Reborn Ones
Prologue: Part 2-I
Disclaimer: Geez. I can't find Final Fantasy anywhere in my room. I can't
even find it in my closet.
I guess Final Fantasy is not mine then. Squaresoft is the owner. *sigh*
Me: Woohoo!! The second prologue is up! Note that this is only the first part of the second prologue. Another one is coming up pretty soon. Sorry
for the delay. (it's been almost three weeks, right?) But that's not my fault. I live in hostel. And I came back home only this evening. So, please
don't blame me. Oh, yeah, thank you very much for reviewing!!
Anyway. enjoy!! ^_^
******
Madain Sari was a small village in the Outer Continent. Although small by size, it was a village of big importance. It was the dwelling of the Summoners, a race gifted with the special ability to summon the Eidolons - powerful beings that possess great powers, strong enough to destroy Gaia, if that were their wish.
Darla was a young girl with the special blood. She lived in Madain Sari with her mother, Jane and her little sister, Sarah. [1] Although she hadn't reach the age of 16, at which she could use the power of Eidolons, Darla had a knack of getting herself into troubles. She enjoyed to venture into the land beyond Madain Sari with her Silver Dragon, which she called Sildra - a result of joining the first two syllables of the words 'Silver Dragon'. Sometimes, she even went as far as Iifa Tree, but she never entered the giant tree. Well, not yet, at least.
It was a fine day, and, as usual, Darla sneaked out of the village for her monthly trip to Iifa Tree. She would go there to - as she prefer to call it - gather informations about the activities of the evil tree. For some reason, the Iifa Tree had produced more Mist the past few months, resulting to the increase in the number of dark spawns in Gaia. Darla wanted to stop it, but she knew she was powerless against the spawns alone. That's why she would wait patiently for her 16th birthday before she would strike the Iifa Tree and bring it down - alone if she had to.
After some hours of flight on Sildra, Darla reached the cliff overlooking the Iifa Tree. It gave her a good view of the Tree, and she would usually monitor the Tree's progress from there. Although she was usually rash and bold, she knew better than to actually go anywhere near the Iifa Tree.
As Sildra swooped down towards the ground, Darla jumped off the dragon, landing skilfully on the ground. She told her dragon to go and walked towards the edge of the cliff cautiously. One would never know when a Mist spawn would try to attack her. Those creatures are always sly and cunning.
As the Iifa Tree came into her view, she felt her forehead - at the spot where her horn had once been - tingling uncomfortably. Her horn had broken off some years ago, during her first encounter with Sildra. The dragon had been very firce once, but she managed to tame him in the end. It was the biggest achievement in her life.
For some moment, she just stood on the cliff, looking intently at the looming tree before her. Once in a while, she could hear the cries of newly- born monters, cold, horrid cries that sent chills down her spine. She didn't know how long she had stood there when she heard footsteps coming towards her.
Instinctively, she quickly ran towards a boulder and hid behind it, waiting patiently for the intruder. Carefully, she took a peek from her hiding place, and her eyes fell on a man with long silvery hair. Darla had never seen such man before - he was a cross between strikingly handsome and inexplicably beauty. She found herself staring wide-eyed at the stranger before her. Despite his gorgeous face, he had a lot of sinister-looking cuts all over his body, revealed through his inadequate and a little too- revealing outfit. The cuts were still red with blood, meaning that he had received them recently. As he walked closer towards her, Darla could see that his face was full of despair, and his eyes were teary.
She felt a great sympathy welled inside her. She felt like she wanted to hold him, to comfort him and to tell him not to cry now that he had her with him. Slowly, she sat up to reveal herself, but her more sensible mind told her to keep hiding. She decided to follow the latter, and quickly sat back down behind the boulder. But it was too late.
"Come out now," the silver-haired man said with a commanding voice. "I know you're there."
Darla felt her heart beat quickly. She didn't knew whether she was supposed to relent to his order or kept hiding there. She knew she might be in a great trouble if she step out and give herself in to the stranger. What if he came from Iifa Tree? Would he kill her? But she knew he would find her sooner or later, anyway. The boulder won't give her much protection.
"I told you to come out," he said again. There was a tinge of anger in his voice. Suddenly feeling afraid, Darla stepped out from her hiding place. The silver-haired man studied her with his cold blue eyes. For a fraction of a second, their eyes met. She felt a chill ran down her spine and quickly look away.
"Don't worry. I'm not an enemy," Darla said after she had regained her courage. She looked up at the silver-tressed man and smiled at him to emphasize her words. For a moment, he didn't say anything, but continued staring at her instead, searching for the truth of her words. Then, he nodded.
"I believe you," he said simply, walking towards her.
He was close enough now that she could see his face clearly. Although he was much taller than her, he was actually much younger than she had thought, probably a year or two older than her. Perhaps she should call him silver-haired boy now instead of silver-haired man.
The thought brought a sudden smile on her face.
"What's so funny?" he asked, frowning down at her.
Darla shook her head. "Nothing. A funny thought occurred to me, that's all."
"Were you laughing at me?"
"No," Darla said a little bit too quickly. The man seemed upset enough. She didn't want to make things worse. "Not at you."
He nodded and turned away from her. "What are you doing here?"
Darla hesitated before answering his question. Her instinct told her not to tell him the truth. "I was just enjoying the view here," she lied.
"Does the view of Iifa Tree bring you joy?" her asked. Judging from his tone, Darla could tell that he was disgusted, or angry at the idea.
She didn't say anything. His words struck her like a blow. Of course the answer was a big fat 'NO'. She hated Iifa Tree with all her heart. The Mist it produced had given birth to the monster that killed her father. Since that day, she had sworn that she would put a stop to it, someday.
"Actually," Darla began quietly. "I hate that tree. I came here sometimes to watch it, and to find a way to destroy it."
The silver-haired man suddenly seemed very interested with her story. All trace of despair had gone from his face, only to be replaced by curiosity. "If that is your desire, why don't you fulfil it? The tree is not far from here."
"It's because. I can't. I'm afraid." Darla said grudgingly. "I'm powerless. I would die the moment I set my foot there. That's why I'm waiting for the right time to strike. Someday, maybe."
"It sounds like a very long time ahead."
"Yes, I know. But it's better than to go right away and get killed, never being able to accomplish my dream," she said confidently. "Sometimes we have to wait for the right moment to strike."
The silver-haired man fell silence at her words. He looked like he was deep in thought, and then nodded. "You're right. I should wait. Then only I can get my revenge."
"Get revenge. at the one who did these to you?" Darla asked, lightly touching one of his wounds. He winced, but didn't say anything. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Do you mind if I heal the wounds for you?"
He didn't say anything.
Darla considered it as a 'yes'. She concentrated, gathering all her energy at the palms of her hands. A brilliant white light engulfed her arms. Slowly, the light stretched towards his body, and illuminated his whole figure. When it was over, all his wounds were gone, leaving only patches of slightly red skin.
"I'm sorry. I'm not strong enough yet. This is all I could do."
"No, nevermind. I should thank you."
Darla smiled up at him. "No problem. Ermm. anyway. who gave you those wounds?" she asked, surrendering to her curiosity. She knew the question would upset her new 'friend' but she had been dying to ask question the moment she saw those wounds, and she couldn't just wait anymore.
His face suddenly turned melancholy again. He sat down on the rocky ground and stared ahead at the Iifa Tree. He was so quiet that Darla thought that he was not going to answer her question. When she was about to give up, he said, "That cursed Garland. He is responsible for this."
Suddenly feeling interested, she sat down next to him. She can't wait to hear more stories from him. "Is he your arch-enemy or something?"
If possible, his face turned even more bleak. "Yes, and he is also my. father." There was a slight pause before he mouthed the word 'father', and when he said it, it was full of hatred and anger. He must've hated that man very much.
"But, he is you father. He's the one who brought you to this world. Why did he hit you?"
"He told me that I am a failure. That I am useless to him. He really likes my. younger brother. He treasures that boy so much. Garland wouldn't even let me go near him, saying that I would infect him with my flawed blood. All I want is to see him, and play with him. I'm all alone in that place. No one bothered to talk to me, they don't even want to look at me."
Suddenly, Darla heard soft sobs coming from the man beside her. Startled, she wrapped her arms around him in an attempt to comfort him. In response, he buried his face on her shoulder and began crying silently.
Darla froze at his action. She felt extremely awkward at the moment. She had never been this sensitive before. In fact, she had never even done this to her own sister - she preferred to leave Sarah crying her eyes off than to comfort her till she stops crying (that might take hours). Whatever it was, she was wondering why she was being too kind to her new 'friend'. But it was too late to wonder. She had hugged him, and he had hugged her back. No turning back now. She can't just push him away, can she?
"Shhh. Don't cry," she told him soothingly. Hesitantly, she began stroking his hair, humming an old song from her village. It was the song that she always sang whenever she felt lonely or sad. For some reason, it had always soothed her sadness, and it seemed to be working for the silver-haired man too.
He looked up at her, his face looking amazed and cheerful at the same time. " The song is very beautiful. What is the title?"
"I don't know." Darla shook her head. "The song is very popular in my village, yet no one knows the title. But I called it Song of Memory as it always bring back good memories to me. The song always soothes my feelings, so I thought it would work for you too."
"It does," he said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Would you sing it for me again? With the words, if possible."
Darla nodded, and she knew that she was being way too nice with the silver- haired man. "But I don't know all of the song. I've only memorized the first verse. Nobody in my village knows the whole song. Legend says that if anyone could sing the song from the beginning to the ending."
'You would gain a legendary Eidolon.'
That was how she intended to finish the sentence in the first place, but decided against it. She paused for a while, searching for the right words to say it. She can't reveal to him that she was a Summoner. No matter how intimate they have became, she would never tell him that.
".. Something good is going to happen." She finished hesitantly. "For now, the words are still lost."
"Oh..." The man seemed a little disappointed.
"But don't worry. I'll sing it for you. But only the part that I know." Darla said quickly, getting a thin smile from him. She took a deep breath and began singing with a soft, melodious voice.
'Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain, Melodies of life. Love's lost refrain..'
Darla paused. There were words flowing into her mind, forming a familiar melody. It felt like someone. or something was whispering the words for her. She listened intently to the whisper, and she knew right away that it was the words of the song, and continued singing;
'Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told Let them ring out loud till they unfold
In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name
A voice from the past, joining yours and mine Adding up the layers of harmony And so it goes, on and on. Melodies of Life, to the sky beyond the flying birds, forever and beyond.'
All of a sudden, another shrill cry came from Iifa Tree, and the flow of words stopped abruptly. Darla jerked her head towards the direction of the Tree, and continued to watch it until the cry subsided. When it was over, the words came back to her, but they didn't seem right for her. Something was missing.
"Why did you stop?"
"I don't know. it's just that.. The words don't seem right anymore."
"It doesn't matter. Just go on."
Darla nodded and continued the last verse;
'If I should leave this lonely world behind,
Your voice will still remember our melody..' [2]
Then, her mind went blank. No more words came into her mind as the whisper had stopped abruptly. "That's as far as I could go. I don't know what comes next. Sorry." Darla tried to smile at the silver-haired man, but can't. The last verse of the song disturbed her. 'If I should leave this lonely world behind.' She knew that the song meant something.
'.leave this lonely world behind.'
Does it mean that she would die soon?
"Are you okay?" the silver-haired man asked suddenly, breaking her thoughts.
"Y-yes."
"That's good." He smiled, and then pulled her into an embrace. "I wish we could stay like this forever. I don't want to go back there."
Darla wanted to, but she didn't ask where the 'there' was. What he really needed now was advice, not another questions that would certainly depressed him even more.
"But I think you shouldn't be like this anymore. Why don't you prove to your father that you're good, that you're not a failure. You should show to him that you're strong. Don't cry like a baby when he hit you again, okay? Big boys aren't supposed to cry. If you ever need someone to talk to, or whenever you feel lonely, just come here. I'll always be here for you." She paused for a while. "Well, maybe not always, but I'll come here every time and then," she said. "That's if I am not dead yet, of course," she added as a joke.
The silver-haired man gave her a very warm smile which erased the coldness in his eyes. "Thank you again." He held her hands tightly and stared at her in such way that made her blush and looked away quickly. He held her face in his hand and tilted her face upwards so that she was looking straight into his eyes. Slowly, he lowered his face and pressed his lips lightly against hers.
After some time, the kiss broke. Darla's face was bright red from embarrassment. She tried to look everywhere other than the silver-haired man's face. "I. uh. I think I should go now. I promised my mother to go back before afternoon," she said quickly. "So. I guess. see you later." She quickly turned and walked away from him.
"Wait!" he called from behind. "I need to know your name."
Darla turned again to look at him. She smiled, and said, "I'm Darla."
"And I am Kuja."
"Nice to meet you Kuja," Darla said. She took off her silver pendant and threw it towards him - it was the emblem of her family. She knew she wasn't supposed to give such an important thing to a stranger. But, she felt like she wanted to be remembered. Kuja caught it with his hand and peered at her curiously. "Take it. Whenever you feel lonely, look at it and know that I am here for you."
Kuja nodded at her. "Thank you for everything."
Darla gave him another smile before running down the slopes to find Sildra.
**
Notes:
[1] I've done a sidequest in Madain Sari which revealed these two names. I had read somewhere that these are Dagger's real name and her real mother's name.
Sarah = Dagger @ Garnet Jane = Dagger's mom.
[2] Melodies of Life is a property of Squaresoft. Not mine, and certainly not Darla's.
[3] If you see any 'Diana' in the story, please tell me. It is the original name for Darla, but I changed it recently. So, please tell me so that I could correct it. Please!
Me: So.. how did it go? I hope it was okay. Please tell me what you think of it. But, wether you like it or not. I'm still going to continue. ^_^ And. if you feel that my writing is too bad or you found grammar mistake or any other mistake, feel free to tell me. I'd be very happy to get any comment.
Darla: Yeah. her English has gotten worse these days.
Kuja: Mwa ha ha!! I made my first appearance. Everyone, cheer for your superstar!!
Kuja: Mwa ha ha! I'm soooo cool. I know you'd get more review if you let me show up more often.
Me: Really.?
Kuja: Certainly. Just watch and learn.
*turn towards the monitor and look at all readers*
Kuja: To every girl out there - if you want me to appear in your dreams.. You have to review!! As for boys - if you want to be as handsome and almighty as me, you have to review!!
Me: Yeah, right. Whatever it is. please review!!
Ja ne!!!!
Prologue: Part 2-I
Disclaimer: Geez. I can't find Final Fantasy anywhere in my room. I can't
even find it in my closet.
I guess Final Fantasy is not mine then. Squaresoft is the owner. *sigh*
Me: Woohoo!! The second prologue is up! Note that this is only the first part of the second prologue. Another one is coming up pretty soon. Sorry
for the delay. (it's been almost three weeks, right?) But that's not my fault. I live in hostel. And I came back home only this evening. So, please
don't blame me. Oh, yeah, thank you very much for reviewing!!
Anyway. enjoy!! ^_^
******
Madain Sari was a small village in the Outer Continent. Although small by size, it was a village of big importance. It was the dwelling of the Summoners, a race gifted with the special ability to summon the Eidolons - powerful beings that possess great powers, strong enough to destroy Gaia, if that were their wish.
Darla was a young girl with the special blood. She lived in Madain Sari with her mother, Jane and her little sister, Sarah. [1] Although she hadn't reach the age of 16, at which she could use the power of Eidolons, Darla had a knack of getting herself into troubles. She enjoyed to venture into the land beyond Madain Sari with her Silver Dragon, which she called Sildra - a result of joining the first two syllables of the words 'Silver Dragon'. Sometimes, she even went as far as Iifa Tree, but she never entered the giant tree. Well, not yet, at least.
It was a fine day, and, as usual, Darla sneaked out of the village for her monthly trip to Iifa Tree. She would go there to - as she prefer to call it - gather informations about the activities of the evil tree. For some reason, the Iifa Tree had produced more Mist the past few months, resulting to the increase in the number of dark spawns in Gaia. Darla wanted to stop it, but she knew she was powerless against the spawns alone. That's why she would wait patiently for her 16th birthday before she would strike the Iifa Tree and bring it down - alone if she had to.
After some hours of flight on Sildra, Darla reached the cliff overlooking the Iifa Tree. It gave her a good view of the Tree, and she would usually monitor the Tree's progress from there. Although she was usually rash and bold, she knew better than to actually go anywhere near the Iifa Tree.
As Sildra swooped down towards the ground, Darla jumped off the dragon, landing skilfully on the ground. She told her dragon to go and walked towards the edge of the cliff cautiously. One would never know when a Mist spawn would try to attack her. Those creatures are always sly and cunning.
As the Iifa Tree came into her view, she felt her forehead - at the spot where her horn had once been - tingling uncomfortably. Her horn had broken off some years ago, during her first encounter with Sildra. The dragon had been very firce once, but she managed to tame him in the end. It was the biggest achievement in her life.
For some moment, she just stood on the cliff, looking intently at the looming tree before her. Once in a while, she could hear the cries of newly- born monters, cold, horrid cries that sent chills down her spine. She didn't know how long she had stood there when she heard footsteps coming towards her.
Instinctively, she quickly ran towards a boulder and hid behind it, waiting patiently for the intruder. Carefully, she took a peek from her hiding place, and her eyes fell on a man with long silvery hair. Darla had never seen such man before - he was a cross between strikingly handsome and inexplicably beauty. She found herself staring wide-eyed at the stranger before her. Despite his gorgeous face, he had a lot of sinister-looking cuts all over his body, revealed through his inadequate and a little too- revealing outfit. The cuts were still red with blood, meaning that he had received them recently. As he walked closer towards her, Darla could see that his face was full of despair, and his eyes were teary.
She felt a great sympathy welled inside her. She felt like she wanted to hold him, to comfort him and to tell him not to cry now that he had her with him. Slowly, she sat up to reveal herself, but her more sensible mind told her to keep hiding. She decided to follow the latter, and quickly sat back down behind the boulder. But it was too late.
"Come out now," the silver-haired man said with a commanding voice. "I know you're there."
Darla felt her heart beat quickly. She didn't knew whether she was supposed to relent to his order or kept hiding there. She knew she might be in a great trouble if she step out and give herself in to the stranger. What if he came from Iifa Tree? Would he kill her? But she knew he would find her sooner or later, anyway. The boulder won't give her much protection.
"I told you to come out," he said again. There was a tinge of anger in his voice. Suddenly feeling afraid, Darla stepped out from her hiding place. The silver-haired man studied her with his cold blue eyes. For a fraction of a second, their eyes met. She felt a chill ran down her spine and quickly look away.
"Don't worry. I'm not an enemy," Darla said after she had regained her courage. She looked up at the silver-tressed man and smiled at him to emphasize her words. For a moment, he didn't say anything, but continued staring at her instead, searching for the truth of her words. Then, he nodded.
"I believe you," he said simply, walking towards her.
He was close enough now that she could see his face clearly. Although he was much taller than her, he was actually much younger than she had thought, probably a year or two older than her. Perhaps she should call him silver-haired boy now instead of silver-haired man.
The thought brought a sudden smile on her face.
"What's so funny?" he asked, frowning down at her.
Darla shook her head. "Nothing. A funny thought occurred to me, that's all."
"Were you laughing at me?"
"No," Darla said a little bit too quickly. The man seemed upset enough. She didn't want to make things worse. "Not at you."
He nodded and turned away from her. "What are you doing here?"
Darla hesitated before answering his question. Her instinct told her not to tell him the truth. "I was just enjoying the view here," she lied.
"Does the view of Iifa Tree bring you joy?" her asked. Judging from his tone, Darla could tell that he was disgusted, or angry at the idea.
She didn't say anything. His words struck her like a blow. Of course the answer was a big fat 'NO'. She hated Iifa Tree with all her heart. The Mist it produced had given birth to the monster that killed her father. Since that day, she had sworn that she would put a stop to it, someday.
"Actually," Darla began quietly. "I hate that tree. I came here sometimes to watch it, and to find a way to destroy it."
The silver-haired man suddenly seemed very interested with her story. All trace of despair had gone from his face, only to be replaced by curiosity. "If that is your desire, why don't you fulfil it? The tree is not far from here."
"It's because. I can't. I'm afraid." Darla said grudgingly. "I'm powerless. I would die the moment I set my foot there. That's why I'm waiting for the right time to strike. Someday, maybe."
"It sounds like a very long time ahead."
"Yes, I know. But it's better than to go right away and get killed, never being able to accomplish my dream," she said confidently. "Sometimes we have to wait for the right moment to strike."
The silver-haired man fell silence at her words. He looked like he was deep in thought, and then nodded. "You're right. I should wait. Then only I can get my revenge."
"Get revenge. at the one who did these to you?" Darla asked, lightly touching one of his wounds. He winced, but didn't say anything. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Do you mind if I heal the wounds for you?"
He didn't say anything.
Darla considered it as a 'yes'. She concentrated, gathering all her energy at the palms of her hands. A brilliant white light engulfed her arms. Slowly, the light stretched towards his body, and illuminated his whole figure. When it was over, all his wounds were gone, leaving only patches of slightly red skin.
"I'm sorry. I'm not strong enough yet. This is all I could do."
"No, nevermind. I should thank you."
Darla smiled up at him. "No problem. Ermm. anyway. who gave you those wounds?" she asked, surrendering to her curiosity. She knew the question would upset her new 'friend' but she had been dying to ask question the moment she saw those wounds, and she couldn't just wait anymore.
His face suddenly turned melancholy again. He sat down on the rocky ground and stared ahead at the Iifa Tree. He was so quiet that Darla thought that he was not going to answer her question. When she was about to give up, he said, "That cursed Garland. He is responsible for this."
Suddenly feeling interested, she sat down next to him. She can't wait to hear more stories from him. "Is he your arch-enemy or something?"
If possible, his face turned even more bleak. "Yes, and he is also my. father." There was a slight pause before he mouthed the word 'father', and when he said it, it was full of hatred and anger. He must've hated that man very much.
"But, he is you father. He's the one who brought you to this world. Why did he hit you?"
"He told me that I am a failure. That I am useless to him. He really likes my. younger brother. He treasures that boy so much. Garland wouldn't even let me go near him, saying that I would infect him with my flawed blood. All I want is to see him, and play with him. I'm all alone in that place. No one bothered to talk to me, they don't even want to look at me."
Suddenly, Darla heard soft sobs coming from the man beside her. Startled, she wrapped her arms around him in an attempt to comfort him. In response, he buried his face on her shoulder and began crying silently.
Darla froze at his action. She felt extremely awkward at the moment. She had never been this sensitive before. In fact, she had never even done this to her own sister - she preferred to leave Sarah crying her eyes off than to comfort her till she stops crying (that might take hours). Whatever it was, she was wondering why she was being too kind to her new 'friend'. But it was too late to wonder. She had hugged him, and he had hugged her back. No turning back now. She can't just push him away, can she?
"Shhh. Don't cry," she told him soothingly. Hesitantly, she began stroking his hair, humming an old song from her village. It was the song that she always sang whenever she felt lonely or sad. For some reason, it had always soothed her sadness, and it seemed to be working for the silver-haired man too.
He looked up at her, his face looking amazed and cheerful at the same time. " The song is very beautiful. What is the title?"
"I don't know." Darla shook her head. "The song is very popular in my village, yet no one knows the title. But I called it Song of Memory as it always bring back good memories to me. The song always soothes my feelings, so I thought it would work for you too."
"It does," he said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Would you sing it for me again? With the words, if possible."
Darla nodded, and she knew that she was being way too nice with the silver- haired man. "But I don't know all of the song. I've only memorized the first verse. Nobody in my village knows the whole song. Legend says that if anyone could sing the song from the beginning to the ending."
'You would gain a legendary Eidolon.'
That was how she intended to finish the sentence in the first place, but decided against it. She paused for a while, searching for the right words to say it. She can't reveal to him that she was a Summoner. No matter how intimate they have became, she would never tell him that.
".. Something good is going to happen." She finished hesitantly. "For now, the words are still lost."
"Oh..." The man seemed a little disappointed.
"But don't worry. I'll sing it for you. But only the part that I know." Darla said quickly, getting a thin smile from him. She took a deep breath and began singing with a soft, melodious voice.
'Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain, Melodies of life. Love's lost refrain..'
Darla paused. There were words flowing into her mind, forming a familiar melody. It felt like someone. or something was whispering the words for her. She listened intently to the whisper, and she knew right away that it was the words of the song, and continued singing;
'Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told Let them ring out loud till they unfold
In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name
A voice from the past, joining yours and mine Adding up the layers of harmony And so it goes, on and on. Melodies of Life, to the sky beyond the flying birds, forever and beyond.'
All of a sudden, another shrill cry came from Iifa Tree, and the flow of words stopped abruptly. Darla jerked her head towards the direction of the Tree, and continued to watch it until the cry subsided. When it was over, the words came back to her, but they didn't seem right for her. Something was missing.
"Why did you stop?"
"I don't know. it's just that.. The words don't seem right anymore."
"It doesn't matter. Just go on."
Darla nodded and continued the last verse;
'If I should leave this lonely world behind,
Your voice will still remember our melody..' [2]
Then, her mind went blank. No more words came into her mind as the whisper had stopped abruptly. "That's as far as I could go. I don't know what comes next. Sorry." Darla tried to smile at the silver-haired man, but can't. The last verse of the song disturbed her. 'If I should leave this lonely world behind.' She knew that the song meant something.
'.leave this lonely world behind.'
Does it mean that she would die soon?
"Are you okay?" the silver-haired man asked suddenly, breaking her thoughts.
"Y-yes."
"That's good." He smiled, and then pulled her into an embrace. "I wish we could stay like this forever. I don't want to go back there."
Darla wanted to, but she didn't ask where the 'there' was. What he really needed now was advice, not another questions that would certainly depressed him even more.
"But I think you shouldn't be like this anymore. Why don't you prove to your father that you're good, that you're not a failure. You should show to him that you're strong. Don't cry like a baby when he hit you again, okay? Big boys aren't supposed to cry. If you ever need someone to talk to, or whenever you feel lonely, just come here. I'll always be here for you." She paused for a while. "Well, maybe not always, but I'll come here every time and then," she said. "That's if I am not dead yet, of course," she added as a joke.
The silver-haired man gave her a very warm smile which erased the coldness in his eyes. "Thank you again." He held her hands tightly and stared at her in such way that made her blush and looked away quickly. He held her face in his hand and tilted her face upwards so that she was looking straight into his eyes. Slowly, he lowered his face and pressed his lips lightly against hers.
After some time, the kiss broke. Darla's face was bright red from embarrassment. She tried to look everywhere other than the silver-haired man's face. "I. uh. I think I should go now. I promised my mother to go back before afternoon," she said quickly. "So. I guess. see you later." She quickly turned and walked away from him.
"Wait!" he called from behind. "I need to know your name."
Darla turned again to look at him. She smiled, and said, "I'm Darla."
"And I am Kuja."
"Nice to meet you Kuja," Darla said. She took off her silver pendant and threw it towards him - it was the emblem of her family. She knew she wasn't supposed to give such an important thing to a stranger. But, she felt like she wanted to be remembered. Kuja caught it with his hand and peered at her curiously. "Take it. Whenever you feel lonely, look at it and know that I am here for you."
Kuja nodded at her. "Thank you for everything."
Darla gave him another smile before running down the slopes to find Sildra.
**
Notes:
[1] I've done a sidequest in Madain Sari which revealed these two names. I had read somewhere that these are Dagger's real name and her real mother's name.
Sarah = Dagger @ Garnet Jane = Dagger's mom.
[2] Melodies of Life is a property of Squaresoft. Not mine, and certainly not Darla's.
[3] If you see any 'Diana' in the story, please tell me. It is the original name for Darla, but I changed it recently. So, please tell me so that I could correct it. Please!
Me: So.. how did it go? I hope it was okay. Please tell me what you think of it. But, wether you like it or not. I'm still going to continue. ^_^ And. if you feel that my writing is too bad or you found grammar mistake or any other mistake, feel free to tell me. I'd be very happy to get any comment.
Darla: Yeah. her English has gotten worse these days.
Kuja: Mwa ha ha!! I made my first appearance. Everyone, cheer for your superstar!!
Kuja: Mwa ha ha! I'm soooo cool. I know you'd get more review if you let me show up more often.
Me: Really.?
Kuja: Certainly. Just watch and learn.
*turn towards the monitor and look at all readers*
Kuja: To every girl out there - if you want me to appear in your dreams.. You have to review!! As for boys - if you want to be as handsome and almighty as me, you have to review!!
Me: Yeah, right. Whatever it is. please review!!
Ja ne!!!!