Forever Means Always
(Part 3- Pain of Body and Soul)
By Alria
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the FF 9 characters or setting in this story.
Author's Note: I'm sooooo happy! You guys reviewed! YeahI know there's only fivebut it's a start, right? And pleaseDON'T STOP NOW! I know you're all probably thinking, Holy! Does this girl spend all her time at the computer writing?" I know. I have no life. But that's ok, and long as you peeps read this! Thanx a million! Now, onto the story!
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The first thing Zidane noticed after waking up was that he couldn't move. There was so much rubble piled around and on top of him that he was completely trapped. Everything was hazy and dullwhy was he here? What had happened? Why did he hurt so much?
Once his mind began to clear, he slowly began to remember what had happened. The ship plummeting towards the groundthe pain in his broken armthe jeering red eyes of the strange beast. Zidane closed his eyes tight. That was that thing? Why had it attacked the airship in the first place?
Now that Zidane was more aware of what was going on, he began to regain the feeling in his body. The pain in his left arm took his breath away, and he had to clench his jaw to keep from crying out. Every muscle, every bone; seemed to be on fire. He couldn't remember having ever been in such pain before; not even in the Iifa tree's deadly grasp. Was he doomed to die here, alone and suffering?
Suddenly, he remembered his last thought before the great crash. Dagger. Even the smallest memory of her brought a smile to his heart. Closing his eyes, he let his mind wander through the memories of his love. He thought of the time he'd first heard her melodic song on the balcony in Lindblum. The time he had rescued her from the crumbling Alexandrian castle. Their reunion after the fight with Necron. Oh, Dagger. His only wish was to be with her one last timeto hold her close to him and breathe in her sweet scentto she her beautiful face smiling at him. He had told her he would come back. He had told her he would love her forever! He could almost hear her soft voice again. And forever means always, Zidane.'
Tears rolled down the sides of his face in trickles, dampening his hair. Dagger! He had to get back to her. He couldn't die here, not now. Not before he got to hold Dagger again, caress her soft cheek. He couldn't! He couldn't leave Dagger all alone again!
But what could he do? He was too weaktoo hurt to free himself. He was pinned down, and even if his left arm hadn't been broken he wouldn't have been able to lift the rubble. Practically the entire roof had fallen on him! He was helplessthere was no way out. He could only think of one thing to do; and that was to call for help. Maybe someone would hear him? It seemed unlikely though; if anyone was close enough to hear him, though would have probably noticed the wreaked airship long before his cry. But what else could he do?
"Help. Someone. Please," he called, though his voice was so quiet even he could barely hear it. But that didn't stop him. He called again, and again, each time his voice becoming louder. He would not give up, not yet.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Zidane heard a slight gasp and the sound of footsteps running towards him. What? Someone had actually heard him? It hardly seemed possiblebut if it was help, he wasn't complaining. The footsteps stopped very closed to him.
"Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me?" asked the mellow voice of a woman. Zidane's spirits soared. He was going to be rescued! He would get to see Dagger!
"Here, I'm here!" he called. He saw the large piece of rubble over his head slowly rise away from him. Obviously, his rescuer was a magic-user of some sort. The piece of wreckage was placed on he grass near the airship. Zidane squinted as the sun's ray washed over his face. Sunlight! Oh, he had never hoped to see that again!
"Oh my! I never would have expected anyone could survive a crash like that. Well, stay still while I move this trash off of you," came the voice of his rescuer. Zidane didn't argue; it wasn't like he could move anyway. Slowly, he felt all the weight lift off of his body, until finally he was completely free.
"You're arm! It's hurt!" cried the strange woman as she bent down to get a closer look. It was only now that he could get a good look at woman who had saved his life. She had deep, green eyes and flowing blond hair that was tied into a loose braid. She looked to be about his age, and had a friendly look about her. Zidane smiled inwardly. She was certainly beautifulbut Zidane knew that he could never love anyone but Dagger.
Zidane didn't flinch as the young woman carefully used magic to mend his arm. Then, using a piece of rubble, she made a temporary splint.
"That will hold until I can get you another one. Are you hurt anywhere else?" she asked. Zidane sighed. The only dominant ache he had now was his lonely heart.
"No," he said bluntly. For the first time, the young woman smiled.
"That's a relief. What's your name?" she asked.
"Zidane Tribel."
"I'm Liana. Would you like me to help you up?" she asked. Zidane nodded, and Liana held out her hand. Gripping it tightly with his right one, Zidane pulled himself into a sitting position. He winced as the aching of his muscles came back. But he didn't really care. At least he was alive, and able to sit. Liana sighed.
"It's amazing you're still alive. I'm afraid you're the only survivor," she said softly. Zidane felt a tinge of sadness as he remembered the happy little crewman who had assisted him earlier. Rest well, friend, he thought.
"I'm sorry. Did I offend you?" Liana asked. Zidane looked up at her and shook his head.
"No, I-" Zidane stopped in mid-sentence when he saw Liana's eyes. They were indeed greenbut there was something strange about them. Those eyeswhy were they so familiar? Zidane shook his head in frustration. He was being foolish. He had never met Liana before, and the fact she had green eyes didn't mean a thing. Stillit was strange
"You need to rest, you know. Why don't you come back to my house? I'm sure you'll be comfortable there, and it isn't far," she said. Zidane nodded.
"Uhsure. Right. That's a good idea," he answered. Liana stood up and held out her hand.
"Excellent. Here, let me help you up," she offered. Zidane took her hand, and pulled himself upright. His legs felt like jelly, and he could barely stand, but it felt good to stretch his muscles.
"Wonderful! You can stand already! You're making wonderful progress. Now come on, my house is this way," she said, pointing down into a small valley. Zidane smiled.
"UmThank you. For helping me get out of that airship and letting me stay at your house," he said, and began to walk down into the valley.
Liana, Zidane's back to her, grinned slyly.
"Oh no, my handsome knight. The pleasure is all mine," she whispered, her eyes suddenly flashing the same blood red as the monster's
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Getting kinda spooky, huh? Remember, Please review! What's up with Liana? Will Zidane ever get home? Find out, on Chapter 4!