(If you want to join in on this exciting story, the sign ups are here! http://kh13.com/forum/topic/98104-final-fantasy-z-sign-ups-and-discussions/page-4?do=findComment&comment=1843305 Now on to the story!)In the world known as Orbis, an extended version of our Earth (3x it's size) the civilizations of Orbis have been separated into different sections because of culture and societies. There are Technos, those who wish to create technology. Anthros, those who want to connect with Earth itself. The Medivals, those who focus more on the Dark Ages. And The Citys, which treat each culture equally and experiment by combining them in unique ways. But soon...A great evil is about to arise...The same evil that came in the past...And I assume you all want to hear the tale that will be told...The story of how an unlikely team...Allies...Friends...Came together and saved the world while facing hardships, discoveries, and regrets...This is the story...The Legend...The myth of how...In the City of Aquila...Where classmates joined together to explore the world never tamed....

 

A building that was the size of a Skyscraper stood alongside buildings of unthinkable height. People came and went on their normal lives, playing on their phones, trying to get to work on time, and of course, kids playing around on the sidewalk.

With everything that was happening outside, it was a very important day for some at the Aquilia Combat School. (The building that was as tall as a skyscraper)

 

In one room, many students, roughly 30-35 students, talked and roamed around Room 408, a class that specializes in offensive and defensive skills. One student wore a Red Mage outfit with a black feather instead of the traditional white feather. Her body was laid back in her desk, with her feet crossed and resting on top of her desk. Her hands were behind her head and her hat covered her eyes. Sure, the class was bit loud, but it didn't bother her. She was used to it.

 

"Today's the big day!" A female student said.

"I'm a bit nervous...I-I don't know if I'll do well..." A male student said.

"Hey, cheer up! We're all doing this together you know. We'll be by your side and help you out." A male student said with a higher-pitched voice.

 

"Hah! Don't make me laugh." Another female student suddenly said. She looked to be about 17, given her appearance and height. Her hair was long and blonde and her clothes were more on a rebel styled attire. A smirk was on her face as she overheard the recent conversation. She leaned on the side of the wall with her arms crossed and her eyes closed. "You low-lives won't even remember how to punch once you get there. Unlike me, you don't stand a chance." She said with a very confident, yet rude tone.

"Says the garbage bagged girl." The Red Mage said. The classroom giggled a bit at her comment. The Rebel clothed girl growled at the Red Mage and opened her mean eyes. "Shut it, Solisa. Once I'm through with you, you'll be "Sol-Loser"." The Rebel responded.

"Wow...." The Red Mage replied. "That pun was as outdated as your clothing. Not-To-Be-Sold." The class bursts into laughter. The Red Mage wasn't afraid of this cocky-bully. "Why you little...!" The Rebel then walked to the Red Mage's desk and slammed her hands on the Red Mage's desk. "Listen, you peeping pipsqueak. I'm trying not to get in trouble today. So shut up or else I'll pound you before the exam even starts! Got it!?"

 

"....That's it? You'll pound me? Sheesh, for trying to be a good student I'm glad you ain't an angel Sara."

"SHUT UP!!" Sara yelled out with rage. "Don't make me come back, you Mage maggot." With that, she took a deep breath and walked back to her spot, leaning against the wall and crossed her arms.

Edited August 17, 20169 yr by kingdomhearts45

Laz scoffed at what Ms. Genka had called Cid.  The number one treasure hunter?  I don't think so!  But this does confirm that this is the Cid I was thinkin' about.  She was glad she was right and mentally smirked.

 

However, it did catch her off guard when Solisa said that he had took care of her since she was four.  Well, I did hear that he left the Arabias about thirteen years ago, and that was when they found me and let me join.  Maybe he could sense my skills back then and left cause he felt threatened?  The bluenette chuckled and had a tiny devious smile on her face.  Oh, it is so on old man!

Grace was shocked when Solisa called him Uncle Cid. "Wow... that's actually pretty cool." She smiled and have heard stories about Cid. Grace never expected that she will meet him in person. She looks at Laz and noticed that she smiling in somewhat devious way, but decided to focus on the exam. She glared at The airship and was amazed by it appearance.

Wait a minute, did she just call that man Uncle Cid?, Elsa thought, her jaw dropping a bit. Though she had never seen this man before, some of the people around her had clearly known about him and she felt kind of bad that she didn't know Cid that well. Oh well. At least i know who he is now., she thought, smiling at seeing Solisa be so happy.

Millicent watched the airship's descent, realizing that this might have been an odd sight for some of the other students. She'd seen a few in her travels, but never had the opportunity to ride one. The arrival of Cid was a bit shocking. She'd heard plenty of tales about him, and didn't think that he'd stop by a school like this. I suppose that his connection with Solisa would be reason enough to show up here... She studied the man a bit, noticing that he seemed more laid back than she imagined someone of his status to be. This is the legendary Cid? It's not quite what I expected... He seems friendly, though. That's good. She mused to herself.

Different every year? I guess this time it will be just a regular team battle, then.

After realizing that the combat exam will take place outside, Anton was relieved: Great, now I will not have to be careful about accidentally damaging the school.

When Cid arrived, Anton was excited about the opportunity to be on an airship, although he saw some of Cid's airships back when he was in the castle, the airships of the kingdom were all designed by Cid.

It surprised him that Cid was like a father-figure to Solisa, and was amused by her reaction to his arrival, laughing for a few seconds.

Seeing that Aaron attempted to start a conversation with Kelon, Anton decided to join to the conversation as well:

"So he is like a father figure to her...that's surprising. I saw a couple of his airships in the castle I came from, but I was never on one of these. Sounds exciting. Still, it is rather nice to meet him in person. "

"Woah, these kinds of things look unbelievable, don't they?" Aaron said as Anton joined in. "It looks so ancient, yet I wonder what kinda tech is running in that thing!" Aaron smirked. "It has to be a Citys invention. I'm already ready to climb aboard!"

The famous man smiled brightly and put his hands on his hips. "Heh heh! Yeah, it's true. Knew the little darling ever since she was as small as a Moogle." He said, looking down at Solisa. Her eyes were still sparkling with joy. He couldn't help but chuckle a little. She still has those little eyes of wonder. Cid then faced Ms. Genka. "I have to give credit to your teacher though, inviting me here to get you kids over to the Exam Site. Speaking of which, what are we standing around here for? Let's board the Rider Ark already!" The explorer then brought down his sunglasses, smiled brightly with his teeth emitting a glance of a shine, then turned around and walked towards the airship with Solisa tagging along with him hopping up and down like a rabbit. "The Rider Ark...?" Sara tilted her head at the name of the airship, but was more confused on how Solisa knew this guy. Of all people...It was her. Damn it...She's so cool... Sara clenched her right fist, then walked behind them. "Come on class. Let's get going." Ms. Genka announced, walking ahead as well.

Aaron almost leapt off his feet when Cid gave the OK to board the Ark!
"Come on, class. Let's get going." Ms. Genka said.
"Aye aye!" Aaron bellowed back to Ms. Genka. "See ya up there!" Aaron said to Kelon and Anton, as he caught up to his group with Elsa, Grace and Laz.

Edited July 21, 20169 yr by Sun Wukong

Kelon nodded, and he walked towards the airship, and boarded it. He was still thinking about something, and is deep in thought. He couldn't help but feel that something could happen, but he decided to keep that thought aside for now. He leaned on a mast on the airship, and folded his arms, and looked towards the distance in the sky. He wanted to focus on getting through the exam so that he could get it over with. "The world is vast, filled with many lands, one might even say that it's a safe haven... But sometimes, even the darkest of shadows can spawn where there is light..." Thought Kelon, mentally thinking to himself in his head.

Edited July 22, 20169 yr by KHLegendIII

When Cid gave his permission for them all to board the ship, the blue haired Anthros made sure she was in the middle of everyone.  If she entered first, all eyes would be on her, but it would be suspicious if she boarded last.  No, its best to play it safe and wait until everyone's distracted, then sneak off.  For now, just blend into the group.  Laz hoped this would work, as she could be very flamboyant at times due to her feisty personality.

Elsa got onto the ship and stared at it in awe. This is so cool!, she thought happily. She walked around the ship a bit to get used to it. I've never seen a ship like this before..., she was thinking, feeling her eyes beam with happiness.

Edited July 22, 20169 yr by KHUndertaleFan25

Aaron wanted to gaze in awe of the Ark, spinning around in its interior. Aaron was right, the outside looked like an ancient ship but on the inside there was a touch of every culture. Vines tangled around and their way through the ship's southwest corner, laced with greenery and a natural touch of flowers. The northeastern corner beamed brightly with traces of advanced technology, spurring with modern convieniences ranging from motion and voice activated coffee machines to powerful holographic monitors and hands free gizmos. A northwestern part of the airship seemed more like a research facility —ancient spoils and cracked dust with carefully controlled environments were fit for the preservation of whatever was even in that room. Uncovered treasure and artifacts likely lined the room, despite its ancient look. The southeastern corner however, was probably the most plain yet the most surprising addition to the airship, given its strange design. It blended with the rest of the airship from the exterior, with plain and simple wooden boards and such. The main hall was a huge beast in and of itself, with a throne-like corridor leading to Cid's main control room, and huge overarching spiraled stairs that led over head to the upper floors of the Ark. Masts led from the base level of the ship and shot through the sky through the upper floors and windows lined almost all around. Aaron was more than flabbergasted by the ship, and was so eager to explore it, but something... Something drew his eyes towards Laz. He couldn't tell what, but he was drawn because of something about her... quieter nature since she entered the classroom despite how she boisterously introduced herself to the group. He didn't fail to notice the sneers of the class when she walked in either...

Edited July 22, 20169 yr by Sun Wukong

Cid chuckled with his arms crossed as he watched the group of kids exploring the ship. He turned around and walked to the cockpit with the control panel was. He pulled down a lever with his left hand. The airship's propellers started to spin once more. Engines began to sound. The large wooden ship began to lift itself up in the air and slowly into the sky.

"Grrreetings students of Aquilia Combat School." Cid spoke from a mike in his control room. "This is your captain, Cid Rider speaking. Prepare for a relaxing, exciting trip through the clouds. Curtesy of the Rider Ark airship. So seat back, explore, and enjoy your time here as we reach our destination."  

Johnny and Willow had boarded and found themselves at the bow of the ship, Johnny helping Willow to review her combat."Remember, spears are not swords. You don't swing spears," Johnny said, watching Willow's technique as she shadow-fought the air.Willow took a breath before replying, "Gotcha." Another set of jabs later, Willow stopped to take a break, "Progress?""You're getting better from when I first met you," Johnny replied. "Hopefully you guys aren't graded as a whole team. Sara might bring you guys down, and I'd hate to have that ruin your dreams of becoming a Dragoon."Willow nodded, sitting down and leaning against a mast, "Yeah, her and Solisa have got some serious bad blood going on. What's up with that?"Johnny sat down beside her, "I don't know, to be honest. My best friend and I were rivals growing up, but that only forged our bond when we had to fight for our lives. Those two, I'm not sure they can make up or come together as a team if they tried."

Millicent, despite her generally calm nature, felt a spark of excitement as she boarded the airship. She'd done a lot during her time with Eclipse, but she'd never been able to fly. She wondered what it would be like. She heard that some people would get sick while flying... she silently hoped that she wouldn't suffer from that during this voyage. Once she was on board, she decided to stay on the deck of the ship. While exploring the ship didn't seem like a bad idea, she wanted to see the city from above. She stood against the railing along the side of the ship, bracing herself for the coming ascension. Once Cid gave his warning and the engines began to roar, she involuntarily gripped the railing a little tighter. Is it safe to stay this close to the edge...? She wondered to herself, though she was fine once the ship began to rise.

Anton entered the airship, amazed by how extremely well it is built as he is excitingly exploring the airship and the various rooms in it. I know that his airships are unmatched by their quality, but I never expected them to be that much well-built .

Anton enjoyed exploring The Rider Ark, impressed by Cid's work, but Anton returned to the deck shortly after Cid's announcement of the ascension. Anton was sitting on the right edge of the ship. His legs were in the air, he was excitingly viewing the magnificent sight below the airship- the city of Aquila along with the other locations surrounding it. Anton was well aware of the fact that sitting like this could be dangerous, but he was not concerned at all. It may be dangerous, but the worst case is that if the wind is strong and pushing me, I can just cast aero in the opposite direction in order to balance it.

"If my family was here, they would have love to explore this..." Elsa muttered to herself, though she continued to explore the ship. Why do i get the feeling that something bad is going to happen?, She thought, though she quickly shook the thought away because she knew that they would be safe. At least to her and everyone else.

Sara leaned on railings, watching the clouds fly by. Although her expression didn't show it, she was amazed by the scenery of it all. She hardly ever thought she would be able to actually reach the skies. This is...Nice. Really nice. A small grin started to form on her face. Meanwhile, with Solisa- "YAAAAAAAYYY!!!" The Black Mage girl was just running around the top floor of the ship. Her eyes were still sparkling as the nostalgia factor was kicking in. "Wheeeeeeeee!" Sara turned around and slowly blinked at her rival's reaction. She was....A kid. Nothing but a childish little kid. How could this arrogant, confident, smart-alec fighter...Be like this!? Solisa skidded to stop and giggled. She was so ecstatic to be back on this ship. Kwieh! The Black Mage gasped when should heard the sound. "Is it...?" Kwieh!  Solisa squealed as she jumped up and down uncontrollably. Sara slowly walked towards her, confused as ever. "Feather-Head? What. The absolute Hell. Is wrong with you?""I'M COMIN' SWEETHEART!!" She yelled out (Making Sara jump in surprise) as she suddenly dashed and opened the door to go downstairs inside the ship. Once downstairs, she was in the intersection of three different directions. Straight ahead was the classic wooden design that led to the dining room. To left was a seeming nature filled designed with vines, grass, and flowers. And to the right was a more technology based room. Kwieh!  The sound came from the left. Solisa turned head to that direction and ran straight down to the nature filled section. She kept running and running down, frantically looking for something. Kwieh! The sound began to feel farther than before. She skidded to stop, then walked backwards to see she passed a door. Inside the door was a large, white bird sitting in a pile of a hay. A fence was up to prevent it from escaping. Solisa's eyes grew wider as she gasped. "SNOOW!!!" She ran inside and jumped over the fence just to give the White Chocobo a hug. "I missed you so much! Hee Hee Hee Hee!"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Mft5YDHA4

Edited July 22, 20169 yr by kingdomhearts45

Grace followed Solisa to see what's going on. As she find her, she saw a white Chocobo. "Wow! It's so Beautiful! What's his name? Or she?" She asked her while looking at Snow. Grace never seen a white Chocobo before. She heard that they're very rare to find. (Please forgive me if I got it wrong )

Grace followed Solisa to see what's going on. As she find her, she saw a white Chocobo. "Wow! It's so Beautiful! What's his name? Or she?" She asked her while looking at Snow. Grace never seen a white Chocobo before. She heard that they're very rare to find. (Please forgive me if I got it wrong )

 

Solisa looked at Grace with her eyes still sparkling. "Grace, this is Snow and she's a girl. She was my greatest pal ever! Ain't that right?" She said while petting Snow. "Me and Uncle Cid found her all alone in a forest. The poor thing looked bad, so we took her in our care and soon enough, she became one of us. And she's been with us ever since. Hee Hee Hee!" 

Elsa decided to go to the railing and stare out at the sky, feeling the wind blow in her wavy hair. This is so nice..., she thought, closing her eyes and just enjoying this moment in time.

Laz was completely awestruck by the airship.  Are they all this massive? she wondered.  The bluenette's eye slowly took the interior in.  The northeastern part had many high tech gadgets, Technos obviously, while the northwestern part seemed to be an alchemy lab.  Medieval probably.  The southwestern area had vines growing all along the walls, and flowers and other flora grew there; it seemed to replica her own species culture.  The southeastern area though was completely barren. 

 

What, no love for the Arabias? she thought angrily, but then noticed a very, very tiny mark on the wall.  Oh, clever.  Its almost completely blended in, but you can't fool me!  As much as she wanted to check it out, everyone else was still here.  Don't worry little guy, I'll remember to see ya soon. 

 

Laz followed the others out to the main area.  Most of the others went off on their own, but she saw that the male teacher and one of the girls head to the bow together.  She could also see, and hear, Solisa's excitement as she ran around squealing like a suger-high child.  Why is she so excited? the Anthros questioned, before she heard what sounded like a chocobo.  "I'M COMIN' SWEETHEART!!" Solisa suddenly shrieked, and then she bolted down the stairs with Grace following.

 

Laz only hummed though.  She really wanted to sneak out and explore more of the ship on her own, and it seemed like this would've been the perfect opportunity.  Everyone, including Ms. Genka and Cid, were too busy with their own things to notice her.  Everyone except...

 

She could feel Aaron staring at her, and took a quick glance at him.  He wasn't glaring at her like almost everyone seemed to enjoy doing, but he actually seemed captivated by her.  It was strange, but it felt nice too.  But then she gasped though, suddenly self-concious.  Wait, did he see the other half of my face?!  Laz quickly felt her hair still covering her right side of her face, and sighed in relief before humming again.

 

Not wanting to let this weird bout of shyness take over, Laz confidently strolled up to the cobalt haired teen.  "Amazin' view, huh?" she asked him as she leaned over to look down at the scenery.  Wow, we're so high that I can touch the clouds!  And she did just that.  "Oh wow, my glove's all wet!" she exclaimed with glee, and waved her slightly wet glove in front of Aaron's face.  She had to admit; even though she couldn't do what she had planned yet, she was still having a pretty fun time.

Aaron beamed at Laz, excited that everyone was pretty happy with the ship. But even more so that she was. She seemed to be confident enough to handle herself… Aaron tried to think so, at least. Her hair brushed against her face as she turned, still covering her eye. Aaron thought he caught a glimpse of her... Awkward shyness? Ha, that was definitely a joke. She seemed boisterous and mischievous ever since he'd seen her. He almost laughed at thinking such a silly thought. But he thought he saw.... something else too...
"Amazin' view, huh?" Laz asked him, in a rush that caught Aaron off guard for the second time.
Searching for words, he replied "Yeah… I've always wondered what I felt like."
Aaron took a breath of fresh air and looked beyond the sky, to the clouds. The sun beamed brightly into his golden colored eyes, like the beams of light spoke to each other in resonance. He wanted to shine in this exam… something he hadn't felt since he got here, something he hadn't felt during school at all. The airship, and the people on it... Maybe it was his gateway to freedom. The freedom of the confinement of home... But he never felt confined there. Maybe...
"Oh wow, my glove's all wet!" Laz snapped him out of his thoughts, with an exuberance he'd never seen in anyone closer than his little sister.
"Haha, I see!" Aaron beamed, taking her hands away from his face for a moment. Not that he minded that she was waving so closely, but... He found his hands' press against hers lingering a little longer than they should...
Aaron backed off, letting his hands drop, turning away and instinctually closing his eyes! Although his face itself told of his embarrassment. 

Edited July 23, 20169 yr by Sun Wukong

"I see!" Aaron laughed, clearly just as happy as she was, and grabbed her waving hands and lowered them.  Laz didn't mind though, and didn't notice that he held on to them for a little longer than was normal.  However, he immediately stopped and dropped her hands, and closed his eyes before turning away.  She did see a glimpse of his face though.  "Are you okay?  Do your eyes hurt or somethin'?" Laz asked, generally concerned for her new friend.  She misread his embarrassment as pain.

Sara took a look at what was happening with the quiet cyborg and the pipsqueak. She let out a small chuckle and just enjoyed the show. Oh, this should be nice to watch.

In fact, she wanted to just join in and add to the comedy. But then again, she's trying not to get into trouble...But then again again, the teacher wouldn't really mind since this was a minor thing...

 

"Ya know he's trying to hit on yas, right?" She said outloud.