A quick note: Sorry it took so long to continue. However, I corrected many spelling mistakes in the previous chapter, so I'd also suggest to re-read it to refresh your memory, if you haven't already done that. Now, have fun reading this new chapter! :)


Chapter 2:

It was an exhausting fight against Cloud, but not a very long one. After his last attack I fell back on my butt as my keyblade fell out of my hand and slid some meters away, for me unable to reach. But that's of no importance now, because the fight is over for me. I can't keep on fighting as I felt very tired and every little inch of my body hurt. When I looked up to the young man, I noticed that he didn't look tired at all! While I tried my best to defeat him, he didn't have to do much to dodge all my attacks, what made me kinda frustrated if I think of it now… But still, I'm very impressed of how strong he is and I really thought about asking him to train with me to improve my skills.

He approached me and offered me his left hand to help me up. I grabbed for his hand to stand up before brushing some dirt off my clothes. My keyblade vanished for a second, before appearing in my right hand again as Cloud said: "You fought quite well, but you still have to learn much. Remember that those unversed aren't your only opponents out there."

I simply nodded slightly, unable to look into his eyes as I felt a bit ashamed of myself as I thought I was a good fighter, but he showed me that I wasn't. That realization was hard to swallow but I can't give up now. I want to fight like Cloud. I want his skills, so I looked at him, in his eyes this time, not showing my inner frustration from the fight. "I'd feel honored if you could… teach me to fight." Great. I actually didn't want to show weakness, but I hesitated while asking. Aqua, stand your man! That's not what Eraqus taught you!

Cloud suddenly chuckled what made me look at him in surprise because I haven't expected that kind of reaction. "I'd like to train with you, Aqua. Since we seem to have similar paths to go to reach our goal, it would be best to become stronger. But it'll take some time, since you aren't at the same level like I am."

This time I nodded confidently. "Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear that!" Cloud smirked slightly and closed his eyes before turning around. "We will stop for today. I assume you are tired from all the fighting over the day." With those words he walked towards the end of the arena and went to the lower end of the terraces, where some water bottles and towels could be found. He took a white towel to brush the sweat off his face while I also decided to do the same, but first of all, I took a water bottle because I felt very thirsty.

"What about I invite you to the bar, Aqua? Wouldn't be too bad to end the day relaxed." This words made me look at him startled again but also made me look up at the sky, as I realized that it was about to get dark. Wow… I didn't notice that I was fighting and training all day long, just to end it with myself losing. But I can't let myself feeling down now, so I nodded with a friendly smile. I also reminded myself that it would be the best to get to know him some more, since he will be my trainer the next few days.

And so I followed him some minutes later to the bar he mentioned. As we walked inside the quite huge bar, which was filled with many people and creatures, I realized, that I never was here or in some other areas of this world. My journey and search made me so blind for other things… My thoughts soon got distracted, as I had to watch out where I was going because the bar also was filled with some drunk people. Seeing them made me sigh in annoyance. Soon I reached the very left end of the bar with Cloud, where we sat down on free seats. To be honest, I felt quite uncomfortable here because this wasn't my type of spending some time relaxing. It also was quite surprising, that Cloud was that type. He waved at the barman, who approached soon to ask what we would like to drink. Cloud ordered beer and I, of course, actually wanted a glass of water, but the barman then looked at me with a look like he wanted to tell me I was kidding or I have gone crazy, so I coughed slightly before ordering beer too after I felt the eyes of some customers around us looking at me in disbelieve. That made me feel my face becoming warm, what meant I was blushing very much, but that was my least problem since I never ever drank beer, or any other kind of alcohol before in my life. In my mind I told myself that maybe it wasn't that bad. I'd only have to drink it very slowly…

It didn't take long for our beer to arrive in front of us and with a friendly smile I raised my cold bottle to Cloud as he did the same. I tried to hide my hesitation as I placed the top of the bottle on my lips and slowly took a sip. Honestly, the beer didn't taste that bad. A bit bitter but okay for me. However, while Cloud and I were talking, I learnt, that he was an ex-SOLDIER, what explained his amazing fighting skills. I listened to the bit he told me about him and I told a bit about myself. Many minutes passed by as I started to get tired more and more and I wasn't sure if it was the beer's fault. I also had to remind me, that I was fighting all day.

It almost seemed like forever, when Cloud and I decided that it was time to rest. The Coliseum had hotels, where fighters and visitors were able to stay, so of course I booked a nice little flat where I could stay during my time on this world. The only problem was: As I tried to stand up from my seat, my knees suddenly felt like pudding and I almost stumbled, but luckily Cloud quickly grabbed my arm so I couldn't fall. He asked me if I was okay and I just said: "Y-yes… I'm feeling tired… The whole day fighting was too much…"

To be honest, I can't remember everything after that. Cloud placed his arm around my waist and we walked outside. I enjoyed the fresh and cold air of the night, what made me feel better, but the ex-SOLDIER kept holding me. My eyelids felt very heavy as I almost wasn't able to keep awake for long and I think I leant against the tall man while we were walking towards the hotel. I was way too sleepy to keep an eye on where we were going. I just wanted to go to sleep… It didn't take long until I was able to lay down and I fell asleep quickly.


Sorry, that this chapter is kinda short, but I wanted to show you, that this fanfiction isn't dead yet. I hope you like it so far :)

Don't forget to leave a review ^^