Chapter 59: Rematch

Like last time, we eyed each other to see if there was any break in any of our defenses. I quickly decided what my first move should be. Finally, I decided to make the first move.

I raised my sword into the air, and shouted "Do Ryu Sen!" I brought my sword down to the ground. Dirt and grass were thrown at Beatrix. She wasn't expecting this, and was knocked to the ground by my attack. I quickly ran at her, jumped into the air, and executed a "Ryu Tsui Sen." She saw my attack, and quickly rolled out of the way. She just managed to dodge my attack.

She got up, and tried to kick me. I quickly pulled my sword out of the ground, and managed to avoid her kick. That's when I saw electricity course through her sword. I knew what was coming. She ran at me, and performed her Thunder Slash technique. Learning from my past mistake, I decided to wait for her attack to come to me. As soon as the blade was inches from my face, I jumped backwards.

Her attack missed me. I quickly took advantage of this by jumping behind her, and executing a "Ryu Kan Sen." She hadn't recovered from my attack, and was hit in the neck. She fell to the ground. I spun around, and tried to strike her. She must have sensed the attack, because she rolled away, and avoided my blade.

I tried to strike her again, and she rolled away again. 'This looks familiar, except I was the one rolling last time' I thought. Eventually, I allowed Beatrix to get back up. She got back up, and swung her sword at my chest. I blocked and parried her blow. She stumbled, and I quickly kicked her legs out from under her. She fell to the ground again. I couldn't help myself "having trouble staying on your own feet, general?"

Beatrix was angry. She immediately got off the ground, and swung her sword at my legs. I jumped back, but she jumped forward, and kicked me in the gut. I bent over, and she kneed me in the face. I stumbled back, and sensed that she was going to try and strike me with her sword. I quickly performed a back-handspring, and avoided her blade.

As soon as I was back on my feet, I sheathed my sword, and assumed a 'Battou Jutsu' stance. Beatrix smiled, and charged at me. That's when I grabbed the hilt of my sword with my left hand, and shouted "Hi Ryu Sen." I drew my sword with such speed, that it sailed through the air like an arrow. Her eyes widened when she realized that she had guessed wrong about what I would do. My sword hilt hit her in the gut, and she doubled over. I caught my sword as it bounced back to me, and ran at Beatrix while she was still winded. When I reached her, I uppercut her in the face. She stumbled back, and I delivered a roundhouse kick to her gut. She flew through the air, and landed on the ground ten feet from me. She slowly got up.

I smiled. "Looks like our roles have been reversed since the last time we fought. Now, you're the one who's on the ropes."

She sneered. "Don't think for a minute that I'm finished, yet. I'm through toying with you."

I nodded. "And so am I."

That was when I removed my cape, and threw it to the side. I also removed my robe, and my normal sword. I threw them to the side as well. I tested my new mobility. "There, now I don't have those things holding me back. We can begin again." Beatrix readied her sword, and I readied mine.

I decided to start things off. I shouted "Ryu Sou Sen!" and charged at Beatrix. She blocked the first few strikes, but she couldn't block all of them. After a few seconds, I jumped away from her. She looked beaten, but I knew that she wasn't out of the fight yet. She charged at me, and performed her Stock Break technique.

Instead of dodging or blocking the attack, I decided to meet it head on. I ran at her, jumped into the air, and performed a "Ryu Kan Sen Arashi." My attack hit Beatrix in the chest, and she was knocked to the ground. Her attack had failed.

Unfortunately, she got up faster than I thought she would, and managed to catch me off guard. She executed her Climhazzard technique, and this time, I couldn't dodge or block it. I felt an intense pain flood through my chest, and then into my entire body. An explosion blasted me into the air. I hit the ground, and rolled over.

I heard Beatrix. "Ha, you've gotten stronger, but you still can't beat me."

I turned my head to her. "That's what you think."

I got back up to my feet. Beatrix's attack was powerful, but compared to Kuja's Ultima, it was pathetic. Beatrix was surprised that I managed to get up. I looked at her, and smiled "Like I said, I wasn't going to challenge you until I knew I could win. I'm a new man, Beatrix." I readied my sword, and prepared to continue the fight. She readied her weapon as well.

We both charged at each other. When I got close enough, I jumped into the air, and landed behind her. I spun around, and performed a "Ryu Kan Sen Kogarashi." She brought her sword behind her back, and managed to block my attack. She parried my blow, and quickly turned around.

Before she turned completely around, I ran to her blind spot, and performed a "Ryu Kan Sen Tsumuji." She didn't see my attack, and was hit in the neck again. She managed to keep her balance, and kicked me in the shin. I was stunned for a moment, and she punched me in the face. I stumbled back, and jumped straight into the air. As I fell, I executed a "Ryu Tsui Sho Sen." Beatrix managed to avoid the "Ryu Tsui Sen" part, but she didn't dodge the "Ryu Sho Sen" part. She fell to the ground, but quickly got back to her feet.

I looked at her. "Tell me general, would you like to see one of the succession techniques of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style?" She didn't say anything. I took her silence as a yes. I readied my sword, and performed the "Kuzu Ryu Sen." I struck all nine vital areas. The force of my attack sent her flying into the wall. She hit the wall, and fell to the ground.

She slowly got back up to her feet. She moved over to the center of the yard. She spoke. "Let's end this. Your strongest technique versus mine."

I nodded. "Very well." I sheathed my sword, and assumed a 'Battou Jutsu' stance again. Beatrix held her sword in front of her face, and gathered energy for her Shock technique.

I charged towards her. She unleashed her Shock attack. I saw the attack, and managed to dodge it, by stepping to the right. I continued my charge towards Beatrix. Once I was close enough, I executed the "Ama Kakeru Ryuu no Hirameki."

My attack hit Beatrix in the side. She was thrown at least ten feet into the air. After two seconds, she hit the ground. As soon as she hit the ground, I jumped at her, and placed my sword near her neck. She looked up at me.

I smiled. "Looks like I win this time, general."

She smiled slightly. "I…lost…you really have surpassed me. I…was right about you when I saw you in Burmecia. I've finally found someone worthy of facing me in battle."

I got off her, and cast a Cura spell on her. She got up. That was when I heard people applauding. I turned around, and saw the others. I forgot that they were there. Vivi spoke. "That was incredible, Michael." Everyone else praised my victory.

I turned to look at Beatrix. "It was an honor to fight you again, Beatrix."

She nodded. "Same here. You really are strong, Michael."

I smiled. "Coming from you…that's quite a compliment." I walked over, and retrieved my cape, robe, and sword.

Dagger spoke. "I suggest we all get some rest." Rest sounded like a very good idea. Beatrix and Steiner led us to the guest rooms. There were enough rooms for each of us to have our very own room. I said my goodnights to everyone, and entered my room.

The room was extravagant. I felt like I had just walked into a condo. Only difference was…no kitchen, but they did have a bathroom. I walked into the bathroom, and saw that they had a walk-in shower. A shower sounded very good at this point.

I quickly undressed, turned the water on, tested it to make sure it was warm, and got into the shower. The water felt so good, especially after a long battle. I could feel the tension in my muscles melt away. After fifteen minutes, I got out of the shower, dried myself off, clothed myself, went into the bedroom, and got into bed.

Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door. "Come in!" The door opened, and Dagger walked in. I sat up in bed. "Dagger, what is it?"

She had a serious look on her face. "Why did you save Kuja?"

I sighed; I didn't want to talk about this again. "I already told you. I saved him, because I know he's changed."

Dagger wasn't convinced. "What if you're wrong? What if he hasn't changed? What if he goes back to his old ways? …Well?"

I gave her a long look "Then my life is forfeit."

Dagger's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious?"

I nodded. "I am serious. If Kuja does return to his old ways, then my life is forfeit. Any punishment he receives, I will receive it instead."

Dagger shook her head. "I can't believe you trust him. After all he's done."

I gave her a serious look. "I trust Kuja with my life, Dagger. If he does go back to his ways, then I deserve to die for being a fool, but I know that's not going to happen."

Dagger was angry. "Why? Tell me why it won't happen?"

I spoke. "Because he has changed. I would never have resurrected him if I didn't think he had changed."

Dagger spoke. "I don't understa-" I cut her off.

"You're right, Dagger. You don't understand. You hate him because of all the pain he caused you. You hate him because he killed your mother, and destroyed your Kingdome. I'll tell you this, Dagger, the pain you felt back then, is nothing compared to the pain he feels everyday."

Dagger was shocked. "What?"

I spoke. "Before Kuja died he didn't care about what he did. He didn't care that he manipulated and killed people. He didn't care that he created the Black Mages for the sole purpose of war. He didn't care that he was going to destroy the universe. He didn't care about anything he did, because all he cared about was getting more power, and finally being free of Garland's strings. Now, he cares about all those things he did, and he regrets every single one of them. I can see the pain in his eyes. Sometimes, I wonder how he can bear it. You have no idea what it's like to have done the things he's done and actually care. No, Dagger, you have no idea."

Dagger was stunned. I spoke "I don't mean to sound cold, but I had to say it."

She nodded. "I-I understand."

I sighed. "Look, Dagger, I didn't mean to snap at yo-" she cut me off.

"No, it's alright. I deserved it. I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Michael."

I nodded. "Goodnight." She left the room.

I laid back down on my bed. Before I could sleep, there was another knock at my door. I sighed, and sat up. "Come in." The door opened, and Kuja walked in.

He spoke. "I…heard what you and Dagger were discussing."

I nodded. "And?"

He looked at me. "Why…why would you put you're life on the line for me? What proof do you have that I won't go back to my old ways?"

I spoke. "As I told Dagger, I trust you Kuja. I know that you'll do your best to make up for what you've done. Besides, Zidane and Vivi trust you, too. I doubt we would trust you if we knew you hadn't changed." Kuja considered this, and nodded.

I spoke. "I'm sorry about what happened in the throne room. I didn't want you to meet them right then and there. I was hoping to show you to Zidane first then some of the others. I didn't expect the guards to catch you. I'm sorry."

Kuja shook his head. "No, don't be. Like you said, I had to face them sooner or later. To be honest, I was terrified of meeting them."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know. I could feel your fear in the meeting room, but I am curious…why did you cry?"

Kuja thought for a moment. "I cried, because I never expected all of them to forgive me. Even Dagger forgave me, though reluctantly." He massaged the place where Dagger smacked him. I knew he was going to have a bruise there in the morning.

He continued to speak. "It was just too overwhelming. I didn't think any of them would ever forgive me. It made me feel so bad about all the things I did to them."

I nodded. "I see. Well, it's over now. The others know you're alive, and they all seem to be okay with it."

He nodded. "Yes, well, I better be going to bed. Goodnight, Michael."

I smiled. "Goodnight, Kuja." He walked out of the room. I laid back on my bed, and quickly fell asleep.

When I woke up, the sun was shining in through my window. I got out of bed, and decided to head to the dining room. When I got there, I noticed a huge feast was laid out. I also spotted Quina. "Hey Quina, what's with all the food."

Quina turned to me. "Dagger so happy that Zidane back. She decide to make big feast to celebrate his return."

I smiled. "Well, that sounds like a good idea…I guess I better wait for the others to arrive." Quina nodded, and walked off. I assumed that she was going back to the kitchen. I sat down, and waited for the others.

The doors opened, and Regent Cid walked in. he was accompanied by Lady Hilda and Eiko. I spoke. "Good morning."

They all smiled. "Good morning." Eiko sat next to me, Cid sat next to her, and Hilda sat next to him.

I turned to look at Cid. This was a good opportunity to ask. "Regent Cid...how's the reconstruction of the Industrial District going?"

He turned to me. "It's still in the planning stage. The thing is we don't know what to do with that area. We already have the Business District, so the Industrial District is obsolete. Some of the men have ideas on what we should do with it, but none of them sound good."

I smiled. "I have an idea."

His eyebrows rose. "You do?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Vivi and I have been talking about it and, well…" I told him our plan; Eiko and Hilda listened to it as well.

When I was finished, Cid looked thoughtful. "So, you want me to turn the Industrial District into the Education District." I nodded. He continued to speak. "Not only that, but you want me to construct a large library. And you also want us to construct a windmill on top of this structure. And you also want to construct a large school in this area as well."

I nodded. "Yep, so will you do it?"

He thought for a moment. "Well, it's better than the other ideas that I've heard. I'll do it, but why do you want all this constructed?"

I spoke. "Vivi and I are planning on moving to Lindblum, and that library is going to be our new home. As for the school, it'll be a great place for people to learn."

Eiko was excited. "You and Vivi are going to move to Lindblum?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yep, as soon as Cid gets that library constructed, we'll move right in. It'll be open to the public. It'll be a place of learning. Heck, the whole district will be a place for learning."

Eiko smiled. "That's great! I can't wait for you guys to move in."

I smiled. "I can't, either."

Hilda spoke. "Why do you two want to move to Lindblum?"

I turned to her. "Well, Vivi and I have done all we can for the Black Mages and the Genomes. I think we can do greater good if we were to live in a city like Lindblum. Also, Vivi and I want to try and integrate the Black Mages and Genomes into city life. These guys are here to stay, and the sooner the people accept that, the better. We're gonna try and nip prejudice in the bud before it spreads too far."

Hilda nodded. "I think that sounds like a good idea."

The doors opened, and Vivi walked in. I smiled. "Morning, Vivi." Eiko, Hilda, and Cid also greeted him.

He looked at us. "Good morning." He went and sat next to me.

Eiko turned to him. "Vivi, Michael told us about your guys' plans."

He looked at her. "He did?"

She nodded. "Yeah, and I think it's great that you guys are going to move to Lindblum."

He looked surprised. "You think its great?"

She nodded. "Yeah, now we can hang out together."

Vivi looked slightly sheepish. "I'd…I'd like that." I couldn't help but smile.

That's when Dagger walked into the room. She sat herself at the head of the table. I spoke. "Good morning, Dagger."

She smiled. "Good morning, everyone."

I remembered the conversation we had the other night. I spoke. "Hey Dagger…about last night…are we cool?"

She looked at me, and nodded. "Yes, we're cool. I had some time to think. I just…I just never really looked at it from his perspective. I'll try and be a little more opened minded."

I smiled. "I'm glad to hear it."

Eventually, everyone arrived in the dinning room. When Kuja arrived, only Zidane, Vivi, myself, and, surprisingly, Dagger gave him a warm welcome. When we were half-way through our meal, I told everyone what Vivi and I had planned. All of them seemed to support the idea.

Kuja spoke. "What about my training?"

I turned to him. "I've taught you all I can, Kuja. The rest is up to you, but if you ever lose your way, come find me. I'll help you get on the right path again."

He nodded. "Thank you." I smiled.

Zidane turned to him. "Hey, you can also come see me too, bro. I mean, it's not like I can't help you out."

Kuja smiled. "Thanks, Zidane."

After an hour, we were finished talking and eating. Vivi, Kuja, and I decided to return to the Black Mage Village. We walked outside the castle. Everyone came out to see us leave. I spoke. "Thanks for inviting us, Dagger. Yesterday will be a day I'll never forget."

She smiled. "You guys take care of yourselves, and tell us when you've moved into your new home."

I smiled, and nodded. "We will…just as long as you invite us to the wedding." Her eyes grew wide. Before she could say anything, I spoke. "Well, goodbye." There was a flash of light, and I felt a familiar falling sensation.

When my feet touched the ground, I saw that I was back in my hut. Vivi and Kuja were right behind me. I turned to Vivi. "Well, Vivi, our plan is set in motion. Now all we have to do is wait."

He nodded. "I can wait."

I turned to Kuja. "So, Kuja. Do you have any ideas about what you're going to do with your life?"

He thought for a moment. "I'm not sure, but I know that whatever I decide to do, I'll do it for the good of the planet."

I smiled, and nodded. "You do that, Kuja, and I'm sure that you'll be forgiven for your crimes." I turned my head and looked out one of the windows in the hut. I smiled 'I'm sure everything will be fine' I thought.