Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bikanel’s sands had turned to gold as the sun sank into the dunes. The sky was molten yellow, candy pink and burning blue smearing themselves together in the twilight. The sands were still warm from the heat of day, but the metal was quick to cool as the sun left the desert to chill. The nine towers silhouetted black on the horizon of the Sanubia Sands, the scaffolding and incomplete construction distorting the shape of the gently curving structures. As the sky in the West darkened, lights began to flicker on. This was the beginnings of the Al Bhed Home.

Under the feet of its children, the unfinished towers was an epic playground. Sector D, the temporary housing block and future location of the open market, was under construction and under consideration for most fun sector.

A skinny boy waited atop one of the lower rungs of the scaffolding. His hands on his leather covered knees, he bent over, his oval face visible over the edge. His sloping, up-turned nose wrinkled, “C’mon Rikku! They’ll be waiting for us. You said you could keep up.”

“Meanie!” A girls voice rang out from the side of the building just before tiny hands, gloved in white and blue appeared. The boy squatted down next to the side of the building, looking down at her with a superior smirk. “Need a hand?” Rikku, the small girl hanging off the side, glared up at him.

“Move it!” She had ribbons coming off her hair in streams as the wind played with them. He plopped back as she launched herself up. “Gippal, you are such a meanie! If you hadn’t knocked off that light I would have been able to get up as fast as you.” She was pouting indignation, her round face and baby fat making her cheeks balloon. Her eyes were a deeper shade of green than his, her hair a sunnier hue, her chin more heart shaped. She wore a small jumpsuit with high boots that she stomped at him.

He shrugged and scratched at his knee just under his black boots, and tried to look as cool as an eight year old could possibly be. “Maybe I’m just faster.”

Rikku laughed, dimples appearing in her cheeks. “Oh yeah? Race you to the top! HA!” She sprinted across the metal grating of the building, her pace clacking rhythmically. She put on a burst of speed, inspired by her success and her failure to outrun her companion. She tensed her legs for just a moment at the rim, and then sprang off the market place roof.

/~O Saya- A.R. Rahman~/

If the Al Bhed workers had happened to glance away from their metal smithing they would have been at least mildly concerned that a seven year old child, ribbons fluttering behind her, was flying off the roof. It would be alarming to say the least. Then again, metal smithing can be tedious work, and once caught up in their trade, the smiths themselves would block out all but the rhythmic clang of metal against metal. It was no surprise that no one noticed Rikku's flight.

Gippal scrambled to his feet, shouting “HEY! Not fair! Come back!” as if that had ever magically held her in place. She was cheating, but more importantly she was beating him- uncalled for, in his opinion.

She turned back, looking at him from the scaffolding of the next structure, and waved energetically. “Hurry up, slow poke!”

He took a quick step back and sprinted, leaping after her. He landed a bit less gracefully on the scaffolding, but turned to look, still proud of the leap. His woop of victory was quickly crushed when he heard her heavy insulated boots pound up the stairs. She came to the top of the scaffolding and eyed the rim of metal squared over the metal bolts and supports. The energy lines across the side of the A building were smooth and round, snaking through the metal. She grinned as she looked back at Gippal. She pulled up her goggles hanging from her neck, watching him catch up. Her lopsided top tails whipped around as she sidled up to the ledge and started to climb, exhaustion not even beginning to touch her.

Gippal shared her mad grin, and his lime eyes glowed with mischief in the half light before he snapped his goggles over them, mimicking her gesture automatically. Rikku's hands flew up and groped like an experienced monkey at every crevice, protrusion and nook that her small hands could find. Her feet steadily followed her, knowing exactly where to go as long as she had a good grip. Workers on the side of the A building continued their welding, so focused on the complicated wire-making and energy compliance that they did not notice the children spider climbing across beams, ledges and unfinished pipes.

“Ao! Up here you guys!” A boy’s head appeared over the edge of the roof, shouting at the two who were almost at the top. Rikku was hanging off half a ledge when she heard his voice, she swung herself and jumped, briefly weightless before her gloves grasped the next edge. The boy’s hands closed over her forearms and pulled her up. When she was standing atop the plate she turned back and looked over the ledge at Gippal. They made eye contact and her features twisted into a restrained smirk as she brought out her ultimate weapon; she blew Gippal a delightful raspberry. “I won. Haha! I won Keyakku!”

Keyakku rolled his dark green eyes, “Guys, we gotta run! The shift is-”

A man bellowed, “Hey you gadgets! What tha pyrefly’re you doin’ up here!?”

Keyakku yanked his goggles over his eyes and reached down to grab Gippal’s arms with Rikku. Just as they were well-aware of the fun that Home's inner workings had to offer, they were even more aware of the joy-killing dangers they could overcome. The older citizens of Home had other ideas of what constituted good fun.

The man that had come up over the side was making an effort to get off the scaffolding and on to the roof to perhaps stop them or catch them, but Keyakku and Rikku had already got Gippal on to the roof. All three were quickly sprinting to the other side of the building which had a large portion of scaffolding overhanging the street below.

Keyakku shouted, “Go! Go! Go! Go!” which spurred Rikku to give a burst of speed before she leaped. Gippal shot a look behind him at the man lumbering after them, his workers' gear heavy welding boots and thick overalls weighing him down far too much to be able to get close to them. Keyakku made a practiced leap onto the neighboring building which was much less finished, Gippal flying in close behind him. As they landed and continued to run after Rikku, they shared a high five.

Cement and metal was the frame for building B, and the bones of the construction made a maze of scrap metal, beams and poles with planes of concrete to race on. Rikku slowed just enough so the boys could meet her.

“Glad you could join us.” Keyakku said.

Gippal upped his speed as they came to a wall, ran up its length and turned left. When he bounced off he was panting. “Where’s Kinna?” he asked.

Keyakku jerked his chin. “Made a bet. Had to wait for you guys.” They barreled through, darting amongst the bones of the building, laughing. As they came to a nearly finished level, the wind still pushing against their small bodies high above the rough sand, Keyakku suddenly stopped.

Rikku skidded to a halt, “Wha-What! Wha’s wrong? Where’re we goin’?”

Gippal came to a stand-still, putting his hands on his knees and saying breathlessly, “She went to the industry district, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, yeah she did.”

Gippal groaned. “Sssin!”

Rikku paddled the air with her hands, “Well what’er we waiting for! Let’s go! Let’s go! First one there gets a prize!”

Ten year old Keyakku laughed, “You think we won’t get caught?”

“Run fast, don’t touch no body no thing ‘cept unexploadbles and we’ll be fine.” Rikku recited.

Gippal ran his fingers through his flyaway hair in exasperation. Keyakku shrugged and smiled at him as if to say ‘She was your idea!’ Rikku had already whisked herself down.

The boys picked up the pace again, lest she give them the slip. It took some time for the metal workers to realize that the rhythmic thudding they were hearing was not a malfunctioning machina. Rikku screamed in laughing terror as she slipped past flying sparks in the fading light. Gippal and Keyakku thundered down after her.

Once the workers realized that it was a blonde streak of errant children, curses and shouts rang out and heavily gloved arms tried to catch the nimble brats as they zoomed past. Dodging them effectively and twisting out of the way, they continued their race, smiles stretching their cheeks wide. Getting back to the lower rungs was a simple task after avoiding the now alert workers.

Rikku flung out her arm towards a crane machina, looking behind her at Keyakku, who punched the air with his fist in approval. She grasped the chain and swung onto the long, smooth neck of the machina. She slid, and panic lodged itself in her stomach for a moment before she found her balance and hung herself low, so she could slip along the surface. She shrieked with laughter, her ribbons streaming behind her, and she gave a little wave to the goggled man inside before leaping off. Gippal followed her example, jettisoning off the crane before slamming boots first into the worker box, containing a stunned worker. Keyakku was much more smug as he jumped onto the hard safety glass of the worker box and ran sideways off of it, using it as a spring board to flip. Rikku landed, crouched on the ground with her finger tips touching earth as she fell, the two boys thudding after her.

They darted behind one of the buildings, looking for the machina charge platform, which was where Kinna and Mikkehl had boasted being able to get to not two days before. Weaving in-between new Al Bhed families carrying boxes, teams carting supplies and mercenary guards, the two boys tried not to lose sight of Rikku's ribbons.

“Farplane-destined, she’s fast.” Gippal muttered.

Then came a sight they weren’t expecting: Mikkehl running the opposite direction, his legs kicking up dust and his white blonde curls flying behind him. He spotted them as he ducked in front a startled mercenary, and his eyes widened. “Guys!”

Gippal and Keyakku slowed to hear. “They caught Kinna! She’s in big trouble! Gotta get outta heeer- AH!” Mikkehl was plucked up by a muscle-bound mercenary who fixed him with a stink eye.

Keyakku cursed and Gippal shoved one of the mercenaries hips, briefly unbalancing the grown man, as they used the opening to run to where they had last seen Rikku.

Keyakku started up after him, avoiding the mercenaries and trying to lose himself in the smattering of people and chaos. “Where’d Rikku go?” he shouted.

Gippal stopped abruptly in response, making Keyakku bump into him. Rikku was slung over a bald, heavily muscled man’s shoulder. She was kicking her little legs up, her ribbons hanging limp. A very upset, fatherly-sounding voice roared, “GIPPAL! KEYAKKU! GET OVER HERE!”

Gippal swallowed, and Keyakku muttered "Sin-sent.”

A large gloved hand clapped them both on the shoulder. “Such foul little mouths.” A man’s voice rumbled from behind them.

They glanced at each other before trailing their eyes behind and up. A familiar mercenary, thickly built, with blonde mutton chops had grabbed them. His goggles that snapped over his balding head, hid his smile that reached his eyes behind the shatterproof glass.

Keyakku jerked his shoulder and sneered but the man tightened his grip.

Cid was stomping his way over, veins on the side of his tattooed head pulsing. “What exactly were you doing runnin’ about construction areas? What the hell were you two sandy-eyed, snot-noses thinking?!”

Gippal shrank back from the intimidating leader of the Al Bhed roaring at them, Rikku still slung over his shoulder.

Keyakku ripped down his goggles, glaring with all the rebelliousness an Al Bhed could muster. “Wait a-”

Cid steamrolled over him, “Don’t even try to make excuses, Keyakku! There are none! You know what you should and shouldn’t be doing, and one of them happens to be running around like mobile bombs with Rikku!”

Rikku, her hand propping her head up from Cid's back, rolled her eyes. The men standing behind Cid tried to smother their chuckles and smirks. Cid obliviously continued to rant, bellowing his tirade over Keyakku's interjections. “What you were doing with MY little girl, jumping like damned monkeys this way and that, wrecking the work-”

Gippal reddened to his ears and interrupted, “We didn’t wreck-”

He was cut off by Cid as the angry father shifted his rant towards his latest victim, forgetting to glare at Keyakku. He barked “You sure as hell didn’t help! Endangering the workers- and Rikku!”

Rikku sighed and the small puff of her breath made her bangs flutter for a moment. She said in her best stern, I'm-talking-to-adults voice, “Pops! I made Gippal take me.”

Cid picked her up off his shoulder and held her abreast under her arms, which she crossed as she glared at him. Cid was trying to wipe the proud twist in his expression as he thought of something to say to discipline her.

She closed her eyes as she continued, “I made Keyakku agree ‘coz other wise I’d tell Kinna he liked her.” She peeked open one of her eyes.

Keyakku shouted “WHAT-I DO N- LIAR!”

Gippal sniggered but shut up when Keyakku’s fist met his shoulder. Gippal lunged at him in retaliation, but they were ripped apart by mutton chops and his corded arms, who they had recognised as Kahhn. Kahhn was a mercenary that was usually seen with Cid, though Cid often sent him on missions.

Rikku continued, “And ‘sides you would not’ve even known we were in the working area unless you caught Kinna, who’s just not as good as us at running.”

Cid seemed to be struggling with himself, “The synth work and construction is dangerous, Rikku. They can’t risk people who get in the way. ”

“But Da-ad, that’s the point, we’re training to not get in the way. Did anyone get hurt? Did any one drop things because of us?”

Cid mushed his mouth together and shook his head- starting to say, “That’s not the-”

“Doesn’t almost only count in hand grenades?” Rikku said pointing at him.

Cid’s face cracked into a grin and his laughter boomed through the surrounding area over the drills and blow torches. The small group of large men standing behind their leader had different reactions. Most glanced at each other and shook their heads, some smiling, some un-amused, and some grinning at the child like she was their own. Cid turned her around and set her on his broad shoulders, smiling at Keyakku, who was glaring at Gippal. Gippal was cracking up, slapping his knee and shaking his head.

“C’mon down to the mess hall, kiddos. It’s grub time!” Rikku patted her Pops head and smiled.

The mess hall of the Al Bhed who gathered at Home was a large dome. It one of the structures centrally located between the nine towers on the East side. It was bright and colorful, full of vibrant yellows, greens, and blue accented in white and purple. Tapestries and banners proclaiming the types of food the stations had available were hung on the sides of the walls, written in the curvy, sharp letters of the Al Bhed. Thin, long openings in the sides and ceiling let the cool night air waft in and hot air drift out. Strung all around were bright electrical lights run by a mix of generators and lightning spheres.

The kitchens were run by the merchants, hired cooks and individuals who proved their culinary passions were edible. In turn, Cid provided them with shipments of fish from the coast, meat from the Western Al Bhed territory, vegetation from Mi’Hen, and the spices that were found in the farthest reaches of the Sanubia Sands for free. Their labor was paid by their own exports and the inter-commerce of Home. It was a mutually beneficial set up. Compensation was access to materials, trade and security. It was a good incentive, but it was just the beginning- and Cid knew that it wouldn’t last. The families gathering at the long tables made out of spare parts and driftwood were tentatively smiling. He knew the look in the eyes of the parents, or in some cases the older children. It was that shifty, wary look so familiar to him; the eyes not daring to let that small spark of hope blossom. He knew that his hardened people would soon want more. It would change, in time. Rikku waved to some familiar faces and some she didn’t know, beaming and winking high atop her father's shoulders.

She bent over to get closer to Cid's ear. “Where’s Brother at?”

Cid raised his shoulders “Be se- uh, I don’t know.” He grumbled under his breath “Kids…”

Rikku leaned backwards to catch a look-see at Keyakku and Gippal, still tagging along. She whispered, “I’m sorry I lied, just needed something to say, you know.” She was completely upside down.

Keyakku eyed her warily, “Lying is bad Rikku.” but Gippal huffed at the same time. “I knew that.”

Rikku giggled covering her mouth with her hands as she hung upside down from her Pop’s back. “No you didn’t. And now plus I know you definitely think Kinna's pretty and I could tell her you like her.”

“Wow- wow you’re-” Keyakku was incredulous and looked at Gippal, gesturing at Rikku.

“Where’s Brother?” She asked, unbothered. She had done it to help them. Keyakku shrugged as he looked around. “I think he’s with the others. Mikkehl, too.”

Rikku puffed out her cheeks. “Aww.” And she pulled herself back up like a monkey.

A man with a high brow and angled cheeks stepped up to Cid, blocking his path, a sand mask tucked under his arm. “Sir, elder, sir I- we need to talk about Luca.”

Cid’s voice was sharp, signaling the return of business. “Why? Is it urgent?”

The man blinked and a sheen of sweat appeared on his temples and upper lip. He shifted in his overalls that were indicative of a mechanical specialist- metal interlocking with a heavy duty woven engineered material. It was a blue and yellow, from the fibrous lighting resistant brush of the northern Bikanel desert. He was clearly uncomfortable under Cid’s piercing stare, and the large, curious, swirled eyes of Rikku. “Well, yes sir, but uh- not immediately urgent, si-elder.”

Cid huffed. “Well why doncha' let me eat first, and then get the group together. You better have all your information together, or you’ll have wasted a whole lotta' time.”

The man lifted his hand to his forehead in a salute and said in a clipped tone, “Sir! Yes, sir.”

Rikku saluted, smiling at him, amused. The man lifted the corner of his mouth, and strode away. Rikku tapped her fingers on Cids bald head, putting her chin in her hand. “Pop, what was that all about?”

Cid patted her padded knee and said, “Don’t you worry. You just figure out what you’re going to be learning tomorrow.”

Keyakku nodded seriously. “Yeah, you don’t know how to make a grenade yet.”

Gippal snorted. “Or even a gun?”

Rikku narrowed her eyes to slits at the boys, now back to slapping at each other.

Cid asked, “Now whaddya' want for grubs?”

Rikku brightened, her plotting abandoned at the thought of food. She sniffed experimentally and caught scent of the spiciest, hottest thing in the hall. She pointed excitedly, waving her skinny arm up and down. “That!”

Cid laughed and trotted to the stand where she was pointing. The thin old man running the booth smiled at the image the four of them made. He saw Rikku riding over, her arm held out as if she were commanding the light brigade rather than dragging people to her favorite place to eat. Cid eyed the slowly cooking meat on the flat iron grill and on the rotisserie, his gaze shifting to the old man's red spice-stained beard. The old man smiled harmlessly, but Cid eyed him with an air of suspicion.

Gippal sniffed at the spices and immediately his eyes watered; he staggered back, plugging his nose. “AH! Sin, that is bad!”

Cid absently cuffed him. “Watch your tongue." He turned to look at his daughter's intent face. "Rikku, are you sure about this?”

Rikku grinned and nodded. “Heya' Chipp! I’ll have my usual, please.”

The old man nodded and said in a rocky voice, “Of course, Miss Rikku.”

Cid shook his head and patted his stomach. “I think I’ll be getting somethin’ a little less spicy. Maybe some cactus…”

Gippal nodded, his nose still plugged. “Yeah, me too! But, ew, not that.”

Keyakku jutted out his chin, puffing out his chest ever so slightly. “I can handle it.”

Rikku happily accepted the skewered spiced meat with a bright declaration of, “Thanks!”

Keyakku nodded and said firmly, “Me too, please.”

Gippal looked at him like he was fixing machina in a lightning storm.

Keyakku accepted the sticks of meat with a determined expression.

Cid ruffled his hair. “Quit tryin’ so hard son.”

Rikku giggled and waved to the old man as Cid moved on to another stall.

Keyakku closed his mouth on the strip and tore a piece off, juice splattering on his chin. He chewed thoughtfully. “MmM! Dis- dis is good!”

Rikku nodded, her mouth full. Cid reached up, took her off his shoulders and set her down. Keyakku swallowed, smiling like he'd won something. Cid was heading towards the cactus stand when he stopped, recognizing the man with the sand mask and two of Cids earlier cohorts weaving in-between the in the condensed groups of people. They were heading towards Cid, faces grim.

Rikku happily chewed while Gippal looked on, disgusted. “You guys even know what you're eating?”

Rikku said gravely, a very serious look in her eyes. “Not Chocobo.”

Keyakku then started sputtering, “Ah! It's hot! Hot! Haaaaa! Hothothot!”

He jumped up and stuck his tongue out, waving air around it, shaking his head, his goggles jostling on his neck. Gippal snorted, and Rikku looked at him with concern her cheeks bulging with meat.

Cid shook his head and clapped a large calloused hand, scraped with scars on Gippal's head. “Can I trust you to get my little girl to the sleepin’ room after she eats? I have some business to take care of.” Gippal nodded, looking up at Cid, face glowing with pride at being given such an important job.

The three men Cid had spotted heading towards them arrived. Cid greeted the men, nodding, making eye contact as he said their name. “Jorrel,“ an older man with hair that stood straight up, “Kahhn,” the one previously known as Mutton Chops, and “Ivann.” The man who clutched his sand mask with a white knuckled intensity.

Rikku waved at them and Keyakku continued to choke and breathe heavily. “Heya guys. Did you have a nice dinner?”

Jorrel smiled and nodded, “Yes, I did. Thank you, Miss Rikku. I see you are enjoying yours.”

She bobbed her head. “Yeppers!”

Kahhn smirked at Gippal. “You get to watch after Cid's girl, huh? Tough job, little man. Hope you’re up to it.”

Gippal furrowed his brow, suddenly realizing the implications.

Ivann made some heavy duty eye contact with Cid. Cid held up two fingers to his face and gestured to the exit of the hall.

Rikku saw this and grew worried. “Pop, you haven’t had anything to eat yet, you can’t go.”

He knelt down to her level. “I’ll eat. I promise. You be good now, your Pops has to go. I may not be able to come in and read tonight, but I’m sure someone will.” He ruffled her hair affectionately and got up, jerking his chin to the others and following as they began parting through the crowds.

Keyakku was breathing laboriously and Rikku said off handedly, “Cactus flower milk helps.”

She watched her Pops go with a thoughtful look as she munched. Gippal stood next to her, a little too close, his twitchy fingers betraying his nervousness. Rikku noticed this but said nothing. “I’ll take the rest of your dinner, Keyakku. You and Gippal can go and get something else.” Rikku turned to Keyakku, the very picture of innocence.

Keyakku coughed and moved towards the mischievous practicing thief. “Nice try Rikku, but you’re coming with us.”

Rikku shrugged as she plucked the sticks out of his hands. “Huh? Whaddya' mean? I’ll come with you guys.”

Gippal registered what Keyakku had picked up on and his mouth dropped open. “Wh-what!?” He crossed his arms. “You aren’t pulling a fast one on us.”

Rikku shrugged. Her eyebrows high and eyes misleadingly innocent as she said, “I’m not pulling anything.”

“Sure.” Keyakku rolled his eyes and motioned to Gippal. Gippal narrowed his eyes at Rikku, and then moved behind her stubbornly. Rikku stuck out her lips to make a pout, but didn’t quite make the expression and ended up smirking through puckered lips. Gippal narrowed his eyes and poked her in the back.

“C’mon. Cactus stand. Let’s go.” Gippal poked her in the shoulder twice.

She stumbled forward, and then glared behind her at Gippal before stuffing the rest of the strip of meat in her mouth. They side stepped shuffling families immersed in their food, mercenaries clustered together, and sailors looking a bit out of place.

Keyakku reached the line and turned to Gippal. “What d’ya think they’re talking about?”

Gippal placed his hands behind his head, as if reclining in the air. It was a familiar gesture to both of the kids. It was accidentally invented when Gippal was lookout and he couldn’t think of anything clever to do with his hands, so he pretended he was reclining. To make sure everyone believed he wasn’t suspicious he made sure everyone saw him do it now and again. After a year and a half though- it became more of a habit. “They said Luca.” He said thoughtfully.

Rikku chewed her spiced meat, listening.

Keyakku crossed his arms, “It might mean a trip.” He looked at Rikku, who generally was not this receptive to the idea of her Pops going away. Whenever there was a ‘trip’, Cid and some of the navy men took the desert hover crafts to the open sea. The hover crafts returned with the men who had been stationed on the huge barges, trading their stations. When the hover crafts made the journey to the sea, it might be a week or a month between reunion.

Gippal nodded his head in the hammock his hands made. “Though did’ja see the way Ivann looked- and he’s like, the best mech after Head Engineer Ghill.”

Keyakku moved forward as the line shortened and said “He’s been working on under water stuff for a while, and Luca does have a lot of water around it. They have been looking at islands in the West too, and there’s lotsa water around there.” Keyakku waited for the person in front of him to finish up before pointing at the grilled medium sized cactus piece. He was ignoring the cactus slices in a ‘salad’ that was mixed with precious tomatoes, newly abundant cilantro, and lemons from Besaid- though Gippal was eyeing the colorful vegetable mix with bright eyed gluttony.

Rikku wrinkled her nose at the slimy beginnings of the cactus slices being put into salads.

A woman with a round face, her cheeks and forehead red with effort, was washing and drying slices vigorously, though she smiled at the three children with energy.

Rikku gave a toothy grin. “My name’s Rikku. What’s yours?”

The woman smiled “Ikkenia, it nice to meet you Rikku. What’ll you gadgets have?”

They pointed eagerly. The woman began to oblige their requests.

Rikku continued “Are you happy here?”

The womans smile grew warmer as she scooped and folded and piled food quickly.

She looked over to Rikku. “Why, yes- I am, Rikku. Are you?”

Rikku beamed and hopped out, her hands spread out like wings, she nodded with her whole body. “More n’ more people come here and be happy. If more people are happy, then the world’s more happy, y’know? That makes me really happy!”

The woman gave the boys their food and said “Well, Rikku, you make me happy. Now, enjoy your food and see you all later!” She waved them off before attending the next group of people.

The boys mouths watered as they got their food, Gippal relishing the sweet juice of the tomato he popped into his mouth, and Keyakku messily digging in to his cactus. They continued their conversation in between bites.

“Western territory shipments been late, right?” Gippal asked, expecting that Keyakku had noticed there wasn’t a lot of meat dishes around.

“Yeah, but I think there’s been some problems—but nobody’s gunna tell us about it.” Keyakku grumbled.

Rikku said innocently “I guess since you guys were busy learning how to make guns and grenades you couldn't have known that a Guado supply ship attacked us.”

The two boys bristled. Gippal shoveled more into his mouth. Keyakku ignored her and continued. “Hey- maybe…there’s like… some secret underground water cavern with treasure and the Yevonites are gunning for it too!” He became more excited as he continued with his theory.

Neither noticed when Rikku sidestepped into a stream of people walking the other way. It was after the theory of the gigantic machina aeon, and the way cooler plan about infiltrating the freight scavenging ships, that Gippal asked with terror. “Where’s Rikku?”

Chapter Text

Cid and his comrades quickly passed through the metal gates. The areas of construction faded as the workers disappeared, soon to be replaced with the night shift. 

The last of the burning color remained on the molten line of the dunes, but as the first person arrived to their night shift, solar lights bleached away the shadow.

“Ey- there, Collum! Turn that off, we’re tryna relax here!” A man shouting from a group of people seated around, pointed at the solar light operator. 

“I’d like to relax in me own space Jonna- you should try working sometime.” Collum flipped down his mask and pointed back. 

“Eh, I do, enough.” Jonna played his gestures to the group around him.  He extended to the offer to all the people in earshot, shouting, “Come and have some [ paan ]!” He waved at Cid.The others chuckled, some hiding their faces while others joined the hoot.

The bazaar had already been put away. The smoothed spaces and surfaces were decorated with the workers, stragglers, and the rare group of people out to drink [ paan ] and play games and music.  

The chosen group were elected. Cid was self-chosen, and he had told his children as much - hoping they’d learn what that meant from others and not just him. 

For this particular kind of work, they did not allow information to spread to others; in case of Panic or a Joining. 

Panics without a plan were to be mitigated. There were enough people who were prepared and knowledgeable, but those who weren’t would demand that others had a good enough plan.

Cid, for all his temper and bluster, did not cause worry and unrest for the people looking for a place to start anew, either. 

A Joining however, would mean that more risks would be taken by different groups. In the long run, the Church would crush them, because it didn’t recognize the legitimacy of the general public.

So, the chosen didn’t bother to talk while walking among the scattered migrant families, and those out didn’t bother to ask why they looked serious. The impending discussion between the men would not start until they were behind the metal doors of the central tower. The problems that they would face were theirs to address, and like the mechanics, they were specific in their designations and places of process. 

A group being directed to the newly livable quarters caught Cid's eye. They were segments, often individuals who had found each other on the road, or neighbors with displaced children. He only paused because he noticed that a child in the group had bloodstains on their sleeves. 

Kahhn leaned forward, “That group is the last to come in from our sweep of the outer territories. Kid was stranded at one of the outposts West, they’d been barricaded in one of the tunnels by the warrior monks. The kid held them off for two days, they said- I’ll be showing them the underside of my wing if they need.” 

Cid nodded, fists clenched. He turned away. 

Once, the Al Bhed had several cities, run by clans where most didn’t have to worry about people under ten summers getting ill-gained praise. But that was what felt like a lifetime ago. Cid’s clan lauded his military skill because it was expected, but also because it was more than necessary.

The clans that the Al Bhed people had lived in were long since broken by the machinations of the church and its subtle war. The people had been scattered, and made vulnerable to the overwhelming wave of Yevon.

Cid was rectifying that problem right now, with the construction and protection of Home. That came with many other problems that needed a swift kick in the squeaky wheel.

Ivann jumped ahead to press on the button for the doors to swish open. “We’re working on the automated doorways so they’re pressure sensitive, but… the balance between sensitivity and durability has a few kinks.”

“Make it the jaw gage bigger and add a light sensor.” Cid squinted as they filed into the meeting room that had a data screen projector and a comm system.

Khann gruffed, “Wha’ did H.E. Ghill notice the problem when they saw it for the point two five seconds they were on the comm sphere?”

Cid hurumphed toward Ivann, “Damn straight! I know less than a thunder flan about this fancy shit Ghill ‘n you invent.”

Khann’s muttonchops flared in amusement, while Ivann tried to look humble.

Cid barked, “So- show me what we got.”

Ivann dropped his mask on the table and hop stepped to the computer.  But Jorrel punched his fist into his palm with a metallic clank. “We got to talk about less important things first because I know you Cid, and your head’s outta here soon as that thick skull of yours wraps around Ivann’s data- if it’s bad.”

Ivann looked highly miffed but tapped away on the computer screen.

Kahnn crossed his arms and his jaw twitched. “This about the paint and the energy line efficiency right?” He didn’t even need a verbal confirmation to know. His expression was proto- raging vulgarities.

Cid crossed his arms and the vein on his temple was likewise visibly irritated.

Jorrel continued, “There’s a disagreement between the Synthers and Engineers about which is best to do- utilize more of the sphere power, try the paint that harnesses solar power, or continue to create energy lines on the outside. I’m going to be left here when you leave- and I can’t be the one to decide this. Construction has to move forward, and it has to have an official winner.”

“Git the damn foremen in here, now ‘fore I have to go down ‘n wrastle ‘em outta bed sheets. This should have been handled by protocol!"

-_-_-_-

~*Sneak Chamber by Force of Nature*~

Dumbstruck for a second, Gippal and Keyakku stupidly stared at the place where the little sneak was supposed to be but wasn’t. Frantically, the two boys spun around in the vain hope they weren’t looking in the right spot.

The colorful crowd of people left no visible holes or trails that led to their charge. When they both looked at each other in panicked confirmation, the obvious destination she had in mind popped into both of their minds.

They scarfed down their tins containing the bit of food they hadn’t eaten, and took off dodging around people. They might have sent a few trays flying, though they didn’t look back. Startled shouts resounded in their wake as they raced to the south side of the central tower.

They barely felt the effects of their earlier run, but Keyakku gasped, “We know where she went, but how would she get in without being kicked out?”

Gippal looked at him, almost losing his balance while making a sharp turn out of the populated area. 

They slipped behind seating and stayed away from the pools of manufactured light shining on night projects.

The cement became reinforced metal, and they slowed when they came to the interlocking doors of the meeting hall.

Gippal swiveled his head, scanning for anything that Rikku may have used to get in. 

Keyakku looked around for any adults that might shoo them away; or worse, haul them to Cid, who would be less forgiving about losing his daughter than bringing her along. 

Gippal’s almost neon green eyes spied a possible opening.

 Keyakku slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey some foremen are coming- better think quick.”

Gippal pointed, “This way! Wait till they go inside, then we’ll use the vent she sly'd open.” The younger boy jutted his chin up at the crooked vent and shuffled behind the corner of the support beam. 

They pressed themselves against the corner walls of the support beam just before a man wearing a Synth outfit, and a woman in Engineer coveralls marched up. 

The two experts glared at each other for a good three seconds. They both reached for the button. The Engineer stiffly lunged to press the button for the doors to beat out the Synther. 

Cid’s voice carried over the opening of the doors. It didn’t sound congenial.

Keyakku smirked. “Somebody’s in tro-uble.”

Gippal sniggered, “It ain’t us this time either. Now, c’mon I’ll check where she’s at.”

“What? You’re usually look-out.”

“I’m smaller, and I’m not scared of her kicking me,” Gippal snarked.

“I’m not scared of her kicking me!”

“That’s because you wouldn’t do anything to piss her off!”

Only Keyakku’s face scrunched. “You’re going to… piss her off?”

Gippal whisper-yelled, “To save our hides— yeah !”

The battle of wills was silently expressed in a furtive quick succession between the two boys, but they switched roles in a routine they knew well. 

Keyakku pushed up a little harder than Gippal was expecting. Gippal had to correct the excess momentum with an unfamiliar balancing act, but he slid in the vent with little trouble. Keyakku looked for a place he could hide without losing visibility as Gippal clambered inside.

Gippal tried to be as quiet as he could while going as fast as the vent as his crawling skills allowed him. Through the tin of the vent, he heard Cid’s voice—yelling, of course.

Using Cid's voice as navigation, Gippal gradually heard Cid’s old title, and new, nervously mixed up— “Sir, yes, Elder! Elder, yes, Sir!” — clearly stammered. He felt the vibrations of the doorway opening, and closing, and took the time to gain some ground, a little less carefully.

When he rounded the corner, he was met with Rikku’s boots and backside. He hissed, “ Sst !”

Rikku had enough room in the vent to turn sideways. Her face was fierce, finger pressed to her lips. She jabbed her arm to the vent five inches in front of her.

Gippal angrily gestured to her, the vent, then to him, then back behind him, down the air shaft.  

Rikku shook her head, and pointed again down the vent.

Gippal felt his abdominal muscles clench in preparation for a real scowl, but the warning in her eyes suppressed what was probably going to sound like a coeurl-kitten. 

She lay on her side, pressed against one side of the wall and waved for him to come forward. 

He adjusted himself so he sidled up alongside her, using his fingers in the vent to slither his weight. They were pressed close and squeezed in. His knee took her knee pad off. Both tensed, worried it would clank, but Ivann started talking.

“You know, I was in Luca because of the ‘repairs’ needed on the Blitz sphere.” Ivann turned back around to get visual confirmation from Cid’s focused and shrewd gaze. He tapped once on the keypad, but Rikku and Gippal couldn’t see the screen displays from their bird eye view.

“These were recordings that the crew I brought with me caught. We lost two in a raid of our holdings, the others ran, but not before they discovered…” Ivann pressed the button and the screen shot played. “…this.”

Khann didn’t seem surprised. Jorrell and Cid looked upset, but not shocked.

“Elder Cid, with all respect, we need to act on the situation in Luca now. There are too many Al Bhed that are in the vicinity of the Mi’hen Highroad. Luca, so far, has been a free enough city— what with the tournament for blitzball coming up— it’s not safe!”

“We will act now—hold your drag, son. We just need to get everything in order, check the machine before you start it. We’re goin,’ but we need to know what to bring with us. Can’t think that fast.”

The men quieted.

Ivann said, “I had tried to initiate negotiations, however the Maester of Luca refused to comply as I have no ‘official’ power.”

Jorrel growled, “No military weight, they mean.”

Gippal was flabbergasted that the authority of Second Engineer wasn’t recognized. He looked at Rikku in shock. 

She shrugged with her face. Gippal curled his lip. Of course authority meant nothing to Cid’s girl.

“We’ll leave for Luca tomorrow. I don’t know what kind of authority the Maester of the city will recognize, but I’ll need to take you with me, Kahnn.” 

Kahnn grunted in assertion.

Rikku looked over at Gippal and nodded her head backward. He gave her an irritated look and nodded slightly.

Jorrel’s voice drifted through the ventilation, “We'll have to get the Game Maester on board, volunteer or not. I know they're a strange sort, but we need to know if they know."

There were mutters and ‘ hnts’ of agreement. 

"Is there any news on the freights that were sent to the territories borders other than that damn Maester raising the far-gates?”

Gippal paused sliding, his neck craning in interest. 

Rikku caught her boots on his and wrinkled her nose in disgust. 

Ivann continued, “There were no clues of any ruins for a huge salvage in the Western Isles, however there seems to be some clue as to the water based areas, eg. Baaj Temple—though there is a general problem with small scouting parties being sent there as they have yet to return.”

Gippal motioned to her to stay and pointed down at the vent, mimicking her motions to listen. 

She cocked her head, smiling at him, her eyes glittering with mischief in the half light. She pulled herself up next to him and pressed her mouth to his ear and whispered sloppily, “Are you sure you wanna stay to listen?”

Gippal pushed himself back up. 

“It is going to take person-power we don’t have to continue sending scouting parties. It would be even worse if we sent freights loaded or unloaded. As I understand from Khann…” Ivann trailed off as he looked to the Military Leader who nodded him on, “… we need to keep most of our military personnel at the territories, and at the Distant Calm Lands…”

Cid rubbed his chin, “Runnad’s running some protocol to keep the supplies we need from the Calm Lands. The Western Territories we’ll be able to take by navy in the winter. Those ships ain’t got nothin’ on our fleet of runners— the scouting parties we’ll look for after we deal with Luca. May have to be in the negotiations, anyway. Agreed?”

Rikku poked Gippal, who had his eyes glued to the men below. He turned his head in response to a second poke without moving his eyes. 

Rikku rolled her eyes and breathed as quiet as she could over his ear, “We gotta get outta here.”

Gippal mouthed, ‘ How do you know? ’

Rikku raised her eyebrows and jabbed him before she softly slid backwards, avoiding his boots as best as she could. She was starting to worry about the air system, and if the conditioning system had changed or moved. She hadn’t navigated the ventilation system after Ivann’s project improvements.

Gippal made a little bit of noise coming around the corner as he tried to go back too far. She sighed, squirmed a little faster. In the half light, she couldn’t see very well, but the lines of welding and some of the sheets of metal had deep grooves. In sacrificing stealth for speed, her knees dragged over the dangers of vent-sleuthing, and she slid her knee on a thin line of metal.

She winced, but the thought of it being heard, or becoming trapped, or the vents closing, was far worse than the pain.

She reached the end and poked her head out in case there were adults laying in wait. She heard a faint clicking sound and looked for Keyakku. It was his signature signal.

Gippal had caught up to her, a little disgruntled at having to wait to get out. He was sweaty, and he crawled in something wet and sticky that had grossed him out, unaware that it was Rikku’s blood.

Rikku put her hands on the edge, thankful for her protective gloves, and bounced out, but she lost her balance and landed on her butt. “Owieeee!”

Gippal shh’d her, twisted his body to get out of the vent a little more deftly. “C’mon get up, you were the one who said we had to leave.”

Keyakku slid down from a vertical support that created a suitable shelf in the net like bracings that formed the entrance shell. 

Rikku glared up at Gippal andstaggered to her feet.

Keyakku trotted over. “She’s bleeding.”

Rikku and Gippal’s heads bobbed down. Shiny bright red blood streaked down Rikku’s shin in rivulets. Her knee, with its protective pad down around the top of her boot Gippal had accidentally wrested off, was smeared in a wet mess.

Rikku’s voice was curious but tight, “Huh. I don’t feel much of anything…”

Gippal looked at the sticky stuff he had on his hands and made a face, “Ew.”

Keyakku rummaged around in his pockets.

Rikku poked her knee and a strip of flesh moved— “Don’t do that!” Gippal squeaked, and slapped her hand away.

Keyakku said flatly, “I don’t have anything to bind it, but we have to get you back before they come out of there. So, let’s move quick. I know Brother keeps a potion or two in his drawers for emergencies.”

The three nodded and set off at a slower pace than they were used to, the wind blowing freezing cold, all the sun and heat had disappeared along its deep purple sky. 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

When they got to the youth hall, there was a woman having what looked like an argument with Hainngaar, the man who usually handled check-in. The youth hall was the tightest run ship it could be, but it was always chaotic. 

Keyakku sighed, whispering, “Perfect. Looks like he’ll be distracted. Act cool.”

The woman was huffy, “What do you mean all the children stay here?” The dusty shawls wrapped over and around her weren’t made for the desert, but she looked too thin to stand the night wind.

Hainngaar gestured inside the door. “Look. We’re not taking your blood-kin from you,” 

Beyond the doorframe of reinforced steel there was a bunk room that had several beds stacked in rows. A little common hall had enough room for kids to walk through if all the beds were down.

Two new arrivals were talking with Mikkehl and Nhadala. Mikkel was excitedly showing them around. 

 Nhadala, a girl a few years older than Rikku, lay somewhat attentively on her bed. 

The two arrivals were of different ages, but within this hall’s range. They were both tall, but one looked distinctly more round. The other, thinner one, was bloodstained. Not unusual but the blood was old. 

Both new children looked like they were interested in what Mikkehl was saying, but had glanced worriedly over at the doorway as the conversation between the adults grew more inflamed. 

 “We’re just offering your spawn the best bed n’ friends they could have.” Hainngaar leaned on the doorway and his voice lowered as the trio approached. “Sharing sleeping quarters with the older people is allowed, but only when the hab-unit is fully operational, and there’s less than four. We don’t have that luxury yet.” 

Keyakku raised his hand. “Hey Hainngaar,” Gippal stood in front of Rikku who was latched onto his shoulders, limping along as best she could without drawing too much attention to herself. 

Hainngaar wiggled his fingers over Keyakku’s, and said, “Keya, Gip, oh and look , if it isn’t the sand spirit-demon herself—” The Youth Guard put a hand up to the shawl woman fit to burst in interruption. He put the other hand on his hip and then pointed down at Rikku. 

She dipped her head below Gippal's shoulder.

Hainngaar scolded, “Rikku, you know you can’t keep unstable elements in your drawers. What did Oaloo say when you last broke into her Yevon-sent lab?” 

Rikku weakly laughed. 

Hainngaar looked more angry than frustrated, “Nuh-uh. You ain’t going to be laughing when your little brain is crushed under the dark soul gem’s weight.” He clawed his hands, like her hypothetical brain was between them, “Shape up—” his voice was harsh “—or I’m going to have to recommend against you learning more, and you’ll be digging sand for the rest of your days!” 

Rikku gasped, tears springing to her eyes.

“This is ridiculous!” The woman did burst then, “They’re obviously not under the right sort of supervision-!” She was waving her hands around.

Hainngaar glared at the woman, and shoo’ed the children inside. 

Keyakku grabbed Gippal and shoved them behind him through the door. 

“You want to tell that other kid you traveled with—” Hainngaar slammed the door. 

Keyakku ran towards the drawer’s Brother had stuffed so much into no one else could share it, and Gippal sat Rikku down on her bed. 

Gippal said, “Wheew, Hainngaar was fired up.” 

Nhadala called out, “Where’s the Pee-ermission-n,” 

Keyakku yanked open the drawers. "We need it. I’ll get Brother a new one and then I’ll get me one.” Snide, utterly, to Nhadala.

Mikkehl came over to Rikku as the new kids traded heavy looks with one another. 

Mikkael whistled, “Owie, Rikku, when did you decide you’d run faster with one leg?” 

“Shut up, Mikkehl,” Rikku, still near tears, asked Gippal, “Do you think he meant it?” 

Gippal shook his head in little short shakes. Though that was mostly to keep her from crying.

Keyakku cried out, “Got it! Brother’s got a head for these kinds of things.” 

Nhadala rolled her eyes, “Yeah, the only head Brother’s got is—” 

Keyakku shouted, one strong and long “AHHHH—” over Nhadala’s sentence, eyes like a frog.

 “—the one I—” she continued. 

Keyakku shouted louder, “AIIII!” and glared at his age-mate as he flicked his hands holding the potion at Rikku, warningly. 

Nhadala rolled her eyes, she tossed her hair over her shoulder, and flung a hand out. 

Rikku, however, was still concerned over what Hainngaar had threatened her with. Her lip was trembling and she didn’t hear anything other than the warning. 

The newer kids looked to be having a whispered conversation, and Mikkael, uninterested in healing wounds, involved himself as the resident people-person. “Ah, don’t worry about it. Loads of parents are upset, they don’t mean it, after.” 

Mikkehl tossed his white curls back once he had their attention. “Sides, it’s nice here, and all the parents take turns coming in.” Mikkehl only had a mom, but she was always away, and sometimes he had a hard time with it, all of the Home-bound children knew.

The thinner of the new kids, the one with age-dark bloodstains on his sleeves, stared at Rikku’s healing knee. “I thought Home was safe?”

As the potion slid around her wound, blood whizzed into pores, loose skin peeled back into her knee. Rikku grabbed at her head, shaking it, “I think he meant that I’d never get to learn-

Keyakku addressed the bloodstained question over Rikku, “Uhm, it was an accident- her own fault really."  

 “—and I gotta get on that ship to Luca—” 

“Whaa—” Gippal tried to rein her back, “I don’t think you’re thinking this through,” 

Rikku was shouting, “I’m thinking of what I need to pack right now!” 

Keyakku refocused on making sure the new kids would be chill. Rikku was too young anyway to get away with something that big. “My name’s Keyakku, I’m a boy that’s been living here ever since my parents died three years ago. Who're you?” 

The bloodstained kid looked uncomfortable, like they were worried what question would come next. “Saam.” 

Keyakku asked,  “Is that your mom outside?” 

Rikku had grabbed Gippal, “There’s so much to do!” 

Gippal grabbed her back, shaking her, “There’s nothing to do .” 

“Mine,” said the other one, “My name’s Lakshimi, er—and I’m a boy, that’s never lived here?” He scratched his head.

“You’ll like it!” Keyakku said as Rikku and Gippal devolved into a scuffle behind him. 

Nhadala called out, reclining on her bed, pulling out a book,  “You two are making me want to put my name in for solitary.”

“Aww- what? Nhadaaa—” Gippal cried out, pink on his cheeks. 

Rikku jumped up, freed from Gippal’s grip and went to her drawers. Gippal, like many of those who shared the youth hall, thought that Nhadala was desirable, if petulant, company. Her disdain for many of the antics they involved themselves with presented an appealing challenge for her approval. She was a bit older than they were and would age out of their group, and maybe faster if more joined.

Saam sounded concerned. “Solitary?” 

Mikkehl explained, sensing Saam’s unease.“We all get a chance to be alone now and again.” 

Rikku ripped out spare parts of machina, some shield plates, a cloth doll that she set on her bed gently, asking, “Anyone seen Rin?”

Gippal blustered, “Wh—No, he’s still off trying to negotiate for Calm Land territories.” He rubbed his head, sighing. Waving to Saam and Lakshimi. “Heya, I’m your boy, Gippal. Been here for two years.” 

Lakshimi pointed at Rikku. “Is...are they always like this?”

“Rikku?” Keyakku jabbed his thumb at Rikku. 

Gippal confirmed, firmly, “She’s always like that, yeah.” 

Keyakku finished, “She’s- yeah. She’s what her Dad and the rest of the ones who put her with us call ‘precocious’.” 

Gippal, somewhat defeated, “I’m in charge of getting her here tonight before the big man comes by and says ‘night.”

Lakshimi asked, “So, she has a Dad?” He gave a scrunched look at the beds, some like shelves nooked into the walls, other, larger beds pulled out from the walls. He met Nhadala’s eye who had brought her book down to fix Lakshimi with a curled lip and narrowed eye. 

“A-ha!” Rikku pulled out a backpack and started shoving her blanket inside and her doll. 

“She looks younger than us,” Saam said thoughtfully, “They said that this was our age sort room, but—” 

“Yeah, that’s what precocious means,” Nhadala hissed as she put her book down, and stood up. “Rikku,” she snapped her fingers. 

Rikku twitched in response. 

Nhadala said, “ If you are going to get away with whatever it is you are going to do, you need to be quiet, keep it to yourself and be calm because now is not the time.”

Rikku blew air into her cheeks and pouted. 

“Clean it up.” Nhadala pointed outside the door. “ One of you should probably go outside and tell her that you’re fine with staying in here— it’s getting louder.” 

 Lakshimi said,  “She’s not going to listen,”

Nhadala shoved her head forward and brought her shoulders and arms back and up, “She’s ‘ your’ mom. You deal with her.” Nhadala was always a little standoffish, and felt weird because she didn’t have parents, but could remember that she used to.

Lakshimi pulled back and gave a quick look around to the other children in the room. 

Rikku was busy putting things back and organizing the stuff she wanted to bring in the backpack she found. 

The others, including Saam, stared at him like they agreed with Nhadala. 

Lakshimi backed out and opened the door.

Lakshimi’s mother’s voice was thready,  “He has family —” 

“That doesn’t mean that you get to own your kid enough to put ‘em out in danger!” Hainngaar was yelling back, what Nhadala had heard through the racket.

“Hainngaar, please- oh, hello—” a woman’s voice, one that the Home-bound children recognized as Aaria, said when Lakshimi appeared and shut the door behind them.

Saam prompted, “So- solitary?” 

Mikkehl explained, “The bigg-uns get more options to get alone time than us since we’ve not been deemed responsible enough yet.” 

Keyakku squinted. “It’s a- choice.”

“So it doesn’t matter if you’re—” Samm bit their lip and looked down. 

Nhadala went to the communal cupboard and started opening the drawers. “Here. Take these.” Nhadala tossed a thin shirt at Saam. 

Rikku had finished tidying up her spot and re-arranging the pillow to hide her backpack. 

“Hello, I’m Rikku, and I'm the fastest girl in Bikanel.” She sat on her bed and extended out her hand to Saam.

"Ugh, Rikku—" Nhadala sighed, " Interrupting. "

Keyakku caught the real question that Saam was asking.“Not just parents come by. We make them feel important, like they have something to share with us knowledge wise—” 

Lakshmi came back inside. 

Keyakku smiled a bit at Lakshimi’s sheepish expression,  “—but we’re Home’s kids. The whole city is our family.”  

There was a tap at the window. 

Rikku jumped up, laughing and went and slammed it open. She nearly bent all the way out of it. There were cries from down below, and they heard her blow a big ol’ raspberry. 

Gippal went to go and put a hand on her back in case she flipped out again, peering out, “Need the rope?”

They quickly worked, getting a rope out under the bed. Quickly, two others were hoisted up. 

Brother and Kinna climbed up. 

Lakshimi asked, “Uh, why are they sneaking in?” 

Nhadala leaned against the bed. “Didn’t want to get caught, probably.” 

Kinna went over and hugged Nhadala. 

Nhadala pushed her away, “Ugh Kinna. Like, you have to ask first, you know— you’re not five anymore.”

Kinna pouted, “Awww, Nhoddy,” 

Nhadala put her hand on Kinnas face and pushed her back. “Ask.” 

Brother said, “Hey, why is my chest open?” He darted a quick look over at Rikku who shook her head and pointed at Keyakku. 

Keyakku said, “I’ll get you a new one. Rikku nearly lost her kneecap.” 

Brother crossed his arms. “And what was she doing that she almost lost her kneecap.”

Rikku puckered her lips out and Gippal sidestepped, “So- wanna hear about my idea of giant machina aeon treasure?” 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-