A/N: First off I'd like to apologize to all of my readers for the long
delay. Your condolences and encouraging words helped and I wish to thank
all of you for that. My grandfather's sudden passing was very unexpected
but not only that, school is now getting the best of me and I have been
rather busy. I'd personally like to thank Rona La Penguin and HeartOvalion
for getting my ass in gear. Thanks guys ^-^
DISCLAIMER: You know the drill, want 'em but cant have 'em.. yet ^_~ ON WITH THE FIC!
~*~
Zell and I quickly walked down the long halls of Balamb Garden, the threat of a new evil hanging heavily in the air above us. I couldn't help being terrified yet curious at the same time over the whole matter. I had been here for a relatively short period of time and now I find out my true meaning for being here is to help battle a new evil?
Shucks, I'll just chuck on my battle gear and hop to it!
'Leona?'
Zell's worried voice took me out of my mind wanderings.
'What is it baby?' I asked, gently placing my hand on his shoulder. His eyebrows were deeply furrowed and it looked as if he was close to tears, 'Zell?' I asked again, this time more concerned.
'I- I'm worried about this, the new evil, the battles that will come. Hyne Leona I'm shit scared that- that I'll lose you.I love you so much....' Zell's shoulders started to shake and he bowed his head. I caught the glimmer of a shining tear rolling down his cheek and off his chin. My heart broke in two from the sight and I quickly wrapped my arms around him.
'Zell.' I choked out, my own tears freely swimming down my cheeks, 'I'm- I'm really afraid too.. So afraid.' I said then buried my face into Zell's still shaking shoulders. Zell sniffled and pulled away slightly, only so he could look at my face. He pulled off his leather glove and gently, with the back of his hand, wiped away my tears.
'Hey yo. I just don't know what I'd do without you Kitten,' he said then wiped his sniffling nose against his sleeve, his eyes still red from his tears, 'Hyne, I know ya aren't from this world but.. I guess I never wanted to realize that. I wanted to live some illusion that you'd be here forever.'
'Zell..' I said softly.
'Leona, when this whole thing starts.. I'll protect you, even if it's the last thing I do.. I couldn't bear the thought of you gone, over the past months you have become everything to me. I wake up with a smile on my face only because I know I will be seeing you. and the days when I don't or am too busy I-
'Get grouchy?' I said, chuckling a bit as I finished his sentence. Zell's face cracked into a huge grin and he hoisted me up into his arms and swung me around.
'Hells yes, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you keep me happy, when skies are gray!' he started singing. I was a little surprised by his sudden outburst (not surprised though by the number of Balamb students staring at us) but it warmed my heart and I decided to play along.
'You'll never know dear, how much I love you, so please don't take my sunshine away,' I sung softly, tilting my head down to nuzzle my nose against his. My lips trailed down across the smooth surface of his face, traced his tattoo and finally met his soft lips.
'Never knew you had such a pretty voice,' he said after the kiss was finished. I grinned and took his hand in mine, swinging it back and forth gently.
'You never asked me to sing for you,' I said, gently cuffing his chin with my fist. Zell chuckled and reached over, trying to tickle my sides. I yelped and pulled away but he had a firm grip of my hand.
'Zell you tickle me and I swear to god!' I cried, gently pounding my small fists on his back after he hoisted me up and over his shoulders.
'You'll do what? Come on, tell me, I'm dying to know!' he said, laughing.
'She'll kick ya in the Nad's, that's what she'll do.'
I put a hand over my mouth and laughed at the remark. Telling from the voice, it was undoubtedly Seifer. Zell put me down and my guess was proven right when I saw Seifer standing before us.
'Hiyas Seiffy!' I said teasingly.
'Don't call me that,' he hissed.
'Ohhhh, why not?' I asked, slinking up to him and poking his firm stomach. He crossed his arms and looked down at me. Not the look down like he was looking at an ant, but more like he was looking down at a goofball friend. This made m very pleased. Whoo, me, Leona Chaplin, number one klutz of all time, moved up to friend status to Seifer Almasy. That's right, bow before me.
'Because its annoying,' he said, rather nonchalantly. I lightly punched his arm and took a step back to Zell.
'Nah, you know you love me Seiffy.'
Seifer rolled his eyes in response then motioned towards the library.
'Squall and the others are in the conference room in the library. They want you guys to meet them there ASAP,' Seifer quickly looked at me then turned his gaze back to Zell, 'they want to know if Leona successfully attained and equipped a GF.'
'Shit!' I hissed. Damn it, I had completely forgotten about even getting a GF. The moment Shiva parted her lips and spoke to me, told me of all to come, a GF was the farthest thing on my mind. Sort of ironic isn't it? You know, actually speaking to a GF and then totally forgetting about one? Or maybe I'm just being stupid or maybe-
'Leona?'
'Bah! Sorry,' I muttered, tilting my head so Zell and Seifer didn't see my blush.
'Like I said, Space Cadet!' Seifer teased. I slowly flipped him the bird then regained my composure.
'Well.. I didn't get a GF,' I started slowly, 'but, we did speak with Shiva and I think you and the others should know about what she told Zell and myself.'
'What? A GF directly spoke to you?' Seifer said, seeming astonished, 'what? Why? Tell me now!'
'No, we'll discuss it with the others Seifer,' Zell said, putting his hands on my shoulders to turn me around towards the library, 'If you want to know and you want to help, the come to the library and hear us out.'
Seifer shrugged and casually swung Hyperion over his shoulder and followed us to the library.
~*~
'Your not serious!'
'It cant be?!'
'Why now? Didn't we defeat Ultimecia?'
Oooook, Leona officially has a headache. I groaned and rubbed the sides of my head. Who'd have thought explaining this to the gang would be so difficult.. And so painful.
'Look guys, I told you, Shiva just said there's a new threat that will arrive soon and that I'm supposed to be the one to stop whatever it is,' I explained, rather roughly. But then again, we had been through it at least three times already.
'Did she mention who this new evil would be? What its name is? It's form?' Quistis questioned relentlessly. I sighed and sat back down in my chair, resting my face in my hands. I looked up and rubbed my face, hoping a less stressed one would appear.
'She said nothing like that. She had no specific details,' I explained then let out an aggravated growl, 'she couldn't even tell me WHAT 'power' I have.'
Squall leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his chocolate brown hair. He seemed as flustered as I was. hell, everyone did.
'I cant believe how in the dark we are on this whole thing. We don't even know when this 'new evil' is going to attack so how the hell can we properly prepare? Not only that but,' he turned his eyes and quickly glanced at me then faced the others, 'I don't know how comfortable I am with the idea your our 'savior'.. No offence.'
'None taken,' I said, raising a hand, 'I'd have doubts too. Lets face it, I'm not the most coordinated girl in the world, I don't think things through enough, I have close to no good fighting skills,' I allowed my hand to fall back onto the table with a loud clunk, 'how the hell can I be the one to save you all? It just doesn't make sense.'
'She said your powers were hidden though right?' Rinoa reminded us, flashing me an encouraging smile. She was really nice; she always found a way to bring my spirits back up.
'That may be true Sug,' Irvine drawled, 'but how are we to know these 'powers' are going to come through when we need them?'
Well, lets all sit back and watch as Leona's spirits just took a hike right out the window.
'Irvine's right guys..' Selphie said, flashing me an apologetic glance, 'we cant rely on something so ambiguous. I'm sorry Leona, its not that I have no faith in you just. what if Shiva and the other GF's are wrong? What would we do?'
Zell suddenly bolted up from his seat, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles were turning white.
'Yo! Think about it, why the hell was she sent here then? Explain that to me! There's no fucking way she was just sent here for nothin'! I cant believe how little faith you all have in Leona! You can't deny it, you just think she's hear for our viewing pleasure or something! I, for one, think she could do it,' Zell said, his eyes becoming teary again, 'and even if it takes something painful or dramatic, I know Leona will succeed! Obviously I'm the only one who believes in her here!'
'Zell, you can't make such assumptions,' Quistis said coolly, rolling her eyes.
'Yeah? Well your just jealous cause you're not the hot shit one aren't ya Quisty? You always wanted to be the center of attention!' Zell yelled back. Quistis shot up from her chair, her face looking appalled.
'How DARE you say something like that! That's not it at all! I just don't think it's logical to trust something to ambiguous!' she cried, angrily folding her arms, 'it's obvious that the others agree with me.'
'Quistis is right Zell,' Irvine said, standing up as well.
'Shut your mouth you god damn Galbadian hick!' Zell screamed.
'I'll show you a Galbadian hick you little shit,' Irvine said and dived at Zell knocking him down to the ground. I was roughly knocked back, someone catching me. I looked up to see it was Seifer, his eyes on Zell and Irvine fighting on the floor, and he didn't look impressed. Unsteadily I stood on my own two feet and looked over to see Rinoa and Quistis arguing, Selphie looking lost and Squall just looking fatigued.
'Rinoa! Quisty! Come on guys, don't fight!' I heard Selphie wail. I didn't know what to do! Irvine and Zell were still fighting each other on the floor, not even affected by Seifers attempts to break them up. But then there was Rinoa and Quistis, screaming at each other like two cats. I decided I'd first try to break up Rinny and Quistis. If Seifer was having difficulty breaking up Zell and Irvine I doubted I could do anything.
'Guys! Don't fight, please,' I said, trying to get between them. I looked over at a very confused yet irritated looking Squall. He moved over to where Seifer was and started to help break up Irvine and Zell. 'Oh shut up Leona, you caused this whole mess! Why don't you just bloody go back to where you came from!' Quistis suddenly shrieked. The entire room fell silent then; even Irvine and Zell stopped fighting. I opened my mouth and moved my lips, hoping something would come out, some words to defend myself but all I heard was silence. Then the pain hit, the realization that this was my fault, everything that was happening was my doing..
'Leona. no, I- I didn't mean to say that,' Quistis stuttered, reaching out to take my hand. I pulled away and nodded, blinking away tears that were threatening to fall freely.
'No, your right Quistis,' I said, then put my hands together and slowly backed up towards the door, 'perhaps you guys would be better off without me here,' I said then stepped through the door. I heard Zell and the others call my name but the door had already shut. My decision made as soon as I head the click.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Hey guys! How was that? Not much I know but I seriously am already working on the next chapter, I have it all down in rough and I know exactly what I want to happen next so whoo! Once again, thanks to everyone who has reviewed my fic and been giving me support. You guys ALSO put my ass in gear ^-^ Don't forget to be a responsible reader and review this chapter!! Thanks guys ^-^
-Dinchtbaby-
DISCLAIMER: You know the drill, want 'em but cant have 'em.. yet ^_~ ON WITH THE FIC!
~*~
Zell and I quickly walked down the long halls of Balamb Garden, the threat of a new evil hanging heavily in the air above us. I couldn't help being terrified yet curious at the same time over the whole matter. I had been here for a relatively short period of time and now I find out my true meaning for being here is to help battle a new evil?
Shucks, I'll just chuck on my battle gear and hop to it!
'Leona?'
Zell's worried voice took me out of my mind wanderings.
'What is it baby?' I asked, gently placing my hand on his shoulder. His eyebrows were deeply furrowed and it looked as if he was close to tears, 'Zell?' I asked again, this time more concerned.
'I- I'm worried about this, the new evil, the battles that will come. Hyne Leona I'm shit scared that- that I'll lose you.I love you so much....' Zell's shoulders started to shake and he bowed his head. I caught the glimmer of a shining tear rolling down his cheek and off his chin. My heart broke in two from the sight and I quickly wrapped my arms around him.
'Zell.' I choked out, my own tears freely swimming down my cheeks, 'I'm- I'm really afraid too.. So afraid.' I said then buried my face into Zell's still shaking shoulders. Zell sniffled and pulled away slightly, only so he could look at my face. He pulled off his leather glove and gently, with the back of his hand, wiped away my tears.
'Hey yo. I just don't know what I'd do without you Kitten,' he said then wiped his sniffling nose against his sleeve, his eyes still red from his tears, 'Hyne, I know ya aren't from this world but.. I guess I never wanted to realize that. I wanted to live some illusion that you'd be here forever.'
'Zell..' I said softly.
'Leona, when this whole thing starts.. I'll protect you, even if it's the last thing I do.. I couldn't bear the thought of you gone, over the past months you have become everything to me. I wake up with a smile on my face only because I know I will be seeing you. and the days when I don't or am too busy I-
'Get grouchy?' I said, chuckling a bit as I finished his sentence. Zell's face cracked into a huge grin and he hoisted me up into his arms and swung me around.
'Hells yes, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you keep me happy, when skies are gray!' he started singing. I was a little surprised by his sudden outburst (not surprised though by the number of Balamb students staring at us) but it warmed my heart and I decided to play along.
'You'll never know dear, how much I love you, so please don't take my sunshine away,' I sung softly, tilting my head down to nuzzle my nose against his. My lips trailed down across the smooth surface of his face, traced his tattoo and finally met his soft lips.
'Never knew you had such a pretty voice,' he said after the kiss was finished. I grinned and took his hand in mine, swinging it back and forth gently.
'You never asked me to sing for you,' I said, gently cuffing his chin with my fist. Zell chuckled and reached over, trying to tickle my sides. I yelped and pulled away but he had a firm grip of my hand.
'Zell you tickle me and I swear to god!' I cried, gently pounding my small fists on his back after he hoisted me up and over his shoulders.
'You'll do what? Come on, tell me, I'm dying to know!' he said, laughing.
'She'll kick ya in the Nad's, that's what she'll do.'
I put a hand over my mouth and laughed at the remark. Telling from the voice, it was undoubtedly Seifer. Zell put me down and my guess was proven right when I saw Seifer standing before us.
'Hiyas Seiffy!' I said teasingly.
'Don't call me that,' he hissed.
'Ohhhh, why not?' I asked, slinking up to him and poking his firm stomach. He crossed his arms and looked down at me. Not the look down like he was looking at an ant, but more like he was looking down at a goofball friend. This made m very pleased. Whoo, me, Leona Chaplin, number one klutz of all time, moved up to friend status to Seifer Almasy. That's right, bow before me.
'Because its annoying,' he said, rather nonchalantly. I lightly punched his arm and took a step back to Zell.
'Nah, you know you love me Seiffy.'
Seifer rolled his eyes in response then motioned towards the library.
'Squall and the others are in the conference room in the library. They want you guys to meet them there ASAP,' Seifer quickly looked at me then turned his gaze back to Zell, 'they want to know if Leona successfully attained and equipped a GF.'
'Shit!' I hissed. Damn it, I had completely forgotten about even getting a GF. The moment Shiva parted her lips and spoke to me, told me of all to come, a GF was the farthest thing on my mind. Sort of ironic isn't it? You know, actually speaking to a GF and then totally forgetting about one? Or maybe I'm just being stupid or maybe-
'Leona?'
'Bah! Sorry,' I muttered, tilting my head so Zell and Seifer didn't see my blush.
'Like I said, Space Cadet!' Seifer teased. I slowly flipped him the bird then regained my composure.
'Well.. I didn't get a GF,' I started slowly, 'but, we did speak with Shiva and I think you and the others should know about what she told Zell and myself.'
'What? A GF directly spoke to you?' Seifer said, seeming astonished, 'what? Why? Tell me now!'
'No, we'll discuss it with the others Seifer,' Zell said, putting his hands on my shoulders to turn me around towards the library, 'If you want to know and you want to help, the come to the library and hear us out.'
Seifer shrugged and casually swung Hyperion over his shoulder and followed us to the library.
~*~
'Your not serious!'
'It cant be?!'
'Why now? Didn't we defeat Ultimecia?'
Oooook, Leona officially has a headache. I groaned and rubbed the sides of my head. Who'd have thought explaining this to the gang would be so difficult.. And so painful.
'Look guys, I told you, Shiva just said there's a new threat that will arrive soon and that I'm supposed to be the one to stop whatever it is,' I explained, rather roughly. But then again, we had been through it at least three times already.
'Did she mention who this new evil would be? What its name is? It's form?' Quistis questioned relentlessly. I sighed and sat back down in my chair, resting my face in my hands. I looked up and rubbed my face, hoping a less stressed one would appear.
'She said nothing like that. She had no specific details,' I explained then let out an aggravated growl, 'she couldn't even tell me WHAT 'power' I have.'
Squall leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his chocolate brown hair. He seemed as flustered as I was. hell, everyone did.
'I cant believe how in the dark we are on this whole thing. We don't even know when this 'new evil' is going to attack so how the hell can we properly prepare? Not only that but,' he turned his eyes and quickly glanced at me then faced the others, 'I don't know how comfortable I am with the idea your our 'savior'.. No offence.'
'None taken,' I said, raising a hand, 'I'd have doubts too. Lets face it, I'm not the most coordinated girl in the world, I don't think things through enough, I have close to no good fighting skills,' I allowed my hand to fall back onto the table with a loud clunk, 'how the hell can I be the one to save you all? It just doesn't make sense.'
'She said your powers were hidden though right?' Rinoa reminded us, flashing me an encouraging smile. She was really nice; she always found a way to bring my spirits back up.
'That may be true Sug,' Irvine drawled, 'but how are we to know these 'powers' are going to come through when we need them?'
Well, lets all sit back and watch as Leona's spirits just took a hike right out the window.
'Irvine's right guys..' Selphie said, flashing me an apologetic glance, 'we cant rely on something so ambiguous. I'm sorry Leona, its not that I have no faith in you just. what if Shiva and the other GF's are wrong? What would we do?'
Zell suddenly bolted up from his seat, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles were turning white.
'Yo! Think about it, why the hell was she sent here then? Explain that to me! There's no fucking way she was just sent here for nothin'! I cant believe how little faith you all have in Leona! You can't deny it, you just think she's hear for our viewing pleasure or something! I, for one, think she could do it,' Zell said, his eyes becoming teary again, 'and even if it takes something painful or dramatic, I know Leona will succeed! Obviously I'm the only one who believes in her here!'
'Zell, you can't make such assumptions,' Quistis said coolly, rolling her eyes.
'Yeah? Well your just jealous cause you're not the hot shit one aren't ya Quisty? You always wanted to be the center of attention!' Zell yelled back. Quistis shot up from her chair, her face looking appalled.
'How DARE you say something like that! That's not it at all! I just don't think it's logical to trust something to ambiguous!' she cried, angrily folding her arms, 'it's obvious that the others agree with me.'
'Quistis is right Zell,' Irvine said, standing up as well.
'Shut your mouth you god damn Galbadian hick!' Zell screamed.
'I'll show you a Galbadian hick you little shit,' Irvine said and dived at Zell knocking him down to the ground. I was roughly knocked back, someone catching me. I looked up to see it was Seifer, his eyes on Zell and Irvine fighting on the floor, and he didn't look impressed. Unsteadily I stood on my own two feet and looked over to see Rinoa and Quistis arguing, Selphie looking lost and Squall just looking fatigued.
'Rinoa! Quisty! Come on guys, don't fight!' I heard Selphie wail. I didn't know what to do! Irvine and Zell were still fighting each other on the floor, not even affected by Seifers attempts to break them up. But then there was Rinoa and Quistis, screaming at each other like two cats. I decided I'd first try to break up Rinny and Quistis. If Seifer was having difficulty breaking up Zell and Irvine I doubted I could do anything.
'Guys! Don't fight, please,' I said, trying to get between them. I looked over at a very confused yet irritated looking Squall. He moved over to where Seifer was and started to help break up Irvine and Zell. 'Oh shut up Leona, you caused this whole mess! Why don't you just bloody go back to where you came from!' Quistis suddenly shrieked. The entire room fell silent then; even Irvine and Zell stopped fighting. I opened my mouth and moved my lips, hoping something would come out, some words to defend myself but all I heard was silence. Then the pain hit, the realization that this was my fault, everything that was happening was my doing..
'Leona. no, I- I didn't mean to say that,' Quistis stuttered, reaching out to take my hand. I pulled away and nodded, blinking away tears that were threatening to fall freely.
'No, your right Quistis,' I said, then put my hands together and slowly backed up towards the door, 'perhaps you guys would be better off without me here,' I said then stepped through the door. I heard Zell and the others call my name but the door had already shut. My decision made as soon as I head the click.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Hey guys! How was that? Not much I know but I seriously am already working on the next chapter, I have it all down in rough and I know exactly what I want to happen next so whoo! Once again, thanks to everyone who has reviewed my fic and been giving me support. You guys ALSO put my ass in gear ^-^ Don't forget to be a responsible reader and review this chapter!! Thanks guys ^-^
-Dinchtbaby-