A/N: By now, I'm sure you have figured out that the relationship between Kris and Zack is familial. I am a big fan of Zerith so expect it to stay that way. That's ok, because family has a special kind of influence. The reason I bring this up now, is for several reasons. First, Kris is five years older than Zack, even if she isn't aware of exactly how old she is, and he just turned 13. She is around during some of his most formative years, so it isn't surprising that they become close. Another thing, with them being family, but not, their relationship is like a mix of best friends and family. Really the best of both worlds. I hope this makes sense, but if you need anything explained further, please let me know. Again, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 5
By the time Zack and Kris got back to the village, it was nearly dark, but neither one cared. As optimistic as they had been, they were both still nervous. Silence had fallen between them when they headed back into the house. Sarah looked up with a smile from where she was working on dinner. "I'm glad I didn't have to chase you both down. Dinner will be ready shortly. Why don't you both go clean up."
Neither of them said a word as they headed to wash for dinner. They both knew Zeke would be back soon as well, so they waited to speak until both the adults were there so they could get it over with. They passed Zeke on their way back to the front room and gave each other looks that were a cross between reassuring and nervous. They both started laughing when they realized they both had the same look on their faces. They were still smiling as Zack sat, and Kris moved to help set the table and lay out dinner.
The meal was silent most of the way through. Both Kris and Zack kept sending each other pointed looks, and when Sarah had enough of seeing it, she finally spoke up. "Why don't you both just get it out. You aren't subtle at all."
Zack laughed nervously at her admonition, and Kris looked down with a slight blush. It was Kris that finally managed to speak up. "Well, we both have something we wanted to ask you both about. You see-" She paused when she realized she didn't even know where to begin.
Sarah gave them both a smile and tried to encourage them to keep going. "What is it then? It can't be that bad."
It was Kris' turn to smile nervously, but she still spoke. "I don't think it's bad, really, but I don't know where to start."
"At the beginning, duh." She pinched Zack's leg under the table when he whispered to her.
She then proceeded to ignore his yelp as she tried to find the words. "I know you heard about how I managed to fight off that gagighandi. Well, when I picked up that stick, I sort of remembered that I knew how to use it, or a staff at least. I was thinking about saving up and buying a real one, so I can practice and see if my brain can catch up with my body."
She paused and took a deep breath, but Zeke spoke up before she could continue. "I think that would be a great idea. It's always better to not do stuff half-heartedly anyway. You know you don't need to ask us for permission to do that, though, so what is your question?"
Kris wasn't sure if she wanted to bolt or hide under the table, but she didn't get a chance to do either when Zack finally spoke up. His words ran together since he was talking so fast. "IwanttowatchhersoIcanlearntofight."
Sarah gave him a questioning look, and Zeke just looked confused. "Repeat that so we can understand."
Zack chuckled nervously before he managed to repeat it slower. "I was hoping I could watch her and learn a little bit about fighting too. If I'm going to be traveling, then I think I need to."
Both his parents stilled at his words. Kris gave him a hard look and gestured that he wasn't finished. He didn't give them a chance to respond before he spoke up again. "Besides, I plan on trying to join Soldier, so any skills I can get before I go would be helpful."
Sarah looked like she wanted to cry at his words, and Zeke looked worried, but it was his mother that spoke up. "We've known since you first said you wanted to go to Midgar to make your fortune, that it was so you could follow that dream. I can't say that I like it, but you have already worked so hard to make it happen when you're older. I can't stand in the way of a dream you believe so strongly. Just promise that you'll be careful."
Zack looked stunned for several seconds, but once he could move, he immediately walked around the table to wrap both his parents in a tight hug. His father shook his hand when he let them go. "I appreciate the fact that you came to us and told us the truth instead of going behind our backs. I know you'll be a fine Soldier one day."
Zack looked like he was going to either faint or jump for joy, but he managed to contain it as he turned to Kris. "That was my question. Kris has one too."
Kris looked like she was caught between being sick and being happy for Zack. She still managed to speak. "I do. I know this may not be the time to ask about this, but I don't know if there ever would be a good time. You have all taken such good care of me, and I can never repay that, but I wanted to know where my place is in the future. I know I won't stay here forever, but I have no plans any time soon, so..."
She trailed off and looked down at her clasped hands. She looked up with a start when Sarah put a hand on her shoulder. "We know you have a family out there, and we could never try to take their places, but as long as you want to stay here, you can consider yourself part of this family. You are already treated that way, and we know you feel the same. You will always have a place to come back to, no matter what."
Kris couldn't stop her tears, and she stood and wrapped the woman in a hug. Her voice was slightly choked when she spoke. "Even if I regained my memories tomorrow, I will always be proud to say I am part of your family. I couldn't have asked for a better one."
Zeke stood watching them with a slight smile before he patted Zack's shoulder and spoke up. "Well, if that's all the two of you have been worried about all night, I believe we can move on. Wasn't there dessert leftover from yesterday?"
Kris moved back from Sarah with a laugh. "Unless Zack ate it all earlier, there should be. Let me get it. I'll bring the plates too."
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The next day Zack insisted that they both go buy a staff. Kris hadn't wanted to do that so soon, as she barely had enough to cover it. She had been saving the last of her money in case the Fair's needed something, as they refused to take it all from her when she got it. She relented when he pointed out the fact that she would need it if she planned on trying to get her memories back, as she couldn't force it to happen. When they got there, Zack ended up buying his own, and although Kris gave him a glare when he insisted, she was a little glad he had. She would not have had enough for both of them on her own. It was nearly dark by the time they were through with that, so she promised him they would go out the next day. He didn't look happy about it, but he didn't protest either.
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As soon as their chores were done the next afternoon, Zack grabbed Kris and handed her the staff. The look she gave him was incredulous. "Why do you have these?"
He gave her a grin with his answer. "Because you said we would go out today. I want to make the most of the daylight, so I had them ready. Let's go!"
He didn't wait for her before he took off toward the woods. He was already in the middle of the clearing by the time she caught up. She had to take a moment to catch her breath before she stood and gave him a glare. "Look, if you expect me to get anything done, I can't be running out of breath."
He only grinned wider. "Well, then, you should work on being able to run and not get out of breath."
Her glare deepened, and her eyes narrowed. "Look here, tadpole, I can still walk away."
His grin died down a little, and his voice was a little more serious. "But you won't. You promised." At that, his grin widened again. "Besides, we still need to work on jogging out those stubborn memories."
She rolled her eyes at his never-ending enthusiasm. "Fine, but stay back for now."
She then turned and closed her eyes before she held the staff slightly out to her side the way she had the limb when she first picked it up. The weight of it felt familiar, but nothing else was happening. She felt a little silly, knowing Zack was watching after she had been standing like that for several minutes. Finally, his voice called out. "Quit thinking about me being here. If it helps, I can go hide so you can't see me."