Hey sorry took forever to update I got a new laptop now so updates should be more often now! Anyways here's chapter 2 of our world which is extra long. And a very special thank you to those who have reviewed, reviews keep me going! XD
Our world
All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together.
Jack Kerouac
Ch.2: The joy of Cosplay
Ressia stared up at the man's eyes, his deep russet eyes bore into her grass green ones as if trying to decide to kill her or not. She had to think fast, her years of kendo and karate starting to take effect as her mind clearly and hurriedly analyzed the situation. There were no near objects of which to grab nor was there room to struggle loose due to the steel band like quality of his unrobed arm. Ressia knew what she had to do within a heartbeat, she knew it was low and in a normal condition she would never consider doing so but when your life is at risk you have little option. She back kicked him, hard. Auron grunted as he released her and huddled over cupping his hurt manhood. Thinking quickly Ressia reached for the closest thing, her sailor Pluto Cosplay staff that was lying in one of the bags of material she had bought today. She brandished it as she would a sword, held out in front of her with both hands, as she turned to face him. Auron looked up at her with blurred vision and intense outrage.
"What the hell was that for!" Auron spat between clenched teeth. Ressia gave an incredulous look all the while not relaxing her stance.
"What do you think that was for! You barged into my house on the run from the fuzz and held me hostage!" Ressia shouted angrily.
"I wasn't holding you hostage I was keeping you quite! If you gave me a moment I would have explained my actions!"
"Well start explaining buddy!" Auron glared at her a moment longer before standing shakily and drawing in a deep breath.
"It was a misunderstanding, apparently the place I became conscious at had a law about carrying around weapons. I refused to hand over my sword." Auron said matter of factly.
"Woke up at?..." Ressia looked at his sword that was on the ground beside him, It was a very detailed and exact replica of Auron's sword from final fantasy 10. This guy must have had lots of money to recreate Auron's outfit so perfectly, his attitude was also spot on and he actually LOOKED exactly like the model of young Auron from the game, down to his facial twitches.
"Whats your name?" Ressia asked carefully.
"Auron."
"Not your Cosplay, your name."
"Cosplay? Auron is actually my name." He said emphatically. Ressia raised an eyebrow, yep he was a psycho. Auron ticked with mild annoyance as the young girl looked at him with disbelief and with a slight quirking eyebrow as if asking him if she looked stupid.
"What?" Auron asked disdainfully.
"Auron is a videogame character there is no way you are him." Ressia said carefully. Auron raised his own eyebrow this time. He remembered Bahamut's words about how this world viewed his own, and he knew what a videogame was from living in dream Zanarkand with Tidus for 10 years. So that's what Bahamut meant.
"I assure you…I am very real." Auron said as if the point was moot. Ressia wondered if she had kicked him too hard for a moment before deciding to place some trust in this man.
"Ok…say I believe you…or rather think you're delusional but putting that aside for now, can I get your word that you won't cut me in two if I lower my…staff?" Ressia said with a slight wince at the flimsy 'weapon' in her hands.
"Are you going to kick me again?" He asked lazily as if there was little point to asking such a foolish question. He didn't plan on hurting this girl anyways she seemed far from an actual threat he just had to keep an eye on how close they stood and rather or not if her leg could reach any part of his anatomy. Ressia hesitated a moment before lowering her weapon slowly and nodding with a light blush of embarrassment.
"So about that, I thought it was a life or death thing, I usually won't do something so low." Ressia muttered as she stood and looked away not baring to meet his eyes. Auron grunted as he bent and heaved his sword onto his shoulder, he turned to go but stopped as Ressia called out to him.
"Umm, why don't you stay for a bit and…recuperate…least I could do." Auron turned to face her noticing her staff was placed against the wall now and she was bent over her bag of spilled objects gathering them.
"Humph." Auron grunted as he sat his blade in the corner behind the door and turned. He walked over and finished putting the last of the objects in the bag before picking up both bags and turned to look at her as she stood as well. Ressia stared at him a moment not used to such gentlemanly acts especially from someone she had just groined, before he raised an eyebrow, coughing slightly she motioned towards the black walnut table in the center of the living room. As Auron walked over and sat down the bags he took quick note of his surroundings. The living room was small with a clothing cluttered black couch and equally cluttered matching loveseat both facing a flat sphere screen. A hall led off to his left, more than likely to the bathrooms and bedrooms. To his right was what he assumed was the kitchen modeled after Tidus's from his house boat with a bar separating it from the room he currently resided in. It was painfully obvious this was an apartment meant for a single person. Ressia looked at him a moment as he turned to face her. An awkward silence settled between them as he observed her. Deep green eyes reminiscent of an Al Bheads, waist length dark brown hair a shade lighter than Lulu's, loose and baggy clothing meant to hide her form giving the impression of insecurity, or rather the style of this world for all he knew…he was used to tight form fitting clothing as was customary on spira most of the time. And based on her tone; a sense of familiarity even though her actions spoke otherwise. One other conclusion was from her actions and the way she held that 'toy' of a staff she had some fighting skill.
"So um…do you want anything? Water, Food...Ice?" Ressia asked as she rubbed the back of her neck. A habit she had picked up from cosplaying so much. Auron chuckled softly, her unconscious action reminding him of Tidus when the boy was absolutely clueless of something.
"Food, would be appreciated." Auron stated simply. His re-turned to life status invoking a powerful hunger since had awoken in that strange gathering of people all dressed in fake make up and carrying even more fake looking weapons. Ressia nodded as she walked into the kitchen, Auron looked around before following her and sat at the bar as she began to rummage around causing large amounts of banging and the occasional cussing. After a few moment of observing her she walked over and placed a plate of fried food before him. Auron looked up at her in query.
"Stuffed Jalapeno Chicken cooked it last night." Ressia said with a hint of pride in her voice. Auron looked down at the questionable meal before picking up a piece and biting into it. The spiciness and juicy flavor melted onto his tongue. Swallowing it he began to eat more, trusting the food wasn't poisonous. Ressia watched him, this man must have been a Cosplay genius, and he acted so in character even his mannerisms seemed like something Auron would do if he was real. Ressia watched wide eyed as he ate it neatly as possible while still managing to consume large amounts of the food.
"You have to be the first male I've ever seen eat so neatly." Ressia commented as she took the empty plate to the sink.
"As a warrior monk we were taught manners, 'to stand as prime examples of the greatness of Yevon.' Or so they said. I find it hard not to be neat about things." Ressia looked at him. He really took acting seriously.
"Well, that's…" Ressia drifted off as words to describe what she thought of the statement left her. Auron looked at her expectantly waiting for her to finish, causing Ressia to blush. Upon noting she wasn't going to speak he motioned towards her bags in curiosity.
"What do you have in those bags?" Ressia looked at him curiously.
"My Cosplay stuff."
"Again with that word."
"…Cosplay, I dress like my favorite fictional character and act like them for a time."
"Why would you do that?" Auron asked mildly surprising Ressia.
"Cause…I guess you could say it's a form of admiration." Ressia said in thought having never been asked that again. Auron grunted as he stood and began to make his way to her door.
"Where are you going?" Ressia asked as he lifted his weapon.
"To look for my comrades, they must be close by. I doubt the faith would have sent them far." Auron began as he reached for the door then hesitated as he turned to face her once more, his eyebrow rose as if considering something.
"I could use a guide; this world is foreign to me." Ressia stared at him.
"You're kidding…" She mumbled as a stunned look crossed her face.
"Do I look like I am joking?" Ressia considered the question a moment, noticing his look of annoyance sighed in defeat.
"You're not seriously taking your sword are you?" Auron stared at her with a look that said 'what do you think?' hurrying to her room she came back with a coat and a humongous sheath determined not to spend the night in jail.
"Who are your comrades anyways?" Ressia asked with exasperation.
oOo
"Maybe you should put a shirt on Jecht." Braska remarked as they both walked past booths advertising fan made dojinshi and various manga artists and videogame developers. Jecht snorted noticing all the stares they were getting, he was used to it but he knew Braska probably wasn't due to him receiving fame after he died.
"Maybe you should lose some of your clothing, you're the one dressed like a transvestite. " Jecht joked as Braska shook his head at the comment. They both stopped as they came across a huge banner suspended above them reading 'FanCon! 2012!'.
"What's that say?" Braska asked not recognizing the writing. It was neither Yevonite nor Al Behead yet alone Spirian.
"How the hell should I know?" Jecht asked annoyed with the fact this was the second time he ended up in a completely alien world. They both turned as a woman and man approached them. The woman looked exactly like Yuna except dressed skimpier but her brown eyes threw them off showing she was clearly not Braska's girl. The man next to her was dressed exactly like and older version of Auron, but the fact he was older than their currently youthful friend gave him away. Not to mention they both looked nothing like them due to their facial structures.
"Your outfits look awesome! Did you make them yourselves?" 'Yuna' asked excitedly walking around them both admiring the craftsmanship. Braska and Jecht shared a look before 'Auron' spoke up.
"We don't have time for this; the judging is fixing to start any minute!" 'Yuna' turned to look at 'Auron' with a dejected pout.
"But I want to know how they got them so realistic and yet exactly like the characters!" 'Auron sighed as 'Yuna' turned back to the summoner and guardian.
"Auron's so impatient then again I'm sure you know that." 'Yuna' said with a wink, as if it was an inside joke. Braska chuckled while Jecht rubbed his head in confusion.
"So you guys going to be in the Character contest? What am I saying! Of course you are how could you not those outfits must have taken months to make!" 'Yuna' exclaimed earning raised eyebrows from Jecht and a small smile from Braska. This particular cosplayer was the type to get over-excited easily meaning she doesn't exactly listen to others instead assuming what she wants; we call this the noob cosplayer. While her male friend is what we call a character cosplayer; meaning he stays in character no matter what. Unfortunately due to this he isn't able to 'correct' his female friend because Auron is the type of person to let people learn on their own.
"What the Hell are you—"Jecht began but was cut off as 'Yuna' grabbed his hand and started to drag him away talking all the while. Braska laughed lightly as 'Auron' sighed and shook his head.
"Forgive me my lord but your daughter is trouble." 'Auron' commented as he began to follow the bickering Jecht and hyper 'Yuna'. Braska followed as a small sad smile crossed his lips.
oOo
Auron looked diligently as Ressia sighed. They had already gone through six false alarms resulting in her apologizing profusely for her 'Guardians' actions to innocent Braska and Jecht Cosplayers. Not to mention she felt really down because she had planned on cosplaying as Sailor Pluto today until 'Auron' had busted in on her. Ressia is considered a generation cosplayer due to the fact she will Cosplay as any character no matter if they are out of date or not.
"Auron? How exactly are we supposed to find them here? They could be anyone!" Ressia remarked as a group of final fantasy nine characters walked by and mentally picked out all the positives and negatives of their outfits. Auron remained silent as he scanned the crowd as they walked adjusting his now sheathed sword which felt wrong on his back, being used to carrying it by hand. Ressia tugged on his loose sleeve causing him to stop and look at her and then turn to what had her attention. A stage was surrounded by a group of people as a lady walked on speaking into a microphone dressed as some android looking girl with red eyes, long blue hair, and a bulky white head set with 'Kos-Mos' written on it. Auron looked back at Ressia who looked at him eagerly.
"We don't have time for this." Auron said sternly. Ressia frowned.
"I think we should go watch it, we may come across them in the crowd and if not we can always ask for them to announce a call or something for your friends after the show." Ressia stated logically. Auron frowned but conceded as he slowly followed her scanning behind him as he walked to the front of the stage with her.
"And now for today's character contest!" 'Kos-Mos' yelled in a sickingly to cheerful tone. Everyone clapped enthusiastically except for Auron who looked as if he was in pain from just being there.
"First up we have Leon from Resident Evil!" She shouted as she left the stage and a man ran up aiming his gun as if on the hunt for something.
oOo
"OMG! I am so ready!" 'Yuna' exclaimed excitedly. Jecht turned to Braska.
"Sooo, what are we doin' again?" Jecht asked mildly. Braska shook his head as he observed 'Fayt' from Star ocean doing some wild swinging that looked somewhat like battle moves before giving a small monologue.
"It appears as we are to act, so just be yourself when you are called." Braska commented noting all the characters dressed and waiting backstage with them. Jecht and Braska both turned as 'Auron' was called on stage, wishing him luck.
oOo
Auron quirked an eyebrow as 'he' was called on stage and frowned as an older version walked on with some very catchy music. Ressia turned to gauge his reaction as the Cosplayer walked one. Judging by the look on his face he didn't look all that happy, and his frown only seemed to deepen as the other 'Auron' went through all the battle stances and began to recite famous quotes. He was actually pretty good Ressia noted. Auron mentally berated the older version of himself, his balance was slightly off under the weight of his weapon and he lack the concentrated grace Auron had taken years to develop when going through his moves. Not only that but all his words they all lacked passion and depth. Auron mentally sighed in relief as 'Auron' left the stage for the next contestant. He almost chocked as his Jecht walked on stage.
"Hey! How you doing!" Jecht yelled earning cheers from the crowd. Braska laughed as Jecht pulled off his legendary Jecht shot earning gasps from the crowd and strange flashes of light. Ressia stared in shock at the gravity defying move, there was simply no way that move was logically possible!
"Jecht!" Auron spat silently as he clenched his jaw and fist. Ressia looked at him. Who was this man who claimed he was the actual Auron and judging by his reaction that had to be the Jecht he was looking for…The Jecht that could pull off such impossible moves. Ressia scanned the crowd; apparently no one had realized how illogical this was and were still admiring the 'act'. Could it be…? She had to get them out of here. Ressia grabbed Auron's hand and started to pull him through the crowd.
"Where are we going?" Auron asked watching Jecht over his shoulder with a resigned rage.
"Backstage! We gotta get you guys out of here!" Ressia said as she pushed through a couple. Ressia ran behind a guard who was talking to a school-girl cosplayer and pulled Auron after her as they ran up the stairs and came out to a dim black room. Ressia scanned the room, it looked clear. Suddenly realizing she was still holding his hand she let it go with a faint blush as she ran forward. Auron took charge from here and ran up to a heavily robed man.
"Lord Braska!" Auron called as he approached him. Braska turned and seemed to smile in relief.
"Auron!" Braska exclaimed.
"Where have you been?" Braska inquired as Auron looked past him to Jecht sternly who was still showing off.
"Running from local authorities." Auron said simply. Ressia walked up to Braska slowly, who turned to look at her with a welcoming smile that seemed to relax her nervousness. She never was good with meeting new people especially people that had the potential to be the real heroes from favored videogames.
"And who is this young woman?" Braska asked earning a side glance from Auron to Ressia before looking back at Jecht.
"Our guide." Auron responded earning a raised eyebrow from Ressia. Braska tilted his head in question just as Jecht walked over towards them.
"Hey Stiff! Where were you—" Jecht bent over groaning and holding his stomach that Auron had just punched. Ressia watched wide eyed as Auron watched Jecht a moment before turning to her and Braska.
"Ressia." Auron said making a very small blush cross her cheeks.
"What?"
"I would like to return to your residence for the time being, is that acceptable?" Auron asked with a 'cool' mask gracing his face, the anger apparently gone after punching Jecht who now stood muttering asshole under his breath. Ressia looked at the three men who were looking at her expectantly for her answer. Ressia nodded as they turned to leave.
"And the winner is, Jecht; from final fantasy 10!" 'Kos-Mos' called to the joy of the crowd. After a moment she said it again this time to weaker applause, and finally rubbed her head.
"Where did he go?" She mumbled as a dejected Jecht was dragged behind an irritated Auron out of the building with an embarrassed Braska and Ressia.