Author's Note: Updated again, and I LOVE CLOUD!!
Cloud: You really don't have to shout it out to the world, you know...
Me: But I do want to say it to the world. And I also want to say...Teefa and Co. and Black Rainy rox my damn sox!! Squee!! And narukaze is also a fellow Jet-kun fan!!!! Yay!
Kadaj: You're congratulating the people who ripped me apart with a tiger person. (stares accusingly at Teefa and Co.)
Me: And what?!?! Go to Sephiroth and kiss his ass, pussy! (sticks tongue)
Kadaj: WAHHH! (runs away crying)
Cloud: Now that's what I'm talking about!! I love tough chicks!! (hugs me)
Me: Squee!! Love ya, Cloud!! (hugs him back!)
Disclaimer: Repeat after me..."I already know." Nuff said.
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Eight days to go...
Giggling. Virginia stirred from her sleep. The snickers woke her up, and her eyes fluttered. Last night was cold, and then someone wrapped something warm around her. She felt very comfortable with the warmth of the thing that wrapped her around the waist. More giggling.
"What's up?" Virginia yawned out. Her eyes widened when she saw a black shirt in front of her. Her eyes traveled up from the sight of the muscular chest to a face right above hers. Jet. Virginia's eyes widened.
"Wow, I guess you took my advice, eh?" Gallows chortled. He bent over Virginia's head with a goofy grin on his face. "So how was it? Did you do it behind Lombardia? Or inside the Dissection Facility?"
Virginia sprang up from her sleeping position and faced Gallows. "PERVERT!!" she screamed, and whacked him yet again with her dual pistols. Jet immediately woke up from the sudden movement made by the Drifter girl. A puzzled expression overtook the man's face when he saw Virginia whacking the large Baskar with her guns.
"What did he say, Ginny?" Jet asked with a faint tone of amusement. Gallows immediately brightened up.
"See? He's already calling you by your nickname!! Bet you that's what he repeated when you were..!"
Jet used his Accelerator and began to beat the man's stomach. "What the hell, stupid priest?!?! Sick bastard!"
"Mercy, mercy!! No more!!!" Gallows whimpered pitifully. He fell flat on his face and shielded his face with his arms. "I give!! I'm sorry!! No more!!"
"That's what I wanted to hear, sicko." Virginia said sweetly. She placed her ARMs back in their holsters, and walked towards Lombardia. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, brave soul." Lombardia replied. "We can leave when thou wants to."
"We are near Boot Hill, so we'll head there. I really want to speak with my aunt and uncle. It's been a long time." Virginia said slowly. She turned to her comrades. "Do you want to do this?"
"It's fine with me." Jet agreed right away. Gallows almost smiled at this, but a warning glance from Virginia quieted him down.
"I'm up for it!" Gallows said cheerfully, stretching his body.
"What is the matter? What are we agreeing on?" murmured Clive sleepily. Virginia smiled.
"I wanted to visit my aunt and uncle for a while, so I am asking you guys if you want to do this." she explained.
"I'm game." Clive answered, and he began to walk towards Lombardia. Gallows and Jet began to do the same. Virginia smiled. Her buddies. So dependable. She ran towards her friends and entered Lombardia. Little did she know something was going to happen soon.
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Unsettling. Odd. Disturbing. The hinky feelings that Jet felt when his instincts told him there was going to be trouble. Jet frowned when he looked towards the small speck just over the fields behind the mountains that was Boot Hill. He didn't tell his comrades. Guardians knows that his instincts may prove him false. Jet sat down on one of the chairs right in front of the computer screen. His seat was to the right of Virginia's seat which was right in front of the computer controls. It was strange; when they were after Siegfried, they sat next to each other with no feeling or sense of awkwardness. Just business. Now, as he sat by her, he felt happy, tingly, the feelings you get when you were near someone special. Virginia, of course, was energetic, happily commanding the dragon to head near that small speck that was Boot Hill.
"Can't wait to talk to my friends!" Virginia squealed, nearly standing up from her seat as she saw the approaching village. Jet's frown deepened a bit. The Arkists couldn't have gotten too far yesterday. Maybe they were hiding somewhere nearby. Or they were planning to do something else.
"Jet, you okay?" Virginia asked, seeing his frown. Jet shrugged. Whatever. Maybe it was just that: a feeling.
"Nothing." he replied. Virginia grinned.
"Well, if you don't wanna see my folks, then you didn't have to agree." Virginia said playfully.
"No, I want to visit them with you." Jet said.
"Then why the frown, Jet?" Virginia asked, playfully flicking the tip of his nose. Jet's eyes narrowed.
"Hey, that hurt!" Jet scolded at her, rubbing his nose. Virginia giggled.
"Okay Jet, be that way!" she said, and resumed watching the screen to see her beloved village. Jet smiled. That girl sure is weird, but that's what he liked about her. She wasn't some pretty girl whose looks outweighed her brains, or some conceited spoiled brat. She is pretty, yet considerate of others. She is smart, and she used her knowledge to help people out. She wasn't spoiled; she did most of the carrying of their goods or had to plan their course of action almost all night. She is just...perfect.
"We have arrived, small ones." Lombardia announced. Virginia literally jumped for joy.
"Yay!" she shouted gleefully. Jet and the rest of the gang stared at her with a strange look on their faces.
"Um, Virginia, it's not like the end of the world is going to happen soon! You have plenty of time to see your familiars, so why the energy?" Gallows asked. Jet saw it. The cloud of pain, the sad look on her face. He immediately rushed to her side, placing his arm gently on her shoulder.
"Virginia, what's wrong?" he asked with concern. Virginia looked stony-faced, but then she brightened up.
"Nothing, it was what Gallows said. I love my family, you can't blame me for wanting to see them." Virginia muttered sadly. That got Jet riled up quickly.
"Gallows, why'd you say that?" he asked angrily. Gallows looked stumped at Virginia's change of mood.
"I didn't mean to offend her, I wanted to know why this visit is different than the others." Gallows explained. Jet just gave a growl, and turned towards the maiden. To his surprise, she was already out of Lombardia and making her way towards Boot Hill. Jet just stared in amazement, and shrugged. Wow, the girl has a lot of energy. He also got out after Clive and Gallows did, and also begun to run towards the honey-haired girl, wanting to keep her in his sight.
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Jet didn't tire of running with the maiden towards her home village. Virginia learned that in a heartbeat as she kept running towards the village. Um, Virginia, it's not like the end of the world is going to happen soon! You have plenty of time to see your familiars, so why the energy? That quote stung her a bit, reminding her that she only had eight days to live and save the planet. Of course, she was supposed to cover it up and act like nothing was happening, yet the feeling of dread ate her away. Virginia was determined to visit as many friends as possible. After that, she won't have any regrets when she will willingly give her life up.
"Why'd we land so far from the village anyways?" Virginia huffed, still running towards Boot Hill.
"Because you made it land so far away, Ginny." Jet answered, his voice sounding forced.
"Just a few more steps..." Virginia told herself. Just like that, Virginia made it to the entrance of her beloved hometown.
Villagers either smiled or began to run towards Virginia.
"Hey, long time, no see!"
"How's everything, Virginia?"
"It's good to see you came to visit!"
Virginia, bending to catch her breath, smiled at the villagers. "Hi!" Virginia said, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey! What are we, chopped liver?" Gallows asked, frowning at the villagers surrounding Virginia. They also said hi to the Maxwell gang, though the reception wasn't as warm as the one they gave to Virginia. After saying their hi's, the group headed towards her house. Upon entering, Aunt Shalte received them warmly.
"Hello! It has been a long time since we last saw you." she said, hugging each of her friends. Virginia looked around.
"Auntie, where's Uncle Tesla?" Virginia asked. Shalte just frowned.
"He came down with an illness recently. Every doctor saw him, but they can't find the source of his ailment. He...is getting worse."
"What?!?! Can I see him?" Virginia pleaded.
"Yes. He's awake now, but don't talk to him much. The doctors say that conversation tire him out." Shalte warned her. Virginia nodded, and she headed to the second floor of her house. She opened the door to the spare room next to her own, and the sight of her uncle surprised her. Normally Uncle Tesla was a very tough man who can handle himself, and he didn't submit to sicknesses that easily. Now seeing him laying down on the bed looking sickly and pale made Virginia gasp a bit.
"Uncle Tesla?" Virginia gasped. He turned to her, and coughed.
"Hello, Virginia. What (cough) brings you here?"
"Oh, I'm sorry! I'll talk to you later, you're tired!" Virginia moaned, making her way to the door. Her uncle continued coughing, but he seemed to reach out to her.
"(cough) Don't...leave! (cough) Don't mind me, it's just (cough)...a cold. What happened?" her uncle wheezed out.
Virginia bowed her head. "They know."
Tesla's eyes widened. "And?"
"Don't worry, they're okay with it! But others found out this secret too."
"The (cough) ones chasing you?"
"Yes."
"Do not worry. (cough) The villagers will protect you. The things your mother has done for our crops and blessings (cough)...aren't forgotten. I have seen what (cough) people can do to your people. I don't (cough) want that to happen to you."
Virginia shivered. The fires, the hazy smoke, people's pitiful screams...the things her mom told her what happened to the Shamans. "I know."
"Be careful, Virginia." her uncle warned. "The Arkists (cough) have recently been here (cough) asking for you. I (cough) don't like the way they look. (cough) They mean business."
"I'll leave right now!" Virginia exclaimed. "By staying here I am a threat to the village!"
"Nonsense. I said that the village will protect you." her uncle smiled. "Enjoy yourself. Relax. There is (cough) a special event going to happen..."
"The annual singing festival!" Virginia squealed. "I wanna sing!"
"I know you do." a soft voice said. Aunt Shalte walked in, her wrinkled smile aimed at Virginia. "I remember when you were three and sang all your own songs. How's your singing now?"
"Uhh, people don't enjoy them, I guess. When I want to sing, people run away. I guess I lost it."
Shalte smiled. "No. It's in your mom's family. She sang like an angel, and her mom too. Come to think of it, you sang like a lark. Maybe you don't sing as often anymore."
Virginia chuckled. "Well, I didn't lose it, then. Hopefully my old voice will come out soon, maybe." She then made to leave the room, stretching her arms a bit. "Hope you feel better, Uncle Tesla."
"Thank you (cough)!" replied her uncle, and he tucked himself in his bed with Aunt Shalte by his side.
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He saw her walking down the stairs with the same bright cheerful smile on her face. He went to speak with her, mostly because he felt a bit bored just sitting and waiting for the maiden to come downstairs.
"How's your uncle?" Jet asked the girl.
"He's sick, but he's basically doing alright." Virginia answered. She proceeded to plant a kiss on Jet's cheek before leaving. "I need to get something from Armengard. I'll be back in a few!"
Jet blushed a bit. She just kissed him like if she did this everyday. She wasn't uncomfortable and just accepted the feelings they have towards each other. He started towards the door until a voice said slyly, "Punk, told you she loves ya. Now to proceed in sealing the deal..."
Jet just aimeda punch and knocked Gallows cold. "You need to chill, man. Give it up."
He walked around the village, taking the sight of the lush scenery and the delicious smells wafting around the area. People chattered amongst themselves as they bustled around buying food or, to Jet's curiosity, programs. The title read "SING". Obviously it was a singing contest, and anyone can sign up. Another interesting thing Jet heard was the villagers praising Virginia and her sweet voice.
"She sang like a sweetie, people always wanted her to sing."
"Her mom was a good singer too."
"I want our Virginia sing in the contest!"
Jet just grew flabbergasted. Everytime Virginia sang, it sounded like if someone slammed a door on a goat's tail. She noticed, and she stopped singing, letting Clive do all the singing; he was surprisingly good at it. And now hearing the village talking about this talent of hers...
A rumble. The floor trembled considerably strong, and the villagers began to panic. Clive appeared by Jet's side, panting slightly.
"Jet, this is bad, the whole land is shaking!" Clive huffed out.
"Why the hell's it doin' that?!?!" Jet shouted.
"Ask Virginia, she might know!" Gallows suggested in a frantic voice. Just as soon as he said that Virginia appeared too.
"Ginny, why's the land shaking?!?!" Jet asked hurriedly. He saw her face, and she seemed untroubled by what was happening.
"I don't know." Virginia said in a monotone voice. Jet frowned deeply. Lie.
"Virginia, tell us! Something's wrong, is it?"
"No! It's just an earthquake!"
"Then how in hell does an earthquake affect only the village and not another location?!?!"
"I...I don't know!!"
"Wait!!"
The trembling stopped. The gang looked around and saw that the village was unharmed. No house was damaged, no cracks on the floor...no damage at all.
"How in the hell can that happen..?" murmured Gallows slowly.
Clive just pushed his glasses up his nose. "This was no ordinary earthquake. There's another meaning to this phenomina."
"Such as..?" Jet prompted.
"A warning." Clive said.
Jet just spat on the floor and turned towards Virginia. She seemed like if she was in a trance, looking at the floor. Jet shook her by the shoulder. "Ginny?"
Virginia snapped out of her reverie. "Oh! Uhh...that was scary." she said lamely.
"Villagers! The harm is past. It was only an earthquake, nothing more. Please stay calm. Contest will be today..."
"Ginny?" Jet repeated. Virginia looked away. To his surprise she stalked off somewhere. He wanted to follow until a large group of people swarmed right in front of him and dashed off any attempt to follow her. Jet cursed and headed towards the graveyard. He wanted to be there to stay alone. Sulking was one thing he was best at, and he planned to do it now. He sat near Werner's tombstone, looking at the floor in thought. Something began to happen though.
He began to see things. A maiden was praying, the green grass and white flowers surrounding her. Jet wanted to get the bottom of this vision. He strode towards her. She was still shrouded in shadow. Jet still couldn't see who the person was. The maiden just sat there, clasping her hands together, head bent down slightly.
"Hey, who are you?" Jet spoke. The maiden didn't react at all. Jet was so close to her his face was right next to hers. She was a dark figure, wrapped in shadow. Nothing can be made from her face or what she wore. She was all black, only her figure shown. Jet grabbed her arm and shook her. "Something wrong?"
The maiden still didn't respond. Jet, wanting to know something, picked her up from her praying position.
The world of green and white began to wither at an amazing rate, and screams were heard. Jet, bewildered, stared at the girl. She wasn't screaming. The wails seemed to come from the planet itself. A blinding flash of light...
Jet sucked in his breath. He looked around his surroundings, instantly alert. He was back in Boot Hill, just next to Werner's grave. People walked by the gravesite, still shaken up from the earthquake. Okay, that was weird.
"Hey, you a singer?" a man's voice asked. It was Neil. "Wait a minute, you're Jet! How are you?"
"Fine," Jet muttered, crossing his arms. For some reason he didn't want to talk to Neil.
"What's with the attitude, I'm just worried about you and your gang," Neil laughed, scratching the back of his neck. Jet smirked. The guy was nervous talking to him, he can tell. "Wow, that was some earthquake!! How's everyone?"
"If you want to know about Virginia, she's fine," Jet said in a slight cold voice. Okay, mystery solved: Jet didn't like guys with close ties to his girl. Neil gave a small sigh of relief.
"Good to hear. Ever since she left trying to accomplish her dream of being a Drifter, I always prayed for her safety. Luckily she found trusty people and she is safe." Neil explained, smiling.
"Whatever." Jet repeated with his cold tone. Neil turned to Jet with a puzzled look.
"Wow, you hate company, don't you? How did Virginia manage to stand you? She likes social people."
"...She's my..."
"Let me guess. Girlfriend?"
"How did you..?"
"Trust me, I know how a guy acts when another guy likes your girlfriend. Well, I'm Virginia's childhood friend, not her love interest, so chill out, okay?"
"Oh."
"Man, I want her to sing, she was pretty good back then...why are you chuckling?"
"Because she isn't a good singer. Her voice sounds like a dying person being continually trampled by a horse."
"Harsh...Oh, well. Catch ya later!"
"Whatever."
Neil ran off towards the wheat fields, asking more questions to ensure the people's health. Jet scoffed. If he cares so much about them, why doesn't he marry them? The idea was soon pushed off. He cares for Ginny. Don't want him marrying her...
"Everything seems to be okay!" Virginia piped up suddenly. Jet flinched. That scared him a bit. He rolled his eyes slightly.
"Okay, good for them, but what the hell happened? What's with the freak earthquake?" Jet asked, determined to get an answer. Virginia tore away from his eyes and looked at the floor.
"I really don't know, Jet." Virginia said blankly. Jet let off an exasparated sigh.
"Come on, I traveled with you for months, I think I know how you respond to things. You lied a few moments ago? What's up with the freak earthquake?"
"Why are you so intent on knowing?!?!"
"Because!" Jet cried. " I don't want any secrecy between us! And I know something's bothering you! I want to help out!"
Virginia's blue orbs were brimming with tears. "I...really don't know."
Jet grew angry. Though he kept his temper in check, he was still very furious at her. He walked away.
"Jet...I'm sorry. It's a really important matter and, well..." Virginia whispered. Jet shut his eyes. A sniffle was heard. Footsteps left him, slowly fading away.
Jet was now by himself again next to Werner's grave. He looked at the grave, and he scoffed at it. "Your daughter's complex, old man..."
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Author's Note: Please review.
Me: Yay, I'm finally on vacation! Oh yeah, anyways, please review. Or send emails to me. I really need to get my butt into gear.
Cloud: You're lazy.
Me: I know...that's why people need to send me review or force me with emails. I need a good kick in the rear.
Sephiroth: Happy to oblige. (kicks rear)
Me: WTF WAS THAT FOR, MORONIC ANGEL!?!?! YOU DIE NOW!!! (kills)
Cloud: Control temper...woo-sa, woo-sa...
Me: (sulks)
Everyone: (sweatdrop)
Songs are in next chapter, send in some suggestions for songs!!