#gippal

baralai and gippal doodles from a while ago! there’s a gippalai sketch under the cut for any rare pair enjoyers out there! ;))

So, lately I've been reading this fic that's an alternate Final Fantasy X-2 (where some of the same stuff happens, but often times, it's completely new things. But it uses the same ideas as X-2, but makes things a lot more serious and less silly, as the author says in the story's description).

And oh my gosh, it's so good! I actually now think this story is better than X-2. And I actually like X-2 a lot.

So this came out of nowhere I know; but I recently finished Final Fantasy X-2 Hd Remaster again and I thought why not. ^~^ Please excuse the probably cheesy title of this. xD I couldn’t resist okay? I’m sorry. Not really.

It should’ve been just another day like any other. Everyday you would travel from the Mihen Highroad; to Djose Temple; each trek to and fro leaving your legs sore and body tired when you finally arrived back to your home in Luca; a small apartment in the ocean of houses far bigger and likely more lavish then your own; for the sole reason on procuring an interview with the Leader of the faction that now took up residency within the once hallowed temple; a stepping stone for Summoners on their long pilgrimages, and securing yourself a spot as a digger. No you weren’t exactly looking forward to spending hours digging under the hot sun; and you were well aware of the many dangers that lay before you; let alone ones that were well past simple heatstroke; but your resolve to bring yourself out of the monotony that had become your life after the Calm; the first step being moving yourself out of the apartment that now seemed like a tiny box and up into bigger things; made your determination burn. 

Although you would be lying if you said you wouldn’t kick a Tindalos if it meant getting the chance to sit down as you stood in line for what was likely the uptenth time that week; your legs once more throbbing as you stood in line; the unpleasant smell of sweat from the man in front of you only causing you to wish that the line would move faster all the more. Giving a small sigh, you close your eyes, muttering under your breath. 

“ Please let this be the day that I get one…” 

More minutes passed, then five, then ten, then twenty; and it was only when the twenty minute mark went by that the same ding that you had heard many times sounded; moments before the previous applicant exited the building and the next person in line went in; however this did not lessen your stress as just by looking around the man in front of you; you could still see six people in line ahead of you. And as it hit the hour and thirty minute mark and three people were left in front of you; your patience was beginning to wear thin. Now you were well aware that there were many people here who were in the same shoes as you; but still thirty minutes for an interview?? For digging?? Yes you knew it was serious business for safety concerns but that was pushing it surely. Still, taking a small breath as you closed your eyes for a brief moment; you gave a small sigh; willing yourself to stay calm and collected; after all you did not want to be like the people you had seen leaving the building; some even storming out when they didn’t pass the regulations; one woman even throwing a fuss because she was furious that she had to wait twenty minutes. After all, this was all a means to go towards your goals; and you had already waited this long; over an hour was nothing compared to that. 

Opening your eyes again, with this in mind you were content in waiting; until noticing something from the corner of your eye; looking over your shoulder, your eyes widened at the sight across from you; a machina that was clearly in need of repair. Looking back to the person in front of you you waited five minutes then ten to see if the bell would ring; but nothing, the line remained still. Looking around; gaze lingering on the Al-bhed; one seemed to be minding the front door of the temple; but other then that there weren’t many of them outside; though it was most likely due to managing the amount of applicants they were getting; but still; you couldn’t help but hesitate as you again looked at the Machina; the desire refusing to subside; but being conflicted with the want to not step on anyone's toes. However the desire soon won over hesitation as you soon found yourself leaving the line and walking over to the little machina; while keeping your attention on the sound of the bell when it would ring. 

I should be fine though; after all though.This won’t take too long; I’ll just fix it quickly and then go back in line. I just hope no one in the Machine Faction see’s me…I don’t want them to think that I’m messing with anything. 

Taking your toolbox out of your bag; you scanned the contents of your toolbox making sure that everything you would need was there before giving a small nod of your head with a satisfied hum of content as a smile came to your expression. Looking to the Machina again, your smile still on your expression; you reached out a hand to turn off its power. 

“ Okay little guy, time to go to sleep while I fix you up. I promise I won’t be long and when I turn you back on; you’ll be good as new. “

Flicking the power button on the back of it’s head; once you were sure it’s power supply was off; you set to work; hands grabbing each tool you needed as if on instinct as your brain ran on autopilot; replacing a loose screw here; fixing a frayed wire and power supply there; every move your hands made was articulate as well as professional as you knew you had to be; after all as small as it was; it was still a Machina and had far more complicated wiring and build then a simple toaster. Before long your hands stopped as you looked over the interior of the Machina; making sure that there wasn’t anything you may have missed and upon not finding anything else; you smiled again. Hope filled your eyes and your heart as you put the tools back in your toolbox; closed the compartment at the back of its head and flipped on the switch. With bated breath and hopeful eyes you waited; watching the little Machina with intent as it slowly began to come back to life; before giving a small sigh and smile of relief at seeing no sparks begin to escape it. Success! The Machina was running good as new again; just like you hoped it would. Giving a small gentle pat to the top of the Machina’s head; you watched it for a moment; proud and satisfied with your work and a job well done. 

“ See? I told you, good as new. “

Packing the toolbox away and back into your bag; you stood up and turned around; only for your heart to stop dead in your chest as you came face to face with the very man that you had come in the hopes of getting the interview with. Gippal. The infamous leader of the Machine Faction. His visible brown eye; one that wasn’t covered with that leather eye patch of his fixed on you; regarding you with intrigue; before his lips lifted into a smirk; no doubt completely aware that he had taken you by surprise. Your heart raced as you could only look back; like a deer caught in headlights. One gloved hand settled on his left hip; confidence exuding from him as easily as a bold chocobo; while his gaze remained on you as he leaned closer; putting his face mere inches from your own; before he finally spoke; his voice a purr above no more than a whisper as his breath- unexpectedly sweet and minty- fanned across your face.