THE MARK OF AN ESPER

Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure
Setting: A mix of FF89 landscaping, and FF10
Main Characters: Zidane

Note from the Authoress: This is loosely based on FF6, but set all over all the games. It's my new FF fic

Part 3

Zidane had led the girl to a small tavern, at the far end of the business district. It was not a well known pub, which made it the ideal place to hide for the time being. Carrying two drinks, Zidane threaded his way through the small throng of regulars to the pub, back to a small table, positioned in a dark corner. He sat down opposite the girl, pushing one of the drinks across to her. Warily she took a sip, eyes alert at all times, watching Zidane. Zidane gulped down a mouthful of his own drink, before speaking to the girl.

"So, do I get a name to call you by." She gazed at him impassively. Zidane got the distinct impression that she was weighing him up. Eventually she spoke.

"Terra" A small smile appeared on Zidane's face. A one word answer. She obviously didn't trust him.

"Nice to meet you Terra. I'm Zidane." Terra gave a nod, to acknowledge that she had heard him. Zidane had to fight back a laugh. He watched as her eyes darted swiftly about the pub. She still hadn't removed her cloak. He tried questioning her again.

"So, are you going to tell me why a bunch of ruffians was after you?" Terra put down her glass slowly and stared at Zidane.

"Listen, I appreciate your help back there, but this is really none of your business." Zidane met her stare.

"I think you'll find it is my business" he said softly. Terra gave a sharp laugh.

"Really , and why , pray tell, is that?" Zidane gave her a grin.

"Because I make it my business. You could at least remove your cloak." Terra gave him another calculating look. Slowly, she pushed her cloak back from her head. Her hair was a deep emerald green, and fell around her shoulders when free of the cloak. Her eyes darted around the room again. Zidane watched her edginess. He was starting to think that this girl may have been the one he was sent to look for. But before he could be sure he needed to see her right arm. However, she wasn't making his job any easier. But before he could question her further, the door was opened. Quick as lightning, Terra grabbed her cloak, pulling it over her head. She shrank back into the corner, almost hidden by the gloom. Zidane turned to look at the door. He recognised the figure standing there immediately. It was Diamond, the woman who had demanded that he bring the girl to her. Groaning inwardly, he slipped to another table, hoping she hadn't seen him in the corner. He didn't want her to find out about Terra until he was a lot more certain of what was going on. He didn't want to talk to her, but he knew if she saw him she would insist on speaking with him. And he was proved correct. Her gaze swept around the room, landing on Zidane. She stalked over to him, her movements slow, like a predator who knew its prey had nowhere to run. She sat opposite Zidane.

"Well, Well, taking a break from our duties are we?" her voice dripped with sarcasm and patronisation. Zidane merely glared.

"How I go about my work is no concern of yours" Diamond uttered a single, harsh laugh.

"Very well. Are you any closer to finding the girl?" Zidane stared at her.

"If I was I would have returned to the castle by now." Diamond shook her head.

"That's all very well, but I have not been present at the castle for a while." Zidane gave her an innocent smile. So she hadn't been back at the castle. It seemed more than a little suspicious.

"So, what have you been doing then" he asked. Diamond answered harshly, all the false niceness gone from her voice.

"That is no business of a common thief. You should be careful of your curiosity. It will be the end of you one day." Zidane merely gazed at her, nonplussed.

"Fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, its impossible to enjoy a peaceful drink while looking at you." Zidane stood up. He quickly glanced into the corner. Terra had gone. He rolled his eyes. Damn that woman, if she hadn't interrupted, he may have been able to find out more about Terra. He wondered if he would be able to find her again. He gave Diamond a last glare before leaving the pub.

Outside, he gazed around, wondering where Terra may have gone. He shook his head angrily. Now he would have to track her down again. He walked through the streets, eyes casting about, trying to catch a glimpse of somebody who resembled Terra. Just somebody wearing a long cloak. He gazed wildly about him. By complete chance, his eyes caught sight of someone wearing a cloak. Giving a sigh, he started to run after the figure, silently cursing Diamond.

END OF PART 3