Notes: This is a scene from "When I Dance Around You." The reason why it's here is because while it will be in the story, it won't be like this as the storyline has changed since it was first thought of. So, here is the first "version" of it, so to speak. The later version will be in the story itself. Yes, I shamelessly stole parts of the scene from the Two Towers, why do you ask? Yea, I'm aware that there are a ton of martial arts styles out there, but I wasn't sure of which styles to give either men since this is on Spira, so I just generalized. Eh. Anyway, enjoy. This was from a drabble challenge with the line "Did you ever get the feeling that you couldn't trust anyone in the world?"

It had been years since Isaaru trained in the martial arts, but since Summoning was no longer necessary on Spira, it was all he had left other than his magic. Standing in the middle of the training room in, it seemed like everything had come back to him. He was rusty, but every movement reminded him of how graceful he once was. Every punch and kick became easier to execute and he found himself wanting to learn more, or at least to remember more. He knew that he had to be careful since it had been so long, but he felt that he should try at least one spinning move, and when he did so, his punch connected with Baralai's block.

Eyes widened, Isaaru threw another fist, only to have that blocked as well. Regaining his senses, the Former Summoner found himself blocking a couple of Baralai's own punches and when he blocked a high kick from the young Praetor, Isaaru fell back, completely stiff, as if waiting for another attack. His stomach wasn't lurching, nor did he feel like he was going to burst into flames. Instead, he was ready to pounce as soon as Baralai moved. Isaaru's steely gaze softened when he noticed that Baralai merely stood there with a gentle smile on his face.

"You have some skill," he said in his usual soft-spoken voice.

At first Isaaru said nothing as he noticed that Baralai was without his dark green coat. He looked past Baralai's shoulder and found it folded neatly on one of the chairs. When Baralai crossed his finely toned arms, Isaaru walked over to his blue and white robe and put it on before finally answering in his own soft voice.

"One of the first things I learned as a child was that those who do not fight can still die fighting."

Baralai's golden brown eyes widened as he tilted his white haired head to the side and his full lips parted. Isaaru couldn't help but smile as he knew that Baralai 'got it'. The younger man nodded.

"I see. Who was your master?"

"My mother taught me."

The young Praetor's eyebrows shot up, but he otherwise appeared unphased, "How long did you train?"

"Since I was five. I trained for ten years."

"Ten years..." Baralai nodded. He frowned, "Why did you quit?"

Isaaru smiled bitterly, looking upward as if reminiscing. "Just before Braska's Calm began, both my parents were killed by Sin." He looked down, his eye narrowing. "How's that for irony?"

"I'm sorry..." Baralai whispered, slowly approaching Isaaru, his booted feet barely making any sound. He held out his dark skin hand, but hesitated and clasped his hands in front of him.

"It's not your fault."

"I know," Baralai smiled. "Believe me, I know how it feels. At least you have your brothers." He looked down, his smile fading. "I was an only child."

"If I may ask, Baralai, who was your master?"

Baralai looked up, his smile returning, "My father taught me and I have been trained for sixteen years. Even now, I still train as it is my life."

"I'm not certain what I would have done had my parents not been killed," Isaaru replied suddenly. "I became a summoner when they died because I wanted to bring the Calm to avenge them and save Spira. I admired Braska and wanted to be like him."

"I see.." Baralai nodded slowly, taking another step forward. "To be honest, I'm glad you failed."

"Ugh...I figured you'd say that." Isaaru replied, narrowing his eyes. "When I think about it now, my death would have been in vain as the cycle would have just continued and Maroda would become Sin with Pacce being all alone."

"And I would not have you with me," Baralai said softly, his golden eyes closing. "You would have failed anyway..."

"Why do you say that?" Isaaru asked.

The younger man opened his eyes with a steely look, "Because you never seemed to open up to anyone, except for your brothers. Braska may have had two Guardians, but at least he opened up to people." He shook his head. "You never did that. Not from what I've seen of you. Why were you like that? Why are you like that now?"

"Did you ever get the feeling that you couldn't trust anyone in the world?" Isaaru suddenly asked, feeling his chest tighten.

"Touche," Baralai replied, his smile becoming a grimace.

"So, you know what it means to be betrayed?" Isaaru's soft voice pierced the air as he tried to repress painful memories.

"Oh yes..." Baralai whispered. "For two years, I honestly thought I had no one. But, thankfully, I found that I was wrong."

"You're just lucky. The one you thought betrayed you wasn't to blame for his actions."

"Oh, it's not just Nooj," Baralai answered, holding up a chiding finger. "You wouldn't know as you left as soon as old Yevon fell apart."

"As I told you, there was a reason for that." /You were among those reasons, Praetor/.

"I know..." Baralai replied. "You know you can't always rely on magic. That's why you were in here." He now stood so close that Isaaru could almost feel Baralai's body. He could smell the leathery spice scent that emanated from the young Praetor and Isaaru felt dizzy. Tentatively, Baralai put his hands on Isaaru's arms and let them slowly slide down, gently rubbing Isaaru's hands. "It's been many years for you. You still have much to learn." He looked directly into Isaaru's eyes, "I can train you."

Feeling his heart pounding, Isaaru did not reply. Instead he walked away, but Baralai grabbed his hand, forcing him to look back at the younger man.

"Please understand that I will not have any more problems between us," Baralai said gently, but his eyes belied a resolve that nearly caused Isaaru to faint.

"I--I understand," Isaaru managed before nearly running out of the room.