Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Legend of the Final Materia ❯ Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Selphie rattled on excitedly as she continued Shukera's tour of Balamb Garden. Shukera half listened as her mind toiled with all the confusion she had been feeling recently. She lifted her hand and rubbed her temples, hoping to relieve some of the tension the confusion brought on. It took a lot to force the thoughts out of her mind. She finally lifted her head and decided to concentrate on what Selphie was saying as a diversion.

The pair made their way from the Library went on to the Training Center. Selphie showed Shukera the living monsters running around the area and they could hear gunshots coming from Irvine's rifle as he practiced his shooting. From there they decided to skip the Dormitories since Shukera already knew where they were. Selphie quickly took Shukera out to the parking lot and showed her where the cars were parked. Then, they made their way towards the Cafeteria.

Through it all, Shukera remained silent, taking everything in, a bit preoccupied. She gazed around the different areas, searching for weak spots that Shin Ra would use during an invasion; luckily, there were not many. The way the place was designed and built impressed her.

Just before the pair went to enter the Cafeteria, someone called for Selphie and she turned around to see who it was. She smiled as Xu walked up to them from behind.

"I'm so glad I was able to catch up with you. I wanted to meet our guest. I had met Sephiroth earlier and he told us all about you. I couldn't wait to meet you." Xu smiled as she held a clipboard in her arms and faced Shukera.

Shukera snapped, feeling a bit defensive towards Sephiroth talking about her. "Who's us??"

Xu replied, "Nida, our pilot, Headmaster Cid, and Seifer. He told us about how you joined Soldier and how great of a fighter you have become."

Shukera folded her arms and spat, "Well, I guess he feels responsible for everything I have done. He did train me after all. He was just showing off for Quistis...I know that for a fact!!"

Xu shook her head, "Sephiroth respects you and your ability. It shows in how well he spoke about you."

Shukera suddenly filled with disgust and rage. How dare he put on a front like that! Did he honestly think she was going to fall for that?? It disturbed her how much the people there at Balamb Garden believed Sephiroth. She saw his game for what it was worth: Set them up and knock them down when they least expects it.

Xu smiled as she continued, totally oblivious to Shukera's reaction. She shifted her attention towards Selphie as she replied, "Did you know that Shukera used to be commander of Soldier?? She saved a whole platoon of men when they came under enemy fire. Sephiroth said that she brought Soldier to a whole new level of respect when she was commander. He also told us how she fought the superior executives all the way because they didn't want her in Soldier, and she showed them all up."

Shukera fumed inside, "I hate it when he does that!! Why does he feel the need to just go on and on?! It was no big deal; I just did what I had to do in order to prove myself!"

Xu smiled at her, showing admiration. "Shukera, whether you know it or not, it is a big deal. You fought against the odds and beat them. You never gave up when everyone else wanted you to. That takes a great amount of courage and strength to keep going like that knowing everyone is against you. I have to admit, I admire you. Maybe, you will join us in the future. We could use someone strong like you."

Shukera looked up at Xu, the surprise clearly shown on her face, "I just don't understand why you admire me. I have done some awful things in my past. I don't deserve to be admired, that's for sure!"

Xu smiled as she cocked her head to the side, "It takes an even greater amount of courage to face your past. I admire you because you stand up strongly for what you believe in, no matter what anyone says. Sephiroth told us how you took a bullet for him in the battlefield. All I have to say is you stood by him no matter what you went through, some where deep inside, I think you believed in him as well. I believe you are more courageous than you think you are." Xu glanced at her clipboard then at her watch. "It was really nice meeting you Shukera. I have to go to a meeting now, would you excuse me?"

Shukera and Selphie both nodded. Xu turned to walk away, and then stopped. She turned around and added, "Oh, Quistis is going to be your instructor. She leaves her personal feelings outside the classroom. I suggest you do the same." She waved and walked away.

Shukera didn't know what to make of everything Xu had told her. More confusion gripped her mind as her heart raced inside her chest.

Selphie beamed as she looked at Shukera. "WOW!! Commander and you saved your comrades! That's really amazing Shukera!"

Shukera just looked away. "I still don't see it…" She wanted to change the subject; it was all too strange for her. Someone admiring her was more than she could stand. She mumbled, "I think I lost my appetite… I know I'm not looking forward to these classes at all!"

Selphie laughed, "Just look at it this way Shukera. Class will not be so dull anymore!! I know I won't be falling asleep in class anymore!" She laughed as she lifted her head and looked up.