The All-powerful Disclaimer (Because I still do not want to get sued.): The world is square and soft therefore Squaresoft owns it. Tatsu and Amé and anybody else who does not belong to Squaresoft, is mine and you can't have them! (I don't know why anyone would want them anyhow…..)
Now that I've gotten that out of my system…….back to business as usual.
-Acire Fox, that crazy author-lady
Amé plopped down on a bench in the center of Kalm's town square, resting her legs across it. She grinned smugly at Tatsu, as he came to the bench unable to sit.
He nonchalantly sat on the arm of it, leaning back, folding his arms across his chest. His typical black and white Wutain clothes fitting comfortably over his muscular frame. Upon first glance one would have thought him intimidating at a height of six feet one inch and a weight of nearly three hundred pounds, mostly muscle.
She snuggled down onto the seat, placing her arms behind her head. "So," she said, beaming up at Tatsu. "What are you going to do when you don't get the job?"
"What makes you so sure that you are going to be hired?" he asked, scowling at her as she lounged, the thin line of his scar clearly visible in the noon day sun.
Amé raised her finely-crafted eyebrows at the foreboding young man. "I just have a hunch and besides I have credible experience with such things."
"And I do not?"
She scoffed. "I don't think that a loose bond with a podunk terrorist group qualifies as experience. I mean, Shin-Ra did bring down the Knights of Da Chao."
"All of them except for me," he growled. "And I have done other things since the Knights."
"Like what?" Amé inquired, sitting up, inclining an ear.
Tatsu turned away. "That is none of your business."
"But I think that your supposed employers should know what you have done, what makes you better than me." She laughed.
"What doesn't?"
"Cold, my friend. Very cold," she said, lying back down.
"I can say what ever I wish. We are even, remember. I sent you those wristlets with that materia in them." He grabbed her wrist and pushed back the sleeve of her jacket to reveal a beautifully crafted golden wristlet. "And I see that you still wear them."
Amé snatched her arm back. "Yeah. They come in handy at times. So how did you get back to Wutai?"
"If I told you, I would have to kill you," Tatsu muttered darkly.
"Speaking of kill," Amé said, rising again. "You owe me a rematch."
"Not now, Amé. We are supposed to be waiting--"
"C'mon. Are you scared or something?" She drew her weapons and twirled them on the tips of her fingers. "Chicken!"
"Do not provoke me, woman," Tatsu snapped.
"Are you afraid of losing to a female? A woman?"
"I am afraid of nothing, but--"
"But what? Fight me!"
"No, Amé," Tatsu said , rising. "I will not parade my skills boastfully in front of these strangers."
"Or is it you don't have any skills at all?"
"You have seen me in battle. You know what I am capable of. I will not make a fool of you in front of them." Tatsu walked back towards Mary's quaint home.
Amé followed and jumped in front of him, pointing her knives at his chest. "You're not going anywhere until you fight me!"
He pushed past her, continuing on his way, but she stopped him by jumping ahead of him again, extending her daggers.
"I challenge you--officially challenge you to a duel. A grudge match of sorts if you will."
Tatsu was silent, pondering his situation. Amé was stubborn and obviously spoiled in her youth. He saw no point in refusing her any further. He knew that she would get her way sooner or later.
Amé grinned. "I see that I have sparked your interest."
"If you will stop that incessant banter, I shall accept."
She put her hands on her hips. "So, we aren't a coward after all? Took you long enough."
He simply glared at her. "Same rules as before?"
"Of course. No magic, no outside help, no guns or other, quote 'dishonorable weapons' end quote."
Tatsu unsheathed the serpent sword from on his back, assuming fighting stance. "The last rule was more for you than for me." His jagged, silvery blade flashed in the sunlight and he tightly gripped the hilt with an ornate serpent winded around it. Its snarling, venomous head rested on the cross piece. Displaying this intimidating sword in front of him, he welcomed Amé's impending advance, waving her on.
Her smile grew wider, and she moved into her own stance, oozing with pleasure. "You're just sour that my gun is bigger than yours," Amé said, winking.
Tatsu was slightly puzzled. "A gun? I do not carry a…..," He stopped and snorted in frustration. "Very amusing, Amé. Your adolescent humor--"
Tatsu was cut off by Amé, who rushed at him, slashing at him with her daggers. "Enough talk."
He side stepped her advance. "Good, but not good enough."
And with that the battle began.
"Alright guys," Cloud said, as soon their laughter had subsided. "Let's take a vote."
"Let's weigh the pros and cons first," Tifa suggested. "We need to make sure that no personal business gets in the way of making sound judgments." She glanced at Barret who shifted uncomfortably in her gaze.
Cloud squeezed her hand underneath the table. "I think she's right. Let's see. Let's start with Tatsu's pros."
"He's a martial arts master," Yuffie said.
"He's probably strong," Barret added.
Red continued. "And a proficient materia user."
"But he's a thief," said Tifa.
"And?" questioned Yuffie. "So am I and you let me in!"
Tifa kicked Cloud in his shin, underneath the table for his past folly.
Slightly wincing, Cloud muttered, "But what solid information do we have on him, Yuffie?"
She cocked her head like a confused puppy in contemplation. "Well….., I grew up with him. He taught me everything I know. Then he joined the Knights of Da Chao and I didn't see much of him during that time."
"So, what you're saying is that he's like your brother, but you still know about as much as we do about him?"
Yuffie scratched her head. "Yep."
"Ok," Cloud said, changing the subject. "What about Amé?"
Barret had been waiting for this moment. "She's Shin-Ra. What else needs to be said?"
"Cloud, Cid, and I were once Shin-Ra. It can be either a good or a bad thing," Vincent said. "I happen to know her parents. They were loyalists but saw Shin-Ra's corruption and worked to solve it like Reeve did."
"By sitting on his ass, letting those jokers walk all over him?" Barret asked.
Vincent would not dignify that with an answer. "She was a commander in SOLDIER and even told us of some of the missions she had completed."
"She does have a decently solid background," Cid said. "Point for the broad."
"But she has a hot temper," Tifa said.
Cloud stood up for the absent Amé. "She seems to have been provoked, though." He glanced at Barret.
"But she openly admitted to having problems with materia," Red reminded them.
"Magic's not everything," Cloud stated. "If she really was in SOLDIER, she has serious skills and stats."
"And so does Tatsu!" Yuffie interjected. "I can vouch for that!" She held up her hand, crossing her heart.
"Damn. Yuffie, you're not in court," Cid surmised. "Put your hand down. We ain't gonna swear you in."
"You do enough swearing on your own old man!" Yuffie stood, hand poised to grab her Conformer.
"Wait," yelled Red, jumping up on the table.
AVALANCHE waited in silence for the bright beast to speak again, explaining his sudden outburst. However he did not have to. The sound of clanging metal, shouting, and powerful limit breaks being unleashed explained it all. AVALANCHE ran outside.
"Aw, hell," Cid said upon seeing the two prospective AVALANCHE members sparing in the middle of town. "Now they've gone and done it!"
Yuffie began to cheer wildly for Tatsu as Barret silently willed him on to victory over Amé as well.
Tifa, Cloud, and Vincent yelled at the couple trying to keep them from destroying each other.
"Stop it! Not in town!"
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Remember discipline!"
At that last exclamation, Tatsu became distracted, taking an unexpected kick to the head. After regaining his balance, he retaliated with a well-placed swing of his serpent sword.
She blocked the blow with her wristlet but was accidentally cut across the back of her hand. "Bastard!" Amé screamed, charging up her limit break with the typical multicolored warm light.
Tatsu took a step back as he was pushed by the wind generated from the energy she gave off. He braced for the attack.
With arms outstretched to her sides and hair blowing in the breeze, Amé cried, "Whirling Dervish!" Suddenly, she began to twirl clockwise, creating a small cyclone around her rotating form. She spun into Tatsu, her blades chewing at his flesh and clothing, pushing and causing him to lose ground. And with one last forceful push, she threw him several feet across the square. In her final turn, she was placed facing Tatsu's fallen form, smiling down at him. Amé winked.
Tatsu rose, posture rigid with anger, brushing his tattered clothing free of dirt. Leaving his sword on the ground, he assumed a new stance, a martial arts stance. "I forgot that there is no use fighting you with weapons," he said, approaching her slowly. "That is your specialty."
She nodded.
The same rainbow of light surrounded Tatsu as he gathered his strength. "But this is mine. Beat Rush!" Before Amé had time to react, Tatsu was upon her releasing a series of devastating punches. "Apollyon Kick!" With enormous might, he struck her in the face causing her to stumble backwards. "Thunder Strike!" He plunged both fists into Amé's middle. Lightning exploded from his limbs, sending her flying across the square, striking a lamp post, breaking it in half.
AVALANCHE stood dumbfounded and speechless, all except for Yuffie who continued to applaud Tatsu. She ran up to him, hooking her arms around his neck, jumping for joy. "You did it!" she exclaimed.
"Did what?" groaned Amé, rising and rubbing her head. She limped towards them.
"I thought you…..," her voice trailed off.
"…..were down for the count?" Amé laughed. "I don't think so."
"No, Yuffie," Tatsu finally said, his voice slightly rough from fatigue. "Her head is harder than you would think." He pushed Yuffie off of him and prepared for battle again, his posture showing signs of injury. "Let us finish this."
"No need to," Cloud finally said, approaching the warriors. He began to clap. "Great job, guys."
Amé and Tatsu gaped at each other, confused.
Cloud patted them on the back. "I think we've come to a decision, We're hiring you both."
PS When they were alone, Amé and Tatsu are referring to an earlier incident…..the Niblehiem adventure. They'll do that periodically…refer to things that they have done in the past but the Nibleheim adventure is special…..I have that one finished…….just not typed (just like Second Shadow). I know, bad Acire. If you like Amé and Tatsu please let me know so that I will put it up 'cause I'm still not too sure. It is good and all but… oh well. See ya next chapter!
Now that I've gotten that out of my system…….back to business as usual.
-Acire Fox, that crazy author-lady
Amé plopped down on a bench in the center of Kalm's town square, resting her legs across it. She grinned smugly at Tatsu, as he came to the bench unable to sit.
He nonchalantly sat on the arm of it, leaning back, folding his arms across his chest. His typical black and white Wutain clothes fitting comfortably over his muscular frame. Upon first glance one would have thought him intimidating at a height of six feet one inch and a weight of nearly three hundred pounds, mostly muscle.
She snuggled down onto the seat, placing her arms behind her head. "So," she said, beaming up at Tatsu. "What are you going to do when you don't get the job?"
"What makes you so sure that you are going to be hired?" he asked, scowling at her as she lounged, the thin line of his scar clearly visible in the noon day sun.
Amé raised her finely-crafted eyebrows at the foreboding young man. "I just have a hunch and besides I have credible experience with such things."
"And I do not?"
She scoffed. "I don't think that a loose bond with a podunk terrorist group qualifies as experience. I mean, Shin-Ra did bring down the Knights of Da Chao."
"All of them except for me," he growled. "And I have done other things since the Knights."
"Like what?" Amé inquired, sitting up, inclining an ear.
Tatsu turned away. "That is none of your business."
"But I think that your supposed employers should know what you have done, what makes you better than me." She laughed.
"What doesn't?"
"Cold, my friend. Very cold," she said, lying back down.
"I can say what ever I wish. We are even, remember. I sent you those wristlets with that materia in them." He grabbed her wrist and pushed back the sleeve of her jacket to reveal a beautifully crafted golden wristlet. "And I see that you still wear them."
Amé snatched her arm back. "Yeah. They come in handy at times. So how did you get back to Wutai?"
"If I told you, I would have to kill you," Tatsu muttered darkly.
"Speaking of kill," Amé said, rising again. "You owe me a rematch."
"Not now, Amé. We are supposed to be waiting--"
"C'mon. Are you scared or something?" She drew her weapons and twirled them on the tips of her fingers. "Chicken!"
"Do not provoke me, woman," Tatsu snapped.
"Are you afraid of losing to a female? A woman?"
"I am afraid of nothing, but--"
"But what? Fight me!"
"No, Amé," Tatsu said , rising. "I will not parade my skills boastfully in front of these strangers."
"Or is it you don't have any skills at all?"
"You have seen me in battle. You know what I am capable of. I will not make a fool of you in front of them." Tatsu walked back towards Mary's quaint home.
Amé followed and jumped in front of him, pointing her knives at his chest. "You're not going anywhere until you fight me!"
He pushed past her, continuing on his way, but she stopped him by jumping ahead of him again, extending her daggers.
"I challenge you--officially challenge you to a duel. A grudge match of sorts if you will."
Tatsu was silent, pondering his situation. Amé was stubborn and obviously spoiled in her youth. He saw no point in refusing her any further. He knew that she would get her way sooner or later.
Amé grinned. "I see that I have sparked your interest."
"If you will stop that incessant banter, I shall accept."
She put her hands on her hips. "So, we aren't a coward after all? Took you long enough."
He simply glared at her. "Same rules as before?"
"Of course. No magic, no outside help, no guns or other, quote 'dishonorable weapons' end quote."
Tatsu unsheathed the serpent sword from on his back, assuming fighting stance. "The last rule was more for you than for me." His jagged, silvery blade flashed in the sunlight and he tightly gripped the hilt with an ornate serpent winded around it. Its snarling, venomous head rested on the cross piece. Displaying this intimidating sword in front of him, he welcomed Amé's impending advance, waving her on.
Her smile grew wider, and she moved into her own stance, oozing with pleasure. "You're just sour that my gun is bigger than yours," Amé said, winking.
Tatsu was slightly puzzled. "A gun? I do not carry a…..," He stopped and snorted in frustration. "Very amusing, Amé. Your adolescent humor--"
Tatsu was cut off by Amé, who rushed at him, slashing at him with her daggers. "Enough talk."
He side stepped her advance. "Good, but not good enough."
And with that the battle began.
"Alright guys," Cloud said, as soon their laughter had subsided. "Let's take a vote."
"Let's weigh the pros and cons first," Tifa suggested. "We need to make sure that no personal business gets in the way of making sound judgments." She glanced at Barret who shifted uncomfortably in her gaze.
Cloud squeezed her hand underneath the table. "I think she's right. Let's see. Let's start with Tatsu's pros."
"He's a martial arts master," Yuffie said.
"He's probably strong," Barret added.
Red continued. "And a proficient materia user."
"But he's a thief," said Tifa.
"And?" questioned Yuffie. "So am I and you let me in!"
Tifa kicked Cloud in his shin, underneath the table for his past folly.
Slightly wincing, Cloud muttered, "But what solid information do we have on him, Yuffie?"
She cocked her head like a confused puppy in contemplation. "Well….., I grew up with him. He taught me everything I know. Then he joined the Knights of Da Chao and I didn't see much of him during that time."
"So, what you're saying is that he's like your brother, but you still know about as much as we do about him?"
Yuffie scratched her head. "Yep."
"Ok," Cloud said, changing the subject. "What about Amé?"
Barret had been waiting for this moment. "She's Shin-Ra. What else needs to be said?"
"Cloud, Cid, and I were once Shin-Ra. It can be either a good or a bad thing," Vincent said. "I happen to know her parents. They were loyalists but saw Shin-Ra's corruption and worked to solve it like Reeve did."
"By sitting on his ass, letting those jokers walk all over him?" Barret asked.
Vincent would not dignify that with an answer. "She was a commander in SOLDIER and even told us of some of the missions she had completed."
"She does have a decently solid background," Cid said. "Point for the broad."
"But she has a hot temper," Tifa said.
Cloud stood up for the absent Amé. "She seems to have been provoked, though." He glanced at Barret.
"But she openly admitted to having problems with materia," Red reminded them.
"Magic's not everything," Cloud stated. "If she really was in SOLDIER, she has serious skills and stats."
"And so does Tatsu!" Yuffie interjected. "I can vouch for that!" She held up her hand, crossing her heart.
"Damn. Yuffie, you're not in court," Cid surmised. "Put your hand down. We ain't gonna swear you in."
"You do enough swearing on your own old man!" Yuffie stood, hand poised to grab her Conformer.
"Wait," yelled Red, jumping up on the table.
AVALANCHE waited in silence for the bright beast to speak again, explaining his sudden outburst. However he did not have to. The sound of clanging metal, shouting, and powerful limit breaks being unleashed explained it all. AVALANCHE ran outside.
"Aw, hell," Cid said upon seeing the two prospective AVALANCHE members sparing in the middle of town. "Now they've gone and done it!"
Yuffie began to cheer wildly for Tatsu as Barret silently willed him on to victory over Amé as well.
Tifa, Cloud, and Vincent yelled at the couple trying to keep them from destroying each other.
"Stop it! Not in town!"
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Remember discipline!"
At that last exclamation, Tatsu became distracted, taking an unexpected kick to the head. After regaining his balance, he retaliated with a well-placed swing of his serpent sword.
She blocked the blow with her wristlet but was accidentally cut across the back of her hand. "Bastard!" Amé screamed, charging up her limit break with the typical multicolored warm light.
Tatsu took a step back as he was pushed by the wind generated from the energy she gave off. He braced for the attack.
With arms outstretched to her sides and hair blowing in the breeze, Amé cried, "Whirling Dervish!" Suddenly, she began to twirl clockwise, creating a small cyclone around her rotating form. She spun into Tatsu, her blades chewing at his flesh and clothing, pushing and causing him to lose ground. And with one last forceful push, she threw him several feet across the square. In her final turn, she was placed facing Tatsu's fallen form, smiling down at him. Amé winked.
Tatsu rose, posture rigid with anger, brushing his tattered clothing free of dirt. Leaving his sword on the ground, he assumed a new stance, a martial arts stance. "I forgot that there is no use fighting you with weapons," he said, approaching her slowly. "That is your specialty."
She nodded.
The same rainbow of light surrounded Tatsu as he gathered his strength. "But this is mine. Beat Rush!" Before Amé had time to react, Tatsu was upon her releasing a series of devastating punches. "Apollyon Kick!" With enormous might, he struck her in the face causing her to stumble backwards. "Thunder Strike!" He plunged both fists into Amé's middle. Lightning exploded from his limbs, sending her flying across the square, striking a lamp post, breaking it in half.
AVALANCHE stood dumbfounded and speechless, all except for Yuffie who continued to applaud Tatsu. She ran up to him, hooking her arms around his neck, jumping for joy. "You did it!" she exclaimed.
"Did what?" groaned Amé, rising and rubbing her head. She limped towards them.
"I thought you…..," her voice trailed off.
"…..were down for the count?" Amé laughed. "I don't think so."
"No, Yuffie," Tatsu finally said, his voice slightly rough from fatigue. "Her head is harder than you would think." He pushed Yuffie off of him and prepared for battle again, his posture showing signs of injury. "Let us finish this."
"No need to," Cloud finally said, approaching the warriors. He began to clap. "Great job, guys."
Amé and Tatsu gaped at each other, confused.
Cloud patted them on the back. "I think we've come to a decision, We're hiring you both."
PS When they were alone, Amé and Tatsu are referring to an earlier incident…..the Niblehiem adventure. They'll do that periodically…refer to things that they have done in the past but the Nibleheim adventure is special…..I have that one finished…….just not typed (just like Second Shadow). I know, bad Acire. If you like Amé and Tatsu please let me know so that I will put it up 'cause I'm still not too sure. It is good and all but… oh well. See ya next chapter!
