Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction / Starcraft Fan Fiction / Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Tassadar's Legacy: The Crusades: Sylvanis ❯ Snow, Dumpsters, and Language Barriers ( Chapter 1 )

“S-s-so c-cold...” My teeth chattered. My numb mind identified a heat source against the wall behind me. I pressed against it, breathing on my hands, lying on the frozen dirty pavement, shivering uncontrollably. I felt grateful for the large object in front of me that is blocking most of the whistling frigid wind that is bringing fresh snow which is piling up on my feet. Where am I? I wondered, rubbing my chest and face to keep warm. I didn't care enough to get up and look around seeing as my main goal is to not freeze to death. I think I feel asleep cause next thing I know, I started slipping in and out of consciousness every few seconds to press back against the wall and the pipe the heat was pouring out of, which appeared to be my salvation for surviving through the night. On what felt like the hundredth wake up, I swore to myself I'd visit the owner of this building which the heat source is coming from, and thank them from keeping whatever this heat is coming from turned on. After many hours of torturous cold and interrupted sleep, I finally detected to my great joy, a slight rise in warmth. Finally, after a few hours, the sun finally came up, and with it, the winds died down even though the snow sprinkled down now and then. Almost immediately, with the arrival of the sun, came the bustling sound of cars and people that slowly revved up till it sounded like the streets were filled with them, hinting at a thriving city. Despite being stiff as a board and covered in snow, I managed to pull myself up to greet the sun. As I got up, I discovered my , “savior” during the night is an exhaust pipe that is pouring fumes and smoke out.

I got up and dragged myself out from around the thing that had been blocking the wind and snow to discover it as a dumpster. Looking around, I found myself in an alleyway piled in heaps of snow. I climbed out an over it, and decided that, judging from the smells coming from the dumpster, I'm behind a restaurant of some kind. Sadly, my stomach started growling from the smells of the dumpster and I began to wonder just how long I'd been there. I decided to go into the restaurant since I want to thank the owner for inadvertently saving my life, but I knew I couldn't just go in smelling like a dumpster. Climbing over some of the bigger piles of snow, I found some loose snow, and, cringing, I dove in and rolled around in it trying to scrub everything off, smell and all. Finally I dove up and out and shook and rubbed myself till I didn't feel like my skin was about to fall off. Gratefully, I noticed that the dumpster smell from my skin wasn't so acute, but it hadn't completely gone. As I examined myself, I noticed that I'm dressed in a plain thin black T shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and white cuffs. Not too shabby, but what surprised me, is an empty sheath tied around my left thigh. I glanced around to see if whatever was in the sheath had fallen out, and found the tip of a black shiny thing sticking out of the snow. I reached down and pulled it out from under the snow and found it to be a black dagger, although it's long enough to be a short sword. It's a fine little thing, about a foot long and around three inches wide, solid black from handle to tip of the blade. I examined the blade and found a wavy pattern like a double helix etched into the blade. The hilt is just a little cylinder connecting the handle to the blade. On the hilt is a symbol that looks like a snake curled around itself. It seems strangely familiar. I ran my finger along the symbol and nearly dropped it in surprise.

The dagger is no longer black. If I couldn't feel it in my hand, I could've sworn it had completely disappeared. It wasn't entirely invisible, but almost so. I can just barely see an outline when I look closely. I touched the symbol again and it reappeared. I snapped it into its sheath and closed the top. It fit perfectly. My Ghost Knife is what I came to know it as. I walked out of the alley and into the busy street. I looked around at all the people and buildings, looking around for some sign to give me a hint as to my location. I saw signs, but all of them have strange symbols I don't recognize. As I took in my surroundings, I started noticing rubble everywhere in certain places, pieces of buildings and rafters and even cars and such. A rather curious thing, but I decided to file it away to examine later. I noted that everything is really grey and industrial, and didn't seem modern at all. Despite the sad state everything appeared to be in, an air of hope could almost tangibly be felt. I turned to a couple who were walking in my direction. As they passed me by, one of them waved and said, “Konichiwa!” Stunned, I barely noticed as I raised my hand in greeting as well and said, “Hello.” Japanese? What the heck? I thought. Most of the people here do look oriental after all. The couple I said hello to gave me a funny look and walked past me, hurrying up a little. I guess they don't know English. I thought, shrugging. I looked back at the alleyway and noticed for the first time, a door on each side of the alley just in front of the dumpster. They're probably locked. I had a feeling I was going to need this place later, so I took a mental note of it, and started off to the left, absorbing all the sights and sounds. I figured I must be in Japan, so I'd just have to find someone who can speak English. Maybe the owner of the restaurant speaks English. I thought. With that in mind, I walked forward, and took another left at the end of the street, which came up pretty quick since the restaurant is on a corner. As I went around, I got confused, as I noticed people who are definitely not oriental who I said hello too and they looked at me funny too before hurrying off. They all spoke Japanese perfectly well though. What the heck is going on? Where in the world am I? I wondered.

I reached the front door. As expected by now, the sign next to the door is in more of those symbols I didn't recognize before, but now recognize as Japanese Kanji. I'm quickly getting frustrated. I reached for the handle and felt a jolt go down my spine, the kind of jolt you would expect if you were being watched from behind. I quickly glanced around, but didn't see anything unusual. Just down the street is a plaza with a large monument in the center that is about eight blocks off. I opened the door and heard a bell tinkle from deep within the shop. I suddenly felt very strange as I looked around at the booths and the bar. Have I… been here before? I wondered. That's what I suddenly felt like, but I know I've never been to this place. Wondering about that, I suddenly noticed people were starting to stare, and I got moving and went to the end of the shop to a corner booth next to the window. I sat down and basked in the sunshine streaming through the window. I rubbed my arms again to get rid of the chill. I started reminiscing about my life as I waited for the waiter or somebody. I don't know why I suddenly felt like I recognized this place. I've never been here before. I've been in Florida all 17 years of my life. This is definitely not in the list of places I've visited. But I still can't shake the feeling of familiarity, like I know the place and it wants to be recognized, but it's hiding just on the edge of the back of my mind. My eyes swept the area again, taking in the two other people sitting on the other end of the restaurant or bar, or whatever it is. I examined the bar and the windows and even the taps, and the stairs behind the bar leading to someplace upstairs. Probably where the owners live I thought. My stomach growled again, and I held it because it really hurt. I couldn't wait anymore, and stood up and grabbed a menu off the bar. I walked back and opened up the menu and felt my face fall. There aren't any pictures, just those symbols, and some new ones that I guess are for money. Suddenly I came to a sudden realization and checked my pockets. Oh no! I don't have any money! I frantically searched everywhere, only to confirm that yes, all I own is the dagger and the clothes on my back. I put down the menu sadly and examined the front of it, figuring I could just sit here for a while. My stomach growled again, and I tried to ignore it this time. One of the other tenants got up and dropped something on the table I could only guess was money. I stood up and walked to the end of the bar in the pretense of looking outside for someone, and on the way I glanced at the table at the money. It's a mixture of red, blue, and green square chips. After checking outside, and making a little show of deciding that whoever I was looking for wasn't there, I went back to my seat and sat down again to think. I didn't even recognize those chips, but then again, I've never really seen very much foreign currency so I guess I'm no judge. As I was pondering this and looking down at the menu, a voice brought me back to my surroundings. The voice said, “*** ** ****?” I guessed that it was the store owner and looked up and shook my head, trying to hide my suddenly beating heart and the wide eyed look on my face I knew I'd have if I so much as stopped moving. She turned and walked away to talk to the other patron, while I tried to force my heart to start beating again. When I was sure she wasn't looking, I turned to make sure it wasn't a hallucination. But no, there's no mistake, there's no doubting that face. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she went back behind the counter to wash some mugs from the other table. It can't be… it really is! It's Tifa Lockhart! I thought. My mind started racing and all sorts of questions and theories and thoughts started flowing through my head, and a mixture of feelings hit me all at once as I realized something. No wonder I recognize the place! I've seen Tifa's bar, the Seventh Heaven, how many times in Advent Children, the movie? I thought. I'm on the planet Gaia, in Midgar! Or am I at Edge? I recalled the rubble and looked out the window. I couldn't see the Midgar sky plates anywhere, so I figured we must be in Edge. So it's after the events of Final Fantasy 7 at least, but what about Advent Children? I wondered. I slowly stood up in a daze and walked out. I was only partially aware that Tifa and the other guy were watching me leave, and I didn't even notice the fact that I looked like I'd seen a ghost and I was partially stumbling. I got out the door and turned left towards the plaza. After about twenty minutes, I reached it and recognized the area. The memorial seems different, but other than that, the place is very similar. Wait, if the memorial is different, then this must be after Advent Children then. The memorial, instead of being of Meteor, instead is a block with some words on it in Japanese. I slowly walked around the plaza, just absorbing everything and thinking. I was easily ignoring my stomachs groans now that I'm so distracted. I do need food though. For food, I need money. I felt my hand rest against my dagger. Monsters drop money. Since there's a language barrier, I can't work, but I can hunt. It seems my only option. I have to survive somehow. I stopped in my walking and realized I'd come upon a map of Edge, the town that had been built on the outskirts North of Midgar after it had been destroyed. Looking at the map, I noticed some streets that connected Midgar to Edge. Following them, I recognized a few places on the map, namely Cloud's church where he stays with orphans. There were monsters around that area in the game, perhaps they're still are. Unless Cloud's mere presence has scared them all away. Then it hit me. Cloud… the possibility of meeting the man sent a shiver down my spine. I quickly memorized the path I need to take, and set off towards the church. After a half an hour of walking, I finally came to the edge of populated area and everything from now on is a wreck. At this point, I unbuttoned the sheath and let my hand rest against the hilt, just in case. After a few minutes of walking, I heard rustling in the rubble to my left. I quickly drew my blade and turned it invisible. I turned to the rubble and just barely dodged out of the way as two really large rats jumped out at me. They skidded to a halt and ran at me again. I dodged the one and struck out my arm. The rat I'd punched it towards got cleaved in two and landed with a wet thud behind me. Then a searing pain went down my back as the other rat clawed my back. Whipping around I chopped it in half as well.

As soon as they were both finished, the rats evaporated, leaving behind a small patch of fur and a small brown pouch. I picked up the pouch and looked in. In the pouch are a bunch of colored chips and a green vial of liquid. Picking up the vial, I glanced over my shoulder to see blood dripping down my back. I winced as a wind blew past and it made my back sting. I opened the vial, hoping it's a health potion and drank it. Instantly the pain is gone, and I twisted around to see that the cuts have healed, although my shirt hasn't. The potion tasted like vinegar and herbs. It also gave me a numb feeling for about two seconds, then I felt more alive that I had been in ages. I felt tempted to drink one every morning, but decided not to just in case it's possible to get addicted. I flipped the blade around my hand to get the blood off, and then stuck it in my sheath. It suddenly occurred to me how much that was like Cloud's finishing move after a battle. I laughed to myself and continued on. Maybe I should make that little blade spin my victory move. After another few minutes, I got ambushed by three rats. This time, I didn't get any wounds and chopped them all down easily. I spun the blade and decided I'd do that after each battle. These monsters don't learn do they? I thought. I continued on, and came across more rats after a few minutes. It was like that for the rest of the morning. I ended up using three health potions and I had five different colors of chips, or Gil, as they're called, and I guessed I had twenty times the amount that guy back at the bar paid for his food. I didn't have any more potions, but I do have two vials of a blue liquid. I have no idea what they are but I decided to keep them, along with the pouch, which I tied to one of my belt loops. Inside the pouch I had stuck all my spoils, including a bunch of things I wasn't even going to try and identify, although one of them looks suspiciously like a funky grenade.

My stomach growled with more intensity and I winced. Going back the way I came, I happened upon a hidden path. I walked along it and ended up back at the plaza in Edge in about twenty minutes. Shaking my head and decided to use that path later, I hurried back to the bar, since my stomach is complaining double time. As I hurried along, people would stop to stare at me and openly gawk and point. I could see why too. Even though I'd healed my wounds, my clothes were still shredded up in spots, especially on my back. Ignoring the stares and going faster, I made it to the bar and headed around towards the alley. Once there, I picked up some leftover snow and scrubbed my face with it. Feeling more refreshed, I went back around and into the bar. The place has a lot more patrons since it's late into lunch time now. I headed past all of them and went back to the corner table, which is gratefully empty. On my way, I tried to attract as little attention as possible. One gasp later proved that a failure. All ten patrons stared at me as I walked past and I sat down quickly feeling extremely embarrassed. I hid my face behind the menu sitting on the table. There was still food and money from the previous patron on the table, and Tifa popped up right then to come and clear up my table. Feeling self conscious, I hid behind the menu, but I heard Tifa gasp as well. Sighing, I lowered the menu, to see Tifa reach into one of her pockets and produce a health potion in hand. She popped open the lid and poured it on me. Before I could protest, I was surprised at the gentle warmth that I felt flow through me, and I felt my clothes suddenly tighten on my body and then loosen. Looking down at the tears, I realized that my clothes had completely `healed' as it were. I looked up at Tifa and smiled the first smile I think I'd had today and nodded my thanks. She nodded back. I reached down to my pouch to pull out a couple of gil chips to pay her, but when I looked back up, she'd already rushed off to tend to someone else, taking their order on a pad of paper. Without being conspicuous, I looked around the bar to watch people handle their money. I want to get an idea how much each one is worth. People left green and blues on the table, so I reckoned they're the cheapest. People were handing over red and oranges to pay for the food. Tifa started coming back to me, and I quickly shifted my attention back to my menu. Tifa got to my table and took the tray and gil from the previous patron, and said, “*** ***** ****?” I looked at the tray she'd been holding and noticed it looked pretty good. I held up some of my gil, pointed at the tray she was holding, and waited, praying that she understood. She didn't say anything, but gave me a strange searching look, that made me feel like I'm being X-rayed. I flushed a little and looked down. She said, “*** ******.” And then she walked away. I felt a little ashamed. I don't know why I can't just say something, but I just couldn't bring myself to let Tifa know of my ignorance by speaking.

I don't know Japanese, except for a few words like `good morning' and `yes' and stuff like that. Maybe if I keep silent everyone will think I'm a mute. Or maybe they'll think I'm the strong silent type like Cloud. I snorted at that thought. I was just about to get up to leave when a tray laden with food got set in front of me. It was the exact tray I wanted. Barely able to contain my gratitude, I smiled at Tifa again, who smiled back and nodded. She them left me to my food and I practically wolfed it down but tried to make it look normal so no one would notice. As soon as I finished about twenty minutes later, I leaned back fairly exhausted, but happy.

--- “I want you to take this tray to him, but don't say anything. Just take his tray and give him this one, ok?” “Ok.”---

I'd almost nodded off in my seat right there, when somebody walked up to my table. I jolted a little and grabbed the pouch prepared to pay Tifa, but instead of Tifa, a little girl had come up with another tray of food. I stared in shock as the little girl, Marlene, took my tray and put down a new one, laden with even more food than the other had been. My stomach growled again before I could even think to protest, and Marlene had hurried away before I would've had the chance anyway. Grateful, and amused, I thought, That's right. Marlene lives here with Tifa on occasion. Does Denzel live here too? Denzel I knew to be one of the orphans who live with Cloud and one of the oldest as well, although he only looks to be 12 or so. I glanced up at Tifa, who happened to be busy taking orders. Digging into the tray, I found I was still hungry enough to finish it as fast as the other one until the end when my stomach finally started to feel satisfied. Another twenty minutes later, I sat back, satisfied and relaxed for the first time since I'd woken up this morning. Which reminds me, How the heck did I arrive here anyway? I wondered. The last thing I remember is going to bed and falling asleep… at home… on Earth.

I wonder if I'll ever get back. I thought. I looked around and decided I could get used to this if I could find someplace warm to sleep. I didn't really have much to go back to at home, except for a few friends and family. Not much really. My thoughts were interrupted by Tifa coming up to take my tray. I pulled out six oranges and two reds, hoping it would be enough. Tifa took the money, and handed my three oranges and a red back. Seeing as nearly everyone was paying more for trays smaller than mine, I might've handed back the chips, but Tifa smiled and winked at me, then walked away. Smiling bemusedly, I stuck the gil back in the pouch and pulled out a number of green and blue gil, twice as much as some of the others were leaving on their tables, and dropped it on mine, and vowed to eat here for the rest of the time I'm here, which could very well be for the rest of my life. Acknowledging and pushing that thought aside, I got up and left. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tifa watch me leave with a very curious expression on her face. Hoping she hadn't guessed much, I walked out the door and back to the plaza. From there I went back to my hunting ground to kill rats for the rest of the afternoon. After 47 rats and the sun sinking towards the horizon, I came across some funky mutated rats. After killing a couple of those, which were decidedly harder, I decided to leave as some snowflakes started to fall. My spoils included a much larger pouch, and a few smaller ones, which I tied to different belt loops, and I had ended up with about 15 potions, 12 blue powder vials which I guess are ethers. And everything else I can carry. Overall my take home spoils seem pretty good. I started as I suddenly realized I was already in front of the bar and had been walking towards it automatically. Take home spoils… right. With that thought in mind, I walked into the bar feeling a bit dejected, despite the feeling of accomplishment and the thrill of the hunt pulsing through me before. As I walked in, I was suddenly worried that the bar is closed, since no one's here, not even Tifa or Marlene. Stepping further inside, as the bell tinkled, I felt a rush of relief as I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Marlene bounded down them, and pointed at the tables and said, “*** ****.” It sounded like a command so I guess she wants me to sit down. I went to my corner table and sat. Marlene ran back up the stairs while I looked at the menu. I listened to the soft hum of the drink dispenser. I looked up and out the window to see the snow picking up and blowing even harder than earlier, and I started to feel really dejected that I'd have to go back out there and sleep behind the dumpster again. It's too late to try and find an inn, and thanks to the language barrier, I have no idea which ones would even be an inn, and there are so many buildings… I heard footsteps again, and I turned towards the stairs and Tifa came down them, around the counter, and stopped at my table. She asked, “*** **** *** **?” I didn't answer. I couldn't. Suddenly she pointed at herself and said, “Tifa.” I nodded, then hesitated, and then pointed at myself and timidly said, “Matthew.” She answered with, “*** ****…” she said it sounding thoughtful. She then smiled, gave a little bow, and headed back up the stairs. I only had to wait five minutes and she was back with a hot meal. It looks, and tastes, like rice, teriyaki chicken, veggies, lomain, and cashews. It was delicious. As soon as I finished, Marlene popped up out of nowhere to take my plate and hurried off through a door behind the counter that I'd just now noticed. Tifa then came up to my table, and I pulled out my Gil pouch. So far, I'd discovered eight different colored Gil chips, and by accident, I had discovered that by pressing certain chips together, I would get another color. Through this, I discovered that blue is 1, green is 5, red is 25, orange is 50, purple is 75, white is 100, yellow is 150, and brown is 250. I haven't had enough time to try any more combinations. I pulled out a brown chip and handed it to her. She put it into her pocket and pulled out a red and yellow chip. She gave it back to me and I put them into the pouch. She then went back behind the bar, and I dropped some greens and blues and one red, onto the table. I then headed for the door. Once again, she watched me leave with an even more curious expression on her face.

I braced myself, standing at the door, then with much regret and bundling my arms around myself, I pushed out the door. I was immediately hit by a gigantic gust of wind and a huge shot of snow straight into my face. Bending over, I ran as fast as I could around the building and back into the alley. I almost dove behind the dumpster. As soon as I was behind it, I felt the heat pressing against my back from the pipe and felt extremely grateful. It feels like my core temperature dropped to practically zero as soon as I stepped outside. I idly wondered why it only snowed during the night like this. I decided it must be due to some kind of reaction from this being the spot where all the mako was being sucked out of the earth. Thinking about it while packing snow around myself, and shivering like crazy, I wondered slightly if mako is warm. Is spirit energy warm? I thought. It was an odd thought. The thought kept me distracted enough from the cold to actually fall asleep for once, pressed as tightly as possible against the pipe at my back.

I vaguely wondered why I'd woken up since it's still nighttime and the wind is still howling. Must be the cold. I thought cursing the temperature and freezing ice and winds. I never could do well in cold, not even in strong air conditioning. At least I'd gotten some sleep, I mused. I resolved to at least try to find a warmer place to sleep tomorrow. With that, I spent the rest of the night waking up to press my back against the pipe more firmly. Again, it seemed like forever until all my aching bones rejoiced at a slight temperature rise. The winds slowly died down and another few moments later, light touched the horizon and showed around the dumpster. Knowing it'd be useless to stay like this forever, since that's how I felt since I could barely move, I shook myself into a bit of a sitting position and waited for the winds to die down.

Finally, they did, and I stood up to embrace the warmth. I walked around the dumpster, climbing over the fresh piles of snow in front of it. I vaguely wondered if I could skip diving into the snow to wash, but one sniff of myself said otherwise. Grimacing, I dove in and scrubbed as fast as possible, and dove back out again. Scrubbing my face and rubbing my chilled body to will it to stop shivering, I made it out of the alley and around the corner. I stopped on the sidewalk and watched as the sun fully rose into the sky, bathing me in its light. I smiled, immensely grateful for the warmth. After a few moments of just standing there rubbing my arms and body to try and keep warm, I walked down the sidewalk and into the bar.

I enter and head straight for my usual seat. There's only four other patrons today this time. Two of them looked up and I recognized them and I could tell they recognized me as well, but they didn't comment. I sat down with a sigh and basked in the intensified warmth of the sun beating through the window on to my body. I relaxed, finally able to do so, unlike last night. Suddenly Tifa showed up while I was in a half daze. I looked over at her, and she handed me a menu, or at least I thought that's what it was. It looks more like a coloring book, with the word `menu' splayed across the front, or at least I hope it was `menu'. I can't even imagine how long it's going to take me to learn kanji. I opened up the thing, and in surprise, I flipped from page to page noticing there are no words, just pictures. Pictures of food and pictures of a number of gil chips next to it. She must've at least realized I can't read Kanji. I thought, feeling relieved for some reason. My throat was still stuck around her though and I couldn't say anything.

I smiled and nodded at her to show how grateful for the new menu I was and she nodded and waited. Flipping through the hand drawn book, I took the menu and showed it to Tifa, pointing to a page to point out something that looks like a beef and noodle bowl. She nodded and took the menu from me, and walked back behind the counter and through the door behind it. I smiled, thankful that Tifa would be so accommodating to just one patron, even if she'd only guessed the problem.

---“Did he like my menu?” Marlene asked Tifa as she came through the door. Tifa smiled and nodded to the petite six year old and said, “He could read that menu fairly well. I don't understand quite what is going on with him, but at least I know he's not addled.” Marlene giggled from over at the sink and dried her hands and ran over to Tifa to give her a hug. Tifa caught her around her waist and Marlene said, “I think you worry too much.” Tifa laughed softly and said, “Is that right?” Marlene nodded and said, “That guy, Matthew, he's a little strange though…” Tifa shrugged and said, “There's something about him I can't quite place. Maybe it's just he reminds me of Cloud. All I know is, I want to get to the bottom of it.”---

I waited at the table, stretching luxuriously and nodding off happily. Suddenly, I was aware of a presence and looked up to see Tifa handing me the bowl of food I'd asked for. I nodded again, since that's about all I can do and smiled to thank her. Tifa did the same and went to tend to another patron who'd gotten up to leave. I looked down at my food, and then shoveled in. After a few bites, I decided to slow down since I don't have much to do today. Granted I don't have much to do any day. I decided to take it easy for now at least. I stretched some more and ate my food at a nice slow pace, reminiscent of food time back home. I shoved the thought aside and ate some more. Not that I felt homesick, quite the contrary, I'd never been more content, excluding barely knowing anyone, having a really crappy bed, and the closest thing I have to a friend is the manager of a bar. Other than that, I was glad to be free of the oppressive atmosphere from back home. Here, I feel free, alive, and ready to do stuff. Grinning, I finished my food, then sat back and relaxed.

I sat back and relaxed, considering what to do today. I felt my Gil pouch and decided some hunting is in order, since I'm running low. I stretched a bit, and deciding to start the day, I stood up. Tifa was over beside me in a flash. Slightly startled, I fished into my Gil pouch and paid her for the food and gave her a slight bow. Tifa nodded and took the money and my empty tray. As soon as she had turned around, I left a nice collection of gil chips on the table and headed for the door. I again felt Tifa's gaze on my back and out of the corner of my eye. I pushed out the door and headed back to the square. I looked around again at all the people, admiring the diversity, or at least the look of it even though they're really all the same ethnicity, which is really weird. I followed my shortcut back to the highway where I kill rats. On the way, I accidentally scraped my knees since a lot of the short cut is scrambling over rubble and I accidentally tripped.

Once I got there, I was immediately ambushed by some mutated rats. I pulled out my Ghost Knife and turned it invisible. I had gotten good at this and knew if they saw the blade vanish, they'd get confused and not attack me very well. Both of them tried jumping and raking me with their claws. I dove over both of them, slashing them both in half with one attack. Both down, I turned towards the other two that had shown up. I quickly picked up my booty from the first battle, and prepared for the next. Unlike the day before, it seems the rats are actually using strategy this time, throwing rat after rat at me in succession to try and wear me out, and it's working. Finally, I slashed up a rat, and even though another pair was running towards me, I took off back down my shortcut to evade them. I ended up cutting up my knees pretty badly and didn't stop till I'd gotten back to the square, out of breath and with a stitch in my side despite the exercise the rats have been giving me.

I leaned against the side of a building just barely out of sight to catch my breath. I heard a hiss, and saw the rats about twenty feet away hissing at me, but they didn't dare come closer to the square. I wondered why. Feeling ill at ease at having the rat's right there behind me, I pushed off from the building and walked back to the bar. It's lunchtime now anyway, so time for some food.

I walked into the bar, listening to the customary tinkle. Again, the place is packed. This place must be better known for lunch than any other meal evidently. I thought. Thankfully, my seat is empty, and I sat in it gratefully. Tifa was already getting a few orders, but had spared me a glance and looked a little weirdly at my appearance. Remembering that as I sat down, I looked at myself and noticed my raw hands and my banged up knees. Despite my dodging, one rat did catch me on my right arm and shredded my sleeve a bit. Least nobody noticed this time. Nobody except Tifa that is. I pulled out a potion and poured it down my back, letting the feeling of numb warmth wash over my body. With my skin and clothes now healed, I waited until Tifa came around with the menu. She pulled her picture menu from one of the folds in her pocket and handed it to me. I thumbed through quickly, and decided on something that didn't look like the normal Asian cuisine I'd been having. If anything it looked like a hamburger with rice and a drink. I pointed it out to Tifa, and she nodded and I nodded back, and she went off.

Leaning back, I sighed, grateful that life seems to be falling into a comfortable routine. I dreaded tonight, but at least the day is quite nice. Tifa came back with my food, and I wondered slightly how they got the food cooked up so fast. I smiled gratefully at her and dug in. Taking a bit into the burger, I found an interesting taste of soy, burger, and lomain in my mouth. Chewing, I opened up the bun to spot those very things on the burger. Wonder if I'll ever get sick of oriental food? I wondered. I decided that the burger was ok, but I decided not to have it too often. After finishing off the burger, I demolished the rice and drink, finding it to taste a bit like a Pepsi, but very fizzy. After finishing, I thought about what I should do today. As a hunter, I figured I might as well finish off the rats to try and rid the town of one more nuisance, that way I'd get more experience and maybe would be able to take something more dangerous on. I prayed I'd never meet a Tom Berry though. I shuddered and pushed that though out of my mind.

Making up my mind, I steeled myself for the battle, and getting up, Tifa met my hardened gaze with surprise, and I softened the look and paid her for the food, bowing low for all the help she'd given me. Standing back up, Tifa was regarding me with something akin to surprise and… something else. I didn't quite recognize it, but as soon as I noticed it, it was gone, with Tifa smiling and bowing back, albeit a smaller bow. After paying her and leaving the tip, I headed out to go finish off the rats.

---Tifa stared after my retreating form, wondering just why exactly those eyes had reminded her of a certain blonde's… Tifa shook her head slightly and made her way back behind the counter. Marlene was there and asked, “Are you ok Tifa?” Tifa shook her head slightly to clear it and smiled at Marlene. Marlene smiled back and nodded and went back to washing mugs with Tifa. Such an odd look… Tifa thought. Marlene watched Tifa out of the corner of her eye and couldn't help but notice how distracted Tifa seemed to be. Marlene sighed and decided to not let Tifa know she'd noticed. After all, being a little girl meant you weren't supposed to notice such things right?---

I headed out the bar, and turning left, I went back to the square. Going back to my shortcut, I noted with surprise that the rats were still there hissing, and snarling. They just kept standing there, not moving, forward or back, or even side to side, just sitting there hissing, and squealing, looking like they were on springs ready to leap to the attack. I waited with my blade out, but they did nothing. I went so far as to approach within a few inches of them. They still didn't do anything. I stuck my hand above them, and they both leapt for it. I jumped back out of reach, but it was as if they couldn't get past some kind of invisible barrier. Grinning, I decided to test one of my items out. Pulling a small round metal shape from my large pouch, which looks a lot like a grenade, I pulled the pin and threw it at the rats. As soon as it landed, I'd expected a large explosion.

I didn't expect the huge flash of light and a giant ring of fire however. Nor did I anticipate the ridiculously loud explosion. The rats evidently weren't expecting it either, but they weren't around to voice their opinions anymore. Hearing muffled shouts and running feet behind me, I took off not wanting to be caught or interrogated for the noise. I hurried as fast as I could, not even noticing the rats that jumped out and gave chase. I finally made it to the highway, out of breath. Then I heard what sounded to be a stampede. Turning around holding back the lump in my throat, I spotted the throng of rats running at me, some normal, some mutated. Without even realizing what I was doing, I pulled out another grenade and threw it. The rats didn't even have a chance to scatter and they all got deep fried.

Sticking my fingers in my ears to get rid of the ringing from the explosion and the squeal of the rats' death cry, I turned around as yet more rats came out of the rubble to try and run me over. I quickly grabbed my blade and slashed them up. More rats came, not even giving me a chance to get my bearings, or my breath back. I kept slashing and slashing, finally making it to the top of a roof, to try and evade them for the moment. Finally, after catching my breath, I snuck around the edge, and jumped off landing squarely on one's back, breaking it with a loud crunch and it disappeared. The rats around it whirled, but I killed off two of them before they could try to attack. The last one did, but it missed and I slashed it too. More rats came running out of the rubble, and the cycle started again. Turning, I lead the battle back to the highway. I got there, and killed rat after rat, but they just kept coming till they had me surrounded, waiting their turn to try and leap at me. After what seemed like ages, all the rats started twittering and squeaking really loudly, and I suddenly felt the ground vibrate beneath me. Suddenly the vibrations stopped. A few very suspenseful seconds later, a bit of rubble crashed open to reveal a hideous and most large specimen of a rat. Guessing that it's their leader, I braced myself for my toughest fight yet.

The rat turned it's wild glowing green eyes at me and it squealed, or at least I assume it did. It sounded more like an unearthly demonic scream to me. The rats then dove out of the way as their king tried to barrel me down like all the rest of them. I dove out of the way, but it was just barely enough. I ended up landing on some rats, and they scratched at me, and quickly killing them, I dove away again. The lumbering thing may be huge, scary looking, and fast, but the thing was still the stupidest thing I'd ever seen. Every time it tried to swipe at me, it ended up killing more and more of the other rats as I dodged, raking it's sides with my Ghost Knife to try and kill it. More and more rats kept showing up, but their numbers were starting to dwindle as the fight wore on, which is good, cause I was slowly getting worn out. I had numerous scratches all over my body, and even though I'd healed them, my shirt was practically falling off. After slashing and slashing, I noticed that through it all, I'd managed to make a hole in the rat. Bracing myself for this disgusting act, I pulled out a grenade, and dodging it's lunge again, I pulled the pin and shoved it into the rat's side as deep as I could. The rat squealed that loud ear piercing scream and whipped around, flinging me away. I lifted myself up to watch in horrid fascination as the rat was blown to pieces from the inside. It's carcass fell away, then disappeared along with all traces of it. I felt grateful for that aspect of Gaia since it'd be a major pain to wash all the rat blood off my own body. Besides, I have enough of my own blood to attend to. I pulled out a potion and poured it over myself weakly as I watched all the other rats taking off, scrambling over themselves to get away from me. Leaning back with a sigh, I closed my eyes for just a moment. I rested for a bit, then got up and walked over to the spot where the giant rat had died.

I nodded my respect to the beast, then picked up the loot it left behind. I had yet to figure out just how exactly or why they turned into loot, but I wasn't about to start complaining. This pouch is even bigger than the big pouch I have now. I transferred the contents and laced the bigger pouch into the other one's place, and put the second biggest next to it. Least the pouches are dark colored. After sticking my gil into the bigger pouch, I wondered down the highway, but nothing attacked. It seems I've cleared out all the rats. I felt a bit disappointed that I had to now find a new hunting ground, but that's life. Hunter's have to clear out once the prey is gone. With the sun still up in the sky, and barely an orangish glow barely hinting at the approaching evening, I wandered around, examining things. I spotted a few manholes, and I imagined they'd be a lot warmer than my current sleeping spot.

I kept those in mind for later and continued on. With my wanderings, I finally made it back to the square just as the sun was setting. I'd already drained my pouch that I held water in. I went over to a fountain off to the side in the square and filled my pouch back up. After drinking a little from the water fountain itself, I headed back for the Seventh Heaven Bar since the wind was starting to pick up and get chilly. I made it in, and sat down in my usual seat. I idly wondered why it was always empty, but decided not to worry about that. As soon as I sat down, Tifa was by my side with the menu. Surprised at her promptness, I took the menu and pointed out some sushi, and that tray of normal oriental food I'd had that first day here. She nodded and went back through the door. I leaned back and sighed. I suppose it's not that much of a surprise she was so prompt, seeing as the place is empty. No one wants to eat here for dinner evidently. Noticing the howling wind coming from outside and the droves of snow, it wasn't that surprising. I guessed that it's winter time and hoped it would become spring soon. I didn't know how much more of these blizzards I could take.

Just then Tifa came back with the food and set it before me. Grinning at the feast I'd decided to treat myself to, I nodded to Tifa in thanks, which was starting to turn into a habit, and tucked into the food. Let me just say, the sushi at this place is exquisite and it complimented the teriyaki beef and noodles very well. Once I'd finished, I covered my mouth and burped. Sighing happily, I leaned back relaxing. I looked back outside and noticed with dismay the howling winds and lumps of snow literally smacking the pavement. I shuddered and reflected on the fact that If I wanted to get to my new possible sleeping place, I should do it now. Standing up with a sigh, I waited for Tifa, and paid her the money. She took my trays and I dropped the tip on the table. It's a nice routine considering the hectic insanity outside. I could almost call this place home considering. Bracing myself at the door, I sighed, gathering my courage. Gathering my shirt around me, I dove out into the wind hunched over so as not to get blown back. The door snapped closed behind me and Tifa, who'd watched me leave, just sighed and shook her head. She then headed back upstairs after watching me disappear into the blizzard.

I fought my way against the wind to the square, feeling my limbs shake. I wanted to run, but I couldn't risk slipping against iced pavement, so I stepped carefully and hurried on. I finally made it to my shortcut, which thankfully, the wind wasn't as strong here. I hurried along, scrambling over snow and rubble, idly wondering if this was even worth the trouble. Thinking of the past fitful nights and freezing cold when compared to the dank dark sewers and only mildly cold temperatures in which I might actually be able to sleep, I pressed on, thinking yes this is indeed worth it. I finally made it to the highway, and following along it and hugging against any flat surface I could find, I finally made it to a manhole, and after digging the snow off of it with fingers I couldn't feel anymore, I lifted the manhole off and slipped inside.

The first thing that hit me was a blast of moist warm air followed with a rather disgusting stench. It's like sleeping in the men's room. I thought disgustedly and with slight fond reminisce of the times I actually had to do that because it was too cold in the room. I climbed down the ladder and closed the manhole behind me. Going down the ladder, I made my way quietly looking around under the dim electric lights of the place. I spotted a few rats, but as soon as they caught sight of me, they took off squealing up a storm. The warning went unheeded however as nothing so much as stirred. Either there's absolutely no monsters here, they don't care, or they've heard of the demise of the rat King and are scared out of their wits that I decided to come down here.

Shrugging off the thought, I wandered a little bit, exploring to find a place to sleep. Off in a secluded corner that is tucked away around a bend, I found a metal grate with a door in it, and behind the door is an old abandoned security station. Opening the door quietly, I went in and closed it. Locking it behind me, I tested it and realized nothing would be coming to bother me during the night. Gratefully, I went into a dark corner under the desk and promptly fell asleep.