Hey everyone, next chapter at last! I decided I won't say much at the moment, simply post it and let everyone read.
Thank you, thank you to VIAMB, pangpond, little dog, forgiven4ever, KyuubiPandoraChan, and Nocturne Eclipse !!! Your reviews mean so much to me and I really appreciated them. Thank you also to those of you who are reading. I hope you're having a good time with my story. Have a great day everyone, Dreams of Faith.
Chapter Ten- Complications
"Do you have any companions in Midgar?" Sephiroth asked quietly, after an hour of silence had elapsed. They still continued hand in hand. They had already reached the peak of one of the smaller mountains and were beginning to descend. The valley below was obscured from view by the many trees.
"You mean friends? Yes, I do," Aeris replied, smiling fondly, "We're a rather diverse bunch of people who all came together. Have you ever heard of Avalanche?" Aeris asked. Sephiroth shook his head.
"That's the group I'm a part of and that's where I met everyone. It was started by Barret Wallace who's a big, black guy. Large and intimidating-looking, but he's really very sweet under the macho man. There's also Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER, Tifa Lockhart, a bar maid, Vincent Valentine who's an ex-Turk, Yuffie Kisaragi, the Wutai princess, and Cid Highwind, an airship captain. We're opposed to Shinra and what it's doing to the planet. That's the main issue everyone has besides the personal reasons. Unbeknown or known to Shinra, the mako they use in their SOLDIERS is actually being taken from the planet's lifestream. They're draining Gaia and the planet is dying. We have tried to reason with them, but you know Shinra. They have this huge God-complex. You don't mind me talking like this because now that you have me started, I can rattle on for hours," Aeris asked nervously. Sephiroth grinned a bit.
"No, I don't mind." Aeris relaxed and let out a breath she had unconsciously been holding.
"Phew, good. Alright then, anyways with Cloud Strife, who's our current leader and an ex-SOLDIER, we have been taking more drastic measures. We have started bombing reactors."
"Cloud Strife," Sephiroth suddenly interjected, "could you tell me a little more about him?" Aeris nodded, wondering what had interested Sephiroth in him.
"Well, years back he had joined SOLDIER to prove he could he was strong enough to protect Tifa, his childhood friend and love. When they were kids, an accident had happened on the mountains with Tifa that almost killed her. Mr. Lockhart blamed him for the mishap which Cloud was completely innocent of," Aeris paused, her eyes having a pleading look in them. "Oh and Seph, please don't mention any of this, he might be embarrassed."
"Don't worry, it's safe with me," Sephiroth replied, trying to keep back a smile. Who the heck was he going to tell anyway?
"Thank you. Anyways, he didn't make it to becoming a First Class SOLDIER. I think he was a grunt or something." Her brow furrowed in deep concentration. "He mentally couldn't handle the requirements to make it higher in the ranks or something like that. Then the war against Wutai broke out and he was sent over." Aeris paused and her voice lowered to a whisper.
"He never did tell me all the atrocities he saw, but towards the close, he was sickened beyond belief. Shinracreated lies just to start a war on such an honorable, little nation. He deserted and began to return home. He never made it. He was ambushed by Wutai ninjas. He tried to tell them that he didn't want to fight, but they wouldn't listen. Somehow he killed all his foes after hours of battle, at least fifty. He was hurt badly, but continued on. Another skirmish ensued, and this time, he barely made it through. He was left for dead until Zack found him."
Sephiroth's head snapped so quickly to the right he was sure he had given himself whiplash.
"Zack?" he queried in astonishment. Aeris took his exclamation as him wanting her to elaborate on the latest character in her story.
"His full name is Zack Fair, a First Class SOLDIER. Zack became best friends with Cloud and when he discovered the note Cloud left saying he was deserting, he went after him. It's a good thing because Cloud was barely alive. Zack carried him all the way back to camp and didn't tell anyone about Cloud deserting. Instead he said Cloud was on patrol and was ambushed. Immediately Cloud was whisked away back to Shinra Headquarters for intensive care." Aeris shivered.
"He never made it to the hospital. Instead Hojo got his twisted hands on him. He was intrigued how this simple, lowly grunt had dispatched altogether a hundred of the finest Wutai warriors. Also Hojo was out of 'specimens' on which to work. Zack became worried and suspicious when Cloud didn't return after a few months. He had heard the horror stories about Hojo and finally went to investigate. He found an almost 'vegetable' state Cloud in a test chamber," Aeris gulped and took in a deep breath, trying not think what would have happened if Cloud were left forever in Hojo's grasp.
"One day Cloud disappeared. Hojo never did know what happened and no one knows it was Zack who freed him and took him back to Sector 7 of Midgar, thank Gaia." Aeris said a little vehemently, her face stern. "It took almost a year for Cloud to return to a functioning, normal human being. He was really messed up, especially his memory. Some of his subconscious blurred the lines of who he was and he thought he was Zack. He even acted like Zack, adopting Zack's habits and mannerisms. He still has a few of Zack quirks that he hasn't lost." Aeris' voice softened, her eyes shimmering before she began the last part of her tale.
" Zack dropped Cloud off at the 7th Heaven Bar to have a friend of his care for Cloud. Turns out it was Tifa, Cloud's childhood friend, who saved his mind. She was with him through it all, caring for him and helping him remember. Tifa asked Cloud to join Avalanche and he sort of fell into the leadership role," Aeris paused, her eyes dreamy. "I am so happy for them. They have always loved each other and they're finally together. I think it might even be getting a little serious, such as marriage," Aeris sighed blissfully.
"I wasn't around for this all. I'm actually the newest member of Avalanche," she grinned. "Zack asked me if I wanted to be in after we were friends for a few months. Our first meeting was rather unconventional. Well things with Zack are always different. He actually crashed through the roof in my church," Aeris giggled. "We've been friends ever since. Anyways my job is sort of the one who keeps the peace and makes sure nothing gets too extreme and out of hand..."
"You know Zack Fair?" Sephiroth's exclaimed incredulously, not being able to keep silent any longer. He released her hand and paused to stare at Aeris' bewildered face.
"Do you?" She replied, her eyes wide in disbelief as Sephiroth nodded. Wow, this is really weird, Aeris thought with the shake of her head. My best friend Zack knows the Great General Sephiroth and he never told me.
"Small world," Aeris chuckled, bemused by the sudden revelation.
"Very small," Sephiroth muttered, "He never mentioned you."
Aeris rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, he never told me about you, either. We'll have to have a little talk with Zachary about keeping us from having the pleasure of getting to know one another. Hoarding us to himself, the jerk," she jested, crossing her arms over her chest in mock annoyance. The action caused Sephiroth to chuckle and the sound made Aeris feel very warm inside.
"So is it safe to say you and Zack were like friends?" Aeris ventured hesitantly, twisting a bit of hair around her index finger. Sephiroth shrugged and resumed walking down the mountain in a zig zag pattern.
"Yes, though I wasn't much of one. I don't do well with human companionship. I have no idea what he saw in me, but he was persistent. Always trying to lighten me up when we practiced. He did some really crazy things." Sephiroth shook his head.
"Sounds like Zack. Forever trying to make life better for everyone," Aeris agreed.
"You're the only other person who has actually gotten close to me beside him, but even with him, I kept him at sword's length," Sephiroth murmured thoughtfully, before his face relaxed.
" Maybe you got your annoying habit of chattering about mindless things from him," Sephiroth teased, twisting his head around to see Aeris try to glare at him. He chuckled again at her heated expression, enjoying the feel of the sound leaving his throat. Aeris couldn't help but grin at him.
I'm going to miss him when I get back to Midgar; his understanding, his teasing, his little acts of thoughtfulness, his strength, and his good looks. The truth sobered her up a bit. She hadn't really given much thought to it, but she wouldn't be with him for long. A very small ache throbbed in her heart. He was the first person with whom she felt completely herself, all her secrets laid bare before him and he accepted her as she was. Not that my friends are cruel or mean, they're positively wonderful, but they have always seen me as weak and delicate, someone who needs to be protected and not able to fend for myself. Yet Sephiroth doesn't. It's nice. Why does destiny have to be so insensitive? It gives you something special, only to take it away. Oh stop, Aeris before you get yourself all emotional. Just enjoy the time you have together. Sometimes people are put in your life for you to better their existences, not yours.
"I just thought of another good thing that happened because Shinra captured me," Aeris suddenly piped up. Sephiroth sighed deeply.
"And before you say 'Really' in that deadpan voice of yours, hear me out," she continued smartly. Sephiroth smirked. She could be so feisty, always full of surprises. It was a rather appealing characteristic of hers.
"When I was in the slums, I used to dream of fresh air, sunlight, and being able to explore the world. One of my dreams has come true, not exactly how I would have planned it though," she said with a shrug and smile.
"I mean think about it, Sephiroth. It's so beautiful in these mountains," she exclaimed, "The trees are so green and alive looking, the air so clear, and the sky. Have you seen anything more blue than that? This place just feels alive. Doesn't it make you want to sing from the top of your lungs and dance all day?" She gave a twirl with her arms upraised for emphasis. She stopped a little in front of him, her eyes shining.
"Or not?" She giggled at the expression on his face. He must think I have two heads or something.
"No, I never noticed it before." His head swiveled about and in that moment his senses seemed to be awakened. He could hear the birds joyfully singing their melodies, he could smell the earth, grass, and flowers mingling together, their delicate fragrances entering his nostrils. Then his eyes returned to Aeris.
The wind was tugging at her chestnut hair which was in a messy braid. The corners of her rosy lips were pulled up as she looked back at him. In her face, he finally discerned what seemed to be emanating from her whole being, pure happiness. It spread from herself to him. His heart seemed to slow as the realization dawned on him. She was beautiful. Everything about her. It was an image he would forever commit to memory.
"Aeris, I have a question," Sephiroth said as they resumed walking, nearing the valley below.
"Yes, Seph?"
"You, um, believe that love is the answer to every problem, right? The answer to all the bad things in the world and humanity in general. How can that be possible? If love were the answer, why isn't everyone giving it and everything..." He waved his hand trying to find the proper word, "right?" Aeris grinned a little at his question which caused him to feel a bit irritated that she seemed to already have a reply.
"Oh love is the answer, but here's the thing. People have a free will. Because of that free will they can choose to accept love or not. They can choose to give it or not," She shrugged. "Most don't and we still have a troubled world. Not everyone can be helped," she finished, her voice sadder. Sephiroth didn't say anything, mulling over her words. What she said did make sense. He shook his head; he would file this away for later pondering.
4 4 4 4 4
Rufus' cold eyes stared hard at the computer screen. At first he had been surprised, but as the shock wore off, suspicion took its place.
"Restricted information, Mr. President. Clearance code needed." Those were the words in bold print over the data he was currently trying to retrieve, the whereabouts of a certain group of his Turks he suddenly couldn't reach.
He leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. Now he couldn't even access information on his own employees nor know the mission his number one Turk, Tseng, was on. The whole thing felt odd, tampered with, but why? What was the purpose? His eyes instinctively narrowed as he thought of only one person who would do this. Arcamondeez. Calm, calloused, intelligent, and deceptive were the words that came to mind when he thought about his new advisor.
"Just the words I would use to describe myself," he murmured, a cold tremor in his tone. He smiled thinly. That knowledge to the average person would be inconsequential, but to Rufus it was invaluable. It gave him an edge to a person who was suddenly becoming a threat in his mind. He could handle someone like himself. He just had to do a little reasoning and answers would come. He stood up in one fluid motion to pace his spacious office.
If I were Arcamondeez, why would I lie to my new President about the dangerous prisoners I knew escaped? Why would I so strenuously encourage him to find a terrorist group instead of them with the Turks when the finest Turks are missing and can't be reached? What am I hiding? Is this all a diversion for something much bigger? Rufus stopped in mid stride, his brow furrowed. Suddenly his office felt too quiet, almost like the walls were listening. He sauntered back to his computer screen and logged off the page. Maybe someone was watching his every move right now. He would need to be more careful to not arouse anything. He wouldn't ask about the Tseng, Elena, Reno, and Rude and why he couldn't get in touch with them.
He drummed his fingers on the wooden desk. He needed answers. No, he needed the truth. Answers were easy to come by in this world. Well, he did have a connection, someone Arcamondeez didn't know about and couldn't interfere with. Rufus smiled again, not as thinly this time. It was more smug, satisfied. He left his office without a moment's deliberation. Shinra Headquarters' receptionist was informed the President was returning home. She wasn't privy, though, to the information that he would be leaving for a private trip the minute he reached his mansion. No one would.
4 4 4 4 4
The light rapping on the screen door caused Steven Knoff to stop reading the novel in his weathered, but strong hands. With the grace of a cat that belied his age, he soundlessly arose from the red, modern couch, placing the book on a glass coffee table. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, leaving deep creases on his face as he opened the door.
"Good afternoon, Mr. President," he stated formally, "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he queried politely as he stepped back to allow Rufus entrance.
"Something money and power can't buy," Rufus replied with a smile, surveying the orderly, masculine living room. The red furniture set was accented by black lamps and black table legs that held up the glass table tops. A couple stacks of books were neatly arranged and a sleek, black phone was attached to the wall. There was no TV or stereo set.
Steven chuckled at the reply, motioning to Rufus to make himself comfortable. Rufus settled into one of the red armchairs near him, across from Steven's seat.
"Having problems as the new President already?" he said, his manner relaxed. "Would you like anything to drink? I have lemon water, ice cold beer, wine..." he trailed off on his offer as Rufus shook his head.
"I'm fine," he said still smiling, but his voice had turned professional. Steven picked up on the tone immediately. He sank down on his original chair.
"What do you need, sir?" Steven asked, his voice collected. Even though Rufus was years younger than himself, he still gave Rufus respect since he was the leading power in Midgar.
"Information." It was all Rufus needed to say. Steven stiffened slightly, taking in the implications of that single word.
"Ah," Steven muttered. This was the point where money and power were useless. Friendship was worth its weight in gold.
"I know you have been a retired Turk for ten years, but I also know you keep up with every scrap of useful gibberish spoken," Rufus continued, "What can you tell me about Avalanche?"
Steven's eyes became hardened like glass marbles, his old Turk nature replacing his laid-back manner.
"Their claims about the planet are true," Steven said, his voice emotionless, "Shinra should take notice. They have good reasons for what they are doing. They are here in Midgar. Checking out an abandoned church in Sector 5 might prove to be useful for you, Mr. President. That's all I'm at liberty to say."
Rufus raised his eyebrows at the last comment. Steven gave a wry grin.
"Even a retired Turk has loyalties that can never be broken," Steven supplied. Rufus nodded, his mind grappling with all the information he had been given. He had his answers, but the price, more questions.
"Thank you Steven," Rufus said, rising and nodding at his friend, "You have been more helpful than you will ever know." Steven grinned.
"Always a pleasure Rufus," Steven said, slipping into friendlier terms. "Maybe when whatever is going on is over, we can have a beer and share an evening of leisurely chat," he added, shaking Rufus' hand.
"Let's hope the beer will stay cold until then," Rufus agreed. His hand was on the screen door when he paused.
"Steven, where should I look for my father's murderer?" He asked quietly.
"He may be closer than you think," Steven replied, "I wouldn't look too much further than Shinra's Headquarters." Steven shrugged. "That's just my gut feeling."
The words took Rufus by surprise, but he didn't show it. He simply strolled out of the screen door and into the fading sunset.
4 4 4 4 4
Tseng heard the soft footfalls coming up behind him as he paused at the crest of the mountain. Elena. She and Rude had arrived only hours before. Elena had been on many missions, seen things most people would gag at, and was fine. But the carnage Sephiroth had left turned her face ashen white. Every part of her seemed to transform into someone haggard and far older than the vivacious woman she was. And Elena never drank.
"We're close, huh boss? The trail's very fresh. Would you estimate five to six hours behind them?" she asked, brushing a couple of her golden strands of hair out her eyes. In her hand was a small, glass bottle, uncorked. She took a swig of it. Tseng could smell the faint odor of brandy that emitted from it. He registered the smell, but not her words. Yes, they were closer. Too close now.
He was relieved but also apprehensive. No, Sephiroth wasn't the issue. It was Aeris. This wasn't how he had wanted it. What would he do? What could he do? The price of being a Turk seemed so heavy when it concerned her. He was a professional. He could close himself off to anything expect her. Somehow she had reached the dark recesses in him, letting herself in though he tried vainly to block her out. He couldn't take her back to Shinra, but what choice did he have? None. Tseng's shoulders tensed and his hands turned to fists, clenching and unclenching in frustration and disgust for himself. What honor did he have if he betrayed Aeris to them?
Elena frowned a little to herself at Tseng's lack of response and his body language. Something was weighing on him. She had never seen him stressed before. Tseng was granite in every job. Her previous repulsion of the carnage she saw and her self-pity of wanting this man hunt to end dissipated. Her buried, gentler side surfaced.
Tseng's whole body tensed as he felt Elena's small hand on his right shoulder. He half turned to see her face. A meager smile was there where the drawn expression used to be.
"Guess you didn't hear me boss. Oh well it doesn't matter," she grinned a little more. "I think I wouldn't mind the dreaded desk work for a change. These missions always put things in perspective.
Maybe a vacation as well. Gaia knows we could use one," she laughed, a strained sound in her throat. Tseng couldn't understand what was going through her head. Was she trying to help loosen him up? Elena, a Turk of all people, trying to make him relax? His mouth felt dry, his secret taking the little bit of moisture he had. He swallowed thickly not being able to say anything to her. Elena's face suddenly turned serious.
"I trust you, Tseng," she said quietly, her hand gripping his shoulder tighter. "You're the boss. You know what do. I've never doubted you. You know the right course of action to take." Her hand fell limp at her side, but she kept her eyes locked with his. The words finally came to him.
"Thank you, Elena," he replied, the burden suddenly lighter on his shoulders. His body automatically returned to the professional he was. His head was high, eyes clear, and shoulders squared.
"You're a fine Turk," he said with a nod, appraising her like he did the day she was initiated. Elena could feel the warmth reach her cheeks as his eyes lingered on hers, holding her gaze with an expression she had never seen before. Was it appreciation or something more? A few strands of her hair were taken by the breeze. Tseng's hand shot up and in a second's time, brushed them back into place. Elena could have sworn her heart stopped in that moment. He smiled the faintest of smiles and moved forward.
4 4 4 4 4
The derelict church seemed out of place in the dingy slums. It had an elegance and light about it, strangely something that couldn't be touched by the atrocities and despair of Midgar's worst sectors. That's at least what Rufus thought as he pushed open one of the huge, wooden, double doors. Gray twilight filtered in through the windows, some shattered and void of glass. Entering, Rufus couldn't help but feel a slight oppressive weight in the air, as if he were not welcome here. He stepped past the broken pews that looked like kneeling cripples. Farther down he could see flowers. His brow wrinkled at the unnatural sight. Then the hairs rose on the back off his neck. A sixth sense jumped to life in him, eyes quickly scanning the church though an eerie silence greeting his ears. His heart beat accelerated, but he forced himself to keep still.
Three, two, one... Rufus whirled to face the presence he felt behind him, left hand wrenching his semi-automatic pistol from his white coat's pocket. But he was a second too late. Positioned inches from his forehead was a triple-barreled revolver. Rufus' gun clattered to the ground. A pair of crimson red eyes stared back at him, completely unreadable. Shoulder-length black hair flowed around the man's face.
"Vincent Valentine?" Rufus couldn't help but let out the slightest bit of shock escape his lips. He had seen strange things in his life, but here before him was a Turk who supposedly died thirty years ago. Yet he was alive and didn't look like he had aged a day. He must be the reason for Steven's silence. Turk's honor.
"President Shinra, what a surprise. Didn't think I would ever see the likes of you in the slums," Vincent replied coolly, a bitter edge underlying his words. Rufus, meanwhile, regained his mask even with the gun pressed to his brow.
"I could say the same about you, an alleged dead man and murderer," Rufus snorted. Vincent's eyes hardened for the briefest of seconds, his fingers gripping the gun tighter. Then he relaxed.
"You're words aren't entirely ill-founded," Vincent sighed and removed the gun from Rufus' face. He waved it, motioning to a pew. "Have a seat." Rufus compiled, moving slowly. He sank down uneasily, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. How would he get out of this? Why didn't this killer just dispose of him already? Why were they even conversing? Vincent leaned against one of the church's pillars, a few feet away. His gun, Cerebus, was still trained on the young President.
"Where is she, President Shinra? We know you have Aeris. You are to release her immediately," Vincent said, his voice arctic.
"I don't know who the hell you're talking about," Rufus spat, anger flaring in him. Who was this man to make demands on him especially for someone he had no clue about? Vincent's eyes blazed, his red irises boring into Rufus', evidently probing to see if he was telling the truth. Vincent frowned after a minute, a single line on his pale brow.
"You don't know anything, do you?" Vincent muttered, a twinge of sympathy in his tone. It took Rufus off guard, again.
"I know enough," Rufus growled, "What I want to know is why the hell Avalanche murdered my father," he snarled. It was Vincent's turned to look surprised before he nodded in comprehension.
"You really don't know a thing," he murmured. Vincent returned his gun to its holster and crossed his arms.
This is getting more and more bizarre by the second, Rufus thought, but a part of him was relieved. Was it finally going to be explained to him plain and simple?
"We aren't murderers, even though the prospect of eliminating Shinra Sr. might have been very appealing. We didn't kill your father," Vincent said flatly.
"Like I would believe you. Well, who did then?" Rufus sneered sarcastically not sure if Vincent was telling him the truth or not. This man was very different from himself, making him all the harder to decipher. Vincent shrugged.
"Your father had many enemies..."
"Such as yourselves," Rufus interrupted.
"Not like us. Enemies who would want his power. We don't want power."
"I know, you just want us to pull the plug on the mako reactors," Rufus grunted, waving his hand impatiently. Vincent's lips curled upward slightly.
"You aren't completely ignorant," Vincent said thoughtfully, pushing himself away from the pillar to stand right in front of Rufus.
"Would you please stop talking in riddles and explain about this Aeris," Rufus said coldly.
"All right then," Vincent complied, his voice less harsh, " A week or so ago, our close friend Aeris was kidnapped, presumably by Turks. Another one of our group had a run in with them earlier that day. We believe she was taken to a department of your scientific research under Hojo, but we have no idea where." His voice hardened again. "We don't know what is being done to her or if she is even alive. You see Mr. President, she is a Cetra and the last of her kind. For some reason Shinra can't keep their filthy fingers off her. Actually it's Hojo; he has some sick, demented use for her, that much I know."
Suddenly it all clicked. The pieces fitting together perfectly. She was one of the prisoners who had escaped. She was part of the reason why the Turks were missing on some secret assignment. But who is the other prisoner and what does Arcamondeez and Hojo want with them? What could their agenda be? Somehow he knew Vincent wouldn't have the answers to these questions, but that was all right. He could find out those easily enough.
"So that pretty much brings us to the place we are at now," Vincent said, breaking Rufus out of his thoughts. "Both of us having the same enemy, the unknown."
Rufus nodded slowly. "Yes," he muttered. I should probably tell him what I know. "It's a pity about your friend. But I do have some information for you. I don't know how accurate it is, but I believe she escaped with another prisoner. My Turks have been oddly absence." He ground the last words in frustration. Vincent's solemn eyes brightened considerably and the some of the creases of stress on his face faded away.
"Thank you," Vincent replied quietly. There was also an odd light in his strange red eyes. "Always the same, Shinra, abounding in its secrets. Seems like you're being restrained as the President. I wonder why?" He chuckled softly, looking up at the massive hole in the church's sagging roof. Rufus didn't comment.
"It has been a most interesting evening," Vincent said, moving forward until he was directly under the opening above, his red cape swirling around him as he walked.
"Until we meet again, President," he added. Then he was gone. A flash of movement was all Rufus discerned.
"No wonder he was a Turk," he marveled, picking up his discarded weapon.
4 4 4 4 4
"He's made contact with one of them. I'm a hundred percent positive on this, sir," the man stated.
"Thank you." Click. It was all he needed to say. Arcamondeez calmly put the black phone receiver back in its cradle. Flipping open his sleek, silver cellphone, he pressed the speed dial button.
"Resh, I have another job for you. I have a repeat of the original complication. Take care of it." He closed the phone with one hand. You shouldn't have done that Rufus.
4 4 4 4 4
"Seph, I will be fine," Aeris persisted. Sephiroth glared down at her. They were still in the protection of the woods, a protection so easily broken. Aeris was peering through the tangled branches at the small town before them. It only had one main road with stores and shops built on either side. It looked more like an forlorn outpost than anything else.
"Our food supply is low. I won't be noticed as easily as you. It will be okay. I know you have some gil. Please Sephiroth?" she asked once more, her eyes pleading. Sephiroth felt torn. True, she probably would be fine and no one would recognize her, but he could not get rid of the apprehension churning in him. It had slowly been building for no apparent reason. He felt something was off in his gut and it was driving him crazy. There was no excuse for this, yet he felt trapped.
"Here," he muttered, handing her the small pouch of money he carried, compliments of Harvey's compound. "You have fifteen minutes, Aeris," he replied through clenched teeth. She nodded solemnly.
"Help me look less noticeable," she said, her tone brusque. The red jacket was already in a heap on the ground as Aeris grabbed the hairbrush and tore through her hair. She grabbed in between her two hands, pulling it back harshly.
"I need you to coil my hair into a circle and then tie my pink ribbon around it," she instructed as Sephiroth stepped directly behind her. His large hands took her mane, keeping the strands taunt. taut Aeris could feel her head tingle as his finger tips combed back some loose hair that had escaped her hands. She unconsciously leaned back into his touch. Her mind suddenly sent images of those strong hands massaging her scalp as he kissed her. Aeris' body went rigid. No, she could not be thinking of such things at a moment like this! She needed to stay focused.
Her hair was every bit as soft and luxurious as he had imaged. He completed his task quickly, knowing he couldn't be long. He did let his fingers trail the back of her neck, feeling her skin shiver under his touch. It was an extremely delightful sensation. He backed away as Aeris turned to face him. Their eyes refused to meet. With her hair pulled back in a bun, her face looked more severe unlike the usual, light-hearted braid. It was a meager disguise, but it helped.
Aeris looked down at herself. The hem of her dress was ragged and a stain or two clung still to the material though she had tried to clean it off at a stream. What a vagabond she must look like.
"Be quick," Sephiroth said quietly.
"I will be," she answered, a small smile on her face. She left the cover the trees and strolled calmly into the sunlight.
The closer she got, the less forlorn the town looked. It had a rustic charm to it and the comforts of civilization had her yearning for home more than ever.
"You're already halfway there. You're going to make it home," she chanted quietly coming up to a rather large store that had the white paint peeling off the sides. The sign above stated simply "General Store." The minute she opened the door, smells of leather, metal, dried goods, and cloth assaulted her nose. She inhaled deeply, appreciating each scent.
The portly storekeeper with a bald head stepped closer to the counter he was behind when he saw the young woman come in.
"Good afternoon, miss. Need any help?" he asked politely, taking in her slightly disheveled appearance. Aeris smiled back, her eyes quickly scanning the shelves. She rattled off her list and he gathered the food on the counter. As he went about the store, Aeris spied an item in the corner. A pair of silver pauldrons immediately caught her attention and reminded her of a conversation with Sephiroth.
"It's just so dark. Your attire needs something balance out all the blackness besides your silver hair. Do you get my train of thought?" Aeris vainly tried to explain.
"No, I don't. I really don't see how this is important Aeris." He gave her a sidelong glance, probably wondering about where her mind was besides the clouds. Aeris sighed. It was hopeless.
"This is perfect," she murmured. It would be a useful addition since Sephiroth could end up in combat again. Also a way to take care of some of the black. She felt quite pleased with herself.
"I'll take those silver shoulder guards as well," Aeris said. The storekeeper gave her a quizzical glance.
"It's a gift for my friend," she supplied.
"Oh I see," he replied adding them to the small pile. "So are you just passing through these parts? I don't think I have seen you before?" he asked, a genuine smile on his face making Aeris feel relaxed.
"Yup, doing some hiking and camping with my friend. My first time. Been really exciting," Aeris said, trying not to give out too much information though she was dying to talk and relate some of her adventures.
"Just be careful. There are some hungry wild animals that wouldn't mind making a nice lady into a meal," he admonished.
"I'll keep that in mind," Aeris murmured, secretly knowing the only dangerous thing would be people when in the company of Sephiroth.
"Your total comes to a hundred gil." Aeris dug into the pouch, finding she had just the amount and a little left over. That was good. I'm quite the thrifty shopper. Won't Seph be surprised. The storekeeper put her purchases in a brown paper bag.
"Thank you very much," Aeris said, grabbing the bag.
"Have a nice day," he responded, giving her a small wave.
The sun was brilliant as Aeris stepped outside once more. She had to squint to see around the town. A few cars were driving by on the dirt road, causing dust to swirl up. Her mouth felt dry and the thought of a nice long drink from the canteen had her moving.
She took two steps forward with every intention of heading back to Sephiroth when her peripheral vision caught the color of navy blue. She froze on the spot, every part of going numb at the sight of two Shinra grunts poring over a paper a scant ten feet from her. Their bodies were turned slightly, their backs to her. Both were talking earnestly about the faces on the page. There was no mistaking the green eyes of the pair nor the silver and chestnut brown hair.
Aeris stepped back, panic starting to fill her limbs. She had to get away! She looked to the left and to her horror, saw a small cluster of SOLDIERS down the main street. One gazed back at her, a strange expression on his face. He nudged a companion of his. Aeris gripped her bag fiercely, her knuckles going white and looked away, her eyes darting crazily around the town which had suddenly become a trap. She gasped, taking in a shaky breath. She needed to keep her head. She took a couple steps backward. There was a narrow alley way created by another store next to the general store. She backed into the shadows. She could hear footsteps coming towards the alleyway. Then some behind her. She tried to run, but hands grabbed her. The paper bag crashed to the ground. Aeris struggled, fear ripping through her, fighting against the vise-like grips...