CHAPTER 8
~(Okay, now I'm just going to skip ahead to 3:00am, b/c I don't want it to get too mushy, -Is that better Steve-o? - anyway...umm, on with the story... ALSO: I'm going to use some FF7 chars, and I want you to know that I wont RP them, its just that I thought I should thank Square Soft for a beautiful game. And that I would never try to steal them.)~
3:00 came in a matter of no time. Joel and I were up all night smoking cigarettes, and talking about where we were going. I looked up at the clock.
"Joel...why are we going after this thing?"
He didn't make a sound.
"Why can't we just leave it alone..."
"Zeal, it killed Martin.."
"I know it did...I cant get the picture of him out of my head. I've never ever seen a dead body until now."
"Look, I think you brought up a good point. I guess I'm afraid that this thing is around here, and it'll take someone I love away from me. I mean...Martin was like my brother...my mom, my dad were killed too...and like you said. We are kinda alike in that area."
"So, are you just going to runaway?"
"Basically, for now."
"Where would we go?"
"How about to your hometown."
"Wu-tai?"
"Yeah, I'm sure that I'll like it there. I heard about it."
"..I don't know."
I stood there in the middle of the room. I looked up at Joel, and he had this puppy face look, that I couldn't resist.
"Alright...let's go."
He went into his room and got his clothes and stuff, and I got my stuff, and we told Kel that we'd be away for awhile.
"Are you guys going on a honeymoon?"
Joel and I blushed.
"No, not quite Kel, we are going to my home town...Joel wanted to go, and I thought that we could go from there."
"Ooooh, I got'cha"
He winked.
We walked out of town. And we went south of the town to the Wu-canyon port. We paid for our tickets, and got on the boat. It was a sunny muggy morning. The sun smiled brightly on the plains. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"Did you know that Cloud Strife was my Great-Great-Great grandfather?"
"No."
"Have you ever heard of him?"
"Yes, I have in school actually. I heard that he had feelings for 2 girls at once."
"Well, yeah, I don't remember the other girl, but his Wife: My Great-Great-Great grandmother was Tifa Lockhart."
"Master Godu spoke of her a lot."
"She's well known at all martial art dojo's."
We continued on talking about the Avalanche adventures, and the discussion of Meteor that hit in the middle of the Icicle Area, about the destroyed presidential building of Shin-ra. After about 6 hours, we were finally docked at Wu-tai. The sun hung brightly and warmly in the air. The da-chu statue sparkled from bits and pieces of diamonds hidden in the rock.
"Well..Here we are.."
"Awesome.."
"Na, not really. It's actually a boring town, where everyone does the same thing, they all do martial arts, they hangout there. At the Turtles Paradise...or, there."
I pointed to the tower ahead.
"It was this major thing where you fight the strongest people to see if you are worthy. Master Godu speaks of a girl named Yuffie Karasgi she was the best fighter. But her daughter is in charge of that now. Her name is Andrea Valentine. She is a bit dark, but she can be a pain in the ass.-"
"Where do you live?"
"Oh, ah, heh, over there."
"Well you can show me the town later. Ok?"
"Alright."
I walked over the side of the mountain and through the bushes of red and pink roses.
"There, that's my house."
"Neat."
I took my key chain out and unlocked the door. The room was dim, and muggy.
"Ok, there isn't any tables that attack you as soon as you get in."
He laughed in his throat. I opened up the window shutters, and let the sun pour in.
"Cozy."
"Ok, its not that big, but its home."
"Its cool."
"I even have a radio."
"I have one, I just don't use it a lot, in Cosmo, you really can't get any good stations."
"The only channels we get here, is the instrumental channel. And the hard rock station."
Joel walked around the house curiously.
"Who's the picture of?"
"Umm, its Master Godu and i. when I got permoted to my 8th degree black belt 3 years ago."
"Quite an achievement."
"Yeah..So...do you want to see the town some more?"
"Sure."
We walked out of my house and stood on the bridge.
"well, do you want to meet someone cool?"
"yeah, sure."
He took my hand and we walked out into the middle of the town.
"ZEAL!!"
I looked around confusingly. I turned around when I was tackled over.
"ZEAL!! HI!! see Reiben, I told'ja she'd be back!!"
"Ugh, uh, hi Mia. Que...tal?"
"Nadda ladda....OoOoOoOooo Who's the hottie?"
"Uh, get off of me, and ill tell ya. heh."
Miachi got off and stood upright.
"Mia, this is Joel."
"Hiya Joel"
"Hey."
she stuck her hand out for him to shake it: he shook it firmly, and let go.
"Why arent'chu in Cosmo?"
"Something.."
"Come-on, you can tell me."
"No, not today."
"My dad would be happy to see you. Wont'chu stop by?"
I looked at Joel, and gave him the (do you want to go?) look. He nodded and he took my hand, as Mia walked infront of us. When we got to the Dojo, Godu was teaching a martial arts class, and he looked up at the doors and smiled.
"AIEA!"
his voice boomed inside of the room.
"Relax class..I will be back."
"AIEA!"
they all said in unison.
"Zeal! how are ya?!"
"Just fine master."
I bowed at him.
"At ease. So, who is this strapping young man?"
"Oh, this is Joel McCain."
"Come for a lesson eh? heh heh heh."
he was silent.
"how long has it been since you were in here?"
"2 years sir."
"2 years....."
He looked at Joel then at me.
"Ok, lets fight."
"....si-"
"NO buts! rember your training.."
I sighed.
"Yes master."
"your suit is in the locker. get it on."
"Sir!"
I walked into the locker room.
(~Ok, now its going to switch to Joel and Godu.~)
"So, Joel..where did you meet Zeal?"
"Ah, um on a boat."
"Really?"
"Yep."
he shuffled his feet uneasily.
"Why are you so nervous??"
"Nervous? me?"
"There isnt anything to be nervous about."
"...."
he looked at him cauiously.
"Did you ever spar?"
"Spar?"
"Fight...ya know."
"Well, me and my friend did...just messin around though."
I walked out of the locker room.
"We shall continue later...."
He walked in the middle of the room and stood straight up. I cracked my neck, back and knuckles.
"Now..remember, none of that wussy hits Zeal, i expect a challange from you...Miss 8th degree black belt."
I inhaled deeply.
"AIYA!"
I stood in my postion.
"The squirpion position eh? good luck."
He stood in his position.
"Try to beat the Dragon. EIAHA!"
he punched twords my face, and i quickly blocked it. I spun around and kicked him in the arm. he grabbed my leg, and spun me around. i landed on my back and i quickly got up. i ran twordes him and i slid under him and jumped on his back. i had him in a full nelson, he struggled a bit, and took his hands and pushed his hands on my neck and pushed upward.
"Egghrrr!!"
I grabbed onto his legs when i was upside down and flipped him over on his back. I took him by the gi and rolled backwards and flipped him on his face. I jumped on his back, and took his leg and started to twist it. He took his hands and grabbed my arm and threw me off of him. I layed there for a second, regaining my strength, and when i opend my eyes, i saw Godu running and hurling myself twords me. I quickly rolled away, as Godu landed on his face. I stumbled myself up, and turned him over. I grabbed his collar of his gi, and looked him in the eyes. We were breathing hard. and he spoke loudly.
"Why is the squrpion better than the dragon?"
"Speed and agility counts...not the mass of muscle."
"Very good."
I stood up, and he grabbed my hand and got up.
"See class? this is the way you fight. Learn well from this presentatoion."
"AIYAH SIR!"
"Class dismissed. Tomarrow at 4:00!"
they filed out of the dojo.
"Very good Zeal. you are very good."
"Thank you sir."
"So Joel, what did you think of Zeal's performance?"
"It was awesome...i didnt know you could fight like that."
"Well you didnt ask how well i could fight."
he smiled at me.
"sir, may i change?"
"Yes."
we both bowed to eachother and i left.
"So, Joel..where were we?"
"Oh, um.."
"About you and your friend."
"Well, he is dead..."
"I am sorry."
"Its okay."
".....So...are you any good? It looks like you have the muscle mass to be able to fight."
"Well, not as good as Zeal."
"...Yeah.. When she was 8, i got her up at 3:00am and made her run until 5:00am."
"Wow..."
"Everyday, she got better, she was determined..and very dark."
"Yeah, i could tell."
"Really?"
"She doesnt know alot about her past..."
"I know..the day before the Festival she used to go to Da-chu and sit on the hand of the Goddess of Zeal."
".........?"
"Her real name isnt Zeal..."
"R-really?"
"Yes, but...i cant tell you now..meet me at the hand of Da-chu at 9:00pm. I shall tell you everything i know."
"yes...sir."
I walked out of the locker room again and i put my hair up.
"So...Joel...do you want to have a drink?"
"Uh.."
he looked at Godu. he nodded and Joel looked at me again.
"Sure."
"Sir!"
I bowed to Godu, and walked out of the Dojo. The sun was setting over da-chu moutain.
"Well, heres the bar."
"Turtles Paridice?"
"yeah...come on."
We walked in the Bar, and the bar tender served his coustomers and i sat in my chair. His back was turned to the numborus glasses of Alchol.
"Um, a Strawberry Twist with Vodica."
He stopped and turned around slowly.
"Zeal?"
"The one and only."
"HEY!! whats up!?!"
"Nothin."
Joel sat down beside me.
"Um, Al..this is Joel."
"Heya Joel, Albert Suappert."
"Joel McCain."
they shook hands and he turned to the alchol.
"S'on me. What do you want Joel?"
"Uh...just a beer."
I looked at Joel awkwardly.
"A beer?"
I said squinting my eyes.
"...."
His face blushed.
"I dont really want to--Remember what happend on Jenova?"
"Yeah. haha..."
"fine..I'll have a Scotch."
"Comin up."
"So, is this were you hang out often?"
"oh, yeah. Im always here."
"Awesome."
Al handed us our drinks.
"enjoy kiddo's dont drink too much."
I smiled at Al, and then i looked at my drink.
"Welp...how abouta toast?"
"Ok, to what?"
"To us, to find the past, and to learn the future."
"Yeah, ditto"
We raised our glasses and they made a soft 'ding' I took a sip out of my glass and grinned.
"I havent had one of these in awhile."
I took a big gulp, and looked at Joel. He was sipping his drink....slowly.
after awhile, it was near closing time. Joel looked at the small wooden clock in the corner of the bar.
"7:45.."
"Are you tired?"
"Yeah, just a bit."
"Oh, ok..thanks Al, i'll see ya around."
"Bye Zeal, later Joel."
Joel waved at albert, and followed me out the door and into the starlit town. we walked with out really making a real converstation. when i got in the door, i went into the bathroom, and cleaned myself off, and went into the kitchen and made something short and easy to make, Chicken Noodle Soup. we ate it, and then i leaned over and kissed Joel on the cheek, ]
"Good Night...I'll save a spot for you on the bed if you want to come in it ok?"
"Ok, i gota get a shower. I'll be in a few."
"Kay.."
he kissed me softly on the lips. and got up and went into the bathroom. I went into the bedroom and laied down, and fell asleep.
~(Ok, here we go again...To Joel..)~
Joel went into the shower, and changed..and walked into the living room. he looked at the clock and walked silently out the door. he went up the dirt path that led to Da-Chu. He didnt know which way to go. so he looked around for fresh foot prints in the dirt. He followed the foot prints to the east, and on to a hand. their was a man standing on the edge. he turned around slowly.
"Good of you to come Joel."
"So, why did you want me here?"
"you want to know more about Zeal right?"
"I would like that alot, but...why cant she know?"
"Well....Zeal..really shouldnt know what happend to her parents."
"What could be so bad about them? she is beautiful and perfect...and-"
"Lost...unloved..confused."
"she isnt unloved...I love her."
"do you know that for sure?"
"Of course, ive never seen a beautiful girl in my life."
"she doesnt have a beautiful past.."
"Please tell me then."
"....."
he took a deep breath, and sighed.
"Sixteen years ago, was the worst years of the Town of Wu-tai..The worst war was being fought here, the rebel materia hunters and huntresses Vs the people of this Village. There were alot of deaths, and many injuries. I for one, was in Nimblethum, when i heard about the war going on in Wu-tai, i quickly jumped on a chocobo, and headed twords there. When i was a few feet away from my village, i saw nothing, but pools of blood....every where--"
"What does that have to to with Zeal?"
"Just hold on, i'll get to it...anyway...I got off of the chocobo, and ran to the entrance. I saw a Mother, and a Father, and 3 children infront of the entrance. the father was blown apart in two peices, and the children., burnt beyond regognition. the mother cryed aloud. 'Please sir, help my Daughter Brooke..' She held the child in the air, and she groaned in pain. when i was standing there, i heard a gunshot, and the mothers arms dropped. the baby fell to the ground, screaming loudly. I ran over to the baby, and picked her up. and i ran to Da-Chu, and into a cave. and i hid there...I examined the child carefully, and saw a silver/turquoise dragon pendant hanging from the childs neck. It was the Dragon of Zeal. the most rarest treasure in Wu-tai. How she got it, i shall never know. weeks went by, the baby was almost dying of thirst and hunger. i went out of the cave to notice the sunrise, there was no movement...just a pile of dead bodies everywhere. I went to what was left of my house, and tried to feed her. I've never had a child before, so i just gave her milk from a spoon. months went by, and the clean up was begining. I went to the Temple of Padoda, and prayed to the Leviathan God. and I got an answer. To take the child as your own, and to never tell her what happend. I didnt know why i couldnt say anything to her, but i took her in and raised her. I looked at the pendant, and looked at her. She had beautiful turquoise eyes, and blueish black hair. So, i named her Zeal. Years went by. she was 10, she was a strong girl, i realized, if she would of known about her parents, it would crush her. I taught her everything i knew. Fighting, wrestiling, drinking, having fun. when she came around the age of 15, she began to ask questions why she didnt have a mother or father. The only thing i told her was that her parents died honorly in war. nothing more than that. she didnt really understand about death, i didnt teach her that. so she wasnt much affected by it. But, every year, she gets more and more into dispar. I hate to see that in her. and thats all i know."
"...why couldnt you'of kept her natural name?"
"I dont know...I guess i saw the Dragon of Zeal in her mothers eyes when i walked in that night, and when i saw her, i just...saw the same in her beautiful eyes."
"why cant you tell her this? I'm sure she would like to hear about her past, not me."
"Why did you come then?"
His mouth opened up like he was going to say something..but nothing came out.
"You love her alot dont you?"
"Yes, i do."
"does she love you?"
"Im sure she does."
"I just dont know how to tell her after 17 years about this."
"Godu...you are 40 right?"
"Yes, i am"
"Why are you acting like this? why dont you just tell her, maybe for once, she'll feel loved, because her parents wanted to save her."
"....Maybe tomarrow."
"Ok..I'll see you then."
Joel started to walk down the side of Da-chu. he got to Zeals house, and walked in the bedroom, and sat on the bed, and layed down beside Zeal.
~(Okay, now I'm just going to skip ahead to 3:00am, b/c I don't want it to get too mushy, -Is that better Steve-o? - anyway...umm, on with the story... ALSO: I'm going to use some FF7 chars, and I want you to know that I wont RP them, its just that I thought I should thank Square Soft for a beautiful game. And that I would never try to steal them.)~
3:00 came in a matter of no time. Joel and I were up all night smoking cigarettes, and talking about where we were going. I looked up at the clock.
"Joel...why are we going after this thing?"
He didn't make a sound.
"Why can't we just leave it alone..."
"Zeal, it killed Martin.."
"I know it did...I cant get the picture of him out of my head. I've never ever seen a dead body until now."
"Look, I think you brought up a good point. I guess I'm afraid that this thing is around here, and it'll take someone I love away from me. I mean...Martin was like my brother...my mom, my dad were killed too...and like you said. We are kinda alike in that area."
"So, are you just going to runaway?"
"Basically, for now."
"Where would we go?"
"How about to your hometown."
"Wu-tai?"
"Yeah, I'm sure that I'll like it there. I heard about it."
"..I don't know."
I stood there in the middle of the room. I looked up at Joel, and he had this puppy face look, that I couldn't resist.
"Alright...let's go."
He went into his room and got his clothes and stuff, and I got my stuff, and we told Kel that we'd be away for awhile.
"Are you guys going on a honeymoon?"
Joel and I blushed.
"No, not quite Kel, we are going to my home town...Joel wanted to go, and I thought that we could go from there."
"Ooooh, I got'cha"
He winked.
We walked out of town. And we went south of the town to the Wu-canyon port. We paid for our tickets, and got on the boat. It was a sunny muggy morning. The sun smiled brightly on the plains. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"Did you know that Cloud Strife was my Great-Great-Great grandfather?"
"No."
"Have you ever heard of him?"
"Yes, I have in school actually. I heard that he had feelings for 2 girls at once."
"Well, yeah, I don't remember the other girl, but his Wife: My Great-Great-Great grandmother was Tifa Lockhart."
"Master Godu spoke of her a lot."
"She's well known at all martial art dojo's."
We continued on talking about the Avalanche adventures, and the discussion of Meteor that hit in the middle of the Icicle Area, about the destroyed presidential building of Shin-ra. After about 6 hours, we were finally docked at Wu-tai. The sun hung brightly and warmly in the air. The da-chu statue sparkled from bits and pieces of diamonds hidden in the rock.
"Well..Here we are.."
"Awesome.."
"Na, not really. It's actually a boring town, where everyone does the same thing, they all do martial arts, they hangout there. At the Turtles Paradise...or, there."
I pointed to the tower ahead.
"It was this major thing where you fight the strongest people to see if you are worthy. Master Godu speaks of a girl named Yuffie Karasgi she was the best fighter. But her daughter is in charge of that now. Her name is Andrea Valentine. She is a bit dark, but she can be a pain in the ass.-"
"Where do you live?"
"Oh, ah, heh, over there."
"Well you can show me the town later. Ok?"
"Alright."
I walked over the side of the mountain and through the bushes of red and pink roses.
"There, that's my house."
"Neat."
I took my key chain out and unlocked the door. The room was dim, and muggy.
"Ok, there isn't any tables that attack you as soon as you get in."
He laughed in his throat. I opened up the window shutters, and let the sun pour in.
"Cozy."
"Ok, its not that big, but its home."
"Its cool."
"I even have a radio."
"I have one, I just don't use it a lot, in Cosmo, you really can't get any good stations."
"The only channels we get here, is the instrumental channel. And the hard rock station."
Joel walked around the house curiously.
"Who's the picture of?"
"Umm, its Master Godu and i. when I got permoted to my 8th degree black belt 3 years ago."
"Quite an achievement."
"Yeah..So...do you want to see the town some more?"
"Sure."
We walked out of my house and stood on the bridge.
"well, do you want to meet someone cool?"
"yeah, sure."
He took my hand and we walked out into the middle of the town.
"ZEAL!!"
I looked around confusingly. I turned around when I was tackled over.
"ZEAL!! HI!! see Reiben, I told'ja she'd be back!!"
"Ugh, uh, hi Mia. Que...tal?"
"Nadda ladda....OoOoOoOooo Who's the hottie?"
"Uh, get off of me, and ill tell ya. heh."
Miachi got off and stood upright.
"Mia, this is Joel."
"Hiya Joel"
"Hey."
she stuck her hand out for him to shake it: he shook it firmly, and let go.
"Why arent'chu in Cosmo?"
"Something.."
"Come-on, you can tell me."
"No, not today."
"My dad would be happy to see you. Wont'chu stop by?"
I looked at Joel, and gave him the (do you want to go?) look. He nodded and he took my hand, as Mia walked infront of us. When we got to the Dojo, Godu was teaching a martial arts class, and he looked up at the doors and smiled.
"AIEA!"
his voice boomed inside of the room.
"Relax class..I will be back."
"AIEA!"
they all said in unison.
"Zeal! how are ya?!"
"Just fine master."
I bowed at him.
"At ease. So, who is this strapping young man?"
"Oh, this is Joel McCain."
"Come for a lesson eh? heh heh heh."
he was silent.
"how long has it been since you were in here?"
"2 years sir."
"2 years....."
He looked at Joel then at me.
"Ok, lets fight."
"....si-"
"NO buts! rember your training.."
I sighed.
"Yes master."
"your suit is in the locker. get it on."
"Sir!"
I walked into the locker room.
(~Ok, now its going to switch to Joel and Godu.~)
"So, Joel..where did you meet Zeal?"
"Ah, um on a boat."
"Really?"
"Yep."
he shuffled his feet uneasily.
"Why are you so nervous??"
"Nervous? me?"
"There isnt anything to be nervous about."
"...."
he looked at him cauiously.
"Did you ever spar?"
"Spar?"
"Fight...ya know."
"Well, me and my friend did...just messin around though."
I walked out of the locker room.
"We shall continue later...."
He walked in the middle of the room and stood straight up. I cracked my neck, back and knuckles.
"Now..remember, none of that wussy hits Zeal, i expect a challange from you...Miss 8th degree black belt."
I inhaled deeply.
"AIYA!"
I stood in my postion.
"The squirpion position eh? good luck."
He stood in his position.
"Try to beat the Dragon. EIAHA!"
he punched twords my face, and i quickly blocked it. I spun around and kicked him in the arm. he grabbed my leg, and spun me around. i landed on my back and i quickly got up. i ran twordes him and i slid under him and jumped on his back. i had him in a full nelson, he struggled a bit, and took his hands and pushed his hands on my neck and pushed upward.
"Egghrrr!!"
I grabbed onto his legs when i was upside down and flipped him over on his back. I took him by the gi and rolled backwards and flipped him on his face. I jumped on his back, and took his leg and started to twist it. He took his hands and grabbed my arm and threw me off of him. I layed there for a second, regaining my strength, and when i opend my eyes, i saw Godu running and hurling myself twords me. I quickly rolled away, as Godu landed on his face. I stumbled myself up, and turned him over. I grabbed his collar of his gi, and looked him in the eyes. We were breathing hard. and he spoke loudly.
"Why is the squrpion better than the dragon?"
"Speed and agility counts...not the mass of muscle."
"Very good."
I stood up, and he grabbed my hand and got up.
"See class? this is the way you fight. Learn well from this presentatoion."
"AIYAH SIR!"
"Class dismissed. Tomarrow at 4:00!"
they filed out of the dojo.
"Very good Zeal. you are very good."
"Thank you sir."
"So Joel, what did you think of Zeal's performance?"
"It was awesome...i didnt know you could fight like that."
"Well you didnt ask how well i could fight."
he smiled at me.
"sir, may i change?"
"Yes."
we both bowed to eachother and i left.
"So, Joel..where were we?"
"Oh, um.."
"About you and your friend."
"Well, he is dead..."
"I am sorry."
"Its okay."
".....So...are you any good? It looks like you have the muscle mass to be able to fight."
"Well, not as good as Zeal."
"...Yeah.. When she was 8, i got her up at 3:00am and made her run until 5:00am."
"Wow..."
"Everyday, she got better, she was determined..and very dark."
"Yeah, i could tell."
"Really?"
"She doesnt know alot about her past..."
"I know..the day before the Festival she used to go to Da-chu and sit on the hand of the Goddess of Zeal."
".........?"
"Her real name isnt Zeal..."
"R-really?"
"Yes, but...i cant tell you now..meet me at the hand of Da-chu at 9:00pm. I shall tell you everything i know."
"yes...sir."
I walked out of the locker room again and i put my hair up.
"So...Joel...do you want to have a drink?"
"Uh.."
he looked at Godu. he nodded and Joel looked at me again.
"Sure."
"Sir!"
I bowed to Godu, and walked out of the Dojo. The sun was setting over da-chu moutain.
"Well, heres the bar."
"Turtles Paridice?"
"yeah...come on."
We walked in the Bar, and the bar tender served his coustomers and i sat in my chair. His back was turned to the numborus glasses of Alchol.
"Um, a Strawberry Twist with Vodica."
He stopped and turned around slowly.
"Zeal?"
"The one and only."
"HEY!! whats up!?!"
"Nothin."
Joel sat down beside me.
"Um, Al..this is Joel."
"Heya Joel, Albert Suappert."
"Joel McCain."
they shook hands and he turned to the alchol.
"S'on me. What do you want Joel?"
"Uh...just a beer."
I looked at Joel awkwardly.
"A beer?"
I said squinting my eyes.
"...."
His face blushed.
"I dont really want to--Remember what happend on Jenova?"
"Yeah. haha..."
"fine..I'll have a Scotch."
"Comin up."
"So, is this were you hang out often?"
"oh, yeah. Im always here."
"Awesome."
Al handed us our drinks.
"enjoy kiddo's dont drink too much."
I smiled at Al, and then i looked at my drink.
"Welp...how abouta toast?"
"Ok, to what?"
"To us, to find the past, and to learn the future."
"Yeah, ditto"
We raised our glasses and they made a soft 'ding' I took a sip out of my glass and grinned.
"I havent had one of these in awhile."
I took a big gulp, and looked at Joel. He was sipping his drink....slowly.
after awhile, it was near closing time. Joel looked at the small wooden clock in the corner of the bar.
"7:45.."
"Are you tired?"
"Yeah, just a bit."
"Oh, ok..thanks Al, i'll see ya around."
"Bye Zeal, later Joel."
Joel waved at albert, and followed me out the door and into the starlit town. we walked with out really making a real converstation. when i got in the door, i went into the bathroom, and cleaned myself off, and went into the kitchen and made something short and easy to make, Chicken Noodle Soup. we ate it, and then i leaned over and kissed Joel on the cheek, ]
"Good Night...I'll save a spot for you on the bed if you want to come in it ok?"
"Ok, i gota get a shower. I'll be in a few."
"Kay.."
he kissed me softly on the lips. and got up and went into the bathroom. I went into the bedroom and laied down, and fell asleep.
~(Ok, here we go again...To Joel..)~
Joel went into the shower, and changed..and walked into the living room. he looked at the clock and walked silently out the door. he went up the dirt path that led to Da-Chu. He didnt know which way to go. so he looked around for fresh foot prints in the dirt. He followed the foot prints to the east, and on to a hand. their was a man standing on the edge. he turned around slowly.
"Good of you to come Joel."
"So, why did you want me here?"
"you want to know more about Zeal right?"
"I would like that alot, but...why cant she know?"
"Well....Zeal..really shouldnt know what happend to her parents."
"What could be so bad about them? she is beautiful and perfect...and-"
"Lost...unloved..confused."
"she isnt unloved...I love her."
"do you know that for sure?"
"Of course, ive never seen a beautiful girl in my life."
"she doesnt have a beautiful past.."
"Please tell me then."
"....."
he took a deep breath, and sighed.
"Sixteen years ago, was the worst years of the Town of Wu-tai..The worst war was being fought here, the rebel materia hunters and huntresses Vs the people of this Village. There were alot of deaths, and many injuries. I for one, was in Nimblethum, when i heard about the war going on in Wu-tai, i quickly jumped on a chocobo, and headed twords there. When i was a few feet away from my village, i saw nothing, but pools of blood....every where--"
"What does that have to to with Zeal?"
"Just hold on, i'll get to it...anyway...I got off of the chocobo, and ran to the entrance. I saw a Mother, and a Father, and 3 children infront of the entrance. the father was blown apart in two peices, and the children., burnt beyond regognition. the mother cryed aloud. 'Please sir, help my Daughter Brooke..' She held the child in the air, and she groaned in pain. when i was standing there, i heard a gunshot, and the mothers arms dropped. the baby fell to the ground, screaming loudly. I ran over to the baby, and picked her up. and i ran to Da-Chu, and into a cave. and i hid there...I examined the child carefully, and saw a silver/turquoise dragon pendant hanging from the childs neck. It was the Dragon of Zeal. the most rarest treasure in Wu-tai. How she got it, i shall never know. weeks went by, the baby was almost dying of thirst and hunger. i went out of the cave to notice the sunrise, there was no movement...just a pile of dead bodies everywhere. I went to what was left of my house, and tried to feed her. I've never had a child before, so i just gave her milk from a spoon. months went by, and the clean up was begining. I went to the Temple of Padoda, and prayed to the Leviathan God. and I got an answer. To take the child as your own, and to never tell her what happend. I didnt know why i couldnt say anything to her, but i took her in and raised her. I looked at the pendant, and looked at her. She had beautiful turquoise eyes, and blueish black hair. So, i named her Zeal. Years went by. she was 10, she was a strong girl, i realized, if she would of known about her parents, it would crush her. I taught her everything i knew. Fighting, wrestiling, drinking, having fun. when she came around the age of 15, she began to ask questions why she didnt have a mother or father. The only thing i told her was that her parents died honorly in war. nothing more than that. she didnt really understand about death, i didnt teach her that. so she wasnt much affected by it. But, every year, she gets more and more into dispar. I hate to see that in her. and thats all i know."
"...why couldnt you'of kept her natural name?"
"I dont know...I guess i saw the Dragon of Zeal in her mothers eyes when i walked in that night, and when i saw her, i just...saw the same in her beautiful eyes."
"why cant you tell her this? I'm sure she would like to hear about her past, not me."
"Why did you come then?"
His mouth opened up like he was going to say something..but nothing came out.
"You love her alot dont you?"
"Yes, i do."
"does she love you?"
"Im sure she does."
"I just dont know how to tell her after 17 years about this."
"Godu...you are 40 right?"
"Yes, i am"
"Why are you acting like this? why dont you just tell her, maybe for once, she'll feel loved, because her parents wanted to save her."
"....Maybe tomarrow."
"Ok..I'll see you then."
Joel started to walk down the side of Da-chu. he got to Zeals house, and walked in the bedroom, and sat on the bed, and layed down beside Zeal.