~*Author's Notes*~ Hehe, decided to take up some space in this thing too.
Anyway, this fic is set in the Western times, so have any info, be
appreciated if you e-mailed or left some stuff in the review. Anyway, this
chapter is long, but don't except chapters this long all the time.
Originally was two, but my editor *waves to sister Genki* said it was too
boring so I smashed it into a happy mess so now action will be in the next
chapter. Also thanks very much to Fire Fly for editing and telling me who
the outlaw should be. *wink*
Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot, and even that's not much.
~*~*~*~*~*~ - change in scene ** - emphasized
Chapter 1: Not That Bad
"C'mon, he isn't *that* bad." Tifa Lockheart said to her best friend,
Yuffie Kisargi, who made a show of scrunching up her face in disgust. It was obvious what her opinion on this matter was.
"You're right, he's worse. I feel sorry for you Tifa, seriously I do." Yuffie replied evenly, continuing to walk around the dirt road, an occasional tumble weed rolling lazily by in the wind.
It was a bright day; the sun's scorching rays blocked only by simple blue bonnets, their hoop skirts becoming heavier, from the clinging dust. Tifa sighed lightly, brushing a long silky strand of chocolate hair behind her ear. She ignored the envious stares women were giving her, the whispers of the townsfolk nothing new to her ears, and had been droned out a long time ago.
Tifa and Yuffie were known to be somewhat of rebels; not following the strict obedient lines set for them, and had always been one of the subjects at gossip time. It had only worsened when it was announced that Tifa was to wed the richest man in town. Though Tifa would have gladly traded spots with anyone, she supposed she should be optimistic about the situation. At least try, since things could have been a lot worse. Tifa turned her wine colored eyes to her companion.
"He's not that bad." Tifa said, sounding as if she was trying to convince herself as well as the young 'lady' next to her.
They were on their way to meet with Cloud Strife, a wealthy land owner and rancher, and Tifa's current fiancée. Like she said to Yuffie, he wasn't that bad, but she didn't love him. He seemed, too distant. too out in his dreams to even notice her properly. It's not like he was abusive like some other men in town, no, he was sweet and kind, but too far out of Tifa's reach. Like his name implied, he was with the clouds.
"I suppose." Yuffie replied in a bored tone, already tired of talking about the enormously wealthy Mr. Strife.
Thankfully, Yuffie and Tifa had been raised differently than most of the women in town, who were set on catching the rich handsome blonde, the fact to them that his money made up for his lack of personality. However, when Yuffie was raised by Lord Gordo, it was rumored that he wanted a son instead of the daughter he received. So as a result, he raised Yuffie against the traditional ways; letting her become opinionated, loud, spunky, and undesirable to the men who wanted a demure obedient wife. Not that Yuffie minded however, she just thought all men were airheads who only thought about money and beautiful women.
Tifa's mother on the other hand, wanted more for her daughter than an obedient little doll. She raised her on the ideals and dreams of women before her, often telling stories of courageous women who could do just as much as any man. So, Tifa had grown up gentle but fiery when needed to be, and educated with morals. Men usually flocked to her quiet home to court her, though not for the sake of her personality.
Usually it was her 'assets' as Yuffie so gently put it. Tifa was getting exhausted after all of it; the dripping with honey lies, empty flattery, and getting no where but the bedroom. She didn't want to be where her mother was, trapped in a marriage without love or gentleness, so she was silently against the whole marriage prospect with Cloud. Yet, her father had insisted it was best for her, or him in his pocket aspect, and that Cloud was a fine young man, grown from the little boy that Tifa and Yuffie had often been exposed to. No pleading from her mother would help her in this situation. It would take a miracle to get her out of this mess.
"Thanks for coming with me, Yuffie, but you really don't have to stay." Tifa said gently, while Yuffie looked up at her, raising an eyebrow.
"And go back home to Gordo so soon? No thanks. I'll stay for a while." Yuffie stated a matter of factly. Tifa smiled gratefully, turning her gaze back in front of her.
"Oh, we're here." Tifa murmured in disinterestedly. Yuffie shook her head sadly, tilting her wide brown eyes to scan the almost endless grassy plains. Cattle grazed lazily; and farm hands busily worked like ants, tending to cattle and occasionally going into the stables. The stench of the animals instantly assaulted the pairs' nostrils, and Tifa delicately put a handkerchief over face, covering the grimace of disgust and the smell. She would have to get used to this if she was going to marry a cattle rancher.
Yuffie gave Tifa a sideways glance that clearly told the brunette what she thought of this whole prospect. Tifa sighed, stepping into the fenced threshold. The smell was coming in two fold now, so even Yuffie covered her nose in the 'girly napkin'.
"Ah! Miss Lockheart!" One of the stable men greeted. "Mr. Strife is expecting you. Please come this way." Wiping the sweat from his brow, he led them into the house, which was only to the side and not very far. But Tifa liked the polite gesture. It was good to know at least some men still had some chivalry about them. Their boots thudded loudly along the wooden planks. The kitchen tucked gently in back with the living room welcomed both visitors. And the stable hand smiled slightly. "Excuse me while I get the master." Giving a respectful bow, he turned and trotted off, boots thudding and spurs spinning.
Yuffie let out a sigh as she sat down on the couch. Looking around, she nodded occasionally, observing that the house, no matter how plain it was, held the air of riches. It was much grander than Tifa's small house, though somehow it didn't capture her interest. Money wasn't an issue to her, only a necessity to life. Soon enough, when the sound of boots on polished wood was heard, Tifa turned her attention to her future husband. He was extremely handsome, spiky blonde hair jutting up in impossible directions, a lean muscular body and distant glowing blue eyes. But despite his distant expression, he was someone women instantly threw themselves at. He was the man women wanted, and men envied. But then again, not everyone was perfect, since Cloud was easily confused with matters of the heart. And because he was often daydreaming, Tifa guessed he had no objections to marrying her.
"Cloud." Tifa said softly, giving a slight nod of her head while he gave her a small smile.
"Tifa, you look as radiant as ever." The blonde man replied rather dreamily, looking at her, and somehow through her. Yuffie, who was gagging silently, rolled her eyes in annoyance and boredom. And thus began the usual polite, long, and tiresome visits Tifa had often paid Cloud ever since they were engaged, all the while wishing to be anywhere but where she was.
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Darkness was his cover. His eyes roved deftly over the scene: the small village bright and cheerful, dancing tumble weeds across the grassy plains, and dirt skidding across the road. He turned to the rest of his companions. They nodded their heads, blood red bandanas over their mouths. Red as the blood which they would undoubtedly spill tonight. No, it wouldn't be a grudge; it was the way they were forced to live, what they had to do to survive. A man needed more than whisky and jerky to survive. They couldn't settle down in a place like this. The need to be free and roam always was tugging in the back of his mind; a dark and deep reminder he had no home and a mocking tinge of how he had begun his journey. He pushed that thought out of his mind as he turned back to his bandit crew, seeing grins and grim determination.
"We only aim for the rich cattle rancher." He breathed to his men, who nodded, knowing the code they had to follow if they didn't want to face their leader's wrath. He was a natural born leader, ruthless and cold, using his strength to strike fear into the hearts of many. A bandit couldn't be one of the most wanted outlaws in the West without stealing a priceless thing or two and getting away with it.
"What about the bank or the saloon?" Another asked, and he shrugged. Turning to the town again, his eyes narrowed as he targeted the bank and saloon, hearing more piano music and laughter ringing from the saloon even though it was very late at night. He gave a slight sigh, the wind rustling along with him. The distant calls of cattle were heard as the moon held her breath delicately, peering down, and knowing something was amiss. Just as everything had dropped their guards, spurs dug into the sides of a black chocobo, which proceeded forward obediently, galloping silently and quickly with the rest of the bandits following suit. As soon as the town was within a boot's reach, the most energetic of the group let out a traditional holler, since it was 'rude' to come unannounced into a town. A slight smirk graced his lips as he continued to lead his gang to the obvious estate of the cattle rancher. Five chocobos had been lost in the last raid, so they needed more transport, and where else to get money and horses at the same time than a rich cattle ranch?
"Marauders!" One man cried out, his head poking out of the double doors of the saloon, and instantly the music stopped, just as some of the men began dismounting, entering the saloon while women's cries and a bar brawl breaking out was heard. The leader looked straight ahead, not even batting an eyelash at the sounds of gunfire and glasses breaking, continuing to ride forward as the cattle ranch became closer and closer. He motioned for some of his men to sneak into the stables. Veering toward the house himself, his horse jumping gracefully over the fence, and he dismounted, striding evenly into the house with the last of his men.
"What's all the commotion?" The door swung open to reveal an angry looking blonde man, who resembled a chocobo quite a lot. His eyes widened as his they rested on the intimidating form in front of him. Instantly Cloud took a step back, reached behind him for a gun, until one was suddenly pressed right against his temple.
"Give us your money, now." He hissed dangerously. The man gulped, loosening his collar in a nervous gesture. He was up a creek without a paddle, if he didn't have any weapon on him at all.
"Cloud?" Came a voice from inside. Startled, both men turned to the doorway, only to see a woman who made one of the most fearless outlaws do a double take.
He had seen his fair share of gorgeous women, had a few throw themselves at him, though this one was obviously different. She carried herself with class and knowing, her wine colored irises flickering up to his, effectively shaking him for a moment with their depth. Then she blinked, seeing his gun to her husband's head, and immediately stepped forward.
"Tifa, stay back." The man identified as Cloud warned, though the raven haired beauty looked at him in disbelief, then turned to the man behind the gun. She rolled up her sleeves, her eyes burning with determination. Her delicate jaw set in a grim line as she strode forward. Tifa's skirts swished slightly, hugging her obvious curves, bringing out the ivory tone of her skin, and the fullness and redness of her lips. Delicate eyelashes shaded the woman's eyes as her elegantly shaped eyebrows raised.
"I'm not helpless." She answered in a matter of fact voice, while the man behind the outlaw stirred, not liking the situation at all. He heard the whoops and hollers of his comrades, and wanted to be out of here. Not to mention he didn't want to hurt the attractive woman in front of him.
"Give us the money." The intimidating voice snarled again. While Cloud gulped, he reached into his pocket and handing out his money pouch like a peace offering. The leader instantly took the gil, when a small yell startled him into turning around. Tifa, as he supposed she was called, charged forward. Her fist raised, she aimed for his head, but missed. Giving a graceful twirl, he ducked under her awkward arm, though he was surprised to see it come down. He twisted again, only to have his partner catch her elbow, giving a blow to the neck that made her slump forward. Catching her, he looked at his leader, raising an eyebrow in interest. His leader wasn't usually off guard, but maybe the sounds of his victorious comrades had distracted him and made him edgy.
"Give her back!" The harsh order came, making both men turn to face Cloud. He had a gun raised, aiming it straight for the two of them, both in an awkward position. With a motion to the man next to him, another gun was lifted, pressed threateningly to Tifa's temple. She gave a slight groan, while Cloud's eyes widened.
"Put the gun down, or don't. Either way she dies." The man replied calmly. Even though there was a gun pointed straight at his head, he was always cool and aloft, knowing how to get out of these situations. Horrified, the gun slumped out of Cloud's hands as he watched his beloved Tifa, get kidnapped by one of the most wanted outlaws in the West.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hehe, a bit slow, don't you think? *grins* I'm sorry to all Cloud fans about the position he was in, but I needed someone! *smiles sheepishly* Anyway, it was really awkward to keep referring to the leader as the 'bandit' or 'intimidating man'. I didn't know who I should make it, so I just left if open, so leave who you think it should be in a review. Oh, I don't know if bandits robbed individual houses, but they do now! I needed a reason, so there! *blinks* Oh, if you think Tifa was easily kidnapped, have you seen those corsets they were supposed to wear and those skirts? If you're wondering where Yuffie went, she left to go home, since she said she was only going to stay for a few hours. She has her own life too, y'know! Well anyway, please read and review. *blinks and looks up* Dang that note was long!
Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot, and even that's not much.
~*~*~*~*~*~ - change in scene ** - emphasized
Chapter 1: Not That Bad
"C'mon, he isn't *that* bad." Tifa Lockheart said to her best friend,
Yuffie Kisargi, who made a show of scrunching up her face in disgust. It was obvious what her opinion on this matter was.
"You're right, he's worse. I feel sorry for you Tifa, seriously I do." Yuffie replied evenly, continuing to walk around the dirt road, an occasional tumble weed rolling lazily by in the wind.
It was a bright day; the sun's scorching rays blocked only by simple blue bonnets, their hoop skirts becoming heavier, from the clinging dust. Tifa sighed lightly, brushing a long silky strand of chocolate hair behind her ear. She ignored the envious stares women were giving her, the whispers of the townsfolk nothing new to her ears, and had been droned out a long time ago.
Tifa and Yuffie were known to be somewhat of rebels; not following the strict obedient lines set for them, and had always been one of the subjects at gossip time. It had only worsened when it was announced that Tifa was to wed the richest man in town. Though Tifa would have gladly traded spots with anyone, she supposed she should be optimistic about the situation. At least try, since things could have been a lot worse. Tifa turned her wine colored eyes to her companion.
"He's not that bad." Tifa said, sounding as if she was trying to convince herself as well as the young 'lady' next to her.
They were on their way to meet with Cloud Strife, a wealthy land owner and rancher, and Tifa's current fiancée. Like she said to Yuffie, he wasn't that bad, but she didn't love him. He seemed, too distant. too out in his dreams to even notice her properly. It's not like he was abusive like some other men in town, no, he was sweet and kind, but too far out of Tifa's reach. Like his name implied, he was with the clouds.
"I suppose." Yuffie replied in a bored tone, already tired of talking about the enormously wealthy Mr. Strife.
Thankfully, Yuffie and Tifa had been raised differently than most of the women in town, who were set on catching the rich handsome blonde, the fact to them that his money made up for his lack of personality. However, when Yuffie was raised by Lord Gordo, it was rumored that he wanted a son instead of the daughter he received. So as a result, he raised Yuffie against the traditional ways; letting her become opinionated, loud, spunky, and undesirable to the men who wanted a demure obedient wife. Not that Yuffie minded however, she just thought all men were airheads who only thought about money and beautiful women.
Tifa's mother on the other hand, wanted more for her daughter than an obedient little doll. She raised her on the ideals and dreams of women before her, often telling stories of courageous women who could do just as much as any man. So, Tifa had grown up gentle but fiery when needed to be, and educated with morals. Men usually flocked to her quiet home to court her, though not for the sake of her personality.
Usually it was her 'assets' as Yuffie so gently put it. Tifa was getting exhausted after all of it; the dripping with honey lies, empty flattery, and getting no where but the bedroom. She didn't want to be where her mother was, trapped in a marriage without love or gentleness, so she was silently against the whole marriage prospect with Cloud. Yet, her father had insisted it was best for her, or him in his pocket aspect, and that Cloud was a fine young man, grown from the little boy that Tifa and Yuffie had often been exposed to. No pleading from her mother would help her in this situation. It would take a miracle to get her out of this mess.
"Thanks for coming with me, Yuffie, but you really don't have to stay." Tifa said gently, while Yuffie looked up at her, raising an eyebrow.
"And go back home to Gordo so soon? No thanks. I'll stay for a while." Yuffie stated a matter of factly. Tifa smiled gratefully, turning her gaze back in front of her.
"Oh, we're here." Tifa murmured in disinterestedly. Yuffie shook her head sadly, tilting her wide brown eyes to scan the almost endless grassy plains. Cattle grazed lazily; and farm hands busily worked like ants, tending to cattle and occasionally going into the stables. The stench of the animals instantly assaulted the pairs' nostrils, and Tifa delicately put a handkerchief over face, covering the grimace of disgust and the smell. She would have to get used to this if she was going to marry a cattle rancher.
Yuffie gave Tifa a sideways glance that clearly told the brunette what she thought of this whole prospect. Tifa sighed, stepping into the fenced threshold. The smell was coming in two fold now, so even Yuffie covered her nose in the 'girly napkin'.
"Ah! Miss Lockheart!" One of the stable men greeted. "Mr. Strife is expecting you. Please come this way." Wiping the sweat from his brow, he led them into the house, which was only to the side and not very far. But Tifa liked the polite gesture. It was good to know at least some men still had some chivalry about them. Their boots thudded loudly along the wooden planks. The kitchen tucked gently in back with the living room welcomed both visitors. And the stable hand smiled slightly. "Excuse me while I get the master." Giving a respectful bow, he turned and trotted off, boots thudding and spurs spinning.
Yuffie let out a sigh as she sat down on the couch. Looking around, she nodded occasionally, observing that the house, no matter how plain it was, held the air of riches. It was much grander than Tifa's small house, though somehow it didn't capture her interest. Money wasn't an issue to her, only a necessity to life. Soon enough, when the sound of boots on polished wood was heard, Tifa turned her attention to her future husband. He was extremely handsome, spiky blonde hair jutting up in impossible directions, a lean muscular body and distant glowing blue eyes. But despite his distant expression, he was someone women instantly threw themselves at. He was the man women wanted, and men envied. But then again, not everyone was perfect, since Cloud was easily confused with matters of the heart. And because he was often daydreaming, Tifa guessed he had no objections to marrying her.
"Cloud." Tifa said softly, giving a slight nod of her head while he gave her a small smile.
"Tifa, you look as radiant as ever." The blonde man replied rather dreamily, looking at her, and somehow through her. Yuffie, who was gagging silently, rolled her eyes in annoyance and boredom. And thus began the usual polite, long, and tiresome visits Tifa had often paid Cloud ever since they were engaged, all the while wishing to be anywhere but where she was.
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Darkness was his cover. His eyes roved deftly over the scene: the small village bright and cheerful, dancing tumble weeds across the grassy plains, and dirt skidding across the road. He turned to the rest of his companions. They nodded their heads, blood red bandanas over their mouths. Red as the blood which they would undoubtedly spill tonight. No, it wouldn't be a grudge; it was the way they were forced to live, what they had to do to survive. A man needed more than whisky and jerky to survive. They couldn't settle down in a place like this. The need to be free and roam always was tugging in the back of his mind; a dark and deep reminder he had no home and a mocking tinge of how he had begun his journey. He pushed that thought out of his mind as he turned back to his bandit crew, seeing grins and grim determination.
"We only aim for the rich cattle rancher." He breathed to his men, who nodded, knowing the code they had to follow if they didn't want to face their leader's wrath. He was a natural born leader, ruthless and cold, using his strength to strike fear into the hearts of many. A bandit couldn't be one of the most wanted outlaws in the West without stealing a priceless thing or two and getting away with it.
"What about the bank or the saloon?" Another asked, and he shrugged. Turning to the town again, his eyes narrowed as he targeted the bank and saloon, hearing more piano music and laughter ringing from the saloon even though it was very late at night. He gave a slight sigh, the wind rustling along with him. The distant calls of cattle were heard as the moon held her breath delicately, peering down, and knowing something was amiss. Just as everything had dropped their guards, spurs dug into the sides of a black chocobo, which proceeded forward obediently, galloping silently and quickly with the rest of the bandits following suit. As soon as the town was within a boot's reach, the most energetic of the group let out a traditional holler, since it was 'rude' to come unannounced into a town. A slight smirk graced his lips as he continued to lead his gang to the obvious estate of the cattle rancher. Five chocobos had been lost in the last raid, so they needed more transport, and where else to get money and horses at the same time than a rich cattle ranch?
"Marauders!" One man cried out, his head poking out of the double doors of the saloon, and instantly the music stopped, just as some of the men began dismounting, entering the saloon while women's cries and a bar brawl breaking out was heard. The leader looked straight ahead, not even batting an eyelash at the sounds of gunfire and glasses breaking, continuing to ride forward as the cattle ranch became closer and closer. He motioned for some of his men to sneak into the stables. Veering toward the house himself, his horse jumping gracefully over the fence, and he dismounted, striding evenly into the house with the last of his men.
"What's all the commotion?" The door swung open to reveal an angry looking blonde man, who resembled a chocobo quite a lot. His eyes widened as his they rested on the intimidating form in front of him. Instantly Cloud took a step back, reached behind him for a gun, until one was suddenly pressed right against his temple.
"Give us your money, now." He hissed dangerously. The man gulped, loosening his collar in a nervous gesture. He was up a creek without a paddle, if he didn't have any weapon on him at all.
"Cloud?" Came a voice from inside. Startled, both men turned to the doorway, only to see a woman who made one of the most fearless outlaws do a double take.
He had seen his fair share of gorgeous women, had a few throw themselves at him, though this one was obviously different. She carried herself with class and knowing, her wine colored irises flickering up to his, effectively shaking him for a moment with their depth. Then she blinked, seeing his gun to her husband's head, and immediately stepped forward.
"Tifa, stay back." The man identified as Cloud warned, though the raven haired beauty looked at him in disbelief, then turned to the man behind the gun. She rolled up her sleeves, her eyes burning with determination. Her delicate jaw set in a grim line as she strode forward. Tifa's skirts swished slightly, hugging her obvious curves, bringing out the ivory tone of her skin, and the fullness and redness of her lips. Delicate eyelashes shaded the woman's eyes as her elegantly shaped eyebrows raised.
"I'm not helpless." She answered in a matter of fact voice, while the man behind the outlaw stirred, not liking the situation at all. He heard the whoops and hollers of his comrades, and wanted to be out of here. Not to mention he didn't want to hurt the attractive woman in front of him.
"Give us the money." The intimidating voice snarled again. While Cloud gulped, he reached into his pocket and handing out his money pouch like a peace offering. The leader instantly took the gil, when a small yell startled him into turning around. Tifa, as he supposed she was called, charged forward. Her fist raised, she aimed for his head, but missed. Giving a graceful twirl, he ducked under her awkward arm, though he was surprised to see it come down. He twisted again, only to have his partner catch her elbow, giving a blow to the neck that made her slump forward. Catching her, he looked at his leader, raising an eyebrow in interest. His leader wasn't usually off guard, but maybe the sounds of his victorious comrades had distracted him and made him edgy.
"Give her back!" The harsh order came, making both men turn to face Cloud. He had a gun raised, aiming it straight for the two of them, both in an awkward position. With a motion to the man next to him, another gun was lifted, pressed threateningly to Tifa's temple. She gave a slight groan, while Cloud's eyes widened.
"Put the gun down, or don't. Either way she dies." The man replied calmly. Even though there was a gun pointed straight at his head, he was always cool and aloft, knowing how to get out of these situations. Horrified, the gun slumped out of Cloud's hands as he watched his beloved Tifa, get kidnapped by one of the most wanted outlaws in the West.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hehe, a bit slow, don't you think? *grins* I'm sorry to all Cloud fans about the position he was in, but I needed someone! *smiles sheepishly* Anyway, it was really awkward to keep referring to the leader as the 'bandit' or 'intimidating man'. I didn't know who I should make it, so I just left if open, so leave who you think it should be in a review. Oh, I don't know if bandits robbed individual houses, but they do now! I needed a reason, so there! *blinks* Oh, if you think Tifa was easily kidnapped, have you seen those corsets they were supposed to wear and those skirts? If you're wondering where Yuffie went, she left to go home, since she said she was only going to stay for a few hours. She has her own life too, y'know! Well anyway, please read and review. *blinks and looks up* Dang that note was long!