"Pass the Ball here Wakka!" Tidus yelled with his arms in the air. "Here! Here!"
"No!" Selphie called in response." Me! Me!"
Wakka rolled his tongue in his mouth as his eyes flashed from one to the other. In his right hand was his signature kickball. While he waited to decide who he'd throw it to he spun it on his index finger. But the decision proved to be too much for him. And instead left it up to chance.
"Let's try this." He said, clapping his hand onto the ball. At the same time stepping back and stomping down with his right foot. Revving up for a big kick.
"Whoever gets the ball is the Winner!" He didn't want to hear of an agreement or even acknowledgement to his terms. All Wakka wanted to do was kick the ball as hard, as high and as fast as he could. Dropping the ball from his hand he prepared to do just that. Kicking not only the ball high into the air but some sand as well." SURF'S UP!" He cheered proud of his work.
"Ohhh!" Selphie groaned as the shadow of the ball passed over her. There's no way she was fast enough to catch up to it. But Tidus was more optimistic.
"I got it! I got it!" He said even before the ball was anywhere near him. As the shadow passed over Selphie he knew it was his chance. He turned and ran in the direction the ball was headed.
Making sure to keep the ball in his sights at all times. Head cocked over his shoulder to look into the sky. He went from kicking up sand on the beach to sandals slapping against stone.
"I got it! I got it!" He assured his friends who were well out of earshot and to himself as the ball began to fall closer and closer to him."I -OOF!" He exclaimed. His run came to a sudden halt.
Rubbing his head Tidus tried to push himself to sit upright. He felt winded. As if he'd run into a wall or a tree. But then the tree began to talk.
"HEY?!" growled a particularly angry voice. Before Tidus knew it he was plucked off feet and dangled off the ground." WHat do you think your doin, ya know!" demanded a particularly dull sounding voice. But it was the one holding Tidus in the air.
"Clumsy!" added another voice. A softer voice. But just as mean as the previous.
Tidus looked to the source of the two voices. They were both kids. Both strangers. He had never seen either of them here before.
"Why don't ya watch where you're going, ya know?!" the first boy said angrily. Shaking Tidus in the process.
"Stupid!" the blue-haired girl added.
"I- I'm sorry!" Tidus let out. Unsure of what he was apologizing for exactly. But knowing he wanted to be back on the ground. And out of trouble.
"If it were up to me I'd knock you into next Tuesday!" the boy said. He slowly turned around as if looking for an answer. Tidus followed his gaze to see that there was a third stranger present.
The first thing Tidus realized was that he was wearing a black beanie. Not really the kind of hat one would wear to a day at the Beach. And under that beanie was a pair of cold, sharp eyes. Blue like the ocean but stern like a storm. There was determination. A keenness, a meanness behind those eyes, made even worse by the scar that ran between them.
"Seifer!" the third stranger was asked." What do ya want me ta do ya know?!"
"Punish!" The girl suggested. Tidus did not want to know what that would the stranger identified as Seifer did not seem interested in that notion. He only continued to look at Tidus with those cold determined eyes.
"Listen here, kid." He said pointing a finger at Tidus." I'm gonna ask you a question. And you're gonna give me an answer." Tidus gulped down a breath. He was ready to say anything so long as it meant he wouldn't get hurt. Seifer did not wait for acknowledgement and instead asked his question." Have you seen a guy with a scar like mine." He pointed to his own for emphasis." Has a sword that looks like a gun?" Tidus blinked in confusion. It wasn't the kind of question he was expecting to be asked. But he quickly remembered that his failure to answer might result in physical pain.
"...No..." He answered finally. Seifer grumbled his annoyance.
"Waste of my time." he said with an annoyed sigh. He turned his back to Tidus." Let him go, Rai." He continued with a wave. At that the boy who held Tidus dropped him roughly to the ground.
Seifer's gang moved away from him to huddle around their leader.
"Still hope." Fuu said moving up to his left.
"Yea ya know!" Rai added." We can check the other side of the island. I bet someone will have seen something there." They continued to talk amongst themselves while Tidus picked himself up. Shaking the sand out of his pockets. He Was ready to leave the trio of strangers to their business when he realized something.
Tucked under one arm Seifer had Wakka's ball. As Tidus crashed into Rai, Seifer must have caught the ball.
"Hey." Tidus announced cutting into whatever important conversation the trio was having. As each turned back to him, it was clear they didn't like being interrupted." That's mine." Tidus pointed. The six eyes followed the finger's trail to see it land on the ball.
"This?" Seifer asked, holding it up." You want this?
"It's mine." Tidus told. "Well.. it's actually my friend's." Seifer snorted.
"Then he can come get it. Unless..." He took the ball in both hands and held it out before himself." your gonna take it from me?" He said it more as a dare rather than a question. Tidus looked at him confused.
"That doesn't belong to you." That didn't seem to persuade anyone.
"I'm holding it. That means it's mine."
"Yeah. "Fuu agreed, nodding her head.
"It doesn't belong to you." Tidus stated. Seifer was not deterred. He let his stipulations be known. But he said it harsher this time so there would be no confusion.
"If you want it, TAKE IT!" Tidus realizing he had no other choice but to act reached out for the ball. His fingers brushed it when Seifer pulled it out of his reach. Raising it above his head.
The smirk across his face made Tidus feel smaller but he knew he had to get the ball back. He tried again, this time reaching out with both hands. But all Seifer had to do was extend his arm up, holding the ball above his head and well out of Tidus' reach. Even jumping he couldn't reach it.
Finally Seifer had enough of this display and pushed Tidus with his free hand. Sending the boy falling onto his back in the sand.
Rai let out a big belly laugh. And looked as if he might fall over.
"Is that your Best?!" Seifer laughed, already guessing himself that it was. Tidus knew there was nothing he could do just stayed down in the sand. "Pathetic!" Seifer yelled kicking a wave of sand onto the downed boy.
"That's enough!" commanded a sharp voice. The trio from Twilight Town turned towards the source of the newcomer.
His hair was black, his eyes were blue and the scowl across his face read grim determination. Seifer was not impressed by him.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Zack. And you." He pointed a finger at Seifer. "You're going to return that ball. "Seifer glanced at the ball in his hand to Zack.
"Or what." His eyes narrowed. Zack was ready with the reply.
"I'll make you." The threatening tone of his voice made it clear that he was willing to act on it.
"You don't know who you're dealing with ya know!" Rai cheered.
"No idea!" Fuu echoed. Zack was not concerned with the background noise and instead kept his attention solely on Seifer.
"Give it back." He said once more.
At first Seifer held the ball out with his arm fully extended, looking as if he was giving in to the demand. But Seifer was never one to be told what to do. But he fooled everyone when he pulled his free arm from behind his back revealing his struggle bat.
And one solid hit from that bat sent the ball flying into the air. The group watched it rise high into the sky until it was nothing more than a dot in the distance.
Scowling Zack turned back to a smirking Seifer.
"You want it, go and get it." He chuckled. Tidus, ready for an excuse to leave this bad situation, quickly ran off after the ball. Watching him go only gave the Twilight Town trio something harder to laugh at.
"Look at him go!" Rai pointed. The only one who wasn't laughing was Zack.
"Shouldn't you go get the ball?" Seifer continued at him." You wanted it so bad. You two losers can go play together." By then Zack had heard enough.
"You need to learn some manners." A cloud of dust and sand appeared at his side. When it cleared a long slender sword in his hand.
"Whoa!" Fuu gasped upon seeing it. Seifer however was delighted.
"Finally... some action."
Meanwhile at the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee.
Tifa was the only one awake. She was usually one of the first ones off. Aside from Cid who had already left to go to his workshop. And Yuffie who would sleep close to noon.
She was busy buttering her bagel when she heard a soft thump on the nearby windowsill. Turning round she saw a black cat with a small top hat sitting there.
He meowed at her to which she responded with a happy Good Morning.
Tifa knew what he was here for. She put down her bagel and went into the kitchen for the milk. Picking out a pan she filled it up and turned back to him.
"Here you go. "She said while giving Scat Cat a pat on the head." Breakfast is served." Looking down she saw that Scat Cat was not alone. Down under the window were several others. Big and small. skinny and fluffy." Ah you brought
the whole gang. "She said to their leader. Then knelt down to set the dish amongst them. It didn't take long for them to dig in.
"Enjoy." Tifa said with a smile. Before turning around and walking back into the kitchen. She assumed the cats would enjoy their breakfast.
She turned back to the bagel. when she heard a loud crash coming from the alleyway.
"What the?!" She let out. She looked towards the open window but saw no Change from when she saw it a few moments earlier. But she did hear the angry hissed of cats, a disgruntled voice. And the sounds of trash cans being knocked over.
"WHATS GOING ON?!" She yelled as she leaned out the window. There she got a good look At what all the noise was about.
The milk bowl had been kicked over. Its contents spilt all over the ground. At the same time a round figure stood up in the alleyway. Holding an alleycat in each hand. While others clawed and hissed at his feet.
At Tifa's exclamation the fighting and yelling stopped to a halt. All turning and looking at Tifa in disbelief.
A moment later the alley cats fled the scene. Running around the building and down the street. The upright stranger stayed.
"Hmph!" He spat a tongue out to the fleeing cats." Stupid flee bags." He grumbled as if he was alone. Wiping away at his shoulders and arms as he did so.
"What are you doing?" Tifa asked. Pete turned and looked at her with a slight sneer. Based on his narrowing eyes Tifa expected a nasty comment.
Instead he bent down and picked up the milk dish.
"Dis yours?" He asked extending it towards her.
"Yea." She nodded. He snickered before running his tongue across the dish then let out a refreshing "Ah".
"Well here ya go." He extended an Arm and handed it back to her.
"Thanks." She accepted it. It seemed as if she might go back inside to clean the dish off, so he quickly spoke. Keeping her right where he could see her.
"Now wait a second. While I got ya here, I'd like to ask a question." Tifa blinked aT him, remembering the time a stranger appeared asking her questions.
"And what's that?"
"I'm new in town ya see. And I'm here looking for something really important."
"Looking for what?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Pete gave a casual glance from left to right. Looking for any onlookers or eased toppers. When he was certain the coast was clear he leaned in and spoke in a whisper.
"I'm looking for a box."
"A box?" She blinked. Pete nodded in reply." What kind of box? A cardboard box? A jewelry box?" But none of her examples seemed to be correct.
"A black box." He clarified.
"Big Box? Small Box?"
"I don't know."
"What's inside?"
"I uh I don't know."
"Then how do you know what you're looking for?" He bit at his lip annoyed.
"I just know it's a black box." Tifa shrugged her shoulders.
"Sorry." Pete let out a tired breath, his shoulders sagging as a result. It seems like he was back to square one.
"Bah." He grunted." Just another big waste of my time." He turned and walked away.
"Have a good day." Tifa waved to him. He gave a half hearted one over his shoulder in regards. A few more steps and he disappeared around the corner.
Unbeknownst to Tifa, Leon had poked his head out the nearby window and saw her.
"What are you doing in the alley?" He asked. Tifa turned around with a gasp.
"You scared me." She said with some relief.
"How? I live here. Why were you in the alley?" She showcased the empty dish to him.
"Just giving some milk to the cats." He grumbled his reply.
"Well... you should come back inside." Not that he had to tell her she was already doing that.
"Your not busy today are you?"
"I don't know, I hadn't planned it all out yet." She admitted.
"Take Kay with you." Leon let out suddenly."... Please.." He remembered to add.
"Why?" Leon glanced over his shoulder making sure the big knight was not closeby. But then to be extra careful he leaned in quietly an answered.
"It's very important."
"Cryptic." Tifa said rolling her eyes. Leon let out an exhale. Snorting of desperation and dread. Both common vibes he often gave off. "Fine. Fine." She eventually relented and threw her hands up." But you owe me!" She pointed a finger at his face, just tapping the bridge of his nose.
"Fine." He grumbled turning away. And in Tifa's line of sight, she was replaced with on big brooding figure for another. But she said she'd doing this thing so here it goes.
"KAY!" She exclaimed raising both arms above her head. The red-headed knight jolted in place before turning to her.
"Y-Yes?" He asked unsure.
"Would you mind coming to help me with something at the Bailey?" The Knight looked at her curiously. One brow raised above the other.
"What for?" She followed his confused eyes to Leon. no doube he had expected the two of them to go out today just like they did everyday. And like Leon he wouldn't like the change to his routine.
"Isn't it th job of noble knights to help girls on their quests?" She seemed to have caught him off guard with that comment.
"uh-YES!" he let out jumping to his feet. In doing so knocking his head against a low hanging beam."OAF!OW!" He groaned grabbing at the top of his head with both hands.
"Oh!" Tifa winched." That looked like it hurt. Do you want an ice pack?"
"No, No, No." Kay said straightening out and clearing his throat." I'm fine, I'm fine." He brought one hand up and rubbed the sore spot on his head. Trying to hide the pain of doing so." Now where are we going?"
"The Marketplace." She said with a clap of her hands. "Follow me."
"I thought we were going to the Bailey?" Kay said not having moved from his spot.
"We are" Tifa said turning back to him." But first we have to go to the Marketplace."
With both hands on his great sword Zack held it high above his head. Seifer saw his reflection flash in the sword's light for a second before being replaced by the sun. Instintively he rolled out of the way just as Zack came swinging down. Forcing him to bury his blade halfway into the sand.
"Slowpoke." Seifer snickered after rolling to his feet. Looking over his shoulder. Zack was not detered. Pulling his sword from the sand he jumped after Seifer and swung again, this time horizontally.
Smugly Seifer ducked back allowing the blade to pass over his head only to pop back up once it had passed.
"Missed again." He laughed once back to his full height. Next Zack did not swing his sword but instead charged forward. Driving his armored shoulder into Seifer's body and pushing him across the sand.
After a few steps Zack reached out with his free arm to grab the hero of Twilight Town by the shirt. Then with ease lifted him up over his head and threw him across the sand.
With a grunt and a groan Seifer crashed down face first into the sand.
"Seifer!" Fuu gasped.
"Get up ya know!" Rai added.
Picking his head up Seifer spat the sand from his mouth before pushing himself upright. The heat of the sun was blocked out as Zack loomed over him. Casting a long shadow across the young hero.
"Had enough?" He dared to ask. Seifer played it off as if he still had sand in his ears. Looking up at him with disinterest.
"Blllllllpppppppphhhh." His lips pattered as he spat out more sand. Trying to get as much of it onto Zack's shoe's as possible. "Is that all you've got."
Zack scowled angrily and his eyes narrowed. In all his travels, in all the worlds he'd been too he'd not found a more unpleasant and ruder individual. He gripped his sword tighter.
"Then get on your feet!" He commanded." I'll not stoop so low as to attack you while you're off-guard." Now it was Seifer's turn to get angry.
In one swift motion he kicked out his leg, managing to knock both of Zack' out from under him. One moment he was standing up, the next he was on his back.
"NEVER COUNT ME OUT!" Seifer commanded. And at the conclusion of his statement thrust something into Zack's face. At first he thought it was a sword.
But it wasn't long enough, and it wasn't sharp. His next thought was that it was a mace or club of some kind. That proved to be the better of his assumptions.
With his arm stretched out fully Seifer bobbed the struggle bat back and forth before Zack's face. But he wouldn't keep it there just to show Zack the tip, he
was ready to use it. And unlike Zack he had no misgivings about when to use it.
One swing strike across the face send Zack folding over and onto the ground.
"Dirty move!" Zack declared.
"There's no rules in a street fight!" Seifer answered.
Meanwhile at Hollow Bastion.
"Is that the last of it?" Kay grumbled behind her." I thought we were headed to the bailey."Ahead of him Tifa navigated the crowd much more easily. Slipping between people as she went from one shop to the next.
"I just need to get a few more things then we'll be on our way." Tifa told. Kay although visibly annoyed did not voice any objections. He followed after Tifa holding the items in both hands.
"HEY!" Let out a sudden roar across the courtyard. Tifa turned sharply looking for the source. Kay turned on his heels expecting some threat or battle coming there way.
Instead it was only a petite little ninja hoping towards them. Pouting Yuffie came to a halt before them both hands on her hips.
"Oh Yuffie. "Tifa greeted. "What are you doing here?"
"What are YOU doing with HIM?" Shesaid with narrowed eyes looking from one to the other. Does Leon know about this?"
"Yes." Tifa answered quickly. Though she couldn't give Leon's reasoning for it." He was busy."
"I'm helping today." Kay added. Yuffie looked from Tifa to Kay back to Tifa.
"Well... Alright. "She relented after a pause." But only so long as it's for today." She pointed to Tifa. Who only nodde din return. "And YOU" She said snapping the same finger to Kay and speaking louder." If you want to help so much, then you should come help me sometime. I could use the help on my new ninja techniques." She finished with a bright cherry smile. Kay looked confused from Yuffie to Tifa. The latter of whom hid a giggle behind her hand.
"...Alright." He eventually answered.
"Good." Yuffie said. "Then afterwards we can get Ice Cream. We'll make a date of it." She began to skip forward, making sure she moved between the two as she did so. Moving along happily for a few paces before stomping her foot down and turning back to him." I'll meet you here tomorrow at noon. Alright?"
"...Alright." Kay said still just as vexed. Never the less Yuffie continued to skip off down the path, into the crowd and out of sight. Tifa couldn't help surpress her giggle, causing alittle squeak to force itself out. Which in turn made Kay turn to her." What's so funny?" He asked flatly.
"She likes you." Tifa responded in the same.
"Hmmm?"" The big knight answered confused." What do you mean?"
"She likes you." he said again." I mean LIKE LIKES you." Kay gulped down a breath and his face turned as red as his hair.
"I uh, I'm sure that's not the case. She's just being friendly is all."
"Oh believe me I know." Tifa chuckled." Haven't you ever been in love before?"
"No." He shook his head." Have you?" Somehow it caught Tifa off guard, even though she should have expected such a question. It was only fair though. He'd told her something, now she should tell him.
"Yeah." She said with an exhale." His name's Cloud. Alot like you. Strong, Silent, good with a sword." She blinked a few times, her eyes getting wetter each time.
"Was he lost?" Kay asked." When this world fell to darkness."
"No." She clarified shaking her head." He left. There's someone he's looking for. Someone he has to hunt down and defeat. I asked him to stay or... well it never would worked out between us anyway." With a sniffle she pushed some lose strands of hair behind her ear." But that's just the way it is, ya know."
"I suppose it is." Kay nodded. He paused a few moments looking as if he was thinking over some big question. Instead his eyes squinted as he looked into the distance. "What's that?" Tifa followed the direction of his eye to see him looking out beyond the borders of the town towards the Old Castle.
"The Old Castle." she responded." No doubt Leon told you about that. It's where -"
"He did." Kay cut off." But what is that?" He pointed to one spot in particular. Tifa squinted her eyes and looked forward.
There was a light on in the tallest tower.
Seifer lunged forward with another swift strike. This time Zack managed to get to his feet and raise his sword in time to block the blow.
Quickly Seifer moved to the side and tried another swing, aimed for the head. But with one hand Zack swung his sword around and blocked it aimlessly.
Moving with one heavy step into his opponent Zack swung his sword in one great horizontal slash.
That one blow knocked Seifer off his feet, sending him flying backwards across the sands.
He bounced off his back and onto his feet. Just in time as Zack came bearing down on him once more. Another swift sword strike landed where Seifer once stood. Kicking up more sand into the air between them.
Behind the cover of the sand wall Seifer darted forward. Throwing a handful of unsuspecting sand into the face of his foe while the other struck upside the head.
"Another Dirty Trick!" Zack bellowed. Even angrier this time. Eager to let this wannabe know that this was his battle, his fight, his rules. And there would be no other way about it. But his readiness to tell his opponent revealed his location.
And Zack despite being blind in his eyes moved towards the sound of Seifer's voice with his sword swung outward.
"Aeroga!" He commanded. And out from his sword like dozen of slashing, stabbing blades a gust of wind shot out and hit Seifer into the air. Propelling him back across the sands until he crashed into a nearby palm tree.
He might have fallen completely. over or gone deeper into the jungle if the tree hadn't been there to stop him.
The flash of light that could only be the reflection from a sword got Seifer's attention again. And once more he ducked avoiding another strike. He bounced back to his full height he bounded backwards and deeper into the jungle.
The palm tree split in two and feel to the ground with a thunderous crack. Zack followed after him deeper into the jungle he only continued to swing his sword.
Sometimes in one hand or in both. But every time Seifer remained out of his reach. And all he did was cut down palm trees or cut bushes in half.
"TRY THIS!" Zack declared after clearing hald the forest to go after Seifer. He raised his sword above his head and when he swung down shot a fireball towards his foe.
But Seifer met this head-on. Armed with only his struggle bat he swung in opposition to the incoming fireball.
Zack gasped as he watched the fireball disappear and Seifer stood in it's place.
"Not possible!" He gasped.
"For you maybe." Seifer said pointing his bat at him." Not for me!" He leapt forward, using Zack' confusion to deliver a lighting fast strike. Beating his club against Zack's unguarded shoulder.
Zack grunted as he raised his sword to late to block the blow. And while he moved to defend Seifer continued his attack. Turning down and banging his bat against Zack's knee. Then in another swing hit him in the chin.
Zack flew up into the air before crashing down onto his back. His sword flying from his sand and crashing into the sand nearby.
But to him the fight wasn't over. If he could retrieve his sword then he could still fight. He jumped to his feet, ready to finish the fight. Zack reached forward to try and regain his blade but found Seifer blocking his path. One foot step firmly on the sword, pushing it deeper into the sand. While the other held the struggle bat at his chest.
"Your done." Seifer commented proudly as he did so. To press the issue more he poked the bat against's Zack's chest." Say it!"
Despite a glance of annoyance passed over Zack's face he repeated Seifer's quest easily enough.
"I concede." He admitted putting his hands up. And bowed his head for a final show of submission. As a result Seifer lowered his struggle bat to his side.
"Way to go Seifer.!" Rai cheered.
"The best!" Fuu added. Zack didn't see their reactions from his bowed head but heard their collective gasps.
The duo watched as Seifer kicked the sword from the ground and into Zack's arms. None were more surprised then Zack himself.
"It was a good fight." Seifer admitted." I'd say your one of the best swordsmen I've ever faced." He was not too prideful that he couldn't ackoweldge a worthy foe who had shown strength and skill.
"Let me guess." Zack answered with a chuckle as he put the sword back into it's scabbard." You?" The answer surprised him.
"No. His name is Squall. He gave me this." He pointed to the scar on his face." Took my sword."
"Doesn't sound like a very nice guy at all." Zack agreed.
"You ever see him? His scar looks like mine, and the sword looks like a gun." Zack shook his head.
"That doesn't ring any bells. A scar and a gunsword? I'd remember that."
"Gunblade!" Seifer snapped. Zack however did not seem annoyed.
"All the same, I've never seen it."
"Shoot!" Seifer grumbled. Kicking up some sand in the process. So many worlds yet the same answer everytime. What was he doing wrong? Maybe looking in the wrong places? Or not looking hard enough. That is what gave him the idea. Maybe he needed to start asking different questions." If not Squall..." he shifted his eyes back to Zack." Maybe you saw someone else? A girl. Dark hair, dark eyes. She had a jacket with angel wings on the back." Zack nodded his head with each described detail." Her name is Rinoa Heartilly." It had been years since he spoke the name. But he thought about her all the time. More then he thought about Squall.
Saying it breathed life back into her. And a dark haired, dark eyed girl was smiling down at a young boy beside the splashing fountains in the sunslight.
From outside looking in it was clear to Zack that whatever Seifer saw was more real then he was.
"Rinoa? Rinoa?" He repeated. Slowly bending his knee and then standing back up while he mused the thought. It and Seifer hopeful. The longer the answer delayed the better he felt. Finally Zack had an answer." I'm sorry." He said at last shaking his head." Doesn't ring any bells."
"Darn!" Seifer exclaimed angrier then before. Kicking up a bigger chunk of sand then before. His search would have to continue.
But Zack had some questions of his own. He shifted forward.
"Tell me, I'm curious. After this Squall guy, after him in swordsmanship where would you rank me?"
"After Squall..." Seifer paused to consider." I guess I could put you." Zack smiled.
"Second is good enough for me. Good to know I'm improving."
"Improving for what?"
"My own benefit of course." He said with a jolly laugh." I've been travelling for so long. Fighting for so long, it's been a while since I've gotten to truly test myself against such a worthy opponent." Sefier blew on his tongue.
"Then I guess your not such a hero after all."
"I still don't like bullies." He clarified. By the tone of his voice it seemed as if another fight was about to break out." But given your story of this Squall guy, I guess I could overlook some of your attitude... Some of it..." He paused and began to slowly squat down for a deep knee bend." How long have you been searching for him?" He asked whenhe popped back up.
"I only left home a few months back. But i've been waiting for this fight for ten years." He said through grinded teeth.
"Ten years." Zack repeated with a nod of curiocity." That's back when I started my adventure."
"Adventure?" Zack nodded.
"I left home ten years ago. And have been going from world to world ever since."
"Ten years? And travelling all the time?" Zack nodded his head in reply."
That's... a long time to be doing anything. And you still haven't found what your after. Say" He leaned forward." Just what are you after anyway?"
Zack paused as if in the last ten years he hadn't figured out what exactly that was.
"When I first started I wanted to wanted be a great hero known throughout all the worlds." He laughed sheepishly, even alittle bit embarassed at himself." Later on I just knew helping people was the right thing to do." He paused again filling the silence of his thoughts with a few more deep knee bends." Now!" He finally said as he popped back up. "I don't know." He was not ashamed to admit it. It even made him laugh.
"Ten years?" Seifer repeated." And you don't know what your looking for?" Where was his purpose? His drive? His motivation!
"Guess I just like doing it." Zack admitted with a shrug." After ten years of looking for Squall I'm sure you'll find something else along the way to motivate you."
"I don't need anymore MOTIVATION!" Seifer declared. Punching a fist into his chest." My scarred my face but I paid him back the same! He took my sword but that won't matter once I taken it back."
"I see." He spoke at last. Those two, quick, sharp words ripped the girl from Seifer's mind once more. Bringing him back to the cold reality he was forced to live once again." And Rinoa? How does she factor into this?"
"She needs my help." Seifer told.
"From Squall?" Seifer nodded. Zack couldn't help but chuckle." Say what you like but there's more then false bravado and a revenge motivating you." Seifer didn't think his bravado was false and didn't think his vengeance was petty. But he did not voice his opposition to Zack.
"A momentary lapse I assure you." He said instead." I won't get either if I sit around wasting time talking with you." His tone was sharp but less braggadocious then when they first had met. Zack by now had understood this and regarded Seifer's exit with a careful nod.
"I wish you all the luck in the world." He smiled. "I really do."
"You too." Seifer returned the nod. "With... whatever it is your looking for." He said with an exhausted sigh. Zack laughed in response. His lauhging being what Seifer heard as he returned to his friends.
"No luck. "Fuu pouted as he approached.
"All this way and still no Squall." Rai agreed." I'm starting to wonder if he's even still out there, ya know."
"He's out there." Seifer clarified. He could feel it. He could smell it." I know it! Whether it takes ten years or a hundred i'll find him! No world is a big enough place to hide from me!"
"Oh and Seifer." called Zack gaining the attention of not only him but of the entire trio.
"What's this loser want?" Rai questioned.
"Squall?" Fuu stated hoping they could gain something from this venture. Seifer turned back and nodded to Zack ready to hear what he had to say.
"If in your travels you just so happen to bump into a fairy named...". He spoke the name and the air grew thick with dread. As if all the light and sunshine, all hope and happiness had gone from the world and only a void of dark never-ending doom erupted in it's wake." Run."
Meanwhile at Hollow Bastion.
Traveling across the open ground outside of the town towards the the Old Castle. A place long thought to be abandoned. But if what Tifa and Kay saw was true, maybe not afterall.
At first the castle was dark. No lights. No sounds.
"Hello?!" Kay called into the darkness." Hello? Anybody home?" When there was no immediate answer he quickly came to his own conclusion." It seems desserted. We'd better get out of here."
"SHH!" Tifa hushed him. She looked around the darkness, and seemed to have a better time finding what they were looking for.
It started with a low grunting sound. Coupled with the stomping of heavy feet. Slowly moving around the corner Tifa saw what had brought them here. A bright light shining at the top of a rounded, whinding staircase. And a large shadow cast across the room.
Step by step Tifa moved towards it. With Kay trailing behind her. One foot infront of the other, the light drawing closer and the sounds getting louder with it.
At the top of the stairs Tifa poked her head around the corner. Now she was close enough to see what was making the shadow. Something big and round was stomping from one side of the room to the other. Grunting and groaning as he went.
"Where is it? Where is it?! It's got to be here." Glancing back to see that Kay was still there Tifa continued forward. Stepping into the room while whatever was in there continued on, unaware she was there.
"Hey there." She let out.
"BAH!" Pete jumped around." Don't sneak up on me like that." He let out a few panted breaths while rubbing his head.
"You shouldn't be here." Tifa said at last. At that Pete's eyes narrowed.
"Who are you to tell me what to do!" Hus hands balled into fists." Nobody tells me what to DO!"
"It's dangerous here." Tifa told." This place isn't safe." She let out out an exhale as she glanced around." A lot of bad history here."
"For you maybe." Pete waved dimissively." This place only serves as a reminder to the greatness of our power."
"Power?" Tifa questioned. But then remembered another important word that was said." Our?"
"That's right, Our. Not that all seven of us were needed. She did it all of it herself." Tifa felt a tightening in her throat. Her voice dryer asked.
"Her?" Pete's smiled extended from ear to ear and the name exited his mouth with a sinister hiss.
"Maleficent." Tifa's eyes grew wide as coffee cups. In respone to her surprise Pete threw his hands in the air and let out a big booming laugh. That started all the way down in his belly. "And now that you know who I work for, you'd best skedaddle if you know what's good for ya." Hearing Pete's voice broke Tifa out of her shock. At once she responded with a series of questions.
"What does she want here?! Why has she come back!"
"HEH! As if I'm gonna tell you." He pointed a finger." All you gotta know is this world's gonna be OUR'S again." Tifa remembered all that had been lost the first time her home fell into darkness.
"That won't happen!" Sir Kay said stepping up. "I won't let it Happen!" Pete was not intimidated. He couldn't help but let out a big laugh in response.
"And whose going to stop us? YOU?!" He finished with another laugh. But Kay could finally give him a reason to stop.
"That's right!" He nodded. As expected Pete's laughter shortened when he saw the sword extended and pointed at him." This town fell to darkness once. It won't again. Not while I protect it."
"You." Pete chuckled." Don't make me laugh." He mirrored Kay's movements, turning with him. At the conclusion of his statement he swung forward with his big hands and slapped at the knight.
Kay ducked under the swing, causing Pete to leave a big handprint in the stone wall. The knight rolled under the outstretched arm and rose back up opposite Pete. Scowling Pete turned and faced him, swinging out his arm with another punch.
Kay swung his sword deflecting Pete's fist to the ground. But at the same time Kay's sword bounced off and deflected the other way.
Pete stomped forward with another swing that Kay's sword met. With each Pete continued to advance, pushing the knight back across the room.
Finally with one great swing Pete punched the knight sending him crashing into the wall.
As Kay bounced from the wall to the ground his sword flew from his hand. He watched as it slid from his sight into darkess. As Pete stepped over it.
"You little fool!" He chuckled." You thought you could defeat the MIGHTY PETE!" He slapped a hand over Kay's face and slammed him back into the wall. Then turned and tossed Kay across the room.
Reaching forward he grabbed the knight by the leg and dragged him closer. Kay kicked with his free leg but it was a futile effort. Pete effortlessly slapped his hand onot the Knight's head and then held him above his head.
Slowly Pete lumbered over to the nearby window, holding Kay over it.
"Protect the town?!" Pete boomed." You can't even protect YOURSELF!" And he prepared to dorp Kay out the window to the dark mountainside below.
"That's what friends are for. "Tifa said. When Pete looked down he saw Tifa standing behind him.
"And just what are you gonna do little lady?" He snorted with contempt." You've got me shaking in my boots." He reared his head back and laughed.
But while he was too busy enjoying himself Tifa swung her first forward and punched him in the stomach. Pete's outrageous laughter was cut short toa wheezing hiss.
One moment he was there, the next he was going. Flung from the castle, through the wall and down the ravine below.
Kay was left suspended in the air a few moments before he fell comfortably into Tifa's arms. She smiling casually, holding him as easy as a newborn.
"You... Your strong." Kay commented.
"I drink alot of milk." Tifa chuckled.
"I believe you." Kay nodded." Now would you put me down please?" Tifa did as he asked.
With that problem taken care of the only thing left to do was to return to the house.
As the door opened the first person Tifa saw was Leon. Standing tall and grim, arms crossed over his chest. There was a meloncholy uneasiness in his eyes that his stern, humorless frown did not give away.
Behind him was Merlin. The normally jolly and merry wizard had a look that would have given Leon's a run for his money.
The third and last person in the room was a newcomer. A stranger to Tifa. He was short and squat. With a big round body, with arms and legs to match. The hair on his head matched the mustache under his sharp nose, both red. Unlike the other two there was a look of surprise on his lips curled into a smile. His
arms extended into the empty space that filled the room.
"Son..." He said in a rough voice. At once Tifa knew exactly why he was here. She looked back to see Sir Kay standing stiff as a board, his jaw practically on the floor. He didn't respond to the call but then quickly turned and ducked back under the doorway and outside.
"Wait!" Tifa called out to him. And managed to reach out and grab the last part of him that was still in the house. His arm. When she did it stopped him in his tracks." Come back." No response." Don't make me drag you in here." She heard the defeated exhale and Kay did turn around, ready to go into the house. But first he looked at Tifa.
"Don't... Don't make me face him alone." His hand tightened against her.
"I won't." She promised. When Kay stepped back inside she moved along with him. Each step taken, they took together. Tifa had to do most of the looking, for Kay's head was constantly glued to the ground. Leon and Merlin watched as the two walked across the room until they came to a sudden halt.
Still Kay didn't lift his head.
"Son..." Sir Ector began.
"...Father." Kay answered. Leon exhaled a breath as he watched the two together. He remembered all he had lost when his home fell to darkness. His home, his sister, Rinoa. And it reminded him of all there was to lose. He wouldn't let anyone throw it all away.
He'd brought this together, but only the two could finish it.
"Come." He said with a nod. "We'll let them have a few moments alone." Leon said and already prepared to walk out. But Tifa stopped him.
"No." She said. Leon turned back to her." He's my friend. I have to be here for him."
