Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Your World Is My World ❯ Chapter 2

Disclaimers: I do not own any of the Final Fantasy VIII characters, Squaresoft does. This story is fictional and from my head and in no way would Squaresoft even think of a doing this to their characters.

Warning: Eventual bad language, violence, blood, Yaoi, shounen-ai

Rating: R

Pairing: Who else? Squall x Dia'Zell, Dia'Squall x Zell, ?? x ??, ?? x ?? (?? = I have no idea…yet!)

Genre: AU - Parallel Universes - TWT - Angst - Fantasy - Romance - Action - blah, blah, blah!

Author: Shaeric Draconis

Authors Note: Thanks to all those who reviewed, sorry it was long in coming but life is life.

Dedicated to all the Squall x Zell pairing lovers out there.

********************************************************************** **

Balamb

Shutting the door behind him and locking it, Dia'Zell clipped the key onto his neck chain, hiding it beneath his black top. Sighing he put his backpack on his left shoulder and began to walk towards the gateway that led to Balamb Garden.

He marvelled at the sweet smell of morning, birds chirping, seeing the sky without the force field. He felt an ache in his heart for his home world. How could they have let there world go to waste so fast? How could they let one person get so powerful that he was slowly destroying their home, families and…friends?

Dia'Zell couldn't grieve for the death of Zell's mother because he himself had lost her in his home world through the wars. She was his real mother in his world and she was a great Doctor, but she always put her patients first, herself second. Stubborn woman…but he had loved her…

He then thought of his blood brother and missed him terribly, "I miss you Dia'Squall and if you can see me now, I hope that you are well and not making a complete ass of yourself with Zell." Smiling to himself Dia'Zell started to walk briskly, no use in prolonging the meeting with Zell's friends. The sooner it was over the better.

Stepping beneath the gateway of Balamb, Dia'Zell smiled a genuine smile as he scanned the lush greenery staring back at him, the trees standing tall and proud, grey mountains with their zenith tipped with snow, stood like fortresses guarding the peaceful world of Balamb, and added to this mixture was the sweet scent of the sea wafting in the air all around him.

Slipping his beloved gloves Dark Messenger onto his hands, Dia'Zell prepared himself for minor battles. His gloves were made of a special black material that could only be obtained from the Guardian Force Diablo's, who gave it to him as a gift for saving his host and friend Dia'Rinoa.

They were black with red scales that were as strong, if not stronger than any metal armour, the black claws protruding from the knuckle part of the gloves were sharp and dangerous that Dia'Zell, usually in battle would lace them with a deadly poison. Instant death for the enemy, but an itch to himself, his immune system having the ability to resist the poison, like most of the warriors under Commander Dia'Squall's special unit.

Shaking his entire body, Dia'Zell began his morning ritual that was more a dance then shadow boxing. He inhaled deeply, and exhaled as he whispered a prayer to Hyne like a mantra, his petite form moving sensuously like a serpent mist unfurling, his slender frame stretching upwards. As soon as he stood on his toes, his arms slowly circled around his body that turned gracefully, and then he was a succession of quick silver movements, every part of his body moving as he worked every muscle. His legs and arms synchronised perfectly as an elegant rhythm began to build in the very air around him and just as fast as he moved he stopped abruptly and began the slow dance of unwinding…until he stopped.

He felt perfect, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead, and with a slight bounce in his walk Dia'Zell made his way towards Garden, his cerulean depths taking in everything like a recording.

Smiling and feeling so damn free he started to run as if he didn't have a care in the world, he knew that once he reached Garden things were going to be a little rough but he could handle it. He just had to try and remember to drop the Dia, Lior and Lia honorific before the people's names. That was going to be hard; it has been instilled into his mind since the day he was born.

Light on his feet he slowed his running abruptly stopping to admire the Garden in its pristine glory as it loomed before him. "Beautiful." His face was flushed, wisps of his silky hair falling around his face, coming loose from his French braid.

The closer he moved towards Garden the more his face transformed to one of a warrior, his eyes losing its glitter as hardness set in. He was a hard seasoned warrior, no matter that he was young, he has seen too much and experienced too much for him to be any different.

His world was not for the faint hearted, it was a world where war was second nature, where lives were taken, friends betrayed, loved ones killed and children stop being children at the age of seven.

Seven was when there fate was decided through the headmistress Lia'Selphie and her four advisors. Two groups, magic or weapons, a caress to the forehead was magic, a squeeze of the hand was weaponry. No arguments…it just was…

Obviously he himself was weaponry; the only magic given to them was there life time Guardian Forces, in Dia'Zell's case, Ifrit and Quetzalcoatl. He used many others but Ifrit and Quetzalcoatl were his personally, they bonded with one another at the age of seven and they have refused to work with anyone else but him. Many GFs did this, Dia'Squall life GFs were Shiva and Bahamut.

Stopping just outside of Garden Dia'Zell smirked, "well…time to get this over and done with." He straightened his shiny top, his hands running down his chest, the material lovingly clinging to his well proportioned torso, his nipples hardening at his brief touch. He then slid both his hands down the curve of his ass, the leather moulding to the curvy contours like second skin.

Picking up the backpack he headed through the gate, pulling his braid to his chest…no one touches the braid, unless of course they didn't like living anymore that is.

Walking briskly, Dia'Zell ignored all the stares he was receiving and heard a few girls gasp as they recognised who he was. Ignoring them he carried on until he came to the toll gate where the old man waited.

Pushing his way through, he saw Jenkins double take, mouth gaping. "You alright there Jenki'…Jenks," he remembered in time what Zell called the old geezer; don't want them to get suspicious this early in the game.

"Z-Zell is tha…what the hell…hap…you," Jenks snapped his mouth shut and smiled warmly; "you look great Zell."

Smirking wickedly Dia'Zell winked, "Thanks Jenks, I feel great." And he did; now he had to get pass the hardest test of all…Zell's friends.

With determined strides he waved to the old man and stopped abruptly as he stood in the foyer of Garden. The floor was squeaky clean, you could see your own face in it, and the fountains of clear blue water sparkled and it was breath taking.

The circular Garden was perfect and Dia'Zell was in awe. "Shit it looks so damn different from home." Cold startling blue eyes gazed in wonder at the brightness, his Garden at home was darker, the orb lights they used were dimmer because power was so precious as was water. Where the fountains were, at home they were filled in and used for sparring practice.

Dia'Zell shook his head, no use in wishing home was like this and he looked towards the elevator that would take him to the headmistress office. Flicking his wrist he glanced at the time, 0830 hours. He still had half an hour.

"May as well check out my room," and he silently thanked the God's that no one had touched his room. The only thing he was grateful for where Zell's friends were concerned.

If he remembered correctly it was Squall who made sure that no one moved in or touched anything while Zell was away and Dia'Zell was thankful to the commander for that.

***

Headmistress Office - 0855 hours

Quistis watched the reaction of Squall when she told him the news and from what she could see he was not very happy. Well shit, she was in charge and what she says goes; besides she didn't trust Zell's care to anyone else but to Squall or…Seifer.

She smirked at this; yes Seifer had a soft spot for Zell though he would rather die than admit it. Zell had him pretty much wrapped around his fingers.

When Seifer came back to Garden asking for some kind of probation until he became a true SeeD mercenary, Zell's outspoken personality came through. If he hadn't off Quistis answer was going to be 'no way in hell!'

There was no love lost between her and Seifer, in fact she couldn't stand him, and barely tolerated him because of the way he used to make her feel.

Incompetent!

But, Zell being Zell had different ideas and voiced his opinion without being asked for it. Even Seifer looked at him as if to say 'what the hell are you doin', which Zell ignored completely.

Flash back:

"We all know Seifer was a dick head but ya know, Ultimecia was a strong sorceress and she is ta blame even though if ya ask me Seifer was too caught up in his dream of being the perfect knight which turned out he was the perfect ass..."

Seifer glared at the little blond saying hotly, "no one is asking you chicken!"

Still ignoring him Zell carried on, "and he is one of the ol' gang, even if he is a jerk sometimes…"

"Zell…" Seifer growled.

"…but…and it pains me ta say this, I think Seifer would make a good SeeD…well…" Zell took a deep breath then the next lot of words gushed out quickly, "when he isn't being such an arrogant asshole that is."

Seifer frowned not sure whether he should be angry or not, "Zell you are the only person I know who can insult someone and be nice in the same breath." He shook his head not sure what the little guy was doing.

All through this Quistis looked from one blond to the other not sure why Zell was in the office in the first place. She raised an eyebrow, "Zell what are you doing in here? If I remember correctly this appointment time is Seifer's."

Zell shrugged, "I happen ta be here and…" he looked at Seifer with sincerity, "if Seifer needs someone ta vouch for him, I have volunteered myself…Hyne only knows why…but I want ta do this."

That was it for Seifer, he was shocked at first and when it finally hit him what Zell was saying, Quistis could only watch in awe as the emerald eyes softened towards the petite blond.

End of Flashback

Seeing that softened expression made her rethink about kicking Seifer's sorry ass out of the office and instead give him a chance and two months probation to prove himself.

The rest is history, and Seifer had proven himself time and time again by passing all the tests with flying colours. Even Squall finally realised that Seifer was serious and decided he was ready to go on missions with other members of SeeD.

It was only unfortunate that Seifer was on a mission now with Rinoa and Irvine; they weren't due back until tomorrow. Quistis knew that Seifer would guard Zell with his life…just like Squall would! Especially after the unfortunate episode that caused Zell to have a breakdown.

She shuddered at this and every time she thought about it, her chest would tighten. She had a lot of time for Zell and when he came out of the closet she was proud of him and stood by him all the way and would always do so, as they all would…now…

***

As for Squall, he remained motionless in the seat facing Quistis; he was pissed off and wondered why he had to baby-sit Zell.

He knew for a fact that Zell wouldn't like it one bit, and Squall had more respect for the little blond than anyone realised. Why else would he bother to write Zell letters? To amuse himself…No! He wrote to Zell because believe it or not, he liked the little blond, even if he was annoying at times.

Admittedly the letters were impersonal; Squall had a lot to learn about being free with his words. For a long time he has used body language and it's a hard habit to break. He still had trouble but Rinoa has been a good friend and has been trying to help him.

He frowned, Rinoa. She is a lovely person and has a big heart, she is the perfect companion for any male but…Squall just didn't love her the way she deserved to be loved.

Their relationship was very strained at the moment, and he admits it himself. He, Squall is the one with the problems, not her. Sooner or later something has to give because it was getting to the point where he made up all kinds of excuses so he didn't have to kiss her anymore.

It was one big mess, one that had to be sorted before it really gets out of hand and someone really gets hurt. Rinoa deserved better then that and he did love her…he just wasn't in love with her. He finally faced that fact over the last two weeks while she was away on mission with Seifer and Irvine.

He looked up as Quistis stood up quickly from the knock on her door, "come in!"

Xu walked in dazed, a deep blush on her face, her head turning to look behind her then back to Quistis, "um…"

A slim eyebrow rose as Quistis looked at her friend Xu who was acting out of character…was she blushing? Quistis was intrigued; the normally self assured Xu looked…ruffled.

Even Squall had to look at Xu, she always had command of what she was going to say, until now that is. He crossed his arms turning to look at Quistis with his slender eyebrow raised.

She shrugged her shoulders, "Xu, what is it?"

Xu coughed her face going redder than it already was, "um…Z-Zell is here for his 0900 hours appointment."

Eyes lighting up, Quistis took her glasses off and smiled warmly, "show him in then," missing the fact that her friend stuttered.

Squall tensed, not looking forward to the blond being told he was on six months probation. Leaning his elbows on his knee, he lifted his right hand to his scar and began caressing it slowly.

He looked up sharply when he heard Quistis glasses drop to her desk with a thud, a gasp issuing from her mouth. Frowning he turned to see what had rattled her and nearly fell out of his seat, he barely managed to keep his face straight but his eyes did widen slightly with shock.

Zell?!

Squall appraised the petite blond trying not to stare too long but he couldn't help it, the transformation was incredible! And stunning! Squall had to fight a blush as he could feel his face heat up.

Zell's hair had grown so long and Squall felt his hand twitch and clenched it into a tight fist, anything to stop himself from reaching out.

"Zell?!" This was from Quistis, but Squall could only agree with her, hell, she only echoed what he had thought. Nine months vacation has obviously done Zell a lot of good…a helluva lot of good at that. Even the way he stood there with self assurance and coolness, it was such a vast difference…what the hell happened while Zell was away?!

Squall shook his head sitting back in the chair, and crossed his arms silently watching the blond, too shocked to say anything.

He watched as Quistis finally got over the shock and rushed forward and enveloped Zell with a tight hug saying softly, "I'm glad you're back Zell."

The petite blond flinched at first then slowly relaxed and hugged her back. "It's good to be back Di…er…Quistis."

They broke a part and Squall could only stare as the blond looked towards him, "Good to see yo…ya to D…Squall."

Squall frowned at Zell's words, he was stuttering and looked like he wanted to kick himself and what surprised him was the way he answered Zell in return, because Quistis looked at back him like he had two heads.

"Good to have you back Zell." Squall wished the floor would open up and swallow him because his voice suddenly decided to go husky, and he violently fought the blush that started to steal across his cheeks.

Squall grit his teeth inwardly berating himself. Great, bloody great! What the hell was up with him, and why oh why did Zell have to come back looking like that!! In tight leather pants and looking so damn hot!!

An inward groan and the signs of a headache coming on, Squall closed his eyes trying to shut the image out as he breathed to control whatever the hell emotion that was running through him like quick silver.

The thought of the next six months of babysitting Zell, was beginning to look like six months of pure torture…

***

"It's good to be back Di…er…Quistis." His arms tightened around her until he finally released her again.

Dia'Zell wanted to kick himself. He wasn't even in the presence of Zell's friends for five minutes and he was making mistakes already, it was just seeing Quistis again, smiling no less, not like the last time he saw Dia'Quistis.

She had betrayed Dia'Squall causing him pain and grief. Her hatred that slowly burned within her soul surfaced to her cold blue eyes and her hunger for power finally led her towards Lior'Raijin, the seducer and dark sorcerer that was slowly ravaging his home world.

A trap was laid for Dia'Squall and he almost died back then. Fortunately Dia'Zell with the help of Dia'Seifer and Lior'Irvine discovered the plan and rescued him from her clutches, the scars on Dia'Squall's body a reminder to them all to be wary of who you trust.

Shaking this memory away he turned towards Squall and was amazed at the difference from this Squall to Dia'Squall at home, the scar, but mostly the attitude. No nonsense Squall who had trouble expressing himself.

"Good to see yo…ya to D…Squall."

Shit! Dia'Zell get your damn act together and he looked with surprise as Squall spoke huskily, "Good to have you back Zell." The hairs on his neck stood on end, a tingling sensation going up and down his spine. What the hell!

Dia'Zell was not happy with this sensation; he had never felt it before but he had a fair idea what it meant and frowned. He was here for Dia'Squall and Zell, not himself and until he was certain what Zell wanted to do he had no rights to anything here in this world, nothing at all because there would be no going back.

*************

Dia'Squall's Office - (Balamb AW250)

Sitting behind his desk, Dia'Squall rested his chin on his hands watching as Dia'Seifer carefully outlined Zell's tattoo with yellow then red permanent ink, which on skin wasn't so permanent…but it would stay on a lot longer than any other paint until a true tattooist did the real thing.

As for Zell's hair, that was no problem. Not everyone here had long hair; it's just that in his unit, the majority of them wore braids as a signature of their group. But that was the least of his worries, it was Zell's attitude and the way Zell spoke where they might have real problems.

To make matters worse they had a meeting with Lia'Selphie in half an hour and they didn't really have time to teach Zell how Dia'Zell behaved. They would have to wing it and Dia'Squall never winged it…until now that is, only because he had no choice.

His main concern was for Zell, he didn't want him to regret his decision, he wanted him to be happy and not have to worry about anything…he didn't want him to leave. Was he being selfish?

Perhaps. But yesterday they just sat and talked, with Zell asking questions about what was happening here in this world, and Dia'Squall couldn't take his eyes of him, even if he wanted to. He was so different from his blood brother, so beautiful and his eyes were full of life…

Dia'Zell would've laughed if he was here but he wasn't. It was the only thing Dia'Squall regretted about all this, his blood brother not being here with him.

He was only glad that Dia'Seifer was here to help; the God's only knew that Lior'Irvine was busy counter spelling and re-energising their warding crystal balls to protect them from the abnormal magic that has sprung up recently.

Sighing deeply Dia'Squall sat back his eyes never leaving the blond and knew he would protect him no matter what happens. He smirked; he really should worry about himself because if Lia'Selphie ever finds out where Dia'Zell really was then he would be in deep dragon shit!

The parallel crystal pool was entrusted to his care because of the consequences that could happen if it was to fall into the wrong hands. Not many knew of the parallel crystal pool, and very few knew of its existence here on Balamb. Dia'Squall could only thank the God's that he never revealed it to Dia'Quistis. If Lior'Raijin ever found out, the war upon them would multiply tenfold.

The only ones who knew it was in his care was Dia'Zell, Dia'Seifer, Lior'Irvine and Lia'Selphie plus her counsellors. The mistress had warned him that it wasn't to be used for anything and wondered why they had it in the first place. It was a mystery and one he tried not to take advantage of until he found Zell's world, quite by accident and he wasn't going to regret that moment for anything.

The petite blond called out for help and Dia'Squall couldn't help but look to see what was happening. What he saw saddened him and gripped at his heart. It was the day he cursed his parallel self for being a blind idiot, but secretly, Dia'Squall was glad that the Squall in that world didn't know what was right in front of him because Dia'Squall wanted Zell for himself.

They also discovered other parallel worlds and they watched them in fascination. As for Dia'Zell he was alright until he discovered one world where he was a female…married to Dia'Seifer. Dia'Zell was not amused at all and stopped looking at other worlds.

He looked up at the knock on the door and watched as Dia'Seifer briskly hid the inks and brush pushing Zell towards the seat by Dia'Squall's desk.

Dia'Squall looked at each of them in the room, waiting for them to nod that they were ready. As for Zell he looked a bit shell shocked and pale, but there was nothing he could do for him at the moment.

With brusqueness he said, "Enter!"

He was surprised as one of the counsellors entered but stood up out of respect bowing curtly and noticed with relief that Zell did the same.

"Counsellor Lia'Jenkin's?"

Counsellor Lia'Jenkin's was a wise old man, with an angular face, wide eyes of soft brown that held shrewdness and wisdom within them. His long white hair cascaded down his back to his waist like pure silk, his white beard falling just below his chin. He wore a long silver satin/silk gown that whispered around his ankles as he walked further into the room, his red/gold brocade sash accentuating his trim figure. His leather sandals barely making a sound as he stopped in front of Dia'Squall's desk.

"Dia'Squall, Dia'Zell and Dia'Seifer, May the God's bless you all." He then sat down, his eyes locked on Zell, squinting shrewdly and watching as the blond sat down nervously.

Dia'Squall hardened his face trying not to act suspicious and sat down himself, beckoning Dia'Seifer to sit beside Lia'Jenkins. "May the God's blessing be on you too Counsellor."

Lia'Jenkin's smiled warmly still watching Zell. "Dia'Zell you have cut your hair?"

Blushing Zell swallowed nervously. Crap this was all he needed and he didn't want Dia'Squall or Dia'Seifer to get into any trouble so he took a deep breath, praying to Hyne that he could get through this.

His voice trembled slightly but it was the best he could do, "I felt like a change…aa…Counsellor." His fists clenched tightly he managed to keep his face emotionless, but inside he felt like he was dying.

Dia'Squall lips twitched but he remained silent.

The soft brown eyes intensified and bored their way through the blonds, well that's how it felt to Zell anyway. But he held the wise mans stare, not blinking for a moment, but Hyne it was hard for him because all he wanted to do was stand up and run like hell.

Lia'Jenkin nodded abruptly then smiled warmly, "yes, change is certainly here and that's why I was sent to see you three."

Not realising he was holding his breath, Dia'Squall released it slowly, the tension in the room very thick. "Has something happened Counsellor?"

The wise man nodded, "yes", his eyes wide with innocence but Dia'Squall knew the wise one was hiding something.

"I had a visit from Lady Lia'Nida this morning."

Dia'Squall stiffened then quickly looked at Dia'Seifer who was becoming nervous as much as he was. Crap! He had forgotten about Lady Lia'Nida. She would know of any changes because she was the high priestess of the…oracle.

Fuck!

T.B.C.

Authors Note: Well sorry it took so long folks, life has been busy, but for the good.