Thank you to everyone who has been reading this and giving me really sweet reviews! I'm so glad that this story is going down well with everyone, its something I've been wanting to write for a little while, but I could never get a real good plot line till now =S If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for later events, I'd really like to hear them and expand the plot a little bit. =)
As you might have noticed already, the first two chapters are definitely in 2 parts; one focusing on Zack and Cloud, the other being Riku and Sora. This is really just to show their background stories and to show the readers (you) how the live, how they act with each other and most important, how they end up in Traverse Town. I'm not sure if I'll be splitting the chapters like this later on, I think that might get a bit boring after a while! =S but the chapters will definitely be like this till they meet up so I can fuse them together (wow that sounds wrong in my head!)
Anyway, thanks again for your reviews. It's your support that keeps me motivated enough to keep writing! =)
WARNING: some swearing and description on death.
~xxxxxx~
To Lose Is To Find
Zack x Cloud
Riku x Sora
Chapter 2: Part One – I Lost You Once
Cloud sighed in annoyance. He had been dragged into a wild goose chase. He rubbed his temples in a desperate attempt to calm himself down.
Tifa had written down the wrong address for the delivery in Kalm, and so was now trying to track down the right customer. Ultimately he was having no luck.
"Dammit, I don't have time for this!"
He said his goodbyes and thanks to the 100th stranger he had been asking and mounted Fenrir. He began driving off down town to the place they advised to find the one he was looking for; a bloody pub!
Everything around him went past in a blur as he travelled down the streets. All he wanted was this to be over. He feared that if this took too long then he would be late getting back, possibly causing Zack to worry too much. That thought made him more determined to finish this.
Cloud came to a slow stop and pulled his goggles off to look up at the designated pub. With a slight huff he dismounted Fenrir and stormed inside. The interior of the pub was slightly similar to 7th Heaven in ways that it felt warm and homey. The only difference was that there was more sunlight coming in from the windows, making the place look more modern. Cloud walked up to the counter.
"Excuse me I'm looking for someone..."
Before Cloud could finish, the small TV hanging above the barman was suddenly turned up causing everyone to stop what they were doing to listen.
"Breaking News – Midgar and Edge are currently under attack by an unknown force! The citizens are desperately fleeing the city. Unconfirmed reports state that there is considerable damage. The city is calling out to all surrounding towns for assistance. The WRO are mobilising its forces! We now have live feed coming from our correspondent at the scene..."
Cloud's eyes widened in horror as the screen switched to video footage of the city burning. Thick black smoke was rising from the flames, smothering the once clear blue skies.
"Nooooo!!" He howled punching both fists into the countertop as he stood to gape in shock.
"What the fuck is going on!"
The TV volume was turned up higher to an almost unbearable pitch so the whole place could hear.
"Something seems to be flying above the city, some sort of unknown monster!"
"What!? It can't be!!!" Cloud cried out as he shook his head in denial.
His eyes remained wide, full blue, Mako orbs taking in all the images, almost afraid to look away. Flashbacks shot through his system, horrifying pictures of his beloved home burning before him by the hands of Sephiroth all those years ago. The clenching pain in his heart, the intense heat of the flames, the dead bodies, the screaming, the smoke – the thick toxin burning his lungs....and.....Zack.....
"ZACK!" Cloud suddenly screamed, snapping out of his shock and bolted out the door without any other thoughts.
Cloud ran into mayhem, people screaming and running in different directions. The roads were completely filled with cars of people attempting to flee the city.
"We'll be next!" they screamed.
The blonde pushed through the crowds, not caring if he hurt someone. The adrenaline pumping through his veins was almost painful as excruciating fear gripped him.
"No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No!!" he kept chanting in his mind.
He finally reached Fenrir and threw himself on. He didn't bother putting his goggles on as he started the engine.
"Cloud!"
The blonde nearly ignored the voice from behind but a nagging feeling told him to turn around. Behind him was the last person he would expect to see; a tall man with black hair wearing a long navy uniform.
"Reeve!"
The commander of the WRO stood amongst the terrified crowd, looking equalling puzzled, concerned and somewhat relieved.
"What the hell is going on? Who's attacking Midgar!? What being done about it! Tell me Reeve!" Cloud blurted out harshly.
"Cloud you have to calm down! The question you should be asking is what is attacking Midgar...."
The blonde's mouth fell open.
"...What do you mean.....?"
"Cloud, you have to see for yourself, there's no time to explain. The WRO will assist you to Midgar"
Cloud nodded. His fear was growing to unbearable heights, but he had to keep his composure, he had to concentrate on getting to everyone....Zack...Tifa...Denzel...Marlene...
Cloud found himself blazing down the wasteland, far ahead from the WRO trucks accompanying him. His heart clenched and he had to stop himself from screaming when he saw the burning city come into view. He automatically revved the engine and put the bike into full throttle.
"Come on Fenrir!! You can you it!" Cloud screamed at the bike, willing it to go faster.
His vision began to blur and the wind pelted in his eyes, causing them to water. There was no time to get his goggles on; he would either have to slow down or stop for that, and there was nowhere in hell that was going to happen.
"Please be alive..." he thought helplessly.
He nearly lost control of Fenrir as he mentally screamed.
"I should never have left! I should be by Zack's side! What if he...."
He had to stop himself from finishing that sentence. Thinking like that was going to make things worse. He had to concentrate on what he can do now; at least that what he thought Zack would say at a time like this. Just thinking about him like that brought him close to breaking down all together.
His thoughts were interrupted as he caught site of something in the sky in amongst the smoke that had accumulated above the flames below.
Cloud's eyes widened in horror as the creature seemed frighteningly familiar.
"It can't be...."
The creature was dragon like. Its skin was not made of scales however; it seemed more metal-like. It was almost as if it was a robot or wearing heavy armour. It was definitely one of the Weapon creatures! But how is that possible? Weren't they all destroyed...?
Weapon was the term used to call the monsters that the Planet made itself many years ago. They were created to protect the planet, but these creatures would only awaken if they detected an enemy that threatened the planet's very existence. That may sound heroic and relieving; having monsters to protect the planet, but that doesn't mean they protect humans....
Cloud watched as Weapon's wings spread wide across the sky, making its size considerably larger than the old ShinRa Building and Junon put together. The monster was pearl white which made its blood red eyes striking in contrast. On its chest it bore a symbol that Cloud didn't recognise. It was red and heart shaped, with a strange cross through it.
"I don't understand....why has another Weapon been activated...?.I thought we destroyed them all last time....but I don't remember this one....why did this Weapon not awaken with the others last time....?"
Cloud's confusion cut off as he heard distant screams echoing from the city. It was then that he realised how close he was.
"Zack....I'm almost there...."
As Cloud entered the city, he was met by the terrifying screams. The citizens were crying out to each other, all confused and all frightened for their lives. They ran in any directions; fleeing from burning buildings. He was forced to slow down Fenrir as he noticed a familiar orphan boy that used to live with him caught in the middle of a mad stampede of people. As he noticed Cloud running towards him, he cried out desperately.
"Its alright, I'm here!" Cloud tried to hush the shaking boy as he knelt down to scoop him up.
"Cloud they're dead! They're all dead!!" he screamed, his eyes wide with shock.
"...who?" the blonde was almost afraid to ask.
"M-my friends...th-th-they...w-were crushed...." the boy trembled violently as he looked over Cloud's shoulder.
The blonde turned to see a half standing building, with a pile of rubble in its shadow. His heart ached and his breath caught in his throat as he saw a small pale arm lying limp in the wreck. He immediately shut his eyes, clenching them tight as he tried to force that image from his mind.
"Come on, I'll get you to safety!" he said, but when he looked down he noticed the boy had fainted.
Cloud ran towards the crowds with the boy in his arms, searching for the right person.
"Reeve!" he shouted over the clamour, pushing through the strong currents of the running citizens.
Cloud saw the WRO troops leading the people away to safety, making sure they did so without hurting each other in the panic. The commander stood close by, watching the events unfold before him. He noticed Cloud running towards him. He was immediately concerned when he saw the boy in his arms.
"Here, you have to get him out; he's all alone; he has no one else...."
The WRO commander looked at the limp boy in Cloud's arms and pitied him deeply. Reeve sighed and carefully took the boy from the blonde.
"Leave it to me..."
Cloud forced a smile and nodded before running off back into the crowds; disappearing instantly.
"Wait, Cloud! Get out while you can! It's dangerous back there!" Reeve's voice drowned in the screaming and realised that Cloud was gone.
"Shit...."
Cloud was once again pushing through people and dodging cars making their escape. As he made it out to a clear space he looked around for his motorbike Fenrir.
"Shit, where is she?"
He looked around, trying to see over the people blocking his way. Just as he was about to give up and run without it, he saw something.
".....No!" Cloud breathed hard as he ran towards the fallen building.
Before him lay the remains of his beloved Fenrir, caught in the collapse of another building.
"NOO!" he shouted bitterly at his loss.
"FOR FUCK SAKE!" he screamed, the loss being harder to bear than he realised. "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING!?"
Cloud shook his head violently, trying to clear his mind and focus. He would have to find Zack and the others without Fenrir. He had to be thankful that it wasn't him under the rubble. He didn't look back as he ran off further into the city, tears of frustration burning in his eyes.
The further he made it into town, the quieter it became. It was then that he began to notice the dead bodies around him. Some obviously dyeing in the rush; being trampled to death. He saw their bruised and blood stained face's staring lifelessly into the sky, just waiting to return to the planet. He pushed their faces out of his mind and kept running, not caring that his legs were beginning to tremble.
As he made it to the monument in the centre square he came to a stop to catch his breath and look around. He could still hear the screaming in the distance, feeling the tremor in the ground when another building fell. When he saw no sign of Zack he decided to continue to 7th Heaven. Just as he was about to run, there was a gust of wind that knocked him off his feet. He hit the ground harshly, knocking the air from his chest. The wind continued to blow fiercely, forcing Cloud to stay on the ground unable to move. As he tried to push against the pressure, he suddenly heard a blood-curdling cry from above. The horrific sound vibrated in his ears causing him to let out a cry of his own. As the wind began to slowly calm down, he jumped to his feet; looking for the source of the noise.
Not far from where he stood, Weapon flew above the buildings. Its ferocious cries that erupted from its jaws was deafening to Cloud's ears. He helplessly watched as he witnessed a portion of Weapon's power as its mighty talons crashed through the top of a building. Pieces of stone and metal flew threw the air and fall like rain to the ground below. He wanted to badly to take up his sword and deal with it now and then, but he knew from experience it would be foolish to fight that thing alone. He cursed bitterly under his breath as he clenched both fists. He felt so helpless and weak. He hated that feeling.
More wind blew his way as Weapon's wings stretched through the skies to launch itself further up above the city. Cloud was pushed back once again as he fell to the ground. The back of his head cracked upon the concrete surface. He cried in agony as pain shot threw his head and back. He lay still as the pain began to make him feel sick.
".....Z-Zack...." he whispered pitifully
He had enough. Everything was wrong! This wasn't how the day was suppose to turn out like. He wanted to finish his deliveries earlier than usual, he wanted to go back and have dinner with everyone like he promised Marlene, and he wanted to spend more time with Zack....
How many people have died today? How many people have lost loves ones today? How many people have lost their home today?
"Zack...Tifa....Denzel....Marlene....are you even still alive.....?"
Cloud just wanted to crawl into the darkness and cry from just pure frustration and confusion.
Just as he was about to break down he heard distant gun fire. He sat up slowly, wincing from the dull pain that still lingered and looked around. Down one of the nearby streets he could just make out WRO soldiers running past.
"That's it!" he suddenly said to himself "I can't just sit here doing nothing; I have to do something to help...I'm sure Zack and the others made it out...I just have to believe....I'm getting nowhere like this...
He jumped to his feet with new propose and ran off down towards the commotion. Something told him this was the right decision.
As the WRO solders saw him they nodded respectfully as most of them recognised him. It was obvious they appreciated his help.
"What's going on here?" Cloud immediately asked as he approached one of the squad leaders.
"Were getting into positions to take this thing down!" the leader announced proudly as he saluted Cloud's presence.
"Where do you want me?" the blonde asked quickly.
Just as the squad leader was about to answer an explosion cut him off. Without any hesitation Cloud ran off towards the noise followed by the WRO team. As they came into a clearing the first thing they saw was the blazing fire around the site, and the remains of another building. Cloud's eyes widened in horror as Weapon appeared from behind it. Its claws digging deep into the rubble it perched upon. A low growl erupted from its chest that turned into another vicious roar that shook the ground. WRO solders ran past Cloud and took their positions, aiming their guns at Weapon. Cloud soon joined them, gripping his sword tightly in his hands. From across the clearing, another WRO squad appeared and took their positions. Cloud nodded to them in his way of thanking them for their assistance. They wearily smiled back, their fear clearly shown in their eyes. Just as Cloud was about to turn his attention back to Weapon a familiar man ran into the clearing with the rest of the squad.
"Zack!!" he shouted, suddenly forgetting where he was and what was happening.
The raven haired Ex SOLDIER turned to see his beloved blonde across the clearing. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw they mass of blonde spikes in amongst the WRO soldiers. Without any other words said, they ran to each other, the fear and relief clear across their faces.
"Dammit Cloud, why did you come back!!?" Zack helplessly shouted as he gripped the blonde's shoulders, shaking him violently.
Tears finally fell from Cloud's eyes. He dropped his head and tightly gripped Zack's top, almost afraid to let go.
"Zack....I....I had to....."
"No, you would have been safe! You could have died coming back here!!"
"......But Zack....I..." Cloud sobbed, his voice crumbling as his cries shook his body.
"What if something happened to you!? What then?!?" Zack found himself shouting louder than he meant to.
Cloud pushed him away, his eyes burning with determination and emotion.
"No Zack!" He said firmly, tears still streaming down his face. "I lost you once....I am not losing you again!"
The frustration in Zack slowly melted away as he beheld the distressed and emotional blonde before him. He now realised what Cloud was feeling. His heart clenched at the slightly shaking form in front of him. He was about to say something but Cloud suddenly turned from him and took his battle stance, his sword proudly pointing at the snarling Weapon. Zack decided not to say anymore and took his battle stance next to the blonde, pointing his Buster Sword at Weapon.
There were a few moments of silence as neither side made a move. They only stared each other down, just waiting for something to happen. Weapon began to slowly arch his back as it crouched on the rubble in a position to pounce. Before that could happen, the WRO opened fire. A rain on bullets fell upon Weapon creating continuous sparks so fly from its body. If the foul creature could laugh, Cloud was sure it would as he realised that the bullets were being reflected.
"It's no good!" the blonde growled.
Once the attack was over, Weapon snarled viciously as it hunched its firm shoulders. It pushed itself off the pile of rubble and leaped forward to retaliate. Zack and Cloud simultaneously crouched and launched themselves forward at the incoming Weapon. Cloud drew his sword up above his head as he flew over Weapon's marble back. With all his strength he pulled his sword down to slice across its back bone. Cloud felt his blade penetrate and so drew his sword along with him and he ran up Weapon's back. As soon as he reached the tail, he leaped up and drew his sword with him. In mid air, the blonde turned to see the damage he made. Cloud watched in mortified shook as he saw the gash heal itself completely into perfect form.
"Shit!"
Meanwhile Zack leaped up as high as he could with the buster sword pointing to the skies. As he reached his optimum height he brought himself down full force to strike Weapon's head. The creature roared threateningly as it watched Zack descend. With a powerful fist of sharp talons it brought its muscled arm up to take a swipe at his raven haired attacker. As Cloud's feet touched the ground, he watched helplessly as Weapon struck Zack across the chest. He flew back and cried out in pain as he hit the ground.
"Zack!!!"
Cloud ran forward only to be assaulted from his side as Weapon's tail struck him, causing him to fall to the ground. His determination ignored the pain as he forced himself up to run to the still body on the ground. He didn't notice the WRO soldiers that ran past him to continue the assault on Weapon.
"Oh Gaia, Zack! Are you alright!?" he shrieked as he fell to his knees.
He pulled on Zack's shoulder to turn him onto his back. He heard Zack grunt in pain as his body turned over. Zack heard Cloud gasp; he guessed that his injuries were quite bad.
"Shit Zack, hold on! I'll get a potion!"
Cloud fumbled in his trouser pocket and pulled out a small glass bottle with neon blue liquid inside. Before the blonde could open it he felt Zack place his hand over his knee.
"Its alright....just help me up...."
"But Zack, you're bleeding!"
Cloud referred to the gapping cuts across Zack's chest, crimson blood spreading quickly across the material of his top.
"I'll survive!" He tried to joke with a grin but something gurgled in the back of his throat that caused him to have a coughing fit.
Cloud drew in a sharp breath as he watched Zack suddenly sit up coughing like mad.
"Z-Zack?!?"
Blood trailed down in between his fingers that covered his mouth. Clearly his condition was worse than he feared.
"Right that's it, your taking this potion now!"
He quickly pulled the top open and placed it at Zack's lips. He placed his free hand behind his neck to help him tilt his head back. The Ex-SOLDIER chocked slightly as the bittersweet liquid trailed down his throat. As he finished, Cloud sat back to make sure the cuts healed properly. The folds of skin knitted back together, leaving only blood in its wake.
"Thanks Cloud...." Zack all but breathed.
Before the blonde could wrap his arms around him he suddenly noticed the WRO retreating around them, running back into the alleyways and beyond, screaming and yelling as the went. The two looked up to see Weapon hanging in the skies, drawing in masses of energy into its colossal jaws. It was preparing for overkill!!
Zack jumped to his feet.
"Let's get out of here now!"
He looked down at the blonde who has still on his knees but seemed to be unaware of what was happening.
"Hey! Cloud! Come on!" Zack exclaimed as he grabbed the blonde's shoulders.
The Ex-SOLDIER gasped as he saw a small pool of blood around Cloud's right knee.
"Shit! Cloud, Come on babe, stay with me!"
Zack pulled Cloud to his feet and supported his weight. The blonde yelled in pain and gripped his throbbing side. He suddenly remembered being knocked to the ground by Weapon's tail. Meanwhile, Zack rummaged in his pocket with his space hand to look for another potion.
"....No....that was the....last one" Cloud choked out. "I should have....come more....prepared huh?"
Cloud tried to giggle dryly up ended up groaning from the sharp pain that shot from the wound.
Thunderous booming from above them took their attention. They looked up to see sparks of black electricity forming a large sphere inside Weapons shark-like mouth. Its wings spread out from its body to stretch across the sky, causing a gust of wind to knock Zack and Cloud dead off their feet. Zack instinctively wrapped himself around the blonde as they came down to the ground in a heap. Cloud let out a sore yelp on the impact.
"Z-Zack....I....I c-cant....move....." The blonde stuttered as continuous pain spread through his body.
"I've got you babe...." Zack breathed out as he felt the same pain through his system.
The Ex-Soldier tightened his grip around the limp blonde in his arms as he looked up and Weapon readying for its attack.
Is this it? Is this how we die.....? Zack thought bitterly. Well I guess I'm grateful that I won't be leaving Cloud all alone again.....
At that thought he turned to look down at the blonde in his arms.
"Its okay Cloud, I'm not leaving you again, I promise....we'll go together okay?"
The blonde simply nodded as tears helplessly flowed down his already tear stained cheeks.
"...I love you Zack...." Cloud chocked as sobs overtook him.
A deafening blast from above them caused Zack to snap his head up to see the sphere of burning energy heading towards them.
In a quick fluster Zack rolled on top of the Cloud and gripped him tightly in a futile attempt to protect him.
"I Love you too Cloud! I really do babe!"
"Zaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!!"
~xxxxxx~
Well that's the end of that chapter! Now its time to wait for Riku and Sora's part in all this! Hopefully it won't take too long to write as I am currently on holiday WooHoo!!
*Sorry if there are anyway mistakes in this. I only checked it over a few times because I wanted to post it as soon as possible!
