acquiredMINDS//ticking like a CLOCK

who died and made you king of anything?!

ishie07 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:48:11 GMT

Is this not adorable?
I love Sara.

Moved.

ishie07 — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:19:32 GMT

ivysnow.tumblr.com
New blog. For rizzle.
It's ad free which is a lot nicer than this crap that effs up my layout. ):

Two, Before the Dawn; GippalxRikkuxTidus; PG-13

ishie07 — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:47:13 GMT

Title: Two
Author: ishie07 aka Letselina
Series: Before the Dawn [0]
[1]
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Post Final Fantasy X-2 (AU)
Characters: Centered on Rikku, Gippal, and Tidus.
Word Count: 959
Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: I've been working on this a long time, and here is the start again of this
story. Constructive criticism is welcomed and demanded. Thanks and please comment if you
bothered to read!

Before the Dawn
Two.

She didn't choose this role
But she'll play it and make it sincere
So you cry, you cry
"Time To Dance" - Panic! at the Disco

"Tidus?" I whispered. I was going crazy.
He held out his hands and helped me up, "Who else could it be?"
"You’re alive?"
"I think so." He grinned, looking up and down at me. His grin faded a bit, "What’s wrong?"
I shook my head, and began to laugh. I laughed so hard I started to cry. The irony of it was too much to handle. Then I began to cry hard. I couldn’t stop. It was like the cry button in my body was jammed and nothing could unstick it.
"Rikku?" Tidus sounded worried.
I kept shaking my head, still crying. "It’s not right. You can’t show up now. Not with everything that’s going on! It’s not right!"
"What’s going on Rikku? Rik?" He shook my shoulders slightly, trying to snap me out of it I suppose. It wasn’t working much.
"You must be Tidus," Paine’s voice came from behind me.
He nodded, "What’s wrong with her?"
"It’s been a long day. We should go to the village." She stepped closer, sighing, "I’m Paine, one of Rikku’s friends."
The three of us walked to the village, each step slowly sobering me. We had nearly reached the village when I was finally able to speak and see clearly.
"Tidus," I said his name, unsure still whether or not I was awake.
"Are you okay now?"
I opened my mouth to say "yes" but that would be lying, wouldn’t it? "No." I looked at him, and for the first time all day, I really saw him. His golden hair, sky blue eyes, beautiful body... I could see the question lingering in his eyes. Where’s Yuna?
"I really am happy to see you, though."
He laughed nervously. He could tell something was wrong. "Really? I just assumed you hated me."
"No, it’s not like that." I stopped. We had entered the village.
"I’ll go first," Paine said. She wasn’t as close to Lulu or Wakka like Tidus and I were, but she knew how important they were. She led the way to their home, "Knock, knock."
Wakka came to the door, "Paine! Good to see yah." He looked past her, at me, and at Tidus. "Holy..."
"Hi Wakka," Tidus grinned sheepishly.
"Lu! Come ‘ere!" he shouted into his home.
His call was answered with a baby’s wail.
"Wakka!" Lulu’s sharp voice met his ears with a wince. She came to him, baby bouncing in her arm.
"Sorry," he apologized. "But look."
Her features softened tenfold as her eyes met Tidus’. "You..."
"I don’t even want to know," he put his hands up, seeing the baby in her arms.
"Brudda! You alive!" Wakka finally said.
"And kicking," Tidus laughed.
Paine and I watched the reunion with guilt. It was happy, but I felt like it was the only happy left in the world.
"I’m sorry, we have to put a damper on this, but we need to talk," Paine interrupted.
Lulu looked at me, "What’s happened?"
I guess the pain was more than obvious on my face. "Inside," I said.
We followed Lu and Wakka into their home, and they offered seats, one that I willingly took. And we told them of our final battle.
A silent shock settled in. To be cliché, the tranquility was deafening. Lu stood up, and moved to the kitchen where she began to cook. Vidina began to cry again, so Wakka walked over and tended to him.
There wasn’t much talking. A "bless you" or two was said when Lulu sneezed, and "pass the vegetables" at supper. Then we all lay down. Nobody really slept though. It was early, the sun just below the horizon. It was about three hours before I heard the first snore from Wakka. I could hear Lulu and Paine’s light breathing as well.
Outside, there were children playing still. I could hear a fire crackling, so I assumed there were adults as well.
Tidus was closest to me, so I knew immediately that it was he who was leaving the hut. He left without a sound, and none of the others stirred.
I sat up, deciding to follow. It wasn’t like I was going to sleep very well anyway. I crept out of the tent, watching as Tidus walked away toward the old temple. I followed him inside, the dim torches casting long shadows on the wall.
It wasn’t until we got inside the Cloister that he spoke. "I can’t believe she’s gone."
I stepped closer. "Me either." We walked through the Cloister until we came to the Chamber of the Fayth.
"This is where I first saw her."
I looked up, imagining the exhausted summoner emerging from the Chamber. Then I had a thought.
The Fayth.
We can bring back the one you lost.
Suddenly it hit me harder than before: Yuna wasn’t coming back.
"It was you."
Tidus turned his head to look at me. "What?"
"You were the one they brought back. It was supposed to be Yuna!" I felt a lump in my throat, but I knew I had no tears left to cry.
"What?" he repeated. The fire’s light flickered in his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"The Fayth! He came to me, after she fell. He said that they could bring back the one we lost. I thought he meant..."
I stopped. There was no use. What was done was done. "I just wish she could have seen you. We searched so long..."
Tears were rolling down Tidus’ face. It wasn’t fair that they had brought him back to such pain.
"I’m sorry," I whispered.

Final Fantasy X-2; GippalxRikkuxTidus; PG-13; Before the Dawn, One

ishie07 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 05:29:57 GMT

Title: One
Author: ishie07 aka Letselina
Series: Before the Dawn
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Post Final Fantasy X-2 (AU)
Characters: Centered on Rikku, Gippal, and Tidus.
Word Count: 1454
Rating: PG-13
Summary: AU. 1st POV. Rikku travels from the battle scene to the airship, and is greeted by someone surprising.
Author's Notes: I've been working on this a long time, and here is the start again of this story. Constructive criticism is welcomed and demanded. Thanks and please comment if you bothered to read!

Before the Dawn
One.

That’s why I wanna go outside in the rain
So no one, no one, no one, knows that I’m crying
I wanna go outside in the rain to dry my face
"Go Outside in the Rain" - Milira

I wasn’t sure how I even made it to that field of flowers. I only remember being there because I had five seconds of hope that perhaps Yuna was here. Five seconds came and went, and there was no Yuna. I was pulling up the tail of the group, trudging my feet through those stupid purple flowers.
"Rikku."
I didn’t answer. I didn’t even look up.
"Rikku."
I wondered if I really looked like I wanted to be talked to.
"Rikku."
My head shot up in infuriation. I wasn’t in a talkative mood, but whoever it was must not have noticed.
But there was no one. The group was way ahead of me now, and I knew no one had hung back.
"Behind you."
For the first time, I realized the voice wasn’t familiar. It sounded like a child. What was a kid doing in this place? I turned around, and stepped back. It looked like a ghost. The kid was much shorter than me, dressed in purple robes, and transparent.
"Sorry to startle you."
I didn’t think I could talk without weeping. It was all I could do to not collapse and cry for days. I just didn’t imagine Yunie was going to show up again like the last time she fell. There was no bottom to this hole.
"I’m a Fayth."
My eyes widened slightly. A Fayth?
"I’ve come to thank you."
"For what?" I whispered. My voice was crackly.
"For helping Shuyin to rest."
"We didn’t..." I trailed off. Our whole plan was ruined. Yuna was supposed to have spoken with Shuyin through Lenne and it was supposed to work. He wasn’t supposed to have...
...you know.
"Lenne’s spirit has finally joined with Shuyin’s and they now reside in the Farplane. We have you Gullwings to thank."
I nodded slowly. Perhaps the dressphere had been released, and Lenne’s spirit with it. Or something. I didn’t even know if that made sense. I was too tired.
"We want to repay you, after all this."
I listened.
"We can bring back the one you lost."
I sucked in a breath. "Really?"
"I can't promise anything but we'll do what we can."
He faded away, and I sunk to my knees.
Could he really bring Yunie back? I wished with all my heart that he could.
The one you lost.
She truly was gone.
I started to cry. I don’t know how long I lay there. I just cried and cried and cried.
"Hey." I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.
I knew it was Gippal, and I’d never been more thankful for his company.
"Let’s go." He knelt down, sliding one arm under my knees and the other behind my back. Lifting me up, he began to carry me from the abyss.
I saw that he was crying too. A tear trickled down his cheek. I lay in his arms, resting my head against his chest.
He took me to the Celsius, where between the eight of us (Shuyin had let go of Baralai’s body) we broke the news to the rest of the Gullwings and the stowaways on the ship. Some like me cried, and some like Brother were unmoved in shock.
We flew to Luca, where Nooj, Baralai, Gippal, Leblanc and her cronies got off first. They were to tell Spira that Vegnagun was no more. The news surrounding Yuna would have to come later. Paine and I followed slowly.
We reached the stadium, where thousands of Spirans waited as Nooj, Baralai, and Gippal stepped up to the microphone. Leblanc, Ormi, and Logos stayed in the back of the stage with us.
Nooj spoke first, and silence spread like a disease through the stadium.
"Once my friends and I dreamed of flying. We would sail a ship with me as its captain. In time, I became that captain. I found a new ship with new friends. My ship was the Youth League."
"Others chose a different captain." Baralai stepped up to the plate. I was amazed at their ability to speak after such tragedy. "Their boat was New Yevon."
Yuna had been the same though, hadn’t she? After the tragic loss of her lover, she was able to smile upon Spira and allow others to forever smile as well.
"You know, I realize I'm like a lot of you people." I looked up as Gippal spoke. Even he was braver than I was. I wouldn’t be able to talk to Spira, smile, and pretend like it was all okay. "We want a captain. And we want a ship to ride, but more important than that, really, we all want to ride together."
"There are some things you can't do alone. But they become easy with friends beside you." Baralai looked back at Paine and nodded. Was that the strength they were using to act so bravely?
Paine tapped my shoulder, and motioned toward the exit. She’d heard enough, I figured. We crept out, boarding the Celsius again.
Brother was still silent as we lifted up off the ground. Our next destination was Besaid. That’s where Yuna’s family was. It’s where we would find comfort, pain, and a place to hide from the world.
I never told the others about the Fayth. I just assumed it was a dream, praying to a higher source that she wasn’t gone.
Without Gippal, I had lost my shoulder to cry on, but I sat beside Paine, and we both wordlessly watched the ocean and clouds pass beneath us as we flew.
I exhaled, standing up. I hated just sitting there. I had to be courageous, like Gippal and the others. I walked over to Shinra’s vacant desk; he was hiding somewhere in the cabin. Spheres were lined up across a messy table. I sighed. Sphere hunting didn’t sound nearly as fun as it was before. I picked up one, turning it over in my hands.
"Arrrrrrgh!" Brother’s irritated voice screeched through the Celsius, scaring the living bejeezus out of the rest of us.
I had jumped from my skin, and in the process, dropped the sphere I was holding. It began to play.
"Fryd cund uv eteud cdyhtc eh dra ulayh frah E ys dnoehk du myht rana?" Brother shrieked. What sort of idiot stands in the ocean when I am trying to land here?
I looked down at the sphere and picked it up, forcing the tears to stop burning in my eyes. It was the sphere that had sent me to Besaid to get Yuna, and start our journey searching for Tidus.
But it wasn’t Tidus. It was Shuyin. I felt anger surge through my veins. It was entirely his fault. If he hadn’t tried to blow up Spira, and looked so much like Tidus, we would have never been in that stupid place. I stopped the sphere, and set it back down. Then I fell on my butt, frustrated and upset.
"Eteud! Lyh'd ra caa ra'c eh dra fyo?" Idiot! Can't he see he's in the way?
Well at least we were getting some sort of reaction from him now. He was angry. I felt sorry for Brother. Although she was his cousin, he loved her more than anything.
I glanced at the view below as we got closer and closer to the speck of a person standing on the shoreline. I hoped we didn’t hit whoever it was.
We landed outside Besaid, but none of us moved very enthusiastically to unload. No one wanted to tell Wakka, Lulu, or little Vidina. I was rethinking ever telling them. Why did they need to feel the pain we did anyway?
"Come on Rikku," Paine held out her hand to help me up.
I did get up, and I followed Paine off the ship. It was a good long walk to the village and I needed the air.
I splashed my feet in the water of the ocean. I’d be sorry later that I got my boots all wet and sandy, but I presently didn’t care. I kept my head down, not wanting to stir any memories that would send me to tears.
"Rikku!"
Damn it all. I didn’t want to talk to anyone.
I didn’t have a choice, though.
"Oof!" I groaned as someone’s arms were thrown around my shoulder, my head smashing into his chest.
"I can’t believe it’s you!" The man was crazy, jumping around with my head still locked in his arms.
"Get off me!" I yelled.
Obviously I startled whoever it was, because he let go immediately.
I looked up, squinting blurry eyes in the sun.
"What? Don’t you recognize me?" he asked.
My jaw dropped, and for the hundredth time that day, I fell to the ground.

HIATUS : August 13th thru August 16th

ishie07 — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:16:06 GMT

I will be in Minnesota shopping at THE MALL OF AMERICA so I won't be able to come on until I get back Thursday.

Sorry I have to miss it - but happy second birthday on Wednesday Fukikomu ;)

Final Fantasy X-2; GippalxRikkuxTidus; PG-13; Before the Dawn, Prologue

ishie07 — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:39:25 GMT

Title: Before the Dawn
Fandom: Final Fantasy X-2
Characters: Centered on Rikku, Gippal, and Tidus.
Word Count: 550
Rating: PG-13
Summary: AU. 1st POV. The battle against Vegnagun causes a fatality, leaving Rikku lost, feeling alone in her sorrow. When an unexpected journey comes, she soon learns that she is not alone in her sorrow or her old loves.
Author's Notes: I've been working on this a long time, and here is the start again of this story. Constructive criticism is welcomed and demanded. Thanks and please comment if you bothered to read!

Before the Dawn

Zero. Prologue.

I can't force these eyes to see the end
If only time flew like a dove
We could watch it fly and just keep looking up-
"Hallelujah", Paramore

"It’s so big!" Yuna looked up in awe.

"Woo-hoo! No more climbing!" I brushed sweat from my brow. I was already tired, but the battle had barely begun.

"Can you please focus?" Paine demanded as she leapt at one of the giant mechanical arms.

Vegnagun was even bigger than I had imagined. Shuyin was relentless in his barrages of attacks, and it seemed like we were never going to win.

Because, of course, we were going to win. We always win. We’re the Gullwings. You know, save the day and all that hullabaloo. I wasn’t expecting to lose this battle.

Yuna, with Tidus’ sword, dealt the final blow.

"Phew!" I was glad the battle was over. I couldn’t take much more beating.

The three of us scooted over to the rest of the gang, grinning in victory.

"What now?" Paine wondered.

"Uhh," I put in my two cents, "Maybe we’re finished?"

"Finished indeed!" The spookily haunting voice of Baralai/Shuyin interrupted my victory dance.

"Baralai!"

"All of Spira is finished!" Shuyin cried, restarting Vegnagun.

Shoot.

Or rather, don’t shoot!

I was really sick of fighting. Like, so extremely sick, I was pretty sure you could catch a disease from it. It didn’t matter though.

I can’t really remember most of the battle though. The doctor said that extreme pain sometimes causes memory loss. It was like the others though, I think.

My memory kicks in again at the end of the battle. We’re all really, really, really tired now. One of Vegnagun’s arms was down, and its head was low. I knew the battle was nearly over.

Yuna was in her Songstress dressphere, I in my Berserker, and Paine in her Gun Mage. Being in Berserk mode always makes my head kinda woozy, but I’m always super aware of the enemy. That was great and all, but I should’ve been aware of my team.

It all really happened in slow motion. Yuna was singing, keeping our strength up. Paine shot a blast at Vegnagun’s head; it seemed to take forever to hit.

"Look out!"

My head whipped to the right, and my animal instincts allowed me to jump quickly and dodge the arm that swooped across the ground.

I saw Paine dive to the ground, mercilessly run over by the mechanical limb.

Yuna wasn’t nearly as lucky.

I heard a lot of voices, one I think might have been my own.

As if someone suddenly hit play, everything happened at once. Paine’s blast hit the weapon, and its head crumpled to the ground. The arm still had enough momentum, though, to swing powerfully into Yuna.

I reached out my arm to her, my jaw falling. It wasn’t much use: I was much too far away. Yuna’s eyes widened as the arm smashed into her side, pushing her over the edge of the platform. I ran to the edge, nearly sliding off myself as her scream pierced my ears.

"No!" Paine was right beside me, her eyes already glistening.

I heard the footsteps of the others behind us, as we all helplessly watch her fall into the abyss.

New Layout: Nymphadora Tonks

ishie07 — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 22:00:20 GMT

Woo new layout because I think Tonks looks cool with pink hair XD But it's not what I pictured her to look like.
And it's kinda messed up for some odd reason but I hate it now so I'll leave it alone for a while...

My Harry Potter Spoiler of Doom is:
Draco Malfoy is killed by Gilderoy Lockhart by using Mooncalf dung
Get your Harry Potter Spoiler of Doom

Draco Malfoy goes on a hot date with Draco Malfoy by tying his shoelaces together
Ginny Weasley kills Voldemort in a very sexy scene
Ron Weasley is turned into an ice cream cone by Voldemort after doing battle with an evil dragon
James Bond kills Draco Malfoy in the library, with the revolver
Hermione kills Lord Voldemort with a set of brass scales
Nearly Headless Nick goes on a hot date with Moaning Myrtle by using the Fidelius Charm
Hermione Granger kills Lord Voldemort with help from the Nose-Biting Teacup
Hermione prevents global warming after signing a massive advertising contract with McDonalds
A man with an orange on his head kills Draco Malfoy with help from the Mirror of Erised
Hermione is turned into an ice cream cone by Hermione using the Spectrespecs

LOL Sometimes the generator doesn't work right.

New Layout: Will and Elizabeth

ishie07 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:42:03 GMT

I felt like making another layout - but no I haven't put it up on my own journal.

If you're interested in taking it - go to my preview (ex-writing) journal nineninepercent.

I'm in a Pirates layout making mood - so give me details if you want one!

Pirates AWE. WillxElizabeth. Spoilers!

ishie07 — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 14:56:11 GMT

Well if you haven't seen Pirates 3 yet, bummer. Don't read this yet. This is an extension of the extended ending after-the-credits.

SPOILERS!!!!!
Title: One Day
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Characters: Will, Elizabeth
Word Count: 1982
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Ten years after the events of AWE, Will and Elizabeth get to spend a day together.
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy!
One Day

"Yo ho, yo ho a pirate's life for me."

I sang that same chanty once eighteen years ago. I suppose it's ironic, isn't it? It was the first time I had met William Turner.

I looked at the back of the small boy who had just finished the chorus of that ever-familiar pirate tune. He was staring into the horizon as the sun slowly sank.

'Set faster,' I silently said to the sun. I gently set my hand on the boy's shoulder as the last drop of gold fell under the watery horizon. Just as the gold disappeared, it was replaced for just a moment with a bright flash of green. My heart skipped a beat as I met the boy's smile with one of my own.

'There you are.' My smile grew as my heart swelled. Where the orange sun had been seconds before, there was now a small black dot. It quickly became larger as a magnificent ship sailed to the cliffy island where we stood.

I looked down at the boy, my son, again. His large brown eyes reflected my elation.

"I'll race you," he said, laughter in his voice.

I laughed too, and started to run ahead. The wind billowed my sleeves as my legs carried me toward the beach. I could still hear his gentle laughter behind me as I slowed down a bit. I kicked off my boots, still moving toward the sea.

Now I could see a man standing on the side of the boat. I pumped my legs even faster now, splashing into the water. The wind and my heart caused tears to escape from my eyes. The sailor, seeing my frantic rush, had grabbed a rope and swung himself down into the water.

I opened my arms, and let out a sound that was a mix between a laugh and a cry as we came together. I closed my eyes for a moment as a pair of strong arms lifted me into the air. When I opened my eyes again, my feet touched the ground and I met those same brown eyes that I had seen in my son.

"Elizabeth."

"Will."

He pulled me into his embrace, his hands tracing over my back, neck, and head. I did the same. Just making sure that he was really there... in my arms.

Slowly he pulled away, and lifted his hands to my face. He held my cheeks in his hands, and wiped away a free tear with his thumb. "Elizabeth," he whispered again. He brought his face down to mine. He set his forehead against mine, once again bringing them so close that even the ocean breeze could not come between us. At first he sort of hesitantly touched his lips against mine, like a nervous schoolboy. Then, he dropped one of his hands to my lower back and pulled me even closer.

He still held the same passion as he had when we were married, but it was now concentrated in ten years of longing. My arms made their way to wrap around his neck, and he lifted me off the ground again. We broke apart in laughter as he spun me around once.

Then, I remembered. "Will," I said softly, "There's someone you need to meet."

He set me down, a now quizzical look in those intense eyes. He looked past me to see the child still standing on the edge of the shore. "Elizabeth..." he said my name once more, as if no other word was supposed to leave his lips.

I took his hand, and started to walk backwards. It only took a small tug before he followed, and attached his hands to my hips. We walked as one to the shoreline where he stood.

"This is my hero," I laughed quietly, moving to the boy's side. "William James Turner," I met my son's eyes again, "this is your father."

He stepped closer to Will. "Hi," he said quietly.

Will smiled and knelt on one knee. "You've taken good care of her I see, William."

The boy nodded and returned the smile. "Mom calls me Jack."

Will looked up at me. I felt a blush grace my cheeks. "It's a good name," he laughed, tugging Jack's hat down over his eyes.

I grinned, and took Will's hand as he stood up. "We'll show you the house," I said.

Jack giggled, "I'll beat you this time Mom!" He burst in full speed toward the hill we had walked down before.

I laughed. I was still barefoot and quite wet from the sea. I looked at Will, who seized an opportunity to kiss me again as Jack sprinted up the hill. I laced my fingers through his as we began to follow.

"I don't even have words to describe this to you," Will whispered. "One day isn't enough."

As if I'd been the one whose heart was pierced with a sword, I stopped in my tracks. Tears unwillingly stung my eyes as I glanced over my shoulder where the Flying Dutchman floated. "Let's not think about that now."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"Promise you'll teach me how you did that," Jack's tired voice said.

Will down on the edge of the small bed. "When you wake, then."

"Goodnight... Father."

Will bent down and removed Jack's hat, and kissed his forehead. "Sleep well, little one."

I leaned against the doorway, watching as Will tucked in his son for the first, and last time. 'After all,' I thought painfully, 'Jack will nearly be twenty... past bedtime stories by then.'

Will stood up and blew out the lantern. He ruffled the boy's hair one last time and walked toward me.

It was unbelievably late, and the sun would rise in a few hours, but I was not tired. I'd waited ten years for these twenty-four hours.

He wrapped his arms around my torso as we walked out of the small house. The breeze from the sea caused goose bumps to rise over my arms and legs.

"He's beautiful, just like you," spoke Will, resting his chin on my shoulder. He kissed my neck softly, causing me to shiver with anticipation and elation.

"Each day he grows to be more and more like you," I whispered, turning around in his arms. I looked at his slightly exposed chest, and traced the scar that had nearly healed. "He's the only reason I'm alive, Will." My eyes overfilled with tears that traced paths down my dirty face.

I felt his hands tremble on my back. "Elizabeth..."

I pressed my face into his shoulder. "It's the truth. You don't know what these ten years have been like. Finding out I was pregnant was a God-send, but I still cry too many nights for you."

He placed a shaky hand on the back of my head. "I know." His rested his chin on the top of my head. "Every day I search for a way. Somehow, somewhere, there has to be something that can bring us together. I can't go on much longer either."

I stood in his embrace as silent tears fell from my eyes. "I should not have faced Jones. I was too confident... and stupid."

"You were brave." Will lifted my chin to meet my gaze. "You are brave still."

I smiled a little, despite my despair. "As much as it hurts, I keep falling in love with you," I admitted quietly.

"We will find a way," whispered Will. He kissed my forehead, and I could feel his lips turn into a smile as he laughed softly. "You shall always be my King."

I gave a soft giggle. Pirates were far from politically correct, it seemed. "And someday, with you by my side as my pirate queen, we shall be the most fearsome and powerful pirates in all the Caribbean."

He dropped his hands to my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. "I love you, Captain Turner," he laughed.

"Your love is nothing compared to mine Captain Turner," I kissed him back. Even though his captaincy was what kept us apart, we were still able to laugh about it. I loved that about him. He made everything in life enjoyable.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, and lifted me in the air. I wrapped my legs around his torso and kissed him again, but did not pull away this time. He started to walk slowly, in a blind sort of trot. Will carried me off to the shoreline, where a dry cave we knew was located.

The stars blotted out one by one and the sky shed its darkness for a pale purple. We satisfied our hormonal cravings until the golden sun began its journey into the sky once again. I lied beside him, tracing his sun-kissed skin with my fingers. I could finally feel gravity tugging on my eyelids for the first time in days, but I refused to give in.

"Jack will be waking soon," I whispered.

Will smiled and sat up slowly, leaving cool air at my side. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to selflessly share you with him."

I sat up as well, "But you're the one who has to be shared." I smiled slightly, reaching out my hand for his.

He squeezed it tightly, then stood up and pulled me up as well. We wandered around the small cave, collecting our clothing together, and laughing as we attempted to sort it out.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The sun had made its journey, and now sat painstakingly near the horizon.

"Will ten years go by quickly?" young Jack asked, embracing his father one last time.

"I hope so." Will gave a sad smile as he stood. He glanced toward me, then set his hand on Jack's shoulder, "Take good care of her. She can be quite the distressing damsel if you aren't careful."

Jack laughed as I walked toward my husband. "You are the distressing one, my queen," I laughed quietly.

"So it would seem," Will's voice dropped.

"The sun will be setting soon," I whispered.

"I promise, someday."

"I'll be waiting." I threw my arms around his neck, never wanting to let go. He wrapped his arms around me and held tighter than ever before, causing me to suspect he had the same agenda as me. We stood for a while just like that, refusing to separate.

"Captain!" a flustered voice cried.

We both looked toward the horizon. The Flying Dutchman sat as close as she dared to the shore. A man standing on deck pointed toward the sun, which was now dangerously low.

"I must go," Will whispered.

I let my arms drop from his neck and nodded. "Will..." I trailed off. I didn't think there was anything more I could say. I reached up for one last kiss.

He let his lips linger over mine for a moment longer, "Goodbye Elizabeth." Will squeezed my hand one last time, and turned toward the horizon in a burst of speed. He boarded the Flying Dutchman faster than I'd ever seen a man get on a ship. Already, the ship made its way toward the horizon, but Will turned around.

He waved both his hands in the air, and Jack and I stood and did the same until the last drop of gold sunk below the horizon, and took him away in a green flash.

"Goodbye Will..."

Jack stepped closer to me, and I looked up at me with those round brown eyes of his. "Mom..."

I sniffled a little, and wiped away a stray tear before meeting his father's eyes again. "Yes Jack?"

"Is it worth it? I mean I know it was to save his life but..." Jack trailed off, his eyes showing pain and questions. "One day every ten years is a high price."

I took my son's hand, and squeezed it slightly. "It all depends on that one day."

Final Fantasy X-2, RikkuxGippal, PG

ishie07 — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:29:48 GMT

Title: Conquering Fear
Fandom: Final Fantasy X-2
Characters: Rikku, Gippal
Word Count: 1620
Rating: PG
Summary: Rikku tries to overcome her fear of lightning
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy. I'm no longer participating in the 100 one-shot challenge, but I'm still going to work on one-shots for fun. Most will probably still be about Rikku 'cause she's my favorite. If you have anything you'd like to see in a one-shot, PM me or put it in a review, and if I like the idea, I'll probably write about it.

Conquering Fear

She stood at the gates of Guadosalam, knowing what lie on the other side of the small and dying town. "C'mon Rikku," she muttered under her breath. "It's time to get over this stupid fear." The blonde shifted the large bag on her back, inhaled, and strutted into the town.

There weren't a lot of Guado left in Guadosalam, but it was a good thing. They were finally able to live a bit more freely around all Spira. Rikku hoped that someday her own people would be able to live like that.

It had been three or four months since her journey ended, and Sin was defeated. She had defied her family and the Yevon religion by becoming her cousin's guardian. The Al Bhed were unfairly blamed for Sin, and summoners like her cousin Yuna were sent to sacrifice themselves for a few years of peace.

Rikku, like most Al Bhed, did not stand for this. She traveled with Yuna attempting to thwart her from her destination.

But Yuna was strong, and never gave up, even when Yevon turned its back on her.

It was that sort of determination that inspired Rikku on her task today. Ever since she was little, she had been terrified of lightning. Her fear had almost kept her from traveling across the Thunder Plains during the pilgrimage.

So that's where she was headed today. On her back were a tent, clothes, and enough food and water for a week. Her plan was to camp out next to the Travel Agency and suffer through the storm.

Rikku sighed, trailing to the left where the exit to the Plains was. "Here we go," she whispered, her voice quivering a little.

Closing her eyes, she went into the Plains, the first thunder causing her to jump. The agency wasn't too far: she'd just have to run really fast!

It felt like hours, but in reality, it only took her a few minutes to reach the shelter. She went inside, greeting Rin with a weak smile. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all...

Perhaps if she stayed inside the building she could still get over her fear. 'It's not that easy,' she thought miserably. She took in a deep breath, and headed back outside. She was going to stay as close to the building as she could. Shakily, she set up her tent.

As quickly as she could, she climbed inside, drying herself off with a towel. Rikku dumped out the remaining items from her bag, and swiftly pulled a thick blanket over herself.

It wasn't cold on the Plains; it was warm and humid. Yet, Rikku's arms and legs were still covered in goose bumps. She pulled the blanket tighter and tighter around herself after each rumble of thunder. It was almost certain she would strangle herself before she conquered her fear.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered, teeth chattering. She had brought plenty of machina and toys to tinker with, but she still lacked the courage to climb out of her blanket. "Maybe if I try to go to sleep..." she snuggled even deeper into her blanket, resting her head on a pillow.

"Ninety-nine phoenix downs on the wall, ninety-nine phoenix downs. Take one down; pass it around, ninety-eight phoenix downs on the wall..." Rikku flinched, covering her head with the blanket to block out the sound of the thunder. She sang louder, and louder with each verse until her throat was sore.

"Seventeen phoenix downs on the wall, seventeen phoenix downs. Take one down..." She coughed, closing her eyes. Rikku was pretty sure she had reached the maximum volume of her vocal cords.

"I wish it would stop storming." The blonde knew this was a silly wish. The lightning never ended, but the rain and wind usually died down after a while. The wind whipped her tent around, and the rain seemed to never relent.

She felt like a giant baby, unable to stand through a bit of wind, rain, and lightning. But every time lightning struck, she remembered the painful and terrifying sensation of electricity shooting through her body.

Rikku heard someone walking towards her. She looked up, seeing the shadow of the figure in the lightning. Whoever it was paused in front of her tent, then continued into the building. It must've looked odd, a tent in the Thunder Plains. Who would be crazy enough to camp out there?

The door to the building opened again, and Rikku heard a couple male voices.

"E ehcecdat dryd cra cdyo eh rana, pid cra navicat." I insisted that she stay in here, but she refused. That was Rin. He suggested she stake out her week in the Travel Agency, rather than risk being struck by lightning outside. Rikku knew the Agency had never been hit, so that wasn't her number one concern.

"Cra'c kud lnywo pmuut eh ran, dryd kenm." She's got crazy blood in her, that girl.

Rikku's eyebrows crashed into her hairline. "No way..." She jumped out of her blanket, quickly pulling out a machina shovel from her bag, and attempted to look preoccupied.

"Knock, knock." The second speaker had moved to the tent's front, kneeling down in front of the doorway.

"Come in," Rikku replied, trying to act calm though she flinched as thunder clapped nearby.

A blonde Al Bhed popped his head in. He was attractive, trademark blonde hair and green eyes, but one was covered with a black eye patch. On his lips was the biggest grin anyone could imagine, like a grin you would have if you knew you were getting exactly what you wanted for your birthday.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my lucky day." He climbed into her tent, zipping the flap shut behind him. "Here I thought a trip across the Plains would be such a drag, but instead I get to run into my favorite little Cid's Girl."

The blood rushed faster than lightning to Rikku's cheeks. "I have--"

"A name, yes, yes I know." He sat down beside her, shaking water from his hair.

"You're getting all my stuff wet," she complained. She smiled, deceiving her complaint. "So why haven't you visited Gippal?"

He shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "I've been busy."

"Oh." Rikku's eyes moved down to her hands. She wasn't sure what that had meant. She had dated Gippal when they had both lived at Home. Things had gotten tough, and they were both heading separate ways, so they broke off their relationship, no strings attached.

Gippal had been known for quite the player. Rikku had been one of his first long lasting relationships. Gippal had been her first (and so far only) real love.

Not that Rikku would ever admit to it.

"Oh?" Gippal cocked his head to one side, "And what's your excuse?"

"You know," Rikku stuck out her tongue, "saving the world."

"My apologies, your highness," he bowed his head, a mix of distaste and humor in his voice.

Rikku's eyes narrowed. "And what were you off doing? I heard you were buddy-buddy with a priest."

"So what? Baralai was a great comrade. It didn't matter that he was a priest. We were trying to save the world. You were trying to stop your cousin from killing herself. It's not that glorious, Cid's Girl."

"Gippal!"

"Cid's Girl!"

"I--"

"--have a name!" Gippal mimicked.

"If you only came here to irritate me, why don't you leave?"

"Maybe I will!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!" Gippal turned to unzip the tent, sighed, and looked back at her. "What are you doing out here anyway?"

"It's none of your business!" Rikku folded her arms over her chest, but immediately regretted her hostility.

"All right, all right, it was nice seeing you Rikku." He slowly began to unzip the tent door.

"Gippal." It was Rikku's turn to sigh. "Why do we always do this?"

The blonde male chuckled. "What? Bicker like children?"

"Well, yeah." Rikku tugged on Gippal's sleeve, gesturing for him to stay. The silence between them was deafening. And then came the thunder, nearly causing Rikku to jump out of her skin.

"Still got that fear I see," he stated quietly.

"So?" she defended quickly. She bit down on her lower lip. "Sorry."

"Yeah."

Rikku pulled her knees up to her chest. Gippal had distracted her from the storm for at least a little while.

Gippal unzipped the tent door.

"Where are you going?" Rikku asked.

"Nowhere." He climbed farther into the tent, behind Rikku. "You'll never get over this with your eyes closed inside a tent." Gippal pushed her closer to the opening.

Rikku had her eyes closed, as he suspected. Seeing the flashes of lightning through her tent had been bad enough. Now she could (well, if she opened her eyes) see exactly where the lightning struck.

Lightning stuck a lightning rod near the agency, causing a deafening boom of thunder. Rikku instinctively threw her hands over her ears.

'Happy place. I need a happy place.'

She felt Gippal shift closer to her. Just what was he up to?

He set his hands gently on top of hers, slowly pulling them from her ears. "Open your eyes," he whispered.

She obeyed, but he felt her wince in his arms as lightning split the sky.

He laced his fingers through hers, and set his hands in her lap so she could no longer block the sound of thunder rumbling to her ears.

Rikku smiled slightly, 'I guess this place is happy enough.' She shimmied back into his arms, resting her head against his chest. It was quiet, excluding the thunder. She was comfortable.

"So will you stay for the rest of the week?"

"A whole week?" Gippal chuckled. "Why not. Anything for Cid's Girl."

Would that make you CRAZY?!

ishie07 — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:24:05 GMT

I think I was just naïve to believe that all that drama stuff would disappear over the summer. I also though that with Autumn being gone, it wouldn't be as bad. Boy was I WRONG.

Last night was our schools open house and I was taking my two brothers. Alex went to show John all his classes (because he's starting 6th grade - new school and all) and I was going to help but I stayed to talk with Katie for a bit.

She told me what Cass has been up to, and it frustrated me, and I asked Anna about it when I saw her later, and she said she knew, that she was at the party (but apparently sober enough to remember and drive home) and was surprised at how fast the word had gotten around.

I really feel bad beacuse Cass is one of my good friends - even though we stand on opposite pillars about the whole partying thing. I don't want her to get in trouble, and I don't want her reputation to be ruined. What's worse is, there's a picture apparently.

I didn't sleep well last night, which I figure I can blame on that. My mind was racing the whole night. And I'm TRYING to get on a sleep schedule since I only have four days before I have to wake up with the sun.

Well yeah. I want to rant more, but this is a public computer and I'm getting kicked off.

I watched Brigadoon: it's okay. When I talked to Mrs. Ausloos, she said she was excited about it because we're gonna hire a choreographer. YAY! And she said she's glad I'm taking Independant English, and she thinks I'll enjoy it. I sure hope so!

I'm gonna get on my dad's case about the internet. I'm really tired of this. Maybe if I talk to the librarian, she'd let me bring a CD so I can upload my graphics/stories/everything. Yeah.

is alive

ishie07 — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 20:33:57 GMT

Hey everyone! Long time no talk. My internet service went ka-plooey and I haven't had it for the last month or so. Luckily I can get on at a nearby library.

PLEASE if you deleted me from your friends list, add me again! I miss talking to all of you so much :(

Quick update on me, I've been working less than ever, bad business and all cuts down our hours at work. I've been hanging out with my friend Katie a lot. We went and saw Pirates opening day - my goodness - that movie is AMAZING. I was so flabberghasted - and I never ever use that word. I had my senior pictures done and they turned out GREAT - I'll be getting them all back in September. I went with KT when she got hers done - she looked so pretty :D

I have like over 100 graphics to post in Fukikomu.

HAPPY BELATED BDAY JO!! I have had a graphic done forever but I can't post it yet :'(:'( I hope your bday was as fun as mine! Actually, I hope it was better, I had to spend a lot of time packing for our camping trip.

Our camping trip was all right. We got this new site on the water with our own private beach. It was so cool. Did lots of swimming, boating and tubing. The Relay for Life was tons of fun (except the parts before when I locked my keys in my car at Copps and had forgotten my house key at the campsite - an hour away! so I had to break in my own house). Anna, Cassie, Sharon, Katie and I hung out all night. Haha, and we tp'ed Jaynelle's house! My first tping experience was fun. The adrenillene rush is amazing.

I haven't gotten a b-day present from my dad yet, I think I'm going to ask for internet. Like, fast internet. YEAH. Then I can upload my million icons and dolls for you all.

I'm going to do a quick run through of all my friends and hopefully nothing too huge happened that I missed. I really miss all of you! My summer is 10x more boring without you.

EDIT: Unfortunately, I did miss stuff. Steffi - if I were in Flordia, I would be on you like a bee on honey. I really hope you feel better soon!

Becca - remember when you uploaded Wicked for me? Well I never got to d/l it. I feel bad cause you spent a lot of time u/ling it :S Sorry!

Hopefully I'll be on again soon ^_^

Swim This Way: Blue Eyes

ishie07 — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:46:23 GMT

Title: Swim This Way
Fandom: The Little Mermaid
Chapter: Prologue and Chapter One
Word Count: 1,543
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own, or claim to own, Andrina, Ariel, or any of the characters featured in Disney's The Little Mermaid or The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
Summary: A tale of adventure, danger, and romance surrounding a little mermaid named Andrina.
Author's Notes: This is a ~~late~~ birthday gift for my good friend emeraldshine who has been nothing but awesome and supportive. I know you like Ariel the best, but I think you might like this story too.

Swim This Way

Prologue
A Princess' Life

Being a princess is no easy task. Princesses are targets for enemies and all sorts of political stuff. But the political side of a princess' life is hardly anything compared to the emotional trauma and life-threatening danger I was put in.

Well, perhaps I've over dramatizing it a bit. Let's start at the beginning.

My name is Andrina. I'm the second oldest of seven girls (my princess sisters, naturally). Yes, my lovely sisters, Aquata, Arista, Atina, Adella, Alanna, and Ariel. We live under the sea in a beautiful kingdom called Atlantica (oy with the ‘a's, hmm?).

No, we are not fish. We're mermaids. You know, those magnificent creatures in fairy tales who swim in the ocean. But we're not fairy tales, we're real.

My youngest sister, Ariel, is infamous for all her mischief and her human form. Ariel fell in love with a human (which did not go over well with Daddy - err, the king) and now lives happily with her husband and infant daughter on land.

My other sisters and I have no infamy or grand adventures to speak of. We're just plain boring princesses who live in the castle and float around all day.

It was a normal day when it all began. There was the usual argument over the dressing room, music practice with Sebastian, and our usual moseying around. Life was boring.

That's when I saw him for the first time.

Chapter One
Blue Eyes

Andrina moved through the busy community of Atlantica with ease. She had traveled down the busy waterways since she was little. She was a pretty mermaid, her short blonde hair pulled back by coral, her purple fins always moving just enough to carry her where she wanted.

"Andie!"

She stopped in her tracks, turning to see the caller. "Selenia!" she grinned, floating over to her friend. Andrina was one of the couple lucky ones, out of her sisters anyway. Other than Alanna, she was the only one with friends outside the castle. "How are you today?"

Selenia shrugged, "I'm all right. Things haven't changed much out here. And you?"

Andrina nodded, "Same, I suppose. The last year has seemed to drag by with nothing new, especially without Ariel."

"How is she? I mean, does she like it up there?" she glanced up toward the sunny surface.

"She loves it, naturally."

Selenia sighed, "Oh, if only I could have such luck."

"You want to go to the surface world?" Andrina shot a quizzical look at her friend. They'd begun to stroll through the town again, occasionally stopping to look at items on racks.

"Of course not, silly," she giggled, her dark crimson hair falling in her face. "I only wish that I could fall deeply and romantically in love!"

"Oh," Andrina groaned. If there was one thing Andrina was not worried about, it was falling in love. Suitors were always lining up at the door for her and her sisters. Some, like Aquata, loved the attention and being fawned over by love struck mermen. She, however, abhorred it. If she was going to fall in love, it wasn't going to be by one of those stuffy princes.

"Come on, Andie! You must at least think about it!" Selenia swam backwards, twirling in the water. "It's the most wonderful thing in the sea!"

"Well, I do think about it," she admitted carefully, "but it isn't something I really want right now."

"Then perhaps you should send some of those guys my way," she chuckled, shaking her head. "You've turned down three this week!"

Andrina stuck out her tongue, "I don't understand why they keep coming either."

"Hmm," her friend set a finger on her chin, "Perhaps it's because you're so drop-dead gorgeous?" She laughed as Andrina made a face, "No? Maybe it's your super intelligence or perfect manners or great skills or--"

"Okay, okay, I get it. Thanks for the self-esteem boost," Andrina teased, swimming ahead. "You know better than that. I'm a princess, and they just want in the royal family."

Selenia shrugged. "It doesn't mean you won't be able to fall madly in love with one of them."

Andrina's lips curled up a little, and she sighed. "I sound like Ariel herself, but I want more than just falling in love. I don't want to have to live like a princess all my life. You and I both know it just isn't that great."

"Well," Selenia set her hand on the other maiden's shoulder, "I suppose you'll just have to try a bit harder to find that then."

The blonde nodded, "We'll have one last adventure before they force us to settle down."

"Of course," Selenia grinned. She looked up, and gasped, "Oh no. It's already getting dark!"

Andrina bit down on her lip, "I'd better get going to. Daddy hates it when one of us is late for dinner."

They quickly said their goodbyes, and Andrina turned around, a bit too fast, knocking into a merman. "Oh!" she let out a little yelp as she knocked a few parcels from his arms. "So sorry!" she apologized hastily, helping him pick up the fallen packages.

He laughed, "It's okay. My fault, really. I wasn't watching were I was swimming."

Andrina smiled, looking up. Her jaw fell slightly, as she stared up into the biggest, bluest eyes she had ever seen. "Hi," she breathed. "I'm Andrina."

He grinned too, "I'm Zale. I truly am sorry, I've just got so much stuff."

"It's okay," she replied. "I've, uh, really got to go, though. My father is expecting me for dinner."

"Go on," Zale encouraged. "Maybe I'll see you around again sometime."

Andrina nodded, taking in his appearance in case she ever did see him again. He was taller than she, with a strong dark blue tail, and golden hair. In her book, he was gorgeous. "See you," she gave a little wave, swimming off in the right direction.

She hurried along the way, still thinking about those big blue eyes of his. She waved to one of the guards as she swam inside the gates of her home, and rushed to the dressing room.

"Jeez, Andrina, what took you so long?" her only older sister, Aquata demanded as she came in.

"Nothing," she said easily. "I just spent too much time with Selenia."

"Three more suitors came for you today," Arista stated, brushing her hair.

"Can I use this?" Andrina asked, taking the brush from her sister. "And I don't care. A hundred ‘suitors' may come to see me, but I'm not going to marry any of them."

The dark haired sister, Alanna, sighed. "I'm not sure where you get these genes from, but that's certainly something you share with Ariel."

"Oh, please." Andrina pulled out the coral piece that held up her hair. "You are just jealous. This has nothing to do with Ariel anyway. She was too young to have suitors when she lived down here, and so are you."

Alanna folded her arms over her chest. "You think you're so special because you have all those mermen fawning over you but you don't even have the common decency to meet them."

Andrina pulled her hair back up, "Well if that's how you feel, I'll meet the next one that comes to the door."

Alanna stuck out her tongue, "Fine. But you can't just turn him away. You have to let him take you out wherever he wants to take you."

Sighing reluctantly, Andrina nodded. She wasn't even sure what the point was, or what she was trying to prove to her younger sister. "The next merman that comes to see me."

"Girls?" the eldest sister, Aquata, poked her head in. "Dinner's almost ready."

The two bickering sisters looked around. All the other princesses had already left while they'd been arguing. They both shot dark glances at each other and followed Aquata out to the dining area.

Dinner was rather uneventful, as it normally was. The sisters shared their day's adventures with their father, and he'd share anything worth hearing. There was hardly any feuding, and he never got upset with his daughters.

It had been a nice change the first few months after Ariel had moved to the land. It was more peaceful, and they never had to hear about her ranting on about gadgets behind her father's back. But after the first year or so, things became dreadfully boring.

"What about you Andrina?" Triton turned his attention to her. "How is Selenia?"

She opened her mouth to answer when a little seahorse cleared his throat.

"Ahem," he spoke up, so to be heard by everyone. "There is, yet another, young man to call upon Princess Andrina."

Andrina sunk a bit lower in her chair, but Alanna sat up taller. "Another?" she groaned under her breath.

"Why don't you go see him?" Alanna said, looking down the table at her sister.

"Fine," grumbled Andrina. "Please excuse me, Father," she said sweetly, pushing her chair back. She followed the announcing seahorse to the front of the castle, where he announced "The Princess Andrina will see you now."

She slowly swam into the parlor area, sighing, and trying to smile.

"Hello, princess."

"Hello," she looked up finally, and gasped.

Zale and Andrina

Conquering Fear

ishie07 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:20:24 GMT

Title: Conquering Fear
Fandom: Final Fantasy X-2
Characters: Rikku, Gippal
Format: Drabble
Word Count: 100
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy. Request from blooming_cosmo

Conquering Fear

He set his hands gently on top of hers, slowly pulling them from her ears. "Open your eyes," he whispered.

She obeyed, but he felt her wince in his arms as lightning split the sky.

He laced his fingers through hers, and set his hands in her lap so she could no longer block the sound of thunder rumbling to her ears.

She eased back against his chest, her lips pursed together. "Don’t tell Yunie you came."

Gippal smiled. "You want her to think you did this by yourself?"

She nodded, watching lightning strike a rod in the Thunder Plains.

Pigment

ishie07 — Wed, 24 May 2006 23:39:39 GMT

Title: Pigment
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts II
Characters: Riku
Word Count: 241
Rating: G

Pigment

The beach was a busy place on the weekends. Everyone loved the water, the fun, and the light of the sun. It was the sun that drew him there every day. When the adults were busy working, or the children were busy at school, he was lying on the beach.

He'd lie in the sun, soaking in the light he'd missed for so long. The darkness had stolen away everything from him, mental and physical.

His skin had paled so much from the shadows. Like a heavy black cloak, the dark never allowed light to tan his body. Why was it that his skin became darker when he was in the glorious light, but it lightened in the hideous dark?

Surely there was some biological answer that any instructor would spend hours uselessly explaining...

But Riku knew the real answer. He knew it as well as he knew the darkness itself. The spirits of those who live in remorse, envy, or any other brother of the darkness were always pale colored. As they passed on from the living to the dead, their ghosts were always a pallid shade instead of a rich color like the happy living.

That's why children wear white sheets over their bodies at costume parties. They represent the poor souls who are torn by darkness.

So he would continue to spend his days in the sun, removing the darkness from his body by letting his skin tan.

Rikku: Story 007: Sunrise

ishie07 — Tue, 02 May 2006 01:32:54 GMT

Title: My Sunrise
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 075 - Sunrise
Word Count: 642
Rating: PG
Summary: (AU) Rikku spends some time in Zanarkand with someone special.
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy.

A/N: Another Tikku fic! I'm rather addicted to them.
The prompt for this story is sunrise. Enjoy, and review when you're done reading!

My Sunrise

My eyes were heavy, but he insisted we stayed awake just a little longer. We'd gone to a blitzball game, and I cheered and cheered, and my voice hurt from it. I didn't care though. I was just happy to be with him. His fingers laced through mine, and I felt safe in the early hours.

The sky was a heavy blue: not quite midnight blue, but not a morning azure. I leaned closer to him, resting my head on his arm as we trudged through the city. I looked up at him, admiring his golden hair in the streetlights.

I loved being with him. We were apart for so long, it seemed.

He looked down at me, and I found myself trapped in his gaze. I giggled quietly.

"What's so funny?" he asked, his voice soft.

I shrugged, and focused back on the path. My feet ached from dancing with him through countless songs.

He told me how he hates when I giggle without telling him why. He likes to laugh too, you know. His free hand tugged on one of my braids, but I refused to answer him.

"Here."

We reached the end of our path: the docks. In my mind, I wondered why he'd brought me here, but I didn't ask out loud.

He took both of my hands, and led me to the edge of the wooden dock. We sat down, and I shivered. The breeze of the lake was cooler than the air.

He draped his arms around my body, providing all the warmth I needed in that early hour.

And we sat for a few moments. He hummed a song I recognized as we waited. But what were we waiting for?

"Turn around."

It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. I gazed back at the metropolis. A soft glow surrounded the entire town, making it seem surreal. The glow diminished slowly, as the city lights dimmed one by one. Above was the dark sapphire side of the sky's spectrum. The white dots of stars were fading.

"It's amazing," I whispered.

He laid his arms around my waist and turned me around again, so we faced the eastern horizon. The sea was relatively calm.

"It's starting."

His few-word-sentences were just enough to send chills down my spine. Or perhaps it was his head on my shoulder, and his breath against my cheek that made me shiver so. Still, I loved each moment his skin touched mine.

And it was starting. The sea was beginning to glimmer a rosy pink. We watched for maybe an hour (though it seemed like so little time) as the pink spread through the water, then to the sky, then to the city. It got brighter and brighter, then the whole world seemed to glow with the warmth of the sun.

It was the most gorgeous thing I'd ever seen.

Well, until I looked back into his eyes again.

"See? I told you it was worth staying awake for."

I turned around, wrapping my arms around his neck. I gazed back into those dazzling cerulean eyes of his. I fell in love with him again, amazed at how he continued to be so, well, amazing.

"You were right," I said, my voice a bit raspy from my weariness.

"Aren't I always?" he teased, resting his forehead against mine.

I giggled again, though this time he knew my reason. "Though, I can think of something more wonderful than the sunrise."

"And what's that?" he questioned, curious as ever.

I giggled once more, "You of course."

He blushed, the rosy red of his cheeks reminded me of the sky.

He was my morning sunrise, my sky, my Tidus.

Rikku: Story 005 and 006: Shattered and Fire

ishie07 — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 19:13:04 GMT

Title: Shatter
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 075 - Shatter
Word Count: 421
Rating: PG
Summary: Rikku eavesdrops on Tidus and Yuna before the Spring Scene. (One sided Tikku)
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy.

A/N: For anyone who plans on flaming me for this slight Tikku one-shot, please reconsider. I'm trying to write Rikku fics to please everyone. I support Yuna and Tidus, and Gippal and Rikku, but I like Tikku fics so don't bother to give me a "you suck" review because you don't like this.
The prompt for this story is shattered. Enjoy, and review when you're done reading!

Shatter

My heart is racing. I know I shouldn't be here, hiding in the foliage.

But I am.

He apologizes to her, hoping he didn't make her sad.

I followed him here, you know. I thought maybe he was just going for a walk, and I could be by his side. I missed what Auron said about her.

"I wasn't sad," she says, "I was happy."

I sigh, silently. She loves him, I know. She tells me often, and I listen.

"Wouldn't everyone be surprised?" her voice reaches my ears. I zoom back in on their conversation and continue my eavesdropping.

"Yeah. Except Rikku." My heart flutters when he says my name. "She'd be with you. Lulu and Wakka wouldn't hold out long." His voice is a sweet symphony to my ears, carrying my spirit high, though I lie low.

"What'll I do if I give up my pilgrimage?" she wonders.

If I were she, I'd just stay with him. It'd be heaven enough just to be in his arms.

He speaks of his Zanarkand, and I smile, watching his blonde hair in the moonlight. I wish I were there beside him to see how his cerulean eyes light up when he talks of his home.

"Let's go to the sea, before the sunrise. The city lights go out one by one. The stars fade... It's kinda rose colored, right? First in the sea, then it spreads to the sky, then to the whole city. It gets brighter and brighter, till everything glows. It's really...pretty. I know you'd like it."

His voice paints a picture for me, and I close my eyes for a moment. I see myself my back to the machina metropolis, my face to the sea. My hand would be in his, and he'd whisper to me something that would make bumps stand on my skin. We'd watch in silence, and the sun would rise, the majestic magic and beauty of it all too much to take in.

"Yu..?"

The sudden fear in his voice forces me from my fantasy and I open my eyes again.

She is crying.

I wonder how she could cry while in his presence.

He is the one who makes me smile.

He makes my heart soar on silver wings.

As clichéd as it might be, he takes my breath away.

"Yuna."

He says her name. Not mine.

He leans in closer, and I fear that he might hear my heart beating so rapidly.

He kisses her, and my eyes close.

And I shatter.

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

Title: Campfire Chats
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 052 - Fire
Word Count: 810
Rating: PG
Summary: Tidus and Rikku's friendship grows through talks.
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy.

Campfire Chats

"'Don't say that 'cause we're gonna see each other again.'" I laugh quietly at myself. "I haven't seen him in almost a year."

"Do you miss him?"

I nod and stare tiredly into the fire. "Every day."

Tidus puts his hand on my shoulder, trying to console me.

"I've never told anyone outside my home about Gippal..." I whisper.

I haven't been with Yunie and her guardians very long: only a week or two at most. Tidus and I picked up where we'd left off months ago when we first met, and became fast friends. We talk and laugh a lot as we travel, and I love being with him. He makes me smile.

We are camped out under the stars. It's a beautiful night with bright shiny stars and everything. You know, one of those nights where you stare out into space and you have to wonder what else is out there.

Well, everyone had fallen asleep fast. Everybody but me. I was restless, and my mind was wandering. I thought about a lot of things: my family, my Home, and a young man named Gippal.

The thought of Gippal made my eyes water, so I climbed from the sleeping area back to the dying campfire.

I cried. I guess it was a little louder than I had thought, because Tidus got up and comforted me, and that how we got here.

"So why did you tell me?"

I turn and look at Tidus. He has these amazingly bright blue eyes that remind me of the ocean. They're sort of calming.

"I don't know." It's the truth. I really haven't known Tidus that long, but I keep spilling out my guts to him.

Tidus smiles, and shakes his head gently at me. His blonde locks fall into his face, hiding the laughter now in his eyes.

"What?" I smile, too. I think it's contagious. "What's so funny?"

"I had a friend, just like you, back in my Zanarkand." Now he stares back into the fire, the flames reflecting in his ocean-eyes.

"Yeah?" I've talked to Yuna. She tells me that she's ninety-nine point nine percent sure that Tidus' Zanarkand exists. She never tells me how or why, but I believe her. "What was she like?"

"She was short and blonde, like you. Her eyes were even green. I don't think she was Al Bhed though. There really weren't any in Zanarkand."

"So she looked like me?"

"Acted like you too." Tidus smiles again, and stretches his arms up to the stars. "She was a little bit crazy--"

"Hey!" I punch him in the arm, still smiling.

"--and she was really fun. Always smiling." He nudges me with his elbow.

I laugh a bit, and then yawn. We talk some more about his Zanarkand, Gippal, and our journey.

Fast-forward a few weeks. Home has just been destroyed; and Tidus found out about Yunie's destiny - her death.

It isn't night, and there is no warm campfire this time. Just cold loneliness. I have been hiding in the cabin; hiding my tears.

"Hey."

I don't really want to talk to anyone. "Hey." I reply anyway.

"Are you okay?" Tidus sits down on the bed beside me.

"Just dandy."

"I'm sorry about Home."

"Me too."

There's an uncomfortable silence between us and he sighs. I sniffle a little, and wipe away a stray tear.

"I'm sorry," I apologize suddenly.

"About what?"

"Not telling you about Yunie. It was wrong. You deserved to know."

"No, it's okay. It was too hard to say."

"Still..."

Tidus sets his hand on my shoulder. "It's okay."

I look up for the first time to see his face. His eyes are red and his face is tired. It's been a long day. It's going to get longer.

I bite my lower lip to stop it from quivering, but the rest of my face twists in pain. I start crying again.

He gently puts his arms around my shoulders, embracing me tightly.

I rest my face on his shoulder, trying to stop the inevitable. I heave a heavy sob and cry into his arm. I feel a little bit comforted.

"Remember the girl from Zanarkand I was telling you about?"

I nod slowly in his arms, afraid to open my mouth.

"We used to get in all sorts of trouble. Once, after a game, we went to this restaurant..."

I keep listening, calmed by his voice and his attempt to cheer me with his silly story. I laugh as he tells how he and his friend made mischief in the ancient metropolis.

"Feel better?" he asks after I stop laughing.

I pull myself up, out of his arms, and smile. "Thanks."

We continue our day, search for Yuna and such. I still feel a slight pain in my heart, but I can smile, thanks to him.

Rikku: 004: Death

ishie07 — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:00:01 GMT

Title: Scream
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 030: Death
Word Count: 500
Rating: PG
Summary: The "bad" thing that the Yevonites had done to some Al Bhed before they built Home.
Author's Notes: Review and enjoy. I love comments like I love candy.

Scream

I screamed. Tears filled my eyes and I closed them quickly, wishing I hadn’t seen what was before me.

A dark memory popped in my mind. I was little then - four or five years old. I had woken up to a bloodcurdling scream. Frightened, I jumped under the colorful covers. I heard voices, some I didn’t recognize.

A shiver shot down my spine as I looked over the sheet. A bright orange-red light was coming through the window above my bed. I stood up on my pillow, poking my head over the windowsill. I gave a short cry. The light was coming from many of the homes on our road. They were burning.

"You will die in the name of Yevon!"

I jumped off my bed, and climbed under it. I started to cry. I was terrified. I didn’t understand the Spiran language, and the deep voice that was screaming reminded me of thunder.

"Like hell I will!"

That had been my father. I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew my dad was mad.

My door burst open, and I shimmied back farther under my bed. I attempted to stifle my sobs, but I was failing.

"Rikku!"

"Sudran!" I wailed, now crawling out to my mother.

There was a bright light and another scream.

My mother crumpled to the ground in front of my eyes. I was still under the bed, but I screamed. Her back was scorched by fire, but her assailant had already run from the room, perhaps assuming there was no one left.

She lifted her head. "Rikku." Her voice was a soft whisper.

"Sudran..." I sobbed, tears falling down my face. I crawled out, inching nearer to her.

"Mecdah du sa. Oui sicd kad uid uv rana. Oui yht ouin vydran yht ouin pnudran sicd kad uid uv rana." Listen to me. You must get out of here. You and your father and your brother must get out of here.

"Sudran," I wailed again.

"Go! Ky!" she yelled at me.

I cried. It was no longer a soft, frightened cry, but a loud child’s cry.

Suddenly I was lifted up by someone, and rushed out of our home. My vision was too blurred by tears to tell where we were headed. I knew there was a group of people with me now, because there was a lot of yelling, mostly in Al Bhed.

I don’t recall much more. Hours later when I was reunited with my father and brother, I was told my mother had been killed by a powerful fire spell.

Yevonites had attacked, with little reason, the large area in Luca in which at least a hundred Al Bhed lived.

They had burned the entire section of the city to the ground.

Over half of our friends, family, and loved ones had been slain.

"Rikku!"

Tidus’ call awoke me from my short daze.

I was standing on the top of a hill, watching my home in Bikanel being burned and attacked again.

Rikku: 003: Rain

ishie07 — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 01:39:37 GMT

Title: Summer Rain
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 033: Rain
Word Count: 709
Rating: PG
Summary: Rikku and Gippal spend an evening out in the rain.
Author's Notes: Takes place after FFX-2. Review please!

A/N: This is third of my Rikku challenge at the fanfic100 community on LiveJournal.
This short piece is an episode of a relationship between Gippal and Rikku after the events of Final Fantasy X-2.
The prompt for this story is Rain. Enjoy, and review when you’re done reading!

Again, thank you to my reviewers, I’m glad you enjoy this.
-------------

Summer Rain

His arms were draped gently around her hips as they swayed back and forth to the soft ballad. His chin rest on her shoulder while his eyes gazed out across the dark horizon.

"It’s going to rain."

She nodded, humming quietly to the song. "Maybe we should go inside."

"Nah."

She put her dainty hands on top of his, gently tracing his fingers with her own. They were rough, but not too dry. She sighed happily, soaking in the warmth of the summery evening. Her eyes closed, and she tilted her head against his.

"It’s nice out here, just the two of us."

"Mmmhmm." She opened her eyes again, watching the dark clouds continue their journey east.

"Rikku?"

"Gippal?"

He played with her belt loops, chuckling quietly. "Do you think your cousin is looking for us?"

She gave one short laugh. Her cousin, Yuna, was the savior of the world, twice. She had also been recently reunited with her long lost love. She knew she was the last thing on her cousin’s mind.

"Didn’t think so."

The music changed to a fast upbeat song. The couple had been at a local club with Yuna and Tidus. They’d gotten warm, and stepped outside for a few minutes. Minutes had turned into at least an hour, she noted silently, as it was finally beginning to sprinkle.

It was soft at first. Occasional pea-sized drops would fall on the sidewalk or her skin. A warm summer rain, she thought, sinking deeper into his arms.

"You okay?"

She had a fear of storms, especially lightning. Well, she used to anyway. A few nights out on the Thunder Plains had helped cure it, but she couldn’t help but flinch once in a while.

"Yeah. It’s just a little rain."

He pulled her a little closer, gently tickling her stomach with his fingers.
"We’re going to get wet."

She grinned. The rain was falling a little faster and a little harder as each minute passed.

"That’s the idea behind rain, isn’t it?"

She took his hands in hers, and led him across the street to a grassy playground. The rain was now coming down at a steady pace. Her blonde hair was already quite wet, and fell uselessly around her shoulders. She giggled, looking up at her date. His blonde hair was falling into his eyes, impairing his vision.

She danced in a circle, swinging her arms to the beat of the shower. He laughed at her, but took her arms and joined her rainy dance. They both laughed, pulling each other closer with each movement.

She sang a silly melody: half song, half laughter. He tackled her to the ground, the sopping grass sticking to their skin as they rolled around like little kids. Nothing mattered: they just played in the rain, laughing as if they were the only ones in the world. The rain continued, pitter-pattering on the playground equipment.

They chased each other, running (and slipping) through the field. Finally she gave up, flopping onto the grass. Breathlessly, she closed her eyes. Raindrops trickled down her face. She felt him collapsed beside her, and she smiled.

The rain felt cool on her warm skin. She rolled over on her side, watching him catch his breath.

He opened an eye, gazing at her. She blushed, marveled at how they were always brought closer by simple things like rain.

Then he laughed.

"What?"

He turned on his side, reaching over with his hand. He pulled a large leaf from her hair.

"You look ridiculous."

She growled, partially in aggravation, largely in mirth.

He kissed her, softly but quickly, on the lips, causing her jaw to drop in surprise.

"You look so cute when you’re angry."

She rolled her eyes, her lips forming an unintentional smile.

"Hey lovebirds!"

They sat up hurriedly, spotting the speaker. Her cousin (as well as Tidus) stood in the rain, giggling at the couple in the grass.

"We were about to leave without you!"

Smiling, he stood up, lending his hand to her. She took it, scrunching her nose in fake displeasure.

The sky was becoming dark with night, and the air was cooling. Arm in arm, the couple walked toward the others, laughing about their absurd appearances.

Rikku: 002: Too Much

ishie07 — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 02:55:23 GMT

Title: Too Much for One Girl to Handle
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Characters: Rikku
Prompt: 033: Too Much
Word Count: 1500
Rating: PG
Summary: Rikku becomes overwhelmed with the evens in a day.
Author's Notes: Includes Gippal from FFX-2. Please review!!

Too Much for One Girl to Handle

"The people and the friends that we have lost, or the dreams that have faded... Never forget them."

Yuna is stronger than anyone I have ever met. That’s why I have always been so proud of her. And I think that’s why my heart sank when she turned around.

The crowd was going absolutely wild. Sin was gone, forever, and Yuna had just finished the most incredible speech ever.
But when she turned around, I sighed inwardly. She smiled, but the glistening tears trailing down her cheeks were hard to miss.

"Great job, yah?" "Good" and "We’re proud of you, Yuna" seemed to escape the others mouths quicker than I could think. Lulu wiped a tear from Yuna’s cheek, and nodded.

"Thank you," Yuna spoke, her voice wavering slightly.

I didn’t know what to say, so I just hugged her. My eyes struggled against tears as I whispered, "You did good."

Yuna hugged me back, probably giving me more support than I was giving her. "It’s okay," she said softly.

I pulled away, rubbing my eyes quickly.

"Come on, Rikku. Put on a smile. It’s a happy day," Wakka grabbed my arm, leading the way off the balcony.

I did as told, and smiled as we walked down the stairs, waving to the gathering of people. He was right: it was a happy day. Everyone was smiling, including even Yuna and me. Happiness is definitely contagious.

"Rikku!"

I spotted my father in the crowd, and helped lead my friends toward him. We had planned that after Yuna’s speech, we’d fly to Besaid and spend time with everyone there. I agreed to stay for a while until things settled a bit.

Pops led us to the ship, hardly saying a word. Yuna gave one last wave to the cheering crowd as she turned her back and boarded the ship. We all climbed onto the bridge, still smiling.

"No Sin." Wakka leaned against a wall, staring in amazement. I think he was still quite astonished at the idea. I know I was.

"Rikku," my father spoke again. He beckoned me toward him, a slight frown on his face.

"What’s up Pops?" I asked casually. I wondered what had troubled him. He was being awfully quiet.

He exhaled, and seemed unable to explain what he wanted. "Zicd ku du dra talg."

Just go to the deck.

I raised a puzzled eyebrow. Not only was he speaking Al Bhed in front of Yuna and the others, he was being extremely vague.

"What for?"

"Just go."

I decided not to argue. My smile had faded, and I was becoming worried. I started for the door, my mind coming up with ideas for why he’d want me up there. By the time I had waved to Rin, a few other Al Bhed, and reached the elevator, I still hadn’t come up with anything good.

So I stepped on the elevator, and landed on the deck.

Standing near the edge was a tall, blonde man. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked over the watery horizon of Luca.

"Gippal!" I cried, recognizing the back of the figure. I ran to him quickly, throwing my arms around his waist in a tackle-like hug. My smile had returned.

Gippal could be described as the first (and so far, only true) love interest I ever had. We dated a lot (which now explained my father’s troublesome behavior) before my journey with Yuna and the others. We went our separate ways when he signed up for some Crusader-like group that allowed Al Bhed to join.

I had been heart broken for a few months. I feared Gippal would die in battle, but I was still secretly glad he was trying to find a way to help save the suicidal summoners. We wrote back and forth for a while, but it became hard to send and receive letters once I had begun salvaging with my father and Brother.

"E'ja seccat oui cu silr!" I've missed you so much! I laughed, still hugging.

"I’ve missed you too," he said softly.

I gasped, "You speak Spiran?"

He nodded, turning around. Gippal still appeared the same: spiky blonde hair, black eye patch over his bad eye, rich toned skin, muscular build... Geez, he was still as gorgeous as ever.

"Baralai taught me how."

"Baralai?" I repeated.

Gippal nodded. "He is - was - a young Yevon priest."

"Yevon?" Maybe he didn’t know how the Guado and Yevon people had... destroyed Home.

"Yeah, he was all right."

"Well, if you say so," I felt slightly unconvinced, but brushed it away. I smiled brighter, "So what brings you to these parts?"

"Came to see you," Gippal grinned weakly. "I guess tinkering around with machina wasn’t enough for you. Had to go and save the world, huh."

I giggled, taking his hands in my own. "I had a lot of fun and we saved Yunie."

"I’m glad."

"But," I sighed, "It wasn’t enough for you either."

Gippal shrugged. He was being rather quiet. Brother always told me how loud and arrogant Gippal was before I got to know him. And once I got to know him, I had to agree. This wasn’t the Gippal I remembered. He was too calm.

"So, tell me about the Crimson Squad!" I ordered, trying to change the mood. "I’m sorry I couldn’t get anymore of your letters."

"It’s okay. I stopped writing."

I frowned, "Why?"

"Something came up."

"Like?"

Silence. I repeated myself, thinking he hadn’t heard me. "Like what?"

"It doesn’t matter."

Well at least he was still being stubborn.

"Then why did you say anything?" I said, frustrated.

"Rikku, I..." he trailed off. He took my hands into his, and pulled me closer. "I know that I promised when I came back I’d always be with you..."

"Who is she?" I interrupted. Tears burned in my eyes.

"No! It’s nothing like that," Gippal said firmly, now placing his hands on my shoulders. "Please, you have to understand."

I looked up into his eyes (eye...), trying to stop the tears that were now falling. Random theories popped into my head of other girls and reasons he could be leaving again. I looked down at my feet, watching teardrops sprinkle my shoes.

"I can’t explain how... how much I care for you Rikku. You’re the most important girl to me in the world," Gippal said quietly. He wiped away a tear with his thumb, and lifted my head. "I have to do something, and I don’t want you to get hurt. It could be dangerous."

"I can handle danger!" My voice cracked. "I beat Sin for crying out loud!"

Gippal nodded, a tired smile crossing his face. "You must be the bravest and strongest of all the Al Bhed. But this is a different sort of danger, and I can’t risk losing you."

"Are you going to be okay?" I whispered.

He nodded, pressing his forehead against mine. "Will you?"

I moved my eyes back to my shoes, and didn’t speak. I was still crying silent tears. In the back of my mind, I noted he still smelled like fuel from the machina he worked with.

"C’mon, Cid’s Girl."

I didn’t move. He used to irritate me to the high heavens calling me "Cid’s Girl" when we were younger. It was probably his best way of showing his feelings. It wasn’t going to work anymore.

"I have a name you know." I freed myself from his arms and took a few steps back.

"Rikku?"

My back was turned to the ship, but I knew it was Yuna calling my name.

Her voice was tender. "Are you okay? Cid asked me to come check on you..."

"Y-yeah. I’m all right."

"Okay. I’ll, uh, just go back--"

"Wait!" I called, facing her. "I was just saying goodbye," I faced Gippal, "to an old friend."

Gippal sighed, hanging his head. "Goodbye Rikku."

My voice quivered now, and it was hard to speak. "D-don’t be like th-that." I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, burying my face into his shoulder. "I’ll be waiting for you."

"Keep in touch," he whispered back. "I love you, Cid’s girl."

I did some sort of snort-giggle-sob-hiccup and pulled away, quickly wiping my tears. I punched him in the arm. "Goodbye Gippal."

"Goodbye Rikku."

I turned my back on his, more tears streaming down my face. Yuna showed worry on her face, but I knew I couldn’t speak. Not yet. I grabbed her arm and we hurried to the sleeping area so not to be questioned by the others.

When I had been seated on a bed, I let out a long wail. And I cried harder than I had ever cried before.

Yuna cried with me as we both tried to comfort each other.

Losing Tidus, defeating Sin, and now losing Gippal within a few days was just too much for one girl like me too handle.

Don't forget to review :D

Yay New Layout!

ishie07 — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 15:24:33 GMT

There was a two hour delay this morning so I took the time to make a quick layout.
It features Letselina! YAY! And I finally made a dollie of her :D

Hopefully it's okay because I HAVE TO RUN TO CATCH TEH BUS NOW.

*run*

Fanfic100 Challenge: Rikku: #1

ishie07 — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 05:40:21 GMT

Title: The Beginning
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Character: Rikku
Prompt: 001: Beginnings
Word Count: 1700
Rating: PG
Summary: Rikku's point-of-view on how she first met Tidus.
Author's Notes: This is the start of my Rikku challenge at the fanfic100 community on LiveJournal. There are 95 prompts that I have to write a fan fiction for. There are five "writer’s choice" prompts as well. Over the next few months I will put out 100 one shots about Rikku.
The prompt for this story is Beginnings. Enjoy, and review when you’re done reading!

The Beginning

It was one of those cloudy, rainy days where all you want to do is stay inside, and curl up beside the fire in your pajamas. Of course, there was hardly a time when we were allowed to do that.

“Rikku! Kad uh talg! Huf!”

I rolled my eyes, muttering to myself something about annoying, bossy brothers. “Zicd y sehida!” I shouted, pulling a pair of goggles over my head. I made sure I had my gear ready, and stretched my arms out. It was going to be another long day of salvaging.

I exited my room on the ship, and walked to the deck. The air was thick with fog. I could feel the cool mist against my cheeks, and shivered slightly.

“Don’t let Brother see you shiver like that,” someone chuckled behind me. I turned, greeted by Ysa. She was one of the few Al Bhed, like me, who could speak the main Spiran language.

“He’ll just tell me to stop acting like such a baby and embrace the cold,” I laughed along with her.

“Rikku!” Speak of the devil. “Kad du fung!”
I smiled at Ysa again, shaking my head as I muttered, “Oayr oayr.” I pulled my goggles over my eyes, hiding the laughter.

We stopped the boat outside an underwater cavern. I was putting on a harness that I’d use for diving when I heard a loud cry. I looked over at Brother, who shrugged.

“Ed'c bnupypmo zicd y fiend,” Brother said nonchalantly.

Ysa shook her head, “Rikku, take a team and figure out what it is. We don’t want any trouble.”

“Right!” I punched a fist into the air. Ysa knew I was dying to get off the ship.

“Fryd, Fryd?” Brother shouted, confused.

I laughed, hand-picking a few decent fighters, and we lowered ourselves onto a rocky edge. We walked to an entrance, now blocked off by fallen rock and debris. “Tufh!” I shouted in warning, tossing a grenade at the blockade. It exploded, and we swiftly filed inside the abandoned temple.

A blonde male was fighting a group of fiends, and was losing. Always eager to help, I jumped in the battle, assisting as I could.

“You on my side? Cool!” he said breathlessly, swinging his sword down on the fiend.

The battle didn’t take much longer. We finished off the fiends, and sighed in victory.

Taking off my goggles, I squinted to get a better view of the boy. The cute boy.

“Whew! That was close!” he said, catching his breath. He definitely spoke the Spiran language well.

Before I could reply, the three Al Bhed on my team ambushed him.

“Hey! Let me go!” he cried.

“Fryd ec drec?” one of them demanded.

“Y fiend! Eh risyh teckieca! Oac! Ed ec cu!”

“Fa gemm ed?” the last one held a blade against his throat.

My eyes widened with fear. “Fyed!” I cried, “Fryd ev ed ec risyh?” After all, I was pretty sure this guy wasn’t a fiend.

“Drao yna dra cysa eh taydr.” Still bent on killing the guy.

“E vunpet ed! Fa pnehk ed fedr ic.”

I suppose this is where it all began. Our journey, our friendship (well, maybe that doesn’t begin here), and everything that would take place in the next few years…

I got close to the male, and whispered, “Cunno,” in his ear as an apology. Swiftly, I punched him in the gut, an easy way to knock anyone unconscious.

I signaled to the others to grab the new guy, and led the way to the ship. Now I’d have to speak with my father, and try to convince him that the guy wasn’t a fiend and he could be useful. After all, he was just another Al Bhed in trouble. My dad had a liking for helping our own people.

We got on the ship quickly, and with a few strange looks from the others, I ordered a couple to guard the unconscious guy. With another glance back at him, I walked inside the cabin.

“Rikku!”

“Vydran!” I put on the biggest smile I could, walking up to my father.

He was a tall man, with a bald head decorated with a flaming tattoo. He was the proud leader of the Al Bhed, and I adored him, even if sometimes he drove me absolutely crazy. “What’s this I hear about you picking up someone?”

I sighed. News traveled fast on the boat. “He was in trouble, Pops. I had to help him--”

“When have they ever helped us Rikku? Hmm?” he yelled.

I twisted my hands behind my back, my temper rising. “Not all Spirans are bad, Vydran!” But before he could reply, I continued, “Besides, he’s Al Bhed too.”

My father stopped for a moment, sighing in defeat. “Fine. He can stay if he works. But we’re dropping him off at Home next chance we get.”

“Dryhg oui!” I jumped up, thanking my father. I smiled, heading back to the deck.

“Oui'na milgo oui lyh gaab res.” Brother had joined my side. Yes. His name is Brother, and he is my brother. Seems silly, doesn’t it?

“Keep him?” I raised an eyebrow, “He’s not a pet!”

Brother angrily crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn’t speak Spiran like my father, Ysa, and I could, and I knew it made him terribly upset when I spoke it. The door opened and I was greeted by the sight of the boy being held captive by the guards at gunpoint. “Ugh,” I groaned.

“Caynlr res!” Brother ordered.

I gritted my teeth together, angry that Brother was in control.

            “Right. Whatever,” the captive shrugged. I was now sure he didn’t speak Al Bhed, otherwise he probably would’ve started.
            “Tu oui hud cbayg?” Brother asked, bewildered.
            ‘Of course not, stupid,’ I thought in my head.

Brother motioned to a pair of goggles, and made a diving motion.

“I said I don’t understand!” the captive said, frustrated.

“Ehcumahla!” one of the guards shouted, readying to hit him.

“Fyed!” I cried once again. Geez, sometimes I forget how violent my people can be to outsiders. “He said you can stay if you make yourself useful,” I muttered to him.

“You-you understand me?” his eyes opened wide in surprise. That caused him to receive a hit from one of the guards. “All right, I'll work!” he shouted, wincing.

I stretched my arms, and prepared for the dive. The boy came up to me, looking around cautiously. He obviously was confused, so I tried to explain the situation. “We found some ancient ruins right beneath us. It's not active now, but there should be some power left. We're gonna go down there and activate it and then we should be able to salvage the big prize!”

After a few more preparations, we were ready. “Okay! Let's get to work!”

I won’t bore you with the details of the salvage, but I found out the guy was pretty reliable in a battle, and would be useful to have around. He certainly had a knack for underwater work.

After getting back on the ship, we (rather, I) told the others that we had found the ancient airship we’d been searching for, and we’d be able to work it.

Puzzled by the problem of dragging it out of the water, and excited by the find, I hurried inside to tell my Pops the great news, sort of… forgetting about the new guy.

“Guess what Pops!” I shouted happily. In a mix of Al Bhed and Spiran, I blurted out the find, surprised he understood.

“What about your friend?” he reminded.

“Oopsies…” I bit my lower lip, and excused myself from the meeting. They’d need my help later, but for now they could try to use Brother’s “awesome skills” to figure out how to bring the ship up.

I salvaged the fridge for some food (well, it mostly looked edible), and brought it out the deck. There I saw him, moaning about being hungry. Nudging him with my foot, I caught his attention and presented his meal. Surprisingly enough, he was happy to eat whatever I gave him, and with a “Right on!” he began to scarf down his meal.

I couldn’t help but laugh moments later, when his food was gone. He was choking on the last bit of meat-surprise. I tossed him a canteen, and he thirstily downed the water.

“It’s ‘cause you eat too fast,” I told him, kneeling on the ground.

With a sigh of relief, he jumped up, stretching his body.

“Hey!” I cried. The ungrateful little bugger started walking away from me.

He faced me, a big grin on his face. “Hello there. What is your name?”

“Rikku,” I smiled.

And that’s how it began. He soon introduced himself to me as Tidus of Zanarkand. Well, I quickly set him straight about Sin, his toxin, and the destruction of Zanarkand. He, uh, seemed a bit upset… He kept talking about this whole world of Zanarkand. I didn’t want to believe him, but I can’t say it wasn’t true… I’d never been to Zanarkand… Still, it was too weird. How could someone affected by Sin’s toxin come up with such a story?

Anyway, after promising to take him to Luca, I went back inside to ask yet another favor of my Pops.

Well, I had barely entered the cabin when I heard the sickening call…

“SIN!”

I ran to the deck, nearly screaming as I watched a wave crash upon Tidus, sweeping him underwater. “No!” I cried, running to the edge of the boat. I reached my hand toward him, watching his body in the current.

The last I saw of him was his gorgeous blonde hair…

And those beautiful blue eyes. Blue… not green like any other Al Bhed…
“Rikku!” a few Al Bhed grabbed me by the arms, dragging me back inside the ship. Away from danger, away from Sin, and away from those eyes.

That was the beginning. Weeks later, when I met up with Tidus on that sandy shore, I knew we had been destined to meet. We had a purpose, a journey.

And it was only the beginning.

New Layout - Mimi

ishie07 — Sun, 06 Nov 2005 20:29:47 GMT

Yay new layout! This one features Rosario Dawson who plays Mimi Marquez in the movie "Rent".
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT!! YAY!!

Next Layout thinger...

ishie07 — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 21:35:17 GMT

Boredom struck painfully today so I made a couple layout design pictures... aaaaand I don't know which one I want to use next! So you can help me :p

I won't clog up your friends pages with these pictures so let's go hide 'em...

Final Fantasy X-2 - I felt the need to make something FFX-2-ish... So this is what I got! I might just cut it down to a one frame thing though, because it's so big as an animation. This one would have the blue color scheme that's up now.

Inuyasha - I just based this one off the set I made for the RxS shrine a few days ago. This would have the pink scheme I used for my "Peachy" layout.

Just pick which one you like better... and I'll prolly change it within the next few days. :p

fukikomo graphics

ishie07 — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 20:59:48 GMT

fukikomo: to inspire.

Yes! We've finally got our graphics journal up and running! Click the link on the side bar to enter!