Ya-haw! Thank you guys soooo much for reviewing the 1st chapter of this fic! Well I kinda suck at these kinds of things but special thanks to:- bri333865, Luxuria De'Voire (u especially! ^^), LightningClaire, dikemon, Jamilaxhearts, n UltraWonderBoy! We-ll without further ado here's the second chappy! R&R guys ya-haw!

CHAPTER II: Let's Find Our New Members!

Everyone was looking at me like I've gone crazy. Oookkkaaayyy, maybe the idea's a bit farfetched but it's the best solution I can come up with.

"You delirious girl? I think Larxene must've hit you on the head too hard..." Lightning shook her head sympathetically.

"B-But think about it! Okay, so the jocks own like, everything in this school right? And the culties exists to balance them out. Am I getting it right so far?" I looked at the others.

All of them nodded in agreement.

"Then think about this; Who are the jocks fighting against that we need the culties to balance them out? No one. There's absolutely no other club or anything else that can overrule the jocks." I spoke at high speed.

Everyone seemed to have gotten the picture now. Axel was staring at me in amazement and Lightning raised her eyebrows. Waitaminute, didn't anyone ever thought about it before?

"You're right... I mean, Kairi told me once that they're not technically at war with them jerks... Newbie, you're a genius!" Axel slapped my back roughly.

I rubbed my back meekly. You could be a little bit gentle with me y'know...

"So this means that if we make our own club..." Yuffie seemed to have cottoned on too, her face showing the purest form of delight.

"We can stand up to those jerks!" Ven finished for her. They both high-fived and grinned at each other.

"Hey, I'm all in then! Let's go sign up right now!" Axel stood from the lunch-table but Lightning looked at him sceptically.

"I'm not sure about this... I mean, if it was this easy then wouldn't someone else had tried that idea first?" She crossed her arms. Clearly she had given it some thought before voicing her opinion out.

I stood up and adjusted my glasses. "Erm, I think it's cuz' the other kids are too scared of what might happen to them if they rebelled. The jocks have been running this school as long they could remember right? So maybe all they need is a lil' push." I reasoned with her.

Lightning thought about it for a moment. From the looks of it she has mixed feeling about the idea.

"Lightning... We're the only ones that can do this." I looked at her determinedly.

Finally she sighed and raised her hands. "Fine...I'm in..."

"Ha ha, that's the way!" Axel laughed and looked at all of us. "So what're we waiting for? Let's go to the faculty room!" He grabbed my hand and hurried to the faculty room.

Aqua

"What do ya' mean no old man?" Axel slammed his fists onto a table.

"Calm down Axel, it's just that, well... What kind of club did all of you say you wanted to create?" Auron gave him a confused look.

Mr. Auron is my Homeroom teacher. He has jet-black hair, wore a pair of black, round glasses and wore a Japanese robe that covers his mouth. He's also the Co-Curriculum teacher, meaning that if we want our plan to be a success, we have to go through him first.

"A free-for-all club!" Axel raised his hands, as if that justified his statement.

Mr. Auron massaged his temple, probably getting a headache from handling Axel too much. "I'm sorry Axel, it's just that your idea is...preposterous. What the hell kind of club is that?" He said bluntly.

"It's a club for kids like us that has nowhere to go!" Axel explained dramatically. I mentally slapped myself. Trust Axel to 'dumbified' everything I told him to say.

"Erm, Mr. Auron, sir." I emphasized on that last word. Teachers love to be treated with respect, I'm guessing Mr. Auron is no different. Sure enough, his face became more relaxed and I think he smiled at me (I can't see his mouth cuz' of his robe).

"You're Aqua right? Ansem told me you were joining my kids today, sorry I didn't come greet you this morning, ran into some trouble with an old friend of mine." He said with a small laugh.

I immediately notice a few things about Mr. Auron. He's strict, I can tell, but not without reason. And he called his students "my kids", which I can tell that he cares about us a lot. His eyes also show a lot of sincerity (despite him wearing those funky black glasses!).

"It's okay sir, glad to finally meet you." I smiled back at him. Maybe if I play my cards right...

"Erm, sir... About our proposal to create that club..." I began slowly. Always start with some hesitation in our voice, basic ass-kissing 101.

Mr. Auron frowned a bit but he didn't interrupt me.

"W-Well sir, we're actually trying to create a club that's beneficial to all of the student body. We know that all the athletes are in the sports club and people who likes to read and do literary stuffs are in the cultural club." I continued.

Mr. Auron nodded to show that he understood me.

I inhaled and pursued my effort. "So what about the ones in-between? I mean, don't you think we should also have some sort of a mix of both the sports and the cultural club? That way we can help students that are...that are like us sir." I gestured to the others and myself.

Mr. Auron understood what I just meant. He seemed to know what's happening between the students. I finished my speech and looked at Mr. Auron expectantly. He massaged his temple again and sighed. I could see the answer forming in his mind now...

"Fine..." He relented.

I jumped and cheered as the others joined me while Demyx, who had been looking sulky up until now, gave a toothy grin to me. However, mr. Auron held a hand up to stop our cheering.

"Not so fast kids. There is a catch y'know?" I know he's definitely smiling now. "Since you guys are going to be 'competing' with the athletics department, I'm setting a members' quota for you to reach. That is, if you're serious about making the club." He looked at us with a deep, meaningful look.

Axel, who had been completely fooling around, stood up straight and looked at Auron with a serious expression. "We're definitely, infinitely serious old man."

I was awed by his determination. So he can be serious if he wants to.

"Good." Mr. Auron patted his shoulder. He took out a blue paper and wrote the amount of students we need to gather for our club. "Let's see now... I think about 10 should do for now." He gave his signature on the paper.

"Old man!" Axel looked at him, surprised. "Why'd you sign it now? You know that makes the deal as good as sealed right?"

"I know." He said simply. "And I trust you kids."

His words definitely touched me. Even Axel was taken aback by Mr. Auron's trust in us. I went forward and took the piece of paper from him. "We'll get the members sir, I promise." I gave him my word.

He nodded and waved his hand, signalling us to leave now.

Aqua

After recess it was self-study time, so the gang gathered in the school garden. Except for me and Axel, the others had skipped class and joined us to "have some in the sun" as Demyx sang those words.

I sat under a tree as Axel lay down lazily beside me. Lightning was perched on top of the tree (she said that she's scouting for any enemy incomings) while Yuffie was teaching Ven how to do a handstand. Demyx sat beside me and strummed his guitar, playing a tune from the song 'Summertime'.

"So we have newbie, me, Lightning, Yuffie, Dem and freshie. Total members: Six. We need four more to fill the quota." Axel yawned. Seems like he's back to his 'lazy-ass' mode, as Yuffie would say it.

"Great, where do we find em'? E-Bay?" Yuffie looked at Axel as she made a cartwheel.

I rolled my eyes at the lame joke my cousin just made.

"No doofus, we swipe em' from school of course." Axel rolled his eyes too.

"Erm, how do we do that exactly? I mean, we're labelled outcasts. How many students are gonna' help our cause actually?" Ven stated. He makes a good point, I guess...

"Do whatever you can." Axel looked at him. "Threaten them, extort them, blackmail them or kidnap them or sumthin'..."

...He actually sounded serious. Ven shuddered and shook his head.

"Don't worry guys." I gave them an encouraging smile. "We can get the number up by the end of the day, no problem."

Yuffie rolled to me and lay down on my lap and purred. "Exactly cuz'! Err...How exactly are we gonna find them?"

"I'm sure we'll find the people we need." I said as I slapped her hand away from playing with my tummy. "There're definitely more outcasts out there than us."

"Right. Straight to business then." Axel stood up and the rest followed suit. "Guys, split up and make a search round the school. Make sure to avoid being detected by jocks. We meet back here in an hour, got it?"

Everyone nodded and left the garden.

Aqua

Lesse' now, if I'm being bullied by my classmates and people think I'm a weirdo, where would I hide from them? I walked around the empty hallways of the school. Guess the other classes are studying... Then it clicked to me; the library!

I hastened my steps and after many rounds (I dunno' why I keep getting lost!), I managed to find the Hall of Wisdom (the name of our library, given by Headmaster Ansem).

I opened the wooden door and peered inside. Rows of cabinets filled with unimaginable amount of books filled my eyesight. I-I can't believe it! This place is magnificent!

I've always loved reading books ever since...ever since my dad read to me 'Snow White'.

I wandered around the shelves, looking for a living person. Somebody...Anybody...

Then I heard the sound of pencil scratching against a paper. Delighted, I quickly walked towards the sound and saw a familiar blonde girl, sitting underneath a window.

"Naminé!" I called out to the girl happily.

Naminé jerked and accidentally dropped her sketchbook. She turned her gaze to me sleepily and mumbled, "Hello there...Miss Aqua..." It took her a while to remember my name.

"What're you doing here?" I bended over and looked at her. She was wearing the same outfit I was (albeit smaller than mine!) and wore the same expression she had yesterday.

"...Merely drawing..." She mumbled and retrieved her sketchbook.

I continued staring at the girl fondly. I don't know why but I became strangely attached to the girl (now that I know she's not a ghost!). "Hmm... Aren't you supposed to be in class right now?" I thought it was weird, was she playing hooky?

"I'm..." She hesitated a bit, unconsciously her hand went straight to her left arm, as if hiding it. I knew something was wrong.

I went closer to her and grabbed her left arm. Naminé flinched and tried to wriggle free but I gripped her tightly. She sat there helplessly as I studied her arm. It was scribbled with all sorts of writing, one of them was;

I'm a filthy whore

Naminé kept looking back and forth from my face to her arm. For the first time she looked vulnerable, and helpless. The pit of my stomach was burning again.

"Who-did-this?" I said through gritted teeth.

She hesitated again but I gave her a look that made her spill the truth. "The girls from my class..."

"Why?" I pressed on.

"...They caught me talking to Roxas, when I shouldn't..." She mumbled quickly.

"Roxas?" I frowned at the girl.

"A...boy in my class...My classmates weren't happy at all...They told me once that I should stay away from him...But he was the one that kept on talking to me..." Naminé explained.

"So they did this to you? What else did they do?" I was really angry now. This poor girl was bullied just because she was talking to a guy!

She merely shrugged. "It's nothing new...Been like this since middle school and freshman year...I've gotten used to it." For the first time, she gave me a smile. It wasn't the smile I had wanted to see, it was a dreadfully sad one.

"It's-not-right." I gritted my teeth again, and then it suddenly hit me. "Naminé...are you an outcast?"

She stared at me for a moment and then nodded. "I'm pretty bad at sports...and the cultural club won't have me because I tend to skip their activities a lot...so yeah..." She gave me the sad smile again.

I could really cry right now. I really hate seeing the people I love (although I just met her, I've already taken a liking to her!) getting hurt for no reason. It's unjust and unfair, just like what happened to Ven during lunch hour.

It studied the sad girl again and noticed a few black and blues around her arms. Her face too had a faint odour of antiseptic and thick makeup at that. Bullied...and abused.

"They hit you?" I looked at her sympathetically.

She merely stayed quiet, looking at the opposite direction. I gently turned her head to face me.

"Naminé." I stared straight into her eyes. "Join my club." I've decided. If no one else is going to protect her then I will!

She looked at me with confused eyes. "Your club...?"

I nodded. "Yep, it's a club for people like us who has nowhere else to go." I gently held her hands. "You can do whatever you want, and talk to anyone you want. No one is gonna' hurt you, I promise."

For the first time I saw some life sparked in her dead eyes. I knew she was actually hurting inside, and just like me, she didn't want to burden anyone with her problems. Being a busybody, I'm making her problems mine. "And everyone in the club will be your friend."

Naminé hesitated. Joining a club means meeting new people. Although she preferred peace and quiet she couldn't deny her heart which is screaming at her that it's lonely.

She remained silent for awhile before, "W-Will you...be my friend?" It wasn't a question; it was a plea for help.

I gave her a huge grin and ruffled her hair. "Silly girl, I'm already your friend."

Naminé beamed. The difference between her usual demeanour and now was astounding. She's like a totally different person!

"You're sooo adorable!" I jumped at her and began pinching her cheeks again.

"Oww-Oww! C-Careful!" She complained quietly, massaging her cheeks.

I withdrew immediately. "S-Sorry, I forgot that you're injured." I looked at her apologetically, twiddling my fingers together.

Aqua

"So we're supposed to look for more members to join the...whatever it is club right...?" Naminé inquired quietly, already in her 'ghost' mode but she seemed to have change a bit around me (which is again- adorable!)

"Uh-huh." I nodded. "We need to find anyone that might be interested to change this school's tradition." I said firmly. Viva Revolution baby!

Naminé went quiet for awhile, as if thinking deeply.

We went around the library hoping to find someone but there wasn't a soul in sight. "Uhh... Naminé..." I turned to the blonde girl. "Do you know anyone else that might be in here? Y'know, when you were usually sketching."

She pushed the side of her head lightly with one of her finger, thinking again. I was resisting with all my might from jumping at her again (I feel like Yuffie...).

Her eyes suddenly grew wide and she snapped her fingers. "The flower-smelling sister."

I gave her a confused look but she immediately ran around the aisle.

"Naminé...?" I was puzzled but I followed her anyways. She was jogging quietly and we went deeper into the library. After a minute or so she stopped running. I panted as she looked left and right.

"W-What are you looking for?" I bended slightly and supported myself by leaning on a cabinet.

Finally, Naminé found what she had been looking for. She held up her arm and pointed to the front.

I looked at the direction she pointed. I was a little surprised to see a girl there, sitting behind a desk.

"There she is." Naminé said with a smile. We walked towards her and I studied her for awhile.

She has long brown hair tied in a braided ponytail and simple curls at each side of her head that covers her face lightly. Her face seemed to shone even in the dimly lighted library. Her green eyes looked up to us as she noticed she has guests. I couldn't help but to think this; she was beautiful.

"Why hello there Naminé, I'm glad to see you again." She beamed at Naminé fondly and closed the book in front of her. She got up and made her way to us.

Getting close to her now I can see that she's actually taller than me, although just by a lil' bit.

"Aerith." Naminé said with a smile as the girl patted her head. She then turned her attention to me and gave me a gentle smile.

"And who do we have here? Are you Naminé's new friend?" She was very sisterly in a lot of ways and I could feel that I was slowly getting attached to her too.

"Y-Yes, my name is Aqua." I stuttered. Lame!

"My name is Aerith. It's nice to see Naminé bringing a friend to visit me. She's often alone and I'm worried about this poor girl." Aerith studied Naminé's condition, and seemed to know what happened.

"Wait here, I'll go get the medical kit." She turned and entered an old room which I hadn't noticed before. She returned a short while later, holding a white medical box.

We sat on the floor as Aerith tended to Naminé's bruises. The blonde girl winced but Aerith prodded her gently.

"There, all done." Aerith said with a satisfied tone. She packed the medical kit and puts it aside. "Now if you want those books about drawing Naminé they've just arrived. I held onto them for you." Aerith gave the blonde girl a smile as she looked delighted.

I thought it was weird for a girl like Aerith to be here. She's beautiful, caring and I get the feeling that she's smart too.

Naminé coughed slightly. "Well...Aerith here is the school's valedictorian...She's also good in medications and taking care of other people..."

Eep! How'd she know what I was thinking? I gazed at Naminé and wondered if she's an ESP.

Aerith waved her hand as if waving those compliments off. "It's nothing...I really love reading, that's just it." She gave her bright smile again.

"But what are you doing here?" I was confused though. Why is the school's valedictorian sitting in a dusty library in the middle of school hour?

Aerith looked away sadly. "Well...It seems that the other students aren't comfortable with the idea of an outcast being the smartest kid in school."

I was shocked to hear that. "You're an outcast too?" It just couldn't be. This beautiful, kind and smart girl in front of me here is an outcast like us? Has the world gone nuts?

Aerith nods her head. "I came from a poor family and had to work hard in a flower shop across the school during my freshman year. One of the jocks found out and before I knew it, the whole school made fun of me for being a 'poor flower-peddler'." She smiled sadly.

Again the jocks! My anger rose within me once more. "That's cruel!" I protested.

"It is, but there was nothing someone like me could do about it. The insults continued until my sophomore year where I got first place in the nation's aptitude exam. They couldn't accept it so they shunned me instead." Aerith explained.

I knew that 'they' means the jocks. "So you've been hiding in here all this time?" I asked her.

"Yes, this hall of books is my sanctuary. At least I won't be judged or criticized here." She looked around fondly, but somehow I sensed that she wanted to enjoy her school life outside too. I know now who my next candidate is.

"Aerith." I put my hand on her shoulder. "Join my club."

She looked at me quizzically while Naminé merely smiled.

Aerith

Aqua explained to me about how she and the other outcasts are trying to gather members for their new club. The idea intrigues me and I was all for joining it if it means making new friends.

"So, will you join us?" Aqua adjusted her glasses and looked at me hopefully.

I put my finger on my lips as I thought of my answer, then, "It sounds like fun. Sure, why not?" I gave her a smile.

Aqua squealed in delight and hugged me tightly. "Oooh thank you thank you thank you!"

"Haha, I should be the one thanking you Aqua..." I held back a teardrop. I was really happy of the fact that there's someone who actually needs me for the first time in my life (not counting Naminé, who always stumbled to me in some way).

Aqua looked at me happily. "Great, so we now have eight members! Just two more and we'll be ready to go!"

I gazed at her for a while. Two more people... Then it hit me. I should ask HIM to join too...

"Aqua..." I called for her attention. The girl turned to me. "Erm, if it's okay with you...can I suggest someone for our club?"

Aqua gave me a smile which I assume means yes. I got up from the floor and beckoned for the two girls to join me.

We made our way to the entrance door and instead of going out, I turned to the right hallway window instead.

Aqua looked at Naminé inquiringly while she merely shook her head in reply. I opened the window and called for him.

"Cloud! I know you're there...Come here for awhile." I called out.

"I'm right down here..." Cloud's voice answered my call.

I looked downwards and saw the spiky-haired boy sitting outside the library, leaning on the wall underneath the window. I gave him a smile and he returned suit.

Aqua

So this guy is Aerith's recommendation? I studied him. Spiky-blonde hair, blue eyes, and a pair of earrings to match his cool aura. He had his shirt out just like Axel but was slightly more unkempt. He had his top button loose and a silver ring on his index finger.

His looks basically screamed 'juvenile!' but I know better than to judge someone based on their appearance.

Aerith spoke to him quietly about the club and he turned to stare at me. My heart gave a jump as he gave me a small smile and nodded his head.

Aerith gave a small squeal of delight and clapped her hands. "Oooh I knew you'd agree to it Cloud!" She turned to look at me.

"Aqua, this is Cloud, my 'bodyguard'. Cloud, Aqua." She introduced us to each other.

"H-Hi." I waved my hand awkwardly as he replied with a nod. I didn't understand what Aerith meant by bodyguard but I guess that can wait for later.

"So you're making some sort of sanctuary for us outcasts huh? Well good luck with that and if there's anything I can do to help don't be shy to ask." Cloud nodded again.

I got energized by his support. "Yessir I will!" I beamed at him while he chuckled.

I wanted to ask more about him but I guess like the question I have for Aerith, it can wait...

Axel

"Of all the slimes in the world, I have to run into you." I groaned and face palmed myself. I thought it was a good idea to check the basketball gym but he just had to be there when I got in.

"Axel..." Terra stared at me and stopped in his track. Behind him were a couple of his buddies from the jerk squad.

I didn't know what he was doing here at this hour but I couldn't care less. All I know is that I don't even want to be in the same room, let alone share the same oxygen, with him.

Just let him do whatever he wants and I do mine. I gave him a shrug and looked around. The gym was a known personal territory of the jocks but once in a while some poor freshman wound up hiding here when they're cutting class and had to face the wrath of these jerks.

Today was no different.

I peered through the gay-looking Kuja and the bulky Rai to see a brunette sitting on the floor. She was sobbing and covering her face with her hands. A bunch of hair was lying around her, which I could tell was hers.

I turned my attention to Mr. Popularity and saw him holding a pair of scissors in his hand. Hey, even I know what had happened here.

"You sunnuva'..." Okay, screw whatever shitty kind of relationship we had in the past. This here just proves my point that he's changed. "Bullying scared little girls now? You've reached a new low Terra." I spat.

Terra was perplexed. He looked as if he's just realized he was holding them scissors. "What? Wait, Axel this is not what it looks like."

I cut him short. "Whatever. Save the excuses for the teachs' hrm?" I couldn't care less if I was outnumbered. I pushed Rai away as he yelled "Yo!" and grabbed the brunette.

She gave me a look of surprise, the tears in her eyes are still prominent. "C'mon let's go."

But Kuja and Rai blocked the exit and I gave them a glare. So much for staying clean for the day...Here goes my 'clean' record... I cracked my knuckles and shielded the girl.

However Terra had roughly grabbed his two club members by the collar, giving them each a look of pure terror. I remember fondly when we were kids though...used to give me that look every time I made Tifa cry.

"Enough." He pushed them out of my way. "You two caused enough trouble to this young lady here. I expect a written apology is in order. Do I make myself clear?" he added as Kuja and Rai had opened their mouth to protest.

I rolled my eyes. "Playing the hero now huh?" How the hell does this guy sleep at night?

Terra looked at me with sadness in his eyes. "I...know that you don't trust me much anymore, but I really hope that somehow...some way we can go back to be friends again. Good friends, Axel."

I crossed my arms. I wasn't really buying the crap he's trying to sell me here. "Uhh...Think you lost that chance when you abandoned us. Wait, wait, Tifa's on your side now too so that makes it only me." I said with sarcasm. It wasn't enough that he has to be the captain of the jerk squad, he somehow managed to convince Tifa to join his crew.

"Axel..." Terra began but I cut him short again.

"Listen friend, just make sure you keep your posse's here in line ya' here? And I'll keep mine in line." I pushed him away, pulling the sobbing girl with me.

Terra merely stayed quiet, watching us leave the gym but I could've sworn I heard him utter "It wasn't me..." under his breath.

Lightning

"Lightning!" Larxene screamed, trying to get a hold of me. I wheeled around and gave the blonde a swift kick to her side, and she tumbled to the ground.

"Who-wants-more...?" I panted and readied myself into a Tae Kwon Do stance. Eight to one...I'm kinda outnumbered here...

I had my back against the wall so that there won't be any chance of a sneak attack from the rear. I quickly looked at the silvery-haired boy crouching beside me. He was sporting a bloody nose and had a baseball bat in his hands.

"You okay?" I asked him. I sincerely hope he knows how to protect himself cuz' round two is about to begin.

"I'm fine..." he muttered, standing up awkwardly and glared at the jocks.

I gave him a short smile as one of them suddenly jumped to the front. I dodged his fist and gave him a hard kick to his stomach. He groaned and fell to the floor.

"Anyone else?" I looked at the remaining enemies. Don't think I can handle all of them...

"Damn it...Lightning..."

I turned to Larxene, who had stood up and was leaning against the wall, her pocketknife in her hand.

"This time...this time I'll definitely kill you!" She screamed and lunged forward. But before Larxene could register what had happened, she had been lifted off the ground and crashed onto a garbage dump.

I reflexively readied myself again. Oh great... Snow.

The large teen stood an impressive height of 200 centimetres tall, his muscles busting out of his school uniform, which he had customized to look like a trench coat. He had a black beanie covering his head, and his gloves already put on. His badge, a symbol of a brown bear, glistened under the sun.

"You idiot! You know the rules! No blades Larxene, and did you really wanna kill Light just now?" The giant grumbled as he picked the unconscious girl up and turned to stare at me.

"Wanna get it on?" I frown at the large man. I really don't want to fight him right now, Snow was known on the football field as the 'Monstrous Titan' for a reason.

However he merely chuckled and waved his free hand imperiously over the other jocks to leave. They heed his order and left, leaving only the three of us standing (minus Larxene who was unconscious) here in the school dumpster.

"Don't have the time for a bout right now Light. Xemnas wants all club captains in the meeting room ASAP." Snow explained as he turned around, heaving Larxene easily onto his broad shoulder.

I gave him an incredulous look. Xemnas, the vice-principal and head of the athletics department, had never called for all the captains to be present for a meeting before. "Something up?" I relaxed myself, seeing as Snow meant no harm.

"Think so. I mean, he even wants Sephiroth and Vanitas to be there. Must be something big." He gave a shrug.

"The fencing Hero Sephiroth...and the Enigma of ice hockey Vanitas..." Even I know who they were. I was becoming anxious now. What could Xemnas possibly want with them?

"Yup, nyway' see you around Light. Say 'hi' to your lil' sister for me." Snow winked at me mischievously.

I felt my face turning red but I managed to give him a death glare. "If you go ten feet near Serah I'll castrate you, you hear me?" I threatened the behemoth of a man.

He chuckled again, gave me a short wave, and carried Larxene out of there.

I stood there, thinking deeply while the silvery-haired boy beside me let out a sigh and sat on the ground.

"You know that guy?" He asked while wiping the blood stain on his nose.

"We're...acquaintances..." If you can call your sister's stalker an acquaintance that is... An all-captains meeting... Sigh* no use thinking about it now...I turned to look at the sitting boy. At least I got a new recruit...

Yuffie

"C'mon Dem! It's almost meet-up time and we haven't found anyone at all!" I sighed at the laidback guitarist. We were in front of the faculty office and he just had to play his guitar while we walk around the school.

"Chill Yuff, we'll find one no probs." He gave me a goofy grin and strummed his guitar.

"Anymore chilling and I'll destroy that guitar of yours if we're late you hear me?" I grumbled at him. Demyx just chuckled and continued smiling.

Suddenly his smile dropped as a bunch of girls was walking towards the faculty room. He gulped and tried to find a place to hide.

"What's up your butt?" I frowned at him. Demyx was really acting weird...weirder than usual anyway. But I knew instantly why he's fidgety. Olette. The brown-haired girl was giggling at something her friends were saying when she noticed us.

I gave Demyx an evil grin and nudged his ribs while one of Olette's friends did the same to her.

"Dem, there's your sweetheart over there." I said cheekily at him.

"S-Shut up, I'm trying to look cool here." Demyx had strike a pose whilst holding his guitar, acting as if he didn't see the brown-haired girl, who had turned a faint colour of red when she saw Demyx.

Her friends pushed her to the front as she muttered "Okay, okay! Geez..." Olette hovered awkwardly, making her way towards us.

What d'ya know? Two peas in a pod. I snorted at both of their reaction. "Dem, think I'll go inside the faculty office for awhile y'know? Catch up with Barret and all..."

"S-Sure, you do that." The blonde guitarist stuttered.

I chuckled and turned, giving Olette a wink and entered the faculty office. I've only walked a few feet inside when I heard Barret's booming voice.

"FANG! HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU NOT TO SKIP SCHOOL? YOU'VE BEEN TARDY FOUR TIMES THIS WEEK!" Barret's voice roared at a young woman inside his office.

"Geez, I hear ya' old man! No need to shout..." She dug her ears dully.

Barret Wallace was an ex-military Major who had retired from the war and now a physical education's teacher. His right arm had been lost during the war and replace with a metallic one (which is soooo awesome!). He's big and grumpy but I have my ways around the soft-hearted teacher.

"Hey Barret! Sup'?" I waved at him cheerfully.

He frowned when he saw me. "Yuffie, how many times do I have to tell you to call me 'Mr.' Barret? I'm a school teacher dammit!" However he didn't sound angry at all.

"I know, I know. So what's up your butt Barret?" I purposely forgot what he told me. I like to tease him, for reasons unknown.

He gave me a sullen look and nudged his head towards the young woman in front of him.

Her outfit was somewhat skimpy, body-hugging like Lightning's was but she wasn't wearing the school vest. She had her top buttons loose, showing a healthy amount of bosoms that would please any males' eyes. Her wild raven hair bounced messily every time she yawned or stretched.

"So are we done here pops?" The girl named Fang asked lazily.

Barret popped a vein when he saw her 'couldn't-care-less' attitude. But I was surprised by the sudden change in his voice.

"Fang...You gotta be more responsible. I mean you're a role model to Marlene, she looks up to ya' a lot y'know right? And I'm busting my ass trying to keep you from getting expelled." Barret's voice was low, and there was a hint of concern in it.

Fang became slightly pink from the comment, probably from shame. She looked away to maintain her composure. "I-I know pops...It's jes' that...school's been rough y'know?" She ruffled her hair anxiously.

"Wh-? Y-You can t-talk to me a-about it right?" Barret suddenly got excited. "I-I mean if something's bothering ya' I-I can help. W-What is it? H-Homework o-or maybe you got boy problems?"

Oookkkaaayyy Barret's being really freaky right now. He suddenly changed from a big burly bear to an excited Chihuahua. I edged back from him, hoping not to catch whatever it is he's having.

"Daaad." Fang groaned, rolling her eyes.

It took me a minute to register to whom she had called 'dad'. I looked at Barret incredulously, then to Fang. Barret's got a kid? A real-life hot chick of a daughter?

"What'd I say?" Barret made a frown as Fang ruffled her hair embarrassedly.

"It's no big deal okay? I just got bored of school, nothing seems to be exciting here." She yawned boringly. "And those jerks from the athletics department are being rowdier than usual this year. It's becoming a pain to handle them after I quit the volleyball team."

Barret merely stared at his daughter with his mouth slightly open. I think he didn't expect his daughter to open up to him.

"You're a jock?" I butted in interestedly.

Fang looked at me. "Was a jock hun." She gave me a wink. "And Larxene's been bitching about me to the whole school how I purposely threw away the final match for last year's championship. She's the one that missed the deciding ball." Fang rolled her eyes.

Hmm, an ex-jock is rare to find these days...There's a saying in Destiny High that once a jock, always a jock. I held back my reservations about Fang since she's Barret's daughter. And she seems friendly...

Barret, who had been staring at his daughter silently up till now, seemed to have found his voice as he coughed harshly. "Any-hoo, I don't want you to skip school anymore got it? And if the volleyball team's giving you a hard time I'll..." Barret made a dark look as he made to get up from his chair.

"Daaad." Fang whined again and forced her dad to sit down. "I can handle them, no worries okay? And I'll promise to try not to skip school anymore." She gave Barret an assuring smile.

However, Barret looked displeased that he couldn't be of any help. "I still don't like the idea of you facing them jocks alone...Wish you'd join the cultural club or sumthin'..." He grunted.

Fang gave a small chuckle at her dad's idea. "Me? A cultie? Hah, no way pops! I'm not some kinda' arts nut if you get the idea."

Barret suddenly gave a shudder, as if remembering something Fang had did in the past.

"I'm still not comfortable with you going through this alone. Find-yourself-a-club young lady. That's an order and if you disobey I'll cut your allowance for two months." Barrett said with finality in his tone.

Fang looked shocked at Barret's threat but she knew her dad was serious.

"Fine, fine...Maybe I'll join the Bonsai club or sumthin'..." Fang muttered.

Now here's where Super Ninja Yuffie enters the picture. "Ooh, ooh I got a great idea!" I raised my hand up in the air.

Both Barret and Fang looked at me while I gave my best signature grin. Chalk one point up for me!

Aqua

As the bell for the next class chimed, I was already at our rendezvous point with my new recruits. The four of us were chatting animatedly about our interests as we waited for the others to show up.

Soon, Axel arrived, holding a disheartened-looking brunette in his arm. Lightning walked into the garden brusquely with a silvery-haired boy following her trail. After a minute or so Yuffie and Demyx arrived with a wild-looking girl laughing at something Yuffie had said and Demyx getting all hot and bothered about it.

All of us stared at each other nervously as we waited for Ven to show up. Minutes later he did, though he didn't manage to find any new members, he was soaked in what looked like green slime and a toy arrow sticking at the back of his head. He muttered a "Don't ask" as I made my way to him with concern.

We made a circle and sat on the comfortable grass (I was wiping away the slime on Ven's face). Before any uncomfortable silence could be made Axel clapped his hands and whistled for everyone's attention.

"Alright dudes and dudettes! I hereby announce the 'New Meat Hunting' campaign to be a success!" He announced jokingly and made some kind of loopy wave.

"Don't call it that way! You make it sound like we're some kind of werewolf or something." I scolded him. Axel let out a growl and jumped around like a puppy. Some of us laughed at him, breaking the tension.

Axel laughed to before looking at us all with fire in his eyes. "Right, right...Jokes aside, this is our first official meeting of the 'Free-For-All' club. We-"

"Can't we change the name? It sounds so dorky..." Yuffie whined. Axel gave her a scowl but some of the members nodded in agreement.

"BTW, what do we do in this club actually...?" Cloud spoke for the first time.

Axel raised his eyebrows when he saw Cloud. "...Wow, been awhile since I saw you Cloud."

Cloud gave an unexpected chuckle. "I could say the same to you. How's Terra and Tifa?" He grinned when Axel stuck out his tongue in a playful manner.

"You two know each other?" I became interested in their conversation. Again, Terra's name is mentioned in Axel's life.

"Tifa has a crush on this guy since kindergarten." Axel rolled his eyes. This time it was Cloud's turn to stick his tongue out and Axel to grin.

I don't know who Tifa is though... I was curious about Axel. Since morning he's been really nice to me, and a bit overprotective. I just officially met the guy today though so how come he's treating me so...I couldn't find the perfect word to fit this description...I guess kind would suffice.

Axel clapped his hands again. "Right, anyhow what we do in this club is literally anything and everything. We're going against the jocks people."

Everybody gave a dramatic gasp, and then we rolled our eyes.

"Gee, it's kinda obvious ain't it?" Yuffie let out a yawn.

Axel scowled again. "I'm just going through with the basics introduction Yuff. Well, I think introductions of our members are necessary now. We'll start with you short-stuff."

Axel nudged the brunette girl he had brought and pointed to the middle of the circle. The girl gave a squeak and shook her head but Axel gave her a reassuring smile and led her there. She eyed us nervously and managed a small wave.

"H-Hi everyone. My name's Xion. Erm... Freshman, class 1-A." Xion introduced herself.

Some of us said 'hi' back and Axel nudged her again to continue.

"W-Well, I wasn't feeling well during fifth period so I went to the infirmary to get some rest. I got lost and ended up in the basketball gym and..." She trailed off, unconsciously playing with her rather short, uneven hair "...they surrounded me. Before I knew it one of them took out a pair of scissors and..."

She didn't need to finish it as all of us understood what happened.

"Why'd they cut your hair? Kinda' weird isn't it?" Ven piped up.

Naminé, who had been sitting beside Ven since just now, gave a look of surprise as if she just noticed the young boy and shifted to me uncomfortably. I raised my eyebrows at her but she merely shook her head.

"Kuja didn't like it. Said it made his looked bad." Xion said sadly.

The sophomores and seniors sighed in unison "Kuja" and shook their head.

"Who's Kuja?" I looked at Aerith interestedly.

"Well, he's a sophomore like you and he's in the basketball team. He, err...has a bit of an obsession with his hair." Aerith explained unsurely.

Lightning snorted at Aerith's answer. "The bloke's practically in love with his hair. Sometimes I wonder if he's gay... So he got jealous over a freshman huh?" She looked at Xion sympathetically.

"B-But she's a girl!" I protested. Of course girl's hair has to be long and silky and...sooo not like mine... I pulled on my hair sadly.

Lightning gave another snort. "Doesn't matter to that pansy. Anyone or anything with shinier hair than his would receive the end of his wrath you can bet."

I scoffed at her explanation. Weird guy with weird ticks... After Xion, Naminé introduced herself and then Aerith and Cloud. Next in line was a girl named Fang, who somehow knew Lightning.

Lightning made an involuntary jump as Fang winked at her seductively, later chuckling as she saw the look on Lightning's face.

"Aww c'mon Light~ I was only teasing~" Fang pretended to whimper as she trailed Lightning's arm with her fingers.

Lightning pushed her away and looked at the opposite direction. "You haven't changed at all since third grade, Fang." She scowled as the young woman laughed at her.

Then, a young boy with silvery hair came to the front. He rubbed his left arm nervously as Lightning gave him a nod to go on.

"H-Hey there, my name's Hope. I'm a freshman and I'll be truthful from the s-start; I tried to apply to become a jock when I first enrolled here." Hope said nervously. As though expecting fists to come flying at him, Hope cowered back and covered his head but nothing came.

Axel gave a shrug while Demyx merely chuckled. "It's understandable kid. Everyone wants to be in the popular club." Demyx gave an understanding nod.

Hope relaxed and continued. "My application got through actually but... I failed cuz' I wouldn't go through with their induction week."

"What'd they asked you to do?" Fang crossed her legs, revealing her underwear for a moment before Lightning hissed at her to sit properly.

"Uhh...They told us to beat up any other freshmen labelled as outcasts..." Hope looked down at his feet. "I...just couldn't do it, y'know? That's why Larxene and the others went after me..." He trailed off, not wanting to relive the memory.

Axel nodded and beckoned for Hope to sit down.

We grew silent after that, not out of discomfort, but somehow we managed to understand each other's pain and what we've gone through alone (Although I just got picked on today!).

We enjoyed the moment of silence, watching each other. I smiled as Fang winked at me and Xion gave me an anxious smile. I nearly laughed when Naminé accidentally pushed Ven away when he got close to her (I still don't know why she's afraid of him though). Aerith was holding back tears and Cloud was trying to sooth her...

And then Axel began clapping his hands. I didn't know what for but I followed suit. It was kinda encouraging...Soon, everyone did the same thing. I clapped harder and fiercer, as if something was burning inside of me. A sense of passion and belonging...The clapping grew louder and then we all cheered and laughed.

Now we are together. We have friends.

Characters Intro! (Main ones first this week!)

The Outcasts

Aqua - The lovable goof of a transfer student, she's timid and shy, but can be blunt and courageous when needed. Hates any form of bullying and is not afraid to stand up for the weak (Even if she is categorized as weak herself). Bonded with Axel on their first meeting (maybe could be more, since she's not sure about him herself). Loves to sing and dance (Will be shown in future chappies!). Absolutely adores any form of cuteness and is intrigued by the mysterious air Terra gives off.

Axel - Hotheaded fiery troublemaker. This redhead is in a class of his own based own juvenile records and arson cases. Underneath the delinquent shell is a kind and friendly soul that isn't afraid to voice out his point of view. Childhood friends with Terra & Tifa, and old friends with Cloud & Aerith. Knows a lot about the going-on and what's the hottest gossip in school. Hates Terra & the jocks with a passion due to old scars. Has an interest in the new girl, Aqua.

Lightning - A total unknown in the school. Shrouded in mystery but rumors has it that she was once a soldier trained in assassination. Larxene hates her a lot since Light always kicks her ass. Formidable in a lot of martial arts and old rivals with Snow, whom she regards as a worthy opponent. Old friends with Fang. She's the 'eye in the sky' for the group and loves high places. She has a hard time bonding with her little sister Serah, whom has an interest in Snow (which she does not approve!).

Yuffie - Loves to pretend to be a Ninja since she was a kid. Yuffie is Aqua's cousin and co-sister. She knows what happened between Aqua and her dad and tried to help her cousin out. An outcast through and through, she rejected Larxene's offer to be in the volleyball club and prefers to hang out with Axel and co. Loves to tease Aqua, and seems to have bonded with Ven. She's childhood friends with Demyx, and regards him like a younger brother.

Demyx - Hardcore guitarist and Yuffie's old playmate. The mullet blonde is a happy-go-lucky guy and is always hard to displease. He's the Sun in the group where he's always shining (although he likes to play in the water a lot!) Has a huge crush on Olette since freshman year, and is too shy to tell her how she feels. Demyx hates talking bad about people and is timid to speak up for himself, that being the case when he got kicked out of his band by Seymour.

Ventus - Freshman. Fresh meat for Larxene until Aqua saved him from 'Mr. Locker'. He's energetic and cheerful, always rearing to go on anything. He's always the target for the jocks due to his small build and lack of self-confidence. Terrible at studies but good in sports, the reason he isn't accepted is due to his accident with Larxene in the cafeteria.