Disclaimer : I don't own anything.
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(WinHill Village)
(DreamWorld, Normal POV)
Standing in the middle of a small room, Tommy looked around and sighed happily. It had been quite some time since his, Zack and Jason's escape from the strange rock place. For so long he'd been bedridden with almost all of his bones broken.
He'd been lucky.
To be honest, he hadn't heard from Zack or Jason since that day and didn't even know if they were alive. Part of him always wondered, but he forged ahead in life, trying to keep living.
With a sigh, Tommy turned and headed down the stairs, buttoning his black shirt and brushing off his beige pants as he went, descending the stairs to the small living room below. The place was mostly empty. A cabinet, table and two chairs, stove and fridge, and on top of the dressed, a picture of a man and woman.
Now, to what you're thinking, no. The picture was not of Tommy and Kimberly, but of two people he'd never met.
"Uncle Tommy! There's someone here to see yoo!" a little girl of maybe 7 years ran into the room, breathless, wearing a light blue dress. She had shoulder length red hair and light blue eyes.
This was a little girl who'd been adopted by a kindhearted young woman who'd taken him in and taken care of him since the escape. Despite how much everyone hated him, they all loved her, so they put up with him for her sake alone.
Frowning a little, he bent down to talk to the little girl, pushing his long hair out of his face. "Huh? Me?" he asked in confusion. "What's this person look like?"
"Umm..." she hummed with a confused face, scrunching up her face as she struggled to remember.
Ahh, the attention span of a 7 year old.
"He's tawking to Kat right now." she said as she ran to the doorway.
Nodding in understanding he stood up. "Hmm? Is he at the pub?"
"Yep!" she said with a tooth grin as she bounced in the doorway. "That's why I came over to get yoo, Uncle Tommy! Am I a good girl?"
Immediately, Tommy shook his head and gave her a stern glare. "No you are not!" he said firmly. "It's dangerous to be out there by yourself, Kelly! What if a monster came and attacked you?"
Looking down, the 7 year old girl began to sniffle but still tried to act brave. "It's only next door. It's ok." she insisted weakly.
So you think. Shaking his head again, he sighed and walked over to her, crouching down. "It's still dangerous!" he insisted. "And since you're such a cute little girl, the monsters will especially be after you!" he warned, pinching her cheek lightly and giving her a small smile. "They'll catch you and then they'll suck out all your blood. If anything like that should happen, Uncle Tommy's gonna cry..."
It was true. Though this child wasn't related to him at all, he saw her as the daughter he never had.
"I'll be ok." she chirped happily. "I'll just call yoo, Uncle Tommy, and yoo'll come rescue me, right??"
"Kelly..." he sighed.
"Standing next to the door, she smiled. "Am I a good girl now?"
Chuckling softly, he tilted his head to the side and stood up, walking over to the picture of the couple and looking at it sadly. These were Kelly's parents. Not too long ago, they'd been killed by the monsters that had invaded Winhill Village. Even with Galbadian Soldiers stationed around the place, they still roamed freely. So now Kelly was an orphan, adopted from an old stone orphanage by Katherine, who ran the local pub here.
"Yes, Kelly. You're a good girl." he said absently before smiling a little at the picture. "Dear Kelly's Mother and Father, Kelly's been a good girl today." he said mock seriously, knowing how much she appreciated things like this.
Following Kelly to the door, Tommy made her wait as he headed out. Seeing a random Soldier walking around, he sighed and nodded to the guy.
"You think the Esthar Soldiers are really comin'?" the guy asked in a bored tone.
He shrugged. "That was two years ago, right? They're probably too busy bowin' to the sorceress or kidnapping little girls." He shuddered at the thought of Kelly being kidnapped because Esthar was looking for 'successors' for their sorceress.
"I hear they're lookin' for a successor for their sorceress, Adel, the ruler of Esthar. If they come back here, I'm sure it'll be for Kelly this time." the soldier said with a frown as he gaze the clueless little girl by the house a fond look.
Scoffing, Tommy shrugged. "Hah! They gotta get past me first!" he said before walking off with a wave.
Heading to the pub, he battled a Caterchipillar and a few Bite Bugs. Shaking his head in disgust, he gagged when one of the Bite Bugs farted on him, and took an antidote to cure the poison before shooting it. Still gagging, he headed to the front door of the pub, and making sure there were no more monsters, he waved Kelly over. "Kelly! Now's your chance!"
"Cha-nce!" she cried, rushing over as fast as her little legs would carry her, and waiting at Tommy's side with another toothy grin.
Patting her lightly on the head, he opened the door and let her in before entering himself.
The bar was a small, but cozy little place. Five tables, each with white lilies in a vase in the center, and a bar, where a lovely young blonde woman stood. She had long blonde hair, and blue eyes, and wore a heavy pink sweater with blue jeans. Currently, she was scolding Kelly for taking off the way she did, her thick australian accent, thicker than usual..
"You understand, Kelly? Now go to your room and play!" she scolded lightly before turning and walking behind the bar.
Looking at me, Kelly made a face. "I got in twouble..." she whispered.
"That's 'cause you broke your promise. Too baaad..." Tommy whined back, just as quietly.
Glaring over the top of the bar, Kat folded her arms over her chest. "Tommy! Use proper english when talking to Kelly!" she scolded him.
Pouting, he turned to Kelly, who was grinning. "I got in twouble..." he whined.
"Too baaad..." she mimicked him.
Chuckling quietly, I heard a sound and looked up, blinking in shock when I noticed the all too familiar person, despite the outfit they were wearing.
"It's been a long time, Tommy." he said with a grin.
The man was wearing lose blue jeans and a blue open shirt with a black shirt under it, his daggers sitting on his hips and his arms folded over his chest. "ZACK!!" Tommy yelled happily, standing up straight. Looking down to Kelly he smiled and bent back down. "This is Uncle Tommy's friend. He's not a bad guy." he told her, and she smiled.
Walking over to Zack, Tommy joined him at the bar. "You seem well." he stated with a relieved smile. If he's ok, then Jason must be ok, too. "Hey, how long has it been? You know, since our grand escape from Centra?"
That was the land we were in at the time.
"One would call that being chased out." Zack pointed out.
Kat nodded knowingly. "I thought so."
"I would say about two years." he finished.
Tommy nodded slowly. "I was bedridden for six months. It seemed like every bone in my body was boken."
"I nursed him back to health." the bartender put in with a reserved smile.
"Thank you, for taking good care of Tommy." Zack said warmly. "I was able to recover in about a month, or so. Ever since then...I've been searching for you."
"Why?" Tommy asked in confusion.
Shrugging, Zack smirked. "After leaving the army, well...just killing time, I guess. Life's pretty boring without you as entertainment, my man."
"That's a harsh thing to say." he put in with a mock wince. "I've been living a productive life, here."
"So, what do you want to know?"
Frowning, Tommy thought about it. There was so much to ask about. How Jason was doing... What Kimberly was up to... "What's Jason up to?" he asked, finding a place to start.
"He quit the army, too. Luckily, he found a job, and he's working pretty hard."
"And what's he doing?" Tommy pressed.
Shrugging, Zack seemed to think about it. "He's a Janitor down at D-District Prison. Oh, and he never got his voice back, but you can usually tell what he wants from his facial expression."
"Can't picture him moppin' floors, but I'm glad he's doing well." Tommy nodded. "What about Kimberly? How's she doing?"
"I don't know..." Zack answered hesitantly, looking blank.
Kat popped in at this. "You mean Kim, the singer?"
"That's right." Zack answered with a nod. "Tommy used to frequent her nightclub often."
"Shut up!" he scolded with a chuckle as he turned bright red. "So what if I did?"
"Kim used to sing at a nightclub?" Kat asked cluelessly. "Then the first song she released was 'Eyes on Me'."
"No, she didn't sing, she just played the piano." Zack answered.
"H-How does the song go?" Tommy asked nervously, remembering their talk about his eyes and the 'many faces' he'd shown her. Was this the song she was talking about? The song she made for him?
"You don't know?" Kat seemed honestly surprised.
"You never let me hear it." he answered a little bitterly.
"I didn't think you liked music. The song's about being in love...I really like it."
"Heard she recently got married." Zack put in.
Kat nodded with a sudden understanding. "Oh yeah! To some army General, right? General Baliton, or something."
"I'm not too sure." he answered with a shake of his head. Sighing, Zack took a sip from a glass of water Kat had given him. He knew this news would hurt Tommy.
"I read in a magazine that her true love went off to war and never came back. General Baliton comforted her while she was feeling down, that's how they got to know each other." Kat explained, narrowing her eyes at the bar counter as she tried to remember.
"...So, she didn't wait for this soldier to come back...?" Zack asked with a thoughtful look.
"Who cares?!" Tommy demanded loudly, looking hurt but determined to be happy for her. "As long as she's happy, right? That's all that matters!" Sighing, he nodded to himself. "Let's talk later. Time to do some work."
Looking lost, Zack nodded slowly. "...Ok."
"So, what's the plan? You gonna stick around here for a while?"
Looking to Kat, Zack nodded slowly. "If it would be alright with you."
Shrugging, Kat picked up a glass and began cleaning it. "You work for what you eat. If that's fine with you than be my guest." she put in firmly, but warmly.
"Come back soon, ok?" Kelly put in with a smile as she waved from the bottom of the stairs.
Kat nodded. "Well, have fun at work. I'll have lunch ready."
(Tommy's POV)
Heading out of the bar, we made our way to the center of the town square. Before continuing on, I stopped and took a fond look at the little town that had become my happy home. Sure, it was no Deling City, but it was a nice little place.
Turning away, I walked to the bridge that led out of the main part of the town. Beyond here, there was a long road with a chocobo crossing, a flower shop, and a church and shop, along with one more residence.
"Tommy."
Stopping on the bridge, I turned to Zack.
"I only have one question. What exacty is it you do here?"
Looking past him, I reminiced about before. "It's like this. All the working men in this town have been sent off to war. All that's left are old people, children, chocobos, dogs and cats. And I'm sure you've noticed but the monsters have made their way into town." I added, giving him a look. "This here town took real good care of me. So basically, I want to return the kindness. You're looking at the Monster Hunter of Winhill!" I boasted, puffing up in pride.
"So, as of today, you'll be my assistant. We're to patrol the town, up to the town entrance. If we see anyone in need along the way, we help them." I finished as I turned and started off.
Walking along the path to the flower shop, we fought a few Caterchipillars, and I laughed when a Bite Bug farted on Zack, making him gag and wince. Handing him a potion, I shrugged. "They do that." I said simply.
Continuing on, I was about to cross the chocobo crossing when I felt something run into my leg. Looking down, I noticed a baby chocobo fly up into the air before it took off in the other direction. Turning to Zack, I shrugged again. "That happens a lot, too."
I stepped to the other side and watched as Zack made to cross, only to have another fluffy, baby chocobo run into his leg. This one squacked loudly before fluttering off, and I winced with what I knew was coming next. "Uhh...Zack... You might wanna-"
I didn't get to finish warning him, when we both heard the sound of heaver footsteps and turned to find a large, adult chocobo running right at Zack. Not being able to dodge it, he got trampled, flying over the body of the chocobo as it ran past, and landing on his face.
"...move." I finished lamely before I cracked up laughing.
Zack got to his feet and glared at me as he quickly moved across the path. I ended up telling him that if the baby chocobos ran into people a lot, then the mother saw them as a threat.
Shaking my head, I continued on and we fought and defeated every monster we came across. I led him to the village entrance and gave him a brief tour along the way before we headed back.
"Alright! Our first patrol, complete! We're to report to the Commander and Assistant Commander." I told him as we started back.
"Commander... You mean the woman at the pub?"
Giving him a glare, I sighed. "Her name's Kat, ok? She saved my life. The Assistant Commander is Kelly." I told him pointedly.
"She seems like a nice person, but easily taken in by a hotshot."
Really? Frowning, I thought about it before nodding in serious determination. "Ok, let's step up the patrol a notch. Assistant Zack, let's come up with a plan after we get back to the base."
Making it back to the bridge, I was once again stopped by Zack.
"Hey, Tommy... Are you doing this patrol thing every day?"
"Thing?!" I repeated incredulously. Couldn't he see how serious I was about this?? "What are you callin' 'THING'?!"
"Weren't you aiming to become a world-travelling journalist? you've heard of Timber Maniacs, right? I had a talk with the Chief Editor. He said he's interested in any article related to world travel." he stated, ignoring my comment and my tone.
"That's great!" I cried, jumping up in excitement.
"We should talk to him some time."
But then, that would mean leaving here. Leaving Kat and Kelly on their own. Leaving the town pretty much defenseless. "Y-Yeah." I said, less enthusiastically.
Taking a few steps forward, I hesitated, turning to Zack. "Um, would it be all right if we stayed here just a little while longer?"
He looked confused before a look of slight understanding crossed his face and he nodded. "You need more time to gether better material, right? This seems like a nice town, you gonna write about it?"
"No way!" I shook my head firmly for emphasis. "Can't make this place famous. Too much publicity, and you get all the tourists and stuff."
Now he looked like he understood fully. "You're afraid someone might come and steal Kat away? Tommy, you've changed man."
Blinking a moment I shook my head and took a step back, turning to face the town. "H-Hey! A monster!" Running off, I looked for and found a Caterchipillar to kill before we made our way to the bar.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the lower floor was empty, so I led the way up the stairs, pausing halfway up when I heard the sound of voices. Kat was talking to Kelly, and I was sure it was something we weren't supposed to hear.
"...What?" Zack whispered quietly.
I shook my head. "Girl talk...let's come back later." When Zack frowned and refused to move, I sighed. "Come on!" I hissed.
"Something inside of me is telling me to listen." he whispered back, refusing to move.
With a sigh, I leaned against the wall and followed his example hesitantly, listening to what was being said. Something told me I wasn't going to like this...
"Kat... Aren't yoo gonna marry Uncle Tommy?" Kelly asked innocently.
I almost choked on the air at that, covering my mouth and feeling my face heat up.
Kat stuttered for a moment. "A-A guy like that?" she asked in a shocked voice. "He was carried in here, crying like a baby, and I was the one who had to take care of him! His crude way of speaking..."
I frowned. Was I really that bad? Did she really hate me for it?
"I don't know if his aspirations as a journalist..."
That's right, too. Ever since coming here, I've had the chance to become a journalist, but I completely set it aside to fight for the town. For so long, I haven't even thought about it. I even forgot all about it until Zack mentioned it.
"Everytime I try to have a serious conversation, he avoids it..."
Because my mind wasn't fully here and it was something that hurt me to talk about. I thought sadly, taking a deep, silent breath and resting my head against the wall.
"I can't stand his snoring and he talks in his sleep...!"
Not something I can really help. I thought in bemusement.
Kelly sighed loudly. "But he's really nice! I really, really like him! Kat and Uncle Tommy and Kel should all be together!" she cried, sounding close to tears.
"...But you know..." Kat actually sounded like she was thinking about it, but seemed afraid. "I think what he really wants to do is travel all over the world. I don't think he has it in him to settle and live in a quiet little town like this... Some people are like that..." Shaking her head, she groaned. "...Ouuu, it makes me so mad!"
There was silence for a moment before Kelly's meek voice sounded, echoing through the small room. "...Yoo don't like him?"
"I feel the same as you, Kelly." she admitted softly.
Shaking my head, I snuck back down the stairs before opening and slamming the door shut and running back up them. She really likes me? I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear anythin'.
"Oh!" Kat looked surprised to find us back and checked her watch, her eyes going wide.
"Yea! Yoo're back!" Kelly called happily, sliding off the couch to stand up and stare at him. "You should report to Commander!"
Nodding, I smiled and walked over to Kat, looking into her beautiful blue eyes as I saluted and faked seriousness. "Here's my report for today's patrol and monster extermination! Including, Buchubuchus and Bunbuns that Assisant Commander, Kelly oh-so-hates, I've exterminated 12 monsters!"
"Alright! Thank you." kat said with a slight bow as she smiled and nodded. "Shall we eat before we get started with the next patrol? I'll call you when it's ready, so why not wait in your room? You seem tired. You should take a quick nap." she said with genuine concern.
With a nod, I headed out of the bar, showing Zack to the place I'd been staying. Heading up to my room, I pointed out the old crib, and two single cots in the room, gesturing to the one he'd be using.
Looking at the bed sadly, I felt the fear come washing up again. It happened every time I laid down to sleep. Thoughts and doubts about if this was real. Would I wake up in Galbadia? Would I find myself in D-District Prison with the others by my side? What if we really all died in our escape? The same old fear.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. "Well now, shall we rest up a bit?" I asked Zack with a forced smile.
He looked at me a moment before sitting on the other cot and crossing his arms over his chest. "Hm? What's the matter?"
"I get scared sometimes..." I admitted quietly, turning back to the bed. "Scared of waking up somewhere else... Scared of not seeing Kelly..."
"Scared of not seeing Kat?" he supplied when I went silent.
I nodded. "What happened to me? I feel... What is this I feel?" Closing my eyes, I almost begged. "Oh, please let it be in this room when I wake up! Please let me still be in this puny bed!"
"Tommy, you've changed." Zack said softly, a look of understanding shining in his black eyes.
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Hope you like it.
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"Tell me what SeeD is. Miko demands to know."
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R+R please.
Thank you.
Tenshi