Chapter 4

"Zell please be careful with that!" yelled Selphie.

I blonde young man with a black tattoo across his face struggled to carry a heavy box full of decorations. Selphie and the rest of the SeeD ball committee worked diligently in the Garden's ballroom. The Garden is the headquarters for the mercenary SeeD's. Its ballroom was large and magnificent. When entering the elegant ballroom one would immediately notice the high ceiling and the large sky light up top. Toward the middle was a stage where the band would play. All around several people set up tables and decorations.

"I got it I'm not going to drop it" said Zell as he walked away.

Selphie was approached by a tall brown haired young man that wore a black cowboy hat.

"Irvine help Zell carry that box over to the stage he's going to drop it I know it!" said Selphie.

"Sure no problem" said Irvine as he walked over to help Zell with the box.

"I said I got it!" yelled Zell.

Selphie walked across the ballroom to where Aeris was setting up some flowers.

"Aeris those are so beautiful I'm so happy you're helping me with this. It's been pretty stressful trying to get all this together" said Selphie.

"Oh it's no problem. Don't worry Selphie everything is going to go just fine. I think you're doing a great job putting this together" said Aeris in a calm reassuring tone.

"Thanks Aeris I really needed to hear that. So you have a date yet?"

"I'm going with Cloud" Aeris was beaming with delight as she said that.

"Oh! He's a cute one. I always thought him and Tifa were an item?" asked Selphie.

"No, there just good childhood friends. Cloud and I have been talking and hanging out a little more lately so I think it may go somewhere" said Aeris.

"That's nice"

"What about you? Who's the lucky guy that's going to take you?" asked Aeris.

"Irvine asked me" said Selphie.

"Oh the cowboy? He looks like a real smooth charmer type. You like him?" asked Aeris.

"He's sweet but I don't really know if we should start dating seriously yet"

"Why's that?" asked Aeris.

"Well, like I said he is sweet but Irvine is sometimes afraid to be himself. He tries to put out this suave ladies man image but deep down there's a lot more to him than that. I've seen that side of him before but he doesn't let it out that often. I need a guy that's not afraid to be himself" said Selphie.

"I see" said Aeris.

"Quistis is going to go with Nida. They aren't dating or anything they're just friends too. Of course Squall and Rinoa will be there together" said Selphie.

"Of course" laughed Aeris.

"I don't really know who Zell is going to go with. He doesn't seem interested in any of the girls here so he may bring someone outside SeeD. Anyway I have to go over there and help Quistis" said Selphie.

"Ok Selphie I'll finish up over here" said Aeris.

(Next Scene)

"Great job today boys you really hustled out there! We gonna show the Beasts what's up ya?" Wakka yelled to his blitzball team the Aurochs.

Tidus stood there in front of Wakka with 5 other young men. Square City's Blitzball Dome was a humongous sphere that set in the middle of a large stadium. The sphere would fill up completely with a waterlike substance and two teams would play a game called blitzball. This game required great swimming skills, stamina, and strength. The Aurochs stood outside the sphere because they had just finished practice. All the teams in the Square League had scheduled times that they could use the sphere for practice.

"Cap'n!" yelled the Aurochs.

"I can't hear you!" yelled Wakka.

"CAP'N!" yelled the Aurochs even louder.

"Better. Go hit the showers fellas."

Tidus and the other Aurochs began to leave the stadium area and go to the Aurochs locker to wash up. Wakka called Tidus back.

"Hey Tidus, can I talk to you really quick?"

Tidus walked up to Wakka who was standing on some stadium steps near the sphere.

"What's up Wakka?" asked Tidus.

"Hey…I hear you and Yuna have a date tonight ya?" asked Wakka.

"Yeah I was going to meet her at the park to hang out for a bit then probably grab a bite to eat" said Tidus.

"That sounds good ya know but….well I'm not trying to say that I don't trust you or anything but I just want you to know that Yuna is like a little sister to me ya know? Me and Lu have always been like her older brother and sister and we look out for her. You seem like a nice guy but I just want you to treat Yuna right. She's a special girl."

"I understand you Wakka. I like Yuna and I promise you I won't do anything disrespectful" said Tidus.

"That's good. I'm glad to hear that because…if you did do something disrespectful…I'd have to hunt you down!"

Wakka grabbed Tidus playfully and put him in a headlock.

"Hey leggo! I promised!"

"Ha ha go hit the showers you want to be nice and clean for your date" laughed Wakka as he let Tidus go.

(Next Scene)

"You think this acting thing will work out for us?" asked Vivi.

"I think it will work out pretty well. I mean how hard can it be? You say a few lines and get paid" said Zidane.

"I'm sure it's not that easy Zidane" said Vivi.

The two of them walked through the streets looking for the address that Tobli had given them. The two of them were to come and begin rehearsal for Tobli's first play "One Flew Over the Chocobo's Nest: A story of confusing love"

"I think the title needs a little work" said Vivi.

"A love story eh? I hope there are some hot chicks that we get to work with!" said Zidane.

"I think this is the place" said Vivi.

The two of them walked up to an old theater on the corner. A sign on the door read "Tobli and Company theater coming soon"

"Yep this is it" said Zidane as they walked through the double doors.

"Finally you've come! Yes, yes, yes you've come. Now we can start!" said Tobli running up to them.

The theater was rather large. It had stadium like seating that went full circle around a stage at the center of the building. Tobli ran up the stairs and fell down face first as he approached Zidane and Vivi at the door.

"Whoa! Are you ok?" said Zidane as he helped the little man up.

"Oh, no problem are you two ready to become stars?" asked Tobli.

"Yep" said Vivi.

"Good, Good, Good. Well let me introduce you to the rest of Tobli and company!" Tobli ran down the stairs toward the stage and almost tripped again.

"Man that guy should cut down on the coffee in the morning" said Zidane

Zidane and Vivi walked down to center stage where a fairly large group of people stood.

"Are those…Hypellos?" asked Vivi quietly.

"Oh yeah they are. You never seen Hypellos before?" asked Zidane.

"Nope. Only heard of them"

On the stage a few Hypellos stood. Hypellos are a race of amphibious beings. They have blue-green skin, large fishlike eyes, and webbed feet and toes. They normally live on the banks of the Moonflow but a few have been known to come to the city looking for a more interesting life. There were five Hypellos total in Tobli's company. Near the Hypellos on the stage were two young women and two young men. One of the young women really caught Zidane's eye. She wore a red halter top and had long dark hair that shimmered as she moved her head. Her smile was so beautiful. She laughed and talked with the other young woman and the two other young men.

"Man, I can't wait for a love scene with her" said Zidane to Vivi under his breath.

"Everyone may I have your attention please?" Yes, Yes I'd like to introduce to you the newest members of Tobli and Company, Zidane and Vivi!

"Hey, I'm Zidane"

"Vivi"

"Well my fishlike companions over there are Hypellos. They'll be taking care of all the technical things like lights and sounds and things. Say hello fellas" said Tobli.

"Hellosh, howsh are yoush today?" said the five Hypellos in unison.

"That's kind of creepy" thought Zidane.

"…and over here we have your co stars. Introduce yourselves" said Tobli.

"I'm Kairi nice to meet you" said a cute young woman. She had short red hair and wore a white halter top. She was cute but not as attractive as the next girl in Zidane's opinion.

"I'm Garnet" this was the girl that Zidane was attracted to right off the bat. Her smile sent tingles down Zidanes spine.

"I…I'm … I'm Zidane" stuttered Zidane.

"Heh heh you told us already" said Garnet jokingly.

"Zidane try not to drown yourself in all that drool there buddy" said Vivi under his breath.

"Hey I'm Sora" said a brown haired young man. He seemed cheerful and nice.

"I'm Riku" said a silver haired young man. He wore a sleeveless shirt that showed off his muscles.

"Well now that we have all the introductions out of the way let's get down to business. First off let me tell you all what parts you will be playing. Garnet you'll be playing the Princess who is the Hero's love interest."

"You're perfect for that." complimented Kairi.

"Oh I'm so nervous don't I have to do a love scene?" asked Garnet.

"You'll be fine" said Kairi.

"Kairi, you will be the Princesses hand maiden and best friend" said Tobli.

"Great!" smiled Kairi.

"Sora you will be the Hero's squire and best friend" continued Tobli.

"Awesome" said Sora.

"…and now for the part of the Hero" said Tobli.

"C'mon please, please, please pick me c'mon, c'mon." said Zidane in his mind repeatedly.

"Riku! You'll be the Hero who is the princesses love interest" said Tobli.

"That's fine with me" said Riku.

"Dammit!" thought Zidane.

"Well what part do we get?" asked Vivi.

"Oh yes yes I almost forgot. You and Zidane will be …… Hunchback Peasant number one and number two!" said Tobli.

The others began to giggle a bit.

"You have to be kidding me!" yelled Zidane.

"Hunchback Peasants?" asked Vivi.

"Why the hell do we have to be Hunchback peasants?" asked Zidane.

"Well when I saw you two on the corner the other day you captured the spirit of a peasant so well. You said you were about to lose your apartment and couldn't pay your bills and so I felt that you two could play the role better than anyone" said Tobli.

Zidane was really embarrassed. Tobli just aired out his dirty laundry in front of everyone….in front of Garnet. He needed the money badly but his pride was just too strong and began to get in the way.

"No way I'm being a peasant much less a hunchback one! You brought us here to make fools out of us! We're out of here! C'mon Vivi!" Zidane began to walk up the stairs toward the exit.

"But Zidane we really do need the money and maybe we could make really good Hunchbacks…"

Zidane was furious.

"Fine Vivi then you do it. I'm leaving"

Zidane walked up the stairs and left the theater. He began walking up the street and thinking.

"I can't believe he told them we're about to lose the apartment. As if I had a chance with that Garnet girl. Now she probably thinks I'm some poor loser" thought Zidane.

"Zidane!"

Zidane turned around slowly to see Garnet running up to him.

"What?" asked Zidane.

"Listen, I'm sure Tobli didn't mean to insult you. I'm sure he sincerely wanted to help you and your friend out with your situation" said Garnet.

Zidane started to turn around and walk away.

"Zidane the situation you're in is nothing to be ashamed of. We all go through hard times. It's not easy out there in the world but what you should be ashamed of is if you lose your apartment because you were too proud to accept a good paying job because it cast you as a peasant" said Garnet.

Zidane stopped walking.

"We're all getting paid the same thing. It's not like you're getting paid any less for being a peasant. If you won't do it for yourself will you….do it for me?" asked Garnet.

Zidane turned around and walked toward Garnet a bit.

"Do it for you?" asked Zidane.

"Yeah…I know we just met but you seem like a pretty nice guy. I'd hate to miss out on making a new friend" said Garnet.

Zidane scratched his head for moment.

"You're right I really do need the money. You think Tobli will take me back?"

"Of course! Tobli is a sweet little man and he only wants to help people" said Garnet.

Zidane and Garnet began to walk back to the theater.

"You really have a way with words you know" said Zidane.

"Thanks and you'll probably look kind of cute wearing a hunchback" said Garnet.

(Next Scene)

In Junon Diner Tifa and Mog had been working hard all day. The customers hadn't been bad that day in fact most were pretty nice and gave Tifa decent tips. Tifa walked up to the pickup window and gave Mog another order.

"Tifa that guy over there is checking you out, kupo. Don't turn around just get a glimpse of him when you're walking back to your table. He's over at table 2 'po" said Mog.

Tifa turned and walked back to give drinks to her table. She caught a glimpse of the man Mog was talking about. He was a handsome olive skinned man with a shaved head and dark glasses. He was well dressed in a black expensive suit. Tifa could really see that he was watching her very closely as she walked back to the pickup window.

"Wow I really do think he was checking me out Mog" lauged Tifa.

"I know… uh oh he's coming this way! Oh kupo!" said Mog as he flew off to the back of the kitchen.

Tifa turned around slowly to see the young man standing a few feet away from her. He was really tall and had a slight smile on his face.

"Excuse me ma'am. I don't usually do this but…well first of all let me introduce myself. My name is Rude but don't let the name fool you I'm actually a pretty polite guy. " said Rude.

"Ha ha. I'm Tifa. It's nice to meet you Rude" laughed Tifa

"I just couldn't resist coming over here and saying hello. Well I know I'm a stranger and we just met but….here…here's my card. My cell phone number is written on the back. If you'd like to maybe have coffee or something give me a call"

Rude handed Tifa the card.

"Thanks" said Tifa as she put the card in her pocket.

"Well I have to go now. Hopefully I'll see you again" said Rude.

"Bye Rude" said Tifa.

Rude left the diner and Mog slowly hovered back to the pickup window.

"That was smooth! 'po" said Mog.

"Yeah I know.." said Tifa.

Tifa reached back into her pocket and looked at the card. On the front it read. "Turks Division Shinra Inc" and on the back was Rude's cell phone number written in pen.

(Next Scene)

Yuna stood in the middle of a large circular room with white marble floor. In her hand she held a long wand. Her eyes were shut as she began to move the wand about in the air. After a few moments a portal began to open in the air high above Yuna. She continued to move the wand about as the portal began to grow larger.

"Valefor come forth!" yelled Yuna.

Soon a large birdlike Aeon flew through the portal. It circled the room and began screeching loudly. Yuna began to concentrate harder and soon the Aeon flew to the ground near her. Yuna walked up to the Aeon and began saying soothing things to it.

"It's ok. Be calm"

Valefor looked at Yuna and bent its head down toward Yuna. Yuna then began petting its beak. Valefor seemed to like Yuna's petting and began to calm down more. Soon a man wearing blue robes entered the room. His hair was long and blonde and he pinned it up in a ponytail. Yuna turned around and bowed to the man as he approached.

"Master Isaaru" said Yuna.

"Yuna your skill is quite impressive. You seem to connect with the Aeons on a level that I have never seen. With this skill I am sure you will do very well in the Summoner Face off. You could probably win and receive an apprenticeship with the high summoner"

"That would be very interesting since my father is the High summoner" laughed Yuna.

"Yuna everything you have accomplished has nothing to do with your father's position. You have achieved everything on your own and I'm sure he is proud"

"Thank you Master Issaru" said Yuna as she bowed again.

"That is all for today. You may go" said Issaru.

"Valefor return!" said Yuna.

When she said that Valefor turned transparent and then completely disappeared. Yuna left the room and walked down the halls of the Summoner academy. The halls contained statues of High summoners of the past. Yuna's father was the current High summoner. He had been the High summoner since Yuna was very small and because of his prestigious position he was usually too busy for Yuna. Yuna grew up away from her father on Besaid Isle. She didn't talk to her father much except maybe through the occasional letter and gift on her birthday. Deep down Yuna felt that becoming a summoner and eventually becoming the high summoner apprentice would make her closer to her father. If she did become the apprentice then she would be able to spend time with her father. Yuna's achievements in the Summoner arts were truly accomplished on her own and not because of who her father is… but there are many that don't believe that…

"……" Yuna stood silent as she gazed at a statue of her father.

"If it wasn't for this statue I would never see you" thought Yuna.

"The only reason you've made it this far is because of him" said a feminine voice behind Yuna.

Yuna turned around slowly.

"Donna please…I don't feel like fighting with you anymore" said Yuna.

Donna was an attractive dark skinned young lady with long black hair. Despite her outer beauty her attitude was simply ugly.

"Oh you'll have to fight me. We're the top two students in the class so we have to have a Summoner face off for the apprenticeship position. Your daddy's influence can't help you then. Pure skill will be all that determines the victor. I can't wait for everyone to see the fraud that you really are" laughed Donna.

"Donna…if you spent half as much time practicing as you do worrying about who my father is…"

Yuna walked up really close to Donna.

"…You would probably stand a chance against me. Excuse me I have a date" said Yuna.

Yuna walked away from Donna. Donna crossed her arms and laughed.

"I simply can't wait" laughed Donna.

Yuna tried to push Donna's insults out of her mind. After all she was about to go on a date with Tidus and that made her pretty excited.

"I hope Wakka didn't do anything like threaten him or something" thought Yuna.

(End Chapter 4)

Next chapter Yuna and Tidus finally get to go on their date. How will it go? Keep reading and find out! Also we got some new characters joining the story like Garnet from FF9 and Sora, Riku, and Kairi from Kingdom Hearts. I know that they aren't Final Fantasy characters but just like with the Bouncer characters I couldn't help myself and included them in the story. Hmm Rude of the Turks hitting on Tifa? What's that all about?

I know some of the characters differ in age but I'm writing the characters so that most of the main characters are in their early twenty's even the FF8 characters and Kingdom Hearts characters. Well I don't think their ages are really super important but I thought about it and it might confuse some people when they are used to seeing some younger characters being portrayed as older in this story. Anyway this is an alternate universe fic so I think I can get away with some of this stuff. Well anyway thanks and please keep reading.