Chapter: 3
Author: Death of Roses
Disclaimer: I do not own FF9, just wreak havoc in it.
A/N: I thank you all for your reviews, however little, I love them. I'm sorry for the errors, I was using notepad, which now I use Microsoft Word. I hope you guys can stick with me through out this story.
Lilina: A bit of encouragement and opinion can do wonders for anyone. Thank you for your great review.
X-cry: Sankies for reviewing.. although your words are flattering in everyway, you and I BOTH know it's nowhere NEAR true.
In addition, I'm sorry for how fast the story is moving, I'm trying my best to slow it down, bear with me for I am not an elite writer, unlike some people.
---
Her eyes scanned the surroundings, then looked down warily at the ragged map. After that tragic day, she had encountered countless nights of nightmares, along with countless nights of no sleep. Overall, she, once the bright beaming princess of Alexandria, was tired and filthy. She didn't care about the mud that clung to her skin and hair, she didn't care how sometimes her hair covered her face, her once silky straight hair... now this. She didn't know what she cared about anymore, she was too tired to think.
Tired with all these..
For peaceful rest I cry
As to behold desert a begger born
And needy nothing, trimm'd in jollity
And purest faith, unhappily forsworn
And gilded honor, shamefully misplaced
And maiden's virtue, rudely strumpeted
And strength by limping sway, disabled
And art made tongue-tied by authority
And folly doctor like controlling skill
And captain good, attending caption ill
Tired with all these, in these would I be gone
Save that, to die, I leave my love alone. – Shakespeare
Everything seemed so complicated, things that once seemed so simple and clear. Dagger groaned, her head starting to hurt. She blocked all thoughts out of her head, not wanting to think on anything, for she knew all too well that she would break in tears if she did. It was not raining today, to her immense relief, but foggy and dark clouds covered up to warm sun. It wasn't much better weather, but better none-the-ness. Rain would only cause her to remember how it rained the day one of her dearest friend, also ally, died. Dagger shivered, she was cold, and her body felt so... Weak. The fog and humid weather did nothing to improve this either.
From the corner of her eye, she saw something flash... or move swiftly to be exact. Dagger instantly froze, listening intently on any sounds. But she already knew what it was, it was another monster. But she still had to listen to figure out which place it would attack from. She had to avoid being ambushed from behind. Dagger slowly clutched her staff, thinking of some spells to use. But deep in her mind, she knew that it was useless. She wasn't used to battling by herself; she was usually the healer of sort in the group. She was used to depending on someone, which was what she wanted to change. But now she was all alone, no friends to help her, no comrades to battle along side her. All she wanted was to go home, see her friends, be warm and feel loved... and especially not alone. Suspense was getting to her, sweat beading down from her forehead. She tried to listen more closely, but she was graced with silence and even more tension. She bit her bottom lip. As each second passed, she got more scared. Silence. Then she heard a low growling, turning around to face the humongous plant with wipe- like vines.
She froze, something she did in every battle by herself. This was probably the 3rd or 4th time but each time was the repeat of the one before. She didn't want this, Dagger blinked, hoping that she was just imagining the monster, and that it wasn't really there. And that she was at the palace, laughing at a small joke with her friends. Her precious friends... they had been through so much together, but now, it seemed a bit pathetic that she was all alone, battling the plant all by herself. The energy and fun of looking after one other in a battle, using potions and phoenix downs when a comrade was hurt or unconscious, casting spells like shell and protectaga.. she missed everything about battling as a group.
But she didn't have time to think anymore, with one swift motion, the monster attacked roughly, wiping one of its vines at Dagger's shoulder. Her clothes tore at the spot and Dagger was pushed to the ground by the harsh impact, getting even dirtier—if possible. Blood came from the wound, not very serious but still needed to be tended. That didn't faze her though, it was other reasons, but overall-- Dagger didn't get up.
What was worth it? Would things really get better if she got up. She couldn't see the positive aspect. She couldn't see the good in this bad. What was worth it? She could ask over and over. She was tired... Did she really have to get up? Get up to face the world? She wanted a sanctuary.. somewhere she could hide and forget all her problems. But that wasn't an option right now.. nor ever. Dagger struggled to get up, but finally managed, faltering slightly. She clutched her staff, clearing her throat. "B-BAHUMUT!" She called, then waited for a few seconds. The seconds seemed like eternity, Dagger almost fell to one side, not because of the wound, she was already tired... so tired. Her eyes felt heavy, her body held no energy, her mind was shattered, she couldn't keep standing. Dagger blinked roughly, trying to set her vision straight. When she did, she saw Bahumut already there, and attacked the plant monster with fire already, causing it to be gone. Bahumut, smug after defeating the monster and saving his mistress, retreated into the endless skies.
That was when Dagger started thinking. She let her thoughts into her mind, one by one. Was it really worth it? What was she going to do anyway, just battle like this? Everything seemed so easily when she was with Zidane and the group of friends, but now... it was so hard. Every step she took, took something out of her. But she knew, in her heart, that her training wasn't just for Alexandria. It was mostly for herself. She didn't want to be protected, constantly looking at other people's back while they fought, risking their lives, for her. She had been taking those things for granted then, but not on purpose. No, definitely not on purpose.
Now she wanted to cry out. "Zidane.." She just managed in a husky and low voice, her vocal cords hurting. She wanted a reply. She didn't care from whom... she wanted someone to tell her she wasn't alone. But one other thought flowed into her mind.
How had she become like this?
Just a few weeks ago, she was happy and thinking of the journey of becoming a true summoner, of being able to defend Alexandria, being able to be independent..
She didn't have a choice but to go on. But, where could she go? She was most likely near Chocobo Forest, but the question was, which direction should she head to get there? She took out the map again, then had a wager that she would head northwest. From there, she would be able to clear her mind—hopefully – and go to Lindblum.
...
How many steps had she already taken? She had lost count. One-step after another, never ending. Energy to just pick up her leg, and move one-step further. She had been walking, if you should call it that, for about 2 hours. Also to Dagger's immense relief, encountered no monsters. She had taken up to being extra careful, or as careful as her weak body could be. A weak mind made a weak body.
Her vision slowly started blur, but Dagger just rubbed her eyes and thought it as nothing. It was nothing, compared to what she was going through. But rubbing her eyes didn't help at all, but since using energy with her hand, it got darker. And darker. Her knees gave out, but she didn't care. All she was thinking was one though:
Was she going to get rest?
She closed her eyes. It felt as if she collapsed, she could feel the cold, damp, ground against her skin, that was when everything blacked out.
----
KWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
What is that sound?
KWEEEEEEEEEEEE
So familiar... Yet so.. unfamiliar..
Dagger heard some sounds, then something similar to a voice, but she didn't know if it was directed to her. It sounded as if it was far away, somewhere where ((sorry for the bad pun)) she couldn't reach.
No more sounds where heard again, she was in darkness, again. After a while, she wasn't sure how long, she stirred, groaning.
Dagger reluctantly opened one eye, not wanting to go away from her sanctuary of darkness. All she was greeted with was a .. pig?
"You're awake! Kupo!" The moogle squeaked. Dagger wanted to go back to sleep, being awake, she could feel the pounding headache.
She groaned, as if to say something but the moogle cut her off.
"No, no! Don't talk! Your throat is not well, kupo!" It scolded, putting away a white box with a red plus sign on it. "I'm Corinthian, a doctor! Kupo." It smiled...err.. he smiled.
Dagger sat up, putting a hand on her forehead as if to ease the ache. "What happened?" She asked, her voice raspy and hoarse.
"Corinthian is new keeper of Chocobo forest! The other Kupo went traveling with a Chocobo! Kupo! Kupo saw you on the ground and nurse you back to health- - kupo. Choco here—"It looked over to a Chocobo who was lying on the ground right beneath the bed, who just poked its head up in acknowledgement.
The chocobo had a golden-yellow feathers and a long neck and legs, making it ever more handsome.
"Was worried sick!" The moogle finished, smiling broadly.
Dagger winced, her head hurting again as she tried to develop everything she just heard into her tired head.
"Kupo wants to ask a favor!" Corinthian's eyes widened.
Dagger raised an eyebrow for him to continue.
-----
Graceful Reverie: Cliffie? I think... It IS a cliffie! Because the favor is VERY bigsters! I wish I could get more reviews.. but I guess I should first improve my story :3
Kira ((my darkside)): Right you are. But then again, you'll never get ANY more review because your storIES SUCK! AND you NEVER update!
Graceful Reverie: sniff
Kira: There IS a disclaimer.. right?
Disclaimer: Sorry, forgot.
Graceful reverie: Where's the time fox we hired? ((See, awakened power for more information))
Disclaimer: Sorry...
Time fox: I'm late! Anywho, this story doesn't belong to us, wait.. lemme refrase that!
All: ...
Time Fox: eh... This .. FF9 does not belong to us! But the stupid plot belongs to G.R. and Kira!
Graceful Reverie: G.R.?! ... w/e. I spent along time working on this chapter, trying to make it longer, Enjoy! Please give some comments and constructive criticism- just no flames! Those are pointless discouraging reviews... Some kind and encouraging words now and then can do WONDERS!
A/N: I thank you all for your reviews, however little, I love them. I'm sorry for the errors, I was using notepad, which now I use Microsoft Word. I hope you guys can stick with me through out this story.
Lilina: A bit of encouragement and opinion can do wonders for anyone. Thank you for your great review.
X-cry: Sankies for reviewing.. although your words are flattering in everyway, you and I BOTH know it's nowhere NEAR true.
In addition, I'm sorry for how fast the story is moving, I'm trying my best to slow it down, bear with me for I am not an elite writer, unlike some people.
---
Her eyes scanned the surroundings, then looked down warily at the ragged map. After that tragic day, she had encountered countless nights of nightmares, along with countless nights of no sleep. Overall, she, once the bright beaming princess of Alexandria, was tired and filthy. She didn't care about the mud that clung to her skin and hair, she didn't care how sometimes her hair covered her face, her once silky straight hair... now this. She didn't know what she cared about anymore, she was too tired to think.
Tired with all these..
For peaceful rest I cry
As to behold desert a begger born
And needy nothing, trimm'd in jollity
And purest faith, unhappily forsworn
And gilded honor, shamefully misplaced
And maiden's virtue, rudely strumpeted
And strength by limping sway, disabled
And art made tongue-tied by authority
And folly doctor like controlling skill
And captain good, attending caption ill
Tired with all these, in these would I be gone
Save that, to die, I leave my love alone. – Shakespeare
Everything seemed so complicated, things that once seemed so simple and clear. Dagger groaned, her head starting to hurt. She blocked all thoughts out of her head, not wanting to think on anything, for she knew all too well that she would break in tears if she did. It was not raining today, to her immense relief, but foggy and dark clouds covered up to warm sun. It wasn't much better weather, but better none-the-ness. Rain would only cause her to remember how it rained the day one of her dearest friend, also ally, died. Dagger shivered, she was cold, and her body felt so... Weak. The fog and humid weather did nothing to improve this either.
From the corner of her eye, she saw something flash... or move swiftly to be exact. Dagger instantly froze, listening intently on any sounds. But she already knew what it was, it was another monster. But she still had to listen to figure out which place it would attack from. She had to avoid being ambushed from behind. Dagger slowly clutched her staff, thinking of some spells to use. But deep in her mind, she knew that it was useless. She wasn't used to battling by herself; she was usually the healer of sort in the group. She was used to depending on someone, which was what she wanted to change. But now she was all alone, no friends to help her, no comrades to battle along side her. All she wanted was to go home, see her friends, be warm and feel loved... and especially not alone. Suspense was getting to her, sweat beading down from her forehead. She tried to listen more closely, but she was graced with silence and even more tension. She bit her bottom lip. As each second passed, she got more scared. Silence. Then she heard a low growling, turning around to face the humongous plant with wipe- like vines.
She froze, something she did in every battle by herself. This was probably the 3rd or 4th time but each time was the repeat of the one before. She didn't want this, Dagger blinked, hoping that she was just imagining the monster, and that it wasn't really there. And that she was at the palace, laughing at a small joke with her friends. Her precious friends... they had been through so much together, but now, it seemed a bit pathetic that she was all alone, battling the plant all by herself. The energy and fun of looking after one other in a battle, using potions and phoenix downs when a comrade was hurt or unconscious, casting spells like shell and protectaga.. she missed everything about battling as a group.
But she didn't have time to think anymore, with one swift motion, the monster attacked roughly, wiping one of its vines at Dagger's shoulder. Her clothes tore at the spot and Dagger was pushed to the ground by the harsh impact, getting even dirtier—if possible. Blood came from the wound, not very serious but still needed to be tended. That didn't faze her though, it was other reasons, but overall-- Dagger didn't get up.
What was worth it? Would things really get better if she got up. She couldn't see the positive aspect. She couldn't see the good in this bad. What was worth it? She could ask over and over. She was tired... Did she really have to get up? Get up to face the world? She wanted a sanctuary.. somewhere she could hide and forget all her problems. But that wasn't an option right now.. nor ever. Dagger struggled to get up, but finally managed, faltering slightly. She clutched her staff, clearing her throat. "B-BAHUMUT!" She called, then waited for a few seconds. The seconds seemed like eternity, Dagger almost fell to one side, not because of the wound, she was already tired... so tired. Her eyes felt heavy, her body held no energy, her mind was shattered, she couldn't keep standing. Dagger blinked roughly, trying to set her vision straight. When she did, she saw Bahumut already there, and attacked the plant monster with fire already, causing it to be gone. Bahumut, smug after defeating the monster and saving his mistress, retreated into the endless skies.
That was when Dagger started thinking. She let her thoughts into her mind, one by one. Was it really worth it? What was she going to do anyway, just battle like this? Everything seemed so easily when she was with Zidane and the group of friends, but now... it was so hard. Every step she took, took something out of her. But she knew, in her heart, that her training wasn't just for Alexandria. It was mostly for herself. She didn't want to be protected, constantly looking at other people's back while they fought, risking their lives, for her. She had been taking those things for granted then, but not on purpose. No, definitely not on purpose.
Now she wanted to cry out. "Zidane.." She just managed in a husky and low voice, her vocal cords hurting. She wanted a reply. She didn't care from whom... she wanted someone to tell her she wasn't alone. But one other thought flowed into her mind.
How had she become like this?
Just a few weeks ago, she was happy and thinking of the journey of becoming a true summoner, of being able to defend Alexandria, being able to be independent..
She didn't have a choice but to go on. But, where could she go? She was most likely near Chocobo Forest, but the question was, which direction should she head to get there? She took out the map again, then had a wager that she would head northwest. From there, she would be able to clear her mind—hopefully – and go to Lindblum.
...
How many steps had she already taken? She had lost count. One-step after another, never ending. Energy to just pick up her leg, and move one-step further. She had been walking, if you should call it that, for about 2 hours. Also to Dagger's immense relief, encountered no monsters. She had taken up to being extra careful, or as careful as her weak body could be. A weak mind made a weak body.
Her vision slowly started blur, but Dagger just rubbed her eyes and thought it as nothing. It was nothing, compared to what she was going through. But rubbing her eyes didn't help at all, but since using energy with her hand, it got darker. And darker. Her knees gave out, but she didn't care. All she was thinking was one though:
Was she going to get rest?
She closed her eyes. It felt as if she collapsed, she could feel the cold, damp, ground against her skin, that was when everything blacked out.
----
KWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
What is that sound?
KWEEEEEEEEEEEE
So familiar... Yet so.. unfamiliar..
Dagger heard some sounds, then something similar to a voice, but she didn't know if it was directed to her. It sounded as if it was far away, somewhere where ((sorry for the bad pun)) she couldn't reach.
No more sounds where heard again, she was in darkness, again. After a while, she wasn't sure how long, she stirred, groaning.
Dagger reluctantly opened one eye, not wanting to go away from her sanctuary of darkness. All she was greeted with was a .. pig?
"You're awake! Kupo!" The moogle squeaked. Dagger wanted to go back to sleep, being awake, she could feel the pounding headache.
She groaned, as if to say something but the moogle cut her off.
"No, no! Don't talk! Your throat is not well, kupo!" It scolded, putting away a white box with a red plus sign on it. "I'm Corinthian, a doctor! Kupo." It smiled...err.. he smiled.
Dagger sat up, putting a hand on her forehead as if to ease the ache. "What happened?" She asked, her voice raspy and hoarse.
"Corinthian is new keeper of Chocobo forest! The other Kupo went traveling with a Chocobo! Kupo! Kupo saw you on the ground and nurse you back to health- - kupo. Choco here—"It looked over to a Chocobo who was lying on the ground right beneath the bed, who just poked its head up in acknowledgement.
The chocobo had a golden-yellow feathers and a long neck and legs, making it ever more handsome.
"Was worried sick!" The moogle finished, smiling broadly.
Dagger winced, her head hurting again as she tried to develop everything she just heard into her tired head.
"Kupo wants to ask a favor!" Corinthian's eyes widened.
Dagger raised an eyebrow for him to continue.
-----
Graceful Reverie: Cliffie? I think... It IS a cliffie! Because the favor is VERY bigsters! I wish I could get more reviews.. but I guess I should first improve my story :3
Kira ((my darkside)): Right you are. But then again, you'll never get ANY more review because your storIES SUCK! AND you NEVER update!
Graceful Reverie: sniff
Kira: There IS a disclaimer.. right?
Disclaimer: Sorry, forgot.
Graceful reverie: Where's the time fox we hired? ((See, awakened power for more information))
Disclaimer: Sorry...
Time fox: I'm late! Anywho, this story doesn't belong to us, wait.. lemme refrase that!
All: ...
Time Fox: eh... This .. FF9 does not belong to us! But the stupid plot belongs to G.R. and Kira!
Graceful Reverie: G.R.?! ... w/e. I spent along time working on this chapter, trying to make it longer, Enjoy! Please give some comments and constructive criticism- just no flames! Those are pointless discouraging reviews... Some kind and encouraging words now and then can do WONDERS!