Chapter IV: Trigger For The Fueling Flame

"Salem! Salem! What's happening to you!? Salem!"

A loud roar shot through the air causing birds and forest creatures to scatter and hide. Shelke stood fascinated as Yuffie stood scared for Salem. He coughed on his knee's, blood pouring from his mouth and onto the dirt. It was happening and he didn't even know it.

"Salem!" Yuffies voice screamed from what sounded like a far distance. "Salem stop it!"

Another loud scream was heard from the man after a large black feathery wings burst from his left shoulder blade. Salem, again, screamed in agony as another ripped through his skin and out splattering blood onto a few white tree's. Salem never knew what happened while he was transformed or if he transformed at all. All he knew was that it was the reasons for his blackouts, and at this point the monster was taking over... And he still had no clue.

"Whets... Happening?" Shelke said watching as his wings began to crack and pop as they stretched.

"I dunno but we gotta do something!" Yuffie though with a hurry in her step. "Quick! Jump on his back and I'll try to knock some sense into... It..."

The screams continued as the wings began to have minds of their own. Shelke grew closer and closer being cautious that she doesn't draw attention to it before Yuffie wasn't ready to carry out the plan, who was now climbing one of the tall tree's. A pool of blood now surrounded the being that Salem was now changing into. Grunts and quick outburst of roars began to replace screams of agony.

"N-O-W." Yuffie mouthed.

Shelke readied herself and leaped into the air, Yuffie jumped close behind. The monster turned quickly grabbing Shelke buy her throat and knocking Yuffie away into a tree. On impact, Yuffie fell unconscious as Shadow peered at Shelke with its black-as-night eyes. Shelke felt it would be that last things she saw as its grip grew tighter and tighter. Strange cracks had developed from his eyes, going down his cheek, one connecting with a once slight scar that had now developed into the cracks. They expanded from the corners of his mouth giving his a more devilish look. His short hair gave an ooze texture, but nothing fell from its locks. He was only half of what he was and still changing.

"S-Sale-m" Shelke managed to get out. And by her surprise, its grip loosened. "Sa-lem!" She said a little louder, grip coming undone. "It is me! Shelke."

The creature paused for a moment. "Sh-elke" It repeated in a dual tone. Suddenly it let go of the now gasping woman. Screams and roars filled the air once again. Its wings began to retract into his back, making the beings scream in horrific agony once more. Yuffie awoke to the screams and looked at the sight of Salem returning back to his old self, screaming and fighting. The two women watched as he fell to the ground kicking and screaming, waiting for the pain to stop and once he was back to normal, he stood to his feet.

"Did I dose off?" Salem said getting stared of unbelief from the women. "What?" But then he knew. His back was aching and his throat was killing him. A long silence filled the air as he lowered his head in shame. "Did I... Hurt... Anyone?"

"Ye-!"

"Negative!" Shelke said louder before Yuffie could finish. "You... Took a jog..."

"Lets go then." Salem said raising his head slightly, "I'm tired of this damn forest..."

He turned and began to walk through the remaining forest. Salem knew something happened but didn't know just what it was. He felt as if he might have hurt Shelke and she was trying to hide it. The others quickly began to pick up the small camp and put it back into Yuffie's pouch and caught up quickly, though, Yuffie kept a distance between.

"I now completely understand why you smoke, Salem Valentine." Shelke said staring forward into the forest.

"Its the only thing that I will allow to kill me..." Salem returned, staring at the sunrise.