Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Legend of the Final Materia ❯ Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The next day Raijin took Shukera to Balamb to show her around. She appeared refreshed and happy as if nothing happened the night before. On the dock they ran into Selphie and Irvine, so the four of them decided to spend the day together. They walked around the city and checked out the shops. Raijin and Shukera had their picture taken by the photographer near the train station. Selphie was telling Shukera how Raijin made all the soldiers sick when he cooked the fish that he caught from the bay. She laughed and continued to walk around the warm, inviting city.

Around evening time, the small group approached the dock to look out at the sunset. Shukera watched the sun flickering off the water. It took her away to the past. Her and her two friends would sit on the beach and talk about their dreams for hours as they watched the waves roll in lazily. The flashback reminded her of what she left behind to go to Balamb Garden to protect Seifer. Anger crept up inside her, immediately taking control of her. For the moment, nothing else existed but her thoughts and the anger she harbored inside. She spat out loud, "Why do you have to be such an arrogant pompous ass?!"

Selphie's snickering quickly brought her back to the present. Shukera blankly looked at the three of them as she realized they were watching her. Red faced, she turned and ran away from them.

Raijin watched her leave as he scratched his head. "Did I miss something here?"

Selphie smiled, "No. Shukera has something on her mind that she needs to work out on her own."

Irvine smirked as he laughed, "We all know who she was talking about."

Selphie elbowed him. "Irvine!"

Raijin sighed, "I think she has a thing for Seifer. But, she also has a friend at home that she left, ya know." He sighed deeply, "Honestly, I think she's confused about both of them, ya know."

Selphie nodded, "I think you're right. Raijin keep an eye on her, I think…this is bothering her more than she's letting on. She's a good person…it's a shame she's involved with Shin Ra that way."

Raijin nodded, "Yeah. She turned out to be a good friend, ya know."

Selphie smiled, tired of standing on one place. "Shukera will find us, let's go for a walk."

Shukera walked down the street of Balamb and spotted Zell. He waved as he approached her. "So what brings you here to Balamb?"

Shukera shrugged, "Raijin was showing me around with Selphie and Irvine. What are you doing there?"

Zell motioned to one of the entranceways that lined the wall along the street. "This is my home town. I visit my Ma every chance I can get." He walked towards the door, "Come on, I'll introduce you."

Shukera followed him to his house. "Sure why not, then after I can start teaching you my art form."

Zell became excited, "That would be cool!" He led her into his house where he introduced her to his mother then showed her the picture of his Grandfather. "He is the one I admire the most; I want to be like him."

Shukera smiled but said nothing. Zell didn't know how lucky he was for having someone to look up to. When he was finished his visit, they left the town and found a large field to practice in. Garden was once again in the field near Balamb after their party the night before.

For most of the evening, Shukera and Zell sparred in the field, which was about a mile outside of town. About an hour later Selphie, Irvine, and Raijin found them on their way back to garden.

Selphie ran up to Shukera, but she turned away from the hyper girl. "I'm sorry about running off like that…"

Zell stood up and brushed off his pants. He was covered in sweat and breathed heavily. "What a work out! I'm heading back to Garden, catch ya later!"

Shukera called after him, "Hey in about two days I can bring you back out here and teach you some more!!"

Zell turned around and waved, then ran to the garden.

Shukera stared at the ground, feeling embarrassed still. Irvine and Selphie went for a walk in the field, leaving Shukera and Raijin alone. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She whispered, "I feel like I'm losing my mind. My emotions are going haywire; and waiting to find out what's going on back home is too much for me."

Raijin felt bad for her, having all that pressure on her shoulders. He knew what she needed. "Hey, why don't we get our weapons and go to the training center and fight some monsters? Get our minds off of stuff, ya know."

Shukera smiled, that was the best idea she heard all day, "Sounds like a plan!" They called Selphie and Irvine, and together they returned to the garden.