Sai: Next chapter is here! I got 1 review! Yay! Thanks, Krimzon Lily! This chapters for you! Disclaimer!
Disclaimer Voice: Sai-ryo Aura Feana doesn't own Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy Series, or any other anime or manga that appears in this fic... she only clam's her own characters, which appear later and that includes me unfortunately, and some of the names she uses! Now lawyers can't sue us for the shirts off our back, or rip our living flesh off of us.
Chapter 5 - A Moment Of Peace
"It's time to get up, Riku..."
"Huh?" I woke up wary, looking for who had called me. It sounded like a girl, but though it seemed close it also seemed distant. It came to me that I was alone under the tree, but couldn't help to feel like someone was watching me. I had recovered my energy, but my stomach growled loudly. "What time is it?" Off in the distance, almost like it was answering me, I heard a clock chime that it was 9 o'clock. "It's getting late. Wait! I have to pick up my Soul Eater!" I put on my belt and rehooked my Oblivion to the side. I slipped on my coat, as I headed toward the weapon shop. The uneasy feeling of hidden eyes in the shadows, continued to follow me.
I soon arrived and walked in the shop. "I thought that was you. Your 30 minutes late, you know." "Sorry, I fell asleep and lost track of time." My stomach growled loudly as I stood there. "You haven't had anything to eat, have you?" Suddenly one of the young boy's I had seen earlier came down from the second story. "Mom! You won't believe what this guy was doing to day! He was pulling off some of Tidus's and Wakka's Pro Blitzball moves!" The boy turns to see me and points at me with amazement. "Hey! That's him mom! That's the blind man I was talking about!" (sweat drop) Why me? His mom was shocked at him saying that right in front of me. "Josh! I can't believe you just said that right in front of him!" I could see her eye's full of worry that I might try and harm the boy. (sigh) It never fails. "I'm so sorry sir! Please forgive him!" "Hey, it's okay. I get this a lot from kids. By the way, my name's Riku."
"Josh! Say you're sorry to Mr. Riku." Mister... That's a new one. "I'm sorry, Mr. Riku." "Hey. You don't have to call me mister. Just call me Riku, Okay?" Josh nodes his head. "Please, won't you join us for dinner? As a way of saying sorry?" She just doesn't give up on saying your sorry, does she? I have to end this before it get's worse. "Yes, that would be nice." I followed her and Josh to the backroom, where her husband sat at a large table. "Well, and who might this be?" The man's face was weathered from working over the hot flames, but his eye's shone with compassion. "Hello sir. My name is Riku." I bowed in respect of the man. It was a common tradition here to bow to the person who was of higher standing. I happened to be the one this time, with the lowest standing. After all, it was his home, and he was a father too.
"Please, sit yourself down. It's been a while since someone's joined us for dinner." I could tell he was about to say it. "I know I maybe sounding rude, but are you really blind?" Bingo. He said it. "Huney!" The woman punch's her husband's arm. "What? I tried to say it without offending. I was just wondering, because that sword was used quite abit to get in that condition. It would be almost impossible for him to have used it if he's blind." At least he said it nicer that most who asked. I knew she was about to go into her 'sorry' rant again, so I quickly responded. "I didn't mind him saying it." She looked at me in worry. "Are you sure?" I nodded. "In truth, I'm not blind." This time it was Josh who asked. "Your not? Then, why do you wear a blindfold?" This is going to be a long night.
"Which would you think was weirder; A man who has demon eyes that show a hidden past regret, or a man who hide's his eyes from the faces of innocents, with a cloth of false hope's, but can see perfectly despite the fabric?" Josh and his mother stood dumbfounded. The man looked at me with understanding; he knew what I meant somehow. "If you want, you don't have to show. That's your own choice." His wife and son looked at him like they missed something. "Here, let me get supper." She turned to a pot on the stove and carried it to the table. As she lifted the lid, a heavy odor of a beef stew filled the air. The smell reminded me of my mom's stew, she would always make on Sundays. She turned back to the kitchen, and returned with four bowls and spoons. She served her husband first, and then turned to me. "How much would you like?" "Two scoops, please." I said as I took off my coat and belt, laying them on the back of the chair and sat down. She smiled and served my share, and then served Josh and herself.
She sat down and we began to eat the meal. To my surprise, it tasted like my mom's. It gave me a comforting feeling inside. I soon finished and politely asked for a second helping. She gladly poured me more; she smiled seeing that I had a healthy appetite. Then, after about 10 minutes of silence, Josh spoke up. "So, where are you from, Riku?" I stared at the kid for a second before I answered. "Destiny Islands." I answered kindly. "Wow, you really did mean it when you said you grew up with Tidus and Wakka! How long have you known them?" "For about 14 years now. Though we haven't had any contact the last few years. I've been traveling for the past 6 years." I took a scoop full of the wonderful stew, swallowing it down quickly with delight. "By the way, I haven't gotten you and your wife's name yet, sir." He smiled kindly, and answered. "My name's Banard, and this here is my wife, Mary." "It was nice to get to know you, but I better get going now." Josh looked down, sad that I was leaving. "Hey, Josh." He looked up at me in surprise. "If I see Tidus and Wakka, I'll have them sign a Blitzball. Then I'll return for abit and give it to you, okay?"
He looked at me in surprise and burst out with happiness. I smiled at him with a small smirk, as he jumped around like a monkey. "How much for the repairs." "It's about 250 gil." I reached into my pocket and got 500 Gil out and handed it to Mary. "Keep the change." "Thank you!" She left and soon returned with my sword. I knew she deserved it for not only being so caring, but because she reminded me of my own mother, who I never got to tell how much I cared about her. "Here you are." I nodded and took the sword from her. I gathered my belt and Oblivion, and slipped on my coat. I said my goodbye's to them and left the shop. I walked a block or two and decided to check the quality of the repairs. I walked over to a street light and inspected the Soul Eater in the dim light. I was speechless at how sharp the blade was now. The blade appeared strong, but extremely light, lighter than it had ever been. I tested its speed by slashing it in a few combo moves I had learned over the years. The sword sang a light tune as it cut the cool night air with ease. I was amazed; it had never been able to sing like this, nor had I been able to slash it with such speed. The tune was a sweet melody, which almost seemed unearthly. He truly deserved all the Gil I had given. I stopped my testing and placed my Soul Eater in its holster on my belt. I then started to head back to the hotel.
After some time, I arrived upon a large town square. Had I taken a wrong turn somewhere? "Odd. I don't remember seeing this area before." I walked to the center of the square, and stared at a large church that was at the far east end. The candles inside gave the stained glass windows a trancing beauty, but left an eerie feeling afterwards. A small chill ran though me, mostly because of coolness of the night air, but something else was bothering me. I the distance a clock chimed twelve times. "Midnight..." I breathed out. I was sure it was only about 10:30 p.m. when I left the weapon shop. I was sure I had only been walking only about thirty minutes max. The hotel would most likely be closed up for the night. Maybe I could ask Mary, if I could spend what was left of the night at the shop. I turned to trace my way back to the weapon shop, when I heard footsteps.
At first, I thought it was a late night walker. A simple citizen of this small town, who took extra early morning walks. I started to walk away, when I suddenly heard the snicker...
Sai: Please review and look for the next chapter! Thanks again, Krimzon Lily and x snickerz! Glad you like the story! Krimzon Lily if you think the story is deep now... wait till you get to the next chapter!