My enemies come out at night,
snarling like vicious dogs
as they prowl the streets.
They scavenge for food
but go to sleep unsatisfied.
~Psalm 60:14-15
The 3rd Day
A sharp gasp. Violet eyes snapped open, sweat-soaked black hair whipped back as she jerked upright with a start. Sweat dripped down the sides of her face, sometimes falling off her chin.
In, out, in, out.
Can't breathe…
Inhale, exhale, inhale…
A shaky hand rose automatically to her chest. No injury, no sign of the beam that had so easily pierced her skin. No pain, either…
Not even a dull throb.
"What…was that?" Her voice cracked.
Wiping off the layer of sweat, she stood up, wide-awake. I can't go back to sleep after that.
/\/\/\
Fireworks sounded above the Sandlot, signaling the opening of the big event.
"Ladies and gentlemen," The sponsor yelled, standing at the center of the Struggle platform, "Struggle fiends of Twilight Town." Bright eyes took in the eager fans massing into the Sandlot. "It's time for this summer's most sizzling clash!"
The growing crowed cheered.
A smile. "That's right." Arms fanned out for emphasis, "today's the day of the Struggle and title match!"
The volume of the cheering increased until all the voices seemed to melt together into a deafening roar. Still smiling, the sponsor patiently waited until his voice could be heard again.
"Who will be the one to break through the ranks and take on our champion, Setzer?"
"Seifer, y'know!" Rai's voice sounded above the crowd.
"And who will leave today as our new Struggle Champion?"
"Hayner!" Olette and Pence declared.
"Setzeerrrr!" A crowed of girls almost squealed.
From her place by the wall, Sable barely suppressed a shudder of disgust.
The sponsor glanced up at the champion himself. Draped loosely across his shoulders, the gold-trimmed black coat shifted slightly as Setzer gave an ambiguous wave to the surrounding crowd before resting his hands on his hips. The Championship Belt hung lazily across one shoulder.
"Yes, the crowd is fired up, so you know what comes next:" The sponsor crossed his arms. "Let's—"
"STRUGGLE!"
Let the games begin.
/\/\/\
Foam clash, duck and slide
Stab, parry, pivot, wait
Clumsy slash, nimble escape
Lunge, overbalance, an upward strike
A sloppy guard, a chiding jab
Foot to ankle, yank, upend
Unblooded, untested, weak
Striking sticks is not a fight
Let the rookies defeat themselves
Unimpressed, Sable strode off the platform, defeated opponent supine behind her, just as she had all the others.
"Hey, now." The announcer spoke once the platform was clear, "It's time to introduce today's combatants!" An eager glint entered his eyes. "The four bad boys," Sable twitched involuntarily, "who struggled their way through the preliminaries!" A pause, the announcer inhaled deeply.
"Regular finalist and head of the Twilight Disciplinary Committee: Seifer!"
The familiar tuque bobbed up and down as the teenager in question gave a satisfied nod.
"Completely out of nowhere; who knew he'd make it so far this year? Vivi!"
Sable wasn't the only person to turn their gaze to the little black mage. But she was only one of two who looked on with a deeply rooted sense of suspicion.
"An underground favorite and local attitude problem: Hayner!" a vague gestured towards the boy in question. "It's his first trip to the finals!"
"And last, but certainly not least is a newcomer to our town who has already established a fighting reputation: Sable!"
The following roar, while not deafening, was beyond surprising for the teenager. What in the…Seifer.
She quickly sought out the other teen, an expression of inquiry in her eyes. As if sensing the look, Seifer glanced back.
"You told about the fight?" Violet eyes seemed to ask.
A smug smirk. "Yes I did." Blue eyes answered.
Sable held his gaze a long moment, then looked away with a sigh of exasperation.
"So—who will win this sweltering summer Struggle?" Arms stretched out, eyes glinted with anticipation. "Who will take home the grand prize?" Weight shifted, a gesture towards the intricate trophy. "The summa cum launde of Struggle—the Four Crystal Trophy!"
The sudden shrieks from the flock of girls sent shudders through Sable's spine. The cause of the shrieks strode, no sauntered, onto the stage. Silver hair swept back, violet eyes shone confidently.
"And the chance to take on our defending champion, Setzer!"
With a dramatic flair, the champion held the championship belt aloft for all to see. The cheers increased as the excitement grew and anticipatory tension mounted.
"It won't be long now, folks." A bright grin. "I suggest our challengers go over the official Struggle Rules before we begin!"
A final wave, then both announcer and champion strode off the stage.
As she rested against the wall, water bottle in hand, Sable mentally went over the rules. A sense of amusement rising up.
Struggle was an interesting competition that, in reality, only partially paralleled with the video-game version. Originally, Sable had wondered how the orbs fit into it. After all, one could hardly maneuver and hold on to the numerous little orbs that decided whether you won or lost.
I'm rather embarrassed not to think of such an obvious solution. A smirk tugged at her lips. Velcro, what a simple yet efficient solution.
Each fighter was given their choice of special padded armor before the Struggle began. The armor was only partially meant to protect them from harm, its main purpose focused on the Velcro attached to it. The orbs, each about the size of a large marble, were then stuck to the armor.
The point of the game was not to beat the tar out of your opponent, but to dislodge as many of their orbs as possible while defending your own. Glancing blows were actually more effective than full-contact ones, so that added a certain element of safety to the competition, though accidents still occurred when one or the other fighter got a little too rambunctious.
Oh, and the matches only lasted sixty seconds each.
A soft chuckle. Hard to believe I'm actually here. Eyes drifting lazily around the Sandlot, she eventually examined her next opponent. As if feeling her gaze, Hayner glanced over and flashed her a smile and a thumbs up.
A small smile tugged at her lips. With the earlier prelim matches as a warm up, things would soon begin to get interesting.
Now…if only that foreboding sense of dread would go away…
/\/\/\
"Hey, thanks for yesterday."
One foot in front of the other, eyes half lidded, Sable shrugged carelessly.
Hayner's shoulders stiffened at the shrug off. "But don't think I'll go easy on you!" Bouncing on balls of his feet, club at the ready, his face was a mask of determination.
A smirk, a lazy flex of her dominate wrist. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Our first match of the Struggle finals will be between Sable and Hayner!"
A three second pause, and then—
"Hee-yah!"
The padded barrel-tip was thrust forward.
A sharp pivot, Sable evaded the attempted blow to her abdomen. Hayner overbalanced as he passed, she retaliated. An upward swing, red orbs scattered, Hayner crashed to the ground.A glimmer of amusement. Now this is familiar…
Retreat, collect the orbs, attach them to any open space in the Velcro.
A wild battle cry. Sable leaned back, the club ruffled her bangs. Aggressive… Backpedal, twist torso just enough to feel the breeze from the blows. But sloppy, uncoordinated. Rear leg brace, reverse grip, meet the blow—
Ow…Arm and shoulder throbbed uncomfortably. Powerful…
Ram shoulder forward, height advantage, correct grip, swing down. Hayner's guard vanished as his weapon arm was flung to the side. Sable smirked. A low arc, the blue barrel hooked behind his knees.
Hayner yelped, flipping over to land heavily on his side, startled.
Shifting to the balls of her feet, Sable leaned over him, face thoroughly amused, head tilted almost playfully. "Are we having fun yet?" she hummed with a teasing smile.
A growl, Hayner swung at her head. Sable leaned farther, the blow passing harmlessly above her. Twisting sharply, the swing was reversed. The blurring club narrowly missed the teenager's chin as she arched back. The lean flowed into an almost graceful reverse handspring before she crouched and deflected the next blow, chuckling all the while.
The club swung low. Sable nimbly leapt back, landing in a low forward lunge, back-knee-to-ground, free palm down, a tempting target, a lure.
Too tempting! A lunge, a wide-arc swing.
Curled leg joined the rear, Sable dropped to her stomach, braced with her arms, and sprang-rolled to the side. A tight pirouette, she was on her feet again. She struck.
The blow fell across Hayner's exposed shoulder blades, knocking him forward, scattering his orbs.
He made to retaliate—
The bell rang out, signaling the match's end.
Sable straightened with a satisfied smirk, eyes half closed.
"And the winner is…Sable! This fierce fighter knows no mercy!" A pause. "And Hayner put up a good fight, too!"
A voracious cheer. Sable turned to her fallen opponent.
A disappointed groan, "Aww man." Hayner pushed himself up into a sitting position. "I lost. I can't believe it!"
A hand dropped in front of his face. He glanced up.
"Not bad, that was the most fun I've had all day." Sable praised as Hayner took her hand.
"I couldn't even land one hit." He lamented, then shot her and admiring smile. "I guess you really are good."
Sable smirked at the compliment. "You just need to flesh out your style. You're too impatient, and your coordination could use some work."
Hayner frowned, somewhat thoughtful. They turned to leave as Seifer moved up for his match.
"Out of the way." He barked, brushing past.
"You in a rush to lose?" Hayner jeered.
The elder boy ignored him.
/\/\/\
Violet locked with gold. A slight frown marred Sable's face as Vivi returned it unrelentingly, expression completely flat.
Something's wrong… She thought. There's something off about him…and that bad feeling I have is getting worse. It…couldn't be that…this tournament is running parallel with the game, is it? A glimmer of growing dread. This event…just got a great deal harder.
"Don't mess with your elders." Seifer frowned deeply.
The younger Heartless-like boy broke the staring match and faced his opponent.
"Whew," the announcer breathed, "just look at those sparks fly! I guess Seifer didn't expect to fight one of his own boys!"
The staring bell chimed.
Vivi's head bowed, then he lunged. Seifer leapt back, Vivi followed.
"When did Vivi get so tough?" Hayner wondered out loud from the bench. He glanced up at Sable, who was watching the match through narrowed eyes.
Seifer was kept on the defensive, hard-pressed to deflect the rapid barrage of too-fast strikes.
A downward strike, he blocked, braced then pushed back. His club flashed, Vivi was sent flying back. A solitary orb was jostled loose.
"You're mine!" Seifer dived for it.
A big mistake. One moment Vivi was on the other side of the ring, then next he was there, crouched under Seifer's guard. Blue widened, violet narrowed. The club swung up, a sharp flash. A moment of hang time, then Seifer crashed down hard on the wooden platform, a handful of his yellow orbs scattered around his supine form.
Several seconds passed. He didn't get up.
Vivi won by default.
A deathly silence fell over the crowd. All completely caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events.
His club…
"I'm not sure what just happened…" the announcer stuttered, just as stricken. "But…the winner is…Vivi!" His voice steadied. "With an absolutely blistering comeback!"
All at once, the spell of silence was broken and the crowd roared at the unexpected victory.
…for just an instant, it enlarged in size. It seemed her earlier suspicions were correct. She pulled a potion out, and tossed it to Seifer as his other friends rushed to his side. Stiffly, he sat up.
Seifer limped offstage, his 'posse' flanking him protectively. He paused in front of Sable. The dark-haired girl dropped her arms and stepped away from the wall. Their eyes met.
"That's not Vivi." Seifer murmured.
Brown blinked in confusion. "Huh?" Hayner looked up at the older teen. Seifer's gaze never wavered.
"Thrash 'im." A low command.
Sable nodded silently. Satisfied, Seifer strode towards a shadowed alley. Despite herself, Sable felt marginally amused.
Apparently they like noisy crowds about as much as I do. She moved towards the platform, then paused.
"It seems like Seifer's withdrawn from the Struggle for third place." The sponsor noted, standing in front of Hayner.
Brown eyes lit up. "So I'm in third now?" Hayner punched the air with a cheer, "Aw, baby!"
Bemused, Sable glanced at the alley, just making out Seifer's form against the wall.
"You dropped out? Why?" Her gaze seemed to say.
A shrug. "I felt like it."
A dark brow arched at the response. Turning, Sable moved to the platform, trying to quell the rising sense of dread forming in the pit of her stomach.
/\/\/\
"Keep it clean you two." The sponsor warned, his gaze on Vivi as he held out the clubs.
Gold eyes glued firmly to the floor, Vivi took the club and waddled off. Sable watched, and then took the second and took her place. Like before, the unnerving gaze locked with hers, not an emotion or thought visible.
"And now," the announcer spoke as the sponsor left the ring, "the match you've all been waiting for, Sable versus Vivi!"
Relax. Violet eyes slid closed, the tension in her shoulder's melted away. Don't focus on troubles. What happens, happens, Adrenaline started to flow, don't think, just do.
The starting bell. A trace of wind across her face—
Eyes snapping open, Sable ducked to the side as the club swung down. Her rear leg bent with her as she coiled, then struck like an arrow, club jabbing down. The blow connected, orbs scattered. Sable turned the rest of the lunge into a twist, dropping to avoid an upward swing.
Shoulder-against-wood, she rolled back to her feet then threw herself back from a triple-combo.
Vivi cackled, a quick roll and he was behind her.
Sable pivoted around, leaping back—
The hair on her neck stood on end. Her spine bowed back, level with the ground. The rough barrel padding lightly scrapped her nose. Too close.
Vivi's club shrank back to its original size. Too fast for anyone who was not looking for it to see.
I knew it!
Hands bracing as she rolled, spine bowed back, her chest then stomach rolling against the ground, before she pushed off and returned to her feet.
Coiling back, club overhead, Sable dived. Vivi leapt, rolling to strike her from above—
Sable's heel caught him. Around and down, he slammed into the wood boards, orbs scattering. From a spin to a crouch, her leg sweeping out, snatching his legs out from under as he tried to recover. More orbs fell as he quickly rolled away and back up to his feet—
Just in time to block a downward swing. Their clubs strained against the other, then Sable pulled back. Vivi overbalanced, Sable jabbed upward. The club tip rammed into Vivi's stomach, powered by both hands.
He crashed down again, this time stunned.
Sable darted around to snatch the fallen orbs just as the signaling bell sounded.
Her neck prickled, a shudder lanced up her spine. Orbs forgotten, she stood in her speed stance.
The perimeter of the platform flashed. Another barrier. Distantly, she heard the crowd murmur in confusion, and cries of recognition from some.
Light engulfed Vivi, Sable cringed back, his silhouette swelled and grew as faint smoke swirled up from it. It swirled around, and joined with the silhouette. It solidified, then the light vanished.
A Dusk swayed before her.
Again? She tensed, in her peripheral catching sinewy forms at her flanks. Two more joined the first.
Ice coursed through her arm. Dark shadows encircled it, solidifying once more into Soul Eater. Violet narrowed. Here we go.
The Dusks twitched.
Pull, yank. A familiar compulsion. Track, zone in.
Push, thrust, Bracing, she pulled from the command, Misdirect, disorient, confuse. Go! and let it guide her.
The three husks collided, then fell in a tangled heap.
There, I see how it goes now. Sable descended upon them. Soul Eater swung, catching one in the middle, tearing it away. The other two separated. She darted between them, a roundhouse kick to one while the other got a horizontal slash, both went sprawling.
A blur of white. The first Dusk!
Her spine bowed back, the spherical head slammed into the floor. Sable's back struck the boards, the Dusk lunged.
Body curled up, legs tucked in, brace, release. A kick-to-stand blended with a dropkick, both feet connected. Caught by surprise, the Dusk fell back, pinned to the ground with Sable on its chest. Reverse grip, slam down, the gray-white head was pierced.
The Dusk burst.
A flash of motion, Sable swung back. Scythe-like limb slammed into the wood. She rolled into a reverse handspring, putting some distance between them.
Both Dusks approached, Sable moved. Leaping at the nearest, she twisted in an aerial lotus kick, heel connecting squarely with the back of its head. The other lunged. A quick Reversal, and she was behind it. The Dusk jerked around frantically, looking for her, then arched back as Soul Eater pierced its back.
Like the first, it burst.
Annoyed now, the last remaining Dusk leapt up, winding through the air, striking out with surprisingly sharp feet. Sable leaned back, avoiding it, as the Dusk landed on its head and coiled—
Soul Eater blocked the second strike. Another Reversal, and she was behind it. Soul Eater drew back, "Check…" an upward swing. The Dusk was airborne. Knees bend, spring up. An upward Reversal above it, she tucked into a frontal spin. Her heel swung down.
Wood splintered.
"…mate!" Sable dived. Soul Eater pierced gray hide. The Dusk writhed, then burst like its companions had.
Inhaling slowly, Sable straightened up.
The crowd's smaller… Some had probably fled when the Dusks had appeared. Hayner, Seifer, and their friends remained though, as did a few of the braver onlookers.
The barrier's still up…that means—
"Not bad…" A calm baritone, right behind her.
Whipping around, Sable leapt back.
Dark-clad gloves clapped slowly. "…Sable."
That voice! Blood drained from her face.
The hooded face tilted slightly, intrigued. "I would introduce myself," he began, "But that would be a waste of breath. Seeing as…you already know."
"The Luna Diviner, Saïx."Sable intoned, shoulders tense. "…a Berserker." How am I supposed to fight him if it comes to blows?
A soft hum, the hood was pulled back. Facial X scar standing prominent, framed by equally familiar light blue hair. Thoughtful gold studied her intently. Behind the façade of serenity, Sable could see primal madness lurking.
Chances of survival dwindling to single digits now…
"It seems the Superior was correct. Intriguing…" An absent observation, "A user of Darkness…and a threat to Nobodies and Heartless alike…" An intrigued look. "Suspiciously well informed…you know things you shouldn't.
Head cocked, Sable leveled a bemused look at the blue-haired man, violet gazing from beneath dark bangs. "How can I be a threat to you?" She asked at last. "You struck first…I simply acted in self-defense."
A grunt. "My Superior has given orders for you to be brought to him." An inviting hand was held out to her. "He will answer your questions. Why you have that sword-," A reference gesture to Soul Eater, "-when you're in danger…" a gesture to herself, "What the power is that is sleeping within you, and how to use it." Blue-head inclined. "Don't you wish to know the answers?"
Knives hidden under cloth… Sable stayed rooted in place. Saïx sighed, messy hair swaying as he shook his head.
"Things are becoming complicated…" he murmured, extending his arm to the side.
Light flashed and converged, gloved fingers grasped the forming silhouette. The glow dispersed.
Lunatic… The spikes of the claymore's sealed form looked no-less threatening. This is going to end very badly.
"My orders are clear. I am to bring you to the Superior, conscious or not." Funny that's exactly what Axel told Roxas in the Virtual Twilight Town-
Relax… Violet slid closed, tension melted away. Don't focus on what I can't do, focus on what I can do.
"By force then…" Wood creaked.
Eyes snapping open again, Sable dived to the side, tucking into a quick roll as Lunatic was swung down. Wood splintered.
Crouched, she coiled and lunged, Soul Eater streaking towards Saïx's exposed abdomen.
A nimble twist, an upward arc—
She didn't evade fast enough. A razor spike cut upwards across her chest, piercing both padded armor and the cloth underneath. Saïx spun, then lashed out. A heavy boot collided with her stomach, Sable flew back. The barrier caught her in the back, then ricocheted her into the ground.
Coughing, Sable forced herself up on hands and knees. A hand rose to the gash. Not deep, she concluded, the armor took most of the blow.
Knees bent, she lunged, blade back for a thrust. Saïx jabbed out sharply, hoping to catch her, impale her.
Jump, tuck, roll, land. Spikes pierced wood, Sable ran up the broad blade. Brace, twist, flip. Her foot caught his chin as she back-flipped then reverse hand-sprung for distance.
Gold blinked slowly, a hand coming up to the quickly bruising flesh. Surprised. Massaging tender skin, he studied her with shrouded eyes.
Unease ran through her. His eyes…his hands… A slight spasm through broad shoulders, fingers curling ever so slightly as if to grab. A Berserker's rage straining at its bonds.
"I have to admit." Suddenly calm, the collected expression seemed forced. "You're better than I had predicted. But, I wonder…" A slow, cruel smirk. "How far you're willing to go."
The dark cloak rustled as he moved to the side. Sable's eyes widened. No!
Petrified yellow stared pleadingly at her. Vivi!
The smirk broadened into a fanged grin. Lunatic was brought up. Sable moved.
Her arm slipped around the small boy. Lunatic descended. She threw herself back. To slow.
Pain erupted from her leg. A hiss escaped her. Shoulders slammed into the ground, roll, retreat to the corner. Her leg buckled, then crumpled under her, blood oozing from her outer thigh. Nudging Vivi behind her, she glared at Saïx.
This…this is not good. Every breath, every beat of her heart, sent sharp throbs of pain through her. What can I do?
Saïx lunged, Lunatic raised.
Now, basic logic declared that one cannot block a large mass—such as a heavy staff—with a smaller one—like a stick— as the smaller would shatter and the larger would keep coming. Sable had the scars on her knuckles to prove it. The only known exception to this rule was Sephiroth.
I can't dodge, I can't block, Her mind raced, But…that might work…
The claymore fell, Soul Eater rose up to meet it.
Metal rang, a gold glimmer of triumph—
—morphed into shock.
Twisting, Sable braced the tip of Soul Eater up and shoved. The blow was redirected, Lunatic sunk deep into the platform. A sharp pirouette, Sable kicked out.
Concaving his stomach, Saïx leapt back, abandoning his weapon to evade the blow. Sable leapt to her feet, pain lancing through her leg, and lunged again. Reversing her grip, the Soul Eater carved an upward arc—
Caught by gloved hands.
Sable's heart caught in her throat.
Hair bristled and hackles rose, eyes dilated and teeth bared, Saïx snarled, then howled like an enraged wolf and pressed down.
Feet skidding across wood, Sable braced and tried to push back. Emphasis on tried.
Superior in both height and strength, Saïx quickly began to overwhelm her. Sable's knees buckled, forcing her down towards the platform. Too long. Impatient, Saïx's hand shot out, flexing to grab her, claws protruding from glove-tips
No! I can't lose! Not here!
Time slowed. Everything faded out, leaving her alone to stand in the Darkness, pain forgotten.
What can I do? Even with his strength and experience over me, I cannot lose. Violet eyes slid shut. I can't afford to fall, not when it's more than my life at stake.
An image of Vivi, eyes wide with terror and helplessness, flashed through her mind.
Fists clenched. Vivi… Saïx will kill him. An innocent kid! Eyes snapped open, a hard gleam in their depths. I Won't. Let. That. Happen! I cannot, will not lose!
Well spoken.
Warmth flowed through her non-dominate arm.
The world snapped back into focus, time resumed its course.
Left arm bracing, her right arm stabbed forward to catch the oncoming limb—
Saïx leapt back, eyes suddenly wide as a completely bewildered expression over took him.
Huh?
White feathers glowed. Her outstretched hand gripped an unfamiliar hilt. Violet eyes widened.
A second sword?
Blue-tipped silvery feathers decorated the blade, a perfect complement to Soul Eater, a bird wing to its bat wing.
Breath Guard
The Awakening voice echoed through her mind.
The guardian to your Heart…
…and Spirit.
Use it well.
The weapon shown, warmth filled her body, empowering her. The sharp pains faded to a constant throb.
This strength won't last long. She thought, leaning back in her offensive stance, Make it count.
She charged.
Though startled, Saïx still easily evaded the barrage of blows, his coat only suffering minor tears. A leap. He flipped over Sable, grasping and retrieving Lunatic's hilt, twisting to block another barrage.
Slash, slash, thrust, slash. Over and over Saïx blocked the strikes, feet set apart in a solid stance. Weight shifted back, a low grunt, Lunatic arced up.
A hiss, Sable reared back as the claymore cut a path along her outer arm. Pain unfelt, but balance thrown off. Her vision was suddenly filled with the oncoming claymore.
An audible crack. She wasn't sure if that was the force field or one of her ribs.
A moment's pause, then she was propelled forward, another study of the wooden platform. Behind her, Vivi still quivered where she had left him. A painful, watery cough, Sable pushed herself up—
Pain flared through chest and limbs. Breathing was a battle in itself. Her leg wouldn't respond, leaving her on her knees. The earlier surge of strength was gone, leaving her struggling to even remain upright, her breathing coming in pained, ragged gasps. Her swords felt like lead weights, she could hardly hold them aloft. Tremors wracked her body.
Again Saïx charged.
Desperate, Sable slammed her arms together, blades running parallel with each other and level with the floor.
A dark pulse ringed out from the blades, their tips lit up white and black, then fired twin beams. Saïx couldn't react in time, and both beams caught him squarely in the chest. For a split second, his face was frozen in shock, then he slammed into the barrier.
Lunatic slipped from his grasp, dropped, and then vanished in a burst of white. Then he slammed face first into the ground.
A long moment past and he lay motionless, then he groaned and stood up. Disoriented, he wobbled, gold eyes glued to the exhausted girl as she painfully climbed to her feet. Brows furrowed as he stared at her critically. Lifting her head, Sable met his gaze evenly.
Surprise in the other's golden gaze and, violet eyes blinked. Is that…fear in his eyes?
The look was gone as soon as it came. Straightening up, face a calm mask once more, Saïx grunted softly.
"It would be foolish to continue…" This seemed directed more to himself than to Sable. "You'd be dead before I could get you to the Superior."
Thank you Lord above for small mercies!
"Though…"
Sable did not like that look.
"This meeting did have its merits…" Saïx continued as if not seeing her response. "I now have a fair idea of your abilities, which Superior will be pleased to hear." Gold grew fierce as his voice became a low growl. "You may have won for now, Sable, but rest assured that we will meet again. "
A swirl of Darkness, and he was gone.
The restrictive barrier shattered with Saïx's exit.
Gone… Sable breathed, arms going limp. Safe… Soul Eater and Breath Guard slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground. Breath Guard dissolved into light and vanished, Soul Eater's shape blurred and as shadows receded from it, leaving the Struggle club in its place.
Shoulders heaving, she strived for air for a long moment before straightening up, a low groan escaping her. Turning, she limped to the edge of the platform and stepped off.
Big mistake.
Pain lanced up her leg, color flashed across her eyes. The world swam, gravity shifted, and Sable fell forward.
"S-Sable!" Vivi cried.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist, catching her before she could hit the ground. Eyes blinked blearily, she looked upwards. Weary violet met ice blue. Seifer?
The other teen pulled her arm across his shoulder for better grip and held her up.
"I…I can walk." Sable weakly tried, unsuccessfully, to pull away.
A snort. Eyes rolled sarcastically. "Yeah, sure…" His grip tightened as he glanced over his shoulder. "Gimme a hand here!"
Obediently Rai walked over and grabbed Sable's other arm, invoking a hiss of pain from the girl as he draped it over his shoulder. Turning the two headed towards the alley. Sable tried to move on her own, but her limbs refused to obey, then, her awareness weakened. Hanging limp between the two boys, everything slipped into an out-of-focus haze.
/\/\/\
Open, intake, swallow, gag.
Spluttering violently, Sable's eyes snapped back into focus. Yuck! Shuddering, she shook her head, trying, unsuccessfully, to rid herself of the strong flavor that coated her mouth. What was…? Disoriented, she tried to move, but a grip behind her shoulders held her still.
Soft chuckles drew her attention. Seifer…Rai…and—
"E-Elmina? Wha—why…?"
Eyes tender, Elmina looked down at her, empty potion bottle in hand. "I told you, if you needed me I'd help." She looked at Seifer. "Let her up."
Nodding, the disciplinarian helped Sable sit up.
Black brows furrowed upon feeling cool cloth binding her gashes. Bandages? Violet eyes scanned the immediate area. My apartment? They helped me?
Another potion was offered, Sable blinked, then grimaced. Bottoms up, then. Shuddering, she downed it quickly.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it." Seifer spoke gruffly as Sable was given several more potions.
Tired… Sable noted. But…I feel better. "How long was I out of it?"
"Only as long as it took us to get you here and for Elmina to wrap up your injuries." Was the response.
"The Struggle match?"
"Postponed while they repair the arena, and for you to get back."
A steadying inhale, she braced, then stood. Wobbled slightly, then steadied herself. "Shouldn't keep them waiting then." Blinking back stars, she hunched over slightly. Elmina and Seifer hovered protectively at either side, ready to catch her if needed.
"Are you sure you should continue?" Elmina asked, eyes filled with concern. "You should really rest, that fight with the blue-haired man exhausted you."
A wry but tired smirk. "But I'm on a role. Why should I stop so close to the end?"
An exasperated sigh, Sable heard Elmina mutter something about 'foolhardy kids'. She just smiled unrelentingly.
/\/\/\
After getting new, un-torn clothes, Sable returned to the Sandlot.
Violet eyes took in the pristine platform. With how quickly they fixed it, one would think boards being broken was a regular occurrence.
"Sometimes one of the stronger Strugglers gets a little too enthusiastic." Seifer explained, seeing her look.
"Including you?" A soft query.
A chuckle. "A couple times, yeah, but Setzer really has a reputation for it. Part of the reason he's the reigning champion." Blue eyes looked down at her with a trace of concern. "Be careful."
A promising nod.
"A-are you alright?"
Blinking, Sable glanced down at her waist. Vivi stared up at her with his large golden eyes. She chuckled softly.
"I'll be fine, don't worry." She assured. Glancing back up, she caught the sponsor's questioning eye. She nodded.
He looked uncertain, but then nodded back as Sable limped onto the platform. Once in place, club in hand, she let her body relax, closing her eyes to wait for Setzer's arrival. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Steady breathes, don't use more energy than necessary to win the match and then get home.
Fan-girl cheers and the crowd's chants heralded the arrival of the champion. Eyes cracking open, she watched as one of the referees helped attach the orbs to his overcoat. She studied him for a moment before her attention was drawn to a referee handing her a new set of padded armor, the original having suffered a malicious end at the hand of Saïx, along with the accompanying orbs.
Once preparations were done, both fighters stood before the sponsor.
"You two play fair now," he warned, handing them their Struggle clubs. "You're at the top of the bracket."
"There's only room for one up here." Setzer declared casually.
There was a moment of pause.
"Well," a slight chuckle, "may the best one win!" With that, he left the stage.
The two fighters turned to each other, sizing the other up.
"Hey, Rucksack." The veteran spoke softly. "How about you throw the match for me?" A coaxing smile.
Sable's eye twitched as her hackles rose involuntarily. What kind of person does he take me for? However, rather than lashing out she shot the man a half-questioning, half-annoyed look.
"Let me win," he continued, "and I'll make it worth your while."
A snort. "Now where's the fun in that?" Sable asked, sliding into her speed stance.
Setzer made to say something, but had to pause as the announcer began to speak.
"Sable, our underdog hero, versus Setzer, our defending champion!" the crowd cheered. "Whoever wins this match will be the true champion! That's bragging rights for the whole year, folks."
A quick glance at the announcer, then Setzer looked back at Sable, leaning forward slightly, voice still low. "You have nothing to prove by fighting now." Violet met violet as he studied her intently. "It would be in your best interest to forfeit here and now."
Dark head tilted to one side, violet alight with curiosity. Is that…concern? He's concerned about me? Aloud she said, "I don't want to gain anything." Her eyes gleamed. "I want to find the limits of my endurance. Besides-" A moment's pause, a crooked smirk crossed her face as she felt almost compelled to add, "What's life without a little risk?"
A glimmer of satisfaction entered Setzer's eyes as he dipped his head at her response.
Sable slipped into her Defense stance, pointing the barrel at her opponent.
The starting bell rang.
"My life is a chip in your pile. Time to ante up!" Setzer charged.
Blue barrels clashed and bounced off each other. Sable pirouetted sharply, dropping to one knee and jabbing upward. Winded from the blow to his stomach, Setzer stumbled back as several orbs scattered. Sable dived for the orbs during the delay while the man regained his breath.
He recovered faster than she expected.
Suddenly he was in front of her. Pain shot through her chest as he swung upward, sending her into the air. "And that's checkmate!"
I'll show you checkmate. Twisting in a lotus kick, she swung down sharply. Setzer evaded just in time.
Landing on her good leg, Sable crouched low, then sprang. She was blocked, but her full weight behind the blow sent him stumbling back. A smirk, Sable darted forward and began batted his club away with her own, exposing his torso. An upward arc, bring down, a reversed upward arc. Her foot stepped forward, she swung back, gripping with both hands, then swung straight up. Setzer's back arched at the blow, knocking him off his feet, a sharp spin for momentum, an aggressive advance, the barrel-tip rammed into his stomach.
Orbs scattered, Setzer crashed into the platform, stunned.
Sable quickly snatched up the orbs, warier this time. Setzer gasped, got up, then shot forward.
The momentum of the vicious flurry of blows carried him half-way across the stage in one lunge. Sable side-stepped to evade—
Setzer landed on the ball on of his foot and spun. A haymaker of blows rained down on Sable, knocking her off her feet and onto the ground with a painful crash. Ow… violet eyes blinked in a daze, then widened.
She rolled as the club descended again. On her feet, she leapt back for space, panting softly. Setzer faced her and they faced off.
We both lost roughly the same amount of orbs. Sable estimated. One more clash…that'll decide how this ends.
A twitch. Both lunged. Clubs crossed, orbs flew, the bell rang. They skidded to a stop, positions reversed, backs to each other. Immobile, neither daring to move as the referees walked on stage for an orb count. Long seconds passed.
Finally, it was declared that Sable had won, by the skin of her teeth. The crowd went wild with cheers. Sable relaxed, and stood straight
"But…I'm not supposed to lose." Despite the words, his tone was more impressed than dismayed.
Sable dipped her head, shadowed eyes closed, breaths deep.
Motion behind her, warm breath tickled her ear. "Keep in mind," Setzer whispered, resting his hands on her shoulders. "that just because you survived a fight, you may still lose." Sable's eyes opened and she glanced at him from her peripheral. "Know your limits, don't gamble beyond the limits of your endurance, or you may not live to regret it."
A nod of understanding. "I know…" She assured softly, "but I'll keep that in mind."
An approving nod, Setzer straightened up. He clapped her shoulder once, before turning and walking off the stage as the sponsor walked up. With a bright grin, the man handed Sable both the trophy and the championship belt.
Sable smirked, both victorious yet tired. Favoring her injured leg, she held up the belt with her good arm.
First chance she got, she slipped away from the rambunctious crowd. Worn and exhausted, she limped back to her apartment to see how well the bandages had held.
/\/\/\
Eyes closed, Sable leaned back against the barrel, basking in the setting sun's rays. Tucking one leg close, she hugged it to her. Everything's calmed down it seems… A soft smile formed. Quiet…it's nice. Sunset Hill was a good place for some solitude, or to avoid sudden forming fan-clubs.
"Hey."
Eyes opening partway, Sable glanced up. Arms crossed, leaning against the barrel, Seifer stared down at her.
He's alone. She gave a nod of greeting.
"You feelin' alright?"
A limp shrug. "Tired."
Seifer chuckled. "I'm not surprised." A grunt, and he swung on top of the barrel.
Neither spoke for a long moment, basking in the silence and admiring the golden hues of the sunset.
"Did you need something?" Sable queried.
"I wanted to thank you," sincerity laced his words, "for protecting Vivi from that man. He's too small to protect himself."
A fond smile, "He's a cute kid."
Seifer glanced down at her curiously. "Vivi said…that you knew that man…" he trailed off.
"Of him." Sable corrected. "His name is Saïx. I had…never met him before today."
A soft hum. "What did he want with you? It seemed pretty serious, whatever it was."
Sable inclined her head, resting it against the cool metal, eyes sliding shut. "I am…knowledgeable on certain topics that most people are unaware of." She explained at last. "Saïx's boss, and by proxy Saïx himself, feel threatened by that, but at the same time are too curious, at least at present, to simply eliminate me."
"Boss? You mean there's more like him?"
"Yes, I believe Saïx is the second in command. They call themselves Organization Thirteen." A pause, then a chuckle. "Though, I suppose it doesn't fit any more, what with five of their number dead and another gone rogue."
"How do you know?"
"That's my business." Violet cracked open. "But, be warned, they are both powerful and ruthless." She fixed him with a serious stare. "If you see anyone in a black cloak, like what Saïx wore, or white figures with marks like the Dusk you and I fought, turn and run. Only certain weapons can cause enough damage to be really effective."
"Like that bat-wing sword?"
A nod, "Yes, like Soul Eater."
"Soul Eater?" a brow arched.
"I know, odd name."
A chuckle, then a puzzled frown. "But, back in our fight, I was able to hit it with just a Struggle club."
"Only after Soul Eater appeared." Sable pointed out. "I…don't really know the specifics…but people who fight with those wielding specialized weapons get …a boost in power, or something like that, so they can fight against those things, and others like them."
"Others? You mean there are more things like those things-in-white?"
A nod. "Many more, and the Organization and the Nobodies, which is what those white things are called, are actually some of the gentler ones. But they, and things like them, only show up if something really bad happens, or is about to happen."
Seifer thought about it, then shuddered at the implications. "Only when something bad happens? Then, do you know…?"
"Yes," another nod, "Almost a decade ago a man began experimenting with something he shouldn't have. It got out of control and that mess is still being cleaned up."
A frown. "It…wouldn't happen to be why all those stars disappeared a year ago, would it?"
Sable nodded solemnly. Seifer shuddered again.
"It was that bad?"
"Worse, actually, Twilight Town is one of the few fortunate places not dragged into what happened then. I'm not going to explain what happened, just know that it was really bad."
"I'll take your word for it."
Silence fell again.
Finally, Sable stiffly got to her feet. Carefully, she stretched her sore limbs, yawning as she arched her back. "I'm going home…"
Turning, she limped away. A moment later Seifer joined her, walking close so he could catch her if she tripped.
"Wanna…get an ice-cream before you go?" he asked.
Ice cream? Sable shrugged, but the ghost of a smile formed in the shadow of her dark bangs.
/\
Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
~Proverbs 14:17