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FFX and all its characters =(
But a Dream
Chapter Two :: Life
by Kaeli Enfys
I found myself spacing out, not really listening to Ms. Lucil who was by far one of my strictest teachers. But I liked her enough, she was a really nice woman underneath the tough outer attitude she showed to students who didn't listen or hand in assignments. It was when the class started laughing that I snapped out of my reverie.
Looking up, I saw that Ms. Lucil was standing at Clasko's desk. Clasko was...well, I thought he was a real sweet guy, but others saw differently. He was rather shy, but he would try so hard at everything, whether he succeeded or failed. Others saw him as a failure. I saw him as ambitious. He always looked on after every failure, and I couldn't help but look up to him in that aspect.
"Clasko, please, how long have we gone over this lesson? The unit test is next class and you still don't understand any of the formulas?"
"I-I---but I do! I really do! See!" Clasko hastily flipped a few pages in his binder and stopped abruptly on a wrinkly page. "See! I got that question right!"
Ms. Lucil sighed, shaking her head slightly as she did so. "One right answer in a hundred won't get you anywhere Clasko. I suggest you see me after school and we can work on it a bit more."
Clasko frowned, "But I have to get back home after school! Gramps isn't home until six and the chocobos need feeding! That's my job, and Gramps will get real mad if I forget and--" the boy trailed off at Ms. Lucil's stern gaze. "...Er--well...I'll try--"
I found myself raising my hand timidly. Ms. Lucil turned to look at me questioningly. "Yes, Yuna?"
"Well, um..since Clasko really needs to get back home, and responsibilities are responsibilities and his is to feed the chocobos...maybe I can tutor him at lunch? Is that alright?" I turned to look at Clasko who was staring at me with wide-eyes.
The class made faces.
Clasko remained silent.
Ms. Lucil smiled softly and turned to look at the young man. "Well, what will it be Clasko?"
I offered him a small smile and his eyes grew even wider. I suddenly felt confused.
"No. No it's alright Ms. Lucil. I'll come to your classroom after school, if that's alright." He said this all in one breath.
I blinked once and quickly turned away, hiding the hurt that was written all over my face. I was just...trying to be nice. Was that wrong too? I clutched my pencil as a few snickers met my ears from nearby students. Someone whispered, "See, even that loser doesn't want to hang out with that freak."
"You know...I kind of pity her."
I felt anger boil within me. I didn't want pity. I didn't want...anything. Just acceptance. Just anyone who'd see me as anything other than a freak. A weirdo.
"Ugh, she sickens me with her kind intentions. It's so obviously fake," this voice wasn't hushed, in fact, she had said it perfectly clear and out loud so that the whole class would hear. Ms. Lucil turned sharply at the young woman sitting near the back.
"Dona! That is no way to talk! If I hear anymore rude remarks from you, I'll be sending you to the office!"
I sighed, of course it was Dona. Dona never thought twice before speaking. She had silently entered the classroom when Ms. Lucil wasn't looking. She was always late. It made me wonder why.
When the class finally stopped laughing and Ms. Lucil had everyone in control again, the class continued and I found myself glancing quickly at Dona. She sat so...tall, and straight, her head held high. Occasionally, she'd turn to her left, or right, and whisper something to someone and they'd giggle or laugh. Her dark hair was always perfectly set in a twisted bun with a few strands hanging down. Her naturally tanned skin was what attracted much of the male population of Yunalesca High to her.
I quickly looked away, down at my own pale hands. I took a strand of my own tawny brown hair, hanging loosely down around my face. I looked to my left, and right, with students sitting there wanting to be as far away from me as possible but couldn't because they had been assigned seats there. A wave of emotion passed through me at these dismal thoughts. Dona and I...we were like black and white. No grey in between.
The bell rung, signaling the end of first block. I stood up quickly, packing up my books as Ms. Lucil walked over to me with a sympathetic gaze. I didn't like that gaze. It made me feel like a stray puppy of some sort.
"Yuna, I want you to know that I appreciate you wanting to help Clasko."
I could only nod.
The classroom was emptying out.
"Sometimes...people are blind," she started to say hesitantly, quickly giving me a glance to see if I was listening or not. "They don't see the ones that shine so bright against the darkness. Sometimes, the darkness over shrouds the light, but someday, mark my words, that feeble light will outshine them all."
My brow furrowed in slight confusion as Ms. Lucil gave a final smile and walked off towards her desk. "By the way, excellent work on your assignment paper."
I nodded again, and finally found my ability of speech. "Thank you."
"Any time."
I walked out of the classroom, feeling lighter and happier than usual. Maybe things weren't all that bad. I wasn't in a world with only enemies. Even if the only person nice to be was my chemistry teacher. At least...it was somebody.
*
"God, that silly little girl tried pulling the nice-girl act again. You don't know how much that bugs me!"
"Really? What was it this time?"
Dona rolled her eyes and clucked her tongue before she continued, "Well, you know that loser? Clappo or something? Well anyways, he's like failing chemistry miserably and little miss nice girl just had to come up and say in that high-pitched squeaky voice of hers, 'Oh teacher, I'd love to help Clappo with his chemistry! Would you like my help Clappo?' " She flapped her long eyelashes sarcastically.
Tidus, Wakka, and Seymour broke into fits of laughter and Rikku giggled before correcting, "It's Clasko. Not Clappo."
"Same thing," Dona replied with a wave of her hand before perking up once more. "But you have to hear this part! So like, that freak is all expectant that Cla..Clasko would say yes, but he said no! You should have seen her face!"
I heard all this, from my position by the garbage can as I threw out a juice box. Suddenly, the little bit of happiness I felt after chemistry class simply disappeared and I was crashing back down to earth again. I couldn't seem to unglue my feet from the spot as they continued to talk with excitement.
"So anything interesting happen to you guys during economics?"
Tidus shrugged, "The usual. Got a bit of R&R."
Rikku frowned, "I swear you're going to fail everything if you sleep through all your classes!"
"Ya, brudda. I mean, I was actually paying attention before I uh, fell asleep too," Wakka mumbled sheepishly.
Seymour stretched out his arms and smirked, "I happened to have gotten an A in my biology report."
Rikku raised an eyebrow.
Wakka spat out the orange he had been eating.
Tidus simply looked thoughtful as Dona laughed shrilly, "Geek!"
I actually smiled slightly then, for whatever reason. In a way, I thought they were...quite human. They had their mean side, and they had their human side. They weren't completely heartless, I reassured myself. No one could be completely heartless. My smiled brightened. Yes, the world was full of nice people. Everyone was nice. In one way or the other. I just had to look at it differently.
"Hello Yuna."
I looked up, shocked that someone had called my name. I looked around me until I caught sight of Lulu, also a senior and feared by most of the student population. I smiled at her. "Hey Lulu."
"Those people giving you a pain?" She nodded her head towards the group.
I sighed slightly, but nonetheless kept a smile on my face. "Well, the usual. How about you?"
"Mm..just people running away from me," she shrugged her shoulders, causing the long black-sleeved shirt she was wearing to stretch and shift. "But they're not that bothersome. They're scared that I'll zap them with lightning." A bit of electricity crackled at her fingertips before she gave an amused smile.
I laughed, "Oh, you're lucky that people don't...don't tease you that much."
Lulu looked at me thoughtfully before saying, "You know, you're just too...soft. Toughen up a bit and maybe they'll leave you alone."
"...I tried that before," I muttered. "I just feel..like I'm not myself when I snap back at them. Or if I yell and scream at them...I feel so out of place. I guess I'm just use to being...well, me," I smiled a small smile.
Lulu shook her head, "Oh please."
"Well, after this year it's off to college. I'll make it," I said with determination.
"Right," Lulu nodded. "Good luck in surviving this year then."
I nodded, "You too."
Little did I know...that luck was exactly what I needed.
*
The day had been slow, but I had survived. Another full day gone by. I smiled encouragingly at myself in the girl's washroom mirror before I left and headed out the side doors of the school. It was always empty here, which made it safer for me to go home without being bothered.
Bag heavy with books, I couldn't help but groan as the autumn sun shone cold rays of light. I quickly turned the corner, only to see him of all people. Though his back was to me, I could recognize him anywhere with his haughty way of walking and how his blonde head was always held high and straight. But he wasn't alone. Or...maybe he thought he was alone?
I bit my lip. Two other boys, tall and muscular, were silently walking behind him. I squinted to get a better look. They were definitely seniors. Maybe even in my grade. I couldn't recognize who they were but it didn't look too good. I quickened my pace and silently crept closer to them as we all followed the path by the barb wired fence of the schoolyard.
In a blink of an eye, the two had met up with him and had grabbed him from behind. I gasped so quickly that I made no sound. Who on earth would...be attacking him of all people? No one dare lay a hand on the famous Jecht's son. No one. And no one would anyways. In an odd twisted way...he was liked by many of the school.
I guess everyone has their enemies, I thought ruefully as I watched him struggle with the two on his back.
It was when he was flung to the fence that I snapped out of my daze and realized that he was getting hurt. Though he was strong from all the blitzball he did, two big looking teens against one...well, I knew it wasn't going to be good. I felt my heart beat faster and faster. What to do? I...I couldn't just stand and watch. Even if it was Tidus being hit and it was like a dream come true to have him being beaten up.
"What the fuck is wrong with you people?!" I heard his voice yell with anger as he threw a punch at one guy only to be knocked down by the other. "Get your freaking hands off me!"
I frantically thought as quickly as I could and started to concentrate, clasping my hands together as my hands glowed a serene white for a moment. I directed my hands towards him and prayed for his protection. I looked up quickly, letting out a breath of relief as the two bulky men stared in disbelief as they threw punch after punch only to hit an invisible barrier blocking their attacks.
I smiled to myself. It worked.
Tidus, seemingly surprised that he was not met with bone-crushing punches, snapped back to action and attacked the two without another second of delay. "Take that, you good for nothing bastards!"
"Fuck! Damnit let's get out of here."
"We shouldn't have listened to him in the first place," the other grumbled and took off, his friend following right at his heels.
"Who's him?!" Tidus hollered after them but they didn't look back.
I watched him tentatively as he caught his breath, wiping a bit of blood from his mouth. He groaned, still unaware of my presence until he realized the impossibility of what had just happened.
"What the--" he watched as his body glowed slightly before fading. My spell had worn off.
I knew it wouldn't last long anyways. But long enough.
As he finally looked up, he caught sight of me near the shadows. I jumped slightly, for I didn't think he would have noticed me at all. His brow furrowed as he squinted his eyes a bit, then stared a bit more. I looked back at him nervously and decided that it was time to leave.
Without another word, I continued my way past him until finally his voice broke the silence.
"...Did you...help me?" He finally pieced his words together.
I stopped in my tracks and tilted my head. What was I to say? Yeah, I helped you even though you're a real mean jerk to me? I sighed before I looked over my shoulder, for once not with fright. "Yes..." I found myself saying lightly.
He stared at me a bit more and finally mumbled, "...Freak."
I suddenly felt crestfallen as I turned away again. Of course. What was I expecting? A pat on the back? I shook my head and started walking again. I couldn't quite understand why I had even wanted to help him in the first place, but I had and that was that. As the breeze picked up once more and the leaves of orange, red and yellow swirled about my feet, I could have swore I heard something. Something from him. Very softly...
"...Thanks."
"You're welcome," I mumbled under my breath for no one to hear.
Maybe it was better that way. This was my life. I was nice to all, and hated by all. It was the irony that got to me, but I would hold on. Ms. Lucil's voice suddenly rang clear in my mind again.
...that feeble light will outshine them all.
Yes. Yes it will, I thought.
AN: Ta-da! Ch.2. I know it was a bit short but I'll work on it =P Hope you enjoyed it and R+R! Thank you for the reviews too! Muah!
Chapter Two :: Life
by Kaeli Enfys
I found myself spacing out, not really listening to Ms. Lucil who was by far one of my strictest teachers. But I liked her enough, she was a really nice woman underneath the tough outer attitude she showed to students who didn't listen or hand in assignments. It was when the class started laughing that I snapped out of my reverie.
Looking up, I saw that Ms. Lucil was standing at Clasko's desk. Clasko was...well, I thought he was a real sweet guy, but others saw differently. He was rather shy, but he would try so hard at everything, whether he succeeded or failed. Others saw him as a failure. I saw him as ambitious. He always looked on after every failure, and I couldn't help but look up to him in that aspect.
"Clasko, please, how long have we gone over this lesson? The unit test is next class and you still don't understand any of the formulas?"
"I-I---but I do! I really do! See!" Clasko hastily flipped a few pages in his binder and stopped abruptly on a wrinkly page. "See! I got that question right!"
Ms. Lucil sighed, shaking her head slightly as she did so. "One right answer in a hundred won't get you anywhere Clasko. I suggest you see me after school and we can work on it a bit more."
Clasko frowned, "But I have to get back home after school! Gramps isn't home until six and the chocobos need feeding! That's my job, and Gramps will get real mad if I forget and--" the boy trailed off at Ms. Lucil's stern gaze. "...Er--well...I'll try--"
I found myself raising my hand timidly. Ms. Lucil turned to look at me questioningly. "Yes, Yuna?"
"Well, um..since Clasko really needs to get back home, and responsibilities are responsibilities and his is to feed the chocobos...maybe I can tutor him at lunch? Is that alright?" I turned to look at Clasko who was staring at me with wide-eyes.
The class made faces.
Clasko remained silent.
Ms. Lucil smiled softly and turned to look at the young man. "Well, what will it be Clasko?"
I offered him a small smile and his eyes grew even wider. I suddenly felt confused.
"No. No it's alright Ms. Lucil. I'll come to your classroom after school, if that's alright." He said this all in one breath.
I blinked once and quickly turned away, hiding the hurt that was written all over my face. I was just...trying to be nice. Was that wrong too? I clutched my pencil as a few snickers met my ears from nearby students. Someone whispered, "See, even that loser doesn't want to hang out with that freak."
"You know...I kind of pity her."
I felt anger boil within me. I didn't want pity. I didn't want...anything. Just acceptance. Just anyone who'd see me as anything other than a freak. A weirdo.
"Ugh, she sickens me with her kind intentions. It's so obviously fake," this voice wasn't hushed, in fact, she had said it perfectly clear and out loud so that the whole class would hear. Ms. Lucil turned sharply at the young woman sitting near the back.
"Dona! That is no way to talk! If I hear anymore rude remarks from you, I'll be sending you to the office!"
I sighed, of course it was Dona. Dona never thought twice before speaking. She had silently entered the classroom when Ms. Lucil wasn't looking. She was always late. It made me wonder why.
When the class finally stopped laughing and Ms. Lucil had everyone in control again, the class continued and I found myself glancing quickly at Dona. She sat so...tall, and straight, her head held high. Occasionally, she'd turn to her left, or right, and whisper something to someone and they'd giggle or laugh. Her dark hair was always perfectly set in a twisted bun with a few strands hanging down. Her naturally tanned skin was what attracted much of the male population of Yunalesca High to her.
I quickly looked away, down at my own pale hands. I took a strand of my own tawny brown hair, hanging loosely down around my face. I looked to my left, and right, with students sitting there wanting to be as far away from me as possible but couldn't because they had been assigned seats there. A wave of emotion passed through me at these dismal thoughts. Dona and I...we were like black and white. No grey in between.
The bell rung, signaling the end of first block. I stood up quickly, packing up my books as Ms. Lucil walked over to me with a sympathetic gaze. I didn't like that gaze. It made me feel like a stray puppy of some sort.
"Yuna, I want you to know that I appreciate you wanting to help Clasko."
I could only nod.
The classroom was emptying out.
"Sometimes...people are blind," she started to say hesitantly, quickly giving me a glance to see if I was listening or not. "They don't see the ones that shine so bright against the darkness. Sometimes, the darkness over shrouds the light, but someday, mark my words, that feeble light will outshine them all."
My brow furrowed in slight confusion as Ms. Lucil gave a final smile and walked off towards her desk. "By the way, excellent work on your assignment paper."
I nodded again, and finally found my ability of speech. "Thank you."
"Any time."
I walked out of the classroom, feeling lighter and happier than usual. Maybe things weren't all that bad. I wasn't in a world with only enemies. Even if the only person nice to be was my chemistry teacher. At least...it was somebody.
"God, that silly little girl tried pulling the nice-girl act again. You don't know how much that bugs me!"
"Really? What was it this time?"
Dona rolled her eyes and clucked her tongue before she continued, "Well, you know that loser? Clappo or something? Well anyways, he's like failing chemistry miserably and little miss nice girl just had to come up and say in that high-pitched squeaky voice of hers, 'Oh teacher, I'd love to help Clappo with his chemistry! Would you like my help Clappo?' " She flapped her long eyelashes sarcastically.
Tidus, Wakka, and Seymour broke into fits of laughter and Rikku giggled before correcting, "It's Clasko. Not Clappo."
"Same thing," Dona replied with a wave of her hand before perking up once more. "But you have to hear this part! So like, that freak is all expectant that Cla..Clasko would say yes, but he said no! You should have seen her face!"
I heard all this, from my position by the garbage can as I threw out a juice box. Suddenly, the little bit of happiness I felt after chemistry class simply disappeared and I was crashing back down to earth again. I couldn't seem to unglue my feet from the spot as they continued to talk with excitement.
"So anything interesting happen to you guys during economics?"
Tidus shrugged, "The usual. Got a bit of R&R."
Rikku frowned, "I swear you're going to fail everything if you sleep through all your classes!"
"Ya, brudda. I mean, I was actually paying attention before I uh, fell asleep too," Wakka mumbled sheepishly.
Seymour stretched out his arms and smirked, "I happened to have gotten an A in my biology report."
Rikku raised an eyebrow.
Wakka spat out the orange he had been eating.
Tidus simply looked thoughtful as Dona laughed shrilly, "Geek!"
I actually smiled slightly then, for whatever reason. In a way, I thought they were...quite human. They had their mean side, and they had their human side. They weren't completely heartless, I reassured myself. No one could be completely heartless. My smiled brightened. Yes, the world was full of nice people. Everyone was nice. In one way or the other. I just had to look at it differently.
"Hello Yuna."
I looked up, shocked that someone had called my name. I looked around me until I caught sight of Lulu, also a senior and feared by most of the student population. I smiled at her. "Hey Lulu."
"Those people giving you a pain?" She nodded her head towards the group.
I sighed slightly, but nonetheless kept a smile on my face. "Well, the usual. How about you?"
"Mm..just people running away from me," she shrugged her shoulders, causing the long black-sleeved shirt she was wearing to stretch and shift. "But they're not that bothersome. They're scared that I'll zap them with lightning." A bit of electricity crackled at her fingertips before she gave an amused smile.
I laughed, "Oh, you're lucky that people don't...don't tease you that much."
Lulu looked at me thoughtfully before saying, "You know, you're just too...soft. Toughen up a bit and maybe they'll leave you alone."
"...I tried that before," I muttered. "I just feel..like I'm not myself when I snap back at them. Or if I yell and scream at them...I feel so out of place. I guess I'm just use to being...well, me," I smiled a small smile.
Lulu shook her head, "Oh please."
"Well, after this year it's off to college. I'll make it," I said with determination.
"Right," Lulu nodded. "Good luck in surviving this year then."
I nodded, "You too."
Little did I know...that luck was exactly what I needed.
The day had been slow, but I had survived. Another full day gone by. I smiled encouragingly at myself in the girl's washroom mirror before I left and headed out the side doors of the school. It was always empty here, which made it safer for me to go home without being bothered.
Bag heavy with books, I couldn't help but groan as the autumn sun shone cold rays of light. I quickly turned the corner, only to see him of all people. Though his back was to me, I could recognize him anywhere with his haughty way of walking and how his blonde head was always held high and straight. But he wasn't alone. Or...maybe he thought he was alone?
I bit my lip. Two other boys, tall and muscular, were silently walking behind him. I squinted to get a better look. They were definitely seniors. Maybe even in my grade. I couldn't recognize who they were but it didn't look too good. I quickened my pace and silently crept closer to them as we all followed the path by the barb wired fence of the schoolyard.
In a blink of an eye, the two had met up with him and had grabbed him from behind. I gasped so quickly that I made no sound. Who on earth would...be attacking him of all people? No one dare lay a hand on the famous Jecht's son. No one. And no one would anyways. In an odd twisted way...he was liked by many of the school.
I guess everyone has their enemies, I thought ruefully as I watched him struggle with the two on his back.
It was when he was flung to the fence that I snapped out of my daze and realized that he was getting hurt. Though he was strong from all the blitzball he did, two big looking teens against one...well, I knew it wasn't going to be good. I felt my heart beat faster and faster. What to do? I...I couldn't just stand and watch. Even if it was Tidus being hit and it was like a dream come true to have him being beaten up.
"What the fuck is wrong with you people?!" I heard his voice yell with anger as he threw a punch at one guy only to be knocked down by the other. "Get your freaking hands off me!"
I frantically thought as quickly as I could and started to concentrate, clasping my hands together as my hands glowed a serene white for a moment. I directed my hands towards him and prayed for his protection. I looked up quickly, letting out a breath of relief as the two bulky men stared in disbelief as they threw punch after punch only to hit an invisible barrier blocking their attacks.
I smiled to myself. It worked.
Tidus, seemingly surprised that he was not met with bone-crushing punches, snapped back to action and attacked the two without another second of delay. "Take that, you good for nothing bastards!"
"Fuck! Damnit let's get out of here."
"We shouldn't have listened to him in the first place," the other grumbled and took off, his friend following right at his heels.
"Who's him?!" Tidus hollered after them but they didn't look back.
I watched him tentatively as he caught his breath, wiping a bit of blood from his mouth. He groaned, still unaware of my presence until he realized the impossibility of what had just happened.
"What the--" he watched as his body glowed slightly before fading. My spell had worn off.
I knew it wouldn't last long anyways. But long enough.
As he finally looked up, he caught sight of me near the shadows. I jumped slightly, for I didn't think he would have noticed me at all. His brow furrowed as he squinted his eyes a bit, then stared a bit more. I looked back at him nervously and decided that it was time to leave.
Without another word, I continued my way past him until finally his voice broke the silence.
"...Did you...help me?" He finally pieced his words together.
I stopped in my tracks and tilted my head. What was I to say? Yeah, I helped you even though you're a real mean jerk to me? I sighed before I looked over my shoulder, for once not with fright. "Yes..." I found myself saying lightly.
He stared at me a bit more and finally mumbled, "...Freak."
I suddenly felt crestfallen as I turned away again. Of course. What was I expecting? A pat on the back? I shook my head and started walking again. I couldn't quite understand why I had even wanted to help him in the first place, but I had and that was that. As the breeze picked up once more and the leaves of orange, red and yellow swirled about my feet, I could have swore I heard something. Something from him. Very softly...
"...Thanks."
"You're welcome," I mumbled under my breath for no one to hear.
Maybe it was better that way. This was my life. I was nice to all, and hated by all. It was the irony that got to me, but I would hold on. Ms. Lucil's voice suddenly rang clear in my mind again.
...that feeble light will outshine them all.
Yes. Yes it will, I thought.
AN: Ta-da! Ch.2. I know it was a bit short but I'll work on it =P Hope you enjoyed it and R+R! Thank you for the reviews too! Muah!