Yeah, the story's been different lately. I hope that that's not the reason for the lack of recent reviews, hmm? But thank you so much to those who've been reviewing. It really does make me write faster!! And if you don't like the darker atmosphere the story's been taken on, quit reading, cause it's
only gonna get worse!

Chapter 9

"RRRING! RRRRING!"

I woke up grumpily as I heard the phone ringing loudly in the living room. It was eleven o'clock, I probably should've been awake by then but I didn't care. I jumped up out of bed and ran to catch it before the answering machine, and arrived just in time.

"Hello?" was my very unhappy answer.

"Hello, Cloud." came Red's voice, "I hope that I didn't awaken you!"

"Oh, no," I grumbled discontentedly, "Not at all. What's up, Red?"

"I'm just calling to congratulate you, Cloud," he told me proudly.

"Wha?!"

"Aeris called me about some other things earlier today. She also informed me that you two are expecting a child. That's wonderful, Cloud!"

"Oh, yeah!" I suddenly brightened up, remembering the good news of the yesterday, "Heh, yup!"

"So are you two planning on, uh, getting married sometime soon?" the wise lion asked.

"Oh, yes. marriage. Well, I would very much like to, though I don't know what exactly is on Aeris' mind right now. I don't know if proposing to her would be wise just yet."

I felt as though Red was digesting my words before he spoke. "I think it would be a very wise decision. When Aeris telephoned me, I believe she had the initiative to become married soon. I think she was just worried about her safety and that of the baby."

"What?" came spluttering out of my mouth unstoppably. How much had Aeris really told Red? Did he know the true story behind the baby's conception?

I tried to cover up my worries by talking to Red, but being subtle about my goal. "So what all did Aeris say to you when you two spoke?" I ended up not being so sly.

"Are you worried about something, Cloud?" he asked with a hint of concern. I suppose he picked up my emotion in my tone.

"No," I lied, "I just wanted to know how she said stuff and, uh, how she was feeling by the way she said stuff."

"Very well. She was just asking me what we could do to rid ourselves of Sephiroth once and for all, since she mentioned that you had some fears about him taking possession of you once more. I spoke to her about it and then later on she told me that she had some important news. I asked her about it and she informed me that she was going to have your child."

"Just like that? That's all she said?"

"In a nutshell, yes."

I sighed thankfully to myself. "Oh, alright. She, uh, sounds like she's probably fine then."

"Yes. She seems fine," Red agreed, sounding a little suspicious of my questioning, but he said nothing to indicate his skepticism in my honesty.

"Alright. Well, thanks for calling, Red. Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, I believe the lot of us would be interested in seeing you and Aeris soon, if that would be possible."

"Does everyone know about the baby?!" I asked, surprised.

Red chuckled. "Don't fret now, Cloud. The others now know as well, yes, but everyone's absolutely delighted. Everyone knows but Tifa."

I grew quiet for a moment, remembering the black haired girl that had once loved me. What ever had happened to her? Had she been continuing to aid the beast? Had she repented for serving Sephiroth? Or had she perhaps taken the sword to herself? I wasn't sure then, but if only I knew what was to come.

"Has anyone spoken to Tifa lately?" I asked with concern.

"No, I'm afraid not," replied Red, "It seems she's just. well, frankly, it seems she's just disappeared or something rather. We've tried contacting her, but she's nowhere to be found it seems. "

"Hmmm," I considered Red's words carefully, "Well, it was nice hearing from ya, Red. But I best be going."

"Oh and one more thing, Cloud! The lot of us will be dropping by later in the day if that's alright."

"Yah, sure. And Red, I'd like to talk to you about what we could do to find Sephiroth when I see you."

"Definitely. I'd be pleased to assist you in any way possible, Cloud!"

"Thanks, Red! I'll see ya soon."

"Take care."

I hung up the phone and ran my fingers through my hair. I had to know what was wrong with Tifa. it was eating away at me, feeding off my every thought. I was afraid for her; afraid that the sweet girl I once knew had turned into something ugly, something hideous. Oh, Tifa! What had you become?

I called Aeris up soon after and told her about my conversation with Red. She was glad that everyone knew and she was relieved that I hadn't told them the entire story. I knew that Red would've understood that it wasn't my fault and everything, but I was still feeling so ashamed of the awful things I had done. How I had killed Aeris, how I had destroyed her purity and that subtle something that shone through so very little now! I had killed the sweet innocent girl who could brighten up anyone's day and replaced her with a quiet jaded woman who cared so little about anything. And it was bad enough to have hurt someone so defenseless and delicate in the first place, who couldn't defend herself! Poor, poor Aeris.

My seed was now planted and she was going to give life to a wonderful child. I was excited though I knew she was still scared. And I was scared for her. She was yet so fragile and small, I was afraid that this baby would take its toll on her body. But now with this child, the world would know that I loved Aeris, even if the baby was not necessarily the result of our affection for each other.

~~~~~**********~~~~~

The gang, everyone but Tifa, came to my villa at around one, that day. Aeris showed up as well and I think was a little nervous of what everyone had to say. But everyone was kind to her and showed no indecency in their comments and greetings. Everyone was very happy about the news, though still in shock, I think. Aeris also helped make some tea and coffee for the guests, though I hadn't asked her to help out at all. I think that even in her fragile health, she still enjoyed entertaining for company.

"So, if I baby-sit this kid, will you guys pay me?" Came Yuffie's young, inquisitive voice.

I chuckled and replied, "Sure, as long as you don't try stealing its soother or something!"

"Hey." she said, pretending to be taken aback, ".how much do you suppose one of 'em's worth?"

We all laughed and took sips from our drinks. We were happy to all be seeing each other again, sharing good news. Aeris would smile for the guests, though they knew so very little. But I could still see that those seemingly sweet, joyful smiles were too brief to be genuine, but Aeris didn't want to cloud the atmosphere.

"Do you got any names picked out yet?" asked Cid gruffly.

"Well, I haven't really discussed anything with Cloud," said Aeris, "But if it's a boy, I was thinking the name Sage would be nice."

"And for a girl?" I asked contentedly.

"Hmm, I was thinking maybe Emma."

"Pffft!" exclaimed Cid, "If it's a boy, you're naming him Cid. If it's a girl, you're naming her Cidney."

We all laughed at Cid's pride, but he merely looked around at us asking, "What?"

The afternoon passed by full of talk and laughter. After a few hours, everyone but Aeris and me decided to go look around town. We stayed back and Aeris helped me clean up the little mess that our colleagues could never help but make.

As we worked together silently, I thought about the beautiful names she had thought up for our child. Sage sounded wild, though the meaning spoke of a wise one. I liked it very much though. I could imagine our handsome boy growing older and bringing us great joy by doing well in school and being strong. I would one day teach him how to play soccer and wield a blade. He'd honor us greatly.

Then I thought of the possibility of a little Emma. She'd be as delicate as her mother, though I doubt that anyone could be as beautiful. She'd be graceful and generous, always willing to help others. Aeris could teach her to sew and cook, things she herself excelled at. One day there'd be another man in her life, other than her father, and she'd leave us for him. But she'd be happy, and we would as well. I smiled freely at the wonderful future that I assumed awaited us.

"I really like the names you picked out, sweetie," I told Aeris as she reached over to pick up a bottle from the ground. She looked up at me and managed a smile. Was she not happy? Her lips showed contentment, but her eyes showed the same unbroken sorrow.

"Do you?" she said, "Did you have any others you had thought of yet?"

"Not really, no. I like Sage and Emma. I think that they would very much suit our baby, if I may predict our child's personality."

"Mmm." She smiled, but with little feeling, before going back to picking up the trash off the floor. I watched her a minute without starting up my own job. What was bothering her?

"Aeris.?" I asked, causing her to look up inquisitively at me once more, "Is something bothering you?"

She sighed. "No, no. I'm fine. I was just. Nah, it's alright."

"No, c'mon. Tell me!"

"Well. I guess I'm still a little worried about, you know. about Sephiroth coming through you again. You see, you exerted so much force, or I meant. he did last time. It really frightened me, Cloud, and I'm just still so scared I can't trust you."

I looked into her eyes as I always did, wishing I had the right words to make her feel better and understand. Through those vast puddles of flowing green, Aeris lamented all her fears to me. I wanted so much to help her. So I walked over and put my arms around her. She cringed a little and moved away.

"I'm sorry, Cloud." Tears came to her eyes, "I just don't know what to expect from you." Her voice trailed off and I just stared a minute.

"It's ok," I told her, "You have reason to be afraid. I should know better. Excuse me a minute." I started off towards the bedroom, my mood suddenly heavy. I just needed to be alone. alone as I always was. Was that my destiny? To be alone for all eternity? I seemed to get along better when left alone, and things always seemed to go wrong when I tried to get close to someone. Perhaps I should just stay forever alone.

I sat down on the bed in my room after shutting the door. I sunk my face into my enveloping hands and my mind absorbed everything that had been going on. I hoped so much that I wouldn't hurt Aeris. All I wanted to do was spend the rest of my life with her, talking to her, kissing her and showing her my love, but not at all in a harmful way as before. But nothing worked like it should have. ever.

"Cloud."

I heard a strange whisper.

Perhaps it was just my imagination.

"Cloud!"

No, it couldn't be.

I heard it again, sharper and more insistent.

"Wh-who's there?" I whispered back. I wish I hadn't. Maybe I would've been left alone if I hadn't asked. But no, he came once more. that horrible, horrible man. Being the same coward as always though, he appeared to me in an unattainable way. He appeared translucent, so close to me, but yet so very far away. He cackled maliciously.

"Hello, Cloud," he greeted coldly, "How have you been? It's been a while, hmm?"

I looked at him incredulously. "I saw you yesterday, you moron. Now what do you want?"

"Oh, my! No need to be unkind. I'm only here to warn you, dear boy. You wanted to see your friend Tifa again, did you not?"

I jumped up out of the bed at mention of Tifa. "Where is she? What have you done to her to screw her up so bad?!"

"Calm yourself! She'll be coming to visit you soon, so be expecting her. as well as some other things."

"You're planning something, aren't you? But whatever you're doing, know this: you will NEVER be able to break the bond that Aeris and I have, you hear? NEVER!"

"Hah, hah. you've already done something terrible to her, don't you think? How can she love you after you've robbed her of her purity? Just take a close look at her and you'll see how awful she looks, how sunken her eyes are. And you see I'll be killing two birds with one stone! While you two lose your bond, I'll regain power and come back to my former status. and higher! And then, Aeris will care little for you once your bond is broken, so little that she'll come to me for love, and love is what she'll receive!"

"DO YOU THINK SHE'S THAT STUPID?!" I yelled, trying to hold myself back from attempting to rip the air his image occupied apart, "Aeris could never love you! She's too pure, too good for something as low and awful as you! She loves me. and she always will, Sephiroth. ALWAYS!"

He sneered and made an ugly sarcastic chuckle. "That's what you think now! But you know so very little. Just wait, my boy. wait!"

"Cloud, what's going on in there?" I heard Aeris' voice, "Are you alright?"

Right as she pushed open the door, Sephiroth's image disappeared.

"What happened?" she asked curiously.

I opened my mouth, ready to tell her about my unwanted visitor, but when I saw her forever-worried face and those sunken eyes that the beast spoke of, I couldn't bother her with anything more. "I was just, uh, listening to the radio!"

"Alright. Well, did you wanna go for a walk, Cloud? We should go look for the others. I think they think that they're staying overnight."

"Sure thing, sugar."

~~~~~**********~~~~~

We walked and walked and walked, all around. We said nothing through the heat of the tropical city. I think that Aeris was aware of the fact that everyone was most likely at the beach, but she had taken me outside for different reasons.

"What are we gonna do bout the whole situation with Sephiroth?" asked my beauty's somber voice.

"I'm not sure yet. We'll talk to Red though, right?"

"Fine. But what if there's nothing we can do?"

"If not then, well. we'll kill Sephiroth, once and for all. Or perhaps we should just gradually drain him of his powers before killing him so that he wouldn't be able to retain anymore after death."

"That sounds like a good idea." I saw no emotion in her distant face or heard any in her remote voice.

"I want you to love me, Aeris," came spilling my own feelings, unexpectedly, "I really miss those few days when everything was going so well. Please. can't we return to that time?"

"NO!" she snapped assertively. And I had never heard her be assertive. She was always very submissive to others. but she was bothered. "I-I'm sorry, Cloud. I'm still so worried. I can't help but fret over the whole situation though, yes, I wish we could return to the good old days. But. no. It just could never happen."

"I see. But you know that we WILL fix things very soon. But anyway, you wanna go back to my place and have a couple of drinks or something?" I was trying to make the conversation more casual.

"Um, I'm pregnant, Cloud," she said with a little laugh.

"Oh! That's right!! Ok, ok! Well, you can have some tea or something then."

She smiled, but this time there was a little more hope in her eyes. "I'd like that."

We walked up the same old stone steps that she so often looked at so strangely, up to my villa. While just standing there looking at each other, we heard Cait Sith's voice from below. He was walking hurriedly towards the house from afar and was accompanied by the rest of the gang.

"Hey guys! I finally found everyone. Is dinner ready yet? I'm starved!" Due to the distance between him and us, he had to shout loudly so we could hear him, which also resulted in everyone else in town staring at us awkwardly.

"Ok." I told him, much more quietly. He and the others were still a good distance away, but approaching quickly and I wanted to speak to Aeris.

"Aeris," I started, "I hope that having these guys around won't tire you out. And remember, you don't gotta help clean up or cook or anything. Just take it easy for a while, k?"

"I dunno," she replied, "I'd feel kinda bad not helping out, just because I'm pregnant. That's really not much of an excuse, you know? And anyhow, I don't really mind cleaning up and I definitely don't mind cooking. Actually, with cooking, it's sort o therapeutic sometimes. I've been it all my life so." And on she went. From afar I saw the herd of ex-AVANLANCHERS approaching, and right in front of me, Aeris was blabbering on and on. I was trying to concentrate on what she said, but something else was stabbing into my side, ripping its way through and interrogating into my mind.

No, no, NO! I thought. It was happening again. but how? HOW? I had even been trying harder to keep my guard up! No, no, no!

"Shuddup, cunt!" I yelled viciously at Aeris, before giving her a hard slap to the cheek.

"No, Cloud, NO!" she screamed frantically.

"What's going on over there?" I heard Red's distant voice through my troubled thoughts. Everyone was looking at us. The gang started running faster to where we were, but they were still so far.

My aggressive hands took Aeris forcefully by her small shoulders and shook her savagely. We stood just over those suspicious stone steps.

"You know you're a whore, girl! You know that it's your own fault that you're going to have that monster of a baby! You don't deserve much better. You DO deserve to DIE!"

"Please don't, Cloud!" she was screaming, tears suddenly streaming down her face, "Please, no! The baby! The baby!"

I felt my lips crinkle into a tight atrocious grin as she tried to escape my close clutch. My eyes narrowed and malice was creeping its way into the master plan to destroy us. "Say goodbye to your pretty little BOND, bitch!"

Aeris let out a scream as I pushed her down the stairs hard and so very ruthlessly. The poor thing tumbled and tumbled and tumbled, not being able to stop. Everyone in the town was now outside looking at us it seemed, our friends on quick foot to try to save Aeris.I wanted to help her, though, more than I wanted to be alive. But all I could do was cackle in that evil, evil laugh. She finally hit the bottom of the stairs and lay motionless. Blood was everywhere. Absolutely everywhere.

I could barely see the others, since my head was upwards, but I knew that they had almost reached where we were. They must have been so scared! And there I was, laughing hysterically at something that was definitely ANYTHING but funny. But now I was angrier than ever, much, much angrier. And that anger must have been what propelled me to break lose. I shot my way through and came into possession of my OWN body. It all happened so fast and I understand little. But soon I just found myself running down the stairs to where Aeris was, but this time, it was out of my own will.

"Oh, SHIT!!" I yelled as I scooped her up into my arms. The others arrived just after me and gasped in horror at Aeris, who lied limply in my arms, bleeding from everywhere. I saw her lips open slowly, trying to talk to me, but little sound came out.

"What have you done, FOO?!" yelled Barret, who didn't understand anything about what was going on, "She could be dead, you liddle punk!"

"It wasn't me. it wasn't me!" I'm ashamed to say it, but tears were indeed welling up in my eyes then. I was crying at the horrible things that I couldn't help. Why? WHY was it me?!

"C-Cloud." came Aeris' weak voice, "The baby. my poor baby."

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Yuffie screamed at me, accusingly, "You killed your own BABY!!"

Everyone was yelling at me, but all I could do was hold my precious darling in my arms. I thought quickly of Tifa, who was supposed to be here soon according to Sephiroth, but then quickly forgot about her as my mind went back to my love. I felt her recently cold eyes watching us anyway. she was there with us. somewhere.

I looked down onto Aeris and with quit letting myself be stupid by not doing anything. "Somebody call an ambulance!! Now!! Somebody, please!"

I heard everyone and my own thoughts, as well, screaming at me, accusing me. But I had done nothing. And through all the noise, I hear Aeris whimpering softly, her pleas for help only apparent in her tone, since nothing else that she said was decipherable.

"Don't worry, baby," I told her, "You. yes you will be okay."

She managed to get some more words out, though it was painful. "B-but. my baby. I lost my baby!" And through her painful speech, she started crying, just like before she had been thrown down the stairs so horrifically. And she repeated the few words she could as the world around me drained the life from my soul.

"My baby. I lost my baby."

~~~~~**********~~~~~

A/N: Hey, y'all! Sorry that took so long. I've been very busy with gay ass homework and stuff. I hope you're liking the story, cause I'm gonna try and rap everything up soon. I hope the twists in the story were unexpected! Please review with your critique. I'd greatly appreciate it!