Spoiled Yet Selfless
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy characters are owned by Squaresoft and not by me yadda, yadda, yadda. I you are reading this, then I pity you.
PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR NOTES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE! THEY HOLD KEY INFORMATION TO WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!! Thank you ^_^
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The next day….
Cloud could feel the soft blankets under him before he even opened his eyes. When he finally did, he held an arm over his face like a visor, as the bright sun glared in from the inn's windows.
"So, you finally have awakened."
"Red…?" Cloud muttered lazily. "What happened?"
"That's one thing we'd like to know. We managed to hold off the three, but after a while, they ran off again. We went to find you, but you were unconscious in the reactor. Can you remember anything that happened?"
Cloud went to answer, but then shut his mouth soon after. He was about to say how he thought he saw Aeris, but then he himself didn't believe it was real. He most likely was hallucinating, and it's not like she was the only one who wore pink…
"Cloud?" Red asked expectantly.
"Someone must have casted Sleepel on me when I got down there. I really don't remember much after that. Did Ranez and them find what they were looking for?"
Red shook his head. "No, we didn't see the fourth person leave, but they scattered when the others arrived from their searches. Tifa's been worried over you, you know."
"Where is she?" Cloud yawned, standing up.
"By the reactor. We took turns watching it last night in case they returned, even though they didn't."
Cloud nodded and headed out of the building. Red watched him go, then laid down on the ground, thinking. Last night, he was able to pick up the woman's faint scent, even through the Mako, but it was a smell he hadn't taken in for 5 years.
The Mako must have overpowered my senses… He thought, or at least, he hoped.
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"Tifa!"
She looked up, upon hearing her name, and saw the blonde walking towards her.
"Cloud!" She sat up and raced toward him, stopping when she reached him. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah," he smiled, "I'm fine, don't worry. Did anything happen while I was out?"
She shook her head. "Nothing. I pretty much figure that they know whatever they're looking for isn't here…."
"Which means they're heading toward Nibelheim now. What the need is probably there and is most likely our last chance. We can't be behind this time."
"Yeah, but even if we head out now, we won't be able to make it on foot. Unless we can catch a chocobo…"
"Don't @$%^& bother," came Cid's voice, and the two turned to see the rest of the ground following. Cid approached him, tossing his PHS into Cloud's hand.
"Just got a call from the crew," he explained. "#^$*%* finally finished the repairs. They'll be here in 5 to pick us up."
"Excellent," grinned Cloud, pocketing the PHS. "Everyone get your stuff, we're hot on their trail."
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The ground shook slightly as the Highwind landed in the pass between Nibelheim and the Nibel Mountains. The team hopped down the ladder even before the ship had landed fully.
"Yo! Hurry yo asses up, people!" Barret hollered as they jumped. "We gotta hurry up and stop whatever the hell they're doin'!"
"Gawd! No need to yell!" Yuffie whined, sprinting past him as they started running.
"Don't you two start now!" Tifa commanded. "Save it for later!"
"Cloud," Cait spoke up. "This body isn't all that fast…"
"I gotcha. Vincent, Barret, stay with Cait and follow behind as a backup. They most likely know we're coming, so we need an anchor."
"Got'cha Spike," nodded Barret.
"Right, come on people, let's go."
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They started their accent, pushing their way up the mountain. Tifa, Cloud, Red, Yuffie and Cid ran in silence, using the tubes where the Materia Keeper had once been. They all ran behind Cloud, who could remember where everything had been. Jumping off the ledge, they moved on.
Meanwhile….
Ranez emotionlessly watched Barret, Vincent, and Cait hurry along to the bridge. Rapier in hand, he jumped down in front of them, slicing the bridge supports in the process.
"That's as far as you'll be going…"
With Cloud…
"Come on, just a bit farther!" Cloud shouted behind him. He and Red were a few meters in front of the group, his enhanced body faster than most of theirs. They were at the Materia fountain, which had dried up at last. He opened the door, and the two ran in, but before the others could follow, the door slammed shut.
"What the!?" Tifa hissed, before grabbing the handle and pulling with all her might. It was locked.
"Long time no see…" Said two voices from behind her, Yuffie, and Cid.
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"It won't budge," Cloud sighed, looking at the door. "And we can't blast it down, we'll take the whole mountain with us…"
"There's no time, Cloud," Red informed. "We must hurry on."
"You're right, they'll be ok," he agreed, and they began running. Charging into the reactor, Cloud jumped onto a chain and casually slid down, while Red simply jumped to the next floor unharmed. Entering the next room, they crossed the catwalk.
"Here we are…" Red stated as they neared the door.
"In the Jenova room?" Cloud questioned.
"It's the only other place…" Red offered.
Cloud pushed the door open, and the two walked in. Nothing jumped out. The ex-mercenary walked to the center.
"So much for surprises…" he drifted off, glancing around.
"Cloud… Something's up with the Mako pods," noticed Red.
"What?"
Red walked over to on the far side, from the door, standing on his hind legs to peer inside.
"They're still here."
"What!?" Cloud ran over to his side, gazing in as well. Sure enough, the mutated body of a once human was inside. "But…. They were supposed to be cleared out…"
"That's not all. It looks like they're in stasis as well….."
SLAM!
Cloud looked toward the now closed door, and ran to it, pulling on the handles with all his might.
"Damn, it locked! What should we do Red-" He turned to see Red wasn't there. "Red?" Walking toward the center of the room again, he realized Red was nowhere to be found.
"Great… Locked alone in a room full of monsters, and now my friend's missing, just what the hell is going on-"
Cloud…
He stopped at the sound of his name, eyes wide open. The voice was familiar, but no... It's couldn't have been…
"Cloud."
The melody of her voice drifted from the top of the stairs, and he turned as the door to the Jenova room had opened, when she walked out.
"I told you I'd come back when it was all over." Her delicate features gave him that smile from before. Something was different, but he pushed it aside.
"I… almost lost hope, Aeris… But I never should have doubted you…" He loved how her name rolled softly off his lips. He could remember finding comfort in just saying her name, but now, she was standing above him, more beautiful than Shiva herself. The green light from behind her, which came from the Jenova room, accented her curves and the elegant new clothing she wore, which was mostly like her old outfit, just more… feminine, not that she wasn't before or anything. She started her decent down the stairs, hips rolling seductively. His eyes remained locked on hers, however, entranced in their green glow.
She stopped in front of him, still gazing into his eyes.
"Aeris…" Finally, he was at a loss for words. Reality began taking affect, and he had so many questions. She stopped him, putting a finger on his lips. A faint blush tinted his face. It had been a long time since she had touched him.
"There's not much time Cloud," she whispered softly, her voice seeming to push out the sounds of the pumps of the reactor.
He felt his adrenaline rush, a hint of fear in his blood.
"You mean… You aren't leaving again, are you?" His voice as well wasn't above a whisper. He lightly grasped her shoulder, as if he was afraid she would leave.
She laughed slightly, shaking her head. "No Cloud, I'm here to stay this time." He calmed down, hearing this, knowing her word was as true as an angel's. He smiled, still not believing that she was right there. He knew, from her gently touch, this wasn't a dream.
"I'm here to free you Cloud."
"Free me.. From what?" If he wasn't confused before, he surely was now, and his face showed it.
"The Planet Cloud. For too long you've let it manipulate you. It did the same to me as well."
"Aeris…" He pulled back slightly. "What are you talking about…?"
"Don't be afraid Cloud. It's me, remember? The same Aeris as before…" She smiled. He wanted to believe it was her, wanted to trust her, but she still seemed different. He couldn't put his finger on it though….
"This world is but one of many, Cloud… I've been past this Planet's limits… And I've finally was able to open my eyes to the truth. We are but pawns in a mighty world for power."
"What do you mean?"
"In this universe, the Planets are like countries, fighting for power. They are the leaders, and we are the soldiers they send into war. We suffer so they can gain power. Through using our lives, through our pain, they can succeed."
Cloud stared at her, unable to believe this. This couldn't have been the truth.
She continued. "But I've been past the limits," she repeated. "There are existences out there who are peaceful, who see our pain, and want to right it. The Planet lies, Cloud, there is no Promise Land full of happiness here. It's only full of Lifestream and WEAPONS. But… I know where a true Promise Land lies, and it was meant for you and me."
"Aeris…" He looked emotionally at her, not believing this, but to be with her….
She took a step toward him, making up for the space he put between them. She reached for his hand, and he let her, reaching for her other. She leaned in, he pulled her closely, lowering his face to hers….
And pushed her to the side, as a figure in black rushed them, a silver-glinting sword in hand.
"Cloud, don't listen to her! She's manipulating you!" The figure shouted, his weapon connecting with the hard mound. Aeris pushed herself up to her knees, but Cloud wouldn't let her up. After a moment of shock, he regained his breath.
"Ironic how these words seem to be coming from you, Sephiroth!" Cloud hissed, kneeling by Aeris, one arm wrapped around her for protection, the other at the handle of his Ultima Weapon.
Sephiroth turned, pointing his sword at the downed Ancient. "Listen to me! She's not who you think she is!"
"Cloud..." Aeris's meek voice trembled, and she curled closer to him.
"It's alright… He whispered. "I won't mess up this time." He turned to Sephiroth, standing and stepping in front of Aeris. "Just when the hell are you going to learn that dead people STAY dead!?" He took his battle stance.
Sephiroth lowered his weapon, looking at Cloud. "Cloud, I don't have time to explain much, but I've been sent by the Planet to help you-"
"I don't want to hear your lies!" He charged, fueled with anger. Sephiroth blocked with his Masumune, their weapons locked.
"Cloud, stop!" He shouted.
"And how many times have I told that to you?!" He hissed. "Go. Now. I never want to see you again."
"Cloud," Sephiroth sounded almost desperate. "I know I've hurt you, more than I can describe in words-"
"Shut the hell up!!" Cloud nearly cried. "You don't know what it's like. I managed to put my past behind me, and seeing your face again has reopened the wounds. I don't want your apology!!"
"Then at least listen to me!" Sephiroth pushed back, knocking Cloud back a bit. Again, Sephiroth lowered his weapon.
"Haven't you used me enough already!?" Sephiroth flinched. "Why should I!?"
"Because this time it's the truth, Cloud." Another voice sounded out, calm and control.
Both men as well as Aeris turned at the new comer's voice. All of the were shocked to see Zack standing in front, SOLDIER outfit and Buster Sword and all.
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Oooooo, a little more complex now ain't it? ^_~ Still confusing as hell in my opinion though.
First, wanna start off saying sorry for the bad spelling. I don't have time to spell check.. At some point, when I have time, I'll go back and fix it. Til then, DAMN YOU SPELL CHECKER!
Second, I still need people to ask any questions they have about the story, or even if you don't have any, make one up or something. ^_^ At some point, one of the characters in the story has to explain what the heck is going on, and I can't really make the questions, since I know what's happening or what will happen.
Every reader: DAMN YOU AUTHOR!
^_^'
Third: I need couple ideas for some of the characters. Being as there are 3 Ocs now, I thought it would be more fun if you chose them.
Current couples: SheraxCid, CloudxAeris, LodiaxRanez (for now)
People that can be picked for possible couples (and remember, this isn't yaoi, so keep it straight and possible, ^_^)
Tifa
Lodia
Avian
Vincent
Zack
Sephiroth
BTW, when I say possible, I mean like couples that could happen, so don't go picking Tifa and Sephiroth.
PS (Readers: ARGH!!! *get out knives*) Sorry sorry, lol, but here's a few couples that I DON'T want: LodiaxRanez, LodiaxAvian, TifaxSephiroth
Lol, now you're probably thinking what's the point?
Thanks to:
Anya : Any review is helpful, even when it's just a 'ooo nice story' or something. ^_^ It makes me want to write.
Unit17Hunters : Lol, yeah, I am. Sorry for the lack of originality there, but I wanted a character with a unique weapon, and it started with Mint's cause I like the look, but if you notice, she also gets a lot of her personality from Mint, also did you notice she's a bit like Mode Master as well? (With the formality) Ranez is like Psycho Master, and Avian like Trap Master. I didn't mean for this to happen, but, well, it kinda turned out that way. :/