Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII is © under Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references. Everything else under their respective names.
Through Forest and Grove
Jason M. Lee
Chapter 4: That Which I Discover...
"How are they doing?"
"Quite well, sir."
"That's good."
"Sir..."
"Not yet."
"They will find out eventually."
"I know and as much I hate to admit it..."
"It terrifies you."
Silence.
"At least have hope with yourself."
"It's been a long time someone told me that."
"Aa, that it has. Good luck."
x x x x x x x
"So you and Turk-boy are good buddies now?" Yuffie asked while playing with her noodles.
"More like his designated buddy," Cloud corrected wryly, refilling Tifa's cup with practiced ease.
That was the truth. Throughout their present two-month indenture under the female priest, both men would occasionallyhit the Turtle's Paradise after a hard day's work. They would return to the temple with Reno often a little tipsy. It turns out that certain Wutaian drinks were a bit stronger than their foreign counterparts, especially when mixed in random quantities. While their bodies seemingly processed the alcohol much quicker, some of the combinations had a stronger affect on the Turk.
"Shuddup, Spike and hand me that eki-kyabe, wouldja?"
Both women raised their eyebrows upon the request as Cloud tossed a tiny bottle to Reno, one arm holding his head that was resting on the chabudai. From the looks of it, he was suffering from the grandfather of all hangovers.
While the ninja knew the use for eki-kyabe is intended for indigestion problems, the barkeeper had heard stories where the contents is said to cure even the worst of hangovers. What is surprising to them was the fact that the Turk was actually requesting his former enemy for something regarding his health.
The two girls had dropped by with lunch, wanting to check up on their companions after Reiko all but gently shooed them out forcefully. She had said both guys would need as much time with their job without too many distractions (occasional visits were agreed). Reeve and the rest of the Turks were more or less taken aback that Reno was actually doing an honest job which didn't involve maiming or decapitating people. After finding out, Reeve only said that until the obligation was paid in full, Reno was to stay in Wutai. That didn't go too well with aforementioned redhead, nearly breaking his PHS on the wooden floor and cursing well enough that even startled Barett who was nearby at the time.
"Don't look so shocked, babe," he spoke after hitting the medicine in one gulp. "Apparently, alcohol seems to be loosing its touch with me. Hangovers, on the other hand, are still potent."
"As if," the young ninja snorted, twirling her chopsticks. "Doubt you'll be losing the touch with the girls, though. And you still owe me some of my Materia!"
"Already gave 'em back and keep it down, brat." Freshly poured tea was downed without flinching.
"I'm missing one! It's a Mastered W-Item!"
"Don't have any of your Materia, kid."
Tifa smiled at the banter as she and Cloud cleared the bento, lunch boxes, all the while looking on in mild amusement. There wasn't a day without both Reno and Yuffie sniping at each other when in hearing range, albeit playfully. Slowly, the relationship between those two was also changing into something special. Despite the arguments, the Nibel duo hoped to see it develop more in the future.
After the girls said their goodbyes, Reiko requested that Reno go check the roof tiles, saying that she needed to talk to Cloud in private.
By themselves, the cleric led him to another room reserved for tea ceremonies.
"I know of Reno's skills yet I'm willing to trust him with his silence," she started, sitting down with her feet tucked underneath her legs. "You've been in need to know something, correct?"
A startled look on his face. "How..."
Light coffee eyes twinkled as she gestured him to sit, Cloud copying. "While I may be a miko, I also do fortune telling once in awhile."
Gesturing for his right hand, Reiko studied it silently, feeling along the rough lines with her eyes closed.
"Palm reading? Isn't that a bit cheap nowadays?"
Looking out the open doors, Cloud furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of Reno hanging upside down.
"I thought you were going to work on the roof, Red."
She smiled softly. "Do not worry, I had known this was going to happen earlier. Reading the hand is my preferred method for divining. Whereas others may use the Tarot, canaries picking the cards, or turtle shells. I had one acquaintance who used a saban, sand plate, for her divinations."
"So this is actual shit? Not just some mumbo-jumbo?"
Thin fingers followed the creases.
"No, Reno. Any sort of fortune telling, whether it be knowing your name and birthday or palm reading, is creating a very serious contract."
"A contract?" Cloud repeated, feeling somewhat on edge at that comment.
"Yes. A teller is bound by rules that she or he will know what you want to be told, and that is what will be told. What you need to listen, then it is what you will hear. Yet, it isn't that simple."
"Then what about those fortune teller stores in the cities? Or someone like Cait Sith?"
"The ones in the stores base their fortunes on a one-on-many basis and are mainly generalized, in addition being quite difficult to confirm nor are they lies. Those tellers more often than not do less than their utmost capabilities as they truly cannot sense your concerns. Your friend Cait is more mechanical by nature so his fortunes will not always be accurate, until he comes across ones that fits the situation. Besides, he doesn't know your concerns precisely enough so fortune telling doesn't correctly apply to him."
The blond didn't need to speak of the particularly foreboding one when Cait had met them for the first time at the Gold Saucer.
"However, the few true tellers like myself, we do a one-on-one fortune and I must be sincere on telling the fortune. One must do as much one can for any kind of telling. If I do not perform it properly, then my life will be in danger."
Reno waved a hammer at their surroundings. "How's that? Not like you got rival ninjas all over the place. Can't you tell your own future?"
"Mainly exchange and because it is unthinkable. Telling one's own future is one of the taboos a teller must never perform. The fortune is the contract of my telling and the one who is told to, my life connected with the agreement. For each fortune I tell, I risk my well being unless something is exchanged."
Understanding dawned on Cloud's face.
"That's why you got us into working here! To pay off that debt you were talking about! You knew it was going to happen!"
"That is partially correct. The fortune is part of your cost."
"Then the rest?"
"It will reveal itself later. Do stay, Reno. I need to read yours as well."
Such heavy knowledge weighed itself in the men's mind, resulting them on concentrating the fuurin tinkling in the distance.
"Your mother has passed on safely into the Lifestream and is at peace. She was disappointed in you not making it into SOLDIER properly.
"Nevertheless, she is pleased that you have redeemed the mistakes you had made through your recent actions."
Mako blue eyes relaxed greatly, loosing the tension it held.
"For those that died under the Sector 7 plate, be wary as many still hold grudges against you and Reno. However, some have forgiven you and your friends, as well passed on into the Lifestream."
With the next line on his hand, Reiko turned an amused gaze onto the blonde.
"You have concerns for a certain young lady, but since you don't want to hear that yet, I'll hold my tongue."
"Eh?" A blush flitted across his face, knowing who she was talking about.
The next instant, a somber mood.
"However, your unintentional seeking of a certain man will bring strife, as fitting of your name. You two will clash sometime in the future but the results can depend on your choices. You will come across what you may not want to hear, even when it is necessary."
"But--"
"If you ask anymore, I don't think you'll be able to pay it off with this work, Spike."
Cloud reluctantly pulled his hand away, head hanging low.
A reassuring smile from the shorter woman. "Do not worry, Cloud Strife. Things may work out in the upcoming times, if you put everything into your heart. Reno, please come here."
Giving an upside down shrug, the redhead flipped into the room, flicking the tool to his cohort. He stuck his right hand out but was caught unaware when she took his left hand instead.
A few minutes of silence, Cloud sitting on the engawa, veranda, trying not to disturb.
"Much the same applies to you, Reno. You are tied closely with Cloud, the same bonds of fate weaving you together. As I have said before, hitsuzen, events that can only have one outcome. Your mother has went on safely as well. She was quite unhappy when you were working for the previous ShinRa, yet she is now glad that you've changed for the better."
Glowing blue-green flickered between... sadness and relief? "Is that so. That's... good, then."
"There is something. A red cord between you and her..."
"Say wha--"
"You don't want to hear that yet, so I also won't say a thing."
Reno made a sound of frustration, causing the blonde to snicker.
"Return back to your work and put your hearts into it, if you want to pay off those fortunes I told. A final word of advice: all of one's strength must be put into one's heart. Now go."
Shaking his head, he joined Cloud outside, already starting their insult exchange.
Looking out at the fading cherry blossoms, Reiko sighed.
'May Leviathan watch over them.'
x x x x x x x
"Excuse me..."
Yuffie looked up from playing with the orphans and her breath got caught in her throat.
Towering before her was a man that could probably dwarf Barett. Hair that was a mixture of midnight purple and pure sable flowed down his back, tied back into a low ponytail which reminded the young woman one of her favorite manga characters. A good portion of the dark bangs nearly covered the entire right side of his face, creating a curtain effect. Sharp eyes glittered as if someone had mixed together topaz, honey, and a bit of gold that seemed to pierce into her soul. The tall man's skin appeared to be pale but turned out to be somewhat a hue of light bronze.
Despite the cool summer air Wutai had been having of late, he wore an open trench coat that was shaded to a darker version of his hair. Dark trousers not unlike the Turk uniform, along with a white button-up shirt. For one thing, that made the stranger appear pleasing, judging the faces from the other girls whispering and blushing nearby. Not unlike the fashion with most young men, the left ear held a small gold hoop and a ruby stud.
'Too bad there's no such thing like earring Materia,' Yuffie thought wistfully. 'Using them would be so much easier without having to worry about losing your equipment all the time while traveling...'
"Miss?"
Blinking to get her bearings back, she gave a sheepish smile while standing up. Even at full height, the Wutai heir barely got up to the man's chest. Most of the children immediately hid behind her, slightly terrified of the towering height.
'Dude, even Barett could barely reach this guy's chin!'
"Can I help you, sir?"
"I'd like to know if you are familiar with the whereabouts of a Reno Savai and Cloud Strife."
Caution entered her mind, fingers itching for Conformer slotted with her Mastered Materia. More often than not, idiots would crawl out of the woodwork to see if they could beat her friends to get a big name. Suffice to say, local law enforcement found neatly tied up presents frequently on their doorsteps.
"The reason being?"
A sheepish grin on his face as he scratched the back of his head, making him appear very boyish.
"Sorry. It's a request."
"From?" 'Gawd, can't this guy give a straight answer? Good looking, yes, but definitely clueless somewhere!'
Yellow eyes similar but different to Nanaki's glanced at the curious children. "In private, if you really want to know."
Understanding, she nodded. "Gotta go, kids. Maybe some other time?"
Collective sounds of disappointment but the orphans immediately went back into the orphanage. The weather looked about to spill its load and Yuffie didn't want them getting sick.
"I know where they're working now. If you'll follow me and no funny tricks. I'm getting sick of morons who don't know what they're getting into."
A deep chuckle. "Agreed."
From the orphanage to the temple was a bit of distance by foot, as Wutai preferred no vehicles in their country. Chocobos were still the main mode of transportation, being more economical and environmentally safe.
Along the way, Yuffie took her time studying the man.
Height would be past her gunarm-toting friend, maybe 6'8" or a bit more. Powerful guy, probably could take on a Dark or Red Dragon without too much trouble. Someone who used martial arts, maybe some weapon of sorts, and magic if the armlet loaded with Mastered Materia was any indication. Speaking of the magical orbs, the guy didn't even carried any Summons, which the kunoichi thought strange. Most likely quiet, yet with a commanding air that could even make Old Man ShinRa or Hojo listen without really trying.
A drop of wetness on the nose caused her to look up and frown.
"Chocoboshit. We better haul speed."
He smiled mysteriously. "I'd rather walk through this rain."
"Then I hope you don't mind if I'm not sharing my umbrella," Yuffie spoke as she opened up the useful item.
"That's fine with me."
"So, where are you from?" Grown a bit she was, Yuffie still had her curiosity.
"Somewhere very far away. You wouldn't be able to find it on a map."
"Really."
Feeling that the newcomer wasn't exactly up for a conversation, she shut her mouth.
By the time the duo reached the temple, the rain was close to pounding cats and dogs. Several streaks of lightning cracked across the sky, window panes rattling whenever thunder sounded.
"Looks like those two still haven't changed much here..."
Light purple eyes looked up, squinting through the faint light. "You said something?"
"No, nothing really."
"Whatever. Hey, Cloud!"
Looking up and brushing aside hair drenched across his face, Cloud gave a tired smile. It was his turn to be in the yard lighting the stone lamps in case of night travelers.
"Hey yourself, Yuffie. What brings you here?"
She jabbed a thumb at her guest who was gazing around, looking quite at ease with the rain.
"Said he wanted to find you and Reno. Didn't say why."
Glowing azure narrowed before addressing the stranger.
"Do come in from the rain."
A nod of thanks as they stepped into the main, and gratefully warm, chamber after removing their wet foot wear. Immediately, Cloud's neck hair rose up when the Hymn pitched a little louder before dropping softly. Even Reno looked unnerved as the pyreflies seemed to avoid getting close to the large man. Tifa, who had just dropped by, noticed the change in atmosphere and rubbed her arms, but not from the cold.
Looks amongst the younger quartet were exchanged as the dark figure stepped up to in front of Leviathan's statue. If they hadn't thought any better, all four had an inkling that he was TALKING with the huge representation.
Cloud eyed the man warily. Something was tugging the back of his mind and from the looks of his red-haired co-worker, it was the same. "What is that you want with us, sir?"
A smile that carried great sadness with gold eyes that had seen too much.
"Someone who once knew both your mothers, Reno Savai and Cloud Strife."
"How the fuck you know our names!"
"I've met you two before."
"When?" Cloud snapped, holding Reno's shoulder.
The man's voice dropped a bit, turning to face the cerulean icon.
"Many years ago."
"Spit out the whole thing, man!" Yuffie exploded, the tension getting to her. "Don't just give us simple answers!"
"Yuffie!" Tifa warned.
The tone turned sorrowful.
"Do you truly wish to know?"
Alarm bells began ringing in both men's minds, as well something else but they clamped it down.
Mako cobalt met with Mako turquoise for a split moment.
They returned back to burning gold.
A slow, simultaneous nod.
The sad smile was their only warning before a multi-target Bolt spell was thrown their way, his face now hard. Years of instinct saved them all from being electrocuted and the two men whipped out their weapons. Behind them, yells of surprise from the two women were ignored.
Before either could react, the man shot outside back into the heavy downpour. A flash of yellow was seen on the back of the trench coat as it was thrown off.
Fighting in the blowing rain and dim light didn't hinder any of them. To Cloud and Reno, it was like battling with clear skies hanging overhead. The slick grounds were a bit of a problem but neither paid it any attention, minds quickly shifting feet to compensate for the wet stones and earth.
"What are they doing! Are they crazy! TORNA--"
Tifa had to physically hold back her younger friend from jumping into the fray.
"You would be crazy to jump in and you'll hit all of them with that one! This isn't one of those fights we get into all the time! There's more to this as to why that guy would provoke them!"
Yuffie calmed down, stopping the Contain spell she was about to unleash.
"But..."
"I'm sensing that we should let them fight this one. Reiko-san had told me earlier that there was a fight that neither of us should interfere," the older AVALANCHE explained. "As much as it pains me, I trust her and my instincts. They'll be fine."
'Hopefully,' Tifa added as an afterthought, waving the confused two Turks, Reeve, and the rest of AVLANCHE into the blue shelter from the heavy downpour before launching into a recount of the recent incidents. Elena had called earlier, saying that they were going to visit their red-haired friend and catch up on events. Red phoned in at the request of a reunion, himself, Barett, and Vincent hitching a ride with Cid.
As the deadly dance continued, Reno's sharp mind was frantically pulling pieces together while trying to avoid any more damage. Both him and Cloud were already starting to feel the injuries pile up, barely having enough time to cast any curative spells. A large, bleeding cut decorated prominently on his head whereas the ex-SOLDIER was most likely nursing bruised, if not cracked, ribs.
'Crap! He hits like Tseng, Rude and Lockhart combined times ten! Must think faster! Major spells are either cut down by that M-Barrier or just dodged. Physical hits from me and Spike are downplayed by that damned Barrier (definitely Big Guard). Neither of us have a Destruct Materia, which really sucks--that's gonna leave a mark in the morning. None of our Summons work for reasons only Planet knows. This is suicidal. This is stupid. This is ROYALLY PISSING ME OFF!'
Pausing in his internal monologue, Reno barely dodged to avoid a heel drop kick that left a small crater in the ground. Cloud almost barreled into his older cohort but jump over in time, only to find a fist buried into his stomach.
'Although it's odd... Why provoke us to fight when his punches are held back? It's like he really doesn't want to hurt us or something... Like trying to make us remember... Waitamin...'
One thing immediately stuck out.
"Spike! Slice the back of his shirt! OHMF!" That distraction cost him a roundhouse kick to the head, sending Reno flying back onto the muddy ground, smacking into a tree, and seeing chocobos.
Even with water, mud, and heavy Wutai kimono hindering sight, sound, and movement, Cloud was able to get in two strikes which tore off the soaked clothing. He got an elbow to the face for that.
An opportunistic lightning bolt flew across the sky, giving enough illumination to reveal what lanterns can not. Those standing under the dry refuge could not see what was going on, even with the illumination from behind.
It was as if time froze.
Yet, the rain continued falling like nothing happened.
Two voices.
Emotions running rampant.
Strong anger.
Minds seeking answers for questions long asked for years.
Desperate denial.
Painful memories once buried, now rising.
Harbored longing.
Most of all...
"YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER!"
Intense hate.
A/N: Fight scenes, not my forte but "doing what I can with I what I got," as to quote Burt Gummer from theTremors series. I'm just going with what flows in my head. For the curious, Mysery-Man looks almost exactly like Laguna from Final Fantasy VIII. Good xxxHOLiC reference from Clamp here. Don't ask about the "xxx," that's part of the title; no, it's not what you think, and yes, that's the actual title.
