Turning Points
Of Old Scores And New Horizons
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"Its a goner." Zack sighed as he gestured towards the truck.
The three stood to the front of the vehicle. The area around was silent. But in the background the noise of sirens and helicopters wiring, blew through the night sky. The small party was on edge.
"We have to leave this city as soon as possible." Cloud stated sliding a hand back through his Blond spikes. Aerith looked to Cloud. A frightened expression wrote on her soft, face.
"Cloud's right. Its not safe here anymore for you two..." The raven haired youth agreed.
Cloud nodded. Looking briefly at the wide emerald orbs of the flower girl. He wanted so much to comfort Aerith but he couldn't... "What will you do Zack?"
Zack grinned slyly. "I can't be seen around you two, you know! You're wanted criminals..." Zacks grin was hiding something. "... I wish I could leave with you two. But things just aren't that easy..."
"Zack..." The brunette in the red dress started.
"Someone has to stay here and keep Shinra off your back's. Besides you have Cloud with you. He may not look it but he's pretty tough." Zack replied. His voice was hurt and guilt ridden but neither of the two held it against him.
"Thank you.." Aerith smiled up at the raven haired Soldier. Zack shifted for a second before smiling back.
"You have a life here Zack. You can't through that away." Cloud told his friend who in turn nodded. "Lets get going." The blonde haired Ex-Soldier suggested looking towards Aerith. The flower girl nodded and flashed him a smile.
The two turned to walk away when Zack's voice came from behind. Cloud turned around. Zack was pulling something long out and shiny out of the truck. He approached Cloud and extended it towards Cloud by the red handle. In his other hand was a holster to wear something in...
"Take it.. Its the 'Buster Blade', my favourite sword. Use it to defend yourself and Aerith no matter what." Cloud took the sword in his hand. It was long, around fifty inches and easily seven inches wide. It was heavy but thanks to his endlessly training he could move it like it was nothing. "Until next time Buddy."
"Til then." Cloud replied. The two friends clashes fists, a greeting they had been working on... Well Zack had, Cloud had mainly just went along with it.
The three exchanged a final farewell before they split up and rushed away into the night. The Buster Sword flashing in the light.
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The Blonde haired boy and the chestnut haired girl ran through the night. Street lamps lighting their way. They had ran for a good two hours. Stopping every now and then for rests. Cloud glanced to the flower girl beside him. Everytime she seemed out of breathe he took a breather. Soon they reached Sector 5. Rounding the corner, Aerith's house came into view.
The two burst through the door and glanced around. It was dark. Most likely Elmyra was asleep.
"I'll go get my things packed... I'll be just a second." Aerith whispered in the moonlit room. Cloud nodded and the flower girl quickly made her way upstairs.
The Ex-soldier looked around. It appeared exactly the way it did that night he spent here...
"So it was you.." Aerith uttered in the dark of the room. The 'moonlight' now flowing through the window above the sofa. It had only been a few short weeks ago but so much had happened since then. His life had completely changed and it was all because a beautiful girl who sold flowers.
A smile tugged on Cloud's face. He tried hard to fight it off but failed. Why am I smiling like an idiot? Cloud mocked himself but soon snapped out of his trance when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Are you ready?" He asked solemnly.
"They came for her again didn't they?" Cloud froze in shock. It was Elmyra's voice. He felt guilty.
"Yeah..." Cloud responded. Elmyra smiled weekly. She was adorning a blue night gown that reached the floor.
The middle-aged woman sighed and looked out of the window at the dim blue light shining through. "I know they'd one day take her away. I guess I hoped we could just keep running forever." A moment of quiet filled the already dark room. "You're taking her away from here aren't you?"
The figure of the blonde haired boy nodding could be just made out in the light.
"Cloud... Please... I'm begging you, look after Aerith. She may seem strong but that's because she puts others feelings first and tries to hide her own. Promise me you'll never let anything happen to her..."
Cloud's eyes locked with Elmyra's, a serious look etched his face.
"I promise." He whispered.
Just then the flower girl walked down the stairs. She was wearing her pink button up dress that reached below her knees. A red jacket that reached just below her bosom was worn over the dress. Her feet were covered in brown boots and silver bracelets adorned her arms. Aerith's hair was tied up in a braid once more, Falling down to her lower back. Two bangs hung from either side of her heart shaped face. Her emerald eyes almost glowed in the darkened lounge and a small ruck sack was worn on her back.
"Mom?" Aerith blinked in surprise. Elmyra rushed over to her daughter and wrapped her arms around her.
"Aerith... Please be careful..." Elmyra spoke, emotion welling in her voice.
Aerith relaxed and returned the hold. "Don't worry about me mom... I have Cloud to look after me." The smile on her face was genuine. The mere sight of it sent chills up the Blonde haired outlaws spine as he stood next to the open door.
"I know... It won't be the same without you around.." Elmyra told. "Now get yourself going, get far away from here and be sure to write!" Elmyra laughed back welling tears.
"Goodbye mom." Aerith hugged her mother tightly and broke away. She walked to Cloud's side. The two held eye contact for a few long moments before heading out the door. Elmyra waving to them as they sped off.
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The two crouched behind some crates as two Soldier rushed by. They were at the Shinra Facility that Cloud has called home one time. It was their final stop. The blonde haired exile had decided a tuxedo shirt and pants weren't good travelling equipment.
"Wait right here. I'll be back in a few moments." Cloud whispered to Aerith. The flower girl's eyes flashed concern but she simply nodded. Cloud quickly got up and took off into the side door of the buildings.
Minutes past. Aerith crouched down waiting... A few more minutes past.
"Cloud... Where are you..?" She muttered into the air, her tone was worried. Her world had been thrown upside down in the past few hours. She rested back against the wall. If it wasn't for Cloud she would have been captured and then... And then... She shook her silky brown hair, she didn't even want to think about it.
The door metal door creaked open and Cloud stepped out. Aerith immediately stood up and walked over to him. He was dressed in a blue zipped sleeve-less jumper with matching baggy blue trousers that were tucked into two hard looking brown boots. Similar brown gloves with metal studs decorating was worn over his hands. Over his left shoulder a metals shoulder guard was worn and on his back the giant Buster sword rested.
"I thought something had happened to you.." Aerith spoke quietly. Cloud shook his head and offered a reassuring smile. It worked! A matching bright smile broke across Aerith's soft, pale face.
"We have just one more stop to make." Cloud informed her.
"Where is that?" The flower girl asked. A cute look of confusion and wonderment adorning her face as she peered up at Cloud with two green eyes.
Cloud looked around for a second then returned his gaze to Aerith. "We won't get far without transport." He smiled ever so slightly.
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Both emerged into a warehouse. It was dimly lit. Large boxes and vehicles filled the expanse. A large skylight rested above them. Cloud and Aerith hurried through the line vehicles. They were all missing key parts. A 'car' was missing an engine. Another truck was missing tires.. Cloud sighed. All these vehicles were out of action.
A hand brushed against his arm. Immediately Cloud turned towards the source. It was Aerith. "Over there!" She exclaimed. Cloud glanced to where she was pointing...
In the corner surrounded by crates. Rested a shining new Motorcycle. Cloud's mouth fell in awe as the two raced over. Even the keys were in the engine! The Motorcycle was definitely custom made and brand new. It was a dark black colour but reflections could be seen on its polished surface. Cloud flicked a switch. A weapon rack custom built for swords popped out of the side like a hidden compartment. The black leather seats were built for two. Four exhaust pipes hung out of the back. This was it. They could finally make it out...
"Strife!" That voice... Cloud stiffened. Aerith turned around and quickly took a step back. Slowly Cloud moved around and faced the blonde haired figure.
"Seifer..." He uttered. The Soldier with greased back Blonde hair and a long grey coat stood meters from them. A sword extended from his hands pointed right at the two.
"Word has it you're quite the wanted man... Escaping capture like that... Who knew you had it in you..." Seifer mused his gaze still fixed on the Outlaw Cloud.
The blonde haired boy narrowed his eyes at the threatening figure. "Seifer... Don't do this... Leave here now." Cloud warned.
"Leave now?" Seifer let forth a maniacal laugh. "I don't think so Strife... Taking you down and returning that girl will get me quite the promotion... Besides, you and I have a score to settle.
The sound a metal humming filled the room as Cloud slid out the Buster sword from behind his back and bringing it forward in a fighting stance.
"Cloud..." Aerith began but was cut off.
"Don't worry... I'll be fine." Cloud told as he kept his gaze on his opponent.
"Tough words... Lets see if you can back them up!" The greased blonde haired Soldier yelled as he leapt forward towards Cloud swinging his sword.
Cloud in return quickly brought up his own sword and parried the blow. A huge clang of metal filled the warehouse. The stalemate of the swords pushing against each other lasted a few moments before both fighters jumped backwards. Racing forwards Seifer swung his blade furiously. Cloud doing everything he could to block each hit... Clangs and bangs sliced through the air.
Jumping to the side Cloud swung around for Seifer's back. His attack was narrowly dodged as Seifer rolled under and darted towards Cloud once more. The Ex-Soldier attempted to bring up his sword and block but it was too late. He felt Seifer's boot contact painfully into his side, sending him rolling across the floor and hitting into a crate. Cloud was still...
"Too easy..." Seifer mused quite pleased with himself. He turned his gaze towards Aerith. "Now that's out of the way. You're coming with me."
Aerith stepped back. Seifer drew closer. His hand reached out for her. Her back pressed against a shutter door. A smile plastered on Seifer's face.
"Leave her alone..." An angry voice came from behind.
Seifer turned around. "Huh?" Seifer turned around. It was Cloud. The Ex-soldier was standing in the spot a few meters away. He had his sword in front of him.
Clouds body tensed. He felt energy rush through him. His eyes narrowed at Seifer who in turn widened his eyes. "I told you to leave." Cloud muttered. Taking a tight grip of sword he raced towards Seifer who swung at him in turn. The greased haired Soldier blinked. No one was there. Suddenly he looked up. Clouds form fell through the air towards him. "BRAVER!!" Cloud yelled swinging down his sword. Seifer raised his own blade to defend but it was shattered on contact with Cloud's which slashed down him.
"Thud." Seifer's unconscious body hit the floor. Cloud panted and sheathed his sword. He looked to Aerith, a concerned look on her face.
"Don't worry... He'll be okay." Cloud smiled. Offering his hand to Aerith. She took it quickly and the two jumped onto the Motorcycle. Cloud glanced at the name that was written on it in small letter. "Fenrir." He uttered. Glancing over his shoulder at the flower girl who was sat behind him he spoke. "Hang on tight."
Aerith nodded and wrapped her arms around Cloud waist. The Ex-Soldier tensed. Trying desperately to relax as he realised she would feel it... But It felt... "Good."
Cloud turned the keys and the engine roared. Sliding up the kickstand he sent a final glance to Aerith. Her eyes were scrunched up tight. "This must be her first time on a Motorcycle." Cloud contemplated. Finally he put up his feet and twisted back the acceleration. The bike slowly drove towards the exit of the Warehouse. They reached the door and drew to a stop for a second. Ahead of them was the Motorway that lead out of Midgar. This was it. This was goodbye to everything he knew.
Aerith's eyes opened slowly and glanced up at Cloud, he was looking at her with his Aquamarine eyes. "Here we go." Cloud smiled slightly and faced ahead once more. The flower girl braced herself for what was to come and tightened her grip around Clouds waist. Noting without realising it, that she liked the feeling.
Cloud's hand squeezed back the acceleration and Fenrir shot off. The motorway whizzing by on either side at unbelievable speeds. Aerith's hold was tight. Soon the exit to Midgar could be seen. The motorcycle and the two atop it racing towards what waited beyond.
