(sigh...) Spring Break is over, but... I HAVE BEEN ALLOWED BY MY COMPUTER TO RETURN TO THE FFXIII FORUMS!!! This most joyous event just beckons an update!
~Disclaimer~:
I do not own any of these characters, setttings, etc! They're all the respective children of Square-Enix and co.!
Tsubomi
~Chapter Nine~
The marketplace was crowded and noisy, a random beggar in one place, a howling salesman in another. The abundant rows and stands of food, clothing, and materials almost seemed never-ending, as was the cluster of lively bodies. Ezio made sure to take note of the rare sight of the Bangaa, a reptile-esque race of fiercesome fighters who usually settled in the southern Dalmascan desert and Giza Plains. Their kind was a hot-blooded one, though the Bangaa were never known to pick petty fights for just the sport of it.
'They all must be here for the great business,' Ezio thought as he watched an orange-scaled Bangaa sell a hefty load of fresh meat to a young buyer.
Adelais, on the other hand, was more interested in the goddiping news that was floating around than the locals. Everywhere he turned to, there was some complaint about the army or the selfish aristocrats who owned them.
"The world is starting to change," a sullen woman nodded to a grocer.
"Aye. The tectonic shifts that happen to frequently... the Federation council acting too late... the people mired in dissatisfaction... And not to mention the reconstruction of the army under that bastard's watch..."
The woman sighed. "Looks like everything is moving according to his plans..."
'"His"?' Adelais raised a brow.
But before he could eavesdrop anymore, Ezio snapped him out of it.
"Say, we should stock up on some items while we're here."
Adelais, disappointed that he couldn't hear more of that previous conversation, nodded. "Yeah... Eh, Ezio, are you sure it was a good idea to leave Vidal alone without a notice? You know he'll most likely come searching for us like the devil..."
The bespeckled man smirked. "Well, let's let him tire himself out. His clinging around is wearing me out."
"Hey," Adelais replied, somewhat agitated, "Vidal is a vital part of our group. He... lightened things up for us on more than one occasion."
Ezio didn't reply.
Subsequently, he suddenly pulled Adelais aside into a back ally, without any sort of consent.
"Wh-What is it?!"
"Hold on," Ezio hissed, his gaze low on a specific target admist the crowd. "We've got company."
"Compan--Is it someone from the army?"
Ezio nodded and pointed to a dark skinned man, his brown hair in a shabby afro style. His green, sleek military uniform not only made a powerful statement about his status, but it showed off his muscular physique as well.
"Sazh?!" Adelais gasped out. "Damn! Did he trace us here, or...?!"
Ezio shook his head. "No. He's most likely on vacation. But... just to be safe, we should investigate."
Adelais couldn't agree more. "Good idea."
As the two snuck out of the marketplace through a side street and back into the main streets, they carefully watched as the military officer known as Sazh roamed eagerly into a pub, a roaring motorcycle zooming past them with incredible speed...
~Chapter Nine Finis~
Hmm, a short chapter but that's because I'm going to be updating again in the evening... Think of it as a weekend present. =w=;; (A Tsubomi double feature!)
Since there still hasn't been any updates on Versus' settings and places, I've decided to use more Final Fantasy XII stuff... Including the appearance of the Bangaa, one of my favorite FF races (besides the Moogles and Viera ^////^). Sazh, the black dude with a little baby chocobo, has managed to slip into this fic! He's actually a really important aspect regarding to Ezio's and Adelais' pasts... I hope I'll be able to portray those smoothly... (nervous)
Also, due to a unanimous vote, the yaoi/BL chapters for Tsubomi will be posted on my Live Journal account. Nothing has been prepared yet, but once I get everything ready, I'll let everyone know when the chapters will be posted alongside the regularly scheduled Tsubomi.
Ah, and now it's time for some well deserved thanks to the awesome readers/reviewers:
Nipah:
A new comer to Tsubomi! ^^ I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!
Gasp-x:
I absolutley love the Shotgun GuyxNoctis. It's one of the best pairings out there! I hope to be able to get those BL chapters up on my LJ soon!
Sunflower Wielder:
I'm honored by all of your reviews! Your feedback and opinions are great!
SenpaiKohaiDanna:
Tobi-san, I promise to get the yaoi chapters up soon! ^^;; Until then, please be patient! X'D
fantasygirl1227:
Sorry about the short chapters ^^;; However, I can crank out updates a little faster that way. Though super long chapters will pop up every now and then... I hope you look forward to them!
Building 429:
Another new reviewer! It's always a pleasure meeting another Shotgun Guy fan! :3
ShotGun Gal:
Your enthusiam is much appreciated! Your reviews always cheer me up! lol
qwerty91:
Thanks for the kind reviews! (I think they're some of the most sane! Hahaha!) I'm enjoying putting in the Final Fantasy XIII characters... They certainly spice things up. ;p
Stella Nox Fleuret:
Your positive feedback is like food to a hungry man for me! TwT Thank you so much for reading my story!
Lightning and Noctis:
Yuki, whenever I see your reviews I feel honored that you're taking some of your time to read my stuff... You're the greatest.
Animangame02freak:
You're so busy with your own story that I'm more than grateful to see your reviews as well! Please stay with me! (And be strong Elia!!!! XD)
narutowolf:
I'm super happy to know that you're enjoying Tsubomi! I'll do my best to make sure it stays consistant!
LittleOnionCake:
Your love for the Shotgun Guy is strong, little bean! Your reviews alone could power an entire epic novel! lol
Whew... I'm done here for now. Next chapter, Snow will get down to business! So until then, please review!
