Disclaimer
I do not own the rights to Final Fantasy VII or its movie: Advent Children. I had played the game on PS1 a long time ago and I do have the movie… But Square-Enix has all the rights and deserves the proper respect. Thus, if you are looking forward to suing a poor creative writer who wants to spread his or her gift of prose to the Internet world, sorry… You'll have to look somewhere else. I have warned you so unless I somehow change my mind with these boring disclaimers later on, don't even try.
Author's Note
My fan fiction… It is so butchered up compared to the movie… I'm gonna write the next few chapters by the movie plot now… with my adaptions of course. The movie really didn't have any romantic scenes. None at all… Very disappointing but being the lucky readers you are, I WILL CHANGE THAT! (lolz)
ADVENT CHILDREN INFORMATION
WARNING! (Slight spoilers ahead! Please skip you don't want to know about it!) WARNING!
There will be text with the letter 'Z' alternating in between the words. So, if you want to read about it and my own review of it, please copy this and paste it into Microsoft Word (if you have it… If you don't, it'll be harder). Then, I think you should go into Edit and Replace. Replace all the 'Z's with blank space and you should be done! Have fun!
OZnZe wZoZrZd tZo dZeZsZcZrZiZbZe tZhZe mZoZvZiZeZ… AZWZEZSZOZMZEZ!Z!Z! DZAZMZNZ!Z!Z! IZT IZS AZWZEZSZOZMZEZ!Z!Z!
SZqZuZaZrZeZ-ZEZnZiZx hZaZd iZmZpZrZeZsZsZeZd mZe wZiZtZh tZhZeZiZr fZiZnZaZl pZiZeZcZeZ… EZvZeZn tZhZoZuZgZh hZaZlZf oZf tZhZe sZtZuZfZf oZn tZhZe rZeZlZeZaZsZeZd tZrZaZiZlZeZrZs aZrZe nZoZt iZn tZhZe mZoZvZiZeZ, I aZm vZeZrZy iZmZpZrZeZsZsZeZd bZy tZhZe gZrZaZpZhZiZcZs aZnZd tZhZe fZiZgZhZt sZcZeZnZeZsZ. IZt iZs sZo bZeZaZuZtZiZfZuZlZ! TZhZeZy hZaZd mZuZsZiZc fZrZoZm tZhZe aZcZtZuZaZl gZaZmZeZ… eZsZpZeZcZiZaZlZlZy iZn TZiZfZa aZnZd LZoZzZ'Zs sZcZeZnZeZ! OZhZ! OZMZNZIZSZLZAZSZH IZS SZO CZOZOZLZ!Z!Z! CZlZoZuZd tZoZtZaZlZlZy kZiZcZkZeZd SZeZpZhZiZrZoZtZhZ'Zs bZuZtZtZ! OZhZ, tZhZe eZnZtZiZrZe TZuZrZk cZoZmZpZaZnZy iZs aZlZiZvZeZ… RZuZfZuZs aZnZd TZsZeZnZg iZnZcZlZuZdZeZdZ! TZhZaZt iZs aZlZl fZoZr nZoZwZ… OZn wZiZtZh tZhZe sZtZoZrZyZ…
Inside the Final Heaven, two figures sat next to each other, silent and still. Both Vincent and Yuffie were lost in thought, processing the new information they have acquired. The only other person in the room was standing at the opposite corner, leaned back against the wall with his head cradled between his dark-skinned hands.
Barret had told them all he knew about the situation, which in fact amounted to very little. Cloud then spared a few minutes to come downstairs and tell his side of the story. The mercenary gave far more details and provided crucial information about the enemy. Yet, despite its tactical importance, what he told worsened Barret's spirits, almost breaking him. After speaking, the blonde told them that he would return later to plan their next move. He quickly climbed back upstairs only to disappear into Tifa's room.
"…" Vincent bowed his head in concentration. 'If they're as strong as Cloud says, there will be great trouble for us ahead… But for now, what can we do? Should we all go out and search for the child? What to do…' He continued to plan ahead, oblivious to his surroundings.
"So…" Yuffie fidgeted nervously beside him. The quiet atmosphere was finally getting to her, getting too uncomfortable for the energetic ninja. "So… Vinnie, what do you think about there being three Sephiroths going around kidnapping the kids? It sucks doesn't it?" She elbowed the man to her right, trying to get some response from him.
The ex-Turk turned to her, nodding slightly and agreeing with her somewhat crude assessment. Actually, he paid little attention to her because he knew of her behavior and her whims come second to the lives of others... or so he thought at that moment. Still trying to come up with a perfect plan to deal with this situation, Vincent failed to notice the anger forming in the Wutain's eyes until it was too late.
"Vinnie… C'mon, what do you think? Do you have a plan?" Yuffie persisted. She punched his shoulder, emphasizing her resolve to get him to speak. He repeated his previous response.
"C'mon! SAY SOMETHING!" The shinobi got up and stamped her feet. When that didn't work, she jumped up and down accusing him of being a bad friend.
"…" Vincent shut his eyes and tried to get back on track. After all, he did endure her presence throughout the journey and this should be nothing compared to their earlier incident involving dangerous projectiles.
"That's it… You left me no choice Vinnie…" Yuffie readied herself by taking a deep breath. Then she got up into the cloaked man's face.
"FUCK YOU!"
Their reaction was immediate. Barret and Vincent's heads shot up so fast that they suffered whiplash. "Ermm… Damn vampire… Why don't you tell her what you've been thinking of?" Fear was evident in the gunman's eyes. 'Crazy girl!'
"Well…" Vincent began. "I think we should get on with our mission… We need to contact the others…"
Yuffie plopped back onto couch and let out a defeated sigh. 'One day… I will get through to you and nothing you can do will stop that… Nothing! Muah! Ha! Ha!'
Vincent and Barret stared at Yuffie. Both of them sweat-dropped. 'Why is Yuffie laughing evilly? … I don't think she realizes that she is laughing either…'
Several minutes later, long after the maniacal laughter had died down, two figures exited the bar. Vincent and Yuffie looked at each other, their eyes telling all. Their mind and body bore the heavy burden of responsibility. Once again, the fate of the world rests upon their shoulders. 'Will we ever find true peace?' The enigmatic man wondered. ' Will we ever be able to break free of this cycle of destruction?'
Right then, two familiar figures approached them and a red-haired person greeted them. "What's up, yo?"
Meanwhile, back in the rooms upstairs, Tifa awoke. Her red-brown eyes opened slowly only to see darkness.
"Reno and them are searching for her." A voice came from her left, spoken by a person hidden in the shadows. Yet, even though he can't be seen, Tifa knew that it was Cloud.
"What… What are you sorry for?" She asked. Not even waiting for a response, she tried to sit up on her bed, grunting with effort and pain. A gloved hand pushed her back down. Too tired to resist, her head fell back onto the soft pillow.
"I'm sorry for everything…" He replied.
'Damn men…' She thought. 'Trying to take the whole world on their shoulders… Acting perfect and all… Never asking for help…' She glowered at him, trying to intimidate him even in the darkness.
"Damn it Cloud. Stop with that! And… wait… Marlene!" Tifa immediately shot up, her eyes panicky.
"Teef! Lie back! It's too late but we're doing everything we can to try and find her. It's not your fault…" Cloud got up and restrained her, his face finally coming into view. Somehow, seeing him comforted her and all the stress melted away. 'How could he do this to me? Even in a time like this…'
They both moved back to their former positions, their faces hidden from each other by the shadows. Tifa grew nervous without knowing for sure that he was still there. Then, she remembered Marlene's discovery at the church.
"It's Geostigma… Isn't it?" She asked the question even though she fully knew the answer. Cloud didn't respond.
"It's alright if I die… Isn't that what you're thinking?" She continued. A long pause followed. "As I thought…" Tifa looked away from him.
"There is no cure…" Cloud finally said, defending himself.
"But Denzel! He's one of ours. He looks up to you! He's trying his best isn't he?" Tifa countered. "Why don't you try fighting with us instead of running away? We could all help each other and try our best!"
Seeing Cloud's head drop, her hopes were crushed. "I guess we can't do that because we're not a real family right?" A longer pause followed.
"I can't save anyone. I don't think I can even save myself so how can I save another?" The blond admitted.
"… Have we lost to our memories? Do you still like Aeris? Is everything between us just a lie?" She asked. Tears started to form again. This was just what she needed after experiencing the pain of losing Marlene.
"But… We let her die…" He protested. "And I came too late for you two…"
"Don't you see? Aeris chose her path. She left us all to go there and she knew what would happen to her if she went out alone… And Marlene, she stayed for me…" Tifa reasoned. "It's not your fault…"
"I still let her down…" With a huff, he turned around, indicating the end of this subject.
"So… What are you going to do now? Are you going to go after Marlene?"
"Actually, I was thinking that I'll go to Reno and Rude and help them out. She is Barret's daughter so it'll be-" He never got to finish when he was interrupted by her sighs.
"Drifting… Drifting… Drifting… When are you gonna realize that you're not alone?" She eyed where she believed him to be. "You're always drifting… When are you gonna settle down and find the place where you belong?"
"… I don't know… But since he's her father-" He tried to talk but was cut off again.
"Drifting… Drifting… Drifting…" Cloud stood up, partly out of frustration but more of denial.
"I don't know if I can do it…" He started to doubt himself, running his hand through his hair.
"You know you can. I know you can. Please… Do it for Marlene… She needs you…" Tifa pleaded.
Cloud gave a grunt and looked Tifa in the eye. She matched his stare and saw a spark of his true self, the warrior to whom she fell in love with. "I'll think about it… But you'll have to tell the Turks though."
"Oh dear me… I'll have to call the guy who wants to go out with me while you have to save a little girl from three strong bad guys… I have such a hard job… " She said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
Cloud chuckled and moved toward the door. Before leaving, he paused as if trying to find the words to say goodbye.
"Just go… Sheesh… And you're the one that managed to kill Sephiroth… The leader of Avalanche…" She waved him off weakly.
"Fine fine… I'm going…" Cloud was about to open it when it slammed open.
"Hi yo!" Reno strode in with his cocky manner. Rude was right behind him, finding a bit of trouble squeezing his large frame through the door.
"We know where they are" Reno bragged, tapping his nightstick on his shoulder.
"The Forgotten Capital," Rude got straight to the point. "The Sleeping Forest."
"Hmmm… I hate to ask this…Can you two handle it?" Cloud asked, his face hidden from Tifa's.
"Don't run… Please… Don't run…" She begged, reaching for his hand. The two touched and began to argue over what to do.
Reno and Rude both decided that now's not the time to intervene between the loving couple. "Pssst… You're not supposed to tell him! C'mon, we could have got him to do something for us! He could have owed us one…"
Rude merely jabbed his side. Reno countered with a headlock. However, due to Rude's taller stature, all the trapped man had to do was straighten his back.
"Fine… I'll do it… for sure this time… I won't run…" Cloud finally said. The Turks quit their childish behavior and snapped to attention. When the two lovebirds refocused onto them, they saw two model Turks.
Hearing Cloud's words, Reno headed out. "We'll work with our boss. You'll go get those brats… See ya!" And so, the two Shinra employees left with Rude slamming the door behind him. Cloud followed soon after. "Take care Tifa."
When he got downstairs, Barret was waiting for him. Cloud gave him a brief of his plan. "Remember, you'll be the one who gets to Cid. I don't think Yuffie will be enough to convince him. You're our best bet." Cloud reminded his companion.
"Hell yeah! Damn fool probably think of her pulling a prank on him or trying to get his fucking materia… I'll make sure that he comes along. If he doesn't…" Barret changed his arm into a gun, displaying his resolve.
"Okay… That's good. Just make sure he picks up Red and that Yuffie tags along. Vincent and I will head out toward the forest. Tell the guy that he should start ahead of me. I'm staying with Tifa for another day."
"Sure… Take care now… the both of you…" And thus, Barret parted ways, leaving Cloud behind with his childhood friend. He quickly exited the building, eager to inform the two waiting outside.
"The brat comes with me to Cosmos Canyon. Vampy boy gets to go North. Got that you two?" He asked while walking past them.
"HEY! Why do I have to go with you? Why can't I go with Vincent?" Yuffie whined.
"Yuffie… It's alright… We'll meet up later." Vincent said, giving her a pat on the head.
"Fine…" She conceded. "Barret, give me a second… I'll be right with you after this…" The Wutainese dragged Vincent away. Once out of earshot, she jabbed her finger at him. "We have to talk!"
"Why don't you want me with you? Really?" She asked. "I'm not good enough right? I'm the great ninja Yuf-"
Vincent leaned in close and gave her a full kiss on the lips, cutting off the young shinobi. Yuffie stood in shock for a full ten seconds, unable to comprehend what just happened. Then, she leaned into it, returning the kiss. Just before Yuffie's breath ran out, they broke off.
"… I don't want you to come to harm… Please do it for me…" Vincent said, staring deep into her stormy eyes.
"Sure… Vinnie… I'll do it…" She gasped out, still a bit breathless from the kiss before.
"Good…" Vincent turned and headed out, giving Barret a cold glare when he passed by. "Don't speak of it. Forget what you've seen or else…"
Barret's grin disappeared instantly once he heard those death-assuring words. 'Damn… Dunno who's worse… Vampy or Sephiroth…'
"Hiya Barret!" Yuffie popped up right before him. "Let's go!"
Barret groaned and ran his flesh hand down his face. 'No… The brats the worst of them all…'
Yuffie didn't notice his reaction because she was bouncing down the street, humming happily to herself. 'This only the second time he'd kissed me… The first time doesn't really count but… IT WAS GREAT! Can't wait to do that again! Oh… I have to control myself… Deep breathes… Wait… Where am I going?" She turned around to see Barret a fair distance away, waving his arms around in apparent anger. 'Maybe I should wait for him… He sure is slow…'
Author's Notes
It's really hard to write my story now after watching the movie like fifty times (grins). Plus, my fic started out based on the trailers available on the Square-Enix site and SURPRISE! Half of them weren't in the movie. Yes, you know that scene when Kadaj stand in the middle of the road and shoots out those blue magic bolts at Cloud, blowing him and his bike high into the air? IT DOESN'T EXIST! Yeah… That aspect is a bit disappointing but the movie by itself… If you're watching it, let's just say you'll be worshipping it for the next week or so (smiles)…
Randomness
Reno: Who's the best Turk of all? ME!
Rude: … I think I performed better than you…
Reno: Oh really? Who got thrown around by Loz? Hmmm? (gets up in Rude's face)
Rude: Who flew through the air with just a single kick? (pushes Reno away)
Reno: Well… It was pretty strong…
Rude: … Yazoo didn't even use his weapon…
Reno: Neither did… Wait… Loz always has his on… (frowns)
Rude: … (adjusts his sunglasses)
Free Corp Knight: HEY YOU TWO! STOP IT! YOU'RE SPOILING IT!
Reno: Fine, let's settle this once and for all! (grabs author) Who's the best Turk? Me or him (points at Rude)?
Free Corp Knight: Neither… I think Elena and Tseng would be better but the best? Hmmm… Vincent Valentine. No contest there. (brushes off Reno and walks away)
Reno and Rude: (mouths drop open) …
(Far away but still in the listening range of one particular character…)
Vincent Valentine: … (gives a rare smile)…