Well? What you all think so far? I know I have a bunch of typos. My English II teacher slays me because of my bad grammar skills and everything. I'm hoping that will improve as I go. Don't forget, it's my first fic, so give me some room!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything so far but Shade, and I may alter a few personalities (like Vincent's) during the story and add some more characters as I go. As far as FF7, that's for Squaresoft…You see, I did it. So they can't sue me! MWHAHAH! Anyways….
Chapter 3
"So Shade…tell us more about yourself." Yuffie suggested..
"Well, my parents both died before I got to know them. My father was murdered and my mother died in childbirth." He said.
"Wait! I thought you said you we're half immortal!" Barret exclaimed.
"I am. We can only be killed by decapitation, which is how they found my father. I don't even know his name…I only know my mother's name was Evelyn."
"So where did you stay? Orphanage?" Tifa asked.
"No, some old couple was with my Mom when she died. I think they were relatives but I was never sure. I remember them telling me they were my mom's aunt and uncle. They took me in and raised me until they died when I was around eight years old.
"And then what?"
"After that I lived just about anywhere I could. Most of my teenage years was spent at a martial arts and blade master academy. One of the teachers there was grocery shopping when they spotted me defending myself against five or six bullies…and I was winning. I guess they saw that as remarkable talent for and eight-year-old boy. I was there until I turned seventeen last year."
'No wonder he's so hot….' Yuffie thought to herself, trying to look through Shade's black t-shirt.
"So that's how you did it? That's how you warded off all those Shinra troops…because you've been trained from a young age in the arts." Tifa told herself aloud.
Shade nodded, then finished off his chicken while the others pondered in silence.
"So why is Shinra after you?" Cloud asked.
"Because they think I have information about something they want."
"What information?" Cid inquired, his curiosity getting the best of him.
"Information about the Power of the Ancients." Shade replied, sipping his hot chocolate.
"The what?" Barret repeated, standing up. "The Power of the Ancients?"
"Yes. You heard me correct." He gave a small smile. "Glad to know your hearing is intact." Shade said.
"What is that?" Tifa asked.
"It's what it says it is. It's a prophecy."
"What prophecy?" Vincent asked, finally showing signs of life again.
"A prophecy saying that incase the Ancients ever die out, the last of them must go to the Temple of the Ancients and use the power to find the Promised Land, and so the planet would be saved. It's more of a myth now than a prophecy though."
"Do you believe it's true?" Marlene asked.
"I don't know. I've never seen a scrap of proof that it could be. But why else does the Shinra want to know?"
"Good point." said Cloud
"Do you think they want the information because it will eventually lead them to the Promised Land?" Barret asked.
"I don't see how it will do them any good." Tifa said
"And why is that?" said Barret, turning to face her with a scowl.
"Are there any Ancients left? I mean, if it involves the Ancients then they would need an Ancient to remove the power and give it to them, right?
"That's right," said Shade. "According to prophecy, only an Ancient can find and use that power."
"But aren't all the Ancients gone? How can the Shrina think they can get it if they know that there is no one left to get it?" Yuffie asked
"Maybe they found another way." Suggested Red.
Everyone pondered at this for a few moments, until Cloud started to wonder about something.
"But wait, why do they think you would have the information?" Cloud asked Shade.
"Because I've read about it at the academy. Most of their technique is based on the teaching the Ancients used from long ago. They have lots of information about them, including about this prophecy." Shade stated.
"So they are after you for something you read in a book?" Cid asked
"Or the location of where the book is. The academy is hidden in a sacred valley. Only those who have been there know their location. The only reason I told you about it is because you saved my life, and I would be short of paying my debt if I lied." Shade explained. "Otherwise I wouldn't be telling you. Even the teachers, who leave for the city nearby, for food among other things, disguise themselves as peasants, so no one would inquire them where they are from. I'm the only one who has 'graduated' and left the academy. Most of those who learn there become the next generation of teachers."
"How do they find kids like you to teach?" Tifa asked, who is a black belt professional herself.
"A decent group of priests go out as peasants as observe children who give off the aura of being gifted for their school. Usually if they believe the child should go with them, they reveal themselves and the matter is talked through with the parents. Not in my case though, but they had told me the aura I was giving off when they about me made the air vibrate, and they didn't see how I had been missed."
"So why did you leave?"
Shade shrugged "To learn about my father. So far, though, I haven't had much luck." He said, putting his mug down on the coffee table, which is at the center of the room. He leaned his chair back and stuck his hands behind his head in a relaxing position.
"So now what?" Shade asked.
"Would you mind letting us have some time to figure all this out? We have to make a decision as a whole. You see, we're the group known as Avalanche, and we've been fighting Shinra for years." Barret said softly.
Shade's eyes narrowed a bit, "So you're the Avalanche group?"
"We sure are! Daddy founded us!" piped Marlene.
"Good. I've actually been looking for you."
"You have?" Yuffie asked. "Why?"
"Because the Shinra killed my father. Or so I was told. I wanted your help. I knew the Shinra wants the Power of the Ancients, and that if Avalanche knew, you'd be sure to fight them. I was hoping I could go along in the process and maybe learn who my father was…" Shade explained.
"Well before we let you we first need to decide IF we are even going. And then make sure you're worth the trouble to bring along, and you won't endanger any of us." Barret told him.
"Ok. Take all the time you need. I'm going to go on outside and get some air." Shade said standing up.
"Fine. Be our guest. We'll come get you when we decide, okay?" Tifa said
"I AM your guest." Shade laughed and went through the back door.
"He better not touch my ship…" Cid said with a scowl.
Hey all! I know this chapter was really boring. But I wanted to let you get through all the boring stuff first, instead of stopping and explaining every to second. The next few chapter might be a little boring too, but I'll try to stick some action. Might put a little duel somewhere. Hehehe…'nyuk nuck nuck' Anyway…I'm still open for reviews! And excuse the typos. I swear I'm gonna get arthritis at 15 with all my knuckle cracking I do.
REVIEW!