"Layle and Blaze First Meet"

Word Count: 567

When Layle walked into the dusty store, the first thing that met his eyes was a rat scurrying around the corner and into a hole.

The shelves and tables were littered with candles and books; there was also a swinging chalice and an hourglass. What looked sickeningly like lizard heads sat in a jar at the end of one of the tables.

"If you don't have business here, you don't belong," said a raspy voice that seemly came out of nowhere. Layle jumped slightly, he had not noticed the man behind the counter before.

He had frizzy yellow hair that stuck out in odd lumps, a wicked scar ravaged the right side of his face; and in place of the missing eye was a pulsing orange rock. A Crystal.

"Like I just said, get out of here city-slicker!" The man got up, his crystal eye glowing dangerously.

Layle shrugged, "Just checking out the stores, calm down." Layle turned towards the door, and even through the grimy windows, the metallic crystal on his cheek glinted from the morning sun. He started towards the door.

"H-hold on!" The man yelled "You're a Crystal Bearer, aren't you?" The man stepped out from behind the counter; he wore a dark green robe. "Awful young for such a strong title," he stepped closer.

"Now listen, Sir Leroy," Layle started.

"DO NOT CALL ME LEROY!" The man nearly exploded, the crystal eye shined brightly. "The name is Blaze!" Spittle flew from his mouth, "and do you know why? It's because of this!"

His hands started to glow orange; Layle had only five seconds to react before a fireball was thrown at him. Tossing his hands up, he grabbed at his own power, manipulating the air around him to stop and vanquish the fireball, making a slight explosion.

The left over flakes of fire drifted around them, landing on the floor and tables. Blaze watched as one landed on a dark red book and started smoldering a hole into it.

"So that's your power. Air?"

"Gravity, to be precise."

"Are they different?"

"Hmmmm…"

"Sounds like a girls' power."

Layle glared, offended, "It stopped you, didn't it?"

Blaze let out a barking laugh, "You think that's the extent of my power? That was a miniscule fireball compared to some I've made. Maybe you'd like to go outside and have a real duel?" The eye glinted.

"No," Layle said hastily. "We'll leave it at that…" He went to open the door again.

"Wait, kid," Blaze grunted. "You're not very strong, are you? You look kind of like a wandering pick-pocketer. Where you from? You're a Clavat, right?"

"Those questions are none of your business," Layle said.

"They might not be, but I can help you enhance your powers."

Layle stopped with the door half open, "How can you do that?"

"Stick with me, kid, and I'll teach you everything about being a Bearer. I'm sure you've never had anyone who understood you're pleas, problems and questions about being a Bearer, right? But because we're one of the same, become my apprentice and I'll teach you all there is to know."

Layle hesitated; he could see the sun high over the buildings now.

"What's your name?"

"Layle…"

"Become my partner, Layle, and you'll never have to steal and beg again."

Layle looked out the door the last time; the chocobos watched him from the stable that was across the street.

He shut the door.