This chapter has a wider range of characters, so I hope you like how I portrayed them. There's also a little bit of fluff and drama as well.

Enjoy, and shout outs at the bottom :)

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy X-2 is property of Square-Enix and is not mine.

Chapter VI

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My muscles started to ache after a minute of standing rigidly still. Who were these guys to tell me to be still? It's not like I'm the threat. If I weren't being aimed at with guns, I'd walk over to those soldiers and give them a taste of my fist, even if they're officers.

"What do you have to say for yourself, kid?" A soldier asked, his gun lowering slightly.

"Standing stiffer than a plank so I won't get shot by poopie-headed meanies!" Dang, I did it again. I think, whenever I get mad my mouth kind of gets a mind of its own. And a silly one at that.

The same guard stared me down. "What did you say?"

I ceased my act of standing still and worked out the stiffness in my limbs. "Excuse me, sir, but I'm not the guilty party here." I addressed him in a more mature tone.

"Oh, so we're supposed to believe you?" A different soldier scoffed loudly.

"If you had half a brain you would! I don't have a gun, I'm not trying to escape, and I helped the injured Guado. See her, she can vouch for me!"

The guards followed my pointed finger to a limping Leblanc, who gasped and looked as though she'd just been framed for a terrible crime. "Wah?! I didn't do it! She did!" The boisterous woman whipped out her beautiful but powerful fan out and aimed it at me. She recoiled once I screamed at her. "Eh, I meant, she did the helping out part. Besides, the sniper was dressed like my former employees. This girl here certainly didn't have it cut out back when I had my Syndicate."

"Do you know the sniper?" The head officer asked gruffly, his gun now nearing toward Leblanc.

"Point that away from me you lumbering buffoon! The sniper wore a mask, and all I said was she dressed like my previous Fem-Goons. That doesn't mean she works for me or knows me. It could mean anything." Leblanc tapped her foot impatiently while the officers contemplated her response. "Get out of here all ready!! Either that, or go help out the wounded!" The ex-Sphere Hunter bellowed, swiping her fan angrily through the air. A few soldiers flinched, but the group as a whole nodded and rushed off with curative items for the injured people.

"Wow, did your employees fear you like that?" I asked with a giggle. Leblanc sauntered over to my, swaying her hips and tapping her fan against her leg.

"Well, whoever shot at me certainly didn't! Or maybe they were getting revenge." The blonde bombshell clocked her head to the side slightly, deep in thought. I waited for her to come to a conclusion. "No matter! We shall track down the sniper!"

"Uh, how Leblanc?" I asked inquisitively, my finger finding its way around my hanging braid. I twirled with my hair while the other woman stood speechless. "I think we should go back to Kilika and see if anyone has any answers. Maybe they know why the sniper at the meeting was there."

Leblanc paled uncharacteristically. "You mean there was another shooting? At the meeting? Oh no, my poor Noojie-Woojie! Then it's settled! To Kilika it is!" She shouted triumphantly, only to suddenly deflate like a balloon. "Um, any idea how we could get there quickly, luv?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Nope, I don't have a clue. Maybe we could just---"

"Princess!!!!!"

Rushing towards me, crazier than a wild Chocobo, was my pop. I put my hands up frantically as he came close to bowling me over. At the last minute, he threw his arms around me and squeezed me tightly. "Ur, Rikku, frana eh Spira tit oui ku? Tyssed, kenm oui ryt sa funneat celg!" (Oh, Rikku, where in Spira did you go? Dammit, girl you had me worried sick!)

"Vydran, bmayca, kad y rumt uv ouincamv!" (Father, please, get a hold of yourself!) I chided him hastily as my cheeks turned redder than a Flan Rojo in Oversoul. "You're embarrassing me."

I watched Pops step back and rub his shiny, bald cranium sheepishly. Then his eyes narrowed at me. "Don't be telling me what to do, missy. I won't stand for your rebellious teenage antics!" I rolled my eyes lamely, but my father's expression softened. "I mean, as long as you're okay, I, uh, won't bother you. Promise be you will be careful, Rikku, because if I lost you, there'd be no way for me to go on." He hung his head low, and I immediately felt guilt and pity. "Of course I'll be careful." I chimed brightly, bouncing on the balls of my toes.

"Oh, Rikku, you're alright!!" An exasperated, male voice cried out from behind Pops. I spun around to face Deanz, as he ran towards me as fast as he could. Pops grumbled something while staring menacingly at Deanz. Oblivious to it, he simply gave me a big squeeze. Of course, Pops smacked him on the back, causing him to jump. "Oh, uh, hi Mr. Cid." He smiled weakly.

"I better not catch your hands on my daughter," my father warned, shaking his fist crazily. Deanz nodded feverishly, so Pops turned to me. "Well, Rikku, if you're alright then I'll go back to work. Call me if you need anything."

"Right, of course. No wait, what happened at the meeting? Was anyone hurt?" I asked in a panicked screech, feeling guilty that I hadn't brought the topic up earlier. My father rubbed his head again, looking a little uncomfortable.

"Well, no," He said bluntly. "I wasn't there when it happened. I just got word that you were missing, and that little kid, Shinra I think, told me you were here."

I smirked and pointed to Shinra's device around my wrist. "I guess this little baby came in handy then."

Pops gave me another hug, this time much quicker and less forceful, and then departed after staring Deanz down. Once he was gone though, Deanz acted as if nothing was wrong. "I could escort you to Kilika to check on the situation, Lady Rikku." He suggested, moving a little too close to me. As flattering as he sounded, I didn't think traveling with him alone was a good idea.

"Actually, Deanz, I'm going with Leblanc. So, um, I could meet you there, okay." Deanz smile turned gloomy, and he nodded haphazardly.

"Well, okay I guess, but there's one thing I need to do first."

Deanz hesitated at first, and I had no idea what he needed to do. I thought he might need supplies or maybe investigate Guadosalam a little. Once he started to lean in though, I remembered Gippal always telling me how naïve I could get around guys.

His lips touched mine, not oppressively, but not exactly softly. For the first moment, as he held the liplock with me, I just froze up instantly. Once the initial reaction of utter surprise, I finally pushed him away.

"What?!" Deanz shouted angrily. "Did I do something wrong?" He took a step towards me, leaning in again. At first, I thought he was going in for another turn to swap spit, but his face stopped inches from mine. "Well, Rikku, am I not good enough to kiss or something? Tell me, I want to know why you're denying me." He pleaded, though not apologetically. I stepped back to put more distance between us, and then addressed him in a high-pitched tone.

"Nothing is wrong, no, I mean, we just, you know, aren't like a couple or anything." I stammered quickly, taking another step backwards. "You don't just kiss a girl like that!"

"Why not?" He asked plainly, as if I was making things complicated that shouldn't be. "I can feel some attraction between us. I want you and you want me. Could you make it any simpler?"

Deanz's eyes scanned over me, head to toe, while his lips curled into a smug smile. I admit he's a hunk, but certainly not someone I would want telling me they want me so lustfully. Guys don't usually scare me, but Deanz is starting to creep me out a bit.

"Anyone tell you how beautiful you look when you get worried?" He asked in a low, seductive tone, lightly tracing his fingers across my cheek. It tickled, but instead of giggling, I slapped his hand away. Glancing left and right, I found I was alone with Deanz. Leblanc must have walked off in search of something while Pops was here, and all the officers were busy tending to people and searching the premises. Deanz and I were stuck in a corner of Guadosalam, partially shielded from view by the item shop and a bridge. "I asked you a question."

My attention snapped back to Deanz, his face smug and delighted like a naughty little boy about to get to the cookie jar. My back touched the earthy wall behind me, and Deanz shot his arm next to me head, trapping me between the wall and his body.

"Leave me alone or I will kick your ass, Deanz." I whispered threateningly, surprising myself at how pissed off and dangerous I sounded. Deanz though, looked at me as if I'd just said something cute.

"Aw, c'mon Rikku, don't be a spoil sport." He chided, moving in so close I was almost crouching on the ground away from him. Feeling very flustered, I shot my hand out and accidentally snagged the long sleeve of Deanz's buttoned down shirt, tearing the sleeve all the way off his arm.

He rubbed his muscular, now bare arm, shaking his head and smiling. "Already trying to tear my clothes off? Let me help you then." Deanz whispered and started unbuttoning his shirt quickly. As he was reaching for the button just under his pecs, I slammed my foot into his chest and sent him on his back. Calling for help seemed silly, I could so take this dirtbag. Running would probably be the sensible thing to do though.

Deanz jumped up as I tried to take off. He latched onto my arm and pulled me close to him, against his partially bare chest. Too frightened to fight back, I simply pounded my fists against his chest. My nails suddenly caught in the fabric of his shirt, making my escape even harder. While one of my hands was tangled up in his shirt, Deanz tried to lean forward and kiss me. I palm heeled him the jaw, knocking him down a peg. Yanking furiously, I finally freed my hand, but not without tearing off a large chunk of Deanz's shirt. Once again, I started to turn and run away, but something on Deanz made me stop. Beneath the ripped flap of his shirt, some stood out on the far left side of his back. So, I quickly ducked around Deanz, tackled him to the ground, and ripped the back of his shirt until the left half of his broad back was exposed. There, along his tanned skin, was a tattoo. It was small, black and green, like some sort of symbol. I didn't have enough time to make out what exactly it was.

Lost in my thoughts about what the tattoo meant, Deanz spun around on the ground, throwing me off balance. He gripped my shoulders painfully, and spat in my face. "You don't have to make things so hard, Rikku!"

"Really, cause I was starting to enjoy it," I replied slyly, frowning innocently. While I slid my fingers down his shoulder and then his arm, Deanz softened a bit.

"So you really do like me?"

"Yeah right, creep!" I snapped, striking him between then eyes and on his nose. Not hard enough to break it, but just enough to cause him some watery eyes. As he rubbed the spot where I'd hit him, I slid out from under him and darted down to Leblanc's front door. I banged on it furiously, wondering if Deanz would actually chase me down. For someone I thought of as a friend, this discovery was quite unraveling.

Thankfully, the doors opened, but not by Leblanc. A Fem-Goon stood in front of me, and I almost jumped her, except that I realized she wasn't the sniper. Though, the sniper had been wearing mostly black cloth over any kind of outfit. But I was raised to give people the benefit of the doubt. Well, I guess I taught myself that, believing in the good of people. My previous interaction was Deanz rather wavered my opinion now, you know.

"Hi, Rikku!" The Fem-Goon blurted, making me jump out of my skin. How was she supposed to know my name!

"Do I, know you?" I asked hesitantly, but before she could answer, Leblanc came over to us in her flowing, sauntering walk.

"You, back to work, now!" She demanded, watching the Fem-Goon flee in their strange run, back bent down and legs kicking wildly. I tried placing the voice, but Leblanc interrupted me with her fan, waving in around angrily.

"I thought you released everyone in your Syndicate. Even Ormi and Logos?" I asked inquisitively, eyeing the other woman with interest.

"Yes, those two left a week ago, off on their own journey. A sad parting if you ask me, but the only man that causes me separation anxiety is my Noojie-Woojie!" Leblanc smiled proudly. "Oh, and the girl you just saw, she's the only employee I have left. Seriously, the little leech would not leave me! Said she needed the extra gil. Now, if you're quite ready I'd like to leave and make sure Nooj is okay."

I sidestepped out of the way, as Leblanc plowed beside me in a wild sprint, putting a drunken Chocobo to shame. Nooj must be very important to make her, of all people, hustle.

"Rikku!"

Someone shouted my name nearby, but it wasn't Leblanc or a female voice at all. "Um, I'll catch up to you, Leblanc!" I yelled, but she was already running out of Guadosalam. She'd stop for breath soon, so I could catch up to her then. Now though, it was time to find out who had called my name.

The voice seemed to have come from above me, so I took the rooted walkway to the upper level of the Guado's home, looking around for anybody I knew. A familiar smell caught my nose, a refreshing fragrance, someone's cologne. I'm not an expert on the nose-enlightening smell from a man, but I have only smelled one man who wore the mystery cologne that had invaded my nostrils. I moved toward the door to the Inn, and pushed through eagerly. Energy bubbled inside of me as I searched frantically through the dark room for the source of the fragrance. A large and strong hand gripped my shoulder, and spun me around quicker than I could react.

The cologne overwhelmed me at this distance, but it was arousing nonetheless, and as I peered into a perplexing emerald green eye, a hidden joy exploded inside me.

"Gippal!!!"

I pounced heavily on the machina savvy man, wrapping my arms around his neck and causing him to stumble backwards. Gippal fell onto his back and against the floor, my body on top of his, as I felt a wave of relief. "I'm so glad you're okay! There was that sniper, and I was worried if anyone got hurt, and there was so many people in the room, and I didn't know if..." I trailed off when I saw Gippal giving me a silly grin.

"Seems like a lot has been on your mind. I'm just glad you're unharmed too, Cid's girl." He remarked, touching my cheek lightly. I couldn't hold in the relief and joy I felt, so I just smiled brightly. I thought I was going to explode. I was so happy Gippal was not shot, and that he was in tiptop shape. A cloud of bad thoughts muddled my mind as I pondered what could've have happened if Gippal had been injured. Could I have helped him? Would I be to blame for not stopping the sniper? Before I knew what was going on, thoughts muffling my better judgment, my lips were dropping on Gippal's lips.

I kissed him.

People say your first kiss is supposed to be blissful, awkward and new, as well as memorable. Technically, my first kiss was back when I was fifteen, right before I'd left in search of my cousin, when Gippal and I had been playing a silly game of dares with a few other teens. I don't know if I was attracted to Gippal back then. He looked the same mostly. Back then he was only a few inches shorter, and his hair was less spiky. Yet, some things remained the same. Like his love for machina and his attitude. Ugh, back then; girls had been clinging to him like wild, just like now. I don't know if it was his body, behavior, or bad boy mentality. Those girls had been jealous though, because I was Gippal's only friend of the opposite gender. I had access to more things than they did. Despite the constant teasing and put downs, Gippal had been a great guy back then. I guess he still is now, only a little cockier and funnier, and maybe I just don't want to believe how great he really is.

Almost three years ago, we'd kissed, not passionately, but not just a peck. We'd both been embarrassed, having only done it for kicks. I never told him what a great kisser he was, and this time was so much better. Except I had initiated it, not him, and that took Gippal by full surprise.

After our lips parted, Gippal smirked with such smugness that it unraveled me. "Not bad for a rookie, Cid's girl."

"Oh yeah, like you're some expert on kissing!" I shouted defensively, still lying on top of Gippal.

"Well, I have kissed a lot of girls, so I've had experience. On a kissing scale, I'd say you'd be...probably...a three."

Three? Three?! That's all?! What a load of crap! I know I'm not that bad of a kisser.

"You could redeem yourself if you're up for another round." Gippal suggested, luring me into his request. Both of us stood up onto our feet to better to lip-lock. I balanced on the tips of my toes a little, Gippal reaching over me in height by about nine inches. He bent down slightly, just enough so our lips could level together. We leaned in, I reluctantly and Gippal eagerly, and then dove into the sea of love.

The impact of Gippal's lips knocked me back a little. I wasn't about to fall down as if I was weakened by his kiss, but I couldn't help but flinch. I tried to fight back enough, wanting to show that I could hold my end of the love bargain up. My hands moved onto Gippal as his moved onto mine. His arms rested along my sides while his hands stroked my bare back relaxingly. My hands skimmed along his back until I snaked underneath the back of his shirt and pushed it up along his broad back. Trying to work a massage in an awkward position while kissing was definitely a feat. I had to concentrate on Yuna's massage lessons she'd taught me, without taking my focus off Gippal. As my fingers worked along his muscled and tanned back, I wondered what the record longest kiss was in Spira. Surely we were nearing it, but my lips were getting tired and Gippal's were probably too.

Finally, we separated, panting from the wild ride of the kiss. My hands still played a massage to Gippal's back, as I watched him sigh in ecstasy. "Wow, keep giving me such a good massage and I'll rate you a ten."

Gippal broke away slightly and then slipped off his shirt. I gasped and blushed at the same time, as Gippal stood shirtless in front of me. He saw my reaction and grinned playfully. Without his shirt on, I could see his Cactuar boxers showing just above his trousers, making me smile dumbly. I remember his fond love for the pointy creatures of the sands, dwelling over a memory that involved me pantsing Gippal once. Finally, I'd been able to tease him about something, and for days. Now that I think about it, it really wasn't that big of a deal. Those boxers are kind of cool, and they're fine for Gippal.

Lost in my thoughts, Gippal watched me as he moved and sat down on a small table. Something glimmering hung down the middle of his broad, tanned chest. A chain necklace, and it made me think of Tidus', except that Gippal's had a symbol resembling a "G" somewhat.

While my new client waited patiently, I quickly hurried over to Gippal's backside. "Here's a Rikku special, on the house."

He laughed at that, and quickly relaxed as I initiated the best massage I could muster. With Gippal's help, telling me where the tight spots were, I managed to do a pretty commendable job. He seemed to be sore all over, asking me to move around him so I could massage every place. I went from his upper back to his shoulders to his pec muscles and then to his lower back. After ten minutes of quiet treatment I finished, waiting for Gippal's response. "Well, I guess I could bump your score up to a ten. That was the best massage I've had in ages."

I did a little victory dance while Gippal eyed my with a playful smile. Then I pushed him onto his back along the table and sat on his stomach. My antics surprised him, and he thought I was looking for some fun, but I had to talk serious with him.

"Gippal, was anyone shot?" I asked sternly, peering into his only revealed eye. Noticing my seriousness, Gippal's smug smile changed to a firm frown.

"Yes, Baralai and Yuna." He answered bluntly, but not too harshly. I think he expected me to fall onto the floor with grief, but if my experiences so far had taught me anything, it was to be strong like a rock in emotional turmoil.

"They're both fine though right?"

"Of course, they're two strong people. They're recovering right now and will probably up and at 'em by morning. If it hadn't been for you Rikku, the sniper would have likely caused more damage. I got to hand it to you, that was some nice work back there." My cheeks turned rosy red at the compliment and the feeling of joy that everyone was okay. "You ready to head back to Kilika? That's where you were heading, right?"

I nodded and followed Gippal out of the Inn, wondering how far Leblanc had traveled by now. It didn't matter that I had no idea how Gippal found me, because all that mattered was that everything was in order and I had just been through an actual nice time with Gippal.

With most things cleared up, it was time to crack down on this new mystery. With my friends at my side, I was ready to track down the snipers. There was no escaping the Rikku wrath now!

So, I followed Gippal quietly, eager to check on everyone in Kilika, and wondering where my relationship with the Machine Faction leader would take off to next.

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There's a bit of fluff to go around. Please tell me if you liked it.

reviewers:

SpiffyAngel-4: hope you liked the chapter.

Cute-kitty2: were the cliffhangers too bad? I'll try not to leave on at every chapter.

JMO: sorry about the excessive suspense, but I hope it makes the story more enjoyable.

Angel Taisha: I'm so happy you're enjoying the story, all those nice reveiws. I'm enjoying your story as well, too.

kingleby: I hope you liked how this chapter turned out.

milkie: glad you like it.

rikku-chan: thanks, I hope the fic continues to satisfy you.

Michelle: was the fluffy part good? There should be more soon.

Tanya Takaishi: you got one guess right. I had thought about Gippal, but I settled on Yuna and Baralai being the ones hit. There is a reason why they were the targets, though. Thanks for the nice review.

Review, keep reading, and enjoy the fic;)