Balancing on the large bird's back; it started to panic, flapping it's large wings wildly. Grunting, holding tightly to the reigns, I was using too much force. It squawked loudly, giving up and trying to find ways to throw me off.
"You have to relax! Quit pulling!" Tidus shouted, riding circles around me as I loosened my grip on the reigns and the large, squawking bird began to calm down. I hadn't ridden a chocobo for so long it seemed as if I was sentencing myself to incredible amount of paranoia just sitting on one.
"Tell me again why I agreed to this?" I asked the blitz-star as he steered the chocobo easily in quick strides. All I could think was he had too much free time on his hands to actually master, riding a chocobo. Tidus chuckled as he pointed back to my abnormally reddened cheeks. The sunburn made it look as if I was blushing, and it didn't help I had a bit of a tan line from wearing sunglasses. Tidus never let me live that down that's for sure, but I always made sure to repay him for that. Normally I'd starve him in his own home; eating whatever I made for the two of us as revenge. He hated it alright, depriving an athlete of food is the best revenge; especially, if that athlete is your best friend.
"Hey! Quit day dreaming, Lionheart!" And with a squawk, his chocobo Tidus rode down the path towards the docks of Besaid. As quickly as I could I cracked the reigns and the chocobo dashed full speed ahead. I wasn't used to this, and the muscles in my legs clenched tightly around the saddle as I tried keeping myself balance. From up ahead, I could hear Tidus teasing me about how slow I was. My fists clenched tightly around the reigns, my heart pounded, and I gulped; I wasn't used to this. Cold sweat beads formed on my brow as I finally took control. Pulling on one side viciously the chocobo turned in circles. Soon after, I pulled on both and the chocobo jumped, flailing its feathered wings. My heart stopped for a second as I winced, desperately holding on. I looked up, taking deep breaths, and Tidus was sitting on his chocobo chuckling.
"Wanted to stay next to me that bad, huh?" Then Tidus's teasing for the day came. He always came up with something new to say. A comment that would make me glare him down, more so than usual.
"No, Tidus. I could care less about you. I'd throw you off that cliff if I really wanted to." Both our heads turned to look at the sea-side cliff along the path. Regaining composure, I sent the chocobo on a cool walk down the path. Tidus followed, snickering.
"Aw, you know you love me!" He extended the word "love" to annoy me. I shook my head.
"Nope, I hope your chocobo goes crazy and you fall off." Giving a smirk of amusement, I tried shifting in the saddle as it bounced, the chocobo trotting down the trail. I had to grunt in slight displeasure, the ride was uncomfortable. The only thing running through my mind was how Tidus could stand this as we both made our way down to the docks of the island.
Since it wasn't blitzball season, the only ships that were there were ferries taking passengers to Kilika. I wondered what Tidus wanted to do here as he dismounted his chocobo and hopped down to the ground. I slid off my chocobo cautiously and followed him curiously. He walked down one of the docks to the very edge, watching one of the ships leave. I walked right up to him, and obviously my expression changed into a slight confused look. He grinned and pointed outward towards the boat, and I watched it. I looked back at him and he kept pointing, as if there was something specific in mind he had me to look out for. I took a step forward to take a closer look, trying not to lose balance from being so close to the edge. I couldn't see much so I squinted to see if it would help. I had my attention only on the boat.
Soon enough I felt myself loose balance, and flipping head-first into the water. In absolute shock, I sank, eyes closed and the pocket of air held in my lungs quickly exiting through my nose and mouth. Finally my arms and legs began to work as water slowly started to get lighter in color. The top of my head broke the water's surface, followed by my eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and then neck. Splashing and shooting my arm upwards, frantically I gripped the edge of the dock. My ears popped and I could hear Tidus's idiotic laugh. My other hand gripped the edge as well as I pulled myself back up, at least resting my upper body while my legs dangled. I gasped for breath before Tidus snorted and looked at me. I didn't have to look at him to know that he had that stupid grin plastered on his face. I only shook my head, dragging myself onto the dock. I stared at him before standing up.
"You know, you're lucky it's too hot to wear my jacket. With that heavy thing on, I probably would've drowned." I took a step closer to him, as he chuckled nervously and took a step back. At this point, I caught myself loosening up; I was going to scare him now.
"Hey! I was just kidding, Lionheart!" His laugh was now clearly nervous as I lunged at him. He tried sprinting away, but before he could get far, I grabbed his hood. I pulled him back, shoved one hand in between his legs and the other gripping on his shoulder. I grunted slightly, pulling him up as he squirmed and I held him up, just over my shoulder. Then as soon as I got close enough, I used my strength to throw him into the water as if he was a javelin. As he was flung forward he flailed wildly; looking like a baby bird trying to fly. I couldn't help but crack a small chuckle as I turned my back on him, walking back towards the chocobos. Faintly I could hear him calling out at me.
"Hey! Where are you going? Squall! Squall!"