Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII is © under Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references.


Through Forest and Grove

Jason M. Lee

Chapter 2: That Which I Listen...


"Cloud, are you SURE you want to head over to Wutai?"

A bleak look tinged with smoldering blue, not to mention black rings under said eyes.

Tifa sighed in resignation, allowing him to return back to his packing.

The two had been living in Sector 5, working the new "Gospel Heaven" bar and taking in orphans. While the first part of the name still brought some grief to the former SOLDIER, he came to accept that he had already done what he could. All that's left is for the blonde was to reassemble the pieces of his mind and heart, helped alongside by Lockhart. True, they lived together but everybody knew that both stayed in separate rooms. They just weren't ready to take another step yet, fear holding them back.

Although now, that relationship is being a bit strained due to fitful nights, ending up with Cloud looking like he just went through a marathon at Battle Square.

More often than not, he was worried as to why a certain red-haired Turk tended to pop up in his dreams. As well occurrences of vomiting blood that started since he turned twenty-two years old, tinged with an ugly olive sheen. None of the doctors working directly under Reeve knew what was going on, many of them scratching their heads in confusion. Not even the few confiscated, including classified, and precious notes of Professors Gast and Hojo were of any help.

Desperate and worried for her childhood friend's health, Tifa had phoned Vincent, asking the tall man if he knew anything. Given their history of suffering under Hojo's hands, she thought the older man might have some idea.

While the gunman held no knowledge of such symptoms, Valentine had suggested they see a priestess in Wutai, quietly saying that she might be of some help. When questioned of such a method, the ex-Turk bluntly replied that the modern-day medical field was useless dealing with certain kinds of situations. Once in a while, going back to those who connected with spirits may be the better option.

On the account of slight resentment toward anything or anyone dealing with needles and a lab coat, Cloud quite readily agreed.

The last one who reported in a rapid disappearance of Jenova cells wound up being pinned to the wall after requesting tests similar to what Hojo did. Which the poor doctor nervously claimed it was a force of habit. Pinned by the same needle that once held the disastrous biological material, now a black smudge on the floor thanks to a Fire3.

Reeve later received a note from Cait, saying that they might have to work therapy bills into the medical department's benefits. None of the staff wanted to be dangling eighteen inches above the floor after that incident.

"Hey, at least we'll be able to see Yuffie," Cloud spoke, trying to cheer his friend.

At that, Tifa did perk up. The younger AVALANCHE girl was the closest thing the martial artist had to a younger sister. When Aerith was still alive, she was more of the older sibling, ever the calm one even in tight situations. The pain wasn't hurtful as much now, once ghosts were slowly settled.

"Wonder if she stopped her Materia obsession?"

The ex-SOLDIER chuckled, zipping up his bag. "Last I heard from Gorki, the kid has been helping out on rebuilding Wutai. With her own two hands, so to speak."

"She's isn't so much a kid anymore," the martial artist chided gently, "Yuffie's already seventeen and that's pretty much adult in Wutai's customs."

"Hm..."

Loud knocking on the door caught their attention.

"Move yer ass, Spikehead! I ain't got all day!"

Laughter came from the two of them, and they bounded down the stairs to see a grumbling--but smiling--Cid. The blue flight jacket he usually wore had been replaced with a vest version. The goggles still carried the ever-present packet of cigarettes.

"Thought we couldn't tear you away from Shera," Cloud quipped, slinging his duffel over the shoulder.

"Yeah, well, she wanted me outta the house before I drove her bonkers. Her being expectin' an' all that..." A slight flush flitted across the pilot's face before he exhaled a bit of smoke.

A delightful squeal, and dropping of another bag. "Shera's pregnant! Why didn't you tell us! How far is she? Boy or girl?"

"Whoa! Easy there, Lockhart! Four-an'-half months an' Shera wanted it to be a surprise. Y'all find out in 'nother four or five. Bad enough she kicks me outside if I ever want a smoke... C'mon, the Highwind's already primed to go."

In the air, Cloud made sure not to look at any type of text, signs or otherwise.

"Still have motion sickness when it comes to words, eh, Spike?"

A glare at the grinning pilot.

"He's getting better at it, though," Tifa spoke in defense of her best friend, although failing with the laughter dancing in her eyes. "Practice makes perfect, as they say."

One flaxen eyebrow raised up.

"Oh? An' how's that, Lockhart?"

Sienna orbs sparkled as Cloud hung his head between his hands, groaning at the inevitable.

"Reading while riding a chocobo. You don't know how many of those birds he pissed off. The guys at the Chocobo Ranch had their hands full."

"Teef!"

Boisterous laughter erupted from Cid, as well snickering from the nearby crew.

"Never knew! The only other method I heard was to get the poor fool on a hammock an' rock it nightly until he stops chuckin'! Works well for both air AN' sea idiots."

"Guilty!" one airman yelled out from the console he was manning. "It works, though the downsides is that you're dead tired in the morning!"

More hysterics, the other members tossing out teasing stories of their experiences.

Cloud wondered how long it was till they reached Wutai before he gave into the homicidal tendency cropping up. Maybe a good Matra Magic will do...

When the red and green buildings came to view, Tifa noticed two people down below. Chekhov was waiting at the airstrip, alongside with a bouncing Yuffie, when they finally landed.

"We got your message from Valentine-san," the warrior spoke after the pleasantries were exchange.

The two girls began their usual "girl talk" and were ignored during the walk to the sanctuary.

"It's not often we get people into the temple other than just tourists or those saving the world. No offense meant, of course," the female retainer continued, waving to several people.

A puff of smoke as the result of a loud snort from the pilot.

"Heh. Hope yer priestess can live up to what Vamp-boy claims an' none taken. The guy may have lived almost 30 years in a fuckin' coffin but he's still slow to date on some things. Even fer a Turk."

"Former Turk, Cid," Cloud absentmindedly corrected, taking the occasion to drink in the Oriental splendor.

During the whole period chasing Sephiroth around the world left AVALANCHE little time to relax and take in the sights, even at the Gold Saucer. Now, all of them were on a well-deserved vacation or just living out their lives.

Nanaki, or Red for others on force of habit, had taken quite well to his duties as Guardian of Cosmo Canyon after Bugenhagen's death. Barett returned to North Corel with Marlene and somehow got elected Mayor, now working with Reeve and Cait on alternate energy sources. Vincent had went back to Nibelheim, signing the Mansion under his name (a little doctoring on his records, favor from Rude), saying it was a way of facing the past. Of course, Yuffie was also working with the ex-Urban Development Head on rebuilding her home country. Several months of awkwardness and tip-toeing around each other later, the newly dubbed Mr. and Mrs. Highwind began an aerial service until Reeve could get his intercontinental transportation plan going.

"Do you want to go meet Reiko-san or relax first, Cloud-san?" Chekhov spoke, interrupting the younger man's thoughts.

"I'd rather we head to the Inn," Tifa spoke up. "No offense Cid but your flying is still crazy as ever."

A good natural grunt. "Still have room to improve, Lockhart. Maybe we should get you to fly."

"Are ya nuts, Cid! Gawd, as if I haven't suffered enough from airsickness! Let's leave the guys to their machines, Tifa. I got you two one of the best suite available!"

"You didn't have to, Yuffie."

"Nu-uh! You're my friends, you get the good ones! It's a double, with an excellent view of the whole place!"

"Hey! What about me, brat!"

"You stay in your airsickness inducing, flying piece of crap you call an airship, ya damn chimney!"

Those who didn't know any better, they would have thought the future Lady of Wutai was crazy, being chased by a cursing man spinning a spear. Whereas their companions were laughing in the background, not bothering to interfere. It was just like old times for them.

x x x x x x x

Breathing in the morning air that wasn't tainted by polluted air like that of Midgar, Cloud and Tifa headed straight for Leviathan's temple. Thankfully, the dreams were just of the usual things a person normally thinks about subconsciously in the night.

'As if I'm a normal person anymore, no thanks to Hojo...' he mused, thoughts a bit disgruntled.

A sign outside the large enclosure said, "Please take off your shoes 'cuz if I find out ya didn't, I'm gonna come and kick your ass. Thank you."

Tifa giggled when she read the post. "Still the Yuffie we know, only matured a little."

Said ninja was currently attending a meeting with Reeve, discussing on import-export deals. The younger woman mentioned that she might join them as soon as the conference was adjourned. Cid had decided to hit the Item Shop, wanting to check out the tea choices to bring back home.

"Better humor her then, before we find shuriken where we don't want them," Cloud snickered, slipping out of his boots.

Whatever peace the once First Class SOLDIER hoped to find started cracking upon seeing the red-haired Turk seated in the middle of the room. Bright blue-green seemed to be concentrated on the large, sapphire sculpture, as if seeking answers.

"Turk."

Turning around from looking at the statue, Reno noticed blonde and black.

"Strife."

The martial artist could practically taste the tension growing, watching as Mako locked with Mako.

"Ah, you all know each other?"

Spell broken, all three adults turned to see Reiko walking in from the back.

"So to speak," Tifa replied hesitantly, bowing quickly. The Materia-size flecks of light seemed to unnerve her greatly, yet fascinated her at the same time. "I'm Tifa Lockhart."

"Cloud Strife." He copied the gesture.

A returned bow, hakama shifting. "Reiko Kageno, miko to Leviathan. I received Yuffie-sama's message earlier. Please follow me." She turned to Reno and Yuffie, who was just coming into the temple. "This involves you two as well, Reno, Yuffie-sama."

With astonished looks on their faces, they followed Reiko to one of the wings.

En route, all four were greeted with the hidden beauty not seen by many foreigners, taking their breath away. Even though the young ninja had seen it many times, she was still blown away.

What the tourists see, the core room housing the statue and the simple gardens in the front with many trees along the outside walls. Several wings housing priceless artifacts and pieces of history from a culture still adapting in the modern world. Also in front was a very large tree that had survived the war, a straw rope tying around its immense trunk.

Behind the massive foliage, a large rock garden covered a portion of the back, the curving lines forming almost an ocean on land. Close by sat a fishpond, large carp swimming underneath a miniature waterfall and a willow dipping its long branches toward the water. Stone gray lanterns lined paths to other extensions of the temple. Bending bamboo patches dotted simplistically, the green leaves swaying alongside the other trees that were already budding. Everything planted simply, yet held an elegant air.

"Incredible, isn't it?"

They all nodded, seating themselves on the zabuton, cushions, in a large room where Reiko had directed them. The tatami, floor mats, held a shade of green and yellow mixed together, matching the season outside. A wall scroll hung above a tiny vase holding a cherry blossom branch not yet open, nestled in an alcove that one would never have noticed unless you had a sharp eye.

Another hanging was suspending adjacent to the one in the alcove, the scroll a painting of many creatures that resembled the summons and some that weren't recognizable. Sitting on a drawer, a petite Leviathan incense burner held a freshly lit incense stick, wisps of smoke twisting about. The smell was slightly sharp but not unpleasant nor overpowering. Bright light streamed through the open shoji, paper doors, illuminating the room without the need for lamps unless come nighttime.

Setting herself down, the miko began preparing the tea in a slow and purposeful fashion, boiling water fresh from a burning brazier in the middle of the room. A tray on the chabudai, low table, held snacks and crackers that were popular in Wutai.

Breathing in deeply, Cloud could tell that the tea was a little stronger than what Shera usually prepared. Although both him and Reno had to force themselves to not move a muscle, not wanting to destroy the calm spell of the room. Yuffie was used to such long ceremonies and sat fairly still, albeit fidgeting once in a while. Tifa happened to be the most at ease to the stillness, having gone through meditation with Zangan during her training.

The tea served, Reiko took a sip before placing her cup with a distinct clink, and directing her gaze at the adults in front of her.

"Before we begin, I must beseech all four of you to hold any questions. I will explain as much possible to the best of my ability.

"Both of you, Reno Savai and Cloud Strife, are having visions of each other when you sleep. However, neither of you know why."

The two nodded.

"Again, you two are noticing changes to your bodies that defy normal explanations. Your doctors can not come up with reasons as for the differences."

A fist clenching from Cloud, while Reno's eye twitched. Tifa looked startled at that, since they hadn't told anyone else. Yuffie began to look worry, glancing at her companions, her blond friend in particular.

"You feel altered, as if something wanted to burst out from within. This also ties in with your dreams, where you wake up in cold sweat."

Breathing deeply, Reiko closed her eyes.

"I will reveal what I was told, but you must be prepared for listening something you may not want to hear. Either from me or from someone else in the near future. The truth and path, I show, but it is not I who will walk the road or heed the words. Both of you must make that choice.

"Many years ago, I had taken up training as a miko here to serve Leviathan, as have many of my relatives before my time. My master, the previous caretaker, used to tell me stories when the gods and goddesses, Summons to you, had once interacted with the common people. Countless worlds that are similar to ours, yet notable differences with the history, the gods either helped shape or lived in alongside.

"In one world, the summons were actually a race that once coexisted peacefully with humans, Espers as they have come to be named. Unfortunately, greed for their power forced the Espers to create another dimension so they could live safely from humans. Fate happened upon one Esper and he had a child with a human, leading to the disaster of literally wiping out the entire Esper race. The Wheel of Time later caused events where the girl, half-human and half-Esper, to be able to bring justice to her father's race with help from loyal friends. That is one world.

"In another dimension, the gods and goddesses are the souls of those that have not passed onto the afterlife. They were called the Fayth, as Yuffie-sama knows well. Their peril was a creature that caused destruction wherever it went, no matter its intentions. As many lives continued to disappear, several people volunteered and became the Fayth, becoming Summons. A class of Summoners was created to bring them into the living world in order to save their world.

"One thousand years later, one Summoner was able to defeat the poor creature, however at the cost of discovering the majority of their way of life has been a large lie. The Hymn of the Fayth happens to be one of the more twisted and popular lies, originally sung as a rebel song, yet warped into something religious. In the end, the Summoner and her friends were able to correct some of what has been distorted. My master believes that Leviathan bringing about the Hymn here is an example that he is glad."

The feeling of intense gravity could be sensed from the two tales spun, much suffering and survival deep within. As much as none of the quartet wanted to dismiss it, underneath the words laid a seed of truth and reality.

"While these tales may sound beyond fascination, I believe them to be true and I am not yet done."

Sipping her tea, Reiko paused, gauging their reactions. Yuffie and Tifa were still puzzled by the stories, confusion easily seen in their eyes.

For the two guys, it was different. They were feeling the cold knife of anxiousness slicing their hearts and for the life of them, both didn't know why.

As much as he is a Turk, "no emotions shown" and all, Reno couldn't help but sense his mask slip. The same emotion ran through Cloud's mind as well, even if SOLDIERs were taught not let their feelings be known.

The miko hummed a bit to herself before continuing.

"This story, I know personally. On the eve of my training completion, a very peculiar person came upon the temple. Normally, one would not expect visitors in the middle of the night, yet he held a commanding aura so I dare not dismiss him. He happened to be quite tall and one does not mess with a person who looks to be able to crush a person's skull with ease.

"When I questioned him, he replied that he had an old friend here and was just visiting. Of course, I didn't understand the implications back then but today, I might have an idea. The man continued, saying that he required me to do something in his place. I accepted and he forbid me ever breathing another word to any other person until the time came. That was nearly twenty-some years ago."

It was so thick, you could cut the growing apprehension with a butter knife and not worry about the bluntness.

"What," Cloud croaked. Clearing his throat, he tried again. "What did the man looked like?"

"The strange visitor? I cannot say much currently, but hair that is quite long. Perhaps longer than yours, Ms. Tifa."

"Anything on what he wore?" Reno spoke, his voice hesitant.

Both younger women were surprised at their male counterpart's reactions. The blonde's, most likely yes but for the redhead's, no. No, they weren't expecting him, a Turk of all people, to be shaken by a tale that appeared to be too wild. Somehow, it sounded all true.

"An simple trench coat for now. Quite a large one in fact."

The two men nodded sharply, as if relieved.

"What I can say at present, is that all of you meeting together is not a mere coincidence. Do not start with me," Reiko interrupted Reno, raising a hand when he opened his mouth, "for proof of you four coming here is called 'hitsuzen'."

"'Hitsuzen'?" Tifa repeated, looking over to Yuffie.

"'Inevitable' or 'necessary' for a simpler meaning," the younger woman translated, chewing on her thumbnail. "Some might use it to describe 'a naturally foreordained event', especially fortune tellers or people like Reiko here."

The clergywoman merely nodded before taking up their cups.

"I suggest you come again tomorrow morning, as I may reveal more of my side of the story. I bid you good night."

With her utensils gathered, Reiko gave a low bow before fading into the growing shadows.

All four adults returned to their rooms, heart and mind in confusion of what they just heard.

Reno and Cloud especially, the two of them trying to recall something from their childhood.


A/N: Somewhat annoying chapter in regards to the last part. Sorry if both guys are a tad OOC here. -smacks head-