If I owned final fantasy, I would be rich, and I wouldn't need to write fanfictions in order to fantasize. I would make it in the game. and we don't see any ff games with odd fangirl stories, now do we?

the spacing got a bit messed up when this was uploaded. so its not how i wanted it... o well. anyway ENJOY! please...

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In the dark dusky metallic club, up on the dimly lit stage, my brother sang for me. He sang and enraptured the loyal few that saw us every night. Well, it's always night here. No one ever sleeps.

But this night, I would meet the man who would change my life and that of everyone I loved, forever.

I have three brothers. Friends really, but they felt like family. I've lived with Aubrey and Joal since I was 13. Mikel joined a year or so later.We're also a band... Aubrey's lead singer, Joal backup, Mikel drums, and me...well, I'm the best damn guitarist you'll ever lay eyes on.

Oh, lemme give you a visual of me for a moment.

I look like a guy.

Kinda. Longish layered black and brown hair...black pants...plain black shirt under a jacket. No skirts, no dresses. At least not out in public... Sometimes at home.

Aubrey finished screaming into the mic, sliding his hand away gracefully and brushed back the long blonde strands from his face. I slowed down as Mikel drew back, and give one final screech on the strings... And they loved it.

We played one last song.

Hold now; aim is steady

An otherworld awaits you

One thousand years you ready?

The otherworld it takes you...

Then as I looked out at the audience's sedated stares, breathing in the lingering fumes of the measures, I saw him.

The man in red.

Shit. He's getting up. No!... Shit! No, DAMMIT, SIT DOWN!

The boys saw me looking at someone and Joal nudged me in the rib with his elbow. "Y'ok? Morgan?"

I came out of my daze. I nodded at him, breaking a smile, and retreated backstage. I flung my strap over my shoulder and bolted out the back door. Running through the alley, I came around to the front of the club.

Where'd-? There!

I ran for him. He heard my heavy footfalls and halted a few yards away from the front.

"Sir Auron!" I gasped. I bowed deeply, holding the guitar strap to my chest so it wouldn't bash to the ground. I straightened up...seeing his face for the first time as he turned towards me. I've never seen a man with such nobility and resolve ingrained in his features. I had heard of his arrival from another world years ago, but I've never seen him before now. "Sir Auron - If I may...introduce myself." I felt...frightened at that moment. That I would embarrass myself. But I wouldn't let that happen. "Morgan Morana." I bowed again. "I beg your favor."

He gazed at me a moment and reached out to grab my hand. My heart stopped. My breath stuck in my throat. I wouldn't have been surprised if my jaw dropped a bit as he kissed the backside of my hand. He let it drop and I immediately held onto my shoulder strap, afraid my arm would fall off if I wasn't attached to something.

"How may I help you?"

Oh, if I could have screamed to the skies to hear him say that again... Never have my ears burned with such emotion from one man's voice. Pain, anguish, loss, hope...all in one voice.

"I - wish to become your student." I nearly forgot to bow again. I was too busy hearing his words in my mind.

"Student?... Are you skilled?"

"I have tried to teach myself for many years-"

"How old are you?"

"I - I don't really consider that a question to ask a lady, Sir Auron." I looked out at the sky behind him until I managed to add "23."

He grunted and stepped back, turning away.

Why- no...

I followed him for a step and went around blocking his path. I bowed deeply. I stared at the ground, his boots, the ground, waiting for him to say yes. It didn't come. He walked around me. I took hold of his sleeve. He didn't like that.

O well.

"Sir Auron, I do not understand why you refuse to accept me." I tried not to sound pleading. "I wish to learn swordsmanship. If I can just prove you, I am resolved that you will find my skills to your favor." I let go of him. He walked away.

-----

I sat in the doorway with Mikel, practicing. He beat on his knees and hummed.

"What happened to you?" I heard Aubrey ask behind me.

I sighed. "I - Sir Auron - he - was at the gig... I asked him to train me."

"He said no?"

I stood, looking out at the docks.

"Babe, if he said no, it's gonna be no. I'll teach you."

While I knew Aubrey was sincere... "You?" I faced him. "You don't want to teach me how to fight."

"True..." he smirked. "I want you in bed."

I laughed. "Never happen. I see you as my brother, you know that. That would be incest. And that...is nasty." I brushed past him into the kitchen where my case rested.

"I don't think so." Joal imputed.

"What? Of course incest-" I tried to reply.

"No. He didn't say no."

What? I turned back to look at the doorway. Mikel was waving at the air. Not the air...Auron.

"He's right there." Joal added.

I stayed where I was, staring down at my guitar and the walls, trying to find images I had never seen before.

I wanted to learn proper swordsmanship. And after I had heard that the stranger had taken over the dojo...I only became more curious.

At the time I wanted to learn to fight. But...subconsciously...I knew I was yearning for something more.

I bowed when he entered, as did the others. He beckoned me out. I followed. I caught a glimpse of Mikel as I left. His eyebrow was raised as he stared at Auron. I followed Auron out onto the street. He stopped and turned towards me.

"I'll train you. Come to the dojo - Do you own your own blade?"

I nodded.

He gave a quick nod in acknowledgement. "Come when you're ready." As he turned on his heel, I said his name. He turned back to me. Was he annoyed?

"What changed your mind?"

He smirked. "I want to see if a woman can beat me. When you do, then you'll have my full respect."