-L u c a-
Even though Tidus had already led the group away from Rikku, he still stayed in Luca for a bit and went to 1 faithful shop that was open all day and all night so he could buy a few things for the trip. After all when both thieves, Rikku and Zidane went to go shopping, they didn't really return with anything useful. Tidus sighed after the thought then glanced at Zidane who was talking his mouth off to Vincent in the corner of the store closest to the door and medical items. The blonde kid waved his arms about showing him new daggers leaving Tidus to groan even louder..He figured that Zidane must've found out Rikku was a thief and she stole the weapons for the kid. Tidus shook his head and kept an eye on the still talking Zidane and stoic Vincent- taking down a mental note to keep the kid away from Rikku, but in the end he laughed at the sight before him...
The fact that Zidane was even talking to Vincent, and the man wasn't attempting to walk away, was a first. So far from what he's observed, Vincent wasn't the kind of guy to be interested in many of the things Spira had to offer and hearing the monkey talk was nothing to give interest in either, but the older man did give the kid his attention by listening to his story. It was only then Tidus glanced over his right shoulder seeing Cloud and Squall. They were glancing at an edged sword with orange markings on the blade that was on display on the right wall of the store along with other weapons that looked mediocre in comparison. Neither of them spoke but the fact that they were in each others presence gave Tidus some peace of mind. Not too long ago the group wouldn't even talk to one another, but now that a little time had passed and the guys got to know each other, Tidus figured the group was more at ease, and not so stuck up as they were before.
The blonde again laughed to himself but jerked watching the Lucan woman behind the counter of her store, stare at him weirdly. He rubbed his head then grabbed a few bottles of elixir and potions then handed them to her to which she rung up with a smile.
Tidus continued to rub his head still feeling embarrassed, but stopped feeling someone smack his arm that continued to do such an action. He glanced to his left seeing Irvine smile then set down pockets worth of money on the counter having the blonde only blink questionably.
"Gil seems to be Gil everywhere...And I figure I owe you this much." The cowboy let out taking the bag of drinks from the woman and handing them to Tidus. "After all you did take in a bunch of annoying orphans."
"Haha, what makes you say that?" Tidus asked taking the bag and heading towards the exit of the store.
"Well I saw how you were looking at all of us." Irvine mumbled as he noticed the group react to Tidus' move and follow. "I realize we're not the best bunch of fighters ever summoned up but even with that said you still tolerate us. I appreciate that."
"You take your being here too harshly. I don't mind that you guys are here not at all. If anything I'm just surprised that people as interesting as you lot had landed in Spira.."
Irvine blinked as he now walked beside the slightly shorter male, leaving Tidus to shake his head and look to the sky. "Haven't you wondered just in the least as to why you were summoned here..out of all the people in your world.. you came here... isn't that weird?"
Irvine blinked again then looked to the path he only assumed was leaving Luca. He then wondered the same thing Tidus was..Why was he summoned here..why wasn't Zell the one to make it here rather him? After all the only thing the gunman had on Zell was height, other than that in a one on one fight Irvine knew if Zell was serious enough- the kid could take him out, so why out of everyone back at Balamb was he here?
Tidus noticed the strained look on Irvines face then smacked the kids left arm lightly. "Hey, you're thinking about something way too seriously..."
"...It's just.." The cowboy paused glancing over his shoulder at the group behind him.
Zidane was hopping about while Squall was talking to him in a means to calm him down to which he didn't making the older teen yell and Cloud to groan. Vincent being the one to simply ignore the whole scene, he just followed the group slowly and silently. With this in sight the cowboy frowned then looked back ahead at the path before him beginning to speak again.
"Its just..I wasn't summoned here like Squall was. I was just pulled in here to tag along. I'm sure if I didn't do anything to help the guy out back at Balamb, only he would've been here..." he explained. "The only thing that I'm thinking right now was why only Squall? Is he capable of something that I'm not? Does he possess more courage me?- maybe more experience? I'm starting to second guess the reason I was pulled here into Spira.."
"You should stop being so unfair to yourself." Tidus mumbled, a serious tone present in his voice. "Y'know if you think about it..You were kinda needed to be here.. You out of everyone Squall knew, had the chance to see him while he was in trouble, no one else. You out of everyone got the chance to use two choices at your disposal..to save him, or not to save him. And you out of everyone chose to stand up for your friend rather than run away..There were so many things you could've done Irvine, and yet you chose all the right things to do which led you here. If you think about it.. destiny kind of led you here to Spira.. so whether this odd trip was only intended for Squall you ended up getting yourself a golden ticket to pass and follow. With this said I can only assume that you're obviously needed here." Tidus finished still walking toward the exit of Luca.
Irvine said nothing, only let those words sink in and ultimately bring forth a smirk on the cowboys face. This whole time being here he hadn't thought of that at all. Tidus was right..out of everyone Squall knew, Irvine was the only one there to see him when he was in trouble not Zell nor anyone else. It made the cowboy a bit big-headed but his thoughts halted when he realized how useless he has been throughout the trip so far. He was saved twice by the youngest kid in the group and that kinda put a dent into his ego, but he tipped his hat back a bit before showing an even more visible smirk looking to the sun that was slowly rising off the buildings to the east.
"I promise from henceforth I will no longer be useless.."
"... !-What?" Tidus let out not catching that.
"HEY GUYS!"
Both men glanced over their shoulders hearing some familiar footsteps and seeing Zidane run through the group and over to them. He blinked at the two questionably but snickered to himself raising his hands slightly and resting them behind his head. "What're you guys talking about?"
"Nothing..." They answered.
"Why does it matter monkey.." Irvine questioned.
"I'm not a monkey.." Zidane grumbled. "but I was only wondering because this is the first time you two have actually had a real convo while being here..."
Tidus and Irvine blinked shooting each other a glance before looking back at Zidane. For a kid who played the annoying role he had an observant eye for the most oddest of things. In that moment, Irvine smacked the back of the kids head making him shout aloud like a child only bringing humour to the cowboy and a grievance to everyone else. Zidane rubbed his head glaring at Irvine beside him as he and Tidus only chuckled climbing up a few steps before them, however the child stopped only to glance ahead and freeze in his tracks.
The group noticed the boy's sudden stop, then glanced ahead seeing a someone lying on the ground. Zidane was the first to run and make it over noticing that the 'someone' was a woman. He glanced about realizing that in the small court of small vacant buildings, benches and fountains there was no one.
"Where is everybody!"
Tidus jerked but ran over to him with the rest of the group looking around and realizing that he was at the exit of Luca. An area to which no one was usually populated- he only assumed because it was so early no one was in the area to witness this. Irvine knelt next to Zidane and the woman then checked for a pulse- a smile was all that was needed to make Zidane calm down.
"Relax, this woman is still breathing."
"If that's the case lets keep on moving." Cloud uttered.
"WHAT!" Zidane shouted now standing.
"Must I really repeat myself?"
"I know what you said." he glared. "But how can you just calmly say that! This woman is on the ground out cold and you just want to leave her here!"
"If she's breathing then she's fine. I see no reason to pick her up, walk back to a clinic and waste more time."
Tidus facepalmed himself. Even though the group was talking to one another that only meant that they'd argue more than they had before. Irvine ignored the arguing blondes and lifted the womans body into and upright position, having her lean on a bench that wasn't that far in back of her. He tapped her cheeks lightly trying to get her to awake but to no avail. His face scrunched but he held out his hand with no words to Tidus, having the blonde blink for a second but then scramble about handing him one of the elixirs he purchased. Irvine smirked taking the bottle then poured it into his right hand, while his left occasionally dipped and flicked the water onto the womans face.
Zidane hissed, "Just what the hell do you have to do in a hurry huh?! You're new to this land just like the rest of us, so what's so important that you need to rush to without helping others?"
"My world, your world and their world." Cloud glared. "Did you also forget that the people important to us are being held captive? Or were you too stupid to remember?"
"The people important to me are just fine." The youngest blonde smirked. "My friends are protecting one another back at home, so I have nothing to worry about. The fact that you left your friends unprotected back at your world seems to be your fault and only your problem."
Cloud jerked then grabbed the collar area of Zidanes vest like shirt and glared. "You ignorant-"
"Enough." Squall spoke shoving the two away from each other.
He glared at both blondes then shook his head disapprovingly. Cloud glanced away but looked back glaring passed Squall to Zidane, once the child noticed the older mans look- all the man did was point while he readied his sentence.
"...You think..that just because you had your friends protecting one another means that they're fine? You saw what that hooded person was capable of, and you're telling me that even with your skills you could be taken down while your friends ultimately can't?"
Zidane was about ready to say something but he stopped to think. Back at home..he'd hate to brag but he was a powerful being. A being that is capable of ruining an entire planet and yet..he was taken down easily by the hooded character back in the evil forest..so..even though he didn't want to admit it..maybe Cloud was right..maybe his friends were in trouble. Squall glanced at the younger teens tail which glided down to the ground as if it were a deflated balloon. Zidane sunk his head giving off the feel that he was worried or..defeated about the situation going on back home- leaving Squall to only groan and roll his eyes before smacking the kid upside his head.
"Don't think so negatively. Even if your friends are in trouble, I'm sure they wouldn't want you savin' them looking like a gloomy mess. Pull it together."
Irvine laughed to himself. Even when trying to cheer people up, Squall never changed his tone, he always sounded so annoyed whenever he spoke to someone that was feeling rather down. The cowboy refused to say anything though he only continued to flick sprinkles of elixir on the womans face. After almost giving up he watched the young womans eyes flutter a bit having him perk up and smirk whilst Tidus took a step closer. They both watched the woman awake then stare off into space as she looked to her lap.
"Uhhh..hey." Tidus began. "You were passed out on the road..do you remember anything?"
"...remember...!- That's right!" The woman yelped standing to her feet.
She winced holding her right leg leaving Irvine to immediately stand and have the woman lean on him for support. Tidus stood himself waving his arms up and down to get the woman to ease up or at least calm herself. The woman looked around hesitantly then looked to the dirt road that was to the west, passed a small fountain and above a few steps. She leaned off of Irvine and struggled to walk back to the path but later fell holding her leg once more.
"Maybe you shouldn't move.." Tidus suggested.
"There are fiends on the Highroad! They're attacking everyone out of nowhere!"
"...What?" Tidus gasped.
"Wouldn't they be attacking people in Luca as well?" Cloud uttered sensing a lie.
"I dont' know myself! But there are fiends! And they are attacking anyone who walks the Highroad. I barely made it out of there with my life." she spoke.
"Sounds like something we should take care of." Irvine said rather smug.
"And waste more time? Not likely." Cloud uttered.
"Why not, we need to get on the Highroad anyway to reach Gippal. I don't see why we shouldn't help while we're on there." Zidane spoke up.
"No one asked for your opinion.." Cloud glared.
"And no one asked for yours!"
"No one asked for anyones opinions but that doesn't stop you from saying them." Squall let out as he turned to the blondes in back of him. "You grow up and you shut up." He finished pointing to Cloud then Zidane.
"If you guys are going to the Highroad..then maybe you could find out why the fiends are going out of control." the woman spoke. "Maybe..if you guys can cut their numbers..you would make the Highroad a lot safer.."
"We'll only be cutting down the fiends that are in our way. No more than that." Cloud spoke walking off toward the Highroad entrance.
"Fine you go do what you want!" Zidane shouted. "But I'm not cold enough to pass by a road where I know people are going to get hurt."
Cloud said nothing only approached the steps leading to the road then shot the group a glance. It wasn't long after Vincent began to slowly stride on after Cloud leaving Zidane to frown and Squall to pinch the bridge of his nose. No matter what..Those two were inseparable and not to mention easing on the borderline of similar personalities. Both so intimidating, cold and distant the only difference was, what Vincent didn't say, Cloud spoke.. at least this is what Squall figured.
Tidus looked away from the path and back to the woman with a confident smile. He knew that even with Vincent and Cloud ahead, He and the other 3 were more than enough.
"We'll cut down the numbers and see whats going wrong with the Highroad. You just find yourself a place that will help you with your leg."
The woman nodded, and with that the men pressed on toward the road leaving her to slowly stand on her own two feet and watch worried for their lives, however, as soon as they were out of sight the womans worried expression disappeared and simpered into a blank one. She stared at the path for a few more seconds but turned back to Luca no longer walking with a limp, but more of a graceful stride.
-Mi'ihen Highroad-
Tidus and his group stared at the dusty path of the road that was said to be 'overrun' with fiends. Dry blades of grass danced along the dusty road while plants of green and small cactus' stood frozen to the right and left of the road and not a person was in sight. Squall glared every which way already coming to the conclusion that what the woman said was a lie and something was going to go down. Irvine glanced at the hills, small dunes, boulders and dismantled buildings ahead not catching a glimmer or anything that would reflect off the sun that was slowly rising beside the group. He knew that if there were no glimmers, then there were no snipers which was a good thing, but why was this road so quiet. Tidus' confused face soon narrowed into a serious one as he stared at the abandoned road. He knew that ever since Spira's past enemy, Sin, was gone there hasn't been the need for summoners and because of that there wasn't that many people walking the Highroad..but just because of that small little fact, it didn't mean that absolutely no one walked the road at all. The leader cupped his chin wondering why the road was barren but stopped watching Zidane begin to march down the road.
"H-Hey Zidane-"
The boy turned, his face baring that of simmering rage. "You think this is a trap... right.."
Irvine and Tidus jumped to his words but watched the teen turn back to the north of the road. His tail twitched about before a cold breeze passed by, leaving the kid to glance over his shoulder once more with the same intimidating face.
"Well? Come on! If it is a trap, it's not going to activate until we continue to move!"
After those words, Zidane walked the path still leaving the older boys to stare..completely dumbfounded. Irvine was the first to snap out of his stupor making him chuckle nervously to himself. "Well whadd'ya know..the kid isn't so dumb all the time..."
"He's worried about his friends..so he's taking this trip a bit more seriously." Squall let out before following.
Tidus blinked 2 solid times before doing the same. He could understand why Zidane was so serious..but the fact that the kids personality kind of changed in the last second spooked him. If anything Tidus thought that the kid would just run off and yell about Cloud and Vincent being ahead but instead he thought of the task at hand...it was odd..but at the same time it only reminded him of himself.
Irvine put a little more speed into his step catching up with Squall who wasn't too far behind the leading Zidane. The brunette said nothing which wasnt unusual so Irvine said nothing as well, however the cowboy did happen to stray away from his friend seeing a statue to his left. Squall stopped, being curious to the statue as well but didnt' dare get as close to it as Irvine did, this made Tidus step close and even bring Zidane to stop his march and run back to the monument as well. A man of long hair holding a staff with blades on either end and wearing the clothes of a warrior stood strong leaving Tidus to smirk. "This is a statue of Lord Mi'ihen..he founded this road... It's interesting isnt' it?"
"Thats not what I'm looking at." Irvine smirked.
"Huh?"
Zidane glared leaning his upper body more rightward. "Cloud, quit playing around!"
Tidus jumped looking at both Irvine and Zidane but hurriedly ran around the statue seeing Cloud only leaning behind it. He shot Tidus a glance before leaning off of the monument then slowly walking around the statue and refrained as he stood before Zidane.
"Who said I was playing?"
Squall closed his eyes getting the feeling that the two were going to argue yet again, however seconds after the thought he sensed something to his left to which he didn't even bother to look at. He knew it was Vincent so the last thing he wanted to do was look to the man with a surprised face and give him the impression that he was cool or something. Zidane glanced over his shoulder catching the caped member of the party then looked back to Cloud.
"What were you doing?"
"We don't' exactly know where were going. We were only waiting for you guys to catch up."
"How nice of you." The non-human let out sarcastically.
Tidus smiled getting ready to ease his party but another cold wind brushed passed, giving him a bad feeling. Cloud Vincent and Irvine looked to the sky in that moment watching the once peach blanket of space suddenly become overrun with dark clouds.
"Uh-oh..This weather was unexpected.." Tidus frowned. "We better hurry along before it starts to storm."
The men nodded, leaving Tidus to step away from the statue and lead them back on the road. Zidane however slowed his step, turning back to the statue of Mi'ihen. His tail waved about casually which indicated a good or bad thing for the boy.. Personally, the non-human didn't like this sudden change of weather and eerie feels of chilling wind that brushed passed his skin every so often but nothing didn't seem..out of the ordinary..
"Hey monkey! Hurry it up!" Irvine called from afar.
Zidane glanced back at the group that was still continuing to walk with Irvine walking backwards gesturing with his hands to make him to come along. The blonde blinked feeling a cold sting on his left shoulder, then down his arm, then on his head. He looked to the sky noticing it began to rain of which made his tail curl and his skin chill. His eyes were telling him that everything around him was fine, but his gut was screaming 'Get the hell off this road'. But that didn't make the boy move..he didn't know how things worked around here in Spira- maybe it was always this creepy when it rained.
He pushed his feelings aside and smirked to himself beginning to walk off. "Hell..what do I know.."
He continued to walk toward the group with a smirk on his face still feeling the sprinkling of rain bite his skin, however that look subsided when he felt someone too close. His right hand easily slipped his brand new dagger out of the holster around his belt and tightened around the handle firmly as he turned. Over his right shoulder, he caught a glimpse of all red making him turn full circle ready to cut. He stopped however seeing nothing but the same grasses and road..and only feeling the rain fall harder. He glanced around making sure that nothing was out-of-place till finally he took a peek over his shoulder to find his group. They had long been gone making the non-human grind his teeth. The last thing he wanted to do was run off just to tell them what he saw only so Cloud or Squall could say that it was probably his imagination- No, he wanted to stay and ask some questions..
He looked back to the path in front of him jumping at the sight of the cloaked figure in crimson. The figure's left hand instantly reached for Zidane having the monkey ease back and swing his right arm at the enemy which in turn left a cut on the leather glove of the character in red. After that the monkey jumped back holding up his knife with a confident grin.
"Sorry, but you're not gonna get off at touching my head again."
The figure was frozen in the pose of reach, but slowly composed itself staring at the cut on its glove. Zidane's eager smile didn't fade as he kept his eyes on the person now, not daring to blink and lose him. His left hand reached for the handle of the dagger on his left hip, just itching to get a hold and work some duel blade magic but the monkey ceased only waiting for his enemies next move. The figure in red finally dropped his arm then looked to Zidane not daring to take a step closer.
Refrain from what you're doing..
The non-human winced hearing that loud echo in his head but grinned and beared it not caring of the pain. Instead he stood straight finally unsheathing his left dagger and pointing it at the figure.
"You got some nerve, telling me what to do after throwing me in here! Where's Garnet? Take me to her! Take me back home!"
Refrain..
The figure raised its left palm in a way of ease uttering the same word. 'Refrain' making Zidane glare and grip his dagger even tighter than before. "You got one more time to tell me the answers I want to hear, or so help me God- I'm going Jack the ripper on your ass!"
The crimson character said nothing, instead, the hand that was once easing now curled. The thumb and index finger of said hand brushed passed each other creating a snapping sound having the monkey widen his eyes. A crimson circle swirled around the statue of Mi'ihen as the character in red surely began to fade into red smoke. As soon as the figure was gone Zidane glanced at the statue seeing the swirling red magic begin to crawl all around the statue and leave markings similar to vines all over the memento. The blonde blinked once wondering just what the hell that figure did to the statue, but as soon as he saw the left arm of the man that was set in stone(or whatever they used to create it) move, he jerked. The right arm of the statue, which held Mi'ihen's weapon firmly, moved as well causing Zidanes tail to twitch and him to turn and run. He wasn't going to fight a monument come to life- Hell no!
He set daggers back in their holsters as he dashed towards the more northern end of the road, his tail had jerked, making the teen jump to his left and dodge an unseen swing of a spear. Zidane rolled in the mud but landed on his right knee glancing at Mi'ihen who still looked to the ground he had struck, however he glanced at the blonde beginning to stand straight.
"Whoa hold on!" Zidane shouted holding his right hand up. "I'm not your enemy, in fact I'm a nobody so I'll just get out of your wa-"
Before he could finished Mi'ihen had lunged his spear to the teen aiming for his head. Zidane ducked and rolled barely dodging it, but ran on all fours and eventually standing on his two feet to run. He wanted to wonder why the statue was out to get him but right now his feet and body told him to focus on getting the hell off the highroad and back with the team. His steps became quicker as he dashed for the end of the road, however he stopped seeing Mi'ihen suddenly sprint ahead of him with blinding speed, then stop to block his way. Zidane widened his eyes watching the statue raise its weapon then swing at him- His right hand quickly grabbed the dagger at his hip then blocked the attack, however he was deeply regretting this action seeing as Mi'ihen's weapon felt heavier than Clouds. He winced, but turned his blade at a more flat angle- scathing his weapon against the statue's while turning to the side and ultimately jumping away. The blonde panted but glared at the statue that seemed to be hard of hearing. "Hey! I said I wasn't your enemy! Stop playing around!"
Again the statue lunged his weapon for the blondes head, leaving the monkey to leap high in the air and land on a nearby ruin. Mi'ihen only watched as the boy stood straight on top the tall rock glaring down at him, as an aura of red and roseate swirled around him.
"Now you've done it..." Zidane growled, his eyes now red.
The statue stood as still as stone watching that red/roseate aura swirl about the boy as he unsheathed the dagger in his left holster and suddenly started to change color. His skin became a light yellow, his clothes resembled that of fur, and his tan hair and tail had suddenly highlighted into a dark color of rouge. If the statue could blink in wonderment, it would. What was this transformation? And how did this boy do it? Zidane idly spun the handles of his daggers in his hands as he continued to look down at the statue of Mi'ihen with a sort of scowl. "...Alright, you had your chance..."
- Mushroom Rock/ Northern Highroad-
Tidus let out a groan of both relief and exhaustion as he noticed how close he was to the coves of Mushroom Rock. The hills of grasses and disassembled ruins had now become arches of the rocks and mountains which protected the group from the rain that began to fall harder awhile ago. The leader stopped for a second shaking his head and frantically rubbing his hands through his hair to get rid of excess water, however a hard shove made him stop his actions and look back to Cloud who was glaring.
"Keep moving."
"Alright geez..." Tidus groaned.
Before actually taking a step to do so Tidus noticed how both Squall and Irvine were staring at the path they had previously travelled which in turn made the blonde curious and walk over to the two irritating Cloud in the process.
"Hey guys.. what's wrong?"
Irvine turned. "Its the monkey...he hasn't exactly caught up with us yet.."
"I swear.." Squall began. "Its like the kid is trying to slow us down on purpose..."
'Finally! I'm not the only one who realizes this..' Is what Cloud wanted to say, but instead he folded his arms and glanced at the three who were the most concerned over the kid. "So...which one of you is going back for him?"
"Do we really need to have a discussion about this?" Tidus spoke. "We're all going back for him!"
Without another word uttered Irvine ran off, with Tidus quick to follow. Squall scoffed not wanting to go back into the rain but did so anyway groaning to himself in the process. Cloud and Vincent were the only ones left to come to their decision on whether to go back for Zidane or not. Just like Squall, Vincent didn't want to go back in the rain however he had a bad feeling about the sudden weather change so he was a little concerned for the child. Cloud on the other hand couldn't' really care less. The kid had crossed him too many times to count and wasn't exactly trying to ease himself on his good side, which was unfortunate. The blonde walked over to the rocky walls to the right of him and leaned on it glancing at the path as if waiting for the party to return. This made Vincent raise a brow. "You're not going?"
Cloud closed his eyes and turned away from the road in the instant, having Vincent do nothing but mimic the action of eye shutting. "Y'know... Right now isn't the time to be pouting... "
Cloud jerked to the comment and turned to glance at Vincent but realized the dark figure had disappeared. The older male glanced at the path of mud and trampled grass he had previously walked on then groaned to himself. His right hand slammed onto his face then slowly fell back down before he glared running the path back to the Highroad and away from the next destination.. 'I hate that kid...'
A/N: GUYS! I am soooooooooo sorry, that I was away for so long! I'M NOT DEAD THOUGH! But yeah I can only assume you're kinda pissed, but kinda happy a new chapter is up! Again I apologize, I was working on a few projects and it ultimately consumed all of my time. I didn't have time for the computer as much, but now that I'm done with my said projects I will be working to make up for what I haven't been doing in awhile.
Again please forgive me DX -But I do hope that you enjoyed this chapter.
