Chapter 21 : Darker Side

Cloud was thrown into the thick grass that surrounded the entrance to the Ancient's structure. Beside him a familiar dark dressed figure descended slowly on to the ground.

Sephiroth scowled at the unconscious blond, knowing full well how lucky he was. 'It's good for you I've had time to calm myself.' He thrust his foot into the blond's side, lifting him into the air for a brief moment before crashing back down again.

'How stupidly careless, to me ambushed by a bunch on idiot thugs, well... at least now that Cetra will have to pay for your mistake.' His lips curved into a cold smile. Sephiroth's feelings for the Cetra had grown more and more hateful each time she interfered with his plans.

"Well, I must be going." He turned away and lifted the single wing. "Be sure to put on a good show trying to rescue the girl, I need a good laugh."

Sephiroth grinned again before lifting himself into the air.

Before his eyes were even open Cloud could feel the pain in his chest.

He sat up, taking a few moments to realize where he was and what he was doing. Lifting his shirt up he could see a large bruise on the side of his chest, although he couldn't remember hitting anything. 'I don't remember even been up here.'

Searching his mind Cloud was able to bring back his last moments, but that didn't make sense since he wasn't laid dead inside the Ancient's structure. But whatever happened it was clear he wasn't going to find out by just sitting here.

Standing up only brought another wave of pain, the ground was spinning as the blood rushed to his head. Nearly falling back to the floor Cloud noticed a little white sphere on the ground, he kneeled down and scooped it up with his hand.

'Aerith... she's not here.' It took a few moments but the rest of Cloud's memory came fluding back to him. 'She must have droped this...' He stood up and looked down at the tracks that seemed to lead back towards the resort.

Clenching his fist Cloud put the sphere in his pocket and made a silent promise that he was going to rain hell down on those who took Aerith away. With that he began the long walk back, already forgeting his misterious survival of the fall.

"No sir I'm sorry, I can not think of anyone matching your description." The receptionist shook her head.

Cloud sighed in fustration. His memory only gave him flashes of his attackers. "There are no gangs around here?"

"Gangs? Not here, but in the city the is a somewhat... lower class type of people."

"What do you mean?"

The receptionist looked uncomfortable talking about it. "Well, at the east end of the city there is an area that is not protected by the automated security bots like the rest of the city. This area is full of gangs and other troublemakers. It's a place I would not advise on visiting."

Cloud nodded, it sounded like the perfect place to start looking. "Thanks, if any of my friends stop by be sure to tell them that's where I went."

She gave him a concerned look but nodded anyway.

Turning back to the exit Cloud decided to head straight for this east side. The city was a short walk away but it was already late in the afternoon, at this rate he'd be at the east district with about 3 hours of daylight left to search.

He started down the dirt path that led to the city when he heard a familiar voice. Cloud turned round and saw Yuffie running after him, followed closely behind by Zack.

"Hey! Where you going." They caught up out of breath. "And what's with all the gear?" She pointed to his sword and attached armor.

"There's been a problem."

"Problem?" Zack crossed his arms. "What kind of problem?"

Cloud turned round and started walking again, not wanting to loose any time from talking. "We were attacked."

"Attacked?" Yuffie followed him closely. "By who? And who's we?"

"Me and Aerith. Some group ambushed us and took her away."

"Some group, do you know who?" Zack asked keeping up with the blond.

"No, but I have a good idea where to look."

"Then you won't mind having some company?" He grinned punching his fist into his open hand.

"If you want, but I'm not playing games with these jokers."

"Fine by me."

Cloud's pace picked up a bit as he entered the East district. For a moment he felt a little home sick, this whole area looked too similar to the slums of Midgar.

The fact that Aerith had been taken by these kind of people only made him worry more. The buildings were made of scrap metal and old lumber that was already rotting. The road was just a dirt path, the tire tracks from previous vehicles were the only indication of where to go.

Yuffie followed closely behind, as soon as she entered this place she felt like she was been watched by an unknown source. The citizens here didn't look at all friendly.

Zack was having the same feelings as Cloud, the east district been all too similar. He kicked himself for not making Cloud wait while he brought his weapon. "So where do we go?"

"I don't know, I don't have much to go on." Cloud stopped and took a look around, it wasn't like there was a big sign pointing above the place 'Aerith is been held here!'.

"How are we going to find her in this place?" Yuffie stayed close to Zack as a group of men passed while giving her some strange looks.

"Maybe we should split up."

"What??" The ninja panicked. "In this place? You have got to be kidding."

"Then what?" He shrugged.

Cloud crossed his arms, he felt his tempter rising again as he realized there was little they could do apart from searching every single building in the area.

The layout of the district was unlike the others. They were all neatly organized and the buildings were all neatly set in rows. East district however was a total mess, the half built structures are just dotted around the place, trying to walk through is like going through a maze of metal and dirt.

"Well?" Yuffie looked to Cloud for guidance.

"We have no choice, we just keep searching." He slumped his shoulders and continued on walking. "With any luck we'll..."

Cloud stopped in his sentence as he saw the building up ahead. It was a shack type structure like the rest but with a large flashing neon sign above that said 'Bar'. Out side the bar a few typical drunks were laid about, each with his or her own half empty bottle in hand. What caught Cloud's eye though was the person who was just entering the bar.

He wore a long brown coat over his ragged clothes and his hair was gelled back so much it looked like his head was just painted brown. A brief flash in his mind confirmed him as the same man from before.

"What is it?" Zack nudged him.

"Wait here." Cloud ran on a head into the building.

Yuffie and Zack gave each other a confused look before turning back to Cloud. By the time they did he'd already entered the bar.

"What was that about?" She scratched the back of her head.

Zack shrugged. "Maybe he's really thirsty."

They were just about to follow him in when the wooden doors to the bar burst open, a body was quickly thrown through the opening and landed hard on the ground. The stranger coughed and crawled to his feet, he brushed his coat down and stared at the coldly at the doors.

"You asshole! Your gonna pay for that!"

The two onlookers guessed he was talking to somebody inside. They both watched wide-eyed as Cloud stepped out with his sword already drawn. With out saying a word the blond walked up to the stranger and punched him square in the face.

"Cloud what are you doing?" Zack ran up to him.

Around the street a few onlookers had decided to watch the fight. One group had already started taking bets on how would win.

"Your friend needs to back of now before something bad happens to him, nobody hits Mike Dawkins and gets away with it." Dawkins stood up once again while rubbing his aching jaw.

Cloud lifted his weapon and stared coldly at his target.

"Hey hey!" Zack stepped in front of him and pushed his sword down. "What's going on?"

"I know this guy, he's one of those who took Aerith."

The black haired Soldier turned round. "You sure?"

"Positive."

"Well well, aren't you the unlucky one." Zack stepped aside and let Cloud lift his sword back up.

"What? You think I'm afraid of some guys like you?" The brown haired man stood in a cocky way. "Mr. Dalzell would be annoyed if some punks roughed up one of his men."

"Dalzell?" Cloud repeated.

"Yeah, he's the... unofficial owner of the east district."

"Where is this Dalzell?"

"Like I'm gonna tell you." Dawkins gave them a two-fingered salute before turning to walk away.

By the time he took the second step Cloud had already ran into him and kicked his side. Dawkins was thrown through the air a few feet before hitting the ground.

"Buddy why don't you just stay on the floor." Zack walked up to him "It's gonna be a lot easier that way."

"Screw you." He said before Cloud lifted him up by the top of his shirt.

"You're going to answer my questions now, right?" The blond stared coldly at him.

"Yeah right, I know your type, all bark and no bite."

"Really?" Cloud turned to Zack. "Hey, take her around the corner."

Zack grinned and nodded, understanding what was going on. "Gotcha." He took hold of Yuffie's hand and led her away.

"Hey what's going on?" Yuffie pulled back in protest.

Zack leaned closer to her and whispered. "Just follow, Cloud's just trying to scare the guy."

It took a moment to sink in. "Ohhh, I get it." She wispered back and then turned to the two. "Don't hurt him too much Cloud."

Dawkins chuckled and looked down as Cloud still held him in the air. "What, you think I'm going to fall for some stupid trick."

"Not really." Cloud's look changed from its blank state to a look of enjoyment.

Staring back Dawkins thought he was seeing things when he saw Cloud's face change. His eyes that glowed blue went cold black and his hair shifted from light blond to a dark red.

The next thing Dawkins knew was he was laid on his back staring up at the huge buster sword, which was dangling just a few feet above his face. He panicked in this new position and tried to stand although this was impossible as Cloud stamped of his chest.

"W-what the hell are you doing?"

Cloud laughed quietly to himself. "I believe you are going to answer my questions now."

Dawkins eyes shifted from Cloud to the blade and back again. The fact that his attacker now had two demonic wings on his back was of little importance at this point. "Y-your crazy, you wouldn't do this, my boss would kill you."

Holding the buster sword in one hand Cloud lifted one finger away so now only three fingers and his thumb was stopping the blade from running Dawkins face through.

"Hey cut that out!"

Cloud scowled at him. "Well?"

"I can't, only certain people are suppose to know."

The now dark redhead lifted another finger away. "Then I better become one of those people."

Dawkins swallowed hard before nodding. "Ok, ok fine." He looked nervously at the blade dangling above his face. "There's a building towards the middle of this place, you can't really miss it."

"What type of building?"

"It's, one of 'those' places if you know what I mean, you know, fun with girls..." He grinned but soon stopped as he saw Cloud's expression. "It's covered in signs and everything, like I said you can't miss it."

"And this Dalzell is in there?"

"Yeah of course, he owns the place." He nodded. "But I wouldn't expect to get in. It's members only."

"Then you will make me a member."

Dawkins shook his head. "Are you kidding? I can't do that!"

Cloud scowled and released another finger. "One more and that's it."

"No, no, I really can't! I don't have that power, you need someone from inside to get you in." The brown haired man started to panic again.

"Inside?"

"Yeah, like if you made friends with one of the girls, they could get you in."

"Is that all?" Cloud wasn't so trusting.

"Well, yeah. But its not as simple as it sounds, the girls know they have that power and don't make it easy."

"What about Aerith?"

"Aerith?" Dawkins thought about the name. "Oh her, well she's become kinda special. You don't get many girls like her, she's been issued to Mr. Dalzell's personal staff."

"What does that mean?"

"It means if Mr. Dalzell wants something from her, he'll have it." He shrugged.

Cloud felt his blood starting to heat up again. "What?"

"Err, well, that's not likely though." Dawkins realized it probably wasn't a good idea to piss this guy off.

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's it. If you get inside Mr. Dalzell will be easy to find." He turned to the blade once again. "S-so can I go now?"

Cloud thought about the information he had learned before nodding. "Yes, you've out lived your usefulness."

Dawkins nodded happily before the redhead's words sank in. "What?"

Cloud lifted him up with on arm and gave him a cruel smile. "Now you may leave."

In one thrust Cloud ran his blade straight through Dawkins chest. Total shock set on his victims face as it happened. Dawkins tried to speak but found it impossible, he could only stare back as Cloud grinned coldly at him.

Around them the spectators watched speechless, none of them dared to interfere.

Feeling it was time to move on Cloud withdrew the blade in a quick flash, he then threw the useless body into a near by building. The glass shattered as Dawkins body flew through the window before collapsing in a pile on the floor.

Cloud wiped the sword down with rag from his pocket. He glanced around and saw the citizens quickly walking away from the scene, perhaps feeling one of them could be next.

Around the corner Zack and Yuffie stopped their conversation as they heard a noise. The sound of shattering glass was a bit unnerving.

"What was that?" The ninja looked up at him.

Zack shrugged and shook his head. "Here it could have been anything. Don't worry, I grew up in a place like this, it's one of those things you learn to get use to."

Yuffie nodded, she knew that Cloud and Zack had grown up in the slums of Midgar, but she didn't expect it to be anything like this.

Before they could pick up their conversation Yuffie noticed a blond figure walking around the corner. She smiled and raised her arm to wave him over.

Cloud scratched the back of his head feeling a bit dizzy. He saw the ninja waving at him and smiled. "So, everything ok?"

"Yup," She nodded. "But a few seconds ago did you hear that crash?"

"Crash?" He crossed his arms trying to think. "No, I didn't hear anything like a crash."

She gave him a puzzeled look not understanding how he didn't hear it but then decided it wasn't important.

"Did you find out anything?" Zack asked.

"We need to find someone called Dalzell, he should be somewhere in this place."

"Do you know where?"

Cloud nodded. "I should be able to find the building."

"What happened to that Dawkins guy?" Yuffie made a face as she said his name.

"He..." Cloud creased his forehead trying to remember the past five minutes. "I just let him go, he told me everything we need."

"Awww, you should have shown him what you guys in Soldier can do."

"Maybe next time." He patted her on the shoulder. "Right now we need to hurry."

Sitting down on top of one of the buildings Sephiroth watched curiously as the three walked away. He had seen Cloud's interrogation, and of course he knew that wasn't Cloud.

"So, that's what it looks like." He remembered back when Cloud had shown a similar change, the time when he had nearly killed him.

Sephiroth had no doubt that Cloud's darker side was hiding the memories from him, it only made sense that it would want to stay hidden. And stay hidden from his friends, should it be found out now they would try to stop it.

He watched the group travel deeper into the district. 'But that's one thing I didn't predict, it's not just time that he needs.' He jumped from one roof to the other. 'It takes that 'something' else to push Strife over the edge.'

Ok this chapter took a while thanks to my computer having a tantrum and corrupting a few hundred megabytes of data, which ending in formatting my hard drive. I already know what the next three are about so those shouldn't take too long to finish, plus with my other story now done I can now concentrate on this one.

Water-ice : For some reason I have a thing about tormenting Cloud, but maybe one day he'll get lucky.

RaspPunkyCS : Yep they did sleep together but only sleep, Cloud's not that lucky yet.

Clorith : Thanks, I'm sure you will recognize the next chapter from FF7. Oh and I hope you update your story soon!

Sea-EnigmaDare : It's not Rufus and Shin-Ra but I think I have a chapter for them a little later, along with some of the other cast from FF.

lena-jade : Thank you, its always good to get reviews from new people. As for Aerith's character I did notice she was a bit off but then again it's a real pain to keep her as the typical damsel in distress, although in this chapter that's exactly what she is

XXAeris4rmff7XX : Thank you, like I said to lena it's always good to get reviews from new readers.