Chapter 9
To Venture Into Midgar
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy, but anything other than that I probably do.
A/N: SOON. Told ya. Less than a day to get a new chapter posted. I'm trying to make up for the time I lost so I hope everyone enjoys.
Six months into her training with Lavitz and Sephiroth, Daitona turned thirteen and found her training to be moving faster than she would have felt comfortable with. Lavitz could no longer match her so all spars were held between her and Sephiroth. They would have to listen to direction then carry it out however they thought was right, then be lectured on their mistakes and how to improve upon them.
During this round of practice Sephiroth and Daitona were going at it hand to hand. Sephiroth managed to pin Daitona down on the wrestling mat a split second before she rolled and sent him flying over her. In the next instant she was sitting on his back pulling his arms back so that she had him pinned.
"HA! Gotch ya!" Daitona declared in triumph.
"Well done, Daitona," Lavitz congratulated from where he had observed the last match.
'Strange, how she can beat Sephiroth in this area yet she lacks his strength and speed with the sword,' Lavitz thought.
"Man you're fast," Sephiroth breathed as Daitona got up off his back then sat back down to where he could see her. "If only you could put that agility into your swordsmanship, I wouldn't be able to touch ya."
"If only," Daitona replied raising then lowering her eyebrows. "But it's harder to move with the swords in my hands. Not only does there weights throw me off, but having to be careful that I don't hit myself by accident.it slows me down"
"Aw well," Sephiroth sighed rolling over on his side so that he was facing her and Lavitz, who was still slightly behind Daitona. "I don't think I like Hand-to-hand combat very much."
"Then I suggest that you keep a good grip on your sword during a real battle," Lavitz inquired with a slight roll of his eyes.
"Well I like it," Daitona stated firmly, then looked at Sephiroth's questioning eyes. "Because, it's the only thing I can beat YOU at."
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes then sat up shaking his head. "What now?"
Lavitz took a deep breath then slow released it while looking at his wristwatch. "Well, I think you've both done enough for today, but it's still early. I'll let you both go now if you promise not to get into trouble.and don't tell Hojo I let you roam the building," he said firmly while just the thought of what Hojo might do if he found out almost made him change his mind.
Sephiroth nodded and took Daitona's swords, after standing up, to the weapon rack ant put the three swords in their proper places. With another nod Daitona stood and followed him into the elevator. Sephiroth pushed the button to their next destination and the rode for a short time in silence.
The elevator hadn't gone very far before its doors opened and Sephiroth stepped out. Forgetting herself, Daitona didn't budge from her spot on the elevator platform.
Sephiroth turned back around when he realize Daitona hadn't moved. "Daitona."
"Huh? Oh!" She shook here head throwing off whatever daze had possessed her and finally stepped out of the elevator. "This.this is the first floor?"
"Yep." Sephiroth watched as her eyes studied everything. There was no doubt in his mind that she would memorize every detail; she had a nag of doing so and it was a wonder where she stored all the information she knew.
'If and enemy of Shinra were to ever get a hold of her they would have hit the jackpot. Anywhere she's ever been she's memorize it to the nitty- gritty detail.' Sephiroth smirked. 'Only a complete fool would dare a stunt like that. They'd have to stay alive long enough to abstract such knowledge, but if.if.it'd never happen.'
"I've never been on this floor before," Daitona said and once again took in the hugeness of this floor with fascination in her eyes. "I've never been trusted enough to not escape or try to at least."
Sephiroth smiled. He found her to be in much higher spirits when she had something new to memorize. "Have you ever been outside this building?" He already knew the answer but he asked anyways.
"No, not that I can remember at the least," she answered giving his a hopeful look.
Her face said it all. She wanted out, even if only for a little while. "I think," Sephiroth paused. "If we don't go too far it would be 'ok' to go outside for a while."
"Really?!" For being thirteen, she seemed more like a little kid about to get a treat they had been waiting for for a long time.
"Yes really, but you can't tell anyone." He knew by her look that her lips were sealed, so he proceeded to the front doors and out with Daitona a step behind.
Her eyes never went back to him as she took every thing in her eyes could see. Yes, she reminded Sephiroth of the small children he had seen with their parents while touring the Shinra building. For once, he knew she was truly happy, and.it made him happy. It was strange that way; the voice that spoke to him in his head always seemed to hush when Daitona was around.
He smiled knowing well that this act of kindness would shut that voice up for days to come. Maybe with this head start he could figure out how to silence it once and for all. His eyes sought Daitona out from the crowded street and easily found her. He didn't want to loose her out her.for her sake and the safety of Midgar's citizens. Sephiroth led her to the elevator that he knew would take them down to Wall Market.
They got on and slowly descended down below the giant plate of Midgar. Once off, Daitona found herself in some kind of town. The streets were bustling with people going from shop to shop or just walking.
For the first time since they had left the building Daitona sought out Sephiroth; he was right next to her where she knew he would be. "Where are we?" She had truly never seen a place like this. She didn't know anyone and there were so many people. If it hadn't been for Sephiroth being there she may have been scared, but she found comfort in knowing he was right beside her.
Sephiroth laughed, not knowing how the uneasiness she felt. "This is called Wall Market."
"What's its purpose.and why are all of these people here wandering around like this?" Her voice finally let him in on her discomfort.
Sephiroth put his hand on her shoulder hoping the gesture would give her some reassurance. "People buy and sell things here all the time. Come on, I'll show you around."
Daitona followed closer than necessary, but her curiosity kept her eyes darting to one thing or another, so the closeness was probably for the best. Passing one of the shops a man came out and caught Daitona's attention.
"Hey, young lady?" he called.
Daitona stopped and looked him, Sephiroth took one more step before he too stopped.
"Are you talking to me?" Daitona asked, looking the rugged man over. He didn't appear to be a threat.
"Yeah." The man smile and his eyes lit up. She was a pretty one this one, probably from the upper plate from the looks of it. "Could I interest you in any of my merchandise?"
"What do you sell?" Sephiroth spoke up for the first time, the 'merchant' hadn't noticed the young man with her before.
"Come in and see." He held the door open in a gesture of welcome.
Sephiroth looked at Daitona and knew she had already made up her mind, so when she started in he followed her.
Daitona looked around the small parlor and was fascinated by all the small pictures covering the walls. "Are these pictures so you can buy?"
"Yes. They're tattoo's," the man answered.
Daitona looked up at him with confused eyes. "What's a tattoo?"
"It's body art," he answered, becoming a bit unsure about this girl.
"Oh." She looked more closely at a particular drawing. "What do you think?" she asked and motioned Sephiroth to look at the tiny design.
"This isn't a good idea," Sephiroth stated skeptically. "But." His resolve was wavering, how could he tell her 'no'? 'Dang it, when had this happened? Did he really have feelings beyond friendship for her?' That was a strange question for him to figure out indeed, but not now. Now she had asked a question and he had to devise an answer for her quick. "If you really want one I'll pay for it." Sephiroth cursed himself. That wasn't what he was going to say. "But I'm not sure what Hojo will say when he finds out."
"Then," she hummed, "I'll just have to get it in a place 'he' won't notice it." Daitona nodded pleased with herself.
"So you want this one?" the artiest asked pointing at the small picture with an object very much like a pinwheel with spikes. The girl nodded in response to his question.
He took her around the counter and sat her down in the mounted chair. "Where would you like it?"
Daitona looked to Sephiroth who stood nearby watching before she answered. "Behind my right ear. Hojo will never notice it there."
Sephiroth's eyes were wide in surprise, she was right. He nodded his approval.
"Ok, lets get to work."
In all it took about half an hour to finish and coasted Sephiroth 25 gil.
Walking back the way they had come, Sephiroth still couldn't decide what to think about. Giving up on that he decided to talk.
"I can't believe you actually went through with that," he said breaking the silence.
"I can't either," Daitona winced. "It hurt and still hurts."
"Well, that guy said it would, but it should be ok in a few weeks." Sephiroth's shoulders slumped and he covered half his face with one had. "Aw man. What'll Lavitz say when he finds out? He told us not to get into trouble, and we weren't even suppose to leave the building."
They stepped back onto the elevator and started up.
Daitona shook her head. "Then.why don't I just tell him, so there's no chance he notices it and asks Hojo?" The elevator doors came open and they started back to the Shinra building.
"Maybe you're right," Sephiroth sighed.
They walked the rest of the way to the building in there own thoughts. When they went through the front doors of the Shinra building, they found that Lavitz was their waiting for them.
"Where've you two been?" he demanded harshly.
"At Wall Market," Sephiroth answered glancing over at Daitona.
"Tomorrow," she mouthed silently.
Sephiroth nodded and turned his attention back on Lavitz.
"Hojo would have my head if he knew you two left the building on MY time," he was saying.
"Sorry, it won't happen again," Sephiroth interrupted. "I took Daitona outside because she's never been out there before."
Lavitz sighed in resolve. "It's ok, this time, but don't let it happen again. And.lets just keep this little adventure between us?"
Sephiroth and Daitona agreed then were dismissed back to their rooms.
****
The next day after their training, Lavitz informed Sephiroth and Daitona that they would be going out into the city to train the next day. Hojo had grudgingly given permission so long as they kept the company of an armed SOLDIER.
Having to walk through some of Midgar's sectors was a bad idea on the SOLDIERS part because of Daitona's constant inattention. Sephiroth kept her out of trouble until this trip became accustom to her.
****
-End Chapter 9-
To Venture Into Midgar
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy, but anything other than that I probably do.
A/N: SOON. Told ya. Less than a day to get a new chapter posted. I'm trying to make up for the time I lost so I hope everyone enjoys.
Six months into her training with Lavitz and Sephiroth, Daitona turned thirteen and found her training to be moving faster than she would have felt comfortable with. Lavitz could no longer match her so all spars were held between her and Sephiroth. They would have to listen to direction then carry it out however they thought was right, then be lectured on their mistakes and how to improve upon them.
During this round of practice Sephiroth and Daitona were going at it hand to hand. Sephiroth managed to pin Daitona down on the wrestling mat a split second before she rolled and sent him flying over her. In the next instant she was sitting on his back pulling his arms back so that she had him pinned.
"HA! Gotch ya!" Daitona declared in triumph.
"Well done, Daitona," Lavitz congratulated from where he had observed the last match.
'Strange, how she can beat Sephiroth in this area yet she lacks his strength and speed with the sword,' Lavitz thought.
"Man you're fast," Sephiroth breathed as Daitona got up off his back then sat back down to where he could see her. "If only you could put that agility into your swordsmanship, I wouldn't be able to touch ya."
"If only," Daitona replied raising then lowering her eyebrows. "But it's harder to move with the swords in my hands. Not only does there weights throw me off, but having to be careful that I don't hit myself by accident.it slows me down"
"Aw well," Sephiroth sighed rolling over on his side so that he was facing her and Lavitz, who was still slightly behind Daitona. "I don't think I like Hand-to-hand combat very much."
"Then I suggest that you keep a good grip on your sword during a real battle," Lavitz inquired with a slight roll of his eyes.
"Well I like it," Daitona stated firmly, then looked at Sephiroth's questioning eyes. "Because, it's the only thing I can beat YOU at."
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes then sat up shaking his head. "What now?"
Lavitz took a deep breath then slow released it while looking at his wristwatch. "Well, I think you've both done enough for today, but it's still early. I'll let you both go now if you promise not to get into trouble.and don't tell Hojo I let you roam the building," he said firmly while just the thought of what Hojo might do if he found out almost made him change his mind.
Sephiroth nodded and took Daitona's swords, after standing up, to the weapon rack ant put the three swords in their proper places. With another nod Daitona stood and followed him into the elevator. Sephiroth pushed the button to their next destination and the rode for a short time in silence.
The elevator hadn't gone very far before its doors opened and Sephiroth stepped out. Forgetting herself, Daitona didn't budge from her spot on the elevator platform.
Sephiroth turned back around when he realize Daitona hadn't moved. "Daitona."
"Huh? Oh!" She shook here head throwing off whatever daze had possessed her and finally stepped out of the elevator. "This.this is the first floor?"
"Yep." Sephiroth watched as her eyes studied everything. There was no doubt in his mind that she would memorize every detail; she had a nag of doing so and it was a wonder where she stored all the information she knew.
'If and enemy of Shinra were to ever get a hold of her they would have hit the jackpot. Anywhere she's ever been she's memorize it to the nitty- gritty detail.' Sephiroth smirked. 'Only a complete fool would dare a stunt like that. They'd have to stay alive long enough to abstract such knowledge, but if.if.it'd never happen.'
"I've never been on this floor before," Daitona said and once again took in the hugeness of this floor with fascination in her eyes. "I've never been trusted enough to not escape or try to at least."
Sephiroth smiled. He found her to be in much higher spirits when she had something new to memorize. "Have you ever been outside this building?" He already knew the answer but he asked anyways.
"No, not that I can remember at the least," she answered giving his a hopeful look.
Her face said it all. She wanted out, even if only for a little while. "I think," Sephiroth paused. "If we don't go too far it would be 'ok' to go outside for a while."
"Really?!" For being thirteen, she seemed more like a little kid about to get a treat they had been waiting for for a long time.
"Yes really, but you can't tell anyone." He knew by her look that her lips were sealed, so he proceeded to the front doors and out with Daitona a step behind.
Her eyes never went back to him as she took every thing in her eyes could see. Yes, she reminded Sephiroth of the small children he had seen with their parents while touring the Shinra building. For once, he knew she was truly happy, and.it made him happy. It was strange that way; the voice that spoke to him in his head always seemed to hush when Daitona was around.
He smiled knowing well that this act of kindness would shut that voice up for days to come. Maybe with this head start he could figure out how to silence it once and for all. His eyes sought Daitona out from the crowded street and easily found her. He didn't want to loose her out her.for her sake and the safety of Midgar's citizens. Sephiroth led her to the elevator that he knew would take them down to Wall Market.
They got on and slowly descended down below the giant plate of Midgar. Once off, Daitona found herself in some kind of town. The streets were bustling with people going from shop to shop or just walking.
For the first time since they had left the building Daitona sought out Sephiroth; he was right next to her where she knew he would be. "Where are we?" She had truly never seen a place like this. She didn't know anyone and there were so many people. If it hadn't been for Sephiroth being there she may have been scared, but she found comfort in knowing he was right beside her.
Sephiroth laughed, not knowing how the uneasiness she felt. "This is called Wall Market."
"What's its purpose.and why are all of these people here wandering around like this?" Her voice finally let him in on her discomfort.
Sephiroth put his hand on her shoulder hoping the gesture would give her some reassurance. "People buy and sell things here all the time. Come on, I'll show you around."
Daitona followed closer than necessary, but her curiosity kept her eyes darting to one thing or another, so the closeness was probably for the best. Passing one of the shops a man came out and caught Daitona's attention.
"Hey, young lady?" he called.
Daitona stopped and looked him, Sephiroth took one more step before he too stopped.
"Are you talking to me?" Daitona asked, looking the rugged man over. He didn't appear to be a threat.
"Yeah." The man smile and his eyes lit up. She was a pretty one this one, probably from the upper plate from the looks of it. "Could I interest you in any of my merchandise?"
"What do you sell?" Sephiroth spoke up for the first time, the 'merchant' hadn't noticed the young man with her before.
"Come in and see." He held the door open in a gesture of welcome.
Sephiroth looked at Daitona and knew she had already made up her mind, so when she started in he followed her.
Daitona looked around the small parlor and was fascinated by all the small pictures covering the walls. "Are these pictures so you can buy?"
"Yes. They're tattoo's," the man answered.
Daitona looked up at him with confused eyes. "What's a tattoo?"
"It's body art," he answered, becoming a bit unsure about this girl.
"Oh." She looked more closely at a particular drawing. "What do you think?" she asked and motioned Sephiroth to look at the tiny design.
"This isn't a good idea," Sephiroth stated skeptically. "But." His resolve was wavering, how could he tell her 'no'? 'Dang it, when had this happened? Did he really have feelings beyond friendship for her?' That was a strange question for him to figure out indeed, but not now. Now she had asked a question and he had to devise an answer for her quick. "If you really want one I'll pay for it." Sephiroth cursed himself. That wasn't what he was going to say. "But I'm not sure what Hojo will say when he finds out."
"Then," she hummed, "I'll just have to get it in a place 'he' won't notice it." Daitona nodded pleased with herself.
"So you want this one?" the artiest asked pointing at the small picture with an object very much like a pinwheel with spikes. The girl nodded in response to his question.
He took her around the counter and sat her down in the mounted chair. "Where would you like it?"
Daitona looked to Sephiroth who stood nearby watching before she answered. "Behind my right ear. Hojo will never notice it there."
Sephiroth's eyes were wide in surprise, she was right. He nodded his approval.
"Ok, lets get to work."
In all it took about half an hour to finish and coasted Sephiroth 25 gil.
Walking back the way they had come, Sephiroth still couldn't decide what to think about. Giving up on that he decided to talk.
"I can't believe you actually went through with that," he said breaking the silence.
"I can't either," Daitona winced. "It hurt and still hurts."
"Well, that guy said it would, but it should be ok in a few weeks." Sephiroth's shoulders slumped and he covered half his face with one had. "Aw man. What'll Lavitz say when he finds out? He told us not to get into trouble, and we weren't even suppose to leave the building."
They stepped back onto the elevator and started up.
Daitona shook her head. "Then.why don't I just tell him, so there's no chance he notices it and asks Hojo?" The elevator doors came open and they started back to the Shinra building.
"Maybe you're right," Sephiroth sighed.
They walked the rest of the way to the building in there own thoughts. When they went through the front doors of the Shinra building, they found that Lavitz was their waiting for them.
"Where've you two been?" he demanded harshly.
"At Wall Market," Sephiroth answered glancing over at Daitona.
"Tomorrow," she mouthed silently.
Sephiroth nodded and turned his attention back on Lavitz.
"Hojo would have my head if he knew you two left the building on MY time," he was saying.
"Sorry, it won't happen again," Sephiroth interrupted. "I took Daitona outside because she's never been out there before."
Lavitz sighed in resolve. "It's ok, this time, but don't let it happen again. And.lets just keep this little adventure between us?"
Sephiroth and Daitona agreed then were dismissed back to their rooms.
****
The next day after their training, Lavitz informed Sephiroth and Daitona that they would be going out into the city to train the next day. Hojo had grudgingly given permission so long as they kept the company of an armed SOLDIER.
Having to walk through some of Midgar's sectors was a bad idea on the SOLDIERS part because of Daitona's constant inattention. Sephiroth kept her out of trouble until this trip became accustom to her.
****
-End Chapter 9-