*Alrighty guys, I'm going to make an attempt! An attempt..at something that I'd like to call...CHAPTER 17!!! (Big breath) Here goes!*

"Yeah, you're getting closer, to pushin' me off of life's little ledge,
'Cause I'm a loser, and sooner or later you know I'll be dead...
You're getting closer, you're holdin' the rope and I'm takin' the fall,
'Cause I'm a loser...I'm a loser, yeah..."
-Loser
~3 Doors Down
"Yo, Smurfy! Stop bein' so dang white in the middle of the cafe, would ya?" -Jassu Korbit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~"Botta...Botta..."~
(What..? What do you want?)
~"Come out and play with me, Botta!"~
(..That voice..Rennan?!)
~"Botta!"~

The redheaded Auroch stood on Besaid Beach, looking around. At the sound of the familiar voice, he twisted around. Sure enough, there stood Rennan, who looked the almost 4 years of age he died at. Botta knelt down, smiling at the little bleach blonde boy he had once so proudly called his brother.

~"Hey Rennan."~ He said gently, and yet his voice still seemed to echo throughout Besaid.

Rennan smiled, ~"Botta!"~
~"Yeah, little man, it's me."~

Rennan laughed his childish laugh, then tilted his head to the side.

~"What are you doing now?"~
~"Oh, well. I'm about to go play a Blitzball game."~
~"A bllllliiiitsssball game?"~

Botta nodded, laughing a little. Rennan laughed with him, then smiled.

~"Can I come?"~

Botta paused, before shaking his head, ~"I'm sorry Rennan. You have to stay here."~

Rennan frowned, but nodded, ~"Okay, Botta..I stay."~

Botta smiled, and ruffled the boy's hair, ~"That's my little bro."~

He stood up and turned to walk away, shaking his head.
(If I don't quit having this dream...)

~"Botta."~

Botta froze, almost confused.
(Alright, this hasn't happened before.)

Slowly, he turned around, and took a step back.

~"..Rennan?!"~

In front of him was his little brother, only now, he wasn't so little anymore. The man from Kilika stood almost eye level with his older brother, now dark blonde hair in a stye much like Tidus's. His fierce green eyes were focused on Botta, one thick brown eyebrow raised as he crossed his arms over his muscular chest.

~"Hey Botta,"~ Came the deep voiced response.

Botta stared blankly at his younger brother, who smiled slightly.

~"Surprised, I know."~
~"Wh..what are y-"~
~"I'm here to deliver a message,"~ Rennan interrupted, answering Botta's question before it was asked, ~"I don't have much time.."~

The two stared at eachother for a moment, before Botta nodded.

~"Alright...What is it?"~

Rennan paused, before taking a breath, ~"It's about your friend, Naida."~

Botta raised an eyebrow, ~"What about her?"~
~"I've been keeping an eye on you two."~

Botta winced, ~"...Yeah."~

Rennan smiled slightly, before shaking his head, becoming serious.

~"Botta, I'm here to tell you to keep an eye on her."~
~"..Huh?"~
~"Watch her, make sure nothing happens to her, understand?"~
~"But..what would..how do you..?"~

Botta shook his head, frustrated.

~"What's gonna happen to her? Is she in danger?!"~

Rennan sighed, shaking his head back at him, ~"...Just watch her, alright?"~

Botta paused, before lowering his head in defeat, ~"...Alright, Ren...I'll watch her."~

Silence fell between the two, before their eyes connected again. Crystal blue locked onto emerald green as the dream on Besaid Beach began to fade.

~"Watch her..."~ Rennan's voice whishpered, and all Botta could do was nod.

~"Watch her Botta...Botta...Botta...."~
"....Botta...Botta.."
"H..hnn.."
"Botta? Botta!"
"Hn..hmm?"

Gentle shaking. A soft but sweet voice, and what felt like the warmth of the sun....

Botta's eyes slowly opened to the Besaid Auroch locker room, or what looked like it anyway. His blurred vision began to focus, then blurred again when he rubbed his eyes, rolling onto his back on his cot. The warmth that had previously been on his arm suddenly disappeared, and he looked for the former source. His eyes locked onto the form sitting next to him. Two people, no, three...two.. a mix of honey, light peach..brown..and..tan.
Finally, the two forms in front of him focused into the young Chocobo Breeder.

"..Svanda?"

"Hey,"She said, smiling slightly as she scooted away from him, allowing him to sit up, "Letty asked me to wake you up before I left for the cafe, and so..."

"Ah..ah..okay,"He said, sitting up, "Thanks."

She nodded, standing up, "You must've been dreaming."
"Yeah..pretty heavily, was I talking?"
"Mmm-hmm."

Botta nodded back, before he stopped.

"Umm..what did I talk about..?"

Svanda smiled slightly, turning toward the door, "Well, I know you were talking to someone name Rennan about Naida..but that's about it.."

Botta winced, looking at her, before he ran a hand over his face and stood up.

"Ah..Svanda?"

She laughed, opening the door, "I won't tell Naida, I promise."

Botta smiled slightly, "..Thanks."

She nodded, holding the door for him to catch, then they both walked out.

Minutes later, the two arrived at the cafe. Svanda paused at the door, looking around for her husky Goalie, before she saw his large calloused hand in the air, waving her over to him. She smiled, waving goodbye to the redhead, and walked over to Keepa.
Botta stood for a moment, looking around the cafe for his blue-haired friend.

"'Ey, Red!"

His attention was grabbed by the sound of Letty's voice coming from the bar at the front of the small cafe. Sighting him, the semi-tall Guard strode over and took a seat next to the Center, who was sipping on a cup of hot chocolate.

"Anything I can get you sir?" The waitress said behind the counter.
"Ahh...what he's got looks good,"Botta replied, nodding toward Letty's glass cup.

She nodded and disappeared to the back. Once she was gone, Letty turned to Botta.

"So what's up?"
"Ah..nothin'..." Botta said, slightly confused, "...Svanda said you wanted me here?"

Letty nodded, taking another sip of his drink, "Yeah, I was bored I guess, needed someone to talk to."

Botta raised an eyebrow, before looking around the cafe to spot his other teammates.

"Why....couldn't you have just...talked to one of the guys?"

Letty stopped in mid-sip, looking at his friend, before lowering his cup.

"Because,"He started like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "They're all talking to eachother, and you weren't awake yet."
He paused again, before returning the glass to his lips. Botta stared at him for a moment, then shook his head.

"Man, Letty..I think all that blue hair dye's finally gettin' to yer brain."

The Center was about to reply when the waitress came back with Botta's drink. He payed her, and she walked off to serve another customer. Botta turned back to Letty, sipping his fresh drink.

"So..you ready for today?"

Letty shrugged, "Guess so. We beat 'em the last two times, ya? What's the difference this time?"

Botta laughed, swinging his bandaged leg out next to him for his teammate to see.

"That's what we said about Kilika, remember? And this is what I got for it."

Letty paused, before breathing out, "Ya, ya...I know. Guess I shouldn't count my Chocobos before they hatch, ya?"
"Yeah."

The two returned to drinking their hot chocolate, before he started glancing around the room again.

(Hmmm...) He thought, (Naida...should be in here..)

As if on cue, his eyes locked onto the flash of blonde hair as it showed up in his face. He waited for a minute, before the rest of her head came into view. She was smiling, and Botta could tell by her look that a laugh was threatening to break from her.
The moment the thought entered his head, Botta's ears were filled with Naida's sweet laughter as she mused over something Jassu had said. Datto, who was sitting next to her, chuckled, before taking a drink from his glass.
The redheaded Guard gazed at the trio in the window booth, a small smile spreading across his handsome face as the young Al-Bhed's laughter rang again, this time joined with the Shooter next to her. It took a few moments before he realized that Letty was talking to him.

"...Cold Season's comin' early."

Botta shook his head, jolting back to reality, "Wha, huh?"

The blue-haired man raised an eyebrow, "You didn't hear a word I just said, did you Red?"

The Guard paused, before smiling sheepishly, "Notta thing...but I DID hear something about the Cold Season."
"Yeah, I hear it's comin' up pretty quick. Within' the next few days supposedly."
"Really..?"
"Yeah, it's gonna suck if it hits before the game."
"Someone could get pretty sick if we're not careful."
"Yep, especially Naida, ya?"

Botta froze for a second, before nodding slightly.

"Yeah.."He said softly, once again turning to gaze at the blonde across the room, "..Especially Naida.."
Little did he know that across the room, that same conversation was going on.

"So, what happens in the sphere if the season hits?"
"What do you mean?"

Naida shook her head, "I mean...what happens if the Cold Season just.. comes in the night, without warning. Doesn't it take time to heat the sphere?"

Datto nodded, "Yeah, they'd just postpone the game 'til the sphere was heated."

Naida stared blankly for a moment, before mouthing an "Okay" and taking a sip of her coffee.

"It's gonna really suck to be you if the Season comes before our season ends."

Datto stifled a laugh as Naida fixed her gaze on the dyed blonde in front of her. Jassu only grinned in reply, causing Naida to laugh a little and shake her head.

"Yeah.."She said, looking out the window at the cloudy sky, "It will."
Botta continued to glance back and forth between Letty and Naida, wondering what the younger blonde was talking about that made her smile and laugh and look out the window at the sky the way she was. Letty had to constantly bring him back to Spira, doing everything from waving his arms in the air to things a bit more..drastic.

"Yo..Botta. Yer zoned out again man, come back to Spira..Spira to Botta..Spira to Botta..."

He put his now empty glass in front of his mouth, using it as a miscrophone.

"Chhhh..ahh..this is Luca Mission Control calling Botta Mitchel Trapper..chhh..Botta, come in, do you read me -chh- over."

Botta only continued to gaze at Naida, and Letty tried even harder.

"I repeat-chhh-...Botta Trapper, do you read me..? Chh..Luca...we have a problem."

And then, Letty did the most drastic thing he could think of. Changing his voice to sound like some kind of girly-man, he whirled around in his seat.

"Excuse me, Botta?" He said, grabbing the cushing off of his seat and shoving it down his uniform to make a belly, "You haven't seen my baby yet..."

Botta didn't even glance at him, and he stood up.

"Oh...oh no.. I think...my water just..ah..ah..AHHH!!! Somebody help me I'm having a baby!!! I'M HAVING A BABY!!!"

He slumped over on Botta, clutching his makeshift stomache. Surprised, the redhead finally looked at him.

"..Letty?!"
"Uhh..uh.." Letty began to cough, reaching into his uniform, "I..feel it...It's coming..out..AHHHH!!!"

In one quick move, the crazed Center yanked the dark green cushion out of his uniform, and cradled it in his arms.

"It's...so beautiful..." He said, glancing up at Botta, "I think I'll call him...Ishmoo...."

Botta stared at his friend, eyes wide and mouth dropped.

"Uhh, Letty? Are you alright?"

Letty gazed at the pillow a moment longer before he began to put on a show of sobbing.

"I'm...so...HAPPY!!!"

Botta raised an eyebrow, shaking his head, when suddenly Jassu's voice filled his ears.

"Yo, Smurfy! Stop bein' so dang white in the middle of the cafe, would ya?"

At this, Letty stopped crying and sat up.

"EXCUSE me,"He said, hugging the cushion close to him as he sat down in his chair, "I don't think Ishmoo appreciates what you just said."
"Oh yeah? Well I bet Ishmoo would probably agree with me if I said I think Mommy Smurf's had too much chocolate to drink."
"What?! How DARE you!! I don't have to take this! I'm LEAVING!"

Jassu laughed as Letty stood up, clutching Ishmoo, and strutted out of the cafe, leaving the rest of his slightly embarassed team members behind.

"That...was weird," Datto said finally. Naida nodded in agreement.

A moment later, a security guard walked in carrying the pillow that had been dubbed Ishmoo. Wincing, Botta stood up as the guard shook his head, laughing.

"Uhh, guys? I think we'd better go..."
"Good idea," Keepa said from the other side of the room,"We might wanna make sure he's...sane."

The rest of the group got up, assembling at Jassu's table.

"I need to go back to the lockeroom,"Svanda said,"I'm gonna get things ready for y'alls game in a few hours."
"I'll go with you,"Keepa replied.
"Me too,"Datto added,"What time is it now?"

"Almost 3, our game's in 2 hours." Jassu answered, getting up, "And I think I'm gonna go for a walk. Anyone with me?"
"I think I'll take you up on that offer," Botta said, walking over next to him, "Let's go."

The two started out on their walk, Keepa and Svanda close behind. Datto paused, looking at Naida.

"You comin'?"

She shook her head, "I think I'm gonna find Letty, make sure he doesn't do anything extremely..."
"...Retarded?"
"Yeah."

He laughed, nodding,"That's fine, I'll see ya in a couple hours then."
"See ya."

He turned and left the diner, leaving the blonde to stand alone in the doorway. She looked around the now stirring cafe, although there were still a few customers laughing over Letty's outburst. Glancing around only a moment longer, she turned and walked out of the cafe.

(Now,) She thought, looking around, (Gotta find-)

"Heya Naida!"

She whirled around to see none other than Letty, leaning against the wall of the cafe. Letting out a laugh, she shook her head.

"I can't believe you!"
"Heh...me neither. So what's up?"
"Nothing,"She shrugged,"Just hangin' out 'til the game starts."
"Two hours..yeah..I think that's long enough."

Naida raised her eyebrow, but before she could ask, Letty took off at a dead run toward the bridge.

"...Letty?! Oh, man..."

Shaking her head, the Al Bhed took off after her friend. It took a few minutes to catch up with him, her legs being much shorter than his, but nevertheless, she caught him...right as he stopped at the Registration Center.

"Letty..."She panted, leaning over on her knees, "What...are you..doing?"

Ignoring her, the excited Center rang the small bell on the desk, seemingly unfazed by the long sprint he'd just ran.

"Yes?"

The sweet voice of the woman behind the counter came from a room in the back.

"Just a moment please!"

Letty grinned, leaning against the counter, waiting. Moments later, the voice came closer.

"Can I help y-"

Lacy froze when she saw Letty, almost dropping the large box of files she carried. He flashed her a lop-sided smile.

"You sure can."

Immedietly a blushed flared in her tan cheeks. She tried to look away, but stopped when the box began to slip from her hands again. This time Letty took action, jumping over the decently high counter to assist the woman. He grabbed the box out of her arm, setting it on a desk on the back wall, then turned to her, a smile across his handsome face.

"Hey Lacy."

She blushed even deeper, pushing a few lockes of honey hair out of her hazel eyes.

"Hi Letty."

The two gazed at eachother for a moment, before Letty leaned against the counter.

"You know..we've got a game tonight."
"Yeah.."She said, sounding shy now that the Center was right next to her,"Against the Guados at 5."
"Mmm-hmm, and I was wondering...whatcha doin' afterward?"

A bright smile beamed across the young woman's face, and Naida couldn't help but smile. She turned away from the two, letting them have their privacy as she scanned the area around her for familiar faces. She spotted Jassu and Botta on the bridge, talking, but decided against going over there with them.
She was about to give up and head back to the locker room when a strong voice filled her ears.

"Heya 'cuz, how ya doin'?"

She froze, turning around slowly. When she saw who it was, her lime eyes lit up.

"Ropp!!!!"

She jumped foreward, sliding into his open arms. He hugged her tightly, and for a moment, Naida didn't feel alone in the world. She slid back down to the ground, her boots clanging against the concrete as she shuffled around like a kid in a candy store. Ropp grinned, happy to see her.

"How've you been?"

She paused, taking in a calming breath, "Good, I guess. Things've been a bit hectic, but hey, it's the Tourneys and Cold Season's comin'."

"Yeah,"He nodded,"I heard. You'd better be careful."

She sighed, nodding back, "I will, promise...So. How've you been..?"

He breathed in, shrugging, "As good as I can be, I guess. With Uncle Grippa gone.."

He trailed off sadly. Naida empathized with him, putting a comforting gloved hand on his arm.

"...I'm sorry to hear about that..."
"Thanks."

They stood for a moment, before she noticed something.

"Ropp, your eyes are...."
"Blue, I know,"He answered, shaking his head,"I think it's because the last one in my family to die wasn't..well..immediete family."

Naida paused, then nodded, looking at the ocean blue orbs Ropp now called his eyes. Once again they fell into silence, Naida catching clips of Letty and Lacy's conversation behind her. They were setting up a date, good. It was about time.
A minute later, Naida looked up, about to say something, when someone's voice came from behind Ropp.

"There you are!"

The two Al Bhed orphans turned to see none other than Mifurey Tummons walking toward them.

"Mifurey!" Naida yelped, rushing foreward to greet her friend. The older woman laughed a bit, greeting Naida with a hug. After a moment, Naida stepped back, allowing the older Al Bhed to hug and kiss Ropp.

"Hey Mif,"He said, brushing a locke of her dark chocolate hair from her face, "Been lookin' for me?"
"For a while,"She answered with a smile, taking his hand,"But it's alright now."

Naida smiled at the two, before Mifurey turned to her.

"I see your journey went well,"She said with a warm smile, "I'm glad. Your eyes are beautiful."

Naida shrugged a bit, "Thank you..ha..they're not too different from yours.."

The older Al Bhed laughed a little, her green eyes almost identical to Naida's brightening slightly. The three stood for a moment, before Ropp cleared his throat.

"You guys play in a couple hours, right?"
"About an hour now,"She replied, glancing up at the clock above the Registration Center,"I'm sorry you guys aren't the one's we're playin'."

He laughed,"Don't worry. We lost gracefully to those Luca jerks."

She smiled, laughing with him, "Well, I'd better get goin'."
"See ya, and good luck!"
"Thanks! Bye Mifurey!"
"Bye, good to see you again!"
"You too!"

With that, the short blonde turned and jogged toward the locker room, pausing briefly to tell Letty that they only had an hour before the game started.


She entered the lockeroom to find it straightened up, clean, and almost empty. Datto, Keepa, and Svanda sat on the benches in the middle of the room, talking, but stopped when the Al Bhed entered the room. After a second, Svanda grinned.

"Hey Naida!"

Naida raised an eyebrow, and laughed, "Uhh...you guys alright?"
"Fine!"Keepa said,"Just talkin' about the game!"
"And you and Botta!"Datto added with a grin.

Keepa elbowed the Shooter as Naida's mouth dropped slightly.

"Say what? Whaddya mean yer talkin' about me and Botta? What about us?"
"Nothing!"Svanda laughed, "Nothing at all!"
"Just the fact that you take good care of him!" Datto grinned.
"What?" She raised her other eyebrow.
"Reeemeeeemmmberrr? His glooooovvvvessss?"

At this, a blush started to creep across her face. Datto chuckled, and Keepa stifled a laugh. Svanda jumped up, walking over to her best friend and looping a comforting arm around her.

"It's alright, Naid! It's our little secret."
"Uh-uh,"She said peeking out from behind her hands as she sat on the floor,"It WAS supposed to be mine and DATTO'S little secret!"

Datto laughed as Naida shot him a death glare.
"Hey, Letty was there too!"
"Yeah, but Letty's kept his mouth shut!"

The young Shooter was about to respond when suddenly the door swung open, and in came Botta and Jassu, dragging a singing Letty behind him.

"Oh, CAN'T you feel, the LOVE toniiiiiiight!!!?"
"Yevon!"Keepa said, covering his ears,"Make it stop, make it stop!!!"
"What?" Letty stopped, looking at him,"You don't like that song? Alright, I'll try another one!"

He took a deep breath, and began again, this time sounding like a drunk bum.

"I love you baby, I love the way thatcha walk-I love ya baby, I love the way thatcha TALK-I really like it...when ya CALL my NAME...Hey Letty-Wetty!"

Botta raised his eyebrow, "Letty...wetty?"
Jassu rolled his eyes, "Man, he is just plain WHITE today."

"Oh, I like yer sister, I like yer Aunt LOUSE I like yer doggie..I even like it's FLEAS- I really like it, when ya tickle me-heehehehehe....STOP IT!"

With that he broke into laughter, sitting down on the bench against the left wall, then continued.

"SOMEBODY, left a CAKE, out in the raiiiiiinnnn, Oh NO!"
Naida winced, "Yevon I would hate to see him drunk."
"I was gonna eat that cake! But now it's all wet an' soggy and I don't think I want any!!!"

Svanda nodded, eyes wide, "Me neither."

The blue-haired Auroch finished his strange cake-eating song with a note that made everyone cover their ears, then took a deep breath and sat up happily, pulling a leg up close and re-tying his sandals.

"So guys, how's it goin'?"
"Letty,"Botta said slowly, "...Do us all a favor...and when they do karioke at the cafe tomorrow night...DON'T. SING."

The Center laughed a little and continued to tie his sandals. The rest of the group laughed as they settled down into getting prepared. Sandals were tied and re-tied, gloves were strapped on, boots were checked, and so on. When the hour wait was finally up, the lockerroom that had earlier been in pain from Letty's singing, was now thrown into an awkward silence. Jassu stood up in front of the group as they gathered to the door, everyone quiet, even Letty.

"Alright guys.."He said calmly, "We've beat these guys before, but we still needta be careful, ya? Especially you, Botta, yer knee bein' wrapped up an' all."

Botta nodded his response, as Jassu opened the door.

"Let's get 'em!!!"

The group let our a few cheers as they ran toward the sphere, leaving Svanda alone in the room to watch the game.

It started, slow at first, but after the first goal was scored by the Guados, the Aurochs buckled down. Every member played hard, striving to make the captain they knew was watching somewhere far away proud. Not too much later, the Besaid Aurochs emerged from the Luca Blitzball Sphere, victorious over the Guado Glories 5 to 3.

They entered the lockeroom cheering, all except for Botta, who slumped against the wall, clutching his still healing knee. Svanda rushed to re-wrap it, and Naida grabbed some ice to put on it.

"You alright, Red?" Letty asked, kneeling down next to his friend. Botta nodded.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just..needta get it iced."

Letty was about to respond, when the door opened and a tall man entered.

"'ey,"He said, obviously Al Bhed,"Is Naida in here?"

Botta twisted around immedietly, glaring up at the stranger. He opened his mouth to say something, when Naida came out of the first aid closet with a pack of ice. She spotted the man, and grinned.

"Hey Ropp!"
"Hey, woman! Congrats on the game, good job!"
"Thanks!"

She walked over to him, giving him a hug. Botta raised his eyebrow, but said nothing as the short blonde turned and knelt down next to him, putting the icepack on his knee. She looked at him, her green connecting with his blue for a moment, and immedietly she sensed his uneasiness of Ropp. She smirked, standing up and turning to her fellow Al Bhed.

"Whatcha doin' here? Where's Mifurey?"
"Oh, she's at the diner, we're fixin' to go for a walk, and I just wanted to come by and say congrats. She wanted to come too, but she's arguin' with the waitress over somethin' about the Agency."
"Really? What is it?"
"I'm not sure, but it's got somethin' to do with Thunder Plains, because she told me not to worry about it."
"Ahh..alright, I'll see ya later, thanks for droppin' by!"
"No problem! See ya!"

After another brief hug, the large Al Bhed man turned and walked out of the Auroch locker room. Naida turned back to a slightly busy room, and strode over to pick her cot up out of the corner.

"So,"Jassu said, rolling his cot out, "Who's that?"
"That's Ropp Hayes,"She answered, not looking at him, "He plays for the Ronsos."
"Hm, Al Bhed?" Letty asked, picking his cot up.
"Yeah, he's Al Bhed."
"Thought so,"Keepa added, "He's got those eyes..."
"Is that the guy Basik was talkin' about that night?" Datto asked from his already made cot on the benches.
"Yep, that's him. He just got back from his journey."

She finished rolling out her cot, and looked up at the clock. 9:30. Man, time flies. Naida shook her head, looking around the room. Most of the group was beginning to settle down for the night, including Letty. Jassu had gone into the bathroom for a shower, and Datto was already curled up on his cot, dozing. She smiled, looking from him to Keepa and Svanda, who were talking. After a second, Keepa looked at her.

"Hey, we're gonna go to the cafe for a little while, you wanna come?"

She paused, thinking about it, before nodding.

"I'll be there in a little bit. I'm gonna finish straightenin' up here if it's okay."
"Yeah, that's fine. Be careful."
"I will."

The couple walked out the door toward their destination, leaving the dozing Datto, the half-asleep Letty, Botta, and Naida.
The blonde Al Bhed glanced around the room again, striding over to Datto and pulling the covers over her young friend. She smiled as she heard Letty breathing steadily, a snort coming from the blue-haired Auroch every now and then. From the shower, she heard Jassu's loud but beautiful tenor singing voice, singing some song about peanut butter and jelly. She laughed, and turned to look at Botta, who was watching her with strange contentment.

"...You okay?" She said softly after a few seconds. He shrugged.
"Been better, but this ain't nothin'."
She nodded,"I'm..gonna go to the cafe...wanna come?"

He paused, before turning his head and looking at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Nah, I'm sure Ropp'll keep ya company."

She raised an eyebrow, before shaking her head.

"Nothing like that, Botta. He's a good friend of mine."
"Yeah I'm sure he is."
"Botta!"
"Naida!"

She would have smiled, had the look on his face not been so serious. Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms.

"You know, you REALLY tick me off!"
"Oh, I tick YOU off?"
"Yes, you do! You're always one way one second, and then you just..."
"I just what? Just what, Naida?!"
"You just CHANGE!"

The two became silent, staring at eachother for a minute, before looking away angrily. Naida drew in a shakey breath.

"..You change, Botta. You go from this..nice, wonderful guy..to some pig-headed jerk that makes me think he's gonna kill me! Until he k-" She stopped her rising voice, lowering it to a whisper,"Until you kiss me, and then walk away."

The only response was his crystal eyes glancing at her. She sighed, shaking her head.

"I'm gonna go. You can just..stay here."

She gave him one last look, before walking out the door. Botta sat in silence on the floor next to the door. He was about to lay down, when a small voice came from the bench.

"Man...how many times are you gonna blow it with her?"
"Shut up Datto."
"Okay."

As Naida walked to the cafe, she noticed two things, the first being it was going to rain, and the second was that most of the street lamps were either off or flickering. She hurried to the cafe, feeling like some part of an eerie horror movie where the girl gets dragged away and killed.
When she finally reached her destination, she felt safe in the small but warm walls of the cafe. She spotted her two friends immedietly, both of them sitting at the bar, and walked over to them, taking a seat next to Svanda.

"Heya, Naid!" The Chocobo Breeder smiled at her, "Want some hot chocolate? It's really good!"
"...Sure, why not."

Svanda signaled for the bartender, and placed the order. Moments later, she appeared with Naida's hot chocolate.

"On the house tonight,"She said with a smile,"Since you guys won, and it's the night before the finals."

She walked off, and Naida took a sip of her drink. Sav was right, it was really good. She breathed in the smell of it, before looking at Keepa, who was eating some kind of Lucan soup.

"Hey Keep,"She started, placing both hands on her cup and pulling its warmth to her, "If tonight is the night before the final game, then how come the guys aren't out here with us?"

Keepa took another spoonful of soup, before looking at her.

"Well, every year before this, we've never gotten this far. To the final game I mean. We usually got paired up against Luca the second round or something, and we'd go out and celebrate gettin' that far before the final game. This year...well, I guess it's a little different, so maybe they just want some rest."

She nodded approval of the answer, taking another sip out of the steaming glass cup.

"So,"Svanda asked, looking in between her two friends,"Are you guys ready for the game?"
"Sure am, so long as you're there to cheer me on."

Svanda smiled, and they continued to talk.
Naida stared into her glass, watching the whip cream on top of the liquid swirld as she blew on it, causing the steam to rise. She followed it, until it disappeared into the dim light of the cafe. Her gaze slipped to the glass window in the ceiling, on the far end of the cafe. She saw the clouds gathering through it, and knew that rain was coming.

(Cold Season..)She thought,(And the game's tomorrow...So many things. Uncle Matt's coming, our last game, just...everything...)

She sighed, taking another sip out of her glass. She didn't even notice that Svanda was talking to her.

"....And maybe you and Botta could go together!...Naida? Hey, Spira to Naida!"

She shook her head, "Wha?"

Svanda sighed, shaking her head, "We were talking about the Blitz Banquet. It's especially for the team that wins, and anyone who ever played on that team! If you guys win tomorrow night, you and Botta could go together!"

Naida paused, raising an eyebrow, "...They have a Blitz Banquet?"
"Yep,"Keepa said with a nod,"Every year after the final season's over. We've never gone, 'cause the Goers usually win, and you know how well we get along with them."

He rolled his eyes as Svanda laughed, but Naida was spaced out again.

(Me and Botta...together..at a banquet..that'd mean we'd have to dance..which means we'd have to be close..and-)

"Naida!"

The Al Bhed was shaked from her thoughts again by her best friend. This time concern was on the younger woman's face.

"Naid..you feelin' alright?"
"Oh..yeah, I'm just tired I guess."
"You wanna go back to the room?"
"Ahh..."She shook her head, standing up, "No, you guys can stay. I'll go on."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm good."

"You be careful,"Keepa added, taking a sip out of the bowl, "Letty should be gettin' up soon to go meet Lacy, so if you need anything, he should be nearby."
"Alright, nite guys."
"Nite Naida"
"Nite Naid."

She walked out of the cafe, wrapping her arms around her to keep out some of the cold. The wind began to pick up as she walked, blowing lockes of her blonde hair into her green eyes. Brushing them away, she continued to walk across the bridge in the dim street light.

(Man it's creep out here...) She thought, shivering, (I hope Letty reschedules his date...)

She reached the bridge after a few minutes, and paused, staring down the seemingly endless concrete stretch. It was dimly lit, and the light from the hidden moon only made it worse.

(Good cow..I might as well hang a neon sign on my back that says "Kidnap Me"...)

Taking a deep breath, she held her arms tighter and began to walk across. She was almost halfway, when the Registration Center came into view. She barely saw Lacy behind the counter, talking on the phone.

(Probably to Letty..if he woke up.)She thought with a smile, then, looking around, (Well...I guess this isn't so ba-)

Before she could finish her thought, Naida Dark was yanked behind a stack of crates.
"Yeah, Lace..I'm real sorry...no no no.. I should've known not to schedule it on a night like this....I know I know..hey, if we win tomorrow, you wanna be my date to the banquet?...Alright then, it's settled! Yeah, you have a good night....biya cutie."

Letty Smithson hung up the phone, a tired grin across his handsome face.

"Man, Botta,"He said, sliding down the wall onto his cot,"I've got a date with the finest girl in Luca."

The redhead smiled slightly, shaking his head, "Sure, Letty. That's only if we win this next match."
"Ahh...don't remind me."

Botta laughed as his blue-haired friend lay back down on his cot.

"Thanks for wakin' me up anyway..that woulda sucked."
"Yeah, it would've, no problem."

They sat in silence for a minute, before Letty rolled over onto his side, looking at him.

"So..what about you?"
"..What about me?"
"...If we win. You gonna take Naida to the banquet?"

Botta only looked at him, and he shook his head.

"You two really need to just make up. She tries so hard to make you happy, but when you get stubborn, so does she.. Sometimes I just don't get it, ya?"

He nodded in response, and Letty smiled.

"Say, she's in the cafe now, ya? Maybe you should go talk to her."

Botta shook his head, "I don't know, Letty...."
"Why not?"
"Well.."He looked down,"I don't think...she'd want to talk to me."
Letty raised an eyebrow, "Alright, Trapper. That's it. Up you get and off you go to talk to that blonde, before I get up and re-dislocate that knee of yers, got it?"

The Guard looked at him, almost shocked. He opened his mouth to respond, but decided against it, knowing it was useless. He WAS on the weaker end, after all.
Taking a deep breath, he gritted his teeth and got up, relieved a bit to find his knee wasn't hurting as bad as it had been.

(Pack of ice helped...)He thought, slowing picking up his pace toward the door,(If we didn't have that game tomorrow, then it'd have more time to heal, then I'd REALLY be able to kick some Lucan butt.)

Stretching his leg out, he walked out the door, and almost walked right back in.

(YEVON it's COLD!)

Shaking his head, he wrapped his arms around his muscular body and began the walk toward the Luca Cafe.
"Hmm...what's a pretty face like yours doin' out this time a' night? Especially in this weather..oh, shame shame..it'd be awful if you just...caught a cold."

Naida glared up through the darkness into the dark, menacing eyes of the Luca Goer Captain, Bickson.

"Why don't you step off, creep." She said, pushing him back. He grabbed her arm.
"Oh, but why? Just having a little fun."
"Fun? I'll tell you what'd be fun. Go jump off a bridge."

She pushed him back again, this time with a bit more force. His eyes narrowed, and he grabbed her shoulders, slamming her into the concrete wall of the bridge's edge.

"You think it'd be fun to jump off a bridge?" He said, voice rising slightly, "Why don't we test it?!"

Naida's eyes widened, and she was about to scream, when she felt his strong grip tighten even more as he flipped her around to face him.

"But then again...I could think of something that'd be way more fun..."

Her jaw dropped slightly as she saw sick desire flicker through his eyes.

"Touch me,"She whispered tersely,"And I swear to Yevon I'll kill you."
"Oh?"He said, leaning closer,"I don't think so, Blondie..for one..I'm bigger than you..for two..we're all alone..and no one can hear you scream..."

In one quick move, he pressed a harsh kiss against her lips, then drew back, eyes glittering with unmistakable lust.

"I've wanted to do this for so long," He said roughly as he slipped a hand over her mouth and pressed her even harder against the concrete wall, "But then you got rid of your goggles..so I guess I'm gonna haveta do it the hard way..."

His other hand began to travel to her chest, but before he could get there, Naida pulled back one gloved fist and let it fly, hitting the Goer square in the jaw, knocking him back.

"HELP ME!!!"
The red-haired Auroch slowly made his way up the stairs out of the lockerroom hallway, then down toward the Registration Center. The lights were out in the small building, signalling Lacy Thompson was asleep. Botta glanced at it, before continuing down the steps. Once at the bottom, he noticed it wasn't as cold, standing next to the building, so he decided to wait there for a minute.

(In case I see her walking back...)

He waited a minute, before he heard footsteps coming from the walkway around the stadium. He looked to see Ropp and a woman walking toward him, hand in hand and close together. Ropp's arm was around the woman, shielding her from the cold.

(So he's got a girlfriend..)Botta thought, smiling slightly,(That's a relief...)

Shocked by that thought, he shook his head, walking toward the two.

"Hey Ropp."

The blue-eyed Al Bhed looked up at him, "Oh, hey Botta! What's up?"
"Oh...nothin' really..just headin' for the cafe."
"Can't sleep."

He paused, before shaking his head, "...Yeah, that's it. I figure I'll go talk to Keepa and Svanda for a bit, might help."
"Is Naida in the lockeroom?"The woman asked, Botta looked at her.
"Ah..no.. actually, she's at the cafe too."
"Oh.." She nodded, then looked at Ropp, "Wanna go there? I want to talk to her."
He smiled, "Sure."Then, to Botta, "Oh, sorry man, this is Mifurey."

Botta smiled, shaking her hand, "Nice to meet ya."
"You too,"She smiled, "I've heard good things."
"...You have?"
"Sure! Everyone says your one of the best Guards in Spira."

Botta scratched the back of his neck, "Ahhh...I don't know about that..."
She smiled, "That's alright, I guess I'll really find out tomorrow, eh?"
"Yeah.."

Ropp laughed a little, tightening his grip around Mifurey.

"So, we gonna head on, or what?"
"Well,"Botta said, smiling slightly, "Let's g-"

He was interrupted by an earpiercing shriek coming from the bridge.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!!!!!!!!!"

The small group of three froze, staring toward the direction of the voice.

"Was that..?"Mifurey started, but was answered by another scream.
"RAMB SA!!"

"Al Bhed."Ropp deadpanned, "It's Naida."

Before another word was said, Botta took off at a full run toward the bridge. Someone was hurting Naida, and he was going to find out who, and when he did, they were going to suffer.
"Shut UP!"

Another swing sent Naida Dark rolling across the small space behind the crates. She was bleeding, he had busted her lip. Her jaw was swollen too, she could feel it. It hurt so bad, but she wouldn't give up, she couldn't.

"Cusaputo, RAMB SA!!!!"

In her panick, the blonde had slipped back into her native tongue, but there wasn't much she could do about it. Bickson approached her again, grabbing her by a handful of hair.

"Now, you had BETTER shut up, or I'll-"
"eeeeaaaahhh!!!!"

With a yell, Naida twisted around on the ground, swinging one strong leg around. It connected with the back of Bickson's knees, sending him sprawling next to her. He let go of her for a moment, and she began to crawl away. He jumped back up after a few seconds, and stood over her.

"Oh, yer not goin' anywhere."

He grabbed her by her left leg, dragging her back toward him. She scream, clawing at the concrete floor to try and stop from being pulled back, but with no avail. At one point, he yanked hard, ripping one of her chaps off along with her boot. She screamed again, jumping up. He grabbed her left arm, and she twisted around, swinging. This time, she busted his lip. He yelled.

"Yer gonna pay for that."

Pulling back, he swung, and hit her in the stomache, hard.
Bleeding, beaten, and now half concious. Naida staggered back, clutching her stomache, gasping for air as she hit the ground. Bickson towered over her, a bloody sneer smeared across his dark face.

"Now.."He said roughly, wiping some of the blood away from his lips, "On with the show..."

He laughed, walking toward her. She looked up at him, feeling her green eyes begin watering from pain, anger, and fear. She curled up against the crates, holding her stomache with one hand and her throbbing head with the other. She was fading fast...fading.

Suddenly, Bickson's sick laughter was cut off by the sound of crates breaking. Naida tilted her head back to see what was happening, or try to anyway. Her hearing was dim, and everything was getting darker by the second. Through the dim street light, she could make out one large man in yellow, knocking a path through the crates, another man came right behind him, tackling Bickson, and then, a blur of red and yellow. The red blur froze, staring at Naida as she felt her body begin to go numb, before he turned and helped the other man pin Bickson down, and begin hitting him.
Naida breathed out slowly, slumping back. She began to slide over to the ground, when she felt strong hands around her.

"Naida...Oh..Naida.." The sweet voice was marred with fear.
"We need to get her to the hospital," Another voice, female.

Naida looked up at the blur of two women, one with dark hair and bright green eyes, and the other with honey hair and what looked like brown eyes...

"H..elp..me.." She said hoarsley, slumping back onto Svanda's lap. Her eyesight was gone, and she could barely hear the next voice.

"Dear Yevon..what did he do to her.."

Naida breathed in sharply as she felt even stronger arms lock around her small body, pulling her up out of the two women's care.

"Naida.."The deep voice continued, "Naida hang on, we'll get help, just hang on...hang on...hang on..."

And then it became very, very dark.
"Is she moving?"
"I think so."
"Naid? Naida?"
"Just calm down, it might hurt her if you talk too loud."
"Oh...sorry..."

"Hmm...nnn..."
"Oh! She's waking up!"

Naida's eyes flickered open slowly, green orbs dull as they met the morning's first light. She groaned again, turning her head and feeling the stiffness pry in her neck. What had happened? Everything was so hazy..

"Naida..sweetie..how do you feel?"

She turned her attention to Mifurey, who was sitting on her left.

"..Wh..what happened?" She said slowly, as if testing her own voice. Mifurey shook her head.
"..Bickson attacked you."
"What..?"

"It's okay,"Svanda said from her right,"Ropp and Botta beat him into submission. He'll be lucky if he can play the last game."
"The last game.."Naida echoed, staring at the ceiling, "...That's tonight..I don't know..can I..?"
"The game's tomorrow night,"Mifurey comforted her, "The Cold Season came last night...they're gonna need time to heat up the Sphere..."

Naida looked at her, before breathing a sigh of relief. She nodded, settling back on the pillow. After a few minutes of silence, Svanda spoke.

"..Naida..what.. happened..last night..exactly?"

She looked at her young friend, shaking her head.

"I..I'm not sure. All I can remember is.. leaving the cafe, and going across the bridge. Then Bickson came out, and dragged me behind a bunch of crates, and said he'd been wanting to do something for a long time..but then I got rid of my..goggles.."

She slowed down, and her gaze shifted to Mifurey, who put a hand over her mouth.

"..He..attacked me..and..then..you guys..you..saved me..."She paused, feeling the tears well in her eyes, "I could've...he could've.."

She covered her face with both of her hands as tears began to roll down her face. She coughed a little, and began to relax a bit when she felt a comforting hand from Svanda on her arm, and Mifurey brushing back some of her hair.

"Shh.."The older Al Bhed said gently, "It's alright now...everything's fine..Botta got you here..and everything's alright."
"Botta.."Naida coughed out, "And Ropp, and Keepa...where are they?"
"Outside,"Svanda answered,"Well, Botta and the guys are."
"Ropp went to go see about Bickson,"Mifurey added,"He's in jail right now, but we don't know what's goin' on."
"Alright..that's fine.." She sighed.

Meanwhile, outside the door....

"Botta, would you just CALM DOWN?"

Botta Trapper paced outside the Lucan Hospital room. The small place behind the cafe was not only making him claustrophobic, but it also made him want to get Naida out of there faster.

"I can't help it, Letty..." He said, pausing for a second to throw his friend a concerned glance, "It's just..I haven't seen her since we brought her in, and.."
"And you just wanna make sure she's okay,"Jassu finished,"Yeah, we know. Hey, we all want to see her, ya? But pacin' around like a crazy Chocobo just ain't gonna help."

Finally, Botta stopped, looking at his blonde friend,"Yeah..I guess yer right."

With that, he slumped down on the floor across from Jassu, running a hand over his face.

"Wish Ropp would hurry up.."He muttered.

As if on cue, the turquoise-bandana clad Al Bhed came clanking down the hallway, the metal-tipped strings from his chaps plinking against the marble floor to create some sort of musical scene for him. As soon as he came into view, Botta jumped up, rushing to meet him. He would have yelled at him for taking so long, but the 6'0" Al Bhed looked as mad as a Lamashtu after bein' woke up during hibernation season.

"What's wrong?" He asked, stopping in the middle of the hallway as he approached.

"Bickson, that's what's wrong,"Ropp said, stopping in front of him. He glanced over Botta's shoulder at the guys, before looking back down at the redhead, "Jailer said they're lettin' him play the last one."
"WHAT?!!"
"Yeah, I know, it's stupid,"He said, breathing in a frustrated breath,"But they said the man's record's clean, and since this is only a first offense, and he didn't..get what he wanted..They're puttin' him on probation. Meaning, he'll be able to play at least half the game."
"How'll they play then? They won't have enough players."
"Someone's sayin' they're gettin' another player, some chick that's been hidin' in Guadosalam."
"Eh."

The two turned to the rest of the group, and Ropp stepped foreward. He was about to go into explaining the situation, when the door to Naida's room cracked open, and Svanda walked out, closing it behind her.

"She's awake..."She said softly. Keepa stood up.
"Is she alright?"

Svanda nodded,"She'll be fine. She's just a bit weak. Mifurey said that she should have all of her strength back by tonight, but it'll take a couple of weeks for the busted lip and jaw to heal up, and she has a couple of bruised ribs, but nothing more. She'll be able to play just fine tomorrow night."

"Can we see her?" Botta asked, stepping foreward.
"Only one at a time, Mifurey said,"Svand shook her head,"And if you talk, keep your voice low, that blow to her head did something to her hearing. She said it'll be okay after a while, but for now it'd be good to keep your voice down around her, okay?"

He nodded, walking to the door, and leaving the rest of the group behind him. As soon as he entered the room, he felt Mifurey's eyes on him.

"She's awake,"She said softly,"But she keeps drifting in and out of sleep, so keep it quiet."

Botta nodded, and Mifurey sighed.

"Is Ropp back yet?"
"Yeah, just walked in. The news it pretty harsh."
"Thanks, I'll go check it out. Stay with her for a minute, will ya?"
"Sure."

Mifurey got up and walked past him, carefully sliding out the door. Once she was gone, Botta turned to Naida's bed. She was awake all right, only instead of lying down like she had been when he walked in, she was sitting up, leaning against the backboard of the bed for support, her lime eyes studying him carefully. Botta jumped slightly at the sudden change, but then walked over and sat down next to her.

"...You okay?"
"..Yeah,"She said softly, folding her bare hands on her lap over the light blue sheets of the bed.

Botta looked at her, crystal eyes examining her damaged face. Her lip was swollen, but no teeth were chipped. Luckily, the blow that had been aimed for her eye had hit her jaw, which was now only slightly swollen. Maybe Mifurey's estimate of time was wrong. It looked like those bruises would heal up in a few days.

"...You..don't look..as bad, as you did." Botta said, shifting in his chair nervously. Naida smiled slightly, glancing at him.
"Thanks."

For a split second, Botta could've sword he saw happiness flash in her eyes. He smiled back, clasping his hands together.

"So..the Cold Season's here."
"Yeah, they told me. The game's tomorrow night."
"Yep."

Naida paused, before looking at him, "Is...Bickson..?"
Botta winced slightly, taking a breath, "He...he's on probation. Ropp said..that he'd be able to play at least half the game."

Naida frowned, causing Botta's heart to fall a little. After a moment, she looked back up at him.

"But I thought..they had a set number of players...? If he can only play half the game.."
"They're gettin' a new player, it's a girl from Guadosalam, Ropp said she's already on her way here."
"Wow..."Naida whispered, looking down,"It's...like they all planned this.."

They fell into silence again, and this time, Botta was about to say something, only he was interrupted by the door opening.

"Botta,"Came Svanda's voice,"Time's up, c'mon now."
"Yeah, lover boy!"Jassu called behind her,"Stop smoochin' the woman and give us a chance to talk to her!!"

Laughter came after that, and Botta fought the redness creeping up his face. He looked at Naida, who was blushing a little and fighting off a smile. She looked at him, blonde hair swinging in her face. The light from the window hit her peach skin just right, giving her an almost angelic glow.

(Yevon, she's beautiful..) Botta thought, returning her smile. He shook his head after a moment, standing up.

"Well.."He said, standing up,"I'm...gonna go."
"Bye.." She said, watching him walk to the door, then, "Oh, and Botta?"

He turned to her, eyebrow raised, "Hm?"
"...Thanks."

He smiled, nodding, "No problem,"He turned to leave, but then turned back to her, "...I'm glad you're all right."

A beautiful smile broke across her face as he smiled and walked out. He was met by an array of "oooOOOOOooo"'s.

"Hey hot lips,"Keepa said with a grin,"How's she doin'?"
"Hot lips?"Botta replied, raising an eyebrow,"Excuse me, I think YOU'RE the one who woke up with lipstick on."

Keepa smirked in response, and turned to see Svanda's confused look. He shook his head.

"Don't ask, don't ask."
"Who's going in next?" Mifurey asked from her place against the wall with Ropp.
"I will,"Datto said, walking for the door. Before he went in, he turned to Botta, "Don't worry, I won't steal her."

Botta rolled his eyes, and turned to walk out.

"Hey Red,"Jassu said behind him, "Where ya goin'?"
"Cafe,"He answered, not looking back,"I need coffee."

An hour later, Botta still sat at the bar in the cafe, sipping on his coffee, and watching the rain slide down the window in the ceiling. He was slightly content, but something inside still bothered him.

(...My dream...is this what Rennan meant? Is this what he wanted me to watch out for..?)

"Sure did a lousy job of it.." He muttered.
"What's that?"

He looked up to see Ropp taking a seat next to him.

"Oh," He replied, looking back down into his mug,"Just...thinking out loud."
"Ahh..that's fine. I do it all the time. One cup a' coffee please miss, straight black."

Botta glaced up as Ropp received his cup of coffee and paid the bartender. He took a sip of it, then looked at him.

"You okay?"
"Yeah,"He nodded,"..How's she doin'?"
"More talkative, after you visited her,"He smiled, taking another sip from the mug,"I think you helped."
"Really?"A smile threatened to play across the handsome redhead's face,"You think so?"
"Yeah, she's feelin' better, and her hearin's good now too. Jassu knocked over the metal tray next to her bed, and she just laughed."

At that, Botta did smile. He was glad she was doing so much better, and in such a small period of time too.

"She wants to play tomorrow night,"Ropp said, taking yet another sip,"Says she wants to make it to where Bickson HATES Blitzball."

Botta laughed, taking a sip of his coffee as well,"Well, at least her spirit's back."
"Don't think it ever left, really." Ropp smiled slightly, "The girl's a fighter."
"Yeah..."Botta looked down into his mug,"She is."

They sat in silence for a minute, before Ropp looked at him.

"So..you two..together?"
Botta looked at him, eyebrows raised, "Who? Me and Naida?"
"No, you and Letty. YES you and Naida!"
"Oh..ahh.."He looked back down,"Well...no."
"No? That's strange, y'all act like it."
"...You think so?"
"Yeah. You fight like a couple, then you make up like a couple, nothin' much to it, really."

Botta paused, before nodding a bit, then drinking the last of his coffee. Ropp took another sip of his, and looked up at the glass ceiling window.

"Cold Season..." He said quietly, then, shaking his head, he looked at Botta, "Well man, I got one thing for ya. If you ever... decide to tell her..how ya feel I mean.. you should tell her...in her language."

Botta raised his eyebrow, but let the man finish.

"Now..when you two are all alone, and everything's quiet, you gotta pull her close, and whisper, 'E muja oui.'"
"...E ..moojah we?"
"No no no.."Ropp laughed, "E muja oui."
"E..muja..oui."
"Yeah."

Botta paused, then, "..What does that mean?"
Ropp grinned, "Just trust me, she'll love it."

With that, the tall Al Bhed drank the last of his coffee, and set it down. Flashing a smile for his goodbye, he got up and walked out of the cafe and into the rain, leaving the redheaded Auroch to think things over.

"E..muja oui.." He said slowly, "What the crap..? I hope it doesn't mean anything bad. I know..I've heard it somewhere before, I just can't...ah...man."
"Another cup, sir?"

His thoughts were interrupted by the bartender. He looked at her, and she waited for his reply.

"Oh, sure,"He said, pushing the cup to her, "Still on the house?"
"You know it."
"Thanks."

She refilled his mug, then walked away. He began to drink it, the black liquid calming him in a strange way.

(Guess I'll haveta tell her soon then..)He thought,(Before something else happens..)

He took another sip of coffee, gazing out the window at the rain. Through it, he could barely make out the message on the shielded electric sign that stood above the cafe.

Cold Season...the sign of Winter, and many surprises.

"Yeah," He muttered, downing the last of his drink, "No kidding."
~~~~~~~~Author's Note: *dances* Oh oh oh oh...WHAT NOW??? I got my next chapter done, oh yes I did oh yes I did! *grin* Happy? ME TOO! It took me a bit to get the inspiration for it, but hey, I got it nonetheless! So go on, tell me what ya think!

And of course, the Thankios! (Doesn't that make you hungry for Spaghettios? I'm about to starve. ^_^)

Tio- WOMAN!! I'm so happy you updated yer story!! Wonderful wonderful wonderful stuff!!! Sad to know it's almost at an end *tear*, but hey, you've always got Tupelo!! ^_^ *grin*

Carter- I am constantly checking your places, but with no avail! *Dramatic* *lol* I haven't checked in a few days, though. So I might wanna do that. *Grin* I'm looking foreward to any updates on Jaws of Love, I absolutely LOVE that story!!! Keep it up!

Nikki- I know you're out there! *smile* Thank you for reading, even if you don't review! I'm still waiting for an update on Where Broken Dreams Go, I'll be patient, but it's such a great story, and I just want to see another chapter! ^_^

DA, Daemon, and Soldier of Mercy- I know y'all are out there too! I know you guys are probably just really busy, and that's cool, but you'll always have a place on my Fav. Authors list! (Except for you, Daemon, you don't have any stories! *laugh*)

Echo!- I wish I could talk to you more! I talk to Drea all the time, but you're never on for me to talk to! You write wonderfully, although I've only read a few of your things. I hope yer doin' good, whereever ya are!

Drea- Alright now, missy, I updated mine, you UPDATE YERS!! *grin* haha, j/k you take yer time, woman, I know how it is! I love yer Ninja Turtles story, tearjerker!! *wipes a tear away* I'm so glad you wrote it! You keep writing! I can't wait for an update on Forever Silent, I absolutely LOVE that story!!

Okay now...*looks around* I feel like I've..forgotten something..*wince* If I've forgotten anyone, I'm SO sorry! You can kill me in the reviews!! I've gosta R-U-N-N-O-F-T!! I'll see y'all later, take care, and be safe! I hope none of you ever get run over by the Pope!
-Keeping it "Real"
~Ari

P.S. Alright, I just looked over the chapter, and I noticed I might need to explain something!! *grin* Umm...Letty's little outburst in the cafe..ahh..I was really, REALLY hyper..*laughs* I'm so sorry you guys had to witness that!
Also, the two songs he was singing in the lockerroom, the first one was from the Lion King (haha), and the second one was called
"I Love You Baby," By this guy named Brak. He's from Space Ghost, and he's freakin' hilarious. *laughs* and THAT'S my explanation on somethin I like to call "Papa Smurf Gone Crazy"!!! Thank you and Good Night!