{Fan Fic} Five Moments of Cosmos

[breyzyyin.livejournal.com]

Username: Yin (of breyzyyin)
Class: White Mage
Title: Five Moments of Cosmos
Summary: My submission for the Five Things Fic Challenge over at ultima_arena. Five moments and interactions in Cosmos' life that she looks back on in reflection, leading up to her decision to attempt to stop the fighting between her forces and those of Chaos later on.
Characters/Pairings: Cosmos, Warrior of Light, Prishe, Aerith, Shantotto (who I love but gah...I don't think I can write her dialogue very well! 0_0; I'm sorry about that, Shantotto! XD), Gabranth, Onion Knight, Firion, Tidus, and Zidane. Brief mentions and allusions to other characters too, such as Tifa and Cloud.
Word count: 2,500
Rating/warnings: G. Spoilers for Dissidia 012 and Dissidia.

----Legal Disclaimer: I do not own Dissidia 012, Dissidia, or any of the characters from those two games. They are the rightful property of Square-Enix.----


1. Sparring

"...And you bring your fist out really quick like THIS!"

The motion was lightning-quick: the Elvaan girl's fist pumping through the air with a force that would have been guaranteed to shatter someone's jaw.

The silver-haired man clad in blue armor observing her frowned. Cosmos watched with mild amusement as Prishe turned to him, grinning from ear to ear.

"Your turn!"

Without waiting for a response, she gripped his right arm, his hand already reflexively made into a fist, and yanked hard...forcing his appendage into a crude mockery of her earlier smooth movement.

It was far from fluid, or for that matter imposing...and instead of the blow being powerful enough to break through a boulder it looked like it could barely make a twig move. His hand hung limply in the air where Prishe still had a death-grip on his wrist, the girl frowning at the result...and a decidedly uncomfortable and embarrassed look was crossing over the Warrior of Light's face.

"...You did it wrong." She finally announced, glaring at him accusingly.

From her spot watching them, Cosmos couldn't help but smile: the only Warrior of Cosmos who was able to interact so easily with the enigmatic new presence in their midst so far was headstrong Prishe. It was nice to see her draw out reactions from the usually withdrawn warrior. It was good for both of them, truly.

...She'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit to finding it entertaining as well.

"You...only showed it to me once. And you're the one who pulled my arm." The warrior said quietly, trying to recover his dignity.

"Details aren't necessary." The girl waved her hand dismissively, the stone at her chest glowing in the reflected light of the Sanctuary, "What's important to keep in mind is that clearly you have never been in a fist-brawl."

"..."

"Or maybe you were and you got your ass handed to you." The girl was nodding to herself now, as if her theory was sound and proven.

"Prishe..."

"I think you should stick to practicing with your sword!" she wheeled around to face the Warrior of Light again, eyes gleaming, "You're getting so good with that...you even keep ME on my toes sometimes during fights! And you're definitely better than most of those Chaos jerks with blades. Isn't that right, Cosmos?"

She turned to glance at the goddess, her surprisingly mature eyes indicating that Prishe had known all along that Cosmos had been watching.

The Warrior of Light stared at Cosmos blankly, but there was something in the depth of his gaze that almost seemed eager...as if he needed confirmation of what Prishe had just told him.

Somewhat surprised by the sudden display of emotion under the surface of his stoic exterior, Cosmos nodded her head, "Yes, of course. Your skill has been improving steadily ever since Prishe brought you here."

She glanced over at Prishe, who was grinning...as if she knew that was something he needed to hear.

Yes, their interactions with one another seemed to be doing them both good.

SMACK!

The girl slammed her hand into the Warrior of Light's armored back carelessly in a friendly manner...causing the surprised fighter to momentarily lose his footing and almost crash into the ground.

"...It might not be too bad an idea for you to practice more with that shield though!"


2. Potion

"...I’m going to be going back soon, aren't I?"

The voice was steady as the two stood overlooking a massive, empty arena. Wisps of light and mist floated around their heads, and the brunette woman that had asked the question was standing next to the edge of the large expanse they were on, her green gaze far away.

Cosmos, standing behind her, turned her head slightly to stare contemplatively at the warrior's back.

Aerith was similar to both Shantotto and Prishe. She knew more about was going on than the others often did when they become part of the battle's cycles...but anyone who had been in previous cycles tended to remember more than their later counterparts did initially. All three had been in numerous ones prior.

Aerith's connection to the life force of the Planet on her own world made her more perceptive to when a cycle neared its particular end. She'd been the first to realize when Prishe had been given her (temporary) reprieve from the fighting.

"...I believe so." Cosmos didn't lie to Aerith, "I'm sorry that I can't prevent it."

A shake of her head, her back still turned, "Don't be. I wasn't even expecting to come back at all...so this has been an interesting adventure."

Cosmos said nothing. After a few moments, the young woman turned to face her with a wistful smile, "It was nice to see them both again face-to-face...even if it was only temporary."

Silence. The goddess watched one of the misty orbs flit in the air before her.

Aerith began walking, a small skip to her step, "...Of course, Cloud is being stubborn like he always is and for some reason ended up landing himself in Chaos's court. It’s odd how things turn out sometimes."

"..."

"But he'll figure it out. I think he was beginning to, this cycle anyways. Having both of us here probably helped in a way." She smiled again knowingly, "She'll be able to make him figure it out in the next one even though she doesn't know who he is right now. I think they'll both be fine."

Turning back around, Aerith walked over to Cosmos and handed her a blue bottle with an intricately shaped lid. The goddess gripped the Potion tightly.

"I know this is a lot to ask...but could you please give this to Tifa for me? I think she'll put it to good use in a later cycle." Aerith closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, but when she opened them again her smile had returned.

"Tell her...it's from a friend who is looking out for her always."


03. Decision

"You just lost the battle, take it to heart! I trust now very soon, you will depart?" The Tarutaru smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

The battle was all but won now: thanks to a well-timed magic barrage she'd just used to lay waste to the terrain. From the smoke that was rising up from the ground, an armored figure could be seen standing...though leaning heavily to one side.

This wasn't the first time this lone warrior had walked into Cosmos's territory. He had come repeatedly throughout this cycle, and without orders. It was an odd situation: a very different way of acting from most of the Chaos Warriors.

He always leveled his sword at her directly: Shantotto, who had appointed herself Cosmos's bodyguard this cycle, simply stood in because she wasn't about to let Cosmos get hurt or let a good brawl go to waste.

"...Do you still mean to continue fighting?" Cosmos addressed him, the pointlessness of this continued battle getting to her.

"Keep coming back day after day and I'll finally get mad enough to make you pay!" Shantotto laughed, covering up her own annoyance with the situation.

He straightened, and though it was hard to discern eyes from beneath the Judge Magister's helm...the goddess knew that his were fixing her with a glare full of contempt.

"The gods are the cause of this battle, this needless bloodshed! The only way to end it is to kill one of you."

"...And harmony is an easier target than disorder?" Shantotto sounded both angry and amused, "You did not count on us making you smolder!"

"...I figured that out the first time I saw your magicks." There was a bitter, wry tone to the voice, "I have no more desire to see blood spilt or to spill more. Not when there is no cause to it but the squabbles of the gods."

Cosmos remained silent.

"Chaos has no use for a dog that is no longer on its leash." Gabranth was moving away now, acknowledging his defeat, "It won't be long before I am discarded from this playing field altogether."

Shantotto looked thoughtful, remaining uncharacteristically silent at his words.

"Gabranth."

He turned, and Shantotto looked up at her taller figure. Beneath her elegant appearance, the ripple of power that was a part of her being seemed more apparent than before: a determination in her manner that was surprisingly intense.

"...What you said isn't untrue. The cycles are never-ending and cruel, and warriors have suffered. Perhaps the only way to end that is for one of the gods to be utterly defeated." She closed her eyes in thought and then opened them again, that determination even sharper, "If I can figure out a way to end this conflict, to free everyone from the cycle...I will do so."

She paused, sadness tingeing her voice as she remembered, "Too many people have been lost already. I do not desire more."

"Words do not change what has already transpired. Have you any idea how to do so?"

She shook her head, "...It would probably take several cycles."

He gave a short laugh, "And in the meantime we all suffer still in endless conflict."

Cosmos frowned: "So you'll come again then?" her tone was regretful.

"Research is the key to every possible victory." The Tarutaru said sagely, closing her eyes in thought, "If we find one...the battle will be won."

"...I thought you liked getting into fights, Shantotto." Cosmos smiled in jest, though she was touched knowing this was the magic-user's way of offering support.

"Challenges grow on trees to one as talented as me! It's far better to put your mind at ease." She smiled mercilessly again, "Besides, with that Gabrand fellow still acting that way...I will always have opportunities for an exciting day!"


4. Book

The book was discarded on a pile of rubble. The leather binding stood out, catching the goddess's eye. Sensing no danger, she tarried there-- tentatively reaching slender fingers out to grasp the tome.

It came out with a tug: bits of stone and dust falling to the ground.

There was a fine layer of dust over its covering, but the text inside was legible.

"...Cosmos?"

The voice startled her from her inspection, and she looked up at the youngest of her warriors. The blond youth was staring at her curiously, unsure of how to ask her a rather mundane question.

Finally, he risked it: "What are you doing?"

Cosmos proffered the book to him, "I found this."

"A book?" his inquisitive nature got the better of him and he forgot his propriety at the sight...sitting down at the goddess's side in order to see the text, "I wonder how that got here?"

"Perhaps it's always been hiding here and we never saw it before? The last battle did alter the terrain."

A nod, "That seems plausible. Who would have thought an adventure book would show up here though?"

As he spoke, the boy called Onion Knight skimmed the contents at a quick pace. The story was one of a youth who went on a great quest and became a heroic knight: variations of it appeared as legends in every world and reality.

But in this world of constant warfare, taking the time to enjoy such a tale was to be relished.

The excitement on the boy's face caused Cosmos to smile.

...Something about the act of sitting here side-by-side with the youth stirred something deep inside her: faint traces and glimpses of memories-- of a time when a different boy huddled near her...clasping her hand in a tight grip as they read together.

It was a thought that left her both content and sad.

But she was happy enough to give Onion Knight this momentary reprieve from the constant stress of fighting. She watched him for a few more seconds, resisting the sudden urge she felt to grip his hand reassuringly.

"...I wonder." She heard herself muttering in response to his earlier question, joining the boy in reading as he turned the page to see what happened next.


5. Target Practice

The sound of arrows hitting wood echoed with a resounding thud throughout the grounds.

Cosmos watched as the Weapons Master continued practicing. She did not wish to disturb him.

"Yo, Firion!"

...Tidus, on the other hand, had no such compulsion. He waved enthusiastically as he climbed up to their level, "Hello, Cosmos."

She nodded politely, enjoying the feeling of being included in these peaceful moments with her warriors.

"What is it, Tidus?" If he was annoyed by the intrusion, Firion didn't let it show.

Tidus put his hands behind his head, "Nothing, really. Everyone's doing their own thing right now."

The blitzball player's eyes went to the bow Firion was holding, "Could I try that?" he asked.

Firion glanced down, uncertainty in his eyes, "...Have you ever drawn a bow before?"

"Nope." Tidus's answer was simple and honest, a carefree grin plastered on his face, "Figured it was a good time to try."

From the look on his face, it seemed Firion was trying to come up with a polite way to decline the request, "I'm...not sure that’s such a good idea..."

"Aw, c'mon! I'll just aim for the wall like you were doing. What's the harm?"

He said nothing, still looking hesitant.

"...Please?" Tidus quickly switched tactics, "What do you think, Cosmos?"

"..." She glanced over at Firion's nervous expression, and then at Tidus's hopeful one. Giving Firion an apologetic look, she said, "There shouldn't be any harm in letting him try, Firion. If you're there to supervise, of course."

...As it turned out, the two ended up having a pretty entertaining experience: though Zidane, who nearly lost his tail when Tidus's first shot ricocheted off the wall and landed about a centimeter from where he was sitting, took a bit longer to see the humor in it.

But, soon enough, all three Warriors of Cosmos were taking turns trying out one another's weapons...their laughter echoing off of the walls of the abandoned castle as the other warriors began returning to see what all of the hilarity was about.

Cosmos watched them with a playful, quiet smile of her own.

...Moments like these were rare for them, and they were to be treasured. It gave them something pleasant to look back on in the times ahead, to propel them forward.

For her, it further strengthened her resolve to help see the battles through to the end.