And yet another chapter so soon (hope that's a good thing..) This chapter
just kinda wrote it's self so I hope it's ok. Thanks to Alysia-Chan for
reviewing. And I can't think of anything else so...
Chapter 8 : Burning Light
One can of Sephiroth bug spray coming up - Zack
2 Weeks Later
________________
"So the attacks are becoming more frequent."
"Yep, people have been sighting those little things all over town." Zack leaned back in his chair putting his hands behind his head.
Cloud, Squall, Cid, Yuffie and Zack were sat around the kitchen table. Aerith walked around the table handing everyone their morning coffee, after she sat down next to Cloud and happily sipped at her drink.
Cloud pick up his and thanked her. After staying with Aerith for the past two week the two had become much closer but unfortunately the small creatures earlier called security malfunctions had been showing up more often.
"So what can we do?" Squall asked. "So far all attempts to find the source of these things have failed."
Aerith looked over at him. "What about the palace? Don't they know anything?"
"No, Ansem and all the Royal Soldiers have been silent. Even SeeD is completely out of the loop."
"This whole thing stinks." Cid took a swing of his coffee forgetting to remove his cigarette first. 'Bloody thing.'
Squall sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Well for now we have no choice but to wait, searching this city aimlessly is getting us nowhere."
After a short silence Aerith turned to Cloud. "Have you found anything on Sephiroth."
He shook his head. "He seems to be waiting, leaving hints that he was in the areas I've searched but so far but that's all."
After discussing the matter a little longer everyone finished up and left to do they're own tasks. Everyone but Cloud and Aerith had left and the two were left alone at the table.
"So what's your plan for today?"
Cloud ran his fingers through his hair taking in a deep breath. "I think I'm just going to take a walk around the city today, I've had enough of searching nearby caves and abandoned buildings for now."
"Oh, well in that case how about joining me?" She stood up and walked over to her flower basket. "I could always use the company."
"Sure."
________________________
Later in the day in the market the sun was shining perfectly in the sky, a cool breeze passed through the streets making it comfortable. Cloud sat on the same ledge from the second time he met Aerith, he watched as various people came to buy her flowers.
Aerith always had a smiled to great each person that came to her, a few people Cloud started to recognize from other times he came out with her. He watched as she cheerfully handed a few out to some children.
'I wish I could just relax, but I know he's out there.'
The flower girl finished handing out the flowers before looking up at Cloud, seeing him in deep thought was something she was quite use to by now. Smiling she walked up to him and sat down on the wall.
"I thought you were taking the day off."
"Hmm? Oh.. yeah, your right..."
Aerith put the basket on the wall and scooted closer to him. "So what you thinking about?"
"The usual." He put his arm around her.
"You know if you keep this up your going to have a breakdown, don't guys in Soldier take holidays?"
Cloud smiled hugging her tighter. "Your right, I just wish I could put an end to this."
"Cloud..."
"I mean it's taking over my life."
"Cloud..." Aerith tugged at his arm.
"What?"
The flower girl stood up staring over at the other end of the market place. Cloud tried to see what she was looking at when his eyes fell upon the black caped man, his sword glinted catching the sunlight.
The Soldier immediately gave chase to the silver haired fugitive and he sprinted across the market towards him. Sephiroth smiled and backed into the shadows disappearing out of sight. Cloud reached the spot where he had been standing only to find nothing, he spun round searching the immediate area.
A few moments later Aerith caught up out of breath. "Di-did you find him?"
Cloud shook his head slowly still on guard, he sword was gripped tightly in his hands. 'He can't have gone far.'
Aerith looked round wondering if what they saw was actually real. "Cloud maybe I was.."
"Get down!" Cloud dived at her knocking her to the ground, a flash of black pass over them in lightning speed, a small glint of light hit her eyes causing her to blink.
Before she could actually figure out what happened Cloud grabbed her arms and dragged her out into the light. "C-Cloud? What's going on?"
"He's using the darkness to conceal himself, that attack was one of the most advanced in Soldier."
"What attack? I didn't see anything, only you knocking me over." Aerith crossed her arms. "I really think you could use a break ohh.. how?"
She stopped in her tracks as Cloud turned round, along his cheek ran a thin cut, a slight trickle of blood ran down his chin.
"How? Where did that come from?" She pulled out a cloth and wiped the blood away.
"It's nothing, it could have been a lot worse." He brought his hand up to hers and held the cloth against the cut.
Aerith for the first time was starting to see how dangerous Sephiroth was. She had thought Cloud was stretching things a bit the way he described the ex-general but now after witnessing something like that... 'I didn't even see it happen...' A cold shiver ran down her spine as she replayed the moments it took the event to happen.
"Can he do that anywhere?"
"No, the light a darkness has to be just right. And I doubt he would use the same move twice."
"So where did he go?"
Cloud looked around the market, apparently no one had taken any notice of the scene. "I don't know..." He sighed in frustration, that last encounter could have been fatal. 'And what's worse is he's just playing with me, this is just a game for him.' He turned to Aerith who had an uneasy look on her face, she fidgeted with the flower basket in her hands while looking around.
"Look head back home and I'll meet you there in a few minutes."
"Where are you going?"
"I need to pick something up, if I don't do something soon one of these attacks will eventually work."
Aerith nodded and slowly, she watched as Cloud headed towards the palace, his hand was constantly passing over his sword as he kept watch. After he disappeared from sight she started to walk back home, every so often looking over her shoulder. 'This is crazy, Cloud's right if we don't do something soon I think I'm going to go paranoid. He could be anywhere.'
___________________________
"Again?" Zack studied the small slash along Cloud's cheek. "In the middle of the market place? That was bold."
"I know."
Cloud headed into the library and Zack followed closely behind.
"If he's prepared to do something like that then he must not care about getting spotted."
"Your right, what ever he's been waiting for must be happening soon, he wouldn't do something so reckless otherwise." Cloud reached one of the shelves and began to look down the range of books.
"So what are you going to do? The reinforcements aren't due for another two days, trying to attack him head on would be suicide."
"I need something, a spell, anything to help detect him. If he's starting to attack us like this I won't be able to stop it each time."
"Well a simple detection spell won't work, he's too smart for that." Zack leaned against the shelf scratching the back of his head.
"This will do."
"Huh?"
Cloud pulled the book out and walked over to a table sitting down.
"Your going to use a light spell? That won't work, he'll see it coming."
"I know," He ran his finger down the list of spell's stopping when he found the one that suited. 'Found it.' "This spell creates a bubble around a certain area, anyone trying to use the darkness as an advantage will start to glow as they enter the bubble, the longer they stay in the bubble the more the light will intensify until it starts to burn them."
Zack nodded crossing his arms. "I get ya, put that spell around the house and the other places we go and at some point he will trip the spell letting us get an early attack, plus a serious sun tan."
"I would think once he figures out we're using the spell he would keep away from those areas, or try to break the spell."
"...Either way it will gives us sometime."
Cloud closed the book and headed out the door into the main hall of the palace. "Well first we need the ingredients to make this thing, you go get that and I'll explain it to Aerith, she will most likely be able to cast a stronger spell."
"Oh yeah the Cetra thing," Zack grinned and took the book from Cloud. "Well no problem. One can of Sephiroth bug spray coming up." He jumped on the stairs balcony and slid down to the main floor running out of the huge front doors.
Cloud smiled shaking his head, he felt better knowing this would keep Sephiroth away for at least a few days until the reinforcements arrived from Midgar. As he reached the main doors though he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Excuse me."
"...?" The man stood back, and Cloud took his first look at him immediately recognizing the stranger. "Your Ansem, right?"
"That's correct, I have heard a lot about you Mr. Strife."
Cloud crossed his arms not looking too bothered. "All good I take."
"Yes quite, I'm curious though, you wouldn't happen to know anything about what's going on?"
"What's going on?" He repeated. "..You mean the attacks from those creatures, I would say you know more than me."
Ansem grinned and put his hands behind his back. "I'm afraid not, the excuse we used was just to keep the public happy, but in truth we don't know much about them."
Cloud looked him in the eyes not fully trusting his words. "Well, in truth, I've been busy with other matters."
"Yes, yes I understand the business with Sephiroth, very disturbing." He half turned away. "Well Cloud, if you do happen to find anything..."
"... I will let you know." Cloud finished.
"Very good, well.. until then." Ansem grinned once more before turning to leave. Cloud stood watching for a few moments before continuing his journey, in the back of his mind he didn't trust Ansem but for now he could careless about that, for now all that mattered was getting rid of Sephiroth and after that he could worry about other things.
_____________________
"So will this work?" Aerith sat down at the table reading the book Zack brought back.
Cloud took the ingredients out of the bag setting it out on the table. "It should do, do you think you can cast it."
She shrugged putting the book down. "It looks like a normal spell, it should be simple."
"Then let's get this show on the road." Zack clapped and rubbed his hand together, he loved using magic. "Anything I can do?"
"Sure." Aerith threw him a broom.
"...? What's this for?"
She grinned while reading the book. "Sweeping the floor, it hasn't been done in ages."
"Eh? You're kidding." Zack slumped his shoulders. "Right?"
He looked at Cloud who just smiled and shrugged.
"You did ask." Aerith grinned and began to play around with some of the ingredients.
Zack muttered something under his breath before sweeping the broom along the floor. "Why does this always happen to me?"
Cloud stood behind the girl as she checked the strange items. "So what do we do?"
"Mix these things together until they turn yellow." She handed over to bottles.
"Ok then?" Cloud looked puzzled at the two red powders in each bottle. "Yellow?"
"Hey!" Zack interrupted. "How come when I ask I get broom duty and he asks and gets the fun jobs?"
Aerith shrugged smiling again. "Luck."
He muttered under his breath. "Luck my ass."
"You want me to give you something else?"
Zack looked around the room and noticed the sink was full of dirty dishes that Yuffie was suppose to do earlier. "Err.. no, think I'll just stick to this."
Cloud finished mixing the powders together and was thrown by the fact they 'had' turned yellow. "Done, now what?"
Aerith was shaking a bottle in her hand holding her thumb over the top, once done she let it go and poured the contents into a small bowl. "Slowly pour it in there." She looked up at him. "And I mean 'slowly'."
Cloud raised an eyebrow and shrugged pouring the contents in. "Any reason why so slow?"
"If you do it too fast it will.. well... explode."
"Oh," Cloud looked back down at the bottle, his hand was shaking slightly. "Is that all..."
"Hey guys whatcha up to?" Yuffie walked through the front door curious at the strange items on the table.
Zack walked by still sweeping. "Magic. Wanna help?"
"Magic? Aww yeah what can I do?"
He turned to look at the flower girl. "Aerith?"
Aerith grinned at Zack's childish attempt but she was happy to oblige. "Dishes." She pointed over to the sink.
"Eh?"
"It's your turn. Remember?"
Yuffie shot an evil glare at Zack who just smiled happily back. "You knew that would happen."
"Me? No.."
Later the next through the door was Cid. "What's this?"
"Magic." Zack answered.
"Yeah, and trust us don't ask to help." Yuffie said half covered in soap sud's.
"I wasn't planning on doing." He walked over to the table and sat down. "Who the hell's been writing on the table? It's cover in funky writing."
"Don't touch that!" Aerith yelled. "We've only just finished it, all that's left now is the ingredients Cloud is making."
"It's done." Cloud handed her a bowl of multi-coloured powder. "It didn't explode so I'm guessing I did it right."
She took the bowl off of him and poured it on to the middle of the table, the powder dissolved into the wood and slowly the writing began to fill in a bright gold colour.
"Is that it?"
"I think so." She stood back and put the bowl on the side.
"Guess all we have to do now is wait and see if it works."
"How do we do that?" Cid asked.
"Well, this should now have created a bubble around the house, if Sephiroth passes through that bubble the light will become attracted to him."
"Making him an oversized glow in the dark doll." Aerith smiled feeling safer already, 'At least now we won't have to worry about him creeping up on us.'
_____________________
Darkness was something Sephiroth loved, how easy it was to move through the shadows invisible to the untrained eye. He walked along the street casually, even putting as little effort like this the hopeless drunks couldn't even seem him.
'I was surprised that Cloud was able to anticipate that last attack, shame, a splash of red would go quite well on that girl.' He grinned and turned the corner.
It was early morning and the sun wasn't due for another few hours, plenty of time for him to have some fun.
'Let's see, there's the Cetra, the ninja and that pilot and of course Cloud. Which should it be?'
He reached the housed and made his was on to the roof next door, each step he took was silent, only the best of the best could hope to detect him.
'Well, lets let fate pick who it will be. First come first serve.' Sephiroth kneeled down and looked over to the first window, inside he could see Aerith squirming around in her bed restlessly. 'Hmm, I guess fate has good taste.'
The ex-Soldier leaned forward to get a better look when something caught his eye, looking down at his fingertip he was surprised to see that it was glowing brightly in the dark. '...?' Sephiroth reached out with his arm and it too began to shine, after a few moments his skin felt like it was burning, the light was pure and hated his darkness. His eyes widened and he pulled back, the light vanished leaving him in darkness once again. 'Oh...'
He fan his fingers over the invisible wall, the tips of his fingers glowed. 'Well, well, well, I guess your not so stupid after all Strife. Hmph, this will take time to get rid of. '
Sighing he stood up running his fingers through his hair. 'Fine, by the time I get pass this it will be too late anyway.'
The dark wing rose into the air and cast a shadow along the wall. 'Enjoy it while it lasts Strife, this little trick of yours will only buy you a little time.'
_____________________
Aerith sat up suddenly feeling a cold breeze run over her body.
"Hmm? I guess it's going to be another one of those nights." She put her head back and the pillow and pulled the sheets up over her shoulders. The dream that had awoken her was still hiding from her mind.
Outside the window she could see it was still dark and morning was still far away. Even though it wasn't actually freezing outside she still felt cold, the air in the room felt still and cool.
In the corridor she heard the floors creaking and knowing it was most likely Yuffie she still could remove the image of Sephiroth her mind. 'This is perfect, I can't sleep like this. It feels like I'm been watched all the time.'
Sighing she got up from and decided to take a walk round. The floor was cold and she quickly pushed up on to the tips of her toes to avoid it. 'So, what to do?'
Walking round the place quickly became boring, and for some reason she couldn't shake the un-comfortable feeling of been alone.
In the kitchen the writing on the table was still glowing gold showing the spell was still working. Sitting down at the table she yawned heavily. 'Oh great, 'now' I'm tired.' She rubbed her eyes not wanting to go back to her room and instead and let her mind run over the past two weeks.
Cid was working on a new type of ship, and that's all the information they could get out of him. Squall had been helping track down the source of the little shadow creatures, Yuffie of course tried to help in her own special way by setting traps which, Squall usually got caught in.
Sephiroth was becoming a problem but thanks to Zack and Cloud none of his attempts to attack them had been fully successful.
'Cloud...' Aerith's eyes widened thinking about him. She walked back down the corridor and stopped in front of his room. 'Should I?'
The flower girl bit her lip deciding while her hand unconsciously reached for the doorknob. She twisted it round hearing a slight 'click' before pushing the door open.
The room was just as cool as the rest of the house but for some reason she felt safe been inside. She crept quietly over to the bed. Cloud was sleeping peacefully and silently, the only movement was his chest as he took each breath.
Aerith stopped in front of him and knelt down, she smiled watching him been so peaceful.
"Can't sleep?"
She fell back startled at Cloud's words.
"H-How long have you been awake?"
He grinned, his eyes were still closed and if he hadn't spoke she could have sworn he was still asleep. "Since you opened the door."
"Soldier training again hmm?"
Cloud nodded and opened his eyes. "So what's wrong?"
"Nothing really..." Aerith sat down on the edge of his bed. "I just couldn't sleep."
"Is it Sephiroth?"
"A little," She sighed lifting her knees up to he chest. "I've just had a lot on my mind."
"Everything will be ok, just give it some time." Cloud reached up putting his arm around her waist and closing his eyes again.
Aerith look down at him, his hair was once again flattened down from the pillow. She leaned down and kissed him lightly on the cheek, Cloud smiled pulling on her waist and she collapsed down on to his pillow giggling. "Would you mind if I stayed here tonight?"
The alarms in Cloud's head went off as he realized what she just said, hesitating for a moment he then nodded and lifted up the sheets. Aerith climbed under and shuffled up closer to him and Cloud wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. Yawning she finally stopped fidgeting and laid her head on Cloud's chest, within seconds she had closed her eyes and fallen a sleep.
Cloud still half awake ran his fingers through her hair and down her back feeling how soft gentle her body was. He brushed his lips over her head wondering why he wasn't as nervous he always thought he'd be, it felt so natural for her to be here.
Taking one last look at her he sighed happily before returning to sleep.
_________________________
Chapter 8 : Burning Light
One can of Sephiroth bug spray coming up - Zack
2 Weeks Later
________________
"So the attacks are becoming more frequent."
"Yep, people have been sighting those little things all over town." Zack leaned back in his chair putting his hands behind his head.
Cloud, Squall, Cid, Yuffie and Zack were sat around the kitchen table. Aerith walked around the table handing everyone their morning coffee, after she sat down next to Cloud and happily sipped at her drink.
Cloud pick up his and thanked her. After staying with Aerith for the past two week the two had become much closer but unfortunately the small creatures earlier called security malfunctions had been showing up more often.
"So what can we do?" Squall asked. "So far all attempts to find the source of these things have failed."
Aerith looked over at him. "What about the palace? Don't they know anything?"
"No, Ansem and all the Royal Soldiers have been silent. Even SeeD is completely out of the loop."
"This whole thing stinks." Cid took a swing of his coffee forgetting to remove his cigarette first. 'Bloody thing.'
Squall sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Well for now we have no choice but to wait, searching this city aimlessly is getting us nowhere."
After a short silence Aerith turned to Cloud. "Have you found anything on Sephiroth."
He shook his head. "He seems to be waiting, leaving hints that he was in the areas I've searched but so far but that's all."
After discussing the matter a little longer everyone finished up and left to do they're own tasks. Everyone but Cloud and Aerith had left and the two were left alone at the table.
"So what's your plan for today?"
Cloud ran his fingers through his hair taking in a deep breath. "I think I'm just going to take a walk around the city today, I've had enough of searching nearby caves and abandoned buildings for now."
"Oh, well in that case how about joining me?" She stood up and walked over to her flower basket. "I could always use the company."
"Sure."
________________________
Later in the day in the market the sun was shining perfectly in the sky, a cool breeze passed through the streets making it comfortable. Cloud sat on the same ledge from the second time he met Aerith, he watched as various people came to buy her flowers.
Aerith always had a smiled to great each person that came to her, a few people Cloud started to recognize from other times he came out with her. He watched as she cheerfully handed a few out to some children.
'I wish I could just relax, but I know he's out there.'
The flower girl finished handing out the flowers before looking up at Cloud, seeing him in deep thought was something she was quite use to by now. Smiling she walked up to him and sat down on the wall.
"I thought you were taking the day off."
"Hmm? Oh.. yeah, your right..."
Aerith put the basket on the wall and scooted closer to him. "So what you thinking about?"
"The usual." He put his arm around her.
"You know if you keep this up your going to have a breakdown, don't guys in Soldier take holidays?"
Cloud smiled hugging her tighter. "Your right, I just wish I could put an end to this."
"Cloud..."
"I mean it's taking over my life."
"Cloud..." Aerith tugged at his arm.
"What?"
The flower girl stood up staring over at the other end of the market place. Cloud tried to see what she was looking at when his eyes fell upon the black caped man, his sword glinted catching the sunlight.
The Soldier immediately gave chase to the silver haired fugitive and he sprinted across the market towards him. Sephiroth smiled and backed into the shadows disappearing out of sight. Cloud reached the spot where he had been standing only to find nothing, he spun round searching the immediate area.
A few moments later Aerith caught up out of breath. "Di-did you find him?"
Cloud shook his head slowly still on guard, he sword was gripped tightly in his hands. 'He can't have gone far.'
Aerith looked round wondering if what they saw was actually real. "Cloud maybe I was.."
"Get down!" Cloud dived at her knocking her to the ground, a flash of black pass over them in lightning speed, a small glint of light hit her eyes causing her to blink.
Before she could actually figure out what happened Cloud grabbed her arms and dragged her out into the light. "C-Cloud? What's going on?"
"He's using the darkness to conceal himself, that attack was one of the most advanced in Soldier."
"What attack? I didn't see anything, only you knocking me over." Aerith crossed her arms. "I really think you could use a break ohh.. how?"
She stopped in her tracks as Cloud turned round, along his cheek ran a thin cut, a slight trickle of blood ran down his chin.
"How? Where did that come from?" She pulled out a cloth and wiped the blood away.
"It's nothing, it could have been a lot worse." He brought his hand up to hers and held the cloth against the cut.
Aerith for the first time was starting to see how dangerous Sephiroth was. She had thought Cloud was stretching things a bit the way he described the ex-general but now after witnessing something like that... 'I didn't even see it happen...' A cold shiver ran down her spine as she replayed the moments it took the event to happen.
"Can he do that anywhere?"
"No, the light a darkness has to be just right. And I doubt he would use the same move twice."
"So where did he go?"
Cloud looked around the market, apparently no one had taken any notice of the scene. "I don't know..." He sighed in frustration, that last encounter could have been fatal. 'And what's worse is he's just playing with me, this is just a game for him.' He turned to Aerith who had an uneasy look on her face, she fidgeted with the flower basket in her hands while looking around.
"Look head back home and I'll meet you there in a few minutes."
"Where are you going?"
"I need to pick something up, if I don't do something soon one of these attacks will eventually work."
Aerith nodded and slowly, she watched as Cloud headed towards the palace, his hand was constantly passing over his sword as he kept watch. After he disappeared from sight she started to walk back home, every so often looking over her shoulder. 'This is crazy, Cloud's right if we don't do something soon I think I'm going to go paranoid. He could be anywhere.'
___________________________
"Again?" Zack studied the small slash along Cloud's cheek. "In the middle of the market place? That was bold."
"I know."
Cloud headed into the library and Zack followed closely behind.
"If he's prepared to do something like that then he must not care about getting spotted."
"Your right, what ever he's been waiting for must be happening soon, he wouldn't do something so reckless otherwise." Cloud reached one of the shelves and began to look down the range of books.
"So what are you going to do? The reinforcements aren't due for another two days, trying to attack him head on would be suicide."
"I need something, a spell, anything to help detect him. If he's starting to attack us like this I won't be able to stop it each time."
"Well a simple detection spell won't work, he's too smart for that." Zack leaned against the shelf scratching the back of his head.
"This will do."
"Huh?"
Cloud pulled the book out and walked over to a table sitting down.
"Your going to use a light spell? That won't work, he'll see it coming."
"I know," He ran his finger down the list of spell's stopping when he found the one that suited. 'Found it.' "This spell creates a bubble around a certain area, anyone trying to use the darkness as an advantage will start to glow as they enter the bubble, the longer they stay in the bubble the more the light will intensify until it starts to burn them."
Zack nodded crossing his arms. "I get ya, put that spell around the house and the other places we go and at some point he will trip the spell letting us get an early attack, plus a serious sun tan."
"I would think once he figures out we're using the spell he would keep away from those areas, or try to break the spell."
"...Either way it will gives us sometime."
Cloud closed the book and headed out the door into the main hall of the palace. "Well first we need the ingredients to make this thing, you go get that and I'll explain it to Aerith, she will most likely be able to cast a stronger spell."
"Oh yeah the Cetra thing," Zack grinned and took the book from Cloud. "Well no problem. One can of Sephiroth bug spray coming up." He jumped on the stairs balcony and slid down to the main floor running out of the huge front doors.
Cloud smiled shaking his head, he felt better knowing this would keep Sephiroth away for at least a few days until the reinforcements arrived from Midgar. As he reached the main doors though he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Excuse me."
"...?" The man stood back, and Cloud took his first look at him immediately recognizing the stranger. "Your Ansem, right?"
"That's correct, I have heard a lot about you Mr. Strife."
Cloud crossed his arms not looking too bothered. "All good I take."
"Yes quite, I'm curious though, you wouldn't happen to know anything about what's going on?"
"What's going on?" He repeated. "..You mean the attacks from those creatures, I would say you know more than me."
Ansem grinned and put his hands behind his back. "I'm afraid not, the excuse we used was just to keep the public happy, but in truth we don't know much about them."
Cloud looked him in the eyes not fully trusting his words. "Well, in truth, I've been busy with other matters."
"Yes, yes I understand the business with Sephiroth, very disturbing." He half turned away. "Well Cloud, if you do happen to find anything..."
"... I will let you know." Cloud finished.
"Very good, well.. until then." Ansem grinned once more before turning to leave. Cloud stood watching for a few moments before continuing his journey, in the back of his mind he didn't trust Ansem but for now he could careless about that, for now all that mattered was getting rid of Sephiroth and after that he could worry about other things.
_____________________
"So will this work?" Aerith sat down at the table reading the book Zack brought back.
Cloud took the ingredients out of the bag setting it out on the table. "It should do, do you think you can cast it."
She shrugged putting the book down. "It looks like a normal spell, it should be simple."
"Then let's get this show on the road." Zack clapped and rubbed his hand together, he loved using magic. "Anything I can do?"
"Sure." Aerith threw him a broom.
"...? What's this for?"
She grinned while reading the book. "Sweeping the floor, it hasn't been done in ages."
"Eh? You're kidding." Zack slumped his shoulders. "Right?"
He looked at Cloud who just smiled and shrugged.
"You did ask." Aerith grinned and began to play around with some of the ingredients.
Zack muttered something under his breath before sweeping the broom along the floor. "Why does this always happen to me?"
Cloud stood behind the girl as she checked the strange items. "So what do we do?"
"Mix these things together until they turn yellow." She handed over to bottles.
"Ok then?" Cloud looked puzzled at the two red powders in each bottle. "Yellow?"
"Hey!" Zack interrupted. "How come when I ask I get broom duty and he asks and gets the fun jobs?"
Aerith shrugged smiling again. "Luck."
He muttered under his breath. "Luck my ass."
"You want me to give you something else?"
Zack looked around the room and noticed the sink was full of dirty dishes that Yuffie was suppose to do earlier. "Err.. no, think I'll just stick to this."
Cloud finished mixing the powders together and was thrown by the fact they 'had' turned yellow. "Done, now what?"
Aerith was shaking a bottle in her hand holding her thumb over the top, once done she let it go and poured the contents into a small bowl. "Slowly pour it in there." She looked up at him. "And I mean 'slowly'."
Cloud raised an eyebrow and shrugged pouring the contents in. "Any reason why so slow?"
"If you do it too fast it will.. well... explode."
"Oh," Cloud looked back down at the bottle, his hand was shaking slightly. "Is that all..."
"Hey guys whatcha up to?" Yuffie walked through the front door curious at the strange items on the table.
Zack walked by still sweeping. "Magic. Wanna help?"
"Magic? Aww yeah what can I do?"
He turned to look at the flower girl. "Aerith?"
Aerith grinned at Zack's childish attempt but she was happy to oblige. "Dishes." She pointed over to the sink.
"Eh?"
"It's your turn. Remember?"
Yuffie shot an evil glare at Zack who just smiled happily back. "You knew that would happen."
"Me? No.."
Later the next through the door was Cid. "What's this?"
"Magic." Zack answered.
"Yeah, and trust us don't ask to help." Yuffie said half covered in soap sud's.
"I wasn't planning on doing." He walked over to the table and sat down. "Who the hell's been writing on the table? It's cover in funky writing."
"Don't touch that!" Aerith yelled. "We've only just finished it, all that's left now is the ingredients Cloud is making."
"It's done." Cloud handed her a bowl of multi-coloured powder. "It didn't explode so I'm guessing I did it right."
She took the bowl off of him and poured it on to the middle of the table, the powder dissolved into the wood and slowly the writing began to fill in a bright gold colour.
"Is that it?"
"I think so." She stood back and put the bowl on the side.
"Guess all we have to do now is wait and see if it works."
"How do we do that?" Cid asked.
"Well, this should now have created a bubble around the house, if Sephiroth passes through that bubble the light will become attracted to him."
"Making him an oversized glow in the dark doll." Aerith smiled feeling safer already, 'At least now we won't have to worry about him creeping up on us.'
_____________________
Darkness was something Sephiroth loved, how easy it was to move through the shadows invisible to the untrained eye. He walked along the street casually, even putting as little effort like this the hopeless drunks couldn't even seem him.
'I was surprised that Cloud was able to anticipate that last attack, shame, a splash of red would go quite well on that girl.' He grinned and turned the corner.
It was early morning and the sun wasn't due for another few hours, plenty of time for him to have some fun.
'Let's see, there's the Cetra, the ninja and that pilot and of course Cloud. Which should it be?'
He reached the housed and made his was on to the roof next door, each step he took was silent, only the best of the best could hope to detect him.
'Well, lets let fate pick who it will be. First come first serve.' Sephiroth kneeled down and looked over to the first window, inside he could see Aerith squirming around in her bed restlessly. 'Hmm, I guess fate has good taste.'
The ex-Soldier leaned forward to get a better look when something caught his eye, looking down at his fingertip he was surprised to see that it was glowing brightly in the dark. '...?' Sephiroth reached out with his arm and it too began to shine, after a few moments his skin felt like it was burning, the light was pure and hated his darkness. His eyes widened and he pulled back, the light vanished leaving him in darkness once again. 'Oh...'
He fan his fingers over the invisible wall, the tips of his fingers glowed. 'Well, well, well, I guess your not so stupid after all Strife. Hmph, this will take time to get rid of. '
Sighing he stood up running his fingers through his hair. 'Fine, by the time I get pass this it will be too late anyway.'
The dark wing rose into the air and cast a shadow along the wall. 'Enjoy it while it lasts Strife, this little trick of yours will only buy you a little time.'
_____________________
Aerith sat up suddenly feeling a cold breeze run over her body.
"Hmm? I guess it's going to be another one of those nights." She put her head back and the pillow and pulled the sheets up over her shoulders. The dream that had awoken her was still hiding from her mind.
Outside the window she could see it was still dark and morning was still far away. Even though it wasn't actually freezing outside she still felt cold, the air in the room felt still and cool.
In the corridor she heard the floors creaking and knowing it was most likely Yuffie she still could remove the image of Sephiroth her mind. 'This is perfect, I can't sleep like this. It feels like I'm been watched all the time.'
Sighing she got up from and decided to take a walk round. The floor was cold and she quickly pushed up on to the tips of her toes to avoid it. 'So, what to do?'
Walking round the place quickly became boring, and for some reason she couldn't shake the un-comfortable feeling of been alone.
In the kitchen the writing on the table was still glowing gold showing the spell was still working. Sitting down at the table she yawned heavily. 'Oh great, 'now' I'm tired.' She rubbed her eyes not wanting to go back to her room and instead and let her mind run over the past two weeks.
Cid was working on a new type of ship, and that's all the information they could get out of him. Squall had been helping track down the source of the little shadow creatures, Yuffie of course tried to help in her own special way by setting traps which, Squall usually got caught in.
Sephiroth was becoming a problem but thanks to Zack and Cloud none of his attempts to attack them had been fully successful.
'Cloud...' Aerith's eyes widened thinking about him. She walked back down the corridor and stopped in front of his room. 'Should I?'
The flower girl bit her lip deciding while her hand unconsciously reached for the doorknob. She twisted it round hearing a slight 'click' before pushing the door open.
The room was just as cool as the rest of the house but for some reason she felt safe been inside. She crept quietly over to the bed. Cloud was sleeping peacefully and silently, the only movement was his chest as he took each breath.
Aerith stopped in front of him and knelt down, she smiled watching him been so peaceful.
"Can't sleep?"
She fell back startled at Cloud's words.
"H-How long have you been awake?"
He grinned, his eyes were still closed and if he hadn't spoke she could have sworn he was still asleep. "Since you opened the door."
"Soldier training again hmm?"
Cloud nodded and opened his eyes. "So what's wrong?"
"Nothing really..." Aerith sat down on the edge of his bed. "I just couldn't sleep."
"Is it Sephiroth?"
"A little," She sighed lifting her knees up to he chest. "I've just had a lot on my mind."
"Everything will be ok, just give it some time." Cloud reached up putting his arm around her waist and closing his eyes again.
Aerith look down at him, his hair was once again flattened down from the pillow. She leaned down and kissed him lightly on the cheek, Cloud smiled pulling on her waist and she collapsed down on to his pillow giggling. "Would you mind if I stayed here tonight?"
The alarms in Cloud's head went off as he realized what she just said, hesitating for a moment he then nodded and lifted up the sheets. Aerith climbed under and shuffled up closer to him and Cloud wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. Yawning she finally stopped fidgeting and laid her head on Cloud's chest, within seconds she had closed her eyes and fallen a sleep.
Cloud still half awake ran his fingers through her hair and down her back feeling how soft gentle her body was. He brushed his lips over her head wondering why he wasn't as nervous he always thought he'd be, it felt so natural for her to be here.
Taking one last look at her he sighed happily before returning to sleep.
_________________________