Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi (The Strong and the Ephemeral)
Chapter One: Chiisana Negai (Little Wishes)
By: NurikoLuver (Trudy Haley)
Author's Notes: Hmm, I should be writing an English essay due tomorrow, but it seems that now I'm just working on another chapter of fanfiction that will be read by no one...anyways, I promise there will be a cameo of Jecht.
Um, a note on the names of the stories and chapters- some of the titles are lifted from lyrics by a great, retired J-pop singer and writer, Cocco. It's her work that keeps me going.
Thanks to my brother. You're a great support-- thanks for the ideas. Love you so much!
Thirdly, you must read SpazKit's Aurikku! So good! The more fans she has the faster she'll probably get to writing. ^_^ We love your writing, Spazkit!
On one last note, PLEASE leave commentary. No flames, only constructive critism. If you want me to read your stuff, drop me a comment or a line: I'm always on AIM on NurikoLuver.
Thanks and Kudos! ^_^.
When Aidan woke up, her head was pounding in a dizzy enigma. After a terrifying collectinon of premonitions, she find her mind wavering with indecisiveness. These...it...who...? Questions scattered across her unconcious mind before her eyes flung open and she sat up suddenly. She looked around quizzically. "Where am I?" she asked, although she knew where she was, her words were near synonymous to "What happened?"
"Hey, hey, hey. Lay back down Aidan. That Al Bhed Heathen tackled ya to pieces," Toby smiled lightly. "Look, sip this real quick. This potion aughta fix ya right up..."
Aidan took a quick swig before wiping the remaints off her lips. "Did we win?"
For a moment Toby looked remourseful, and an expression of utter despair passed across Aidan's disapointed face. Toby's frown quickly changed to a smile as he began to laugh, "I psyched ya out! We won!"
"Oh my god!" Aidan was giddy with excitement for a few seconds before it dawned on her to inquire: "Toby, you're all into that Yevon crap, aren'tcha?"
"Yevon crap?" Toby scoffed.
"Hmmmm?"
"Well, yeah."
"Do you know of a guardian...named Auron?"
"Auron?!" Toby seemed surprised at the mention of the name.
"I guess that's a yes...well, does he and his summoner...do...they happen to be in Luca?" inquired Aidan.
"Actually, yes. Lord Braska and his two guardians- Auron and Jecht. They happened to be watching the tournament...um...hey, why do you want to know all of a sudden? You never cared about summoners or the fayth or Yevon before now..."
"Where would they probably be now?"
"Probably on the Mi'ihen Highroad, headed for the next temple...hey, you STILL didn't tell me why you want to know."
"Look, when's the next game?"
"The next game...well...uh, it's not till next week...but...uh..."
"Toby, tell Caliban I'll be back in time for the game." Aidan got up from the bench and walked to her locker and pulled out her bags. Smiling, she equipped herself with her brother's Lunar Chakrams attached at a latch on her side.
"Y...you're not going down the Mi'ihen Highroad, are you?! You're just a...girl!"
Aidan's eyebrows furrowed in frustration and she reflexively smacked him. Toby touched his hand to his face before his eyebrows cocked in confusion. Aidan made her way to the door before turning around. "Toby...I'll be back soon!" And with that, she blew him a kiss, never noticing that the red lightening his face was not from her handprint embeded across his cheek.
As soon as she reached the Mi'hen Highroad, she tightened the latches on the Chakrams onto her arms. She couldn't help it, but now Aidan was filled with a childish giddiness. She was free. No one telling her what to do, and no family controlling her with their limitless emotions. It was the sort of light feeling she usurped when she prayed to Yevon. But now it was hers-- until she could find them, and tell them about her vision.
She walked contemplatively down Mi'hen, wondering how she could explain it to them. The older people were, the more practical they were. Making someone beleive- even if it really was true, was the hardest thing to do. She couldn't be blunt the way she was with little children...it was going to be difficult. Aidan wasn't the smartest girl but she was the one cursed with having to find a way to please the world and even still, please the dream-senders.
Why did everything have to be such a pain in the butt?
Aidan sighed and travelled along Mi'ihen, which, as a passerby told her, was 'too dangerous' for a little girl. HAH! She had managed to travel this far without predicament, so why should some self-righteous old man tell her what was right for her- a complete stranger? Aidan was fully capable of taking care of herself- no men neccessary.
Aidan looked up at the passing sunset. Ringlets of soft golden rays of sunlight spread around the horizon, seeming to disapear just a little with every footstep. People seemed to disapear in the fog the night air brought, back to their homes, to the nearest Travel Agency, what not? But Aidan was in no hurry to leave. She was ready for adventure, for excitement, for fiends. But nothing happened, and Aidan sighed, a puff of cold air spreading out from her lips and into the night air. Was this a useless journey? Surely, there would be no way that she could find three guys out of the thousands and thousands that lived throughout Spira.
How discouraging. Already. And she hadn't even a clue where to find them. Well, except at the temples. And the nearest temple was more than a hop- skip-and-jump away. For all she knew, this summoner could be taking a boat straight to the nearest temple, and their paths would have no chance of interesecting.
"Argggh! This sucks!" screeched Aidan. Her voice echoed on the surrounding cliffs. In the distance, her response was the lone howl of a Mi'ihen Fang.
"Come on! Bring it on, you dumb fiends!" she screamed out.
It was obvious when she was assaulted by three fiends: a boulder-like Raldo, a hovering White Element, and a tiger-like Mi'ihen Fang.
"Hah! Good timing!" Although Aidan found herself nervous at the aspect of her first fight, she didn't make it obvious. It was confidence that helped a person win- or lose- a battle.
She cracked her knuckles, launching a fierce attack on the Raldo. Although pieces of his shell flew upon her weapon's impact, it was obviously unaffected by the nick she had put in its shell.
Just when she was about to launch another attack, she found herself being the victim in an all-out charge and attack by the Mi'ihen Fang.
Its sharp teeth scathed her skin, drawing blood. By now, Aidan was ravenous with indignation, ready to launch another attack when the White Element assailed her with a fierce blizzard attack.
"Ahhh!" now Aidan was starting to have second thoughts.
The Raldo pounded his side into her stomach, leaving her breathless. Aidan jumped back, hunched over in pain, hoping that perhaps one more attack by her part would crush one of the fiends. Then she'd be back in the game with a potion, all healed up and ready to retaliate against anything those damn fiends would throw at her.
She launched another attack against the Raldo, hoping that perhaps it would cause some evident damage. No such luck. She tried to run away, but it didn't work. They were too fast for her.
"Looks like somebody needs some help...heh." Aidan turned to her side, only to realize that the man newcomer was one of the men standing next to Auron.
"Hah! I don't need YOUR help!" Aidan's subconcious, however, was saying the exact opposite. Although she her respitory system managed to recover, her body was aching all over. "Who do you think you are?! The prince come to save the defenseless little princess? I don't think so!"
"Hmmm, really? Maybe I should leave, then?" He smiled cockily.
"Fine! I don't need your help," Aidan scoffed. But her eyes pleaded otherwise. "You have a name?"
"What's YOUR name?"
"Aidan. Now give me the pleasure of entertaining me with YOUR name."
"Jecht," he laughed.
With a slash of his sword, the man destroyed the Waldo. After quickly recovering with a potion, Aidan launched an attack against the Mi'ihen Fang.
"Have you ever even USED those things before? Jeez!"
"Have you ever learned to keep your mouth shut?!" Aidan shot back.
"No, I'm quite the loudmouth."
Aidan liked this guy.
"So I suppose you think you're the master of fighting, eh? Well, it seems to me that you're still a beginner, too."
"Yeah, so?" Jecht shot back.
Before Aidan had an oppurtunity to continue the conversation, Jecht was hit with the same Blizzard attack, and Aidan made physical contact with the ravage Mi'ihen Fang.
Maybe it was her sudden burst of confidence or her need to prove her worthiness to this self-righteous man, but she launched an overkill attack on the Mi'ihen Fang that would leave her sisters proud.
"Hah, looks like you're not all talk," Jecht laughed.
"Well, I MAY be a girl, but I'm more than just looks!"
"Hmm, maybe I'll have to see another time!" Jecht quickly wiped out the last enemy.
"Whoo-hoo!" Aidan collapsed on the ground, and was surprised to find that Jecht had plopped down next to her.
Aidan couldn't help but notice Jecht staring at her profile; it made her nervous. Only when he spoke, did she know the meaning of his actions.
"Hey...aren't you that blitzball player from earlier?"
"Hmm, maybe."
"Nice shot. But you're still not better than me."
Aidan grunted. "Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Maybe some other time."
"Hmph. Scared you're going to lose? Need more practice, don'tcha?" The more Aidan thought about it, the more she got to know about this man- even through Blitzball, the easier it would be for her to reveal her true intentions.
Jecht laughed. "Guess so." He walked away.
Aidan watched in silence as he stepped into the Travel Agency, and followed. But by the time she got inside, he was already gone-- into his room. She paid for her room for the night and plopped down on her bed. Sighing, she pulled her satchel from where it lay at the edge of her bed onto her lap. She pulled out a few of her possessions before retreiving the thing she adored more than anything in the world.
A music sphere her mother had made for her...before Sin changed her.
I'm so sleepy
Day & night
The streets are filled with sunshine
Little birds are singing to the sky
Funny stories
Cherry trees
Who cares?
Who cares?
I don't care if it rains
I don't care if it rains
For a moment, nostalgic with memories, she stared outside her window and up at the stars and two of the three moons that she could see out. And with all her heart, she wished. Curled up in a ball, clutching the music sphere, she fell asleep.
Eh...okay chapter. (Actually, I think BLARGHADESH! ) Cameo appearance by Jecht...I just have to figure something out...any comments, critism or suggestions are very much appreciated! Thanks!
Chapter One: Chiisana Negai (Little Wishes)
By: NurikoLuver (Trudy Haley)
Author's Notes: Hmm, I should be writing an English essay due tomorrow, but it seems that now I'm just working on another chapter of fanfiction that will be read by no one...anyways, I promise there will be a cameo of Jecht.
Um, a note on the names of the stories and chapters- some of the titles are lifted from lyrics by a great, retired J-pop singer and writer, Cocco. It's her work that keeps me going.
Thanks to my brother. You're a great support-- thanks for the ideas. Love you so much!
Thirdly, you must read SpazKit's Aurikku! So good! The more fans she has the faster she'll probably get to writing. ^_^ We love your writing, Spazkit!
On one last note, PLEASE leave commentary. No flames, only constructive critism. If you want me to read your stuff, drop me a comment or a line: I'm always on AIM on NurikoLuver.
Thanks and Kudos! ^_^.
When Aidan woke up, her head was pounding in a dizzy enigma. After a terrifying collectinon of premonitions, she find her mind wavering with indecisiveness. These...it...who...? Questions scattered across her unconcious mind before her eyes flung open and she sat up suddenly. She looked around quizzically. "Where am I?" she asked, although she knew where she was, her words were near synonymous to "What happened?"
"Hey, hey, hey. Lay back down Aidan. That Al Bhed Heathen tackled ya to pieces," Toby smiled lightly. "Look, sip this real quick. This potion aughta fix ya right up..."
Aidan took a quick swig before wiping the remaints off her lips. "Did we win?"
For a moment Toby looked remourseful, and an expression of utter despair passed across Aidan's disapointed face. Toby's frown quickly changed to a smile as he began to laugh, "I psyched ya out! We won!"
"Oh my god!" Aidan was giddy with excitement for a few seconds before it dawned on her to inquire: "Toby, you're all into that Yevon crap, aren'tcha?"
"Yevon crap?" Toby scoffed.
"Hmmmm?"
"Well, yeah."
"Do you know of a guardian...named Auron?"
"Auron?!" Toby seemed surprised at the mention of the name.
"I guess that's a yes...well, does he and his summoner...do...they happen to be in Luca?" inquired Aidan.
"Actually, yes. Lord Braska and his two guardians- Auron and Jecht. They happened to be watching the tournament...um...hey, why do you want to know all of a sudden? You never cared about summoners or the fayth or Yevon before now..."
"Where would they probably be now?"
"Probably on the Mi'ihen Highroad, headed for the next temple...hey, you STILL didn't tell me why you want to know."
"Look, when's the next game?"
"The next game...well...uh, it's not till next week...but...uh..."
"Toby, tell Caliban I'll be back in time for the game." Aidan got up from the bench and walked to her locker and pulled out her bags. Smiling, she equipped herself with her brother's Lunar Chakrams attached at a latch on her side.
"Y...you're not going down the Mi'ihen Highroad, are you?! You're just a...girl!"
Aidan's eyebrows furrowed in frustration and she reflexively smacked him. Toby touched his hand to his face before his eyebrows cocked in confusion. Aidan made her way to the door before turning around. "Toby...I'll be back soon!" And with that, she blew him a kiss, never noticing that the red lightening his face was not from her handprint embeded across his cheek.
As soon as she reached the Mi'hen Highroad, she tightened the latches on the Chakrams onto her arms. She couldn't help it, but now Aidan was filled with a childish giddiness. She was free. No one telling her what to do, and no family controlling her with their limitless emotions. It was the sort of light feeling she usurped when she prayed to Yevon. But now it was hers-- until she could find them, and tell them about her vision.
She walked contemplatively down Mi'hen, wondering how she could explain it to them. The older people were, the more practical they were. Making someone beleive- even if it really was true, was the hardest thing to do. She couldn't be blunt the way she was with little children...it was going to be difficult. Aidan wasn't the smartest girl but she was the one cursed with having to find a way to please the world and even still, please the dream-senders.
Why did everything have to be such a pain in the butt?
Aidan sighed and travelled along Mi'ihen, which, as a passerby told her, was 'too dangerous' for a little girl. HAH! She had managed to travel this far without predicament, so why should some self-righteous old man tell her what was right for her- a complete stranger? Aidan was fully capable of taking care of herself- no men neccessary.
Aidan looked up at the passing sunset. Ringlets of soft golden rays of sunlight spread around the horizon, seeming to disapear just a little with every footstep. People seemed to disapear in the fog the night air brought, back to their homes, to the nearest Travel Agency, what not? But Aidan was in no hurry to leave. She was ready for adventure, for excitement, for fiends. But nothing happened, and Aidan sighed, a puff of cold air spreading out from her lips and into the night air. Was this a useless journey? Surely, there would be no way that she could find three guys out of the thousands and thousands that lived throughout Spira.
How discouraging. Already. And she hadn't even a clue where to find them. Well, except at the temples. And the nearest temple was more than a hop- skip-and-jump away. For all she knew, this summoner could be taking a boat straight to the nearest temple, and their paths would have no chance of interesecting.
"Argggh! This sucks!" screeched Aidan. Her voice echoed on the surrounding cliffs. In the distance, her response was the lone howl of a Mi'ihen Fang.
"Come on! Bring it on, you dumb fiends!" she screamed out.
It was obvious when she was assaulted by three fiends: a boulder-like Raldo, a hovering White Element, and a tiger-like Mi'ihen Fang.
"Hah! Good timing!" Although Aidan found herself nervous at the aspect of her first fight, she didn't make it obvious. It was confidence that helped a person win- or lose- a battle.
She cracked her knuckles, launching a fierce attack on the Raldo. Although pieces of his shell flew upon her weapon's impact, it was obviously unaffected by the nick she had put in its shell.
Just when she was about to launch another attack, she found herself being the victim in an all-out charge and attack by the Mi'ihen Fang.
Its sharp teeth scathed her skin, drawing blood. By now, Aidan was ravenous with indignation, ready to launch another attack when the White Element assailed her with a fierce blizzard attack.
"Ahhh!" now Aidan was starting to have second thoughts.
The Raldo pounded his side into her stomach, leaving her breathless. Aidan jumped back, hunched over in pain, hoping that perhaps one more attack by her part would crush one of the fiends. Then she'd be back in the game with a potion, all healed up and ready to retaliate against anything those damn fiends would throw at her.
She launched another attack against the Raldo, hoping that perhaps it would cause some evident damage. No such luck. She tried to run away, but it didn't work. They were too fast for her.
"Looks like somebody needs some help...heh." Aidan turned to her side, only to realize that the man newcomer was one of the men standing next to Auron.
"Hah! I don't need YOUR help!" Aidan's subconcious, however, was saying the exact opposite. Although she her respitory system managed to recover, her body was aching all over. "Who do you think you are?! The prince come to save the defenseless little princess? I don't think so!"
"Hmmm, really? Maybe I should leave, then?" He smiled cockily.
"Fine! I don't need your help," Aidan scoffed. But her eyes pleaded otherwise. "You have a name?"
"What's YOUR name?"
"Aidan. Now give me the pleasure of entertaining me with YOUR name."
"Jecht," he laughed.
With a slash of his sword, the man destroyed the Waldo. After quickly recovering with a potion, Aidan launched an attack against the Mi'ihen Fang.
"Have you ever even USED those things before? Jeez!"
"Have you ever learned to keep your mouth shut?!" Aidan shot back.
"No, I'm quite the loudmouth."
Aidan liked this guy.
"So I suppose you think you're the master of fighting, eh? Well, it seems to me that you're still a beginner, too."
"Yeah, so?" Jecht shot back.
Before Aidan had an oppurtunity to continue the conversation, Jecht was hit with the same Blizzard attack, and Aidan made physical contact with the ravage Mi'ihen Fang.
Maybe it was her sudden burst of confidence or her need to prove her worthiness to this self-righteous man, but she launched an overkill attack on the Mi'ihen Fang that would leave her sisters proud.
"Hah, looks like you're not all talk," Jecht laughed.
"Well, I MAY be a girl, but I'm more than just looks!"
"Hmm, maybe I'll have to see another time!" Jecht quickly wiped out the last enemy.
"Whoo-hoo!" Aidan collapsed on the ground, and was surprised to find that Jecht had plopped down next to her.
Aidan couldn't help but notice Jecht staring at her profile; it made her nervous. Only when he spoke, did she know the meaning of his actions.
"Hey...aren't you that blitzball player from earlier?"
"Hmm, maybe."
"Nice shot. But you're still not better than me."
Aidan grunted. "Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Maybe some other time."
"Hmph. Scared you're going to lose? Need more practice, don'tcha?" The more Aidan thought about it, the more she got to know about this man- even through Blitzball, the easier it would be for her to reveal her true intentions.
Jecht laughed. "Guess so." He walked away.
Aidan watched in silence as he stepped into the Travel Agency, and followed. But by the time she got inside, he was already gone-- into his room. She paid for her room for the night and plopped down on her bed. Sighing, she pulled her satchel from where it lay at the edge of her bed onto her lap. She pulled out a few of her possessions before retreiving the thing she adored more than anything in the world.
A music sphere her mother had made for her...before Sin changed her.
I'm so sleepy
Day & night
The streets are filled with sunshine
Little birds are singing to the sky
Funny stories
Cherry trees
Who cares?
Who cares?
I don't care if it rains
I don't care if it rains
For a moment, nostalgic with memories, she stared outside her window and up at the stars and two of the three moons that she could see out. And with all her heart, she wished. Curled up in a ball, clutching the music sphere, she fell asleep.
Eh...okay chapter. (Actually, I think BLARGHADESH! ) Cameo appearance by Jecht...I just have to figure something out...any comments, critism or suggestions are very much appreciated! Thanks!
