Nida's Story
(Author's Note: This chapter is stange. Don't worry if you don't get it at first. You'll soon realise. This is based on the Seal song 'Kissed By A Rose' which is one of my favourite number one top songs ever. Square owns 99.999999'% of this fic, as I've said before. Enjoy and review! (E&R) This chapter is short because I couldn't wait to get more chapters online. I hope to get at least one chapter online a week.)
Chapter Three: Kissed By A Rose On The Grey
There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea
You, became the light on the dark side of me
Love remains, a drug that's the high and not the pill
Nida stood on the sea shore. He could see the beach, the fields, he could smell the salt air. It was so wonderful here. In the background there was a lighthouse. She had told him to come here. She had wanted to show him something. What was it again? He couldn't remember. It was something really important.
She was dressed all in white, snow falling around her, even on this summers day. She was so bright against the black of his clothes. He reached out to touch her skin but held back. He was afraid to mar such brilliant white beauty.
He could feel the love radiating from her. He wanted to reach out to her, but everytime he reached forward she danced away, laughing gently, as though it were a highly amusing game. He found himself needing more of this love. More of this dancing.
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
The sunny day suddenly clouded over. Nida looked up to the heavens to see snowflakes beginning to fall. He stared up at the clouds, how had it clouded over so quickly? He turned to Quistis.
She was almost indistinguishable from the weather. The snowflakes falling faster around her than anywhere else. She was still laughing, but her voice was being taken away by the wind.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
Nida found himself wondering why everything was so weird. She had asked him to be here, so why was she now disappearing in front of his eyes. He remembered the kiss and saw the flowers in the meadow begin to shine brightly. He saw Quistis standing amongst them, now in battle gear. It stopped snowing, as suddenly as the clouds had come, they had gone again.
There is so much a man can tell you
So much he can say
You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain
"Quistis? What's going on?" Nida asked. She laughed and sat down in the grass.
"I'm in a place I can be free. There is so much I want to say. Everything about me makes me feel so..." She trailed off with a happy sigh. Nida blinked a few times. Quistis would not say something like that. What was wrong?
"There is only so much that can be said. Sometimes it's best not to use words to describe what you want," Nida said simply. She nodded, leaning forward.
Baby, To me, you're like a growing
Addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me, is that healthy, baby?
Nida felt as though he was going to pass out. He felt as excited as a school boy. He fought a battle with himself over who should kiss who. He knew that he was addicted to the very essence of her, as addicted to her as he was to- No, he shouldn't go down that road. It wasn't an addiction he had with that, it was a neccessity.
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
Quistis was suddenly gone. It went cold. Nida stood up to see Seifer standing beside him. The man's gunblade was pointed to his throat. Nida stood, looking into the eyes of a man who hated him.
"I'm sorry Seifer," Was all he said. In the background he could see a faint figure that could only be Quistis. He bowed to Seifer and walked boldly passed.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
"Quistis! Where are you going?" He called to her. She turned around.
"To pick roses with Matron! They are blooming at this time in the year! The light is just right on the lighthouse," She called back. Nida nodded, then jogged up to her. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips, which was so quick he didn't really feel anything, and ran off.
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey
And if I should fall, will it all go away?
Nida stood there. I was just kissed by Quistis Trepe. Ok, it wasn't really a kiss, but... I was just kissed by Quistis bloddy Trepe! He looked on after her. If he needed her, would she be there? Or would it only be a quick kiss?
There is so much a man can tell you
So much he can say
You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain Baby,
To me, you're like a growing Addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me, is that healthy, baby?
Nida didn't called after her. He knew where his strength came from. He wanted to make her love him. He needed her love. He needed everything about her. He wouldn't let Seifer stop him. Not anymore. If Quistis wanted him then he would have her. Why else would she have asked him to come here? But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
Nida smiled. Quistis was coming back. It was only when she got closer that he saw the burning cross across her heart. The Fire Cross. Nida took a deep breath and screamed, out of pain of the heart.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
Yes, I compare you to a kiss from a rose...
Nida awoke with a start. He was sweating heavilly. He was about to get up when he realised he was staring into a pair of crystal clear blue eyes.
*
Quistis had got up after a nightmare in which Seifer had killed Nida. The nightmare had been so vivid that she hadn't been able to go back to sleep. She had had to know that Nida was okay, she had had to know that he was alive and well and that everything was fine. Otherwise she'd have taken the anti-depressants in her cupboard and topped herself with them.
When she'd seen him, her heart had melted. His naked torso and face were glistening with perspiration. He was tossing and turning, his fists clenched. She had never seen him like this before. She sat down on the bed next to him.
Suddenly he screamed. Quistis jumped out of her skin and leaned over to check he wasn't hallucinating or anything. His eyes snapped open, he was panting slightly against her lips.
"Qu-Quistis?" He said, surprised. He sat up in bed and wiped his forehead on the blankets. He let them fall then looked at her questioningly. She was glad the darkness hid her blush at least a little bit.
"I just had the feeling you were in trouble, is all," She replied to his unspoken question. He nodded then pulled back the covers. He was only wearing his boxers, but it didn't really matter to Quistis. He went into the bathroom and got a towel, then returned and turned on the light. Quistis scrunched her eyes up, they hurt so much when people did that.
"So, I'm okay, you can leave," He suggested. Quistis looked up and sighed. Yes it was time to leave. She noticed that Nida was wearing gloves, and it wasn't just shadow now. She knew she shouldn't mention it. Then something else drew her attention. On his muscled torso was a tattoo.
It was a rune of somekind, it looked like ancient Centran. Quistis couldn't deciefer it.
"What's that?" She asked, pointing at the tattoo, making extra effort to push to see how hard the muscles were. She was impressed. Rock hard. Maybe Nida's not such a bookworm? She folded her arms, expecting an answer.
"It's a tattoo," Nida said simply, opening the door.
"So I'm just going to leave? We're not going to even say hello?" Quistis asked. She wanted Nida to make her stay. What had she done wrong? Why was Nida like this? She saw him sag.
"Please Quistis, just leave. I'll talk to you in the morning," He promised. Quistis nodded and walked passed. She turned around to point out that he hadn't said where he was going to talk to her, but the door was slammed in her face.
"Good morning to you to!" She called through the door. She heard a muffled voice but didn't hear what it said. She held back her tears and walked away. She was determined not to look back.
*
Nida was still finding it hard to believe that he had done that. Was he out of his mind? He remembered the dream and cringed. He had been wondering about that dream, why had he had it? He'd heard that dreams were merely the filing of the days events. If that was so then when had he ever been to a lighthouse?
He pondered this as he brushed his teeth. Then realised that he was going to choke on tooth paste if he didn't pay attention. After fifteen minutes he couldn't stand being in his dormitory any more. He stood up and quickly decided where to go.
Upon entering the training center he found Zell and Lucinda. Obviously studying. Zell had his guitar on his lap and was strumming out a song. Lucinda sang along, she had the most brilliant pure soprano voice. The song she was singing was almost perfect, was it not for the occasional giggle.
"Hey, Luce!" He called. She looked up and stopped singing. Zel stopped playing and looked up. The last few stars before dawn were twinkling in the sky, a rose coloured light was on their faces.
"Hi Nida! Hyne on Earth! What happened?" Lucinda was on her feet as soon as she saw the gloves. She knew as well as he did he only wore them when he tore the skin on his robotic hand, and the skin didn't tear that easy.
"Had my hand chopped clean off. Last time I ever face Seifer. The bastard attacked me when I didn't even have a weapon. And I've kinda just fallen out with Quistis as well. Isn't my life great?" He slouched down onto the grass and leaned against the wall.
"To top it all off, I can't even remember what it's like to actually lead a normal life. Why couldn't I have had a normal life? Perhaps as a teacher? Teaching normal kids to read and write, no fighting, no wars. Wouldn't that be a simple life?" Nida asked. Zell sat down next to him.
"Whoa whoa whoa! What's brought this on?" Zell asked. Lucinda sat down in front of him.
"Nida tell me the reason you're upset. I've never heard you talk like that before. What's the matter? Please talk to me," She begged. Nida looked away and didn't say anything. Perhaps it was best if he didn't say anything, especially since Zell was practically Quistis's brother.
"Nida please!" She squealed. Nida looked up and saw tears in her eyes. He felt like such an ass, he was hurting people. Nida never wanted to hurt anyone. He hugged Lucinda and then sat back.
"It doesn't matter. I have to deal with it, you guys can't help me," He said. Zell took the hint and began to play on his guitar again. Nida immediately recognised the tune, it was from the dream.
"There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea," Nida began, singing practically to himself. Zell stopped.
"Man, you never said you could sing! Hell Nida, you're making the rest of us guys look bad!" Zell laughed, and carried on playing. Nida closed his eyes and sang along.
*
Quistis was intrigued by the voice. It was low and sexy, but so soft. She found it was coming from the secret area. After a few hours hitting things with her whip she could do with something calming. She recognised the song as Kissed By A Rose by Seal. Suddenly the singing stopped, then restarted.
Quistis walked into the training center, and was caught in the beauty of the sunrise. It was late sunrise now, the sun just peeping over the horizon. The singing in the background abruptly stopped and there were questioning noises.
"Yo Quist!" Zell called. She span around and saw him sitting there with his guitar. His girlfriend Lucinda was next to him giggling slightly. Behind her was Nida, looking extremely embarrassed and miffed. She wondered if they knew about her coming into his room?
"Hey Zell, Lucinda... Nida," She added. Nida looked away. Zell looked from one to the other so quickly that Quistis thought his head was unscrewing.
"Instructor," Lucinda saluted form where she was sitting. Quistis smiled and saluted back, her eyes never left Nida though. She felt a mushy moment coming, with lots of tears.
"Nida, I'm so sorry. If I'd have known-" She began but he held up his hand to stop her. He then pulled the glove off. There was ugly metal framework in the vague shape of a hand. Quistis gasped and felt her eyes fill with tears.
"I'm sorry," She managed to choke out. Nida's dark brown eyes seemed watery as well, but perhaps that was the morning sun catching her own tears? Lucinda and Zell were watching, clearly not knowing what Quistis had done.
"It's way way too late for sorry Quistis. You've been leading one of us on, I can't decide which one!" Nida then stood up. "Luce, I'll meet you in the library. Zell," He then turned on his heel and walked out of the training center as fast as he could. More tears spilled down Quistis's cheeks.
"He's never been like this before. Except when he lost his hand the first time... Why was that again? Oh yeah, his instructor couldn't be bothered to go to the Fire Cavern with him so he had to go with a rookie SeeD. It went wrong and Nida lost his hand," Lucinda said, happily. Quistis felt even more tears fall down her cheeks.
"Luce, Quistis was his instructor," Zell said quietly. Lucinda clapped her hand to her mouth.
"I'm sorry Quistis, I had no idea!" She apologised. Quistis wiped her cheeks.
"He must hate me so much. I never even noticed. Hyne, I've made a big mistake," Quistis turned and ran down the path out of the secret area, out of the training center. When she got into the corridor a rose fell from the sky right in front of her. She looked up but saw no one.
"Now that your rose is in bloom the light hits the gloom on the grey," She whispered, sniffing the rose then putting it down on the floor. With a sigh she decided to get some breakfast.
(Author's Note: This chapter is stange. Don't worry if you don't get it at first. You'll soon realise. This is based on the Seal song 'Kissed By A Rose' which is one of my favourite number one top songs ever. Square owns 99.999999'% of this fic, as I've said before. Enjoy and review! (E&R) This chapter is short because I couldn't wait to get more chapters online. I hope to get at least one chapter online a week.)
There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea
You, became the light on the dark side of me
Love remains, a drug that's the high and not the pill
Nida stood on the sea shore. He could see the beach, the fields, he could smell the salt air. It was so wonderful here. In the background there was a lighthouse. She had told him to come here. She had wanted to show him something. What was it again? He couldn't remember. It was something really important.
She was dressed all in white, snow falling around her, even on this summers day. She was so bright against the black of his clothes. He reached out to touch her skin but held back. He was afraid to mar such brilliant white beauty.
He could feel the love radiating from her. He wanted to reach out to her, but everytime he reached forward she danced away, laughing gently, as though it were a highly amusing game. He found himself needing more of this love. More of this dancing.
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
The sunny day suddenly clouded over. Nida looked up to the heavens to see snowflakes beginning to fall. He stared up at the clouds, how had it clouded over so quickly? He turned to Quistis.
She was almost indistinguishable from the weather. The snowflakes falling faster around her than anywhere else. She was still laughing, but her voice was being taken away by the wind.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
Nida found himself wondering why everything was so weird. She had asked him to be here, so why was she now disappearing in front of his eyes. He remembered the kiss and saw the flowers in the meadow begin to shine brightly. He saw Quistis standing amongst them, now in battle gear. It stopped snowing, as suddenly as the clouds had come, they had gone again.
There is so much a man can tell you
So much he can say
You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain
"Quistis? What's going on?" Nida asked. She laughed and sat down in the grass.
"I'm in a place I can be free. There is so much I want to say. Everything about me makes me feel so..." She trailed off with a happy sigh. Nida blinked a few times. Quistis would not say something like that. What was wrong?
"There is only so much that can be said. Sometimes it's best not to use words to describe what you want," Nida said simply. She nodded, leaning forward.
Baby, To me, you're like a growing
Addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me, is that healthy, baby?
Nida felt as though he was going to pass out. He felt as excited as a school boy. He fought a battle with himself over who should kiss who. He knew that he was addicted to the very essence of her, as addicted to her as he was to- No, he shouldn't go down that road. It wasn't an addiction he had with that, it was a neccessity.
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
Quistis was suddenly gone. It went cold. Nida stood up to see Seifer standing beside him. The man's gunblade was pointed to his throat. Nida stood, looking into the eyes of a man who hated him.
"I'm sorry Seifer," Was all he said. In the background he could see a faint figure that could only be Quistis. He bowed to Seifer and walked boldly passed.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
"Quistis! Where are you going?" He called to her. She turned around.
"To pick roses with Matron! They are blooming at this time in the year! The light is just right on the lighthouse," She called back. Nida nodded, then jogged up to her. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips, which was so quick he didn't really feel anything, and ran off.
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey
And if I should fall, will it all go away?
Nida stood there. I was just kissed by Quistis Trepe. Ok, it wasn't really a kiss, but... I was just kissed by Quistis bloddy Trepe! He looked on after her. If he needed her, would she be there? Or would it only be a quick kiss?
There is so much a man can tell you
So much he can say
You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain Baby,
To me, you're like a growing Addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me, is that healthy, baby?
Nida didn't called after her. He knew where his strength came from. He wanted to make her love him. He needed her love. He needed everything about her. He wouldn't let Seifer stop him. Not anymore. If Quistis wanted him then he would have her. Why else would she have asked him to come here? But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen?
Nida smiled. Quistis was coming back. It was only when she got closer that he saw the burning cross across her heart. The Fire Cross. Nida took a deep breath and screamed, out of pain of the heart.
Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey
Ooh, the more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
Yes, I compare you to a kiss from a rose...
Nida awoke with a start. He was sweating heavilly. He was about to get up when he realised he was staring into a pair of crystal clear blue eyes.
Quistis had got up after a nightmare in which Seifer had killed Nida. The nightmare had been so vivid that she hadn't been able to go back to sleep. She had had to know that Nida was okay, she had had to know that he was alive and well and that everything was fine. Otherwise she'd have taken the anti-depressants in her cupboard and topped herself with them.
When she'd seen him, her heart had melted. His naked torso and face were glistening with perspiration. He was tossing and turning, his fists clenched. She had never seen him like this before. She sat down on the bed next to him.
Suddenly he screamed. Quistis jumped out of her skin and leaned over to check he wasn't hallucinating or anything. His eyes snapped open, he was panting slightly against her lips.
"Qu-Quistis?" He said, surprised. He sat up in bed and wiped his forehead on the blankets. He let them fall then looked at her questioningly. She was glad the darkness hid her blush at least a little bit.
"I just had the feeling you were in trouble, is all," She replied to his unspoken question. He nodded then pulled back the covers. He was only wearing his boxers, but it didn't really matter to Quistis. He went into the bathroom and got a towel, then returned and turned on the light. Quistis scrunched her eyes up, they hurt so much when people did that.
"So, I'm okay, you can leave," He suggested. Quistis looked up and sighed. Yes it was time to leave. She noticed that Nida was wearing gloves, and it wasn't just shadow now. She knew she shouldn't mention it. Then something else drew her attention. On his muscled torso was a tattoo.
It was a rune of somekind, it looked like ancient Centran. Quistis couldn't deciefer it.
"What's that?" She asked, pointing at the tattoo, making extra effort to push to see how hard the muscles were. She was impressed. Rock hard. Maybe Nida's not such a bookworm? She folded her arms, expecting an answer.
"It's a tattoo," Nida said simply, opening the door.
"So I'm just going to leave? We're not going to even say hello?" Quistis asked. She wanted Nida to make her stay. What had she done wrong? Why was Nida like this? She saw him sag.
"Please Quistis, just leave. I'll talk to you in the morning," He promised. Quistis nodded and walked passed. She turned around to point out that he hadn't said where he was going to talk to her, but the door was slammed in her face.
"Good morning to you to!" She called through the door. She heard a muffled voice but didn't hear what it said. She held back her tears and walked away. She was determined not to look back.
Nida was still finding it hard to believe that he had done that. Was he out of his mind? He remembered the dream and cringed. He had been wondering about that dream, why had he had it? He'd heard that dreams were merely the filing of the days events. If that was so then when had he ever been to a lighthouse?
He pondered this as he brushed his teeth. Then realised that he was going to choke on tooth paste if he didn't pay attention. After fifteen minutes he couldn't stand being in his dormitory any more. He stood up and quickly decided where to go.
Upon entering the training center he found Zell and Lucinda. Obviously studying. Zell had his guitar on his lap and was strumming out a song. Lucinda sang along, she had the most brilliant pure soprano voice. The song she was singing was almost perfect, was it not for the occasional giggle.
"Hey, Luce!" He called. She looked up and stopped singing. Zel stopped playing and looked up. The last few stars before dawn were twinkling in the sky, a rose coloured light was on their faces.
"Hi Nida! Hyne on Earth! What happened?" Lucinda was on her feet as soon as she saw the gloves. She knew as well as he did he only wore them when he tore the skin on his robotic hand, and the skin didn't tear that easy.
"Had my hand chopped clean off. Last time I ever face Seifer. The bastard attacked me when I didn't even have a weapon. And I've kinda just fallen out with Quistis as well. Isn't my life great?" He slouched down onto the grass and leaned against the wall.
"To top it all off, I can't even remember what it's like to actually lead a normal life. Why couldn't I have had a normal life? Perhaps as a teacher? Teaching normal kids to read and write, no fighting, no wars. Wouldn't that be a simple life?" Nida asked. Zell sat down next to him.
"Whoa whoa whoa! What's brought this on?" Zell asked. Lucinda sat down in front of him.
"Nida tell me the reason you're upset. I've never heard you talk like that before. What's the matter? Please talk to me," She begged. Nida looked away and didn't say anything. Perhaps it was best if he didn't say anything, especially since Zell was practically Quistis's brother.
"Nida please!" She squealed. Nida looked up and saw tears in her eyes. He felt like such an ass, he was hurting people. Nida never wanted to hurt anyone. He hugged Lucinda and then sat back.
"It doesn't matter. I have to deal with it, you guys can't help me," He said. Zell took the hint and began to play on his guitar again. Nida immediately recognised the tune, it was from the dream.
"There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea," Nida began, singing practically to himself. Zell stopped.
"Man, you never said you could sing! Hell Nida, you're making the rest of us guys look bad!" Zell laughed, and carried on playing. Nida closed his eyes and sang along.
Quistis was intrigued by the voice. It was low and sexy, but so soft. She found it was coming from the secret area. After a few hours hitting things with her whip she could do with something calming. She recognised the song as Kissed By A Rose by Seal. Suddenly the singing stopped, then restarted.
Quistis walked into the training center, and was caught in the beauty of the sunrise. It was late sunrise now, the sun just peeping over the horizon. The singing in the background abruptly stopped and there were questioning noises.
"Yo Quist!" Zell called. She span around and saw him sitting there with his guitar. His girlfriend Lucinda was next to him giggling slightly. Behind her was Nida, looking extremely embarrassed and miffed. She wondered if they knew about her coming into his room?
"Hey Zell, Lucinda... Nida," She added. Nida looked away. Zell looked from one to the other so quickly that Quistis thought his head was unscrewing.
"Instructor," Lucinda saluted form where she was sitting. Quistis smiled and saluted back, her eyes never left Nida though. She felt a mushy moment coming, with lots of tears.
"Nida, I'm so sorry. If I'd have known-" She began but he held up his hand to stop her. He then pulled the glove off. There was ugly metal framework in the vague shape of a hand. Quistis gasped and felt her eyes fill with tears.
"I'm sorry," She managed to choke out. Nida's dark brown eyes seemed watery as well, but perhaps that was the morning sun catching her own tears? Lucinda and Zell were watching, clearly not knowing what Quistis had done.
"It's way way too late for sorry Quistis. You've been leading one of us on, I can't decide which one!" Nida then stood up. "Luce, I'll meet you in the library. Zell," He then turned on his heel and walked out of the training center as fast as he could. More tears spilled down Quistis's cheeks.
"He's never been like this before. Except when he lost his hand the first time... Why was that again? Oh yeah, his instructor couldn't be bothered to go to the Fire Cavern with him so he had to go with a rookie SeeD. It went wrong and Nida lost his hand," Lucinda said, happily. Quistis felt even more tears fall down her cheeks.
"Luce, Quistis was his instructor," Zell said quietly. Lucinda clapped her hand to her mouth.
"I'm sorry Quistis, I had no idea!" She apologised. Quistis wiped her cheeks.
"He must hate me so much. I never even noticed. Hyne, I've made a big mistake," Quistis turned and ran down the path out of the secret area, out of the training center. When she got into the corridor a rose fell from the sky right in front of her. She looked up but saw no one.
"Now that your rose is in bloom the light hits the gloom on the grey," She whispered, sniffing the rose then putting it down on the floor. With a sigh she decided to get some breakfast.