paine bit her lip.  “I can’t tell you why, Rikku…but if you feel for him, the way he apparently feels for you…then,” Paine’s voice was full of sorrow and her expression was one of grief, “I guess…”

            Rikku’s heart felt as if it was trampled by a shoopuff.  She shook her head vehemently and hugged Paine tightly.  “Please Paine…,” Rikku whispered barely audible, “don’t give up on me.”

            Paine’s chest tightened.  Rikku, I’d never give up on you, I’d always be there for you.  She pulled Rikku in closer and placed her hand on the back of the thief’s neck protectively.  They stayed there like that for a few minutes until Rikku stepped back and sniffed.  She then punched Paine in the stomach.  “What the hell was that for,” Paine said covering where she was just hit.

            “You let me go to the bathroom alone.  I could have been hinting for a hot make-out session in the little Rikku’s room but noooo…you stayed up here.”

            The older girl squinted her eyes and stood with her mouth slightly agape.  She then smirked and raised her head.  “Well, as I recall I was on my way down to the little Rikku’s room, maybe I was just playing hard to get, and maybe I just like to see you wait.”

            Rikku pouted…how is it she can do that…just…make her feel so…so…oh what is the word?  The Al Bhed tongued her cheek as Paine raised an eyebrow.  The warrior then tilted her head and walked past Rikku to the fighters’ warm up arena.  Rikku stood there for a second watching her.  Was she swaying her hips on purpose?  That little tease…she knows I like her…doesn’t she?  Hm, maybe…maybe not.  Rikku beamed a grand smile and jogged to catch up with Paine.  As she ran passed her she slapped her hard on the ass.  Paine’s eyes widened.  Ouch!  Rikku shook out the pain in her right hand as she continued to sprint towards the room.  The sound of heels on marble floor could be heard behind her.  Rikku turned her head to see the silver haired girl gaining on her with an evil glint in her eye.  Panicking, she ran as fast as she could possibly go.  The heels behind her came closer.  How can she be faster than me?  She is going to get me before I reach the doors!  Paine had cast haste on herself in order to catch up with the blonde.  Otherwise, this chase wouldn’t have been as close.  Just as Rikku reached the doors Paine pinned her against them, with haste upon her, her breathing was notably quickened.  With every breathe Paine drew in, Rikku felt her breasts gently graze her back.  Rikku’s eyes were now lidded and she bit her lip with a grin.  Paine turned the young girl around, noticing her flushed face.  Her eyes were intense, her lips pouty, her cheeks reddened, her breathing uneven.  Oh God…Rikku’s in heat!!  Rikku’s new lascivious look caused Paine to blush…to the extreme. 

            Paine swallowed hard, “You’re it…”

            Rikku lessened the space between them as she leaned closer to speak softly into Paine’s ear.  “Ya know,” Rikku nipped Paine’s ear softly, “I could really care less at this point.”

            Now embarrassed by what she was doing, Paine bit Rikku’s neck to subtly jolt her back into reality.  “Paine!”

            Rikku stepped away from the glass doors and was readjusting her scarf.  Paine noticed the outline of perspiration on the door and smiled to herself.  “What,” she said, standing up straight.

            Rikku thought for a moment…this is what she wanted…to have Paine show emotion towards her…to have Paine hold her…to admit that she had feelings for her.  If she said something now, then it might make her recoil back into her black little shell.  She couldn’t have that…even if the bite did sting a little…she’d get through it and continue on her plan to make Paine pour her unadulterated feelings out to her.  Rikku inwardly nodded and grabbed Paine’s hand.  She smiled up at her, “Nothing Painey poo.  Come on…let’s go inside the warm up arena.”

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            “Oh my God did you just hear that?”

            “No, hear what?”

            “Harkyn and Melantha just got disqualified!  They were using excessive force.”

            “Oh man!  I figured something like that was going to happen!  I’m just surprised that they didn’t make the call sooner.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “I was watching the fight before I came down here to warm up.  When it started, Harkyn ran full force towards Ziv and started pounding on him.  I swear the guy didn’t have a chance.  Harkyn was hitting him with cheap shots to the face and back and stuff.  Now I’m talking hard punches, the kind of punching where your face looks like you’re constipated and whatnot!  Oh, and the girl…Melantha…she was kicking the shit out of Svetlana!  Boom, pow, whammy!  Just knocking the crap outta her.  I could’ve sworn the two were going to get some broken bones.  I reckon the refs cut Ziv and Svetlana a break on this one.  That fight should’ve gone to the other two hands down, no doubt about it.  Whoever goes against them in the quarter-finals is going to have an easy time.  Heh, Sin, even I could smack the crap out of that couple.  Then again I guess any ol’ couple could’ve entered.  Like that Varon and Nixie, they are ancient looking and…”

            Rikku crept around to the other side of Paine, “Whoa, did you get all that Dr. P?”

            Paine nodded.  “Looks like we just got ourselves a shoopuff’s ticket to Easyville,” Rikku smiled and leaned back with her hands behind her head.

            The warrior poked in the stomach, “Let’s not get too sure of ourselves, they may have just been playing around.”

            Rikku grunted with a pouty look on her face, “You sure know how to take a girl’s good news away.”

            “I try…no really, I do,” Paine said in her usual monotone voice.

            The two girls walked to an empty corner with mats on the floor.  Paine turned on her intercom, “Brother?”

            “What,” he said agitated, “All My Hypello is on right now,”

            Paine gave a quizzical look to blushing Rikku.  “It’s his favorite soap.”

            “Well, I’m sure Shinra has an empty sphere, go and record it, but right now I want you to start watching the competition.”

            “Why would I want to see people beat each other senseless?”

            “Because Yuna will be fighting…and if Tidus is suddenly knocked unconscious, Yuna will need you to come in and save her.”

            “Yuna?!  Oh our love so pure!  I will watch just for you!!!”

            Paine positioned herself down on the mat and closed her eyes.  Rikku stood there confused.  Paine placed her hands behind her head and yawned, “Brother will now watch the fight and when Yuna and Tidus win their match he will yell about how courageous and magnificent she is.  This is when his squawking will wake us up and we can begin warming up for our next battle, quite refreshed”

            “Heh, the Brother Alarm System, complete with witty remarks, gas, and absolute Yunie obsession,” Rikku chuckled as she sprawled out next to Paine.  Using her hand to prop her head up, she gazed at the older girl with much admiration.

            “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t stare at me while I sleep.”

            Rikku smiled and curled up into Paine.  Placing her hand on a pale stomach, Rikku played with the strap until she fell into a content sleep.

“Yuna! So brave, so strong, so wonderfully fit, so firm, so luscious, so…” –click.

Paine quickly turned off her mike and yawned. She sniffed and opened her eyes as Rikku stirred. “Tell Brother just five more minutes.”

Paine just smirked and proceeded to sit up. She scratched her head and pushed Rikku aside. Rikku continued to roll and curled up into a little ball, feigning sleep. “Rikku, get up.”

“No, I don’t think I will.”

“Fine, when I win the competition I will eat all the Moogle Coins in front of you.”

“You can’t win without your partner…you’ll get disqualified,” Rikku countered with a sly grin.

“Not if my partner is knocked out in the beginning of the round because someone got ‘careless’ with her sword,” Paine said walking towards a dog sleeping soundly.

Rikku, with her eyes still closed, simply held up her hand and waited for Paine to help her up. Paine woke the dog up and let it lick her hand and walked back to Rikku. Taking her hand in hers, Paine pulled the blonde to her feet. “Jeez Paine, your hands are sweaty…wipe them off next time.”

“My mistake,” Paine replied in monotone with an inward smile.

Rikku rubbed her face to help wake herself up and stopped. “GUH,” she looked at her hands, “-huff huff- what what what is…is….”

The warrior simply cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrow, looking at the dog panting happily. Rikku glared and pouted her lips. She reached inside the pouch on her belt and took out a tiny package. She opened it and wiped the dog spit off with the moist towelette. “You know…I bet your hand smells just as bad…and you know…I bet you don’t have any of these,” Rikku said as she sauntered towards Paine.

Stopping right in front of her, Rikku held up the towelette. “I could be nice and let you use mine…or I could just let you have smelly pooch hand. What should I do? Hmm, decisions decis- hey!”

Paine quickly snatched the small wipe from the thief’s hand and began to clean her glove off. “Yeah…or you could just let me take it from you.”

Rikku grabbed the moving hand and intertwined their fingers. “I’m always ready to get you hot and sweaty,” she said with a wink.

The warrior fought back a blush and moved her face towards Rikku’s. The Al Bhed could feel the warmth of Paine’s breath on her lips. Rikku heard her say something about letting them begin but all she understood was how close Paine was to her.

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“Geez…slow down Paine…this just a warm up,” Rikku yelped as she dodged an attack.

Paine slowed down and wiped away a thin veil of sweat on her forehead. “I’m just ready to get this over with now.” Tidus…you’re going to be obliterated.

“Well, if you keep going at it like that Ms. Painey-pants you won’t have any energy to fight in the championship battle. Come on…the fight against Ziv and Svetlana should be our warm up so lets just go wait until our turn is up again, okay?”

Paine tilted her head sighing. She looked Rikku up and down quickly before she nodded. Rikku smiled and grabbed her hand and they walked to see how the fight with Lucil and Elma was doing.

`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-

“Oh and Commander Lucil hits Ekon in the back hard! I don’t think he will be getting up from that one folks!”

Oh isn’t Commander Lucil amazing? She is simply beautiful and marvelous. I’m so lucky to be with her. She’s the greatest things that has ever happened to me and I’m just so so so so so privileged. “Elma, look out!”

Elma turned around just in time to block a strong attack from Chasina. Elma stumbled back and Lucil ran to her side. “You okay?”

The young woman nodded and the two set their sights on Chasina. The strong woman braced herself; she wasn’t going down without a fight. Elma and Lucil ran towards her, weapons in hand. Chasina took her sword and separated it into two. She twirled them twice and met each of the other women’s swords.

“Wow…geez Paine, how come your sword doesn’t separate into two like that,” Rikku asked pointed at the three women fighting.

“Because I’d whip any and everybody’s ass if I had two swords.”

Rikku smiled. She knew that Paine wasn’t lying. If the warrior was that skilled with one sword…just imagine what damage she could deal with two.

The clanking of metal and hard breathing was all that the three women could hear. Everything else around them was blocked out and unimportant. Chasina fought diligently against Elma and Lucil but eventually they would wear her down. Two against one were never very good odds in fighting, especially with trained fighters. Elma and Lucil looked at each other quickly and nodded. Elma stopped swinging her sword immediately, causing Chasina to be caught off guard. Lucil took advantage of this and came up to her side and elbowed her behind the ear, just hard enough to knock her unconscious.

“Well there we have it folks! With Ekon and Chasina both knocked out, our winners of this round are Commander Lucil and Elma! What a fantastic match! As the grounds men clear the floor of those two, will Ara, Tal, Varon, and Nixie please come to the arena? Don’t go anywhere folks, the first battle of the quarter-finals will begin in a few minutes!”

“Wow Paine…so that will make them be matched up with,” Rikku closed one eye and scrunched her face.

“Tidus and Yuna.”

“Tidus and Yunie! Oh neato! Ya know, we only get three more fights until we are named the champs!”

“Don’t be so arrogant Rikku…anything weird could happen at any given moment.”

Rikku tilted her head and squeezed Paine in a tight hug, “umpf.”

The thief rested her cheek on the older girl’s collar bone and closed her eyes. A small smile formed on her lips when she felt Paine hug her back. We’d make such a cute couple. Strong, serious Painey…awesome, funny, super-cute Rikku…no other couple could stand a chance in cuteness. Tidus and Yunie got nothing on us! We’ll be the poster couple of Spira…just watch us. “RIKKU! When’s Yuna coming back to fight?”

“Brother! I though you went back to watching your shows?”

“And give up the chance to see Yuna in all her glory? I don’t think so.”

Rikku sighed, “She and TIDUS will be going against Lucil and Elma later. You’ll just have to wait! In the mean time, you should cheer for me and Painey when we‘re up!”

“Wha? You and….Paine?….Ryja E mucd so seht…? Dryd ec fryd drao yna tuehk…?” (Have I lost my mind? That is what they are doing?)

Rikku just smiled and turned off her mike. She stepped away from Paine and watched as the four fighters in the arena psyched themselves up for the next battle. Ara and Tal were loosening up, cracking there necks and knuckles, where as Varon and Nixie were quietly chanting something.

“Who you think is gonna win, Paine?”

Paine glanced at Rikku and then back to the fighters. “Varon and Nixie.”

“Ne special reasons? Going for the underdogs, eh,” Rikku questioned cutely.

“They know what they’re doing. The other two don’t have enough rank on them to win this match. It’ll be over shortly.”

The thief smiled sweetly and blinked back to the combatants. She tilted her head and watched the fight get underway. Varon and Nixie were kicking the other two’s butts, to put it frankly. Rikku would have figured that Ara and Tal would win because they didn’t get worn out in the first battle like the old couple. Apparently Varon and Nixie were just that good. They are gonna be tough to beat. If Paine and I can get them each one on one and not let them work together…we will have a really good chance at winning. Yep…just have to keep the geezers apart and the fight is a shoe in.

“Oh Paine! Let’s get a hotdog after this match! I wanna help the cute little monkeys! Ghiki will be happy that I helped his relatives!”

“I thought that monkey died?”

“NO! He is alive and well,” Rikku said matter of factly.

“Surprised me. Come on…we’re up. Let’s do this.”

“Right, Paine!”

Paine and Rikku made their way to the arena.

Ziv and Svetlana were sitting on their box when Rikku and Paine walked into the arena. They quickly stood up once the two were positioned across from them. Svetlana grabbed her battling rod and Ziv tightened his grip on his spear. Rikku twirled her daggers for show, to excite the crowd, as Paine raised her sword and sliced it towards their opponents.

The air was filled with enthusiasm and the smell of hotdogs. The crowd cheered for the match to begin and a chant could be heard shouting “RiPa.” The announcer downed a bottle of water and made his way to the center of the stadium. “Alright people of Spira! It is time for the next battle to BEGIN! Paine and Rikku, I like you to meet Ziv and Svetlana! No need for courtesies now, just begin!!”

The four waited for him to get out of the way and they then began their assault. Rikku made a beeline towards Svetlana as Paine dashed towards Ziv with a menacing glare. Ziv slashed at the warrior and missed as she jumped over his head and landed behind him. Easily she could have taken him out but this was supposed to be their warm up. I can’t knock him out now…I haven’t even broken a sweat.

A few yards away, Rikku was toying with Svetlana. The poor woman was doing her best just to block the swipes coming from the Al Bhed. The clanging of metal hitting metal could be heard all over the stadium. After a few moments Rikku’s smile grew even wider. Paine was still practicing with Ziv when she heard a familiar tune. Is that? She is! Rikku is hitting her weapon on that battle rod to the tune of Real Emotion! She must be getting bored. She even scrapes the blade down it for the notes that are carried out. “Rikku!”

“What,” she said with a grin.

“Warm?”

The thief nodded and jumped behind Svetlana and knocked her out. Paine crossed weapons with Ziv and pushed his away hard. He twirled around and lost his balance, causing him to bend at the waist. Having his back open, Paine hit him with the hilt of her sword and he fell to the dirt.

“And that’s it for this battle! Those two just wiped them out! Let’s hear it for Paine and Rikku folks!”

Rikku smiled cutely as she raised her daggers and jumped excitedly. Paine just smirked. She was kind of disappointed in not giving the crowd a better show…but who was she to show off with such second-rate opponents? They’ll get a better fight for the championship battle. Yuna and Tidus won’t go down easy, but by Spira she will win. They will win.

“Yeeeeeeaaaaah,” Rikku yelled as she did one final jump with a punch towards the crowd. Paine sauntered up next to her and gently elbowed her. The thief stumbled and turned to face her partner. She raised her fists and snuffed at her nose with her thumb. She bounced back and forth and punched the air. Paine grabbed one of the lightning quick fists and spun the blonde around. Kicking out the blue sneakers under her, she dipped the owner. Paine grinned staring down at her. Rikku raised her chin and a glint of mischief shot through her eyes. “Kiss me.”

The warrior’s smile lessened slightly as a small blush covered her cheeks. She pulled Rikku up and kissed her lightly on her forehead. The crowed “awed” and both the girls smiled. Paine shook her head with a smirk and dropped Rikku all of eight inches. The mass of people laughed as she turned and took two steps away and then turned back to Rikku. The Al Bhed sat in the dirt with her head tilted to the side. Paine huffed and went to pick up Rikku. She placed her hands under the girls’ arms and raised her as one would a child. She wiped a smudge of dirt off the younger girl’s chin and took her hand and led them towards the arena’s exit.

“Those two are such a cute and funny couple! Hah hah! Well, next up we ha…”

The announcer’s voice faded out as the doors to the warm up arena closed behind Rikku and Paine. They went to the mat they had slept on and sat down. “Say Paine… should we go out there and watch the fight with Yunie and Tidus? We will most likely be going against them the championship round?”

“You can go. I’m going to stay here and focus for our battle against Varon and Nixie.”

Rikku didn’t want to leave Paine so she sat there with her legs stretched out in front of her. She reached for her toes and bobbed a little bit, then she leaned back on her hands and looked at the ceiling. Paine sat cross legged and thought about their next challenge. Soon they’d be up against the water couple and this wasn’t going to be an easy fight. They’re experienced, well trained, quite athletic for their age, and battle smart. What can be their weakness? Lightning? Too obvious…they’re sure to be equipped with armor that’s lightning resistant. Hm… “Hey Rikku.”

“Yep?”

“The best strategy I have against Varon and Nixie is to keep them apart and not let them team up. That’s about it though.”

Rikku looked at her. “Is that really all you have?”

Paine nodded. Rikku looked deep in thought for a couple minutes and then an idea struck her. “Say! They’re old right? Why don’t we just cast haste on them and let them have a heart attack? They are taking the risk anyways for competing and being so old. And besides…they have the emergency squad nearby.”

Listening to her idea, Paine figured it was better than hers. They could just cast haste on themselves and then on the other two and just maybe that would work. Rikku came up with a pretty smart idea…she’ll be a scheming strategist in no time. “Fine. It works for me.”

Rikku held her head high and gleamed at her brilliant idea. Yeah. I totally showed Paine my genius. I hope it works…it would suck if it didn’t.

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“And now people of Spira! The semifinals begin! With the loss of Hania and Tait and the astonishing loss Commander Lucil and Elma, we have but four couples left. Beginning now…Varon and Nixie will fight against Rikku and Paine. Soon after that Sage and Vivek will battle with Yuna and Tidus! Which couples will make it to the championship battle? Which team will win the 100,000 gil and Moogle Coins? Which team will become the new poster couple of Capt. Spira’s couple competition? Only time will tell! Let’s get the next battle started! Fighters, you know who you are, come to the arena now!”

Paine and Rikku walked to center arena and Nixie and Varon followed suit. The four shook hands and went to their starting blocks. The crowd cheered loudly as the bell rang for the match to begin. The warrior and thief each cast haste on themselves and proceeded to cast it on their opponents as well. The four fought rapidly for quite some time and it seemed as if the plan was a failure until they noticed Nixie grab at her chest. She bent over breathing heavily and Varon ran to her as Rikku and Paine backed off. He talked to her soothingly and eased her down to the ground. He then yelled for the emergency squad to come take her to the recovery center. The medical technicians quickly took her away as Varon picked up his wife’s sword. Walking toward the other two, he smiled slightly. In a soft voice he muttered, “That was very clever of you two. Separating us and using our old age to your advantage…,” Varon wiped at his beard, “I understand you want to save your energy for the final battle…I’ll give in now if you two swear that we can have a rematch…no tricks…just a good ol’ fashioned brawl.”

Paine looked down and Rikku and they both nodded. “Alright then. It’s a deal…but you best bring you A game.”

Varon nodded. “We always do. Until next time young ones. HEY! I ADMIT DEFEAT! THEY WIN!”

The grey haired man bowed and walked in the direction of the recovery center.

“Um…well there you have it folks! Seems like these two are in the championship round! But who will be joining them? Let’s have a cheer for our next contenders, Sage, Vivek, Tidus, and Yuna!”

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“Paine…,” Rikku whined.

“What is it?”

“I’m nervous about the next battle. Yunie and Tidus look like they’re getting ready to finish up out there…I think they’ve been practicing.”

Paine rested her hand on Rikku’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about anything. We’ve improved too and we will win. You got that? We’ll make it happen.”

Rikku exhaled and nodded with a smile. She reached for Paine’s hand and glanced towards the arena. She nodded again and looked back at Paine with raised eyebrows. “Well, look sharp.”

The warrior raised one eyebrow and led the blonde toward the stage.

“And there we go! Lady Yuna and Tidus are the winners! They are going against Rikku and Paine in championship battle! It will start in twenty minutes! So stock up on food and drinks because this is going to be one battle you won’t forget!”

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Tidus walked out with his head held high and his hand around Yuna’s waist. Yuna’s hand was in Tidus’ back pocket and she wore a coy expression. From the other side, Paine walked out with her fingers intertwined around Rikku’s. Both couples stopped near the center and smoke shot out of the ground behind each. The crowd went wild and the cheer could surely be heard for miles around. Paine stared hard at Tidus who seemed oblivious to her because he simply stared at Rikku. He did a subtle wink and Rikku’s hand tightened around Paine’s. “Why don’t you drool over YOUR girlfriend like that, Tidus?”

Tidus glared at Paine, “Why don’t you go and get outta here bitch?”

Yuna looked at her boyfriend, “What’s you problem Tidus?”

“It’s nothing sweetie.”

Rikku raised her head, “Yeah, heh, I bet it’s too hard for him to pronounce.”

The warrior smirked at Rikku’s attempt to make a mordacious comment. As Tidus was getting ready to comment back, the announcer walked up. “Okay you four… it seems like you’re ready for this. Remember, if you use way too much excessive force, kill someone, break someone’s whatever, and blah blah blah you will be disqualified. You win only if both members of the same party are unable to fight or give in and you get the gist. Well alright, be classy and good luck.”

The announcer turned around and started talking to the crowd. Rikku had a serious look on her face for once and Yuna inwardly winced at the harshness. Tidus’ eyebrows were furrowed and Paine’s eyes seemed to be a brighter shade of crimson than usual. They exchanged final glances before each turned around and headed toward their blocks. “Hey, what was that about back there,” Yuna asked.

“Seriously…it was nothing.” Tidus reassured her, “you ready to do this?”

Yuna nodded and tilted her head with a smile. Tidus leaned down and kissed her forcefully. The gunner blushed and placed her arms around his waist. On the other block, Paine and Rikku looked away. Debating on whether she should or shouldn’t, Paine figured what was the harm in “playing it up” as Rikku put it. She turned towards the blonde and placed her hands on the girl’s hips. She leaned down and kissed Rikku lightly. She began to lean back but was stopped by arms going around her neck. Rikku brought her in closer and her right foot raised. Pulling back, they held onto each other and looked back at the Yuna and Tidus. “Tee hee…I think they’re jealous.”

Tidus grimaced at how well they fit into one another. They looked as if they were meant to be held by each other. Perfect. They molded perfectly into each other. Tidus grew rigid. Feeling his tenseness, Yuna grabbed his hand and petted it. It seemed to calm him down…a little. “AND LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!”

They all picked up their weapons and jumped off their boxes. Paine rushed towards Tidus and the two clashed swords. Yuna was firing at Rikku who was deflecting the bullets with her daggers. Yuna then used Trigger Happy and managed to hit Rikku in the shoulder, thigh, and arm. The thief clenched her daggers and screamed. She raced towards her cousin with the fury of an angry chocobo, dodging the rounds being shot at her. Jumping high in the air she came down hard on Yuna. She cut an X right under Yuna’s clavicle, causing her hood to fall to the ground and blood to rise up. “Looks like you’ve been branded Yunie.”

Yuna wiped away some of the blood and looked at her hand. Shaking, she balled her hand into a fist and punched at Rikku. The Al Bhed swatted it away with a forearm and hit the gunner in the stomach with lightning quick speed. Yuna staggered backwards and raised her gun. Rikku lifted her leg and knocked it out of her hand with an inside crescent kick. The weapon went skidding across the ground. Yuna looked panicked for a second but she then stood up straight with a stern expression. Rikku twirled her daggers and threw them into the dirt. The blades stuck into the ground and the hilts vibrated back and forth. “Might as well make this fair, eh?”

Yuna looked downward and turned back pulling a gun out from behind her and aiming it at the blonde. Rikku stood ready. “You think I’d be dumb enough just to have one gun with me? Man Rikku…that wasn’t very smart.”

Yuna fired the gun. Rikku swiftly bent backwards with the bullet going right over her chin like some cool Matrix move. Back flipping behind her daggers, she pulled them up along with her upper body. Both ladies, now rearmed, continued to battle.

“Tch, come on Tidus, surely you can do better then that.”

“Hah hah, I don’t see you outmatching me at all. Perhaps you need to shut your mouth,” Tidus countered.

Paine merely smirked, “Bring it punk.”

They clashed swords again and pushed against each other. Paine inched her way up and summoned enough strength to push Tidus off balance. She swiped downward and cut into his clothes. Barely drawing blood, she clenched her jaw and raised her sword once again. Tidus rolled out of the way and slashed at Paine’s knees. The warrior jumped up and dodged the blade. Steadying herself, she gripped tightly to her sword. Tidus came rushing forward and thrust his sword right at Paine. She used her blade to push it away and came up with a kick to his head. The blitz ball star shook it off and began to use his overdrive, Slice and Dice. Almost unseen, he rushed by Paine and cut her on the arm. He ran past again and sliced her stomach. Running by again he slashed her shoulder. On his final cut, she targeted him before he hit her and she rammed the heel of her palm under his chin and sent him flying. He landed sprawled on the dirt shaking his head back and forth. “Uhh.”

“Tch, damn you,” Paine muttered grabbing her shoulder.

“Tidus!”

Yuna forgot her fight with Rikku and ran over to her boyfriend. Paine went over to Rikku to see how she was doing. “Tidus? Come on, wake up. Wake up.”

The blonde opened his eyes slowly and let his vision focus. Yuna sighed with relief and smiled. She helped him to his feet and steadied him until he could stand on his own.

“Looks like he nicked you a couple of times, Paine,” Rikku said wiping at some of her cuts.

“Lucky hits. And look at you…,” Paine mentioned.

Rikku shrugged and held out a potion. “Rana...dyga drec.” (Here…take this.)

The older girl took it and drank half of it. Her cuts quickly healed and she gave the rest of the potion back to Rikku. Rikku took it and drank the rest. All the bullet wounds mended themselves and she was back to normal. She threw the bottle away and smiled back up at Paine who looked down and wiped a smudge off her chin. The blonde raised her head towards Paine and suddenly felt herself being pushed forcefully backwards. Landing on her side, she looked where she was standing and found a stalagmite of ice piercing upwards. Some of Rikku’s potions fell out and broke but she grabbed what didn’t and scrambled to her feet as more blizzaga spells were cast towards her. One by one icicles rose from the ground penetrating anything that was above it. Rikku ran as fast as she could to get away from them. A very weak blizzard spell was cast in front of her as she stepped forward. Must be Tidus’. The ice enveloped her boots causing her to be frozen to the ground. Beneath her a blizzaga spell began to form. Rikku winced, ready for the agony. It didn’t come. She was being carried in the arms of a silver haired warrior, away from the frost, with her feet bare. Paine placed the Al Bhed on the ground and sprinted back with speed only possible with haste. She yelled flame tongue and melted the ice with Rikku’s boots. Grabbing them she rushed back and gave them to their owner. Rikku quickly put them on and grinned at Paine. She smiled back and was suddenly struck with a lightning bolt. “Erah!”

The warrior fell backwards and dispel was cast on her. Beneath her, ice began forming. Rikku ran to her and pushed her out of the way. The spell was a small puddle of slushy water. Tidus really needs to stop…that is just pathetic. With Paine out of harm’s way, Rikku turned back toward the spell casters. Yuna, in her black mage outfit, began to cast blizzaga. Not again!! The thief jumped out of the way and rolled back to her feet. The icicles were right on her trail. Yuna was casting them even faster and Rikku was sprinting just to stay a few inches away. Suddenly, Rikku was snapped back into the stalagmite just cast. Her scarf had been pierced right through. She quickly tugged at it and heard a slight rip but was still fixed to it. No! The blizzaga shot up out of the ground. She felt nothing but skinned knees and a cool neck. The crowd fell silent.

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Rikku snapped her head around and gasped. “Paine! NO,” she cried.

The ice impaled the warrior through her abs. Blood was running down the frozen pillar as she gasped for air.

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“Hey there. I’m Rikku. Nice to meet you,” the blonde said holding out her hand.

Looking at it, a tall warrior grasped it and responded, “Paine.”

“Well, now that we are practically best friends now…would you like to join the Gullwings?”

The serious woman looked at the bikini-clad girl and then behind her. There stood a huge airship that had to have so much torque it would leave a crater the size of Kilika Island if floored. She looked back at the blonde who had pyre flies floating around her like some sort of deity. Her emerald eyes, with the Al Bhed trademark, glittered in the setting sun. The Moonflow was never this gorgeous… “Alright.”

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A small tear fell from Paine’s eye. “Rikku…”

“I’m here Paine…”

“Ri-Rikku…finish…them…o-off.”

“O-okay…I’ll do it…just hang in there and stay conscious. Please…”

Rikku briskly turned to the other couple. Running towards them with tears in her eyes she screamed, “Machina Maw!”

Something clicked. Without having to change to all her dress spheres, the machina rose from beneath the ground and splashed in front of her with a fantastic thud. Outfitted in gold, Rikku charged the machine and hopped aboard. “Eraaaahhhh!!! Varja!! Smasher, Crusher…Howitzer!!”

Yuna and Tidus were paralyzed by fear and stared wide-eyed at the powerful machina heading toward them. Yuna somehow snapped out of it and casted protect on them. The machina slammed into them with a mighty attack. Smasher then slammed into Yuna as Crusher crashed into Tidus. The two were knocked into the block, which crumbled on impact. The protect seemed to have done nothing.

Behind Rikku, Paine summoned all her strength and pushed herself off the icicle and fell to the ground. “That a way, Rikku…hm…that a way…”

She tried hard not to succumb to darkness and mentally cheered on Rikku. She’s done good…really good…damn…I should’ve brought a potion…or eight. Paine swallowed and looked to the ground…was it? Was she hallucinating? A potion? A hi-potion? Half full? She grabbed it and weakly twisted off the top… Just enough to stop the bleeding…bottoms up… Paine shakily raised the bottle to her lips and drank the bitter concoction. The bleeding began to slow, some muscle began to repair itself, and some of her consciousness returned to her.

“Shockstorm!! Homing Ray!”

Tidus and Yuna were being battered with attack after attack but somehow managed to stay conscious, much to their misfortune. “Shockwave!”

That was the last attack either of them saw before blacking out. Rikku was breathing heavily and her machina slowly began dissolving back into the earth. She stood there for a minute and remembered. She turned back to where she last saw Paine. All that was there was a bloody mess. She followed the trail of blood down and saw her sitting at the base. Rikku ran towards her. “Paine!”

“Rikku…do me a favor…”

“Yes…an-anything Paine…”

“Get off my hand and hand me another potion…”

Rikku quickly removed her knee from the warrior’s hand and dug around in her pouch to find another potion. She had two left. She opened them and placed the opening to Paine’s mouth, slowly pouring the liquid in. After the second potion, Paine’s stomach began healing. More muscle repaired itself, the bleeding completely stopped, and Paine had enough strength to get up. The crowd howled with excitement and relief as Paine stood. RiPa was chanted over and over again with such enthusiasm. “And the winners! RIKKU AND PAINE!”

If possible, the crowd grew even louder and thrilled. Paine grinned at Rikku as she leaned on her. Rikku beamed a huge smile as she helped Paine to the recovery center.

Losing and illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.

-Ludwig Borne

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            “Mom?” the team repeated.

            Paine stepped back from the screen and shook her head.  No, it can’t be.  They died because of sin.  “Shinra, check the date that sphere was recorded. “

            Shinra typed furiously on his keyboard.  After a few moments he responded, “it was recorded 3 years and 5 months ago.”

            I was 15…my parents didn’t die from Sin.  The warrior’s mind was running with thought after thought after thought.  How could I have missed them?  How come they never found me?  Why still haven’t I found them?  I’ve been all over this damned world and haven’t seen them.  Why put this sphere in the cave I used to play at?  Did they know I would eventually go back there?  “Play it again.”

            The sphere started once again and Shinra turned it up to max volume.  The imaged jumped constantly.  In the first part it looked as if they were in a temple.  The second part looked as if they were on the bridge near the Djose temple.  Paine’s mother’s voice could barely be heard.  “Paine, my darling daughter, I know you will find this.  You have always been strong and I know Sin could not take you.  From birth I knew you were meant for great things.  Upon your father’s and my return home, we found it in shambles.  There wasn’t any sign of you but we felt you were alive and must have moved on ahead.   I’m sorry we had to leave you that day.  I pray every night that it didn’t happen but every morning I am answered the same.  We leave this sphere where you and Tarja played.  We know you’ll come back here.  We have moved to Djose temple in hopes of finding a summoner who can destroy this fiend we call Sin.  We will be working there and we have faith you will return to us.  We love you, our precious warrior.  Praise be to Yevon.”

            Rikku broke the silence with a small “umph” as she reached towards the brick on the table.  She stared intently at the markings that have mostly worn off.  To blank blank blank…comma A, E.  Paine must be the last word…three letters?  Our.  What’s this next one?  That kinda looks like an L…little?  To our little...”To our little” RIkku whispered under her breath.

            “To our little spinel,” Paine said almost silently.  A minute smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.  “They used to call me their treasure gem…when I was little.”

            Rikku touched her arm softly and held to her the brick.  A shaky hand grasped the piece and held it under poignant eyes.  A small gasp escaped Paine’s lips as she grabbed the sphere and left.

            “Rikku, ku caa fryd cra fyhdc du tu,” Brother commanded.  (Rikku, go see what she wants to do.)

            The blonde hesitated but nodded and chased after Paine.

            The warrior was in the cabin changing out of her clothes.  She grabbed a towel and headed to the shower.  Rikku clomped up the stairs and glanced at Paine’s area.  The brick was resting on her nightstand, facing towards her pillow.  The clothes she had just worn were strewn across her bed with no attempt of organization.  The Al Bhed picked them up and checked the pockets before she tossed them in the laundry bin.  She grabbed a clean set of the warrior’s clothes and set them on the bed.  She laid down on her own sheets and picked at her nails, waiting for the silver haired girl to come back.

            Inside the bathroom, Paine stood under the hot water as it cascaded down her body.  Steam took up every area of the room and a faint sob could be heard.  The warrior surprised herself with he own emotion.  Tears mixed with water and soon she couldn’t tell if she was still crying or not.  Her hair fell in front of her face and she pushed it out of her eyes as she leaned backwards and looked up.  The light above her was barely visible from the cloudy vapor.  Should I look for them?  It’s been almost 5 years.  I would have thought they would’ve found me by now.  Maybe they don’t want to hear from me.  This explains the dreams I’ve been having though.  What should I do? 

            Rikku listened as the water shut off and the soft tapping of wet feet hit the floor.  A few minutes later the door opened and a towel clad woman whose life just turned upside down, walked out.  Her damp hair was hanging loosely over her eyes, still dripping a little.  The sun made the silver glitter radiantly as she shuffled over to the clothes waiting for her.  “Thank you, Rikku.”

            The thief smiled with a tilt of her head, “it’s no problem.  It’s what I do.”

            The warrior quickly got dressed and sat down beside where Rikku was laying.  She handed the girl her towel, who sat up and began drying her friend’s hair.  They began doing small things like this about 2 weeks after Yuna left.  Rikku loved to dry and brush Yuna’s hair, yet with her gone, she slowly fell into a depressed state.  One afternoon, Paine decided she needed to help the little thief cheer up and she asked her if she’d mind fixing her hair.  Rikku had teased it so much, from having withdraws, that the warrior sported a perma-fro for 3 days.  Since then the blonde has calmed down and had actually given Paine a few other hairstyles.  Both of their favorites being the simple tousled look with mousse to keep it looking wet. 

            “I don’t know what to do, Rikku.  Should I find them?  Should I say leave them alone?  They didn’t even come look for me!”

            Rikku jumped slightly at the tone of her friend’s voice.  She cleared her throat, yet her voice was shaky and quiet, “we’ve been to Zanarkand, Besaid, and everywhere in between, Paine.  It isn’t like you have a permanent address they could’ve found you at.”

            Too busy wallowing in her self-pity, Paine failed to realize the practical side of the situation.  She was right about that.  It isn’t like she stayed in one place for very long.  Even when she was with the Crimson Squad…they were all over Spira.  Perhaps they did try and find her.  Maybe they were waiting for her to find them.  But what happens if they didn’t want her to find them?  “What if they didn’t want me to look for them?”

            “Then they wouldn’t have left you that sphere, baby.”

            Another point made.  That’s Rikku 2, Paine 0.  “We should go to Djose and see if Gippal knows anything.”

            Rikku wasn’t sure if this was a question or a statement so she smiled and nodded anyways.  She folded the towel and tossed it at the foot of her bed.  Pushing back the warrior’s bangs, Rikku leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.  “Missed.”

            The blonde smiled sweetly and pulled her into a soft kiss.  Sitting back, she pushed Paine’s bangs back again and cupped her cheek.  She opened her mouth but closed it and gave a smile.  Retracting her hand, Rikku stood up and headed for the stairs.  “Rikku,” a weary voice called out.

            The Al Bhed turned back with a questioning look.  “We can leave tomorrow.  No rush today.”

            “I’ll go tell Brother.”

            “Dryhgc…” (Thanks…)

            “Hu bnupmas.” (No problem.)

            Turning back around, she headed down the steps and toward the elevator.  The boys were waiting eagerly when she got down to the bridge.  “Zicc?”  (Well?)

            “Cra fyhdc du ku du Djose yht dymg du Gippal du caa ev ra\'c caah dras.  Cra cyet ed fyc ugyo ev fa mavd dusunnuf druikr,” Rikku relayed.  (She wants to go to Djose and talk to Gippal to see if he\'s seen them.  She said it was okay if we left tomorrow though.)

            Brother sank into his pilot’s seat and punched his hand.  “Nekrd...fa mayja vencd drehk dusunnuf drah.  Ku nacd ib.”  (Right…we leave first thing tomorrow then.  Go rest up.)

            Buddy and Shinra left their seats and headed to the elevator.  Rikku waved them bye and shuffled over to her brother.  “Dryhgc Brother.  E ghuf oui dfu ryja ryt ouin tevvanahlac pid drec naymmo sayhc y mud.  Du ran yht du sa.” (Thanks Brother.  I know you two have had your differences but this really means a lot.  To her and to me.)

            A hint of pink covered his cheeks and he waved his hand nonchalantly.  “Frydajan.  Ku yht kad uid uv rana.”  (Whatever.  Go and get out of here.)

            With that, Rikku punched him lightly on the arm and left the room.  After hearing the doors slide shut, Brother placed his hands behind his head, smiled to himself and sighed.  He then rubbed his hair back and forth and leaned forward to press autopilot.