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“I heard this guy,” Java said, nodding in the blonde haired urchin’s general direction, “call you Squally. And then the way you said ‘that’s Leon’ sounded familiar. When any of the other little kids would call you ‘scary bread guy’, my friend–she would put her hand like this,” Java mocked, with his hand outstretching his front of his face while obtaining a morbid expression, “and say ‘it’s Leon, no bread for you…’” Java readdressed his acquaintance with his tale, “you used to help people settle into Traverse Town; you and some other guys. The bread man’s b*tch ass was too afraid to go through the Fourth District. You’d took bread to the station at District Six, two big guys—”
Leon intercepted casually, nodding in confirmation of Java’s anecdote, “Yeah. Monk and Thief [1]—they were aiding the police station at the time—they would distribute the bread the outer districts.”
“The two big guys lived in the fourth district next to us with my friend Rose and an old hag. Rose used to tell them to “thank the scary bread guy,” and the old lady used to correct her all the time. Rose would pick fun with it around the younger children.”
Leon’s stature melted quite a bit from Java’s nostalgia. He spoke with a softer tone, “Rose is the clerk at the Goods Shop. The lady she lived with was Mrs. Mary. They used to come to the First District with Monk and Thief, but—I don’t remember you…”
Java gave a genuine chuckle which contrasted from his recent satires. “I’ve honestly never seen you before either,” he replied. “Most people tended to stay away from the Fourth District, but ironically, it was the Fifth District that was near-barren. There were actually quite a number of people who had taken refuge in that area. I was fourteen then. I stayed in the fourth district with a family for two years and left about two years ago.”
“You’re right. Most of the people that lived in the Fourth District were natives who were either strong enough to fight off the Heartless or too headstrong to move. A lot of the men there would go out into the Fifth District to train. Some didn’t come back—”
Java extended his hand in introduction, “J. Black.”
Bracing a wistful smirk, Leon inspected Java’s hand for briefing second. Leon reached and clasped the kindred hand. Leon replied with an airy confidence, “Is that so? It’s been four years [2]…how’ve you been fairing since then?”
Sharp tongued and free-spoken, Java returned Leon’s poised pleasantry, “Life is shitty. I figure I’d drop a bit o’ knowledge. This is what I’ve learned—” Java interjected with his upraised finger of eureka, “within the shit, there’s still a whole kernel of corn that survived—I think that would be me.” Java refrained from wit and digression, and returned to a round of discussion and reminiscence, “I’ve survived losing a home and living in the rough hood of Traverse Town. I consider myself well off.” Java noted with tinges of tenderness, and chuckles which hinted to signs of nostalgia in his thoughts, “I guess I can also give thanks to the man that looked after me and the barely organized neighborhood watch. The oldens didn’t let us young’uns run around the fourth district without escorts. Hey, maybe you’ve heard of a Wervin. He used to do a lot around the Fourth and Fifth Districts.”
“Hm, Wervin…” Leon crossed his arms, and pondered with vigor for evanescing seconds, “I’ve heard the name before,” Leon tilted his head downward in deep thought, staring down the empty space that wafted between his face and his raised palm. Nearly half a minute passed, “Wervin…”
The scruffy blonde, whose presence had been, for the most, absent, protruded the tense atmosphere between Leon’s eyes and hand with a cough and swift sincere chide, “Anytime Squally.”
Subsequent to deliberation, Leon regressed from thought, and answered, “The only thing I can remotely recall is Mrs. Mary admiring a spear-wielding man and his well-behaved nephew, and…” Leon donned a leer of reprimand, “a little troublemaker in a baggy ivory cleric robe…”
Java fought with an abashed grin while digging underneath his hood for a scratch. With a small grin, he replied in wit, “Yeah…I grew into these robes superbly. Heh heh…she really did love me though. I was that hard-type love that you have for your weird uncles, in-laws, and…and black-sheep. Yeah, that was me.”
“I remember hearing from Monk and Thief about how tough the teenagers were during that time. The outer districts encountered the Heartless more often then the gate districts, so as you mentioned, a lot of the stronger men from lost worlds took up there to protect the locals that still lived in those districts. A few of you guys were taken by Heartless. Back then, I was somewhat skeptical of the officers in District Six, but it seems like they were able to keep many of you safe.”
“No…that was a terrible joke Squally.”
“No?”
“Well okay. Sarcasm aside, there were some officers who showed some guts, but the lot of them were out for themselves; most of them became Heartless, God save us. Overall, they did as much then as they do now; a couple of decent guys with no real direction and some jackass ingrates looking for glory buffooning about Traverse Town. We relied on our organized ‘neighborhood watch’ to protect us, which were me and those tough teenager you mentioned, ‘Paul Revering’ all around District Four every time a heartless was sighted.”
“You know what,” Leon proposed, “I can believe that completely.”
Jiminy mentioned, “The good news is that ever since Scrooge took up Grand Ambassador, things have gotten more than a smidge tighter,” receiving a proud, confirming nod from the Grand Ambassador.
“Not that much of a smidge…” Donald adjoined with a wise-mouth. Donald received a light smack on the head from his mildly offended uncle to accompany his wisecrack.
“So,” Leon regressed, “I take it you guys had it pretty rough being the district’s little heroes.”
“Heh…” Java fought abashment via the appraising statement, and though he suppressed it easily enough, there was still a standing twinkle which resided in his right pupil. Java smirked and responded with a swanking zeal, “The only hero we had was Darkwing [3]…”
Jiminy interjected, “A rather odd fellow, now that you mention him. Wonder how he’s doing now? He was inducted as an honorary member of the Traverse Town Police Force. His picture is hanging up in the Hall of Fame and everything.”
“And I heard he had lotsh of cool gadgets like laughing gash and a grapple hook!” Donald added with enthusiasm. “He had to have been almost as rich as Unca Scrooge to have all that stuff!”
“Hmph.” Scrooge objected with a small smug scowl and a tinge of hubris, “Shameless lad you are. I’ll dare ya be comparing me with small fries.”
Pinnochio mimicked draping himself over-face with an imaginary cape while reciting, “I am the terror—that flaps in the night! Boo ha ha ha!”
Java allowed a simple, airy chortle in response, “Figures. He should be awarded for his theatrics.”
“Something puzzles me,” Jiminy introduced, “all of these similar memories you two have…how could have not met one another?”
Java shrugged, “Boggles the mind…”
“Not even when either of you were in the inner districts.”
“My visits in the gate districts were rare.”
“As were mine in the outer districts,” Leon seconded. “Back then, I was going out of my way to become strong enough to fend against the Heartless. The others and I would often leave Traverse Town, traveling on Cid’s ship to different worlds, looking for the thing we needed to finish the Heartless off for good, and restore order to the worlds. Ironically, we found him in Traverse Town—” Leon was intercepted by a conspicuous cough from Donald and suggestive leers from Scrooge and Jiminy.
“Uh…” confounded and lost, Java proceeded to change subjects, “Yeah. Getting stronger. I can wholly relate dude…I did a little traveling as well during my two-year vacation from Transverse Town. I wasn’t really impressed with what I saw.” Java’s tone hardened into sincerity, “I thought my reason for leaving this place was to become a stronger person, but a part of me thought that staying in Traverse Town while people died made me apathetic. I eventually realized that even as my surrounding changed, the Heartless still did the exact same thing as they always did, and I felt a little selfish for leaving, like everything I had gained was in vain. I wonder if the system patroller felt that way at times, but they seemingly do better at keeping the peace then one man.”
“Well, that’s usually how it works. People unite for a just cause, and then produce amazing results.” Leon expelled an honest smile while responding, “It’s nice to here that we’re appreciated, even if we don’t here it as often as we should.”
Java sputtered hissingly, “No ass. I’m actually out of a job because of it.”
The entire company staggered from the comment, as if a snapping tremor swiftly rapped their legs from underneath them. Leon responded with rue and caution, “Oh—well…I suppose I’m—“
Java shunned himself with a sigh, “Wait…my bad. Look, I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I need caffeine. It’s habitual that I turn into a certified ass without it.” Easily enough, Java’s company displayed a gentle air of forgiveness. After a mutual empathy, Java refrained from remorse and relayed generally, “Heh…bad days.” Following a short peace, Java addressed, “Leon? You said you traveled with a Cid? He wouldn’t happen to the Cid that sold Gummi parts, would he? The bittersweet merriment of reunions has reminded me that I’m in desperate need of a cellular gummi. But by gist, I take it this Cid guy is no longer in Traverse Town…”
“I’m afraid not,” Leon replied.
Pinnochio sulked, “Too bad Poppa doesn’t carry any gummies…”
“And any gummies sold here would be crapola anyways,” the blonde haired boy interjected with hilarity, seemingly attempting to gain some presence among the acquaintances, “Best not to buy anything from here. Heck, I wouldn’t even steal anything from here…”
Java turned blankly to the young man, relaying an expression which exuded exclusion. Java vacantly conveyed, “No shit,” and with that, whether intentionally or inadvertently, the monkey tailed lad’s presence was ignored.
Leon purposely ignored the urchin and replied warmly to Java’s request, “I’ll remember you whenever I make it back to Radiant Garden though. Cid’ll definitely be able to find you something. You’d have to drop by to pick it up though. I don’t trust myself to be in one place long enough to deliver it to you.”
Java nodded, “Not a problem. I’m sure I can burn a coupla days before traffic is back to normal…”
“Until then,” Leon noted heavily, “it looks like I’ll be stuck here for at least another hour and a half waiting for this man…”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you Squally!” The blonde lad erupted, “There were claims that the thief has been sighted! The constable wanted you to report to the station! No one ever takes me seriously! Is it because I’m short?”
Leon borrowed from Java’s previous blank expression towards the scamp. Leon queried stoically, “Why are you still here?”
Overlooking Leon’s excluding tone, the young urchin-faced fellow persisted into Leon’s ear with a finicky rant, “Wow Squally, clean your ears out for Christ sakes! I’m volunteering my services to the force! Geezus, the constable’s not coming…sheesh Lion, I mean—”
Leon knapped verbally, “Leon!”
“Heh. Whatever,” the monkey-tailed urchin blithely disregarded.
“Psh…Whatever…” Leon dismissed just as easily, folding his arms and regressing to a reclusive blasé demeanor.
Caught aloft by Leon’s response, the urchin prattled slightly with bafflement, “Wait…What? Ever? Whatever!” He dismissed and conveyed, “Turn that frown upside-down! This is a good lead. It shows that this ‘master thief’ isn’t so ‘master’ after all!” The urchin raised a powerful clenched fist in the air from which he demanded attention from the others. He proclaimed confidently, “This guy can be caught, and we’ll catch him three times as fast with me,” he jabbed his thumb in indication of himself, “you,” his finger jutted towards Leon with a sense of majesty, “and…” the urchin lad gazed at Donald with an instant glazed amnesia. After a few passing seconds, the young man gave a mighty thumbs-up as he exclaimed, “the duck!!”
“Wck!” Donald excreted.
“And who might this strange fellow be precisely?” Jiminy asked curiously, “Whoever he is, he seems to have a lot to contribute to the situation.”
Scrooge seconded, “I assumed his was just a friend of yours Leon.”
“A pest and a pervert—” Leon scowled lighting in response, “and the only thing I remember you telling me is that you’re a thief!”
“…thief, son?” Scrooge squinted as he glared at the young energetic lad.
“Hehe—” the young man announced with a smug gusto, “I heard the police force was in need of a thief, and they found him! Zidane Tribal, Master Thief!”
[1] The names, Monk and Thief, refer to the two Final Fantasy character classes of the same name.
[2] Leon refers to the length of time which Java has lost his home.
[3] Allusion to Disney’s Darkwing Duck.
“I heard this guy,” Java said, nodding in the blonde haired urchin’s general direction, “call you Squally. And then the way you said ‘that’s Leon’ sounded familiar. When any of the other little kids would call you ‘scary bread guy’, my friend–she would put her hand like this,” Java mocked, with his hand outstretching his front of his face while obtaining a morbid expression, “and say ‘it’s Leon, no bread for you…’” Java readdressed his acquaintance with his tale, “you used to help people settle into Traverse Town; you and some other guys. The bread man’s b*tch ass was too afraid to go through the Fourth District. You’d took bread to the station at District Six, two big guys—”
Leon intercepted casually, nodding in confirmation of Java’s anecdote, “Yeah. Monk and Thief [1]—they were aiding the police station at the time—they would distribute the bread the outer districts.”
“The two big guys lived in the fourth district next to us with my friend Rose and an old hag. Rose used to tell them to “thank the scary bread guy,” and the old lady used to correct her all the time. Rose would pick fun with it around the younger children.”
Leon’s stature melted quite a bit from Java’s nostalgia. He spoke with a softer tone, “Rose is the clerk at the Goods Shop. The lady she lived with was Mrs. Mary. They used to come to the First District with Monk and Thief, but—I don’t remember you…”
Java gave a genuine chuckle which contrasted from his recent satires. “I’ve honestly never seen you before either,” he replied. “Most people tended to stay away from the Fourth District, but ironically, it was the Fifth District that was near-barren. There were actually quite a number of people who had taken refuge in that area. I was fourteen then. I stayed in the fourth district with a family for two years and left about two years ago.”
“You’re right. Most of the people that lived in the Fourth District were natives who were either strong enough to fight off the Heartless or too headstrong to move. A lot of the men there would go out into the Fifth District to train. Some didn’t come back—”
Java extended his hand in introduction, “J. Black.”
Bracing a wistful smirk, Leon inspected Java’s hand for briefing second. Leon reached and clasped the kindred hand. Leon replied with an airy confidence, “Is that so? It’s been four years [2]…how’ve you been fairing since then?”
Sharp tongued and free-spoken, Java returned Leon’s poised pleasantry, “Life is shitty. I figure I’d drop a bit o’ knowledge. This is what I’ve learned—” Java interjected with his upraised finger of eureka, “within the shit, there’s still a whole kernel of corn that survived—I think that would be me.” Java refrained from wit and digression, and returned to a round of discussion and reminiscence, “I’ve survived losing a home and living in the rough hood of Traverse Town. I consider myself well off.” Java noted with tinges of tenderness, and chuckles which hinted to signs of nostalgia in his thoughts, “I guess I can also give thanks to the man that looked after me and the barely organized neighborhood watch. The oldens didn’t let us young’uns run around the fourth district without escorts. Hey, maybe you’ve heard of a Wervin. He used to do a lot around the Fourth and Fifth Districts.”
“Hm, Wervin…” Leon crossed his arms, and pondered with vigor for evanescing seconds, “I’ve heard the name before,” Leon tilted his head downward in deep thought, staring down the empty space that wafted between his face and his raised palm. Nearly half a minute passed, “Wervin…”
The scruffy blonde, whose presence had been, for the most, absent, protruded the tense atmosphere between Leon’s eyes and hand with a cough and swift sincere chide, “Anytime Squally.”
Subsequent to deliberation, Leon regressed from thought, and answered, “The only thing I can remotely recall is Mrs. Mary admiring a spear-wielding man and his well-behaved nephew, and…” Leon donned a leer of reprimand, “a little troublemaker in a baggy ivory cleric robe…”
Java fought with an abashed grin while digging underneath his hood for a scratch. With a small grin, he replied in wit, “Yeah…I grew into these robes superbly. Heh heh…she really did love me though. I was that hard-type love that you have for your weird uncles, in-laws, and…and black-sheep. Yeah, that was me.”
“I remember hearing from Monk and Thief about how tough the teenagers were during that time. The outer districts encountered the Heartless more often then the gate districts, so as you mentioned, a lot of the stronger men from lost worlds took up there to protect the locals that still lived in those districts. A few of you guys were taken by Heartless. Back then, I was somewhat skeptical of the officers in District Six, but it seems like they were able to keep many of you safe.”
“No…that was a terrible joke Squally.”
“No?”
“Well okay. Sarcasm aside, there were some officers who showed some guts, but the lot of them were out for themselves; most of them became Heartless, God save us. Overall, they did as much then as they do now; a couple of decent guys with no real direction and some jackass ingrates looking for glory buffooning about Traverse Town. We relied on our organized ‘neighborhood watch’ to protect us, which were me and those tough teenager you mentioned, ‘Paul Revering’ all around District Four every time a heartless was sighted.”
“You know what,” Leon proposed, “I can believe that completely.”
Jiminy mentioned, “The good news is that ever since Scrooge took up Grand Ambassador, things have gotten more than a smidge tighter,” receiving a proud, confirming nod from the Grand Ambassador.
“Not that much of a smidge…” Donald adjoined with a wise-mouth. Donald received a light smack on the head from his mildly offended uncle to accompany his wisecrack.
“So,” Leon regressed, “I take it you guys had it pretty rough being the district’s little heroes.”
“Heh…” Java fought abashment via the appraising statement, and though he suppressed it easily enough, there was still a standing twinkle which resided in his right pupil. Java smirked and responded with a swanking zeal, “The only hero we had was Darkwing [3]…”
Jiminy interjected, “A rather odd fellow, now that you mention him. Wonder how he’s doing now? He was inducted as an honorary member of the Traverse Town Police Force. His picture is hanging up in the Hall of Fame and everything.”
“And I heard he had lotsh of cool gadgets like laughing gash and a grapple hook!” Donald added with enthusiasm. “He had to have been almost as rich as Unca Scrooge to have all that stuff!”
“Hmph.” Scrooge objected with a small smug scowl and a tinge of hubris, “Shameless lad you are. I’ll dare ya be comparing me with small fries.”
Pinnochio mimicked draping himself over-face with an imaginary cape while reciting, “I am the terror—that flaps in the night! Boo ha ha ha!”
Java allowed a simple, airy chortle in response, “Figures. He should be awarded for his theatrics.”
“Something puzzles me,” Jiminy introduced, “all of these similar memories you two have…how could have not met one another?”
Java shrugged, “Boggles the mind…”
“Not even when either of you were in the inner districts.”
“My visits in the gate districts were rare.”
“As were mine in the outer districts,” Leon seconded. “Back then, I was going out of my way to become strong enough to fend against the Heartless. The others and I would often leave Traverse Town, traveling on Cid’s ship to different worlds, looking for the thing we needed to finish the Heartless off for good, and restore order to the worlds. Ironically, we found him in Traverse Town—” Leon was intercepted by a conspicuous cough from Donald and suggestive leers from Scrooge and Jiminy.
“Uh…” confounded and lost, Java proceeded to change subjects, “Yeah. Getting stronger. I can wholly relate dude…I did a little traveling as well during my two-year vacation from Transverse Town. I wasn’t really impressed with what I saw.” Java’s tone hardened into sincerity, “I thought my reason for leaving this place was to become a stronger person, but a part of me thought that staying in Traverse Town while people died made me apathetic. I eventually realized that even as my surrounding changed, the Heartless still did the exact same thing as they always did, and I felt a little selfish for leaving, like everything I had gained was in vain. I wonder if the system patroller felt that way at times, but they seemingly do better at keeping the peace then one man.”
“Well, that’s usually how it works. People unite for a just cause, and then produce amazing results.” Leon expelled an honest smile while responding, “It’s nice to here that we’re appreciated, even if we don’t here it as often as we should.”
Java sputtered hissingly, “No ass. I’m actually out of a job because of it.”
The entire company staggered from the comment, as if a snapping tremor swiftly rapped their legs from underneath them. Leon responded with rue and caution, “Oh—well…I suppose I’m—“
Java shunned himself with a sigh, “Wait…my bad. Look, I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I need caffeine. It’s habitual that I turn into a certified ass without it.” Easily enough, Java’s company displayed a gentle air of forgiveness. After a mutual empathy, Java refrained from remorse and relayed generally, “Heh…bad days.” Following a short peace, Java addressed, “Leon? You said you traveled with a Cid? He wouldn’t happen to the Cid that sold Gummi parts, would he? The bittersweet merriment of reunions has reminded me that I’m in desperate need of a cellular gummi. But by gist, I take it this Cid guy is no longer in Traverse Town…”
“I’m afraid not,” Leon replied.
Pinnochio sulked, “Too bad Poppa doesn’t carry any gummies…”
“And any gummies sold here would be crapola anyways,” the blonde haired boy interjected with hilarity, seemingly attempting to gain some presence among the acquaintances, “Best not to buy anything from here. Heck, I wouldn’t even steal anything from here…”
Java turned blankly to the young man, relaying an expression which exuded exclusion. Java vacantly conveyed, “No shit,” and with that, whether intentionally or inadvertently, the monkey tailed lad’s presence was ignored.
Leon purposely ignored the urchin and replied warmly to Java’s request, “I’ll remember you whenever I make it back to Radiant Garden though. Cid’ll definitely be able to find you something. You’d have to drop by to pick it up though. I don’t trust myself to be in one place long enough to deliver it to you.”
Java nodded, “Not a problem. I’m sure I can burn a coupla days before traffic is back to normal…”
“Until then,” Leon noted heavily, “it looks like I’ll be stuck here for at least another hour and a half waiting for this man…”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you Squally!” The blonde lad erupted, “There were claims that the thief has been sighted! The constable wanted you to report to the station! No one ever takes me seriously! Is it because I’m short?”
Leon borrowed from Java’s previous blank expression towards the scamp. Leon queried stoically, “Why are you still here?”
Overlooking Leon’s excluding tone, the young urchin-faced fellow persisted into Leon’s ear with a finicky rant, “Wow Squally, clean your ears out for Christ sakes! I’m volunteering my services to the force! Geezus, the constable’s not coming…sheesh Lion, I mean—”
Leon knapped verbally, “Leon!”
“Heh. Whatever,” the monkey-tailed urchin blithely disregarded.
“Psh…Whatever…” Leon dismissed just as easily, folding his arms and regressing to a reclusive blasé demeanor.
Caught aloft by Leon’s response, the urchin prattled slightly with bafflement, “Wait…What? Ever? Whatever!” He dismissed and conveyed, “Turn that frown upside-down! This is a good lead. It shows that this ‘master thief’ isn’t so ‘master’ after all!” The urchin raised a powerful clenched fist in the air from which he demanded attention from the others. He proclaimed confidently, “This guy can be caught, and we’ll catch him three times as fast with me,” he jabbed his thumb in indication of himself, “you,” his finger jutted towards Leon with a sense of majesty, “and…” the urchin lad gazed at Donald with an instant glazed amnesia. After a few passing seconds, the young man gave a mighty thumbs-up as he exclaimed, “the duck!!”
“Wck!” Donald excreted.
“And who might this strange fellow be precisely?” Jiminy asked curiously, “Whoever he is, he seems to have a lot to contribute to the situation.”
Scrooge seconded, “I assumed his was just a friend of yours Leon.”
“A pest and a pervert—” Leon scowled lighting in response, “and the only thing I remember you telling me is that you’re a thief!”
“…thief, son?” Scrooge squinted as he glared at the young energetic lad.
“Hehe—” the young man announced with a smug gusto, “I heard the police force was in need of a thief, and they found him! Zidane Tribal, Master Thief!”
[1] The names, Monk and Thief, refer to the two Final Fantasy character classes of the same name.
[2] Leon refers to the length of time which Java has lost his home.
[3] Allusion to Disney’s Darkwing Duck.