Disclaimer: Escaflowne and FFVII characters do not belong to me. Never have and never will. Please don't sue.
A/N: Aight people. I looked at some of the choices for best couples. So far I got Dilly/Tifa, Yuffie/Dragon Slayer, Cloud/Millerna…Poor Vince is all alone. Sorry, but Cid is married to Shera in my fic. You'll see her in the last chapter or something. BTW, did I mention that Rufus and the Turks are gonna come out in this story? I mean, I can't forget about those guys. They are tight! Maybe you'll come up with more couples after reading this. Anyway, this fic is based on an alternative universe (or whatever it's called…). Everyone is the same except for a few changes I made and modifications….(like Dilly don't turn to Celena). 'Nuff said.
'…' means someone is thinking.
*…* refers to telepathy
Chapter 3: Forest Meeting
~*~*~*~*~
"Wait!"
Cloud saw three figures coming up from behind the bush. He clutched his Ultima Weapon when he saw the small glint of weapons being held by these strangers. He paused momentarily. He nearly dropped his sword when he realized who it was.
"What the…," he exclaimed. "You're only kids!"
A silver haired boy cocked an eyebrow. "Kids…," he chocked. "How dare you call us kids! Do you know who I am?"
Vincent frowned, "Not really. What were you doing behind that bush?"
"We were hiding from you," a blond boy told them. "We thought you were an enemy…"
"We don't need to give you explanations," the silver haired boy snapped. He positioned his sword in front of him. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Are you planning to attack the castle?!"
Cid grunted, "What the hell are you talking about? I haven't seen no damn castle."
Yuffie who stopped crying at this point starred at the three boys with starry eyes. "Wow," she said dreamily. "You're cute…"
The three boys took two steps back. This girl was scarring them with her hungry eyes. They gulped.
Tifa sighed, "Don't mind her. She's boy crazy."
Yuffie "Drool…".
Cloud studied the three strangers. He noticed that the silver haired boy wore a red military uniform and his companions wore a blue uniform. I've never seen uniforms like that before, he thought. I feel as though I'm in another time. What is this place?
"If we tell you who we are….will you answer a few questions," Cloud asked the boy in red.
Dilandau shrugged, "Fine, as long as you put your weapons away."
"Very well," Cloud replied.
Cid frowned, "What the hell are you doing Cloud? Those kids will still have THEIR weapons out! You're #$%^ing crazy!"
Cloud rolled his eyes. "I really don't care," he said, clipping his sword back. "I just want some answers. We don't know were we are and these strangers are the first people we've actually encountered since we arrived. Besides, do you actually think three kids with swords can defeat AVALANCHE that easily?" "
"Cloud is right, Cid," Vincent said in his monotone voice.
"You got a point," Cid grunted. "I'll probably be able to take them on blindfolded."
"That's not true," Dilandau exclaimed.
"Whatever, kid," Cid muttered.
"My name is not kid! My name IS Dilandau Albatou, General of the Zaibach army….," Dilandau shouted.
"Yeah, yeah…," Cid waved his hand. "General my ass."
"How dare you," Dilandau growled. "No one insults me that way!"
"Well, I just did," Cid smirked. "Got a problem with that…KID?"
"Why you no good…," Dilandau screamed, ready to attack Cid.
Cid taunted, "Little boys aren't suppose to play with swords…."
"Will you two….SHUT UP!!!"
Both of them stopped and stared at Cloud.
"That's better," Cloud said, frowning. "Now quit arguing before I get pissed!"
Cid snorted and Dilandau just stood there confused.
"We haven't even been formally introduced and you two are already at each others throats…" Tifa said angrily.
"He started it," Dilandau pointed at Cid.
"Why you little…," Cid began.
Tifa elbowed him before he could say anything sarcastic.
Cid scowled, "Bitch…."
"What was that," Tifa asked.
"Nuttin'," Cid muttered, pulling out a cigarette. He played twisted it around with his fingers and mumbled obscenities.
"Who are you," Chesta asked suddenly. "You don't seem to be from around here."
Cloud nodded and pointed to every person as he called out their name, "I'm Cloud Strife and these are my companions Tifa Lockhart, Vincent Valentine, Yuffie Kisaragi and Cid Highwind. We sort of were transported here by a strange light and somehow ended up in this forest…."
"I see….," Dilandau said. Why does that light story sound familiar, he wondered. He shook the thought away. "Well, like I mentioned earlier my name is General Dilandau Albatou and these are my Dragon Slayers….Migel and Chesta."
"What are Dragon Slayers," Vincent asked.
"They are an elite group of soldiers of the Zaibach Empire….what's left of it anyway," Dilndau said.
"What do you mean," Cloud asked.
"We just finished a war a few weeks ago. My country was defeated," Dilandau said sheepishly.
Cid snorted, "That's what happens when you put a chicken wuss kid into a ranking like General."
Dilandau turned red. "Take that back," he screamed.
"Calm down, Mr. Albatou. Cid is just upset about our situation here. He's a great guy once you get to know him," Tifa said, gently. "Please put your weapons away. We just want some answers. We're not here to fight." She smiled.
Dilandau blushed. "Er…Dilandau is fine," he stuttered. "Chesta, Migel….sheathe your swords."
"Yes, sir," both Dragon Slayers replied.
"Thank you," Tifa said, giving them another smile.
Dilandau, Migel and Chesta blushed.
Cloud frowned.
"So, who is who," Yuffie asked, looking at the other two next two Dilandau.
"I'm Chesta," the blond one said.
"And I'm Migel," the brunette said.
"Do you have girlfriends," Yuffie asked, excitedly.
Cloud cleared his throat. "Ahem…this is not the time to ask those kind of questions Yuffie," he said.
"Hey, I have the right to know," Yuffie exclaimed.
"Ask them later," Tifa told her.
"But I wanna know NOW," Yuffie whined.
Dilandau sweatdropped. This girl was scaring him.
"Cut your crap, Yuffie…," Cid growled. "…or your sorry ass will 'accidentally' be left behind in this forest."
Yuffie got quiet. "You're mean," she mumbled.
Cid shrugged. "You may continue…," he told the others, pulling out a lighter. He lit up his cigarette and took a puff.
"Where are we anyway," Vincent asked.
"We're in the Austurian forest," Dilandau replied.
"Austurian forest? Never heard of it," Vincent said.
"You must not be from around here. Everyone has heard of the Austurian forest," Dilandau said.
"Really? Is there gold here? A lost treasure? How about materi--," Yuffie exclaimed before Tifa clamped her mouth shut.
"Shhh…," Tifa hissed. "Let him talk!" She let go of Yuffie. "You may continue Mr. Alba….I mean, Dilandau…," she said.
Yuffie glared at Tifa.
"Uh…sure," Dilandau said, raising a brow. He continued, "We are located in Austuria, one of the richest countries in Gaea. We're in the forest that surrounds the castle where the Austurian king lives. Migel, Chesta and myself are headed to that castle to help our friend Folken Fanel. He left yesterday evening because he learned that the castle was going to be attacked. He left us a note, but I just found it this morning. I sent my other Dragon Slayers to get a back up team while I went to find Folken."
"Hey, I've hear of Australia and Austria, but never of Austuria…," Yuffie said.
"I'll say…," Cid said, taking another puff of his cigarette. "And what the hell do you mean by 'Gaea'. Never heard of that place."
"If Austuria is a country…then Gaea can't possibly be a country. Unless it is…," Vincent trailed off.
"….a planet," Dilandau finished the sentence.
Cid choked, "What the #$%^ do you mean Gaea is a planet?! You're telling me that we've been transported to another planet?"
"The Mystic Moon…," Migel whispered to nobody in particular.
Cloud heard the younger man. "What did you say," he asked the brunette.
"….You're from the Mystic Moon," Migel said. "That's the only explanation I can think of."
"Huh? I'm not from no Mystic Moon," Yuffie blurted. "We're from Earth!"
"'She' said the same thing," Dilandau muttered.
"….'She'? Who's 'she'," Cloud asked, confused.
Dilandau's eyes grew wide as if remembering something. "Did you mention earlier that you were brought here by a mysterious light," he asked urgently.
"Yeah," Cid answered angrily. "That #$%^ing light is going to get it. It's never going to shine after I'm through with it…"
"Lord Dilandau…," Chesta said, looking at his commander.
Tifa saw concern look on Chesta's face, "What is it, Dilandau?"
Dilandau sighed, "Something bad is going to happen. Every time someone is transported here by a mysterious light….it only means that there is going to be a great battle in Gaea…"
"Waitaminute," Cid growled. "I'm no jinxed! It's not my #$%^ing fault there's a 'supposed' great battle coming up just 'cause you said so!"
Dilandau shook his head. "No…that's not what I meant. You see, a war just ended in Gaea. All of the countries are still exhausted from the battle. I don't think any of those countries would be interested to attack Auturia." He paused. "I believe a new enemy has risen and has an army of its own…they were the ones that were going to attack the castle…"
"I still don't understand what we got to do with it," Cloud asked.
Dilandau looked at the larger group. "I believe you were brought here to help us with this new enemy…," he told them.
"That would make sense, "Cid smirked. "After all, we are AVALANCHE, the best warriors on Earth…"
Yuffie gave him a weird look. "Cid, if I recall correctly, we're under the command of Sephiroth, General of SOLDIER. We're his right hand, he's the best warrior.…."
Cid scoffed, "Yeah, well, you don't see him here do you?" He chuckles. "I always knew he wasn't that great…Great General my ass…"
"Does he dislike generals," Chesta whispered to Vincent.
Vincent, although surprised that the blond boy spoke to him responded, "You could say that…."
Tifa added, "He only dislikes the cute ones."
"That's not true, woman," Cid growled.
Yuffie giggled. Chesta and Migel looked confused.
"Dilandau, what do you mean that we are here to help YOU with this new enemy. ," Vincent asked.
"I didn't mean for it sound that way. You see, in Gaean wars, there is always a good side and a bad side. Austuria along with Fanelia and Freed are kingdoms that are considered the good side of the war. Zaibach was the bad side…," Dilandau responded. He sighed. "It took me a while before I realized that I was fighting for the wrong side. Folken and I managed to rebel against Zaibach and we joined forces with the King of Fanelia. Without Folken and the Dragon Slayers, Zaibach became helpless and the empire fell…"
Chesta sighed, "I remember the last night of the war. The Mystic Moon was shining more brightly than ever."
"I remember, too," Migel added. "It's almost as if the Mystic Moon is the guardian of Gaea…"
Cloud looked confused. "What do you mean by 'shining'," he asked. "How can you see Earth?"
"Yeah," Yuffie exclaimed. "I don't get it!"
Dilandau whispered something to Cloud. Cloud nodded and looked up to the sky. His eyes grew wide.
"I….I don't believe it…," he murmured.
"Cloud, what's wrong," Tifa asked.
"Look up at the sky, Teef," he said pointing to where he was looking at.
Tifa looked up and gasped. Cid, Yuffie, and Vincent followed Tifa's gaze. Yuffie's jaw almost hit the floor, Cid's cigarette fell off his mouth, and Vincent actually looked shocked.
"I don't #$%ing believe it. How the #$%^ is THAT up there," Cid exclaimed pointing to the sky. The Earth was visible next to the moon in broad daylight.
"Then it's true…," Vincent murmured.
"What in the world….," Cloud began.
"It's the Mystic Moon," Dilandau replied. "It's not too clear right now because it's daytime, but at nighttime it's much clearer to see."
"I can't believe I didn't notice it before…," Tifa whispered. She looked at Yuffie who was completely speechless.
Cid barked, "What the #$%^ do you mean, woman? It's not everyday we look up at the sky and see Earth hanging next to the moon…gawdammit, I need a beer…"
"Who else has been here," Cloud demanded suddenly.
"It has been rumored that many people from the Mystic Moon have been transported to Gaea. The only one I've met has been the girl with the green eyes…," Dilandau said.
"A girl? What was her name," Cloud asked.
"Hitomi," Dilandau replied.
"WHAT," everyone in Cloud's group exclaimed.
Tifa walked up to Dilandau. "Hitomi? I know a girl named Hitomi….how did she look like," she asked urgently.
"She had short light brown hair, green eyes, she was a medium height…," Dilandau said.
"It IS her," Tifa whispered.
Cloud and the others understood where she was headed. "Was her last name….Kansaki," Cloud asked.
"Yes," Dilandau replied in shock. "Her name is Hitomi Kansaki…how…"
"Where is she," Vincent demanded.
Dilandau looked surprised. "Do you know Hitomi," he asked.
"Yes," Tifa said. "She's my best friend's daughter."
Yuffie grabbed Dilandau by the arm. "Can you take us to her," she pleaded. "Hitomi is like a sister to me…please take us to her…"
"Very well," Dilandau said. He moved away from Yuffie's hold. "If you come with us, we will lead you to her. She's here in Austuria….she's staying in the castle…"
"We must hurry then," Yuffie cried. "What if the castle has already been attacked? We need to find Hitomi to see if she's okay!"
Tifa placed her hand on Yuffie's shoulder. "Calm down. He'll take us to her…" she said.
Yuffie nodded, "I hope she's okay. I mean, she's been gone for a couple of weeks. We've been looking for her all this time and she wasn't even on Earth!"
"Well, lets go and get her," Cid said.
"Cid, I didn't know you missed her. I thought you didn't care if she was gone…," Vincent said coolly.
"Cut the crap, Vince," Cid grunted. "It's General 'Jackass' that I don't like….I never said I didn't like the flower girl and their kid."
"I don't even want to know what you call me," Yuffie muttered.
Vincent shook his head. "Cloud, what do you think about this situation," he asked the blond.
"If this girl is Hitomi, then at least we know she's still alive," Cloud said. "But to really know if it's truly the Hitomi we know, then we must go to this castle Dilandau is talking about. How far is the castle from here?"
"If we start walking now it will take us a few hours to get to the castle," Dilandau said. "We should leave now if you really want to see Hitomi."
"Where exactly is this castle," Cloud asked.
"Uh….we're sort of…," Chesta began. He was going to say that they were lost but Dilandau glared at him.
"Lord Dilandau will explain it to you," Chesta said quickly.
"Uh…sure," Cloud said, confused. He looked at Dilandau as he pulled out a map.
"Here's our destination," Dilandau said pointing to the map where a large red dot was. He then slid his finger south of the red dot to where a picture of a small lake rested. He added, "…and this is where we are at."
Yuffie scooted closer, "What? I don't see a lake around here!"
"We passed it a few minutes ago. Tifa even mentioned how clear the water was," Vincent told the younger girl. "Weren't you paying attention?"
"No," Yuffie said hanging her head.
"Don't worry about it," Tifa said. "
Dilandau looked at the map. "We don't have any horses," he said. "We have to walk to the castle. "
"What," Yuffie screeched. "What do you mean NO horses?"
"No," Dilandau said slowly. "We don't have any horses because they are easy to detect. If there is an enemy they won't be able to hear us if we're by foot. It's a bit tiring but it's safer…"
Yuffie barked, "Don't you have a car?"
The Dragon Slayers looked confused.
"What is a car," Chesta asked.
Migel frowned, "Is it like a wagon?"
Yuffie's eyes looked like they were going to pop out. "Oh my God," she choked. "What kind of planet is this! WAAAAAHH!"
"Did I say something wrong," Migel asked dumbfounded.
Cloud shook his head. Sometimes Yuffie can be so immature. "Lets talk about this later," he said. "We should go now." Dilandau nodded and pulled out a compus. After taking a good look at it, he handed the map to Chesta. "Hold it correctly this time," he hissed.
Chesta trembled, "Y-yes, sir."
"This way," Dilandau said pointing to the north. Everyone followed the silver haired General.
Cid muttered something about not wanting to follow a kid.
"You can stay behind if you want," Yuffie smirked.
"Shut up," Cid snorted.
"No," Yuffie said. "I'll keep talkinguntil I feel like stopping!"
"Don't make me shut you up," Cid shouted.
"Nya! Nya! You can't make me," Yuffie taunted. She continued to torment him and he continued to threaten her.
"Are they always like this," Dilandau asked.
Cloud shook his head. "This is only the beginning," he replied. "It takes a few minutes before the real battle begins."
"I'm going to kill you," Cid shouted suddenly and chased after the ninja girl. Yuffie screamed and ran from him.
Cloud sighed, "…And there they go."
Everyone sweatdropped. It was going to be a long journey.
~*~*~*~*~
"You know it's pretty annoying with you sulking all over the place and everything," the Master told the restless warrior. The man glared at him, his purple eyes burning with hate.
Vladimir grabbed a bottle of wine and threw it at a wall. "That-that monster," he barked. "He toppled me! No one has ever done that before! I'm going to kill him!!!"
The Master frowned, "You will not harm the man….not until we get his daughter."
"Why not," Vladimir demanded.
"That's for me to know. You needn't worry. You'll get your revenge soon enough."
Vladimir's eyes filled with lust for blood, "I'll make him suffer for humiliating me. I'll kill him in front of his wife…" He licked his lips. "I'll probably enjoy that pretty wife of his. She looks good enough to eat.…"
"You will NOT touch the woman," Master said coldly.
Vladimir smirked. "What? Since when do you care what happens to her? It's not like she's yours or anything." Before he could react a hand smacked him across the face. He fell to the floor and felt blood flowing out of the sides of his mouth.
"I am you leader," Master hissed. "Never question my orders!"
Vladimir narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
The Master walked over to his throne and sat down. "In case you didn't know, there are five others who have been transported to Gaea. They are in the Austurian forest at this very moment," he said nonchalantly.
Vladimir regained his composure. "What are they doing there," he growled.
"The two you saw at the castle were part of this group…in a way. I managed separate them with the black pendant," Master replied. "They were lost in the forest. However, it turns out that they encountered Dilandau."
Vladimir went over to the table and grabbed a full wine bottle. He took a drink out of the bottle. "Hmph! Why do I get the feeling you're on to something," he said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"How perspective," Master chuckled. "Trust me, you are going to like this idea.…"
~*~*~*~*~
To Be Continued….
Author's Note: Hey peeps! Thanks to all of you that took the time to review. I luv ya. So what do you think so far? Please review! The more reviews I get the sooner the next chapter will come out!!! *wink* You dig what I'm saying? *wink, wink*
Next Chapter: Will Dilandau, Cloud and the rest of the gang make it to the castle on time? What are Master and Vladimir up to? What will Seph and Aeris do when they find out that the others are also in Gaea? And what the heck are Rufus and the Turks doing at a village? Wait and see…until next time. ^_^
A/N: Aight people. I looked at some of the choices for best couples. So far I got Dilly/Tifa, Yuffie/Dragon Slayer, Cloud/Millerna…Poor Vince is all alone. Sorry, but Cid is married to Shera in my fic. You'll see her in the last chapter or something. BTW, did I mention that Rufus and the Turks are gonna come out in this story? I mean, I can't forget about those guys. They are tight! Maybe you'll come up with more couples after reading this. Anyway, this fic is based on an alternative universe (or whatever it's called…). Everyone is the same except for a few changes I made and modifications….(like Dilly don't turn to Celena). 'Nuff said.
'…' means someone is thinking.
*…* refers to telepathy
Chapter 3: Forest Meeting
~*~*~*~*~
"Wait!"
Cloud saw three figures coming up from behind the bush. He clutched his Ultima Weapon when he saw the small glint of weapons being held by these strangers. He paused momentarily. He nearly dropped his sword when he realized who it was.
"What the…," he exclaimed. "You're only kids!"
A silver haired boy cocked an eyebrow. "Kids…," he chocked. "How dare you call us kids! Do you know who I am?"
Vincent frowned, "Not really. What were you doing behind that bush?"
"We were hiding from you," a blond boy told them. "We thought you were an enemy…"
"We don't need to give you explanations," the silver haired boy snapped. He positioned his sword in front of him. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Are you planning to attack the castle?!"
Cid grunted, "What the hell are you talking about? I haven't seen no damn castle."
Yuffie who stopped crying at this point starred at the three boys with starry eyes. "Wow," she said dreamily. "You're cute…"
The three boys took two steps back. This girl was scarring them with her hungry eyes. They gulped.
Tifa sighed, "Don't mind her. She's boy crazy."
Yuffie "Drool…".
Cloud studied the three strangers. He noticed that the silver haired boy wore a red military uniform and his companions wore a blue uniform. I've never seen uniforms like that before, he thought. I feel as though I'm in another time. What is this place?
"If we tell you who we are….will you answer a few questions," Cloud asked the boy in red.
Dilandau shrugged, "Fine, as long as you put your weapons away."
"Very well," Cloud replied.
Cid frowned, "What the hell are you doing Cloud? Those kids will still have THEIR weapons out! You're #$%^ing crazy!"
Cloud rolled his eyes. "I really don't care," he said, clipping his sword back. "I just want some answers. We don't know were we are and these strangers are the first people we've actually encountered since we arrived. Besides, do you actually think three kids with swords can defeat AVALANCHE that easily?" "
"Cloud is right, Cid," Vincent said in his monotone voice.
"You got a point," Cid grunted. "I'll probably be able to take them on blindfolded."
"That's not true," Dilandau exclaimed.
"Whatever, kid," Cid muttered.
"My name is not kid! My name IS Dilandau Albatou, General of the Zaibach army….," Dilandau shouted.
"Yeah, yeah…," Cid waved his hand. "General my ass."
"How dare you," Dilandau growled. "No one insults me that way!"
"Well, I just did," Cid smirked. "Got a problem with that…KID?"
"Why you no good…," Dilandau screamed, ready to attack Cid.
Cid taunted, "Little boys aren't suppose to play with swords…."
"Will you two….SHUT UP!!!"
Both of them stopped and stared at Cloud.
"That's better," Cloud said, frowning. "Now quit arguing before I get pissed!"
Cid snorted and Dilandau just stood there confused.
"We haven't even been formally introduced and you two are already at each others throats…" Tifa said angrily.
"He started it," Dilandau pointed at Cid.
"Why you little…," Cid began.
Tifa elbowed him before he could say anything sarcastic.
Cid scowled, "Bitch…."
"What was that," Tifa asked.
"Nuttin'," Cid muttered, pulling out a cigarette. He played twisted it around with his fingers and mumbled obscenities.
"Who are you," Chesta asked suddenly. "You don't seem to be from around here."
Cloud nodded and pointed to every person as he called out their name, "I'm Cloud Strife and these are my companions Tifa Lockhart, Vincent Valentine, Yuffie Kisaragi and Cid Highwind. We sort of were transported here by a strange light and somehow ended up in this forest…."
"I see….," Dilandau said. Why does that light story sound familiar, he wondered. He shook the thought away. "Well, like I mentioned earlier my name is General Dilandau Albatou and these are my Dragon Slayers….Migel and Chesta."
"What are Dragon Slayers," Vincent asked.
"They are an elite group of soldiers of the Zaibach Empire….what's left of it anyway," Dilndau said.
"What do you mean," Cloud asked.
"We just finished a war a few weeks ago. My country was defeated," Dilandau said sheepishly.
Cid snorted, "That's what happens when you put a chicken wuss kid into a ranking like General."
Dilandau turned red. "Take that back," he screamed.
"Calm down, Mr. Albatou. Cid is just upset about our situation here. He's a great guy once you get to know him," Tifa said, gently. "Please put your weapons away. We just want some answers. We're not here to fight." She smiled.
Dilandau blushed. "Er…Dilandau is fine," he stuttered. "Chesta, Migel….sheathe your swords."
"Yes, sir," both Dragon Slayers replied.
"Thank you," Tifa said, giving them another smile.
Dilandau, Migel and Chesta blushed.
Cloud frowned.
"So, who is who," Yuffie asked, looking at the other two next two Dilandau.
"I'm Chesta," the blond one said.
"And I'm Migel," the brunette said.
"Do you have girlfriends," Yuffie asked, excitedly.
Cloud cleared his throat. "Ahem…this is not the time to ask those kind of questions Yuffie," he said.
"Hey, I have the right to know," Yuffie exclaimed.
"Ask them later," Tifa told her.
"But I wanna know NOW," Yuffie whined.
Dilandau sweatdropped. This girl was scaring him.
"Cut your crap, Yuffie…," Cid growled. "…or your sorry ass will 'accidentally' be left behind in this forest."
Yuffie got quiet. "You're mean," she mumbled.
Cid shrugged. "You may continue…," he told the others, pulling out a lighter. He lit up his cigarette and took a puff.
"Where are we anyway," Vincent asked.
"We're in the Austurian forest," Dilandau replied.
"Austurian forest? Never heard of it," Vincent said.
"You must not be from around here. Everyone has heard of the Austurian forest," Dilandau said.
"Really? Is there gold here? A lost treasure? How about materi--," Yuffie exclaimed before Tifa clamped her mouth shut.
"Shhh…," Tifa hissed. "Let him talk!" She let go of Yuffie. "You may continue Mr. Alba….I mean, Dilandau…," she said.
Yuffie glared at Tifa.
"Uh…sure," Dilandau said, raising a brow. He continued, "We are located in Austuria, one of the richest countries in Gaea. We're in the forest that surrounds the castle where the Austurian king lives. Migel, Chesta and myself are headed to that castle to help our friend Folken Fanel. He left yesterday evening because he learned that the castle was going to be attacked. He left us a note, but I just found it this morning. I sent my other Dragon Slayers to get a back up team while I went to find Folken."
"Hey, I've hear of Australia and Austria, but never of Austuria…," Yuffie said.
"I'll say…," Cid said, taking another puff of his cigarette. "And what the hell do you mean by 'Gaea'. Never heard of that place."
"If Austuria is a country…then Gaea can't possibly be a country. Unless it is…," Vincent trailed off.
"….a planet," Dilandau finished the sentence.
Cid choked, "What the #$%^ do you mean Gaea is a planet?! You're telling me that we've been transported to another planet?"
"The Mystic Moon…," Migel whispered to nobody in particular.
Cloud heard the younger man. "What did you say," he asked the brunette.
"….You're from the Mystic Moon," Migel said. "That's the only explanation I can think of."
"Huh? I'm not from no Mystic Moon," Yuffie blurted. "We're from Earth!"
"'She' said the same thing," Dilandau muttered.
"….'She'? Who's 'she'," Cloud asked, confused.
Dilandau's eyes grew wide as if remembering something. "Did you mention earlier that you were brought here by a mysterious light," he asked urgently.
"Yeah," Cid answered angrily. "That #$%^ing light is going to get it. It's never going to shine after I'm through with it…"
"Lord Dilandau…," Chesta said, looking at his commander.
Tifa saw concern look on Chesta's face, "What is it, Dilandau?"
Dilandau sighed, "Something bad is going to happen. Every time someone is transported here by a mysterious light….it only means that there is going to be a great battle in Gaea…"
"Waitaminute," Cid growled. "I'm no jinxed! It's not my #$%^ing fault there's a 'supposed' great battle coming up just 'cause you said so!"
Dilandau shook his head. "No…that's not what I meant. You see, a war just ended in Gaea. All of the countries are still exhausted from the battle. I don't think any of those countries would be interested to attack Auturia." He paused. "I believe a new enemy has risen and has an army of its own…they were the ones that were going to attack the castle…"
"I still don't understand what we got to do with it," Cloud asked.
Dilandau looked at the larger group. "I believe you were brought here to help us with this new enemy…," he told them.
"That would make sense, "Cid smirked. "After all, we are AVALANCHE, the best warriors on Earth…"
Yuffie gave him a weird look. "Cid, if I recall correctly, we're under the command of Sephiroth, General of SOLDIER. We're his right hand, he's the best warrior.…."
Cid scoffed, "Yeah, well, you don't see him here do you?" He chuckles. "I always knew he wasn't that great…Great General my ass…"
"Does he dislike generals," Chesta whispered to Vincent.
Vincent, although surprised that the blond boy spoke to him responded, "You could say that…."
Tifa added, "He only dislikes the cute ones."
"That's not true, woman," Cid growled.
Yuffie giggled. Chesta and Migel looked confused.
"Dilandau, what do you mean that we are here to help YOU with this new enemy. ," Vincent asked.
"I didn't mean for it sound that way. You see, in Gaean wars, there is always a good side and a bad side. Austuria along with Fanelia and Freed are kingdoms that are considered the good side of the war. Zaibach was the bad side…," Dilandau responded. He sighed. "It took me a while before I realized that I was fighting for the wrong side. Folken and I managed to rebel against Zaibach and we joined forces with the King of Fanelia. Without Folken and the Dragon Slayers, Zaibach became helpless and the empire fell…"
Chesta sighed, "I remember the last night of the war. The Mystic Moon was shining more brightly than ever."
"I remember, too," Migel added. "It's almost as if the Mystic Moon is the guardian of Gaea…"
Cloud looked confused. "What do you mean by 'shining'," he asked. "How can you see Earth?"
"Yeah," Yuffie exclaimed. "I don't get it!"
Dilandau whispered something to Cloud. Cloud nodded and looked up to the sky. His eyes grew wide.
"I….I don't believe it…," he murmured.
"Cloud, what's wrong," Tifa asked.
"Look up at the sky, Teef," he said pointing to where he was looking at.
Tifa looked up and gasped. Cid, Yuffie, and Vincent followed Tifa's gaze. Yuffie's jaw almost hit the floor, Cid's cigarette fell off his mouth, and Vincent actually looked shocked.
"I don't #$%ing believe it. How the #$%^ is THAT up there," Cid exclaimed pointing to the sky. The Earth was visible next to the moon in broad daylight.
"Then it's true…," Vincent murmured.
"What in the world….," Cloud began.
"It's the Mystic Moon," Dilandau replied. "It's not too clear right now because it's daytime, but at nighttime it's much clearer to see."
"I can't believe I didn't notice it before…," Tifa whispered. She looked at Yuffie who was completely speechless.
Cid barked, "What the #$%^ do you mean, woman? It's not everyday we look up at the sky and see Earth hanging next to the moon…gawdammit, I need a beer…"
"Who else has been here," Cloud demanded suddenly.
"It has been rumored that many people from the Mystic Moon have been transported to Gaea. The only one I've met has been the girl with the green eyes…," Dilandau said.
"A girl? What was her name," Cloud asked.
"Hitomi," Dilandau replied.
"WHAT," everyone in Cloud's group exclaimed.
Tifa walked up to Dilandau. "Hitomi? I know a girl named Hitomi….how did she look like," she asked urgently.
"She had short light brown hair, green eyes, she was a medium height…," Dilandau said.
"It IS her," Tifa whispered.
Cloud and the others understood where she was headed. "Was her last name….Kansaki," Cloud asked.
"Yes," Dilandau replied in shock. "Her name is Hitomi Kansaki…how…"
"Where is she," Vincent demanded.
Dilandau looked surprised. "Do you know Hitomi," he asked.
"Yes," Tifa said. "She's my best friend's daughter."
Yuffie grabbed Dilandau by the arm. "Can you take us to her," she pleaded. "Hitomi is like a sister to me…please take us to her…"
"Very well," Dilandau said. He moved away from Yuffie's hold. "If you come with us, we will lead you to her. She's here in Austuria….she's staying in the castle…"
"We must hurry then," Yuffie cried. "What if the castle has already been attacked? We need to find Hitomi to see if she's okay!"
Tifa placed her hand on Yuffie's shoulder. "Calm down. He'll take us to her…" she said.
Yuffie nodded, "I hope she's okay. I mean, she's been gone for a couple of weeks. We've been looking for her all this time and she wasn't even on Earth!"
"Well, lets go and get her," Cid said.
"Cid, I didn't know you missed her. I thought you didn't care if she was gone…," Vincent said coolly.
"Cut the crap, Vince," Cid grunted. "It's General 'Jackass' that I don't like….I never said I didn't like the flower girl and their kid."
"I don't even want to know what you call me," Yuffie muttered.
Vincent shook his head. "Cloud, what do you think about this situation," he asked the blond.
"If this girl is Hitomi, then at least we know she's still alive," Cloud said. "But to really know if it's truly the Hitomi we know, then we must go to this castle Dilandau is talking about. How far is the castle from here?"
"If we start walking now it will take us a few hours to get to the castle," Dilandau said. "We should leave now if you really want to see Hitomi."
"Where exactly is this castle," Cloud asked.
"Uh….we're sort of…," Chesta began. He was going to say that they were lost but Dilandau glared at him.
"Lord Dilandau will explain it to you," Chesta said quickly.
"Uh…sure," Cloud said, confused. He looked at Dilandau as he pulled out a map.
"Here's our destination," Dilandau said pointing to the map where a large red dot was. He then slid his finger south of the red dot to where a picture of a small lake rested. He added, "…and this is where we are at."
Yuffie scooted closer, "What? I don't see a lake around here!"
"We passed it a few minutes ago. Tifa even mentioned how clear the water was," Vincent told the younger girl. "Weren't you paying attention?"
"No," Yuffie said hanging her head.
"Don't worry about it," Tifa said. "
Dilandau looked at the map. "We don't have any horses," he said. "We have to walk to the castle. "
"What," Yuffie screeched. "What do you mean NO horses?"
"No," Dilandau said slowly. "We don't have any horses because they are easy to detect. If there is an enemy they won't be able to hear us if we're by foot. It's a bit tiring but it's safer…"
Yuffie barked, "Don't you have a car?"
The Dragon Slayers looked confused.
"What is a car," Chesta asked.
Migel frowned, "Is it like a wagon?"
Yuffie's eyes looked like they were going to pop out. "Oh my God," she choked. "What kind of planet is this! WAAAAAHH!"
"Did I say something wrong," Migel asked dumbfounded.
Cloud shook his head. Sometimes Yuffie can be so immature. "Lets talk about this later," he said. "We should go now." Dilandau nodded and pulled out a compus. After taking a good look at it, he handed the map to Chesta. "Hold it correctly this time," he hissed.
Chesta trembled, "Y-yes, sir."
"This way," Dilandau said pointing to the north. Everyone followed the silver haired General.
Cid muttered something about not wanting to follow a kid.
"You can stay behind if you want," Yuffie smirked.
"Shut up," Cid snorted.
"No," Yuffie said. "I'll keep talkinguntil I feel like stopping!"
"Don't make me shut you up," Cid shouted.
"Nya! Nya! You can't make me," Yuffie taunted. She continued to torment him and he continued to threaten her.
"Are they always like this," Dilandau asked.
Cloud shook his head. "This is only the beginning," he replied. "It takes a few minutes before the real battle begins."
"I'm going to kill you," Cid shouted suddenly and chased after the ninja girl. Yuffie screamed and ran from him.
Cloud sighed, "…And there they go."
Everyone sweatdropped. It was going to be a long journey.
~*~*~*~*~
"You know it's pretty annoying with you sulking all over the place and everything," the Master told the restless warrior. The man glared at him, his purple eyes burning with hate.
Vladimir grabbed a bottle of wine and threw it at a wall. "That-that monster," he barked. "He toppled me! No one has ever done that before! I'm going to kill him!!!"
The Master frowned, "You will not harm the man….not until we get his daughter."
"Why not," Vladimir demanded.
"That's for me to know. You needn't worry. You'll get your revenge soon enough."
Vladimir's eyes filled with lust for blood, "I'll make him suffer for humiliating me. I'll kill him in front of his wife…" He licked his lips. "I'll probably enjoy that pretty wife of his. She looks good enough to eat.…"
"You will NOT touch the woman," Master said coldly.
Vladimir smirked. "What? Since when do you care what happens to her? It's not like she's yours or anything." Before he could react a hand smacked him across the face. He fell to the floor and felt blood flowing out of the sides of his mouth.
"I am you leader," Master hissed. "Never question my orders!"
Vladimir narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
The Master walked over to his throne and sat down. "In case you didn't know, there are five others who have been transported to Gaea. They are in the Austurian forest at this very moment," he said nonchalantly.
Vladimir regained his composure. "What are they doing there," he growled.
"The two you saw at the castle were part of this group…in a way. I managed separate them with the black pendant," Master replied. "They were lost in the forest. However, it turns out that they encountered Dilandau."
Vladimir went over to the table and grabbed a full wine bottle. He took a drink out of the bottle. "Hmph! Why do I get the feeling you're on to something," he said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"How perspective," Master chuckled. "Trust me, you are going to like this idea.…"
~*~*~*~*~
To Be Continued….
Author's Note: Hey peeps! Thanks to all of you that took the time to review. I luv ya. So what do you think so far? Please review! The more reviews I get the sooner the next chapter will come out!!! *wink* You dig what I'm saying? *wink, wink*
Next Chapter: Will Dilandau, Cloud and the rest of the gang make it to the castle on time? What are Master and Vladimir up to? What will Seph and Aeris do when they find out that the others are also in Gaea? And what the heck are Rufus and the Turks doing at a village? Wait and see…until next time. ^_^
