Chapter 17
Zidane got out of bed that morning and yawned stretching his arms up toward the ceiling. He scratched the top of head and was about to walk out into the living room. Zidane could hear Vivi talking on the phone as he walked into the room which was unusual because Vivi normally slept in a lot later.
"Ok…Ok…yeah that'll work…you tell her and I'll tell him" said Vivi.
Vivi sat on the couch talking to someone on the phone. He did not see or hear Zidane approaching.
"Vivi what are you doing up this early?" asked Zidane.
Vivi looked at Zidane and was surprised.
"Umm well I'll talk to you later bye" said Vivi hanging up the phone quickly.
"Vivi what are you up to?" asked Zidane.
"Oh nothing…nothing at all" said Vivi trying to pretend as if he had not been up to anything at all. He wasn't very good at it. He sat there twiddling his thumbs humming to himself.
"Sure you aren't…anyway I'm going to get a glass of water and go back to bed" said Zidane walking to the kitchen.
"Ok, hey Zidane you want to go hang out with everyone later tonight?" asked Vivi.
"Umm yeah sure why not?" said Zidane as he walked into the kitchen.
Vivi rubbed his hands together.
"I'll call Kairi back after he goes back to bed and tell her phase 1 is complete" thought Vivi.
(Next Scene)
Yuna brought the mail in that morning. She sifted through a few of the letters when she noticed one from her father.
"Father!" said Yuna out loud as she dropped the other pieces of junk mail and began opening the letter. It was from her father High Summoner Braska.
Dear Yuna,
How are you? I miss you very much and I hope you are doing well. I know that you are growing up to be a fine young woman. I only wish that I could have been there to watch you grow. You've chosen to follow in my footsteps and take the path of the summoner. I'm very proud that you have excelled in your studies and that you have the opportunity to become the next High Summoner. It is a prestigious position but in all honesty it is something that I would not wish for you to do. The duties have kept me from you and many others that I hold dear. That is the only thing I regret. I love you Yuna and I will support whatever decision you make. As you know I'll have to be there to see you duel. It will be very nice to see my wonderful daughter. I will also be staying for the Gaia Summit as I have been chosen as the moderator. I look forward to seeing you my lovely daughter.
Sincerely,
Your Loving Father
Braska
Yuna folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. She smiled at the thought of seeing her father.
(Next Scene)
"You remember this exercise?" said Auron.
Auron had finally gotten Tidus to come down to the gym and train with him that morning. Tidus held a reddish colored sword that curved downward at the tip. He stood in front of several blue foam pillars that Auron had set up. The pillars were fastened into the ground and aligned along a path.
"Of course I remember this one…I always hated it…" said Tidus slowly.
Many years ago Tidus had taken a few sword lessons with Auron. Back then Tidus didn't pay attention very well and couldn't get through the exercise.
"It's actually quite simple. Cut the ones that matter. There are times when careful strategy will triumph over aggressive brute strength. Your goal is to get from your end to the opposite end as quickly as possible. Simply attacking all of the foam dummies won't be sufficient to complete this exercise. You must choose your path carefully. Your goal is to make it in under a minute" said Auron readying a stop watch.
"You want me to get through in under a minute? Cut me some slack Auron!" yelled Tidus.
"Oh come now. You work well under pressure in the blitz sphere why should this be any different?" said Auron chuckling a bit.
"Aww ok then lets do this" said Tidus getting ready.
"On your mark…get set…go!" said Auron.
Tidus ran toward the group of foam pillars. When he was younger he simply rushed through and sliced at everything but this time he was determined to do better. In the first row of foam pillars he noticed that three were grouped close together to his left and on the right there was one lone pillar. Tidus decided quickly that that would be the best path and sliced through the lone pillar.
In the next section two pillars were aligned close together in the center while on the left and right ends there were lone pillars. Either end would be a good path Tidus decided so he slashed quickly through the right side.
The third and final section had a mass of pillars bunched together and this time there was no open space. The clock was ticking and Tidus knew he couldn't cut through all those pillars. Tidus got a running start and leapt as high as he could. He did a front flip and flew over the mass of columns. As he landed on the other side Tidus completed the exercise.
"Time!" yelled Auron stopping the clock.
"How'd I do?" asked Tidus.
'Wow…57.10…not bad at all" said Tidus.
"Alright!" said Tidus. Tidus tossed his sword up a bit. It spun around in the air once and he caught the handle.
"You'd make a fine swordsman if you put your mind to it. You know your father used a sword like that before" said Auron.
"He did? You know it's hard to believe that dad was a guardian" said Tidus as he looked at the weapon in his hand.
"Why is that so hard for you to believe?" asked Auron as he looked over his dark glasses a bit.
"I don't know…dad just never really seemed to care about anything or anyone else…except blitzball…and drinking" said Tidus looking down a bit.
"Jecht is a man that has a hard time expressing those types of things" said Auron.
"Yeah whatever…hey the commercial is going to debut this evening" said Tidus changing the subject.
"That is good. I'll try and see if I can catch it" said Auron.
"If you don't see it then don't worry you'll have plenty of chances to see it I'm sure" said Tidus.
(Next Scene)
"Squall here is a package for you" said Quistis as she passed Squall in the hallway of the SeeD Garden.
Quistis held a very large and heavy looking package in both hands as she walked up to Squall.
"Whatever it is it is pretty heavy" said Quistis as she handed it to Squall.
Squall held it and looked at the address stamped on the top.
"It's from Eshtar…Squall…" said Quistis slowly.
Squall sighed and simply stared at the large box.
"Aren't you going to open it?" asked Quistis who was interested in seeing what was inside.
"I don't know….I guess I will later" said Squall staring at the package.
"Squall…you have to learn to forgive…he didn't know about you when he left. Just give him a chance ok?" asked Quistis with a smile.
"…Yeah I'll open it later. I have a few things to do now" said Squall.
"Ok then Squall. I'll talk to you later then" smiled Quistis.
Quistis walked away and Squall said nothing. The name on the address stamped on the large package read.
"Laguna Loire"
(Next Scene)
Hawk walked into the Cygnus motel and looked around the reception area.
"Well at least the place is still standing" thought Hawk.
"Hawk is that you?" asked Red as he came down the stairs.
"Yep it's me Red" said Hawk.
Red made it down the stairs and smiled as he saw Hawk.
"Everything alright at your convention?" asked Red.
"…It could have been better" said Hawk as he took his jacket off and set it on the desk. Hawk then began to look at some of the mail that had come through over the past few days.
"Hawk we really need to talk about something….it's something I can't hide from you anymore" said Red slowly.
Hawk turned around slowly and looked at Red. Little did Red know that Hawk already knew what he was going to say.
"Hawk I'm…." Red was interrupted by Hawk.
"Red turn around…" said Hawk.
"What? Hawk I'm really trying to tell you something important here and you're playing games…"
"Just turn your back" said Hawk interrupting again.
"-sigh- ok geez ok" said Red as he turned around.
In a flash of dark blue light Hawk turned into Alkarl. The dark blue energy swirled around his dark armor.
"Alkaiser!" said Alkarl.
Red turned around and was shocked to see Alkarl standing there.
"Hawk you're…!"
"Alkaiser you have much to learn about your abilities as a hero. I am here now to train you so that you can take down the Black X syndicate and punish them for their crimes against the world" said Alkarl.
"Well I'll be…" said Red with a big smile on his face.
(Next Scene)
Rikku and Riku walked in Square Park. Riku finally got out of the hospital and had almost completely recovered from the cactuar attack except for a few bandages that were on his arms. Rikku had gone to see himwhile he was in the hospital and the two enjoyed each others company very much. Rikku brought him a few Al Bhed Primers while he was there and taught him some words in Al Bhed.
"I heard the play went well. Hopefully I'll get to do something in the next one" said Riku.
"Yeah I'd like to see you up on that stage" smiled Rikku.
The two walked down a cobblestone pathway in the park. In the distance Maechen had a crowd of children around him that sat on the grass. They could overhear the children yelling to Maechen.
"Tell us a story!" said one of the children.
"Yes tell us the one about the brave fencer again" yelled another child.
"So you want to hear about the Brave Fencer Musashi do you?" asked Maechan.
"Yaaaaayy!" yelled the kids in unison.
"Long ago there was a young boy named Musashi. Musashi was brave and also a very skilled swordsman…." Maechen went on with the story as Rikku and Riku passed him. The children listened to Maechen's story intently unlike many older people that he told stories too…
"That man is always out here telling stories to people" said Riku.
"The kids really seem to be enjoying it" smiled Rikku.
"Oac drao tu (Yes they do)" said Riku in Al Bhed.
"Oh that was really good. I see you've been practicing" said Rikku with an even brighter smile.
"Yeah a little" laughed Riku.
"I like kids. Tonight me Yunie and Paine are going to baby sit Vidina. Oh gosh I just remembered I still have to introduce you to them even though they've already seen you on TV" said Rikku.
"Oh I'd like that. Who is Vidina?" asked Rikku.
"Vidina is our friends Wakka and Lulu's baby boy. He's so sweet he doesn't need all three of us to take care of him but we like spending time with him anyway" said Rikku.
"Wakka…isn't he the coach of the Auroch's?" asked Riku.
"Yep that's old tubby" laughed Rikku.
"Your cousin dates Tidus you said?" asked Riku.
"Yep" said Rikku.
"Cool. Tonight I'm helping some friends play matchmaker" said Riku.
"What?" asked Rikku.
"You remember Garnet, the girl with long black hair, and Zidane the guy with the tail? You met them at the hospital" said Riku.
"Oh yeah what about them?" asked Rikku.
"Well they like each other a lot. There just really shy about admitting it so the rest of us are going to give them a little subtle push" laughed Riku.
(Next Scene)
"Wow this resume is really impressive. You're a very gifted girl Lucca" said Cid.
Lucca stood in front of Cid in his shop. Cid stood there looking at her resume and was genuinely impressed.
"Someone with credentials like these should be working with some big company making the big bucks. Why do you want to work with me?" asked Cid.
"Well I have a lot of education but it couldn't hurt to have more experience. I think what I really need now is some hands on experience and a machine shop is the best place. Besides people say you're the greatest mechanic and even the greatest pilot in all of Gaia" said Lucca.
"Heh heh well you heard right young lady. You're hired. I need another assistant because my old one left. I look forward to working with you" said Cid. He reached out and shook hands with Lucca.
"Well Mr. Highwind thanks a lot I won't let you down" said Lucca with a big smile on her face.
"So you know anything about airship engines?" asked Cid.
(Next Scene)
Later that day after work Squall went back to his room in the SeeD Garden. His room was much larger than many of the other rooms in the Garden. SeeD members were not required to live at the Garden, for instance Quistis lived in the city, but since Squall was SeeD Commander he felt obligated to live there. Squall entered his room. He had set the package from Laguna on his bed earlier and now he was going to see what his father had sent him.
"Father…hard to actually call him that" thought Squall as he walked over to his bed.
Laguna Loire, now the president of Eshtar, left Squall's mother when she was pregnant with Squall. He left to go on a mission but he did not know that Squall had been born. Squall's mother Raine died shortly after his birth. Squall had had a hard time forgiving Laguna but over time he had begun to understand why he left and that he honestly didn't know about him being born. Squall picked up the large heavy package and set it on his desk that sat across from his bed.
"Let's see"
Squall tore away the brown paper wrappings to reveal a large black case. Squall opened it to see the most beautiful gunblade he had ever seen.
"This is…"
Squall picked it up by its hilt and stared at it in amazement. The blade was a light blue color and as Squall held it he noticed that it was so much lighter than his normal gunblade the Revolver.
"Lion Heart…"
Squall couldn't believe he held this rare gunblade model in his hands. It took Squall a moment to see that there were other things in the case. There was a letter that was folded and also a ring. Squall picked up the letter and read it.
Squall,
How is everything in Square City? I hope you're taking care of yourself. Things in Eshtar are busy as always. Have you been hearing anything about the Gaia Summit? Well I have to be there representing Eshtar. Kiros and Ward and even Ellone will be there with me so hopefully it won't be extremely boring. I have a feeling sitting around talking politics with all those big wigs will bore me though. Maybe I'll be able to see you while I'm there. That is if you're not too busy working.
A few scientists here got the materials together to make the Lion Heart model for you. I hope you put it to good use. Also I know how much you like Griever, the legendary Guardian Force. A few months ago some historians discovered some ancient ruins on the outskirts of Eshtar. It was some sort of shrine to Griever the great lion or something. Anyway they found several artifacts including this ring. I hope you like it. Well no need to write back. I simply wanted to touch basis with you. Hopefully I can see you soon. Ellone told me to tell you hello.Take Care
Laguna
P.S Please say hello to Rinoa, Quistis, Zell, Irvine, and Selphie for me.
"Sis..."
Squall set the letter down and picked up the silver colored ring. The ring was in the shape of a lion with its mouth opened wide as if roaring. It was Griever a legendary Guardian Force that Squall had admired since he was younger. Squall stared at it for a few minutes. Something about it seemed to completely hold all of his attention as if he was in a trance. He finally snapped out of it and slipped the ring on his right ring finger. The silver ring fit perfectly on his finger. As Squall looked at the ring on his finger in his mind he heard the faint roar of a lion.
"Rooaaarrr…"
"Huh?"
(Next Scene)
Aya walked into the Square City Police Headquarters for the first time since she had been hospitalized. Aya was supposed to be taking a break from work since she had not really fully recovered yet. Her left arm was still in a sling. Aya simply could not sit at home and let this case go cold. Fuse happened to be in the reception area helping some other officers watch a few criminals that were in handcuffs. Fuse saw Aya walk in and immediately went to her.
"Aya go home" said Fuse.
"Fuse we need to work on this case!" yelled Aya.
"Aya the doctor wants you to rest. Now go home. You don't need to be stressing yourself out now. Go home and rest for a few weeks" said Fuse sternly.
"Just let me talk to the guy we arrested maybe I can get something out of him" said Aya trying to get Fuse to give in to her. Fuse walked up closer to her and smiled.
"You're so stubborn Aya. That's one of the things I like about you but you're not getting your way this time. If we pick up any leads on the case I'll definitely call you and let you know ok? Now go get some rest" said Fuse calmly.
"-sigh- alright Fuse whatever you say" said Aya.
One of the criminals in handcuffs was Lone Wolf the thief who Alkaiser convinced to turn himself in to the police.
"I'm prepared to atone for my crimes! I'm sorry for every watch, necklace, and thong that I have stolen in the past! Alkaiser has shown me the error of my ways!" yelled Lone Wolf randomly.
"Quiet!" yelled one of the officers to Lone Wolf.
"Did he say Alkaiser?" asked Aya. Aya remember that Alkaiser was the one who saved her life from Shuzer.
Aya walked up to Lone Wolf and began asking questions.
"What do you know about Alkaiser? You've met him?"
"Yes! He told me to turn myself in to the police and to atone for all of my crimes" said Lone Wolf.
"What are your crimes?" asked Aya.
"Stealing thongs and stuff" said Lone Wolf.
Aya sighed in frustration and held her head. By then Fuse had walked up beside her.
"So he has no affiliation with Black X?" asked Aya.
"Nope none at all" said Fuse.
"Black X? That a new type of thong? Sounds kinky…" said Lone Wolf.
Aya ignored Lone Wolf and began to leave the Police Headquarters.
"Remember take it easy Aya" yelled Fuse as she walked away.
She turned around and smiled and walked out of the door.
"She's not going to take it easy" thought Fuse.
"That Alkaiser person obviously knew about Black X. Maybe Alkaiser knows what their connection is to Shinra and what they are doing. There must be somewhere I can get a lead"
(Next Scene)
"Ok now if you girls have any trouble make sure that you call us ok?" said Lulu.
Lulu and Wakka stood at the front door and were about to leave. Yuna held Vidina and Paine and Rikku stood near her. Lulu and Wakka were going to enjoy a night out which was something that they didn't get to do very often.
"C'mon Lu the girls have it under control just relax ya?" said Wakka.
"Yes Lulu everything will be fine" smiled Yuna.
"Go on and have a fun time and we'll handle everything here!" said Rikku.
"-sigh- Alright then Wakka let's go. Bye Vidina mommy will be back soon" said Lulu reluctantly. She always worried about her baby boy.
Vidina giggled and smiled as his mother and father walked out the door.
"So what do you all want to do?" asked Rikku
"Let's watch a movie" said Paine.
"Ok we can do that after we feed Vidina and put him to bed" said Yuna.
"Hey Yuna isn't the commercial Tidus is supposed to be in going to be coming on soon?" asked Rikku looking down at her watch
"Oh yes I almost forgot! Quick turn to channel 13 I think that's the channel" said Yuna still bouncing Vidina in her arms.
They all sat down on the couch in the living room and Rikku grabbed the remote control.
"I can't believe Tidus is becoming such a big celebrity so fast!" said Rikku as she turned to channel 13.
"Too fast if you ask me…" said Paine.
"Oh I think this is it" said Yuna.
The commercial began.
(Oaka's Commercial)
The first scene of the commercial was a close up of Oaka and behind him was a black background. The camera zoomed in fairly close to his face.
" 'Ello there. Oaka at your service! If you shop at me stores you get the best prices and the best selection guaranteed! But why take my word for it? Here are some celebrities! Everyone knows that celebrities know what's best for you!"
The next scene showed Lenne walking through an aisle pushing a shopping cart. She then stopped pushing and began looking at some of the merchandise on the shelves. Tidus then walked up to her.
"Hey Lenne what's up?" asked Tidus with a bright smile on his face.
"Oh hello Tidus just doing some shopping. I love this place the prices are so low and the quality of each product is so great! It's a wonderful place to shop" said Lenne smiling at Tidus.
"I know. Oaka's is an awesome store. Whenever I'm not tearing it up in the blitz sphere I'm always ready to come here and shop!" said Tidus.
Lenne then held Tidus's right hand with her left. She put her right hand up to his face then kissed Tidus's right cheek. She held the kiss there for a few moments then stopped and smiled at Tidus.
"What was that for Lenne?" asked Tidus.
"For being such a great blitzer and a smart shopper!" laughed Lenne.
The two of them stared at the camera with the cheesiest grins in the world. The scene then went back to Oaka's face.
"Well ladies and gents there you have it! If you come to Oaka's you get great quality products with extra low prices. Everyone knows celebrities are a reliable source of information so listen to them! Come on down and I guarantee you'll save a bunch o' gil or my names not Oaka the XXIII!
(End Commercial)
Yuna, Paine, Rikku, and even Vidina sat there quiet for a moment. Yuna's eyes had widened and she was shocked that Lenne had kissed Tidus like that. She thought that maybe it was something the director had told her to do but still a part of her was angry and a little jealous.
"Well umm it was a….ok I got nothing" said Paine trying to find something to say about the commercial.
"Are we really supposed to believe that Lenne shops at Oaka's?" asked Rikku.
"I know that is pretty unbelievable but I'm sure their sales will grow simply because she appeared in the commercial"
"…and then what was up with her kissing Tidus like that? Was that part even necessary?" asked Rikku.
"I know that part was…" Paine stopped in mid sentence when she noticed that Yuna had gotten very quiet.
Yuna sat there not saying a word. Her face looked a little sad and confused. She still had Vidina in her arms. Vidina reached out and touched her face with his tiny hands. It was like he knew she was upset about something and was trying to comfort her.
"Yunie? You ok? Was it the kiss?" asked Rikku.
"He told me Lenne was going to be in the commercial but he didn't say anything about that…hmm maybe I'm overreacting. It was only a peck on the cheek.
The kiss had actually seemed more than a simple peck on the cheek. Although the kiss had been on the cheek the way Lenne kissed him was in a very romantic way. This really upset Yuna.
"No Yunie don't bottle up your feelings if you feel angry just say so" said Rikku.
"No I'm fine. I'm just going to start making Vidina's dinner now" said Yuna as she got up from the couch. She said she was fine but her face didn't show it. She passed Vidina to Rikku and began walking into the kitchen.
"You want some help?" asked Paine.
"No I can handle it" said Yuna as she walked into the kitchen.
As Yuna looked through the cupboard for Vidina's food she felt very bad. A small tear streamed down her face and she wiped it off quickly.
"Why am I so upset? It was only a simple kiss…" said Yuna trying to convince herself.
(Next Scene)
Aeris walked out of one of Oaka's stores carrying a small paper bag. As she stepped out into the street she noticed Tifa walking up carrying several flyers in her hands.
"Hey Aeris how are you?" asked Tifa.
"Hey Tifa what are you up to?" asked Aeris.
"Oh the club is almost ready for business! I'm putting up some flyers around the city because we're going to have the grand opening pretty soon!" said Tifa excitedly.
"That is great Tifa I'm glad you're finally getting to do what you want to do. I know you'll love being in business for yourself. I know I love it. Hey give me a few of those I'll put some up in Wall Market tommorow" said Aeris.
"Wow thanks" said Tifa as she gave Aeris a few flyers.
Aeris looked at the flyers.
"Tifa's 7th Heaven now that is a great name" complimented Aeris.
"Thanks, be sure to tell Cloud when he gets back if you see him before I do. Shouldn't he be back soon?" asked Tifa.
"Well I think so…but…Cloud and I aren't seeing each other anymore…" said Aeris.
Tifa was sort of shocked to hear that but she downplayed it.
"Oh well are you too still friends at least?" asked Tifa.
"Oh yes of course we are! It just seemed like we were better as friends" said Aeris.
"Oh I see" said Tifa.
"Wasn't that how you felt with him?" asked Aeris.
"Umm…yeah we were just better as friends…" said Tifa somewhat unconvincingly.
"Poor Cloud always getting the "friends" line. So how are you and that Rude guy doing?" asked Aeris.
"Well things are ok I guess. I haven't talked to him in the last few days because he's been out of town on business" said Tifa.
"Do you think he could be…the one?" asked Aeris smiling and batting her eyes like a silly school girl.
"Ha ha Aeris you're so silly" laughed Tifa.
"Seriously though what do you think?" asked Aeris more seriously this time.
"Well…honestly… I don't really know for sure. It still feels like there is still a part of him that he's hiding from me. I guess I'll have to see if things change in the near future" said Tifa.
"I see. Well Tifa it was nice talking to you. I have to get home and get some rest now" said Aeris.
"Ok Aeris thanks for taking some flyers" said Tifa.
"Oh no problem"
The two smiled and waved good bye and went on their way.
"I wonder if she'll ever admit to herself that she really likes Cloud?" thought Aeris.
"I wonder if Cloud is ok…"thought Tifa.
(Next Scene)
"Oh my….geez that was a long walk!" said Zack
Zack fell to the ground panting. Cloud tried to help him up but he was pretty exhausted as well. They thought the walk would only take them until the morning but in fact the distance was longer than they thought and it was well into the evening. The sun was starting to set.
"Just let me rest for a minute" said Zack as he leaned against a rock.
"Ok I need a break too" said Cloud as he sat down on the ground.
They had made their way out of the grassy plains and into an area that looked more like a desert. The dirt was a reddish color and all around them were several red hills. High in the hills Zack and Cloud could see a settlement of some sort that looked like it was built into the hills. At the very top was a very large observatory.
"We're almost there" said Cloud looking toward the settlement.
"Yeah let's get going. Hopefully we can get some free food or something I'm beat man" said Zack picking himself slowly off the ground.
Cloud got up too and they began walking up a winding dirt path that looked like it led to the settlement.
"It's a wonder we haven't been attacked by any fiends" said Cloud.
-RAAAAAAAAAR-
Cloud and Zack heard a loud noise over their heads.
"You had to jinx us…" said Zack.
"Sorry…" said Cloud.
"Run!" yelled Zack.
The two bolted up the path as fast as they could and a huge bird like creature swooped down and tried to grab them. The creature had a lion's body but the wings and head of an eagle. It was a Griffin and apparently it was looking to have Cloud and Zack for dinner. The Griffin landed on all fours and gave another loud cry.
-RAAAAAAAAAR-
Cloud and Zack continued to run as fast as they could. The Griffin spread its wings out and flew in the air to cut Cloud and Zack off. They ran around a curve in the path that went to the left but the Griffin swooped down and cut them off.
"Damn! I'm not gonna be bird food!" yelled Zack.
Zack picked up a stone and threw it. The stone hit the Griffin in its beak. The Griffin screeched but it didn't do much damage at all. In fact it just made it mad.
"Ok that didn't work…"
"Zack look out!" yelled Cloud.
Cloud pushed Zack out of the way and jumped to his left as the Griffin quickly leapt at them and stuck its sharp front claws down in the ground. Cloud and Zack were sprawled across the ground and the Griffin stood over them. It looked like the end when suddenly they heard a howl from the hill above them.
-AWOOOOOOO-
Zack, Cloud, and even the Griffin looked up on the hill. On the hill there was a lion like creature with fiery red fur. On its head a few feathers were adorned and the tip of its tail lit up like fire as it switched about. The creature leapt off the hill with its claws extended and landed on the Griffin's back.
This lion creature was smaller than the Griffin but it still seemed to have the upper hand as it scratched and bit the neck of the Griffin. The Griffin bucked about trying to get it off its back while Cloud and Zack watched them fight.
"That thing helping us?" asked Cloud.
"Or maybe it wants to eat us for itself" said Zack.
As Cloud watched the lion creature he felt a sense of familiarity about it. Somehow he knew that it had come to help them and that it meant them no harm.
The lion creature leapt off the Griffin's back and landed in front of Zack and Cloud. The Griffin backed up a bit as the lion creature snarled and showed its teeth. The Griffin had had enough it seemed. It leapt into the air and flew off screeching along the way.
"It saved us" said Zack.
The lion creature turned around and faced Zack and Cloud. Its right eye had a scar across it and several hairs on its mane were braided with multi colored beads. On the ankles of all its legs were some grey colored bracelets. The creature sat on its hind legs and stared at them. After a moment it spoke.
"Are you two alright?" asked the creature.
Zack was shocked that the creature spoke but for some reason Cloud was not.
"Whoa it talked!" yelled Zack.
"…I always get that reaction from outsiders…you'd think in a world inhabited by so many strange and unexplainable things like magic and what not my being able to speak would not be so….unbelievable" said the creature.
"Thanks for you help. I'm Cloud"
"Yeah thanks a lot that thing would have probably gotten us if you hadn't showed up. Sorry if I offended you I just wasn't expecting you to talk. I'm Zack by the way"
"I'm Nanaki. You're in Cosmo Canyon now. You look very tired" said the creature now identified as Nanaki.
"Yes we've been walking all night and day" said Cloud.
"Yeah we're pretty hungry too" said Zack rubbing his stomach
"Well, follow me to the village and we'll get you something to eat. I'll also introduce you to my Grandpa" said Nanaki.
Nanaki turned around and began bounding up the path toward the Cosmo Canyon settlement and Cloud and Zack ran close behind him. Nanaki bounded easily over the rocky pathway and Cloud and Zack tried to keep up with him as best they could. Before long the three were at the top of the path. A few steps led up to the settlement of Cosmo Canyon. Red bounded up the steps swishing his fiery tail. A man stood at the entrance to Cosmo Canyon.
"Hello Nanaki" said the man
"Hello. These two are lost so I brought them here to eat and rest" said Nanaki who was now sitting on his hind legs.
"Oh I see. I'll go get Bugenhagen. Show them around Nanaki" said the man.
The man ran off into the settlement and up some stairs. Nanaki led Cloud and Zack into the village. As Zack and Cloud looked around they saw that the entire village was chiseled into the sides of the mountain.
"Wow this place is awesome" said Zack.
"Amazing…" said Cloud as they followed Nanaki.
"This is Cosmo Canyon. People come from all over to study and learn more about the planet" said Nanaki.
Toward the center of the village some people sat around a large campfire.
"What's that?" asked Cloud.
"That's Cosmo Candle. The flame never goes out…it went out once when…well never mind…" said Nanaki holding his head down.
"Ho ho ho Nanaki who are your friends?" said a voice behind them.
Cloud, Zack, and Nanaki turned around to see an old man floating down the steps. The old man had no legs but some strange half circular device was attached to the lower portion of his body which allowed him to hover above the ground. His beard was very white and long. He wore a light green long sleeve robe. He laughed as he floated near the group.
"This is my grandpa Bugenhagen" said Nanaki.
"That's your grandpa? I didn't expect him to be…" said Zack.
"Human?" asked Nanaki.
"Ho ho ho grandpa is simply a term of respect. I'm the elder of this village. Although you could say that I'm a grandpa to young Nanaki. I've known him every since he was a cub"
"Grandpa I'm 48 years old now I'm not that young anymore" said Nanaki.
"48 years old?" asked Zack.
"Yes. Nanaki's species has excellent longevity. They are able to live for hundreds of years. He is still young though. The age of 48 would be equivalent to that of a human teenager. You thought he was an adult didn't you? Ho ho ho he is very deep and quiet like an adult but there is still much that he needs to learn" laughed Bugenhagen
"Aww grandpa…I want to be an adult…" said Nanaki reclining on his hind legs and lowering his head.
"I'm Cloud"
"I'm Zack"
"Well it certainly is nice to meet you. I should like to talk to you more but you look very tired and hungry. Nanaki have the inn keeper prepare them a meal and offer them beds for the night. We shall talk more in the morning" said Bugenhagen.
Bugenhagen floated off and went back up the steps. Nanaki walked off toward the Inn.
"This way" said Nanaki.
Zack and Cloud followed him to the inn.
"Man I'm starved I could eat anything right now" said Zack.
"Yeah me too" said Cloud.
Cloud continued to look around the village and deep down he felt a sense of familiarity about the place.
(End Chapter 17)
Thanks for the reviews. Nanaki/ Red XIII has made his debut finally! I always did like him. Tifa's club is going to open pretty soon. Hawk finally revealed himself to Alkaiser and Aya is stubborn and it looks like she isn't going to give up so easily. Riku is out of the hospital and in on Vivi's plan while Maechen is still telling stories. He was talking about Musashi from Brave Fencer Musashi. Lucca is back and she's taken Clouds old job. It was a request that she be put back in the story but I had planned to bring her back like that anyway. Squall has been given the Lion heart and a Griever ring as a gift from his father. We'll certainly learn more on that in the future. Yuna didn't like that commercial too much but then again I don't blame her. Next time we'll see exactly what Vivi has planned and also a lot of other things. Thank you all for sticking with me this long I certainly appreciate it and will try my best to write the best story that I can for your enjoyment.