The Village: Season Two

[Beebs]

As Tidus and Jiro entered the village square, they were quite surprised by the excitement bustling throughout the streets. Carts and makeshift stands filled with exotic wares were set up all around the central area. It was astonishing that all of the people fit into one concentrated place.

"Whoa...what's going on?" Jiro asked with amazement, his eyes widening at the sight of a stand dedicated to treasure maps.

"I have no clue," Tidus said still in a slight state of shock.

He was just as excited as his friend. A large, laughing man with a glazed expression began to waddle past the duo. He was carrying an armful of cakes.

Tidus decided to ask, "Excuse me, but do you know what all of this is about?"

"Ho, I was just as surprised as you win I first saw it too," the man began with a jolly grin. "It's quite a marvel, seems a flock of merchants migrated in early this morning from the desert colonies to the east. Seems they had some kind of water supply problem and are traveling to their western cities. Quite some purchasing opportunities, hm? I found the most unusual, and delicious desserts. They'll probably be gone by tomorrow so best get your shopping in now!"

The man began to hobble over towards a pie stand when Jiro turned to Tidus with a most devious expression. "Quite some stealing oppotunities, hm? I'll tell ya, someone should lay off the food budget; cut it down to only 5 meals a day for guy, I'd say."

Tidus shook his head in amusement before replying, "Come on, let's find a weapons stall."

[Liamane]

Feasting upon the various sights around him, the former spy's eyes moved from stall to stall, and he felt the opportune moment of heisting grow with each passing second. Indeed, he had abandoned the villainous ways of Ryo's Fuwa Gang, but the way of the spy still ran through his veins. The very thought of lifting excited him to the very core, and the hair on the back of his neck stood from the sheer thrill. A stand of jewelry stood before him, and feeling compelled to make his move, the teenager slowly took each step with precision, and he began to creep toward an elegant necklace that shimmered in the morning sun.

Suddenly, just as his hand reached for his prize, Tidus yanked on the back of his collar and pulled him backward. Emitting a gag, the young man's eyes immediately shot an innocent but fierce glance to his friend, and clearing his throat, he hollered, "Hey, hey! What's the big idea? I was in my prime, man!"

Thinning his eyes into a glare, the Blitzer produced a smug frown upon his face. "We came for weapons, Jiro," the older man reminded his comrade. He gave a tug on his collar before continuing, "C'mon, kid. We're not to far from the shop."

Crossing his arms, Jiro groaned and rolled his eyes after he stood upon his feet, and he brushed off his pants. His eyes met with the jewel once again, and a sigh escaped his lips. "Fine," he muttered under his breath, following Tidus who was now making his way through the crowd. The urge gnawed away at him, but doing as he was told, he dragged his feet as he followed suit.

[Beebs]

A bell rung as Tidus opened the wooden door to 'Tonmana's Weaponry.' The shop was small, but filled from wall to wall with various swords and lances. It would appear anything used to slay someone (or something) could be found here. After taking one look at the shop proprietor, Tidus realized that must be true. He was a small and scarred man whose skin looked as though it had been burned several times. He wore a patch over his right eye and a devious smirk sat upon his face.

The man tapped his long fingernails together before beginning, "Welcome to the Tonmana family weapons shop. I'm the eldest son, Nahhan Tonmana, at your service. What can I help you fine gentleman with today?"

"Well, we're uh...just browsing at the moment," Tidus said nervously, forcing a weak smile on his face.

"Hey, what happened to that other guy?" Jiro said suspiciously. "I used to come in here all the time and I've never seen you before..."

"Ah, yes, well, you must be referring to Uncle Jeb," Nahhan replied with a grin, "I'm afraid he, uh, passed recently. Aheh..."

Tidus and Jiro gave each other an uncertain look before beginning to browse the shop's wares. Jiro pressed his face up against a glass display case and stared at a set of silver daggers. Nahhan picked up on the former spy's infatuation with the blades immediately.

He strutted over to Jiro, leaning down, and said, "Ah, fine eye you've got there. A traveler from the desert sold the set to me just this morning. I expect they'll be sold quickly, however, so if you're in the market to buy--"

"No thanks," Tidus interjected, dragging Jiro away from the knives. "We're actually in here for something specific."

"Yeah, I guess we are," Jiro agreed with a sigh.

"Ah, well why didn't you say so?" Nahhan said deviously, "What is it you'd like?"

[Beebs]

"We're actually in the market for a sparring sword," Tidus said, glancing around at the shop.

"Screw that," Jiro exclaimed, folding his arms across his chest. "We're getting a broad sword!"

As the merchant's eyes seemed to sparkle at the thought of such a sale, Tidus pulled his friend off to the side and mumbled, "You know we don't have that kind of money, man."

"No way!" Jiro shouted, causing both Tidus and Nahhan to jump. "I don't want some crappy toy sword..."

"Perhaps I can make you a bargain," the shopkeeper said with a crooked smile. "Follow me."

Tidus and Jiro looked at each other and shrugged, following Nahhan through a red curtain behind the counter. It led to a room even smaller than the shop. What was inside the room caused the duo's eyes to widen.

A dim ceiling-lamp lit up the walk-in closet sized room, which had fantastic and unique weapons mounted on each wall. Tidus, nor Jiro, had never seen anything quite like each weapon they faced. The group struggled to cram themselves into the room, but finally managed to with little distress.

"What is this?" Jiro said in awe.

"My private collection," Nahhan said with a tear in his eye, "But I'm willing to part with one at a fair price."

"And why exactly is that?" Tidus questioned curiously.

"Because," Nahhan began solemnly, "Before my father died, he passed on many of these weapons to me. He told me to always go with my gut regarding customers; if I felt they were dirty I shouldn't sell to them and vice versa. "

He turned to Jiro and continued, "You, my dear boy, have a certain aura about you. I feel you're worthy of a sword...such as this."

Nahhan pulled a sword down that was mounted highest on the right wall. He handed it in its sheathed form to the former spy. Jiro's eyes lit up as he held it. He had to admit, he loved the feel of it.

Nahhan embellished, "The strength and pure power of a broadsword, but light enough to provide excellent agility; you get the best of both worlds. Go ahead, take it out."

As the three made their way back into the main store, Jiro carefully removed it from its bronze-toned scabbard, which made it all the more glorious. It was quite wide, but very thin. It had no hilt, which seemed to make it look all the more powerful. The handle had engravings on it of beats Jiro had never seen before. The silver of the blade was gleaming as if it had just been polished; Jiro could see himself clearly reflected in it. He grinned.

"Definitely this one," he said cheerfully. "How much?"

[Beebs]

"50 fun bucks," Nahhan said with a smirk. He faltered for a moment, waiting for a reaction that never came before continuing, "Yes, well, I'd say the total comes to around...40 golden grails."

"Wow...that's a bit steep," Tidus said feeling his pockets. "I thought this was supposed to be affordable..."

"Pay the man," Jiro said in a state of awe, walking right out the shop's door with the sheathed sword in his arms.

The shopkeeper grinned and said, "I still have a business to run, you see; and this really is quite the deal. Believe me, your friend will not regret the purchase."

Tidus reluctantly pulled the coins out of his pocket and handed them to Nahhan, who hastily snatched them away. He deposited them into an old-fashioned register behind the counter and grinned at the blond-haired man still standing before him.

Suddenly, Jiro darted back into the store and called out, "We'll be sparring in the east-field clearing if you want to come watch."

Nahhan's expression changed to one of pure shock and he nervously replied, "Well, um...if I get a moment away, very busy you see, and if you wouldn't mind me being there..."

His voice trailed off and Jiro smiled. He soon rushed out of the shop once more, leaving Tidus and a mumbling Nahhan alone. The Blitzer offered a bow to the man and followed after his friend.

After catching up to the former spy, he asked, "Hey Jiro, why did you invite him along?"

Jiro shrugged his shoulders casually and answered, "He was nice. You do nice things for nice people, y'know."

Tidus squinted his eyes uncertainly. "Well...if you think so. I think he might have just scammed us, man."

"No way," Jiro said in disbelief, twirling his new prize in his hands. "Nahhan would never do that. Come on, I wanna try this baby out!"

As Jiro ran ahead, playfully slashing at invisible foes, Tidus pondered, "Jiro's not exactly a great judge of character...but I do trust him, and if he trusts that guy, then I guess I should give him the benefit of the doubt as well."

[Liamane]

Looking at the world around her, Kohana's excitement was evident on her face as her grin gradually broadened with each step. The high trees of the forest were enormous for a child her size, and the fauna of the summer grew all around her. The sunlight penetrated the leaves and branches from the heavens above, and the bright star's light shone upon the forest's floor. "Hey, are you coming?" Naomi called out to her younger friend; a parallel smile was fixed upon her cheerful face. Turning around to take a glance at the girl, the magen stopped in her tracks as she calmly waited for her to catch up.

Finally walking beside one another, the soon-to-be Academy student looked up to the woman beside her, and she asked, "Naomi, aren't we going to the Academy?" Her friend responded with an assuring nod. The girl continued, "Then, why are going through the woods? This isn't the way."

"This is a way to the Academy," the woman explained, looking down at the child. "Trust me, Kohana, I know my way around this village. Besides, this is the easy way to get there. We avoid all the hustle of everyone in the village, and it's always fun to stroll in the forest like we are. Don't you agree?"

Kohana shot her eyes to the treetops above, and the warm rays of the sun touched her face. "I guess so," she replied, smiling. "So, how far are we from the Academy?"

[Beebs]

"Not too terribly far," Naomi said. "So Kohana...you haven't really asked me many questions about the Academy. Is there any particular reason?"

Kohana paused for a moment, thinking hard before finally replying, "Well...I've been a little worried, I guess."

"About what?" the magen questioned concernedly.

"Well...I don't know if I'll be any good at magic," the young girl answered with a frown, "I've never really done any kind of spells like you have...what if I can't do it right?"

Naomi smiled kindly, lightly sighing and turning her head towards the sky. She thought for a moment, before going on, "You know...I had the same fears before attending as well."

"Really?" Kohana asked, almost excited by this. "Wow."

Naomi chuckled and continued, "Yeah, it's normal to be nervous, even a little scared. I used to think 'what if I'm not as magically inclined as other students?' or 'what if I can't live up to my father's reputation?'

"With time, the magic will become natural... it begins to flow through you. It may seem a little foreign at first, but you'll get the hang of it. I promise you that you're not the only uncertain new student, especially since the school's taking on a lot more this term."

Kohana gave a sigh of relief and she showed a wide smile, but it soon faded into a frown as the duo trudged forward. "Naomi?" Kohana asked softly.

"Hm?" the magen replied.

"I don't like not telling Miyo about the Academy..."

[Liamane]

Producing a smug frown, the young woman let out a sigh as her eyes were drenched with grim uncertainty. "I don't either," she muttered in response, looking at the path before her. "But you have to realize, Kohana, Miyo's not the only person to really know about the Academy. In fact, we have to keep it a secret from just about everyone. If word got out that the Academy was housing young magens, there'd be a mass outbreak of pandemonium, and the people of Riyona would panic."

Kohana looked at her friend strangely, and her brow raised with curiosity. "Why?" the child asked innocently, a frown accompanied her question.

Again, Naomi sighed, and she continued, "They're afraid of us. They think that just because we're different, we're monsters. Everyone here thinks that magic is a curse, and they believe that we're going to overthrow them. That's why we have to remain a secret, Kohana. If any non-magen knew that the Academy houses magic-using students, there's no doubt in my mind that the people of the village would revolt and try to harm the students and staff."

Grasping the basic concept of Naomi's explanation, Kohana frowned, a hint of doubt loomed about her. "That's terrible," she concluded, gazing up at her friend. "Everyone in the village would really do that?"

[Beebs]

"Well, perhaps not everyone," Naomi said solemnly, "But most. You have to understand...it's partly our fault."

Kohana stared at the young woman curiously again, and said, "What do mean, Naomi?"

"Well, I suppose I can tell you now, even though you'll learn of it during your studies," Naomi began with a frown on her face. "A long time ago, during the age of the first magens, in order to fully understand their powers they kept them a secret. This way, they could comprehend what being this new breed of human meant for not only themselves, but for those around them. This first group was known as the Great Order.

"Over time, their practices simply remained secret, until one day when a man by the name of Kyan Motsuba discovered a corrupted coven. Their practices were considered blasphemous by other magens and they were banished from the Great Order. Kyan was horrified by the crimes they committed and he intended to inform the villagers of the horrendous things he had seen. At first no one believed him, but this secret group gained knowledge of the rumors he was spreading...so they killed him.

"Outraged, the leaders of the Great order defeated all of the corrupt magens, to ensure something like that would never happen again. By this point, however, the entire village lived in fear of these 'witches.' And it's been that way ever since."

Kohana's mouth gaped open for a few moments, as she looked towards the ground in sorrow. "That's awful," she said. "Why would someone do something so bad?"

Naomi paused in thought, then answered, "I really don't know, Kohana. Some people are just...full of darkness."

[Liamane]

Legs daintily crossed, Skye sat at the table, her tolerance was running thin. Her eyes were fixed upon her hands and fingernails as she scanned them with precision. Her posture was most proper for a young woman her age, and becoming exceedingly impatient, the dark magen began to strum her fingers against the wooden table. The daughter of Takun developed a wide smile as Vincent entered the kitchen. The bags under his eyes were evident.

"You kept me waiting, my dear," Skye snapped, greeting him. Pursing her lips, she stood from her seat to embrace the red eyed man. "You look dreadful, Vincent. Are you ill?"

Shaking his head, the Turk emitted a drowsy groan as he held her in his arms. "I couldn't sleep well," he explained, blinking. Releasing her from his grasp, the man pulled out a chair, and he faltered as he sat himself down. Producing a fraud smile, the woman placed a hand upon her love's shoulder as he continued, "So strange... I've never had such wild dreams."

[Beebs]

"About what, my love?" Skye questioned with concern. A smirk grew on her face as she stood up from the table. She crossed behind the Turk and draped her arms over his shoulders and onto his chest. She leaned down to his ear and softly blew into it.

"I'm not entirely sure," he began, closing his eyes. "I saw myself, except I was some sort of beast."

"Don't be silly, you could never be a beast, my darling," Skye responded, now lightly kissing the man. "What else?"

Vincent gave a short laugh and answered, "I believe there was a woman, too."

"A woman? Who was she?" Skye asked nervously, developing an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She thought, "Could it be...that Vincent dreamed of that insipid girl, Miyo?"

"I don't know...now that I think about it, I seem to remember two women," Vincent replied, squinting his eyes in thought. "They felt very familiar..."

Takun's daughter gave a sigh of relief and developed a grin. She said, "A dream of you and two women...I'm not sure I want to hear the rest..."

Vincent's eyes widened and he blushed. He quickly retorted, "Oh, no, it was nothing like that, I promise. Even in my dreams I am devoted only to you."

The woman couldn't help but giggle. She soon began to playfully nibble on the Turk's ear and said softly, "As am I, Vincent."

[Liamane]

Knocking on the wooden frame of the doorway, Rian, looking as bright as ever, sauntered into the kitchen, and he gazed at his sister with great contentment. Takun's son cleared his throat as he gained the flirtatious couple's attention. "I see we're in a merry mood this morning," the young man chirped, sporting a grin. "I assume everything's well then."

Vincent nodded, grasping Skye's hand on his chest. "Naturally," the Turk replied, smiling as he looked up at his beloved. Instantly recalling the previous day's events, the man shot a glance to Rian, and raising an eyebrow, he questioned, "Say, where'd you go yesterday?"

Placing his hands behind his back, the constant smile on Rian's face grew in size. "Ah, I had to attend to some errands," he lied, his voice was incredibly casual. His eyes darted to Skye who wore a smirk upon her face. "Nothing too exciting. I'm sure you two had loads of fun." A playful laugh followed suit.

[Beebs]

"Not quite, brother," Skye remarked. "Just a day in each other's company. We took an evening stroll through the outer boundaries of the village."

"We passed a beautiful field of flowers," Vincent added, staring back lovingly at the woman.

Skye eyed her brother and continued, "Not quite the enchantment of those in our homeland, Rian, but a sight, none the less. Tell me, what do you have planned for today?"

Rian frowned slightly and replied, "Well, I was hoping you would tell me. I thought I would accompany the two of you today."

"That's very assuming of you, Rian," Skye said in an annoyed tone; almost a scoff. "What if we had plans that didn't include you?"

"Of course, Skye," Rian said, lowering his head, "I apologize."

[Beebs]

The Turk glared at the blue-haired woman. He wasn't stunned by her treatment towards Rian, but still felt a little uneasy. Vincent couldn't imagine treating a brother (if he had one) like Skye did. However, Rian didn't seem to mind her constant orders and verbal abuse; he beckoned to her every call with a valiant disposition.

Vincent decided to interject himself and added, "If you don't mind my asking, what are we doing today, Skye?"

The woman grinned and replied, "That's a surprise, my dear." She turned her attention back to her brother. Her demeanor seemed to change instantly into one of hostility. "You're welcome to come along too, of course."

Rian beamed, half-bowing to his sister in respect.

Vincent pretended not to be a little revolted by the siblings' behavior, and said, "You know I don't typically enjoy surprises..." He faltered, noticing the almost hurt look in Skye's eyes, so he continued, "But I trust your judgment; I'm sure I'll love it."

[Beebs]

"I'm glad," Skye responded, a devious gleam in her eye. She walked to the edge of the room and stood in the doorway, turning back to the two men by the table. "I'll be taking my leave now."

"Where are you going? Do you want me to come along?" Vincent questioned with concern.

He began to get up from the table before Skye interrupted and said, "No, no, it's part of your surprise. I'll come back to fetch you in a bit. Rian, keep my Vincent company during my absence."

"My pleasure," Rian said cordially, nodding to the Turk.

"Very well, I'll see you again soon, my love," Skye said with a wide grin, blowing a kiss to Vincent, which he reluctantly reached out to catch. Rian turned his head and secretly rolled his eyes in disgust. Skye turned and walked out of the hotel room, leaving Rian and Vincent alone. ((at last xDD))

[Beebs]

For a long while, silence loomed throughout the dining room as Rian and Vincent sat awkwardly across from each other at the table. Vincent stared curiously at the man while tapping his fingers anxiously on the table.

Despite the fact that Rian was often around, he and Vincent hadn't had the chance to really get to know one another. Skye preoccupied Vincent's attention most of the time and it left little chance for the Turk to fraternize with her brother; Rian was quite skilled at being a being a watching shadow. At first it made Vincent quite nervous, but he soon grew to find it casual. This situation, however, was most unusual.

Vincent broke the silence by asking, "So...do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Not at all," Rian replied hesitantly, as if he shouldn't be speaking at all.

"Why," Vincent began, choosing his words carefully, "are you so willing to aide Skye?"

Rian gave Vincent a confused look for a moment, before finally responding, "She's my sister, of course. Why wouldn't I?"

Vincent's eyes darted away from Rian's direct stare. He finally made eye contact and questioned, "I understand that, but you seem to let her control your every move. Before yesterday, you hadn't been off on your own without Skye having asked you. Do not misunderstand me, I believe Skye to be exceptionally wonderful, but I'm curious as to why you aren't off living your own life instead of living Skye's."

Vincent thought that he might of implied too much, because another long silence consumed the room. Rian's head hung low and he appeared to be in deep thought. Vincent noticed he kept slamming his eyes shut in frustration.

Quite shockingly, the silence was broken when Rian confidently stated, "It's my duty to protect and serve my sister; although Father may not will it, I know this to be true. I have disappointed our family time and time again. Skye is the only one who ever gave me the light of day, believing I was worth more than my actions have displayed in the past. I choose to follow her, despite what others have said, in hopes of pleasing her...and perhaps our father."

[Liamane]

Stunned by Rian’s elucidation, Vincent failed to draw the proper words to fit the uneasy situation. He continued to stare the young man down with his intense red eyes, and the familiar eerie silence loomed over them once again. The Turk leaned back in his seat as he shot a glance to the ceiling.

Clearing his throat, he finally replied, "I'm not sure of what's come to pass between you and your family, but I know it's not my place to interfere or question your past. There's a lot Skye has yet to tell me; I can just sense it. To be totally frank, I can't recall much of my past either. Everything from it seems to be... a haze."

Lowering his vision to the floor, the man's hand reached for his side of his head as he furiously attempted to recall something- anything- of his past.

Vincent emitted a groan as he released a hint of harbored anger, and looking to Rian once again, he sighed and offered a small, hesitant smile.

"I suppose this is a good thing then," the Turk continued in a whisper, lightly gripping the arms of chair he sat in. "Maybe I was destined to be with you two. I'm not one to believe in fate; hell, I don't know what to believe in anymore. But there's got to be some reason why I'm with Skye, I just... know it."

[Liamane]

"Perhaps," the young magen countered, his voice a mere murmur. His eyes were cast to the Turk sitting opposite of him, and a nervous tension chewed away at Rian. Biting at his lip, he finally eased as he emitted a quick laugh, stating, "If anything, you two look fit for each other."

Vincent replied with a half-amused chortle as a smirk crossed his face, and attempting to continue to the pleasantly loose conversation, he joked, "So, Rian, what about you? You're old enough to be in a relationship yourself, right? Why aren't you out chasing a woman of your own? I know your duty's to protect Skye, but what about you?"

[Beebs]

Rian paused again for a long moment. His eyes quickly darted away from Vincent to the floor, as his face began to flush red. He nervously continued, "Well...I suppose that I'm just not very interested in all of that."

Vincent gave a curious expression, staring concernedly at Skye's brother, and replied, "Why is that?"

Another silence was born into the room, lasting much longer than the ones before. Rian continued to avert his attention away from the Turk and appeared to be mumbling faintly under his breath. Vincent began to feel awkward as well, thinking he shouldn't have brought up the subject in the first place.

"It's fine," Vincent began. "We don't have to discuss it if it makes you feel uncomfortable."

Rian fidgeted with his fingers anxiously, but finally replied, "I apologize...I'm just caught a little off-guard. I'm not exactly adjusted to talking about myself...it's been a long while since someone actually gave a damn."

Rian's eyes became very intense, filled with a hurt rage that Vincent found unsettling. The Turk carefully dug through his thoughts to find the appropriate thing to say.

Vincent soon continued, "By all means, there's no rush. I want you and I to become closer, Rian, because we're both a part of Skye's life and it would seem neither of us will be going away anytime soon. I understand it will take time for you to open up- for both of us to, really- and I don't have a problem with that."

Rian gave a weak smile and responded, "Thank you, Vincent."

((yeah...not sure how you wanted that to go. xDD Just tell me if you want me to change anything.))

[Liamane]

Tidus sighed. The man had encountered various beings during the course of his life, and he had befriended, and even fought, strange creatures. However, never before had he met such an obsessive person. As Jiro walked close behind, he lovingly stared at his new weapon; a sense of awe took him. The teenager's eyes glistened in the bright sunlight of the morning, and full of delight, he emitted a dreamy sigh.

"Have you ever seen a more perfect sword, Tidus?" the former spy chirped, outstretching the weapon in his grasp.

His friend, who walked before him toward the battlefield, shot a glance over his shoulder, and with a raised brow, he looked upon his younger comrade with both disbelief and astonishment. He pursed his lips, and his face expressed a blank visage.

"Oh no, there's no finer sword out there," Tidus retorted, gazing back to the path in front of him. He placed his hands behind his head, and he released a playful laugh, saying, "Y'know, I bet you fifty golden grails that it won't help you win. Face it, a sword can look pretty darned impressive, but if it's wielded by some novice, it's as good as a stick."