DISCLAIMED: (10/22/10)

Characters: Cloud/Yuffie, Godo, OCs galore for plot purposes, eventually all of AVALANCHE
Rating: M – for mature stuff, like violence, sensuality, and language.
Warning: There's a Part I! Which only makes sense as this is PART II! O_O
Summary: Cloud has accepted the ancient Wutainese quest to win Yuffie's heart and finds some surprises along the way. Will a curse none of them saw coming shake his resolve? Or will Yuffie end up making the choice for him. All games & movies compliant.

A/N: Kisama, kiite nasai - roughly "Bastard, listen up."

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ЄөЦŕҐїŊģЭфΘμÐ
- Chapter 五-

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"If you greatly desire something, have the guts to stake everything on obtaining it."

Brendan Francis

Day 18

Yuffie woke alone. She felt the other side of the bed blindly as she rolled over. It was still warm.

She tugged Cloud's pillow to her as last night played through her head. She sighed like a moron as she thought about it, her skin flushing in remembrance of his touch. Despite Cloud's weird episode, the whole experience was amazing. And damn hot.

The door opened then. She turned and sat up as Cloud entered with a tray. Yuffie watched him with new eyes, thinking he looked somehow bigger. She bit her lip as she decided he still looked tense if not a bit more relaxed. He gave her a small quirk of his lips as he sat the tray over her lap.

"Morning."
"Morning," she returned, looking at the tray. "You brought food."
"Uh, yeah." He shifted as he sat at her feet. "Something to help make up for a less than perfect night."
Her face fell. "I thought you enjoyed it. I mean, you seemed to, what with all that grunting—"
Cloud coughed, his eyes widening in surprise as he shook his head. "No, no. I . . . enjoyed myself. Believe me. I haven't felt anything to match it." His look of awe was replaced with remorse as he lowered his gaze. "I thought because I…"
"You…" Yuffie prompted.
He shrugged. "I lost control. And I don't know what could've happened if I didn't stop it." He shook his head. "I could've hurt you."

He was starting to look like his previous emo-self and she was not about to let that happen. "Whoa, whoa, whoa." Quickly placing the tray to the side, she sat up on her knees, the sheet tucked under her arms, to reach for him. Placing her hands on either side of his face caught his attention.
"Cloud. I'm about to be crowned Empress of Wutai. I could be killed at any moment for the dumbest reason all on my own. But when I'm with you…" Cloud watched her hopefully as she searched for the right words. "Well, I know life would suck without you in it." The look he was giving her now was liable to make her cry, if she were the sort to do that. So she hurried on. "Besides, last night proved that you just aren't capable of hurting me." Her eyes were ten kinds of earnest, but Cloud looked confused.

"But last night…you cried out—"
Yuffie snorted. "No need to brag. I'll make sure Vinnie, Cid, and Barret all know you're a stud if you want - and Rufus and his minions."
Cloud snorted despite himself. He shook his head. "No, that won't be necessary."
She smiled at him fondly. "You didn't hurt me, Cloud. And you never will." She kissed him then and he allowed himself to sink into it. After a moment, she pulled back slightly.

He covered her hands with his as he rested his forehead on hers. "What about the past? You said—"
Yuffie shook her head. "I was just annoyed that you were acting like your old angsty self and taking it out on me." She bit her lip and her eyes flashed with a bit of heat that had his groin tightening. "None of that crap matters now."
"You sure?" His voice was low and had a husky quality.
Her smile was feline and assured. "Positive."
Cloud felt around for old doubts as he kissed her, but they weren't there. He wanted more of her but his chest warmed with what she'd given him. As sure of his feelings for her, he wished he had the same certainty about what was happening to him.

There was a note waiting at the front desk for them from Cid. They caught a couple of suspicious thugs the night before so Yuffie and Cloud headed for the courthouse to check it out. Cid was there, jaw-jacking with the town Sheriff when they entered. He eyed them suspiciously as if to ascertain their sleeping arrangements just from squinting his eyes, which Cloud ignored. Yuffie made a face at the pilot.
"'Bout time you two got here."
"It's 7:30." Yuffie pointed out.
"Yeah well." He nodded to the cell behind them. "They're in there."

They approached the jail cell, seeing several dark figures rise. One stood before the rest. Cloud nodded to him. "Who sent you?"

The man pulled down his mask slowly, revealing a sinister smile littered with silver teeth. "Wouldn't you like to know."
Yuffie snorted. "Well, duh. That's why he asked. They specialize in dumb-asses in your guild?"
The man's gaze flickered to hers. "You know nothing of Wutai." He sneered. "You disappeared when things got tough and you're as worthless as any woman. I'll not suffer the rule of some slut—"

Cloud reached through the bars at that point and grabbed the man by the throat. He grunted as Cloud yanked him forward to slam into the bars. Cloud's gaze was hard on the assassin's. "You're not goin' to speak to her like that."
Yuffie gasped then. "Cloud." He frowned at the awe in her voice and glanced down. His arm was pulsing and he could see black veins threading through his skin. He blinked and his vision changed, sharpening. Shaking his head, his vision went back to normal. He relaxed his grip as his skin returned to a healthier color and threw the assassin back. His comrades caught him as he glared and straightened. Cloud glared back.

To Yuffie, he said, "What do you want to do with them?"
She eyed them, deciding they were definitely tougher than the last bunch. The Sheriff was kind of pudgy and she really didn't feel comfortable leaving them in holding here. "I think I'll call Reeve. See if he can spare some Turkies to escort them somewhere…less comfy."
Cloud nodded. He saw the assassin rubbing his neck and smirked slightly as he headed over to talk to Cid. Yuffie made to go after him and paused as the assassin moved forward.
"You don't really think Wutai will accept your gaijin Consort, do you? Bad enough there's no male heir and your main talent is murder. Do you really plan on disgracing our country further by ruling it?"

Yuffie's eyes narrowed and in a lightning quick move, she grabbed his crotch and squeezed mercilessly. He gritted his teeth. His comrades came forward then, but she only increased her grip, causing him to tell them to back off. "Kisama, kiite nasai - My family has ruled Wutai for centuries and in case you've lived in a bubble the past ten years, Cloud is the reason we still exist. So whether he becomes Royal Consort or not, you should be on your knees groveling that he deigned to let you live."
The man managed a sneer through his pain. "Why should I when you seem to be showing him our gratitude so well already?"

Her eyes lit with fire. And so did her hand. The man yelped and tore himself away staggering back as he batted at his flaming pants. His comrades caught him and helped him extinguish the flames. Yuffie merely stared down dispassionately.

"By law, you should be executed for attempted murder of a royal." She crossed her arms. "But I think that's wrong." Her eyes flashed at the group now huddled on the floor. "I think when I'm Empress, I'll bring back castrations. Think on that while you rot." She turned and headed for Cloud, who was watching her curiously. She noted Cid's hand was on Cloud's arm as if to stay him. "What?"

"You okay?" Cloud asked.
She nodded, before glancing at Cid. "He's uh, gonna need a bandage. Or two."
Cid frowned. "What'd you do?"
She shrugged. "Just a partial ball-burning gone wrong."
Both Cid and the Sheriff winced, shifting side to side. Cid grimaced. "Well, good luck with her, Cloud."
Cloud simply looked at her. "So you get to hurt him, but I don't?"
She nodded. "Find a country to rule and then you can do whatever you want."
Cloud's lips quirked slightly, causing her annoyed look to soften as well.

"Well, how bout you use your…royal clout to get some Turks to get these yoyos outta here." Cid interjected. "I don't like them in town."
"Me neither." Yuffie stepped to the side to pat the older man's stomach. "Not sure this old gut here could handle a bunch of assassins breaking loose all over town."
Cid growled. "I ain't old nor fat, brat. And see if I get you a becoming-Empress-present now."
Yuffie grimaced. "I could do without you getting my old man those cigars again. It smells like puke every time he comes into the room."
"Show some respect. Those are the finest made cigars imported from Mideel. Just cuz' you ain't old enough to appreciate the finer things in life—"
"—Like adult diapers and suppositories?" Yuffie interjected with a smirk.
Cid glared. "Like muzzles and handcuffs."
"Oo, kinky."
Cloud sighed as Cid started turning red. "Enough, you two. We need to get going. Her ceremony is in less than two weeks."

Cid gave Yuffie one last glare which she returned with a saucy wink of her own, just to rile him. Cid managed to ignore her as he pulled out a toothpick – Shera had given them to him when she made him quit smoking. Gnawing on it, he focused on Cloud.

"I can give you a ride. Shera's all gassed up and ready to haul. The ship, not the wife," he added quickly giving Yuffie a quelling look as she opened her mouth to comment. She closed it again and gave him a big smile. He merely rolled his eyes and turned back to Cloud. "Where ya'll headed?"
Cloud looked to Yuffie. She answered. "Icicle Inn."
She looked queasy then and concerned, Cloud touched her arm.

"You alright?"
She shook her head. "I hate flying."

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"I really…really—urg—hate flying…" Yuffie moaned weakly as she leaned against Cloud.
He rubbed her back firmly as he watched her, still concerned. "It shouldn't be much longer."
Yuffie just groaned again and pressed the side of her face into his shoulder. He continued to rub her back and used his other hand to stroke reassuringly along her legs. They were huddled against the cool metal of the hallway, far from the heat of the engines on the second floor. She was shivering as goosebumps popped out along her flesh, but he knew she preferred it as heat only made her condition worse. Still he held her close as he soothed her.
"Tell me something." Cloud cocked his head as her voice was weak. She shifted against him. "Something to take my mind off…"

Cloud thought a moment. "I told you about my time with Zack during my Shinra days. Well, did I tell you about the time…" Cloud regaled her with an adventure about them and a baby chocobo that he'd been too embarrassed to tell her about before. Yuffie giggled herself silly by the end.

Yawning widely, she slumped further into Cloud as her eyelids fell closed. "You were always good with chocobos." She said sleepily. "I always thought it was because of your crazy hair."
"My hair?"
She nodded. "Mm-hmm. Feathery and blond like a chocobo. They must just think you're an odd looking cousin of theirs."
Cloud snorted at her conjecture. He shook his head. "I don't know about that. But I do…enjoy…taking care of them."
Yuffie made a soft noise of assent. "Then you should."
Cloud watched her. "I like taking care of you."
Yuffie didn't respond. A soft sussing sound elicited from her nose told him she'd fallen asleep. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms and stood. After settling her into her bunk, he left her and headed to the bridge.

Cid was at the wheel, breaking in a new pilot, if the boy's nervous shaking was anything to go by. Cloud stepped up to the globe tracking their progress. He saw they were nearing the sea. Cid gave up intimidating his trainee and came over.

"Should be there by noon tomorrow." Cloud merely nodded. Cid gave him a side-long glance as he shifted uncomfortably. "Barret mentioned there's somethin' goin' on with you and the br—Princess." Cid caught himself at Cloud's look. "You sure about this?"

Cloud turned away and moved to look out the window. "I am. I'm not sure she is."
Cid frowned and crossed his arms. "What's that mean?"
Cloud shook his head. "I don't know."
"…Cloud?"

Cloud heaved a heavy sigh and turned to rest his back against the glass as he crossed his arms. "She's about to become Empress. I'm some foreigner who used to work for her greatest enemy. Like her people would really accept me even if she did choose me."
Cid's brow furrowed. "Er, it looks like she already did pick you. Hell if I understand the why of it myself. Though," Cid strolled forward looking speculative. "I suppose of all the foreigners for her to pick, you'd be the only one her people actually would accept. You may have worked for the enemy but you know better now and you saved the world thrice over from them. They'd be dumb, deaf, blind, backwards and stupid not to. Hell, tourism alone would skyrocket. Two of the Jenova War Heroes gettin' hitched? Shit, if that ain't a gimmick, I don't know what is."

Cloud didn't look comforted though. Cid frowned at him. "She'd also have to be dumb, deaf, blind, backwards and stupid not to pick you. And I know I talk a lot of crap about her, but she ain't any of those." Cid clapped him on the shoulder. "Get her a gift. Give her something that makes it impossible not to pick you. Me, I bought Shera a rocket to work on before askin' her. That is one night I'm never gonna forget, er…yeah. Anyway, just find something she can't refuse. Something she's always wanted."

Cloud frowned as he thought. Something she's always wanted. Beyond materia, which she had every kind you could imagine, including most of his Huge collection, he couldn't think of anything.

Cid cleared his throat then, looking stern. "But to get back to my point, if you do hurt her, I will have to kick your ass from here 'til sundown, you hear?"
Cloud snorted a laugh but nodded anyway. "Understood."

Cid cleared his throat. "So, uh, Barret also mentioned something about the Ruby Weapon."
Cloud winced, looking down at his feet. "Yeah, it was a massacre, I hear."
Cid looked at him suspiciously. "You…know something more about it?"
Cloud sighed and shook his head. "It's just…a little too familiar for comfort."
Cid frowned. "What, you don't think it's Sephiroth again, do ya?"
Cloud didn't say anything. Cid cursed.

"It can't be. That fucker's been killed several times already, he has to be done."
"Well, even if it's not him, something just as powerful is running around again."
Cid looked stumped. "Well, does Yuffie know anything about this?"
It was Cloud's turn to frown. "What do you mean?"
"This started after this whole quest thingy started, right? Maybe it has something to do with her people or whatever."
Cloud shook his head. "She doesn't think it's him."
"Then just deal with this quest thing. Barret and I'll keep an ear out for anything suspicious."
Cloud stared out the window a long time. Just as Cid was turning away, Cloud sighed. "Thanks."

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"Otousan. Your men have failed yet again and the Princess is still on the run with that baka gaijin."
"Patience, Akubi-san. They will not make it to the end."
"Let me handle them and I can make sure they don't."
"Iie. You will wait. We have come too far for you to get headstrong now. … Wakatta?" (Got it?)
"…Hai, otousan." (Yes, father.)

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Day 19

Cloud woke with a start. Yuffie shifted under his arm as well as the ship shook. "Mm, what is that?"
Cloud shook his head as he sat up. "I don't know. Come on."

Grabbing their weapons, they headed for the bridge. Cid's crew was running around like mad when they got there. Approaching Cid at the wheel, Cloud and Yuffie watched the harassed pilot shifting and pushing the controls.

"Cid, what's going on?" Cloud asked.
Cid looked up distracted. "Oh, uh nothing. Just er, a malfunction."
"A malfunction?" Yuffie quirked a brow. "I thought you fixed this thing."
"I did," Cid retorted irritably. "She's just acting up now."
"What does that mean?" Cloud cut in before Yuffie could harangue him anymore.
A bright spark shot out of the console Cid was messing with and he cursed. "Fuck! Uh, we're gonna have to land a little sooner than we planned."
Yuffie looked around in exasperation. "Well, should we hold onto something or what?"
"Huh?" Cid said irritably. "Oh, uh, couldn't hurt."
Yuffie shook her head in annoyance as she and Cloud moved to the window. Cloud took up a protective stance behind her as she grabbed the metal bar along the window, his arms on either side of her to clasp the railing.

Despite the 'malfunction', Cid was a master pilot and they landed with very little turbulence on the southern tip of the Arctic Continent, just south of Bone Village. Cloud wrapped them in their comfy cloaks before they set off on their own, promising to send a mechanic out to help Cid with the repairs.

Upon reaching Bone Village, Yuffie scouted the town as Cloud made arrangements with the local garage to see about Cid's ship. Two gossips outside the supply tent were whispering about a mysterious figure recently in town. She paused with a frown at hearing that they had disappeared into the Sleeping Forest. She was arranging supplies and was checking inventory when Cloud found her.

"All set?"
She nodded, tugging her cloak back around her tightly. "I forgot how cold it can get up here."
Cloud rubbed her arm soothingly. "You want to rest before we take off?"
She gave him a weird look. "Don't be ridiculous. I'll be fine. You've got the harp right? Don't really want to get lost in those woods at the moment."
Cloud nodded as he tugged her to him nonetheless. Yuffie looked up at him surprised. His eyes were dark and simmering. He bent his head low to her ear. "We don't have to rest."
"Ah…" Heat flooded her insides as her pulse jumped. Cloud continued to stroke her arm as she glanced around the village. "We—we're not really alone here… Cloud!" She gasped as his hand slipped into her cloak and curved around her behind.
She shoved at him and he bit back a smile as he removed his hand. "Alright, fine." He bent his head as he stayed close, his breath fanning her cheek. "I'll wait." She shuddered before his lips were on hers. Despite her protests, she clung to him, prolonging the kiss. Leaning into him, she clenched her hands in his cloak as their lips parted. Cloud grunted a soft laugh as he held her. "Or not."

She swallowed roughly as she tried to catch her breath, wondering if he'd always make her feel like this. "Cloud, I thought you didn't want to…"
"I told you. I'll always want to." He rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
She caught it in her hand and he paused. "I guess a quick break won't hurt."
Cloud's eyes flashed with heat as he pulled her close.

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Cloud was quiet as he set himself to rights. It had been amazing like before, his connection with Yuffie making it more than just carnal pleasure. But also like the first time, he was aware of…something else. He'd fought it off, more prepared this time to do so, but it still disconcerted him. Their joining had been fierce and heated, his thoughts and instincts centered entirely around the woman he couldn't help wanting as he sought their combined release. When she'd clenched around him with a muffled cry, he'd felt his control slipping, his vision changing. Though he could suddenly see her life vein pulsing through her soft skin, the urge to bite it and take all that she had only aroused him further. Punching the rock wall next to her, he released inside her before more dangerous urges could take over. He was left shaking and covered in a sheen of sweat from the effort. Something was going on with him.

Yuffie hadn't seemed to notice. He was grateful for this as he watched her yank her shorts up, straightening her utility belt over them. A ridiculous surge of male pride filled him as she stumbled against him, her knees shaky. He caught her, kissing the top of her head as he set her to rights. He really didn't want to dwell on just what was happening at the moment and he had her to thank for it. Being with her was rejuvenating and he wanted to keep that feeling just a little longer, at the very least.

Yuffie seemed to be feeling the same way as she practically bounced in her step in front of him. He'd given her the magical harp, preferring that if they accidentally got separated, she wouldn't get lost. As they moved further into the mists of the forest, her step slowed. A strange murky presence floated through the air, sending a chill up his spine. It felt evil. Like pure evil.

"Cloud?" Yuffie's voice was hesitant, as if afraid her voice would summon whatever malevolent spirit was lurking on the rise.
"Hm?"
"Tell me about Zack's time as a drunk priest again."
Cloud blinked. He shook his head to himself as his lips quirked. The time he and Zack had tried to do a covert operation gave Yuffie no amount of amusement and she often requested the story when she was in need of cheering up. Zack and he had been in a religious sector of Midgar, trying to get information from one of the clergy members. They'd ended up getting drunk with the priest the night before he was to give his Sunday sermon and as the priest had passed out in a stupor, Zack had been forced to take his place that morning to avoid having to explain why the regular priest was dead drunk.

So Zack, being your usual less than pious man of faith, had given his first and last sermon with a monster of a hangover and understandably, his facts were less than spotless. Since it helped him keep his mind off more serious things, Cloud obliged her with Zack's many mistakes.

"He referred to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Late JC…

He referred to the Virgin Mary as Mary with the Cherry…

He stated there were ten disciples and twelve commandments instead of ten commandments and twelve disciples…

Instead of praying in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, he invoked 'Daddy, Junior, and Spook...'

Instead of saying so and so was thrown from his donkey as they threw rocks at him, he chose to say he was stoned off his ass…"

Yuffie giggled as he continued, fiddling with the harp as she bounced ahead of him. As Cloud trailed off, she strummed out a common song in her country. Cloud hadn't known she had any musical talent, causing him to ask about the jaunty song.

"Oh, it's the only thing I know how to play. My nana tried to teach me piano before finding it was a lost effort."
"What's it called?"
"Neko neko." She smiled back at him over her shoulder. "It means 'kitty cat'."
"Ah," he nodded. "Does that explain why cats overran your house last time I saw it?"
She shrugged. "Maybe. I like cats."
"What about dogs?"
She made a face. "They slobber too much."
Cloud grunted a laugh. "Not the small ones."
She frowned at him as she turned to walk backwards. "Why? Do you want a dog?"
Cloud watched her tensely. "Be careful. And not particularly. I did want one when I was young."
"I'm fine, Cloud. And did you get one?" She asked as she continued to walk backwards.
Cloud shook his head. "No. Once father died, it didn't seem right to ask. Yuffie…"
"Well, maybe if we could find one that likes cats, you could still get one. Whoa!"
Cloud was suddenly there, catching her before she could fall flat on her butt. "I said be careful," he smirked down at her. Before she could get huffy, he continued, "And why would it have to like cats?"
She rolled her eyes. "Duh. So it won't have to sleep outside."
"Outside of where?"
Yuffie made to answer before shutting her mouth abruptly. "Well, you know. Anywhere. It'd just be easier to travel with." Her tone became slightly defensive.

Cloud's lips twitched as he stood her upright. "Fair enough."
Yuffie became quiet after that, though she hummed a bit at times. He helped her over the rough terrain and he kept his silence as well, knowing she was probably thinking things over. He knew she'd been thinking about them getting a dog together, but had backed off when she realized their future was still so uncertain. It should have annoyed him but her natural train of thought gave him hope that she would soon give him an answer he really wanted to hear.

As they reached the Ancient City, they became quiet for different reasons. They didn't need to go near the lake he'd laid Aerith to rest, so they stopped at the strange structure leading to it to sleep as it had gotten dark. While they got ready for bed, Yuffie started humming again. He recognized it as Aerith's song, but didn't say anything. He doubted she realized she was doing it. It was actually comforting to hear in all the oppressive silence and memories.

Cloud held her close that night and managed to drift off to sleep to the rhythm of her breathing. He woke with a start while it was still dark to an empty bed. His heart pounded from his odd swirl of dreams that were already receding from his immediate memory and it was only expounded as he realized Yuffie was gone. Grabbing his weapon, he quickly went in search of her.

He didn't know why, but he thought the lake would be the best place to look. Sure enough, he found her sitting along the side, her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared down at the cool clear water. She seemed to be talking to it. He kept his step quiet as he watched.

"…you wouldn't believe how he's changed. Really, he smiles more and he talks about you…and Zack… We all still miss you guys…but its different now. I know you're always there…and Zack too, though you tell that pervert to stay out of my bedroom… I just wanted you both to know Cloud is better…and he makes me feel better…"

Cloud decided he should make his presence known then and cleared his throat. Yuffie turned startled as she watched him walk towards her. "Cloud."
He crouched down behind her and pulled her back against him. "I was worried when you disappeared."
Yuffie relaxed into him. "Sorry. I couldn't sleep." She looked back out at the water. "This place…eh, it sounds stupid, but it was calling to me."
Cloud shook his head. "I get it." He lowered his gaze. "Did you see them?"
She knew who he meant. "No. But I felt them."
Cloud nodded. "And what do they think?"
"I think…" Yuffie tilted her head as she considered her answer. "I think they're happy. Why, what do you think?" She turned to see him in the corner of her eye.
Cloud pressed a kiss to her temple. "I know they're happy." He squeezed her tightly. Kissing her neck, he felt her shudder. "Come on." Helping her up, he led her back to camp.

She was anxious when they got back, so he did his best to relax her. Using his hands and mouth, he brought her to the edge and back several times before she fell into a sated stupor. He would've let her return the favor had he not been so worried about losing control. He needed to figure out what was happening to him before she touched him again, seeing as his thoughts turned primal just looking at her.

He managed about an hour of sleep near dawn, inhaling her comforting scent as he curled around her. His dreams were troubling at best.

Day 20

Groggy from their evening's activities, they hurried through the Ancient City and out through the mountainside. Yuffie shivered and stumbled, wrapped tight in her cloak as they hit a blizzard upon surfacing. Wanting them out of the cold as quickly as possible, Cloud stopped to have her hop on his back before hurrying on. Making it to a familiar cabin, they knocked to find a sympathetic Mr. Holzoff. He ushered them inside and hurried to make them something warm to drink.

Despite their accommodations, Yuffie started to sneeze. Mrs. Holzoff checked her temperature and was worried to find it a little high. Cloud took their advice and decided to stay the night and let her rest. He knew they were running out of time, but his concern for her outweighed everything else. Yuffie ended up falling asleep right after dinner as it was.

Cloud watched her sleep for a long time, before joining her. But his dreams were plagued with horrible things once again. There were demons and necromancers and men raised from the dead. It ended with his dash through the Gaea Cliffs in search of Yuffie, only to find her frozen to death. He woke with a start then. Yuffie was next to him, sleeping peacefully. He touched her shoulder, just to reassure himself she was safe. She didn't stir. Kissing her temple, he carefully rose so as not to wake her.

Finding some paper on Holzoff's desk, he wrote a quick note. Pulling on his cloak and supplies, he secured his sword to his back. Setting the paper on his pillow, he stared down at her as he straightened. He almost gave in to the urge to stay, his instinct telling him not to leave her side. But his need to keep her from harm won out. Before he could change his mind, he turned and headed for the cliffs.

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Day 21

The climb was just as arduous as he remembered. When he finally reached the cave, he hurried inside. It wasn't any warmer, but at least there was no wind and snow. He remembered the pathways of before, so exploring the cave went a little faster. Still, he had no idea what to look for beyond a podium and a rectangular indention. After searching every wall of every cave, he found nothing.

Returning to the entrance, he suddenly recalled the hidden chamber. It was still open as he approached and it took him a minute to reach the end of the corridor. Before he could enter though, a loud noise sounded behind him, followed by a cry.

Racing back to the entrance, his heart dropped at what he found. Yuffie weakly held off a large monster as it bore down on her. With much effort she shoved it back with her pinwheel as she staggered to her feet. Heart in his throat, Cloud leaped forward, cutting off the fiend's next attack with a vicious swipe of his sword. Slashing it four times in row, it screeched in pain before disappearing in red light.

Turning, he sheathed his sword as he dropped to his knee next to Yuffie. She was clutching her shoulder as she panted. "You're hurt." His voice was tight as he tried to pull her hand away so he could see. He was not prepared for her forceful shove and sank back on his knees in surprise.
Her expression was furious. "Don't ever do that to me again! How could you think I'd just let you run off and leave me behind? What were you thinking?" She punctuated her words with fists to his chest. "Da Chao, I was so worried! Do you have any idea what you put me through? Goddamnit, don't ever do that!" She continued to hit him and he was alarmed to see tears streaming down her face.

Grabbing her wrists, he pulled her into his arms, allowing her to sob into his chest. Silently, he healed her shoulder as she slowly calmed down. "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
Sniffling, she lifted her head to look at him dubiously. "You promise?"
He nodded. "I swear. Are you alright?"
She sniffled again as she nodded. He gave her a hanky before helping her stand. Blowing her nose, she wiped her face before pocketing the cloth. "Did you find it?"
He shook his head. "But I think it's in here."

Cloud led her into the secret tunnel, his hand in hers as they approached the entrance of the hidden room. It was the same as before, with an empty treasure chest in one corner. Searching the walls, Yuffie found a small latch that opened the far wall into another room.

It was large, large enough that they couldn't see the surrounding walls. At the center there was a glass pedestal. Yuffie scanned the surroundings as Cloud walked slowly to the podium, pulling the latest package from his pack. Setting it in the slot, he stepped back. Immediately, large walls of glass shot up from the ground, surrounding him. Pulling his sword, he slashed them out of existence, but only more grew in their place. He heard Yuffie cry out and he redoubled his efforts. He caught a glimpse of her before another wall separated them and saw she was dealing with the same thing. Her cries told him she wasn't as immune to the shards falling around her as he was.

His eyes blazed in fury as he slashed his way through the walls, only angered more as they continued to grow and double in size. "Cloud!" Now he was frantic to see her and make sure she was okay. His pulse pounded in his ears as he slowly lost control. Energy slammed into him then and he only belatedly realized it was the power of the stone infusing him once again. His instincts had already told him a different story however and he let his barely controlled rage loose with a roar.

His skin popped and expanded as pure adrenaline raced through his veins. When he opened his eyes, he could see everything, including Yuffie's heat signature through the walls of glass. He could also see she was hurting. The desire to protect overwhelmed him then and he felt himself slipping away, being replaced by something else.

Animal instinct took over and he exploded outward in a raw surge of energy. Golden light emanating from him decimated all glass before the energy was suddenly sucked back into Cloud, leaving behind a shaking and confused Yuffie.

"C-cloud?"
He looked up at her with new eyes. He could see her blood pumping to and from her heart. His skin felt strange, like it was new but still very much his. He heard a soft growling and realized it was his own breath. He knew it was cold around him but he could no longer feel it.

Yuffie watched him wide-eyed, circling him slowly. "Cloud, is that you?"
He wanted to answer her, but he couldn't seem to find his voice. He didn't like how frightened she looked and fought for words. That's when unimaginable pain overtook him and he bent over from the force of it. Suddenly, he could breathe easier as he felt his body return to normal. Yuffie knelt next to him, clasping the sides of his face. "Cloud? Are you alright?"
He nodded as he panted, covering her hands with his as if she were his lifeline.

"Cloud. What was that?"

He shook his head. "…I don't know."

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A/N: Poor Cloud. We'll have a bit more understanding of what he's going through next week. Oh, and like Part I, there are no chapters 4 and 9 since they mean "death" and "suffering" respectively, so that is why this is labeled Chapter 5 - in other words, don't go looking for chapter four. ;) Thanks so much to everyone who is still reading (and reviewing). Even if I can't respond right away, it helps remind my ADD ass to revise and update. ^_^