Love at Second Sight

Author's Note: I do not own any of the characters thus far, they are belonging to Enix, as is the world it's set in.

I would like to dedicate this story to a very, very, very special person, my girlfriend, Solana. You may know her as Jessica Lee on FFN. She motivated me to finish this story, and I hope she knows how much I appreciate it.


Ashton jumped off his bed, swords in sheaths, bag on his back, spirits high. It was an unusual sight to see this unllucky swordsmen so happy. He was a calm, usually downhearted man, depressed with his horrible luck. Even since he had helped defeat the Ten Wise Men, his luck hadn't changed. He was tall, brown hair, straight down to his shoulders. He wore a navy blue hooded cloak, though he never wore the hood.

He was preparing to leave for a tournament at Lacour, a smaller tournament than the Tournament of Arms. It wasn't for only fighting, but directed at all forms of combat. It was divided into Weapons, Attack Magic and Curative Magic. The contestants were judged, and given scores accordingly.

On time for once, Ashton went to get Rena so they could leave for the tournament. They were the only two of the group that were going to the tournament. Everyone else was "busy" or "not interested". Dias considered himself "above the skill level of the comptetion".

He knocked on the door, his bright attitude consistant with the sunny weather.
"Ready Rena?" He asked, though he knew she would be. Rena was always prepared, and always on time. She was smart and compassionate. Perhaps a trait that brought her towards curative magic.

"Indeed. I am." She looked at him, tired but prepared. She was much shorter than Ashton, wearing a dark cloak, hood over her head. It hid her bright blue hair, and mothers hairpin from view. She had deep blue eyes. Quite beautiful in Ashton's opinion. She wore her Fallen Hope, a gloved form of brass knuckles. She was proficient in fist fighting for defense, but she was more skilled in curative magic.

"Let's be off then!" Ashton said in his strangely happy voice.

They left the quiet town of Arlia with high hopes and even higher spirits.




They reached Salva, tiring fast, and getting hungry. The two had talked and laughed one the long walk about small things between them. Rena kept pretty quiet, but laughed whenever Ashton spoke. They were both comfortable around each other, and enjoying the trip thus far.

"Do you want to take a little break, to eat here and rest?" Ashton inquired.

"Yeah, I'm a little hungry. I hope you're a good cook!" Rena joked and they both laughed.

"It's not too dependant on luck, I should be ok!" Ashton answered smiling.

"Just don't poinson me now, I want to stay fresh for this tournament!" Rena replied laughing, Ashton joining her.

Ashton started up a fire and cooked some sashimi for himself and Rena. They ate and began to to pack up their supplies.

"That was a pretty good meal, I'm surprised!" Rena joked.

"I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or not!" Ashton shot back laughing. "I suppose I'll take it well, and I thank you for the compliment."




They arrived at Cross late at night, completely exhausted.

"I think we should just go stay at the Inn, we'll need our energy for tomorrow." Asthon offered.

"That sounds like a good idea." Rena replied.

They headed for the Inn and requested a room. The lady eyed the two suspisciously, as if to imply something. She asked "A single or double room?" Rena blushed strongly, and Ashton laughed nervously, replying "Double please."

"That'll be 100 fol please." The clerk told them.

Ashton paid her and they headed to the room. It was a larger suite with two separate bedrooms. It had a nice sized kitchenette, and a fireplace.

"I'm tired enough to be sleepwalking. Well, if I wasn't so hungry that is!" Ashton said laughing, while he began to prepare a meal.

He finished the meal and brought it out on plates to Rena, who was sitting in front of the fire. She removed her hood, revealing her beautiful face, blue hair and eyes. Her hairpin shone, as always, in the firelight.

"Mmm, it looks delicious!" She commented, her words slightly slurred by her need for sleep.

They ate without speaking to each other, both too tired to talk. When they finished, Ashton brought their dishes to the sink and washed them up. Rena got up and headed for her bedroom.

"Have a good sleep, we'll need it for tomorrow." Ashton told her as she walked.

"You too." She said smiling.

Ashton finished up the and headed for bed himself. He was very tired, and there was another long day inhead of them tomorrow.



Author's Note: Ok, I know there wasn't a lot of development here, bare with me as I get it all typed out. It was also too short, but it's all I could get up tonight. More later.