Authors notes: I've done minimal proof reading on this one, I'm going to be away for a few days, but wanted you to have the chapter now instead of having to wait :)


A few days had passed since the dinner and Yurick was now onboard on Lowell, and Syrenne's matchmaking plans.

For Tifa it has been a rough couple of days, but progress had been made. Dagran however, still harboured concerns. Would their plan really work, and could the fist fighter really be able to handle the Inquisitor?

Chapter 9: Preparations For A Ball.

It was a beautiful morning, three days away from the grand ball. The sun shone in through the window, creating an illusion of warmth in the cosy living room. Autumn was soon upon the Island, and the islanders prepared themselves for the colder climate that would soon follow.

Dagran and Yurick had been in a heated discussion all morning. Both of them stood in the living room, glaring at each other. Lowell and Syrenne sat on the couch, observing the two bickering men, believing that they needed to sort this out – once and for all, without them interfering.

''Why, can't Zael know that you are alive?'' Yurick waived his arms in a wild gesture. ''Aren't you supposed to be childhood friends?'' he asked, voice laced with accusation. Trying to guilt trip his former leader.

''Give it a rest!I don't want him burdened with this,'' Dagran snapped back rather impatiently, as he turned his back to the frustrated mage. Glaring into the flickering flames in the open fire place. ''Zael is going to enter high society, he can't get himself involved with this. It could even ruin things for him and Calista. It's best to wait until after the ball...''

''Fine! But if we get caught, I'm not going to lie to him.'' Yurick answered grumpily. ''By the way, why did you stay away for so long?''

Dagran turned and looked at his friends, and was not surprised to find them all watching him. It was clear, that all of them wished to know that answer. He would not lie to them, but he feared the answer would only hurt their feelings. He looked down at the floor, not able to even look at them as he replied, ''I thought it was for the best...to stay away.''

''You...what?'' Lowell said, his voice filled with disbelief. He could now believe what had just come out of his friend's mouth. Did he really believe they wouldn't be happy to see him?

''He did not think, you could forgive him.'' Tifa interjected softly, walking into the crowed living room. Her high heeled shoes clicking softly against the old wood. Her walking was now completely relaxed, and she had a sexy sway to her hips. ''His guilt stopped him from reaching out to you.''

''I lied that day...''Dagran said with a guilt stricken face as he walked to stand next to Tifa. Taking strength in the fact that she supported him. ''I had completely lost control over my body, and I needed to be stopped.'' he paused for a few seconds to collect his thoughts, ''I never once viewed you as pawns to be used. I only said that in hopes of making you all angry enough to kill me. To stop me...''

''I think I can understand that...'' Yurick murmured softly. ''I would have probably done the same.''

Syrenne face broke into a smile at his words. It felt so good to finally know the truth and be able to enjoy the fact that he was alive, and stop second doubting all their memories together. ''That's all I needed to hear, so let's leave it at that.''

''Agreed, my sweet.'' Lowell concurred solemnly, his eyes meeting Tifa's briefly, and a grin broke out on his face. High time to set the ball in motion. He thought wickedly to himself, ''So, did the dress fit you, Tifa?''

''It fit perfectly.'' Tifa answered reluctantly. A scowl appeared on her lovely face as she got reminded of the monstrous dress. Annoyance quickly simmered to the surface of her emotions because she knew the small respite she had been given – had now passed. Time for more tedious lessons. ''Though, you can all forget the spectacle of ever seeing me walking with Dagran crawling under my dress...''

''You can't be abandoning the plan now?'' Yurick was now the one scowling, ''There is simply too little time left to make up a new one...''

''Of course not, but I refuse-'' Tifa was cut off.

''Then how do you propose we get him inside then?'' Syrenne asked curiously. Shoving Lowell in the side, so he would quit looking panicked about his ruined plans.

Tifa looked at Dagran and received nod of confirmation. She thought it best to simply show them, so she quickly focused her magic. Her thoughts clearing, as she silently commanded her Transform materia to do her bidding. A green light shone around her as her magic activated, and then a small cloud enveloped Dagran. At first glance after it disappeared, it appeared as if he had vanished into thin air, but on closer inspection he was still there. Only a few inches tall, standing in the exact same spot. She smiled at their dumbfounded expressions before she cast the counter spell. Allowing him to return to his real size.

''Whoa...'' The three ex mercenaries murmured in unison.

''He will still be beneath my skirts, but this will be easier on both of us.'' Tifa took the opportunity to finish explaining, while the trio was still awestruck. ''and less risk of us stumbling on each other.''

Lowell was the first to recover from their little magic show. His spirits soaring once again, since his plans would not be altered. He was still curious about the magic Tifa possessed, but there would be plenty of time to figure out that later. Now was the time to put his plan into action. ''Smart thinking, lass.'' he flashed her a casual smile, ''Now when that's settled, shall we continue your training? I believe you've got partner dancing left to learn.''

''And that's our cue to leave...'' Yurick and Syrenne said with a wink to the ice mage, then made themselves scarce. Practically stumbling on each other as they left for the kitchen. Completely ignoring the bewildered looking pair by the fire place.

''Oi! Yurick? Where are you going? Weren't you supposed to teach her the rest too?'' Dagran called out a bit confused, but no reply came. His eyes narrowed as the other man pulled out his worn fiddle and he realised what he had in mind. They had cleverly left out that, he was was the one who was going to have to teach Tifa how to dance the more intimate dances. Fully knowing he would have refused, if he had known from the start, ''Anything you'd like to share with the rest of the class, Lowell?''

Lowell feigned ignorance and sent his friend a fake questioningly look. Which only served to further agitate the other man, who's eyes were now angry slits. Perhaps they had been a bit rushed? Dagran was no fool, and if he caught on, he would make their plans impossible, just because he could. He had to placate him and fast! ''You know Yurick, he's not exactly a social butterfly...it became too much for him.'' he answered with a shrug.

''Too much?'' Tifa questioned confusedly. ''how-''

Lowell suppressed a smirk and moved closer to them. Making a big point of looking over his shoulder, at the closed kitchen door. ''Being so close to you made him uncomfortable...he was starting to become affected...'' he explained in a hushed tone, so Yurick would not hear him. ''He did not want it to become a big deal, and he knew Dagran could dance, so he simply choose to do other stuff rather than making a fool out of himself.''

''I see...'' Dagran was not convinced, but seeing the uneasy look in Tifa's eyes and the red coloring her cheeks, made him put that aside. For her sake. This was hard enough on her as it was, there was no need in adding to her insecurities by him refusing to dance with her. He nodded to Lowell who immediately started to play a soft, romantic tune. ''All right then, shall we?'' he asked warmly, and held out his hand to her.

Tifa accepted his invitation and gently slid her hand in his. She let him draw her into his arms, silently obeying his unspoken instructions, as he placed her other hand on his shoulder as his hand gently came to rest on the small of her back. He started explaining the basics, and she listened, but found herself more intrigued by how wonderful it was to be close to him. She was nervous, it felt like there were butterflies in her stomach, but at the same time she was excited. When she was a little girl, she dreamt that her first real romantic dance would be with a dashing suitor at a ball. Granted, Dagran was not her suitor, but he was dashing enough and sure, they were not at a ball, but this was still her first romantic dance. At least some part of her silly childhood fantasy had come true. They started moving slowly, her first steps were more like stumbles, but soon they move in harmony with the soft tune Lowell is playing.

''The basics are looking good Tifa.'' Lowell warmly encouraged as he watched the pair. His fingers dancing on the strings on his fiddle as he kept playing the appropriate dance tune. ''Now twirl her, mate!''

''Now, we'll first change the grip of our hands. See this as a signal for the twirl to come.'' Dagran calmly instructed and showed her slowly, almost like he was caressing her hand. Then he raised his arm above her head, her hand gently clutched in his. ''Now, slowly follow my lead, and I will guide you in a circular motion. When you once again face me, we will revert back to the standard grip of our hands.''

Lowell smirked to himself as he released the spell he had been building up. He concentrated on a small spot behind Tifa, and just as Dagran was about to twirl her, a icy spot appeared on the worn floor boards. As expected, the beautiful fist fighter lost her balance and the ever chivalrous Dagran came to her rescue. Easily reaching out, catching her and pressing her against him for support.

''Are you all right?'' Dagran murmured slightly out of breath, his face mere inches away from hers. He noticed how her gaze suddenly became even more warmer than usual and it ignited the same feelings from yesterday. Lust simmered lazily to life like with any attractive woman, her soft curves spoke to him, but there was something else which allured him, something undeniably Tifa. Holding her like this felt so right to him, like that's where she was supposed to be. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, so the concept was foreign to him. Was this how love felt?

''Thanks...'' Tifa slipped from their tight embrace. Standing once more on her own to feet and already missing the feel of being in his arms. ''I'm fine, though I don't think the same thing can be said about my ego.'' she let out a nervous chuckle.

''You are doing just fine,'' Dagran smiled reassuringly at her. ''Practise makes perfect, so are you ready for a second round?'' he challenged her and offered his hand to her again.

''Bring it on!'' Tifa declared playfully and not only accepted his hand, but yanked him towards her. She laughed in delight when he stumbled into her arms with a surprised look on his face.


It was the day before the ball and everyone was on edge. Tifa emerged from her room and saw Dagran standing over by the window. He seemed to be in deep thought as he stared down onto the garden. She took a moment to just stand there, admiring his handsome face. The dark circle's under his were still there, but they did no longer feel as prominent as before.

The rain outside slowly drove people off the streets, and into their homes. Everyone wanting to avoid the cold which the bad weather bought with it. Dark clouds veiled the sun and darkened the skies, making the hour feel later than it actually was. The weather suited Dagran's mood quite well. He was more worried about the plan than he liked to admit. He was the only one who knew, just how dangerous that Edward could be.

I know she can fight, but will her unique style be enough? All men can use their fists when fighting, will she be able to handle him alone, if needed? He thought for himself as he watched the rain fill the streets with water.

''A penny for your thoughts?'' Tifa asked softly as she moved to stand behind him. She peered into his face by looking into the reflection on the window. Her eyes softening when she caught him glancing back at her in the reflection. Worry was evident on his face.

''Will you spar with me and the others?'' He asked her seriously, his eyes hardening slightly as he turned to look at her. ''I need to know, just how strong you are.''

''Sure.'' Tifa replied with a bob of her head, her hands reaching behind her back, pulling out a pair of simple leather gloves. She slipped them on and flexed her fingers before braiding her hair. To keep it out of her way. ''Lead the way...''

Together they walked downstairs and into the kitchen. Their friends all looked up at them from the kitchen table. Dagran's serious features made the two men merely nod in acknowledgement, understanding what their friend had in mind. He had asked them earlier about wishing to test Tifa's abilities, so they had already agreed on participating.

''You will be facing the three of us. That way we can really test your abilities.'' Dagran said calmly and observed how a brief surprise swept across her face. ''Don't hold anything back, all right?''

'I understand...I'll just go out ahead of you, I need to stretch my muscles.'' Tifa answered, giving him a serious look as she past him. They three men silently watched her walk out the door with determined steps. The playful sway of her hips was now gone and out walked a fighter.

''I'll get the wooden swords.'' Yurick announced and went to fetch said items as the remaining two men slowly made towards the backdoor.

''Don't get yerselves hurt now, all right?'' Syrenne called from the stove, where she stood and prepared dinner. Her eyes met with Dagran's and the look she gave him was crystal clear: He was not to overdo the training so somebody got hurt.

Tifa had just finished stretching when she saw the three men walking down the hill, leading down to the meadow by the creek. She immediately noticed the three wooden swords, each of them were holding and suddenly felt a little nervous. Aside from the fighting in the sewers, it had been quite some time since she last fought, let alone sparred with several opponents at once. She had been a bit rusty when she fought the bandits, so she had no illusions that this fight would be much different. She took a deep breath and emptied her mind on all thoughts. Just like her old teacher had taught her. All she could do was to do her best, and try to put Dagran's worries to rest. She eased into her usual fighting stance and nodded to them.

''Okey then, let's see how well you do against magic!'' Dagran announced, all traces of warmth gone from his eyes. ''Do you're thing, Yurick.''

Yurick who stood at his side merely nodded his head. He channelled his powers in preparation for the spells he would soon unleash. He cast a last glance towards the determined looking fist fighter before he started levitating. He did not really think this was a fair fight, but it was the best way to test her abilities. Magic sizzled in the air as he chanted the words to summon fire.

Lowell and Dagran raised their swords and spread out. Their eyes closely watching her still form, not really knowing what to except from her. The rain poured down around them, making the ground wet and slippery. They all needed to watch their steps carefully.

Tifa easily evaded the first set of fireballs flying her way by back flipping, gracefully landing on her feet. She took off sprinting directly towards Yurick, ignoring the two swordsmen. Fast on her feet, she reached him in a matter of seconds. She neutralized his second fire spell by conjuring a reflect spell. He barely had time to doge his own fireballs before she tackled him to the ground.

Yurick whizzed as the wind got knocked out of him and he desperately started to cough for air. Another green light flared around her, and his eye widened when he was stuck with a silencing spell. Effectively stopping him from using his magic, and even out the odds in her favour. He tried to throw her off him, but she merely responded by punching him the stomach. ''Damn you're efficient...'' he groaned weakly.

Tifa grinned and jumped off him, dragging him up by the collar. She took a glance over her shoulder to keep track of the other two men, and found them nearly upon her. Not wasting more time, she held up her hand inches away from Yurick's face. ''Stop...'' she murmured, making him unable to attack and participate in the battle. Her time was out, Lowell was preparing a spell and Dagran getting ready to attack. Feeling the need to act fast, she jumped high into the air and threw Yurick towards Lowell. He slammed right into his friend, effectively stopping his spell as they fell into a heap on the grass. ''One down, two to go.'' Tifa said with a smirk as she landed on her feet.

Dagran advanced on her, he knew better than to charge her, so he summoned a ice spell and threw it her way. He was surprised when she responded by standing her ground and watching him. The large ice block racing towards her at an alarming rate. So far she had already managed to put some of his worries to rest. She is both strong and a very resourceful fighter. ''Don't get over confident!'' He countered.

''Then don't hold back!'' She shouted back and squared her shoulders. She deflected his spell, by punching the ice block square on. Shattering it into tiny shards that flew all around her. That lapse in her focus on Dagran had been enough for him to jump behind her. Before she could do anything, pain exploded in her shoulder, as he struck down hard with his sword. ''Aargh!'' she cried out and dodge rolled away from him.

''I'm not.'' He tore after her.

Tifa continued to doge and evade his attacks until she found an opening. It was hard, he struck with precision and with meaning behind every stroke. She purposely left him an opening, and he immediately dove for it. She back flipped and quickly attacked the moment she landed back on her feet. Since it happened so fast he himself had left himself open for a brief second, which she took to her advantage. She delivered a hard kick right to his stomach, making him fly backwards onto the slippery grass.

Lowell tried to land a sneak attack, but he received an elbow right in the stomach. She turned and kicked his left leg, making him knell before her. He managed to parry a few of her flurry of punches, but he was no match for a martial arts fighter. He bided his time until he saw Dagran back onto his feet before acting. She managed to deliver yet another mind blowing punch, which rendered him dazed. In a last effort he swung his sword and struck her shin, knowing it would hurt like hell. He followed up by shoving her onto her back before complaining on the ground. ''She's all yours Dagran!''

Dagran swung his sword and she barely had time to roll away before he continued his assault. He showed her no mercy as he continued to tire her out by hacking his sword at her. Her movements where not as graceful as before, thanks to the hits she had taken to her shin and shoulder. For each stroke of his sword, she rolled away more slowly, soon he would get a direct hit on her. ''I admire your determination, but isn't it time to surrender? Before you get hurt...'' he taunted her with a smirk.

''I'll make you eat those words!'' Tifa shot back, accepting his unspoken little challenge. She had already estimated that he was the better fighter than her, and the only way to win was to surprise him. She decided to go all out in a last attack. She waited until he raised his blade once more and used both her legs, and kicked both of his legs out from under him. As he fell backwards she rose onto her feet, ignoring her pains by doing so. She quickly tackled him, grabbing his sword arm and managed to wrestle the blade from him. It hit the ground with a low thud. Then she quickly stranded his hips, jamming her knee hard into his stomach. She smirked when she hears him grunt at the discomfort. His glared up into her eyes as they continued to struggle.

''Ha! Don't get cocky.'' He sneered at her and punched her hard in her stomach, taking her completely off guard. Then he flipped them around so she found herself on her back, her eyes wide when noticing his face mere inches away from hers. She started to fight his grip on her arms, but only managed to squirm her legs free and she wrapped them around his hips. He felt her squeezing him as hard as she could, trying to inflict enough pain for him to loosen his grip on her. All it accomplished was pressing him further down onto her, which had an entirely different effect than she wanted. He did loosen his grip on her, but not out of pain.

Tifa had regretted her action as soon as she did it. She continued to struggle, but she could see a change in his eyes the second he laid flush against her. She was not the only one being affected by this, but she was not so confident to think the change in his eyes was because of her. Any man would probably react like that. She on the other hand was attracted to him so her own reaction to him was very real and very hard to hide. Quickly she used the chance given when he loosened his grip and gave him a brutal head butt.

''Damn it'' He swore as he was pushed off her and down onto the wet grass. He quickly jumped up onto his feet. Ignoring the blood that flowed from his nose. He parried a few punches before delivering a hard kick to her side. Before she could recover he tackled her onto the ground. Stranding her back and grabbed her arms, holding them in an iron grip behind her back. ''This is enough...'' he said breathing heavily. He released her when she nodded her head.

''You better be done playing? Dinner's ready!'' Syrenne yelled from the top of the hill, looking down on her four muddy friends. She laughed when four set of tired eyes looked up at her. ''Ha! You lot looks like pigs.''

''We are definitely done!'' Yurick responded with a tired groan as the seal spell wore out. He crawled onto his feet, and then brushed off most of the mud from his face before walking up the hill. ''I never want to be under her magic again...''

''She really did a number on you, love?'' Syrenne teased Lowell who still looked like he saw stars in front of his eyes. She smiled at Yurick as he walked up beside her. ''So how did she measure up?''

''I'm quite well, my love.'' Lowell replied as he stood up and gave her his usual cocky grin. ''I'm not so easily bruised up, as you well know.''

''None has ever beaten Dagran, but she bested us two.'' Yurick answered her question and cast a glance at Tifa. Finding his former leader giving her a helping hand in standing up. ''I'd say she's on the same level as you, Syrenne.''

''I agree.'' Dagran released her hands, ''Now I feel more at ease. But remember, if things get out of hand, kill the bastard okay?'' He told her seriously.

''I understand.'' She replied calmly and touched his broken nose. ''Full cure.'' She watched as the bleeding stopped and the nose mend itself.

''Let's go inside and get you guys cleaned up.'' Syrenne inspected her dirty friends a little more closely, ''And hurry it up, I'm starving.''

''You did good, my girl.'' Lowell complimented and shook Tifa's hand. ''You are a very good fighter.''

''Good? She was mad.'' Yurick complained and rubbed his back as he walked next to Dagran and Syrenne. His blue eye narrowing when Tifa gave him a curious look.

''Thank you, Lowell.'' Tifa replied tiredly and cast her healing spell on the two men to ease their pain. They smiled at her in return. ''But, I barely beat you and I was certainly no real match for Dagran.''

''Tell us about it! We have never beaten him either...'' Lowell told her as he walked closer to their silent leader. ''Aww, his ego has finally gotten the better of him, he's speechless.''

''Don't worry that ugly little head of yours.'' Dagran smirked and patted his friend's back. He flashed them all a big grin before turning his attention back to Lowell. ''My ego's just fine, thank you.''


Dagran and Tifa had been moved upstairs, to one of the three guest rooms. They were given what the bar owner's called the family room, it consisted of two bedrooms and a small bathroom. The first room was the larger bedroom with a double bed, and the two doors lead to the bathroom and the tiny bedroom with a single bed. This room was mostly rented out to small families, but since it stood empty and the two companions were used to live with each other, they did not mind doing so again. It was also to their advantage, to hide up there if someone they knew came by to visit the bar. It would look less suspicious, than if they had stayed in the room next to Lowell and Syrenne. The rooms were nicely decorated and they even had a small bookcase that held a small variety of books.

Dagran walked out of the bathroom and spotted Tifa by the bookcase, standing on her toes to reach a book. He found himself staring at her long, bare legs. Remembering how her body felt against his on that meadow. How her legs had fit perfectly around his hips and how soft everyone of her curves had been. He inwardly cursed himself for staring at her bottom like a hormonal teenage boy. He was a grown man able to control his urges, though he could not deny she made a tempting site. She wore a short, black sleeved top, and a pair of matching booty shorts. Her long damp hair hung free down her back, like a mass of brown silk. ''Need a hand?'' he walked up behind her and grabbed the book. She turned around and smiled up at him when he handed her the book she couldn't reach. Their fingers brushed slightly, sending shivers through his body. He took a step back, as if his hand just got burned and failed to notice the sad look in her eyes.

''Thanks.'' Tifa responded softly and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. ''By the way, where did you, learn to fight like that?''

Dagran was caught of guard by her sudden question, he blinked a few times before answering. ''I am self taught.''

''You're very skilled.'' she murmured as she passed him and walked over to her bedroom door. She looked over her shoulder at his back. Her eyes softened when observing him, her heart fluttered as he turned towards her with an arched eyebrow. Must he always look at me, like that? Like he can see every time I'm thinking about him...

''Something on your mind?''

''Well, I was wondering what you're thinking about doing, when were have accomplished our goal.'' She explained while hugging the book to her chest. ''Do you have any plans?''

''I haven't really thought about that. I guess I'll continue as a mercenary...'' He answered, but paused to think about it. I want to live my life, free from my past and finally pursue my own happiness. A voice answered inside his mind as he looked at her. ''Why do you ask?''

''I...Forget that I asked.'' She answered with a odd look on her face before walking into her own room. Leaving the handsome mercenary behind. She let out a sigh and threw the book onto the bed, worry and questions about the future filling her mind. She jumped slightly when feeling his warm hand on her right shoulder.

''Whatever the future holds, you are always welcome to be a part of it.'' Dagran spoke from behind her, having figured out what troubled her. He wanted to say more, but he was still unsure about the confused feelings he was experiencing. He smiled when feeling her body relaxing. ''Good night, Partner...''

''Good night, Dagran.'' She replied softly with a smile on her face. She heard him close the door and she crawled into bed. She let out a relieved sigh as she opened the book. At least, I won't be all alone.

Dagran's future was depending on the outcome tomorrow. The group had done everything in their power to prepare for the ball. Tifa was determined to give it her all, in order to help her best friend be free of his past.

The question now was, would it be enough?