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Snow Drift	By : Resting-Madness Category: Final Fantasy VIII > Yaoi - Male/Male > Irvine/Squall Views: 971 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own anything involving final fantasy 8, nor do I make money from this fanfiction. The only thing that's mine is the take on a plot that's been done by just about everyone.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
In the Shumi village. The sun is dipping into the horizon ready to let the moon shift into view. The pretty orange sky was like a large eyeball being slowly covered by a purple-blue eyelid. Days felt like that on Winter Island. Slow. Calm. Drifts of life.
The amnesiac rubbed his sleepy eyes. He's been in the workshop all day making tiny wooden statues to be shipped to who knows where. He found that the Shumis do a few things for a bit of profit, other things they did only for the pleasure.
"How are things going Karver?" Asked Sculptor, placing his large covered hand onto the human's shoulder.
"Last one." He can't hide the sleepy tone in his voice.
"Wonderful! You work very fast."
"Thanks." He took a single slice from the statues antler then held it up. "Done. You like it?"
"It's brilliant work, as usual. We have never had such a skill as yourself. As you can see our large hands make it very tough to craft such intricate cuts and designs."
"You can have me as long as you want me." He grins.
Sculptor smiled warmly at the young man. He's become just a favorite to the tribe; and because his skills have earned the human brother the name Karver, with a 'K' due to the initials found on the clothes he had been found wearing. His first name, though in the village it's rarely used, is Imari. The meaning is a multicolored Japanese porcelain, given by his unusual looks compared to their own. I.K. fits. It's all perfectly balanced.
"I sense your restlessness. You may go off to bed now, if you'd like."
Nodding, Imari stood from the stool.
"Although, if you could go to the front gate and get some shadow stone, that would be wonderfully appreciated. We have to apply the eyes to the animals, and we're currently out."
"No problem."
Leaving the workshop, he can't help but yawn into his palm. Living here is wonderful; he doesn't know what kind of life I.K. had, but it can't compare to this one. It's like living off the land without really doing it. He gets meals - granted he'd like a nice juicy steak sometimes, he's surprisingly learned to live without it and other meats. He'd wondered numerous times about fish being acceptable, but never gets around to asking about it.
Work is long and laboring but he's happy to do it. The tribe saved his life! Granted, he hadn't even know his life was on the line. But here he is amongst people - - he's a life that wants him to stick around. And he's been welcomed in. He, a perfect stranger. Even the Shumis that were apprehensive at first treat him as though he were one their own. As if he has always been there with them. The only real complaint he has is the cold. He is not a cold person, and rarely ventures outside because of that; he's even taken to wearing the jeans he had on when he'd washed up on shore underneath his robes for extra warmth the few times he has gone out.
Getting onto the elevator, he took a seat waiting out the ride. He can already feel a slight chill in his bones as he reaches the surface of the dome. Imari didn't know how the guards did it. Bowing his head to the four of them standing before their valued product; they bowed back before stepping aside for him.
"I just need a bit." He explained while knowing he doesn't really have to.
Stooping down he took a small pick to uplift some of the shadow stone from the ground where its formed. A large hunk of onyx stone lifts out by his grasp around it; bits of brown and white show through the dark clear surface. It reminded Imari a bit of sunglasses - he once had this really gaudy pair and wore it to the beach with...
"Mmm." He grunts, a hand coming up to his forehead.
The four men look a bit concerned but Imari waved it off. It happened sometimes, the pains in his head. It scared the Shumi a bit, but Elder said it must be his memory returning to him. The young man thought his memories were pretty cheap if that were the case because he only ever saw little things, and there were never any people around him. What was up with that? Was he a very lonely person? The thought bothered him at night sometimes. He wondered about how he'd gotten in the water in the first place. Was he trying to commit suicide? Was he that kind of person? It bugged him to think so; however, he couldn't dwell too much on it when he's so happy now. Right?
"See you guys around." He waved goodbye when his mind ceased its spinning.
"Good night, Karver." The guards say out of sync.
Dropping off the stone for the sculptors, Imari then walked about for a bit longer to let Pal stretch out his wings. The bird normally flew about the village, minding its own business, causing no trouble so the tribe didn't mind it. But other times he'd stay in his bedroom. Which is why Imari would have to take him out for a work out. The eleven inch bird perched on his owners shoulder when he entered the room; tapping his human friend on the side of the head with its beak as a means to say: "hello".
"How have you been? You didn't go all over everything did you?"
The bird made a low skrawk as if to say it would never do something like that. Imari laughed; petting it atop its head with his finger.
"I know you wouldn't. Just checking." Taking off his robes, he changed into his pajamas, which are just another pair of robes only with different colors. "You wanna go out for a walk?" Receiving two pops to the side of his head, he nods heading for the exit.
The night air is always warm, comfortable, and hugging. It could knock you clean out to sleep if you were to lie down for even a minute. No stars though. He watched the Shumis as they passed by going to where they need to go or to home. Pal left his shoulder to retrieve a frog from the lake, bringing it back between its talons. Pal dropped the writhing amphibian onto the dirt pinning it down before digging in. Imari watched with envy.
"You think I should ask about the fish thing too, huh?" He took a seat on the ground, knees drawn up, arms hang loosely upon them. "You know what else I'm thinking about doing? Going out on deliveries - I know I don't like the cold, but, surely they have a way to get passed that. I wanna see the world a little bit."
The bird eyes his owner making quick chirps while continuing to pick at its dinner.
"Don't be mad, I'll take you with me of course." He laughed.
He's never seen a jealous animal before - of course he's never known many animals that he can recall. Pulling his knees in closer he wrapped his arms around them, resting his chin upon the top of the right. Secretly, he wondered if there was anyone out there... missing him. Hn. If he did throw himself into the water, he highly doubted he was missed.
Smiling suddenly, he held out his arm. "Come on, I'm exhausted. I'll bring your dinner with us." He scoops the mangled frog into his hand; Pal hops up his extended arm until it reached its favorite resting place. "Yeah, I should stop worrying about it. Things here are great and I wouldn't trade it for anything." Receiving a happy sound of birdy-cheers he smiled, walking them back to their home.
The next morning. Imari finished his breakfast of bean patties and grits; he hated to have rushed it down, but through the large stain-glass door he saw Artisan and the other artisans walking with the day's sells. They were going out into town. Which, it didn't matter, Imari simply wanted in on it. Cleaning his dishes then putting them away on the shelf with the others, he hurried out towards the elevator.
"Hey!" He called out and waved. "Hey! Artisans!" He was sure to let them know they were the target for his aimed intentions. "Can I..." He bent over to catch his breath.
"Breathe, Karver."
Calming his breaths, he began again. "Can I go too? I won't be a bother, and I'm free from sculpting jobs since I finished up yesterday." He swung his arm out in the direction of the building as if to showcase the finished products that are actually currently in the wheelbarrow with the trinkets made by the artisans.
The three Shumis looked at one another, then nodded. They saw no reason to say no. The more the better. He truly was a lucky discovery, despite the lack of luck that brought him to the island. But he's of a kind demeanor and helpfulness. Imari was told to get his travel gear: water pouch, hat and travel robes on, some granola and roasted nuts, and a change of robes for night, lastly a tent. They would be gone for a full week.
The four mounted and rode to the beach. The nipping arm was at a high today, so it wasn't as bracing as it normally would be. The sun was another story. It was high and beaming with all its glory, blinding anyone foolish enough to not have shades on and look at the crystal flare from beams bouncing reflections off the snow. As well as the hat, Shumi travel gear comes with a mouth cover attached to a tinted pair of shades. Sometimes a strong clap of cold down the throat could bring on illness, and for those with unknown illness even death.
A twenty minute ride and they were soon loading the small boats with the goods for sell. Imari joined Artisan 3, 1 and 2 sailed together in the other vessel. Imari removed his shades, but kept the hat on. With the material covering the back and sides, it kept heat on his head as they rowed along.
Pal was amusing itself by diving under the water to devour fish and drifting kelp. It reminded the carnivorous young man of something he'd wanted to know.
"Artisan, are we allowed to eat fish?"
Artisan looked amused. He then watched Pal dive into the cold water. "Do you want to eat fish, Karver?"
Imari felt an embarrassment blush his cheeks. He supposed that was his answer. However, Artisan went on.
"Yes. We do eat fish; however, we are usually quite busy with tasks to want to venture out and wait for many hours that fish might bite the line." He added. "We have little to lure the interest of fish to bait the line."
Imari looked over the side of the boat wondering what type of fish were moving beneath the surface. Maybe they could fool them with a wet knot of wheat. It could resemble a worm. "I'll fish in my free time, if you all don't mind."
"Why would we mind? You are free to do as you like within reason."
Karver wondered how far that extended. He had no intention to push it, but he does wonder can he leave the village? Can he get a frog to cook up? Things that run through his head could fill a panthlete. But, hey, he gets fish. Not just for himself but for the whole tribe.
Sorbald Snowfield appeared before them by the late afternoon. They set up their tents and rested for a little while. They drank water, ate a bit, talked to each other then took a brief nap after securing their safety from monsters. Imari had a very brief and strange dream. Pal was gigantic and crying in pain. Then it ate him, but not as one normally eats, but sort of engulfed him by a beam of light. Then he fell. He was shaken awaken by Artisan 2. It was time to move to the next location.
They took a day crossing through the waters past Eldbeak peninsula. One more and they'd reach Alcaud Plains. They're going to take the train from Balamb town and head for Timber where they will see their goods at a souvenir shop. It's strange but lucrative. They can purchase necessary items that the tribe needs but does not grow for them. They can buy thread and cloth, other such needed items.
Imari was beyond pleased that toiletries are acceptable. He doesn't know how Shumis care for their teeth, but he prefers brushes and paste.
When the four arrived to the transit area they took a brief break to eat.
"We always come here when we pass through Balamb." Artisan 1 commented when noticing Imari eyeing the sign on the eatery.
"Great Graze." He read out loud.
"The stir fried tofu is remarkable."
"Umm, ya know what... I'm gonna meet back up with you. I wanna hit the shops for a second." He backed away.
The Shumis exchanged knowing looks, but feigned ignorant and went into the vegetarian restaurant; Imari, though feeling like he had to sneak there, went to a burger stand. He chuckled silently to himself as passersby thought he was a to-rights Shumi or a weirdo with a nervousness towards people, maybe even someone spooked by the harmful rays of the sun. As covered up as he is, he must look like all of the above. He followed his nose to little stand just by the train station. The seductive smell whispered his name "Imari Karver". He obeyed the beckoning and waited in the line. It was well worth the wait. Heaven. That was the only way to describe it. The juice that no mushroom could produce swam over his senses as well as his pallet. It brought moisture to his eyes; too bad he couldn't buy another to take home. It wouldn't keep on the journey. So, he purchased another for right now.
Imari had forgotten about mayonnaise, and the cracked pepper was such a genius decision. The man at the stand offered him puffed pretzels along with it. He accepted and bought a bag. He consumed it with the same enjoyment as the burger. Crisp chip, tangy seasoning, good lasticity in the mouth. If there was one complaint about being Shumi, it's missing certain foods.
"Woo! Finally back home," a bright voice stated. "Lunch on me!"
Two others cheered to that declaration, following the hand that's going to feed them. Imari, done with his meal, snapped his mouth guard back into place. He saw the others exit the eatery, done feasting as well. He waved to call their attention. He's not hard to miss at his height and garb.
"Hey, the Shumis are passing through," the bright voice noticed him.
Imari returned the wave she gave with a quick elevation of his covered hand. It was hard to extract limbs from the large robes sometimes.
"What's a Shumi?" One of the others asked, having never noticed them in life, except for at Garden, but they were never clear on that whole thing. Just that something major divided the once peaceful school.
"Don't stare, it's rude." She offered him polite personal space even visually by saying so, and keeping her own gaze ahead.
Imari smiled behind his mask. The girl with the happy tone was pretty cute, a bit short, though. Her hair bounced as she walked. Her most noticeable feature were her big green eyes. A guy could get a stir from such a gaze. She smelled really nice too.
"Ready to go?" Asked Artisan 1.
"Yup."
They loaded their goods onto the train. Two of them took orders from the souvenir shop to have crafts made for them as well. The Shumis could not just sell them something they had since the order was special filled for Timber. They have an obligation. So, next time they'll offer to anyone they come across. After taking the order, they were fast headed for their final destination.
It had been a really good week. They made some money, he learned something valuable about living conditions in regard to rules and such. He'd like to go out regularly. And to his luck, he had many opportunities.
X x X
Commentary: a short little chapter, but that's what it came to. Thank you for reading, thank you for a review if you have the time. I'll see you next chapter. Oh and I have to go back and change the month Irvine woke up to earlier as it had originally been. I didn't realize the time jumps were similar. My bad. See ya.
- 13
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- 15
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Snow Drift