Author's Note: Phew! Sorry about not having any authors notes or the like in my previous Chapters, I posted them all at once late at night, so I didn't really take the time too. xP

I'm sorry about all the typos in the last Chapter. I just noticed them. I hope none of the other Chapters have them. Apparently it was something with the spell checker. /

Many thanks to Twilight Sora, DemonSurfer, and Aleatoric for commenting, Yuffie Ninja for the favorite, Twilight Sora and DemonSurfer once again for the alerts, and everyone else out there who has taken the time to read this!

-Chocobo

P.S.: Is it just me, or does this Chapter seem short? ;;

Disclaimer: I don't own Cloud or any other Final Fantasy VII characters, areas, or monsters. I only wish I did. x3 I don't have any money, so please don't sue me?

Chapter Seven: Why did they let him have a sword?

"Earlier today Chocobo prices shot up as--"

Click!

"You can have smooth silky hair too, with--"

Click!

"Well Johnny, now I know not to play with pipe bombs while I'm--"

Click!

"Breaking news from Bone Village! There have been some sightings of a large, green monster lumbering around on land on four legs, that looks remarkably like the Emerald Weapon." The pretty blond newscaster announced, reading off of some papers she held in her hand, then looking up at the camera. "We have managed to talk to some people who witnessed this frightening event." "Heeeey! Guys! Look at the TV!" Yuffie exclaimed, sitting on the couch of the huge hotel room they had booked for the next few nights, since Cloud's condition wasn't showing any improvement (They all agreed it wouldn't be wise to take him to a hospital).

Everyone gathered around as the newscaster disappeared from view, replaced with a wide-eyed woman who was talking so fast it was hard to understand her. "It was huge! As big as a mountain! And it made this horrible screech, and I could have sworn that I saw it eat somebody!" The screen switched again, this time to a balding man, who had a noticeable beer gut. "Yeah, I saws it. I was comin' outta the bar, y'know, 'cause I needed to eat somethin', and I hear this screamin'. So I looks over, and there's this huge green thing stompin' around, all Godzilla-like. It took a good three hours to clear the mountains, even wit' how big it was, 'cause it was so slow."

The screen switched one more time, to a little girl who couldn't have been older then six, with messy brown hair, in a bright yellow dress. "It was soooo awesome!" She said, jumping up and down happily. "It was the coolest thing I've ever seen! And it scared all the adults too, it was cool to see them running around like that. The thing was harmless! It wouldn't even step on the trees! I wanted to go see it, but my momma wouldn't let me. She kept saying how dangerous the thing was. She's a stupid head."

The screen switched back to the pretty blond newscaster, who was re-applying her makeup. When she noticed that she was back on the air she quickly threw the makeup kit under the desk and cleared her throat, picking up the papers and tapping them on the desk nervously. "No causalities have been reported, which is unusual for a Weapon attack, if it is in fact a Weapon. Some believe it wasn't an attack at all, but that it was just passing through..." She trailed off, looking off stage, then she nodded and turned back to the camera. "This just in! The Ruby Weapon has been seen swimming--yes, swimming--through the ocean in the same direction as the 'Emerald Weapon'. What are these monsters up to? Could it possibly have something to do with the commotion in Nibelhiem a few days ago? More at eleven."

Loud commercials suddenly started to play on the screen, and Vincent quickly switched off the TV. "What would the Weapons be doing heading North?" Tifa asked curiously. "Well, they are tools made by the planet, so perhaps there is danger from the North that they need to defend the planet from." Red suggested. Everyone was silent for a moment as they digested this information. "No, not the North. She's not there yet." Cloud said quietly, almost to himself. Everyone turned to him, and he continued. "She's somewhere else, somewhere safe where she can hide without being found...but first she needs something from..." He trailed off, looking up and noticing everyone looking at him. "...What?" He said uncomfortably. Barret just shook his head and turned away.

"Where is it that Jenova needs to get something from?" Vincent pressed. Cloud looked at him confusedly. "What are you talking about? I don't know anything about that." He answered, shaking his head.

Oh yes, you do...

Cloud shook his head again, then coughed. "...Yeah, well, anyway, should we go after the Weapons and see what they're up to?" Reno asked, sitting on the couch next to Yuffie, but still keeping far enough away that he didn't get punched. "I don't know if Cloud is up to traveling yet..." Tifa said slowly, glancing back over at Cloud, who was shaking slightly. "I'm fine." Cloud snapped, rather sharply. He forced himself to stop shaking. "I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself. Anyway, I don't think following the Weapons will tell us much. For all we know, the planet could be calling them back because they are of no more use to it."

"...Or maybe the planet thinks that it'll need the Weapons nearby ta defend it's self, like Red said. Even ya have ta admit, Cloud, with the way things are goin' that seems like the most likely reason." Barret said. "...It's a waste of time, alright! I know it is!" Cloud said agitatedly, starting to pace like a caged tiger. "We need to go to the Forgotten Capital! Now!" "Why? To visit Aeris?" Tifa asked confusedly. "No no no...for another reason altogether." Cloud muttered, not really paying attention to those around him. "I have to get it...then they won't be able to interfere...at least not as much..."

"...Alright. Let's go." Vincent said suddenly. Everyone stared at him, and Cloud gave a start, looking up at him. "Go? Where?" He asked. "To the Forgotten Capital." Vincent replied. Cloud looked at him like he was nuts. "What? Why?" Vincent shrugged. "It's just a hunch, I suppose." He replied. Cid chucked, standing up and flicking his cigarette to the floor. "Well then, let's get the hell out of here."

Everyone started to leave, but Vincent, Cid, and Tifa hung back. "Why are we lettin' the nutcase go where that #& thing wants him to go?" Cid growled as soon as the others were out of earshot. "Because. We'll see what it is Jenova wants, then make sure she doesn't get it." Vincent replied. Cid gave a reluctant nod of approval, then tromped out after the others. Vincent started to follow, then noticed that Tifa wasn't coming. He turned around and saw her staring at the floor, and waited for her to speak, for that could be the only reason she wouldn't be starting ahead. "...I'm afraid for Cloud, Vincent. All that work I did to help him back in the Lifestream...I think it's coming undone." She looked up at him tearfully. "He's not going to ever be the same, is he?"

Vincent didn't answer. He didn't see the need to. He thought that she would be done, but she kept talking.

"...Do you think he blames me for not telling him something was wrong with him sooner, before Sephiroth told him anything?" She asked. Vincent was silent for a moment, until he realized he'd have to answer her eventually. He sighed, then said: "Perhaps not while he had some reason, but who knows now. Jenova may be picking at that wound, so that it may be easier for him to kill you if the need should ever arise..." Tifa looked at him, shocked. "...You really aren't good at comforting people, are you?" She asked. "I don't like to instill false hope in people." Vincent replied shortly.

"Well, we'd better get going. Cid's probably getting impatient." Tifa said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand quickly. Vincent nodded, and they left the room.

"Have you ever had a headache so bad it felt like something was trying to claw it's way out of your skull?" Cloud asked Tifa, who had sat next to him after the Highwind was in the air. "...No, I can't say that I have." She replied. "Well that's what this one feels like." Cloud said, tapping the side of his head with a finger. "And I can't stop coughing...when it gets really bad, I cough up blood. It's always too cold..." He sighed, then looked over at Tifa. "I can't remember things. For example, most of the conversation we just had before leaving...what's wrong with me, Tifa?"

Tifa bit her lip and looked at the floor, kicking her feet slightly. "...It's Jenova, Cloud. She's--" "Shhh! Quiet!" Cloud said suddenly, perking up and looking around nervously. "Can't you hear them?" "...Hear who?" Tifa asked, looking over at Cloud curiously. Nobody else in the Highwind was talking aside from them, so she didn't know who he was talking about. "...They're telling me...I can't...tell them to shut up, Tifa, please..." He said, leaning forward and putting his face in his hands. "They won't stop..."

"...It's alright, Cloud." She said slowly, putting a hand on his shoulder. She looked around the room and saw that everyone was looking at him curiously. "No it's not. They're laughing...she's laughing..." He started to shiver slightly. "I'm right here, Cloud. There's nobody here. No one is talking to you, or laughing." Tifa said soothingly. "You can't hear them...but they're there." Cloud replied, then said in a voice so low she could barely hear him "I have to get it." "Get what?" Tifa asked exasperatedly. Cloud looked up at her, a crooked smile on his face. "He he...the White Materia. The Holy summon." He chuckled. "She must have it...so that they can't interfere..." Suddenly his eyes narrowed, and he looked at Tifa suspiciously. "You aren't one of them, are you?" He asked slowly. "The ones who almost killed her before..."

Tifa didn't say anything for a moment, then suddenly smacked Cloud across the face as hard as she could. His head snapped back from the blow, and he brought a hand up to his cheek, looking at her with a mixture of anger and confusion. "Ouch! That hurt! What the hell is wrong with you!" He asked, swiftly returning to normal. Tifa shrugged. "You had a fly on your face." She replied.

"Hey! We're here!" Cid called, and the airship landed smoothly next to the ancient city. Everyone slowly filed out, Tifa and Vincent last once again. Cloud had charged forward, most likely to get away from Tifa. "...Did you hear what he said?" Tifa asked Vincent. "I'm sure everyone heard what he said." Vincent replied coolly. "So, we're going to take the White Materia, and keep it somewhere safe?" Tifa asked. Vincent shrugged. "We'll just see when we get there." And with that he quickened his pace, abruptly ending the conversation.

After about thirty minutes of walking, they came up to the large conch shell house with the lake were Aeris lay near it. Cloud strode forward eagerly, hardly paying attention to his surroundings. As he passed the lake, however, something clicked in the back of his head. There was something here...something he should remember...something important. He slowed down, but didn't completely stop, and looked into the water. He couldn't see down into the bottom, however, even though the lake was crystal clear. He quickly shrugged off the feeling and continued on into the house. Soon after the others caught up with him, not noticing (or just ignoring) his odd behavior.

Cloud led them down the large spiral staircase, made of some smooth clear material that couldn't be identified. Soon the platform where Aeris had prayed for Holy was in sight.

Aeris. That was it. Cloud thought suddenly. She died here.

But that doesn't matter...

Nothing matters...

I have to get it...she must have it...to stop them...

"Hey Cloud! What's the hold up?" Reno yelled from somewhere behind him, and he realized that he was holding up the whole line of people coming down the stairs behind them. He quickly stepped out of the doorway, and practically ran over to the stepping stones that led to the alter, where he slowed to a halt. He looked into the water here, unable to see anything. But it was down there. He just had to find it.

The others were still making their way down the stairs, and Cloud stepped forward towards the water--

What am I doing? A small voice in the back of his head asked suddenly. This isn't right! I shouldn't be doing this! It may take away the only chance we have, if Jenova summons Meteor again!

And why would that be a bad thing?

It wouldn't.

She needs the power of the planet

If you help you will be rewarded.

Now, hurry and get the White Materia.

No! Wait! Aeris...wouldn't have wanted this, would she? You...you killed Aeris. It's your fault.

Me? You are the one who didn't do anything. You stood and watched as she got killed. You could have prevented it, but you didn't. You aren't the knight in shining armor, as you may believe. You are a failed experiment, who by all rights shouldn't be alive right now.

But...

She needs the planet's Lifestream.

Stop questioning.

Do it now.

No...

No? Ha!

As if you have a choice.

"Cloud." Tifa said suddenly, making the voices die down for a moment. He opened his eyes and realized he was standing at the very edge of the water. For a second he contemplated jumping in, but Tifa pulled him back. "Is it down there?" Vincent asked. Cloud hesitated, then nodded slowly. Vincent looked around at everyone. "Somebody has to jump in and get it." He remarked.

No! They can't take it! You have to get it!

"No." Cloud said firmly, yanking out of Tifa's grasp. "I'll do it." Tifa glanced back at the group, who were hanging back. Vincent shook his head. Tifa turned back to Cloud, and said "Are you sure? I mean--" "I said I'll do it." Cloud growled, walking back towards the water and jumping in before anyone could stop him. Tifa ran to the edge and looked over worriedly, watching Cloud disappear under the water.

It's dark. I can't see it.

Just a little farther...

I have to...get it...she...

Cloud felt his hands hit sand. He felt around underwater for a moment before his hand brushed something smooth. He quickly grabbed it, surprised by it's warmth, and kicked up to the surface. He broke the surface with a gasp, air rushing into his lungs, and he slowly paddled to the edge of the water. Tifa pulled him up when he got close enough, and he fell to the floor, coughing and shaking.

"D...did I...get it?" He asked when he could finally breath correctly. "Yes..." Tifa replied, reaching down and trying to take the materia from him. As soon as she touched it, however, he yanked away and stood up shakily. "This isn't for you...no...it's for...her...because you want to stop her...but you can't...if she has it." He said. "Cloud, you have to give it to me. If you don't, Jenova will have more of an advantage then she already does, so please..." Tifa pleaded. Cloud stood there for a moment, then his face suddenly broke out into a grin. "Heh. No, Tifa, you can't have it. And I know damn well that you won't try to take it by force either. Humans are such weak creatures...we're ruled by emotions, which clouds our judgment when we have to make fundamental decisions." He tossed the materia into the air, then caught it again. "But you see, that's where mot--Jenova is superior." Cloud said, jumping up the stepping stones onto the platform where Aeris had died.

"...What was that?" Tifa asked suddenly. Cloud turned to her, the grin still fixed on his face. "What was what?" He asked boredly. "You...almost said 'mother', didn't you?" Tifa said, horrified. The smile on Cloud's face faltered. "What? No, Jenova isn't my mother. She's a superior being." He said slowly. "Then why did you almost say it?" Tifa pressed. "Do you know who you sound like?" Cloud shrugged. "A minor slip up." "You're avoiding the question." Tifa growled, jumping up the stepping stones onto the platform. "Oh, so now you're coming to try to persuade me to give up the Holy summon, correct?" Cloud asked, shaking his head. "Your sense of timing is horrible. And..." He reached over his shoulder, unsheathing the Ultima Weapon and holding it in front of him, not more then and inch away from Tifa's chest. "...You shouldn't have trusted me with a weapon."

"So yer jus gonna go crawlin' on yer hands an' knees back ta the monster who killed Aeris?" Barret asked suddenly. "...The death of...the Centra girl...was unavoidable." Cloud spat out with some difficulty, shaking his head and coughing. Tifa looked at the sword held in front of her warily, then, while Cloud was distracted, lightly shoved the sword aside and jumped forward, tackling him to the ground. Caught by surprise, the materia went flying out of his hand, arcing through the air and landing with a small 'ping!' right next to Reno's foot, and he quickly picked it up.

Cloud looked at Reno in shock, then turned to look at Tifa, who still had him pinned to the ground. His eyes narrowed. "You..." He hissed, his hand reaching out and quickly finding the hilt of his sword, which he had dropped in the fall. Before she could react, he slashed her from her right side up to her left shoulder. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and tried to speak, but fell to the side, freeing Cloud. Cloud stood up slowly and looked down at Tifa, blood starting to pool around her. He looked at the sword in his hand, wet with blood, then back at Tifa.

He dropped the sword and fell to his knees. "N-no...Tifa...what did I...?" He choked out, reaching out and brushing her hair out of her face gently. He was relieved to notice that her chest was rising and falling, barely. He could hear the others shouting, and rushing forward, but he didn't care. He reached into her pocket and pulled out the small green restore materia, concentrating on it as hard as he could. Green light danced around Tifa, and the wound slowly closed, but she didn't open her eyes. By this time everyone was on the platform, and Cloud was shoved roughly aside and everyone tried to see if Tifa was okay.

Barret turned around and grabbed Cloud, hauling him up by his collar. "If she's dead, or dies, I swear, I'll kill ya myself ya bastard!" He roared, slamming Cloud's back against the stone railing. "Do ya understand?" Cloud just hung there, not offering any resistance. He didn't care anymore. Barret slugged him in the stomach with his gun arm, knocking the wind out of him, before Yuffie tugged on his vest. "Hey! Knock it off Barret!" She exclaimed. "He couldn't help it!" "COULDN'T HELP IT!" Barret bellowed, dropping Cloud and turning to face Yuffie. "YA MEAN TA TELL ME THAT HE 'COULDN'T HELP' ATTACKIN' TIFA, WHO WAS ONLY TRYIN' TA HELP 'IM!" "Hey, all of you, shut the #$ up!" Cid snapped, helping Rude pick up the unconscious Tifa. "I concur. We can discuss this when we get back to the Highwind." Vincent said stoically. Barret grumbled and turned back to were he had dropped Cloud, then jumped and shouted in surprise.

Cloud was gone.

Author's notes: Was that inner monologue confusing? I'll give you a hint: only one of those voices was actually Jenova. She was the one who said "If you help you will be rewarded", "Me? You are the one who didn't do anything. You stood and watched as she got killed. You could have prevented it, but you didn't. You aren't the knight in shining armor, as you may believe. You are a failed experiment, who by all rights shouldn't be alive right now.", "As if you have a choice.", and "Just a little farther...". Keke, now who is everyone else (aside from Cloud, and it was obvious which one was him)? Hopefully that shall be explained in later Chapters. :3