Chapter 10
A week has passed since the events of the last chapter
"Zell you never told us how you met Princess Marle" said Irvine.
"Yeah I would like to hear this" said Squall.
"Tell us now! I'm tired of waiting" said Selphie excitedly.
Zell, Irvine, Squall and Selphie were sitting on the grass in the Garden's Quad. It was a courtyard area where several SeeD members would go to relax during the day. Zell put his hands on his head and sprawled out on the grass. He looked up at the puffy clouds in the sky and began to tell his story.
"Well I was on a mission in Guardia last year. The king and queen hired SeeD to help protect Princess Marle because someone had been threatening to kidnap her…
(Flashback)
Zell was dressed in his SeeD uniform as he patrolled the market place of Guardia for any suspicious activity. A festival was going on and everyone was having a great time. There were dancers, clowns, and several other events and activities going on. Above the marketplace was a glorious castle that housed the royal family of Guardia. In the marketplace vendors were showing off their wares in several stalls and children were running around enjoying themselves.
"Looks all clear over here" thought Zell as he continued to walk about the marketplace.
A little boy and a little girl almost ran into Zell as they were playing tag.
"You're it!" yelled the little boy
"No you're it!" yelled the little girl as she chased behind the boy.
Zell smiled and continued on his patrol. The Princess was scheduled to make an appearance and a speech to the crowd soon so Zell figured he really needed to stay vigilant during that time. Above the marketplace on a balcony on the castle three trumpeters began playing which got the attention of everyone in the marketplace.
"Presenting her majesty Princess Marle of Guardia!" announced the trumpeters.
Soon the princess walked out onto the balcony overlooking the marketplace. She was very beautiful. She wore a white blouse and some white pants. Her long blonde hair was pinned up in a ponytail. She smiled and waved to the people of Guardia.
"Hello people of Guardia. I hope you are enjoying the festival today and…" Marle was interrupted.
"Ha ha ha!" yelled a strange voice.
Soon an incredibly large purple octopus like creature landed on the balcony out of no where. He smiled a creepy smile showing his large yellow teeth as his tentacles flailed about wildly.
"Outta the way! Ultros is coming through!" yelled the creature now identifying himself as Ultros.
Ultros swatted the trumpeters off the balcony knocking them to the marketplace below. He then grabbed the princess with one of his tentacles.
"Let go of me now you dumb squid!" yelled Marle.
"I'm an octopus! OoOo but I like 'em feisty" laughed Ultros as he leapt off the balcony.
Ultros landed in the marketplace below with a crash. Two palace guards carrying spears and dressed in armor tried to stand in his way but Ultros swatted them away with one of his tentacles. The two guards went flying back into one of the market stalls.
"Har Har Har" laughed the giant octopus as he crashed through.
Ultros lifted a wooden market stall with his tentacles and hurled it into a crowd of people. Most of the people ran out of the way but the little girl and boy that ran past Zell earlier were about to get hit by it.
"AHHH!" screamed the terrified little children.
Just then Zell ran in front of them and cast a spell.
"Aero!"
Zell cast the spell and a strong whirlwind blew the stall away before it could hurt the kids. The stall went crashing into the ground.
"Thanks mister!" said the little boy
"Yeah thanks mister!" said the little girl.
"No prob. Get to a safe place" said Zell.
The little boy and girl followed Zell's directions and ran off to get to a safe spot.
By then Ultros was almost out of the marketplace.
"Damn" thought Zell as he began chasing Ultros.
Ultros was on his way out but a young man stood in his way. The young man had long spiky red hair and a headband and in his hand he held a katana.
"Chrono!" yelled Marle as she struggled to get free from Ultros grasp.
"Outta the way runt!" yelled Ultros.
Ultros swatted horizontally at Chrono with one of his tentacles but Chrono leapt over it and ran toward Ultros. Ultros then swatted vertically with another tentacle hoping to smash Chrono into the ground. Chrono jumped to the side and evaded it as the tentacle smashed into the ground. Chrono ran up the tentacle and leapt off of it. Then with a powerful overhead strike Chrono severed the tentacle holding Marle.
"Arrggh!" yelled Ultros in pain the severed tentacle writhed on the ground.
Marle fell to the ground but Zell ran up and caught her.
"Thanks!" said Marle.
"No problem. Now we need to take him down" said Zell as he set her down.
Zell went and stood by Chrono who had his sword ready.
"Ready to take him out buddy?" asked Zell.
Chrono didn't say anything he simply nodded his head yes and the two rushed at Ultros.
"Bring it on punk's har har har" laughed Ultros.
Ultros shot out his tentacles at Chrono and Zell. Zell dodged the attack and Chrono leapt in the air. Ultros swatted Chrono out of the air with another tentacle while Zell got close to Ultros. Zell hit Ultros in the side with a powerful punch.
"Was that a mosquito bite? Har har har" mocked Ultros as he grabbed Zell with one of his tentacles.
"I'm going to put the squeeze on you buddy!" said Ultros
Ultros began tightening his grip on Zell.
"Arrrrgh" yelled Zell in pain.
Zell could feel his bones clenching together tightly.
"Put him down!" yelled Marle as she shot Ultro's tentacle with her cross bow.
"Oww!"
Ultros dropped Zell on the ground and began trying to pull the bolt out of his tentacle.
"Where did you get that cross bow? You just pulled it out of nowhere?" said Ultros.
"That's a secret" smiled Marle.
Zell got up off the ground.
"Yo man let's finish this guy!" yelled Zell.
Chrono nodded his head and got ready. Zell prepared to cast a firaga spell while Chrono ran towards Ultros. Zell cast the firaga spell and instead of it going toward Ultros the flame swirled around Chrono's sword. Chrono began spinning around with the flame sword striking Ultros several times. This was the most punishment that Ultros could take.
"Oww you three don't play fair! Now I'll never get paid!" yelled Ultros as he ran out of the marketplace. He ran with suprising speed for a creature that size.
"I'll send guards to catch him" said Marle.
"Yeah, but I don't think he'll be coming back here after the beating we gave him"
"You're a SeeD. What's your name?" asked Marle.
"It's Zell"
"Thank you so much Zell. I'm Marle of course and this is my boyfriend Chrono"
Chrono walked up to Marle and the two hugged.
"It's nice to meet both of you….but hey…where were you hiding that crossbow?" asked Zell.
(End of Flashback)
"Wow that's great Zell" said Selphie.
"Zell is the hero! Rescuing princesses and all" said Irvine
"Yeah it was pretty cool. I got to go to a dinner in the palace later on and they had all the hotdogs I could eat!" said Zell.
"You didn't make yourself sick again did you?" asked Squall.
"….they were hotdogs man I couldn't help myself"
"-sigh- You and your hotdogs" said Squall
"Well I think I'm going to go to Auron's Gym a little later. I haven't been there in a while" said Zell.
"Alright then talk to you later. Say do any of you know what's up with Quistis? She's been missing work a lot lately" said Selphie
"I'm not sure" said Squall.
"Well I think I'm going to go by her apartment. I'll see you all later" said Selphie.
Next Scene)
"You want some tea Cloud?" said Shera.
Shera was Cid's wife. She pushed the glasses up that slid down her nose and pulled her long brown hair behind her ears.
"No thank you Shera" said Cloud as he continued to work on an engine in Cid's workshop.
"I'll have some Shera" said Cid.
"Me too" said Barret who was there visiting Cid.
"Ok then"
Shera walked back up the stairs. Cloud, Cid and Barret stood in the workshop.
"Cloud you still trying to sign on with those stinking Shinra?" asked Barret.
"Yeah Barrett…I already know how you feel about them…" said Cloud as he went back to work.
"Those damn Shinra put the coal miners in Corel out of work. I'll never forgive them for that. It was also an accident in one of those damn power plant's of theirs that caused me to lose this" said Barret as he showed his gun arm.
"Barrett you've probably told me that story about a thousand times…" said Cloud.
"…and I'll keep telling it to you until you figure out that the Shinra is no good!"
"Yeah well the Shinra screwed me over too Barret. They discontinued the space program right when we were about to make it big. Eh I'm over it now though. Let the kid make his own decisions…or mistakes. Anyway how's the training going kid?" asked Cid as he puffed on a cigarette.
"It's going ok" said Cloud.
"The try out is in a few days?" asked Cid.
"Yeah" answered Cloud.
"Hmm…once you get in I'll have to find another assistant…" said Cid.
"Wow Cid you sound like you're actually going to be sad to see me go. If I make it….when I make it I'll be sure to visit you don't worry" said Cloud.
"Yeah Yeah now get back to work dammit"
"Ha ha sure thing Cid"
(Next Scene)
Zell walked into Auron's Gym. It had been a while since he had trained there. The SeeD's Garden has its own training area so he did most of his training there.
"Hey there Zell been a while" said Auron.
"Hey Auron just thought I'd come by and see what's up" said Zell.
"I think I saw Sion over there. You know he is going to want to spar with you. I'm going in the back to watch the bltizball game" said Auron
"Who is playing today?" asked Zell.
"Oh the Aurochs and the Beasts" said Auron.
"Oh ok" said Zell.
Zell walked off to find Sion while Auron went off to look at the blitzball game.
Zell saw Sion practicing a few punches and kicks on some punching bags.
"Look who it is" said Sion as he stopped and smiled.
He stopped practicing and shook Zell's hand.
"What's up? Hey man I heard about the bar…." said Zell.
"Yeah we still never found out what happened. We were all really upset about it. I guess we have to move on now" said Sion.
"Yeah good luck man. Hey you want to go a few rounds with me?" asked Zell.
"Alright! Just like old times. You better look out I've been practicing" said Sion.
"I have too" smiled Zell.
Zell and Sion prepared to spar on a mat a few feet away. The two young martial artists got into their fighting stances.
"Anytime you're ready" said Zell.
Sion advanced first with a swift right punch to Zell's face which Zell blocked with his left hand and countered with a front kick back at Sion. Sion dodged to the left and leapt in the air executing a flying spin kick. Zell ducked and when Sion landed back on the mat he side kicked Zell in the stomach. Zell stumbled back a little bit.
"SeeD making you soft Zell?" joked Sion.
"Soft? I'm just getting warmed up" said Zell.
Zell rushed at Sion and faked a right punch at his face then kicked him in the side. Sion shook it off and counted with a roundhouse kick with his right leg to Zell's face.
"….too slow" said Zell as he grabbed Sion's leg.
Zell tripped Sion and he fell to the floor.
"Wow that was nice. SeeD hasn't made you shabby at all" said Sion as he got up off the ground.
"You're not too bad yourself. You're still telegraphing your moves sometimes though." said Zell
"Bah, I'm going to get a drink of water. Round 2 when we get back?" said Sion.
"Ok"
Sion walked off and Zell prepared to practice a bit on the punching bags. Yuffie had been watching Sion and Zell spar.
"That was impressive" said Yuffie as she walked up.
Zell turned around to see Yuffie standing there with a bright smile on her face.
"Umm thanks. I'm Zell" Zell smiled back. She was a cute petite young girl that he had never seen around before.
"Hey I'm Yuffie. I'm from Wutai but Im working here with Auron for a bit"
"Oh wow Wutai is a long way off. How you liking it here in the city?" asked Zell
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I thought it would be a lot nosier but this neighborhood is pretty quiet" said Yuffie.
"Have you had a chance to see much of the city since you got here?" asked Zell.
"Not really" said Yuffie.
"Well maybe I can get Auron to let you off sometime and we can hang out or something" said Zell.
"That'd be nice! Oh that's a really cool tattoo on your face by the way. It's pretty… unique" said Yuffie pointing out the tattoo on Zell's face that so many people thought was strange.
"Thanks" smiled Zell.
"Well I better get back to work before the old man starts getting hostile. Come talk to me before you leave. " said Yuffie as she walked away.
"Sure"
Zell watched Yuffie walk away.
"Kinda cute" thought Zell
(Next Scene)
The day had finally come for the Aurochs to take on the Beasts in the first Blitzball game of the season. Square Stadium was packed with fans ready to cheer on their favorite team. In the stands Lulu, Vidina, Paine, Rikku, and Yuna sat by each other ready to cheer Tidus and Wakka on. This was Tidus first professional Blitzball game ever and Wakka would be coaching him from the side lines.
"This is so exciting! Don't you just love the start of the Blitz season?" yelled Rikku.
Rikku was very excited. She jumped up and down in her seat and cheered uncontrollably even before the game had started.
"Not as much as you do apparently" said Paine nonchalantly
Yuna laughed. The contrast between Paine and Rikku's personalities was always amusing to her.
"I hope Tidus isn't nervous. It is his first game after all" said Yuna.
"I'm sure he is fine. I bet he's not worried at all" said Lulu as she held Vidina close.
(Next Scene)
"Tidus calm down will ya? There's nothing to be nervous about!" said Wakka as he shook Tidus.
Tidus was starting to get nervous because it was his first pro blitz game.
"OK OK I'm alright now I'm Ok" said Tidus.
"Just breath and relax ya? Good Good just calm it down a bit and you'll be ok. Just do your best that's all I ask" said Wakka trying to calm Tidus down.
Tidus looked a little more relaxed. Wakka clapped his hands and called the team together for a huddle.
"Listen boys! I want you to go out there and hustle ya? Don't let those Beasts intimidate you ok?"
"Cap'n" said the team together.
"I can't hear you!" yelled Wakka.
"CAP'N!" yelled the team.
"That's more like it! Let's show them how the Aurochs Blitz!" said Wakka thrusting his fist in the air.
Wakka led the team out of the locker room and down the large corridor toward the Blitz Sphere. The closer they got to the Blitz Sphere the louder the cheers from the crowd could be heard.
"Today we have an exciting match up here at Square Stadium. The Aurochs versus the Beasts!" said an announcer over the intercom.
The crowd went wild as the two teams entered the sphere. The sphere was filled with a water like liquid but unlike water the players were actually able to breath in it. The two teams swam to their positions.
"Starting the face off for the Aurochs is Tidus a newcomer to the Blitz circuit and for the Beasts Larbeight who is a seasoned Blitz veteran" said the announcer.
"Let's go Tidus! Wooooo!" yelled Yuna.
Tidus faced off against Larbeight who seemed like a giant compared to the slender Tidus. Larbeight looked into Tidus's eyes and tried to intimidate him. Tidus simply stared back. The blitzball was placed in the center and the first one to catch it when it shot up would have possession of the ball. The ball shot up and Tidus and Larbeight raced to get possession of it. Tidus was a very fast swimmer to Larbeight's surprise and he got the blitzball"
"Way to go Tidus!" yelled Rikku.
"Hooray…." said Paine nonchalantly.
Tidus held the ball but soon he was surrounded by two Beast players.
"Looks like Tidus is boxed in by Larbeight and Isken" said the announcer.
Tidus looked and saw his teammate Datto in the distance. With two men on him Tidus knew that it would be hard pass it to him. Tidus rushed toward Larbeight who attempted to tackle him. Tidus was able to keep possession of the ball after the tackle. Now with only Isken in his way he'd have a better chance of making the pass. Tidus threw the ball and Isken got a little piece of it before it went speeding toward Datto.
"Tidus throws to Datto!"
Datto caught the ball then began swimming with a clear path toward the Beasts goal.
"Go for the shot! Shoot like crazy!" yelled Wakka from the sidelines.
Datto kicked the ball toward the Beast's goalie Nizarut. Nizarut caught the ball with ease.
"Nizarut passes it back in to Diem" said the announcer.
Diem was one of two females on the Beasts team Kulukan being the other female on the team. Diem swam with the ball towards the Aurochs goal then she passed the ball to Vuroja. The one eyed Vuroja caught the ball and was surrounded by Jassu, Botta, and Letty of the Aurochs.
"Good Defense boys! Good Defense!" yelled Wakka.
"Vuroja is boxed in but it looks like he is going to pass anyway" said the announcer.
Vuroja used a special technique called the nap pass which would knock unconscious anyone that would touch the ball. He threw the pass and Jassu got a piece of the ball. He was knocked unconscious. The ball flew past Botta and Letty and was caught by Kulukan.
"Oh no he's knocked out!" yelled Yuna.
Kulukan took the shot. It was a hard and powerful shot that went right past Keepa the Aurochs chubby goalie.
"And Kulukan of the Beasts scores the first point in the game!"
The Beast fans yelled in the stadium while the Auroch fans booed.
It was almost the end of the first half. The Aurochs needed to get on the score board.
Keepa threw the ball back in to Botta. By now Jassu had finally awaken. Botta swam toward the goal a bit then passed it to Jassu. Jassu passed it Tidus.
"Tidus goes for the shot!" said the announcer.
Tidus had a wide open shot. The ball sailed past Nizarut for the score.
"The newcomer Tidus makes the first goal for the Aurochs!" yelled the announcer.
"Oh yeah!" yelled Rikku
"Not bad" said Paine who was somewhat impressed now.
"YES!" yelled Yuna.
"That was a nice play" said Lulu to Yuna.
"Bah bah bah" mumbled Vidina in some form of baby talk. Everyone was sure he was impressed with the play as well.
"I can't wait to see him do the Jecht Shot" said Yuna.
"Jecht Shot?" asked Paine.
"What's a Jecht Shot?" asked Rikku.
"It's this amazing shot that Tidus can do you'll see" said Yuna.
It was now halftime and everyone in the stands had gone to get snacks.
"I'm starved I'm going to see what snacks they have" said Rikku.
"I'll go with you" said Paine.
Rikku and Paine left to go get snacks and Yuna stayed with Lulu and Vidina.
Vidina seemed to be enjoying the game very much as he bounced in his mothers arms.
"You think he'll be a blitzer like his father?" asked Yuna.
"I'm sure Wakka wouldn't have it any other way" said Lulu.
"Hello Lady Yuna" said a familiar voice behind Yuna.
Yuna turned around to see Seymour standing there. He didn't have his robes on this time. Instead he was dressed more casual in pants and a silk shirt.
"Oh hello Seymour fancy seeing you here"
"Indeed, I was hoping I could see you again. May I?" asked Seymour as he began to sit next to Yuna.
"Sure" said Yuna.
Seymour sat down next to Yuna and she introduced him to Lulu.
"Lulu this is Seymour. Seymour this is my friend Lulu and her son Vidina"
"Nice to meet you" said Seymour.
"Likewise" said Lulu.
"So are you a big fan of Blitzball?" asked Seymour.
"Yep. Her husband is the Aurochs coach and my boyfriend…umm friend Tidus is on the team" Yuna stuttered a bit because she had never called Tidus her boyfriend until now.
"Oh I see…that was the boy who scored just now?"
"Yes" said Yuna.
"He's a lucky guy" said Seymour.
Yuna simply smiled.
"Well perhaps I will see you later. Take care lady Yuna" said Seymour as he got up.
"Bye Seymour"
"…you called Tidus your boyfriend" said Lulu softly.
"What? Well he is a boy that's a friend" said Yuna.
"Sure" laughed Lulu.
Yuna blushed a little bit. Rikku and Paine came back with a box full of snacks.
"You won't believe what Rikku did…" said Paine.
"I signed up for the show Termidate! You know the one where the guy gets to go on a date with four girls and he gets to pick one? There was a stand over there where people were signing up for it."
"Rikku did you really? That show is so silly. All the girls do is throw themselves at the boy in order to win. Do you really want to put yourself through that?" asked Lulu.
"That's what I tried to tell her…" said Paine.
"Yeah but it sounds like fun though and I get to be on TV" smiled Rikku.
Paine rolled her eyes. Yuna just laughed.
(Next Scene)
In the locker room Wakka stood up and talked to his team.
"Definitely some good hustle out there boys. You played some good defense but we all know the Beasts are really skilled. Good last minute scoring Tidus. We can work well with a tied game"
The Aurochs agreed and the patted Tidus on the back for scoring.
"Tidus do you think we can get a Jecht shot in this round?" asked Wakka.
"When the time is right I'll do it" said Tidus.
"Good. Keep the defense strong! Well let's go do it boy's" yelled Wakka.
"CAP'N!"
Wakka led the team out of the locker room because halftime was almost over. The team got back into the blitz sphere and back into their positions.
The Beasts had possession of the ball for this half since the Aurochs scored last.
Nizarut tossed the ball in from the goal.
"Nizarut passes to Vuroja" said the announcer.
Vuroja swam toward the goal a bit then threw a long pass to Larbeight.
"Larbeight catches it!" said the announcer.
Larbeight attempted to go for the goal. He shot and Keepa grabbed the ball with ease.
"Keepa tosses it back in to Tidus"
Tidus grabbed the ball and began to swim toward the goal. Isken got in his way. Isken tried to tackle him but Tidus avoided the tackle and passed the ball to Letty.
"It's a good pass to Letty. Letty dribbles toward the goal and oh no he's boxed in!" yelled the announcer.
Letty was surrounded by Deim, Kulukan, and Vuroja. There was no way he could break through.
Deim tackled Letty first then Kulukan then Vuroja managed to steal the ball from him.
"Vuroja steals and is taking it back to the goal"
"Zone defense boys!" yelled Wakka.
"Oh noooo stop him! Don't let him through!" yelled Rikku as popcorn and other snacks came flying out of her mouth and onto Paine.
"Rikku please keep your snacks in your mouth and off of me" said Paine.
"Sorry…"
Vuroja got surrounded by Tidus and Datta. Datta tackled first and then Tidus. The mighty Vuroja withstood both tackles and passed it to Larbeight.
Larbeight prepared to do a sphere shot as he flipped upside down and kicked the ball with a large amount of force. Keepa tried to stop it but Larbeight scored.
"Larbeight scores for the Beasts! What a play! The Beasts now lead by one" said the announcer.
"C'mon throw it back in don't give them time to regroup" yelled Wakka.
Keepa threw in the ball immediately and the Aurochs began blitzing. Jassu caught the pass and began swimming a bit then he passed it to Tidus. Isken stood in Tidus's way. Tidus saw Botta in the distance and he was pretty close to the goal.
"Tidus passes to Botta!" said the announcer.
Isken got a little piece of the pass but it still got to Botta who was wide open for a shot. Botta took the shot and scored.
"Oh and the Aurochs tie it up again!" said the announcer.
"My heart is about to burst out of my chest!" said Yuna. The game had her on the edge of her seat.
The goalie Nizarut passed the ball into Diem. Diem began swimming toward the Aurochs goal. The second half was almost over. Tidus knew he had to make his move. He swam as fast as he could to her and stopped her.
"Diem is stopped by Tidus" said the announcer.
Tidus used the Venom Tackle technique and hit Diem hard. She was incapacitated as Tidus stole the ball.
"Tidus with the steal and he's headed for the goal"
Tidus began swimming as fast as he could toward the goal. Time was running out and the game was almost over. The score was tied and he had to make that goal.
"C'mon Tidus!" yelled Yuna.
Tidus got to the goal. He was surrounded by Vuroja, Kulukan, Isken, and Larbeight. It wasn't looking good for Tidus.
"Uh oh Tidus is boxed in pretty hard. Will he go for the shot?"
"Jecht Shot Tidus Jecht Shot!" yelled Wakka.
Tidus knew he had to perform the Jecht Shot. Tidus hit the ball off his right elbow. It hit Kulukan and knocked her out of the way. It bounced back to Tidus and he hit it again with his left elbow and it hit Isken. The ball went up and Tidus started spinning around like a corkscrew.
"Whoa I've never seen anything like this!" said the announcer.
Soon Tidus stopped spinning and kicked the ball with a large amount of force. The blitzball blew past Larbeight and Vuroja and sped toward the goal. Nizarut was not fast enough to catch Tidus's Jecht Shot.
"Goal! That's the most amazing thing I've ever seen!" yelled the announcer.
The crowd went wild cheering. The clock ran down and the game was over. The Aurochs had won the game 3 to 2.
"The Aurochs win the first game of the season!" said the announcer.
"Booya!" yelled Wakka.
"That was the Jecht shot? That was awesome!" yelled Rikku this time she didn't spray food everywhere.
"Incredible" said Paine. She was genuinely impressed this
"Bah Bah Bah!" said Vidina. More than likely that was baby talk for sweet shot!
"I told you" said Yuna smiling.
(Next Scene)
After the game Yuna, Lulu, Vidina, Paine, and Rikku met the Aurochs in their locker room.
"Great job team!" yelled Rikku as they entered.
Yuna gave Tidus a big hug as he came in.
"That was incredible" said Yuna smiling at him.
"Thanks"
"That was a good job team. We all go back to my house and celebrate ya?" said Wakka.
"Alright!" said the team.
"All right I'm starving I hope you have some food Wakka" said Rikku.
"You just ate a whole box full of snacks. I should know because you sprayed a good bit of it on me" said Paine.
"Oh quiet you" said Rikku.
The big group began leaving the locker room and headed out of the stadium. As they left the stadium and went into the parking lot Yuna saw Seymour in the distance. Seymour waved and she waved back.
"Who is that?" asked Tidus.
"Oh just a friend…" said Yuna.
(Next Scene later that day)
Cloud slashed his sword furiously in Auron's Gym. The slashes were wild and unfocused which was unlike Cloud. Auron observed Cloud practicing and noticed that this was not like him. Cloud was frustrated over the events of the past few days. The things that Rude had said to him at the ball had really started to get to him and he also couldn't stand the thought of Tifa being with him for some reason.
"Hmm, something on your mind Cloud?" said Auron as he walked up to Cloud. He noticed his poor technique and knew that Clouds skills were better than that.
"No.." said Cloud.
"You do know that's a sword in your hand and not a bat right?" said Auron.
Cloud didn't answer and continued practicing his slashes wildly and poorly.
"You're trying out for SOLDIER soon aren't you? "
"Yeah in a few days" answered Cloud.
"Cloud, you look like an amateur that just started picking up a sword. I know you have better technique than that. I've watched you train for a long time. You had a rough start but you've developed into a very strong fighter" said Auron.
Cloud practicing and held his buster sword at his side as he caught his breath.
"Do you think I have what it takes to be in SOLDIER?"
"It matters not what I think or what others think. What matters is what you think and what you know. You know yourself better than anyone else. You know your skills your strengths and your weaknesses. Others can sometimes doubt your ability but in the end they doubt something that they have no clue about…your potential. So I think I should be asking you. Do you have what it takes to be in SOLDIER?" said Auron.
It took a few seconds for Auron's words to sink in for a bit but Cloud understood what he meant. Rude could comment on Cloud's ability to make it into SOLDIER as much as he wants but at the end of the day it wasn't Rude's assessment of Cloud's ability that would matter. Only Cloud's assessment would matter. Cloud looked up at Auron and smiled. He felt a little better now.
"Thanks Auron. You're really wise" said Cloud.
"Yeah Cloud! The old man is just a walking book of proverbs!" yelled Yuffie as she walked by carrying a really heavy box. Auron had been keeping her busy with work.
"…back to work Yuffie" said Auron.
Yuffie kept on going with the heavy box and grumbled something under her breath. Cloud laughed.
"So did you watch the game between the Aurochs and Beasts today?" asked Auron.
"No I had to work at Cid's" said Cloud
"How has Cid been?" asked Auron.
"He's still the same. He's still smoking, cussing, and building things.
"Hmm yeah that's Cid Highwind alright. I watched the game on the TV. It was a good game. I know the coach, Wakka and the new shooter Tidus. I'm friends with his father.
"Geez old man you know everyone's father!" said Yuffie walking back with another heavy box.
Yes…and maybe I should call your father in Wutai" said Auron.
"Uhhh no that's ok I'll get back to work now heh heh" said Yuffie as she walked away.
"I'll probably go to Wakka's house a little later for a get together" said Auron.
Yuffie came running back after she heard this.
"I'll take care of the gym while you're gone. Don't worry about me! I've got everything under control. If someone tries to break in and steal something I'll hit em with my Greased Lighting then blast them with some materia or wait first I'll hit em with a Flame thrower attack no wait I could just kick them in the shins or…"
"Yuffie… you're coming with me" said Auron as he smiled.
"You think I'm going to steal the materia while you're gone don't you?" asked Yuffie.
"Yes" said Auron.
"He's on to me…." thought Yuffie.
(Next Scene)
"Zidane when are you going to stop beating around the bush and just ask Garnet out on a date?" asked Vivi as he was taking off his hunchback peasant outfit backstage
"Man I'm just taking my time. These things take time you know" said Zidane as he took his off too.
"Yeah sure" said Vivi.
"Are you guys ready to head out?" asked Riku as he and Sora walked up.
"Yeah, I'm ready" said Zidane.
"Did you guys hear about what happened to Fate? asked Sora.
"Yeah I heard the whole place burned down and they don't know who started the fire" said Zidane
Sora, Riku, Zidane, and Vivi left the theater after a long day of rehearsing for "One Flew Over the Chocobo's Nest" which would debut really soon. Zidane had gotten used to his role as a hunchback peasant and it didn't bother him anymore. Riku on the other hand didn't get that much better with his lines. Garnet and Kairi waited outside the theater.
"Well where are we going to hang out now that Fate is gone?" asked Garnet.
"Someone needs to make another club around here. Most of the others are lame." said Riku.
"Well we could go see a movie" said Vivi.
"What's out?" asked Garnet
"Well there is that movie called The Spirits Within" said Vivi.
"Sora and I saw that one already. It's so so. I was expecting it to be a little better though. Aki Ross is a good actress though.
"Aki Ross is hot!" said Riku.
"Yep" said Zidane in agreement.
"So that's your type huh?" asked Garnet.
"No you're my type Princess Garnet" said Zidane jokingly as he bowed to Garnet.
"Oh my god does he know I'm really a princess?" thought Garnet. Her face grimaced a bit.
Then she realized that he was referring to her role in the play when he called her a princess.
"Garnet are you ok?" asked Zidane.
"Umm yeah I'm fine heh heh silly" said Garnet laughing it off.
"I can't let anyone know about that yet" thought Garnet.
The group continued down the street then Riku spoke.
"Hey you guys guess what? I signed up for that show Termidate! I'm going to have four beautiful girls fighting over me!" said Riku.
"Wow you're going to be on that show?" asked Sora.
"It figures you'd sign up for something like that…." said Garnet.
"It's going to be a live show so you guys can watch and root me on!" said Riku.
(Next Scene)
-Bing bong-
Quistis walked up to answer her door. When she opened it she saw Selphie standing there smiling.
"Hey Quisty"
"Hey Selphie" smiled Quistis as she let her in her apartment.
"Quistis is everything ok with you? You've been acting a little weird lately and you've been missing some days at work. What's going on? I'm worried about you.
Quistis had been keeping everything dealing with Vincent and the Shinra to herself and hadn't told anyone even her good friend Selphie. She figured now was the time to finally tell someone. After all she missed Vincent very much since he left a week ago and she needed someone to talk to about it. She always worried about whether he was ok or not.
"Selphie what I'm going to tell you you have have to promise to keep to yourself" said Quistis.
"Ok" said Selphie.
"Ok let's sit down on the couch. This is going to be a long story…"
Quistis and Selphie sat down on the couch and began discussing everything dealing with Vincent and the Shinra starting from the night Vincent saved her to the moment she was kidnapped.
(Next Scene)
The sun was beginning to set and everyone was on Wakka's back patio and back yard. Wakka set up a grill and was cooking lots of hamburgers and hot dogs. The Aurochs, Rikku, Paine, Yuna, Tidus, Lulu, and Vidina all sat at the patio tables and chairs set out there.
"Wakka makes the best burgers ya? Keep them coming coach" said Keepa the chunky goalie as he finished his fourth burger.
"Keepa you keep gulping down food like that you're going to get an upset stomach ya?" said Letty.
"These are some really good burgers and hot dog's Wakka" said Tidus taking a bite of a hamburger.
"Thank you thank you. Only the best for my team ya know?" said Wakka.
"Yes these are good" said Rikku taking another bite.
"Try not to spray it all on me" laughed Paine.
"Quiet!" said Rikku. A little bit of food fell out of her mouth.
Yuna, Tidus and Paine laughed.
"Oh you guys are always picking on me" said Rikku.
Wakka walked over to Lulu's seat. She sat there holding Vidina. Vidina looked up and smiled at his father.
"Hey there fella" said Wakka reaching for Vidina.
Wakka held Vidina and bounced him around a little. Vidina began to laugh.
"How's my little blitzer doing? You want to blitz someday? You want to be a big strong blitzer someday?"
"Bah bah" said Vidina.
"I think he's trying to say daddy" said Wakka.
"Sounded more like mommy" said Lulu.
"It actually sounded like he said Bah Bah to me" said Paine.
Wakka and Lulu both looked at Paine with blank stares.
"I think I'll hush now" said Paine.
-Bing bong-
"I'll get it. That's probably Sir Auron" said Lulu as she got up from her seat to get the door.
"Auron is here in Square City? He's my dad's old friend. I haven't seen him since I was a kid" said Tidus.
"You know Auron? He is a close friend of my father as well. He was my fathers guardian when he was doing his pilgrimage" said Yuna
Just then Lulu came back. Auron and Yuffie were right behind her.
"Hello everyone that was great game today" said Auron.
"Hey Sir Auron!" said Wakka.
"Hey Auron" said Paine.
"Mr. Auron!" said Rikku.
"Sir Auron it's so good to see you. It's been a while" said Yuna as she got up from her seat she ran over and hugged Auron.
"It's nice to see you Yuna. You seem to be growing up into a fine young woman. I'm sure your father would be proud" said Auron.
"Have you spoken with him lately?" asked Yuna.
"No, your father has many responsibilities" said Auron.
"I know…" said Yuna.
"Everyone this is my student Yuffie who comes here all the way from Wutai" said Auron.
"Hi everyone" smiled Yuffie.
Everyone smiled and waved.
"Oh hot dogs! I'm starved" said Yuffie as she grabbed a plate.
"Just help yourself" said Wakka.
Tidus got up from his seat and walked over to Auron. Tidus remembered that he was a friend of his father Jecht when he was in Zanarkand but he hadn't seen him in a really long time.
"….and look at you. My you've grown a lot since I last saw you. You've become a great blitzer just like your father. You've even perfected his move." said Auron.
"Auron I didn't know you were in Square City" said Tidus.
"Yes I own a gym here. You should stop by and maybe we could resume the sword lessons I tried to give you when you were younger" Auron looked over the top of his dark glasses at Tidus.
"Oh no those never went well…" said Tidus holding his head.
"You never would simply cut the ones that matter but maybe now you're old enough to pay better attention to my instructions" laughed Auron.
"Maybe so…" said Tidus.
Auron looked at Tidus and Yuna as they stood in front of them.
"This world is quite small indeed…" said Auron.
"Why do you say that?" asked Yuna.
"Yuna Tidus's father was your father's guardian as well. He is actually good friends with your father. Fancy the two of you meeting in a big place like this" said Auron.
"My dad was a guardian? No way, I don't believe it!" said Tidus in shock.
"Yes. He and I escorted High Summoner Braska on his pilgrimage" said Auron.
"Dad never mentioned anything about that to me" said Tidus.
"I guess after awhile he was always too drunk to remember anything" thought Tidus.
(Next Scene)
Leene sat down on white couch in the living room of her high rise penthouse. As always it had been a long day and she just need a little time to relax a bit.
"I guess I'll check out the nightly news" thought Lenne as she reach for the remote on a glass coffee table.
She then turned on the large flat screen television that sat mounted on her wall. She turned the channel to the nightly news.
"This is Rick Rodney Rickenbaugh with your nightly news. Fans of blitz ball were excited today to kick off the blitz season with a game between the Beasts and the Aurochs. Newcomer Tidus of the Aurochs shined today scoring two of the points in the Aurochs 3 to 2 victory over the Beasts"
On the screen was a picture of Tidus. Lenne saw the picture and recognized it as the boy she saw over a week ago after she performed at the SeeD ball.
"It's him!" yelled Lenne as she looked at his picture.
"He looks so much like him…" said Lenne a tear began to fall from her left eye.
"In other news preparations for the first ever Gaia Summit seem to be well underway. Large nations such as Figaro, Alexandria, Esthar, Galbadia, and Guardia as well as several smaller villages and communities such as Cosmo Canyon and the Ronso nation are sending representatives in order too…." Lenne turned off the television set.
Lenne sat there on the couch and cried all alone.
(Next Scene)
Cloud headed to the stairs to go to his apartment. On the stair well Cloud met Tifa. She was on her way out and was looking really good. She was dressed in a black backless dress.
"Hey Cloud what's up?" asked Tifa as she stopped to talk to Cloud.
"Hey I just got back from training. What you up too?"
"Well I've been working on getting loans and stuff for the club I'm trying to open. It's been really busy for me this past week"
"Yeah I haven't seen much of you lately. How's the club coming along though?" asked Cloud.
"It's going well just really hectic. How's the SOLDIER training coming along?" asked Tifa.
"Fine" Cloud couldn't help but stare at Tifa.
She looked stunning in that black dress. Her hair was so straight and so black that it shined.
"You look great. Where you headed?" asked Cloud.
"Oh Rude and I are going to dinner" smiled Tifa.
"So you and that guy are pretty serious now huh? You sure he's your type?" asked Cloud. His tone was not very nice almost sarcastic in a way.
"What's that supposed to mean? What type is he?" asked Tifa
"Well he's…I dunno…he seems like the player type. You know the kind that has a bunch of girls on the side. It doesn't seem like you'd like that type of guy.
Tifa was getting pretty angry. She never commented on Cloud's relationship with Aeris so she wouldn't let Cloud comment on her relationships.
"Cloud I'm a big girl I don't need your protection. Mind your own business. You don't see me commenting on you and Aeris do you? Did I say anything to you when I saw Aeris at your door one morning wearing nothing but the Cactuar sweater I gave you and a smile? No! So keep your little smart comments to yourself" said Tifa angrily as she began to continue down the stairwell.
"Remember the promise at the well? I promised to protect you when you needed it" said Cloud.
Tifa stopped and turned around.
"Like I said Cloud I'm a big girl and I don't need your protection. Say hello to Aeris for me" said Tifa as she turned back around and continued down the stairs.
"That did not go well at all…" thought Cloud.
(End Chapter 10)
This chapter was longer than the SeeD ball one. New people shown included Ultros of ff3, Chrono of Chrono trigger, and Shera of ff7 making a cameo. I don't know if I made it clear until now but no one knows that Garnet is really a princess. I tried to hint at that in other chapters but I don't know if it was clear or not so I made it clear in this chapter. Always keep an eye out for hints to stuff. Tidus played a good game and learned a little bit about his dad while Rikku and Riku have signed up for the show Termidate. Hmm wonder who the other three girls will be. Lenne is upset and Cloud really stuck his foot in his mouth just then. Hope this chapter was enjoyable for you. Take care.