Chapter 13 "I'm Zack, Zack Fair"
As they speed past world after world, Ven maneuvers his glider so he is beside Aqua. "So what's this world we are going to again?" He has to shout slightly to be heard while they fly.
"It's called Olympus Coliseum," Aqua replies pointing towards a large world with an ancient aura to it that has just appeared far ahead of them. "A famous trainer named Phil lives there. Master Eraqus has brought Terra and I here a few times for a different style of teaching."
"So this Phil guy teaches differently than Master Eraqus?" Ven asks.
"Yep," Terra says sliding his glider next to them. "But don't slack off Ven, Phil pushes hard."
…
They land outside the coliseum and as Ven dismisses his armor he turns on the spot to take in his new surroundings. Huge statues of warriors are the most noticeable feature towering over a large set of double doors that seem to lead inside the coliseum. On the other side of the walled in area is another pair of double doors. These are open and Ven can see a busy city beyond them. Next to these doors are large boards covered in lists of names and scores. In front of the board to the right of the doors is a short uhh...
"Terra, what is he?" Ven asks in wonder.
"A satyr," Terra says quietly walking forward towards him. "Half-man, half-goat." He clarifies seeing the confused expression on Ven's face.
"Oh," Ven says and the satyr pauses in his cleaning of the messy boards.
"Hey kid, I told ya, 100 reps," the satyr says without turning. "Don't tell me you finished already. Ya better get to it or I'll tack on a hundred more."
"Uh Phil," Aqua says but the satyr doesn't seem to notice.
"If ya wanna be a hero you're gonna have to buckle down and get to work. No more of this feet dragging."
"Phil," Terra says starting to laugh.
"What do ya want Herc? Can't you see I'm-" The satyr stops mid sentence as he turns around seeing Terra, Aqua, and Ven for the first time.
"Terra, Aqua baby!" He says. "Long time no see. Man you two have really grown. I remember when I used to be taller than ya both."
"Really? They must have been really young," Ven says looking critically at the short satyr.
"And what do you mean by that buddy," the satyr growls advancing on Ven threateningly. Ven backs up realizing for the second time today he has immediately offended a stranger by not thinking before he spoke. He really needs to get better at these first impressions.
"I...uh...well...uh," Ven mumbles nervously. The portly satyr may be short, but the hard glint in his eye warns Ven that he isn't a pushover.
"Who is this pipsqueak anyways?" The satyr asks turning to Terra and Aqua who are doing their best to hide their smiles. "Is he with you?"
"Yes," Aqua says in a pleasant voice trying to calm the hotheaded satyr. "This is Ventus. He just joined us a MEKA. Ven, this is Phil, the trainer we told you about.
"Oh, Phil," Ven says apologetically. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were the famous trainer Terra and Aqua were talking about."
"Hmph," Phil says frowning in Ven's direction. "I'll let it slide this time. But next time I'll have you eating dirt. Capisce?"
Ven nods quickly and Phil simmers down. Turning back to Terra and Aqua he says, "What are you guys doin' here?"
"We were hoping we could train here with you for the day," Aqua says.
"Sure thing sugarcakes," Phil says with a crooked smile. "I got a kid I'm training inside. He's got spunk and I think he can go the distance, but he's losin' sight of the big picture." He turns on his hooves and slowly leads them to the doors to the coliseum. "Maybe you two can set him straight again. Have you been gettin' better?"
"Of course!" Terra exclaims. "Just wait and see. Me and Aqua are almost ready to take our Mark of Mastery Exam."
"Are ya now?" Phil says a little surprised. "And what about that one?" He jerks his finger at Ven who had been walking slightly behind the others listening closely.
"Hey!" He shouts indignantly. "I'm right here y'know."
"Ven's still learning," Aqua says trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. "But he'll get there one day, I'm sure."
…
Walking into the arena, Phil puts two fingers to his lips and lets out a piercing whistle. The skinny boy who had been about to punch a barrel looks up at the sound and cocks his head in surprise seeing the group that had just interrupted his training. "Oi Herc!" Phil calls. "Get over here. I got some people I want ya to meet."
The boy named Herc hastily runs over to Phil nearly tripping over his large feet. "Hello," Herc says slightly out of breath. "I'm Hercules, but you can just call me Herc."
He stretches out his hand and Terra takes it giving him a firm shake. "I'm Terra."
Aqua shakes his hand. "Aqua."
Ven is slighlty surprised when the boy that appears to be about his age offers to shake his hand as well. But he grips Herc's hand saying, "Call me Ven."
"Nice to meet you all," Herc says. Then turning to Phil he says, "I broke 45 barrels in 18 min-"
"Hold yer horses Herc," Phil says interrupting him. "These aren't your average joes. These guys are the real deal. Heroes." Ven smiles at the compliment. "Well Terra and Aqua are at least."
Ven's face falls into a crushed expression and Terra punches him lightly in the shoulder.
"True heroes?" Herc says in wonder.
"Yep. Terra and Aqua are keyblade wielders. They've been protecting the worlds from darkness for years," Phil says.
"Hey I'm a keyblade wielder," Ven adds. "Does that mean I'm a hero too?"
"Not even close," Phil replies. "Just having a flashy sword doesn't make you hero material."
Ven's shoulders slump a little but he perks up when Phil then says, "But lets see what you can do. If you're not totally hopeless I might give you a few pointers."
"Can I show you what I got too?"
They turn to see another boy whose dark blue eyes stared out with a mischievous air through the slits in his helmet which masks most of his face. Phil groans and runs his hand over his face. "Sheesh, don't you ever give up?"
"No way!" The masked boy says. "I wanna to be the best and I gotta have the best trainer."
As Phil raises his eyes to the sky with a scowl, the newcomer ignores him looking around at the others. "I'm Zack, Zack Fair," he says cheerfully. They go around and introduce themselves as well. When they finish Phil frowns at Zack and says,
"I'll give you one shot. I need to see if Ven here is any good so why don't you spar with him. I ain't promising anything, but I admire your persistence."
"Yes!" Zack says pumping his fist into the air. "I won't let you down Phil. I'll show you I got what it takes to be a true hero."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Phil says not even listening. "Herc! Clear all these barrels. We need the arena."
"Yes Phil," Herc says running over to push all the barrels up against the stands out of the way.
"Well good luck," Zack says holding his hand out to Ven who takes it noticing for the first time how muscular his opponents arms are. For a brief moment, blue eyes meet blue eyes. Ven can tells from his eyes that Zack is smiling as he walks to the other side of the arena leaving Ven with Terra and Aqua as Phil has already climbed into the stands to watch the match. Ven watches him walk away feeling nervous for the fight.
"Ven."
Ven continues to stare at Zack as he warms up, swinging his sword around in his hands.
"Hey Ven."
"Hmm?"
Ven jumps slightly as a large hand suddenly waves right in front of his nose. He turns to find Terra smirking slightly at him and he can feel a little heat rush to his cheeks. "What?" Ven asks probably a little harsher than necessary.
"Nothin'," Terra says innocently. "Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention."
"Ignore him Ven," Aqua says. "Just do your best."
With a final smile of encouragement from Aqua and a smirk from Terra, Ven turns back to face Zack. Feeling a little apprehensive, Ven walks to the marked off arena unable to take his eyes off of Zack. As he walks he can hear Phil shouting out the rules of the match. "Alright I want a nice fair fight. No help from the onlookers. And don't under any circumstances kill each other."
"I'll try not to," Zack says with a grin making Ven lose concentration on what Phil is saying. Ven just stares at him unable to come up with a response that won't make him sound completely dumb. "Hey man, I was just kidding. Y'know, a joke?" Zack says.
"Haha right," Ven says hoping he isn't blushing. Phil's voice comes back to him.
"...three words, give it all you got."
Ven shoots Zack a confused look. Zack laughs, Ven can't help but smile. A piercing whistle rings out making Ven jump slightly. "Let's dance Ven," Zack says falling into a battle stance with his sword held out in front of him.
Ven reaches back summoning his keyblade in his backhand grip. "Gladly."
Zack is the first to charge, leaping forward with an overhead swing. Ven smirks and jumps back out of the way. Zack's sword cuts through the air where he had been moments before and clangs against the ground. Ven whips his keyblade around as he steps forward trying to catch Zack as he recovers from his miss, but Zack is able to raise his sword in time to deflect the slash. The deflection forces Ven away from Zack, but he goes with the momentum spinning around to bring his keyblade up horizontally to block Zack's follow up attack. Their swords smash against each other and neither gives way. They each push with all their might on the other and for a moment their faces are within inches of each other; so close that Ven can hear Zack's panted breath from under his helmet.
Zack begins to push Ven's keyblade back. Knowing that Zack will overcome his block, Ven jumps to the side hoping that Zack will fall forward off balance, but Zack keeps his balance and turns with Ven so they are still facing one another. Zack aims a hit at Ven's feet, but he jumps just in time to let the sword pass underneath him. Zack wastes no time in bringing his sword back around for a diagonal cut across Ven's chest. With a flick of his wrist, Ven deflects Zack's sword making Zack stumble. Seeing his opening, Ven quickly slashes again making small quick movements with his keyblade which force Zack to stay on the defensive. Zack deflects each swing, but is slowly backing up.
Ven grins broadly as he sees that he is gaining ground on his opponent. He starts swinging harder putting more and more behind each attack hoping to break through Zack's guard and land a hit. Cocky, Ven doesn't react fast enough when Zack jumps out of the way instead of blocking his attack. Caught off balance by the sudden change in fighting style, Ven is left wide open for Zack's attack that strikes him hard in the side. Zack turns his sword at the last second to avoid cutting Ven, instead hitting him with the flat side of his blade. It still hurts a lot. Ven stumbles back clutching his side with his non-sword hand. He backs up and watches Zack warily as he recovers from the immediate pain.
Ven and Zack slowly circle each other waiting for the other to make a move. Although his side is still paining him, Ven takes the initiative, running forward to resume the fight. Zack easily blocks Ven's first over head cut, but is caught off guard by Ven's faint right and strike left. Now it's Zack's turn to stumble back holding his ribs. Zack recovers faster than Ven did however and there is barely a pause before he is charging back with his sword held high. Ven steps forward to meet him and their blades lock together once again. Neither is giving way at the moment, but Ven knows that Zack will overcome him with sheer strength so instead of holding his block until he is forced to back down, Ven immediately turns away. Zack is able to get his sword up just in time to deflect Ven's stab at his chest, but he deflects Ven's strike up and Ven's keyblade hits the bottom of Zack's helmet knocking it off his head.
As the helmet comes off, Ven catches sight of Zack's spiky black hair, wild and untamed. The similarities are shocking. Ven can't help but let out a gasp as an image of Tay flashes before his eyes before fading into Zack. Zack's sword swings horizontally towards him and Ven snaps out of his stunned stupor to bring his keyblade up just in time to block the blow. However, as he was unprepared, Ven doesn't have his feet planted firmly, and the force of Zack's hit knocks him down. As he struggles to get up, Ven freezes as the cold point of a sword comes to rest on his throat and with a gulp he looks up.
Zack stands above him with his sword out. His chest heaves as he tries to recover from their battle. After a moment, he lets his sword drop and slicks his sweaty hair back with one hand. "That...was really fun," he says between deep breaths and with a grin he reaches out his hand to Ven. Still staring at him in disbelief, Ven wordlessly takes Zack's hand and lets him haul him to his feet. "Great match. You really know what you are doing," Zack continues not noticing Ven's intense stare.
"You too," Ven finally says forcing himself to release Zack's hand now that he is back on his feet.
"That was awesome guys!" Herc bounds over to them his face flushed in excitement like he had just been the one fighting. "I was sure it was going to be a draw."
"I'd say we were pretty evenly matched, right Ven?" Zack says turning to the blond who tries to smile back. "I mean this little guy got me pretty good." Zack lifts up his black tunic like shirt to inspect his ribs on the side Ven had struck him. A small bruise is forming, but Ven eyes are instead on the well defined six-pack on Zack's stomach.
As Zack puts his shirt back into place, Ven looks away hurriedly and says with a frown, "Who are you calling little guy?"
Laughing, Zack throws his arm around Ven's neck and roughly pulls him to his side. Ven is surprised but manages to shout indignantly, "You're only like two inches taller! It's not that much of a difference."
"Oh really? Then how come you can't get away from me?"
Ven strains in vain to free himself from Zack's grip, but Zack only holds him tighter. They are almost full out wrestling when Phil steps in.
"Alright, alright, break it up. The fight's over. Now get out of the arena so Aqua and Terra can show you dreamers how far you still gotta go."
Zack and Herc quickly hurry over to take seats in the stands as Terra and Aqua walked towards the fighting area. Ven watches Zack go, from the back where Ven couldn't see his blue eyes, he really does look like Tay.
"Nice job Ven," Terra says bring Ven's focus back to his two friends.
"You fought really well," Aqua says with a smile. She ruffles his hair before continuing to walk to the other side of the arena so she and Terra can face off. Ven goes to walk over to the stands when Terra stops him by grabbing his arm.
"Did something happen Ven?" He asks.
"What do you mean?" Ven replies not meeting his eyes.
"I mean when you knocked Zack's helmet off, you looked like you froze just for a second," Terra says and Ven bites his lip. "I know you like him Ven and didn't want to hurt him, but it seemed like something more was happening."
Ven chews his lip for a moment before saying softly. "He looks just like him."
"Just like who?" Terra asks, but before Ven can answer, Phil calls out,
"Oi! Clear the arena! Lets get this match started."
Ven hurries towards the stands calling to Terra over his shoulder, "Good luck!" Then glancing in Aqua's direction, he looks back and grins. "You're going to need it."
...
Braig looks up at the ringing of the bell over the door. Craning his neck to look across the overly crowded tavern, he catches a glimpse of the newcomer. He drums his fingers on the bar as he waits impatiently for the man to cross the room and sit on a stool a few spots down from Braig. His ratty black cloak, untamed beard, and wild eyes make others around the bar glance at him before moving away to be at safe distance. The only one not affected by the man's aura was Braig. His eyes narrow and he glances from the man on the bar stool to the name on the scrap of paper he held between his fingers. Hason Feld. Braig raises his eyes as the man curses and waves his hand at the bartender who hurries to bring him a drink. Ugly gold rings adorn his fingers and Briag nods to himself satisfied that this is indeed Hason.
As the bartender places a glass of whiskey in front of Hason, Briag gets up and moves to the stool next to Hason. The man gives him a sideways look that would have sent most men running, but Braig just smiles haughtily back. "Wipe that idiotic smile off your face, or I'll knock it off," Hason growls.
"Touchy, touchy," Braig says smirking. "Didn't mommy ever teach you to mind your manners?"
Hason stares at him incredulously, caught off guard. "Are you looking for a fight?"
"As if!" Braig replies signaling to the bartender to bring him another round. "I'm just looking to make a little conversation."
"Well I drink alone so get lost."
"Ah, but you are the one I want to talk to, Hason," Braig says.
Hason reacts immediately. Without hesitation, he flicks open a pocket knife and points is threateningly at Braig. "How do you know my name?"
"I'd put that away otherwise someone might end up hurt," Braig replies in a quiet voice. He lifts his jacket slightly so Hason can get a good look at the gun he has tucked into his waistband. After a moment, Hason closes the knife with a snap but doesn't put it away. "Excellent," Braig says letting his jacket fall back into place. "Now down to business, I've been looking for just a man like you with your experience. Little birdy told me that you keep an eye on all the lost puppies that travel these roads for a living."
"And who told you that?"
"Didn't catch his name," Braig says. "But it seems you have made quite a business of trading protection on the Highway for a small fee."
Hason regards him for a long moment before replying slowly. "People may give me a token of appreciation for keeping them safe from robbers and murderers, but what's it to you?"
"I was hoping you've heard of my...friend," Braig says lowering his voice. Hason unhappily leans in closer to hear him. "A boy, goes by Ven or Ventus. My boss has a special interest in finding those who know him."
Hason pulls away giving Braig a strange look before standing up tossing some loose coins on the bar. "Don't know him." He says shoving his knife back in his pocket and turning to leave. Braig waits a moment before standing as well and leaving his untouched glass on the bar. Outside, Braig spots Hason hurrying away down an alley.
"Was it something I said?" Braig calls coldly after him and Hason glances over his shoulder at him before breaking out in a run. With a sigh, Braig pulls out his gun and shoots at the man hitting him in the leg with a glowing bullet. Hason howls in pain and tumbles to the ground clutching his injured calf.
He hisses in anger as Braig crouches down next to him. "I'm not telling you nothing," Hason says his voice dripping in venom. "I'm not getting mixed up with you bastards."
"Oh?" Braig says idly poking Hason in his injured leg with his gun. "And who exactly do you think I am?"
"You're...you're with the prince's special police, aren't you? Why else would you be looking for that boy?"
"As if!" Braig says laughing darkly. "I work for someone much more powerful than your little prince. But since you brought it up, what do you know about Ventus and why would the prince of this world be looking for the brat?"
Hason just glares at him. Without batting an eye, Braig turns his gun and shoots Hason in the other leg. The other man grunts in pain and after a moment says in a defeated voice, "Alright, alright, I'll tell you what I know."
"I knew you would come around," Braig says. "Now start talking."
Through gritted teeth, Hason says, "I never messed with that kid Ventus. The trouble that keyblade of his stirred up wasn't worth it. Rumor has it that he even sent the monsters on a massacre in Whin. He got arrested, and disappeared into the King's Fortress for months. For some reason they didn't kill him and he got out. He's been seen a couple times out in the rough country. He's runnin'. Prince Keric's men have been searching high and low for him for months, but keep coming up empty."
Braig mulls this over before asking, "Why is this Prince Keric so intent on finding some little stray?"
"No clue, they don't exactly advertise," Hason says.
Nodding, Braig stands. "Thanks for the intel," he says smiling down at Hason. He lifts to gun to aim right between Hason's eyes. "But I can't have any loose ends hanging around now can I?" Hason's protests have no effect on Briag and with a single shot he lies unmoving in the dark alley.
Walking back out onto the main road, Braig pauses for a moment to get his bearings. At a brisk pace, he sets out in the direction of Whin, the capital of Carinol; this Prince Keric may just be the leverage Xehanort needs to bring Ventus around to their plans.
Congratulations to Mexi for guessing that Ven's bf is going to be Zack! Here is your virtual high five *smack*.
But that's for later, right now Ven just has a mega crush on him.
And Braig is such a scary dude! I thought of this scene in the bar in English class today and it gave me the drive to finish this chapter.
So as always hope you liked this chapter and give VenxZack a chance 'cause I think it's going to end up being really good.