That night was especially difficult for everyone, learning to use chopsticks was a more difficult task than most of the group was used to. After dinner though, Cloud was the first in bed. For the past three days Cloud had been the nightwatch, in addition he hadn't had a good night's sleep in over 15 years. The next morning started off normally, the group ate a breakfast carefully prepared by Genis. For the first time in about 500 years Cloud ate all the food presented to him. "Geez, Cloud, you ate more than usual!" Zelos commented. "Must you comment on everything?" Cloud asked the idiot Chosen. "Easy boys, the day just started..." Sheena replied. "At least you stopped the arguing before it began," Raine commented.
Suddenly as they walked Raine heard a voice, it was Aeris's and it had a tone of urgency. "I know about what you were doing last night as everyone else slept..." Aeris's voice spoke in her mind. Raine slowed her pace walking way back behind the rest, Aeris slowed her pace as well. From this point on they began to whisper. "You waited until everyone was asleep and slipped outside and waited for someone at about midnight, didn't you?" Aeris asked. "I suppose I can't deny that, if you have telepathic powers..." Raine assessed. "His name, the one whom was visiting you last night, is Kratos. Is it not?" Aeris asked. "Yes, his name is Kratos. Please don't tell anyone I was meeting him..." Raine begged. "I know who he is, but what I don't understand is why you protect him..." Aeris pondered. "I suppose you wouldn't believe me if I told you that I love him..." Raine answered. "How? How do you love a traitor?" Aeris asked. "How is it that you love someone you barely know just because he's the same race?" Raine asked. "I'm just now getting to know Cloud, we're not serious... At least, I'm not seriously in love with him..." Aeris explained, "But, Cloud's not a traitor like Kratos..."
"I don't say bad things about Cloud, please don't say bad things about Kratos!" Raine yelled objectively. The whole group turned and looked at Raine. "Go about your business, everyone. She's just kidding..." Aeris defended. "I've never known Raine to kid about anything," Genis said thoughtfully. "Maybe she developed a sense of humor..." Cloud said defensively. "Why is everyone defending her?" Genis asked. "I'm not defending her, young one, I am merely stating a possible truth..." Cloud replied in a matter-of-factly voice. "I suppose it's possible..." Vyse started thoughtfully. "Or perhaps she's hiding something..." Vyse thought. Lloyd elbowed him and whispered to him impaitiently, "Don't try anything..." "Dear brother, you misunderstand me! I don't intend to do anything that would damage your relations with the professor, I am merely suspicious of her... Her recent actions, including that comment she just made is very suspicious..." Vyse told Lloyd. This made Lloyd even more frustrated. "Listen! The professor and Genis are like family to me, I trust them with all my heart and soul! Genis is my best friend and Raine is like a mother to me, I do not suspect them of anything! Nor do I suspect Cloud or Aeris of anything... Stop being so distrustful!" Lloyd growled. "Dear brother, I'm just trying to look out for you..." Vyse admitted feeling slightly guilty. "I'm sorry, Vyse... We can't focus on who to suspect of being a traitor, but I can tell you with complete certainty that Genis, Colette, the professor, and Cloud are certainly trustworthy..." Lloyd told him.
"So you don't trust me?" Aeris asked. "Well, I don't know whether or not to trust you..." Lloyd admitted. "It's simple, Ms. Aeris is a Cetra, she would have no reason to betray us... I trust her..." Cloud spoke up. "Yeah, man, but only 'cause you got the hots for her..." Zelos accused. "You, however, I cannot trust..." Cloud replied glaring at Zelos. "You trust me don't you, Sheena?" Zelos asked. "You may be an idiot, but I think I definately trust you..." Sheena said softly. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you... Sentimental fool!" Cloud huffed as he walked off. "Uh-oh!" Aeris and Colette replied in unisen. Cloud turned and looked at the rest of the group as he began walking away, then he said, "Com'n we still have to get to Ozette before dark, I'm sure the Garocchia Forest is especially dangerous at night..."
As they walked into Ozette they were encountered by a strange boy who looked to be about Lloyd or Vyse's age, he had short silver hair and emerald eyes that glowed malevolently. He looked at Aeris, pulled out his sword and pointed it at her, "Your time comes soon, Cetra woman..." He then put his sword away and walked passed the group. "Who was that guy? What an attitude! Makes me wanna' chop him up!" Vyse replied frustratingly. "That was Ramirez, he's Sephiroth's son. While it's true he's no where near his father's strength, he still has a great deal of evil and darkness inside him just like Sephiroth..." Aeris explained. "If that's true then I wonder why he was here?" Zelos asked, "I thought this village rejected half-elves..." "It's possible that the people here don't know him as being the son of a half-elf, but rather as an angel..." Regal continued thoughtfully. "We won't get anywhere by pondering it..." Cloud replied, "Besides if he's Sephiroth's son, then eventually we'll need to fight him!" "That's enough for today, guys. Let's just head for the inn for some rest it's been a long day and if any of us get any more crabby we'll be at each others' throats, it's not good for teamwork if we're all that cranky," Lloyd mused thoughtfully.
The group had just walked into the inn. Lloyd was paying for the rooms, the rest of the group was still discussing Ramirez and Sephiroth. Suddenly a dark figure burst into the inn just as Lloyd finished paying for their meals as well. Lightning burst outside the open door, giving the dark new figure an even more dark appearance. Now rain pounded down on the roof and the figure finally stepped into the light. He had long black hair, crimpson eyes, and wore a blood red cloak as well as a scarf that covered up most of his face.
To be continued...
