Chapter 2: A new arrival. Quarrel.
Opening 1: Come by Amuro Namie
Cloud was sleeping in his room. Due to his somnolent state, Akitsu came into his room and fell asleep in his futon in response.
'Cloud-sama...' She thought.
Akitsu went close to him, making sure he didn't wake up.
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Main Theme Orchestral version)
Cloud found himself surrounded from a familiar feeling within his dream. A turquoise background that appeared to be water was shown flowing.
'The Lifestream? Why is it in my dream?' He pondered.
Soon, a mysterious figure began to form through the Lifestream. It formed a female human figure, appearing with a white winged dress. There were two pair of wings jutting out of her shoulders. She exuded an aura alluding to that of a deity. Cloud couldn't move due to the presence alone.
"Thank goodness I have a chance to speak with you, Cloud Strife." The woman said.
"Who are you...?" Cloud asked.
"I'm known as Minerva. I'm essentially the will of the Planet called Gaia. I was sent with you to inform you where you are now." The being known as Minerva said.
"Minerva!? I've heard legends about you..." Cloud said with surprise.
"Let's not discuss the trivial matters right now. More importantly, you're now in a new world called Earth. I can tell that this world is unfamiliar to you, yet you're able to understand the people here." Minerva deduced.
"Yes... I thought I was in a different region of Gaia, till I realized through the global map I wasn't." Cloud confirmed.
"Now that you're aware, there's something more you need to know. There are these beings called Sekirei. You already met one of them, whom you have bonded with." Minerva said.
"Akitsu... She did share some details about them... They were vague, though she did mention they're closely related to humans here..." Cloud realized.
"Precisely... They are beings related to humans. Here's something unique about them. They were the ones whom created the Ancients back in Gaia a long time ago before humanity came to the Planet. It has been over 6000 years since they last appeared in Gaia." Minerva explained.
"So they too had high magical abilities... Their wisdom has been passed on to us through the Materia via the Lifestream." Cloud said.
"Yes. You already know their prowess so you should be familiar with that. Like any being, the Cetra and Sekirei have special abilities tailored to them at birth. Your Sekirei, Akitsu, specializes in using ice magic." Minerva said.
"The Blizzard and Freeze Materia..." Cloud realized.
"Precisely... They were knowledge given to the Cetra from the Sekirei." Minerva continued.
"I recalled that Akitsu mentioned she was a 'Scrapped Number' prior to her bonding with me. What does that mean?" Cloud asked to the deity.
"'Scrapped' refers to a Sekirei, who cannot be bonded with anyone. It's a fate worse than death to any Sekirei. They can't find anyone to be with, nor can they unleash their full potential. Cloud, because you were given JENOVA cells along with Mako at a young age of 17, your unique attributes allowed you to cure Akitsu from the condition." Minerva answered.
"The JENOVA cells... Will they cause problems to her...?" Cloud reluctantly asked.
"No, the cells are a part of you. They won't cause any problems. Since you are also blessed with wisdom and power via the Lifestream, the cells won't be an issue." Minerva said.
Cloud unknowingly exhaled with some relief.
"You were brought here for a special purpose, Cloud. I myself cannot bring you back to Gaia. The reason you arrived here is to help the Sekirei." Minerva said.
"I have to help them? What should I do?" Cloud questioned.
"Ensure their survival... Find a way to free them from the one who controls them." Minerva answered.
"I had a feeling I know what... Also, why was I brought here, other than my purpose? I know that you're supposedly the will of Gaia, but how is it that you're unable to bring me back?" Cloud asked.
"There are some forces that even Gaia herself can't overcome. Not even the Cetra themselves... I fear that bringing you here is a one-way passage." Minerva said with a depressed manner.
Cloud felt depressed, hearing what Minerva said.
"I'll have to do what I can from here then... I won't let my friend's will die out this way." Cloud declared.
"Thank you, Cloud. Though you may have an evil force within you, your light refuses to disappear. You have the light of hope within your soul." Minerva said with a smile.
(Main Theme Orchestral version ends here)
The area began to flash in bright light. Cloud closed his eyes as he disappeared from the area.
Cloud woke up from the dream. He recalled everything he saw.
'That was no dream... It's a bit hard to believe what Minerva told me, let alone meeting with the will of Gaia itself... I'll have to fulfill my role here in this new world.' Cloud thought.
He felt something shift in his futon. Raising the covers, he saw Akitsu holding on to his body. Her sleepwear was nearly disheveled, revealing her body to him. Cloud blushed in response, knowing how forward she was.
'She snuck in my room again... No point in separating from her. Still, I'm glad that she won't be affected by the JENOVA cells in my body... I don't want her to deal with the same thing that happened to me.' Cloud thought with reassurance.
He gently nudged Akitsu to wake her up. She slowly opened her eyes, setting her sight on Cloud.
"Cloud-sama..." She said somnolently.
She then went up close to his face and kissed him. Her wings appeared once more. Cloud could feel the emotions running in his head.
"Good morning... Didn't you have a room of your own, Akitsu?" Cloud asked.
"I wanted be with you. I hope I'm not being a burden to you." She said.
"No, you're not a burden. If you truly want to be near me, I'll ask Miya about it. In any case, let's get ourselves ready for breakfast." Cloud said.
Akitsu nodded and fixed her clothes up. Cloud got out of his sleepwear and put his casual outfit on.
"I don't have anything to do for today, Akitsu." Cloud said.
"Ah... I want to stay with you." Akitsu replied.
Cloud recalled some places to visit around Tokyo. However, he was wary of the people whom may harm Akitsu. Reluctant to dissuade the thought, he placed his sword on his back. Soon, it vanished, much to his surprise, upon being placed on his back. When he reached his hand out to draw the blade, it revealed itself.
'How mysterious... I can summon the sword on my back when needed. This'll come in handy one day.' Cloud thought.
Akitsu came out, wearing the same kimono given to her. Cloud began thinking of providing clothes for his Sekirei.
"Ne, Akitsu. Do you mind if we go shopping for new clothes for you?" Cloud asked.
Akitsu couldn't help but show a soft smile. Her cheeks were rosy as well, giving her a cute expression.
"I would love that." She said.
Cloud gave a ghost of a smile to her. Akitsu sensed his feelings, delighted. She hugged him close, holding his body.
"Thank you, Cloud." Akitsu said.
Cloud was outside of the inn after informing Miya that he and Akitsu were heading out for the day. Much to young swordsman's embarrassment, the landlady teased him of his developing feelings. Akitsu felt his embarrassment and also blushed.
"Let's be...on our way." Cloud said, briefly pausing in his sentences.
Akitsu nodded and continued walking alongside him. She acted slightly bold, holding his left hand. Cloud felt her fingers intertwine, feeling a cool, comforting touch. He then felt his hand being gently squeezed as she held a soft, but firm grip on his hand.
"It's okay, Akitsu. I'll be with you so you won't feel afraid." Cloud said.
Akitsu moved closer to him, wanting to feel his ambient body temperature. Cloud could feel the emotions running through her. He blushed in response, sensing her feelings. Soon, they arrived at a clothing store.
"Ah... We're here." Akitsu pointed out.
Cloud nodded and they both went inside.
Many of the customers noted how the couple were. Both male and female showed jealous expressions on their faces. The males were ogling Akitsu while the females ogled Cloud. He ignored the customers, focusing on Akitsu.
"Cloud, can you help me find some clothes that I like?" Akitsu asked.
This made him show a surprised expression. Reluctant, due to previous experience, Cloud followed Akitsu.
'This feels like I'm doing the same actions back in Midgar... Midgar...huh.' Cloud thought, recalling some memories.
Akitsu brought a light, lavender kimono with black outlines to Cloud. The only accessory of the clothing was a series of interlinked chains that held the kimono in place. A black obi was also provided.
"I like this." Akitsu said.
She then went to the dressing room to try it on. It took a few minutes, but Cloud heard her come out of the dressing room. The kimono was able to fit her perfectly. However, the chains were interlinked around her neck. From the black obi, they went up between her chest, interlinking to her nape before reaching to the v-neck section of the kimono. It was revealing her bosom to about a third, much to Cloud's chagrin.
'She has to pick a daring outfit instead... Surely she may have some other tastes.' Cloud thought, reluctant to comment on Akitsu's choice.
Akitsu had a noticeable blush on her face, knowing Cloud was thinking of her safety. She noticed another kimono that he brought to her. It was an icy blue color with winter designs. A sky blue obi was provided. She took the kimono to try it on.
'This one should be conservative for her. At least she can feel comfortable with this one than the previous.' Cloud thought.
Akitsu came out, wearing the kimono. Much to Cloud's expectations, the kimono was form fitting, giving her a graceful appearance. Cloud couldn't help but stare at her, lost in the beauty of her appearance.
"I like this one too." Akitsu said.
She changed back to her lavender kimono provided from Miya. Cloud and Akitsu went to the cashier, where she used a special card with an MBI insignia on it. Cloud noticed it and began thinking of past memories.
'MBI seems to have total control of Tokyo... This reminds me of Shinra in a negative tone.' He thought.
"Thank you for your purchase!" The cashier said.
Cloud and Akitsu were outsidethe clothing store. Soon, their instincts went off, sensing danger near them.
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Fight on!)
A petite woman with blonde hair was shown wielding a sharp whip. Her hair was styled in twin tails. She was wearing black stockings, and a black Chinese styled dress with one yellow vertical stripe in the middle of it. She had a long whip on her hand, which was moving at great speed.
'Great. An ambush and a poorly thought out one.' Cloud thought.
He wasted no time and grabbed Akitsu, jumping over two stories away from the whip. He faced the assailant, holding his summoned sword.
"Oh my. I didn't think you have a weapon hidden on you. Either way, I've got ordered from my master to eliminate you and take your Sekirei." The girl said.
"I can guess who your master is. In any case, what is your name?" Cloud questioned.
"Sekirei number 38, Mitsuha." The woman named Mitsuha said.
She sent her whip to Cloud, who rolled out of the way. Soon, a blue aura began enveloping Cloud.
"See how you like this... Blade Beam!" He said.
Upon hoisting his sword up and swinging down, an energy shockwave was created. Mitsuha saw the shockwave coming and had little time to react. She jumped out of the way, but the shockwave nicked her legs. This made her squeal in pain, noticing the wounds. Akitsu used her ice powers to freeze her in place. Cloud moved up to her quickly with a threatening glare. He pulled Mitsuha up from the ground, which made her shiver in fright.
"Tell your master that if he tries to take Akitsu again, I'll lop his head off. Don't bother pushing me far enough, brat." Cloud warned.
(Fight on OST ends here)
He threw her down, causing Mitsuha to scurry away in fright, shattering the ice that kept her trapped. Akitsu blushed, seeing how Cloud was willing to fight to protect her. She soon went up to him and kissed him.
"Thank you, Cloud for being my Ashikabi." She said.
"You're welcome..." Cloud responded.
The walk back to Izumi Inn was quiet for them. Akitsu held Cloud's left arm, not wanting to let go. She pressed herself on him, which made her feel reassured. This made him blush in response. Miya heard the couple arriving.
"Ara, welcome you two." She said.
"We just got back from shopping..." Cloud said.
"It's okay. In any case, we have 2 new tenants that will be living here." Miya said.
Cloud and Akitsu heard the topic and went to the guest room . He soon encountered a young boy who had spiky, messy black hair and gray eyes. His outfit consists of a white t-short with blue jeans. A brown jacket was seen near him. He appeared above average in height.
Besides the boy, there was a woman. She had brown hair styled in a hime style; short bangs, chin-length strands surrounds her head and framing her face, a single antenna-like strands that hangs just above her head, and hip-length hair at the nape of her neck. She was notably very developed and curvaceous body with a slim waist and flared hips. She also appeared average in height and had a slim waist.
"Oh, you must be one of the tenants of Izumi Inn. I'm Sahashi Minato and this is Musubi." The boy named Minato said.
"Nice to meet you." The girl named Musubi said.
"I'm Cloud Strife and this is Akitsu..." Cloud introduced.
Akitsu nodded in response. Cloud noticed the girl was wearing gloves on her hands. Akitsu seemed to be acting strangely, feeling as though she walked in enemy territory.
"Cloud, Musubi is a Sekirei." Akitsu said.
Minato heard what the ice Sekirei said. He realized what Cloud was.
"Strife-san... Are you an Ashikabi?" Minato reluctantly asked.
"Just 'Cloud' will do and yes, I'm an Ashikabi, only for Akitsu." Cloud answered.
Musubi seemed eager to fight with Akitsu, prompting Cloud to draw his sword out.
"I don't have to remind you, but our landlady has strict rules here. This includes violence." Cloud warned, shrouding himself in a blue aura.
Minato and Musubi momentarily cowered, seeing his glare. The Sekirei quickly went to Minato.
"Now then... I already heard about what's happening here. A Sekirei battle royale is happening, but I don't see any reason as to why this should occur." Cloud explained.
"So you know what has been happening." Minato said with surprise.
"Not the whole picture though." Cloud lied.
Soon, Uzume arrived. She noticed Cloud and quickly went to him with a playful tackle.
"Cloud! You're back early." She said playfully.
Cloud could feel her pressing her body on his back, much to his chagrin. He didn't seem to reject it, but it was making him uncomfortable.
'This woman is constantly teasing me... I really wish she could tone that down...' He thought, holding his blushing back.
"Hello to you as well, Uzume. I'm just talking to our new tenants." Cloud said pointing to Minato and Musubi.
Uzume began talking with them, allowing Akitsu to pull Cloud away quickly. She soon made her way back to their room.
What Cloud didn't expect was a sudden kiss, which got him off-guard. Much to his surprise, Akitsu held him close, pressing her body on him.
"Akitsu..." Cloud said.
"Cloud." She said in a sweet tone.
Both of their faces were having a healthy red blush in their cheeks. Akitsu's ice blue wings emerged from her back. She soon came close to him, holding Cloud closely as though he would disappear.
Ending 1: Memories of Days gone By - akane
For all who reviewed my story, thank you for the positive feelings you have. Work, other stories and school will delay the uploads but I'm not giving up. More to come.