2
Chapter 2: Time Flies When Your Dead
Aeris followed the other competitors onto the field. When they said her name the crowd cheered, She looked in awe at the crowd. They were in metal stands, watching them, waiting for them to fight in the middle of a huge grass circle. An announcer stepped into the center of the field with a microphone.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THIS WEEK WE HAVE A RARE EVENT INDEED! A WOMAN JUST BROUGHT BACK TODAY HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO FIGHT! SHE ISSSSSSSS,
AERIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS GAAAAAIIIIINNNNNSBOOOOOOOROUGHHHHHH!!!!." The announcer said, and the whole crowd cheered as she timidly waved her hand, her face turning red. She spotted Marie and Johnny sitting together, cheering for her. Then Rueben took the mike from the announcer.
"You all know the rules, but in case you forgot here they are. You win when your opponent can't fight anymore, gives up, or is knocked out. Every thing is legal short of maliciously hurting your opponent. All spells, energy blasts, etc. are legal; the stadiums are protected so do not hold back! You'll need it all to beat me, if you can." Rueben grinned. "Now, let the games begin!"
*****
Aeris watched the others fight each one after another. She was up last and saw incredible fights. Rueben was first and he beat his opponent with a single punch. The man had to be carried off by stretcher. While watching the fight before her's. Marie sneaked down to give her something.
"Here." She whispered, and gave in to Aeris. It was a sense materia. Aeris looked at her with a grin, as Marie snuck away. Aeris concentrated on her opponent, a red haired man sitting next to her on the bench. When she sensed his power she frowned. The materia told her he was weaker than she was. She frowned. Was it working properly? She tried someone else. That person was weaker than her two. She tried ounce more, on Rueben this time. The materia glowed, then faded, then glowed again. It couldn't get a reading.
"Trying to read Rueben?" the red haired man said suddenly. Aeris jumped and looked at him. He grinned.
"I know. No one can get a reading. He's hiding his power."
"But how?" she asked, and he shrugged.
"Don't know, but everyone a hides bit. I've just never met someone before him who can hide it all." The last match was over and it was their turn. The man grinned.
"Like I said we all hide something." As he walked away Aeris put down the materia. He was right. The materia was useless. She picked up her rod, extended it and followed him. She stood in the center ten feet away from the man. He grinned and cracked his knuckle waiting for the gong. It rang and he leaped at her.
*****
Cloud watched as everyone waved to them as they got off at Nibleheim. Tifa hugged everyone and began to cry.
"See you soon Spike!" Cid called out. Cloud grinned and waved. The Highwind started up and took off. Cloud looked at Tifa. She smiled at him and he took her hand.
"We get some food, clothes and other things and head for Kalm, right?" she asked.
"Just me and you, on the road, alone, for a whole week." He affirmed. He pulled her close and began to kiss her. After a bit she pushed him away.
"Down boy. Where do you want to spend the night?" she asked looking at the now abandoned town. The actors had left shortly after Metor vanished.
"Your bed." Cloud growled and made a swipe for her. She laughed.
"Bad boy! Maybe later. If you behave." She grinned. He laughed and made his way to the store. Inside, cans of food lay scattered everywhere. It looked like they had just grabbed anything and left in a hurry. Cloud began to poke threw the rubble, trying to find any undamaged cans. After about fifteen minutes, Cloud had found about twenty cans they could use. He was stuffing them into his backpack when Tifa walked in carrying some canteens.
"I found three of these and filled them with water. How about you?"
"Alright. I found some cans of food. Do you want to stay the night Tifa?" Cloud asked. Tifa thought about it for a moment, and then shook her head.
"No. I want to see Barrett and Marlene as soon as possible. Do you want to stay?"
"No. I want to get on with my life, in a new town. I also want to apologize to Elmira for.." Cloud fell silent. Tifa put a hand on his shoulder.
"It wasn't your fault, Cloud. She wanted to come with us. Elmira will understand that." Tifa said, and kneeled next to him. Cloud held her close to him and made a vow. He would never let what happened to Aeris happen to Tifa, never.
*****
The man leaped at Aeris, his arms out-stretched, and a huge grin on his face. Aeris shrieked and ducked. The man flew over her and landed behind her with a grunt. Aeris turned around and saw he was flat on his belly. The man groaned and tried to get up. Aeris quickly walked over to him and stood on his back. The man grunted and tried to get up. Aeris gently kicked him in the head and he went out like a light. After a count of ten, Aeris was declared the winner. Aeris sat down as everyone gazed at her in wonder. A woman sitting next to Aeris poked her in the side. Aeris looked at her.
"What?" Aeris asked.
"How did you do that?" the woman asked timidly. Aeris shrugged.
"He wasn't too tough. I've faced harder enemies when I was alive." Aeris said as the woman whistled.
"You may have a chance to beat Rueben! That is if you can get past me!" the woman said with a grin. Aeris smiled, beginning to enjoy herself.
"We'll see.."
*****
All of Aeris's next opponents were they same. She easily out- smarted, and down right defeated each person she faced in turn. Rueben was doing the same and soon it became apparent that the new kid and Rueben would meet in the finals. Aeris's last opponent tripped and knocked herself out. They're given a half-hour to rest before Rueben and Aeris fought each other. As Marie talked to Aeris, Rueben sat about ten feet away. His arms were crossed and his eyes were closed. He looked as if he was meditating.
"Why is he so calm?" Aeris asked as Marie rubbed her shoulders, taking the soreness away.
"I think, he thinks your no threat." Marie replied with a snort. Aeris smiled.
"Maybe, but he doesn't know I've holding back."
"Really?! How much?" Marie asked in awe. Aeris giggled.
"Enough." She said as the gong rang to signled them to get ready. Aeris stood and began to stretch. Rueben remained still. The announcer called their names and Aeris walked out. A minute later Rueben followed. Aeris noticed he had on a black trench coat, covering his sword. Rueben stood there with his arms crossed. Aeris snapped her rod out and waited. The gong rang, and she braced herself.
Ruben never moved. He stood there waiting patiently. Aeris frowned. What was he doing? The crowd began to get impatient. Rueben stood there waiting, and he eventually yawned. Aeris knew he was waiting for her to attack. If she let all her strength out at once, she might get him down. Aeris suddenly lunged at Rueben, throwing all her power forward. Rueben stared in shock as she came leaping at him. He stepped back as she swung with her rod. It caught him in the left side of his head, and knocked him to his hands and knees. Aeris stood there, panting and waiting.
A hush fell over the crowd. An "Oh my GOD!" was heard. Rueben put one hand to his head where she had hit him. He looked at it and it had a bit of blood on it. He got up and brushed the dust of his jeans and coat. Rueben glared at her and the he took of his trench coat. He tossed it to his side and it landed with a loud thud. He stretched, cracked his knuckles and neck. He pointed at her and motioned for her to bring it.
Aeris leaped at him again, but this time her caught her rod with his left hand and tossed the rod and her over his shoulder. Aeris let out a shriek, and landed on her butt, hard. Rueben then tossed her rod towards his coat, and kicked at Aeris. She rolled to the side and kicked out his legs. Rueben's eyes flew wide open and he landed on his butt. The crowd's silence broke and they began to cheer, chanting Aeris's name, over and over again. Rueben grabbed her by the ankles and in one swift motion he stood up and flung Aeris straight into the air twenty feet. Aeris screamed and flew up, staring at Rueben. He watched her fly up and drew his sword. Aeris gulped. His sword was completely black, and seemed to be a piece on night, in the middle of the day.
Rueben pointed at her as she began to fall towards him. Aeris screamed and covered her eyes with her face. She felt something hit her in the head and knocked her to the ground. Then she was out like a light and knew no more.
*****
When she woke up a day later she was back in her room. Marie was sitting in a chair next to her bed, sleeping. Her rod and clothes lay on the dresser. She was in a nightgown, and she had a bandage on her head. When she touched it, her head gave her a bolt of pain. She groaned and laid back down. Marie opened her eyes and smiled at her.
"How you doing, kiddo?" Marie asked, and checked the bandage. "It stopped bleeding."
"What happened?" Aeris asked. Marie shook her head.
"I can't believe you did that! No one has ever been able to attack Rueben like that!" Marie said avoiding the question.
"Marie." Aeris said, and Marie sighed.
"He hit you with the blunt side of the blade. It split you temple open and knocked you out. After that Rueben just turned around and walked away. You've been asleep almost a day."
"A day? Oh, my head hurts!" Aeris said, when her head throbbed. Marie smiled.
"The cure materia I attached to the bandage should help you. I figure it should heal you about in a day. You just need to rest now. Rueben also sent you a letter."
"Really? Let me see it!" Aeris asked. Marie sighed and handed her an envelope. Aeris opened it and began to read.
Dear Aeris,
I am pleased to hear that you will recover in no time at all. I am also pleased that I have found a worthy opponent, but it also pains me to tell you the planet has chosen to withdraw both you and myself from the tournament. I have also been instructed to train you myself. Please report to my home at 6:00 am, Wensday morning. I look forward to it.
Sincerely,
R.
Aeris read the letter twice, and then handed it to Marie. Marie read it and then looked at Aeris in awe.
"In all the years I've been hear Rueben has never been withdrawn from the tournament." Marie whispered in awe.
"Do you think I should go?" Aeris asked taking back the letter.
"Of course! But if you have to meet him Wensday, you must rest and get your strength back. You'll need it." Marie said, and began tucking Aeris in. Aeris yawned and watched Marie turn off the light and leave the room, quietly shutting the door. As Aeris drifted off to sleep, she remember seeing Rueben eyes in his home. It had been brief, but his aura around his blue eyes had gone crystal clear.
"He's pure hearted." Aeris mumbled as she fell asleep.
Chapter 2: Time Flies When Your Dead
Aeris followed the other competitors onto the field. When they said her name the crowd cheered, She looked in awe at the crowd. They were in metal stands, watching them, waiting for them to fight in the middle of a huge grass circle. An announcer stepped into the center of the field with a microphone.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THIS WEEK WE HAVE A RARE EVENT INDEED! A WOMAN JUST BROUGHT BACK TODAY HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO FIGHT! SHE ISSSSSSSS,
AERIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS GAAAAAIIIIINNNNNSBOOOOOOOROUGHHHHHH!!!!." The announcer said, and the whole crowd cheered as she timidly waved her hand, her face turning red. She spotted Marie and Johnny sitting together, cheering for her. Then Rueben took the mike from the announcer.
"You all know the rules, but in case you forgot here they are. You win when your opponent can't fight anymore, gives up, or is knocked out. Every thing is legal short of maliciously hurting your opponent. All spells, energy blasts, etc. are legal; the stadiums are protected so do not hold back! You'll need it all to beat me, if you can." Rueben grinned. "Now, let the games begin!"
*****
Aeris watched the others fight each one after another. She was up last and saw incredible fights. Rueben was first and he beat his opponent with a single punch. The man had to be carried off by stretcher. While watching the fight before her's. Marie sneaked down to give her something.
"Here." She whispered, and gave in to Aeris. It was a sense materia. Aeris looked at her with a grin, as Marie snuck away. Aeris concentrated on her opponent, a red haired man sitting next to her on the bench. When she sensed his power she frowned. The materia told her he was weaker than she was. She frowned. Was it working properly? She tried someone else. That person was weaker than her two. She tried ounce more, on Rueben this time. The materia glowed, then faded, then glowed again. It couldn't get a reading.
"Trying to read Rueben?" the red haired man said suddenly. Aeris jumped and looked at him. He grinned.
"I know. No one can get a reading. He's hiding his power."
"But how?" she asked, and he shrugged.
"Don't know, but everyone a hides bit. I've just never met someone before him who can hide it all." The last match was over and it was their turn. The man grinned.
"Like I said we all hide something." As he walked away Aeris put down the materia. He was right. The materia was useless. She picked up her rod, extended it and followed him. She stood in the center ten feet away from the man. He grinned and cracked his knuckle waiting for the gong. It rang and he leaped at her.
*****
Cloud watched as everyone waved to them as they got off at Nibleheim. Tifa hugged everyone and began to cry.
"See you soon Spike!" Cid called out. Cloud grinned and waved. The Highwind started up and took off. Cloud looked at Tifa. She smiled at him and he took her hand.
"We get some food, clothes and other things and head for Kalm, right?" she asked.
"Just me and you, on the road, alone, for a whole week." He affirmed. He pulled her close and began to kiss her. After a bit she pushed him away.
"Down boy. Where do you want to spend the night?" she asked looking at the now abandoned town. The actors had left shortly after Metor vanished.
"Your bed." Cloud growled and made a swipe for her. She laughed.
"Bad boy! Maybe later. If you behave." She grinned. He laughed and made his way to the store. Inside, cans of food lay scattered everywhere. It looked like they had just grabbed anything and left in a hurry. Cloud began to poke threw the rubble, trying to find any undamaged cans. After about fifteen minutes, Cloud had found about twenty cans they could use. He was stuffing them into his backpack when Tifa walked in carrying some canteens.
"I found three of these and filled them with water. How about you?"
"Alright. I found some cans of food. Do you want to stay the night Tifa?" Cloud asked. Tifa thought about it for a moment, and then shook her head.
"No. I want to see Barrett and Marlene as soon as possible. Do you want to stay?"
"No. I want to get on with my life, in a new town. I also want to apologize to Elmira for.." Cloud fell silent. Tifa put a hand on his shoulder.
"It wasn't your fault, Cloud. She wanted to come with us. Elmira will understand that." Tifa said, and kneeled next to him. Cloud held her close to him and made a vow. He would never let what happened to Aeris happen to Tifa, never.
*****
The man leaped at Aeris, his arms out-stretched, and a huge grin on his face. Aeris shrieked and ducked. The man flew over her and landed behind her with a grunt. Aeris turned around and saw he was flat on his belly. The man groaned and tried to get up. Aeris quickly walked over to him and stood on his back. The man grunted and tried to get up. Aeris gently kicked him in the head and he went out like a light. After a count of ten, Aeris was declared the winner. Aeris sat down as everyone gazed at her in wonder. A woman sitting next to Aeris poked her in the side. Aeris looked at her.
"What?" Aeris asked.
"How did you do that?" the woman asked timidly. Aeris shrugged.
"He wasn't too tough. I've faced harder enemies when I was alive." Aeris said as the woman whistled.
"You may have a chance to beat Rueben! That is if you can get past me!" the woman said with a grin. Aeris smiled, beginning to enjoy herself.
"We'll see.."
*****
All of Aeris's next opponents were they same. She easily out- smarted, and down right defeated each person she faced in turn. Rueben was doing the same and soon it became apparent that the new kid and Rueben would meet in the finals. Aeris's last opponent tripped and knocked herself out. They're given a half-hour to rest before Rueben and Aeris fought each other. As Marie talked to Aeris, Rueben sat about ten feet away. His arms were crossed and his eyes were closed. He looked as if he was meditating.
"Why is he so calm?" Aeris asked as Marie rubbed her shoulders, taking the soreness away.
"I think, he thinks your no threat." Marie replied with a snort. Aeris smiled.
"Maybe, but he doesn't know I've holding back."
"Really?! How much?" Marie asked in awe. Aeris giggled.
"Enough." She said as the gong rang to signled them to get ready. Aeris stood and began to stretch. Rueben remained still. The announcer called their names and Aeris walked out. A minute later Rueben followed. Aeris noticed he had on a black trench coat, covering his sword. Rueben stood there with his arms crossed. Aeris snapped her rod out and waited. The gong rang, and she braced herself.
Ruben never moved. He stood there waiting patiently. Aeris frowned. What was he doing? The crowd began to get impatient. Rueben stood there waiting, and he eventually yawned. Aeris knew he was waiting for her to attack. If she let all her strength out at once, she might get him down. Aeris suddenly lunged at Rueben, throwing all her power forward. Rueben stared in shock as she came leaping at him. He stepped back as she swung with her rod. It caught him in the left side of his head, and knocked him to his hands and knees. Aeris stood there, panting and waiting.
A hush fell over the crowd. An "Oh my GOD!" was heard. Rueben put one hand to his head where she had hit him. He looked at it and it had a bit of blood on it. He got up and brushed the dust of his jeans and coat. Rueben glared at her and the he took of his trench coat. He tossed it to his side and it landed with a loud thud. He stretched, cracked his knuckles and neck. He pointed at her and motioned for her to bring it.
Aeris leaped at him again, but this time her caught her rod with his left hand and tossed the rod and her over his shoulder. Aeris let out a shriek, and landed on her butt, hard. Rueben then tossed her rod towards his coat, and kicked at Aeris. She rolled to the side and kicked out his legs. Rueben's eyes flew wide open and he landed on his butt. The crowd's silence broke and they began to cheer, chanting Aeris's name, over and over again. Rueben grabbed her by the ankles and in one swift motion he stood up and flung Aeris straight into the air twenty feet. Aeris screamed and flew up, staring at Rueben. He watched her fly up and drew his sword. Aeris gulped. His sword was completely black, and seemed to be a piece on night, in the middle of the day.
Rueben pointed at her as she began to fall towards him. Aeris screamed and covered her eyes with her face. She felt something hit her in the head and knocked her to the ground. Then she was out like a light and knew no more.
*****
When she woke up a day later she was back in her room. Marie was sitting in a chair next to her bed, sleeping. Her rod and clothes lay on the dresser. She was in a nightgown, and she had a bandage on her head. When she touched it, her head gave her a bolt of pain. She groaned and laid back down. Marie opened her eyes and smiled at her.
"How you doing, kiddo?" Marie asked, and checked the bandage. "It stopped bleeding."
"What happened?" Aeris asked. Marie shook her head.
"I can't believe you did that! No one has ever been able to attack Rueben like that!" Marie said avoiding the question.
"Marie." Aeris said, and Marie sighed.
"He hit you with the blunt side of the blade. It split you temple open and knocked you out. After that Rueben just turned around and walked away. You've been asleep almost a day."
"A day? Oh, my head hurts!" Aeris said, when her head throbbed. Marie smiled.
"The cure materia I attached to the bandage should help you. I figure it should heal you about in a day. You just need to rest now. Rueben also sent you a letter."
"Really? Let me see it!" Aeris asked. Marie sighed and handed her an envelope. Aeris opened it and began to read.
Dear Aeris,
I am pleased to hear that you will recover in no time at all. I am also pleased that I have found a worthy opponent, but it also pains me to tell you the planet has chosen to withdraw both you and myself from the tournament. I have also been instructed to train you myself. Please report to my home at 6:00 am, Wensday morning. I look forward to it.
Sincerely,
R.
Aeris read the letter twice, and then handed it to Marie. Marie read it and then looked at Aeris in awe.
"In all the years I've been hear Rueben has never been withdrawn from the tournament." Marie whispered in awe.
"Do you think I should go?" Aeris asked taking back the letter.
"Of course! But if you have to meet him Wensday, you must rest and get your strength back. You'll need it." Marie said, and began tucking Aeris in. Aeris yawned and watched Marie turn off the light and leave the room, quietly shutting the door. As Aeris drifted off to sleep, she remember seeing Rueben eyes in his home. It had been brief, but his aura around his blue eyes had gone crystal clear.
"He's pure hearted." Aeris mumbled as she fell asleep.