Welcome once again to Tetsu's Story! (applause) Recalling what happened last chapter, Kinshi told me a great deal about her stay in Besaid. Now, the next morning, we're leaving for Kilika!

Chapter 15: The Beast Goes On

The next morning, I stepped out of the lodge. What a bright sunny day. The birds are chirping, the trees blowing with the wind, an argument between Kinshi and Tidus... "What's going on now?" I asked myself. Knowing that I couldn't know without asking, I ran towards them.

The pair seemed to be yelling about who will destroy Sin first. Tidus was bragging how Yuna could easily kill Sin blindfolded. And Kinshi... she was punching him in the gut, screaming how she will beat Sin. As I step up, they stopped arguing and looked at me.

"Umm... hi guys," I greeted them nervously.

Silence. Then...

"Who's better?" "I know I'm better." "Come on, Tetsu. We'll have some 'fun' tonight, if you know what I mean..." "Don't listen to that witch." "WHO YOU CALLING A WITCH!"

I couldn't take it anymore. "STOP!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.

They stared at me, dumbstruck. I stood there, breathing heavily and glaring at the two of them. Silence. But who else could come and break the silence than...

"I knew I'd find you guys somewhere, ya?"
Wakka. He walked briskly towards us. I couldn't help but notice how he was grinning... and holding something behind his back.

I greeted him. "Hey Wakka. What's that behind your back?"

Wakka glanced around nervously. "Er... what are you talking about? I got nothing behind my back. If I did, I wouldn't be acting so nervous now, ya?"

"But you are acting nervous," Tidus pointed out.

Wakka sighed. "All right, ya' caught me. I was going to give this to you later, Tidus, but I might as well hand it over now."

He brought forth the thing behind him. All three of us stared in awe at the beautiful gift. It was a blue sword with a curved blade. A red feather hung from the handle of the blade. I smiled. "Well Tidus, go ahead. Try out Brotherhood."

Tidus nodded and took it from Wakka's hands. He held it high above him. Suddenly, from out of nowhere...

"Hey! Give it back!"

Kinshi leapt forward, and stole it from Tidus. She turned around, blowing a raspberry. "Nah!" she exclaimed, and ran out of the village with it.

I sighed and turned to Tidus. "I am so sorry about that," I apologized. He shrugged. "It's okay. It was only the best sword I could ever ask for..." he sobbed and walked away. Wakka followed, comforting Tidus.

I, on the other hand, wanted to take that sword back. I sprinted out of Besaid Village.

A few minutes into my hunt, I found Kinshi playing with the sword. I sighed and walked up to her.

"You know Kinshi, you should give it back."

She turned around. I gulped. Her eyes were calm, and she had a mischievous smile. She rubbed her hand through my hair. "But, Tetsu, don't you love me?" she cooed.

"Uhh..." I stammered. There had to be a way out of this. I got my wish.

Out of nowhere, a giant blue beast leapt from the treetops. It was Kimahri. I stepped back. No way was I going to fight him. But Kinshi had the guts. "Come on, you big fat ugly... thing," she threatened. "You can't take me on!"

I bit my lip. I knew that even though he was quiet, Kimahri didn't like her snide comments. He roared and leapt at her.

"Kinshi!" I yelled, but it was too late to stop her. She jumped at Kimahri and started slashing him.

I had to say, it was a pretty good battle. They both dodged the other's attacks and knew when to strike back. But she didn't count on his Jump. He thrusted himself into the air and slammed down on Kinshi with his Halberd. Kinshi screamed in pain and fell to the ground.

I decided to step in. "Stop, Kimahri!" I yelled. The beast heard this, and withdrew his weapon.

I held Kinshi in my arms. She was bleeding on her face and her stomach. Her breathing quickened. Her eyes were closed. "Kinshi, hang on!" I sobbed. Tears streamed through my eyes. I hugged her.

"Hey!"

I looked up. The group arrived. Lulu, Wakka, Tidus, and Yuna ran towards us. "What happened?" Lulu asked us.

"Your 'friend' tried to kill Kinshi," I answered, glaring at Kimahri. He looked away.

Yuna rushed in. "Don't worry. I'm a White Mage," she said. She grasped her Mage's Staff as she muttered a quick incantation. Instantly, the blood disappeared and her breathing returned to normal.

Kinshi opened her eyes. "Tetsu?" she croaked.

I smiled. "You're all right now. Yuna saved your life."

She stood up and looked at Yuna. "Thank you." Yuna nodded. "My pleasure," she replied.

"Ahem."

We looked at Tidus. He was frowning. "What?" we asked him. No reply. I whispered to Kinshi, "Maybe you should give him his sword back."

Kinshi groaned, but nodded. She walked up to Tidus, clutching Brotherhood. "I believe this belongs to you," she said as Tidus snatched it away. "I'm sorry for stealing the sword."

"It's okay, I guess," he apologized. Then he grinned. "But it will take some time to actually forgive you."

Kinshi leapt at him in fury, throwing punches at him left and right. "Oww! Hey, can't you take a joke?" he cried.

I looked at the others. "Should we help him?" I asked.

The others stared at me. After a few seconds I realized what they were thinking. "You're right. Let's leave them alone to sort it all out."

We left. As we neared the waterfall, we could still hear them.

"Ouch! Stop it, damn it!"

"Then forgive me!"

"Okay, I forgive you!"

Silence.

"Sorry! Had my fingers crossed!"

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I know, it wasn't my best. But I had to admit, it was pretty good. Tune in next time for our "Tutorial Battles!"