Chapter 6

Aeris rubbed her hand over Cloud's chest as she lay next to him in bed. The beams from the morning sun shone through the curtains of Cloud's bedroom. Cloud put his arm around Aeris and kissed her forehead.

"Good Morning babe" said Aeris.

"Morning" said Cloud.

"What's on the schedule for today?" asked Aeris.

"We'll I don't have to work with Cid today. I was probably going to train a little later today"

"Train, Train, Train…. Let's spend the day together Cloud. I don't have to work today either. Please, please, please, please" pleaded Aeris.

"Ok"

"I'll make some breakfast" said Aeris as she got out of the bed.

"Good luck finding food in that refrigerator. I need to go to the grocery store" said Cloud.

"We can go to Oaka's later. I'll just work with whatever you have. Cloud I'm going to put on your Cactuar sweatshirt it's so cute!" said Aeris.

"Ok, I'm gonna take a quick shower" said Cloud as he got out of bed too.

Aeris reached in Cloud's dresser and pulled out a blue sweatshirt with a picture of a large Cactus like creature dancing on it. She slipped the sweatshirt over her bra and panties. The sleeves hung a little long on her arms so she rolled the ends up a bit. Aeris left Cloud's bedroom and walked through his living room to get to the kitchen. She could hear Cloud turning on the shower water in the bathroom.

"Let's see what Cloud has in here" said Aeris as she opened the refrigerator.

She looked around inside and saw that Cloud was not kidding. There was only a bottle of water, a half empty (or half full if you're an optimist) jug of orange juice and 4 eggs.

"sigh orange juice and scrambled eggs it is" said Aeris.

Aeris pulled out a pan from a cabinet under Cloud's sink and put it on the stove. Before she could start cooking the doorbell rang.

Ding Dong

"Aeris, could you get the door for me please? I bet it's one of those Shumi salesmen. Tell them we're not buying anything" yelled Cloud from the shower.

"Ok" said Aeris as she walked to the door.

Aeris unlocked the latch on the door and opened it. Standing in the hallway was Tifa.

"Aeris?" asked Tifa in a surprised way.

"Hey Tifa what's up?" smiled Aeris.

Tifa looked shocked as she stood there looking at Aeris wearing nothing but the Cactuar sweatshirt that Tifa had given Cloud for his birthday a while back.

"Well…nothing much…umm I was just stopping by to give Cloud his Lenne CD back. I've had it for a while now and…" said Tifa as she tried to act like nothing was wrong.

"…and you just wanted to give it back. Well Cloud's in the shower now" said Aeris.

"Oh ok well… here give this to him" said Tifa as she handed Aeris the CD.

"Sure. Say Tifa you're going to the SeeD ball aren't you?" asked Aeris.

"Yes…"

"Have you picked out a dress?" asked Aeris.

"Yes, it's a blue dress" said Tifa.

"Great! Mine's pink but I still need some shoes to match" said Aeris.

"Oh, well hopefully you find the perfect pair. I'll talk to you later Aeris" said Tifa.

"Later Tifa" said Aeris.

Aeris shut the door and Tifa walked back down the hall. Tifa actually lived in the same apartment building as Cloud only three stories up. As she walked up the stair case she felt a weird feeling.

"Me and Cloud are just friends…that's what we decided…there's no reason for me to be jealous at all" thought Tifa.

As Tifa entered her apartment she saw the card that Rude had given her on the end table next to her couch. As she picked it up she thought to herself.

"Maybe I should just move on…"

Meanwhile back at Cloud's apartment.

"Aeris who was that?" asked Cloud as he left his bathroom with a towel around his waist.

"Oh it was Tifa. She brought your Lenne's Greatest Hits CD back. I put it on your dresser" said Aeris as she walked back into the kitchen to cook breakfast.

"Tifa?...oh damn" thought Cloud.

(Next Scene)

"It's such a beautiful day for a picnic!" yelled Selphie excitedly.

Selphie and Rinoa walked a little ahead of Squall and Irvine in Square Park. Squall and Irvine were carrying a few baskets and blankets.

"So we're the mules for today?" asked Irvine.

"It would appear so" said Squall.

"We're going to find the perfect spot to set up" said Rinoa as she and Selphie walked on further.

"Squall can I ask you something?" asked Irvine.

"What is it?"

"Do you think I have problems being myself?" asked Irvine.

"…what is bringing this question on?" asked Squall.

"Well I overheard Selphie talking to Aeris last night while we were setting up for the ball. She said I try to come off as a ladies man too much and that I'm afraid to be myself. What do you think?" asked Irvine.

"Well, when we first met you did try to flirt with almost every girl in the Garden, but I think you've cooled off a bit because you like Selphie right?"

"Yeah, I like her a lot…" said Irvine.

"Well if you like her a lot then why flirt with other girls? Show her she's the only one for you. You're a good guy so just show her that side and in the meantime try not to flirt with all those other girls you pass by. She'll see the difference in you after a while I'm sure" said Squall.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll drop the ladies man routine for good. Now I'm just like you Squall. I'm a one woman man"

"Trust me it's a lot easier that way" said Squall.

"Over here" waved Rinoa in the distance.

The four set up there picnic in a nice sunny area of the park not far from the famous Ramza statue. The four laughed and talked a bit while eating the snacks they had prepared. It really was the perfect day for a picnic. The sky was clear and the splendid song of the birds filled the air.

"So, does anyone know who Zell is taking to the ball?" asked Selphie.

"He won't say much. He just says she's not in SeeD" said Irvine.

"Zell's always up to something" laughed Rinoa.

"Squall did Zell tell you anything?" asked Selphie.

"No he hasn't. You're right actually he has been pretty secretive about it…" said Squall.

(Next Scene)

"I can't wait for you two to meet him" said Yuna as she pranced around the apartment.

"Yuna that is probably the fifth time you've said that" said Paine.

Paine was stretched out on the couch with the remote control channel surfing. Rikku walked into the living room from her bedroom.

"I have to meet the guy that's got Yuna this excited" said Rikku.

Just then the doorbell rang and Yuna rushed to it.

"Look's like your chance has come" said Paine.

Yuna opened up the door and Tidus was standing there.

"Hey there" said Yuna with a bright smile.

"Hey cutie" said Tidus as he gave Yuna a hug.

Yuna let Tidus into the apartment where she introduced him to her roommates.

"Tidus, this is my cousin Rikku and my friend Paine" said Yuna.

"Please to meetcha!" smiled Rikku.

"Hi" said Paine.

"Hey it's good to finally meet you too" said Tidus.

"Tidus are you ready to try some great Al Bhed Cuisine?" asked Rikku.

"Sure why not?"

"Can you handle spicy food?" asked Yuna as she got close to Tidus and held his hand.

"Can I? Of course!" laughed Tidus.

"Well let's get this lunchtime special on the go!" said Rikku as she lifted her fist in the air.

Rikku ran off into the kitchen.

"Wow she's really energetic" said Tidus.

"She has enough energy for two people" said Paine.

(Next Scene)

"Ok let's try that line again" said Tobli

He sat in the first row of the audience while Riku, Zidane, and Vivi stood on stage. Zidane and Vivi were dressed in brown tattered robes and they both had large humps on their backs to make them….hunchback peasants. Riku was the hero of the story and he was dressed quite royally. He wore a blue cape, iron chain mail, and on his side was a long sword in his sheath.

"I can't believe Riku can't remember the simplest lines" said Vivi to Zidane under his breath.

"I know. I should be the hero I know all the lines" said Zidane.

"Ok. I won't mess up this time I think I got it" said Riku.

"Ok. Let's start from the top" said Tobli.

With that they started the scene.

"Spare some change kind sir?" asked Zidane.

"Ummm….Oh yeah…of course you may" said Riku as he stumbled through the line.

"Cut!" yelled Tobli.

"Sorry" said Riku.

"It's quite alright Riku yes indeed it is. Let's move on to the garden love scene again" said Tobli.

"I can't believe this guy. He stumbles through his lines and everyone thinks it's alright" thought Zidane as he and Vivi walked off the stage.

The next scene would involve only Riku, Garnet, Kairi, and Sora so Zidane and Vivi sat down in the front row. A few of the Hypellos rolled out the background scenery which was the setting of a beautiful garden. Garnet, Kairi, and Sora joined Riku on stage. All of them were dressed in medieval garments. Garnet wore a beautiful blue gown and a golden crown since she was the princess. Kairi wore a red gown and played the role of the princess's lady in waiting. Sora wore a brown cape and had a short sword strapped to his side.

"Ok from the top!" yelled Tobli.

With that they began the scene.

"M'lady, what do you think of the great hero that has come to our kingdom?" asked Kairi.

"I think he is quite handsome and kind and honest. Perhaps I'll give him a scarf to take with him into battle" said Garnet.

"Oh M'lady, that sounds so wonderful and romantic! Oh my there he is now with his squire" said Kairi as she pointed to the opposite end of the stage.

Riku and Sora walked toward Garnet and Kairi.

"Princess, my master wishes to speak with you" said Sora as he knelt down before Garnet.

"Hmm alright. I'll speak with him alone" said Garnet.

With that Sora and Kairi left Riku and Garnet alone in the garden.

"Fair lady, I can't umm keep you out of my thoughts…" said Riku as she stumbled through his lines.

"It's the same for me" said Garnet.

Riku walked up closer and held Garnet's hand in his own.

"You skin is like the finest milk" said Riku.

"It's silk!" yelled Zidane from the front row.

"Oh yeah thanks bud" said Riku.

"Your skin is like the finest silk and your eyes are the rarest almonds…err..diamonds. You're driving me insane. I've flown over the Chocobo's chest….I mean vest…umm I mean" stumbled Riku.

"It's nest man. The word is nest" said Zidane.

"Oh yeah nest" said Riku.

"Oh how I love you" said Garnet.

"I love poo…I mean you" said Riku.

"Oh my god!" thought Zidane.

Riku and Garnet moved closer and they gave each other a polite kiss on the lips nothing extraordinary or passionate just a simple kiss.

"I think we need to work on the passion in that scene a little bit" said Tobli.

"Maybe he should work on Riku actually learning the lines" thought Zidane.

(Next Scene)

"Hey I know you have a boyfriend and all but do you think he would be ok with you coming with me to the ball?"

Zell stretched across his bed as he talked on the phone.

"Sure, he won't be upset. He's really quiet and he's the laid back type. So he won't be jealous when I tell him. After all you did help save my life Zell. I'd love to come to your ball with you. It get's so boring in this castle" said the unknown female.

"Oh that's awesome. Thanks so much! I'll talk to you later"

"Bye Zell"

Zell hung up the phone and did a back flip in his room.

"I can't wait to see everyone's face when I show up with her!" yelled Zell.

(Next Scene)

"I'm really glad you called me I wasn't sure if I would hear from you" said Rude.

He sat across from Tifa in a coffee shop. He was dressed a little more casual this time. He wore khaki pants and a tight black muscle shirt. He was really cut.

"I'm glad I did too you're really fun Rude" laughed Tifa.

The sun was beginning to set outside the shop. Tifa and Rude kept laughing and talking and soon a Moomba waiter walked up to their table and brought their coffee.

"Thanks" said Rude as he tipped the Moomba a few gil.

"So you're into martial arts too?" asked Tifa.

"Yeah I studied Muay Thai since I was a youngster. Then once I got work with Shinra I got to train in a lot of other styles. Judo, Aikido, Taekwondo to name a few"

"Wow, that's awesome. I've trained in Zangan Ryu since I was young but I would love to learn about other styles" said Tifa.

"You trained with Zangan? I've heard about him. He travels all over the world teaching martial arts right?" asked Rude.

"Yep, that's him. He's like a second father to me" said Tifa.

"Wow he's a legend. You must be really good to get lessons from Zangan" said Rude.

Tifa laughed and blushed a little.

"Maybe we could train together sometime. I'm sure there are a lot of things we could learn from each other" said Rude.

"Yes…" said Tifa.

"Is everything ok?" asked Rude.

"Oh umm yeah…well. I know we don't know each other that well but I was wondering if you wanted to come to this SeeD ball with me. It's in a few days and I got invited and I don't have a date yet…."

"Of course I'd go with you" said Rude.

"You will?"

"I'd be a fool to pass up a chance to take you out again" said Rude.

Tifa laughed.

"What?" asked Rude.

"You were right. For a person named Rude you really are nice and polite" laughed Tifa.

Rude and Tifa laughed and enjoyed the rest of their coffee date

(Next Scene)

"Zidane, Vivi do you want to go hang out with us?" said Kairi.

Rehearsals were over for the day and everyone was leaving the theater. The sun had almost completely set now.

"Umm sure what you guys and gals got planned?" asked Zidane.

"Sora's cousin is a bouncer at a bar not far from here. We can get the hook up!" said Riku.

"Vivi want to go?" asked Zidane.

"Sure" said Vivi.

"Great! Let's go" said Garnet

With that the group began walking down the street to the bar that was a few blocks away.

"Staying in Square City is so much better than the Destiny islands. Man it got boring there" said Riku.

"I think everyone comes to this place to find a little excitement" said Vivi.

"Yeah I had to get out of Alexandria" said Garnet.

"Why?" asked Zidane

"…Let's just say I had a very demanding lifestyle in Alexandria. Here in Square City I'm less confined" said Garnet.

Garnet didn't really elaborate on it and Zidane just left it alone.

"Is the name of the bar called Fate?" asked Zidane.

"Yep" said Sora.

"I've been there a few times to think of it I think I know who your cousin is! It's that brown haired bouncer right? You two look so much alike now that I think about it!" said Zidane.

"Yeah that's my cousin Sion. Everyone says we look alike but I don't see it" said Sora.

"Sora you and Sion really do look alike but you're much cuter" said Kairi as she got closer to Sora.

He smiled and put his arm around her.

"You two going out?" asked Zidane.

"Yep" said Sora.

"It'll be almost two years next month" said Kairi as she kissed Sora on the cheek.

"That's nice" said Vivi.

"Two years sigh Sora you and Kairi are practically married. Me…I prefer to play the field" said Riku.

"Is that so? So you don't believe in just settling down with one woman. The woman of your dreams?" asked Garnet.

"I believe that there are too many beautiful women for me to just pick one" said Riku.

"I bet one day you'll find the right woman and all that bachelor nonsense will go right out the door. What about you Zidane?" asked Garnet.

"What about me?"

"You have a girlfriend?" asked Garnet.

"Nope" said Zidane.

"Are you playing the field too?" asked Garnet.

"No…I'm just waiting on the right one" smiled Zidane.

"Interesting" smiled Garnet.

Before long the group had arrived at Fate. Sion stood outside the entrance.

"Hey cousin long time no see" said Sion.

"What's up cousin" said Sora.

"You got a lot of friends with you. Tell Echidna the bartender that they are with you. She'll hook you all up" said Sion.

"Thanks" said Sora.

The group entered the bar and saw that it was really lively inside.

"So many fine ladies….If you guys will excuse me I have work to do" said Riku as he walked off somewhere toward the dance floor.

"Let's tell the bartender who we are" said Sora.

They walked toward the bar where a young woman was working. She had tan skin and a slim figure and her red hair was very curly. She smiled when see saw Sora walk up.

"Hey stranger how you been?" asked the bartender.

"Hey Echidna what's up?" asked Sora.

"Same ol'. These your friends?" asked Echidna.

"Yep and the silver haired guy over there is with us too" said Sora pointing to Riku.

"Ok I gotcha" said Echidna.

"Oh my! You are so cute!" said some random blonde girl as she approached Vivi.

"Umm me?" asked Vivi.

"Yes you! Come dance with me!" said the random girl as she grabbed Vivi and dragged him off to the dance floor.

"Go Vivi" laughed Zidane.

"Kairi want to dance?" asked Sora.

"Yes!"

Kairi and Sora rushed off to the dance floor. Zidane and Garnet were the only ones left at the bar.

"Umm Garnet do you want to…"

"Yes!" said Garnet as she grabbed Zidane and rushed off to the dance floor.

"Wow I think she likes me" thought Zidane.

Garnet was a really great dancer. Zidane even had a little trouble keeping up with her and he wasn't too shabby on the dance floor. The place was shaking with the pulse pounding beat of some techno song. In the distance Zidane could see Vivi with a crowd of girls around him.

"Oh my god he is so cute!" yelled one of the girls as she pulled him closer and danced with him.

"Looks like Vivi is having a great time" laughed Garnet.

"Yeah but not as much as I am" smiled Zidane.

"Aww that's sweet" said Garnet.

"One point for Zidane" thought Zidane.

The song ended and Garnet and Zidane walked back to the bar. After ordering a Hero Drink and a Maiden's Kiss the two sat at the bar and started talking.

"I'm glad you convinced me to keep working on the play. It's been pretty fun" said Zidane attempting to start up a conversation.

"Yeah but it would be even more fun if I had a co star that could remember his lines" laughed Garnet.

"Yeah I know!" laughed Zidane.

"What was that he said? Oh yeah "I love poo…uh I mean you! Ha ha ha" laughed Zidane.

Zidane and Garnet laughed for a bit.

"Riku is a cool guy though" said Garnet.

"Yeah he is" replied Zidane.

The two took a sip of their drinks then began talking again.

"You said you were less confined here in Square City? What was life like back in Alexandria?" asked Zidane.

Garnet looked a little uncomfortable about the question but answered it as quick as she could.

"Umm well it was just that I didn't have much freedom. You know how parents are…"

"Well I can imagine how they could be but I never knew my parents" said Zidane.

"Oh I'm sorry" said Garnet.

"No it's no problem at all" said Zidane.

Zidane and Garnet continued to talk at the bar.

(Next Scene)

On the top floor of Shinra Inc. Headquarters a blonde haired fat man stood in his large office that overlooked all of Square City. He wore a dark red suit and tie and he looked out the window. Soon a young blonde haired woman wearing a tight red dress entered his office. Along with her was a dark haired fat man that wore a green suit

"Mr President…" said the woman.

"What is it Scarlet?" said the President of Shinra Inc.

"Gya Gya Gya our hired killer is here Gya Gya Gya" said the fat man in the green suit.

"Heidegger, what have I told you about that stupid horse laugh" said the President.

"Gya Gya….ahem"

"Bring him in" said the President.

Soon Scarlet went and opened the door to the office. A ninja clad in all black entered the large office. His face was covered by a mask and behind him walked a large black dog.

"The infamous Shadow…I must say it's an honor to meet you. Your reputation for ruthlessness is one that I admire. It is after all my own ruthless nature that got me to the top. What is it that they say about you? Oh yes that you would slit your own mother's throat for a nickel?" asked the President.

Shadow stood there silent.

"Give him the documents" said the President.

Heidegger gave Shadow a folder with a lot of information in it. Inside was a picture of Vincent.

"Vincent Valentine escaped our laboratory several months ago. He made a really big mess. He killed Hojo our head of Scientific Development and several of our guards. It's been terrible trying to keep this under wraps. He's running around the city now being a hero. They call him "Mystery Man" President Shinra turned around and looked out the large window.

"We can't let him continue to run around the city for fear that the media will make a connection. Our teams have failed to track him down. So we need outside help" President Shinra turned and faced Shadow again.

"How much will a job like this cost?" asked the President.

"… one million gil" said Shadow slowly.

"One million gil! Are your skills worth that much?" laughed the President.

"… two million gil" said Shadow slowly.

"Why did the price go up?" asked the President.

"…because you insulted my skills. " said Shadow.

The President was kind of angry but he laughed it off.

"Heh heh two million gil it is then. Now get to it" said President Shinra.

"Come Interceptor" said Shadow to his dog.

The two left the office.

"Mr. President was it really necessary to hire outside help? My Turks could…"

"Heidegger, your Turks would never get close to Vincent" interrupted President Shinra.

"Sir I don't like this Shadow character" said Scarlet.

"It's ok. Once he eliminates Vincent. We'll eliminate him to keep him quiet" said President Shinra.

(End Chapter 6)

I have a lot to say this time. You probably noticed by now that I changed the title of the story and the name of the city. I decided to do that because the characters that I have been using and intend to use are from Square not Enix so calling it Square-Enix City might be a little misleading to Enix fans.

I made Sora and Sion cousins because I have always thought they looked similar. Anyway I'm hiding behind the fact that this is an alternate reality story so I think I can get away with it without getting flamed….then again maybe not…

Also you might want to check out chapter 5 again. The Vincent story is now told in flashback form since I was told by Yunaberrie that it seemed a little rushed. I hope that this is better and I appreciate the feedback. Constructive criticism is always welcome but flaming doesn't help me make this story better for you. So thanks again for the feedback.

Also this past week I got on with the intention to read the stories of the people that reviewed my story and leave some reviews for them in return then I found out…..almost all of you don't even have any stories written! Can you imagine my disappointment? Anyway hopefully some of you will start writing soon so I can check your stories out and leave reviews for them.

Echidna is another character from the Bouncer and Shadow from FF3 or FF6 or whatever you choose to call it is finally here. Can you guess which Square character will be Zell's date for the SeeD ball? I think there is a really good clue in what she says. Take care and keep reading please.