Disclaimers: Final Fantasy VII © under Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references. Everything else under their respective owners.
Through Forest and Grove
Jason M. Lee
Chapter 6: That Which I Hope...
What had met the group's eyes was something they won't be forgetting for a long while (the more normal ones, that is).
Both men were screaming and thrashing underneath the heavy blankets like someone was casting Bolt3 at random but fast rates. Sweat had broken out and the bandages were already showing bright red where the wounds had reopened from flailing limbs.
"Turn them around and hold," the mysterious guest ordered. Small orbs of luminescence not unlike to the floating pyreflies danced around both of his hands, the sense of magic condensing in the air.
"Won't it affect us as well? Why not use Stop?" Elena protested, but already heading to help Tifa and Vincent with pinning Reno. Rude, Cid, and Barett were struggling with Cloud since First Class SOLDIERS tend to be a bit stronger than Turks.
"His brand of magic is distinctive than what all of you are accustomed to," Reiko replied, extra medical supplies on hand. Yuffie and the rest were sent back to the kitchens to boil more water, as no one wanted to risk infections. "This type is far older and much more potent, as well better suited to this task. Their conditions are not just the physical but includes the mental. On effects, it will not harm any of you."
The blonde Turk only grunted in response, trying NOT to stare at the bulges that were writhing just where the shoulder blades were located.
Only one visit to the Nibel Reactor sometime after her initiation into ShinRa earned Elena a good hour's worth of a lecture from Reno on sucking it up. As well an empty stomach and a bitter taste left in her mouth.
"Can't we at least use some Tranquilizers?" Tifa gritted out, desperately trying to ignore what was happening to her friends. Reluctant allies and all what had happened, the Turks weren't all too bad after some long thinking. "If not magic then what about medicine?"
Shaking of the head from the female cleric. "Not until he is done with his task."
"Then hurry it up, man!" Cid bellowed, a black eye already forming from a stray fist. "We can't hold 'em much longer!"
Kneeling between the thrashing duo, the man had a calm look on his face as the coalesced orbs of light wove intricately over their backs. Slowly, a pattern came into view that looked similar to what was engraved on an antique book Reeve once saw at a swap meet. The configuration became layered, barely a finger's width of space separating each outline. Each layer held a different pattern that looked simple yet it hinted great power.
As the radiance gradually descended on both men, their struggles steadily slowed down. The tattoo Tifa thought saw earlier reappeared on Cloud's back: an ornate and beautiful wheel right between the shoulder blades. The rim and center hub colored gold while the six elaborate spokes were a bright ruby. Reno's version held the same design but his was crimson edges and shining yellow struts.
When both men were now breathing more normally, the restrainers relaxed their hold. The stranger lifted his hands away from the slumbering patients, yet his posture was nothing short of loosened.
"What," Barett muttered, "the fuck was that?" Soft talking wasn't the gunman's forte but having some consideration for sick folks was something he held quite deeply. Even when said person throws a punch that would've dislocated his jaw had the North Corel mayor been a weaker person.
Reiko gestured that the girls help her on rebinding the slackened bandages, slipping into her multi-tasking mode.
"That... is magic from one of the oldest forms your people now has nearly forgotten. Summoning circles were used to call beings like Leviathan-sama from his dimension to ours. In other worlds, they don't always acknowledge it but know the circle exist somewhere with Nature. While the term is somewhat misleading in certain places, other areas often utilize the circles when they perform magic without having to draw it out.
"Back to my point: each of the gods have their own unique intricacy when it comes to the design of the summon you wish to invoke. Occasionally, the more powerful the god or goddess you call upon, the more complex and large the shape will be."
"Then what about the tattoos?" the brunette questioned softly, wiping her childhood friend's forehead with a damp cloth. A tiny smile flitted on her face when he nuzzled the martial artist's hand in response.
Tying off one of Reno's cuts, the cleric shook her head.
"It is not my place to answer that one. My guest has the rights to give what you seek, should he choose to. Let them rest now and the lot of you get some sleep, it is late."
'Wish it was that easy,' was the consensual thought of the group. Too many questions and so little answers were pounding their heads. Exhausted as they were, all of them trooped into the guest rooms normally reserved for travelers too weary to hassle with the Inn.
Tifa was the last one to leave and paused, glancing back.
"Is there something you want to ask, Miss Lockhart?"
"Erhm..."
He turned, bright eyes that appeared unnatural boring into her sienna ones.
She chewed her lip for a moment.
"Your name, at the least."
A melancholy smile.
"Thau Mab for now, or Toha Bamu in the tongue of Wutai."
Nodding, she left. Thinking back, Tifa thought it was just her imagination when she noticed his eyes seemed to have changed shape.
'Too many things in your head, girl. Get some snooze and work it out in the morning.'
That didn't mean it was going to be an easy night.
Or in the upcoming days.
x x x x x x x
"No."
"Oh, c'mon, Turk-boy. Why not?"
"I said, no."
"Afraid?"
"Wouldn't say that."
"Then what's the reason?"
"Nuthin'."
"Baka."
"No."
"Ahou."
"No."
A mixture of glee and guilt danced in Yuffie's mind, guilt winning. She really shouldn't be doing this...
"Tori-atama."
"'Rooster head'? That's new and no."
"Idiot."
Long fingers twitched at the temptation of throttling the Kisaragi heir versus pulling his hair out in frustration. Although another part of his brain was suggesting doing something ELSE with the lithe kunoichi. That immediately got booted to the "DO NOT THINK" box and then squashed down with a Demi3.
"How many times do I have to say it? NO! NYENT! NIX! ZIP! ZILCHO! ZERO!"
She shrugged indifferently.
"Don't know it if you don't try it."
Burning aquamarine flashed angrily, causing Yuffie to take a step back in surprise.
"Damnit princess, what part of 'no' don't you understand!"
A scowl appeared on her face. 'This is so stupid! Gawd, Leviathan just drown me right now!'
Several days after both men woke up everybody (even the other Wutaians) could feel the enormous rift between those two and Thau. If all three of them were in the same room, the tension could make a person of lesser constitution faint. Both wouldn't talk with him and attempts to start a conversation would end up having one or the other infused ex-ShinRa employees leaving with thunderclouds over their heads.
Now, Yuffie was trying to pull something she thought she'd never perform: help patch up family issues between Reno, Cloud, and, what both preferred to called him, THAT MAN. All the while walking through Wutai's abundant forests near the beach as the sky was painted by a beautiful sunset, no less.
And people thought she had problems with Godo (which is partially true).
"It's not that!" she yelled back, fists clenching from wanting to punch the redhead. 'He still doesn't get it!' "What I don't understand is that why either you nor Cloud would give the poor guy a chance to make up! He had to wait close to twenty-plus years to see both of you idiots and if I didn't know any better, I'd say he's really regretting the decision!"
A slightly tanned fist smashed a hole in a nearby tree, startling some nesting birds into flight. She wasn't afraid for her safety with that display. There was something in Reno that had changed a bit, telling her that she would be safe with him no matter what.
"Make it up? Regret? Yeah, right! He had his chance when Jenova was discovered more than thirty years ago, when Hojo began the Jenova Project on Sephiroth. Or when we were chasing ShinRa's BELOVED general all over the world! Oh yeah, and when we had Meteor literally hanging over our heads!"
Reno breathed in harsh and deep pants, trying to reign in his anger. It was often said that redheads were notorious with fiery tempers and he was starting to believe that anecdote. That, and the same sensation of something wanting out was getting much stronger with every time he'd loose control of his emotions. This also applied to Cloud, albeit on a slightly smaller scale but still the same.
Yuffie sighed, rubbing her temples with slim fingers. Another headache that matched the ones whenever she would argue with her father was starting to form.
"Fine, but let me say this. If he didn't care about either of you, then he wouldn't have revealed himself after all these years."
Mako pools stared at the petite heir. This was the same Yuffie who was bugging him moments before?
"I might not ever know the full history between you three but I can feel it being similar with me and Godo. Sure, he was there, but he wasn't ALWAYS present in my life.
"I was born sometime during the Wutai/ShinRa war and Mom died when she joined in the battlefield after she made sure I was safe. He didn't want her to go but Chekov, who kinda helped raise me, told me this a little after I turned ten. The last thing from Mom before she disappeared to fight was 'All I want is for my family to live to their fullest'. When the bad news came, Godo was never the same since."
Lilac eyes glanced over to the setting sun, pink and orange touching scattered clouds. The memories burned but she needed to say her piece, fingernails clutching the rough bark. Reno stood nearby, listening intently and absent-mindedly noting on how the light made her black hair shine nicely.
"Growing up with a parent like Godo was hard. I didn't get to see him smile often. He felt cold most of the time. Mealtimes, sparring, and lessons were usually when I ever get to really see him. Other instances, he'd be with the assembly or just lounging at home. Physically, he was alive and my biological father but to me emotionally, he was dead for all I could care."
She looked at Reno, her face stoic yet traces of tears were present.
"Which is worse? To know your father is alive but doesn't recognize you no matter what you do?"
His heart clenched, having not really knowing the emotion. He didn't want to admit it but the words were cutting in deep and staying.
"Or when he wants to acknowledge you when you try to reject him?"
A wavering smile as the sun turned blood red. Pain from being ignored as a child, grief of never knowing her mother, frustration of her father not really understanding her...
"Even now, it's still hard living with Godo in the same place. You're lucky, Reno. You and Cloud at least have a father who wants to spend time and get to know you two better. You don't always get second chances."
With that, Yuffie left Reno in deep thoughts. She had some paperwork to attend to and there was something about a meeting Shake mentioned earlier.
Sitting down on a log, the redhead stared at the ocean, mulling over what had just went on. A twinge inside his mind revealed an also sober Cloud long before the broken twigs did.
"You got a lecture from Lockhart as well?"
The blond rubbed the back of his head, joining his older half-brother on the tree.
"She told me I'm lucky to have a father alive, since hers died back in the Nibelheim Incident. I take it you got one from Yuffie, too."
Reno snorted, nodding.
"Who'd a thunk the princess would grow up? To think she met you guys by stealing your Materia in order to rebuild her home."
"This coming from a guy who supposedly drinks a lot, hangs out with any lady, and did his job because he was told to."
"Touché. On the ladies part, only mere flirting." Bright sea green glanced over and blinked. "Hey, is it just me or your ears getting pointed?"
Rough fingers flew to said appendages, feeling along the edge. A frown rested onto Cloud's face when he realized it was real.
"Terrific, something new from the bastard. You have it as well." The blond pointed at Reno's own hearing aids, smirking when the older man scowled darkly upon comprehension.
Ever since the spell was cast (and the weird revelation inside their heads), the others had more than once noted slight changes with them.
Whereas Yuffie used to be able to sneak up on Reno, he always knew when to dodge as if hearing her coming several feet away. For Cloud's case, Tifa swore the blond could see where the radio was placed amidst the hustle and bustle of customers on heavy nights at Turtle's Paradise. At one point, Barett even muttered something about whether those two were taking drugs when Cloud didn't had to crane his neck as much to look up at him.
To them, it was similar to feeling the effects after Mako infusions: enhancement of the regular five senses, including strength and defenses. Yet they were three times faster than before, often startling their friends with the quick reflexes.
Then, there was whole argument about the infamous (or famous) "sixth sense".
While the reports from few travelers noted the uncanny accuracy of Wutai warriors knowing where their opponents were, refuters argued that it was mere coincidence. Some scientists thought the concept of sensing the dead or knowing where another person was located was ridiculous. Even Hojo disregarded the documentations, stating that "if you cannot touch or test it with absolute results, then it is not science."
However, both Sephiroth and Zack kept careful notes about the troops during the ShinRa/Wutai war, especially those infused with Mako. The Class First and Second SOLDIERS had on many occasions given the Wutaian fighters a run for their money when it came to ambushes or traps. Though proven invaluable, the ability seemed to wane over time after the war, save the General and the black-haired 1st Class SOLDIER.
With the "sixth sense", the two could tell who was nearby without little difficulty, rivaling Vincent.
"I had really hoped we didn't get anything from him," Reno muttered, playing with his ShinRa Alpha on the wrist. Stronger and tougher he was, the Turk wasn't stupid to fully trust what was happening to his body. A quick glance showed the younger of the two wearing an Escort Guard tucked underneath the indigo sweater.
Fall was quickly approaching and Wutai weather was almost completely different compared with the seasons in Midgar. The sectored city had warm spring, dry summers, cool autumns and wet winters; Yuffie's hometown had almost the same pattern but the summers were often rainy, a much chillier autumn and snow blanketed the cold season.
"Although weren't we trying to find him subconsciously?" Cloud questioned, tossing some pebbles he had picked up and throwing them over the sand. "Reiko did say we would seek him in one way or another, bringing conflict."
"Feh. Still no excuse for that guy on leaving us." Reno broke an EMR sized stick easily, as if to prove his point.
To that, the younger man didn't say anything, just sat there in silence.
x x x x x x x
"GAWDDAMN FRIGGIN' TURK-BOY!" Yuffie slammed down the mug, crimson starting to show. "THAT AHOU STILL DOESN'T GET IT!"
And then promptly hiccupped, therefore ruining her angry image. Some of the patrons nearby chuckled but wisely kept their distance. The last one who tried to hit on the future Lady of Wutai when she had a couple drinks couldn't sit down properly for weeks.
Tifa sighed before trying to pluck the glass away from the slightly inebriated young adult. It moved out of her way. 'Maybe I should've considered taking up this position...'
Working part-time at Turtle's Paradise was basically the same as working at Gospel Heaven, except she had to relearn on mixing foreign drinks. As well keeping her mind and body occupied. Fortunately, her bar was kept under watch by a young seventeen-year old who went by the name Zidane (after being caught trying to pilfer the safe).
One rule at the Wutai bar was imminent: sake was forbidden from Yuffie. Wutaian beer was fine, being not as strong as the rice wine.
"Yuffie, give me that mug."
A childish pout before the younger woman deftly refilled her glass from the tap. "Yada."
"Please let me have your mug before Godo finds out and have my ass for letting you get drunk."
"He can kiss MY ass for all he can care," Yuffie slurred after draining half of the beer. Second one already and the words from the meeting were starting to be a dull throb. 'The nerve of him!'
"Then can you explain why you're all strung up about Reno?" Elena spoke, plunking herself next to the younger girl and nodding Tifa for gin. Rude was staying with Reeve back in Midgar, pulling guard duty at some charity gathering.
Girl talk between the three of them was cherished deeply. All three lost their mothers at some point and after Meteor, they grew a sisterly bond that baffled most of their male companions. Given with the recent events, the ladies tried to get together in order to keep in with the loop.
Lavender eyes blinked to get the blond Turk into focus before returning to her mug. "He's being an idiot, that's it."
"How so?"
Saying that Reno was an idiot is an understatement, the current female Turk knew that much as she sipped her drink. Who knows how many times the redhead had to be pulled from the Honey Bee Inn when assignments came.
"He won't give his dad a chance! Ano ahou wa... That stupid moron is being a dickhead on holding a stupid grudge since childhood! Not that I don't blame him but at least he has a tou-san who wants to pay attention and make it up to him! Unlike Oyaji..." Red flitted deeper across Yuffie's cheeks as she slammed a fist onto the bar top, bouncing a dish of beer nuts. "I take it Spiky was almost as bad, Teef. Futari-tomo... BAKA YAROU!"
Both older women had to work through the scattered Wutaiese but they got the main gist.
Smiling sadly, Tifa could only shake her head as the ninja drained the rest of her beer and hiccupped again, the flush turning much darker. 'She has a point though. I was pretty close to punching Cloud for his stubbornness. I just wish that it was easier for them but then again, it's simple to tell that forgiving their father would be just as easy as Hojo admitting his experiments were wrong.'
"And to top things off," the younger woman continued lividly, "I have to get married before my eighteenth birthday!"
Glancing at the calendar that was a mix of Wutai and Midgar dates, Elena noticed it was only the second week of September. "Come to think of it, when IS your birthday?"
Another hiccup, Yuffie struggling to stay on her seat. "November 20th, Midgar calendar. If I don't want to get married to Godo's choice, I have to present a fiancée before then."
"Why's that?" Tifa asked. Knowledge of Wutaian traditions were often mixed between facts and urban legends.
"In the old days, most girls got engaged around fifteen or sixteen, sometimes even fourteen. If she doesn't approve the groom her parents and matchmaker arranged, the girl can bring in who she considers a suitable husband. If the family head approves, then the set arrangement is cancelled without too much trouble (unless the bugger's a stalker or something). Same thing applies for the guy's side if he presents a suitable bride."
The female blond smiled into her glass, for once glad she joined up with the Turks when the chance came up at the Academy. Her father had wanted her to be set off with a partner's son, hoping to expand business. Luckily, the male teen was smart enough to have been going out with a girl also from the same social class. "I'm assuming that it's slightly different for influential families."
A sigh, Yuffie resting her head on the bar top. "Since I'm of the highest lording family, I get political power at eighteen, due to changes with the laws. Technically speaking, the couple shares the responsibility but I still get the majority. If I go against Godo on, oh, a decision I don't really like, I'd have a better chance if there's a husband to back me up."
Tifa nodded, cleaning up the sink. "Did you talk with your supposedly betrothed?"
"Kyo is from one of the second highest clans here, the Souma family. He's kinda cool but he doesn't like the engagement any more than I do, since we mainly see each other as siblings. Plus, he's got a girlfriend who is pretty sweet when he introduced her to me earlier. A bit ditzy but she has a good heart to match his temper. Truthfully speaking, she's the only one who could keep him calm most of the time."
"Any ideas on giving your old man an ulcer?" Elena grinned, swirling her gin. More than once, her father claimed that he was going to be gray before she reached the age of twenty with some of the antics she pulled off.
The youngerfemale let out a snort, swallowing more of the fermented malt.
"Cloud's out of the question. No offense, Tifa. Red's not human and it'd be real embarrassing with the friggin' press. Barett's too old and he has Marlene to take care of. Cid's married to Shera and they got a kid coming pretty soon (did I mention that I REALLY dislike smokers). Vinnie's tricky timing with his traveling, in addition trips to his old girlfriend's hiding spot (may she rest in peace). I can't go asking Reeve or Rude..."
On the last part the blond Turk coughed violently which Tifa smiled slyly at.
"So Turkey is my only last option..." Yuffie hesitated, her angry flush changing that to of a self-conscious young adult. "Not that I really mind, though... He's not so bad after you get used to him..."
"Am I really?" a familiar drawl drifted over the music and muted conversations.
Bleary violet stared at laughing turquoise before dark hair plunked back onto the wood. Apparently, he had overheard the entire rant.
"Kuso... I was hoping to ask you at a later time, Turk-boy."
He shrugged, nodding a greeting to the other women.
"Then I was hoping to escort you home. Staniv's 'bout to throw a fit. How much did she have?"
"Third beer and she was starting on her fourth, Reno," Tifa replied, immediately snatching the glass away from a weakly protesting Yuffie. "I'm under orders NOT to let her near the sake or anything close to that level. She can't hold her alcohol well and she tried five shots of vodka once back at Gospel Heaven." The older female AVALANCHE grimaced. "We had to prevent the patrons from killing her and got fairly acquainted with the Sector 5 MPD captain. Burnell, I think."
"Oh yeah, him. Tough guy. Not too shabby but kinda uptight with the rules. Up ya go, princess." The crimson-haired Turk easily swung Yuffie into his arms bridal style. This sent her into a fit of giggles, bringing up a faint smirk onto his face. "Looks like I still have the charm."
"Yes, your charm," Elena said dryly, while Tifa snickered in the background. "Why the nice act all of a sudden? You're actually not serious on taking up the offer as her fiancée, are you?"
The redhead paused at the door, looking thoughtful before changing his smirk to a soft smile as he looked back. Mako aquamarine glowed warmly when the young adult snuggled into his jacket further, sleepily muttering a mixture of threats and compliments.
His lingering comment left slackened jaws in the bar before disappearing into the chilly night.
"Maybe that's exactly what I'm hoping for."
A/N: Burnell is John Burnell from "World's Wildest Police Videos," which I love watching as a native of Los Angeles, California, where car chases and riots are common. Wutaiese equaling Japanese, cheap, yes. Culture-wise, a cross between Chinese and Japanese. Concept of Yuffie's engagement courtesy of Joy Blue's Playing With Fire. Sorry, Joy.
