A Ninja's Destiny
Chapter 4
By: Hotaru170
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy, or any of its characters. Please read and review! My email is Hotaru170@aol.com or SenshiOfSaturn@aol.com.
RECAP: Cloud's Dream.
Cloud looked around himself. He was in a forest he knew he must have been dreaming by the presence he got. He suddenly caught sight of a figure behind a tree. Long chestnut locks bound in a braid with emerald eyes gazing at him piercing through his soul. "Aeris?" he whispered. She smiled serenely and stepped from behind the tree. "I thought I'd come see you." She said softly. "In my dreams? You can do that?" Cloud wondered. Aeris nodded. "I have to go a while for a while but don't worry. I'll be back when it's all over." (A.N.- Aeris says that in the game). "Where are we?" Cloud asked. "Sleeping Forest." Aeris replied. "Why are we here?" Cloud asked her confused. Aeris shook her head. "It doesn't' matter. I just wanted to say good bye and you'll always be in my heart." She said and Cloud looked even more confused. "What for?" Cloud asked and suddenly a light consumed them both. "Good bye, Cloud..."
"Cloud wake up!" it was Tifa's panicked voice. "What is it?!" Cloud asked. "It's Aeris! She's gone!" Tifa said and Cloud jumped to his feet. "She left this note." Barret said handing it to Cloud. "We have to find her!" Tifa exclaimed. "We don't' even know where she went!" Barret argued. "I do..." Cloud spoke up. All eyes rested on him.
The party was waiting on Cloud to speak up. Just before he did, Yuffie beat him to it. She looked him in the eyes and said, "She went to the City Of the Ancients. She is going to summon Holy to stop Meteor." Avalanche looked at Yuffie in awe. Cloud managed to speak up and asked, "How do you know all of this?" Yuffie turned away from the group. She stood silently for a few moments before she whispered. "She believes that only she can stop Meteor from destroying the world. I should have told her the truth." Her statement puzzled everyone, except Vincent. He knew of what she spoke, even though he didn't tell her that he knew. She faced the others once more and said, "Let us not waste anymore time. We must catch up with her as fast as possible. I think Sephiroth knows what she is going to try and he will be there to stop her. She isn't strong enough to face him alone."
Cloud nodded in agreement and said, "Ok, lets get moving everyone." Everyone hurried and packed up all of their belongings. Yuffie walked up to Cloud and said, "We should split up into smaller parties. We will cover more ground and we will find Aeris quicker. The faster we find her the better. If she runs into Sephiroth before we find her, she might be able to hold on long enough for one of the groups to catch up with her." Cloud was impressed at her capability of organizing a search and still covering the Sephiroth issue. He smiled and said, "That's a very good idea Yuffie." He turned to the others and said, "Ok, we are going to split up into smaller parties to find Aeris. Team one will be Tifa and I, team two is Cid and Red, team three is Barret and Cait Sith, and team four is Yuffie and Vincent. The first team that finds Aeris will more than likely run into Sephiroth. I want you all to be extremely careful. As soon as you locate her contact the next team in line. Then they will contact the next. That way all of us can meet up at the same place. Now lets move out!"
Everyone split up and went to find different ways to Bone Village.
Vincent saw Yuffie heading to the back wall in her house. He was puzzled as to why she was doing this. She stopped in front of the wall and touched a part of the wall on her left. The wall opened up to reveal a walkway that lead to outside. Yuffie looked back at Vincent and said, "I trust you will not mention that to anyone. Now come on, we can ride Lucky all the way to Bone Village." Vincent was a little lost by this statement and said, "Um, Yuffie, I don't think that we can cross water with just a chocobo." Yuffie smirked at him and said, "Lucky is a special and rare kind of chocobo. He can cross any terrain, including mountains, cliffs, valleys, rivers, oceans, and forest. Now stop questioning me and lets get going." Vincent shrugged and followed Yuffie outside to a chocobo stable hidden behind her house.
Yuffie mounted the chocobo and patted the spot behind her for Vincent to sit. He slowly climbed up and sat behind Yuffie on the saddle. She looked behind her and said, "You might want to hold on to my waist Vinnie. Lucky moves really fast. We don't want you falling off, now do we?" He reluctantly wrapped his arms around her waist. The whole incident was making him blush terribly. If it wasn't for his collar hiding most of his face, then Yuffie might have noticed. She took the reigns and tapped her feet on Lucky's side. Lucky took off at an incredible speed. Now Vincent understood why Yuffie told him to hold on. He looked down at Yuffie's face and saw the determination in her eyes. 'It must be hard for her. She was trying to protect Aeris from Sephiroth. She is so beautiful and strong. I wish she thought of me as more than a friend, but I don't deserve her. She is too pure for a monster like me. At least I can relish the closeness before we arrive.' Vincent held onto Yuffie tighter.
Yuffie felt his grip tighten around her waist. She was surprised that he even agreed to let her lead their little party. As soon as she turned her attention back to her destination, Vincent moved closer to her and rested his chin on her head. Yuffie blushed terribly at their closeness. Vincent looked down just in time to see her blush spread across her cheeks. He smiled to himself and thought, 'Maybe I might have a chance; she hasn't pulled away from me yet.' Vincent moved his mouth next to her ear and whispered, "Why are you blushing my dear Yuffie? I think you look even more beautiful when you blush." Yuffie was shocked. 'I can't believe this. Is Vinnie actually making passes at me? I never thought he would see me as more than a friend.' She smiled and said, "Are you hitting on me Vincent Valentine. The man who happens to be holding me like I might run away at any moment." Vincent looked down at her and asked, "You aren't going to run are you?" She laughed and said, "Of course I'm not. I was only teasing you, Vinnie. I am actually quite content right now." Vincent was surprised at her bold statement and the hidden meaning behind it. 'Does she mean what I think she means?' He looked at the scenery passing by and said, "Let us finish what we have started after we find Aeris, agreed? We must make haste." Yuffie looked back at Vincent and said, "Agreed. We need to stay focused right now. I am looking forward to continuing this matter later on and I am sure you are as well." Vincent smiled a devious smile and said, "Of course I am."
The two companions continued to ride until they reached Bone Village. Once they reached it they talked to the local miners and found out that they saw a young woman go into the Sleeping Forrest.
Yuffie and Vincent walked up to the entrance to the Sleeping Forrest. The guy at standing next to the entrance told them that they need the Lunar Harp to navigate their way through the forest.
Yuffie turned to Vincent and asked, "Are you immune to illusion spells Vinnie?" Vincent looked at her weird and said, "Yes, I am. How did you know?" Yuffie laughed and said, "I didn't know for sure I had to check and make sure. We can navigate our way as long as we are both immune to illusion spells. The Ancients put an enchantment on this forest a long time ago. It was to keep the unwanted guests out." Vincent nodded and said, "So I am assuming that you are immune to them as well. It doesn't surprise me though." Yuffie looked at the forest and motioned for Vincent to follow her. Together they entered the Sleeping Forrest to continue their search for Aeris.
Sleeping Forrest.
Yuffie was leading Vincent through the forest, while keeping her senses tuned into her surroundings. 'Something is not right here. We are being followed.' She slowed her pace and came to a steady walk beside Vincent. She whispered quietly, "We are being followed, Vinnie. Don't make any sudden movements. We don't want to let them know that we have sensed their presence." Vincent nodded his head. Yuffie resumed leading.
After about five more minutes, Yuffie had enough with their follower. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a throwing star. She sensed the presence to her left. She turned with incredible speed and threw the throwing star into a patch of bushes. They heard a grunt and then saw a hand fall out of the bushes. She walked over to it and moved the bushes out of the way. Before her was non-other than a Sephiroth clone in a black robe. She looked upset and yelled, "Damn you!" She looked over at Vincent and said, "He knows were we are going and he is already there. We must hurry before he finds Aeris." Vincent nodded and said, "We can run the rest of the way, but you must lead me. I don't know which way to go."
Yuffie nodded her head and took off running with Vincent at her heels.
Meanwhile with Aeris.
Aeris finally made it to the City of the Ancients, and sat down on a near by rock to rest for a few moments. She looked around and was amazed that the city was in such good condition. She stopped and stiffened at the presence that she was feeling. 'Sephiroth is here. He knows what I am planning to do. I can't let him stop me. I must do this or all will be lost.' She got up and continued making her way to the heart of the city.
Cloud and Tifa.
Cloud jumped as Tifa screamed in her sleep. He bolted to her side with worry. He shook Tifa and her eyes flashed open. She clutched her stomach as if she couldn't breath. "Tifa, what's wrong?! Calm down!" Cloud said. Tifa spoke through her hysteria, "I-it's Aeris, I had a dream that Sephiroth k- killed her. She was praying all innocent and aware you know? Then he was there! He stabbed her and he just smiled!" Cloud frowned but held Tifa to his chest. "It's okay," he said soothingly, "We'll stop Sephiroth. He won't hurt Aeris. I won't let him." He finished firmly.
Back to Aeris.
Aeris looked at the building. It must have been the Temple of Ancients. No, she knew it was. There was a welcoming glow from inside. "You won't make it far." A voice said behind Aeris. Shivers went down her back as she turned fearfully. She expected to be struck dead when she turned but nothing happened. Sephiroth just stared at her smiling maliciously and Aeris regained courage unsteadily. "S-Sephiroth, I-it's been a while." She said. "Since I saw you at the Temple of Ancients?" Sephiroth asked carelessly. Sephiroth's hand went to his hilt. "Why are you doing this?" Aeris asked. "I already explained why," Sephiroth growled impatiently, "You are just too simple-minded and unworthy to understand." "You don't have to do this," Aeris began gently, "I-I know what Hojo did to you-." "You know nothing of what he did to me!" Sephiroth spat. Aeris swallowed hard, she needed to word things more carefully. "I know deep down you're just scared. You think you need Jenova to protect you from your past." Aeris continued bravely. "I'm in too deep to turn around." Sephiroth snapped. "You can change. It's not too late." Aeris argued lightly. "And what would your friends think? You'd think they'd believed I changed? They'd just let me walk away alive after all I've done to them? After all the crimes against humanity I've committed do you think the people here would let me walk away?" Sephiroth said. Aeris saw the murderous intent disappear form his eyes even if just for a second replaced by inescapable fate to sorrow and death.
"You're still just the same scared boy I met when my father was still alive. You're the same boy that buried himself into my stomach crying." Aeris said and Sephiroth's defenses fell as Aeris reached out to him. "I can protect you from my friends, and the people could see your change with time." "They'd never forgive me." "Then we could go away from it all. I'd of course be with my friend but I can stop by from time to time." "Bury myself in a life of depression in hiding?" Aeris looked down sadly. "But why do you have to do this?" Aeris said letting a tear slip for him out of pity. Why was someone so innocent as he used be abused by the world damned to a life of pain and death?
Aeris understood what Sephiroth was trying to tell the people with his murders. He couldn't stop himself, he needed someone else to stop him. And the only way to arouse that was by killing, he was begging for Cloud to come after him, to kill him. Otherwise, he would end the world's suffering to prevent the same abuse he went through. Yet this still made it wrong.
Aeris felt arms wrap around her unexpectedly. "You and I could have been close friends." Sephiroth said. Aeris could feel Sephiroth slipping unwillingly slipping back into Jenova's control. She knew her destiny. Her and Sephiroth were two innocent people fated to die. "You're friends are here." Sephiroth whispered in Aeris's ear breaking the silence and resuming time. Sephiroth shoved Aeris away from him and onto the stairs. When Aeris looked up Sephiroth was gone. She stood up and looked around the lonely dark room and then continued up the spiral. She needed to do this. To save the planet and to save Sephiroth form himself. She had to stop him...
To be continued.
I want to give many thanks to all those lovely people who helped me edit this story and add more twist and turns to it. I owe a huge thanks to Relena55, without her I would have made it this far. She has been a major help and inspiration to me. I want to thank Shadow Reaver, MariSugar, and Leliel. Please don't forget to review!!
Chapter 4
By: Hotaru170
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy, or any of its characters. Please read and review! My email is Hotaru170@aol.com or SenshiOfSaturn@aol.com.
RECAP: Cloud's Dream.
Cloud looked around himself. He was in a forest he knew he must have been dreaming by the presence he got. He suddenly caught sight of a figure behind a tree. Long chestnut locks bound in a braid with emerald eyes gazing at him piercing through his soul. "Aeris?" he whispered. She smiled serenely and stepped from behind the tree. "I thought I'd come see you." She said softly. "In my dreams? You can do that?" Cloud wondered. Aeris nodded. "I have to go a while for a while but don't worry. I'll be back when it's all over." (A.N.- Aeris says that in the game). "Where are we?" Cloud asked. "Sleeping Forest." Aeris replied. "Why are we here?" Cloud asked her confused. Aeris shook her head. "It doesn't' matter. I just wanted to say good bye and you'll always be in my heart." She said and Cloud looked even more confused. "What for?" Cloud asked and suddenly a light consumed them both. "Good bye, Cloud..."
"Cloud wake up!" it was Tifa's panicked voice. "What is it?!" Cloud asked. "It's Aeris! She's gone!" Tifa said and Cloud jumped to his feet. "She left this note." Barret said handing it to Cloud. "We have to find her!" Tifa exclaimed. "We don't' even know where she went!" Barret argued. "I do..." Cloud spoke up. All eyes rested on him.
The party was waiting on Cloud to speak up. Just before he did, Yuffie beat him to it. She looked him in the eyes and said, "She went to the City Of the Ancients. She is going to summon Holy to stop Meteor." Avalanche looked at Yuffie in awe. Cloud managed to speak up and asked, "How do you know all of this?" Yuffie turned away from the group. She stood silently for a few moments before she whispered. "She believes that only she can stop Meteor from destroying the world. I should have told her the truth." Her statement puzzled everyone, except Vincent. He knew of what she spoke, even though he didn't tell her that he knew. She faced the others once more and said, "Let us not waste anymore time. We must catch up with her as fast as possible. I think Sephiroth knows what she is going to try and he will be there to stop her. She isn't strong enough to face him alone."
Cloud nodded in agreement and said, "Ok, lets get moving everyone." Everyone hurried and packed up all of their belongings. Yuffie walked up to Cloud and said, "We should split up into smaller parties. We will cover more ground and we will find Aeris quicker. The faster we find her the better. If she runs into Sephiroth before we find her, she might be able to hold on long enough for one of the groups to catch up with her." Cloud was impressed at her capability of organizing a search and still covering the Sephiroth issue. He smiled and said, "That's a very good idea Yuffie." He turned to the others and said, "Ok, we are going to split up into smaller parties to find Aeris. Team one will be Tifa and I, team two is Cid and Red, team three is Barret and Cait Sith, and team four is Yuffie and Vincent. The first team that finds Aeris will more than likely run into Sephiroth. I want you all to be extremely careful. As soon as you locate her contact the next team in line. Then they will contact the next. That way all of us can meet up at the same place. Now lets move out!"
Everyone split up and went to find different ways to Bone Village.
Vincent saw Yuffie heading to the back wall in her house. He was puzzled as to why she was doing this. She stopped in front of the wall and touched a part of the wall on her left. The wall opened up to reveal a walkway that lead to outside. Yuffie looked back at Vincent and said, "I trust you will not mention that to anyone. Now come on, we can ride Lucky all the way to Bone Village." Vincent was a little lost by this statement and said, "Um, Yuffie, I don't think that we can cross water with just a chocobo." Yuffie smirked at him and said, "Lucky is a special and rare kind of chocobo. He can cross any terrain, including mountains, cliffs, valleys, rivers, oceans, and forest. Now stop questioning me and lets get going." Vincent shrugged and followed Yuffie outside to a chocobo stable hidden behind her house.
Yuffie mounted the chocobo and patted the spot behind her for Vincent to sit. He slowly climbed up and sat behind Yuffie on the saddle. She looked behind her and said, "You might want to hold on to my waist Vinnie. Lucky moves really fast. We don't want you falling off, now do we?" He reluctantly wrapped his arms around her waist. The whole incident was making him blush terribly. If it wasn't for his collar hiding most of his face, then Yuffie might have noticed. She took the reigns and tapped her feet on Lucky's side. Lucky took off at an incredible speed. Now Vincent understood why Yuffie told him to hold on. He looked down at Yuffie's face and saw the determination in her eyes. 'It must be hard for her. She was trying to protect Aeris from Sephiroth. She is so beautiful and strong. I wish she thought of me as more than a friend, but I don't deserve her. She is too pure for a monster like me. At least I can relish the closeness before we arrive.' Vincent held onto Yuffie tighter.
Yuffie felt his grip tighten around her waist. She was surprised that he even agreed to let her lead their little party. As soon as she turned her attention back to her destination, Vincent moved closer to her and rested his chin on her head. Yuffie blushed terribly at their closeness. Vincent looked down just in time to see her blush spread across her cheeks. He smiled to himself and thought, 'Maybe I might have a chance; she hasn't pulled away from me yet.' Vincent moved his mouth next to her ear and whispered, "Why are you blushing my dear Yuffie? I think you look even more beautiful when you blush." Yuffie was shocked. 'I can't believe this. Is Vinnie actually making passes at me? I never thought he would see me as more than a friend.' She smiled and said, "Are you hitting on me Vincent Valentine. The man who happens to be holding me like I might run away at any moment." Vincent looked down at her and asked, "You aren't going to run are you?" She laughed and said, "Of course I'm not. I was only teasing you, Vinnie. I am actually quite content right now." Vincent was surprised at her bold statement and the hidden meaning behind it. 'Does she mean what I think she means?' He looked at the scenery passing by and said, "Let us finish what we have started after we find Aeris, agreed? We must make haste." Yuffie looked back at Vincent and said, "Agreed. We need to stay focused right now. I am looking forward to continuing this matter later on and I am sure you are as well." Vincent smiled a devious smile and said, "Of course I am."
The two companions continued to ride until they reached Bone Village. Once they reached it they talked to the local miners and found out that they saw a young woman go into the Sleeping Forrest.
Yuffie and Vincent walked up to the entrance to the Sleeping Forrest. The guy at standing next to the entrance told them that they need the Lunar Harp to navigate their way through the forest.
Yuffie turned to Vincent and asked, "Are you immune to illusion spells Vinnie?" Vincent looked at her weird and said, "Yes, I am. How did you know?" Yuffie laughed and said, "I didn't know for sure I had to check and make sure. We can navigate our way as long as we are both immune to illusion spells. The Ancients put an enchantment on this forest a long time ago. It was to keep the unwanted guests out." Vincent nodded and said, "So I am assuming that you are immune to them as well. It doesn't surprise me though." Yuffie looked at the forest and motioned for Vincent to follow her. Together they entered the Sleeping Forrest to continue their search for Aeris.
Sleeping Forrest.
Yuffie was leading Vincent through the forest, while keeping her senses tuned into her surroundings. 'Something is not right here. We are being followed.' She slowed her pace and came to a steady walk beside Vincent. She whispered quietly, "We are being followed, Vinnie. Don't make any sudden movements. We don't want to let them know that we have sensed their presence." Vincent nodded his head. Yuffie resumed leading.
After about five more minutes, Yuffie had enough with their follower. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a throwing star. She sensed the presence to her left. She turned with incredible speed and threw the throwing star into a patch of bushes. They heard a grunt and then saw a hand fall out of the bushes. She walked over to it and moved the bushes out of the way. Before her was non-other than a Sephiroth clone in a black robe. She looked upset and yelled, "Damn you!" She looked over at Vincent and said, "He knows were we are going and he is already there. We must hurry before he finds Aeris." Vincent nodded and said, "We can run the rest of the way, but you must lead me. I don't know which way to go."
Yuffie nodded her head and took off running with Vincent at her heels.
Meanwhile with Aeris.
Aeris finally made it to the City of the Ancients, and sat down on a near by rock to rest for a few moments. She looked around and was amazed that the city was in such good condition. She stopped and stiffened at the presence that she was feeling. 'Sephiroth is here. He knows what I am planning to do. I can't let him stop me. I must do this or all will be lost.' She got up and continued making her way to the heart of the city.
Cloud and Tifa.
Cloud jumped as Tifa screamed in her sleep. He bolted to her side with worry. He shook Tifa and her eyes flashed open. She clutched her stomach as if she couldn't breath. "Tifa, what's wrong?! Calm down!" Cloud said. Tifa spoke through her hysteria, "I-it's Aeris, I had a dream that Sephiroth k- killed her. She was praying all innocent and aware you know? Then he was there! He stabbed her and he just smiled!" Cloud frowned but held Tifa to his chest. "It's okay," he said soothingly, "We'll stop Sephiroth. He won't hurt Aeris. I won't let him." He finished firmly.
Back to Aeris.
Aeris looked at the building. It must have been the Temple of Ancients. No, she knew it was. There was a welcoming glow from inside. "You won't make it far." A voice said behind Aeris. Shivers went down her back as she turned fearfully. She expected to be struck dead when she turned but nothing happened. Sephiroth just stared at her smiling maliciously and Aeris regained courage unsteadily. "S-Sephiroth, I-it's been a while." She said. "Since I saw you at the Temple of Ancients?" Sephiroth asked carelessly. Sephiroth's hand went to his hilt. "Why are you doing this?" Aeris asked. "I already explained why," Sephiroth growled impatiently, "You are just too simple-minded and unworthy to understand." "You don't have to do this," Aeris began gently, "I-I know what Hojo did to you-." "You know nothing of what he did to me!" Sephiroth spat. Aeris swallowed hard, she needed to word things more carefully. "I know deep down you're just scared. You think you need Jenova to protect you from your past." Aeris continued bravely. "I'm in too deep to turn around." Sephiroth snapped. "You can change. It's not too late." Aeris argued lightly. "And what would your friends think? You'd think they'd believed I changed? They'd just let me walk away alive after all I've done to them? After all the crimes against humanity I've committed do you think the people here would let me walk away?" Sephiroth said. Aeris saw the murderous intent disappear form his eyes even if just for a second replaced by inescapable fate to sorrow and death.
"You're still just the same scared boy I met when my father was still alive. You're the same boy that buried himself into my stomach crying." Aeris said and Sephiroth's defenses fell as Aeris reached out to him. "I can protect you from my friends, and the people could see your change with time." "They'd never forgive me." "Then we could go away from it all. I'd of course be with my friend but I can stop by from time to time." "Bury myself in a life of depression in hiding?" Aeris looked down sadly. "But why do you have to do this?" Aeris said letting a tear slip for him out of pity. Why was someone so innocent as he used be abused by the world damned to a life of pain and death?
Aeris understood what Sephiroth was trying to tell the people with his murders. He couldn't stop himself, he needed someone else to stop him. And the only way to arouse that was by killing, he was begging for Cloud to come after him, to kill him. Otherwise, he would end the world's suffering to prevent the same abuse he went through. Yet this still made it wrong.
Aeris felt arms wrap around her unexpectedly. "You and I could have been close friends." Sephiroth said. Aeris could feel Sephiroth slipping unwillingly slipping back into Jenova's control. She knew her destiny. Her and Sephiroth were two innocent people fated to die. "You're friends are here." Sephiroth whispered in Aeris's ear breaking the silence and resuming time. Sephiroth shoved Aeris away from him and onto the stairs. When Aeris looked up Sephiroth was gone. She stood up and looked around the lonely dark room and then continued up the spiral. She needed to do this. To save the planet and to save Sephiroth form himself. She had to stop him...
To be continued.
I want to give many thanks to all those lovely people who helped me edit this story and add more twist and turns to it. I owe a huge thanks to Relena55, without her I would have made it this far. She has been a major help and inspiration to me. I want to thank Shadow Reaver, MariSugar, and Leliel. Please don't forget to review!!