Bring Me to Life

by: A'den Neytiri Kad

Author's Note

Before you say anything, TAPS stands for The Avalanche Paranormal Society, ok? And Red isn't a wolf-like creature, either. In this story, he is a member of the local native tribe in Cosmo Canyon. (So he's like a Native American/Indian.) We all good now? If so, enjoy!

The woman hummed softly as she finished painting the surrounding walls blue. She pulled her chestnut locks from their prison, letting her soft hair fall about her shoulders. Her expressive emerald eyes swept about the room, a small smile gracing her face. She had just moved into the cozy two-story home outside the bustling city of Midgar a week before. The suburb, Edge, was a perfect place for her and her family to live. Her husband, Zack, was a combat instructor at the local garrison in the city. Their son, Denzel, was enrolled at the nearby school a few blocks away. Their street was that of a typical suburb: perfectly manicured lawns, crisp and bright colored houses, large fenced backyards, and caring neighbors.

Aerith sighed happily, admiring her handiwork. She felt a strong pair of arms encircle her waist, and she smiled. "All finished."

Her husband grinned, kissing her cheek softly. "It looks good, hun. We can move his bed and things in tomorrow. He'll survive sleeping on the couch for another night."

She chuckled, leaning her head against the shoulder behind her. "This place is perfect."

"That it is. I still don't understand why the other owners wanted out. Maybe I should check around for nosy neighbors?"

"No, I don't think it's because of them."

"Well the red-head-"

"Shalua."

"Is always working on something with her machines and cars..."

"But that's her job. Plus, she's good at it. You could learn a few things from her," the woman teased, eyes twinkling.

Zack chuckled, nuzzling her head gently. "Genesis ain't that bad, I guess. Neither is Angeal. But, they need to keep it down when they're sparring at three in the morning..."

"At least they're happy."

"Just like us."

She smiled at that. "Just like us."

Aerith hummed softly as she carefully approached the stairs with the laundry basket in hand. "Any more, boys?"

"No, Mom!" a young voice yelled from down the hall.

The woman smiled, setting the basket on her hip. She glanced down at the steps, holding onto the rail as she continued to the lower floor. She heard a small creak from behind her. She looked over her shoulder, but saw nothing. She shook her head and took another step. She heard it again, but with it, she felt a huge shove.

Aerith fell forward, feet leaving the stairs as she flew toward the ground at the base of the staircase. She tumbled down the last few steps, landing amid a heap of clothing next to the front door.

"Mom?" A small boy peeked around the corner at the top of the stairs, cyan eyes wide. He hurried down the flight and kneeled beside his mother. "Are you ok?" he asked, throwing some of the fabric aside.

"Yeah, hun, I'm okay," she answered, sitting up and rubbing her head gently. "Guess I tripped..."

"Oh, ok..."

She smiled softly, reaching over and ruffling the light brown hair of her son. "Can you do me a favor, though?"

"Yeah."

"Can you take these," she gestured to the mounds of clothes around them, "in the washer? I'll start it after your father gets home."

"Okay," he muttered, quickly gathering all of it and waddling with the large basket to the other side of the house.

Aerith sighed, slowly standing up. She glanced up the stairs, confused. There was nothing on the staircase, nothing for her to trip on. She shook her head, slowly hobbling to the living room. "That's strange..."

Denzel sighed in relief as he made it to the laundry room, dropping the basket next to the washer. He glanced around, shivering slightly. He didn't like the house. It was nicer than their old apartment, but it... felt different. Creepy. 'Mom said there's nothing to be afraid of...' He crossed back to the door, stopping when he noticed the handle turning. "Mom?" It stopped, air still and heavy. He hesitantly reached for it, pulling the door open. He looked around the kitchen, walking toward the fridge. He felt something wet on his hands. He held them up to his face and gasped. They were covered in something red sticky. He turned back toward the door, examining the handle closely. It was slick with it, too. "Mom..."

Zack sighed, rubbing his temples. He had listened to his wife's and son's stories with an open mind, though he doubted them himself. He had never encountered anything odd before. The house was a little creaky, sure, but what house isn't at first? He flicked off the lamp beside him, silently making his way upstairs.

He started past the bookcase by the staircase, shaking his head. He heard a small clinking sound, like glass on wood. He looked up at the bookcase as it started its descent toward him. He dashed forward, barely clearing the space before it crashed to the floor. He looked up, spotting a dark... thing gliding across the floor and up the stairs.

Zack jumped up, giving chase to the strange thing as it sped down the hall. It disappeared under his son's door, causing him to panic. He tried to shove his way into the room, but the door had somehow been barricaded.

Denzel whimpered softly, watching his dresser move in front of his door. His father rammed the door, but it didn't budge. He glanced over at the thing as it hovered in the opposite corner. It slowly grew, a figure now replaced the dark mass. A few seconds later, it transformed into the figure of man with long, silvery locks and feline-like acid green eyes. He grinned ferally at the boy, sneering.

"Denzel!" Zack yelled, falling to his knees as he finally made his way into the room.

The boy didn't move, staring at the dark being as it faded into the air. He could feel his father shaking him, so he slowly moved his head to look at him, eyes wide with terror. "Dad..."

"What happened? What's going on?"

Zack turned to his wife who lingered near the door frame. "Pack a bag. We're getting the hell out of here."

So far so good? This is what happens when you watch as many paranormal shows as I do... Anyway, moving on...