It didn't take me long to realize that I couldn't help liking Rikku. At 16, Rikku is the youngest FFX cast member, and as such, seems to be a bit childish compared to the others. Yet underneath her hyper-genki, energetic-to-a-fault exterior, Rikku cares deeply about her world, her tribe, and especially her companions. She's wiser than she looks, and her random outbursts of thoughtfulness and wisdom often seem at odds with her chipper and care-free attitude. But get her going on religion or why the Al Bhed are misunderstood, and you'll realize this is no air-headed teen.
What fascinates me so much about Rikku is the way she plasters a smile on her face to cover up whatever happens to be haunting her heart. She watches her home being destroyed, experiences racial prejudice wherever she goes, has to live knowing her society could be the death of her dear cousin--but she bears it all with a smile. She has a feisty comment for just about everything. She stares down Auron despite his reputation, daring him to find fault with her abilities as a guardian. She eagerly engages in philosophical disputes with Wakka (okay, it's Wakka, not known for brain cell power, but that doesn't mean she goes easy on him). She saves Tidus' life, and plots with him about how to save Yuna's.
I suppose some people might find Rikku annoying, but I think those people are missing the point. She's also quirky, funny, caring, and big-hearted. In an effort to cheer up the people around her, she hides her own sadness. She's such a complex character, and I think few people really appreciate that.
"You didn't have to say it like that, you know! You could have been more comforting or something! You know, try to cheer me up? You just don't get me at all, do you? Hey, are you listening? I'm not scared! I'm not scared, you hear?"
I'm actually quite fascinated by the relationship between Rikku and Auron. They seem like complete opposites: Auron is the oldest, wise and cynical, perpetually grumpy. Rikku is the youngest, energetic and boisterous, perpetually hyperactive. Neither seems to have much patience with the other, as in the scene at the Thunder Plains, when Rikku complains about being afraid of thunder, and Auron wants to leave her behind.
And yet...Rikku and Auron both avoid visiting the Farplane with the others. Both firmly believe Spira can be saved without having to sacrifice Yuna. Both are stubborn to the point of exhaustion. They have a lot more in common than they realize.
Unlike Yuna and the rest of her guardians (with the possible exception of Tidus), Rikku doesn't appear to be too intimidated by Auron's reputation. She boldly stares him down when he attempts to discern her worth as a guardian. She has no problem yelling at him for his reluctance to share information. She makes fun of his grumpiness and tries to get him to lighten up. Though I would hesitate to say there's anything romantic in this relationship (age gap, anyone?), I do think it resembles a Squall/Rinoa situation: two people whose personalities are so different, and yet if they'd take a moment to get outside their own heads, they'd realize they function pretty well together. Grumpy + genki = great fun! And hey, I wouldn't say no to seeing them romantically paired, if it were done well....
Rikku is not so air-headed as she seems, and Auron is not so stern. There's a possibility for great friendship and mutual respect between the two, if they'd just have a little patience.