Author's Notes:
Hello Lovelies! Wow the response has been amazing! Thank yóu to all who have reviewed! I'm glad you like this story and hopefully I can do it justice with the next few chapters!
I decided to add in the name of the battle theme music I use while writing this so if you have the track you can listen to it to and hopefully feel the same vibe I did when you read it!
For those interested. The theme for both of Tifa's previous fights were FIGHT ON- FINAL FANTASY VII
Chapter Battle Music:
BLINDED BY LIGHT (TRANCE REMIX)- FINAL FANTASY XIII
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
The sun was just thinking about rising on the eastern horizon when Tifa was roused from her sleep. It took her a moment to remember all that had transpired within the previous day. Everything had happened so fast, it was as if the brunette had dreamt it all.
Presently she sat in the classier carriage of the train Cid had commissioned to take her to his "school". Reno and Rude sat in the next compartment, while Cid sat with her.
The old man hadn't spoken much, obviously deciding to leave the young woman to her own thoughts.
She still had mixed feelings about leaving. It had been a spur of the moment decision in retrospect. Now that she had time to truly examine her feelings, she found herself wondering about everything she had left behind; her father, her friends, her school.
Cid, catching her eye and noticing the unease therein smiled at the young woman.
"No need to look so worried," he said with a cheerful grin.
"I'm not worried," Tifa tried to explain.
"Having second thoughts?" Cid asked, cocking one eyebrow.
"No, no!" Tifa shook her head vigorously. "I'm just wondering...I've left so many loose ends back home!"
Cid nodded in understanding. "Of course. Allow me to put your mind at ease, Tifa. Everything has already been taken care of. Your school has been informed of your departure. I've left a letter to your father, explaining what to tell your friends if any come by, and an address to sent you letters if they want to contact you."
Tifa blinked, her eyes narrowing in suspiscion. "How did you know I was gonna agree to come? What if I said no?"
Cid gave her a smile that an indulgent uncle might have given his favourite niece. "I'm afraid that the choice was merely a formality my dear."
"So you mean to tell me that you were taking me whether I agreed or not?" Tifa demanded, her anger growing. How dare he?
Cid waved his hand carelessly. "Would you have chosen not to come in any case?"
Tifa folded her arms stubbornly and glared daggers into the man that sat opposite her.
Cid folded his arms and leant backwards on his seat. "Well I suppose I better fill you in the details of our school then."
Tifa's head snapped up in attention at those words. It hit her then that she knew next to nothing about the place she was leaving all she knew for. It was too late for second thoughts now though.
"This school you will be attending is called Garden. Situated on the island of Balamb," Cid began. "It is more than just a school, however. It is in fact a training academy for special students."
"And what's so special about the students?" Tifa asked lightly.
"They are warriors," Cid replied. Evidently the old man had decided the easiest way to explain was to be as blunt as humanly possible. "Exceptionally talented warriors. I believe you have the potential to be one of our finest."
If the young woman felt any emotion at the last remark, she did not show it.
Cid shifted uncomfortably for a moment. The slightly dusty red cushion underneath him groaned in protest. "One more thing. When we arrive at Garden, you will refer to me as Headmaster or Sir. Discipline is not something we take lightly. We are training you to be a soldier of justice, almost like the military."
Tifa gave a small nod and returned her gaze to the fleeting countryside in the window.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
After a couple of tiring hours on the train, Tifa found herself gazing at the most magnificent sight she had ever seen in her seventeen years.
Nibelheim may not be much to look at, but the view of the imposing mountains set against the deep blue of the sky created a spectacular view. Yet Garden was nothing like the girl expected.
Maybe she had expected some sort of camp or barracks, devoid of life and colour. A grey mass of squashed buildings and barbed wire with soldiers miling around with grim faces and scowling eyes.
Instead she saw a single towering structure of the purest white, highlighted with reds and blues, surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with foliage so green it was as if emeralds were glittering in the ground. Golden wires hung around the area like a protective embrace. The very air was filled with a sense of peace and warmth.
"A sight for sore eyes, is it not?" Cid smiled at the girl's awestruck face.
"Its beautiful," Tifa agreed. "Sir!" She added quickly.
Cid nodded and gave her one last grandfatherly smile. "The dorms are on the ground floor. I've asked a student to show you around, she's quite...shy, but I'm sure she'll help you!"
For the first time since they had met Cid saw the young woman smile. Her face had suddenly become radiant, as if the sun would cease shining for shame.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Tifa said. "Uhm do I bow or something?"
Cid chuckled at that. "The salute will do," he replied. "Like this," he said demonstrated.
Tifa nodded and copied him. "Oh and sir," she quickly asked as the man turned to leave.
"Yes?" He asked.
"Is there a student named Cloud here?" Tifa asked hesitantly, mildly blushing as she said the name.
Cid gave her a strange look. "Yes, yes there is. In fact he's the one who recommended you."
Tifa felt confusion overtake her at the Headmaster's reply. No time to think about that now though. First thing's first, she had better find her way around. Cid had mentioned a student would show her around, but where was she?
Shrugging to herself, it couldn't be too hard. Cid had mentioned it was on the ground floor, so she knew not to go near the stairs.
She walked through the entrance hall, noticing a man in a red vest in a nearby booth snoozing blissfully. She really couldn't blame him. The area just exuded a sense of peace. She could hear birds chirping in the nearby trees, the small voices melding perfectly with the resonating bells. That's right, just because it was her first day didn't mean the other students could lay around.
She strolled up a couple of steps noticing the students loitering around. None of them could be the guide, a girl out of uniform dragging a heavy trunk kinda stood out.
Tired from the trip, Tifa stopped outside the entrance to the main building, figuring she'd rest a bit in the surrounding gardens before she went inside. She made her way to a small bench surrounded by trees and took a deep breath. Well, there was no turning back no was there?
The sound of swishing clothing hit her ears. Shifting on the bench, she noticed a flash of white behind a few trees. Curious, she quietly stood and snuck to where she saw the movements.
In the small clearing, stood a young girl around Tifa's age. She was small, about three inches shorter than Tifa, and her hair was cropped to her shoulders. She wore a blue skirt that fell to her ankles and a white sash wrapped over her torso. On her slender arms were two kimono-like sleeves with a pink gradient near the ends. The most striking piece she wore was a bright yellow ribbon that was tied into an elaborate knot around her waist.
"No, no. I'll do that part again," Tifa heard her mutter to herself. The girl flexed her arms then twirled on her left leg, her clothing flowing around her small frame as she did so. Her dance was enchanting, Tifa decided. Beautiful in its simplicity, yet bewitching at the same time.
The girl stopped in mid-turn, noticing her audience for the first time.
"Oh," she said in surprise.
"No please! Don't stop on my account!" Tifa protested, stepping into the clearing. "I'm sorry, I really shouldn't be spying on you like that!"
The girl blushed a deep shade of crimson and hung her head.
"Please," Tifa re-iterated. "Look I'll go if me being here is making you nervous!"
"No, no its okay," the other girl said quietly. "I need to get going anyway! Headmaster Cid gave me a job! He won't be happy with me if I'm late!"
"Was your job escorting a new student?" Tifa asked.
The girl nodded. "Have you seen her?"
Tifa nodded and the girl looked striken. "Oh my! I hope she hasn't gone too far! I'm gonna be I'm so much trouble! The headmaster gave me one job and I've already messed it up!"
Tifa had to laugh at her panic. "Relax," she giggled, walking forward. "I'm the new girl! My name's Tifa!"
The girl still looked flustered. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I should have waited for you at the entrance!"
Tifa shook her head. "Don't worry about it! I found you and I haven't gotten lost or anything, so no harm done!"
The girl calmed down somewhat and nodded. "My name's Yuna," she said putting a hand on her chest. Tifa noted the girl was heterochromic; one of her eyes were blue, while the other was green. "I guess we should go inside."
Tifa smiled as she lifted her trunk and followed Yuna inside.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Yuna had proven to be an efficient guide. Once she had gotten over her initial shyness, the girl had become quite friendly with Tifa, making small talk as she showed her around.
Tifa was silently thanking her lucky stars she hadn't ventured into Garden on her own. Thus far Yuna had shown her the Quad, the Library, the Car Park and the Infirmary. Tifa knew already she would be getting lost.
"And this is the Cafeteria," Yuna said, pointing down a vivid red hallway. "Obviously its where we eat. If you can get there early, the hot dogs are great!"
Tifa was about to reply when she yelped in pain as what looked like a small blonde missile whizzed past her.
"I can see that," Tifa giggled as the young boy hurtled towards the smiling lady behind the counter.
Yuna giggled along. "While we're here, we might as well grab something to eat don't you think?
Tifa agreed and dragged her trunk behind her as they grabbed plates and made their way to the counter.
"What will it be girls?" The lady in the hairnet asked.
Tifa looked at Yuna, unsure what was on the menu.
Yuna's eyebrows crinkled as she looked at the slop in front of her with mild distaste. "I don't suppose there's any hot dogs?"
"Nope, a little late for that," the lunch-lady replied, adjusting her hairnet.
"Guess its Tuna Surprise," Yuna said with a resigned sigh.
Tifa was about ready to hurl at the sight of the lunch lady dipping a ladle into the greyish brown concoction. She dumped a generous portion of the stuff onto Yuna's plate, where it landed with a wet splat.
Tifa tried her best not to grimace as her own plate got the same treatment.
"Is this what they feed as everyday?" Tifa asked as they sat down. She looked at her 'food', not yet brave enough to taste it.
"Please, this is nothing," Yuna said. She dipped a spoon in the mess and slowly lifted it to her lips.
Tifa held her breath and Yuna opened her mouth. She closed her eyes, chewed a little then swallowed. She gave a slight shiver, then opened her eyes. "Well, its edible. Tastes foul, and its likely to give me some bad indigestion, other than that its fine."
Tifa laughed and was about to try her luck, when a loud squeal of pain hit her ears.
The same kid that had nearly knocked her off her feet was currently being lifted on his feet by the front of his blue shirt. Now that she had a look at him, she could tell he was probably no older than his early teens, with light blonde hair and blue eyes.
His assailant was a much larger man, closer to Tifa's own age. He too had blonde hair, only closely cropped into a crew cut. He wore a large white coat and a blue V-neck shirt, complete with black military-style boots. He was flanked by another boy, this one tall with tan skin and dark hair, and a girl with an eyepatch over one eye and silver hair.
"Listen up punk!" The one holding the kid was saying. "If I catch you running in the halls again, you'll have to answer to the Diciplinary Committee!"
"Don't do anything," Yuna cautioned, noticing Tifa's fists clenching.
"But he's blatantly bullying that kid!" Tifa nearly shrieked. Seeing another in need was not something Tifa could stand, especially if she knew there was something she could do about it.
"Tifa, Seifer just does things like that!" Yuna explained. "It is his job I guess. He's the head of the Diciplinary Committee. Running in the halls is an offence. Besides, he's not really someone you wanna mess with!"
"Like I care!" Tifa shot back, openly glaring at Seifer. Already a crowd was gathering around to witness the small boy's humiliation.
"Leave me alone!" The boy shouted, sounding close to tears.
"Oh! Looks like we got ourselves a stubborn one here guys," Seifer jeered. "I don't think a warning is gonna cut it this time!"
"Yeah! Show him what happens when you break the rules ya know!" The muscle-head added in.
"PUNISHMENT!" The girl said, her visible eye widening in glee.
"Hey leave that kid alone!"
The three goons turned at the sound of the disturbance. What they saw was a girl with black hair marching towards them with a look of pure fury in her eyes, while a smaller girl walked behind her apprehensively.
Something had snapped inside Tifa when she saw the sick pleasure those bullies were getting out of tormenting a kid whose thigh's were about as thick. As the one boy's arms.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" Tifa demanded, standing with her hands on her hips. "Big guy like you picking on a kid! You're nothing but a coward!"
"What did you say?" Seifer shouted back, his voice shaking with rage.
Tifa, however was not intimidated in the slightest. "I said you're a coward and a bully! You probably don't even have enough balls to fight someone that can actually stand up to you! Jerks like you need to be put in their place!"
"Ohhhh now she's asking for it ya know!" The dark boy said blinking stupidly.
"INSOLENCE!" The girl agreed.
"Amd I suppose you're the one to do it huh?" Seifer sneered, looking her up and down. Not bad, he decided, pretty enough, if a little plain. She was certainly fiesty enough. But no one dared give him lip!
"Maybe I am!" Tifa snapped. "If you're really so tough, why don't you prove it here, where everyone can see you?"
"So what'll it be?" Seifer asked, pulling out what looked a baseball bat with a blue end, Tifa recognised it as a Struggle Sword, for those who favoured strength.
"I don't need any weapon to deal with a no-good jerk like you!" Tifa returned, cracking her knuckles.
"Alright then girly," Seifer said, dropping the boy who fell onto the ground in a heap, before running off howling. "Show me what you got!"
He moved into a fighting stance, holding out his weapon at chest-height.
Tifa raised her fists. Oh yeah, she was gonna teach this loser not to mess with her!
She shot forward, catching him by surprise as she ducked under his guard landing a solid hit on his chest. He staggered back, breathing heavily as the air left his lungs, but managed to keep his footing.
Tifa on her part was shocked, most guys would've dropped after a shot like that!
"So you can hit like a man, but can you take a hit like one," he taunted, straightening up, as if nothing had happened.
Before Tifa had time to retort, he went on the attack, impossibly fast. Tifa jumped to the side, nearly sliding on the smooth tiles, hoping to put some distance between them to rethink her strategy, but Seifer had other ideas.
She barely avoided his swipe at her, and there he was in front of her. With a wicked grin, he swung at her. She managed to absorb the shock on her forearms, but the force of the blow sent her flying. She cried out in pain as her arms burnt in pain. Managing to flip herself upright, she saw Seifer coming in to finish her.
She was forced to drop into a roll to avoid his leaping blow, but there he was again, standing over her! He was so fast! It was unreal. Tifa realised for the first time that she was probably in over her head. Evidently he could put his money where his mouth was!
With a sneer he swung downwards at her. Stubborness overpowered fear as Tifa, refusing to lose, crossed her arms over her head, feeling a strange strength come over her as she caught the bat in her forearms. Seifer's face was fast turning red at the strain. This girl, despite her appearance was surprisingly strong. She held him off, despite being in a disadvantaged position. He pulled his weapon back and shuffled backwards. He smirked, to be expected from a brawler. They relied more on physical strength then anything else. She obviously was at least as, if not more, strong than he was.
Tifa's face was a mask of fury as she charged him. Seifer's face twisted in pain as she connected her fist with his jaw. He felt a sickening crunch as his jaw snapped out of place. That was gonna leave a mark!
With a cry of rage, he swung outwards, more out of reflex than skill. Tifa dodged the blow then came in again. This time she aimed low, a sweeping kick that Seifer managed to dodge, but she used her momentum to turn into a reverse backflip, her heel knocking his weapon down as she whirled, her fist shooting forward.
This time Seifer's nose got some punishment. Tifa felt a strange satisfaction as she felt his nose collapse under her knuckles, blood spurting forth, wetting her knuckles.
Seifer shuffled back, trying to recover. "Alright bitch, now this is personal!" He muttered as he wiped the blood off his nose with the back of his gloved hand.
"Who said it wasn't?" Tifa taunted, shaking her fist. Her own blood from her split knuckles melding with his. For the first time, she noticed a bunch of students surround them, waiting in eager silence, to see who the victor would be.
Seifer didn't bother to reply, he came at her again, Struggle sword swinging. Tifa blocked the blow, and kicked out. Seifer caught the kick on his knee, then turned, his back leg knocking hers out from under her. He was done playing around, but Tifa was never playing.
She made a full backflip, despite the trip, landing on her feet, noticing Seifer's grudging admiration. What she didn't see was his sword was already in motion.
Unable to do anything as it met her face, sparks flashed before her eyes as she was knocked back. Once again flipping to land on her feet, she let out a low growl, she wiped blood from her split lip.
"You're good babe, but you still have a lot to learn," Seifer said, smirking as he walked forward. "Its been a while since I had a good fight, so I'll let you off with a warning."
"Who said the fight's over?" Tifa snapped, running forward. She paid dearly for that one. Faster than her eyes could follow, Seifer dealt a stinging blow to her leading leg, effectively stopping her charge, before a strike to her her ribs, sending her flying back again.
Refusing to admit defeat as she blinked away tears of pain, Tifa gritted her teeth and tried again. Seifer was tiring as well, she knew, she had scored a couple of good hits as well, there was no way he was as unharmed as he would have her believe.
Oh he may still win, but she was gonna make sure he paid for it!
She blocked a strike with a rising block with her right arm, and punched with her left. Seifer side-stepped and swung back. Mimicking his move, she dodged and kicked. It became a dance of fancy foot-work, neither scoring a hit, as the revolved around each other, first clockwise, then changing direction.
Tifa stepped back, then to side, only find Seifer had made the exact move, landing them back to back.
She felt grim satisfaction as she felt his coat was soaking wet with perspiration against his muscled back.
"You can end this now, you know," Seifer said softly, so that only she could hear. "Just give up already!"
"Not in this lifetime," she replied evenly, before cocking her legs and shooting into a dive roll, feeling him do the same.
She landed and came up onto one knee, looking up in shock as Seifer descended on her from the air, how had he gotten there so quickly?
She flipped back, dodging his attack, before letting out a battle cry, as she whirled as her foot surged forward, eager to meet his face and...stopped.
"How?" She whispered, seeing Seifer casually holding her foot in his free hand, grinning down at her.
"This ends now," he said, leering.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o