Out of the Sea
A.N.- I remember Kefta now thank you. I was already planning to have Celes as a Princess. Anyway, Riddles! Please! Look in previous chapter for more info! Also, I have some songs chosen for my endings but I need more and they need to be romance so if any of ya have got some ideas feel free to send them!
Queen sat in her room. "This is stupid! I can't pass astrology or astronomy or whatever it's called! I can't predict what's ahead." Yuffie said throwing her book aside. 'I can't believe Leon makes us study for when we go home. Has he even thought that we won't remember what we've learned. This is stupid, we fight not study." Yuffie complained boredly She peeked over Queen's shoulder curiously. "What's that?" she asked and Queen blushed. "It's just creativity with our 'homework'." She replied nervously. "Why are our names beside planets?" Yuffie asked. "I was just matching up personalities to them. Let's see you would go for Mercury with your agility and energy. Venus would probably be Rinoa; she likes romance and is pretty and graceful. Earth would probably represent Aeris, she kind and good. Tifa being a fighter but so cold should be Mars. Sora though a guy should be Jupiter the king of the domain. Kairi should be Saturn second largest to Jupiter. Uranus should be Rikku, colorful and she has that playful air about her. Yuna since she loves water would be Neptune and me being the most minor and depressed person should be Pluto sorry to complain." Queen said. "How about the men?" Yuffie asked boredly and looked at the list. "Mercury should be Cid he's got a lot of energy though most of it is used on his mouth, he's got colorful metaphors. Leon should be Venus because well come on out of the other guys he is the most romantic. Earth would be Cloud he cares a lot about the planet and is tough. Sephiroth being bloody and a general I'd say Mars, plus he's cold. Sora is still the Domain with Jupiter and Riku being like his second in command would be Saturn-." "Or maybe you see Sora as the king but you like Riku so he should at least be second most important." "Anyway, Heero being mysterious and all would be Uranus. Tidus also loved water so I'd say Neptune. Finally, Vincent is all cold and deathlike so Pluto." Queen finished. Yuffie at this point was confused and bored. "Whatever."
Tifa looked out the window sadly. "I hate stars." "Me too." Tifa jumped and turned to see Rinoa. "What is it? Have they spotted the next world?" Tifa asked and Rinoa shook her head. "No, I was just bored." She said and walked to the window. There was a silence. "Why do you hate stars?" Rinoa asked softly. Tifa looked down and shrugged. "Maybe it's because of the promise Cloud made me under them the promise that he broke. But why am I blaming him? He fell in love just not with me that's all. I should be to blame. I pushed him too much, I was too shy, and I was too rough." Tifa said. "No, it wasn't you Tifa it just happened. "You're shy, just like me. You seem rough around the edges but you are very feminine when people get to know you. You didn't push him, from what Vincent has told me you encouraged him." Rinoa said. "I was selfish, making him always stick to the promise trying to pretend something was there." Tifa said blankly. Rinoa sighed. "I hate stars. I met Squall-Leon under them. He made me a promise. He promised he'd always wait for me. He broke it. Tifa do I strike you as shy, rough, and pushy? I tried to make him stick to our promise. I've always been scared when it came to love and I'm pretty bossy." Rinoa said. "No, Squall had made you that promise of his own will and he loved you. You have a reason to be scared. There's no such thing as true love. And if anything you let people walk all over you." Tifa said. "What do they have that we don't?" Rinoa whispered. Tifa looked at her. "I thought Leon and Yuffie broke up." Tifa said confused. "It's more like Yuffie broke up with him. He still loves her, I can see it.' Rinoa said. "Aeris....she's like a sister to me. Beautiful, kind, angelic, selfless, and strong. I could never compare to her, in anyone's eyes. She sacrificed herself and when she was dead all I wanted was for Cloud to be with me but he kept on looking for her. She deserves him. I'm just a bartender though, just a pretty face." Tifa said and Rinoa was speechless. "I know what you're thinking, pathetic, lovesick, and depressed. I don't mean to sound so dramatic and feel sorry for myself but I have a right to. I wonder if I'll ever get over him." Tifa mused and Rinoa looked at her sadly. "But since we're having a therapy session give me what YOU are holding back." Tifa said and Rinoa looked up in shock. "W-What do you mean?" she asked nervously. "Just spit it all out, get it off your chest. Get the whole love triangle and thoughts of Leon off ya. Of course if you don't want to...." Tifa said slyly and Rinoa turned back to the window. "I'm just a figurehead, over hyperactive, and useless sorceress. It's true I had a lot of friends but they were just from the adventure. The reason I left my home, Deling, for Timber is because I fit in more. Even when I was a kid people could tell I was different from the others; it wasn't just my personality and lack of poise in the rich world. People looked at me as a freak in Deling. I ran away to Timber, people were so different to me. I was a freak but it was the reason why everybody liked me. Anyway, my 'dad' found me in Timber and made me go back home. After a few more years of rebellion and constant fights I ran away to Timber and this time my father didn't go after me, I guess he realized there was no hope for what he wanted me to be. I met Squall and everybody who got to know me for who I was. But still other people only liked me for my pretty face. Squall never liked the past much. I guess that's why he moved on from me. I think he finds Yuffie more refreshing and fascinating. I want to hate her but....I can't. Anyway, so trying to move on with my life and all I try getting to know Vincent and what do ya know! Yuffie decides to leave Squall and get Vincent back!" Rinoa said sarcastically. "And even with her gone I can still see she holds his heart, of course I expected that, but she took probably my last chance at a new life!" Rinoa said angrily. Rinoa sighed tiredly and turned away. Tifa smiled ironically. "It's sad isn't it. It's too bad Squall can't recognize your faithfulness to him." Tifa said. "And your devotion to Cloud." Rinoa stated but then they noticed someone in the doorway. "We've found the next world." Heero informed.
The world looked like a beach and some structure was on the other side. Cid launched the ship forward. Suddenly a crashing sound was heard. "What was that?" Rikku asked timidly. "Shit! The motor!" Cid yelled and tried controlling the ship while using colorful metaphors. "That was the motor!" Rikku said and looked as the water was right before her eyes.
Kairi opened her eyes. Unlike her other crashes, her and Sora had not been so lucky to escape untouched. Her body was bloody and bruised like his. She looked at Sora worriedly as he laid there coldly. "Sora?" she said hoarsely. He opened his eyes and gazed at her peacefully. She tried to speak but there was nothing to say. She stared at Sora as he stared back. Were they going to die? In a way it was the way she'd want to die, with him. She stared at her love and then slowly closed her eyes. In shock and fear Sora stared at her and then closed his own eyes.
Sephiroth looked around the place he was at. It was a dark and gloomy cave. Sephiroth clutched his throat, he was underwater! Strangely he had no breathing problems. He looked around weakly. He saw something lying in a hole nearby; he caught sight of only tentacles of an octopus. Suddenly a sharp splitting pain ruptured through his head and he grabbed it painfully. He grasped for breath. What was happening to him?! His eyes flashed a bloodthirsty crimson before returning to an unnatural green. Slowly he lowered his hands from his head. He grinned murderously.
"So the princess of this world will be showing up here, huh? A mermaid, how strange." Tifa said. She looked at her at her dark blue fin and white top. Cloud stood there silently. Tifa giggled. "What's so funny?" Cloud asked arching a brow. "Oh nothing, you just look funny in your black fin." Tifa said. Cloud looked down at himself and turned red. All the mermaids were staring at his muscles drooling. "I wonder where the others are." Tifa said thoughtfully and Cloud shrugged. Tifa looked over at their other gloomy companions. "Hey earth to Tidus! Ya there buddy?!" Tifa said waving in front of his eyes. He snapped out of his gaze and looked at her tiredly. "Don't worry, we'll get her back! Don't give up!" Tifa said sternly. Tifa smiled. 'It's hollow. Dammit Tifa! You don't have to carry everyone's burdens! Why do you works so hard for everyone else at the cost of yourself?! Open up!' Cloud thought angrily and looked over as Tifa swam gracefully to Rinoa. Rinoa wore a light blue fin and top. Her hair waved lazily in the water and she looked up boredly. "What's wrong?" Tifa asked. Rinoa shook her head. "Nothing, I just feel like something bad is gonna happen." She whispered. Suddenly the lights came on and out came King Triton. He was majestic, stern, and strong looking considering his age. His gold glowing triton leered at his side. He sat down on his seat and the show started. Apparently in honor of the princesses birthday. All the daughters of the king swam about singing. They had pretty voices and faces and then the tension filled the room as it was time to reveal the birthday girl. But instead of the beautiful princess everyone was talking constantly of they met eyes with an empty shell. The crowd gasped in shock and horror. The king's anger mounted and he growled "Ariel." "We need to find her NOW!" Cloud whispered urgently and they swam away and split up.
"Leon, we have the report of who is missing." Yuffie said gravely and handed him a clipboard.
Jasmine Belle Snow White Pocahontas Aurora Alice Cinderella Kida Jane Megara Esmeralda Eilonwy Wendy Mulan Maid Marian Krile Celes Garnet Yuna Relena
Leon cursed under his breath. "They have 20! How did they get so many this fast?! They need only 4 more. We have to find Kairi. Hey wait a moment, I thought Megara wasn't a princess?" Leon asked annoyed. "Dunno, I guess she is. They thought the same with Wendy last time and she turned out to be a princess." Yuffie suggested shrugging. "Hey captain! Looks like something heavy is holding down the nets!" a sailor yelled to Prince Eric, it was his birthday after all and he wanted a good sea voyage. But the beautiful sunset was dying and evil clouds hovered in the distance. The princess peeked over and something struggled in the nets. They threw the net on the floor and gasped. "A mermaid!" the sailor exclaimed. "Rinoa!" Leon choked out. A young beautiful mermaid struggled with the ropes feeling her breath beginning to fail. "Well looky here!" the sailor said joyously laughing and was about to touch Rinoa when he was roughly shoved aside by someone. Leon held him by the shirt violently. "Don't touch her." His voice warned low and deadly. Rinoa kept crying out as her struggle continued and her body weakened. Leon picked up Rinoa but she kicked violently and struggled in his arm. "Rinoa! Stop it! It's me....Squall." he said and suddenly she stopped. Her body was sweating and went limp. "I....can't.... breath....Squall." Rinoa said fearfully. "It's okay, stop struggling and I'll get you out of this okay? But the more you struggle the weaker you'll get!" Leon said and Rinoa nodded faintly. Leon pulled out a knife and cut at the ropes and released her. He picked her up and ignored the dumbstruck sailors. He began walking to his cabin but a sailor stepped forwardly angrily. "She's a friend." Yuffie said and put out an arm to stop the sailor. Leon entered his cabin and filled up a small tub of water and laid Rinoa in it. She sat there in the water looking around underwater and not bothering to come up. Leon sat on his bed wearily and took off his shoes. " Plan on sleeping there all night?" Leon asked and Rinoa suddenly lifted her head from the water. "What?" she asked still a bit shaky. "Are you sleeping in the tub since it has water or can you 'mermaids' sleep in a bed?" Leon asked. "I know it looks uncomfortable but I find myself at home in the tub thanks, and I'll explain the whole 'mermaid' thing tomorrow." Rinoa said. And sat back in the tub. Leon shrugged and laid back. Rinoa went back under water and curled up.
Aeris walked around. "It's beautiful, not some modern time seaside resort. A real castle by the sea to stay at and beautiful sparkling ocean in a sunset. But there's no one here to see it with me." Aeris whispered as she bent down and played with her finger in the sand. "Of course, I'm sure they've all seen something like this. Like on our journey." She murmured boredly and stopped playing and stood up. "Except maybe Sephiroth. Being in run down Midgar all his life." She added sadly. "Him and Cloud....they're so much alike yet don't even realize it." She mused smiling. Suddenly a grave feeling stirred in her soul. She frowned and her eyebrows furrowed. "It hurts so badly." Aeris whispered clutching her heart in pain. "Why?" she croaked falling to her knees.
Tifa swam around the corner. She looked back when she realized her companions weren't next to her. She saw Cloud looking questioningly at Tidus who had stopped swimming and stared off into oblivion. She swam back to them. "Tidus? You okay?" she asked softly. The boy snapped from his reverie and nodded numbly. "I don't think it's a good idea you come with us, no offense. But you're not ready for a battle yet and that'll just get in the way." Cloud said and Tidus looked up tiredly. "Guess so." He agreed hoarsely. "Head back to the inn. I don't know how long this will take." Tifa said and turned to swim off. Tidus lethargically swam back. Cloud shook his head sadly. "Poor kid." Tifa whispered. Cloud swam past her and she followed.
Leon shot up as the ship took a violent shake. Rinoa shot up from the water. "What's happening?!" she asked. "There's been a storm outside but I think it just got worse!" Leon said shoving on his shoes. A voice from the hallways yelled "Hurricane!" Leon's eyes widened. "Stay here, I'll be back!" Leon yelled and ran out. Leon ran up to the deck and was immediately submerged in a wave of crushing water. When the wave was gone he gasped for air and struggled forward. Winds blew violently, rain pounded harshly on the wooden floor, Lightning struck threateningly close to the ship, and thunder boomed fearfully. Leon looked around in the confusion of panic. 'Leon!" a voice yelled happily. He turned and saw Yuffie. She approached him and the ship gave a violent shake. Leon caught Yuffie before she fell. "What can I do?" Leon shouted over the storm. "I don't know. I don't even know what's going on!" she yelled and suddenly lightning struck the sail. Yuffie gasped as it burst into flames. "Ready the lifeboats!" a sailor yelled. Vincent grabbed Yuffie's hand and the jumped into a lifeboat. Each lifeboat was filling up fast. "Leon hurry!" Yuffie yelled. He nodded and ran forward but stopped. He went white. Turning fast on his heels he ran in the opposite direction. "Where's he going?!" Yuffie yelled concerned. Vincent's eyes widened. "Rinoa!" he said urgently in realization. Fire from the sail had spread everywhere and it only made Yuffie more scared. "Eric!" a voice yelled in panic. "The prince has fallen overboard!" a sailor yelled. Sailors rushed over to a side of the ship. Max tried to jump overboard to save his master but a sailor grabbed him and shoved him in the lifeboat with Yuffie and Vincent and immediately lowered the lifeboat into the dangerous waters. A large crack came and the sail fell over. Yuffie closed her eyes and buried her head in Vincent's chest.
Leon ran down the stairs but suddenly a stair fell through and took a leg with it. He pushed up to get it out but it didn't come. He growled and cursed. He threw his fist at the floor and it broke off more giving his foot room to exit. He jumped off the stairs and onto the floor. He ran into his cabin, which was burning in flames. Rinoa was crawling on the floor. He looked at the tub and had a large piece of burning wood sticking out of it. Rinoa coughed as the smoke choked her and blinded her. The roof suddenly made a cracking sound and the area above Rinoa let loose from its hard keeping. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled as he pushed her out of the way with his body. Rinoa looked around in panic in confusion. "Squall!" she screamed hysterically. "I'm right here!" he yelled behind her. She looked back but couldn't see him. Then through the smoke his form appeared and he ran to her. He picked her up and ran out of the room.
"Look it's Leon!" Yuffie yelled pointing at him. He was holding Rinoa and looked around but all the sailors had taken the lifeboats. He was about to jump overboard when the ground beneath his foot collapsed. Rinoa fell from his arms and into the sea. He struggled to release his foot and the other sail was about to fall over on him. He gave his body a violent push out as the sail landed. "Leon!" Yuffie yelled as everybody scanned the water for him and the prince.
Rinoa gasped underwater as she saw Leon's unconscious boy flowing downward. She swam to him and picked him up. She held him up out of the water for air as she struggled to swim to a lifeboat. She caught a glimpse of a shiny fin diving underwater. She ignored it and swam as wave crashed onto her. "Rinoa!" Yuffie's familiar voice called to her as she struggled over to their ship. She pushed Leon up to them and they helped him into the boat. Yuffie held out a hand to help her get in. Rinoa held out her own hand to grasp Yuffie's but suddenly her fin felt something tight wrap around it. She gasped as her body was roughly pulled under. Suddenly something wrapped tightly around her arms as she struggled. She couldn't swim; she could only sink down into the water further.
Aeris walked through the city and stared of into space. She held a basket full of flowers on her arm to her side. She passed people by in the market and bumped into a few then gave a spiritless apology. Suddenly something in her mind cried out to her. She turn in the direction from which she sensed it and gasped. Sephiroth stood at the corner of the market in the shadows, with his arms crossed. Aeris smiled and stepped forward but stopped dead in her tracks. Something was different about him, something was wrong. He wore a familiar murderous smile on his face and Aeris shrank back. As someone walked by Sephiroth was gone in a flash. Aeris looked around fearfully but he was gone.
Tifa swam close to Cloud. "Scared?" Cloud asked amused and stared back at her. "And you're not?! We're in a haunting shipwreck and every wreck has a cause." Tifa retorted turning red. "What? You're right, something's just gonna pop out and attack us, we're all gonna die!" Cloud said sarcastically. Tifa hit on the back of the head. "Jerk! But if you must know ever since I saw the movie Jaws in Midgar in some store I have had a fear a great white shark will attack me." Tifa said looking around cautiously. "You're kidding me? You can face Jenova but not a little shark?" Cloud teased. "Great white sharks aren't little." Tifa said angrily. Tifa swam past him annoyed and swam forward. Suddenly a shadow swam past her. "Cloud! Did you hear something?!" Tifa shrieked. She looked around I panic. "C-Cloud?!" she whispered fearfully. Suddenly an animal came from behind Tifa and roared. Tifa screamed in panic and swam behind a cabinet. Suddenly she heard amused laughing and turned red. "I'm going to kill you Cloud!" she screamed. She came out and Cloud was on the floor laughing, sincerely laughing.
"You're horrible! How can you do that to your childhood friend?!" she asked incredulous. "Easily.' Cloud replied attempting to calm himself down. Tifa look angry but then her eyes started to water and she covered her face in her hands. She began to cry and Cloud immediately stopped. "A- Are you crying! Teef, stop! I didn't mean to scare you!" Cloud said. Tifa turned away and cried harder. Cloud started freakin' out. 'How do I make her stop?!' he thought in panic. "Tifa!" he swam to her and immediately received a punch in the stomach. In shock he grabbed his stomach and after a few moment of floating whispered "Ow," weakly. "Hmph!" Tifa swam away to a large window. She turned to him expectantly. "Aren't you going to apologize?" she asked. Cloud's eyes widened. "Tifa! There's a shark behind you!" Cloud yelled. "Nice try-I'm not that stupid!' Tifa said angrily. Suddenly the window behind her broke and a shark flew through. Tifa screamed at the top of her lungs in her phobia and swam out as fast as she could. Cloud ducked the shark swam past him and to his prey. "Tifa!" Cloud yelled and swam after them. Tifa navigated in panic through the ship. She finally saw an open window and forced herself through. The shark followed and broke the wall. Tifa swam fast and through a loop sticking out of the ground. The shark again attempted to go through as well but due to the size of the loop got stuck.
Cloud arrived tired and weary. "Tifa! Are you okay?!" he said panting. "No thanks to you.' Tifa muttered and swam off. "Teef!" Cloud said but she ignored him. He glared back at the shark. "Dumb shark." He said and the shark suddenly bit at him. Cloud barely dodged and swam after Tifa.
Leon groaned and opened his eyes slowly. Rinoa's face came into view. "Rinoa?" he muttered. "You guys sure have a knack of mistaking me for some other girl!" said an 'annoyed' voiced. Rinoa suddenly morphed into Yuffie. "Yuffie? Where am I?" Leon said tiredly. "At prince Eric's castle." She replied and walked over to the window. "it's really pretty! A seaside castle!" she said energetically. Leon was silent. "Did they ever find the prince?" he asked. Yuffie turned and nodded. "They found him at the beach, unconscious, and he was a wreck. But he's alive. Going on about some girl randomly in the middle of the ocean saved him. He said he woke up and she was singing. He's been humming all day. But I think being knocked off the ship has made him not so right in the head, if you know what I mean." Yuffie answered. Leon looked around. "Where's Rinoa?" he asked. She went pale. Leon turn to her with concern. "You don't look so good." He said. "Leon lay back down." Yuffie said. "Why?" Leon asked coldly. Yuffie went grave. "Rinoa got you onto the lifeboat. I tried to help her on but....suddenly she was pulled under. We waited a while for her to resurface and Vincent jumped in to look for her but he couldn't find her. What scares me is that he said he smelt a faint hint of blood in the water." Yuffie said sadly. Leon was numb. "What do you mean you didn't' find her?! How could you let that happen to her?!" Leon yelled angrily trying to sit up but a wave of dizziness hit him and he fell back. "We tried, Leon! I'm sorry!" Yuffie said and but Leon turned his face away coldly. 'Whatever, just get out." He said icily. Yuffie looked hurt but then left.
Yuffie came out of the room and let a tear fall. "Yuffie? How is he?" a voice asked. Yuffie turned and saw Vincent. She turned and rubbed her. "Ah, one moment. My eye is all watery and itchy." Yuffie said trying to cover it up. Whether Vincent actually believed her or not was a mystery since his facial expression didn't change. "There, um you mean Leon? He's awake now and fine. He's angry about Rinoa though so we better leave him alone for a while." Yuffie said and took a deep shaky breath. She remembered Vincent's reaction when Rinoa went under. Who was she kidding? Vincent was working the hardest to find Rinoa. Both Leon and Vincent loved Rinoa. Maybe the fact that Leon did, bothered her a little but what hurt more was that Vincent did too. She couldn't blame him though. She's just the annoying hyperactive ninja. Not to mention she had her chance and broke his heart, why would eh still want her? "Are you okay?' Vincent asked. "Huh? Ya of course! Why wouldn't I be? It's just my allergies or something." Yuffie suggested shrugging. "Dinner will be ready soon." Vincent said. Yuffie looked down. "Um, I'm not hungry. I think too much salt water got into my system." Yuffie said tiredly. "You still need to eat." Vincent said. "Look Vincent, you're not my dad, thankfully, not that he would care if I ate but still. I can take care of myself and right now I don't feel like eating, you should get back to looking for Rinoa." Yuffie said and walked to the room across from them and closed it.
Vincent sighed and walked in after her. Yuffie was laying on her bed with her face in her pillow. Vincent sat on the bed. Yuffie peaked out a little and Vincent caught sight of her eye, which was a little bit swollen, and her cheek that was lightly wet. She quickly turned her head back into her pillow. "What do you want?" she asked not harshly. "I know women think men are stupid and idiotic which in some cases are true. However, I am not stupid enough to believe you have allergies or an itchy eye or too much salt water. Mainly because it's been four days and you quit throwing up yesterday. Anyway, would you just try telling me what's going on?" Vincent coaxed. Yuffie sighed into her pillow but said nothing. "I'm too tried for this." She whispered after a few moments. "You and Tifa are the ones who always ask the group what's wrong, why are they acting strangely, and be the rock. But when it comes to people trying to help you two, you shut them out." Vincent said and finally Yuffie turned to her back. "It's not like I'm still in love with Leon but it hurts that he hates me." Yuffie said letting the tears flow. "Hate you? Why would eh hate you?" Vincent asked confused. "Because I let Rinoa go! She could be hurt or dead!" Yuffie said. "Yuffie that wasn't your fault. "You tried to help her into the boat and she was pulled under too fast." Vincent argued mildly. Yuffie shook her head.
"But after she didn't come back for a few moments you jumped in to look for her but I didn't!" Yuffie said turning to her side and pulling the cover herself. "You were scared and confused." Vincent reasoned. "So, I should have known something was wrong I mean she was pulled under! I should have tried something! And now Leon doesn't want me around him!" Yuffie cried. "I have better smell, hearing, sight, and reflexes than you and I didn't see anything Yuffie. I'm worried about her too but Leon shouldn't have taken his frustrations out on you." Vincent said but Yuffie remained still. Vincent sighed. "Earlier at the market I saw a puppet show, wanna go?" Vincent asked. Yuffie remained still. "I know you want to, you love puppets." Vincent said and could almost feel Yuffie glaring at him through the covers. "And I might treat you to some crab." H said temptingly and the thief stirred.
Aeris walked through the market on her way to the lighthouse. They still needed to find Rinoa and she was keeping lookout. Aeris stopped by a stand with puppets. She smiled as the children watched intently and laughed. "Innocent aren't they?" a voice whispered maliciously into her ear. Aeris closed her eyes. "Sephiroth." She whispered and could feel his warm breath on her ear and slightly blowing a strand of hair. She could almost feel his sick smile. She felt his sword coldly against her. "There are too many people around, you wouldn't be stupid enough to try and kill me here." Aeris said calmly. "No? I could just kill them all not like them witnessing anything does me damage. No one could possibly harm me." Sephiroth replied. Aeris gritted her teeth thoughtfully. She looked around desperately for escape. "Let her go." A voice demanded coldly behind Sephiroth. "Ah, the vampire. Nice to see you." Sephiroth replied glancing back at the sword against his skin. "In seconds I could kill her without a scratch." Sephiroth said calmly and suddenly Aeris used S-I-N-G on him. She rushed away to beside Yuffie. Sephiroth turned and attacked Vincent who could barely defend himself against Sephiroth's sword. Aeris cast Aero on Vincent and then cast thundara on Sephiroth. Sephiroth was shocked but unscathed. People were looking at the scene in confusion and fear. Sephiroth looked around. He formed a small light in his hands and threw it downward. "Blind!" he yelled. Aeris covered her eyes quickly and heard the scream of confusion and panic in the crowd around her. The flash ended and after a few moments of her eyes burning Yuffie opened them to see Sephiroth gone. "Aeris!" Vincent said in panic. Yuffie looked around and noticed Aeris was gone too. "Oh no."
Sephiroth entered the cathedral, which no one was in. "It is a Thursday." Sephiroth muttered and swung his sword around boredly. Sephiroth walked to the altar but stopped as a light from the doorway entered the room. He smiled and turned to see Aeris standing there in all her glory. "Are foolish enough to believe I am still that weak boy?" Sephiroth asked. "You're not Sephiroth, you're a puppet. He's still alive though. The feelings I am hearing are the same form when Jenova possessed you. All I hear are the cries of pain, guilt, confusion, sadness, loneliness, want, hate, and fear. Sephiroth I know you think I am too weak to help. But I'm still your friend." Aeris said and approached him. "Let me help you, let me heal you, open up.' She whispered as she stood a foot away from him. Sephiroth moaned. She was all her ever wanted to be. "I-I killed you. Didn't you hear what they said?! I killed you!" he spat. He raised his sword with the point at Aeris' forehead. Calmly she pushed it away with her and stared at him. She was calm and serene, her gentle air made him drop his sword. Aeris touched his hand with her own. "It's over, Sephiroth. Rest." She whispered and he fell to his knees. She cradled him. "But I killed them, I killed them! I am ashamed to be near you. Aeris, you should hate me too." Sephiroth said angrily. Aeris opened her eyes. "Why?" Aeris asked softly.
"Remember Zach? Your love. I killed him. He didn't go missing he died in the explosion which I caused. And I enjoy that memory." Sephiroth said maliciously but Aeris ignored him. She knew he was scared and only confused more by her being here with him; he wanted her away from him, to push her away with anything. "I forgive you." Aeris said softly. Sephiroth went into a rage. "Don't you get it?! Stop putting me on a pedestal to be perfect and write all my wrongs! I killed them and I killed you! I'm a murderer!" Sephiroth yelled at her. In a swift motion he grabbed his sword and swung it upward. Aeris gasped as it missed by a centimeter. She fall back on her knees and Sephiroth loomed over her with his sword positioned to kill. He plunged the sword downward and Aeris shielded her face with her hands and closed to her eyes waiting for the pain. A force pushed Aeris out of the way and a flash of light blinded her for a moment. She looked up in horror and almost creamed. With the long silver blade in her stomach cleanly blood finally leaked out beneath the sword. Sephiroth smirked and slowly withdrew the sword and the brunette with emerald eyes closed her eyes in pain and let out a small weak cry. Her eyes rolled back and she hit the ground with a sick thump that drew itself in Aeris' memory. The girl laid helplessly before her in a pool of blood. "Y-Yuffie?!" Aeris screamed finally regaining her voice in horror. Vincent then entered the church and Aeris was in tears. "Get over here! Yuffie's been hurt!" Aeris yelled and looked back at Yuffie. Sephiroth was gone and Aeris jumped to her feet and ran to Yuffie. Suddenly someone grabbed her arm and a silver sword was beneath her neck. "Sephiroth, don't please. You have to let me help her!" Aeris pleaded crying. Suddenly her and Sephiroth disappeared. "Aeris!" Vincent cried as he ran past the aisles in the church and finally reached the end. As he past the last one his body went numb and his head screamed. "Yuffie!" he yelled and ran to her. He looked around desperately for Aeris. "Yuffie!" he choked as he picked her up slowly. He needed to get her to a doctor but this world wouldn't have any good doctors. If only Aeris were there! Vincent ran out of the church as fast as he could.
Leon looked over as Vincent entered the room. "Find anything on Rinoa?" he asked. Vincent stared at him. "Yuffie's fighting for her life." He said coldly. Leon looked up in shock. "They've taken Aeris. Yuffie tried to save her but has been mortally wounded. The doctors here are have little skills and are pathetic. People still use bleeding and ways we are advanced of! If Aeris were here Yuffie could be almost healed!" Vincent said clenching his fist. Guiltily Leon looked down. "Are you satisfied?" Vincent asked and Leon looked up confused. "Yuffie was upset because of you! Because she thought you hated her! Where do you think she got that idea?!" Vincent spat. Leon clenched his fist and looked away. Vincent growled and turned away. He slammed the door shut.
Tifa looked at strange sight. A beautiful redhead was swimming with some eels. "Hey! She looks like the princess in that portrait we saw!" Cloud pointed out beside her. Tifa nodded. "That doesn't look good." Tifa commented at the eels. "Let's follow them." Cloud said as he swam past her. Tifa followed curiously. They saw the princess enter a dark looking cave. "Ariel!" a voice shouted urgently. A crag and a flounder fish stopped by Cloud and Tifa panting. "What's going on?!" Tifa demanded. "It's the princess! She's going to the seawitch! If only I hadn't told the king about her being in love with a human! He destroyed her collection and now she seeking help from the seawitch! What have I done?!" the crab said. "What?!" Cloud exclaimed. "I'm taking it the seawitch is evil." Cloud said looking at the cave darkly. "Very evil! But those eels persuaded Ariel!" the crab said. "Sebastian, let's hurry!" the fish said swimming to the cave. "Flounder!" Sebastian said scolding him for swimming after them so openly. "Be careful." He told Cloud and Tifa. They swam into the cave to see what was happening. "Alright so here's the deal. I will turn you human for three days, got that? Three! Now to become permanently human you have to get dear old princy to fall in love with you! Meaning of course he ahs to kiss you. Not just any kiss....but the kiss of true love! If however on the third sunset, he hasn't kissed you, you turn back into a mermaid and become mine forever!" the seawitch said grinning evilly. "Ariel, no!" Sebastian gasped and Tifa covered his mouth an pulled him out of view. Ariel looked down sadly. "I-if I become human, I'll never see my family again." She whispered torn. "That's right! Tough huh? But you'll have your prince!" the seawitch said temptingly. "You love him don't you?" she coaxed. "Ursula I accept." Ariel replied firmly. Ursula smirked. "Now we need to discuss the method of payment." Ursula said. Ariel looked up fearfully. "But I don't have-!" "I'm not asking much! Just a trifle really, you'll never miss it....your voice!" Ursula finished. Ariel looked at her in shock. "B-But without my voice how will I-?!" "You have your looks, your pretty face, and don't underestimate the power of body language!" Ursula said gesturing. Ariel looked down. "O- Okay." She said finally. Ursula grinned victoriously. She grabbed a few potion bottles and threw them into a cauldron. "Paluga, sarruga, come winds of the Caspian Sea. Now rings us glossitis and max laryngitis, La voce to me! Now.... sing!" Ursula said anxiously. Ariel closed her eyes and opened her mouth. She let her voice flow mellifluously from her mouth. Ursula grinned insanely as ghostly hands rose from the shell necklace around her plump purple neck and reached down the mermaid's throat. Suddenly it pulled back and held a small yellow orb, which echoed her voice. Ariel clutched her throat fearfully. Ursula laughed as spark flew from the room attracted to the mermaid. It sensed her and grabbed her encasing her in a bubble. Her fin split into two human legs and shocked her violently. She was beginning to loose breath. Suddenly a spark caught Tifa and Cloud and their fins split into human legs. Tifa struggled for breath and Cloud grabbed her hand and immediately swam up to the surface after Ariel.
Tifa slowly opened her eyes and realized she was on Cloud's chest. She blushed and shot up. Nearby was Ariel who was unconscious. The mermaid opened her eyes slowly. She slowly raised a foot and looked at it, and as if realizing it wasn't a dream smiled broadly and played with her toes. 'Glad to know she's happy.' Tifa thought wanting to faint again. Cloud groaned and slowly opened his eyes. Tifa quickly hid behind a rock since her fin was missing. Cloud looked around him. Ariel looked over at him and then it struck cloud that he was naked since his fin was gone. He covered himself and looked around desperately. He spotted Tifa and tried to make his way over. "STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!" Tifa yelled quickly and he stopped dead in his tracks. Tifa looked around and then excitedly pointed to something, "There! Cloud, go get the sail from the shipwreck!" Tifa instructed. He didn't waste another moment and stumbled over. He ripped some off and tied it around his waist. He threw some to Tifa and Ariel. Ariel covered her body with it clumsily and Tifa tied it around her waits. She finally stood up and groaned, "Feels good to stand up again." She whispered. Cloud nodded tiredly. "How do we get help?! If we walk into town dressed like this our reputation is doomed before it started." Cloud said. "Who cares about reputation we're only here temporarily!" Tifa scolded. "Still I don't want to walk into town looking weird." Cloud said. Tifa sighed and said, "Well neither do I but if you have any other options feel free to throw them out there." Tifa argued. There was a silence and suddenly some barking was heard. A loud fluffy dog came running toward them. "Max!" a voice called after it laughing. The dog immediately took an interest in Ariel who hid on a rock. "Max!" the voice yelled and a man came to where they were. "Max-!" he stopped short when he saw everyone but then his eyes settled on Ariel.
"Grim, I'm telling ya, I swore it was her. She looked just like her but-!" "Then she didn't have a voice. Honestly Eric, stop chasing after dream girls and go for what's in front of your eyes." Eric's loyal advisor replied. "I know she's out there! I just gotta find her!" Eric argued. Suddenly Grim smiled and Eric turned. Awestruck he smiled dreamily. "Please, have a seat." Grim offered to Ariel, Leon, Cloud, Tifa and Vincent. Leon in bandages sat down moodily. Vincent calmly sat down with a mysterious air about him. Ariel was seated by an anxious Eric. Leon was worried about Yuffie and Rinoa as Vincent. His face was deep in thought which made everyone nervous and awkward. Vincent was also quiet, his face unreadable. Grim cleared his throat. "So my dear, are you enjoying it here?" he asked politely to Ariel. She brightened and nodded her head vigorously. "Good now let's eat before this crab wanders of my plate." Grim joked only to look down and see that it had come true. He looked confused but everyone ignored him. "So, uh, I was thinking tomorrow I could give you a tour of the kingdom." Eric suggested and Ariel nodded happily. Grim boredly lit his pipe. Ariel immediately showed and interest and thrust her hand out like a child. "Oh- you like it? Here have a try-!" Ariel cut him off when she grabbed the pipe and blew hard making the smoke engulf Grim. Eric immediately started laughing but then stopped when he noticed Grim's face. Ariel looked at him naively. Grim wiped his face with a cloth and resumed eating what he had left on his plate.
Tifa looked down at her ocean blue dress and hair tied back in a white ribbon. She was disappointed that Cloud didn't seem to show interest in her once. Why should she have been hoping? He was Aeris' and she didn't want to hurt Aeris by having Cloud cheat on her. "So what's the big news?" Cloud asked noticing Vincent and Leon's faces. Vincent cleared his throat. "T- They took Aeris." He answered calmly. Cloud looked shocked. "H-How?" Tifa asked swallowing hard. "They have mortally wounded Yuffie, she was trying to protect Aeris f-from Sephiroth." Vincent answered. Cloud's eyes widened. "I knew it! None of you listened and now Aeris is gone! All because of you all!" he yelled and punched the wall leaving a dent. Tifa looked down. Cloud grabbed Vincent by the collar. "How could you let her?!" he yelled. Tifa put a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "Stop, Cloud, we'll get her back!" Tifa said. Cloud looked back at her angrily. "Drop the damn optimism! I'm tired of it! Stop acting like you stand a chance with me!" Cloud spat at her. Tifa was hurt beyond words and backed away. Vincent growled and threw Cloud against the wall. "Shut up! You're so spoiled! You treat Tifa like shit, you always do and blame her for things that are more your fault than anyone else! You've never even apologized once, even when you realized you were wrong!" Vincent yelled tossing Cloud again. Cloud looked over at Tifa realizing the damage. 'It's okay Vincent, at least eh has someone to blame." She replied and walked out. Cloud shot up and ran after her. Vincent grabbed him but Cloud threw him off and ran into the hallway but Tifa was gone. Cloud looked down in shame. "Tifa, I'm sorry, come back!" he yelled desperately but not a sound was heard and he sank to his knees.
Ariel and Eric had gone row boating. Vincent looked at Yuffie helplessly as she laid pale on the bed. His energy wouldn't last her forever. He turned to the door as Leon entered. He gave him a cold stare for a moment before leaving.
Ariel woke up and walked out of her room dreamily. She began to walk down the stairs but stopped. Something was wrong with this picture. Eric stood dressed for an occasion, on his arm was a beautiful woman with long black hair and gorgeous eyes, and none of this could she compete with. With a foreboding yet hopeful feeling she listened. "A-Are you sure about this Eric? I mean these things take time you know." Grim said as if trying to reason with him. Eric showed no emotion. "No, we wish to be married tonight at sunset on a ship." Eric answered firmly. Ariel backed away heartbroken and grasping what was happening as she fought the tears. She didn't hear Grim's reluctant acceptance, she just turned and ran away crying.
Cloud was in a room with Vincent and Leon. A knock on the door came and he got up to answer it. He slowly opened it. "Tifa!" he exclaimed smiling but she walked right past him and for a moment his eyes held hurt but he turned away. "The prince is getting married." Tifa told them grimly. "Really? I guess the little princess gets her wish as planned." Leon said shrugging. "It's not Ariel." Tifa said calmly. Everyone looked up in shock. "But I thought- I mean they act so mushy around each other and-" Leon said but Cloud cut him off. "I don't understand why, poor Ariel, she gave up everything to be with him." Tifa looked down.
Rinoa was floating in complete darkness that felt like a constant nightmare. She furrowed her brow a little as some memory or vision flashed in her head. She felt so weak and dizzy. Something was floating on the surface. She could see it somehow like a shadow passing though she was not in the ocean or on land. She looked up weakly to catch more of the vision. "Cura." She whispered.
Tifa watched Ariel as she cried on the dock watching Eric's wedding boat sail away. It made her sick to look at the sight. She moved a bit closer to Ariel about to approach her. Suddenly a voice called out in panic "Ariel! Ariel!" They looked up to see a bird came out of nowhere. Tifa barely dodged as the bird swung around and landed hurting only itself. Ariel semi-brightened at the sight of her friend. The bird looked frantic and had trouble regaining his voice. "What do you want now scuttle?" Sebastian asked annoyed as he and Flounder watched Ariel. "I was flying.... of course I was flying! I-I saw the- the watch- the witch was watching the mirror, and she was singing with a stolen set of pipes. Do you hear what I'm telling you!" Scuttle said as he grabbed Sebastian in frustration. "The prince is marrying the sea witch in disguise!" he yelled. Ariel made a silent gasp and stood up. She gazed out at the sunset as Ursula's words echoed in her mind 'When the sun sets on the third day.' Ariel clenched her fist and furrowed her brow angrily. As if possessed by some unknown force she dived into the sea and desperately tried to swim to the boat forgetting that she was no longer a mermaid and began to sink beneath the water. Sebastian quickly cut a load of barrels from their confines into the sea. Ariel grabbed onto one and Flounder swam through a looped rope to put around himself and steer Ariel to the ship. "Flounder, you get her to the ship. I'll go get the Sea King!" Sebastian instructed ready to dive in the water. "W-What about me?!" Scuttle interrupted. "You-? Uh....stall that wedding!" he said and dove into the water. Scuttle looked around and then as if realizing his duty set off into the air. "I need to tell the others!" Tifa said and turned around running.
Ursula in disguise walked down the aisle on Eric's arm. Max growled at her and she kicked him (that wench how dare she hurt a dog!). Ursula waited for the priest to finally finish, but he was so long and slow! She heard a distant noise and turned barely in time to dodge to seagulls flying at her. She glared at them after they passed; Eric remained entranced and unaware of his bride's distress. Suddenly some dolphins jumped out of the water and squirted her. She growled as her hair and looks were now out of balance. Suddenly she was picked up by a seal and bounced in air constantly. "Why you-!" she was bounced off finally. Max broke loose from his leash and charged full speed. Ursula cried out in pain and anger as teeth sank into her rear end. Suddenly as seagull charged out of nowhere and grabbed her seashell necklace. "Get away you little-!" but it was too late the neck broke off and landed with a crash to the ground. The voice contained inside returned to its original owner, Ariel, who stood before them. Eric broke out of his trance. "Ariel!" he exclaimed and ran to her. "Eric!" she said smiling as they hugged. "How come you didn't tell me?" Eric asked softly. "Oh Eric, I-I tried to but I couldn't-!" she stopped dead in her words as suddenly she sank to her knees in pain, her legs turned back into their fins. Ursula laughing broke form her disguise and grabbed Ariel. "So long lover boy." She teased before diving into the ocean with Ariel.
Ursula swam deeper but was stopped by a shiny golden triton. "Why, King Triton, what a surprise to see you." Ursula said touching the triton softly. "Let her go!" he demanded growling. "Not a chance, we have a deal." Ursula replied pulling out the contract. Triton with determining fired at the contract with his triton. Ursula was thrown against a rock and recovered laughing. "It is completely indestructible you see!" Ursula said maliciously. Triton lowered his Triton and stared on in disbelief and possible defeat. "However," Ursula said swimming behind him, "I might make an exchange for a bigger fish." Triton stared at the contract before slowly raising his triton and signing it. Ursula gave a laugh as she clasped the triton. King Triton was engulfed in a golden whirlwind around him and shrank into a measly monster looking helpless. "No!" Ariel cried. Ursula took his crown and triton with evil glee. "It's finally mine." She said. Suddenly she was slashed across the arm and dropped the Triton. She looked up and Cloud held out his hand, his sword returned to him and he was ready for battle, Tifa and Leon at his side.
Ariel swam up to them and they boarded the rowboat Vincent was in above them. Ursula grew angrier by the minute and ink of evilness surrounded her (no comment). The water grew wild and storms gathered in the skies. Suddenly Ursula burst from the water, growing to an enormous size hovering over them tauntingly. Leon took notice of something in the center of her crown. "Rinoa!" he yelled. She was stuck, like she had been molded into the crown. Cloud jumped forward and truck Ursula in the stomach. A little it of black blood poured out but Ursula gathered energy, a light came from Rinoa and into Ursula. Ursula's HP went back to normal. "He's using Rinoa." Vincent said gritting his teeth. Ursula aimed her triton at them and fired. They were blown from the ship and thrown far away into the water. As Ariel tried to swim away Ursula grinned. Ursula began stirring the water with her triton creating a chaotic whirlpool. Ariel struggled to get away from it but was powerlessly pulled in. She came to the bare bottom of the ocean and looked up at Ursula fearfully. Ursula grinned victoriously and aimed her triton with thirst. She fired once and Ariel barely dodged. She fired again and again Ariel dodged feeling the heat close to her skin aching to burn her. Ariel was now out of places. Ursula grinned wider, "Say goodbye." A moment too late, Ursula took notice of an abandoned ship with a sharp point about to hit her. She turned only to feel it's sharp edge grind into her body finally breaking through the skin and digging further into her body. She cried out and electricity ran through her body. Kairi ran over and jumped overboard. Her body splashed into the water. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled. As if on cue Relena appeared. She pulled Rinoa from the crown releasing her from it's hard stone. Relena then gazed down at Ariel. She cast a sort of reverse gravity and Ariel was easily blown up to her. Relena grabbed her by the hand and teleported. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled trying to get to her but Vincent and Cloud held him back. "They're gone, we failed again." Tifa whispered burying her head in her hands. Cloud looked at her guiltily and then looked up as the last of Ursula sank. Cloud spotted something else. "Kairi!" he yelled jumping into the water and swam to her before she would sink. Ursula's body sinking was pulling Kairi with it. Cloud dove under and searched around for Kairi while trying to avoid sparks. He spotted her struggling against the gravity. Cloud cast aero on himself and swam to her. He reached out his hand and she tried to grab it. It wasn't working, she was getting further away. Kairi began to lose air, becoming whiter and grasping for breath. Cloud cast gravity on himself and grabbed onto her and then tried to reverse the spell. It didn't work so well only made him lose a lot of energy. He swam further up trying to breath. A hand came into the water and he took it. Tifa pulled him into the boat with all her might and eh threw in Kairi.
"All we have now is Kairi. If they get her...." Leon said as he sat down on the couch beside Cid. "We're going back to Tranverse town to get help for Kairi, Yuffie, Riku, Queen, Rikku, and Heero. I need a new ship, this was a pretty bad crash." Cid said. Tifa sat quietly on the couch. "Then let's get going. I need to go rest." Tifa said and got up. She walked down the long hallway and everyone stared after her. Cid didn't seem to notice Cloud sink into the couch or Vincent and Leon glaring at him. "I'll go start 'er up." Cid said getting up and leaving.
A.N.- I remember Kefta now thank you. I was already planning to have Celes as a Princess. Anyway, Riddles! Please! Look in previous chapter for more info! Also, I have some songs chosen for my endings but I need more and they need to be romance so if any of ya have got some ideas feel free to send them!
Queen sat in her room. "This is stupid! I can't pass astrology or astronomy or whatever it's called! I can't predict what's ahead." Yuffie said throwing her book aside. 'I can't believe Leon makes us study for when we go home. Has he even thought that we won't remember what we've learned. This is stupid, we fight not study." Yuffie complained boredly She peeked over Queen's shoulder curiously. "What's that?" she asked and Queen blushed. "It's just creativity with our 'homework'." She replied nervously. "Why are our names beside planets?" Yuffie asked. "I was just matching up personalities to them. Let's see you would go for Mercury with your agility and energy. Venus would probably be Rinoa; she likes romance and is pretty and graceful. Earth would probably represent Aeris, she kind and good. Tifa being a fighter but so cold should be Mars. Sora though a guy should be Jupiter the king of the domain. Kairi should be Saturn second largest to Jupiter. Uranus should be Rikku, colorful and she has that playful air about her. Yuna since she loves water would be Neptune and me being the most minor and depressed person should be Pluto sorry to complain." Queen said. "How about the men?" Yuffie asked boredly and looked at the list. "Mercury should be Cid he's got a lot of energy though most of it is used on his mouth, he's got colorful metaphors. Leon should be Venus because well come on out of the other guys he is the most romantic. Earth would be Cloud he cares a lot about the planet and is tough. Sephiroth being bloody and a general I'd say Mars, plus he's cold. Sora is still the Domain with Jupiter and Riku being like his second in command would be Saturn-." "Or maybe you see Sora as the king but you like Riku so he should at least be second most important." "Anyway, Heero being mysterious and all would be Uranus. Tidus also loved water so I'd say Neptune. Finally, Vincent is all cold and deathlike so Pluto." Queen finished. Yuffie at this point was confused and bored. "Whatever."
Tifa looked out the window sadly. "I hate stars." "Me too." Tifa jumped and turned to see Rinoa. "What is it? Have they spotted the next world?" Tifa asked and Rinoa shook her head. "No, I was just bored." She said and walked to the window. There was a silence. "Why do you hate stars?" Rinoa asked softly. Tifa looked down and shrugged. "Maybe it's because of the promise Cloud made me under them the promise that he broke. But why am I blaming him? He fell in love just not with me that's all. I should be to blame. I pushed him too much, I was too shy, and I was too rough." Tifa said. "No, it wasn't you Tifa it just happened. "You're shy, just like me. You seem rough around the edges but you are very feminine when people get to know you. You didn't push him, from what Vincent has told me you encouraged him." Rinoa said. "I was selfish, making him always stick to the promise trying to pretend something was there." Tifa said blankly. Rinoa sighed. "I hate stars. I met Squall-Leon under them. He made me a promise. He promised he'd always wait for me. He broke it. Tifa do I strike you as shy, rough, and pushy? I tried to make him stick to our promise. I've always been scared when it came to love and I'm pretty bossy." Rinoa said. "No, Squall had made you that promise of his own will and he loved you. You have a reason to be scared. There's no such thing as true love. And if anything you let people walk all over you." Tifa said. "What do they have that we don't?" Rinoa whispered. Tifa looked at her. "I thought Leon and Yuffie broke up." Tifa said confused. "It's more like Yuffie broke up with him. He still loves her, I can see it.' Rinoa said. "Aeris....she's like a sister to me. Beautiful, kind, angelic, selfless, and strong. I could never compare to her, in anyone's eyes. She sacrificed herself and when she was dead all I wanted was for Cloud to be with me but he kept on looking for her. She deserves him. I'm just a bartender though, just a pretty face." Tifa said and Rinoa was speechless. "I know what you're thinking, pathetic, lovesick, and depressed. I don't mean to sound so dramatic and feel sorry for myself but I have a right to. I wonder if I'll ever get over him." Tifa mused and Rinoa looked at her sadly. "But since we're having a therapy session give me what YOU are holding back." Tifa said and Rinoa looked up in shock. "W-What do you mean?" she asked nervously. "Just spit it all out, get it off your chest. Get the whole love triangle and thoughts of Leon off ya. Of course if you don't want to...." Tifa said slyly and Rinoa turned back to the window. "I'm just a figurehead, over hyperactive, and useless sorceress. It's true I had a lot of friends but they were just from the adventure. The reason I left my home, Deling, for Timber is because I fit in more. Even when I was a kid people could tell I was different from the others; it wasn't just my personality and lack of poise in the rich world. People looked at me as a freak in Deling. I ran away to Timber, people were so different to me. I was a freak but it was the reason why everybody liked me. Anyway, my 'dad' found me in Timber and made me go back home. After a few more years of rebellion and constant fights I ran away to Timber and this time my father didn't go after me, I guess he realized there was no hope for what he wanted me to be. I met Squall and everybody who got to know me for who I was. But still other people only liked me for my pretty face. Squall never liked the past much. I guess that's why he moved on from me. I think he finds Yuffie more refreshing and fascinating. I want to hate her but....I can't. Anyway, so trying to move on with my life and all I try getting to know Vincent and what do ya know! Yuffie decides to leave Squall and get Vincent back!" Rinoa said sarcastically. "And even with her gone I can still see she holds his heart, of course I expected that, but she took probably my last chance at a new life!" Rinoa said angrily. Rinoa sighed tiredly and turned away. Tifa smiled ironically. "It's sad isn't it. It's too bad Squall can't recognize your faithfulness to him." Tifa said. "And your devotion to Cloud." Rinoa stated but then they noticed someone in the doorway. "We've found the next world." Heero informed.
The world looked like a beach and some structure was on the other side. Cid launched the ship forward. Suddenly a crashing sound was heard. "What was that?" Rikku asked timidly. "Shit! The motor!" Cid yelled and tried controlling the ship while using colorful metaphors. "That was the motor!" Rikku said and looked as the water was right before her eyes.
Kairi opened her eyes. Unlike her other crashes, her and Sora had not been so lucky to escape untouched. Her body was bloody and bruised like his. She looked at Sora worriedly as he laid there coldly. "Sora?" she said hoarsely. He opened his eyes and gazed at her peacefully. She tried to speak but there was nothing to say. She stared at Sora as he stared back. Were they going to die? In a way it was the way she'd want to die, with him. She stared at her love and then slowly closed her eyes. In shock and fear Sora stared at her and then closed his own eyes.
Sephiroth looked around the place he was at. It was a dark and gloomy cave. Sephiroth clutched his throat, he was underwater! Strangely he had no breathing problems. He looked around weakly. He saw something lying in a hole nearby; he caught sight of only tentacles of an octopus. Suddenly a sharp splitting pain ruptured through his head and he grabbed it painfully. He grasped for breath. What was happening to him?! His eyes flashed a bloodthirsty crimson before returning to an unnatural green. Slowly he lowered his hands from his head. He grinned murderously.
"So the princess of this world will be showing up here, huh? A mermaid, how strange." Tifa said. She looked at her at her dark blue fin and white top. Cloud stood there silently. Tifa giggled. "What's so funny?" Cloud asked arching a brow. "Oh nothing, you just look funny in your black fin." Tifa said. Cloud looked down at himself and turned red. All the mermaids were staring at his muscles drooling. "I wonder where the others are." Tifa said thoughtfully and Cloud shrugged. Tifa looked over at their other gloomy companions. "Hey earth to Tidus! Ya there buddy?!" Tifa said waving in front of his eyes. He snapped out of his gaze and looked at her tiredly. "Don't worry, we'll get her back! Don't give up!" Tifa said sternly. Tifa smiled. 'It's hollow. Dammit Tifa! You don't have to carry everyone's burdens! Why do you works so hard for everyone else at the cost of yourself?! Open up!' Cloud thought angrily and looked over as Tifa swam gracefully to Rinoa. Rinoa wore a light blue fin and top. Her hair waved lazily in the water and she looked up boredly. "What's wrong?" Tifa asked. Rinoa shook her head. "Nothing, I just feel like something bad is gonna happen." She whispered. Suddenly the lights came on and out came King Triton. He was majestic, stern, and strong looking considering his age. His gold glowing triton leered at his side. He sat down on his seat and the show started. Apparently in honor of the princesses birthday. All the daughters of the king swam about singing. They had pretty voices and faces and then the tension filled the room as it was time to reveal the birthday girl. But instead of the beautiful princess everyone was talking constantly of they met eyes with an empty shell. The crowd gasped in shock and horror. The king's anger mounted and he growled "Ariel." "We need to find her NOW!" Cloud whispered urgently and they swam away and split up.
"Leon, we have the report of who is missing." Yuffie said gravely and handed him a clipboard.
Jasmine Belle Snow White Pocahontas Aurora Alice Cinderella Kida Jane Megara Esmeralda Eilonwy Wendy Mulan Maid Marian Krile Celes Garnet Yuna Relena
Leon cursed under his breath. "They have 20! How did they get so many this fast?! They need only 4 more. We have to find Kairi. Hey wait a moment, I thought Megara wasn't a princess?" Leon asked annoyed. "Dunno, I guess she is. They thought the same with Wendy last time and she turned out to be a princess." Yuffie suggested shrugging. "Hey captain! Looks like something heavy is holding down the nets!" a sailor yelled to Prince Eric, it was his birthday after all and he wanted a good sea voyage. But the beautiful sunset was dying and evil clouds hovered in the distance. The princess peeked over and something struggled in the nets. They threw the net on the floor and gasped. "A mermaid!" the sailor exclaimed. "Rinoa!" Leon choked out. A young beautiful mermaid struggled with the ropes feeling her breath beginning to fail. "Well looky here!" the sailor said joyously laughing and was about to touch Rinoa when he was roughly shoved aside by someone. Leon held him by the shirt violently. "Don't touch her." His voice warned low and deadly. Rinoa kept crying out as her struggle continued and her body weakened. Leon picked up Rinoa but she kicked violently and struggled in his arm. "Rinoa! Stop it! It's me....Squall." he said and suddenly she stopped. Her body was sweating and went limp. "I....can't.... breath....Squall." Rinoa said fearfully. "It's okay, stop struggling and I'll get you out of this okay? But the more you struggle the weaker you'll get!" Leon said and Rinoa nodded faintly. Leon pulled out a knife and cut at the ropes and released her. He picked her up and ignored the dumbstruck sailors. He began walking to his cabin but a sailor stepped forwardly angrily. "She's a friend." Yuffie said and put out an arm to stop the sailor. Leon entered his cabin and filled up a small tub of water and laid Rinoa in it. She sat there in the water looking around underwater and not bothering to come up. Leon sat on his bed wearily and took off his shoes. " Plan on sleeping there all night?" Leon asked and Rinoa suddenly lifted her head from the water. "What?" she asked still a bit shaky. "Are you sleeping in the tub since it has water or can you 'mermaids' sleep in a bed?" Leon asked. "I know it looks uncomfortable but I find myself at home in the tub thanks, and I'll explain the whole 'mermaid' thing tomorrow." Rinoa said. And sat back in the tub. Leon shrugged and laid back. Rinoa went back under water and curled up.
Aeris walked around. "It's beautiful, not some modern time seaside resort. A real castle by the sea to stay at and beautiful sparkling ocean in a sunset. But there's no one here to see it with me." Aeris whispered as she bent down and played with her finger in the sand. "Of course, I'm sure they've all seen something like this. Like on our journey." She murmured boredly and stopped playing and stood up. "Except maybe Sephiroth. Being in run down Midgar all his life." She added sadly. "Him and Cloud....they're so much alike yet don't even realize it." She mused smiling. Suddenly a grave feeling stirred in her soul. She frowned and her eyebrows furrowed. "It hurts so badly." Aeris whispered clutching her heart in pain. "Why?" she croaked falling to her knees.
Tifa swam around the corner. She looked back when she realized her companions weren't next to her. She saw Cloud looking questioningly at Tidus who had stopped swimming and stared off into oblivion. She swam back to them. "Tidus? You okay?" she asked softly. The boy snapped from his reverie and nodded numbly. "I don't think it's a good idea you come with us, no offense. But you're not ready for a battle yet and that'll just get in the way." Cloud said and Tidus looked up tiredly. "Guess so." He agreed hoarsely. "Head back to the inn. I don't know how long this will take." Tifa said and turned to swim off. Tidus lethargically swam back. Cloud shook his head sadly. "Poor kid." Tifa whispered. Cloud swam past her and she followed.
Leon shot up as the ship took a violent shake. Rinoa shot up from the water. "What's happening?!" she asked. "There's been a storm outside but I think it just got worse!" Leon said shoving on his shoes. A voice from the hallways yelled "Hurricane!" Leon's eyes widened. "Stay here, I'll be back!" Leon yelled and ran out. Leon ran up to the deck and was immediately submerged in a wave of crushing water. When the wave was gone he gasped for air and struggled forward. Winds blew violently, rain pounded harshly on the wooden floor, Lightning struck threateningly close to the ship, and thunder boomed fearfully. Leon looked around in the confusion of panic. 'Leon!" a voice yelled happily. He turned and saw Yuffie. She approached him and the ship gave a violent shake. Leon caught Yuffie before she fell. "What can I do?" Leon shouted over the storm. "I don't know. I don't even know what's going on!" she yelled and suddenly lightning struck the sail. Yuffie gasped as it burst into flames. "Ready the lifeboats!" a sailor yelled. Vincent grabbed Yuffie's hand and the jumped into a lifeboat. Each lifeboat was filling up fast. "Leon hurry!" Yuffie yelled. He nodded and ran forward but stopped. He went white. Turning fast on his heels he ran in the opposite direction. "Where's he going?!" Yuffie yelled concerned. Vincent's eyes widened. "Rinoa!" he said urgently in realization. Fire from the sail had spread everywhere and it only made Yuffie more scared. "Eric!" a voice yelled in panic. "The prince has fallen overboard!" a sailor yelled. Sailors rushed over to a side of the ship. Max tried to jump overboard to save his master but a sailor grabbed him and shoved him in the lifeboat with Yuffie and Vincent and immediately lowered the lifeboat into the dangerous waters. A large crack came and the sail fell over. Yuffie closed her eyes and buried her head in Vincent's chest.
Leon ran down the stairs but suddenly a stair fell through and took a leg with it. He pushed up to get it out but it didn't come. He growled and cursed. He threw his fist at the floor and it broke off more giving his foot room to exit. He jumped off the stairs and onto the floor. He ran into his cabin, which was burning in flames. Rinoa was crawling on the floor. He looked at the tub and had a large piece of burning wood sticking out of it. Rinoa coughed as the smoke choked her and blinded her. The roof suddenly made a cracking sound and the area above Rinoa let loose from its hard keeping. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled as he pushed her out of the way with his body. Rinoa looked around in panic in confusion. "Squall!" she screamed hysterically. "I'm right here!" he yelled behind her. She looked back but couldn't see him. Then through the smoke his form appeared and he ran to her. He picked her up and ran out of the room.
"Look it's Leon!" Yuffie yelled pointing at him. He was holding Rinoa and looked around but all the sailors had taken the lifeboats. He was about to jump overboard when the ground beneath his foot collapsed. Rinoa fell from his arms and into the sea. He struggled to release his foot and the other sail was about to fall over on him. He gave his body a violent push out as the sail landed. "Leon!" Yuffie yelled as everybody scanned the water for him and the prince.
Rinoa gasped underwater as she saw Leon's unconscious boy flowing downward. She swam to him and picked him up. She held him up out of the water for air as she struggled to swim to a lifeboat. She caught a glimpse of a shiny fin diving underwater. She ignored it and swam as wave crashed onto her. "Rinoa!" Yuffie's familiar voice called to her as she struggled over to their ship. She pushed Leon up to them and they helped him into the boat. Yuffie held out a hand to help her get in. Rinoa held out her own hand to grasp Yuffie's but suddenly her fin felt something tight wrap around it. She gasped as her body was roughly pulled under. Suddenly something wrapped tightly around her arms as she struggled. She couldn't swim; she could only sink down into the water further.
Aeris walked through the city and stared of into space. She held a basket full of flowers on her arm to her side. She passed people by in the market and bumped into a few then gave a spiritless apology. Suddenly something in her mind cried out to her. She turn in the direction from which she sensed it and gasped. Sephiroth stood at the corner of the market in the shadows, with his arms crossed. Aeris smiled and stepped forward but stopped dead in her tracks. Something was different about him, something was wrong. He wore a familiar murderous smile on his face and Aeris shrank back. As someone walked by Sephiroth was gone in a flash. Aeris looked around fearfully but he was gone.
Tifa swam close to Cloud. "Scared?" Cloud asked amused and stared back at her. "And you're not?! We're in a haunting shipwreck and every wreck has a cause." Tifa retorted turning red. "What? You're right, something's just gonna pop out and attack us, we're all gonna die!" Cloud said sarcastically. Tifa hit on the back of the head. "Jerk! But if you must know ever since I saw the movie Jaws in Midgar in some store I have had a fear a great white shark will attack me." Tifa said looking around cautiously. "You're kidding me? You can face Jenova but not a little shark?" Cloud teased. "Great white sharks aren't little." Tifa said angrily. Tifa swam past him annoyed and swam forward. Suddenly a shadow swam past her. "Cloud! Did you hear something?!" Tifa shrieked. She looked around I panic. "C-Cloud?!" she whispered fearfully. Suddenly an animal came from behind Tifa and roared. Tifa screamed in panic and swam behind a cabinet. Suddenly she heard amused laughing and turned red. "I'm going to kill you Cloud!" she screamed. She came out and Cloud was on the floor laughing, sincerely laughing.
"You're horrible! How can you do that to your childhood friend?!" she asked incredulous. "Easily.' Cloud replied attempting to calm himself down. Tifa look angry but then her eyes started to water and she covered her face in her hands. She began to cry and Cloud immediately stopped. "A- Are you crying! Teef, stop! I didn't mean to scare you!" Cloud said. Tifa turned away and cried harder. Cloud started freakin' out. 'How do I make her stop?!' he thought in panic. "Tifa!" he swam to her and immediately received a punch in the stomach. In shock he grabbed his stomach and after a few moment of floating whispered "Ow," weakly. "Hmph!" Tifa swam away to a large window. She turned to him expectantly. "Aren't you going to apologize?" she asked. Cloud's eyes widened. "Tifa! There's a shark behind you!" Cloud yelled. "Nice try-I'm not that stupid!' Tifa said angrily. Suddenly the window behind her broke and a shark flew through. Tifa screamed at the top of her lungs in her phobia and swam out as fast as she could. Cloud ducked the shark swam past him and to his prey. "Tifa!" Cloud yelled and swam after them. Tifa navigated in panic through the ship. She finally saw an open window and forced herself through. The shark followed and broke the wall. Tifa swam fast and through a loop sticking out of the ground. The shark again attempted to go through as well but due to the size of the loop got stuck.
Cloud arrived tired and weary. "Tifa! Are you okay?!" he said panting. "No thanks to you.' Tifa muttered and swam off. "Teef!" Cloud said but she ignored him. He glared back at the shark. "Dumb shark." He said and the shark suddenly bit at him. Cloud barely dodged and swam after Tifa.
Leon groaned and opened his eyes slowly. Rinoa's face came into view. "Rinoa?" he muttered. "You guys sure have a knack of mistaking me for some other girl!" said an 'annoyed' voiced. Rinoa suddenly morphed into Yuffie. "Yuffie? Where am I?" Leon said tiredly. "At prince Eric's castle." She replied and walked over to the window. "it's really pretty! A seaside castle!" she said energetically. Leon was silent. "Did they ever find the prince?" he asked. Yuffie turned and nodded. "They found him at the beach, unconscious, and he was a wreck. But he's alive. Going on about some girl randomly in the middle of the ocean saved him. He said he woke up and she was singing. He's been humming all day. But I think being knocked off the ship has made him not so right in the head, if you know what I mean." Yuffie answered. Leon looked around. "Where's Rinoa?" he asked. She went pale. Leon turn to her with concern. "You don't look so good." He said. "Leon lay back down." Yuffie said. "Why?" Leon asked coldly. Yuffie went grave. "Rinoa got you onto the lifeboat. I tried to help her on but....suddenly she was pulled under. We waited a while for her to resurface and Vincent jumped in to look for her but he couldn't find her. What scares me is that he said he smelt a faint hint of blood in the water." Yuffie said sadly. Leon was numb. "What do you mean you didn't' find her?! How could you let that happen to her?!" Leon yelled angrily trying to sit up but a wave of dizziness hit him and he fell back. "We tried, Leon! I'm sorry!" Yuffie said and but Leon turned his face away coldly. 'Whatever, just get out." He said icily. Yuffie looked hurt but then left.
Yuffie came out of the room and let a tear fall. "Yuffie? How is he?" a voice asked. Yuffie turned and saw Vincent. She turned and rubbed her. "Ah, one moment. My eye is all watery and itchy." Yuffie said trying to cover it up. Whether Vincent actually believed her or not was a mystery since his facial expression didn't change. "There, um you mean Leon? He's awake now and fine. He's angry about Rinoa though so we better leave him alone for a while." Yuffie said and took a deep shaky breath. She remembered Vincent's reaction when Rinoa went under. Who was she kidding? Vincent was working the hardest to find Rinoa. Both Leon and Vincent loved Rinoa. Maybe the fact that Leon did, bothered her a little but what hurt more was that Vincent did too. She couldn't blame him though. She's just the annoying hyperactive ninja. Not to mention she had her chance and broke his heart, why would eh still want her? "Are you okay?' Vincent asked. "Huh? Ya of course! Why wouldn't I be? It's just my allergies or something." Yuffie suggested shrugging. "Dinner will be ready soon." Vincent said. Yuffie looked down. "Um, I'm not hungry. I think too much salt water got into my system." Yuffie said tiredly. "You still need to eat." Vincent said. "Look Vincent, you're not my dad, thankfully, not that he would care if I ate but still. I can take care of myself and right now I don't feel like eating, you should get back to looking for Rinoa." Yuffie said and walked to the room across from them and closed it.
Vincent sighed and walked in after her. Yuffie was laying on her bed with her face in her pillow. Vincent sat on the bed. Yuffie peaked out a little and Vincent caught sight of her eye, which was a little bit swollen, and her cheek that was lightly wet. She quickly turned her head back into her pillow. "What do you want?" she asked not harshly. "I know women think men are stupid and idiotic which in some cases are true. However, I am not stupid enough to believe you have allergies or an itchy eye or too much salt water. Mainly because it's been four days and you quit throwing up yesterday. Anyway, would you just try telling me what's going on?" Vincent coaxed. Yuffie sighed into her pillow but said nothing. "I'm too tried for this." She whispered after a few moments. "You and Tifa are the ones who always ask the group what's wrong, why are they acting strangely, and be the rock. But when it comes to people trying to help you two, you shut them out." Vincent said and finally Yuffie turned to her back. "It's not like I'm still in love with Leon but it hurts that he hates me." Yuffie said letting the tears flow. "Hate you? Why would eh hate you?" Vincent asked confused. "Because I let Rinoa go! She could be hurt or dead!" Yuffie said. "Yuffie that wasn't your fault. "You tried to help her into the boat and she was pulled under too fast." Vincent argued mildly. Yuffie shook her head.
"But after she didn't come back for a few moments you jumped in to look for her but I didn't!" Yuffie said turning to her side and pulling the cover herself. "You were scared and confused." Vincent reasoned. "So, I should have known something was wrong I mean she was pulled under! I should have tried something! And now Leon doesn't want me around him!" Yuffie cried. "I have better smell, hearing, sight, and reflexes than you and I didn't see anything Yuffie. I'm worried about her too but Leon shouldn't have taken his frustrations out on you." Vincent said but Yuffie remained still. Vincent sighed. "Earlier at the market I saw a puppet show, wanna go?" Vincent asked. Yuffie remained still. "I know you want to, you love puppets." Vincent said and could almost feel Yuffie glaring at him through the covers. "And I might treat you to some crab." H said temptingly and the thief stirred.
Aeris walked through the market on her way to the lighthouse. They still needed to find Rinoa and she was keeping lookout. Aeris stopped by a stand with puppets. She smiled as the children watched intently and laughed. "Innocent aren't they?" a voice whispered maliciously into her ear. Aeris closed her eyes. "Sephiroth." She whispered and could feel his warm breath on her ear and slightly blowing a strand of hair. She could almost feel his sick smile. She felt his sword coldly against her. "There are too many people around, you wouldn't be stupid enough to try and kill me here." Aeris said calmly. "No? I could just kill them all not like them witnessing anything does me damage. No one could possibly harm me." Sephiroth replied. Aeris gritted her teeth thoughtfully. She looked around desperately for escape. "Let her go." A voice demanded coldly behind Sephiroth. "Ah, the vampire. Nice to see you." Sephiroth replied glancing back at the sword against his skin. "In seconds I could kill her without a scratch." Sephiroth said calmly and suddenly Aeris used S-I-N-G on him. She rushed away to beside Yuffie. Sephiroth turned and attacked Vincent who could barely defend himself against Sephiroth's sword. Aeris cast Aero on Vincent and then cast thundara on Sephiroth. Sephiroth was shocked but unscathed. People were looking at the scene in confusion and fear. Sephiroth looked around. He formed a small light in his hands and threw it downward. "Blind!" he yelled. Aeris covered her eyes quickly and heard the scream of confusion and panic in the crowd around her. The flash ended and after a few moments of her eyes burning Yuffie opened them to see Sephiroth gone. "Aeris!" Vincent said in panic. Yuffie looked around and noticed Aeris was gone too. "Oh no."
Sephiroth entered the cathedral, which no one was in. "It is a Thursday." Sephiroth muttered and swung his sword around boredly. Sephiroth walked to the altar but stopped as a light from the doorway entered the room. He smiled and turned to see Aeris standing there in all her glory. "Are foolish enough to believe I am still that weak boy?" Sephiroth asked. "You're not Sephiroth, you're a puppet. He's still alive though. The feelings I am hearing are the same form when Jenova possessed you. All I hear are the cries of pain, guilt, confusion, sadness, loneliness, want, hate, and fear. Sephiroth I know you think I am too weak to help. But I'm still your friend." Aeris said and approached him. "Let me help you, let me heal you, open up.' She whispered as she stood a foot away from him. Sephiroth moaned. She was all her ever wanted to be. "I-I killed you. Didn't you hear what they said?! I killed you!" he spat. He raised his sword with the point at Aeris' forehead. Calmly she pushed it away with her and stared at him. She was calm and serene, her gentle air made him drop his sword. Aeris touched his hand with her own. "It's over, Sephiroth. Rest." She whispered and he fell to his knees. She cradled him. "But I killed them, I killed them! I am ashamed to be near you. Aeris, you should hate me too." Sephiroth said angrily. Aeris opened her eyes. "Why?" Aeris asked softly.
"Remember Zach? Your love. I killed him. He didn't go missing he died in the explosion which I caused. And I enjoy that memory." Sephiroth said maliciously but Aeris ignored him. She knew he was scared and only confused more by her being here with him; he wanted her away from him, to push her away with anything. "I forgive you." Aeris said softly. Sephiroth went into a rage. "Don't you get it?! Stop putting me on a pedestal to be perfect and write all my wrongs! I killed them and I killed you! I'm a murderer!" Sephiroth yelled at her. In a swift motion he grabbed his sword and swung it upward. Aeris gasped as it missed by a centimeter. She fall back on her knees and Sephiroth loomed over her with his sword positioned to kill. He plunged the sword downward and Aeris shielded her face with her hands and closed to her eyes waiting for the pain. A force pushed Aeris out of the way and a flash of light blinded her for a moment. She looked up in horror and almost creamed. With the long silver blade in her stomach cleanly blood finally leaked out beneath the sword. Sephiroth smirked and slowly withdrew the sword and the brunette with emerald eyes closed her eyes in pain and let out a small weak cry. Her eyes rolled back and she hit the ground with a sick thump that drew itself in Aeris' memory. The girl laid helplessly before her in a pool of blood. "Y-Yuffie?!" Aeris screamed finally regaining her voice in horror. Vincent then entered the church and Aeris was in tears. "Get over here! Yuffie's been hurt!" Aeris yelled and looked back at Yuffie. Sephiroth was gone and Aeris jumped to her feet and ran to Yuffie. Suddenly someone grabbed her arm and a silver sword was beneath her neck. "Sephiroth, don't please. You have to let me help her!" Aeris pleaded crying. Suddenly her and Sephiroth disappeared. "Aeris!" Vincent cried as he ran past the aisles in the church and finally reached the end. As he past the last one his body went numb and his head screamed. "Yuffie!" he yelled and ran to her. He looked around desperately for Aeris. "Yuffie!" he choked as he picked her up slowly. He needed to get her to a doctor but this world wouldn't have any good doctors. If only Aeris were there! Vincent ran out of the church as fast as he could.
Leon looked over as Vincent entered the room. "Find anything on Rinoa?" he asked. Vincent stared at him. "Yuffie's fighting for her life." He said coldly. Leon looked up in shock. "They've taken Aeris. Yuffie tried to save her but has been mortally wounded. The doctors here are have little skills and are pathetic. People still use bleeding and ways we are advanced of! If Aeris were here Yuffie could be almost healed!" Vincent said clenching his fist. Guiltily Leon looked down. "Are you satisfied?" Vincent asked and Leon looked up confused. "Yuffie was upset because of you! Because she thought you hated her! Where do you think she got that idea?!" Vincent spat. Leon clenched his fist and looked away. Vincent growled and turned away. He slammed the door shut.
Tifa looked at strange sight. A beautiful redhead was swimming with some eels. "Hey! She looks like the princess in that portrait we saw!" Cloud pointed out beside her. Tifa nodded. "That doesn't look good." Tifa commented at the eels. "Let's follow them." Cloud said as he swam past her. Tifa followed curiously. They saw the princess enter a dark looking cave. "Ariel!" a voice shouted urgently. A crag and a flounder fish stopped by Cloud and Tifa panting. "What's going on?!" Tifa demanded. "It's the princess! She's going to the seawitch! If only I hadn't told the king about her being in love with a human! He destroyed her collection and now she seeking help from the seawitch! What have I done?!" the crab said. "What?!" Cloud exclaimed. "I'm taking it the seawitch is evil." Cloud said looking at the cave darkly. "Very evil! But those eels persuaded Ariel!" the crab said. "Sebastian, let's hurry!" the fish said swimming to the cave. "Flounder!" Sebastian said scolding him for swimming after them so openly. "Be careful." He told Cloud and Tifa. They swam into the cave to see what was happening. "Alright so here's the deal. I will turn you human for three days, got that? Three! Now to become permanently human you have to get dear old princy to fall in love with you! Meaning of course he ahs to kiss you. Not just any kiss....but the kiss of true love! If however on the third sunset, he hasn't kissed you, you turn back into a mermaid and become mine forever!" the seawitch said grinning evilly. "Ariel, no!" Sebastian gasped and Tifa covered his mouth an pulled him out of view. Ariel looked down sadly. "I-if I become human, I'll never see my family again." She whispered torn. "That's right! Tough huh? But you'll have your prince!" the seawitch said temptingly. "You love him don't you?" she coaxed. "Ursula I accept." Ariel replied firmly. Ursula smirked. "Now we need to discuss the method of payment." Ursula said. Ariel looked up fearfully. "But I don't have-!" "I'm not asking much! Just a trifle really, you'll never miss it....your voice!" Ursula finished. Ariel looked at her in shock. "B-But without my voice how will I-?!" "You have your looks, your pretty face, and don't underestimate the power of body language!" Ursula said gesturing. Ariel looked down. "O- Okay." She said finally. Ursula grinned victoriously. She grabbed a few potion bottles and threw them into a cauldron. "Paluga, sarruga, come winds of the Caspian Sea. Now rings us glossitis and max laryngitis, La voce to me! Now.... sing!" Ursula said anxiously. Ariel closed her eyes and opened her mouth. She let her voice flow mellifluously from her mouth. Ursula grinned insanely as ghostly hands rose from the shell necklace around her plump purple neck and reached down the mermaid's throat. Suddenly it pulled back and held a small yellow orb, which echoed her voice. Ariel clutched her throat fearfully. Ursula laughed as spark flew from the room attracted to the mermaid. It sensed her and grabbed her encasing her in a bubble. Her fin split into two human legs and shocked her violently. She was beginning to loose breath. Suddenly a spark caught Tifa and Cloud and their fins split into human legs. Tifa struggled for breath and Cloud grabbed her hand and immediately swam up to the surface after Ariel.
Tifa slowly opened her eyes and realized she was on Cloud's chest. She blushed and shot up. Nearby was Ariel who was unconscious. The mermaid opened her eyes slowly. She slowly raised a foot and looked at it, and as if realizing it wasn't a dream smiled broadly and played with her toes. 'Glad to know she's happy.' Tifa thought wanting to faint again. Cloud groaned and slowly opened his eyes. Tifa quickly hid behind a rock since her fin was missing. Cloud looked around him. Ariel looked over at him and then it struck cloud that he was naked since his fin was gone. He covered himself and looked around desperately. He spotted Tifa and tried to make his way over. "STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!" Tifa yelled quickly and he stopped dead in his tracks. Tifa looked around and then excitedly pointed to something, "There! Cloud, go get the sail from the shipwreck!" Tifa instructed. He didn't waste another moment and stumbled over. He ripped some off and tied it around his waist. He threw some to Tifa and Ariel. Ariel covered her body with it clumsily and Tifa tied it around her waits. She finally stood up and groaned, "Feels good to stand up again." She whispered. Cloud nodded tiredly. "How do we get help?! If we walk into town dressed like this our reputation is doomed before it started." Cloud said. "Who cares about reputation we're only here temporarily!" Tifa scolded. "Still I don't want to walk into town looking weird." Cloud said. Tifa sighed and said, "Well neither do I but if you have any other options feel free to throw them out there." Tifa argued. There was a silence and suddenly some barking was heard. A loud fluffy dog came running toward them. "Max!" a voice called after it laughing. The dog immediately took an interest in Ariel who hid on a rock. "Max!" the voice yelled and a man came to where they were. "Max-!" he stopped short when he saw everyone but then his eyes settled on Ariel.
"Grim, I'm telling ya, I swore it was her. She looked just like her but-!" "Then she didn't have a voice. Honestly Eric, stop chasing after dream girls and go for what's in front of your eyes." Eric's loyal advisor replied. "I know she's out there! I just gotta find her!" Eric argued. Suddenly Grim smiled and Eric turned. Awestruck he smiled dreamily. "Please, have a seat." Grim offered to Ariel, Leon, Cloud, Tifa and Vincent. Leon in bandages sat down moodily. Vincent calmly sat down with a mysterious air about him. Ariel was seated by an anxious Eric. Leon was worried about Yuffie and Rinoa as Vincent. His face was deep in thought which made everyone nervous and awkward. Vincent was also quiet, his face unreadable. Grim cleared his throat. "So my dear, are you enjoying it here?" he asked politely to Ariel. She brightened and nodded her head vigorously. "Good now let's eat before this crab wanders of my plate." Grim joked only to look down and see that it had come true. He looked confused but everyone ignored him. "So, uh, I was thinking tomorrow I could give you a tour of the kingdom." Eric suggested and Ariel nodded happily. Grim boredly lit his pipe. Ariel immediately showed and interest and thrust her hand out like a child. "Oh- you like it? Here have a try-!" Ariel cut him off when she grabbed the pipe and blew hard making the smoke engulf Grim. Eric immediately started laughing but then stopped when he noticed Grim's face. Ariel looked at him naively. Grim wiped his face with a cloth and resumed eating what he had left on his plate.
Tifa looked down at her ocean blue dress and hair tied back in a white ribbon. She was disappointed that Cloud didn't seem to show interest in her once. Why should she have been hoping? He was Aeris' and she didn't want to hurt Aeris by having Cloud cheat on her. "So what's the big news?" Cloud asked noticing Vincent and Leon's faces. Vincent cleared his throat. "T- They took Aeris." He answered calmly. Cloud looked shocked. "H-How?" Tifa asked swallowing hard. "They have mortally wounded Yuffie, she was trying to protect Aeris f-from Sephiroth." Vincent answered. Cloud's eyes widened. "I knew it! None of you listened and now Aeris is gone! All because of you all!" he yelled and punched the wall leaving a dent. Tifa looked down. Cloud grabbed Vincent by the collar. "How could you let her?!" he yelled. Tifa put a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "Stop, Cloud, we'll get her back!" Tifa said. Cloud looked back at her angrily. "Drop the damn optimism! I'm tired of it! Stop acting like you stand a chance with me!" Cloud spat at her. Tifa was hurt beyond words and backed away. Vincent growled and threw Cloud against the wall. "Shut up! You're so spoiled! You treat Tifa like shit, you always do and blame her for things that are more your fault than anyone else! You've never even apologized once, even when you realized you were wrong!" Vincent yelled tossing Cloud again. Cloud looked over at Tifa realizing the damage. 'It's okay Vincent, at least eh has someone to blame." She replied and walked out. Cloud shot up and ran after her. Vincent grabbed him but Cloud threw him off and ran into the hallway but Tifa was gone. Cloud looked down in shame. "Tifa, I'm sorry, come back!" he yelled desperately but not a sound was heard and he sank to his knees.
Ariel and Eric had gone row boating. Vincent looked at Yuffie helplessly as she laid pale on the bed. His energy wouldn't last her forever. He turned to the door as Leon entered. He gave him a cold stare for a moment before leaving.
Ariel woke up and walked out of her room dreamily. She began to walk down the stairs but stopped. Something was wrong with this picture. Eric stood dressed for an occasion, on his arm was a beautiful woman with long black hair and gorgeous eyes, and none of this could she compete with. With a foreboding yet hopeful feeling she listened. "A-Are you sure about this Eric? I mean these things take time you know." Grim said as if trying to reason with him. Eric showed no emotion. "No, we wish to be married tonight at sunset on a ship." Eric answered firmly. Ariel backed away heartbroken and grasping what was happening as she fought the tears. She didn't hear Grim's reluctant acceptance, she just turned and ran away crying.
Cloud was in a room with Vincent and Leon. A knock on the door came and he got up to answer it. He slowly opened it. "Tifa!" he exclaimed smiling but she walked right past him and for a moment his eyes held hurt but he turned away. "The prince is getting married." Tifa told them grimly. "Really? I guess the little princess gets her wish as planned." Leon said shrugging. "It's not Ariel." Tifa said calmly. Everyone looked up in shock. "But I thought- I mean they act so mushy around each other and-" Leon said but Cloud cut him off. "I don't understand why, poor Ariel, she gave up everything to be with him." Tifa looked down.
Rinoa was floating in complete darkness that felt like a constant nightmare. She furrowed her brow a little as some memory or vision flashed in her head. She felt so weak and dizzy. Something was floating on the surface. She could see it somehow like a shadow passing though she was not in the ocean or on land. She looked up weakly to catch more of the vision. "Cura." She whispered.
Tifa watched Ariel as she cried on the dock watching Eric's wedding boat sail away. It made her sick to look at the sight. She moved a bit closer to Ariel about to approach her. Suddenly a voice called out in panic "Ariel! Ariel!" They looked up to see a bird came out of nowhere. Tifa barely dodged as the bird swung around and landed hurting only itself. Ariel semi-brightened at the sight of her friend. The bird looked frantic and had trouble regaining his voice. "What do you want now scuttle?" Sebastian asked annoyed as he and Flounder watched Ariel. "I was flying.... of course I was flying! I-I saw the- the watch- the witch was watching the mirror, and she was singing with a stolen set of pipes. Do you hear what I'm telling you!" Scuttle said as he grabbed Sebastian in frustration. "The prince is marrying the sea witch in disguise!" he yelled. Ariel made a silent gasp and stood up. She gazed out at the sunset as Ursula's words echoed in her mind 'When the sun sets on the third day.' Ariel clenched her fist and furrowed her brow angrily. As if possessed by some unknown force she dived into the sea and desperately tried to swim to the boat forgetting that she was no longer a mermaid and began to sink beneath the water. Sebastian quickly cut a load of barrels from their confines into the sea. Ariel grabbed onto one and Flounder swam through a looped rope to put around himself and steer Ariel to the ship. "Flounder, you get her to the ship. I'll go get the Sea King!" Sebastian instructed ready to dive in the water. "W-What about me?!" Scuttle interrupted. "You-? Uh....stall that wedding!" he said and dove into the water. Scuttle looked around and then as if realizing his duty set off into the air. "I need to tell the others!" Tifa said and turned around running.
Ursula in disguise walked down the aisle on Eric's arm. Max growled at her and she kicked him (that wench how dare she hurt a dog!). Ursula waited for the priest to finally finish, but he was so long and slow! She heard a distant noise and turned barely in time to dodge to seagulls flying at her. She glared at them after they passed; Eric remained entranced and unaware of his bride's distress. Suddenly some dolphins jumped out of the water and squirted her. She growled as her hair and looks were now out of balance. Suddenly she was picked up by a seal and bounced in air constantly. "Why you-!" she was bounced off finally. Max broke loose from his leash and charged full speed. Ursula cried out in pain and anger as teeth sank into her rear end. Suddenly as seagull charged out of nowhere and grabbed her seashell necklace. "Get away you little-!" but it was too late the neck broke off and landed with a crash to the ground. The voice contained inside returned to its original owner, Ariel, who stood before them. Eric broke out of his trance. "Ariel!" he exclaimed and ran to her. "Eric!" she said smiling as they hugged. "How come you didn't tell me?" Eric asked softly. "Oh Eric, I-I tried to but I couldn't-!" she stopped dead in her words as suddenly she sank to her knees in pain, her legs turned back into their fins. Ursula laughing broke form her disguise and grabbed Ariel. "So long lover boy." She teased before diving into the ocean with Ariel.
Ursula swam deeper but was stopped by a shiny golden triton. "Why, King Triton, what a surprise to see you." Ursula said touching the triton softly. "Let her go!" he demanded growling. "Not a chance, we have a deal." Ursula replied pulling out the contract. Triton with determining fired at the contract with his triton. Ursula was thrown against a rock and recovered laughing. "It is completely indestructible you see!" Ursula said maliciously. Triton lowered his Triton and stared on in disbelief and possible defeat. "However," Ursula said swimming behind him, "I might make an exchange for a bigger fish." Triton stared at the contract before slowly raising his triton and signing it. Ursula gave a laugh as she clasped the triton. King Triton was engulfed in a golden whirlwind around him and shrank into a measly monster looking helpless. "No!" Ariel cried. Ursula took his crown and triton with evil glee. "It's finally mine." She said. Suddenly she was slashed across the arm and dropped the Triton. She looked up and Cloud held out his hand, his sword returned to him and he was ready for battle, Tifa and Leon at his side.
Ariel swam up to them and they boarded the rowboat Vincent was in above them. Ursula grew angrier by the minute and ink of evilness surrounded her (no comment). The water grew wild and storms gathered in the skies. Suddenly Ursula burst from the water, growing to an enormous size hovering over them tauntingly. Leon took notice of something in the center of her crown. "Rinoa!" he yelled. She was stuck, like she had been molded into the crown. Cloud jumped forward and truck Ursula in the stomach. A little it of black blood poured out but Ursula gathered energy, a light came from Rinoa and into Ursula. Ursula's HP went back to normal. "He's using Rinoa." Vincent said gritting his teeth. Ursula aimed her triton at them and fired. They were blown from the ship and thrown far away into the water. As Ariel tried to swim away Ursula grinned. Ursula began stirring the water with her triton creating a chaotic whirlpool. Ariel struggled to get away from it but was powerlessly pulled in. She came to the bare bottom of the ocean and looked up at Ursula fearfully. Ursula grinned victoriously and aimed her triton with thirst. She fired once and Ariel barely dodged. She fired again and again Ariel dodged feeling the heat close to her skin aching to burn her. Ariel was now out of places. Ursula grinned wider, "Say goodbye." A moment too late, Ursula took notice of an abandoned ship with a sharp point about to hit her. She turned only to feel it's sharp edge grind into her body finally breaking through the skin and digging further into her body. She cried out and electricity ran through her body. Kairi ran over and jumped overboard. Her body splashed into the water. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled. As if on cue Relena appeared. She pulled Rinoa from the crown releasing her from it's hard stone. Relena then gazed down at Ariel. She cast a sort of reverse gravity and Ariel was easily blown up to her. Relena grabbed her by the hand and teleported. "Rinoa!" Leon yelled trying to get to her but Vincent and Cloud held him back. "They're gone, we failed again." Tifa whispered burying her head in her hands. Cloud looked at her guiltily and then looked up as the last of Ursula sank. Cloud spotted something else. "Kairi!" he yelled jumping into the water and swam to her before she would sink. Ursula's body sinking was pulling Kairi with it. Cloud dove under and searched around for Kairi while trying to avoid sparks. He spotted her struggling against the gravity. Cloud cast aero on himself and swam to her. He reached out his hand and she tried to grab it. It wasn't working, she was getting further away. Kairi began to lose air, becoming whiter and grasping for breath. Cloud cast gravity on himself and grabbed onto her and then tried to reverse the spell. It didn't work so well only made him lose a lot of energy. He swam further up trying to breath. A hand came into the water and he took it. Tifa pulled him into the boat with all her might and eh threw in Kairi.
"All we have now is Kairi. If they get her...." Leon said as he sat down on the couch beside Cid. "We're going back to Tranverse town to get help for Kairi, Yuffie, Riku, Queen, Rikku, and Heero. I need a new ship, this was a pretty bad crash." Cid said. Tifa sat quietly on the couch. "Then let's get going. I need to go rest." Tifa said and got up. She walked down the long hallway and everyone stared after her. Cid didn't seem to notice Cloud sink into the couch or Vincent and Leon glaring at him. "I'll go start 'er up." Cid said getting up and leaving.