Prisms and Cosmos

Note: This is my first shot on an FF Fic, moreover a first shot for Dissidia: Final Fantasy. Hope you enjoy this one. By the way, this was inspired by a certain fanart that was seen somewhere on the web.

Disclaimer: Square Enix has full ownership of Final Fantasy. I have no claim to anything else except for the storyline.

Summary: Terra is a Treasure Hunter. Cloud is a Travelling Black Mage. With everything not being what they were, how will fate unfold when both cross paths? And why is Cosmos holding a prism?

I. A Missing Hat

The marketplace is as busy as usual, crowds filling the streets as to conduct business for the day. Merchants sell their merchandise in their stalls while the customers and potential clients browse through the items that arouse their interest. It is another day for them, making a living among citizens and travelers. Among a crowd such as this, a black mage wandered alone in search of commodities that he would need. His cloak of dark blue concealed his hands that were on guard, aware that anything could happen in these streets. His pointed hat rested on his head with the brim hiding his face. Though the pointy tip seemed to slink towards the back, typical for black mages. His eyes scouted to and fro, wondering where to find a shop that caught his interest.

"Now where is that Sundries Shop that Cecil was talking about?" he asked himself as his blue eyes scanned through the signs hanging by the doors. With this number of people and stalls, it's hard to find the shop he's after. "And why am I the errand boy here? Tidus should be doing this, not me."

"Guys, look." The blond-haired youth yelled in excitement. Waving his gauntleted arms with much energy despite having covered a great distance seemed remarkable for the party. It was as if he never felt tired at all even with his sword and shield securely holstered on his back, his cloak only being free from his waist and onwards. The black segments of his armor contrasted with the plated portions glistening under the sun.

His companions were not that far behind as they approached the warrior. The green-robed traveler came to his side, clasping his staff with a sigh leaving his lips. "We walked through a vast forest and you still have this much energy? Is there something that you ate, Tidus?"

"Firion, it's alright." Another voice echoed in the air as a white-robed fellow joined them. The hood with its lining of red triangles covered his head, revealing a few strands of silver-blond hair as it streamed down. He smiled at the warrior and gently continued. "It's natural for a Knight to have much energy. It's essential for someone to have much energy when we find ourselves in a pinch."

"Cecil's right, Firion." A figure clad in black and dark blue robes, the last of the quartet to appear, added to the statement in a flat tone. The wide-brimmed hat with its pointed portion slightly bending on its back covered his face from their sight and from the weather. "Knights are tanks, we need one who can protect us while one of us starts casting a high-level spell. Especially you, Firion, since you're a Summoner."

Firion nodded, reminded of the reason why they had Tidus in the party. "This horn on my headdress bears a heavier responsibility that I anticipated."

Cecil faced the knight and smiled at him. "So Tidus, what was it that caught your attention this time?"

"There's a town over there." Tidus replied as he pointed over the horizon. Right beyond the plains were the recognizable figures of a town. "We can rest and replenish our supplies there. Now we have nothing else to worry about."

"Impressive." Firion nodded as he looked at his companions. "Now that the town is within reach, we have to do some tasks before we settle down and rest up."

Cecil smiled as he raised his hand. "I'll take the liberty of finding us a place to stay."

"Alright then." The summoner nodded as he looked at the other two. "Anything else?"

The wind whistled between them, leaving him nothing.

"Very well then," Firion sighed as he picked up a few blades of grass on the ground. He looked at them and gave instructions. "We draw lots then. Who gets the longest gets to rest it out, the second longest looks for information, the shortest gets to shop for supplies."

Cloud reached for the grass reluctantly while Tidus was game for this. Firion watched them hold on the straws, wondering who got what. Tidus chuckled and looked at them as he pulled the straw.

"Well, I'll check out for any rumors. Sounds like my thing." He said with glee as he held out the averaged length straw.

Now it was between Firion and Cloud. One of them would get to rest while the other would be the errand boy. Cloud had doubts on what is going to happen as he looked at Firion.

"Ok, here goes." Cloud slowly opened his hand, hoping that he was the lucky one. Pulling the straw from the summoner's hand, he noticed that there wasn't much drag. He looked at what Tidus held and compared its length.

This was not his day.

"Great…" Cloud said flatly, "I'm the gopher."

"Then it's settled." Firion stated as he went beside Cecil. "I'll help you in finding us an inn to stay at."

"With pleasure, friend." Cecil replied. Cloud could not help himself but notice the strange pitch from Cecil's voice. It was as if he was delighted about something. This made Cloud suspect them with something he'd rather not imagine.

"Hey Cloud, aren't you coming?" Tidus asked, yelling from a distance.

Cloud realized that they were already far ahead…too far ahead from him. He grimaced as he walked and yelled back in reply.

"Alright, I'm coming. Don't be in such a rush."

Still wincing at the thought, Cloud stood there with a scowl hidden by the shade cast by his wide-brimmed hat. He can't help but suspect quietly as he started ambling towards the stalls and start looking.

"Whether Firion cheated or he is planning to do something queer, he's slacking off with me being the gopher." The black mage quietly complained. "Then again, it's no use fussing about it. I have to remember the things we all need before setting off again in a day or two."

Cloud approached the entrance of the Sundries Shop. He was amused to find the place to be a series of stalls, set up with various items sorted out. From bottles of potions and concoctions to medicinal and survival items, he noted that for a stall, he could see all the essentials are present and more items that can aid them in their travels. His expression remained unchanged but he was amused with what he saw.

"Well, looks like this isn't a bad idea."

Meanwhile, the two travelers were able to find an inn for the whole party to stay for the night. Firion lowered his staff beside the nightstand, letting it lean against the wall. Ridding himself of the cloak on his back and hung it on the chair nearby, he was left with his verdant robes with portions of cream-shaded fabrics on the inner portion of his garments. The Summoner's Horn that was kept in a headdress remained on his head, the wearer having no intent of removing it. Taking a seat on the chair where he had laid his cloak, he stared at the view revealed by the window beside him.

"I wonder how the others are doing with their tasks?" Firion muttered as he reclined.

"They will be fine, Firion." Cecil replied as he lowered the hood of his white cowl, revealing his silver-white locks. He walked towards one of the four beds laid out within the room and sat on the side. "Those are simple tasks. They can manage since they might have been doing this for a while now."

"I know," the summoner replied as he sighed, seemingly worried about them. "I am most worried of Cloud. There is a tendency that he might end up getting lost or ripped off by those vendors."

"No need to worry about Cloud." Cecil assured him, "He's quite an experienced fellow and he's also travelled as much as we had. What else can go wrong?"

The summoner began to pale as he began to imagine what ill situation he will end up with.

"That was quite a bargain." Cloud dryly remarked as he walked through the streets with the items they needed inside the bag slung around his shoulders. "Cecil's budgeting is accurate but I never expected to have saved a few more gil after that."

The black mage turned back on the stalls and noted the shuddering clerk that met his gaze. He seemed to be afraid of him, or maybe afraid of black mages as a whole. Cloud tilted his hat by the brim and walked away to head for his next destination. Pondering on how he was able to get the needed amount of potions, ethers and a few tents at about half the price, something must have caused the clerk to have a change of attitude when he was offered these items. Putting that thought aside, he turned left on an avenue and walked on.

What else did Cecil and Firion ask aside from these things? Cloud thought as he ambled through the moderately crowded street. His hat's angle did help in letting him see through the streets under the sunlight's bright glow. He was able to easily pass through the people without worrying about bumping or colliding with them.

What he did not anticipate, however, was the swift figure running through the street as its lithe and agile frame zigzagged through every passable gap. It was about to make it through without any trouble until…

The two brushed each other's shoulders.

The sheer force of the speeding figure's momentum caused the black mage to spin aside at a halt, making him face the runner. On the other hand, the runner accidentally tripped and ended up falling butt-first on the floor. Slightly dazed by the collision, she looked up at the man and blinked for a few times.

The girl winced in pain after tripping, her gloved hand rubbing at her aching behind. The green vest and the white shirt underneath were slightly covered with dust. Her bandana was still on her head, thankfully. She began dusting herself and was getting ready to move when she noticed a gloved hand reach out for her. The arm was lean-muscled and toned, and as she followed to whom it belonged, she saw the dark blue cloak and the spiky blond hair of a young man. She took hold of it and helped herself in standing up.

"Thanks, mister…" She smiled at him in a silly manner, but upon seeing the frigid expression worn on his face, she shrunk back a bit and rubbed the backside of her head. "…And sorry for earlier…. well, gotta run."

Without waiting for his reply, she darted off. Cloud never had the time to react and watched her go away. It did not take long for him to feel the wind to brush against his hair and for him to see that the sun was already moving westward.

It was a little late when he realized that his mage hat is missing.

He took glances around him, hoping that it would be just around the corner but no luck. His hat is no longer within the premises.

Great, just when things are going well. Now my hat's gone. He berated himself as he started walking. A thought just occurred to him at that moment as he recalled. Wait a second, that girl in the green bandana; she must have brought it with her when she ran off.

He looked further and noticed that she was not far off. This time, she was being chased by a group of men. He didn't have much time to lose if he were to gain on her before they do.

"Time to get that hat back."

Back at the inn, Firion and Cecil wait patiently for the return of one of their own. The white mage still sat on the bed, reading a book to pass the time. The summoner, on the other hand, had no semblance of patience left as he began to pace around the room worriedly.

"What's taking them so long?" he asked in a tense voice.

"They'll be here, Firion." Cecil replied calmly as he read on, not noticing his furious glances. "And besides, you never told them to do anything else. I can guess they are having fun."

The last statement made Firion's mouth drop open. He did forget to mention that earlier. In defeat, he walked towards the wall and leaned on it with his back against it. Both of them fell quiet for a moment.

Then, the door swung open and a loud, energetic voice broke the silence.

"I'm back, guys," Tidus boomed with excitement as he walked in the room. He didn't lose his enthusiasm like before.

"Were you able to get any information?" Cecil asked, his gaze not leaving the book.

"Let's see now, according to some people, there are ruins within the mountain ranges east of town." Tidus explained as he laid his sword and shield on the side of the bed adjacent to Cecil's.

"And what's with these ruins?" Firion asked; his arms crossed around his chest.

Tidus ran his fingers on his chin as he recalled other details. "Well, from what I've heard, there are treasures inside it. Aside from that, they say monsters roam the premises."

"Sounds noteworthy," the summoner was amused with this piece of information.

"Sounds like adventure." Tidus piped with excitement. "I say we go NOW!"

"Hold it right there, tiger." Cecil interrupted as he closed his book. "We'll need more rest and we'll head there first thing in the morning or earlier. Besides, we're short of one man right now if we're going to head out later."

"That reminds me, where is he?"

"I'll go look for him." Tidus answered as he reached for his sword and slung it on his back. "I can bet he's around here somewhere."

He has already left the room without anyone managing to utter a sound.

With agile steps, the runner made a mad dash in hopes of losing her pursuers. Taking one turn after the other, she tried all that she can to evade them. Those who are chasing her are after one thing that she has. It could get worse if they are also after her life. She has to think fast.

A fork on the road was found before her. Without any time to spare on deciding where to go, she took the left path. It had another fork at its end. This time, she took the right. Hopefully, she can escape them…

Or end up trapped at a dead end.

She stopped and found herself cornered, having nowhere to go. She gasped for air, something that she needed after minutes of running. She has to think fast, not having a minute to spare.

"Where do you think you're going, little girl?"

Too late, she thought to herself as she turned around and saw a group of rowdy looking men. There are around three of them, dressed like—

"Bandits." She said under her breath. "I have to admit, you're quite a hard pack to get rid of."

"Come on, little girl." The shortest of the three snickered. "Give back what you stole from us and nobody gets hurt."

"And you might even manage to have some fun with us." The burly one added with a grin.

The woman began to step back, trying to keep distance from these men who are slowly making their approach. She kept moving but lost her footing, bringing her to stumble. She saw her leg caught a piece of fabric that resembled a pointed hat. She quickly faced them and tried to crawl back. Now helpless, she could only hope for a way to get away from them.

"That's not how you treat a lady. And you call yourselves men? What a pathetic excuse you are."

The men began to shift and turn, wondering where the voice came from.

"Come on, show yourself." The bandit yelled.

"Yeah, come out and fight like a man." The shortest man replied while the most muscular of the three began to crack his knuckles.

"Ok, then." The voice replied. A cloaked silhouette stepped into view, standing on the brighter end of the alley. The notable thing about him was his spiky hair, mostly raised on the right side of his head. "But I don't have the need to get close since you're a bunch of morons."

"Who're you calling a moron, you coward!?" the burly bandit yelled as he charged at him.

Cloud raised his gloved right hand to his lips, his index and middle finger raised together as he began to chant a short verse in a low voice.

"Destruction of nature, gather in flame." The black mage whipped his hand forward, palm opened towards the incoming attacker. "Fire!"

A burst of flames engulfed the target's body. His clothes were on fire, the heat being unbearable for his body. The burly man began to roll around and scream, desperately finding a way to quench the flames. The other two stood in shock and shuddered in fear. The woman, on the other hand, fell speechless as she watched the men run away.

"You'll pay for this." The short one shouted as the trio skittered and fled.

Cloud ambled towards the young woman and knelt down, wondering if she was injured. He noted the beads of sweat on the side of her face, wavy strands of blond hair flowing down from her olive bandana. The girl gave a scrutinizing gaze, the youth's features striking her as familiar.

"Are you alright, Miss?" he asked in a calm manner. He paused as he ended up taking a closer look of her face. Milky skin, hazel eyes and her wavy blond hair; it simply broke his train of thought. "Nothing that…hurts?"

He's unable to say a thing after that. He was at a loss for words.

"No…I'm alright…" she timidly answered, her soft voice seemed to have not helped the situation at all. "…Thank you…for saving…me."

The shaded alley where the both are situated helped in hiding how hard both are blushing. It may have been a cruel trick but none of this mattered. An awkward silence took over between the two. It occurred to her who this man was after noticing the spiky hair and the dark robes. The only thing missing was the hat on his head, something that would prove that he was a black mage.

For Cloud, he was about to ask her something, something important. Now would be the best time, if not for his heart pounding like crazy and for the awkward silence.

This is it, Cloud. He thought to himself. You saved the girl. Now she will be kind enough to answer. Go and fire away with the question.

"Uh…well…" he started off poorly. He's being shy for his own good. "Uhm…ah…well…wh…"

Come on, dude. Beat the shyness already. You're a Black Mage for crying out loud.

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Taking a deep breath to keep himself calm, he opened his eyes and then…

"May I know your name, Miss?" Cloud asked.

Silence.

The wind sent its gentle whistle inside the alley. It took a while for the girl to answer, feeling timid and nervous.

"It's…Terra." She managed to reply clearly. "My name is Terra."

"Terra," Cloud repeated the name in a whisper. His lips gave a twitch, inching a curve to form somehow. "A nice name…"

"Thank you…mister."

"It's—"

"Cloud! Where the hell are you?" The sound of Tidus's voice boomed as it echoed along the walls. If anything, his voice calling him marked that their little interview is over.

The black mage rose to his feet, not without him reaching his hand to her and helping her up. He looked at her and gave a courteous nod before leaving.

"I must go." He said to her. "We might bump into each other again next time."

Cloud turned around and started walking away, leaving Terra behind as he went on his way. She mustered her courage to answer and said to him.

"I hope we see each other again."

The dark-robed figure blended along with the crowd, vanishing among by-passers and was gone without a trace. She looked at her feet and noticed the dusty hat that brought her to fall off. Terra picked the hat up and tapped the dirt away with her gloved hands. It was a wide-brimmed hat with a pointed tip. The tip seemed to droop towards the back, reminding her of what black mages would typically wear. Then it occurred to her.

"Hold on…" she whispered, looking at the hat. She suddenly remembered the image of the handsome black mage. As she looked towards the bright end of the alley where he once stood, she sighed. "He forgot his hat."

She walked away from the alley, knowing that the day is over for now. Holding the hat in her arms, she thought of one place to go to for the day. "I better head back or they will be worried about me."

She wasn't able to get his name but luckily, someone managed to say what his name was. Imagining the spiky blond, she mouthed his name.

"Cloud…"

"Cloud, you crazy Black Mage, where have you been?" Tidus asked with his voice raised. Cloud had the impression that this energetic knight was worried about him. "Don't tell me you had some fun by yourself without calling me?"

"I did what Firion asked." He pointed at the bag with his thumb as he replied dryly, his expression once again cold. And I thought Firion's worrying rubbed onto you.

"Great," the youth chirped with both hands raised up. He noticed something different about cloud. This was the first time he saw the black mage's face and spiky blond hair. Something was missing. "By the way, Cloud, what happened to your hat?"

"Eh?" Cloud noticed it afterwards. Of all the things he had to forget, it had to be his hat.

Great, you asked the girl the wrong question and forgot all about the hat. He pondered to himself. Stupid mage had to be shy with cute girls. Although that could be a good excuse to go around and find that girl while being away from these guys, sounds like a good plan. Uh-huh.

"I must have lost it without me noticing." Cloud spoke with a slight change in his tune. Tidus looked at him suspiciously.

"You had fun on your own without telling me." Tidus looked at him with puppy eyes. Soon after, he began to scream in mock distress. "Treachery. TREACHERY!"

"Shut up and let's go to the inn where the guys are." Cloud groaned as the pair walked to the road to where the inn is.

For now, the question about the hat would be solved tomorrow.

Author's Note:

Whew, that's one fun chapter. I hope you had fun in this one. Well anyways, tell me what you think of this so far. By the way, this author's note will have something stored along for everyone.

So, our random quote for the day in this chapter is this:

"When it comes to things, the black mage is always right. Don't piss him off unless you want a barbecue made of your body (or clothes)."

Reviews, comments, suggestions are always welcome. See you next time for the next chapter.

Saga