Title: Behind Green Eyes

Author: sabor ice

Main Pairing: Gippal/Rikku

Rating: T...could possibly get a higher rating later on...

Author's Note: The italicized sentences are Gippal's thoughts/narration.

Summary: This story is told out of Gippal's POV. It's a little over a year since the incident with Vegnagun. Gippal wants to find an old friend that he misses dearly. But, what will he find in the process?

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter Two

Besaid. Now, that's a place I've only been to once or twice in my lifetime. And, the reason? Well, it's a pretty simple place, really. There's only two things to really do on the island, that's fishing or playing blitzball. I never really cared much for the game. The most exciting thing is to watch one team bloody up the other team, and that's about it. I heard the Besaid Aurochs were unbeatable at one time. Their former captain was pretty well-known. But, the past few years, the Aurochs haven't really been in the league much. I heard most of the players went on to do other things after their captain started a family.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. There is one other semi-interesting thing left in Besaid, the ancient temple of the fayths. I heard some guy named Beclam wanted to burn it down at one time. He's said that the old ways are dead and no one should ever look back on them. He supposedly stirred things up pretty badly when he offended Lady Yuna, saying that no one should bow down to the former summoner. Who the hell does that guy think he is anyway? Who does he think brought the Calm in which we are still living in today?

Anyway, I've seen all the old temples, was even in charge at one in Djose at one point. I know the old ways are gone, but they're not forgotten. Everywhere I go, I still find people who praise former summoners and the good deeds they've done for Spira. I guess that's a good thing in a way. That way, children will learn the peril that their elders and ancestors endured in order to find a way to keep on living. Because of this, the past will never be entirely forgotten.

When I arrived on Besaid, it looked the same as it had last time I'd seen it. Simple, basic, quiet...boring. But, I had to get past all of the unlikable qualities about the place. I was there for a reason. It wasn't too difficult in hunting down where Lady Yuna lived. The population wasn't exactly huge. As I stood outside the hut I was directed to, I just looked at it for a few moments. It was a home, yes...but it wasn't like a house. It was more like a big tent. Who could live in a tent? How comfortable could you really be? I scratched the back of my neck and shook my head. Just then, a small figure emerged from the tent. It was a child, not more than two or three years old. He had bright red hair and dark eyes. For a moment, I actually thought he was cute...until he grabbed onto my pant leg, opened his mouth, and slobbered on me.

"Oh, grossness!" I yelped, stumbling back somewhat.

The child looked up at me in bewilderment. I didn't know what to do as it started bawling.

"Hey, hey, little guy. Don't do that," I said, trying not to get to close or upset him anymore.

I was too busy trying to calm the kid down, that I didn't notice a blitzball whirling towards my head. After it struck me, I fell over onto my side with a groan. Damn, those things hurt! I looked up to see a muscular man with red hair looking down at me; the small child was now securely in his arms.

"What's wrong with you, man? Tryin' to upset my kid, ya?" the man wondered.

I shook off the throbbing feeling in my left temple as I climbed to my feet. I was about to reply when another voice interrupted.

"Wakka," came the response of a pale-skinned woman with black hair, as she exited the tent in front of us. "What's happened?"

"Nothin'. This guy here was upsetting Vidina, that's all," Wakka replied, handing the child over to the woman.

I was guessing these two were together, and she was the baby's mother. What a strange pair they were. He was tall, muscular, tanned, and had red hair. She was the complete opposite, sporting her pale skin, long, black hair, and a dress almost as dark as her hair. I turned towards the woman as she watched me with her pensive gaze.

"I'm looking for Lady Yuna. My name is--" I said, before being cut off by a familiar voice.

"Gippal!" Yuna said, pleasantly as she approached us.

I turned towards the former summoner. She was exactly how she had been the last time I had seen her. Her attire had changed, and she seemed to have obtained an even more womanly figure, but other than that, she was still the same old Yuna.

"How are you?" she asked.

"Pretty good," I replied. "Despite the headache I obtained after being whacked in the head with a blitzball."

As both women immediately locked gazes with Wakka, I chuckled as the man turned red from embarrasment. He quickly took his son back into his arms.

"Me and Vidina are gonna go hang out with the guys," Wakka declared, before scooping up his blitzball off the ground and departing.

The dark-haired woman placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.

"I'm sorry about Wakka. He's just very over-protective of our only child," the woman said. "I'm Lulu, by the way."

"No worries, and it's nice to meet ya," I answered.

"Yuna, I'll be with Wakka and Vidina if you need me. Good-bye, Gippal," Lulu replied, before departing as well.

Yuna gave a small wave, before placing her hands behind her back comfortably. That was something about Yuna that I've always liked. She's always pleasant and comfortable around people. She's one of the most 'real' people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

"So, I heard you got married and everything," I said. "Pretty impressive, for a summoner."

"Ex-summoner," she corrected me, but then smiled. "And, yes, I am. I'd introduce you to Tidus, but, as you can see, he's not here right now. What about you, Gippal, any special young women in your life?"

I had to literally bite my tongue at her question.

"No, not really. Say, I was wondering, have you seen Rikku lately? I can't seem to find her," I asked, hopefully.

"Actually, I spoke with her not too long ago," Yuna began.

"When?" I wondered.

"About a week ago. She said she was going to Luca," she answered.

I was so happy to get some good news, I couldn't contain my joy. I wrapped my arms around Yuna in a bear-hug, spun her around, and set her back on her feet again. She just stood there speechless as she stared at me. I blushed slightly, and scratched the back of my neck again.

"Sorry," I mumbled. "Did she say anything else?"

Yuna rested her small fist under her chin thoughtfully. I must admit I got a little worried when a worried expression crossed over her face.

"No. It's strange," Yuna said, resting her hand by her side again. "Rikku seemed strange. She wasn't as talkative as usual."

Rikku, not talkative? Was there such a thing?

"I'm sure she's fine," I assured her.

"I'm sure you're right. But, Gippal, when you find her, ask her to call me, all right?" Yuna wondered.

"Will do," I said. "Don't worry about it, Yuna."

"Won't you stay the night? We have room," she said.

"No, thanks. Maybe some other time. Say hi to your hubby for me!" I exclaimed as I was all ready making my way in the direction to leave.

"All right," she replied, with a gentle laugh.

This was my first lead on Rikku's whereabouts, and I wasn't about to waste any time sitting around eating fish and getting knocked in the head by Blitzballs. I would be in Luca by the afternoon. I hoped that Rikku would be there, and she'd be fine, and the same as she always had been. Luca was the place to be by sundown. I was in the mood for some partying!

End, 'Chapter Two'

TBC...

R&R