The Fantasy Games (Final Fantasy Fanfiction)

Chapter Nineteen: Have No Regrets

A long sigh escaped the warrior's lips as she stared at the TV in front of her. Her PHS lay beside her along with the map of the games and notes on monsters and other tributes. Her eyes were tired of going over them repeatedly, she could practically recite the whole thing off by heart at this stage but that didn't stop her. She needed to memorise everything she could about the other tributes so that she could send in items to help Yuna.

At least now she had the holy materia, she had given it to Lulu who had said she'd take it down to Barrett as soon as she could. Paine presumed she was on her way to do it now, the black mage had only just left the room after tending to her leg. Perhaps that was why she had wanted Angeal, maybe she wanted someone to accompany her.

Although... Lulu was more than capable of taking care of herself, especially now that she had become a sorceress. The thought was still terrifying though, Rinoa had barely even known Lulu yet she had just given her her powers. Paine had been slightly surprised that she hadn't gotten them or perhaps Squall, although Rinoa probably knew that Squall would use them to extract revenge from the Capitol and as for her... well she was half-demon, she didn't need the strain of sorceress powers adding to her list of genetic problems.

Now Lulu had her own, growing wings probably hurt like hell, especially since they were coming out of her back. She hadn't really gotten the chance to talk to her friend about it that much, Lulu had simply raced out of the room, leaving her watching over Cloud and Yuna.

It saddened her to watch them together, she was never the one to be emotional - and she still wasn't - but as they walked side by side, working together and getting along, she couldn't help but think of the inevitable future. One of them wouldn't survive, that's how it went in the games. There could only ever be one victor and that would never change.

Her face softened slightly from its usual hard and passive expression as she watched them converse slightly. She had to admit, they made a perfect team, Yuna could hunt, Cloud had extreme senses, she was good for long ranged attacks, he was good in close combat, she was a great mage and he had the strength that she lacked.

They were complete opposites, like black and white, however they worked perfectly together. Yuna was strong-willed and determined, yet not stubborn she was easy to get along with. Cloud was stoic and quiet, yet Yuna seemed to be able to extract the smallest of smiles from him that only showed when she wasn't looking. Yuna didn't pry, despite her curiosity and Cloud silently appreciated it. As a small reward he gave her small bits and pieces of information, nothing she could use against him of course and Yuna gave the same back.

She had warned Yuna to steer clear of him, yet now she was glad in a way that Yuna hadn't listened to her. Cloud was an amazing warrior and if he was anything like Zack, then he was a man of his word too. She couldn't believe that Yuna had actually managed to get the stoic SOLDIER to team up with her but then again, that girl had done the impossible before.

She just prayed that Yuna listened to her second piece of advice, the one at she had ignored in her own games with Noo-

"You seem deep in thought."

Zack's voice broke her out of her thoughts as she turned to look at him standing in the doorway. It was strange sometimes to see him out of his SOLDIER uniform, she wasn't used to seeing him wearing sweats and a t-shirt as he was now. He almost seemed sheepish as he lingered there by the door, she could practically see him debating in his head whether to come in or not.

"I'm just trying to sort everything out," she replied with a shrug of her shoulders. She shifted over slightly on his bed, leaving a considerate amount of space for him to sit down if he wanted to do so. It was his room after all and though she didn't like the fact that Zack wanted to keep a close eye on her while she recovered, she did appreciate that he had gone so far as to give her his room.