Here I am. I own nothing. Square Enix owns it all. I just beat FFVII again, reading all these stories got me back into it. I'd forgotten how good of a game it truly is.
Chapter 11: Pain relived.
"You mean you guys were thrown into prison!" Yuffie asked Cloud astonished. "What did you do?"
Cloud rubbed his head, "We didn't do anything. Come on, I'll fill you in on the way." He turned towards the station.
"Where are we going?" Red XIII asked calmly, "And where are the others?"
"They are all probably waiting down by the buggy." Cloud replied as he walked.
"Buggy? What buggy?" Yuffie asked now completely lost, "When are you going to explain!"
Cloud winced at Yuffie's high-pitched voice, "I'll explain everything when we're in the buggy."
"You better." Yuffie threatened.
At the buggy Cloud did explain everything that went on. Yuffie stifled a sob when she heard about Dyne. Cloud also introduced Cat Sith, Yuffie looked him over once before stating, "Eww, he's creepy, don't let him come!" After the story they all piled into the buggy.
"&#, we barely fit in here!" Barret grouched as Yuffie's shuriken poked him in the side.
"How do you think I feel!" Yuffie gasped, "I'm stuck between a mountain and a dog!"
"I am not a dog." Red XIII defended himself.
"Yeah a little brat an I ain't no mountain either." Barret jumped in.
"So what? You just big boned?" Yuffie snickered.
"WHAT!" Barret and Yuffie's fight continued when suddenly a voice came from the trunk.
"At least your not stuck back here in the dark!" Cat Sith complained. "Why did I have to be back here again?"
"You're the only one who isn't alive so you don't need the room." Cloud explained again then muttered, "Although at this point I don't really care. Either Barret or Yuffie could go back there."
Yuffie and Barret stopped their arguing and simultaneously pointed at each other and said, "NOT ME! THAT ONE!" Cloud rolled his eyes and concentrated on driving, ignoring the continued fight between Yuffie and Barret.
As time passed, the fighting stopped, with only the occasional "Brat" and "Fat-head" being uttered. Yuffie glanced around the cramped interior, Barret was snoring slightly, Red XIII also dozed but silently. Tifa, Aerith, and Cloud were talking quietly about something or the other. 'Probably something really boring.' Yuffie interrupted them. "Where are we going anyways?"
"Gongaga Village is the next place in our path." Cloud answered. "Although I doubt Sephiroth stopped there, it will be nice for a supply stop."
"When will we get there?" Yuffie continued.
"Two or three days." Cloud chuckled, "Dio may be a little weird, but I'm glad he gave us this buggy. It would have been a weeks walk."
"Should we stop for the night here?" Tifa asked.
"Yeah Cloud, it is getting dark." Aerith seconded.
"Alright." Cloud pulled the buggy to a stop. "Alright, let's make camp." Everyone slowly extracted themselves from the buggy, with several complaints and a yelp of pain from Red XIII when Barret stepped on his tail. Soon the group began assembling their tents. Everyone finished his or her tents quickly, except Yuffie.
"Stupid ropes." Yuffie cursed and kicked at her half-finished tent. Cloud came over and with only the smallest smirk finished the tent. "Uh…thanks." Yuffie whispered, Cloud gave her a small smile and returned to the campfire. Yuffie felt emotions she never felt before, 'What am I feeling? Is this what brothers and sisters feel?' Yuffie shrugged off the feelings, 'Sure Cloud's a hottie, but he's just so… so… I don't know, not for me? I could see him as a brother but nothing more.' Yuffie startled herself when she realized the depth of her thoughts, 'And they call me a brat.'
Barret, as if on cue, "Hey brat! Get over ere! Foods done!" Yuffie gave Barret a dirty look, but quickly smiled evilly. As she walked past Barret, who was busily shoving food in his mouth, she set her plan into in action.
"I'm going for a walk." Aerith said as she left the fire.
"Don't go too far!" Cloud called after Aerith.
"Thanks Barret!" She yelled as she smacked him soundly in the back. The big man began to choke violently on his food.
"Little Bra--, I'll, #choke#, kill you! #gag#" Barret coughed as he cleared his throat.
"Um, what did you say?" Yuffie cupped her ear as the others held back laughter, "I couldn't quite make that out?" Barret continued to choke and gag, before finally clearing his throat.
"$& brat!" And the chase began. Yuffie nimbly bounce over and around the others, Barret pushed his way through, knocking over the others. "I'll get ya."
Yuffie did a graceful flip into a nearby tree, "And how to you intend to do that?" She gave him her snottiest look, "Nyah, nyah, nynyah, nyah." She stuck her tongue out and crossed her eyes at the enraged gunner.
"YUFFIE!" Barret shouted enraged, he futilely leapt at the little ninja, but she was too high. The others continued to laugh loudly.
"Are you done yet?" Yuffie yawned, absently throwing pieces of bark at Barret. "I'm getting bored." This further enraged the already fuming Barret. He suddenly began shooting at the trunk of the tree. Before anyone could stop him the tree had been shot clean through, it leaned dangerously then toppled over, sending a very shocked Yuffie sprawled out on the ground. The other rushed over to attend to her and control Barret. But they were too late. Barret reached Yuffie first.
"What going on?" Aerith began running back to the camp.
Barret picked up the small ninja and, to everyone's surprise, turned her over his knee. "This is what I do when Marlene is bad." Barret said as he began to spank the now squirming shinobi. Yuffie was letting out a stream of curses and threats as Barret continued. Cloud and the others, after several moments of shocked stares, broke down into tears of laughter, each fell to their knees, unable to control their laughter.
When Barret was finished, Yuffie limped off into the trees, rubbing her now very sore bottom, thoroughly humiliated. 'No one has ever spanked me before!' Yuffie was enraged beyond belief, a nearby monster, at first attracted by the commotion quickly ran the other way after seeing the enraged little girl. Yuffie could still hear the others laughing, and the proud words of Barret, "That'll teach her!" Yuffie ran deeper into the forest, fighting back the tears.
What Yuffie failed to hear was Aerith's arrival and unusually harsh reproach of Barret's actions. "What did you think you were doing? How could you do that? She's not your kid! Now which way did she go?" Aerith's normally soft eyes had a glint; no one dared to speak and simply pointed. "I hope your happy, what if she gets into trouble, or if she leaves us?" Aerith disappeared.
"Aerith?" Cloud said in soft confusion.
Yuffie sat upon a hard stone, softly sobbing. Her knees brought up to her face, her arms wrapped around her knees. "They really think I'm just a kid. Someone who needs to be spanked." She let out more sobs. She didn't hear Aerith approach.
"Yuffie?" Aerith's eyes filled with their normal concern, all trace of the glint gone. "Are you ok?" She sat beside the shaking ninja. "He didn't mean it. Barret just thinks he's got to be the father of everyone he comes across."
"They all think I'm just a brat." Yuffie sighed between sobs. "That's all I am to them, a brat." She held herself tighter. Aerith placed a hand on Yuffie's shoulder. Yuffie looked up into the emerald eyes, finding understanding there. Yuffie burst into new tears and fell into Aerith's arms.
Aerith held the crying ninja. Whispering comfort, "Its ok. Shh." Aerith looked up as she heard a twig snap. She saw a very concerned Cloud, Tifa, and Red XIII. They all pleaded with their eyes to be forgiven. She smiled at them, effectively forgiving them. When she looked back down at Yuffie, she found the girl soundly asleep, drained from her tears. Cloud wordlessly lifted Yuffie up and carried her back to camp.
IN A DARK CORNER OF A MAN'S MIND.
He could hear crying, crying of a child. "Tears, sobbing, more pain. These demons are expanding the nightmares more." He thought solemnly. But unknown to the man the demons were worried, something was intruding upon their newest plaything and host. It frightened them.
When they returned to the camp Barret mumbled, "Aerith, I'm real sorry, I jus don't kno what came over me. I'll apologize to Yuffie in the mornin'." Aerith seemed to be appeased by the man's apology and nodded. Cloud put Yuffie into her tent, gently lay a blanket on her and returned to the campfire with the others.
After a long, uncomfortable silence Barret moved nervously and spoke up, "Who's turn to take first watch?"
Red XIII answered immediately, "Yours." Barret didn't object.
"Now you'll have time to think about your actions." Tifa almost snapped, mad at herself more than Barret.
"As will you, its your turn for second watch." Red XIII said as he rose and crawled into his tent. Cloud and Aerith quickly bade them a goodnight and retreated into their own tents, Cat Sith quickly shut himself off. "Wha-?" Tifa started, confused, "Why is Red XIII keeping track of whose watch it is?"
"I don' know." Barret grumbled, "I'll wake you for your shift." He stared intently at the fire. As Tifa stood to leave he said, "Good night, Tifa."
"Night, Barret." Tifa replied quietly and entered her tent.
Yuffie tossed and turned in her sleep. Nightmares haunted her, old memories plagued her, and wounds she thought healed reopened. Memories of how the other children laughed at her, of how her father turned her away coldly, of her new friends calling her brat, and of her mother's death. The only ray of light was Aerith, she came and stood; immediately the nightmares faded away. Yuffie called to Aerith, but she only smiled and pointed down into darkness, away from her light. "What do you want me to do?" Aerith again motioned into the darkness. "I'm scared!" Yuffie cried, falling to her knees and holding her head.
Aerith approached her she lifted up Yuffie's tear streaked face. Yuffie looked into Aerith's smiling eyes. Aerith once again pointed to the darkness. "What's in there?" Yuffie question the smiling Cetra. Aerith simply shook her head, smiled and released Yuffie. Yuffie felt herself falling, she screamed again. Yuffie's scream stopped when Aerith took her chin again. Aerith silently laughed and mouthed the word "sleep." Yuffie felt her eyelids get heavy as her dream ended.
Barret stood outside Yuffie's tent until the girls small gasps and mumbled words stopped, followed by peaceful breathing. "I'm sorry Yuffie. I guess I let my heart rule my ead. I'll try not ta be yer father anymore. Yuffie, I'm sorry." He turned and retook his seat by the dying fire. "I hope she's ok." He cursed himself for his actions.
IN THE MORNING
Yuffie awoke slowly, as sunlight found its way into her tent. She turned over and drew the blankets above her head. Yuffie's eyes flew open, 'How did I get in here?' She looked around, 'Yeah, its my tent. Why am I still wearing my armor?' Suddenly the memories of the previous night flooded over her, 'Oh my GAWD!' Fresh tears threatened to start again, but she fought them back. 'Now what do they think of me!' Yuffie dreaded the thought.
Her muscles ached from being in her armor all night. Yuffie stretched and twisted, trying to get the kinks out. Yuffie gave one final sigh, put on her normal cheery attitude. Finally she pushed aside the tent flap and stepped out.
"Morning Yuffie!" Tifa greeted her, "Sorry about last night. Forgive me?" Tifa's eyes were filled with sorrow.
"No prob!" Yuffie grinned outwardly, even though her insides were in twists. "Its all but forgotten!"
"Yuffie.." Tifa whispered.
"I said its fine. GAWD! Can't you people let stuff go?" Yuffie said exasperated, "Jeez, lighten up!" Yuffie picked up some of the breakfast that Tifa had been preparing. "Thanks!" She vaulted up to a comfortable tree limb. Slowly the others emerged, each rubbing the sleep from their eyes, and immediately descended upon the food. They ate with quiet conversation until Tifa elbowed Barret.
"What!" Barret grumbled at her. Tifa motioned toward Yuffie, followed by stares at the others. Aerith's eyes also pushed them. "Fine." Barret grumbled again, "Yuffie?" Yuffie looked down from her perch. "Sorry." Barret mumbled, Tifa elbowed him harder, "YUFFIE I'M SORRY!" Barret got up and started putting up his tent. Aerith and Tifa gave forceful looks at the others. Cloud, Red XIII, and Cat Sith sheepishly apologized to the ninja.
"Ahh, its ok guys! Forget it!" Yuffie called down happily, her insides still in knots. 'They actually apologized! They actually meant it!' Yuffie smiled for real, "All is forgiven! Except for that spanking, Barret! I'll get you later!" Yuffie hopped down from her perch and joined the group in disassembling their small camp.
"Let's go." Cloud ushered everyone into the buggy, Cat Sith again in the trunk.
"Come on! I don't want to be back there!" Cat Sith whined. "Its dark!"
Cloud gave him a hard stare, "Get in the trunk!" Cat Sith shuttered away from the stare and obeyed. They finished getting inside the cramped buggy, "To Gongaga Village then." Cloud started the buggy and sped toward their next stop.
"Ewww!" Yuffie yelped, "Barret's gun dripped on me!" Yuffie was furiously wiping away the small oil speck off her armguard.
Barret, to everyone's complete shock, apologized, "Sorry brat." He continued to stare out the window, at what, no one knew.
"Barret!" Yuffie whined, "Its no fun unless you fight back! Now come on you burnt marshmallow fight back!" She punched him in the arm.
Barret turned his head, a huge grin adorned his face, "You wanna play huh brat? Let's go!" With that the fighting recommenced. Cloud simply shook his head, Tifa shrugged, Aerith gave a satisfied laugh, Red XIII dozed, and Cat Sith complained from the trunk. Everything was back to normal.
After several hours of travel the fight died down again. Barret began snoring lightly again. "Are we there yet? Barret's gonna drool on me!" Yuffie poked Cloud's head.
"Almost." Cloud said through gritted teeth. Yuffie continued to poke him in the head, trying to get a reaction. After several more minutes Cloud finally burst, "STOP!" Yuffie cringed away and gave her most innocent look.
"What!" Barret and Red XIII shot awake. Aerith and Tifa giggled to themselves about Cloud's red face. "Whats up spike?" Barret said groggily, looked at Yuffie.
Yuffie just pointed to Cloud and then twirled her finger next to her head, saying "Coo-coo. Coo-coo."
"Nothing." Cloud said angrily. "We're here." Everyone gratefully piled out of the buggy, stretching his or her sore muscles.
"WHEW! Thought I'd never get out of there!" Cait sith blinked as they released him from the trunk. "So we're finally at Gongaga, huh?" The others didn't respond, they all stood and stared at he scrap heap of the blown reactor. Desolation stretched from the remains, plants still unable to grow near the charred remain.
"We need supplies." Cloud broke the silence. "Let's see what they have." The group entered the twisted pathes leading toward the village. As they rounded a bend they heard voices.
"Come on!" The voice was strangely familiar. "Who do you like best? Which one?"
"….Tifa." Another voice replied.
Cloud motioned the group to stop, as he slowly eased around the corner. He almost gasped, "It's Reno and Rude!" He called softly back.
"You like her! Whoa! That's aiming high." Reno teased the now silent Rude.
"I wonder what they are doing here?" Red XIII spoke softly.
Another voice answered from behind them, "They are always like that. Seeing who got a chance. Tseng isn't like that at all." Everyone turned to face Elena. She starred at them momentarily, "Wait…..Its YOU!" She sped past them, "They're here! They're really here!" She yelled at Reno and Rude.
Reno and Rude turned to face the group. "So they are." Reno fingered his nightstick. Rude was silent as ever. "So we meet again. Our job this time is to stop you." Reno noticed Yuffie and blew her a kiss, Yuffie gagged and gave him the finger, Reno just laughed.
"I'm going to inform Tseng!" Elena rushed down a path. AVALANCHE readied their weapons.
"Whoa." Reno said calmly, "Don't you believe in fair play? It's not fair for two of us to fight seven of you."
"When you start believen' in #$& fair play!" Barret roared, "Was it fair ta crush Sector 7?"
Reno chuckled, "Those were orders, we're Turks, we always carry out our orders."
"Barret." Cloud said suddenly, Barret immediately backed off when he saw the look in Cloud's mako eyes. "I'll fight you Reno." Reno chuckled, but just smiled at Cloud nodding.
"And I'll take chrome-dome!" Yuffie called, tightening her armor.
"No." Tifa spoke up. "I'll take Rude." Cloud glance at Tifa with concerned, Tifa returned a small smile, Cloud refocused on the chuckling Reno. Tifa cracked her knuckles, and turned to Rude, who still stood silent.
"Well, shall we begin?" Reno said and charged at Cloud. Cloud dodged the night-stick and swung his sword. Reno jumped the swipe and stabbed Cloud with his electrified nightstick. Cloud back stepped and shook off the pain. Reno once again charged, this time Cloud held up the broadside of his sword, Reno's nightstick was harmlessly deflected. Cloud took the opening to deliver a solid kick to Reno's stomach, sending him skidding back. Cloud continued his assault with an overhead slash. Reno parried the blade off his nightstick, sending the sword toward the ground. Reno laughed as he punched Cloud in the face, Cloud spun from the blow, dragging the buster sword in a wide arc behind him.
Reno pressed his attack, as he was about to land another nightstick blow, Cloud continued his spin, bringing the massive blade around, slamming into Reno's side. Reno was thrown into a nearby rock. He raised himself groggily. Cloud hadn't turned the blade to Reno, he had used the back of his sword. Reno could barely suck in his breath. "Time to go." Reno took off running, to the cheers of AVALANCHE.
(A\N: I'm not good at battle scenes, especially 2 at the same time. So here is what was going on at the same time, now between Rude and Tifa. I'll get better eventually, at least I'll try. If anyone has pointers feel free to send me an e-mail. Thanks.)
Tifa pulled her gloves tight; the leather creaked against the strain. Tifa settled into her stance and motioned looked to Rude. Rude finally took his hands from his pocket, and set himself, he gave a slight nod toward Tifa. The two charged at each other, Tifa threw a small punch, Rude easily blocked and countered with a small punch of his own. Tifa sidestepped and backed away. The two fighters stared at each other, each now aware of the others abilities. The next movements were a blur to those watching. Tifa began with a high kick, Rude ducked and countered with an uppercut. Tifa started to lean back, hoping to avoid the blow. Instead of a full follow through Rude grabbed Tifa by the neck, in the moment of surprise, he kicked her firmly in the stomach. Tifa gasped as the air was knocked from her. She forced herself to prepare for Rude's next blow.
Rude did a straight punch for her face. Instead of blocking, Tifa grabbed his fist. She twisted herself as she pulled his arm and flung Rude into the ground. Rude lay there for only a moment before rolling away and getting up. Tifa continued her own assault; she ran at him and did a mid-kick. Rude followed her example and caught her foot. Tifa didn't pause, she swung her other foot, solidly connecting with Rudes head. Rude stumbled back, his glasses cracked slightly. Tifa pressed on, she tried a heel kick, intent on crushing Rude's shoulder. Rude took the blow fully, but didn't falter; instead he grasped her leg against his shoulder with one hand and delivered a series of punishing blows to Tifa's stomach.
Tifa grunted against each blow. She suddenly flipped to the ground, bringing her other leg to Rude's head. She squeezed as she flipped, bringing the surprised man with her. She completed her leg scissors by releasing him in mid air. Rude flew into a nearby rock with an audible gasp. The two fighters rose and faced each other. Rude and Tifa covertly both looked to Cloud and Reno. Reno was fleeing. Rude checked his watch and silently put his hands in his pockets. With the slightest bow to Tifa he turned and walked quickly after his running comrade.
"That was cool!" Yuffie yelled and ran to Tifa, "You beat his a$$ good!" Yuffie gave Tifa a hug without thinking.
Tifa cringed, "Yuffie, that hurts, please let go."
Yuffie shrank back, an embarrassed look on her face, "Sorry." Tifa held her ribs gingerly and nodded her forgiveness, before going to Cloud. Cloud held his unarmored shoulder in pain, blood trickling slightly from the electrical burn.
"Let me cure you." Aerith began concentrating on her newest task. "Tifa, you come over here too. I'll get you both fixed up." Tifa stood next to Cloud, concern in her eyes. Cloud looked back and mouthed that he was fine. Tifa felt the pain in her stomach fading. Cloud's burn faded and healed, leaving only a dull ache.
"Thanks Aerith." Cloud absently rubbed his shoulder. Tifa gave Aerith a small hug as her way of thanks.
Barret brought up a disturbing point, "How da $& did Shinra kno' we was 'ere?"
Cloud frowned, "Someone must have told them."
"You think one of us is a spy!" Yuffie's mouth gaped.
Cloud held his head in his hands, "I don't know. I trust all of you. I don't want to think about it."
"Maybe someone told them when we left the Gold Saucer." Aerith smiled, "they could have simply guessed we'd come to Gongaga next?"
Cloud looked unsure but accepted it, "Let's go find Elena. See if she knows something." He pulled himself off the ground and headed down the path Elena took, toward the reactor.
'Those Turks are pretty tough.' Yuffie thought, 'When Reno isn't drunk, he's pretty good. They held their own against Cloud and Tifa.' Yuffie walked in silence, considering her newest enemies.
Soon they arrived at the skeleton of the reactor. "Where did Elena go?" Cloud asked absently. Meanwhile Yuffie's materia sense was tingling (bad pun, must beat sense of humor later) good materia was close. They all froze as they heard a helicopter approaching. "Everyone hide!" Cloud ordered. Each member jumped into the wreckage of the reactor. "Let's see what these guys are after." Cloud said as he slipped behind the center of the reactor.
The helicopter landed just outside the reactor. Scarlet and Tseng exited and approached. Scarlet walked straight to the reactor and looked into the center chamber. Everyone heard her scoff, "You only get crappy materia from crappy reactors. This materia's no use."
"What kind of materia are you searching for?" Tseng asked offhandedly.
"A special materia, needed for a super weapon. Kya-ha-ha-ha-ha." Scarlet replied. Yuffie decided that she was definitely annoying.
"I'll get on it immediately." Tseng answered. Yuffie thought he was kind of cute.
"Ha! Even if we make the new weapon, would that dolt Heideggar be able to use it?" Scarlet laughed loudly. "Oh sorry, I forgot he was your boss." She laughed louder and headed for the helicopter.
'Yep. She's definitely a…' Yuffie's thought was interrupted by the helicopter lifting off and Cloud's voice.
"Okay, all clear." Cloud called. Everyone emerged from his or her respective hiding places. "Wonder what she meant by Huge materia?" Cloud thought aloud, eyeing the reactor chamber.
"She said somethin' bout a super-weapon." Barret replied.
"What materia did she call crappy!" Yuffie was nearly prancing, wanting to know what was in the reactor chamber.
"Ok! Ok!" Cloud laughed a little, "I'll check." He chucked as he turned toward the chamber. The others laughed as Yuffie was prancing about in excitement. She stopped and stared when Cloud stood up again, holding a red materia in his hands. "This is definitely not crappy." He marveled.
"Another summon materia." Aerith breathed. "Now we have three of the planets protectors."
Tifa interjected, "The Huge materia must be powerful if Scarlet left this behind."
Yuffie was so enthralled with the new materia she spoke her thoughts, "Three? How did you know about mine?"
Cloud turned to her, "What did you say Yuffie?"
Yuffie snapped out of her trance, she stuttered, "Well, I.. Uh… You know… I didn't mean…" Cloud gave her a dangerous look. "Fine! I have one too." She held up her Ifrit materia.
Cloud shook his head, "Yuffie you keep that one. Aerith, you keep Shiva. I'll keep the new one, Titan. And Red XIII, you keep Ramuh." He tossed Ramuh's orb to Red XIII.
Yuffie looked surprised, "Where'd you get that one? I only knew you guys had Shiva."
Cloud shrugged, "Found Ramuh in the Chocobo jockey room. None of the jockeys claimed it so I kept it."
"Why didn't you tell me!" Yuffie turned red with anger.
"Don't know, must have slipped my mind." Cloud turned and headed toward Gongaga village, effectively avoiding Yuffie's wrath.
Yuffie stood shaking for a moment as the rest of AVALANCHE followed Cloud. She suddenly screamed, "GAWD!"
"Let's go Yuffie." Aerith waved to the still red girl. Yuffie caught up to them, she didn't stop grumbling until they reached Gongaga village, where she just stood at the village gates.
"I'll wait here!" Yuffie crossed her arms and dropped to her butt.
"You sure?" Aerith asked with concern. Yuffie just snorted and put her head on her knees. "Okay, be back soon." Aerith followed Cloud and Tifa towards a small house near the edge of town. Barret, Red XIII, and Cat Sith headed for the shops.
'How could he not tell me!' Yuffie fumed. 'I am so gonna hurt him later!' Yuffie continued her death threats. She started to feel better. Suddenly Aerith and Tifa slammed through the door of the house they went in followed by a very bewildered Cloud. Yuffie watched as Cloud went to Aerith, they talked for a few moments before Cloud smiled and nodded. Cloud headed for Tifa, while Aerith came to Yuffie. Aerith sat heavily next to Yuffie, sadness in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Yuffie asked, all trace of her former anger gone.
Aerith looked at her with those grief-filled eyes, "My first love was from here. His parents mistook Cloud for him. They said they haven't seen Zack in ten years." Aerith leaned her head on Yuffie's shoulder. "I haven't seen him in five years, since he went off on that SOLDIER mission. If he hasn't come here…" Aerith's voice trailed off as tears filled her eyes brimmed with tears.
Yuffie's heart jumped, she had lost friends too, "He might still be alive?" She tried to comfort the grieving woman. "But if he isn't, at least you still have all of us."
Aerith's tears faded as her normal smile returned, "I know." She finished drying her tears, "Thank you Yuffie." She squeezed Yuffie.
Yuffie hugged her back, "That's what friends are for." Yuffie surprised herself, 'These really are my friends. For the first time in my life, I have true friends.' The two waited for the rest, when they had resupplied, AVALANCHE headed back toward the buggy.
On the way their normal air was resumed, one of hope. Yuffie felt so good she absently began skipping. When they were nearly to the buggy, she slipped. "OWWW!" Yuffie whined as she rubbed her backside. The others looked back and chuckled. "Sure, laugh at the poor Yuffie! Oh she fell down! HA-HA-HA!" Yuffie got up and brushed herself off.
"I believe you slipped on this." Red XIII motioned to the small yellow stone by her foot.
"Stupid stone." Yuffie kicked it toward the group, still rubbing her backside.
Cloud bent and retrieved the stone, "You are a good ninja, you found some materia."
"Its mine!" Yuffie ran toward Cloud, her pain forgotten. "Gimme!" She leapt at Cloud's raised hand.
"Oh no." Cloud smirked, "You kicked it away. Its mine now." He pocketed the stone and got in the buggy.
"NO FAIR!" Yuffie screamed.
"Yuffie, calm down." Aerith nudged her, "Maybe if you ask later he'll give it to you." Yuffie just sighed and got in the buggy, folding her arms and slouching down, still mad.
'I'll get it back alright!' Yuffie promised, 'You just wait, Mr. You-kicked-it-away! Just you wait!"
"Lets mosey." Cloud said as he began headed for their next destination. "Hopefully we can avoid more Shinra encounters." The group left behind Gongaga, and headed into the horizon.