Chp. 3 The Village of Arrini.
"Is he awake yet?" One among many a men had already asked that question and yet the answer remained the same.
"For the last time no. I will notify you when he has awaken. Till then, I recommend that you return to your homes and seek a goodnight's rest." Spoke the wise and most kind Jeremiah Williams, one of the council members that governed this small village of Arrini. He was a middle aged man who had a habit of bringing in people from outside Araguay Woods. He had the most distinct features of any one in the village. Long silk black hair with dark blue eyes that seemed to give people a peace of mind but today, no one was peaceful. The reason? Three weeks ago during a hunt for food, as usual, they fell upon a man who was beyond wounds and beyond help. His injures covered his head to his toe. It seemed that the purple Vampire wolfs had gotten a hold of him. It was usual to see that some passer byer get injure severely and even killed by the dreadful beasts. Now what was not usual was the fact that the man started moving and also asking for help. Needless to say that the members of the hunting unit were scared to death thinking that some type of demon had possessed his mind and body and wanted to kill them all. So readying their weapons they prepared to kill the man demon until Jeremiah intervene. Though he was a member of the council he was also a member of the hunting teams and he had spared the young mans life saying that no demon had possessed his body. Needless to say they trusted his word, very reluctantly of course.
And now, here they are arguing over the fact that he should be thrown out of the village because of who he was. However, Jeremiah refused to send him out the village because he was a supposed heretic. He denounced such things and explained that people were always loyal to god in their own way and fashion and just because someone says something different then somebody else, that doesn't justify them as a heretic or heresy. Some agreed, others didn't. He didn't mind, everyone had their own opinion and he had no right to say that their opinions were false. But he also wouldn't allow this man to be thrown out the village. He was still recovering, though he recovered remarkable faster then any other person he could think of. In other cases, the victim was in recuperation for the very least two months. Yet this young man did what they did in only three short weeks and unfortunately for him that wasn't helping his situation.
"I'm sorry Jeremiah but we can't keep him in this village any longer. He is one with the devil of demons and we shall not harbor anyone who is against the Galbados Church. We have sworn to them that we would turn in any and all members of Ramza Belouve's party and this man, Cloud Strife, was among them." It was a member of the same council that Jeremiah was in who spoke.
Jeremiah replied with the voice of a sage and his words were carefully chosen. "So you will forfeit this man's life just so you wont get in some trouble?"
"Trouble?!" One man cried out.
"Jeremiah, trouble is the least that we will receive." Another woman stated.
"Jeremiah, this man's life was forfeit the moment he turned his back on St. Ajora. It cannot and will not be helped." Julius spoke this time with the vigor of a young yet naïve boy. "We just can't. the church would burn our village to the ground!"
"And you still think that if they were the warriors and worshippers of St. Ajora, they would do that? If they were true to their word then they wouldn't have need for such barbaric tactics." Jeremiah grew tired of this infighting. It was always the same argument. It started with the fact that he was a heretic and that they were afraid of the Galbados Church armies and then it lead off to-
"But he heals so fast! Couldn't he be what we thought him to be in the very beginning?!" This time it was the ever paranoid Lucas.
"Him being a demon? How can you say that? If this man was truly a demon we would have seen bodies of dead Vampires and Cuars everywhere when we found him. Yet, we only found a pair of almost dead Cuars. IF he was a true demon, he would have already been awaken and done dispatched all of us to our eventual end. Yet, we still stand. If he was a demon-"
"Jeremiah! We get the point."
Jeremiah looked to the source of the voice and sighed happily. Finally somebody of decent common sense.
Michael stepped forward from the little crowd in Jeremiah's house and then turned to that same crowd. His features similar to that of Jeremiah but more hardened and older. His black hair slightly diminished and his eyes dull and filled with grief.
"This man is not of demon and that settles it. I trust Jeremiah with my life and by Ajora's will if I am to die by the hands of a demon and this man be that demon, so be it. I will gladly accept the fate Ajora has bestowed upon me."
Everyone turned silent. Next to Jeremiah, Michael was just as respected or even more respected because he served as the protector of this village. Jeremiah took care of the internal troubles while Michael took care of the external ones. Though they were both warriors, Michael was the one who continued to fashion his skill while Jeremiah preferred a more peaceful life. And yet they were dearest of friends.
"But I will not have anyone coming in this man's house and questioning his judgment in his own home! Simple as that!"
Everyone turned quiet. They all had realized that they had disrespected Jeremiah in his own home and that was very dishonorable. But then the unexpected happened.
"Look! He awakes!" One young girl cried out. She was sitting beside the young blonde haired man but then stood up and stepped back to her father, Jeremiah.
Everyone held their breath as they saw the boy struggle in his awakening and then slowly but eagerly, his eyes fluttered open. The eyes quickly shifted from side to side attempting to perceive and translate the surroundings. The look of confusion and frustration soon appeared no his face.
Jeremiah moved his daughter to the side and then walked up to the boy. Others objected but Michael soon silenced them with only a glare.
The blonde haired boy's eyes turned to the old man, scanning every little feature to determine whether he was friend or foe. But they could decide on none.
"Do not worry young one. My name is Jeremiah Atonac. I am the leader of internal affairs within the small village of Arrini." He said in his smoothest voice.
But the boy's heart and mind could not be smooth talked. Even Jeremiah could tell that this young man was battle hardened. He spoke nothing.
Michael then walked up and spoke as well. "You are safe here. The Galbados Church has no influence here. And if you are wondering, we know who you are, Cloud Strife."
No one else could tell except Michael and Jeremiah but the boy had been stirred by their knowledge of his existence. However, it did not deter him from rising up slowly, only to sit on the edge of the bed. He rested his head, looking at the cold wood floor and realized that he was looking also at his feet. Some of his clothes had been removed. He quickly reached for his shirt and blade but neither was found. Not even the plate of metal that rested on his left shoulder. Even the gloves he wore had been taken off.
Jeremiah smiled brightly, amused at the boys reaction to the disappearance of his clothes. "Do not worry. Your clothes were soaked with the gift of life and they required washing."
Cloud looked up at Jeremiah, once again taking in his features and then for the first time in three weeks, he spoke. He voice though was low and rasp, "Where am I again?" Was the only question he could ask.
Michael answered him by repeating the name of the village, "Arrini Village."
Cloud looked past the two elders and onto the crowd of obliviously frightened villagers. He cursed silently at them not out of disrespect but for the reason they feared him. His cool mako eyes scanned the room and found only items of necessity not convenience. Several wooden chairs, a small but fiery hearth with a large black cauldron hanging over it, a dresser drawer topped with books , and it seemed that he was on the only bed. He turned his head again but to his left and saw a small cupboard, barely filled with items such as spices and herbs. Several of them he recognized because of his many travels to distant lands. But one thing did irk him.
"My clothes and weapons?" He asked concerned they were lying about the part of the Galbados Church.
Jeremiah pointed to a nearby chair and oddly enough, all his clothes were there. All neatly folded and clean. His Materia Blade stood beside the chair, leaning against the wall, it seemed to cast a shadow that jumped with life. It almost frightened Cloud, but he quickly regained his posture.
"You do realize that taking me in puts all of you in trouble." It wasn't something he wanted to say but he didn't have a choice, he had to warn them.
Yet no one said anything.
"I'm not joking. Take care of me and the Church will not spare any of you. I've seen it happen too many times." He attempted to stand up, aside from the few lingering and still painful wounds. But the young girl who sat by him many a times pushed him back down.
"You need your rest. You are not fully recovered." Her voice was so sweet. And her soft ruby eyes gave Cloud a feeling of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time.
But still he lashed out attempting to warn them, "You still try to take care of me!? I just told you that the Galbados Church will not spare any of you if they find me here! And they will eventually find me!"
The girl stepped away, taken back by his sudden outcry. But her father's large hands clasped her shoulders, calming her down and assuring her. Jeremiah looked at Cloud and simply responded, "We know. But we-I mean Michael and I cannot and will not toss you out of the village as if you were garbage."
Cloud looked at Michael and he solemnly agreed, nodding his head. Cloud turned to the others and asked, "What about them?"
They all started to turn and leave, some grumbling, other cursing at the omen that has befallen them.
Jeremiah laughed wholeheartedly and replied, "They will learn to understand. You are welcome here. I will vouch for u. And till you recover, you will a be welcome."
Cloud tried to smile but he just couldn't. Instead he nodded, happy to see that there was some decency still left in this world. He laid back down to rest and oddly enough, he quickly purged into darkness. Though it was a darkness that he seemed to hate. He didn't know why. Maybe because of the accompanying empty feeling he had. But……something was different this time. An image. A young girl with long brown hair. She had a very plain outfit on. A pink dress and a sleeveless red coat on top. She held a basket filled with something. Though he couldn't tell what laid in her basket, nor could he place the face that gazed at him, the mere image of this unknown entity placed him in a state of tranquility and calmness that was similar to the daughter's eyes. Her mouth moved to form words, but nothing came out. Sound was none existent. And as quickly as the image appeared, the image disappeared, leaving Cloud to suffer again in the darkness that accompanied sleep and death. But one thing entered his mind, one name.
'Flower girl?'
God that took forever. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in forever. I truly apologize! I've been so busy with my brand spanking new ps2 and actually doing my schoolwork that my stories have fell into the no-no bin. That and I'm actually taking my first REAL step to becoming a real writer. I started working on a story that I plan on getting published. Not really an real original idea, but it's something that isn't copyrighted so I'm happy. Plz wish me luck on it! Any ways, give me your reviews, thoughts, ideas, etc etc. or just email me and ill promise to either respond or update real soon. Oh and if you're a real big fan of both fft and ff7 then slap this story under your favs because I came up with the biggest idea ever and it should plz both. Ummmmmm, I think that's it. Oh and one more thing. In your reviews, also put your opinion on whether or not the FF7 sequel should be a movie or not? Because unfortunately it's happening.
DAMN U SQUARE ENIX!
"Is he awake yet?" One among many a men had already asked that question and yet the answer remained the same.
"For the last time no. I will notify you when he has awaken. Till then, I recommend that you return to your homes and seek a goodnight's rest." Spoke the wise and most kind Jeremiah Williams, one of the council members that governed this small village of Arrini. He was a middle aged man who had a habit of bringing in people from outside Araguay Woods. He had the most distinct features of any one in the village. Long silk black hair with dark blue eyes that seemed to give people a peace of mind but today, no one was peaceful. The reason? Three weeks ago during a hunt for food, as usual, they fell upon a man who was beyond wounds and beyond help. His injures covered his head to his toe. It seemed that the purple Vampire wolfs had gotten a hold of him. It was usual to see that some passer byer get injure severely and even killed by the dreadful beasts. Now what was not usual was the fact that the man started moving and also asking for help. Needless to say that the members of the hunting unit were scared to death thinking that some type of demon had possessed his mind and body and wanted to kill them all. So readying their weapons they prepared to kill the man demon until Jeremiah intervene. Though he was a member of the council he was also a member of the hunting teams and he had spared the young mans life saying that no demon had possessed his body. Needless to say they trusted his word, very reluctantly of course.
And now, here they are arguing over the fact that he should be thrown out of the village because of who he was. However, Jeremiah refused to send him out the village because he was a supposed heretic. He denounced such things and explained that people were always loyal to god in their own way and fashion and just because someone says something different then somebody else, that doesn't justify them as a heretic or heresy. Some agreed, others didn't. He didn't mind, everyone had their own opinion and he had no right to say that their opinions were false. But he also wouldn't allow this man to be thrown out the village. He was still recovering, though he recovered remarkable faster then any other person he could think of. In other cases, the victim was in recuperation for the very least two months. Yet this young man did what they did in only three short weeks and unfortunately for him that wasn't helping his situation.
"I'm sorry Jeremiah but we can't keep him in this village any longer. He is one with the devil of demons and we shall not harbor anyone who is against the Galbados Church. We have sworn to them that we would turn in any and all members of Ramza Belouve's party and this man, Cloud Strife, was among them." It was a member of the same council that Jeremiah was in who spoke.
Jeremiah replied with the voice of a sage and his words were carefully chosen. "So you will forfeit this man's life just so you wont get in some trouble?"
"Trouble?!" One man cried out.
"Jeremiah, trouble is the least that we will receive." Another woman stated.
"Jeremiah, this man's life was forfeit the moment he turned his back on St. Ajora. It cannot and will not be helped." Julius spoke this time with the vigor of a young yet naïve boy. "We just can't. the church would burn our village to the ground!"
"And you still think that if they were the warriors and worshippers of St. Ajora, they would do that? If they were true to their word then they wouldn't have need for such barbaric tactics." Jeremiah grew tired of this infighting. It was always the same argument. It started with the fact that he was a heretic and that they were afraid of the Galbados Church armies and then it lead off to-
"But he heals so fast! Couldn't he be what we thought him to be in the very beginning?!" This time it was the ever paranoid Lucas.
"Him being a demon? How can you say that? If this man was truly a demon we would have seen bodies of dead Vampires and Cuars everywhere when we found him. Yet, we only found a pair of almost dead Cuars. IF he was a true demon, he would have already been awaken and done dispatched all of us to our eventual end. Yet, we still stand. If he was a demon-"
"Jeremiah! We get the point."
Jeremiah looked to the source of the voice and sighed happily. Finally somebody of decent common sense.
Michael stepped forward from the little crowd in Jeremiah's house and then turned to that same crowd. His features similar to that of Jeremiah but more hardened and older. His black hair slightly diminished and his eyes dull and filled with grief.
"This man is not of demon and that settles it. I trust Jeremiah with my life and by Ajora's will if I am to die by the hands of a demon and this man be that demon, so be it. I will gladly accept the fate Ajora has bestowed upon me."
Everyone turned silent. Next to Jeremiah, Michael was just as respected or even more respected because he served as the protector of this village. Jeremiah took care of the internal troubles while Michael took care of the external ones. Though they were both warriors, Michael was the one who continued to fashion his skill while Jeremiah preferred a more peaceful life. And yet they were dearest of friends.
"But I will not have anyone coming in this man's house and questioning his judgment in his own home! Simple as that!"
Everyone turned quiet. They all had realized that they had disrespected Jeremiah in his own home and that was very dishonorable. But then the unexpected happened.
"Look! He awakes!" One young girl cried out. She was sitting beside the young blonde haired man but then stood up and stepped back to her father, Jeremiah.
Everyone held their breath as they saw the boy struggle in his awakening and then slowly but eagerly, his eyes fluttered open. The eyes quickly shifted from side to side attempting to perceive and translate the surroundings. The look of confusion and frustration soon appeared no his face.
Jeremiah moved his daughter to the side and then walked up to the boy. Others objected but Michael soon silenced them with only a glare.
The blonde haired boy's eyes turned to the old man, scanning every little feature to determine whether he was friend or foe. But they could decide on none.
"Do not worry young one. My name is Jeremiah Atonac. I am the leader of internal affairs within the small village of Arrini." He said in his smoothest voice.
But the boy's heart and mind could not be smooth talked. Even Jeremiah could tell that this young man was battle hardened. He spoke nothing.
Michael then walked up and spoke as well. "You are safe here. The Galbados Church has no influence here. And if you are wondering, we know who you are, Cloud Strife."
No one else could tell except Michael and Jeremiah but the boy had been stirred by their knowledge of his existence. However, it did not deter him from rising up slowly, only to sit on the edge of the bed. He rested his head, looking at the cold wood floor and realized that he was looking also at his feet. Some of his clothes had been removed. He quickly reached for his shirt and blade but neither was found. Not even the plate of metal that rested on his left shoulder. Even the gloves he wore had been taken off.
Jeremiah smiled brightly, amused at the boys reaction to the disappearance of his clothes. "Do not worry. Your clothes were soaked with the gift of life and they required washing."
Cloud looked up at Jeremiah, once again taking in his features and then for the first time in three weeks, he spoke. He voice though was low and rasp, "Where am I again?" Was the only question he could ask.
Michael answered him by repeating the name of the village, "Arrini Village."
Cloud looked past the two elders and onto the crowd of obliviously frightened villagers. He cursed silently at them not out of disrespect but for the reason they feared him. His cool mako eyes scanned the room and found only items of necessity not convenience. Several wooden chairs, a small but fiery hearth with a large black cauldron hanging over it, a dresser drawer topped with books , and it seemed that he was on the only bed. He turned his head again but to his left and saw a small cupboard, barely filled with items such as spices and herbs. Several of them he recognized because of his many travels to distant lands. But one thing did irk him.
"My clothes and weapons?" He asked concerned they were lying about the part of the Galbados Church.
Jeremiah pointed to a nearby chair and oddly enough, all his clothes were there. All neatly folded and clean. His Materia Blade stood beside the chair, leaning against the wall, it seemed to cast a shadow that jumped with life. It almost frightened Cloud, but he quickly regained his posture.
"You do realize that taking me in puts all of you in trouble." It wasn't something he wanted to say but he didn't have a choice, he had to warn them.
Yet no one said anything.
"I'm not joking. Take care of me and the Church will not spare any of you. I've seen it happen too many times." He attempted to stand up, aside from the few lingering and still painful wounds. But the young girl who sat by him many a times pushed him back down.
"You need your rest. You are not fully recovered." Her voice was so sweet. And her soft ruby eyes gave Cloud a feeling of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time.
But still he lashed out attempting to warn them, "You still try to take care of me!? I just told you that the Galbados Church will not spare any of you if they find me here! And they will eventually find me!"
The girl stepped away, taken back by his sudden outcry. But her father's large hands clasped her shoulders, calming her down and assuring her. Jeremiah looked at Cloud and simply responded, "We know. But we-I mean Michael and I cannot and will not toss you out of the village as if you were garbage."
Cloud looked at Michael and he solemnly agreed, nodding his head. Cloud turned to the others and asked, "What about them?"
They all started to turn and leave, some grumbling, other cursing at the omen that has befallen them.
Jeremiah laughed wholeheartedly and replied, "They will learn to understand. You are welcome here. I will vouch for u. And till you recover, you will a be welcome."
Cloud tried to smile but he just couldn't. Instead he nodded, happy to see that there was some decency still left in this world. He laid back down to rest and oddly enough, he quickly purged into darkness. Though it was a darkness that he seemed to hate. He didn't know why. Maybe because of the accompanying empty feeling he had. But……something was different this time. An image. A young girl with long brown hair. She had a very plain outfit on. A pink dress and a sleeveless red coat on top. She held a basket filled with something. Though he couldn't tell what laid in her basket, nor could he place the face that gazed at him, the mere image of this unknown entity placed him in a state of tranquility and calmness that was similar to the daughter's eyes. Her mouth moved to form words, but nothing came out. Sound was none existent. And as quickly as the image appeared, the image disappeared, leaving Cloud to suffer again in the darkness that accompanied sleep and death. But one thing entered his mind, one name.
'Flower girl?'
God that took forever. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in forever. I truly apologize! I've been so busy with my brand spanking new ps2 and actually doing my schoolwork that my stories have fell into the no-no bin. That and I'm actually taking my first REAL step to becoming a real writer. I started working on a story that I plan on getting published. Not really an real original idea, but it's something that isn't copyrighted so I'm happy. Plz wish me luck on it! Any ways, give me your reviews, thoughts, ideas, etc etc. or just email me and ill promise to either respond or update real soon. Oh and if you're a real big fan of both fft and ff7 then slap this story under your favs because I came up with the biggest idea ever and it should plz both. Ummmmmm, I think that's it. Oh and one more thing. In your reviews, also put your opinion on whether or not the FF7 sequel should be a movie or not? Because unfortunately it's happening.
DAMN U SQUARE ENIX!