X The original title was Give Me A Sign; I felt I had to change it. I'm sorry! Nothing else has changed! I promise!
X I'm so hapeh. :D
X anyways, here's chapter 6. My spacebar is acting funky so I apologize in advance. I check multiple times, but I can still miss some. Sorry! :[ anyways, Reviews are wonderful!
Chapter 6- Embrace Your Dreams
Zack yawned as he opened his eyes. He looked down to the weight on his chest which turned out to be Claire's head. She was still fast asleep, an occasional scrunching of her face signaling she was close to waking up. He smiled lightly and picked up the remote to the television which was placed on his lap. His back disagreed with him for sleeping on the couch in such a weird position as he flipped through the channels. Claire shifted in her sleep causing Zack to look down at her. Her large azure eyes fluttered open and then closed back again tightly.
"Too early." She mumbled and cuddled closer to Zack. He chuckled.
"I see you've never been woken up at 2 in the morning for a mission." She shook her head lightly in response. She opened her eyes again and looked Zack directly in the eyes. Her gaze slowly lowered down his face and landed on the x-shaped scar. Zack watched a small hand come up slowly to his face to trace the scar. He felt the warm sensation of a cure as both of them never lost eye contact. He gently took hold of her small wrist and stopped her.
"It's not that I don't appreciate it, but I'd like to keep that scar." He smiled at her. She looked back at the scar. Her eyes drooped and her head fell forward back onto his chest. Zack looked down at her concerned, before discovering she had fallen back asleep. He chuckled softly. Sighing, he let his head fall back onto the couch. His head rolled back to look down at Claire.
"What am I going to do with you?" He asked to himself, before gently starting to get up. Once he was standing, he picked Claire up bridal style. He walked up the stairs and into his old bedroom. He placed Claire down on his bed and went to his desk and started rummaging through the drawers of a wooden desk next to the bed.
"What are you looking for?" Claire's small voice rang throughout the room. Zack looked over to her surprised.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" He asked. His response was a shake of the head. She sat up and took in her surroundings.
"You never answered my question." She said when her eyes landed on a holster leaned up against a dresser. She tilted her head to a side curiously.
"Hmm? Oh! I'm looking for a lease to a house. My mom got it well, um, my mom got it." He laughed nervously. She looked back at him and smiled.
"So did you bring me up here to help you?" She said slowly rising from the bed and walking over to the holster. Zack had gone back to looking and paused when she asked that.
"I really don't know why I brought you up here, baby girl. I guess it's just a habit now" He said walking over to her. Smiling he picked up the holster and held it out towards Claire.
"Blazefire Saber. Blaze Edge for short." He said. Claire looked at it before hesitantly reaching out and taking hold of the holster. She took the weapon out its holster slowly and carefully, and set the holster down on the bed. She switched it from gun mode to blade mode a couple times.
"Looks like you already got a good hold." Zack chuckled. She looked up and smiled lightly.
"My Father had one, and defended his life until he died with it. When any three of us could prove we mature enough to handle one, he said he would teach us how to use it. Cloud got to learn a good two years before I could. I would jealously watch. So when I finally got to learn I already knew everything, I just had to practice. I had the basics down in a week. I was a terrible shot." She paused to let a small laugh. "I accidently shot Cloud in the ass when I was aiming for a tree about twenty good feet away from him." she mumbled and looked down to her feet. Zack chuckled.
"How did Cloud take it?" He asked slowly, tilting his head to the side.
"A lot better than my mother did. No one was allowed to use it anymore. Not even my father. Of course he never listened. I apologized for three years, and Cloud would just laugh and say He almost shot himself in the foot aiming straight ahead of him."
"That's a good thing to know considering he now carries a semi auto machine gun." Zack joked. Claire smiled.
"After Cloud's 'injury' healed, the Shinra army came to just outside of Nibelheim. My father was headed home from clearing things out with Shinra. They hadn't been able to tell the army to stop yet. He was killed and left on the side of the road, holding his gunblade in one hand, roses and a card for my mother in the other." Tears fell from Claire's face as she let a muffled cry. Zack immediately took her into his arms. He slowly ran a hand through her hair. He felt Claire try to take deep breaths, obviously trying to stop herself from crying.
"No baby girl, don't do that. If you need to cry, cry. I'm here for you. Claire looked up at Zack through tear-filled eyes, her hand clutching the material of his shirt. She buried her face back into his chest and let a loud sob and clutched his shirt tighter. Zack gently placed small, tender kisses at the top of her head.
"I went with Kimberlynne, to go pick flowers. The whole goddamn army was still there!" She cried out. "They took me and Kimber back to Midgar. They killed my father because that bastard's son had a crush on me long ago! He wanted to force me to marry him! The kid wasn't even interested in me anymore!" Claire continued sobbing.
How could he lose interest in you? Zack wanted to say, but he decided it wouldn't help his cause. Instead, he rested his cheek on top of her head. Claire's sobs soon turned to cries, then to sniffles and eventually hiccups. Claire was beginning to fall limp in his arms.
"Hey now, you can't fall asleep on me again, there's a reason Angeal called me 'The puppy'"
"Hmm, I want a puppy. Or maybe a kitten." Claire mumbled half asleep. Zack chuckled and attempted to pick Claire up. Before he could put an arm underneath her legs, Claire lifted them and wrapped them around his waist. She rested her head in the crook of his neck. Zack shook his head smiling as he took hold of her thighs.
"What is with you and falling asleep in the least convenient times?"
"Mm, I want a kitten, I already have a puppy." She mumbled. Zack looked down at her, discovering she had fallen asleep. Zack brought her back downstairs and into the living room assuming Serah would like to see both her siblings there when she awoke. He gently detached her limbs from him and pulled a blanket over her small form. He jumped when he noticed Claire's azure eyes were once again open.
"Damn Claire, don't do that." He mumbled stroking her cheek. She gave a confused look, but said nothing. Instead she reached out to the Blaze Edge.
"Would you like to have that?" He asked, lifting her legs and sitting on the couch. She looked at him.
"Really? She asked. Zack nodded in response.
"I never use it. I have my sword." Claire beamed and tackled him onto his back. "Thank you." She mumbled, "I'm a better shot now, I promise." Zack chuckled.
"You may know how to use it, but you have no battle experience, so I'll teach you sometime this week, kay?" He said ruffling her hair. She nodded. He smiled and gently pushed her down back onto the couch.
"I'll be right back, okay?" He said standing. Claire nodded and reached out for the remote. Going back up into his room and starting rummaging through drawers once more. He let out a small yelp when he noticed a small hand reaching through his arm and taking hold of a lease. He immediately turned and came face to face with Claire.
"Damn it Claire! Do you ever stay put?" He sighed and gently took the lease Claire was holding out to him. She was looking down at the ground, clearly hurt. When she began to sniffle Zack's composure completely crumbled. Immediately pulling her into an embrace he said,
"Oh no, Claire, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. You just scared me, I'm sorry." He started to mumble, and then proceeded to repeatedly mumble 'I'm sorry' She slowly wrapped her hands around his neck and her legs around his waist. Taking the hint he took hold of her thighs.
"I love you." She mumbled drowsily.
"I love you more." He answered kissing her forehead. She mumbled something incoherently, falling asleep once more.
"Come on, you. Let's go furniture shopping.
Xx
A small house, not any different from the rest of the buildings in Gongaga stood before Zack. He inhaled deeply and collapsed on to the ground, staring up at the sky.
"Hey, I finished the kitchen." Claire said sitting next to Zack on the ground. He smiled at her.
"I finished the bulky furniture. How's Serah in the living room?" He asked, pulling Claire down to rest with him.
"Good, she moved on into the dining room." She answered snuggling closer to him.
"Good. And how's Cloud?" He asked, running a hand through her hair.
"Sleeping like a log on the couch." Claire responded. Zack nodded.
"Well then, Welcome home baby girl."
Xx
Zack yawned before opening his eyes and his room if his new house. He had aged and looked about a year older. He smiled down at Claire and gently caressed her face. They had bought a bed for her, but she has yet to sleep a night in it. Slowly and quietly getting up, he headed for the bathroom. Once done properly bathing, he dressed himself and headed downstairs. Claire was already out of bed. The smell of pancakes and bacon wafted around the house as he headed downstairs. Cloud and Serah were at the kitchen table as Claire put plates in front of them. As Zack sat down he too was greeted with a plate in front of him. He smiled his thanks a quickly consumed the food. Once all had finished, he pulled Claire outside.
"Where are we going?" She asked. Zack winked at her.
"You'll see." He said. He pulled her by a clear lake with the sun brightly reflecting off of it. The trees around it were completely covered in green leaves and provided wonderful shade. Claire looked around excitedly.
"Why did you never show me this?" She asked, taking a couple steps forward. Zack chuckled.
"I want this place to be memorable for the both of us." He answered. Claire turned and looked at him confused. Before she could say anything, Zack pulled out a black velvet box and got down on one knee. Her eyes widened.
"Claire Farron, will you make this big oaf the happiest man in the universe and marry me?" He opened the box revealing a beautiful diamond ring. Claire squealed and jumped before tackling Zack to the ground.
"Of course I would marry you!" She cried and sat up. Zack sat up as well letting out an overjoyed laugh. He took the ring and placed it on Claire's small finger. Smiling, he pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Xx
Serah giggled as she ran ahead of Zack and Claire. She turned and giggled some more.
"I can't believe you two are getting married next month! I'm so happy for you!" She said turning back around and walking. "I can't wait until I get married."
"Yes you can." Claire said hastily. Serah only giggled.
"Claire. Serah. Don't move." Zack said, pulling them to the side of the path. Helicopters were passing above. Claire's eyes widened.
"Cloud!" She whispered. Zack wasn't paying attention. A giant shuriken whizzed by them and after a helicopter. A girl, about Claire's age ran by them, waving and smiling at Claire.
"Kimber?" Claire questioned, walking forward. Zack immediately stopped her.
"After me." He said, pulling out the Buster Sword. She nodded and carefully walked toward the blonde girl. She was joined by a dark haired man in a clearing. The giant shuriken whizzed up into the air and cleanly cut the propellers off the helicopter. The dark haired man disappeared as the helicopter crashed and reappeared in front of it and stepped into the cockpit. The girl turned around and smiled. Her hair was in a corkscrew. She had bright purple eyes and wore a black and red kimono-style lolita. Her legs were covered in white knee-high stockings, and black Mary Janes.
"Hiya Claire! Sorry, I would've said hi before but that chopper there needed to go down." She giggled. Claire ran out to her and hugged her tightly.
"I thought you were dead!" Claire cried, tears forming in her eyes. Kimberlynne giggled.
"I thought so too! But ya know Turkey? Well here was around and saved my ass. But I had some things to do in Spira, and then in Pulse. Oh by the way, NOCTIS! STOP TORTURING THOSE PILOTS AND GET YOUR PRINCEY ASS OVER HERE!" She said. The dark-haired man reappeared next to Kimberlynne.
"I thought we went over the fact I was a prince 500 years ago and no longer need said title." The man now known as Noctis said.
"Yeah well just because you were a rock for 500 years doesn't mean you're not still princey. If that worked I would've petrified myself a long time ago." Kimberlynne stuck out her tongue.
"I was in crystal status, not petrified." Noctis argued back.
"So this is?" Claire interjected. Kimberlynne looked over to her and giggled.
"Sorry Claire. This is Noctis. I found him in Tenebrae on Pulse. We're assuming he was in crystal status for about 500 years. He's a lot like Cloud without the angsty emoness. Noctis, this is my cousin and best friend, Claire." She said. Noctis nodded at Claire, before looking at Zack.
" Kimber, this is my fiancé, Zack." Claire said, smiling up at Zack. He smiled back and waved at Kimberlynne.
"Hey, I remember you, you were in SOLDIER!" She said, smiling. Zack looked at her confused, before his face lit up.
"Oh yeah! You're that girl who was always around Genesis! But you left before he did." He said. Kimberlynne smiled and nodded.
"Yup, they thought I was dead and when they found out I was still alive they've been trying to kill me. I've been on the run ever since. But having Princey here does make it handier."
"Why do they want you dead?" Serah said from behind Claire. Kimberlynne waved.
"I was an experiment." She smiled weakly."And a runaway one at that." Claire added.
"So do you guys need a place to stay? I mean as long as those guys in the chopper don't report anything you're safe here." Zack asked, looking at Claire for approval. Claire nodded eagerly.
"They won't be a problem." Noctis said bluntly. Kimberlynne and Claire squealed and hugged.
Xx
Zack stood at the altar, clearly nervous. He was cleaned up nicely in a black tux. People were already descending down the aisle. Zack simply wanted them to run down the aisle and make way for his bride. And just when he was about to scream, the music changed. And there Claire stood. Her hair was done up into a messy bun, a tiara and veil accompanying it. Her makeup was done naturally but beautifully, her white gown flowing behind her. She was being handed over by Cloud who was smiling as they both descended. She smiled at Zack, and he couldn't help but beam. When she reached him, he said,
"You're beyond beautiful baby girl." He whispered and took her hand. They said their vows and exchanged rings.
"You may now kiss the bride." Zack instantly scooped Claire up in her arms and kissed her with all the passion and love he could muster.
Xx
Another year has passed and Zack walked out of the bathroom of his house in a black suit. He smiled at Claire who was doing her make up in a mirror in their room. Once she was done, she checked herself over, and then rested her hands on her round belly. Zack embraced her from behind and pecked her on the cheek.
"You make a beautiful maid of honor baby girl." He said. She scoffed.
"I'm way too fat." She said, rubbing her belly. Zack's hand moved to her stomach as well.
"No, you're pregnant. And the doctor said you should be at least 5 centimeters larger around the waist."
"Hey, he said the kid was healthy. I'm doing a good job." She said turning around and placing her hands on his chest.
"I never said you weren't. Just promise me you'll eat a lot at Kimber and Noct's wedding. It's a buffet. You're pregnant. Use the excuse!" He chuckled.
Xx
"Push!" Claire let out another ear-splitting scream that rang throughout the hospital.
"I swear Zackary Fair if I make it out alive I'm going to kill you!" She panted. Zack chuckled.
"Last push honey." Zack smiled at Claire and gave the hand he was holding a gentle squeeze.
"Did you hear that baby girl? One last push." Claire screamed out as cries filled the room. Claire let out and exasperated sigh as she look at her new baby.
"Congratulations, It's a boy!" The nurse cried handing the small infant to Claire. Claire let out a pleased sigh and held his little hand.
"Hello Angeal." She said smiling. She looked at Zack who smiled back. Carefully, he took his newborn son from his wife and cradled him in his arms.
Xx
Angeal now looked to be the age of 2. He was the mirror-image of Zack, but his behavior was more like Claire's. He wandered throughout the meadow he and his parents had been picnicking in. Noctis and Kimberlynne had left to go back to Spira just yesterday. Cloud and Serah were at the house now, Cloud getting ready for work and Serah working on homework.
"Hey, I'm heading back to the house for a second. Do you need anything?" Zack said getting up. Claire shook her head.
"No, hurry back." She said. Zack nodded. He broke into a jog. Reaching the house, he opened the door and revealed a tied up Serah sitting on the floor.
"Serah!" He cried and untied her.
"They took Cloud!" She cried. Zack helped her up and grabbed Claire's old messenger bag. It had filled with things she might need on the run.
"Let's go." Zack said and broke into a run for Claire. Upon reaching the meadow Zack could see Claire tickling Angeal in her arms, standing. Zack Immediately grabbed the arm that wasn't holding Angeal and kept running.
"What's wrong?" She asked, noticing Zack had her messenger bag.
"They have Cloud." He hastily answered.
Cloud wasn't hard to find. They had kept him in an open area. However, they were already injecting him with something as he violently thrashed. A good ten needles stuck him at the same time. He screamed out in agony. Zack cut down all of the recruits. He nudged Cloud.
"Hey, Cloud?" He said., He took his hand into his own and checked for a pulse. His eyes were open but he wasn't moving.
"Ah, they fucked with your mako addiction. Great."
"Is he going to be okay?" Claire asked, putting her messenger bag around her and picking Angeal up.
"Think so. But he's probably not going to be much help." Zack said picking him up.
Xx
How's going to Midgar going to help us?" Serah asked, sitting alongside Claire in the truck of an old man.
"They have a ship to Cocoon. I know it's not the greatest place, but we're not wanted there." Zack answered, taking a sleeping Angeal from Claire. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the fresh air. The sounds of guns were heard and Zack let out a hiss of pain. He looked down to his stomach and saw red staining his shirt. He bit back the pain and took hold of Cloud.
"Pops, park us over by the rocks." He said and as soon as the truck stopped he helped Claire, Angeal, Serah, and Cloud out of the truck. It came to a realization. This wasn't going to stop. They would be running forever. As he looked at Claire and Angeal hugging each other sweetly, he accepted his fate. Taking some of his own blood, he started to plaster it over the left side of Claire's face
"Zack, what are you doing?" Claire asked, trying to stop him from spreading more blood on her. She moved her hand to his bullet wound. He stopped her.
"Do this for me Baby girl." He said simply. He repeated the process with Angeal. He gently pushed Claire to the ground and placed Angeal next to her.
"Angeal, I need you to go to sleep again, okay?" He said and Angeal nodded and Cuddled close to his mother. He looked at Serah who caught on and lay down next to Cloud. When Zack stood, Claire sat up again.
"Where are you going?" She asked, biting her lip. Zack smiled weakly. He bent down and kissed Claire.
"Claire Farron, I love you my baby girl." He whispered as he knocked her out. He gently laid her so she would be comfortable, and stood once more. He let a couple of tears fall, but regained composure and turned around.
Xx
Zack stood in front of the Shinra Army. He shook his head.
"Boy oh boy, the price of freedom is steep." He said to himself. He took out the Buster Sword and held it up.
"Embrace your dreams. And, whatever happens, protect your honor as SOLDIER! Come and get it!" He charged straight into the Shinra Army.
Xx
Zack lay on the ground, his blood mixing with rain pooled around him. He looked up at the sky, waiting to die.
"You don't really want to go now, do you?" Angeal's voice echoed.
"Angeal, of course I don't want to, but if it'll keep the army away from baby girl, I'll do anything." He answered.
"There is a way to stay with her." Angeal's voice said. Zack gave the sky a confused glance.
"How? We both know I'm going to die any minute now." He said.
"You have to figure that out for yourself Zack." Spoke Angeal's voice. He heard sloshing, and slowly looked around to see Claire crawling up to him. Claire was already crying.
"You stupid idiot." She sobbed, and immediately trying to cure him. Zack knew a simple cure wasn't going to help him, but he decided she would soon find that out herself. He gently took her into his arms and put her head on his chest.
"If you don't mind the blood, can help me fall asleep baby girl? He said, grunting.
"Of course it bothers me. But if you want me to, I'll stay." She whimpered, still trying to cure him.
"I'd like that. He said. Rain poured down on them. When Zack was about to close his eyes, Cloud's chocobo hair appeared.
"Zack." He said. Zack smiled lightly.
"For, the both of us," He started.
"Both of us?" Cloud edged him on.
"That's right, you're gonna," Zack continued.
"You're gonna," Cloud edged him on again. Zack reached out to him and pulled his head to his chest. "Live" He said, "You'll be, my living legacy." When Cloud rose, Zack's blood was on his face and some in his hair. Zack looked at the Buster Sword.
"My honor, my dreams, they're yours now." He said, handing Cloud the sword. Cloud slowly reached out for it, and Zack pushed it into him.
"I'm, your living legacy." Cloud repeated to Zack. Zack smiled and turned to Claire. Her whole face was covered in his blood. He pulled her into a kiss.
"I love you baby girl." He said, caressing her face one last time.
"I love you too SOLDIER boy." She said, her tears cleaning off some of the blood on her face. Zack smiled and closed his eyes.
(I'm proud to say I cried like a baby when Zack died. I'm just sayin' :D)
