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[leatherandmogs.livejournal.com]

Characters: Lulu and Zack
Progress: Complete
Summary: The unlikely pair set of for sunnier climates
Location: From Treno, the journey towards Dali
Date: June, 1803
Warnings: Fiend fighting and awkward in abundance.


Hoisting herself into the wagon, Lulu shifted around their belongings, not that there was much, and settled her hand on her stomach with a slight wince. "Alright. I'm set." They were heading for Dali today. It was a long trip to Southgate, then through past the inaccessable Cleyra, and then to Dali. It was a small farming village, in the sunshine with real day and night. A good place to raise a baby. Not that Lulu was planning that... but if she was stuck here, she wanted a safe place for the child.

Zack smiled brightly at her, and nodded, "Alrighty, great. We'll be there in no time, really." he'd rented a good bird, and a well-made wagon to take her in, complete with a rigid cover to give her a roof. The trip would take several days, so they would need someplace to sleep, since towns were few and far between, really..

She then fell entirely silent, resting back where she sat. She was still feeling very awkward and very, very ashamed about kissing him. She hadn't meant to, and she was happily married, but she was suddenly alone in a new world and Zack had been so desperately sweet to her in a time she'd honestly needed it. She was ashamed, sure, but she understood her reasons.

He got up onto the bench and smiled back at her, trying not to let his gaze linger on her eyes, or her lips, or on her in general, really.. Zack could tell she was uncomfortable with him, but he strove to remain her friend, and a comforting presence for her, in her time of need. "Yah." he snapped the reins gently, getting the chocobo going at a steady pull.

Lulu didn't plan to have any kind of conversation with him. She just wasn't ready. She was fine with the odd word here or there and if they needed to discuss something particular, she would but friendly conversation was beyond her for now. Something she just couldn't deal with. Not that she'd ever been all that friendly. With anyone, really.

Zack tried not to take it personally, which was easy when he was focused on guiding the chocobo along the path. Dali was a ways off, but he'd get her there, and maybe by the time they got there, Lulu would have let the little smooch go.. and they could be friends again. It was disconcerting, because he only really remembered her..

She settled back, a slight smile on her lips as she rubbed her stomach. She was aching only a little, not as much as she had been, and the baby was settled so she was feeling pretty calm. Watching the scenery go by, she actually didn't notice as she started humming the Hymn of the Fayth. As a guardian, it's the kind of song that gets imprinted on your brain.

The ex-SOLDIER listened to the Hymn as she hummed it, and about the third time through, he glanced back at her for a moment, with a soft smile, "Whatcha hummin'?" the man had no idea what tune it was, though it was comforting.

Her voice vanished from her for a moment before she managed to swallow, despite how dry her throat was. "It is the Hymn of The Fayth. In Spira, summoners must pray to the Fayth in temples all through the world. Each Fayth has their own version of the song. My summoner later told me that the song was in fact, originally, a song for battle. It sooths the spirit."

"I see.." he smiled to himself, and nodded, "It works.. I like it." he couldn't help but be honest with Lulu, really, even if they were somewhat awkward. "How's the ride so far? Not too bumpy, or anything?" he seemed an expert when it came to handling chocobos.

"No, I am quite comfortable, thank you." And then she was quiet again, looking out at the scenery, her red eyes reflecting the sunlight, making them glow a cherry colour. Almost menacing, if it wasn't for her soft disposition, these days. While she was still a no-nonsense woman, she was definitely a lot gentler since being pregnant.

The man up front really didn't feel all that threatened by Lulu, though he hadn't done anything to tick her off yet.. He knew she was some kind of fantastic Black Mage, and he couldn't do much more than handle chocobos and swing a sword. Self-depricating, perhaps, but he didn't see what made him all that special, comparatively. "Good, good." his attention turned to the bird, and he reached up to scratch it's neck, "C'mon buddy, you're doin' great."

She was quite content to remain silent now. Settled back in her seat, she really was glad they weren't staying in Treno anymore. It was definitely a lovely place but the darkness was too much to handle. She loved the sunshine, especially when she and Wakka would watch the sunrise, but those days were gone for now and she had to silently brush away a tear before she allowed herself to cry. There was no way in Hell she was planning to cry. She hadn't cried in years. Now was not the time.

Mostly because Zack being Zack, if she started to cry, he'd pull the wagon over and attempt, at least, to console her. He couldn't be a standin for her husband, by any means, but again, Zack was quite definitely her friend. They'd made some decent time, by now, though the silence was beginning to wear on him. "Say.. Lulu? Could you keep on with that Hymn..?

A soft laugh came from her and she didn't say anything as she decided to sing the song, rather than hum it. Living so close to a temple, with her time spent mostly inside it, she'd learnt how to sing it quite perfectly. Her voice was as low and as fractionally husky as usual but she didn't seem all that embarrassed. In fact, she was quite content to sing the song quietly.

And the miles seemed to eat themselves away, blending into a pleasant afternoon and early evening, before Zack finally pulled the chocobo cart over to the side of the road. He got down after putting on the brakes, and began to feed the chocobo, while he left Lulu to settle herself inside.

Finding out the blankets and pillows they'd bought, Lulu set everything out quite comfortably for them both before settling herself down, pulling a blanket over herself. She did, however, kick her shoes off before resting down, because she seriously didn't want to sleep with them on. And, thankfully, the baby wasn't resting on her bladder.

Eventually, after currying and caring for their bird, he climbed into the back of the wagon. Cautiously, he lay his Buster Sword to the side of his bed, and set his boots at the end with her shoes, laying back and staring at the ceiling. It had darkened while he worked, until there was very little light indeed, which always made his eyes seem more pronounced. "You hungry, Lulu?"

She shook her head, resting her hands over her stomach. "I'm fine." She really was pretty comfortable where she was and she even gave Zack a soft smile. "Thank you, Zack." She really was glad he'd taken the time to ensure her comfort. As usual. He really was so very compassionate and sweet. She couldn't fault him at anything.

"Alrighty." he smiled at her for a moment, and decided against making things more awkward, "G'night, then. Wake me up if you need somethin', I'll get it for ya." he didn't want her stumbling and falling off the wagon in the dark. The man grunted softly, and turned over, closing his eyes and trying to get to sleep, though that eluded him just now.

She smiled lightly and settled down in place, letting her own eyes close. Just then, as she felt herself falling asleep, she heard rustling. Not the normal sounds of animals or the breeze. Something more threatening. She pushed herself to sit up, one hand on her stomach. Whatever was out there even startled the chocobo...

Zack's breathing had evened out after a time, and he was long since asleep. The man didn't talk in his sleep, though he did smile, as he was quite content making sure Lulu was alright. The noise didn't wake him, and neither did her slight movement.

Lulu frowned slightly and she really felt useless, but she didn't have the same physical strength she'd had almost nine months ago. Gods... almost nine months. And then the rustling grew louder and the chocobo was kicking up a fuss. Lulu instantly brought her hand to shake Zack as hard as she could. "Zack!! Zack wake up!"

Zack woke quickly, a well-trained military man indeed. His hand closed on his sword, and he brought himself up into a crouch, never being one to lie sleepy in bed. After half a moment, he seemed plenty alert, "Lulu? What's wrong?" he strained his senses, but it was dark in the wagon, "What's going on?"

"There is something outside. It is startling the chocobo. I would go myself, but..." Lulu fell silent, because that was something she didn't need to say. Zack would, -should-, just know. "I believe it is a fiend. No animal startles a chocobo like that." Not any from Spira at least. It was hard to spook a chocobo in Spira.

"I'll handle it. Stay in here, okay?" he patted her shoulder, and got his feet under him, leaping out the front of the wagon, his Buster Sword leading the way. Outside, the moonlight shone brightly enough for people to be able to see. He hushed the chocobo, and looked around, frowning, "Alright, little critter, c'mon out so we can get this thing done."

Yeah, stay inside. Not. Lulu was instantly leaning out of the wagon to see what was out there. She really could only see Zack and although she was in no state to go charging out and take the thing down alone, Lulu was more than ready to give him backup. She'd grabbed hold of her moogle doll and the thing was already animate and looking around eagerly for the battle, in its own creepy way.

Zack made enough noise walking through the grass to attract fiends that weren't even after them. Smirking, he turned, and took a swipe at a shadow that darted at him, his blade catching for a moment before demolishing the creature. There were more, though, and he settled back into a fighting stance, "Oops, did I get one've ya? D'aww, well, c'mon then beasties~!" really, was he inciting them? Well.. his stance did look defensive..

She brought a hand to her face, shaking her head slightly. He wasn enticing beasts to attack him. Really, he was like almost all the men she'd ever been close to. The Aurochs, Chappu, Wakka, Tidus... they all coaxed their foes. Auron was the only one who didn't. Probably because people just -wanted- to attack him. To show they could.

Of course, it was more an act than anything. His nightsight was great, and he could easily make out most of his foes. "Gotcha." then, he leaped into motion, kicking off forward and driving the point of his massive sword through one monster, and sweeping the legs out from under (and off of) another. He couldn't cast with his materia, so he spun his sword around and slammed it into the ground at an angle, sending dust and dirt into the air, and the eyes of several who were diving at him. Zack was making quick, graceful work of these things, for having such a cumbersome-looking weapon.

Lulu frowned as she watched Zack fighting. It wasn't that she wasn't impressed or that it was tiresome to see his behaviour... she was worried. Seriously worried. There was no way those fiends were alone in this. Something bigger had to be governing them. She couldn't see anything out there but if anything was out there she had a very strong Firaga waiting for it.

Zack finished off the Fangs he'd been fighting, and glanced around, a wary look in his eyes. As always, when he fought, he wore a bright, almost joyful grin, though he really wasn't aware of it. Back on his own world, that grin had struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, who believed they were fighting some kind of bloodthirsty devil of a man. "Come on out, I've beaten up th'rest've yer little pack." he spoke in a loud, clear voice, running right at the wagon, leaping up, kicking off the side, and slamming the Buster Sword into something large, and unseen. Flashing sparks illuminated a huge beast with massive, sharp horns, which roared it's fury at the SOLDIER. The man seemed to have good battle sense.

She gasped slightly at the flash of brightness that showed off the beast. It was enormous and looked truly fierce. Having absolutely immaculate aim, Lulu dropped her moogle doll to the floor, letting it stand and mimic her as she raised both arms, casting her Firaga on the monster. She wasn't able to do much more after that, however, as she was almost ready to give birth, so Lulu settled back against the inside of the wagon, watching Zack to ensure his safety. Should he need backup, she'd be there.

The firey spell blasted the monster to one side, and Zack went with it, locking the Buster Sword in place, to keep those huge horns at bay. Of course, he couldn't do much at first.. Just as the thing was getting ready to shake him off, though, it roared, and Zack saw his opening. Grinning, he planted both feet on it's bottom jaw, and shoved down. A high-pitched yelp left the thing he couldn't name, and he flipped over it's muzzle, sword flashing in a wide arc in the moonlight, before Zack slammed it down into the beast's skull. The unfortunate thing was that it was thick-skulled, and now began to buck.

Her glare at the beast was enough to knock a man for six, but all she could do was wait. The moogle doll went rampaging in, slapping the beast before running back to hide behind his owner's leg. Lulu sighed, knowing the bewitched doll had enthusiasm but no where near enough strength. "Zack..." she whispered, bringing her hand to cover her mouth and stifle anymore sounds. She was worried. Frightened. Yet, only on the inside.

He held on tight, yanking his sword back and forth to steer the bucking monster away from the wagon. As it came loose, he was thrown, and landed heavily, flat on his back. Dazed for a moment, he choked while trying to get his breath, all the while being stalked by the green-maned, boarlike thing. As it lunged for a seeming kill, Zack's vague motions became deadly, and he slammed the Buster Sword up and out, catching it when it lunged. Zack was driven into a furrow in the ground by the force, but the thing's back legs kicked out once, then it was still.

Lulu watched the scene for a long moment before clambering from the wagon, barefoot under her dress. She rested a single hand under her stomach, whilst the other remained over her mouth to hide much of the startled expression she wore. Pausing at the side of the felled beast, she leaned down as far as she physically could. "Zack...?"

His legs were showing, and after a minute, Zack extricated himself, yanking his bloody sword free and wiping it in the grass. He was covered in dirt and gore, down to his pants anyway, but the man seemed fine, a bright slash of white amid the blood, along with bright blue eyes showing his smiling face. "Mmyup. Had t'get it away from ya before I killed it." he hopped out of the hole, wavered a bit, and chuckled, "Dumb muscle's good for somethin', right?"

Lulu's face went instantly from startled to unamused. "You had nothing under control, Zack. That thing could have torn you to shreds." Scoffing slightly, she turned back to the wagon, shaking her head. It wasn't that she wasn't grateful, it was just that her motherly instincts had kicked in and she was now on the verge of lecturing him for battling the fiend. Hoisting herself back inside, Lulu swiftly returned to her place under the blankets.

Zack blinked, and followed her, despite feeling grimy and gross.. When she was under the blankets, he leaned into the wagon with a good-natured smile, "Yeah, that Firaga really saved my butt. Let me get the edge and get my sword in there." his voice didn't hold any of the lecture her's did, though he did worry for her and the baby, with the stress and all, "You're alright, though? It didn't kick th'wagon, did it? None of the wolf-things got to ya?" really? He hadn't given a crap about himself, it seemed, in favour of protecting her.

"I am fine." She huffed slightly as she sank more under the blanket, not intent on saying much more after, "Do not even think about getting under this blanket covered in grime." Then she was silent and she was moody. Typical Lulu, even before her pregnancy. Quietening down, she closed her eyes, hoping to actually get some rest now. Especially considering how the squirming of her child suggested the baby was in distress and needed her to calm down.

"'Course not. I'd smell ten kinds of gross come mornin'. I was just about t'say that I'm gonna head down t'the river we're followin', and wash this out. I'll bring some water back, nice'n cold, in case you get thirsty." with that, he was gone, though he stopped to toss each slain Fang onto the bigger monster, and he covered -those- in dirt.. he was pretty sure monster blood attracted monsters, and even so, fresh corpses attracted carrion feeders. That done, Zack left the makeshift grave and headed down to the river, laying his sword down and sliding his belt and suspenders off, along with his shoulder and arm gear. The moonlight was enough to see by, really.

Lulu sighed heavily, settling down more. She felt awkward and quite like she'd been too hard on Zack but, really, she knew she was at least a little right. She wasn't prone to irrationality or idiotic outbursts. In fact, she was possibly the most level-headed person anyone could hope to meet. Even if the unborn spawn of Blitzer meets Mage was causing her hormones to go haywire. Still, there was nothing she could do now, and snuggling into the bed, she allowed herself to drift to sleep with the moogle doll craddled in one arm.

Zack was awhile, as he had to wash all the blood out of his shirt.. his -only- shirt.. and then scrub himself down. He'd decided to sit in the grass and just wait for his hair and torso to be dry, and that was taking awhile with only moonlight. So, using a cloth he kept on him, and a bottle of oil, he polished the Buster Sword, shivering there in the cool night air, letting his mind wander to the murkier things he couldn't quite recall.

She'd been in a very restless sleep, and, waking to find Zack hadn't returned, Lulu sighed and rose from the bed, slipping on her shoes. She clambered awkwardly from the wagon, finding this no state to be in while stalking around after younger men. Really. She was in no condition to disturb her sleep so repeatedly. Making her way down to the river, she spotted Zack. Obviously, she'd be heard approaching. Her dress and hair accessories rattled more in one day than most people rattled all year.

Zack heard her, but he didn't turn or stand until he finished the final swipe of his cloth over his sword. He lay the freshly polished weapon on the grass, and stood, dusting his backside and going to meet Lulu halfway. Moisture shone on his bare, scarred chest and arms, but he didn't really seem to mind it, giving her a concerned look, "What're you doing up again, Lulu?"

"You did not return. I was concerned you'd been eaten." Her humour was dry, and she crossed her arms, glancing away. "I am in no state to go running around after missing young men." She sighed gently, but managed to keep her tone light. After all, she was quite alone in this world. Shoving Zack away was the last thing she needed to do.

He smiled plainly, and patted her arm affectionately, "I'm fine, really. Just washing up. I figured I'd wait until I was dry before I came back." indeed, his spikey hair was still damp, and his skin still moist, "I'll take you back if you'd rather go back to sleep, but you're welcome to sit with me." he wanted her to sit with him, because husband or not, he liked her, and wanted to be her friend.. Even if his instincts liked her better than that.

"If I fall asleep, you'd better carry me back." She seemed honestly threatening at that point, her red eyes glowing in the moonlight, yet a smile from her painted-purple lips spoke otherwise and Lulu carefully seated herself at the water's edge, stretching her legs out and holding the weight of her stomach on both hands.

"I promise." he smiled, and sat beside her, after moving his sword to within arm's reach. His shirt was hanging on a nearby sapling, the small tree bent under it's wet weight. "So.. how come you couldn't sleep? I mean, I toldja where I'd be and all. I'd have come back before mornin'." he had his boots off and pants rolled up to the knees.. Really, he looked pretty close to half naked.

Lulu noticed how undressed he was but she was a married woman and wasn't going to look. At least, not after one innocent peek. "I was restless. You didn't say how long you'd be gone..." And she was worried, but that wouldn't be mentioned. Ever. Settling against his side, Lulu closed her eyes briefly. She was absolutely exhausted and really needed to sleep.

Gently, Zack put a comforting arm around her, and spoke softly, "I see.. well, in the future, I will try to ensure that I do not leave you.. restless." his voice was warm, and welcoming, as he made himself comfortable to the pregnant mage, so she could find some peace, and sleep. "We'll be alright, you'll see."

"Mm... confident," she murmured, her head resting on his shoulder. She gave a gentle laugh, though it was full of exhaustion. Still against his side, she began to stroke her stomach, soothing the child within. She was relaxed with him, and her eyes remained closed, no sounds escaping her as her breathing evened out and she fell asleep against him.

"That, too." he replied earnestly, giving her shoulders a little squeeze with that arm, "Yer honestly th'most important person I can think of these days, Lulu." this last part was spoken very likely as she was falling asleep, but it was the truth. With his memory gone, he only remembered Cloud and Tifa because -they- had told him about them.. Lulu.. he remembered everything about her from the day they'd met. He was silent a long time afterwards, and gently removed himself from her to get dressed, before stooping and scooping the woman into his arms with a quiet grunt, walking slowly as he cradled her.